| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07656995B2 |
Imaging of materials
An apparatus and method for obtaining an image of an object. The apparatus comprises a radiation source and a series of two to five linear detectors spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone; means to cause an object to move relative to and through the scanning zone; a direct image generation apparatus to generate an image from the output of a linear detector; an intermediate image generation apparatus configured to generate at least one intermediate image from an adjacent pair of linear detectors, by processing the output of the pair of detectors and generating an image representative of an output intermediate between the two said detector outputs; the image apparatus adapted such that at least five and preferably at least six images are generated in total; an image display adapted successively to display such images and thus display the monocular movement parallax between the images. |
| US07656994B2 |
Tomographic mammography method
A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector. |
| US07656990B2 |
Adaptive anisotropic filtering of projection data for computed tomography
CT imaging is enhanced by adaptively filtering x-ray attenuation data prior to image reconstruction. Detected x-ray projection data are adaptively and anisotropically filtered based on the locally estimated orientation of structures within the projection data from an object being imaged at a plurality of rotation positions. The detected x-ray data are uniformly low pass filtered to preserve the local mean values in the data, while the high pass filtering is controlled based on the estimated orientations. The resulting filtered data provide projection data with smoothing along the structures while maintaining sharpness along edges. Image noise and noise induced streak artifacts are reduced without increased blurring along edges in the reconstructed images. The enhanced image allows reduced x-ray dose while maintaining image quality. |
| US07656983B2 |
Dual clock domain deskew circuit
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus including a first deskew unit and a second deskew unit. The first deskew unit operates at a first clock domain and provides fine timing adjustment to a signal. The second deskew unit operates at a second clock domain that is slower than the first clock domain and provide coarse timing adjustment to the signal. |
| US07656980B2 |
Clock switching circuit
This invention provides a clock switching circuit that can switch clocks without causing a hazard or a distortion of a duty ratio of the clocks. The clock switching circuit of this invention includes a first synchronization circuit that synchronizes a clock selection signal with a first clock, a second synchronization circuit that synchronizes with a second clock the clock selection signal that has been synchronized with the first clock by the first synchronization circuit and a clock selection circuit that outputs “1”, that is a high level, in synchronization with the clock selection signal that has been synchronized with the first clock by the first synchronization circuit and after that selects the second clock in synchronization with the clock selection signal that has been synchronized with the second clock by the second synchronization circuit. |
| US07656977B2 |
Method and system of frequency domain equalization
A method and system of frequency domain equalization. In an embodiment, the frequency domain equalizer system includes a transmit driver. A receiver decision circuit is communicatively coupled to the transmit driver. The receiver decision circuit may have an input signal and an output signal. An all-pass filter may be communicatively coupled to the transmit driver and the receiver decision circuit. The all-pass filter having an all-pass input signal which comprises an integration of a summation of the receiver decision circuit input signal and the receiver decision circuit output signal, each signal being acted upon by at least one band-pass filter. |
| US07656976B2 |
Systems and methods for multicarrier modulation using multi-tap frequency-domain equalizer and decision feedback
Through the use of feedback in determining frequency domain equalization, intersymbol interference can be reduced. Specifically, the determined constellation point closest to the determined received point can be fed back to aid in determining one or more other closest constellation points. |
| US07656974B2 |
Iterative decoding
This invention provides an iterative process to maximum a posteriori (MAP) decoding. The iterative process uses an auxiliary function which is defined in terms of a complete data probability distribution. The auxiliary function is derived based on an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. For a special case of trellis coded modulators, the auxiliary function may be iteratively evaluated by a combination of forward-backward and Viterbi algorithms. The iterative process converges monotonically and thus improves the performance of any decoding algorithm. The MAP decoding minimizes a probability of error. A direct approach to achieve this minimization results in complexity which grows exponentially with T, where T is the size of the input. The iterative process avoids this complexity by converging on the MAP solution through repeated maximization of the auxiliary function. |
| US07656966B2 |
Method to increase performance of secondary data in a heirarchial modulation scheme
This invention provides a receiver for use in a SDAR system which includes a receiving unit having satellite signal detection means for detecting a first transmit signal transmitted from a first communication satellite and a second transmit signal transmitted from a second communication satellite, the first transmit signal produced when the transmitter modulates a primary data stream with a secondary data stream on a first carrier wave associated with the first communication satellite and the second transmit signal produced when the transmitter modulates the primary and secondary data streams on a second carrier wave associated with the second communication satellite, and an encoder re-encodes the primary and the secondary data on a third carrier wave, forming a third transmit signal which is re-transmitted to a receiver using a terrestrial repeater. This invention also provides a method of receiving transmitted data. |
| US07656961B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-user transmission
A method of transmitting data signals from at least two transmitting terminals to at least one receiving terminal with a spatial diversity antenna comprises transmitting from the transmitting terminals transformed data signals, being transformed versions of the data signals; receiving on the spatial diversity means received data signals being at least function of at least two of the transformed data signals; subband processing of at least two of the received data signals in the receiving terminal; and determining estimates of the data signals from subband processed received data signals in the receiving terminal. |
| US07656960B2 |
Adaptive modulation method and coding rate control method
In a radio communication system, transmitter and receiver stations share information on a maximum number of bits communicated per symbol. The transmitter station encodes a signal with sufficient error correcting capabilities to create a codeword. The transmitter station allocates the bits from the codeword to each symbol, modulates the symbols using a modulation type which processes symbols each having a number of bits equal to or smaller than the maximum number of bits per symbol, and transmits the modulated symbols. The receiver station demodulates the symbols using a modulation type which processes a larger number of bits per symbol as the transmission path quality is higher from among modulation types which process symbols having a number of bits equal to or smaller than the maximum number of bits per symbol. |
| US07656958B2 |
Turbo channel estimation for OFDM systems
A system and method for estimating a channel in a wireless receiver is disclosed. The method preferably applies to a communication system using the OFDM standard. The method comprises receiving a block of “n” transmitted symbols, the symbols including pilot symbols and “d” data symbols, estimating a channel using the pilot symbols to create a channel estimate, choosing a group of “m” strongest symbols from the “d” received symbols, compensating the “m” strongest symbols using the channel estimate to create a group of “m” compensated symbols, re-estimating the channel using the group of “m” compensated symbols and pilot symbols; and either (1) repeating the steps of choosing a group of “m” strongest symbols, compensating the group of “m” strongest symbols and re-estimating the channel, or (2) using a latest channel estimate to compensate all symbols within the block. The system comprises a wireless receiver having an estimator programmed, for example, using DSP or ASIC and imbedded into the wireless system design software for accomplishing the steps set forth according to the method. |
| US07656956B2 |
Data, power and supervisory signaling over twisted pairs
A system and method for conveying supervisory signaling and power over the same twisted wire pairs in a cable as are used to carry data communications in accordance with a predetermined communications protocol. Supervisory signals having first and second differential components are generated. The first component is coupled to both wires of one of the twisted wire pairs as a common mode signal and the second component of the supervisory signal is coupled to both wires of another twisted pair as a common mode signal. The first and second components are recovered at the remote end of the cable. Physical interfaces are AC coupled to the respective twisted pairs at both ends of the cable and positive and negative voltage rails powered by a power sourcing device are coupled to predetermined twisted pairs to convey a DC voltage over the cable which may be used to power a remote electronic device. |
| US07656954B1 |
Single-ended tri-level encoding/decoding
Embodiments for single-ended tri-level encoding and/or decoding of data are disclosed. |
| US07656952B2 |
Extended method of noise-adaptive motion detection
A method of computing a motion decision signal for a video processing system, by: inputting a video signal including a video sequence of frames; filtering a frame in the video signal; computing a point-wise temporal local difference signal between the filtered frame and a next frame in the video sequence; computing a point-wise motion decision signal based on the temporal local difference signal. |
| US07656948B2 |
Transcoding system and method for maintaining timing parameters before and after performing transcoding process
A transcoding system and method effectively synchronize segmentation metadata with A/V content when converting an MPEG stream to another format stream using a segment browser. The transcoding system includes a timing synchronizer, which adjusts the timing parameters so that the video data can be synchronized with segmentation metadata even after the transcoding process, a transcoding condition determiner, which determines transcoding conditions suitable for an end user environment, and an encoder, which compresses a video sequence reconstructed from the video data according to the transcoding conditions determined by the transcoding condition determiner and records a presentation time stamp, which is one of the adjusted timing parameters, in the compressed video sequence. |
| US07656947B2 |
Synchronization device and synchronization method in digital broadcast receiver
A decoding device and a decoding method in a digital broadcast receiver are provided, in which received packet data is demultiplexed into video data and audio data, and decoding control signals of the respective data are extracted. An Estimated Program Clock Reference (EPCR) is generated from the decoding control signal of the audio data, and the EPCR is compared with the decoding control signal of the video data to generate a video decoding control signal. The demultiplexed video data is decoded in synchronous with the video decoding control signal, and then the decoded video data is outputted. The demultiplexed audio data is decoded in synchronous with the audio decoding control signal, and then the decoded audio data is outputted. Finally, the decoded video data and the decoded audio data are displayed and reproduced. |
| US07656946B2 |
Pulse width modulation amplifier
The invention provides a pulse width modulation amplifier that includes a correction circuit, an envelope detector, a level detector, a PWM carrier generator, an interpolation arithmetic circuit, and a PWM circuit. The envelope detector detects an envelope of digital data to be input. The correction circuit performs distortion correction, frequency characteristic correction, and ΔΣ correction, for the input digital data. The level detector detects levels of the digital data supplied by the envelope detector. The PWM carrier generator gates a carrier signal having a frequency corresponding to the output of the level detector. The interpolation arithmetic circuit generates interpolation data synchronous with the carrier signal from the digital data. The PWM circuit converts the interpolation data into a pulse width modulation signal based on the carrier signal. |
| US07656945B1 |
Stabilized digital timing recovery using low-complexity equalizer
A low-complexity digital linear equalizer whose operation and adaptation makes stabilized digital timing recovery practical. The technique is fundamental for the operation of communications receivers employing digital timing recovery, e.g., in a modem. A technique for automatically adjusting the parameters of a digital linear equalizer to compensate for low-pass impairments while maintaining a relatively constant timing characteristic is described. |
| US07656941B2 |
Method for synchronizing an equalizer output data
A method for synchronizing symbols at the output of a blind equalizer, the method being characterized by the following steps: on sending, inserting into a succession of sent symbols, one or more known sequences of symbols repeated in said succession of symbols; detecting said one or more known sequences at the output of said blind equalizer; deducing any shifting of the symbols at the output of the blind equalizer from the result of said detection; and retiming the symbols at the output of the blind equalizer as a function of the deduced shift. |
| US07656940B2 |
Equalizer and equalizing method
Filtering part 50 performs filtering by converting a received signal sampled using a predetermined number of over-samples to an over-sample number small enough to avoid frequency-domain foldover noise generation. Transmission channel estimation part 60 performs path timing detection by converting the received signal sampled using a predetermined number of over-samples to an over-sample number large enough to obtain sufficient timing resolution, converts transmission channel responses for each path timing to the frequency domain, and calculates transmission channel estimates corresponding to the subcarriers of the received signal in the frequency domain. Weight calculation part 6 receives the frequency-domain channel estimates outputted from transmission channel estimation part 60 and calculates the weights of the equalizing filter used in filtering part 50. |
| US07656938B2 |
Demodulator for a multi-pair gigabit transceiver
A feedforward equalizer for equalizing a sequence of signal samples received by a receiver from a remote transmitter. The feedforward equalizer has a gain and is included in the receiver which includes a timing recovery module for setting a sampling phase and a decoder. The feedforward equalizer comprises a non-adaptive filter and a gain stage. The non-adaptive filter receives the signal samples and produces a filtered signal. The gain stage adjusts the gain of the feedforward equalizer by adjusting the amplitude of the filtered signal. The amplitude of the filtered signal is adjusted so that it fits in the operational range of the decoder. The feedforward equalizer does not affect the sampling phase setting of the timing recovery module of the receiver. |
| US07656935B2 |
Interpolation of channel search results
In general, the invention facilitates searching for energy peaks in spread spectrum wireless communication systems with greater precision. More particularly, various embodiments of the invention may involve reporting not only an energy peak and its associated offset, but also the energy levels corresponding to one or more offsets occurring before and after the offset at which the energy peak occurs. Interpolation or extrapolation techniques may be used to predict the actual location of an energy peak based on the apparent location of the peak and the energy levels observed at surrounding offsets. |
| US07656928B2 |
Laser-induced optical wiring apparatus
A laser-induced optical wiring apparatus is provided wherein optical wiring is realized by digital operations of a laser oscillator. The apparatus includes optical ring resonator formed of a loop-shaped optical waveguide on substrate. At least two optical gain sections are provided on the optical ring resonator. When each optical gain section is activated, a laser oscillator including the optical ring resonator and optical gain sections is enabled to oscillate. In this state, the gain of at least one of the optical gain sections is changed in accordance with an input signal, thereby changing the optical route gain of the optical ring resonator to change the oscillation state of the laser oscillator. A change in the laser oscillation state is detected by the optical gain section other than the at least one optical gain section, whereby an output signal is acquired. |
| US07656926B2 |
Optical connection device and method of fabricating the same
Provided is an optical connection device and a method of fabricating the same. The optical connection device includes a laser diode formed on a substrate, a photodiode that is formed on the laser diode and has an aperture which is an exit of light emitted from the laser diode, and a plurality of electrode pads connected to electrodes for the laser diode and the photodiode on the substrate. A direction in which the light of the laser diode is emitted is opposite to a bonding direction between the laser diode and the substrate with respect to the laser diode. |
| US07656922B2 |
Multi-level integrated photonic devices
A laser and electroabsorption modulator (EAM) are monolithically integrated through an etched facet process. Epitaxial layers on a wafer include a first layer for a laser structure and a second layer for an EAM structure. Strong optical coupling between the laser and the EAM is realized by using two 45-degree turning mirrors to route light vertically from the laser waveguide to the EAM waveguide. A directional angled etch process is used to form the two angled facets. |
| US07656921B2 |
Semiconductor laser device and method for manufacturing the same semiconductor laser device
A current blocking structure of a semiconductor laser includes a p-type InP buried layer, an n-type InP current blocking layer, and a p-type InP current blocking layer laminated along the mesa side surface of a ridge. In the structure, an upper end part of the n-type InP current blocking layer is covered with the p-type InP buried layer and the p-type InP current blocking layer. The n-type InP current blocking layer is prevented from contacting n-type and p-type InP cladding layers. Creation of an ineffective current path from one of the n-type InP cladding layers through the n-type InP current blocking layer to a p-type InP cladding layer of the semiconductor laser is prevented. |
| US07656912B2 |
Tunable infrared lasers for gas-phase spectroscopy
Exemplary embodiments provide tunable laser devices, methods for making the laser devices and methods for tuning the laser devices. The tunable laser devices can include an optically pumped semiconductor laser heterostructure, on which a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser grating having variable grating spacings (or chirps) can be formed. The optically pumped semiconductor laser heterostructure can be an optically pumped type-II quantum well laser structure. The emission wavelength of the tunable laser devices can be tuned by changing positions of the region illuminated by the pump laser and with respect to the chirped DFB grating. The disclosed laser devices and methods can provide tunable laser emission with a combination of narrow linewidth and high output power that can be used for remote sensing applications and/or spectroscopic applications across the entire mid infrared (IR) spectral region. |
| US07656904B2 |
Telephone system having multiple distinct sources and accessories therefor
In conjunction with a data communication network carrying multiple telephony signals and allowing for connection of telephone sets, a system and method in which two external feeders connect to the data network at two distinct points via two distinct devices. The data network can be based on dedicated wiring or can use existing in-premises medium such as telephone, powerlines or CATV wiring. In the latter case, the wiring can still carry the original service for which it was installed. The external telephone connections can be based on the traditional PSTN, CATV network, cellular telephone network or any other telephone service provider network, using specific adapter for any medium used. In the case of connection to a POTS telephone signal, VoIP gateway (or any other converter) is required. |
| US07656893B2 |
System and method for implementing auto-configurable default polarity
The present invention relates to a system and method for implementing auto-configurable default polarity. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transceiver module comprising, for example, a single chip multi-sublayer PHY, where the single chip multi-sublayer PHY is adapted to implement auto-configurable default polarity. In one embodiment, the transceiver module comprises at least one program module adapted to be programmed with at least a default polarity setting. The single-chip multi-sublayer PHY comprises at least one selection register communicating with at least the program module, where the selection register is adapted to store at least the default polarity setting. The single chip multi-sublayer PHY further comprises at least one multiplexer communicating with at least the selection register and adapted to select one polarity from at least two possible polarities based at least in part on the default polarity setting. |
| US07656892B2 |
Method and apparatus of multi-entity wireless communication adapter
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for a multi-entity wireless communication adapter having a traffic management configuration to selectively associate at least first and second signal traffics corresponding to a basic service set station entity and an independent basic service set entity, respectively, with a shared physical layer which is able to process said first and second signal traffics. Additional features are described and claimed. |
| US07656891B1 |
Method and apparatus enabling concurrent processing of contiguously and virtually concatenated payloads
A method and apparatus for processing at least two types of payloads received at varying intervals in a communications network using a single processing path is provided. The two types of payloads may include virtually and contiguously concatenated payloads according to SONET/SHD architecture. The method comprises interleaving data in a predetermined format and controlling distribution of the data irrespective of the format received such that the data can be processed at the destination and passed to downstream components. |
| US07656888B2 |
Bi-directional detector for enabling a host and a client to detect each other in a collection terminal
A bi-directional detector which enables a host and a client in a collection terminal is disclosed. The bi-directional detector includes a client detection unit in the host part, for detecting the clients connected to the host part; a client identification unit for identifying types of the clients detected by the client detection unit; a host detection unit in each of the clients for detecting the host part; and a switch unit in each of the clients for determining whether to apply comparison power to the client detection unit and the host detection unit according to whether power is applied to the client. In the bi-directional detector, the client directly detects the host part and manages the connection, thereby reducing the load on the host part, without performing a step by which a host part responds to a connection request of a client. |
| US07656878B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced caller ID in a session initiation protocol (SIP) environment
A method for facilitating a data session in an initiation protocol (SIP) environment is provided that includes receiving a solicitation for participation in a SIP communication session that involves a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The method also includes identifying an identity trait associated with the first endpoint. In more particular embodiments, various alternative methods may include generating a network search associated with the first endpoint that is seeking to contact the second endpoint in order to conduct the SIP communication session. The results of the network search may be displayed for the second endpoint. |
| US07656872B2 |
Packet forwarding apparatus and communication network suitable for wide area Ethernet service
L2TP packet forwarding apparatus to be connected to at least two LACs (L2TP Access Concentrators) via L2TP sessions to receive packets transmitted from a gateway, which accommodates user terminals, in the form of a L2TP packet encapsulated in Bridge over PPP, has a lookup table indicating the correspondence of tunnel ID/session ID pairs to an identifier (VPN-IDs) of a wide area network to which a plurality of user terminals belong. The packet forwarding apparatus specifies an VPN-ID from the lookup table based on the tunnel ID and the session ID of a received packet and forwards, if it is confirmed that another tunnel ID/session ID pair associated with the same VPN-ID exists in the lookup table, the received packet to another L2TP session identified by the another tunnel ID/session ID pair in the form of a L2TP packet. |
| US07656869B2 |
Data output control apparatus
In a data output control apparatus, a data replacement unit performs replacement of information packets so as to reflect the contents of a partial TS after the transfer status thereof has changed, and outputs a replacement signal as information relating to the replaced packet data to a controller. Therefore, the controller for controlling the data replacement unit can continuously recognize the status of replacement of packet data, and becomes able to change the respective information tables according to the operation of the partial TS, thereby realizing dynamic change while maintaining the continuity of the respective tables in the partial TS. |
| US07656865B2 |
Method for transmission of data telegrams in a switched cyclical communication system
A method for the transmission of data messages in a switched cyclical communication system (38, 39) with a linear or ring arrangement of the users. Real-time critical data messages are transmitted in a first segment (20) of a transmission cycle (31), without the need to first plan the send and receive instants in the forwarding users, such that the chronological start (21) of the first segment (20) of a transmission cycle (31) is guaranteed by all users in all transmission cycles through monitoring. The duration of the first segment (20) of a transmission cycle (31) can be fixedly specified or automatically adjusted using a timeout procedure. |
| US07656859B2 |
Internal substitution bi-level addressing for compatible public networks
A computer readable medium stores a program in an ingress capable network device of a network for routing signals through the network. The computer readable includes a receiving code segment for receiving an original signal, which has an embedded destination service address. The computer readable medium also includes a querying code segment for querying a database server to obtain an internal routing address corresponding to the embedded destination service address, and a routing code segment for routing at least a portion of the original signal through the network to an egress capable network device according to the internal routing address. The routed portion of the original signal includes at least the embedded destination service address, which enables the egress capable network device to restore the embedded destination service address and to forward the routed portion of the original signal from the network. |
| US07656855B2 |
Arrangement for synchronizing access points in WLAN using direct-sequence spread spectrum signaling
An arrangement for providing synchronization between a number of overlapping area access points within a wireless LAN utilizes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable connection to transmit synchronization signals from a centralized hub/switch to each of the access points connected to the cable. The synchronization signal takes the form of a direct sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) signal that is coupled onto the twisted pair used to provide the low voltage PoE signal to various powered devices. At each access point, a filter is used to remove the synchronization signal from the PoE transport, allowing for the group of access points to share a common beacon signal and allow for frequency re-use among the access points. The DS-SS signal is preferable created by a combination of a baseband signal and a set of separate pseudo noise (PN) sequences defining a precision phase (“pilot tone”) signal, a time mark (superframe/beacon) signal, and a time-of-day (real-time clock) signal. |
| US07656854B2 |
Avoiding hidden terminals in wireless local area networks
A method, apparatus and computer program product for preventing occurrences of the hidden node problem are presented. A transmission request (CC-RTS) is received from a source node, the CC-RTS frame including a reservation duration value indicating the length of time needed for a transmission reservation. A timer is adjusted for the period other nodes must refrain from transmitting on the channel (NAV) equal to a duration of a transmission request/transmission response (CC-RTS/CC-CTS) handshake. When the CC-RTS has been denied, then a second CC-RTS frame is received having a reservation duration value of zero, and when the CC-RTS is accepted then the NAV is extended to remainder of the reservation duration value of the original CC-RTS frame. The CC-RTS and CC-CTS are sent at a more robust PHY mode than traffic frames. |
| US07656852B2 |
Method and apparatus of selectively tying the opening and closing of EVDO and PPP sessions
Method, and associated apparatus, for operating a hybrid access terminal operable in a CDMA 1x/EVDO hybrid communication session system. The hybrid access terminal is operable to communicate pursuant to an EVDO communication session and to a PPP communication session. The opening and closing of the communication sessions are independent of one another. Opening of one session does not require opening of another of the sessions. And, closing of one of the sessions does not require closing of the other of the sessions. |
| US07656845B2 |
Channel interference reduction
A method for data transmission over first and second media that overlaps in frequency includes computing one or more time division multiple access (TDMA) time-slot channels to be shared between the first and second media for data transmission; allocating one or more time-slot channels to the first medium for data transmission; allocating one or more of the remaining time-slot channels to the second medium for data transmission; and instructing transceivers for the first and second media to communicate only in their allocated time-slot channels. |
| US07656841B2 |
Method for improving access network selection in the context of discontinuous coverage access networks, corresponding access controller, and corresponding multicast element
The present invention relates to a method for selecting another access network when transmitting data from a content server to a terminal in a multi access network environment comprising a discontinuous coverage radio access network.According to the present invention, the method comprises the step of: Upon detection of a request from a network selection controller to switch from a discontinuous coverage radio access network to another access network, sending a message to an access controller of said discontinuous coverage radio access network comprising cached data informing it to forward said cached data to said another access network. |
| US07656834B2 |
Discontinuously transmitting and receiving multimedia broadcast/multicast service data in mobile communication system
Discontinuous transmission and reception of point-to-multipoint service data between a network and a mobile terminal is achieved by transmitting scheduling information from the network to the mobile terminal via a first common channel. The mobile terminal determines a time for receiving the service data in response to the scheduling information and discontinuously receives the service data through a second common channel. |
| US07656830B2 |
Communications system having enhanced fault tolerance
The invention relates to communications systems, and particularly to enhancing tolerance to failures in network elements and transmission systems. The fault tolerance is achieved by providing two or more active ATM permanent virtual channel (PVC) connections between a core network element and an access network element, and providing a separate ATM interface unit for each such ATM PVC connection in the core network element. The user and signalling traffic is distributed among these active connections and interface units. In case of a failure in one of the ATM PVC connections or interface units, the communication is maintained over the other connection(s) and interface unit(s). Thus, only part of the transport capacity is lost, and a total block of communication is avoided. Any new communication will be setup over the other connections. |
| US07656824B2 |
Method and system for providing a private conversation channel in a video conference system
A method for providing a private conversation channel in a videoconference session between at least three participants includes the steps of providing an ability to receive a private acceptance in response to the private invitation and providing an ability to exclude non-parties to the private conversation from receiving private messages corresponding to the private conversation. |
| US07656823B1 |
Automated network to SAN topology linkage
Collection of topology mapping linkage information between a Storage Area Network (“SAN”) and a transparent interconnecting transport network is at least partially automated. Physical topology information is gathered by detecting use of a physical path between a port of a first SAN device and a port of a second SAN device logically proximate to the transport network. This may be accomplished by discovering World Wide Names of end-points in a Fibre Channel SAN, and discovering Media Access Control addresses of end-points in an Ethernet SAN. The discovered physical topology information is then employed with known transport network logical topology information to determine which logical path or paths are associated with the physical path, i.e., to generate a mapping. |
| US07656821B2 |
Topology discovery and identification of switches in an N-stage interconnection network
A method of topology discovery and identification of switches enables a user to determine the topology of a N-stage switch network. The method includes ascertaining an intended topology of the N-stage switch network, creating a list of switch boards present in the N-stage switch network, and determining a switch board connection pattern. The method further includes classifying each of the switch boards as an outer switch board, or an inner switch board, and creating a list for each type of switch board, classifying each of the switch boards on the OB list as stage 1, stage 2, or unknown, classifying each of the switch boards on the IB list as stage 3 to stage N, grouping the stage 2 and stage 1 switch boards into sectors, and numbering each type of switch board, thereby obtaining a determined topology, and validating the determined topology by comparing it to the intended topology. |
| US07656814B2 |
Method of selecting a profile of a digital subscriber line
The application discloses a system and a method of selecting a profile of a digital subscriber line. In a particular embodiment, the method includes determining a number of code violations of the digital subscriber line; determining a first estimated data packet throughput value associated with a first profile based on the number of code violations; determining a second estimated data packet throughput value associated with a second profile based on the number of code violations; and selecting a profile to be applied to the digital subscriber line based on a comparison of the first estimated data packet throughput value and the second estimated data packet throughput value. |
| US07656811B2 |
Digital subscriber line access multiplexer wiring validation
A test system detects proper connection wiring in a connection frame between a customer's lines and a DSL Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). A multi-loop tester at a central office generates a test signal on low frequency lines to a customer's connection in a connection frame. A signature circuit is electrically connected between the customer's connection in the connection frame for the low frequency lines and the DSLAM. The signature circuit responds to the test signal and generates a signature signal. The multi-loop tester senses the signature signal to verify that the DSLAM is properly connected to the customer's lines. |
| US07656809B2 |
System and method for planning ports in DSL network elements
A system for automatically planning firmware card ports on multiplexors in a DSL network is disclosed. The system is operable to query element management systems (EMS's) in a DSL network to identify the multiplexor devices that each of the EMS's is dedicated to managing. Thereafter, the system queries the multiplexor devices identified as being managed by a particular EMS for the planning status of the multiplexor's ports. Upon identifying unplanned ports, and those that are inconsistent with the prescribed plan, the system plans the ports consistent with a prescribed planning arrangement. |
| US07656807B2 |
Telecommunications transmissions test set
A test set includes at least one signal input port, a test circuitry, a processor, a user-input device, and a display. The test circuitry couples to and receives signals from the at least one signal input port. The test circuitry then generates test data corresponding to the received signals. The processor couples to and receives test data from the test circuitry and generates test results. The processor also couples to and receives commands from the user-input device. The processor further operatively couples to the graphical display that receives and displays the test results from the processor. In one embodiment, the test set is capable of performing line qualification and connectivity testing. A modem module can be used to facilitate connectivity testing. The modem module can be a plug-in module with a common interface to the test set. The modem module can also contain a fingerprint value that identifies the module type and the software revision number to the test set. |
| US07656805B2 |
Optimal communication path routing in a system employing interconnected integrated circuit technology
An electronic system in which integrated circuits employing cornered I/O are arranged in a framework including an optional path manager and at least one updateable routing table. Packet routing options are described with solutions being provided to minimize transmission latency and pathway alternatives. |
| US07656803B2 |
Method for controlling radio access bearer in a communication system
A radio access bearer in a mobile communication system is controlled by disposing a radio resource control layer having radio access bearers in a user side, disposing a radio link control layer, a media access control layer, and a physical layer in the user side beneath the radio resource control layer in succession, measuring a traffic volume of the media access control layer and radio link control layer in the user side by using the media access control layer in the user side to produce traffic volume measurements, comparing the traffic volume measurements to at least one of an upper critical value and a lower critical value provided to the media access control layer in the user side from a radio resource control layer in a network side of the communication system through the radio resource control layer in the user side of the system, and forwarding a comparison result and the traffic volume measurements to the radio resource control layer in the network side through the radio resource control layer in the user side, and controlling the radio access bearer in the user side through the radio resource control layer in the network side according to a result of the comparison. |
| US07656797B2 |
Method, computer program product, and apparatus for providing a distributed router architecture
An apparatus for providing a distributed router architecture includes a processing element and a resource availability element. The processing element may be configured to receive indications of receipt of data associated with a service for routing to a destination address. The resource availability element may be in communication with the processing element and may be configured to monitor resource usage over a plurality of distributed resource planes. The processing element may be further configured to allocate a resource associated with routing the data based on the monitored resource usage. |
| US07656792B2 |
Method and apparatus for computing alternate multicast/broadcast paths in a routed network
Alternate multicast/broadcast paths may be calculated in a routed network to enable broadcast/multicast traffic to be transmitted around a local failure in the routed network until the routing system reconverges on a new network topography. According to an embodiment of the invention, the nodes on a multicast tree or a broadcast tree may compute alternate paths for each of the downstream nodes in the multicast/broadcast tree or for select nodes in the multicast/broadcast tree. The select nodes may be those nodes that have advertised membership in the multicast or a set number of hops downstream on the branch affected by the failure. The alternate paths may be unicast paths from the node to the other nodes on the multicast/broadcast tree. U-turn nodes may be used where there is no regular loop-free alternate network path to a node on the downstream multicast/broadcast tree. |
| US07656790B2 |
Handling link failures with re-tagging
One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of handling link failures between switches. A failed link is detected at a detecting switch. The detecting switch determines a set of path tags whose paths are affected by the failed link. Subsequently, when packets are received with one of the path tags affected by the failed link, those packets are retagged with a detour path tag associated with a detour path circumventing the failed link. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a packet switch apparatus with link failure handling capability for use in a switching mesh. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a switching mesh including a capability to handle link failures. |
| US07656786B2 |
Method for pulse shape design for OFDM
A computationally efficient pulse shaping method for OFDM that produces mutually orthogonal transmission pulses having fast spectral decay is provided. The pulse shaping method comprises an iterative method for designing OFDM transmission pulses that satisfy prescribed time-frequency localization conditions. The iterative method may be implemented in a computationally efficient way and can be used to adapt the transmission pulses to time-varying channel conditions in real-time, thereby maximizing the bit-error performance of an OFDM system while maintaining high data rates in wireless transmission. |
| US07656785B2 |
Optical information recording medium, and substrate and manufacturing method for the optical information recording medium
In an optical disk including at least a rewritable phase change material and comprising a recording layer having a reflectivity of more than 15%, an address output value as an address pit signal component occupying in a reproduced signal in a non recording state is prescribed to be 0.18 though 0.27 or a numerical aperture of an address pit signal occupying in a reproduced signal in a non recording state is prescribed to be more than 0.3. |
| US07656781B2 |
Reproducing system and corresponding information recording medium having wobbled land portions
An information recording medium is at least composed of a substrate having a microscopic pattern constituted by a continuous substrate of grooves formed with a groove portion and a land portion alternately, a recording layer formed on the microscopic pattern for recording information, and a light transmitting layer formed on the recording layer. The microscopic pattern is formed with satisfying a relation of P≦λ/NA, wherein P is a pitch of the land portion or the groove portion, λ is a wavelength of reproducing light for reproducing the recording layer, and NA is a numerical aperture of an objective lens. The land portion is formed with wobbling so as to be parallel with each other for both sidewalls of the land portion. An auxiliary information based on data used supplementally when recording the information and a reference clock based on a clock used for controlling a recording speed when recording the information is recorded alternately. Information is recorded in the recording layer corresponding to only a land portion by at least either one change of reflectivity difference and refractive index difference in the recording layer so as to be more than 5% for reflectivity and so as to be more than 0.4 for modulated amplitude of signal recording. |
| US07656779B2 |
Method for forming visible images on optical recording medium
