| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07697247B2 |
Arc suppression circuit using a semi-conductor switch
An arc suppression circuit in a protection relay having trip contacts is used to turn off a battery-powered solenoid and trip an AC power circuit breaker. The arc suppression circuit uses a switch-control circuit to control the turning off of a semi-conductor switch so that the semi-conductor switch provides a current path around the trip contacts, and is carrying all, or substantially all, of the load current, before the trip contacts are opened. When the trip contacts begin to open, the switch-control circuit holds the semi-conductor switch on for a sufficient time to prevent an arc from becoming established before turning the semi-conductor switch off. In a second embodiment, the arc suppression circuit provides a second switch-control circuit. This second switch-control circuit is configured to accept control signals from a microprocessor within a protection relay. The microprocessor turns the semi-conductor switch on before the contacts begin to open, thereby providing a current path around the contacts before the contacts begin to open. The microprocessor turns the semi-conductor switch off after a time sufficient to prevent an arc from becoming established. |
| US07697245B2 |
CPP-GMR magnetic head having GMR-screen layer
A spin-valve type magnetic head which has sufficiently high output is provided. In one embodiment, a structure in which high output coexists with high stability is achieved by letting a GMR-effect and a current-path-confinement effect manifest themselves at the same time in a GMR-screen layer consisting of a ferromagnetic metal spike-like part and a half-covering oxide layer. |
| US07697242B2 |
Method for providing a self-pinned differential GMR sensor having a bias structure comprising layers of ferromagnetic and non-magnetic material selected to provide a net-zero magnetic moment
A method for providing a self-pinned differential GMR sensor and self-pinned differential GMR sensor. The differential GMR head includes two self-pinned GMR sensors separated by a gap layer. The gap layer may act as a bias structure to provide antiparallel magnetizations for the first and second free layers without using an antiferromagnetic layer. The gap layer may include four NiFe ferromagnetic layers separated with three interlayers. The gap may also be formed to include a structure defined by Ta/Al2O3/NiFeCr/CuOx. One of the pinned layer may include three ferromagnetic layers so that the top ferromagnetic layer of the bottom pinned layer and the bottom ferromagnetic layer of the bottom pinned layer have a magnetization 180° out of phase. The self-pinned GMR sensors may include synthetic free layers that includes a first free sublayer, an interlayer and a second free sublayer that are biased 180° out of phase. |
| US07697239B2 |
Magnetic head, method of manufacturing the magnetic head, and magnetic disk device
A magnetic head used in a lamp load type magnetic disk device is disclosed. The magnetic head includes a head slider having a recording element and/or a reproducing element, and a suspension that supports the head slider. The suspension includes a magnetic head support unit arranged at its tip portion. The magnetic head support unit comes into contact with a lamp unit of the magnetic disk device when at least one of magnetic head loading operations and magnetic head unloading operations are performed and has a surface on which a lubricating layer is formed. |
| US07697238B2 |
Magnetic disk drive with load/unload mechanism having first and second protrusions
In one embodiment, a disk drive has a solenoid and spring for turning a ramp mechanism about a rotating shaft. When the drive operates, since the ramp mechanism moves out from the magnetic disk by the force of the solenoid, the outer peripheral edge of a magnetic head that has formerly been unusable can be used as a data read/write region, without the magnetic head interfering with the fins of the ramp mechanism. During a non-operating state of the drive and in case of a power interruption, the force of the spring returns the ramp mechanism to a position at which the magnetic head can be unloaded. This construction allows the storage capacity of the drive to be easily increased without sacrificing the shock resistance of the ramp mechanism. |
| US07697237B1 |
Shielded copper-dielectric flexure for disk drive head suspensions
An integrated lead disk drive suspension flexure including a gimbal region including gimbal spring arms having conductive spring metal traces embedded within dielectric between a pair of conductive metal shields. The traces function as the spring arms of the gimbal spring arms, wherein the gimbal spring arms are free from spring metal layers opposite the pair of conductive metal shields from the spring metal trace supports. |
| US07697235B2 |
Magnetic disk drive and base with guide
Embodiments of the invention provide a magnetic disk drive that allows members to be mounted onto a base simply and accurately. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk drive comprises: a base; a disk assembly including at least one magnetic disk and mounted rotatably on the base; and an actuator assembly including at least one actuator having a magnetic head and mounted swingably on the base. The base is formed with a guide. The guide functions to guide, when a member to be disposed on the base is to be mounted, the member from a corresponding initial placement position of the member on the base to a target position, at which the member is to be disposed. Further, the guide includes a positioning portion, against which the member abuts at the corresponding target position. |
| US07697228B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for interchange testing