A visible image is formed on an optical disk by using an optical disk recording apparatus that forms a pit with a length defined by recording data (EFM-modulated data) by applying a laser beam onto the optical disk. At least a part of the recording data are replaced with the visible image forming data to generate the recording data containing visible image forming data. When the recording data containing the visible image forming data are recorded on the optical disk, the visible image forming data are extracted from the recording data to act as a gate signal. The visible image is formed by forming a pit defined by the recording data in an area of the gate signal. |
| US07656777B2 |
Optical recording medium, optical information processor, and optical recording/reproducing method
An optical recording medium which is a multilayer optical recording medium including a plurality of recording layers and records or reproduces information by the irradiation of light having a wavelength of λ0. At least one recording layer out of a plurality of recording layers includes a variable absorption film. The variable absorption film contains a material in which an electron energy has a band structure, and the absorption end of an absorption spectrum moves toward a longer wavelength side with a rise in temperature when light is absorbed by transition between electron bands, has a first absorptance to light having a wavelength of λ0 when a film temperature is a first temperature (application environment temperature), and has a second absorptance higher than the first absorptance to light having a wavelength of λ0 when a film temperature is a second temperature higher than the first temperature. |
| US07656776B2 |
Data storing and reading apparatus for storing data in a nano-device
Provided is a data storing and reading apparatus for storing and reading data using a nano device with nano-dots dots regularly arranged, comprising a probe movable by a cantilever so as to be placed onto each nano-dot of the nano device, a bias power supply unit for supplying a storing bias voltage and a reading bias voltage between the probe and the nano device, a light beam generator for generating a light beam to detect a position of the probe, a position detector for detecting the light beam reflected from the probe, an amplifier for amplifying an output signal of the position detector, and a detection circuit for reading data stored in the nano-dot using an output signal of the amplifier. |
| US07656773B2 |
Objective lens unit and optical pickup device
An objective lens unit for an optical pickup device which is composed of a first optical element including a first element body positioned on an optical information recording medium side and a first annular portion formed on the outer periphery of the first element body, and further composed of a second optical element including a second element body and a second annular light source side of the first element body and a second annular portion formed on the outer periphery of the second element body and coupled to the first annular portion, and at least one of the first and second annular portion has a portion in which the size of outer shape is smaller than the vicinity on at least a part of the light source side. |
| US07656771B2 |
Optical pickup and optical disc drive
An optical pickup for writing information to and/or for reading information from an optical disc having at least two recording layers (dual layer) provided with first and second recording layers can prevent layer crosstalk resulting from disturbing a signal reproduced from the first recording layer by a reflected light beam reflected from the second recording layer during a writing operation for writing information to the first recording layer or a reading operation for reading information from the fist recording layer. An orthogonal polarization region forming component forms an orthogonal polarization region, in which respective directions of polarization of a first light beam focused on and reflected by a first recording layer of an optical disc and a second light beam reflected by a second recording layer of the optical disc are perpendicular to each other, in a region, in which the first and the second light beam overlap each other, on a light-receiving surface of a detector. The orthogonal polarization region forming component is a polarization switch for changing the directions of polarization of part or all of the first and the second light beam. |
| US07656768B2 |
Phase masks for use in holographic data storage
A spatial light modulator (SLM) having a phase mask that is provided as an internal component thereof. The phase mask can be provided as a multilevel surface of relatively higher index of refraction material on an inner surface of a transmissive cover window or as a separate transmissive window between the cover window and the pixels of the SLM. If the phase mask is to be used with a liquid crystal SLM, then it may be desirable to planarize the surface of the cover window contacting the liquid crystal by providing a layer of relatively lower index of refraction material adjacent the multilevel surface. The phase mask can also be provided on the transmissive cover window by patterned ion deposition, exposing patterned light to a photopolymeric material, or in some other suitable fashion. Arranging for the pixel electrodes to be at one of multiple levels rather than lying in an exactly planar relationship can also effectively create the phase mask. |
| US07656762B2 |
Write once recording medium, recorder and recording method for write once recording medium, reproducer and reproducing method for write once recording medium, computer program for controlling recording or reproduction, and data structure
A write-once-type recording medium (100) on which record data can be recorded only once, provided with: a data area (108) to record therein the record data; and a shared area (104, 105) to temporarily record therein evacuation data which is record data to be recorded or already recorded at a position of a defect in the data area and defect management information (120) including an evacuation source address of the evacuation data, the evacuation data being recorded with one predetermined point which exists in the shared area as a start point, the defect management information being recorded with another predetermined point which exists at a different point from the one point as a start point, in the shared area. |
| US07656760B2 |
Playback apparatus and sync signal detecting method
A playback apparatus plays back information from a recording medium having a data structure including sync signals added in units of data items each having a predetermined size. The information is recorded in runlength limited codes, and the signals correspond to consecutive unique run lengths. The apparatus includes an information reading unit that obtains a binary data string as read information by reading the medium, a sync detection unit that performs detection of sync signals from the data string, and a data demodulation unit that obtains played-back data from the medium by performing demodulation on the data string with timing based on the detected signals. On the basis of detection, from the data string, of one detection pattern among types of detection patterns set as patterns including at least one of the unique run lengths, the sync detection unit regards the pattern detection as the signal detection. |
| US07656759B2 |
Information recording and reproducing device suppressing erasure of data when power interruption occurs during data recording
In a record operation mode, a nonvolatile memory stores a record end address. In a restoring operation mode, the record end address stored in the nonvolatile memory is read, and a record end address in an FDCB is read and is compared with the record end address read from the nonvolatile memory to determine whether these addresses match with each other or not. When the record end address in the FDCB is different from the record end address stored in the nonvolatile memory, the data in the FDCB is updated based on the record end address stored in the nonvolatile memory. |
| US07656756B2 |
Coil rotation preventing structure for optical pick-up actuator
An optical pickup actuator includes a lens holder on which tracking and focusing coils are attached, at least one of the coils being a polygon coil having at least two sides that are different in a length from each other, magnets disposed facing the coils, and a rotation preventing unit formed on the lens holder. The rotation preventing unit surface-contacts an inner surface of the polygon coil to prevent the polygon coil from being twisted. |
| US07656752B2 |
Dial plate unit with indicating members and dial plate, and device with the dial plate unit
A dial plate unit includes a dial plate provided with an outside dial plate element having an opening, an inside dial plate element spaced at a predetermined distance from the outside dial plate element, and a frame member provided in the opening of the outside dial plate element and closing a gap between the periphery of the opening and a part of the inside dial plate element corresponding to the periphery of the opening. The unit further includes one indicating member disposed in a side of the outside dial plate element opposite to the inside dial plate element and being movable along the outside dial plate element, and one auxiliary indicating member disposed in the opening and being movable between the outside and inside dial plate elements. A device using the dial plate unit includes a indicating member operating module which operates the indicating member and auxiliary indicating member. |
| US07656749B2 |
Systems and methods for analyzing acoustic waves
Systems for analyzing acoustic waves are provided. An exemplary system includes a housing, multiple acoustic passageways and an acoustic sensor. The housing defines an interior cavity. The multiple acoustic passageways communicate acoustically between the interior cavity and an exterior of the housing. Each of the acoustic passageways has an inlet port and an outlet port, with each outlet port being located within the housing to direct a portion of an acoustic wave to the interior cavity. The acoustic sensor is mounted within the interior cavity and is operative to receive portions of an acoustic wave directed to the interior cavity by the acoustic passageways. The acoustic sensor also is operative to provide information such as direction of arrival information corresponding to a composite waveform formed by acoustic interference, within the interior cavity, of the portions of the acoustic wave. Methods and other systems also are provided. |
| US07656748B2 |
Method of determining impulse responses from a medium in relation to the transmission of waves between different points
The invention relates to a method of determining impulse responses from a medium (2) in relation to the transmission of waves between different points (T1-TN). The inventive method consists in: transmitting waves in the medium by generating, at each point j, signals ei(t) each comprising n elementary signals with respective frequencies which are spaced apart in pairs by an interval δf and which are different from the frequencies of the elementary signals corresponding to the other points; receiving signals rj(t) at points j after the transmission of the aforementioned waves in the medium; and calculating each impulse response hij(t) from a correlation signal between signal ei(t) transmitted at point i and signal rj(t) received at point j. |
| US07656746B2 |
Rational motion compensated seabed seismic sensors and methods of use in seabed seismic data acquisition
Apparatus and methods for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, including correcting for the effect of one or more sensor non-linear motions, which improves accuracy of seismic data. One or multiple non-linear movements of the sensor may be corrected for. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b) |
| US07656744B2 |
Memory module with load capacitance added to clock signal input
A novel memory module with a multiple-rank configuration is provided to solve the problem that high-speed operation is impossible due to the fact that timing of a data strobe signal input to a memory is deviated from timing of a clock signal input thereto. In the memory module, a load capacity is provided at the vicinity of a clock signal input pin of a phase-locked loop circuit where the clock signal is input to match a time constant of a data strobe signal line with a time constant of a clock signal line. The matching of the input timings of the clock signal and the data strobe signal input to the memory enables the memory module to operate at a high speed. |
| US07656743B2 |
Clock signal generation techniques for memories that do not generate a strobe
This disclosure describes a clock circuit for a memory controller. The described circuit uses a processor clock signal to generate an input clock signal for use during write operations to the memory, or to generate a feedback clock signal for use during read operations from the memory. The circuit is particularly applicable to mobile wireless devices that include memories that do not generate a strobe. The clock circuit may comprise a driver in series with a resistor element that generates an input clock signal for input to a memory, and a resistor-capacitor (RC) filter in series with a receiver that generates a feedback clock signal for output from the memory, wherein an input to the RC filter is tapped between the driver and the resistor element. |
| US07656742B2 |
Circuit and method for sampling valid command using extended valid address window in double pumped address scheme memory device
Provided are a circuit and method for sampling a valid command using a valid address window extended for a high-speed operation in a double pumped address scheme memory device. A method for extending the valid address window includes: inputting a valid command signal and a first address signal at the first cycle of a clock signal; inputting a second address signal at the second cycle of the clock signal; generating a decoded command signal and extended first and second internal address signals respectively in response to the command signal and the address signals; and latching and decoding the extended first and second internal address signals in response to the decoded command signal. |
| US07656739B2 |
Balanced bitcell design for a multi-port register file
In a multi-port register file of a storage unit within a processor, an improved bitcell design for storing a data bit is disclosed. The bitcell comprises a first set of read bitlines having a first load and a second set of read bitlines having a second load, in which the second load is substantially equal to the first load. The bitcell also comprises a signal driving circuit having a first node and a second node. The first node is connected to the first set of read bitlines and the second node is connected to the second set of read bitlines. |
| US07656737B2 |
Pumping circuit for multiple nonvolatile memories
A pumping circuit for multiple nonvolatile memories, comprising: a high voltage source; and a high voltage pass block with a gate controlled by a local booster to introduce the high voltage source into a plurality of nonvolatile memories for erase/write operation. |
| US07656731B2 |
Semi-shared sense amplifier and global read line architecture
A memory includes a global read line and a plurality of banks. For each bank, the memory includes a sense amplifier. A discharge circuit discharges the global read line if any one of a plurality of the sense amplifiers is enabled and is outputting a signal having a first digital logic value onto an input lead of the discharge circuit. In this way, the sense amplifiers share the discharge circuit. In one example, the memory includes a pair of differential read lines that are precharged to begin a read operation. After precharging, if either of two sense amplifiers is enabled and outputting the first digital logic value, then a first discharge circuit discharges a first of the global read lines. If either of two sense amplifiers is enabled and outputting the second digital logic value, then a second discharge circuit discharges a second of the global read lines. |
| US07656729B2 |
Circuit and method for decoding column addresses in semiconductor memory apparatus
A column address decoding circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a predecoder configured to combine a column address and a decoding test signal, thereby outputting a decoding address. A main decoder receives the decoding address, thereby outputting a plurality of column select signals. |
| US07656723B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with hierarchical bit line structure
A semiconductor memory device has a hierarchical bit line structure. The semiconductor memory device may include first and second memory cell clusters, which share the same bit line pair and are divided operationally; third and fourth memory cell clusters, which are connected respectively corresponding to word lines coupled with the first and second memory cell clusters, and which share a bit line pair different from the bit line pair and are divided operationally; and a column pass gate for switching one of bit line pairs connected with the first to fourth memory cell clusters, to a common sense amplifier, in response to a column selection signal. Whereby an operating speed decrease caused by load of peripheral circuits connected to the bit line is improved, and the number of column pass gates is reduced substantially with a reduction of chip size. |
| US07656717B2 |
Memory device having latch for charging or discharging data input/output line
A semiconductor memory device of the claimed invention, having an active state for performing a read or write operation and an inactive state except for the active state includes a data input/output (I/O) line; a pull-up latch unit for pulling-up the data I/O line when the semiconductor memory device is in the inactive state; a pull-down latch unit for pulling-down the data I/O line when the semiconductor memory device is in the inactive state; and a selection unit for selectively driving one of the pull-up latch unit and the pull-down latch unit. |
| US07656713B2 |
Non-volatile memory read operations using compensation currents
Shifts in the apparent charge stored on a floating gate of a non-volatile memory cell can occur because of coupling of an electric field based on the charge stored in adjacent floating gates. The shift in apparent charge can lead to erroneous readings by raising the apparent threshold voltage, and consequently, lowering the sensed conduction current of a memory cell. The read process for a selected memory cell takes into account the state of one or more adjacent memory cells. If an adjacent memory cell is in one or more of a predetermined set of programmed states, a compensation current can be provided to increase the apparent conduction current of the selected memory cell. An initialization voltage is provided to the bit line of the programmed adjacent memory cell to induce a compensation current between the bit line of the programmed adjacent memory cell and the bit line of the selected memory cell. |
| US07656712B2 |
Method and circuit for programming a memory cell, in particular of the NOR flash type
A method programs a memory cell comprising: an initial phase in which a continuous voltage is applied to a drain terminal of said memory cell and a suitable programming voltage signal is applied to a gate terminal thereof; a regulation phase in which a constant voltage value is applied to said gate terminal and a voltage value of said drain terminal is regulated so as to be maintained at a fixed value until a threshold voltage value of said memory cell is set at a desired threshold voltage level; and a disable phase that stops said programming and is triggered as soon as a programming current value of said memory cell goes below a reference current value, said reference current value corresponding to the attainment by the threshold voltage value of said memory cell of the desired threshold voltage value. A programming circuit is suitable for implementing this method. |
| US07656710B1 |
Adaptive operations for nonvolatile memories
Adaptive write operations for non-volatile memories select programming parameters according to monitored programming performance of individual memory cells. In one embodiment of the invention, programming voltage for a memory cell increases by an amount that depends on the time required to reach a predetermined voltage and then a jump in the programming voltage is added to the programming voltage required to reach the next predetermined voltage. The adaptive programming method is applied to the gate voltage of memory cells; alternatively, it can be applied to the drain voltage of memory cells along a common word line. A circuit combines the function of a program switch and drain voltage regulator, allowing independent control of drain voltage of selected memory cells for parallel and adaptive programming. Verify and adaptive read operations use variable word line voltages to provide optimal biasing of memory and reference cells during sensing. |
| US07656707B2 |
Systems and methods for discrete channel decoding of LDPC codes for flash memory
Embodiments include systems and methods for soft encoding and decoding of data for flash memories using Log-Likelihood Ratios (LLRs). The LLRs are computed from statistics determined by observation of flash memory over time. In some embodiments, the write, retention and read transition probabilities are computed based on the observed statistics. These probabilities are used to compute the LLRs. During a read operation, a device reads the voltage of a cell of the flash memory. The level of the output is determined from the voltage. The level determines which LLRs to compute and transmit to a soft decoder. |
| US07656706B2 |
Storing information in a memory
Systems and methods, including computer software products, can be used to update or modify data stored in a memory. One or more variables are represented with one or more cell values in a memory. Each variable is associated with one or more of the cell values. Multiple states of the one or more variables are defined, and each defined state of the one or more variables includes a current store value for each variable and at least one previous store value for the variable. One or more single cell values influence the current store value and previous store value of at least one variable. |
| US07656701B2 |
Method for programming a multilevel phase change memory device
A method of programming a phase change device includes selecting a desired threshold voltage (Vth) and applying a programming pulse to a phase change material in the phase change device. The applying of the programming pulse includes applying a quantity of energy to the phase change material to drive at least a portion of this material above a melting energy level. A portion of the energy applied to the phase change material is allowed to dissipate below the melting energy level. The shape of the energy dissipation from the phase change material is controlled until the energy applied to the phase change material is less than a quenched energy level, to cause the phase change device to have the desired Vth. A remaining portion of the energy applied to the phase change material is allowed to dissipate to an environmental level. |
| US07656691B2 |
Charge mode control of a serial resonance converter
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for converting power from a power input to a DC output current or voltage, where a first feedback circuit a traditional feedback. The converter type is a resonant DC-DC converter. The scope of the invention is to reach a high effective and fast responding switch mode power supply. This can be achieved with an apparatus or method comprising a second feedback circuit leading a signal from a serial resonance capacitor(s) to a reference input terminal at the control circuit, which second feedback circuit contains a signal depending on the actual change in charge of the resonant capacitor(s). This means that at high load, a very powerful signal will be transmitted through the second feedback at the control circuit that will change the operation of the circuit into a charge mode operation. As the load on the output is reduced, the influence of the second feedback signal will be reduced, and the influence from the charge mode is reduced and the operation mode is changing back into a normal frequency mode of operation. In this way, a much more constant gain in the series or series parallel resonant DC-DC converter is achived, and therefore a much better regulated voltage or current of the resonant DC-DC converter can be made. |
| US07656686B2 |
Switching power supply circuit
There is provided a switching power supply circuit which may include a rectifying and smoothing section for converting an alternating input voltage from an alternating-current power supply into a primary side direct-current voltage; a converter section for converting the primary side direct-current voltage from the rectifying and smoothing section into an alternating voltage and further converting the alternating voltage into a secondary side direct-current voltage; and a power factor improving section for improving a power factor. |
| US07656681B2 |
Very light enclosure for electronic systems
A very light enclosure for electronic systems incorporates a rigid core enclosure structure formed with forward and rearward rigid, zig-zag configured, generally open mesh structure stabilization frames extending between oppositely disposed connection ends. The connection ends are rigidly attached to oppositely disposed sheet metal side assemblies to complete the core enclosure structure. The structure stabilization frames directly support card guides and power supply modules on oppositely disposed sides of a backplane tray. |
| US07656679B2 |
Multi-layer substrate and manufacture method thereof
Disclosed are a multi-layer substrate and a manufacture method thereof. The multi-layer substrate of the present invention comprises a surface dielectric layer and at least one bond pad layer. The surface dielectric layer is located at a surface of the multi-layer substrate. The bond pad layer is embedded in the surface dielectric layer to construct the multi-layer substrate with the surface dielectric layer of the present invention. The manufacture method of the present invention forms at least one bond pad layer on a flat surface of a carrier and then forms the surface dielectric layer to cover the bond pad layer where the bond pad layer is embedded therein. After the multi-layer substrate is separated from the carrier, the bond pad layer and the surface dielectric layer construct a flat surface of the multi-layer substrate. |
| US07656676B2 |
Removable data storage device and related assembling method
A removable storage device includes a substrate whereon a plurality of components are arranged. Advantageously, the removable storage device comprises a casing of the package type suitable to completely cover these components and to form, together with the substrate, an external coating of the removable storage device. Moreover, a method is described for assembling at least one removable storage device thus realized. |
| US07656675B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a frame having a front side and a rear side, the rear side having a first receiving space and a second receiving space located beside one another, a front cover disposed to at least partially cover the front side of the frame, the front cover having a transparent portion, a touch screen located between the front cover and the frame, the touch screen permitting transmission of a signal when the transparent portion is contacted, a camera located in one of the first and second receiving spaces, and a rear cover disposed to at least partially cover each of the first and second receiving spaces. |
| US07656661B2 |
Electronic apparatus with multiple data input modes
An electronic apparatus that includes a display panel having opposite sides with a display screen provided on one side, a main body enclosure having opposite sides with a key-based input device provided on one side and a keyless user interface provided on an opposite side, and a hinge assembly which couples the display panel and main body member together. The hinge assembly is configured to allow the main body enclosure and the display panel to pivot together about an angle of up to substantially 360° about a common or parallel pivot axes and which hinge assembly further allows the main body enclosure to twist or rotate with respect to the display panel about an axis that intersects or bisects the common or parallel pivot axes about which the main body enclosure and the display panel to pivot. In further embodiments the hinge assembly is further configured to allow the display panel to twist or rotate with respect to the main body enclosure about an axis that intersects or bisects the common or parallel pivot axes about which the main body enclosure and the display panel to pivot. |
| US07656656B2 |
Storage device enclosure
An enclosure for storage devices having at least one mounting surface and a viscoelastic layer disposed between a first layer and a second layer of the mounting surface. A receiver secured to the mounting surface within the enclosure receives a storage device carrier that retains a disk drive and positions the storage device carrier within the enclosure. Clip-on damped springs, coupled to the storage device carrier, guide the storage device carrier through the receiver and couple the storage device carrier to the mounting surface(s). A bezel of the storage device carrier is configured to receive a key in one of a plurality of key positions, with each key position corresponding to a particular disk drive/enclosure chassis interface. |
| US07656654B2 |
Mounting apparatus for storage device
A mounting apparatus for a storage device includes a bracket configured for receiving the storage device and including a sidewall defining a through hole therein, a latching member pivotally mounted to the bracket and including a latching protrusion extending through the through hole of the bracket for fixing the storage device, a rotating mechanism connected between the bracket and the latching member to enable the latching member to rotate relative to the bracket, and an elastic member connected between the bracket and the latching member for urging the latching member toward the side wall of the bracket. |
| US07656652B2 |
Portable computer with reconfigurable display
A portable computer system is provided having a base unit and a detachable display unit. The display unit can be attached to and supported by the base unit in a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation via one or more connectors provided on two different sides of the display unit. The base unit may include support pins providing physical support to the display unit. Alternatively, the base unit may include a support arm which attaches to and slides within a slot extending along two sides of the display unit, such that the display unit can be moved between landscape and portrait orientations. |
| US07656645B2 |
Electrolytic solution for electric double layer capacitor and electric double layer capacitor
An electrolytic solution for an electric double layer capacitor comprising a quaternary ammonium salt in a mixed solvent containing ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate as an electrolyte. The electrolytic solution for electric double layer capacitor has a low coefficient of viscosity, has an excellent low temperature characteristics of not coagulating at a low temperature, possesses high electrical conductivity over a wide temperature range, and has a long-term reliability. |
| US07656644B2 |
iTFC with optimized C(T)
A method including depositing a suspension of a colloid having an amount of nano-particles of a ceramic material on a substrate; and thermally treating the suspension to form a thin film. A method including depositing a plurality of nano-particles of a ceramic material to pre-determined locations across a surface of a substrate; and thermally treating the plurality of nano-particles to form a thin film. A system including a computing device having a microprocessor, the microprocessor coupled to a printed circuit board through a substrate, the substrate having at least one capacitor structure formed on a surface, the capacitor structure having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a ceramic material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the ceramic material has columnar grains. |
| US07656642B2 |
Means and method for reducing build-up of electrostatic charges in a fluid container
The invention relates to a means for preventing build-up of electrostatic potential in a fluid container during filling and/or discharging. The fluid container comprises electrical insulating materials and a valve means through which filling and/or discharging occurs. Means for reducing and/or eliminating electrical and/or electrostatic potential build-up during filling or discharging of the container is arranged in conjunction with the container walls. Such means may for example be arranged in conjunction with the valve means, reducing and/or changing the flow velocity of the fluid and/or the flow direction of the fluid during the filling operation. The invention relates also to a method of avoiding build-up of electrical and/or electrostatic potential, the method comprising changing the direction of fluid flow at least once at the top end of the container, so that the flow of fluid into the container preferably becomes laminar and/or is depressurized and wherein the fluid flow velocity into the container is reduced. |
| US07656641B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a solenoid
An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period. |
| US07656639B2 |
Retainer for surge arrester disconnector
Retainers for movable surge arrester disconnectors to prevent relative displacement of the disconnectors with respect to the arrester within predetermined limits. |
| US07656637B2 |
Power control system pseudo power-up, aircraft including the power control system and method of controlling power in an aircraft
A power control system with a pseudo-power up, an aircraft including the power control system and a method of controlling power in an aircraft. On-board wiring is protected from faults by electronic circuit breakers (ECBs), which may also control AC/DC electrical power supplies of on-board electrical/electronic equipment. A computer processor operating a user interface, e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI), through a display. An on-board store stores the GUI, other computer applications and the current state of each ECB, e.g., in a breaker state table. In a pseudo-power mode up, the stored circuit breaker state is available without providing power to the ECBs and, correspondingly to the coupled on-board electrical systems. When terminated, the system can power off, or proceed to normal power where each ECB is configured according to the breaker state table prior to providing power to protected systems. |
| US07656635B2 |
Overheat detection in thermally controlled devices
Systems and methods of overheat detection provide for generating a control signal on a die containing a processor based on an internal temperature of the processor and a control temperature threshold. It can be determined whether to generate a warning temperature event on the die based on a behavior of the control signal. In one embodiment, the warning temperature event provides for initiation of an automated data saving process, which reduces the abruptness of conventional warning temperature shutdowns. Other embodiments provide the user the option of saving his or her work before a shutdown temperature threshold is reached. |
| US07656634B2 |
Increasing the system stability and lightning capability in a power distribution system that utilizes solid-state power controllers
An apparatus, and a method of controlling a solid state power controller (“SSPC”) selectively allows a current through a solid state power control switch in response to the current in a plurality of SSPCS exceeding at least one threshold. A microprocessor module collects power surge data from a plurality of groups of SSPCs, and determines if the amount of power surge data within a group of SSPCs is sufficient to constitute a lightning threat. If the microprocessor module determines a lightning threat is present, the microprocessor module sends a command to certain SSPCs in the afflicted group to lockout an instantaneous trip protection for the duration of the lightning threat, allowing the power surge to pass from the SSPCs to a load or plurality of loads, leaving the SSPCs undamaged. |
| US07656633B2 |
Asymmetric fault detection and protection with AC solid state power controllers
An apparatus and method for protecting an AC load from half-wave rectified power detects a half-wave rectified voltage or current, sets a status indication indicating the type of asymmetric fault causing the half-wave rectified power, and selectively turns the SSPC ON or OFF depending on the type of fault. There are two example circumstances that can cause an asymmetric fault: when the SSPC is OFF and a switch is shorted (“SSPC Failed Shorted”), or when the SSPC is commanded ON and a switch remains open (“SSPC Failed Open”). If the SSPC is OFF when the half-wave rectified AC voltage or current is detected, an “SSPC Failed Shorted” status indication is set, and the SSPC is turned ON to clear the fault. If the SSPC is commanded ON when the half-wave rectified AC voltage or current is detected, an “SSPC Failed Open” status indication is set, and the SSPC is turned OFF to clear the fault. |
| US07656631B2 |
Electrical circuit protection arrangement
An electrical circuit having a load that includes at least one semiconductor junction device supplied with operating current at a voltage sufficient to bias the semiconductor junction device into conduction and control means to provide or inhibit supply of power to said load. A protection arrangement for the electrical circuit includes a sensing circuit that detects characteristics of the load when the operating current is not flowing. The sensing circuit includes threshold comparison circuit that compares the sensed voltage level with at least one stored value representative of a threshold of a load characteristic indicative of a correctly functioning semiconductor junction device. The sensing circuit includes a sensing current generator which in the absence of operating current to the load effects passage through the load of a sensing current having a value that is less, for a semiconductor junction, than the forward conduction threshold thereof. |
| US07656629B2 |
Safety switch for a safety circuit
A safety switch for safety circuit arrangement has a control part for processing an input signal and at least one switching element with at least one active and one inactive switching state. The control part controls the switching element in order to generate an output signal dependent on the input signal at an output. In addition, the safety switch has a diagnostic function for identifying a functional fault. The control part is configured to transfer the switching element into the inactive state when a functional fault is identified. According to one aspect of the invention, the control part is also configured to generate a data message at the output, which data message is dependent on the functional fault. |
| US07656624B2 |
IC power protection circuit
An IC power protection circuit functions as a surge protection circuit and reverse connection protection circuit. The IC power protection circuit includes an error amplification circuit, positioned and integrated within an integrated circuit and a transistor positioned as a stand-alone element that is separate from the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a sensor signal processing circuit that processes a signal of a sensor. A transistor protects the integrated circuit against a surge voltage from a battery terminal. A resistor is positioned between an output terminal of an error amplifier and a base terminal of the transistor to provide reverse connection protection. Another resistor is connected between a ground and a connection point between the above resistor and the output terminal to provide overvoltage protection for the integrated circuit. A starting resistor is connected between a collector and base of the transistor. |
| US07656622B2 |
Tunnel magnetoresistance device with tunnel barrier layer containing residual carbon
The TMR device has a structure including a lower electrode layer, a pinned layer, a tunnel barrier layer, a free layer, and an upper electrode layer which are successively formed on a substrate. The tunnel barrier layer has substantially a stoichiometric composition. The tunnel barrier layer may be a thin film of an oxide of AL formed by ALD method. |
| US07656621B2 |
Magneto-resistive element having a cap layer for canceling spin injection effect
A magneto-resistive element has: a first stacked film assembly having a pinned layer, a spacer layer, and a free layer; a first electrode layer which is arranged such that the first layer is in contact with the first electrode layer on the other side of the first layer, the first electrode layer being made of a ferromagnetic material; and a second electrode layer which is arranged on a side that is opposite to the first electrode layer with regard to the first stacked film assembly. The first and second electrode layers are adapted to apply a sense current to the first stacked film assembly and the first layer in a direction that is perpendicular to layer surfaces. The first layer is made of gold, silver, copper, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, chromium or platinum, or an alloy thereof. |
| US07656620B2 |
Magnetic head device provided with lead electrode electrically connected to magnetic shield layer
A lower shield layer has a substantially flat shape, and an upper shield layer has a front portion and a rear portion, where the front portion is disposed closer to the lower shield layer than the rear portion. A lower conductive electrode and an upper conductive electrode are disposed between the lower shield layer and the upper shield layer. The lower conductive electrode is electrically connected to the lower shield layer, and the upper conductive electrode is electrically connected to the upper shield layer. Since the lower and upper conductive electrodes are disposed between the upper and lower shield layers, each of the lower shield layer and the upper shield layer may be formed to have a small area and a simple shape. |
| US07656618B2 |
Disk device and manufacturing method therefor
According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a case having a bottom wall, a disk-shaped recording medium located in the case, a drive motor which is located in the case and supports and rotates the recording medium, a head which performs information processing for the recording medium, a head actuator, and an inertial latch mechanism which latches and holds the head actuator in a retracted position when an external force is subjected. The inertial latch mechanism is modularized and includes a base plate, a first pivot and a second pivot set up on the base plate, a latch arm supported for rocking motion around the first pivot, an inertial arm which is rockably supported on the second pivot, and a stopper portion which prevents the latch arm and the inertial arm from slipping off the first and second pivots. |
| US07656617B2 |
Slider and manufacturing method thereof, head gimbal assembly, disk drive with same
The invention discloses a manufacturing method of slider. The slider comprises an incline portion (6) connecting a read/write portion (24) disposed with a convex configuration on an air bearing surface opposite to a recording medium, and a concave portion (26) adjacent to an end thereof where airflow flows in. The incline portion (6) includes a first incline portion (61) with a substantially linear shape connected with a surface of the read/write portion (24) and a second incline portion (62) with substantially linear shape connected with the concave portion (26). A first incline angle θ1 of the concave portion (26) with respect to the first incline portion (61) is larger than a second incline angle θ2 of the concave portion (26) with respect to the second incline portion (62). |
| US07656616B2 |
Magnetic head device having slider and magnetic function unit
A magnetic head device is disclosed. The magnetic head device having a levitation attitude formed by an air stream on a surface thereof when a recording medium moves. A levitation height of a magnetic function unit can be stabilized even when air density of an operating environment is changed. In a middle region of a slider of a magnetic head device, a deep concave bottom portion is provided and a levitation pressure is not substantially generated. The levitation is exerted to a front positive pressure surface located in front of the middle region and a rear positive pressure surface located in the rear of the middle region. |
| US07656615B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording disk with a soft magnetic layer having a discrete track recording pattern
A method of forming a discrete track recording pattern on a soft magnetic underlayer of a perpendicular magnetic recording disk. In one embodiment, the soft magnetic underlayer is continuous throughout the discrete track recording pattern. |
| US07656613B2 |
Magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording having a specially configured shield layer
A magnetic head comprises a pole layer, a shield layer, a gap layer disposed between the pole layer and the shield layer, and a coil. The shield layer incorporates: a first layer disposed on the gap layer; a second layer disposed on the first layer; and a third layer disposed on the second layer. The first layer has an end face located in a medium facing surface. An end face of each of the second and third layers closer to the medium facing surface is located at a distance from the medium facing surface. A first nonmagnetic layer is disposed around the first layer. A second nonmagnetic layer is disposed between the medium facing surface and the end face of the second layer closer to the medium facing surface. |
| US07656611B2 |
Laminated high moment magnetic films antiferromagnetic coupling as write pole of perpendicular magnetic recording head
A perpendicular write head includes a main pole comprising high moment magnetic layers laminated with both soft magnetic layers and non-magnetic layers for antiferromagnetic coupling (AFC) between the high moment material layers. The perpendicular write head includes a return pole connected to the main pole by a back gap closure at a distal end and separated from the main pole by a gap at an air bearing surface (ABS). A write coil is positioned between the main pole and the return pole and the surface area of the return pole at the ABS is substantially larger than the surface area of the main pole at the ABS. |
| US07656610B1 |
Bi-directional magnetic recording head built on a common substrate
The aspects of the present invention provide a magnetic recording head, a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording head, and a magnetic recording head drive. The magnetic recording head includes a substrate and a first magnetic device connected to the substrate. The magnetic recording head also includes a second magnetic device connected to the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device is aligned with the second magnetic device. The first and second magnetic devices are supported by the same side of the substrate. |
| US07656606B2 |
Magnetic recording medium, recording/reproducing apparatus, and stamper
A rotary-type magnetic recording medium has servo patterns formed in servo pattern regions on a substrate by patterns including recording regions and non-recording regions. Burst signal units composed of the recording regions or the non-recording regions are formed in burst pattern regions in the servo pattern regions. The burst signal units are formed so that for at least one edge out of both edges along a direction of rotation of the magnetic recording medium, a center in the direction of rotation is positioned closer to the other edge than both ends in the direction of rotation, and a ratio of a length along a radial direction of the magnetic recording medium between both ends and the center of the one edge to a length along the radial direction between both ends of the one edge and both ends of the other edge is in a range of 0.2 or below. |
| US07656604B1 |
Disk drive demodulating a spiral track by finding a maximum correlation between a spiral track crossing signal and a time-shifted nominal spiral track crossing signal
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk including a plurality of spiral tracks, wherein each spiral track comprises a high frequency signal interrupted by a sync mark at a sync mark interval, and a head actuated over the disk. The spiral tracks are demodulated by reading a spiral track to generate a spiral track crossing signal g(xn), where xn is a time in a demodulation window, and determining a position error signal (PES) by determining a time-shift L that maximizes a correlation between g(xn) and a function that estimates a nominal spiral track crossing signal having the time-shift of L. |
| US07656603B1 |
Pre-programming of a preamplifier in a disk drive to improve servo-writing characteristics
Disclosed is a self servo-writing disk drive that pre-programs a preamplifier to improve servo-writing characteristics in writing servo sectors to a disk. The disk drive implements operations including: writing servo sectors to define track bands according to sets of write setting values wherein the preamplifier adjusts write signals utilizing a set of write setting values for each track band; reading servo variable gain amplifier values from the tracks bands; selecting a set of write setting values associated with a minimum servo variable gain amplifier value; programming the preamplifier's write settings with the selected set of write setting values; and self-servo writing the disk with servo sectors utilizing the selected set of write setting values that are pre-programmed in the preamplifier. |
| US07656600B2 |
Monitoring transducer potential to detect an operating condition
The disclosure is related to detecting a fault condition of a transducer for reading and writing data to a data storage medium. The fault condition can be detected based on a potential difference between a reference voltage and a common mode of the transducer. |
| US07656598B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting storage capacity of recording media
A recording density of a recording medium is set by establishing a predetermined relationship between guaranteed write/erase endurance values and recording density values for the recording medium, and then selecting a required guaranteed write/erase endurance. A recording density value corresponding to the required guaranteed write/erase endurance is determined from the predetermined relationship, and the recording density of the recording medium set based on the determined recording density value. |
| US07656596B2 |
Lens apparatus and image pickup apparatus
A lens apparatus and image pickup apparatus thereof. The lens apparatus includes a first fixed lens-barrel with fixed-side first guide grooves and fixed-side second guide grooves, a first movable lens-barrel arranged at the outside of the fixed lens-barrel, movable-side first guide grooves, a second movable lens-barrel arranged at the inside of the fixed lens barrel, and movable-side guide grooves. Three first rolling element units are provided between the fixed-side guide grooves and the movable-side first guide grooves, and three second rolling element units are provided between the fixed-side second guide grooves and the movable-side second guide grooves. The first movable lens-barrels and the second movable lens-barrels are supported to the one-group lens and the two-group lens in such a manner that they can be independently moved in the optical axis directions of the first and second lenses. |
| US07656595B2 |
Adjustment arrangement of an optical element
A arrangement serves for the adjustment of an optical element (1), in particular of a lens in an optical system, in particular in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography. The optical element (1) is mounted in a mount (3) by means of a number of bearing feet (2) distributed over the circumference of the optical element (1) and is selectively deformable by actuators (5). At least some of the bearing feet (2) are engaged by the actuators (5) in a region of the respective bearing foot (2) in such a way that the respective bearing foot (2) can be displaced in the direction of the optical axis (7). |
| US07656593B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens of which optical performance does not deteriorate even in a high temperature environment, various aberrations are well corrected, optical length is short, and back focus is sufficiently secured. This imaging lens comprises a first junction type compound lens 14, an aperture diaphragm S, a second junction type compound lens 16, and a third junction type compound lens 18, wherein the first junction type compound lens, the aperture diaphragm, the second junction type compound lens, and the third junction type compound lens are arranged in this sequence from an object side to an image side. The first junction type compound lens comprises a first lens, a second lens and a third lens arranged in this sequence from the object side to the image side, the second junction type compound lens comprises a fourth lens, fifth lens and a sixth lens arranged in this sequence from the object side to the image side, and the third junction type compound lens comprises a seventh lens, an eighth lens and a ninth lens arranged in this sequence from the object side to the image side. The first lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, the sixth lens, the seventh lens and the ninth lens are formed of a curable resin material, and the second lens, the fifth lens and the eighth lens are formed of a high softening temperature glass material. |
| US07656592B2 |
Optical system having aberrations for transforming a Gaussian laser-beam intensity profile to a quasi-flat-topped intensity profile in a focal region of the optical system
An optical system is configured for projecting an image having a quasi-flat-topped intensity profile from a laser-beam having a Gaussian intensity profile. The optical system includes a diffraction limited lens for focusing the laser beam and one or more optical elements that introduce aberration into the beam before the beam is focused. The aberration introduced causes the Gaussian intensity profile to be changed to the quasi-flat-topped intensity profile at some position in a focal region of the diffraction-limited lens. |
| US07656590B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
The invention relates to a zoom lens and an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a slimmed-down zoom lens well fit for imaging apparatus inclusive of video cameras and digital cameras. The zoom lens comprises, in order from its object side, a first lens group having negative refracting power, a second lens group having positive refracting power, a third lens group having negative refracting power and a fourth lens group having positive refracting power. The first lens group consists of one negative component wherein one negative lens and one positive lens are cemented together. Upon zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end and the second lens group moves toward the object side with a decreasing spacing between the first lens group and the second lens group, a changing spacing between the second lens group and the third lens group and a changing spacing between the third lens group and the fourth lens group. |
| US07656588B2 |
Liquid for liquid lens with high reliability
A liquid for a liquid lens includes an electrolyte solution and an insulating solution wherein the electrolyte solution contains H2O, 1,2-propanediol and LiCl, and the insulating solution is a silicon (Si) oil and optionally contains 1,6-dibromohexane or bromobenzene as an organic additive. A liquid lens module includes a transparent cover, a case for accommodating an electrolyte solution and an insulating solution, a pair of electrodes for supplying electricity to the electrolyte solution, and an insulating film for covering one of the electrodes in contact with the electrolyte solution wherein the electrolyte solution contains H2O, 1,2-propanediol and LiCl, and the insulating solution is a silicon (Si) oil. |
| US07656587B2 |
Projection lens system
An exemplary projection lens system includes, in order from the magnification side to the reduction side thereof, a first lens with negative refraction power, a second lens with positive refraction power, a third lens with negative refraction power, and a fourth lens with positive refraction power. The projection lens system satisfies the formulae 3.71.41; where TT is a total length of the projection lens, f is an effective focal length of the projection lens system and BFL is a back focal length of the projection lens system. |
| US07656586B2 |
Rearview mirror for a motor vehicle
A rear-view mirror (3) for a motor vehicle is provided with a reflector layer (40) which is used to reflect light which impinges on the rear-view mirror (3) from a first viewing direction, a display layer (36) which is arranged behind the reflector layer (40) in relation to the viewing direction (41) and which is used to emit light, a quarter wave plate (74) which is arranged between the display layer (36) and the reflector layer (40) and a reflecting linear-polarisation layer (73) which is arranged between the display layer and the quarter wave plate (74). |
| US07656585B1 |
Embedded relay lens for head-up displays or the like
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an optical relay comprises a partially-reflective-coated Fresnel lens or similar low-profile lens such as a diffractive lens or a holographic lens having a first index of refraction and a filler medium having a second index of refraction and being disposed adjacent to the Fresnel lens. The optical relay enables the optical power of the Fresnel or similar low-profile lens embedded within the two layers to influence a beam that is reflected from the optical relay while allowing transmitted light to experience little or no influence from the embedded lens. |
| US07656583B2 |
Beam combiner employing a wedge-shaped cross-section
A beam corradiator for combining two radiation beams, preferably movable beams independent from each other in at least one direction, to scan and/or influence a sample, preferably a manipulation system and an imaging system, with a partially reflecting layer being provided for the corradiation, wherein the thickness of the layer is provided with a preferably consistent incline or decline over the optically effective cross-section of the beam corradiatior. |
| US07656572B2 |
Method, array, and influencing unit for said array in order to modify a wavefront of an optical beam
Disclosed is an array for modifying a wavefront of an optical beam (3) having a beam axis (15). Said array comprises an influencing unit (1) which can be introduced into the beam path of the optical beam (3) and a heat source (12) that generates a thermal pattern and acts upon the influencing unit (1). The influencing unit (1) is provided with at least one planar cooling plate (7a, 7b) that extends transversal to the optical axis (15) of the incident beam (3) and a fluid layer or gel layer (9) which has a two-dimensional expansion, is disposed on the cooling plate with a basal surface, and absorbs the heat of the heat source. The two-dimensional expansion is large enough to receive approximately the entire cross section of the beam. The thickness of the fluid layer or gel layer (9) is embodied in such a small manner that only a minute amount of heat can flow perpendicular to the beam axis (15) while being thick enough for the wavefront of the incident beam (3) to be modified by the heat pattern resulting from thermal impingement of the fluid or gel (9). The wavefront of a beam can thus be influenced in an inexpensive and tailor-made manner. Beams that are influenced in such a way can preferably be used in high-power lasers for creating custom modes. |
| US07656571B1 |
Balanced light valve
Radiation from an illumination source (102) is directed to a total internal reflector (TIR) modulator (10). The modulator includes a an electro-optic member (213) with a plurality of individually addressable pixel regions (210) comprised of a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first and second set. At least one electrode of the first set is adjacent to at least one electrode of the second set and at least one of the pixel regions is controlled to form at least one image pixel on a surface. A first electric potential is imposed on the first set of electrodes selected from a first predetermined group of electric potential values. A second electric potential is imposed on the second set of electrodes selected from a second predetermined group of electric potential values. The first and second predetermined groups of electric potential values together comprise at least three different electric potential values. |
| US07656567B2 |
Selecting a best three color solution to a CIE Lab input using linear interpolation
A method for selecting a best three color solution for a CIE_Lab request comprises generating a three color database (10) of CIE_Lab values at specified colorant input levels. A closest point in the database with colorant input levels is found, which will produce a CIE_Lab value that is closest to the CIE_Lab request. A matrix of points centered on the closest point (30) is selected. A linear model to the matrix of points is found. An output color consisting of a set of colorant levels is created using the linear model. |
| US07656566B1 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus for outputting an image by a printer or a display is provided, in which color reproducibility in the image output of plural pages becomes uniform. The apparatus comprises an image memory for memorizing image data of all pages of one output job that is given to an output device, decision portion for deciding whether the image data of all pages are data within a color reproduction range of the output device or not. A color compression process is performed for the image data of all pages uniformly only when it is decided that the image data of all pages are not data within the color reproduction range of the output device. |
| US07656564B2 |
Apparatus and method for compensating for pixel distortion in reproduction of hologram data
An apparatus for compensating for pixel distortion while reproducing hologram data includes an extraction unit, a determination and calculation unit, a table, and a compensation unit. The extraction unit extracts a reproduced data image from a reproduced image frame including the reproduced data image and borders. The determination and calculation unit determines position values of edges of the extracted reproduced data image, and calculates average magnification error values of pixels within line data from position values of start and end point pixels thereof, which are based on the determined position values of the edges. The table stores misalignment compensation values for the pixels within the line data, wherein the misalignment compensation values correspond to predetermined references for average magnification error values. The compensation unit compensates for pixel positions in the extracted reproduced data image using the misalignment compensation values that correspond to the calculated average magnification error values. |
| US07656562B2 |
Image reading apparatus
The invention is related to an image reading apparatus which has a conveying unit which conveys an original (D), a first reading unit including a first reading section which reads one side of the original (D) conveyed by the conveying unit, a second reading unit (12) including a second reading section which reads the other side of the original conveyed by the conveying unit; and a moving mechanism (30) which displaces relative positions of the first reading unit and the second reading unit in an original conveyance direction by using driving force of a motor for driving the conveying unit. |
| US07656560B2 |
Facsimile machine
A facsimile machine includes: a display that displays a menu screen including a menu item, an operation unit that allows a user an entry based on the menu screen, and a display control unit that changes the menu screen to be displayed on the display in response to the entry. The display control unit controls display/undisplay of the menu item based on a predetermined operational status of the facsimile machine when the display control unit changes the menu screen. The menu item corresponds to an operation effective to the predetermined operational status. |
| US07656559B2 |
System and method for generating a signed hardcopy document and authentication thereof
A system and method for generating a signed hardcopy document and authentication thereof is provided. A data representation including digital data is recorded from a hardcopy document. The digital data is compressed using a compression scheme including one of low-fidelity compression and symbol-based compression. An authentication token is generated from the compressed digital data. The authentication token is encoded. A signed hardcopy document including both the encoded authentication token and the data representation is printed. |
| US07656558B2 |
Image processing system, image processing device, image output device, and method and program product therefor
A representative gradation value is set collectively for each pixel group of several pixels each, and then the representative gradation value undergoes multilevel halftoning. From the multilevel halftoning result value obtained in this way, the presence or absence of dot formation for each pixel is set and the image is output. Also, based on the resolution ratio of the image data input resolution and output resolution, if the pixel group is divided, it is possible to divide the pixel group into suitable sizes for processing, so it is possible to improve the output image quality. Furthermore, even when the pixel group is divided, it is possible to share data for processing, so it is possible to save memory. In addition, it is possible to rapidly output high quality images with a simple process. |
| US07656550B2 |
Data transmission apparatus and transmission control program
A data transmission apparatus having a plurality of data transmission functions includes: a transmission operation storage device that, for each data transmission function, stores recipient information that was input during an immediately prior transmission operation; a selecting device that selects one data transmission function from a plurality of data transmission functions; an operation content reading device that reads contents of transmission operations; a resend executing device that reads recipient information for the data transmission function selected from the transmission function storage device by the selecting device, and executes a transmission operation based on the read recipient information; and a transmission executing device that stores the read operation content in the transmission operation storage device as recipient information for the data transmission function selected by the selecting device, and executes a transmission operation based on the read operation content. |
| US07656548B2 |
Printer and printing method
A program execution unit determines a kind of an error and an error recovery method referring to an error recovery content management table and an error recovery method setting table, which are previously stored in a memory, from a kind of an error detected in a print language analysis step of a RIP. Information that an error occurs is given to user via an information unit so that user selects and prints necessary page of a print job, which is not printed. |
| US07656544B2 |
Device for carrying out image processing using image data and image processing control information
A color printer 20 allocates all of the image processing memory resources for image processing on image data GD lined up in the main scanning direction of a print head IH, secures an amount of memory resources for each of the lined up image data GD, and releases the memory resources as the image processing completes. A CPU 51 secures image processing memory resources for an image datum 1 in the storage area of a RAM 53, and releases the secured memory resources when the image processing on the image datum 1 is complete. The CPU 51 repeatedly implements this processing on each image datum contained in one print job. |
| US07656543B2 |
Albuming images
Methods, machines, systems, and machine-readable media for albuming images are described. In one aspect, a first partition of a page corresponding to a first layout of a first set of images on the page is selected from a first set of candidate page partitions. Each candidate page partition corresponds to a respective layout of the first set of images on the page. In response to a user command to modify the first layout, a second partition of the page is selected. The second partition corresponds to a second layout of a second set of images on the page. In another aspect, a first layout of a first set of images is presented on a page and, in response to a user command to modify the first layout, an area in the presentation of the first layout where an image is insertable is indicated. In another aspect, a first layout of a first set of images is presented on a page and, in response to a user command to modify the first layout, sizes and positions of images in the presentation of the first layout are changed. |
| US07656542B2 |
Method for evaluating microstructures on a workpiece based on the orientation of a grating on the workpiece
In a measuring system, a method for evaluating parameters of a workpiece includes measuring a periodic structure, such as a grating, on the workpiece to produce image data. An orientation of features in the image data, produced by higher order diffractions from the periodic structure, is identified. An orientation of the periodic structure is determined based on the orientation of the features in the image data. The image data is then modified, based on the orientation of the periodic structure, to correlate with, and for comparison to, simulated image data to ascertain parameters of the workpiece. Alternatively, optical components in the measuring system, or the workpiece itself, are adjusted to provide a desired alignment between the optical components and the periodic structure. A microstructure on the workpiece may then be measured, and the resulting image data may be compared to the simulated image data to ascertain parameters of the microstructure. |
| US07656539B1 |
Multi-conjugate adaptive optics system for field conjugation
A multi-conjugate adaptive optics system is described that reduces aberration-induced fluctuations of amplitude and phase in a beam without requiring the explicit measurement and feedback control of the beam's irradiance profile. The system uses a pair of wavefront correctors conjugated to widely separated planes in a turbulent path, where each of the wavefront correctors is controlled by a decentralized wavefront control loop. The system is configured such that the explicit control of phase fluctuations in a beam using the pair of wavefront correctors results in the implicit control of amplitude fluctuations in the beam. Because the system uses decentralized control loops that do not rely on beam irradiance measurement and feedback, the complexity of the control loop is reduced below that of conventional multi-conjugate adaptive optics systems and is comparable to that of single-conjugate adaptive optics systems. |
| US07656534B2 |
System for automatic detection of forest fires through optic spectroscopy
The present invention relates to a system for detection of forest fires, based on the chemical analysis of the atmosphere through optic spectroscopy. The smoke originated from a fire has a chemical composition different from that of a normal atmosphere. This chemical composition is determined by the analysis of light absorption, which passes through the smoke, in its different wavelengths, carried out by a spectrometer. In this case, the spectrometer is associated to a telescope and solar light is used as the light source allowing the detection of smoke originated from a fire in a specific area of the horizon. The maximum distance from which the smoke can be detected depends only on the potency of the telescope and may be of many kilometers. The installation of the system on a rotating support and the use of computational logarithms makes the detection in any point of the horizon possible, a completely autonomous way. |
| US07656530B2 |
Color density measuring device
A color density measuring device (10) for determining the color density of an ink layer applied to a printing material (22), having a light source (24) for illuminating the printing material (22) and a sensor for receiving the light remitted from the printing material (22), is characterized according to the invention in that the sensor is fashioned as a multicolor image sensor (12), and a device (14, 24, 26; 30) is provided with the aid of which the light incident at the multicolor image sensor (12) is restricted to at least one predetermined wavelength band. |
| US07656524B2 |
High contrast tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
The present invention relates generally to the field of spectroscopy, and more particularly to tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy that provides an enhanced contrast-ratio of a near-field Raman signal to a background signal. The near-field Raman signal is captured from a small volume of material near a metal-coated tip thereby achieving submicron lateral resolution. |
| US07656516B2 |
Pattern inspection apparatus
A pattern inspection apparatus is disclosed, which includes a first laser light source for emission of first laser light having a first wavelength, a second laser light source for emission of second laser light having a second wavelength, and a deep ultraviolet (DUV) light source for emission of DUV light with a wavelength of less than or equal to 266 nm based on the first laser light and the second laser light. A first optical fiber is provided for connecting between the first laser light source and the DUV light source. A second optical fiber is for connection between the second laser light source and the DUV light source. The apparatus also includes a pattern inspection unit with the DUV light source being built therein, for inspecting a workpiece pattern being tested by using the DUV light as illumination light therefore. |
| US07656506B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method utilizing a substrate handler
A substrate handler for moving a substrate relative to a substrate table of a lithographic apparatus. The substrate handler comprises at least one support surface or platform adapted to carry a plurality of independent substrates simultaneously. The substrate handler adapted to load substrates onto and unload substrates from the substrate table before and after exposure. |
| US07656499B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display by dispensing liquid crystal droplets on exposure joint lines
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display for which the one drop filling method is used to fill the gap between the substrates thereof and provides a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display which can achieve high display characteristics. Droplets of a liquid crystal are dispensed in positions associated with exposure joint lines at boundaries between respective couples of adjoining regions to be exposed. Since this prevents stripe-like irregularities and grid-like irregularities from overlapping each other, display irregularities become less visually perceptible. |
| US07656498B2 |
Method of manufacturing multi-panel display device
A method of manufacturing a multi-display panel comprises mounting a plurality of display elements on a substrate, covering the substrate and the display elements with a glass cover having walls for partitioning each of the display elements; and cutting the substrate and the glass cover along the walls and separating the display elements to respectively form image units. Thus, the width of a connection portion between the image units is less than half of that in the conventional art and a display image formed by two separate images looks natural. |
| US07656495B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and manufacture method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a patterned sealant, several first stop structures, several second stop structures and several seal spacers, is provided. The first substrate is opposite to the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer and the patterned sealant surrounding it are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first stop structures disposed inside the patterned sealant surround the liquid crystal layer. Each second stop structure disposed inside the patterned sealant is located next to one of the first stop structures. The height H1 of each first or second stop structure is smaller than the distance H2 between the first and second substrates. The seal spacers are disposed inside the patterned sealant and located between the first and the second stop structures. A manufacture method of the LCD panel thereof is further provided. |
| US07656491B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
In a liquid crystal display device of an IPS system, to realize reduction of manufacturing cost and improvement of yield by decreasing the number of steps for manufacturing a TFT. A channel etch type bottom gate TFT structure, where patterning of a source region and a drain region and patterning of a source wiring and a pixel electrode are carried out by the same photomask. |
| US07656489B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing same
Provided is a liquid crystal display enabling well-balanced improvement of contrast and the response speed against voltage application, in vertical alignment mode using a vertical alignment type liquid crystal. A liquid crystal display includes a couple of substrates disposed facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates, the liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules having a negative dielectric anisotropy, each pixel in the liquid crystal layer having more than two regions, the liquid crystal molecules in one of the regions having a pre-tilt angle different from that of the liquid crystal in another region. |
| US07656485B2 |
Method of fabricating liquid crystal display panels having various sizes
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display panel, includes providing a mother substrate having a plurality of display panel regions of different sizes, and forming a plurality of display panel substrates each formed at one of the display panel regions, parts of the display panel substrates to be rubbed being aligned to one side of the mother substrate where rubbing is to start. |
| US07656483B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A transreflective or “semi-transmissive” liquid crystal display (LCD) device of the vertical alignment (VA) type is disclosed. The VA-LCD device includes a pair of spaced-apart substrates with a layer of liquid crystal (LC) material sandwiched therebetween. The LCD device also includes a polarization plate provided on one of the substrates, another polarization plate on the other substrate, and a matrix of rows and columns of pixels formed between the substrates. Each pixel has a reflection part and a transmission part. The LC layer is variable in thickness so that its portion at the transmission part is thicker than a portion at the reflection part. At the reflection part, an internal retardation plate having an optical phase difference is disposed between the LC layer and its associated substrate. This plate forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the absorption axis of each polarization plate. |
| US07656476B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for providing light to liquid crystal panel
A liquid crystal display including a thin film transistor array substrate comprising sub-pixel regions, a color filter array substrate oppositely disposed to the thin film transistor array substrate, the color filter array substrate comprising color filters corresponding to at least a part of the sub-pixel regions, a liquid crystal layer formed between the color filter array substrate and the thin film transistor array substrate and a backlight unit configured to provide white light having an adjusted blue spectrum to a surface of the thin film transistor array substrate using at least a light emitting diode (LED) unit. |
| US07656475B2 |
Liquid crystal display module having a color filter with a filtering layer having a transmission spectrum that does not overlap an emission spectrum of a light emitting diode at a wavelength
A liquid crystal display (LCD) module includes a backlight module and an LCD panel. The backlight module has an illumination device for emitting at least a first, a second, and a third color light. The wavelength of the second color light is between 520 nm and 540 nm. The LCD panel is provided to display an image with the first, second and third color lights provided as light sources. The LCD panel includes a color filter having at least a first, a second, and a third filtering layer for filtering the first, second, and third color lights, respectively. The LCD panel also includes a liquid crystal layer disposed next to the color filter. The peak value of a transmission spectrum of the second filtering layer is between 520 nm and 540 nm, and the full width at half maximum of the transmission spectrum of the second filtering layer is between 90 nm and 120 nm. |
| US07656472B2 |
Light source device and method for manufacturing the same, display device and method for manufacturing the same, and method for driving display device
In a light source device, a row of fibers is provided in which a plurality of optical fibers is arrayed in a single row in parallel fashion separately from each other. A light-direction controller is disposed on one side of the optical fibers, main fibers is disposed above and below the light-direction controller, and a main fiber is disposed at the other end of the row of fibers. Light sources are connected to each of the end portions of the main fibers. Three types of mirrors that mutually differ in direction are formed on the surface of the light-direction controller, light emitted from a main fiber enters the optical fibers by way of a first mirror, and light emitted from a main fiber enters the optical fibers by way of a second mirror. |
| US07656464B2 |
Remote control unit code learning television set
A television set which learns to work with a remote control unit not specifically designed to operate that television set. The television set enters a learning mode in response to the user pressing a “Learn Remote” button or menu item, or in response to receiving an unknown remote control signal value, and gives the user a series of prompts for the user to press specified buttons on the remote control unit. As the user presses the buttons, the television set associates the received data values with the prompted button/functionality, to construct the remote code data set of the remote control unit. The television set may retrieve the remote code data set from an external source such as a website. After learning the remote code data set, the television set is able to be controlled by the remote control unit as though it were factory original. |
| US07656463B2 |
Remote controller for broadcasting receiver, broadcasting receiver, information recorded medium, and channel setting method
A paper medium having a bar code printed thereon is distributed to a viewer as a leaflet or the like. The bar code has channel setting information related to a certain area recorded thereon. The channel setting information is stored in a nonvolatile memory by reading the bar code using a reader in a broadcasting receiver. If a button corresponding to a preset number in a remote controller is pressed, the receiver acquires a physical channel number using the channel setting information, to perform channel selection processing. |
| US07656461B2 |
Method of and apparatus for utilizing video buffer in a multi-purpose fashion to extend the video buffer to multiple windows
The present invention includes a method and device that allows efficient mixing of multiple video images with a graphics screen while utilizing only one video buffer. The present invention partitions the sole video buffer, pre-scales the plurality of video images and inserts them into the partitioned video buffer in a predetermined range of buffer addresses. The present invention mixes the partitioned video including the pre-scaled video images with the graphics screen to produce a video display including both a video screen and a graphics screen. |
| US07656459B2 |
Crane hook and trolley camera system
A crane camera system employs a hook camera transmitter to send wireless signals vertically upward to a trolley receiver, which are then relayed by a trolley transmitter to the operator cabin. This allows line-of-sight wireless transmission of signals from the hook to the cabin to take place reliably without interference from obstructions on the work site. It is especially suitable for a tower-type overhead or boom-type crane. A trolley camera may also be provided for taking look-down images of the hook and transmitting them to the cabin in tandem with the hook camera signals. The hook and trolley camera images allows the operator to see more precisely the positioning of the hook relative to the ground, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of accidents or damaging collisions with persons or objects on the ground. A hook assembly mounting the hook camera on the hook has a longitudinal frame fastened with vibration-dampeners to two lateral hook spindles in the hook to avoid reducing the integrity of the hook or contact with moving parts of the hook. |
| US07656457B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging method and recording medium for minimizing release time lag
An imaging apparatus that includes a device for discharging charge or F/E-IC for discharging charge accumulated in an imaging device or CCD and for canceling exposure in a discharging term of the charge. The imaging apparatus also includes a light shielding device or mechanical shutter unit for a mechanical shutter, which shields light by the mechanical shutter, and a control device or CPU block for hastening by a predetermined time the charge discharging term of the CCD in the discharging device and a light shielding timing of the mechanical shutter in the light shielding device, when a shutter speed for recording a subject is more than a predetermined time. |
| US07656455B2 |
Image pickup device having improved precision
An image pickup device is provided with an optical low pass filter capable of advancing into and retreating from between an optical system and a photoelectric conversion element array in accordance with a selected mode, wherein the optical low pass filter is advanced into between the optical system and the photoelectric conversion element array so as to block a high frequency component of an optical image. |
| US07656452B2 |
Imaging device, portable terminal using the same, and image device producing method
This invention relates to dust-proof, moisture-proof structures of the image pickup devices mounted in small-size thin types of electronic apparatus. More specifically, an image pickup device of this invention includes an image pickup element, a mounting base having a formed leg section which abuts on the image pickup element, an image pickup optical system that guides photographic object light to the imaging region of the image pickup element, and an outer frame member that contains the image pickup element, the mounting base, and the image pickup optical system. The space formed at the photoelectric conversion plane side of the image pickup element is sealed by using the mounting base or by using the mounting base and a part of the outer frame member. |
| US07656437B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program
An apparatus and a method for efficiently executing correction of false color, such as purple fringe, caused by chromatic aberration and for generating and outputting high-quality image data are provided. A white-saturated pixel is detected from image data, a false-color-pixel detection area is set around the detected white-saturated pixel, and pixels having color corresponding to false color such as purple fringe are detected from the set area. The detected pixels are determined as false-color pixels and correction processing based on the values of the surrounding pixels is performed on the determined false-color pixels. With this configuration, an area of false color such as purple fringe generated in the neighborhood of a white-saturated pixel can be efficiently detected, pixel values can be partially corrected, and high-quality image data can be generated and output without affecting the entire image. |
| US07656428B2 |
Imaging device employing optical motion sensor as gyroscope
A motion sensor configured to control compensation for movement of an imaging device receiving light representative of a selected scene on an image plane. The motion sensor includes and array of photoelements and a controller. The array of photoelements is configured to acquire successive images of features of an environment within a field of view of the motion sensor; including a first image of features and a second image of features acquired at a time interval after the first image, the first and second images including common features. The controller is configured to receive and correlate the first and second images to detect movement of the imaging device about a first and a second axis during the time interval by detecting differences in locations of the common features relative to the array of photoelements, and to provide first and second compensation signals based on the correlation to control opto-mechanical adjustments to counter detected movement of the imaging device about the first and second axes so as to maintain a substantially fixed relationship between the selected scene and the imaging plane. |
| US07656424B2 |
Method and device for stabilizing images supplied by a video camera
Method and device for stabilizing images obtained by a video camera of an environment with objects moving along lanes. The method a first stage of determining in first images obtained by the camera, portions corresponding to the movement lanes, determining the remaining second portions complementary to the first portions, determining, in the second portions, the reference position of the image point corresponding to a first stationary object point, and a second stage of determining in at least one second image taken after the first images, the vector that corresponds to the movement of the image point relative to its reference position determined by the first images, and processing the second image as a function of the modulus and direction of the vector such that, relative to the three-dimensional frame of reference the image point returns to its reference position. |
| US07656419B2 |
Drive circuit for display apparatus and display apparatus
A drive circuit that is an example of the present invention is a drive circuit of a display device for outputting in parallel the analog picture signals generated based on the digital picture signals inputted in serial. This circuit comprises a level shift circuit for converting the voltage level of the digital picture signals that were inputted in serial, a D/A conversion circuit for generating analog picture signals based on the digital picture signals that were subjected to level conversion with the level shift circuit, and an expansion circuit connected to the output side of the D/A conversion circuit or between the level shift circuit and the D/A conversion circuit and serving to expand and hold the inputted serial picture signals in parallel and output the picture signals in parallel. The level shift circuit is thus formed in the front stage of the picture signal register circuit. |
| US07656417B2 |
Appearance determination using fragment reduction
A method for determining the appearance of a pixel includes receiving fragment data for a pixel to be rendered; storing the fragment data; and determining an appearance value for the pixel based on the stored fragment data, wherein a portion of the stored fragment data is dropped when the number of fragment data per pixel exceeds a threshold value enabling large savings in memory footprint without impacting perceivably on the image quality. A graphics processor includes a rasterizer operative to generate fragment data for a pixel to be rendered in response to primitive information; and a render back end circuit, coupled to the rasterizer, operative to determine a pixel appearance value based on the fragment data by dropping the fragment data having the least effect on pixel appearance. |
| US07656415B2 |
Aggregation of curve effects
A system, a method and computer-readable media for aggregating curves. An aggregated curve is generated by associating input values from a first curve with output values from a second curve. This aggregated curve may be used, for example, to apply multiple curve effects to a digital image. |
| US07656411B2 |
Matched texture filter design for rendering multi-rate data samples
A method and apparatus for texture filtering is provide wherein a filler select module is adapted to select a filtering mode based upon a sampling rate of polygon and texture data. The filter mode is selected by determining the filter characteristics of the selected filtering mode based upon the sampling rate and a degree of warping per texture coordinate. A texture reconstruction filter characteristic is morphed based upon the input polygon and texture data so that, after subsamples are aggregated, an effective filter characteristic matches the texture reconstruction filter characteristic of a texture reconstruction filter used for coarse sampling. Subsequently, a texel blending module computes texel blending factors based on the filtering mode determined by the filter select module. |
| US07656409B2 |
Graphics processing on a processor core
In a many core system, receiving a call to a graphics driver; translating the call into a command executable on a core of the many core system; and executing the translated call on the core. |
| US07656407B2 |
Image processing program and image processing apparatus
Between two apexes of a shape model associated with each other, a virtual spring for applying, to the two apexes, a virtual force which is directed in each of coordinate axis directions in a rectangular coordinate system and which is changed in magnitude in accordance with a distance between the two apexes in the coordinate axis direction is set. When positional relationship between the apexes of the shape model is changed from that of a reference state, the game apparatus calculates a difference between the post-change distance between the two apexes and the distance therebetween in the reference state for each of coordinate components. Then, the game apparatus calculates a magnitude of a virtual force generated by each of virtual springs based on the difference; and calculates a virtual force received by each apex for each coordinate component by adding parallel forces among the virtual forces applied to each apex. |
| US07656401B2 |
Techniques for representing 3D scenes using fixed point data
A quantization transform, corresponding to a geometric object, is determined. The geometric object represents at least a portion of an object in a three-dimensional scene. The quantization transform is suitable for converting a floating point space to a fixed point space, where the floating point space contains floating point data corresponding to the geometric object. The quantization transform is used to convert floating point data to fixed point data. The floating point data is typically vertices corresponding to the geometric object. Additionally, a quantization transform corresponding to a geometric object is determined. The geometric object represents at least a portion of the three-dimensional scene. The quantization transform is suitable for converting a floating point space to a fixed point space, and the fixed point space contains one or more fixed point data corresponding to the geometric object. The floating point space defines at least the portion of the three-dimensional scene. At least the quantization transform is applied to the one or more fixed point data. |
| US07656400B2 |
Image data editing device and method, and image data display and method
A method and a device for converting data of a first format discriminated by an identifier into picture data of a second format different from the first format. In converting the data of the first format into the picture data of the second format different from the first format, discrimination picture data for discriminating the picture data is generated, while data relevant for correlating the picture data to the discriminated picture data is also generated. If, in displaying the converted picture data, the discrimination picture data is selected, the picture data correlated to the discriminated picture data is displayed based on the data relevant for correlating the picture data to the discriminated picture data. |
| US07656389B2 |
Input device with forward/backward control
In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select. Based on the selection made by the user, the message hook procedure sends a corresponding command to the focus application. |
| US07656387B2 |
Method and machine-accessible medium for controlling multiple processing units with a single input device
A method and a machine-accessible medium transfer control of an input device from one processor to another processor in a distributed computing system when a pointer is located within a transition area of a display. Movement of the input device triggers the transfer of input signals generated by the input device to the other processor. In an embodiment, the input device includes a keyboard and mouse. |
| US07656384B2 |
Driving device and driving method of electrophoretic display
A driving device of an electrophoretic display panel having a common electrode and a plurality of divided electrodes disposed opposite to the common electrode includes: a first driving circuit that outputs a plurality of voltages corresponding to a plurality of voltage data supplied as a series of data and supplies the plurality of voltages to the plurality of divided electrodes; and a second driving circuit that outputs a voltage corresponding to supplied data and supplies the voltage to the common electrode. |
| US07656381B2 |
Systems for providing dual resolution control of display panels
Systems for providing dual resolution control of display panels are provided. A representative system incorporates two pairs of shift registers, each of the shift registers outputting a shifting signal; two pairs of logic gates; and a switching network coupled among the shifting registers and the logic gates. In a low resolution mode, the switching network causes the shift registers to output shifting signals, with corresponding pulses of the shifting signals of the shift registers of the first pair temporally overlapping with corresponding pulses of the shifting signals of the shift registers of the second pair; and wherein, responsive to the shifting signals, the logic gates output panel control signals, with corresponding pulses of the panel control signals of the logic gates of the first pair not temporally overlapping with corresponding pulses of the panel control signals of the logic gates of the second pair. |
| US07656380B2 |
Display device
This invention provides a driving circuit for a display device, for accomplishing low power consumption by use of a level shifter capable of reliably converting signals having low voltage amplitude. A source signal line driving circuit is divided into a plurality of units. Pulses outputted from a shift register, etc, are used to execute ON/OFF control of the operation of a current supply source to the level shifter of each divided unit. The supply of the current to the level shifter is suspended in the stage not containing the circuit that outputs the pulses, but is made to only the unit including the shift register of the operating stage. In consequence, low power consumption can be achieved. |
| US07656372B2 |
Method for driving liquid crystal display device having a display pixel region and a dummy pixel region
An object is to prevent a defective indication caused by a reverse twisted domain generated from the dummy pixel region which is provided in the periphery of a display pixel region. By setting a signal voltage to be applied to the pixels of the dummy pixel region to be lower than the maximum value of a video signal voltage which is applied to the display pixel region and also setting it to be in a level by which a defective indication is not caused due to a traverse electric field between the neighboring dummy pixel region and the display pixel region, generation of the reverse twisted domain within the dummy pixel region can be suppressed. Thereby, the defective indication caused by the reverse twist can be prevented. |
| US07656371B2 |
Light emitting apparatus, LED lighting, LED light emitting apparatus, and control method of light emitting apparatus
A light emitting apparatus comprises at least two light emitting elements with different chromaticities; and a light emitting element controller that controls light emitted from the light emitting apparatus so as to be a desired chromaticity. The light emitting element controller controls the light emitting elements based on a predetermined function of light emitting element temperature variation. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a light emitting apparatus that, even if the temperature varies, has a stable desired chromaticity without chromaticity variation. In addition, since control is performed based on a property function of wavelength fluctuation due to light emitting element temperature variation, it is possible to provide more reliable reproduction characteristics, and a desired chromaticity. |
| US07656370B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for the ageing compensation of an organic light-emitting diode and circuit arrangement
The invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement for the ageing compensation of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) which is fed from a supply voltage and is switched by means of a driver transistor operated in saturation operation, by means of a driving of the light-emitting diode. The method comprises the following steps of: storing at least one desired current-voltage value pair of a desired current-voltage characteristic curve of the light-emitting diode; transferring the driver transistor from saturation operation to linear operation during a measurement cycle; measuring a current value for the current through the light-emitting diode by means of a current measuring circuit in the measurement cycle; determining at least one present current-voltage value pair of a present current-voltage characteristic curve of the light-emitting diode by means of the measured current value; comparing the at least one present current-voltage value pair of the light-emitting diode with the desired current-voltage value pair of the light-emitting diode; and generating driving parameters for driving the light-emitting diode in a manner dependent on the result of the comparison. |
| US07656366B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing thermal stress in light-emitting elements
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the thermal gradient and therefore the thermal stress in light-emitting elements in which the light-emitting elements are exposed to temperature gradients caused by varying drive current under operating conditions. The method and apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the thermal stress in a light-emitting element by adaptively determining a drive current transient for a required change in the drive current from a first drive current state to a desired second drive current state, wherein the drive current transient is adaptively determined in order to substantially minimize the change in applied voltage over time, during the transition time period. |
| US07656364B2 |
Systems and methods for a multi-mode reconfigurable sector antenna
Systems and methods for configuring a single sector antenna capable of operating in multiple modes and comprising a plurality of radiating arrays to radiate over a sector area at a polarization by activating a single radiating array. An enabler activates a single radiating array in a single-unit sector antenna that comprises multiple radiating arrays to allow the sector antenna to operate in the desired mode without interference from additional active radiating arrays, the sector antenna being capable of reconfiguration without unit replacement or system losses to operate in a different mode. |
| US07656363B2 |
Radio communication antenna fitted with a radome and method of assembling this kind of radio communication antenna fitted with a radome
The present invention concerns a radio communication antenna comprising a reflector fitted to a first opening of a cylindrical lateral screen and a radome formed by a flexible material covering a second opening of this lateral screen so as to have a protective surface facing the reflector. According to the invention, this kind of antenna is characterized in that the protective surface is curved by the mechanical action of a deformation element of the antenna coming into contact with this protective surface. |
| US07656361B2 |
Multiple phase shifter for protecting individuals against electromagnetic waves
The invention relates to a multiple phase shifter for protecting individuals against electromagnetic waves. The invention comprises several phase shift modules which each comprise two identical or homothetic flat loops which are electrically connected by means of two inter-loop connection elements at a first opening in each of the loops and which are electrically insulated from one another with the exception of the inter-loop connection elements. Each module is electrically connected to another module by means of two inter-module connection elements and is essentially identical or homothetic to the other modules. The inter-module connection elements connect one of the loops of one module at a second opening in the loop to one of the loops of another module at a second opening in said loop. The modules are electrically insulated from one another with the exception of the inter-module connection elements. |
| US07656360B2 |
Antenna device, wireless communication apparatus using the same, and control method of controlling wireless communication apparatus
An antenna device has semi-conductive antenna bodies each having a predetermined length, which are positioned on a dielectric substrate, and control electrodes that are respectively connected with the semi-conductive antenna bodies. Direct-current biased voltage applied across each of the control electrodes is controlled to switch each of the antenna bodies between their insulation state and their conductive state. |
| US07656358B2 |
Antenna operable at two frequency bands simultaneously
An antenna is provided which is structured to operate at two frequency bands simultaneously. The antenna is structured as a waveguide cavity having two types of radiating elements provided on its top surface, symmetrically about the diagonal of the cavity. One group of radiating elements is optimized to operate at one frequency band, while the other group is optimized to operate at a first frequency band. In one implementation, two groups of holes of different diameter are provided on the top surface of the cavity and the radiating elements are two groups of cones of different diameter coupled to different diameter holes. The different diameter holes act as a filet between the two frequency bands. |
| US07656356B2 |
Non-contact communication antenna unit and mobile communication device using the same
A non-contact communication antenna unit capable of implementing a thickness reduction of a mobile communication device and also suppressing a reduction in a communication range characteristic of a non-contact communication antenna even when metal components such as circuit wirings, a circuit GND, a shielding case, etc. being arranged on the inside of the mobile communication device are arranged in close vicinity to the non-contact communication antenna is provided.A non-contact communication antenna 9 and a magnetic sheet 11 arranged on one surface of a non-contact communication circuit board 8 respectively, and an non-contact communication electronic components 10 and a magnetic sheet 12 arranged on the other surface of the non-contact communication circuit board 8 respectively are provided, whereby the magnetic sheet 11 and the magnetic sheet 12 are arranged on the non-contact communication circuit board 8 such that the non-contact communication antenna 9 and the non-contact communication electronic component 10 are separated mutually. |
| US07656355B2 |
Stylus arranged with antenna and portable wireless communication device having the same
A portable wireless communication device has a stylus and a main body. The stylus includes a pen tube and an antenna. The antenna is containable in the pen tube and separable from the pen tube. A portable wireless communication device includes a circuit board arranged in the main body, a containing groove and an antenna groove formed in the main body. The circuit board has a wireless communication unit. The containing groove is configured for containing the stylus. The antenna groove is configured for containing the antenna, and the antenna connects electrically to the wireless communication unit of the circuit board when the antenna is contained in the antenna groove. |
| US07656349B2 |
Enhancement of GNSS position determination in poor signal propagation environments
A system, for enhancing location estimates by movable rovers that use receivers for processing ranging signals from orbiting satellites, including a fixed base station that serves as a ranging signal source for the rovers' receivers. The base station may also determine and transmit the azimuthal angles of the respective rovers. The rovers use this information, along with a calculated or transmitted ranges to the base station to calculate the ranging system times at the locations of the rovers. Further, the rovers may use the information along with signals from satellites in view to determine position. |
| US07656346B2 |
Millimeter wave image processor and millimeter wave image processing method
A millimeter wave image processor, capable of performing imaging by matching and filtering while considering a spherical wave on an antenna face in a near field, is provided. The processor includes: a T-antenna which receives a radio wave emitted by a target; an A/D converter which A/D converts signals received by the T-antenna; a correlation processing unit which performs correlation processing to a combination of signals of a horizontal conversion output and a vertical conversion output among A/D converted data; and an imaging processor which correlates a reference function in which a received signal is generated theoretically on an assumption that the target is at a position of a focused distance and a received signal of a spherical wave received by the T-antenna for each pixel in the field of view to thereby create an image of the target. |
| US07656339B2 |
Systems and methods for analog to digital conversion
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for analog to digital conversion. For example, an analog to digital converter is disclosed that includes an analog input that is provided to a comparator bank. The comparator bank receives a reference indicator, and is operable to provide a current output based at least in part on a comparison of the analog input with a reference threshold corresponding to the reference indicator. The analog to digital converter further includes a range selection filter that is operable to receive the current output and to generate the reference indicator based at least in part on a prior output of the comparator bank. |
| US07656337B2 |
Method and system for bit polarization coding
A method and system for converting a digital code. A digital signal is encoded to have a digital code having multiple binary bits. Substantially one half of the binary bits of the digital code is inverted to produce a modified digital code to reduce digital noise associated with the digital code. |
| US07656334B2 |
Signal processor
A signal-processing unit according to the present invention comprises: an input line provided with a plurality of analog input signal lines; a multiplexer circuit transmitting the plurality of analog signals from this input line to one signal line in the subsequent stage in a desired sequence; an analog-digital conversion circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it; and a cross talk compensation circuit that with respect to each of signals having been sequentially outputted from the analog-digital conversion circuit, a coefficient of an effect level between this signal and the other plural signals interfering with each other is calculated, and data obtained by multiplying the signals by these coefficients are added up. |
| US07656331B2 |
System on a chip with multiple independent outputs
An audio output circuit includes a DAC module, a line out circuit, and a headphone amplifier circuit. The digital to analog conversion (DAC) module is coupled to convert an audio component of digitized multimedia data into an analog audio signal. The line out circuit is coupled to amplify the analog audio signal based on a line out volume setting. The headphone amplifier is coupled to amplify the analog audio signal based on a volume setting to produce an amplified analog audio signal. |
| US07656328B2 |
Signal level conversion circuit for increasing dynamic range of analog-to-digital converter
Disclosed herein is a signal level conversion circuit for increasing the dynamic range of an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). A comparison and calculation unit compares the value of an input signal Vin and the value of a first reference signal Vref1 and compares the value of the input signal Vin and the value of a second reference signal Vref2, and calculates and outputs respective differences therebetween. A signal leveling circuit unit converts signal levels of the respective output signals of the comparison and calculation unit so that the output signals fall within the dynamic range of an ADC. The ADC digitizes the output signal Vo of the signal leveling circuit unit and the output signals Vack1 and Vack2 of the comparison and calculation unit. |
| US07656326B2 |
Decoding of context adaptive binary arithmetic codes in computational core of programmable graphics processing unit
Embodiments of decoding systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, comprises a software programmable core processing unit having a context-adaptive binary arithmetic (CABAC) unit configured to execute a shader, the shader configured to implement CABAC decoding of a video stream and provide a decoded data output. |
| US07656325B1 |
Serializer-deserializer (SerDes) having a predominantly digital architecture and method of deserializing data
A serializer-deserializer and a method of deserializing data. In one embodiment, the serializer-deserializer includes: (1) an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive a serial data stream and provide a digital output based thereon, (2) a digital comparator coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and configured to compare the digital output to an output table to yield candidate output bits, (3) a digital feedback equalizer coupled to the digital comparator and configured to generate the output table based on the candidate output bits and (4) a multiplexer coupled to the digital comparator and configured to select output bits from among the candidate output bits to form a discrete bit sequence. |
| US07656323B2 |
Apparatus for all-digital serializer-de-serializer and associated methods
An all-digital serializer-de-serializer includes an all-digital clock multiplier unit (CMU) circuit, an all-digital clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit, a multiplexer (MUX), and a demultiplexer (DeMUX). The all-digital clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit couples to the all-digital clock multiplier unit (CMU) circuit. The multiplexer (MUX), couples to all-digital clock multiplier unit (CMU) circuit, and serializes data. The demultiplexer (DeMUX), couples to the all-digital clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit, and de-serializes data. |
| US07656322B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having error correction function
A semiconductor memory device configured such that the time required for its access test can be reduced comprising a memory cell array, a row decoder, a column decoder, an error correction circuit, and an output circuit. The error correction circuit performs error correction on a code word read through the bit lines selected by the column decoder from ones of memory cells located at places at which the word line selected by the row decoder and the selected bit lines cross over, thereby detecting an error position in the code word to generate error detection data indicating the error position and corrects the information bit in the detected error position to generate error corrected data. The output circuit relays to the outside the error corrected data when a normal operation mode has been designated and the error detection data when a test operation mode has been designated. |
| US07656315B2 |
Computer chinese character input method and its keyboard based on simplified strokes
This computer Chinese character input method mainly includes: Select 10 elements corresponding to the 10 simplified Chinese character strokes, which are and Select 46 elements corresponding to the 46 stroke combination sets, whose representative visual representations are: Assign the above 10 elements and 46 elements to keys on a computer keyboard; Determine desired characters based on the elements input by a user using the keyboard mentioned above or other apparatus. |
| US07656314B2 |
Input device
An input device is provided. The input device includes an operation unit. A coordinate input unit capable of detecting that an operating body is in contact with the operation unit and detecting a position coordinate on the operation unit of a position where the operating body contacted the operation unit. A data processing unit outputs an operation processing signal on the basis of a detection signal received from the coordinate input unit. The data processing unit outputs an operation confirmation processing signal for the input operation after an input operation is performed while the operating body is contacting the operation unit, when tapping is performed on the operation unit, with the operating body kept in contact with the operation unit. |
| US07656310B2 |
Technique for operating a vehicle safely in a lane
In a control and management system for automobiles, a central processor in the system connects traditionally unrelated vehicle subsystems together to realize synergistic functions such as smart driving, automatic parking, etc. A master interface having a display is employed in the system to help a user control and manage the vehicle functions. |
| US07656309B2 |
System and method for sharing information between downhole drill strings
A system for sharing information between downhole drill strings is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a first drill string and a communications network integrated into the first drill string. The communications network includes multiple nodes spaced at selected intervals along the first drill string to gather subterranean data along the first drill string. The system further includes a second drill string and a real-time communication link between the first drill string and second drill string. The communication link is used to transit the subterranean data from the first drill string to the second drill string to control the second drill string. |
| US07656307B2 |
Vehicle lighting device and LED light source therefor
The disclosed subject matter aims to provide a vehicle lighting device and an LED light source therefore. Accurate temperature detection of an LED chip and associated phosphor can be monitored in real time. The LED light source can include at least one LED chip mounted on a base and a phosphor layer disposed adjacent the LED chip. A mixed particulate phosphor for generating fluorescence through light emitted from the above LED chip can also be provided. The LED light source can be configured to output mixed color light containing the light from the LED chip and the fluorescence from the phosphor. The LED light source can also include a temperature detecting element located on the base and LED chip to detect the temperature on the periphery of the LED chip. |
| US07656306B2 |
Circuit for driving network indicator
A circuit assembly for indicating statuses of a network includes an indicator circuit having a first indicator and a second indicator, a networking chipset including a first port for outputting a network type signal, a second port for outputting a linking status signal, and a third port for outputting a data transfer signal, and a driving circuit. The driving circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a power supply is capable of powering the first and second indicators. The second indicator is connected between the power supply and the third port to indicate data transfer status of the networking chipset. The first port and the second port are connected to the first indicator via the first transistor and the second transistor. The first transistor accepts the linking status signal to generate an assistant signal transferred to the second transistor. The second transistor accepts the network type signal, and compares the network type signal with the assistant signal to determine switching on or off the second transistor to control the indicator. |
| US07656304B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing a current in a circuit
Techniques are disclosed to sense a current in a circuit. For instance, current sense circuit according to the teachings of the present invention includes a current sense resistor coupled to an input of the current sense circuit. The current sense resistor is coupled to receive a current to be sensed from the input of the current sense circuit. The current to be sensed is converted to a current sense voltage. A first PN junction diode is coupled to the current sense resistor. A light emitting diode (LED) is coupled to the first PN junction diode to provide a current sense threshold substantially proportional to a difference between a forward voltage drop of the LED and a forward voltage drop of the first PN junction diode. The first PN junction diode is coupled to be biased from the forward voltage drop of the LED. The LED is coupled to the current sense resistor to generate an output when the current sense voltage from the current sense resistor reaches the current sense threshold. |
| US07656301B2 |
Smoke detection for hardware cabinets
An air-cooled electronic component cabinet has an air sampling conduit to enable smoke detection from air from different areas within the cabinet. An air sampling conduit has one or more orifices to sample air from the different areas within the cabinet, such as adjacent different electronic chassis assemblies or enclosures stacked in a rack within the cabinet. An axial fan or blower draws air samples into the conduit, or the air samples are drawn in by operation of convection or other airflow established within the cabinet. In the air sampling conduit, the air samples are mixed and conveyed for sampling by one or more smoke detection devices mounted, e.g., within the conduit, or within an attached expansion joint section to reduce the airflow velocity or accommodate multiple smoke detection devices. Orifices in the air sampling conduit varying in size or number at different conduit areas regulate associated sampled air proportions. A variety of configurations in which such air sampling conduits are deployed are presented. |
| US07656300B2 |
Pest control system
The present invention relates to an integrated method and system for preventing and solving problems relating to pests of any kind on a site, in a building, in a process, installation or in an area. The system involves complete digitalizing and automation of all functions necessary in order to control the pests such as surveillance, registration, alarms, regulation and remedial actions as well as generating reports etc. The aim is to make the overall effort against the pests more effective by means of fully automating all processes to the furthest possible extent. |
| US07656297B2 |
RFID tag reading rate
An RFID system of the present invention has a plurality of antennas for reading data from an RFID tag; an antenna configuration storage unit for prestoring a position of each of the plurality of antennas; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the RFID tag; and an antenna control unit for selecting one or more of the antennas that read the RFID tag, based on the position of the RFID tag detected by the position detection unit and on the position of each of the plurality of antennas stored in the antenna configuration storage unit, and for preferentially activating the selected one or more of the antennas. |
| US07656295B2 |
Media content preview
A media product comprising an electronic tag, the tag comprising a memory, wherein the memory has data stored thereon representing preview material associated with the content of the product. A suitable tag and device for querying a memory of the tag are also described. |
| US07656294B2 |
Disablement of camera functionality for a portable device
Systems, methods, media, and apparatuses for disabling camera functionality in a portable device are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include establishing a connection with a camera-enabled portable device and transmitting to the portable device a request for permission to disable camera functionality. Embodiments of the method may also include receiving a response from the portable device relating to permission to disable camera functionality. Further embodiments of the method may include, in response to receiving permission to disable camera functionality, transmitting to the portable device a command to disable camera functionality or, in response to receiving an indication that the user refused permission, displaying a notification message. The command to disable camera functionality may include a command to disable camera functionality for a prescribed period, while the portable device is located within a secure geographical location, partially or fully disable camera functionality, and/or other methodology. |
| US07656292B2 |
Flexible anti-theft pack for tracking and location
A flexible security device for tracking and location. The device comprises a flexible housing having a hollow medial region. A location tracking assembly is contained, at least in part, within the hollow region. The location tracking assembly comprises a plurality of modules, including a wireless communications antenna module, a wireless communications electronics module, a global positioning system antenna module, a global positioning system electronics module, and a power module. A plurality of interconnects are configured among the plurality of modules, with one or more of the interconnects having sufficient flexibility to permit relative movement of at least one module relative to an adjacent interconnected module. |
| US07656291B2 |
System and method for determining proximity to a wireless boundary of programmable shape used in animal containment
Described is a boundary proximity determining system for wirelessly defining a boundary having a programmable shape and for indicating the occurrence of a rover unit traversing the boundary. The boundary proximity determining system includes a base station unit that generates a plurality of magnetic fields. The boundary proximity determining system also includes a rover unit that is responsive to the generated magnetic fields such that the rover unit defines the boundary in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields. The rover unit determines whether the rover unit is within or outside the boundary by determining the current location of the rover unit in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields and comparing the current location to the boundary. |
| US07656286B2 |
Trusted monitoring system and method
Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system comprised of at least one master data collection unit, any number of remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the objects being monitored. The master unit may be in a fixed location, or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave the area where it is located. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices, wherein the child devices can be remote sensors or monitors of various measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification and biometric identification. The master unit is able to discover new remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located. The master unit can be remotely reprogrammed. The reprogramming can be accomplished with authenticated instructions. |
| US07656278B2 |
Theft prevention apparatus of leisure vehicle
A theft prevention apparatus of a leisure vehicle equipped with a rider's seat which opens outside is disclosed. The theft prevention apparatus typically includes a portable transmitter configured to transmit a user identification code by radio at predetermined intervals during travel of the vehicle, a vehicle receiver mounted in the vehicle and configured to receive the user identification code which is transmitted by radio from the portable transmitter, a controller coupled to the vehicle receiver through a signal line or by radio, and an alarm device mounted in the vehicle and configured to indicate an alarm to inform the rider that the portable transmitter has been lost, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether or not the vehicle receiver has received the user identification code transmitted from the transmitter within a predetermined time during travel of the vehicle, and to execute control to cause the alarm device to indicate the alarm when the controller determines that the receiver does not receive the user identification code within the predetermined time. |
| US07656268B2 |
Safety switch
A switch includes a body and a switch member pivotably engaged with the top opening of the body. A link has one end pivotably connected to a first end of the switch member and the other end of the link is movably received in a guide path is defined in the body. The second end of the link is located at an inner periphery of the guide path when the switch member is in “ON” position to let two contact points be in contact with each other, and a space is defined between the second end of the link and the outer periphery of the guide path so that the second end of the link is allowed to move toward the outer periphery when a contact portion is deformed upward when overloaded. |
| US07656265B2 |
Apparatus and method for establishing a magnetic circuit
An apparatus for establishing at least one turn for a magnetic circuit includes: (a) at least one first magnetic element oriented substantially about an axis generally between a first axial position and a second axial position; and (b) at least one second magnetic element coupled with at least one selected first magnetic element of the at least one first magnetic element generally at the second axial position. The at least one second magnetic element establishes at least one return magnetic path from the second axial position generally toward the first axial position. The at least one return magnetic path is generally about the axis. |
| US07656262B2 |
Balun transformer, mounting structure of balun transformer, and electronic apparatus having built-in mounting structure
There is provided a balun transformer, in which first to fourth layer coils are stacked and coupled magnetically; one end of each coil of the first to fourth layer coils is grounded; the second and third layer coils are connected in parallel, an unbalanced signal is input/output to/from a common terminal of the second and third layer coils; a first balanced signal is input/output to/from the other end of the first layer coil; and a second balanced signal is input/output to/from the other end of the fourth layer coil. |
| US07656257B2 |
Low energy magnetic actuator
A low energy magnet actuator allows magnetic fields to be turned on and off using a small amount of energy. The magnetic actuator according to the invention generally includes a base suitable for the support of a plurality of magnets. An actuatable shield is positioned in relation to the plurality of magnets so that it effectively blocks the magnetic field when it is positioned over at least one of the magnets. The magnetic fields of the plurality of magnets interact in a manner that allows low energy actuation of the shield. |
| US07656256B2 |
Three-dimensional microstructures having an embedded support member with an aperture therein and method of formation thereof
Provided are three-dimensional microstructures and their methods of formation. The microstructures are formed by a sequential build process and include microstructural elements which are affixed to one another. The microstructures find use, for example, in coaxial transmission lines for electromagnetic energy. |
| US07656252B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) resonator and manufacturing method thereof
A micro-electro-mechanical-system resonator, includes: a substrate; a fixed electrode formed on the substrate; and a movable electrode, arranged facing the fixed electrode and driven by an electrostatic attracting force or an electrostatic repulsion force that acts on a gap between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode. An internal surface of a support beam of the movable electrode facing the fixed electrode has an inclined surface. |
| US07656250B1 |
Differential signal termination block
A termination block for connecting a first signal device and a second signal device. The termination block includes a housing, first and second pair of connectors, and an electrical circuit having passive elements that connect the first and second pair of connectors and provide impedance matching. |
| US07656248B2 |
Equalizer and related signal equalizing method
An equalizer is disclosed. The equalizer includes a filter, configured to receive the first transmission signal, to perform a filtering operation on the first transmission signal according to a feedback signal to generate an output signal; a first slicer, configured to generate a first sliced signal according to a signal level of the output signal and to adjust an amplitude of the first sliced signal according to an amplitude control signal; a boost control module, configured to generate the feedback signal according to the output signal and the first sliced signal; and a control circuit, configured to receive a second transmission signal on the transmission line and to output the amplitude control signal according to an amplitude of the second transmission signal. |
| US07656247B2 |
Broadband balancing transformer
A balance-to-unbalance transformer (balun) comprising a first signal input/output with two symmetrical poles, a second signal input with one pole, several first conductor loop regions, which are located between the two poles of the first signal input and the ground and a second series connection of several conductor loop regions, the first terminal of the latter being connected to the pole of the second signal input. Two second conductor loop regions are electromagnetically coupled to a respective conductor loop region. The second outer terminal of the second series connection of several second conductor loop regions is electrically connected to the intermediate terminal of a first series connection of several first conductor loop regions, which connect a symmetrical pole of the first signal input to the ground. |
| US07656246B2 |
Circular polarizer using conductive and dielectric fins in a coaxial waveguide
There is disclosed a linear polarization to circular polarization converter. An outside surface of an inner conductor may be coaxial with the inside surface of an outer conductor. First and second diametrically opposed conductive fins may extend outward from the outer surface of the inner conductor. First and second dielectric fins may be interlocked with the first and second conductive fins, respectively. |
| US07656240B2 |
Low voltage synchronous oscillator for DC-DC converter
Systems and methods which provide an oscillator circuit outputting non-overlapping trigger signals throughout a range of operating voltages using a reset-set (RS) flip-flop type circuit configuration are shown. Embodiments utilize output driver buffers internal to the RS flip-flop circuit configuration to provide oscillator feedback delay. Feedback control circuitry may be implemented to ensure that the delay associated with any one driver buffer does not solely provide the feedback delay. Embodiments further implement input delay circuitry adapted to maintain a relatively constant reset and set input feedback delay ratio throughout a large range of operating conditions. |
| US07656237B2 |
Method to gate off PLLS in a deep power saving state without separate clock distribution for power management logic
An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are provided to gate a Phased Locked Loop (PLL). In microprocessors, the clock distribution system can account for a substantial amount of power consumption. Gating the PLLs, however, has been difficult because of the usual requirement for a separate clock for control logic and because the PLL requires timed to reacquire phase/frequency lock. Therefore, lock detection logic can be employed to allow the PLL to reacquire phase/frequency lock. Additionally, signals from external devices and the processor can be employed to gate the PLL and allow the processor to be awakened without a need for a separate clock. |
| US07656232B2 |
Wideband variable gain amplifier with clipping function
The present invention relates to a variable gain amplifier. The variable gain amplifier includes an input unit including first and second input nodes and an output node, the input unit being configured to receive first and second input signals. The variable gain amplifier further includes a first clipping unit operable to clip a voltage level at the output node to be equal to or lower than a level of a first reference voltage and a second clipping unit operable to clip a voltage level at the output node to be equal to or greater than a level of a second reference voltage, wherein the second reference voltage is lower than the first reference voltage. A predetermined level of a voltage is outputted through an output unit included in the variable gain amplifier based on the clipped voltage level. |
| US07656231B2 |
High bandwidth apparatus and method for generating differential signals
An apparatus and method for generating differential signals. The apparatus includes a first operational amplifier receiving a first signal, a second operational amplifier receiving a second signal, and a first transistor. The first transistor includes a first gate, a first terminal, and a second terminal. Additionally, the apparatus includes a second transistor. The second transistor includes a second gate, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. Moreover, the apparatus includes a first resistor coupled to the first terminal and the third terminal, and a second resistor coupled to the second terminal and the fourth terminal. Also, the apparatus includes a first current supplier coupled to the first terminal, a second current supplier coupled to the second terminal, a third current supplier coupled to the third terminal, and a fourth current supplier coupled to the fourth terminal. |
| US07656229B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing intermodulation distortion in an electronic device having an amplifier circuit
An electronic device includes an amplifier circuit coupled to a linearizer. The amplifier circuit may receive a first input signal including first and second frequencies and generate a first output signal including a delta frequency signal at a delta frequency, which is the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. The linearizer includes a signal detector circuit, a current-mirror circuit, a low pass filter, a phase shifter, and a bias circuit. The signal detector circuit may generate a second output signal. The current-mirror circuit may adjust an amplitude of a signal. The low pass filter may eliminate a portion of the second output signal having frequencies greater than the delta frequency. The phase shifter may generate a feedback signal corresponding to the delta frequency signal. An amplitude and/or a phase of the feedback signal is different from an amplitude and/or a phase of the delta frequency signal. |
| US07656227B1 |
Techniques to control amplifier gain over process, voltage, and/or temperature (PVT) variations
Methods and apparatus control the gain of an RF amplifier. In an example, the RF amplifier is biased for low distortion. The bias is not changed to adjust gain. Rather, the amplifier's gain is controlled by selectively activating or deactivating RF amplifier cells of the RF amplifier. This individual RF amplifier cells to be biased for good linearity and relatively good spectral performance, while permitting gain control. |
| US07656223B2 |
Delay locked loop circuit
The disclosure relates to phase detectors. Charge up and charge down signals that are generated by a phase detector cause i) following detection of a first edge of a reference clock signal, switching on of a switching transistor of sink current; ii) following detection of an edge of a feedback clock signal falling within less than 180 degrees from the first edge, switching on of a switching transistor of source current and switching off of the switching transistor of sink current; and iii) following detection of an edge of another reference signal at a point in time about midway between the first edge and a next similar edge of the reference clock signal has past, switching off of the switching transistor of source current while maintaining the switching transistor of sink current switched off. |
| US07656221B2 |
Booster circuit and voltage supply circuit
A booster circuit includes a pump circuit that boosts a voltage supplied from a power supply and outputs the boosted voltage, and a pump controlling circuit that outputs a first clock signal for operating the pump circuit to control the operation of the pump circuit. The pump controlling circuit controls the pump circuit to reduce a number of active charge pump circuits according to an output signal of one of a first comparator and a second comparator, controls the pump circuit to reduce a frequency of a second clock signal for operating the active charge pump circuits by reducing a frequency of the first clock signal according to the other output signal of one of the first comparator and the second comparator, and brings the pump circuit into an inactive state according to an output signal of a third comparator. |
| US07656218B2 |
Signal output circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
A signal output circuit is disclosed that supplies a signal from a first circuit that is driven based on a first reference voltage to a second circuit that is driven based on a second reference voltage. The signal output circuit includes a first control circuit that draws a current to the first reference voltage according to an output signal from the first circuit and supplies a signal to the second circuit according to the drawn current, and a second control circuit that draws a current from the second circuit to the second reference voltage. |
| US07656217B2 |
Voltage level clamping circuit and comparator module
A voltage level clamping circuit which can be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC) and a high-speed comparator module, wherein the IC includes a parasitic diode coupled between a first voltage source and a second voltage source. The voltage level clamping circuit includes a switch module coupled between the first voltage source and the second voltage source and a comparator module having an output terminal coupled to the switch module, a first input terminal coupled to the first voltage source, and a second input terminal coupled to the second voltage source, for comparing a voltage level of the first voltage source with a voltage level of the second voltage source to generate an output signal, and transmitting the output signal to the switch module to control a conducting state of the switch module to selectively clamp the voltage level of the second voltage source. |
| US07656215B2 |
Clock generator circuit, clock selector circuit, and semiconductor integrated circuit
A clock generator circuit provides an output clock without an abnormal waveform pulse which causes faulty operation in other function circuits. A phase synchronizing circuit outputs a second clock synchronized with a first clock. A selector signal generator circuit outputs a switching signal when detecting the abnormal waveform pulse in the second clock. A selector outputs the first clock instead of the second clock as the output clock based on the switching signal. A delay circuit delays the second clock input to the selector so that the selector switches the output clock from the second clock to the first clock before the abnormal waveform pulse is input to the selector. |
| US07656214B1 |
Spread-spectrum clock generator
A spread-spectrum clock generator is provided, which includes a modulation module and a voltage-controlled delay line (VCDL). The modulation module provides a control voltage. The VCDL is coupled to the modulation module and is configured for modulating the frequency of an input clock signal according to the control voltage, so as to output an output clock signal. The modulation profile of the output clock signal is a periodic function of time. |
| US07656211B2 |
Dynamic floating input D flip-flop
A dynamic floating input D flip-flop (DFIDFF) is provided. The DFIDFF includes a floating input stage, a first string of transistors, and a second string of transistors. At a pre-charge period, the floating input stage transmits the input data to the first string of transistors; the first string of transistors stores the logic status of the input data, and pre-charges its output node to a first level. At an evaluation period, the first string of transistors decides its output node level in accordance with data logic status stored in the first string of transistors; and the second string of transistors decides output level of the D flip-flop in accordance with logic status of the output node of the first string of transistors. |
| US07656208B2 |
PLL oscillation circuit
A digitally controlled PLL oscillation circuit has a VCO, a frequency divider, a reference oscillation circuit, an A/D converter, a phase comparator, a digital filter, a D/A converter, and an analog filter. A reference signal supplied from the reference oscillation circuit is output through a narrow-band crystal filter (MCF) to the A/D converter to cancel noise, jitter and a spurious wave included in the reference signal, making it possible to prevent the phase noise characteristic and spurious characteristic of a VCO output from being degraded. |
| US07656207B2 |
Delay locked loop circuit having coarse lock time adaptive to frequency band and semiconductor memory device having the delay locked loop circuit
Provided are a DLL circuit having a coarse lock time adaptive to a frequency band of an external clock signal and a semiconductor memory device having the DLL circuit. The DLL circuit includes a delay circuit, a replica circuit, and a phase detector. The phase detector generates a first comparison signal used by the delay circuit to delay an external clock signal in units of a first cell delay time or a second comparison signal used by the delay circuit to delay the external clock signal in units of a second cell delay time. The DLL circuit delays the external clock signal by the cell delay time adaptive to the frequency band of the external clock signal, and thus can perform an accurate and rapid coarse lock operation for the entire frequency band. |
| US07656204B2 |
Divider circuit
A divider circuit comprises at least two clock edge controlled differential buffer store elements, each being clocked by complementary input clock signals, each comprising internal storage nodes which are pre-chargeable to a pre-charge potential, and each comprising a differential data input. The internal storage nodes of the buffer store elements are either pre-charged at the pre-charge potential or store a logic level, depending on the relevant input clock signals. The differential data inputs of one of the buffer store elements is connected to the internal storage nodes of the other buffer store element and pulsed signals can be tapped off at the internal differential storage node. |
| US07656202B2 |
Driving device and driving method
A driving device and driving method for controlling electric power to a load is provided. The driving device controls switching operations of switching elements by setting a first duration in which electric power is supplied to the load and by setting a second duration in which the load is floated without electric power. The driving device feeds back an output signal outputted from output terminals of the load, receives an input signal, and compares the fed back output signal with the input signal to detect an error. The driving device also generates an error suppression signal to correct the detected error and controls the switching operation of the switching elements based on the error suppression signal. |
| US07656201B2 |
Output buffer circuit
When a first signal is switched from an L level to an H level and a second signal is switched from an H level to an L level, and a first constant current source cannot follow the switching immediately thereafter and has not yet been switched, a first node remains at an H level, so an output node remains at an L level. In such state, a second node having been connected to a third node of an H level before the switching becomes connected to the first node of an H level by the switching. At the same time, the output part of an inverter is switched from an H level to an L level, causing the second node to be switched from an H level to an L level as well via a capacitor. At this time, the potential of the first node is reduced to become equal to the second node, to make a transition to an L level. |
| US07656199B2 |
Fast, low offset ground sensing comparator
A fast, accurate, low offset comparator may be configured with multiple gain stages. A low gain, low input impedance, and fully differential common-gate amplifier may be configured as a first stage in the multi-stage comparator, providing a wide bandwidth for small power consumption. The inputs of the comparator may comprise a pair of differential inputs at respective source terminals of gate-coupled metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices configured in the input stage of the common-gate amplifier. A pair of differential outputs of the first stage may be coupled to a pair of differential inputs of a second stage, which may be a differential input current-mirror amplifier that may perform differential to single-ended conversion. The single-ended output of the second stage may serve as the input into a latch, which may be a bistable set-reset (SR) latch configured to increase the gain and response time while protecting against multiple switching, with the single-ended output of the latch configured as the output of the comparator. |
| US07656196B2 |
Multi-state latches from n-state reversible inverters
N-valued re-circulating latches using n-valued reversible inverters with n>3 are disclosed. Latches using n-valued self-reversing inverters are provided; latches using n-valued universal inverters are provided; and latches using inverters which are not self-reversing or universal are also provided. A latch may use two individually controlled gates. It may also use one individually controlled gate. N-valued latches are provided wherein a state is represented by a signal being an independent instance of a physical phenomenon. A latch not using absence-of-signal as a state is also provided. |
| US07656194B2 |
Shift register circuit
A shift register circuit comprising a plurality of stages dependently connected to an initial input signal or an output signal of a previous stage and connected to first and second clock signals which are mutually inverted. Each stage includes eight switching devices interconnected together with three capacitors and interfaced through eleven interface points. Some of the interface points are connected to the first and second clock signals according to whether the stage is an even numbered stage or an odd numbered stage. Other ones of the interface points are connectable to the first and second clock signals in alternative ways to reduce power consumption without changing an internal configuration of the stage. |
| US07656191B2 |
Distributed memory in field-programmable gate array integrated circuit devices
Circuitry for facilitating the use of the memory elements in the look-up tables (“LUTs”) of a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) as user-accessible, distributed RAM. For example, a register associated with a LUT and that is not needed in the read data path in user RAM mode can be used to register data for writing in user RAM mode. As another example, an otherwise unneeded register associated with a LUT can be used to provide a synchronous read address signal for user RAM mode. Several other features are shown for similarly facilitating user RAM mode with minimal (if any) additional circuitry being required in the FPGA. |
| US07656190B2 |
Incrementer based on carry chain compression
A computational unit is disclosed to increment or decrement n-bits of data. The unit has n/3 logic blocks to process the n-bits of data, each logic block including: first and second multiplexers to propagate a carry chain; and first, second and third exclusive-OR (XOR) circuits coupled to the carry chain of the multiplexers to generate a 3-bit incremented output. |
| US07656188B2 |
Reconfigurable IC that has sections running at different reconfiguration rates
Some embodiments provide a reconfigurable IC that includes several sections. Each section includes several configurable circuits, each of which configurably performs a set of operations. Each section stores multiple configuration data sets for each configurable circuit. Each configuration data set for a particular configurable circuit specifies the operation that the particular configurable circuit has to perform from the circuit's set of operations, where the configurable circuits of at least two different sections change configuration data sets at two different reconfiguration rates. |
| US07656187B2 |
Multi-channel communication circuitry for programmable logic device integrated circuits and the like
An integrated circuit like a programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes multiple channels of data communication circuitry. Circuitry is provided for selectively sharing signals (e.g., control-type signals) among these channels in groupings of various size so that the device can better support communication protocols that require various numbers of channels (e.g., one channel operating relatively independently, four channels working together, eight channels working together, etc.). The signals shared may include a clock signal, a FIFO write enable signal, a FIFO read enable signal, or the like. The circuit arrangements are preferably modular (i.e., the same or substantially the same from one channel to the next and/or from one group of channels to the next) to facilitate such things as circuit design and verification. |
| US07656185B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device with a fail-safe IO circuit and electronic device including the same
A semiconductor IC device includes at least one IO port, a core logic, and at least one fail-safe IO circuit, the fail-safe IO circuit being coupled between the core logic and the IO port, wherein the fail-safe IO circuit is configured to receive a predetermined control signal and to maintain the IO port at a predetermined impedance with respect to the predetermined control signal. |
| US07656181B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing circuit characteristics by using eye mask
A test apparatus capable of detecting input/output (I/O) circuit characteristics of a semiconductor device by analyzing an eye mask generated in the test apparatus and the waveform of a test signal output from the I/O circuit of the semiconductor device. The test apparatus includes an eye mask generator that generates an eye mask in synchronization with one or more clock signals of opposite phase to each other, an error detector that receives the eye mask from the eye mask generator and compares the test signal with the eye mask to determine whether an error occurs in the semiconductor device, and an error signal output unit that receives an error detection signal from the error detector and generates an error signal in response to the error detection signal. In particular, the eye mask generator includes a sine wave generator that generates one or more sine waves of opposite phase to each other in synchronization with one or more clock signals, and a limiter circuit that receives the sine waves and generates the eye mask by adjusting the amplitudes of the sine waves. |
| US07656177B2 |
Test apparatus
There is provided a test apparatus that tests an electronic device. The test apparatus includes a socket board in which a socket for mounting thereon the electronic device is provided, and a test head that detachably holds the socket board and transmits source power to the electronic device via the socket board, the test head includes a first source power transmission line that transmits the source power to the socket board, a first bypass capacitor that is provided between the first source power transmission line and ground potential, and a switch that switches whether the first bypass capacitor is connected between the first source power transmission line and the ground potential, and the socket board includes a second source power transmission line that transmits the source power to the electronic device, and a second bypass capacitor that is fixedly connected between the second source power transmission line and the ground potential. |
| US07656176B2 |
Probe member for wafer inspection, probe card for wafer inspection and wafer inspection equipment
A probe member for wafer inspection having a sheet-like probe, the probe including a frame plate in which openings are formed, and contact films arranged on a front surface of the frame plate so as to close the openings, each of the contact films obtained by arranging, in an insulating film formed of a flexible resin, a plurality of electrode structures, and an anisotropically conductive connector, which is composed of a frame plate, in which a plurality of openings have been formed corresponding to the electrode regions, and a plurality of elastic anisotropically conductive films arranged on and supported by the frame plate so as to close the respective openings, wherein each of the openings of the frame plate in the sheet-like probe have a size for receiving the external shape in a plane direction in the elastic anisotropically conductive film of the anisotropically conductive connector. |
| US07656166B2 |
Multilayer wiring board and method for testing the same
A multilayer wiring board has a ceramic substrate, on which a multilayer wiring section is formed. The ceramic substrate has an internal conductor layer, which is connected to a test pad. The first conductor layer is formed, and then an electric capacitance is measured between the test pad and a wiring pattern of the first conductor layer. On the other hand, an electrical capacitance is calculated under the normal wiring pattern condition. The measured value is compared to the calculated value to determine whether the wiring pattern is good or bad. Similar measurements and comparisons are carried out for each of the second through fifth conductor layers to determine whether a three-dimensional wiring path is good or bad. As the ceramic substrate has an internal conductor layer, the electric capacitance of the wiring can be measured without an overall grounded layer in the multilayer wiring section, which is a characteristic part different from others among a variety of the multilayer wiring boards. |
| US07656165B2 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining emission capabilities of hot cathodes in harsh environments
A method and apparatus for operating a multi-hot-cathode ionization gauge is provided to increase the operational lifetime of the ionization gauge in gaseous process environments. In example embodiments, the life of a spare cathode is extended by heating the spare cathode to a temperature that is insufficient to emit electrons but that is sufficient to decrease the amount of material that deposits on its surface or is optimized to decrease the chemical interaction between a process gas and a material of the at least one spare cathode. The spare cathode may be constantly or periodically heated. In other embodiments, after a process pressure passes a given pressure threshold, plural cathodes may be heated to a non-emitting temperature, plural cathodes may be heated to a lower emitting temperature, or an emitting cathode may be heated to a temperature that decreases the electron emission current. |
| US07656163B2 |
Remaining-capacity dispersion detecting apparatus and remaining-capacity control apparatus for battery pack
A remaining-capacity dispersion detecting apparatus for a battery pack having a plurality of cells includes a total voltage sensing section adapted to sense a total voltage which is a terminal voltage of the whole of battery pack; a storing section adapted to store a value of the total voltage when the battery pack becomes under unloaded condition from loaded condition; and a dispersion detecting section. The dispersion detecting section is adapted to detect a value of the total voltage at a time of activation before the battery pack becomes under the loaded condition from the unloaded condition, to compare the currently-detected total voltage value with the total voltage value previously stored by the storing section, and to detect a dispersion in respective remaining capacities of the plurality of cells in the case where a difference between the currently-detected total voltage value and the previously-stored total voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. |
| US07656162B2 |
Electronic battery tester with vehicle type input
An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes test circuitry configured to provide an output based upon a selected test criteria. Additionally, circuitry is provided to assist in balancing batteries used in a string of multiple batteries. |
| US07656161B2 |
Magnetization of target well casing strings tubulars for enhanced passive ranging
A method for magnetizing a wellbore tubular is disclosed. The method includes magnetizing a wellbore tubular at three or more discrete locations on the tubular. In exemplary embodiments the magnetized wellbore tubular includes at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles located between longitudinally opposed ends of the tubular. Wellbore tubulars magnetized in accordance with this invention may be coupled to one another to provide a magnetic profile about a section of a casing string. Passive ranging measurements of the magnetic field about the casing string may be utilized to survey and guide drilling of a twin well. Such an approach advantageously obviates the need for simultaneous access to both wells. |
| US07656148B1 |
Over-power detector
An over-power detector for detecting an over-power condition of an electronic apparatus powered by power from an AC power source. The over-power detector includes an over-current detector for detecting whether current used by the apparatus exceeds a settable current threshold. The current threshold is set based on a detection of peak voltage on the AC power source, such that the output of the over-current detector is representative of an over-power condition. |
| US07656145B2 |
Low power bandgap voltage reference circuit having multiple reference voltages with high power supply rejection ratio
A voltage generator is used for generating a voltage reference with high power supply rejection. One embodiment of the circuit includes a voltage regulator and a bandgap voltage circuit and an amplifier. The voltage regulator including an input node is coupled to an external power supply for generating a regulated voltage source. A bandgap voltage circuit includes a first and a second resistor and a first and a second transistor to generate a voltage difference between the base-to-emitter voltages of the first and the second transistors. The second resistor is coupled to the first resistor and the first transistor for generating the first predetermined voltage in response to the voltage difference. An amplifier circuit is coupled to the first transistor of the bandgap voltage circuit for receiving a first amplifying signal and generating an amplified signal so as to regulate the regulated voltage source. |
| US07656144B2 |
Bias generator with reduced current consumption
A bias generator comprises a first transistor and a second transistor having a control port connected to a control port of the first transistor and to an input port of the second transistor, where a second current through the second transistor is greater than a first current through the first transistor. The current through the bias generator is minimized by providing the different currents through the transistors having a similar size. |
| US07656141B1 |
Switched mode current source for pulsed loads
The present invention pertains to an arrangement wherein an inductor current is monitored and its level operates a converter switch so that the inductor current ramps up and down between two limits. The midpoint of these two limits is the average output current supplied to a pulsed load. When a pulse is first detected, the converter activates and remains in one state until the output current has ramped up to the pulsed load requirement at which time the switch changes state. The current then ramps down as the average current discharges into the load. When the output current drops to a specified minimum, the voltage supply is turned on providing for a self oscillating regulated switch. The controller responds to changes in the output current within one switching cycle so as to keep up with the transient edges of the pulsed load. |
| US07656137B2 |
Unipolar or bipolar chopping converter with three magnetically coupled windings
In order to reduce the cost of a chopping converter supplying a continuous voltage at the terminals of a load (Z), a circuit with three windings (Lp, Ls1, Ls2) and a single magnetic core is proposed, according to the present invention, which enables the cost and the size of the circuit to be reduced. It is then necessary to add two diodes (D3, D4) to the circuit, but these elements are of low cost and of low size. |
| US07656130B2 |
Battery charger
Object of the invention is to provide an improved technique of suitably charging a battery assembly irrespective of the kind of the battery assembly. The representative battery charger 100 includes a power supply section 110, a detecting section 130 that detects voltage that represents a temperature index of the battery assembly 200, 300 a reference voltage that is compared with the detected temperature-representing voltage of the battery assembly. The battery charger 100 stops supplying the charging current when the temperature-representing voltage of the battery assembly reaches or exceeds the reference voltage. The reference voltage varies according to the charging voltage of the battery assembly and thus, the threshold temperature to complete the charge can be varied according to the charging voltage of the battery assembly 200, 300. As a result, an overload state for the battery assembly with high charging voltage and high temperature can effectively be prevented. |
| US07656129B2 |
Method and apparatus for battery-backed power supply and battery charging
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition. |
| US07656125B2 |
Method and device for controlling a storage voltage of a battery pack
A storage voltage of a battery pack is controlled with control electronics. The storage voltage of a battery pack is sensed, and a discharge mechanism is triggered if the storage voltage is within a predetermined range of voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined range of voltage, or if the storage voltage is at or above a predetermined voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined voltage. Control electronics sense a storage voltage of a battery pack and trigger a discharge mechanism if the storage voltage is within a predetermined range of voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined range of voltage, or if the storage voltage is at or above a predetermined voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined voltage. The control electronics are coupled to an electronic device and a battery pack. The control electronics are either implemented into the electronic device or the battery pack, or in a separate control electronic device. |
| US07656124B2 |
Battery management system and driving method thereof
A battery management system includes a sensing unit, a controller, an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) calculator, and a State of Charge (SOC) determination unit. The sensing unit measures a total voltage of the secondary battery. The controller maintains the secondary battery in an open circuit state for a first period of time after a power supply switch is turned on, and couples the secondary battery to an external device when the first period of time ends. The OCV calculator receives the measured voltage from the sensing unit and calculates an OCV of the secondary battery during the first period of time. The SOC determination unit receives the calculated OCV from the OCV calculator and determines an SOC corresponding to the OCV. |
| US07656122B2 |
Method for calculating power capability of battery packs using advanced cell model predictive techniques
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for estimating discharge and charge power of battery applications, including battery packs used in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV). One charge/discharge power estimating method incorporates voltage, state-of-charge (SOC), power, and current design constraints and works for a user-specified prediction time horizon Δt. At least two cell models are used in calculating maximum charge/discharge power based on voltage limits. The first is a simple cell model that uses a Taylor-series expansion to linearize the equation involved. The second is a more complex and accurate model that models cell dynamics in discrete-time state-space form. The cell model can incorporate a inputs such as temperature, resistance, capacity, etc. One advantage of using model-based approach is that the same model may be used in both Kalman-filtering to produce the SOC and the estimation of maximum charge/discharge current based on voltage limits. |
| US07656108B2 |
Linear motor and transducer arrangement therefor
An improved linear motor which compensates for manufacturing or assembly errors in the positioning of the magnetic field detectors. The linear motor synthesizes a correction signal which can be simply combined (for example added) to the output of one of the magnetic field detectors so as to ensure that the magnetic field detector outputs have the correct phase relationship. This in turn ensures that accurate positioning of the rotor relative to the stator can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, a deliberate error is introduced into the positioning of the magnetic field detectors and this error, plus any error due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, is corrected using the correction signal. This allows a simplified correction circuit which only corrects for phase offset errors in one direction to be used. |
| US07656102B2 |
Discharge lamp lighting circuit
A discharge lamp lighting circuit includes a power supplying portion having a series resonant circuit containing transistors and a bridge driver, and a control portion for generating a control signal Sc1 to control a driving frequency of the bridge driver. The control portion has a sample hold portion for generating a constant control signal S1, a frequency follow-up control portion for generating a control signal S2 in such a manner that a phase difference between a voltage and a current in the series resonant circuit is approximately zero, and a power control portion for generating a control signal S3 in such a manner that a magnitude of an AC power approximates a steady value. The control signal S1 is selected from a time t3 to a time t4, the control signal S2 is selected from the time t4 to a time t5, and the control signal S3 sent from the power control portion 13 is selected as the control signal Sc1 after the time t5. |
| US07656098B2 |
Brightness control apparatus of light bulb module
An improved brightness control apparatus of a light bulb module replaces a portion of a conventional light bulb module brightness control apparatus by a signal receiving circuit, an amplification circuit and a failure protection circuit to maintain an even brightness of light emitted by each light bulb of the light bulb module of a lamp, so that the brightness of the light bulbs in the light bulb module will not be too dark or even not lit. The signal receiving circuit is provided for connecting an external remote control device for controlling the light bulb module. If the control circuit fails, the failure protection device can maintain a temporary illumination and an overall aesthetic look of the lamp. When the control circuit is operated normally, the total power consumption of the light bulbs of the light bulb module can comply with the normal rated standard of illumination equipments. |
| US07656097B2 |
Ballast control system for HID lamp using Zigbee
A control system for an HID lamp, which in one implementation includes a magnetic ballast control system for an HID lamp using Zigbee. A plurality of condensers or choke coils of different capacities is mounted on a magnetic ballast for the lamp, and an electronic switch unit controls illumination according to change of such capacities. RF transmitting/receiving means using a Zigbee-based frequency are employed to turn the HID on and off, and to control illumination through wireless remote communications, thereby achieving considerable energy savings. Operational states of the HID lamp and ballast can be bi-directionally controlled through the communication module, with failures of the HID lamp and ballast automatically detected and notified to users. |
| US07656095B2 |
Light system with dielectric barrier discharge lamp, operating device and connection cable
A lighting system with a dielectric barrier discharge lamp (2) and an operating device (1) is connected to a high-voltage flat ribbon cable (6). As a result, the capacitive line losses can be minimized and both the ignition behavior and the power consumption of the lamp (2) can be improved. |
| US07656094B2 |
Electron accelerator for ultra-small resonant structures
An electronic transmitter or receiver employing electromagnetic radiation as a coded signal carrier is described. In the transmitter, the electromagnetic radiation is emitted from ultra-small resonant structures when an electron beam passes proximate the structures. In the receiver, the electron beam passes near ultra-small resonant structures and is altered in path or velocity by the effect of the electromagnetic radiation on structures. The electron beam is accelerated to an appropriate current density without the use of a high power supply. Instead, a sequence of low power levels is supplied to a sequence of anodes in the electron beam path. The electron beam is thereby accelerated to a desired current density appropriate for the transmitter or receiver application without the need for a high-level power source. |
| US07656092B2 |
Micro discharge (MD) plasma display panel (PDP) having perforated holes on both dielectric and electrode layers
A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) includes a dielectric layer having a plurality of dielectric-layer perforated holes arranged in a matrix; upper and lower electrode layers each having electrode-layer perforated holes connected to the dielectric-layer perforated holes and arranged on both surfaces of the dielectric layer, the upper and lower electrode layers being adapted to receive electrical signals. The upper electrode layer includes a plurality of upper electrodes extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of upper electrodes surrounding a group of the electrode-layer perforated holes arranged in the first direction and including transparent individual electrodes surrounding the electrode-layer perforated holes and linear connection portions adapted to electrically connect the individual electrodes. The lower electrode layer includes a plurality of lower electrodes extending in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction, each of the plurality of second electrodes surrounding a group of electrode-layer perforated holes arranged in the second direction. |
| US07656085B2 |
System and method for differentiating pictures and texts
A dual emitting device includes a transparent substrate and an array of pixels. The array of pixels is disposed on the transparent substrate, and each pixel of the array includes at least one first sub-pixel and at least one second sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel includes a first OLED driven by a first TFT, and a first sheltering layer on the first OLED. The second sub-pixel includes a second OLED driven by a second TFT, and a second sheltering layer formed between the transparent substrate and the second OLED. |
| US07656080B2 |
Vibration resistant, energy efficient lamp
A vibration resistant, energy efficient lamp (10) that is suitable for, for example, ceiling fan operation where vibration is always a concern. The lamp (10) comprises an envelope (12) of a suitable transparent glass, for example, a borosilicate glass, having a substantially spherical upper body (14) with a given diameter D, a substantially cylindrical waist (16) having a diameter W of about 38% of the given diameter; a neck portion (18) having a diameter N of about 31 to about 32% of the given diameter and a threaded base (20) having a diameter B of about 25 to 27% of the given diameter. The base (20) has a skirt portion (22) adjacent the neck portion having diameter S substantially equal to the neck portion (18) diameter N and larger than the diameter B of the base (20). The skirt (22) provides a broader attachment area for the neck (18), thus strengthening the coupling and providing a stronger joint that is more suited to operations in those functions where vibration can be encountered, especially in those areas where the lamp is mounted base-up. |
| US07656072B2 |
Actuator using piezoelectric device
In order to provide an actuator having great driving force and high impact resistance, an actuator of the present invention has a driving shaft 5 that can be vibrated in the shaft direction by a piezoelectric device 4 provided at its one end and a moving member 6 that is friction-engaged with the driving shaft 5 and moves on the driving shaft 5 due to the vibration of the driving shaft 5. The driving shaft 5 has two parallel shaft sliding faces 5a on its surface. The moving member 6 has two moving member sliding faces 7e, 8e that are in slide-contact with the shaft sliding faces 5a. The moving member 6 is friction-engaged with the driving shaft 5 such that the moving member sliding faces 7e, 8e clamp the shaft sliding faces 5a. |
| US07656071B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator for tunable electronic components
An actuating assembly for tuning a circuit and a process for forming a carrier substrate containing a membrane, a conductive layer, and piezoelectric actuators are disclosed. The actuating assembly comprises a membrane overlying a circuit to be tuned, a conductive element connected with the membrane, and a piezoelectric arrangement. Changes in shape of the piezoelectric arrangement allow a deflection of the membrane and a corresponding controllable upward or downward movement of the conductive element. In the process, a membrane and a piezoelectric structure are formed on a substrate. |
| US07656070B2 |
Surface wave sensor apparatus
A surface wave sensor apparatus has a structure such that, on a first principal surface of a base substrate having first through-hole conductors, surface acoustic wave devices are bonded via thermo-compression anisotropic conductive sheets, on first principal surfaces of piezoelectric substrates of the surface acoustic wave devices, electrodes, such as IDTs, are provided, respectively. These electrodes extend toward second principal surfaces via second through-hole conductors and are provided in the piezoelectric substrates. The first through-hole conductors overlap with the second through-hole conductors with the thermo-compression anisotropic conductive sheets being disposed therebetween, respectively. |
| US07656066B2 |
Electronically commutated motor with bearing chamber defined by opposing abutment surfaces
An easy-to-assemble electric motor (21) features an internal stator (50), an external rotor (22) having a shaft (34), which external rotor is configured as a rotor cup or bell (24) having an outer side and an inner side (25), a bearing tube (70) for receiving a bearing arrangement (60) journaling the shaft (34), which bearing tube (70) has a first end portion (71) facing toward the inner side (25) of the external rotor (22) and being formed with an inwardly protruding stop (73), the bearing tube having a second end portion (75) facing away from the first end portion (71) and being joined to a plastic part (80) that likewise forms an inwardly protruding stop (77) adjacent a second end portion (75), the bearing arrangement (60) being located in the bearing tube (70) in a chamber defined between said two inwardly protruding stops (73, 77). |
| US07656065B2 |
Drive unit with a housing
A drive unit, in particular for adjusting movable parts in a motor vehicle, has a housing including an opening to the surrounding, in which a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable diaphragm is installed, the housing includes a first housing part with a circumferential collar, and a second housing part which closes off the first housing part, on the second housing part the opening is integrally formed with a circumferential mating surface, which presses the diaphragm against the collar of the first housing part after the housing is closed, and a sealing element located between the diaphragm and the mating surface is integrally non-detachably formed on the first and/or second housing part. |
| US07656064B2 |
Motor having suction ring
A suction ring is fixed to a motor base and is provided with an outer circumferential section having a first outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of a wall section of the motor base. A plurality of protruded sections each have a second outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the wall section of the motor base and protrudes outward in a radial direction from the outer circumferential section of the suction ring. The plurality of protruded sections of the suction ring are press fitted into a wall section of the motor base and secures the suction ring to the motor base. One surface of the suction ring coincides with a bottom surface of the ring magnet covering a whole range of a projected area of the ring magnet that is projected onto the surface of the suction ring. |
| US07656055B2 |
Hydro-wind power generating turbine system and retrofitting method
An electrical power producing wind turbine eliminates the possibility of being struck by lightning, reduces the complexity of gear trains and simplifies maintenance at heights. The wind turbine is electrically isolated from ground to reduce the possibility of being struck by lightning and the generator is located at ground level to simplify maintenance. The turbine blade shaft is directly attached to a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic fluid is transmitted to ground level through dielectric tubing and acts both as an electrical isolating medium and a transmitter of mechanical energy to the generator located at ground level. The wind turbine blade, shaft and hydraulic pump are electrically isolated from the support structure at the upper end. |
| US07656052B2 |
Power converters
The present invention provides a power converter that can be used to interface a generator (4) that provides variable voltage at variable frequency to a supply network operating at nominally fixed voltage and nominally fixed frequency and including features that allow the power converter to remain connected to the supply network and retain control during supply network fault and transient conditions. The power converter includes a generator bridge (10) electrically connected to the stator of the generator (4) and a network bridge (14). A dc link (12) is connected between the generator bridge (10) and the network bridge (14). A filter (16) having network terminals is connected between the network bridge (14) and the supply network. A first controller (18) is provided for controlling the operation of the semiconductor power switching devices of the generator bridge (14). Similarly, a second controller (46) is provided for controlling the operation of the semiconductor power switching devices of the network bridge (14). The first controller (18) uses a dc link voltage demand signal (VDC_GEN*) indicative of a desired dc link voltage to control the semiconductor power switching devices of the network bridge (10) to achieve the desired level of dc link voltage that corresponds to the dc link voltage demand signal (VDC_GEN*). The second controller (46) uses a power demand signal (P*) indicative of the level of power to be transferred from the dc link to the supply network through the network bridge (14), and a voltage demand signal (VTURB*) indicative of the voltage to be achieved at the network terminals of the filter (16) to control the semiconductor power switching devices of the network bridge (14) to achieve the desired levels of power and voltage that correspond to the power and voltage demand signals (P* and VTURB*). |
| US07656051B2 |
Buoyancy vehicle apparatus to create electrical power
A buoyancy vehicle apparatus includes a water or liquid source, such as a water tank, and a buoyant mass in communication with an electrical generator. The buoyant mass is lifted from a lower level to a higher level to store energy. The mass is stored at the predetermined height and released to travel downward when the electricity is needed. After the mass is released and pulled down by gravity, it will drive the generator to produce electricity. The system can store this energy with no loss in power over a long period of time. |
| US07656050B2 |
Hydroelectric pumped-storage
Hydroelectric pumped-storage includes monitoring electrical demand on a system over time. If the monitored demand exceeds a predetermined first value, fluid is allowed to flow substantially under the influence of gravity from a first aquifer to a second aquifer. Kinetic energy from the flowing fluid is converted into electrical energy. If the monitored demand drops below a predetermined second value, fluid from the second aquifer is moved to the first aquifer. |
| US07656048B2 |
Encapsulated chip scale package having flip-chip on lead frame structure
In one embodiment, an encapsulated electronic package includes a semiconductor chip having patterned solderable pads formed on a major surface. During an assembly process, the patterned solderable pads are directly affixed to conductive leads. The assembly is encapsulated using, for example, a MAP over-molding process, and then placed through a separation process to provide individual chip scale packages having flip-chip on lead frame interconnects. |
| US07656046B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device 1 is a semiconductor device of the BGA type, and includes a semiconductor chip 10, a resin layer 20, an insulating layer 30, and an external electrode pad 40. The resin layer 20 is constituted by a sealing resin 22 and an underfill resin 24, and covers the semiconductor chip 10. The insulating layer 30 is formed on the resin layer 20. The external electrode pad 40 is formed in the insulating layer 30. This external electrode pad 40 extends through the insulating layer 30. One surface S1 of the external electrode pad 40 is exposed in the surface of the insulating layer 30, and the other surface S2 is located in the resin layer 20. A concave portion 45 is formed in the surface S2 of the external electrode pad 40. The resin composing the resin layer 20 enters into the concave portion 45. |
| US07656041B2 |
Semiconductor device and its manufacturing method
A technique for mounting a plurality of electronic parts on one surface of a wiring substrate is provided. A semiconductor device comprises a wiring substrate having connection pads disposed outside a parts mount; a plurality of electronic parts with the first surface having a plurality of electrodes and the second surface fixing; a first underlying insulation layer provided between the connecting pads and the electrodes; a first metal layer formed overlaid on the first underlying insulation layer and providing connections between the connecting pads and the electrodes; a second underlying insulation layer having electrically insulating properties, provided between the respective electrodes of adjacent electronic parts; a second metal layer formed overlaid on the second underlying insulation layer and providing connections between the respective electrodes of adjacent electronic parts; and a first surface insulation layer covering the first metal layer and a second surface insulation layer covering the second metal layer. |
| US07656030B2 |
Semiconductor device
Heating elements different in heat generating timing are laminated in a stacked state, and the heating element close to a wiring substrate is allowed to function as a heat diffusion plate for another heating element. |
| US07656024B2 |
Chip module for complete power train
A chip module is disclosed. It includes a circuit substrate, a semiconductor die comprising a power transistor mounted on the circuit substrate, and a passive electronic component. The passive electronic component is in electrical communication with the semiconductor die, and is in thermal communication with the semiconductor die. |
| US07656021B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with pedestal structure
An integrated circuit package system includes providing a substrate having a bond finger thereon and forming a pedestal on a portion of the bond finger. A first die is mounted on the substrate and adjacent to the bond finger. A portion of the first die, a portion of the bond finger, and a portion of the pedestal are embedded in an resin layer with an exposed portion of the pedestal protruding from the resin layer. A second die is mounted on the first die and electrically coupled to the exposed portion of the pedestal. |
| US07656019B2 |
Semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device is disclosed wherein first wiring lines in a first row extend respectively from first connecting portions toward one side of a semiconductor chip, while second wiring lines extend respectively from second connecting portions toward the side opposite to the one side of the semiconductor chip. The reduction in size of the semiconductor device can be attained. |
| US07656017B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with thermo-mechanical interlocking substrates
An integrated circuit package system includes providing a plurality of substrates; inserting a receptor in one of the substrates, the receptor held in and not extending through the one of the substrates; inserting a conductive post in another of the substrates; mounting the one of the substrates and the another of the substrates over one another with the conductive post engaging the receptor to thermally interlock without a separate bonding material; and mounting an integrated circuit mounted on the one of the substrates or the another of the substrates. |
| US07656007B2 |
Package substrate with inserted discrete capacitors
A package substrate (16) for electrically connecting an integrated circuit (12) to a printed circuit board (14) includes a core (222c), a patterned conductive layer (220c), a plurality of spaced apart, discrete capacitors (230), and an insulating layer (222b). The patterned conductive layer (220c) is positioned on the core (222c). The discrete capacitors (230) are electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer (220c). The insulating layer (222b) covers the patterned conductive layer (220c) and separates the capacitors (230). The capacitors (230) are positioned to provide a relatively low impedance path for quick access to power to stabilize the voltage delivered to the integrated circuit (12), and the capacitors (230) do not occupy valuable space on the integrated circuit (12), and the printed circuit board (14). Further, this placement of the capacitor assembly (18) allows for use of a relatively large number of discrete capacitors (230) without taking up valuable space from the surface of the package substrate (16). |
| US07656006B2 |
Antifuse circuit with well bias transistor
An antifuse circuit includes a terminal, an antifuse transistor, and a bias transistor. The antifuse transistor is formed on a substrate. The antifuse transistor is coupled to the terminal and includes a first gate terminal coupled to receive a first select signal. The bias transistor is coupled between the substrate and a bias voltage terminal. The bias transistor has a second gate terminal and is operable to couple the bias voltage terminal to the substrate responsive to an assertion of a bias enable signal at the second gate terminal. |
| US07656004B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel, first and second gate drivers and a data driver. The display panel includes pixel regions respectively having first, second and third pixels. The first pixel is coupled to first, second gate lines and a data line. The second gate line is adjacent to the first gate line. The second pixel is coupled to the first gate line and a first data line. The third pixel is coupled to the first gate line and a second data line. The first gate driver provides the first gate line with a first gate driving signal, and the second gate driver provides the second gate line with a second gate driving signal. The data driver provides first and second data lines with image signal. The display quality of the display device may be enhanced and the number of the data lines may be reduced. |
| US07656003B2 |
Electrical stress protection apparatus and method of manufacture
In various embodiments, circuits and semiconductor devices and structures and methods to manufacture these structures and devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bidirectional polarity, voltage transient protection device is disclosed. The voltage transient protection device may include a bipolar PNP transistor having a turn-on voltage of VBE1, a bipolar NPN transistor having a turn-on voltage of VBE2, and a field effect transistor (FET) having a threshold voltage of VTH, wherein a turn-on voltage VTO of the voltage transient protection device is approximately equal to the sum of VBE1, VBE2, and VTH, that is, VTO≅VBE1+VBE2+VTH. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07655999B2 |
High density photodiodes
The present invention is a front-side contact, back-side illuminated (FSC-BSL) photodiode arrays and front-side illuminated, back-side contact (FSL-BSC) photodiode arrays having improved characteristics, including high production throughput, low-cost manufacturing via implementation of batch processing techniques; uniform, as well as high, photocurrent density owing to presence of a large continuous homogeneous, heavily doped layer; and back to front intrachip connections via the homogenous, heavily doped layers on the front and back sides of the substrate. |
| US07655997B2 |
Wafer level electro-optical semiconductor manufacture fabrication mechanism and a method for the same
A wafer-level electro-optical semiconductor fabrication mechanism and method for the same which improves upon traditional electro-optical semiconductor grain packaging methods. The present invention electrically connects semiconductor grains to the grains on a top surface of a wafer, this is done by either screen-printing or steel board-printing solder or silver paste onto the wafer. After that, the wafer is processed using the following steps: processing the devices, bonding with wire, packaging the wafer and finally cutting the wafer. Using this method raises the production yield while production times and costs are reduced. The wafer-level electro-optical semiconductor fabrication mechanism comprises: a wafer, an electro-optical semiconductor grain and conductive materials. |
| US07655996B1 |
MEMS structure support and release mechanism
A MEMS device and method comprising a MEMS structure adjacent to a SOI base; a sacrificial support operatively connecting the base to the MEMS structure; a suspension member operatively connecting the base to the MEMS structure, wherein the suspension member is longer than the sacrificial support; and an electrode operatively connected to the base. The device may further comprise a current pulse generator adapted to send a current pulse through the sacrificial support, wherein the current pulse causes the sacrificial support to detach from the MEMS structure. Moreover, the sacrificial support structures may be electrically resistive. |
| US07655994B2 |
Low threshold voltage semiconductor device with dual threshold voltage control means
A semiconductor structure, particularly a pFET, which includes a dielectric material that has a dielectric constant of greater than that of SiO2 and a Ge or Si content of greater than 50% and at least one other means for threshold/flatband voltage tuning by material stack engineering is provided. The other means contemplated in the present invention include, for example, utilizing an insulating interlayer atop the dielectric for charge fixing and/or by forming an engineered channel region. The present invention also relates to a method of fabricating such a CMOS structure. |
| US07655993B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device
In a process of forming MISFETs that have gate insulating films that are mutually different in thickness on the same substrate, the formation of an undesirable natural oxide film at the interface between the semiconductor substrate and the gate insulating film is suppressed. A gate insulating film of MISFETs constituting an internal circuit is comprised of a silicon oxynitride film. Another gate insulating film of MISFETs constituting an I/O circuit is comprised of a laminated silicon oxynitride film and a high dielectric film. A process of forming the two types of gate insulating films on the substrate is continuously carried out in a treatment apparatus of a multi-chamber system. Accordingly, the substrate will not be exposed to air. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of undesirable foreign matter and the formation of a natural oxide film at the interface between the substrate and the gate insulating films. |
| US07655990B2 |
Voltage-clipping device with high breakdown voltage
The present invention proposes a voltage-clipping device utilizing a pinch-off mechanism formed by two depletion boundaries. A clipping voltage of the voltage-clipping device can be adjusted in response to a gate voltage; a gap of a quasi-linked well; and a doping concentration and a depth of the quasi-linked well and a well with complementary doping polarity to the quasi-linked well. The voltage-clipping device can be integrated within a semiconductor device as a voltage stepping down device in a tiny size, compared to traditional transformers. |
| US07655987B2 |
Method for fabricating ultra-high tensile-stressed film and strained-silicon transistors thereof
A metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor device is disclosed. The MOS transistor device comprises a semiconductor substrate; a gate structure on the semiconductor substrate; source/drain regions on the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the gate structure; an ultra-high tensile-stressed nitride film having a hydrogen concentration of less than 1E22 atoms/cm3 covering the gate structure and the source/drain regions; and an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) film over the ultra-high tensile-stressed nitride film. |
| US07655985B2 |
Methods and semiconductor structures for latch-up suppression using a conductive region
Semiconductor structures and methods for suppressing latch-up in bulk CMOS devices. The semiconductor structure comprises first and second adjacent doped wells formed in the semiconductor material of a substrate. A trench, which includes a base and first sidewalls between the base and the top surface, is defined in the substrate between the first and second doped wells. The trench is partially filled with a conductor material that is electrically coupled with the first and second doped wells. Highly-doped conductive regions may be provided in the semiconductor material bordering the trench at a location adjacent to the conductive material in the trench. |
| US07655984B2 |
Semiconductor device with discontinuous CESL structure
A semiconductor device using a CESL (contact etch stop layer) to induce strain in, for example, a CMOS transistor channel, and a method for fabricating such a device. A stress-producing CESL, tensile in an n-channel device and compressive in a p-channel device, is formed over the device gate structure as a discontinuous layer. This may be done, for example, by depositing an appropriate CESL, then forming an ILD layer, and simultaneously reducing the ILD layer and the CESL to a desired level. The discontinuity preferably exposes the gate electrode, or the metal contact region formed on it, if present. The upper boundary of the CESL may be further reduced, however, to position it below the upper boundary of the gate electrode. |
| US07655975B2 |
Power trench transistor
A power trench transistor comprises a semiconductor body in which a cell array and an edge region surrounding the cell array are formed. First edge trenches are formed within the edge region. The first edge trenches contain field electrodes and the longitudinal orientations of the first edge trenches run from the cell array towards the edge of the trench transistor. |
| US07655973B2 |
Recessed channel negative differential resistance-based memory cell
Disclosed herein is an improved recessed thyristor-based memory cell. The disclosed cell comprises in one embodiment a conductive plug recessed into the bulk of the substrate, which is coupled to or comprises the enable gate of the cell. Vertically disposed around this recessed gate is a thyristor, whose anode (source; p-type region) is connected to the bit line and cathode (drain; n-type region) is connected to the word line. Aside from the recessed enable gate, the disclosed cell comprises no other gate, such as an access transistor, and hence is essentially a one-transistor device. As a result, and as facilitated by the vertical disposition of the thyristor, the disclosed cell takes up a small amount of area on an integrated circuit when compared to a traditional DRAM cell. Moreover, the disclosed cell is simple to manufacture in its various embodiments, and is easy to configure into an array of cells. Isolation underneath the cell, while not required in all useful embodiments, assists in improving the data retention of the cell and extends the time needed between cell refresh. |
| US07655969B2 |
Semiconductor device having a cylindrical capacitor
A DRAM device has a stacked capacitor including a first capacitor section received in a thick insulation film and a second capacitor section overlying the first capacitor section. A portion of the bottom electrode in the second capacitor section has a thickness larger than the thickness of another portion of the bottom electrode in the first capacitor section. |
| US07655966B2 |
High efficiency CMOS image sensor pixel employing dynamic voltage supply
A global shutter compatible pixel circuit comprising a reset gate (RG) transistor is provided in which a dynamic voltage is applied to the drain of the reset gate transistor in order to reduce a floating diffusion (FD) leakage therethrough during signal hold time. The drain voltage of the reset gate transistor is held at a lower voltage than a circuit supply voltage to minimize the off-state leakage through the RG transistor, thus reducing the change in the voltage at the floating diffusion during the signal hold time. In addition, a design structure for such a circuit providing a dynamic voltage to the drain of a reset gate of a pixel circuit is also provided. |
| US07655965B2 |
Semiconductor light receiving device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light receiving device includes a plurality of photodiode units, each of which is configured to convert a received light into an electric signal; and a separating unit configured to electrically separates the plurality of photodiode units from each other. The impurity concentration of a surface portion of the separating unit is equal to or lower than a first concentration. The first concentration is a concentration at which the light receiving sensitivity of the separating unit to light is substantially equal to the light receiving sensitivity of each of the plurality of photodiode units of the light. A wavelength of the light is equal to or longer than that of blue-violet light. |
| US07655964B1 |
Programmable junction field effect transistor and method for programming same
A programmable junction field effect transistor (JFET) with multiple independent gate inputs. A drain, source and a plurality of gate regions for controlling a conductive channel between the source and drain are fabricated in a semiconductor substrate. A first portion the gate regions are coupled to a first gate input and a second portion of the gate regions are coupled to a second gate input. The first and second gate inputs are electrically isolated from each other. The JFET may be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the first gate input and operated by applying a signal to the second gate input. |
| US07655961B2 |
Organic diodes and materials
Diodes having p-type and n-type regions in contact, having at least one of either the p-type region or n-type region including a conjugated organic material doped with an immobile dopant, conjugated organic materials for incorporation into such diodes, and methods of manufacturing such diodes and materials are provided. |
| US07655960B2 |
A1xInyGa1-x-yN mixture crystal substrate, method of growing same and method of producing same
Seeds are implanted in a regular pattern upon an undersubstrate. An AlxInyGa1−x−yN (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0 |
| US07655944B1 |
Systems and methods for estimating thermal resistance of field effect transistor structures
Embodiments of systems and methods for estimating channel temperatures of a field effect transistor structure are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, comprises receiving geometrical values corresponding to a field effect transistor (FET) structure, and associating the geometrical values of the FET structure to elliptical cylinder and prolate spheroidal coordinates to provide a closed form expression. |
| US07655942B2 |
Fiber incorporating quantum dots as programmable dopants
A programmable dopant fiber includes a plurality of quantum structures formed on a fiber-shaped substrate, wherein the substrate includes one or more energy-carrying control paths, which pass energy to quantum structures. Quantum structures may include quantum dot particles on the surface of the fiber or electrodes on top of barrier layers and a transport layer, which form quantum dot devices. The energy passing through the control paths drives charge carriers into the quantum dots, leading to the formation of “artificial atoms” with real-time, tunable properties. These artificial atoms then serve as programmable dopants, which alter the behavior of surrounding materials. The fiber can be used as a programmable dopant inside bulk materials, as a building block for new materials with unique properties, or as a substitute for quantum dots or quantum wires in certain applications. |
| US07655936B2 |
Optical sensor and image forming apparatus that processes specular reflection light
An optical sensor includes at least one light emitting unit that emits a light, a first light receiving unit that receives specular reflection light from an illumination object when the light is incident on the illumination object with an incidence angle and specularly reflected with a reflection angle, and a second light receiving unit that receives diffuse reflection light from the illumination object when the incident light is diffusely reflected at the illumination object. The sum of the incident angle and the reflection angle is 25 degrees or less. |
| US07655933B2 |
Techniques for temperature-controlled ion implantation
Techniques for temperature-controlled ion implantation are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for high-temperature ion implantation. The apparatus may comprise a platen to hold a wafer in a single-wafer process chamber during ion implantation, the platen having a wafer interface to provide a predetermined thermal contact between the wafer and the platen. The apparatus may also comprise an array of heating elements to heat the wafer while the wafer is held on the platen to achieve a predetermined temperature profile on the wafer during ion implantation, the heating elements being external to the platen. The apparatus may further comprise a post-implant cooling station to cool down the wafer after ion implantation of the wafer. |
| US07655930B2 |
Ion source arc chamber seal
An exemplary ion source for creating a stream of ions has a chamber body that at least partially bounds an ionization region of the arc chamber. The arc chamber body is used with a hot filament arc chamber housing that either directly or indirectly heats a cathode to sufficient temperature to cause electrons to stream through the ionization region of the arc chamber. A seals has a ceramic body having an outer wall that abuts the arc chamber body along a circumferential outer lip. The seal also has one or more radially inner channels bounded by one or more inner walls spaced inwardly from the outer wall. |
| US07655928B2 |
Ion acceleration column connection mechanism with integrated shielding electrode and related methods
Ion accelerating devices including connection mechanisms with integrated shielding electrode and related methods are disclosed. According to an embodiment, an ion accelerating device of an ion implantation system comprises: a first element; a first connection system within the first element, the first connection system including a first connector and a first encapsulated shielding electrode around the first connector; and a second connection system within a second element other than the first element, the second connection system being coupled to the first connector; wherein the first encapsulated shielding electrode includes a first shielding portion adjacent to a first interface surface of the first element where the second connection system interfaces with the first element, in a cross-sectional view, the first shielding portion being substantially U-shaped. |
| US07655925B2 |
Gas management system for a laser-produced-plasma EUV light source
Devices and corresponding methods of use are described herein which may comprise an enclosing structure defining a closed loop flow path and a system generating a plasma at a plasma site, e.g. laser produced plasma system, where the plasma site may be in fluid communication with the flow path. For the device, a gas may be disposed in the enclosing structure which may include an ion-stopping buffer gas and/or an etchant. A pump may be provided to force the gas through the closed loop flow path. One or more heat exchangers removing heat from gas flowing in the flow path may be provided. In some arrangements, a filter may be used to remove at least a portion of a target species from gas flowing in the flow path. |
| US07655921B2 |
Dosimeter for the detection of neutron radiation
Disclosed is a dosimeter (1) for the detection of neutron radiation within an energy range of 0.025 eV to several hundred GeV, comprising a substantially spherical base body (3) which is used as a moderation body and which comprises hydrogenous material, a detection element (5) which is arranged in the center of the base body (3), and a neutron converter (7) surrounding the detection element (5). The neutron converter (7) comprises metal atoms which convert the energy of the high-energy neutron radiation essentially into neutrons within a suitable energy range. The dosimeter (1) is characterized in that the base body (3) is provided with an access (19) through which the detection element (5) can be introduced into the neutron converter (7) and removed thereform, and in that the neutron converter (7) is embodied in the form of a cylinder. |
| US07655920B2 |
Conversion apparatus, radiation detection apparatus, and radiation detection system
A conversion apparatus includes pixels including switching elements provided on an insulating substrate and conversion elements disposed over the switching elements and connected to the switching elements. Conductive lines are coupled to the pixels and have terminal elements for providing a connection to an external circuit. The terminal elements are disposed in a metal layer that is formed over the conversion elements. The conversion apparatus further includes a transparent conductive layer covering surfaces of the terminal elements, and a protective layer covering edges of the terminal elements and having openings. |
| US07655918B2 |
CMOS image sensors adapted for dental applications
An image sensor having a two-dimensional array of CMOS pixel sensors, a row decoder and a column decoder is disclosed. The two-dimensional array of CMOS pixel sensors is organized as a plurality of rows and columns that are addressed with the aid of row and column decoders. At least one of the column decoder or the row decoder is located between two of the rows or two of the columns, respectively. X-rays are converted to light that is detected by the image sensor by a layer of scintillation material that overlies the two-dimensional array. The internally located decoder or decoders facilitate sensors in which the two-dimensional array includes a rectangular array having a chamfered corner such that rows or columns that extend into the chamfered corner have lengths that are less than rows or columns, respectively, that do not extend into the corners. |
| US07655914B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining timing information in positron emission tomography (PET) detection
A constant fraction discriminating circuit outputs timing information corresponding to an event corresponding to a detected photon for providing nuclear medicine imaging. The constant fraction discriminating circuit includes a stripline or microstrip delay element. |
| US07655909B2 |
Infrared detector elements and methods of forming same
Infrared detector elements and methods for forming infrared detector elements in which the top metal layer of CMOS circuitry of the detector element is employed as a lead metal reflector for the infrared detector. |
| US07655893B2 |
Optimization of alignment between elements in an image sensor
An image sensor is formed with shifts among the optical parts of the sensor and the photosensitive parts of the sensor. The optical parts of the sensor may include a color filter array and/or microlenses. The photosensitive part may include any photoreceptors such as a CMOS image sensor. The shifts allow images to be formed even when the light received at a given pixel location varies in angle of incidence as a function of pixel location within the array. The relative shifts among the pixel components may be, for example, plus or minus some fraction of the pixel pitch. The shift may be variable across the array or may be constant across the array and may be deterministically determined. |
| US07655891B2 |
Charged-particle detecting apparatus
The present invention relates to a charged-particle detecting apparatus having a structure which enables adjustment of a potential distribution so as to stably maintain flight loci of charged particles without depending on a change in a voltage-applied state. The charged-particle detecting apparatus comprises a first electrode, an MCP, a second electrode, a third electrode that functions as an anode, and a rear cover arranged in order along a predetermined reference axis. The third electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the MCP with respect to the second electrode, and is electrically connected to an output signal part via a capacitor. In particular, the first electrode is arranged so as to become a part of the outer surface of the charged-particle detecting apparatus, and components positioned between the first electrode and the rear cover have contours with section sizes equal to or smaller than that of the contour of the first electrode when viewed from the first electrode side toward the rear cover. |
| US07655890B2 |
Light sensor, display apparatus including the same, and control method thereof
There are provided a light sensor, a display apparatus including the same, and a control method thereof. The display apparatus includes: a display panel which includes a display area through which an image is displayed and a non-display area. A light receiving transistor which is formed in the non-display area and receives outside light. A charging part which includes a first terminal is connected to a drain electrode of the light receiving part and a second terminal is connected to a direct current voltage terminal. A signal amplifying part which includes a first terminal and a second terminal which is connected to a source of reference voltage and receives a reference voltage. A charging switching part is connected between the first input terminal and the first terminal of the charging part. A controller is provided which controls the charging switching part according to a predetermined first cycle to charge or discharge the charging part. |
| US07655888B2 |
Laser scanning microscope and assembly for non-descanned detection
A scanning microscope with a light source which emits illumination light for illuminating a specimen, with at least a first detector for detecting the detection light proceeding from the specimen, and with an objective through which the specimen can be illuminated and detected, wherein the objective is arranged in an illumination beam path and in a detection beam path, and with a second detector for non-descanned detection of the detection light proceeding from the specimen, wherein a compact assembly is provided which comprises a housing which is attached to a microscope stand and which has at least one receptacle for a microscope objective for the illumination beam path and/or detection beam path of the scanning microscope, wherein at least the second detector is arranged in the housing and can be acted upon by specimen light. |
| US07655887B2 |
Feedback control system and method for maintaining constant resistance operation of electrically heated elements
A system and method for controlling electrical heating of an element to maintain a constant electrical resistance, by adjusting electrical power supplied to such element according to an adaptive feedback control algorithm, in which all the parameters are (1) arbitrarily selected; (2) pre-determined by the physical properties of the controlled element; or (3) measured in real time. Unlike the conventional proportion-integral-derivative (PID) control mechanism, the system and method of the present invention do not require re-tuning of proportionality constants when used in connection with a different controlled element or under different operating conditions, and are therefore adaptive to changes in the controlled element and the operating conditions. |
| US07655881B2 |
Laser irradiation stage, laser irradiation optical system, laser irradiation apparatus, laser irradiation method, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
As the output of laser oscillators become higher, it becomes necessary to develop a longer linear shape beam for a process of laser annealing of a semiconductor film. However, if the length of the linear shape beam is from 300 to 1000 mm, or greater, then the optical path length of an optical system for forming the linear shape beam becomes very long, thereby increasing its footprint size. The present invention shortens the optical path length. In order to make the optical path length of the optical system as short as possible, and to increase only the length of the linear shape beam, curvature may be given to the semiconductor film in the longitudinal direction of the linear shape beam. For example, if the size of the linear shape beam is taken as 1 m×0.4 mm, then it is necessary for the optical path length of the optical system to be on the order of 10 m. If, however, the semiconductor film is given curvature with a radius of curvature of 40,000 mm, then the optical path length of the optical system can be halved to approximately 5 m, and a linear shape beam having an extremely uniform energy distribution can be obtained. |
| US07655878B2 |
Key sheet and key sheet manufacturing method
Disclosed is a key sheet having a base sheet equipped with a hard resin plate and a key sheet manufacturing method, wherein a reduction is achieved in the thickness of the base sheet and in the effort and cost for the molding. Further, accurate depressing operation is realized without impairing the outward appearance of the key sheet. The key sheet has a hard base plate having a communicating groove connecting through-holes with each other. The communicating groove has a connecting portion formed so as to be continuous and integral with operating portions formed respectively at the through-holes. Thus, there is no need to form inlets for a rubber-like elastic material respectively corresponding to the through-holes in the mold. As a result, the mold structure can be simplified to thereby achieve a reduction in cost. Further, since the entire front or back surface of the hard base plate is not covered with the rubber-like elastic material, it is possible to achieve an overall reduction in the thickness of the base sheet. |
| US07655877B2 |
Air circuit breaker with mechanical trip indicating mechanism
An air circuit breaker having a mechanical trip indicating mechanism, in an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism, an actuator having an output link for providing a mechanical driving force, a first link unit connected between the output link of the actuator and the switching mechanism for applying the mechanical driving force from the output link to the switching mechanism to perform a trip operation, a front surface plate provided with a manipulating unit accessible by a user, the air circuit breaker comprising: a first rotation lever connected to the first link unit, a second link unit limitedly moved by the first rotation lever, a bias spring for applying an elastic biasing force to the second link unit to be moved in one direction, a second rotation lever installed to be rotatable with coming in contact with one end portion of the second link unit, and a mechanical trip indicating mechanism supported by the front surface plate and having an indicating portion exposed to the front surface plate to indicate the tripped state of the air circuit breaker and a driving force receiving portion contacted with the second rotation lever to receive a driving force from the second rotation lever to expose the indicating portion. |
| US07655874B2 |
Input device and electronics device
An input device includes an operation portion, a holding portion, a detection portion and at least a switch. The holding portion holds the operation portion so that the operation portion is rotatable around a given axis. The detection portion detects a rotational position of the operation portion with respect to the holding portion. A condition of the switch changes according to an external force exerted to the operation portion. |
| US07655873B2 |
Electromagnetic shielding film, plasma display panel filter using the electromagnetic shielding film, plasma display panel device including the electromagnetic shielding film, and method of manufacturing the electromagnetic shielding film
Provided are an electromagnetic shielding film capable of improving brightness, a plasma display panel (PDP) filter using the electromagnetic shielding film, a PDP device including the electromagnetic shielding film, and a method of manufacturing the electromagnetic shielding film. The electromagnetic shielding film includes a transparent substrate, an electromagnetic shielding film pattern which is formed on the transparent substrate and whose face opposite to the transparent substrate is blackened, and a black conductive layer pattern which is formed on the electromagnetic shielding film pattern. The method includes (a) forming a non-conductive layer on a conductive substrate, (b) forming a non-conductive layer pattern by patterning the non-conductive layer, (c) forming a black conductive layer pattern on the conductive substrate exposed by the non-conductive layer pattern, (d) forming an electromagnetic shielding film pattern on the black conductive layer pattern, (e) oxidizing the electromagnetic shielding film pattern to blacken the same, and (f) separating the black conductive layer pattern and the electromagnetic shielding film pattern from the conductive substrate using a transparent substrate on a face of which an adhesive is formed. |
| US07655871B2 |
Resin composition, resin-attached metal foil, base material-attached insulating sheet and multiple-layered printed wiring board
A multiple-layered printed wiring board is manufactured, which exhibits higher thermal resistance and lower thermal expansion so that no flaking and/or no crack would be occurred in a thermal shock test such as a cooling-heating cycle test and the like, in addition to exhibiting a fire retardancy. The resin composition is capable of being employed for forming a resin layer of a resin-attached metal foil or an insulating sheet of a base material-attached insulating sheet, and includes: a cyanate resin and/or a prepolymer thereof; an epoxy resin substantially containing no halogen atom; a phenoxy resin substantially containing no halogen atom; an imidazole compound; and an inorganic filler, and also directed to a resin-attached metal foil formed by cladding a metal foil with such resin composition, a base material-attached insulating sheet formed by cladding an insulating base material therewith, and a multiple-layered printed wiring board, formed by laying such resin-attached metal foil(s) or such base material-attached insulating sheet(s) on a single side or both sides of an internal layer circuit board, and hot pressure forming thereof. |
| US07655870B2 |
Printed circuit board able to suppress simultaneous switching noise
An exemplary printed circuit board includes a power plane, and a ground plane. The power plane includes two power modules, and an insulating medium for insulating the two power modules from each other. The ground plane is insulated from the power plane, a plurality of slots is defined in the ground plane and located close to facing edges of the two power modules, and the slots are arranged in rows along the facing edges of the two power modules. |
| US07655866B2 |
Communication cable with variable lay length
Communication cables are provided in which a core lay length of the cable varies along the cable length. The cable may be provided with different segments that have different core lay lengths. It is desirable for neighboring core lay lengths in a cable to differ by a factor of two, to enable a reduction in power-sum alien near-end crosstalk (PSANEXT) when two cables are installed alongside one another. Segments of the cable having different core lay lengths may be spaced periodically along the length of the cable, and the periodicity of the spacing may be altered by a jitter distance. The introduction of jitter into the periodicity of the spacing of the segments increases the likelihood that a beneficial placement of core lay lengths will occur when two or more cables are installed alongside one another. |
| US07655860B2 |
Nano-structured photovoltaic solar cell and related methods
A solar cell includes a substrate having a horizontal surface, and an electrode layer on the substrate. The electrode has a plurality of vertical surfaces substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface, and light-harvesting rods are coupled to the vertical surface of the electrode. |
| US07655859B2 |
Connector for a solar module
In order to deliver the current generated by means of photovoltaic solar elements, the invention proposes a connector for a solar module that is accommodated in a connector housing and can be connected to the solar elements. The solar elements are interconnected by means of flat connecting lines and embedding in a translucent sandwich panel. The current is delivered through an opening in one of the sheets of the sandwich panel by means of springable contact elements that are in electric contact with the connecting lines of the solar elements. |
| US07655856B2 |
Musical sounding producing apparatus, musical sound producing method, musical sound producing program, and recording medium
The present invention aims at the production of musical sounds by calculating motion data based on inputted image data using a simple technique without preliminarily preparing playing information or the like and by producing musical sounds based on the calculated data. A musical sound producing apparatus includes an operation part specifying means which extracts motion data indicative of motions from differentials of respective pixels corresponding to image data of a plurality of frames using image data for respective frames as an input; a musical sound producing means which produces musical sound data containing a sound source, a sound scale and a sound level in accordance with the motion data specified by the motion part specifying means; and an output means which outputs the musical sound data produced by the musical sound producing means, wherein an image database in which patterns are registered and an image matching means are provided, and a musical sound synthesizing means is provided to the musical sound producing means, in the musical sound producing means, so as to synthesize the musical sound data with other sound data, thereby producing the musical sound data. |
| US07655855B2 |
Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing musical compositions
Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples. An interactive auto-composition process preferably is utilized that employs musical rules and preferably a pseudo random number generator, which may also incorporate randomness introduced by timing of user input or the like, the user may then quickly begin creating desirable music in accordance with one or a variety of musical styles, with the user modifying the auto-composed (or previously created) musical composition, either for a real time performance and/or for storing and subsequent playback. In addition, the present invention makes use of node-based music generation as part of a system and method to broadcast and receive music data files, which are then used to generate and play music. By incorporating the music generation process into a node/subscriber unit, the bandwidth-intensive systems of conventional techniques can be avoided. Consequently, the bandwidth can preferably be also used for additional features such as node-to-node and node-to-base music data transmission. The present invention is characterized by the broadcast of relatively small data files that contain various parameters sufficient to describe the music to the node/subscriber music generator. |
| US07655852B2 |
Single reed woodwind musical instrument mouthpiece apparatus and method
A mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind musical instrument that holds an associated reed includes (1) an elongated mouthpiece body defining an air conduit means extending therethrough for providing a supply of air to facilitate playing of a woodwind musical instrument; (2) a reed placement surface defined on the mouthpiece body adjacent the air conduit dimensioned and configured to receive a reed detachably secured thereagainst; (3) a ligature including a ligature body dimensioned and configured to encircle the mouthpiece body and selectively retain the associated reed in position upon the reed placement surface and (4) a locating body engaging the ligature body and the mouthpiece body to locate the ligature body axially and radially with respect the mouthpiece body. The invention also includes the method for mounting a ligature on a mouthpiece for a woodwind musical instrument that includes the step of providing a locating body engaging the ligature body and the mouthpiece body to locate the ligature body axially and radially with respect the mouthpiece body. |
| US07655851B2 |
Tuning device of wireless communication type
A tuning device has a sound collecting unit having an input section for receiving a sound or vibration signal produced by a musical instrument and outputting a sound signal, and a wireless communication section for converting the sound signal into a wireless signal and transmitting the wireless signal to the outside. A computation display unit has a receiving section for receiving the wireless signal transmitted from the sound collecting unit and converting the wireless signal into a sound signal, a computing section that computes pitch information based on the sound signal, computes an amount of difference between the pitch information and reference pitch information corresponding to a reference sound name, and converts the computation result into a control signal for display, and a display section for acquiring the control signal and displaying information concerning the amount of difference computed by the computing section. |
| US07655845B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH611149
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH611149. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH611149, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH611149 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 CH611149. |
| US07655841B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety LH354
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated LH354. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety LH354, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety LH354 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety LH354 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety LH354. |
| US07655838B2 |
Insect inhibitory Bacillus thuringiensis proteins, fusions, and methods of use therefor
Novel insect inhibitory proteins are disclosed comprising two different components, both of which are required for biological activity. Various methods of linking both components together, so that a single protein provides insect inhibitory activity, are disclosed. Also disclosed are novel Bacillus thuringiensis nucleic acid sequences encoding Coleopteran-inhibitory crystal proteins, designated tIC100 (29-kDa) and tlC101 (14-kDa). Also disclosed are methods of making and using nucleic acid sequences in the development of the transgenic plant cells containing the novel nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein. |
| US07655836B2 |
Method for increasing product yield
The present invention relates to methods for increasing the yield of a compound produced by an organism. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for increasing the total or soluble carbohydrate content or sweetness or increasing the content of an endogenous carbohydrate of a plant tissue by producing a sugar-metabolizing enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an endogenous sugar (one that is normally produced in the plant) to an alien sugar (one that is not normally produced in the plant at the same developmental stage). The invention also relates to plants and plant parts that produce a sugar-metabolizing enzyme to yield an alien sugar, with the consequence of higher total fermentable carbohydrate content, and to fermentable carbohydrates and other products derived therefrom. |
| US07655828B2 |
Disposable absorbent article having a patterned odor/antimicrobial reduction layer
The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent article. The disposable absorbent article of the present invention includes: a topsheet, a backsheet combined with the topsheet, a fluid storage layer disposed between the topsheet and backsheet and having a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface opposing the body-facing surface. The disposable absorbent article further includes an odor/antimicrobial reduction layer disposed either between the topsheet and the fluid storage layer or between the backsheet and the fluid storage layer. The odor/antimicrobial reduction layer contains an odor/antimicrobial material. The odor/antimicrobial reduction layer has a predetermined pattern of the odor/antimicrobial material. |
| US07655825B2 |
Method for the production of synthetic fuels from oxygenates
A method is disclosed for producing a synthetic fuel, especially diesel fuel and in addition gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas and heating gas from a gas mixture comprising an oxygenate wherein the oxygenate is methanol and/or dimethyl ether and/or another oxygenate, through a series of steps, including olefin-formation, oligomerization of the olefins, and several separation steps and recycling steps, in particular the recycling of a stream of saturated hydrocarbons following the oligomerization of olefins back to the olefin-forming stage, to obtain the diesel fuel and the other synthetic fuels in high yield. |
| US07655821B1 |
Direct hydrocarbonylation process
A direct hydrocarbonylation process for the production of 1,4-butanediol is described. The process comprises reacting allyl alcohol with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an alcohol solvent in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a rhodium complex, a trialkyl phosphine, and a diphosphine. The process gives a high yield of 1,4-butanediol in a one-step reaction. |
| US07655815B2 |
Biuret compounds for rheology control
The invention relates to biuret compounds of the idealized general formula in which R1 is a (C1-C22)-alkylene, (C3-C22)-alkenylene, (C5-C15)-cycloalkylene, arylene, (C7-C12)-aralkylene, a polyoxyalkylene radical or is a polyester radical, R2 is a (C1-C22)-alkyl, hydroxy-(C1-C22)-alkyl, (C3-C18)-alkenyl, aryl, (C7-C12)-aralkyl, or (C5-C12)-cycloalkyl radical, a hydroxy-, (C1-C22)-alkoxy-, (C5-C12)-cycloalkoxy-, or (C7-C12)-aralkoxy-polyoxyalkylene radical, or a polyester radical prepared starting from a (C1-C22)-alkanol, (C5-C12)-cycloalkanol, or (C7-C12)-aralkanol or from a (C1-C22)-alkoxy-, (C6-C12)-cycloalkoxy-, or (C7-C12)-aralkoxy-polyoxyalkylene, Y stands for identical or different radicals O, NH, CO—NH—NH or NH—NH—CO, R3, R4 and R5 independently of one another are a (C2-C40)-alkylene, (C3-C40)-alkenylene, (C5-C40)-cyclo-alkylene, arylene, (C7-C40)-aralkylene or polyoxy-alkylene radical or are a polyester radical, R6 is a (C1-C30)-alkyl, (C3-C22)-alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl and hydroxyalkenyl, (C4-C13)-cycloalkyl, aryl or (C7-C12)-aralkyl radical, Z stands for one or more of the following groups COO, OCO, NHCO, CONH, NHCOO, OOCNH and NHCONH, and a is a number from 1 to 19, and also to processes for preparing them and to their use for rheology control and for thixotroping coating systems, as anti-sag agents and/or as anti-settling agents. |
| US07655812B2 |
Preparation of dimethylchlorosilane
Dimethylchlorosilane is prepared by reacting 1,2-tetramethyldichlorodisilane with hydrogen chloride in the presence of a catalyst mixture of a) palladium, b) a tertiary amine, and c) a tertiary phosphine having at least one phenyl group having at least one functional group other than hydrogen. The catalyst does not lose its activity upon contact with hydrogen chloride at low temperatures and ensures production of dimethylchlorosilane in high yields. |
| US07655809B2 |
Compounds comprising a linear series of five fused carbon rings, and preparation thereof
The present application discloses methods for the production of organic compounds comprising a linear series of five fused carbon rings. Such compounds are useful in the production of electronic components, devices and materials. For example the methods disclosed permit the production of 2,9- and 2,10-disubstituted pentacene compounds that present particularly advantageous properties for the manufacture of semiconductor materials, and may be used in devices such as for example thin film transistors and solar cells. Also disclosed are compounds that are excellent candidates for use in the manufacture of semiconductor materials, and other components of electronic systems, by virtue of their solubility, crystal packing geometries, and electronic properties. |
| US07655805B2 |
Method for synthesizing benzotriazole
A method for synthesizing benzotriazole comprises acts of: preparing a first solvent comprising 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, a basic agent and molecular sieves and a second solvent comprising 3-chloro-2-alkyl propylene; mixing the solvents; and heating the solvents. This method requires only one reaction vessel and produces few by-products, therefore is simpler and cheaper to produce. Furthermore, the molecular sieves are cheaper than catalysts in conventional reactions and may be recycled, giving even greater economic benefits. |
| US07655797B2 |
Intermediates for making 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds
The present invention provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds that inhibit the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades that lead to the release of chemical mediators, intermediates and methods of synthesizing the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by, caused by or associated with the release of chemical mediators via degranulation and other processes effected by activation of the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades. Certain disclosed embodiments concern contacting compounds having a formula or a salt or N-oxide thereof, with 2,4-dichloro-5-fluoropyrimidine under conditions to provide compounds having a formula |
| US07655790B2 |
Deprotection and purification of oligonucleotides and their derivatives
Method for synthesis, deprotection, and/or purification of nucleic acid molecules, such as oligonucleotides comprising one or more ribonucleotides. Such nucleic acid molecules include siRNA, dsRNA, ribozymes, antisense, and aptamers. |
| US07655787B2 |
pRNA chimera
A circularly permuted chimeric pRNA molecule carrying a stabilized biologically active RNA, such as a ribozyme. |
| US07655786B2 |
Gene expression modulating element
The present invention provides a method of screening for the purpose of obtaining gene expression modulating elements and gene insulator elements. The invention includes a method of identifying gene expression modulating elements and gene insulator elements through use of the following steps: a) locating intergenic regions of a plant genome that are flanked by a gene on each side that have differing gene expressions b) taking that intergenic region or a portion of that intergenic region and adding it to a cassette comprising an isolated gene c) introducing the cassette into a plant cell d) analyzing expression of the isolated gene. The present invention also includes identified sequences that act as gene expression modulating elements. |
| US07655784B2 |
Trans-sialidases obtained from Trypanosoma congolense
The invention relates to novel enzymes, which transfer sialic acid from a donor molecule onto an acceptor molecule (trans-sialidases). The enzymes are isolated from the protozoan Trypanosoma congolense. The invention also relates to functional equivalents of said enzymes, to the nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences that code for the enzymes and their functional equivalents, to expression constructs and vectors that contain said sequences, to recombinant microorganisms that carry the inventive coding nucleic-acid sequences, to a method for the recombinant production of the inventive enzymes, to a method for isolating said enzyme from Trypanosoma congolense, to a method for the enzymatic sialization of acceptor molecules using the inventive enzymes, to effectors of the inventive trans-sialidases, to the use of the nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences, enzymes, effectors or sialization products for producing vaccines, medicaments, foodstuffs or food additives, in addition to the latter products obtained by the inventive method. |
| US07655779B2 |
Collapsin response mediator protein-1 (CRMP-1) transcriptional regulatory nucleic acid sequences
This invention provides a transcription unit which is isolated from the upstream nucleic acid sequence of the collapsing response mediator protein-1 (CRMP-1) gene, an invasion-suppressor gene. The transcription unit contains a nucleic acid regulatory sequence which demonstrates promoter and/or regulatory activities (such as providing a transcription factor binding site) to enhance the expression of the CRMP-1 and/or a reporter protein. The invention also provides a DNA construct containing this transcription unit which can be transfected into a host cell. Additionally, the invention provides methods to enhance the expression of CRMP-1 and/or the reporter protein. The over-expression of CRMP-1 in a cancer cell can inhibit the metastasis of the cancer cell. |
| US07655778B2 |
SISP-1, a novel p53 target gene and use thereof
The present invention relates to a novel p53 target gene SISP-1 (Stress induced Secreted Protein 1) and a SISP-1 protein encoded by the gene. The SISP-1 protein of the present invention induces apoptosis by interaction with p53. The present invention provides the use of the gene/protein associated with treating abnormal apoptosis such as tumor. |
| US07655775B2 |
Expression vectors for treating bacterial infections
The present invention is compositions and methods for producing anti-bacterial polypeptides, and for using those compositions and methods for treating diseases and conditions caused by a bacterial infection. More specifically, the compositions and methods include treating a gram-negative bacterium with a gram-positive host that produces a polypeptide effective against the gram-negative bacterium. |
| US07655774B2 |
Ancestral and COT viral sequences, proteins and immunogenic compositions
The present invention is directed to ancestral and COT nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, methods for producing such sequences and uses thereof, including prophylactic and diagnostic uses. |
| US07655772B2 |
Materials and methods for treatment of allergic diseases
The present invention pertains to a method for treatment of allergic diseases by administering a natriuretic hormone peptide (NHP), or a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP, to a patient in need thereof. In another aspect, the present invention concerns an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP. In another aspect, the present invention concerns a host cell genetically modified with a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP. In another aspect, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising NHP or a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the present invention pertains to novel fragments of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) exhibiting bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activity, and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the fragments. |
| US07655767B2 |
Use of thiazolyl-pyridinium based dyes in optical layers for optical data recording
The present invention relates to the use of thiazolyl-pyridinium based dyes in optical layers for optical data recording, preferably for optical data recording using a laser with a wavelength up to 450 nm.The invention further relates to a write only read many (WORM) type optical data recording medium capable of recording and reproducing information with radiation of blue laser, which employs a thiazolyl-pyridinium based type dye in the optical layer.The present invention further relates to new thiazolyl-pyridinium based dyes, of formula (V), (VI) or (VIII). |
| US07655763B2 |
Neutralizing antibodies against GDF-8 and uses therefor
The disclosure provides novel antibodies against growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular human antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, preventing, or treating degenerative disorders of muscle or bone, or disorders of insulin metabolism. |
| US07655762B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies against ANGPTL4
Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to ANGPTL4 are provided. Monoclonal antibodies that neutralize at least one activity of ANGPTL4 are provided. Methods of treating a disorder of lipid metabolism using neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are provided. |
| US07655757B2 |
Cytotoxic ribonuclease variants
This invention relates to cytotoxic variants of human ribonuclease 1 (RNase 1) identified through analysis of the interaction between RNase 1 and the human ribonuclease inhibitor (hRI) as defined by the three dimensional (3-D) atomic structure of the RNase 1 hRI complex. Also disclosed is the 3-D structure of the hRI.RNase 1 complex and methods for designing the RNase 1 variants. |
| US07655756B2 |
Crystallized structure of estrogen related receptor gamma in complex with bisphenol A
A method for the identification of novel compounds that interact and stabilize the ligand binding domain of estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ), a methodology for producing diffraction quality crystal structures in the presence of antagonist and agonist ligands, including Bisphenol A, and the identification of novel biologically-active compounds that have an effect on the transcriptional-activating activity of ERRγ are disclosed. |
| US07655754B2 |
Bacteria with increased levels of protein secretion, nucleotide sequences coding for a SecA protein with increased levels of protein secretion, and methods for producing proteins
The invention relates to bacteria that have increased levels of protein secretion due to genetic modification, to nucleotide sequences and gene structures containing at least one gene coding for a SecA protein having increased levels of protein secretion, to a SecA having increased levels of protein secretion, and to a method for producing desired proteins using the inventive bacteria. The invention also relates to nucleic acids coding for a SecA protein having increased levels of protein secretion, containing a SecA gene sequence or allele, a SecA homologue or derivative, or nucleotide sequences hybridising therewith and comprising at least one mutation. Surprisingly, just one mutation in a nucleotide of a SecA gene leads to increased levels of protein secretion or to protein secretion for the first time. |
| US07655753B2 |
Conjugate
The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising at least one alpha-helix having synthetically attached thereto a plurality of therapeutic or diagnostic moieties, wherein said therapeutic or diagnostic moieties may be the same or different and are spatially oriented on the polypeptide so as to minimise interactions between said moieties. Further aspects of the invention relate to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide; a polynucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide; an expression vector comprising said polynucleotide sequence; and a host cell transformed with said expression vector. The invention also provides a method of treatment comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of said polypeptide. |
| US07655750B2 |
Process for the continuous preparation and isolation of soluble preceramic oligomers and/or polymers
The invention relates to a method for continuously producing pre-ceramic polymers. The inventive method consists in synthesizing polymers, in separating polymers from a reaction mixture and in thermally conditioning for defining a cross linkage degree and rheological properties, wherein all said steps are integrated into a single method. The thus obtainable polymers are used in the form of an initial material for producing non-oxidized ceramics in ternary X/Y/N or X/Y/N/C quaternary systems. Said materials are characterized by the high mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance thereof, wherein any X and Y combination can represent in particular Si, B, P, Al, Ti, V, Zr, Ta elements. |
| US07655749B2 |
Method for making nitrogen aromatic oligomers and polymers
Methods for synthesizing dimeric or higher polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst is in particulate form and comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate. |
| US07655747B2 |
Soluble, degradable poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives for controllable release of bound molecules into solution
PEG and related polymer derivatives having weak, hydrolytically unstable linkages near the reactive end of the polymer are provided for conjugation to drugs, including proteins, enzymes, small molecules, and others. These derivatives provide a sufficient circulation period for a drug-PEG conjugate, followed by hydrolytic breakdown of the conjugate and release of the bound molecule. In some cases, drugs that demonstrate reduced activity when permanently coupled to PEG maintain a therapeutically suitable activity when coupled to a degradable PEG in accordance with the invention. The PEG derivatives of the invention can be used to impart improved water solubility, increased size, a slower rate of kidney clearance, and reduced immunogenicity to a conjugate formed by attachment thereto. Controlled hydrolytic release of the bound molecule into an aqueous environment can then enhance the drug's delivery profile by providing a delivery system which employs such polymers and utilizes the teachings provided herein. |
| US07655742B2 |
Method of forming thin film
There is provided a method of forming a thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having crystal form I which is applicable to various substrates in relatively easy way (coating conditions, application method, etc.), a process for preparing a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having crystal form I efficiently at high purity, and novel vinylidene fluoride homopolymers which can give a thin film being excellent in ferroelectricity. The method of forming a thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprises (i) a step for preparing a green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising crystal form I alone or as main component by subjecting vinylidene fluoride to radical polymerization in the presence of a bromine compound or iodine compound having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which contains at least one moiety represented by —CRf1Rf2X1, wherein X1 is iodine atom or bromine atom; Rf1 and Rf2 are the same or different and each is selected from fluorine atom or perfluoroalkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and (ii) a step for forming a thin film on a substrate surface by using vinylidene fluoride homopolymer which comprises crystal form I alone or as main component and is obtained from the green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising crystal form I alone or as main component. |
| US07655741B2 |
Thermostable vinylchloride mixed polymers
A process for the preparation of vinyl chloride copolymers involves free radical suspension polymerization or emulsion polymerization of a mixture of vinyl chloride, epoxide-containing vinyl monomers and further comonomers copolymerizable therewith, wherein a) from 49.5 to 90% by weight of vinyl chloride, b) from 0.01 to 0.7% by weight of epoxide-containing vinyl monomers and c) from 9.5 to 50% by weight of further comonomers copolymerizable with a) and b) are polymerized, the data in % by weight totaling 100% by weight, and from 0.001 to 0.1% by weight of one or more aliphatic or alicyclic, saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or aliphatic and alicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydroxymono-, hydroxydi- and hydroxytricarboxylic acids having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and 1 to 4 hydroxyl groups are added during or after the polymerization, and the vinyl chloride copolymer is isolated as a solid resin. |
| US07655740B2 |
Olefin polymerization process
A slurry process for polymerizing ethylene is disclosed. The process comprises polymerizing ethylene in the presence of an α-olefin and a catalyst comprising an activator and a supported bridged indeno[1,2-b]indolyl zirconium complex. The process produces polyethylene characterized by good incorporation of the α-olefin and moderate long-chain branching. The process is capable of forming high molecular weight polyethylene and has good catalyst activity. |
| US07655739B1 |
Adhesive compositions comprising a polyfarnesene
Adhesive composition comprises a polyfarnesene and a tackifier. The polyfarnesene can be a farnesene homopolymer derived from a farnesene (e.g., α-farnesene or β-farnesene) or a farnesene interpolymer derived from a farnesene and at least a vinyl monomer. In some embodiments, the at least one vinyl monomer is ethylene, an α-olefin such as styrene, or a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl halide, vinyl ether, acrylonitrile, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, acrylamide or methacrylamide, or a combination thereof. The composition disclosed herein can be used as a hot melt adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive or the like. |
| US07655733B2 |
Postcrosslinking of water absorbing polymers with cyclic carbamates and/or cyclic ureas
Disclosed is a process for postcrosslinking a water absorbing polymer by the polymer being treated with at least one postcrosslinker and postcrosslinked and dried during or after the treatment by raising the temperature, the at least one postcrosslinker being a cyclic carbamate or a cyclic urea, wherein the cyclic carbamate or the cyclic urea was obtained by reacting respectively an aminoalcohol or a diamine with a cyclic carbonate. |
| US07655731B2 |
Soft polymer compositions having improved high temperature properties
Disclosed are soft polymer compositions comprising an ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer and a crystalline polyolefin, such as polypropylene homopolymers or polypropylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a higher melt viscosity than the polyolefin. Also disclosed are such compositions modified by materials that improve the scratch-and-mar properties of the blends, the preparation and use of these compositions in such processes as extrusion and injection molding, and articles made from these compositions. |
| US07655729B2 |
Power transmission products having enhanced properties
The present invention is directed to the incorporation of functionalized polyethylenes, in amount of about 1% to 95% by weight based upon the weight of the total crosslinkable material, into ethylene alpha olefin elastomers, such as EPDM elastomer compositions, which are crosslinked by peroxides, which results in improved properties, such as hardness and modulus of elongation, and can result in improved higher abrasion resistance, wear resistance, coefficient of friction, tensile strength, and other properties through a broad temperature range, which are beneficial to power transmission products, such as power transmission belts. |
| US07655728B2 |
Preparation of thermoplastic elastomers by dynamic vulcanization in multi-screw extruders
The invention relates to a method of preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising: a) melt processing a blend of thermoplastic polymer and vulcanizable elastomer in a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws, wherein said screws have 3-170 mixing zones, and said extruder having a L/D ratio of 15-100, and a screw profile that has 3 to 17 meshes per L/D; b) adding at least one curing agent to the melt-processed blend of a) in at least one location in the first 46% of the length of said extruder, or adding at least one curing agent to the melt-processed blend of a) in a second extruder, so as to initiate curing of the blend: and, curing at least partially said elastomer by reactive melt processing. Improved processing, reaction kinetics and efficiencies are achieved, as well as thermoplastic vulcanizate products having decreased weight gain when placed in mineral oils. |
| US07655727B2 |
Method for preparing thermoplastic vulcanizates with improved extrusion surfaces
A process for the preparation of dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers comprising melt processing under shearing conditions in melt reaction extruder, A) at least one thermoplastic resin, B) at least one vulcanizable gas-phase elastomer having a Mooney viscosity (ML.sub.1+4(125° C.)) of from about 65 to about 450, C) a curing agent or agents, and D) process oil, wherein said process oil D) is added to the extruder in at least three oil injection positions located a) at least one location before or within the first 15% of the total length of the extruder; b) at least one other location prior to, at or within 10% total extruder length after the onset of the vulcanization of said gas-phase elastomer; and c) at least one location subsequent to the location of the point at which the vulcanization of said gas-phase elastomer is substantially completed. |
| US07655726B2 |
Thermoplastic partially crystalline molding compound having a reduced surface luster and products made therefrom
The present invention relates to novel molding compositions based on semicrystalline engineering thermoplastics which, in conventional processing techniques, give moldings with reduced surface gloss. A feature of the molding compositions is that they comprise, in a polymer matrix, if appropriate with the usual additives, polymer particles with a median size d50 of from 0.1 μm to 100 μm, and comprise at least one other incompatible or semicompatible polymer which has not been chemically crosslinked, and also, if appropriate, comprise salt-like additives. The invention further relates to moldings which are produced by means of conventional processing techniques, in particular via injection molding, from these matt-effect molding compositions. |
| US07655725B2 |
Process for the preparation of a hydrogenated polymer
This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a hydrogenated polymer comprising the steps of hydrogenation of at least one carbon-carbon double bond of an unsaturated polymer in latex in the presence of hydrazine, an oxidizing compound and a catalyst, followed by separation of the hydrogenated polymer from the latex. After the separation of the hydrogenerated polymer from the latex a mixing step is carried out in which the hydrogenated polymer is first mixed with an amine group containing compound and next the hydrogenated polymer is mixed with a compound that is capable of reacting with an amine. The invention also relates to the hydrogenated polymer. The invention further relates to the use of this polymer in a compounds to make an article by shaping and vulcanisation. |
| US07655724B2 |
Low-HAP and zero-HAP polyester resin systems and articles prepared using same
A polyester gelcoat composition comprising unsaturated polyester resin; a reactive diluent mixture including para-tertiary-butylstyrene and a minor amount of styrene; and one or more additives. The gelcoat composition does not include appreciable deleterious amounts of hazardous air pollution solvents. A method of making the gelcoat composition is also disclosed. |
| US07655723B2 |
Radiation resistant polypropylene materials
A polypropylene material is provided having increased radiation resistance compared to solely isotactic polypropylene. The material is formed by utilizing a syndiotactic polypropylene. The isotactic polypropylene may be an isotactic metallocene or Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene and may include an amount of syndiotactic polypropylene. The material may be used in forming a variety of materials that may undergo exposure to radiation, such as sterilization procedures using radiation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US07655722B2 |
Adhesive composition
The present invention relates to adhesive compositions having: a phosphate group-containing monomer (a) having a fluorocarbon group represented by Chemical Formula 1; and a solvent (b), where R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, n, p and q are natural numbers 2≦n≦10, p+q≦n and p+q+n≦13. |
| US07655720B2 |
Adhesive containing radial block copolymer
Hot melt adhesive compositions containing radial polystyrene-polyisoprene/polybutadiene block copolymer and use as elastic attachment adhesive in the manufacture of disposable absorbent elastic articles. |
| US07655719B2 |
Thermally conductive polymer compositions having moderate tensile and flexural properties
A thermally conductive polymer composition having enhanced mechanical properties is provided. The polymer composition consists of a base polymer matrix loaded with fillers that results in a thermal conductivity that is greater than 1.5 W/m° K and a tensile modulus within an acceptable range making the composition suitable for structural plastic applications, such as between 1,700 to 12,000 Mpa and more preferably between approximately 2,700 to 10,000 Mpa and even more preferably in the range of between approximately 4,000 to 9,000 Mpa. In addition to a tensile modulus within the identified range the composition also includes an elongation to break value that is at least above 1.0% and more preferably in the range of about 1.2% to 10%. |
| US07655715B2 |
Phosphorus-containing mixtures, a process for their preparation and their use
The invention relates to phosphorus-containing mixtures containing compounds of the formula RO—PO(A)-CH2—CH2—CO2H and (I) HO—PO(A)-CH2—CH2—CO2R (II) in which A is C1-C18-alkyl, C6-C18-alkylaryl, C6-C18-aralkyl or aryl, R is (D,E)C═C(B, R5), H B, D, E are identical or different and are each H or C1-C18-alkyl R5 is C1-C20-alkylene, a process for their preparation and their use. |
| US07655713B2 |
Non-aqueous ink-jet ink and ink-jet recording method
A non-aqueous ink-jet ink containing a pigment, a resin for fixing an image and Compound A represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2), wherein a content of Compound A in the ink-jet ink is from 1.5 to 30 weight % based on the total weight of the ink-jet ink: |
| US07655708B2 |
Polymeric black pigment dispersions and ink jet ink compositions
An ink jet ink composition comprising an aqueous media and a pigment dispersion comprising a specific carbon black pigment and a polymeric dispersant wherein said polymeric dispersant is a copolymer comprising at least a hydrophobic methacrylate or acrylate monomer containing an aliphatic chain having greater than or equal to 12 carbons; and a hydrophilic methacrylic or acrylic acid monomer; wherein said copolymer comprises at least 10% by weight of the methacrylate or acrylate monomer and at least 5% by weight of the methacrylic or acrylic acid monomer; and wherein the copolymer comprises, in total, 20 to 95 weight % of hydrophobic monomer. |
| US07655695B2 |
Illudin analogs useful as anticancer agents
Acylfulvene analogs, which inhibit tumor growth, especially solid tumor growth, and which have an adequate therapeutic index to be effective for in vivo treatment are provided herein. The compounds described herein are useful as anti-neoplastic agents, i.e., to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro or in vivo, in mammalian hosts, such as humans or animals, e.g., domestic animals, and are effective against solid tumors, hematologic malignancies and multi-drug resistant cancers/tumors. The present compounds can be used alone or they can be used in combination with one or more anti-cancer or anti-tumor agents. |
| US07655694B2 |
Phytoestrogenic isoflavone compositions, their preparation and use thereof for protection against and treatment of radiation injury
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of animals, including humans from radiation injury. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising the isoflavone genistein (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) or phytoestrogenic isoflavonoids. |
| US07655693B2 |
Compounds
The invention provides a compound of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of treatment using the same. |
| US07655692B2 |
Process for forming amorphous atorvastatin
Forming amorphous atorvastatin comprises the steps of dissolving atorvastatin in a hydroxylic solvent, followed by rapidly evaporating the solvent. In another aspect, a composition comprises particles of amorphous atorvastatin and a core. |
| US07655689B2 |
Fused heterocyclic succinimide compounds and analogs thereof, modulators of nuclear hormone receptor function
Fused cyclic compounds, methods of using such compounds in the treatment of nuclear hormone receptor-associated conditions such as cancer and immune disorders, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. |
| US07655686B2 |
Certain substituted spirocyclic lactams and use thereof as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to novel 2-(6-oxo-1,7-diaza-spiro[4.4]non-7-yl)-propionamides of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, m and p are as defined in the specification, to their preparation, to their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US07655684B2 |
Inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase
Compounds that act as inhibitors of QC including those represented by the general formulae 1 to 9: and combinations thereof for the treatment of neuronal disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease, Down Syndrome, Parkinson disease, Corea Huntington, pathogenic psychotic conditions, schizophrenia, impaired food intake, sleep-wakefulness, impaired homeostatic regulation of energy metabolism, impaired autonomic function, impaired hormonal balance, impaired regulation, body fluids, hypertension, fever, sleep dysregulation, anorexia, anxiety related disorders including depression, seizures including epilepsy, drug withdrawal and alcoholism, neurodegenerative disorders including cognitive dysfunction and dementia. |
| US07655682B2 |
Triple anti-irritant composition
The present invention relates to a composition comprising two or more anti-irritants, each having at least about 7.2% oxygen content. In a separate embodiment, the composition may be defined to include a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectant agent, and an anti-irritant agent, each having an oxygen content of at least about 7.2%. The invention further comprises methods of treating and preventing skin conditions by applying the composition to the skin, and then optionally washing the skin. |
| US07655678B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for the management of tumors
The present invention relates to the effect of naturally occurring compounds on tumor development. As an example of proof, we used low; non-toxic doses of three compound e.g. Calcium D-glucarate, a naturally occurring Ca++ salt of D-glucaric acid; Nicotinamide (NA), a naturally occurring vitamin and butyric acid (BA), a naturally occurring saturated short chain fatty acid. 7,12 dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), which is a very potent skin carcinogen and is an environmental pollutant, was used for skin tumor development. Experiment was performed up to 30 weeks. All the above-mentioned compounds were used either alone or concomitantly any two or all the three. In the positive control group 100% tumorigenesis was attained in 28 weeks, use of single compound led to the inhibition of DMBA induced tumorigenesis between 33 to 47%, use of two compounds resulted in the 73 to 80% reduction in tumorigenesis but the concomitant use of three compounds resulted into 100% inhibition of tumor development at the end of 30 weeks. This led us to conclude that the concomitant use of Cag, NA and BA in combination of two is useful for preventing skin tumor development for a sort or long period of time. But the concomitant use of all the three compounds, as described, exhibited the perfect synergistic effect in preventing the tumor development completely. This strategy should be equally effective in the management of benign and possibly malignant tumor in any organ caused by any mean. |
| US07655677B2 |
Composition and method for controlling house insect pest
The present invention provides a composition for controlling a house insect pest, such as termites, ants or cockroaches, which comprises, as active ingredients, at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of (a) a certain pyridine compound, (b) a benzoylurea compound, (c) a pyrethroid compound and (d) a certain hydrazone compound; and a composition for controlling a house insect pest, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a certain hydrazone compound. |
| US07655675B2 |
Gamma-secretase inhibitors
Compounds of formula I: inhibit the processing of APP by gamma-secretase and hence find use in treatment of Alzheimer's disease. |
| US07655671B2 |
Morphinan derivatives, the quaternary ammonium salts thereof substituted in position 14, method for production and use thereof
The present invention relates to a class of morphinan compounds and quaternary ammonium salts thereof, substituted in Position 14, which may be used as highly active analgesics or also as opioid antagonists. The present invention also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and easily produced derivatives thereof, a process for the production thereof and use thereof in the production of pharmaceutical specialities. |
| US07655670B2 |
3-spirocyclic indolyl derivatives useful as ORL-1 receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to novel 3-spirocyclic indolyl derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by the ORL-1 receptor. |
| US07655669B2 |
Pyrimidineamide derivatives and the use thereof
The invention relates to novel substituted N-(3-benzoylaminophenyl)-4-pyridyl-2-pyrimidinamine derivatives, processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, the use thereof optionally in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds for the therapy of a disease which responds to an inhibition of protein kinase activity, especially a neoplastic disease, and a method for the treatment of such a disease. |
| US07655668B1 |
Composition and method for treatment of warts
Provided is a composition that includes 5-FU and salicylic acid. This composition is useful as a treatment for warts. As opposed to conventional compositions and methods, this composition need only be applied once a day. Also provided are methods for the preparation and use of the composition for treatment of warts. |
| US07655665B2 |
Nitromethylene derivatives and their use
The present invention discloses nitromethylene derivatives and the uses thereof. These derivatives are obtained by adding ring structure onto the known nitromethylene compounds, by which both their stability for light and their liposolubility are increased. Furthermore, by using the substituents linked to ether bond, the steric orientation of the nitro group and the liposolubility of the compounds are controlled. The insecticidal activity tests show that the compounds and their derivatives of the invention display high efficiency on killing various destructive insects with piercing-sucking type or scratching type mouthparts, such as aphid, leafhopper, plant hopper, thrips and white fly. |
| US07655663B2 |
Fluoropyrrolidines having dipeptidyl peptidase enzyme inhibitory activity
The present invention relates to new, potent DPP-IV enzyme inhibitors of the general formula (I), which contain fluorine atoms. |
| US07655660B2 |
Prodrugs of CC-1065 analogs
Prodrugs of analogs of the anti-tumor antibiotic CC-1065 having a cleavable protective group such as a piperazino carbamate, a 4-piperidino-piperidino carbamate or a phosphate, in which the protecting group confers enhanced water solubility and stability upon the prodrug, and in which the prodrug also has a moiety, such as a disulfide, that can conjugate to a cell binding reagent such as an antibody. The therapeutic use of such prodrug conjugates is also described; such prodrugs of cytotoxic agents have therapeutic use because they can deliver cytotoxic prodrugs to a specific cell population for enzymatic conversion to cytoxic drugs in a targeted fashion. |
| US07655652B2 |
Imidazolo-5-yl-2-anilinopyrimidines as agents for the inhibition of cell proliferation
Compounds of the formula (I), wherein variable groups are as defined within and a pharmaceutically acceptable salts and in vivo hydrolysable esters are described. Also described are processes for their preparation and their use as medicaments, particularly medicaments for producing a cell cycle inhibitory (anti cell proliferation) effect in a warm blooded animal, such as man. |
| US07655644B2 |
Piperidine and azetidine derivatives as GlyT1 inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), wherein both p's are one or two, R1 is generally heteroaryl or cycloalkyl, R2 is C3-6cycloalkyl or phenyl and R3 is heteroaryl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as GlyT1 inhibitors for treating schizophrenia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and methods for their preparation. |
| US07655639B2 |
Minimally invasive clinical treatment method for closure of umbilical hernias
The present invention is a minimally invasive clinical method for closing hernias and other abnormal openings existing within the body; and is a unique alternative to conventional surgery and routine surgical techniques for correcting such medical defects. The clinical applications for the present methodology can be used for the in-vivo closure of small sized lumens and voids which naturally occur and exist internally within the soft connective tissue and organs of the living human body; can be employed to advantage for the closure of hernias generally; and is focused upon the closure of umbilical hernias specifically. |
| US07655633B2 |
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic derivatives, medicinal compositions containing the same and medicinal use thereof
The present invention provides nitrogen-containing heterocyclic derivatives represented by the general formula: wherein X1 represents N or CR1; X2 represents N or CR2; X3 represents N or CR3; X4 represents N or CR4; and with the proviso that one or two of X1 to X4 represent N; R represents optionally substituted C3-8 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C6-10 aryl, etc.; R1 to R4 represent H, a halogen atom, etc.) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or prodrugs thereof, which exert an excellent inhibitory activity in human SGLT2 and are useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with hyperglycemia such as diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity or the like, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and medicinal uses thereof. |
| US07655632B2 |
Pyrazole derivative, medicinal composition containing the same, medicinal use thereof, and intermediate for production thereof
The present invention provides pyrazole derivatives represented by the general formula: wherein R1 represents H, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group etc.; one of Q and T represents a group represented by the general formula: or a group represented by the general formula: while the other represents an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group etc.; R2 represents H, a halogen atom, OH, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group etc.; X represents a single bond, O or S; Y represents a single bond, a C1-6 alkylene group etc.; Z represents CO or SO2; R4 and R5 represent H, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group etc.; and R3, R6 and R7 represent H, a halogen atom etc., pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or prodrugs thereof, which exhibit an excellent inhibitory activity in human SGLT1 and are useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with hyperglycemia such as diabetes, diabetic complications or obesity, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, pharmaceutical uses thereof, and intermediates for production thereof. |
| US07655631B2 |
Pharmaceutical preparations and methods for inhibiting tumors
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and method for inhibiting growth of prostatic adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer, breast cancer, endometrial, ovarian or other cancers of epithelial secretion, or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) In one embodiment the pharmaceutical composition includes human rHuPSP94, antigenic portions thereof, and functionally equivalent polypeptides thereof. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition includes a mixture of human rHuPSP94, antigenic portions thereof, and functionally equivalent polypeptides thereof and an anticancer drug which may be administered in an appropriate dosage form, dosage quantity and dosage regimen to a patient suffering from, for example of prostatic adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer, breast cancer, endometrial, ovarian or other cancers of epithelial secretion, benign prostate hyperplasia, or (BPH) gastrointestinal cancer. The anticancer drug of the latter mixture may be one selected from the group of drugs including mitomycin, idarubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluoro-uracil, methotrexate, adriamycin, daunomycin, taxol, taxol derivative, and mixtures thereof. |
| US07655623B2 |
Dab9 derivatives of lipopeptide antibiotics and methods of making and using the same
The present invention provides Dab9 derivatives of amphomycin-type lipopepetide antibiotics that display antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, methods and intermediates for synthesizing the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of infections. |
| US07655621B2 |
Cross-linked glycopeptide-cephalosporin antibiotics
This invention provides cross-linked glycopeptide-cephalosporin compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antibiotics. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; methods for treating bacterial infections in a mammal using such compounds; and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
| US07655620B2 |
Use of one or more metal carriers to selectively kill mammalian cells
Compositions and methods for decreasing the viability of cells, particularly aberrant non-healthy cells, and most particularly cancer cells, are disclosed. The primary agent that causes cell death is a toxic metal atom or ion. Embodiments of the invention provide compositions and methods to ensure that the toxic metal is directed to the desired cell or tissue. In one embodiment, the metal is bound to a sulfur-rich peptide or protein carrier containing a targeting moiety. Such metal-protein complex is targeted to the selected cells or tissues to enrich the cell or tissue site with the metal-containing peptide or protein molecules followed by administering a dithiocarbonyl which carries the metal from the protein inside the cells to induce cell death. |
| US07655618B2 |
Compositions and methods for the prevention and control of insulin-induced hypoglycemia
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising glucagon can be administered to control and treat diabetes while reducing or eliminating the risk of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Also provide are methods of administering glucagon so as to reduce the risk of inducing hypoglycemia. |
| US07655616B2 |
Use of IL-18 inhibitors for treating head injuries
The invention relates to the use of inhibitors of IL-18 in the preparation of a medicament for treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system injury, in particular of traumatic head injury. |
| US07655614B2 |
3-isopropyl-1-methylcyclopentyl derivatives and their use in fragrance applications
This invention relates to 3-isopropyl-1-methylcyclopentyl derivatives and their use in fragrance applications. |
| US07655613B2 |
Solubilizing systems for flavors and fragrances
The present invention provides compositions and clear oil-in-water microemulsion containing up to 80% w/w of an oil, a surfactant system, a w/w oil/surfactant system ratio between 1 and 3, and a solubilizing-aid ingredient which is not a surfactant neither a VOC compound, the latter being present in an amount sufficient to ensure that the ratio oil/(surfactant+solubilizing-aid) is between 0.1 and 5. The present invention concerns also the articles and products associated with such compositions and microemulsions, and the methods to manufacture them. |
| US07655604B2 |
Process of hydraulic fracturing using a viscoelastic wellbore fluid
Hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is carried out using an aqueous wellbore fluid which is an aqueous solution of a surfactant which has the formula (R1—X)nZ, where R1 is an aliphatic group comprising a C10-C25 principal straight chain bonded at a terminal carbon atom thereof to X, and comprising at least one C1-C6 side chain. X is a charged head group, Z is a counterion, and n is an integer which ensures that the surfactant is charge neutral. The surfactant reversibly thickens the aqueous solution such that the wellbore fluid is a viscoelastic gel. The viscoelastic gel breaks and undergoes a reduction in viscosity within the reservoir and surfactant from the broken gel mixes with hydrocarbon in the reservoir. |
| US07655603B2 |
Clean-up additive for viscoelastic surfactant based fluids
Clean-up additive compositions may be used to enhance the clean-up of VES-gelled aqueous fluids in a wide range of applications and VES fluid compositions, including use of an internal breaker system. The compositions are microemulsions that may include, but not necessarily be limited to, at least one viscosity reducing agent, at least one solubilizing agent, at least one desorption agent and at least one water wetting agent. One non-limiting embodiment of a specific microemulsion includes an unsaturated fatty acid oil, a glycol, a sorbitan ester/ethoxylated sorbitan ester mixture, and an alkyl sulfonate. Microemulsions may perform one or more of the following functions: keeping the reservoir water wet; keeping surface tension reduction low; demulsifying reservoir crude oils and aqueous VES fluids; dispersing and solubilizing the by-products generated when breaking the VES gel; and/or limiting the amount of VES residue on reservoir minerals. |
| US07655602B2 |
Peptides comprising aromatic D-amino acids and methods of use
Disclosed are D-peptides and libraries of D-peptides comprising aromatic D-amino acids. Also disclosed are methods for identifying small D-peptides comprising aromatic D-amino acids that bind to proteins of interest. |
| US07655598B2 |
Herbicide composition
The present invention relates to an herbicide composition comprising, as active ingredients, a uracil compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein Z represents halogen or cyano; A represents oxygen, sulfur or NH; R1 represents hydroxyl, C1-C7 alkoxy or others, and R2 represents hydrogen or methyl, and 2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzen; and a method for controlling weeds which comprises applying an effective amounts of said herbicide composition to weeds. According to the invention, particularly weeds in orchards, soybean fields and non-crop lands can be effectively controlled. |
| US07655594B2 |
Materials for degrading contaminants
Briefly described, compositions, materials including the compositions, methods of using the compositions, and methods of degrading contaminants, are described herein. The composition can include a polyoxometalate/ cationic silica material. In addition, the compositions can be made of a polyoxometalate/cationic silica material, a copper (II) salt having a weakly bound anion, and a nitrate salts. Further, the compositions can be made of a polyoxometalate/cationic silica material, a copper (II) salt having a weakly bound anion, a compound selected from tetraethylammonium (TEA) nitrate, tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) nitrate, and combinations thereof. |
| US07655589B2 |
Process and apparatus for the regeneration of spent FCC catalyst
Disclosed is an improved regeneration process and system for the regeneration of a spent FCC catalyst in a regenerator without vertical partitions by introducing different fluidization gas streams to different regions of a dense phase catalyst zone at the lower end of the regenerator such as a high velocity central region and a low velocity annular zone are formed, positioned below a common dilute catalyst phase. |
| US07655587B2 |
High resistivity refractory with a high zirconia content
The invention provides a novel fused and cast refractory product with a high zirconia content having improved electrical resistivity. Said refractory product comprises, as a percentage by weight relative to the oxides and for a total of more than 98.5%: ZrO2+Hf2O: >85% SiO2: 1% to 12% Al2O3: 0.1% to 2.4%, with Al2O3/SiO2<0.5 Y2O3: ≦1%, B2O3: <1.5%; and a dopant selected from the group formed by V2O5, CrO3, Nb2O5, MoO3, Ta2O5, WO3, and mixtures thereof, in a weighted quantity such that: 0.2%≦2.43V2O5+8.84CrO3+1.66Nb2O5+6.14MoO3+Ta2O5+3.81WO3. |
| US07655585B2 |
Optical glass, precision press-molding preform, process for the production thereof, optical element and process for the production of the element
Provided is a precision press-molding optical glass that is not easily degraded in quality by the occurrence of an altered layer such as fogging or yellowing on a surface and that comprises B2O3, ZnO, La2O3 and ZrO2 and contains, by mol %, 0 to less than 0.5% of Li2O, 20 to 50% of B2O3, 0 to 20% of SiO2, 22 to 42% of ZnO, 5 to 24% of La2O3, 0 to 20% of Gd2O3, provided that the total content of La2O3 and Gd2O3 is 10 to 24%, 0.5 to 10% of ZrO2, 0 to 15% of Ta2O5, 0 to 20% of WO3, 0 to 15% of Nb2O5, 0 to 20% of TiO2, 0 to 10% of Bi2O3, 0 to 10% of GeO2, 0 to 10% of Ga2O3, 0 to 10% of Al2O3, 0 to 10% of BaO, 0 to 10% of Y2O3 and 0 to 10% of Yb2O3, the optical glass having an Abbe's number (νd) of at least 35 but less than 40. |
| US07655582B2 |
Polypropylene blends for non-woven fabrics
The present invention provides polypropylene blends for use in the production of fibers and fabrics. The polypropylene blends according to the current invention comprise from about 85 to about 95 percent by weight of a propylene homopolymer and from about 5 to about 15 percent by weight of an ethylene/propylene random copolymer having an ethylene content of about 7 percent by weight or less. The overall ethylene content of the blends according to the present invention is about 1 percent by weight or less. Polypropylene blends according to the current invention provide lower bonding temperatures and wider bonding windows without the increased smoke generation associated with high solubles homopolymers. |
| US07655580B2 |
Fire resistant panel and method of making
The present invention teaches that a tightly woven, and strong sheet of fiberglass may be saturated or impregnated with sodium silicate in order to produce a strong and fire resistant sheet. A sheet of silica fabric may be adhered to the sheet of fiberglass in order to provide additional protection from combustion. The present invention further teaches that a fire door core may be mass produced from fire resistant sheets, silica sheets, and that the core may be rated for fire safety by a rating agency, thus allowing door manufacturers to produce doors using that core without individually certifying each model of door. The impregnation may occur by spraying, by rolling or by other means, and the drying process of the sodium silicate occurs after it has been saturated into the fiberglass sheet. |
| US07655579B2 |
Method for improving heat transfer of a focus ring to a target substrate mounting device
A focus ring heat transfer method improves heat transfer of a focus ring arranged in an outer peripheral portion of a mounting surface of a mounting table adapted to mount a target substrate in a chamber. The method includes steps of: disposing a heat transfer sheet between the focus ring and the mounting table; and vacuum-evacuating the chamber prior to processing the target substrate and then restoring the pressure the inside of the chamber to an atmospheric pressure or a light vacuum pressure. Therefore, air present in a fine gap between the heat transfer sheet and the mounting surface is removed to allow the heat transfer sheet to adhere to the mounting surface. |
| US07655575B2 |
InN/InP/TiO2 photosensitized electrode
The present invention is a photosensitized electrode which absorbs sunlight to obtain electron-hole pair. The photosensitized electrode is fabricated with simple procedure and has low cost. The electrode has excellent chemical resist to be applied in a solar cell device with enhanced sun-light absorbing ability. The present invention can be applied in an optoelectronic device or a hydrogen generator device too. |
| US07655565B2 |
Electroprocessing profile control
A method and apparatus for electroprocessing a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, a method for electroprocessing a substrate includes the steps of biasing a first electrode to establish a first electroprocessing zone between the electrode and the substrate, and biasing a second electrode disposed radially outward of substrate with a polarity opposite the bias applied tot he first electrode. |
| US07655564B2 |
Method for forming Ta-Ru liner layer for Cu wiring
A method of forming a Ta—Ru metal liner layer for Cu wiring includes: (i) conducting atomic deposition of Ta X times, each atomic deposition of Ta being accomplished by a pulse of hydrogen plasma, wherein X is an integer such that a surface of an underlying layer is not covered with Ta particles; (ii) after step (i), conducting atomic deposition of Ru Y times, each atomic deposition of Ru being accomplished by a pulse of hydrogen plasma, wherein Y is an integer such that the Ta particles are not covered with Ru particles; and (iii) repeating steps (i) and (ii) Z times, thereby forming a Ta—Ru metal liner layer on a Cu wiring substrate. |
| US07655563B2 |
Method for preventing the formation of dentrites in a semiconductor
The invention relates to a semiconductor circuit arrangement having a semiconductor substrate, a first doping region, a second doping region, a connection doping region, an insulation layer and an electrically conductive structure which is to be planarized, it being possible for the charge carriers formed during a planarization step to be reliably dissipated, and for dendrite formation to be prevented, by a discharge doping region formed in the first and second doping regions. |
| US07655554B2 |
Method for eliminating loading effect using a via plug
Method for eliminating loading effect using a via plug. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of processing an integrated circuit wherein a loading effect is reduced. The method includes a step for providing a substrate, which is characterized by a first thickness. The method also includes a stop for forming an inter metal dielectric layer overlaying the substrate. The inter metal dielectric layer is characterized by a second thickness. The method additionally includes a step for forming a first photoresist layer overlaying the inter metal dielectric layer. The first photoresist layer is associated with a first pattern. Additionally, the method includes a step for forming a first opening positioned at least partially inside the inter metal dielectric layer. The first via opening is characterized by a first depth. The method additionally includes a step for removing the first photoresist layer. The method further includes a step for forming a via plug. |
| US07655550B2 |
Method of making metal gate transistors
A semiconductor device has a gate with three conductive layers over a high K gate dielectric. The first layer is substantially oxygen free. The work function is modulated to the desired work function by a second conductive layer in response to subsequent thermal processing. The second layer is a conductive oxygen-bearing metal. With sufficient thickness of the first layer, there is minimal penetration of oxygen from the second layer through the first layer to adversely impact the gate dielectric but sufficient penetration of oxygen to change the work function to a more desirable level. A third layer, which is metallic, is deposited over the second layer. A polysilicon layer is deposited over the third layer. The third layer prevents the polysilicon layer and the oxygen-bearing layer from reacting together. |
| US07655549B2 |
Method for depositing a metal gate on a high-k dielectric film
A method to improve a high-k dielectric film and metal gate interface in the fabrication of a MOSFET by depositing a metal gate on a high-k dielectric, the method includes annealing a substrate with a high-k dielectric film deposited thereon in a thermal annealing module and depositing a metal gate material on the annealed substrate in a metal gate deposition module, wherein the annealing step and the depositing step are carried out consecutively without a vacuum break. |
| US07655546B2 |
Monolithic integrated enhancement mode and depletion mode field effect transistors and method of making the same
A depletion mode (D-mode) field effect transistor (FET) is monolithically integrated with an enhancement mode (E-mode) FET in a multi-layer structure. The multi-layer structure includes a channel layer overlaid by a barrier layer overlaid by an ohmic contact layer. Source and drain contacts of the D-mode and E-mode FETs are coupled to the ohmic contact layer. A gate contact of the D-mode and E-mode FETs is coupled to the barrier layer. An amorphized region is provided beneath the E-mode gate contact within the barrier layer. The amorphized region forms a buried E-mode Schottky contact with the barrier layer. An alternative embodiment couples the gate contact of the D-mode transistor to a first layer that overlies the barrier layer, and provides a similar D-mode amorphized region within the first layer. |
| US07655542B2 |
Methods and apparatus for depositing a microcrystalline silicon film for photovoltaic device
Methods for depositing a microcrystalline silicon film layer with improved deposition rate and film quality are provided in the present invention. Also, photovoltaic (PV) cell having a microcrystalline silicon film is provided. In one embodiment, the method produces a microcrystalline silicon film on a substrate at a deposition rate greater than about 20 nm per minute, wherein the microcrystalline silicon film has a crystallized volume between about 20 percent to about 80 percent. |
| US07655539B2 |
Dice by grind for back surface metallized dies
Semiconductor device processing and methods for dicing a semiconductor wafer into a plurality of individual dies that can have back surface metallization are described. The methods comprise providing a wafer with pre-diced streets in the wafer's front surface, applying a sidewall masking mechanism to the front surface of the wafer so as to substantially fill the pre-diced streets, thinning the back surface of the wafer so as to dice the wafer (e.g., by grinding, etching, or both) and expose a portion of the sidewall masking mechanism from the back surface of the wafer, and applying a material, such as metal, to the back surface of the diced wafer. These methods can prevent the metal from being deposited on die sidewalls and may allow the separation of individual dies without causing the metal to peel from the back surface of one or more adjacent dies. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US07655537B2 |
Semiconductor substrates having useful and transfer layers
A method of fabricating composite substrates by associating a transfer layer with an intermediate support to form an intermediate substrate of predetermined thickness with the transfer layer having a free surface; providing a sample carrier having a surface and a recess that has a depth that is approximate the same as the predetermined thickness of the intermediate substrate so that the transfer layer free surface is positioned flush with the sample carrier surface; providing a support layer both on the transfer layer free surface and on a portion of the sample carrier surface surrounding the recess; removing the portion of the support layer that extends beyond the intermediate substrate; and detaching the transfer layer and support layer from its intermediate support to form the composite substrate. The support layer is made of a deposited material that has a lower quality than that of the intermediate support. A bonding layer may be included on one of the intermediate support or the useful layer, or both, to facilitate bonding of the layers. The final substrates are useful in optic, electronic, or optoelectronic applications. |
| US07655535B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device having trench isolation layer
A method for fabricating a device isolation structure of a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a pad oxide layer and a pad nitride layer over a semiconductor substrate including a cell region and a dummy region, etching a portion of the pad nitride layer, the pad oxide layer and the semiconductor substrate to form a trench, forming a sidewall oxide layer over the sidewalls of the trench; removing the sidewall oxide layer in the dummy region, forming a silicon nitride layer over the sidewalls of the sidewall oxide layer both in the cell region and in the dummy region, filling the trench with an insulating layer, polishing the insulating layer to expose the pad nitride layer, and removing the pad nitride layer. |
| US07655534B2 |
Method of forming fin transistor
A fin transistor is formed by forming a hard mask layer on a substrate having an active region and a field region. The hard mask layer is etched to expose the field region. A trench is formed by etching the exposed field region. The trench is filled with an SOG layer. The hard mask layer is removed to expose the active region. An epi-silicon layer is formed on the exposed active region. The SOG layer is then partially etched from the upper end of the trench, thus filling a lower portion of the trench. A HDP oxide layer is deposited on the etched SOG layer filling the trench, thereby forming a field oxide layer composed of the SOG layer and the HDP oxide. The HDP oxide layer in the field oxide layer is etched to expose both side surfaces of the epi-silicon layer. A gate is then formed on the epi-silicon layer of which both side surfaces are exposed and the field oxide layer. |
| US07655533B2 |
Semiconductor device having reduced standby leakage current and increased driving current and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an active region which includes a gate forming zone and an isolation region; an isolation layer formed in the isolation region of the semiconductor substrate to expose side surfaces of a portion of the active region including the gate forming zone, such that the portion of the active region including the gate forming zone constitutes a fin pattern; a silicon epitaxial layer formed on the active region including the fin pattern; and a gate formed to cover the fin pattern on which the silicon epitaxial layer is formed. |
| US07655532B1 |
STI film property using SOD post-treatment
A method of forming a shallow trench isolation region includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a top surface; forming an opening extending from the top surface into the semiconductor substrate; filling a precursor into the opening using spin-on; performing a steam cure to the precursor to generate a dielectric material; after the steam cure, performing a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) to the dielectric material; and after the CMP, performing a steam anneal to the dielectric material. |
| US07655529B1 |
InP based heterojunction bipolar transistors with emitter-up and emitter-down profiles on a common wafer
A wafer comprising at least one emitter-up Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) and at least one emitter-down HBT on a common InP based semiconductor wafer. Isolation and N-type implants into the device layers differentiate an emitter-down HBT from an emitter-up HBT. The method for preparing a device comprises forming identical layers for all HBTs and performing ion implantation to differentiate an emitter-down HBT from an emitter-up HBT. |
| US07655524B2 |
Method for manufacturing isolation layer having barrier layer formed thereon
Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. In embodiments, a transistor including the gate electrode and a source/drain may be formed between isolation layers and a contact may be connected to the source/drain. A barrier layer may be formed at a boundary between the isolation layer and the source/drain and may physically isolate the isolation layer from the source/drain. |
| US07655523B2 |
Advanced CMOS using super steep retrograde wells
The present invention is a method for forming super steep doping profiles in MOS transistor structures. The method comprises forming a carbon containing layer (110) beneath the gate dielectric (50) and source and drain regions (80) of a MOS transistor. The carbon containing layer (110) will prevent the diffusion of dopants into the region (40) directly beneath the gate dielectric layer (50). |
| US07655517B2 |
Spin polarization amplifying transistor
An embodiment of the invention is a transistor formed in part by a ferromagnetic semiconductor with a sufficiently high ferromagnetic transition temperature to coherently amplify spin polarization of a current. For example, an injected non-polarized control current creates ferromagnetic conditions within the transistor base, enabling a small spin-polarized signal current to generate spontaneous magnetization of a larger output current. |
| US07655506B2 |
Leadless type semiconductor package, and production process for manufacturing such leadless type semiconductor package
A leadless type resin-sealed semiconductor package includes a resin enveloper having a mounting face to be applied to a wiring board, and at least one side face associated with the mounting face to produce an angled side edge. A semiconductor chip is encapsulated and sealed in the resin enveloper. An electrode terminal is partially buried in the angled side edge of the resin enveloper so as to be exposed to an outside, with the electrode terminal being electrically connected to the semiconductor chip. The electrode terminal is formed with a depression which is shaped so as to be opened to an outside when the resin enveloper is placed on the wiring board such that the mounting face of the resin enveloper is applied thereto. |
| US07655504B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Two semiconductor substrates are first bonded together by means of a metal bump, while respective one-side surfaces on which device patterns are formed are faced each other, and a resin is then filled into a gap between the respective one-side surfaces and thereafter each of the semiconductor substrates is polished and thinned to a prescribed thickness. Furthermore, a via hole and an insulating film are formed; part of a portion in contact with the metal bump, of the insulating film, is opened; the inside of the via hole is filled with a conductor; and an electrode pad is formed on the conductor, to thereby form structures. Finally, a required number of structures are electrically connected with each other through the electrode pad and stacked to thereby obtain a semiconductor device. |
| US07655500B2 |
Packaged microelectronic devices and methods for packaging microelectronic devices
Packaged microelectronic devices and methods for packaging microelectronic devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of packaging a microelectronic device including a microelectronic die having a first side with a plurality of bond-pads and a second side opposite the first side includes forming a recess in a substrate, placing the microelectronic die in the recess formed in the substrate with the second side facing toward the substrate, and covering the first side of the microelectronic die with a dielectric layer after placing the microelectronic die in the recess. The substrate can include a thermal conductive substrate, such as a substrate comprised of copper and/or aluminum. The substrate can have a coefficient of thermal expansion at least approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the microelectronic die or a printed circuit board. |
| US07655497B1 |
Growth method for chalcongenide phase-change nanostructures
A method for growth of an alloy for use in a nanostructure, to provide a resulting nanostructure compound including at least one of GexTey, InxSby, InxSey, SbxTey, GaxSby, GexSby,Tez, InxSbyTez, GaxSeyTez, SnxSbyTez, InxSbyGez, GewSnxSbyTez, GewSbxSeyTez, and TewGexSbySz, where w, x, y and z are numbers consistent with oxidization states (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of the corresponding elements. The melt temperatures for some of the resulting compounds are in a range 330-420° C., or even lower with some compounds. |
| US07655490B2 |
Manufacturing method for semiconductor device, semiconductor device and semiconductor wafer
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device formed in a device region composed of a plurality of semiconductor layers on a substrate, the method including a trench forming step of forming a trench on the substrate around the device region and a semiconductor growth step of growing the semiconductor layer in the device region. |
| US07655486B2 |
Method of making light emitting device with multilayer silicon-containing encapsulant
A method of making an LED light emitting device is disclosed. The method includes forming a multilayer encapsulant in contact with an LED by contacting the LED with a first encapsulant that is a silicone gel, silicone gum, silicone fluid, organosiloxane, polysiloxane, polyimide, polyphosphazene, sol-gel composition, or a first photopolymerizable composition, and then contacting the first encapsulant with a second photopolymerizable composition. Each photopolymerizable composition includes a silicon-containing resin and a metal-containing catalyst, the silicon-containing resin comprising silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatic unsaturation. Actinic radiation having a wavelength of 700 nm or less is applied to initiate hydrosilylation within the silicon-containing resins. |
| US07655483B2 |
Electronic device and manufacturing method thereof
An electronic device includes an element group which generates a specific identification number and is composed of a plurality of elements. The specific identification number is set based on irregular deviation in electric characteristic of the elements which is caused due to a random failure in a manufacturing process. |
| US07655482B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing test structures and methods for inspecting the same
Disclosed is a semiconductor die having a plurality of dummy fillings positioned and sized to minimize defects during chemical mechanical polishing is disclosed. At least one of the dummy fillings is coupled to an underlying test structure. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor die also includes a plurality of conductive layers and a substrate. The underlying test structure includes a first layer portion formed from a first one of the plurality of conductive layer and a via coupling the first layer portion to the at least one dummy filling. In another aspect, the underlying test structure also has a via coupling the first layer portion to the substrate, and the underlying test structure comprises a plurality of layer portions and vias to form a multilevel test structure. |
| US07655480B2 |
Method for predicting sepsis or an acute infectious inflammatory response
The present invention in one embodiment is an early detection marker for chronic or acute inflammatory-associated diseases. Chronic diseases may include atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory diseases of the bowel such as Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome and Inflammatory bowel disease. Acute diseases may include sepsis, acute systemic infections, acute lung injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. |
| US07655476B2 |
Reduction of scan time in imaging mass spectrometry
Techniques are disclosed for reducing scan times in mass spectral tissue imaging studies. According to a first technique, a tissue imaging boundary is defined that closely approximates the edges of a tissue sample. According to a second technique, a low-resolution scan is performed to identify one or more areas of interest within the tissue sample, and the identified areas of interest are subsequently scanned at higher resolution. |
| US07655471B2 |
Biochemical markers of the human endometrium
Endometrium secreted polypeptides are assayed in body fluids to determine the presence of polypeptides of specified pI and MW values that have been found to be regulated in body fluids according to the status of the endometrium, or the presence of hyperplasia or adenocarcinoma. |
| US07655469B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules and other molecules associated with the cytokinin pathway
The present invention is in the field of plant biochemistry. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from plant cells, in particular, nucleic acid sequences from maize and soybean plants associated with the cytokinin pathway. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, plant breeding, preparation of constructs for use in plant gene expression and transgenic plants. |
| US07655467B2 |
Compositions and methods for systemic nucleic acid sequence delivery
The present invention provides systemic nucleic acid sequence delivery without conventional systemic administration aids (SAAs). In certain embodiments, vascular permeability agents (VPAs), such as VEGF, are used in conjunction with nucleic acid viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV). The present invention also provides methods of treating disease by co-administration of nucleic cid sequences encoding Igf-1 and dystrophin or dystrophin-like proteins. |
| US07655465B2 |
Methods for ex vivo propagation of somatic hair follicle stem cells
The present invention is directed to methods for readily propagating somatic hair follicle stem cells or melanocyte stem cells. The methods comprise enhancing guanine nucleotide (GNP) biosynthesis, thereby expanding guanine nucleotide pools. This in turn conditionally suppresses asymmetric cell kinetics in the explanted cells. The methods of the invention include pharmacological methods and genetic methods. For example, the resulting cultured somatic hair follicle stem cells can be used for a variety of applications including cell replacement therapies such as hair transplants, gene therapies, and tissue engineering applications, such as the generation of artificial skin and skin regeneration strategies including skin grafts. |
| US07655460B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding sodium channel SCN1A alpha subunit proteins with mutations associated with epilepsy
The present invention relates to epilepsy. More particularly, the present invention relates to idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and to the identification of three genes mapping to chromosome 2, which show mutations in patients with epilepsy. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences, and protein sequences of these loci (SCNA) and to the use thereof to assess, diagnose, prognose or treat epilepsy, to predict an epileptic individual's response to medication and to identify agents which modulate the function of the SCNA. The invention also provides screening assays using SCN1A, SCN2A and/or SCN3A which can identify compounds which have therapeutic benefit for epilepsy and related neurological disorders. |
| US07655447B2 |
ZSIG33-like polynucleotides
The present invention relates to polynucleotide related to the zsig33 peptide, including agonists, antagonists, and antibodies. Methods of modulating gastric contractility, nutrient uptake, growth hormones, the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones, and/or secretion of enzymes and/or hormones in the pancreas are also included. |
| US07655446B2 |
Crystal structure of Rho-kinase I kinase domain complexes and binding pockets thereof
The present invention relates to human Rho-kinase I (ROCK I), ROCK I binding pockets, ROCK I-like binding pockets. More particularly, the present invention provides a computer comprising a data storage medium encoded with the structure coordinates of such binding pockets. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to solve the structure of homologous proteins or protein complexes. In addition, this invention relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to screen for and design compounds, including inhibitory compounds, that bind to ROCK I protein or ROCK I protein homologues, or complexes thereof. The invention also relates to crystallizable compositions and crystals comprising ROCK I kinase domain and ROCK I kinase domain complexed with an inhibitor of that domain. The invention also relates to methods of identifying inhibitors of the ROCK I kinase domain. |
| US07655443B1 |
Nucleic acid sequencing with simultaneous quantitation
Simultaneous sequencing and quantitation of a nucleic acid analyte in a sample using the same reagents for both assays is achieved by processing a sample containing, or suspected of containing the nucleic acid analyte of interest using a single set of reagents through a plurality of thermocycles to obtain a mixture of labeled polynucleotides which are used for the determination of both sequence information about the target nucleic acid and the amount of target nucleic acid present in the sample. The fragments are separated on the basis of size, for example by electrophoresis, and the label associated with the separated fragments is detected. The positions of the separated nucleic acid fragments are evaluated to obtain information about the sequence of the target nucleic acid analyte, and the intensity of a signal derived from the label associated with one or more of the separated fragments is evaluated to determine the quantity of the target nucleic acid analyte in the sample. Only one label is needed for both sequencing and quantitation, although two or more labels may be used if bidirectional sequencing is concurrently performed. |
| US07655442B2 |
Method for stabilizing macrolide compounds
The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a macrolide compound, and an efficient method for producing the compound. Specifically, it provides a method for stabilizing a macrolide compound, in which a 12-membered ring macrolide compound, such as a compound expressed by the formula (1) and a cyclodextrin are both present, and a method for producing a macrolide compound, in which a cyclodextrin is made to be present in a culture broth of actinomycetes having an ability of producing the macrolide compound. |
| US07655440B2 |
DNA molecules encoding ligand gated ion channels from Dermacentor variabilis
The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Dermacentor variabilis ligand gated ion channel proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding D. variabilis LGIC/GluCl channels, substantially purified forms of associated D. variabilis channel proteins and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Dermacentor variabilis LGIC/GluCl, which will be useful as insecticides and acaracides. |
| US07655437B2 |
Synthetic gene coding for human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for the expression in E. coli
The invention relates to the synthetic gene coding for hG-CSF which enables expression in E. coli with an improved expression level of the recombinant hG-CSF regarding the total cellular proteins after expression. |
| US07655435B2 |
Emulsion compositions
An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system. |
| US07655433B2 |
Methods for high-throughput and quantitative proteome analysis
The invention provides methods for identifying and quantifying polypeptides in a sample. The methods include the steps of labeling peptides in a polypeptide sample with an isotope tag; adding a plurality of peptide standards to the polypeptide sample, wherein the peptide standards are labeled with an isotopically distinct version of the isotope tag; resolving the labeled sample and standard peptides into a plurality of fractions; analyzing the resolved fractions using mass spectrometry; identifying an isotope-tagged sample peptide in an analyzed fraction; and determining the amount of the identified isotope-tagged sample peptide in the analyzed fraction by comparison to the amount of isotope tagged standard peptide in the same fraction. |
| US07655432B2 |
Kinases and uses thereof
Novel kinase polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length kinase proteins, the invention further provides isolated kinase fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-kinase antibodies. The invention also provides kinase nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a kinase gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. |
| US07655429B2 |
Immunoassays for topiramate
Topiramate analogs have substituents at the sulfamate group, 9-position, or 10-position. Topiramate analogs may include immunogenic moieties to prepare anti-topiramate antibodies, or antigenic moieties for immunodiagnostic assays. Also, the topiramate analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the topiramate analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with topiramate for binding with anti-topiramate antibodies. Such an immunodiagnostic assay can be used for detecting the presence of topiramate in a sample obtained from a subject previously administered topiramate by the following: combining an anti-topiramate antibody and a topiramate analog with a sample to form a first composition; allowing any free topiramate from the sample and the topiramate analog to compete for binding with the antibody; detecting binding between the topiramate analog and the antibody. |
| US07655427B2 |
Immunogenic proteins of Leptospira
The invention provides novel immunogenic proteins LigA and LigB from Leptospira for use in the development of effective vaccines and antibodies, as well as improved diagnostic methods and kits. |
| US07655426B2 |
Ephrin-B receptor protein involved in carcinoma
The present invention provides a polypeptide (CCMP-1) of use in the diagnosis, screening, treatment and prophylaxis of carcinoma. Also provided are compositions comprising the protein, vaccines and antibodies that are immunospecific for the protein. |
| US07655424B2 |
Method for diagnosing and distinguishing stroke and diagnostic devices for use therein
A method for determining whether a subject has had a stroke and, if so, the type of stroke which includes analyzing the subject's body fluid for at least four selected markers of stroke, namely, myelin basic protein, S100 protein, neuronal specific enolase and a brain endothelial membrane protein such as thrombomodulin or a similar molecule. The data obtained from the analyses provide information as to the type of stroke, the onset of occurrence and the extent of brain damage and allow a physician to determine quickly the type of treatment required by the subject. |
| US07655404B2 |
Method and device for detection of nucleic acids and/or polypeptides
A method for the detection and/or quantification of at least one target nucleic acid or target polypeptide in a sample of nucleic acids or polypeptides comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample comprising nucleic acids or polypeptides; b) labeling the nucleic acids or polypeptides with a ligand conjugate, the ligand conjugate comprising a first element binding to the nucleic acids or polypeptides and a second element which is a capture ligand; c) contacting the nucleic acid-ligand conjugates or polypeptide-ligand conjugates with at least one capture probe, the capture probe hybridizing with or binding to at least one target nucleic acid or target polypeptide; d) adding i) an oxidoreductase enzyme, wherein the oxidoreductase enzyme is recognized by the capture ligand, or ii) a complex comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme bound to a capture receptor, the capture receptor capable of binding to the capture ligand; e) adding a redox polymer, the redox polymer binding to the oxidoreductase enzyme, thereby resulting in the transfer of electrons from the enzyme via the redox polymer to an electrode surface; and f) detecting and/or quantifying the presence of the target nucleic acid(s) or target polypeptide(s). |