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for interchanging testing. A test module moves a first tape from a tape pool to a first reserved slot of plurality of reserved slots using an accessor. In an embodiment, there is one (1) reserved slot corresponding to each of a plurality of tape drives. Each reserved slot is configured to store one tape for the corresponding tape drive. No other tape drive accesses the stored tape from the reserved slot. Additionally, the test module loads the first tape to a first tape drive from the first reserved slot using the accessor, reads to end of at least two file marks on the first tape using the first tape drive, rewinds to a beginning of the first tape using the first tape drive, spaces forward on the first tape to a beginning of a second of the at least two file marks using the first tape drive, writes specified data to the first tape using the first tape drive, writes a new second file mark to the first tape using the first tape drive, and moves the first tape to the first reserved slot using the accessor. |
| US07697227B2 |
Hard disk drive
A hard disk drive includes a disk pack having at least one disk for recording and/or storing data and a spindle motor that support and rotates the disk, a base to which the disk pack is mounted, a cover that covers an upper surface of the base, and a respective filter disposed close to each of at least one of the major surfaces of the disk and extending in the radial direction of the disk including over at least an inner peripheral region of the disk. The filter has an absorbent layer capable of absorbing particles that come in contact with it. Particles on the surface of the disk, from the inner to the outer peripheral regions of the disk, are removed by the filter when the disk is rotated and the particles are flung off of the disk. Thus, particles will not damage the magnetic head(s) of the hard disk drive nor will the particles cause errors to occur in the recording and/or reproducing of data. |
| US07697223B2 |
Monitoring a fly height of a magnetic transducer
A method for monitoring a fly height of a magnetic transducer comprises flying the magnetic transducer at a distance of separation from a recording media. A read-back signal is read with the magnetic transducer from the recording media. The read-back signal is rectified to produce a rectified signal. The rectified signal is filtered thereby providing a filtered signal. A fault signal is provided in response to the filtered signal exceeding a threshold. |
| US07697220B2 |
Image forming optical system
An image forming optical system comprises, in order from an object side, a front lens group having negative refracting power, and a rear lens group having positive refracting power, wherein said front group comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens element having the negative refracting power, and a second lens element of a meniscus form having a convex surface directed toward an image side; wherein said first lens element has an aspherical surface that is a concave surface directed toward the object side in the vicinity of the optical axis, and negative refracting power at a position on the aspherical surface becomes weak as a distance between the position and the optical axis becomes large, and a surface directed toward the image side that is concave at least in the vicinity of the optical axis; and further the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.0<|fG1|/FA<10 (1) 1.0 |
| US07697219B2 |
Non-imaging facet based optics
A high efficiency and compact optical device comprising two or more active and resonating optical facet surfaces defined by a three-dimensional representation and configured to provide a three-dimensional device. A focal region, remote from the optical surfaces and non-contiguous therewith, is defined by two or more active optical resonant surfaces, at least one of which is self-resonant. The optical surfaces in general do not have a continuous second derivative and are defined by a piecewise continuous surface function providing radially directed facets. The optical device comprises a transparent dielectric body with its optical surfaces being formed on the surfaces of said transparent dielectric body. A light transducer may be located at a focal region to provide an energy conversion. A light source having a physical extension in space, such as an LED, may be located at the focal region to provide collimation. In some embodiments the active surfaces may be chosen to transform incident radiation into a predetermined shape and having a predetermined spatial power distribution. |
| US07697217B2 |
Lens barrel, image pick-up apparatus and lens position adjustment method
A lens barrel comprising: a plurality of lens groups including two lens groups for guiding object light; and a lens drive apparatus for moving the two lens groups in the plurality of lens groups in a direction of an optical axis, the lens drive apparatus includes a single motor and a lead screw rotated by the rotation of the motor; wherein the lens drive apparatus is structured in such a manner that one lens group of the two lens groups is moved linearly to the rotation of the lead screw, and the other lens group of the two lens groups is moved non-linearly to the rotation of the lead screw. |
| US07697216B2 |
Lens drive device
A lens drive device may include a movable lens body provided with a lens, a support body which movably supports the movable lens body through a plate spring in an optical axis direction, and a magnetic drive mechanism for driving the movable lens body in the optical axis direction. The plate spring may include an outer side connecting part connected with the support body, an inner side connecting part connected with the movable lens body, and an arm part which is connected with the inner side connecting part and the outer side connecting part through an inner connecting portion and an outer connecting portion. The arm part may include a meandering part which comprises a plurality of extending parts which is extended in a radial direction is serially connected through inner side turning portions and outer side turning portions. |
| US07697214B2 |
Fluidic lens with manually-adjustable focus
A fluidic lens may have a transparent window member, a transparent distensible membrane, an inner ring between the window member and membrane, and a top ring disposed such that the membrane is between the piston ring and the inner ring. A layer of liquid may be stored between the window member, the inner ring and the membrane. The top ring may be adapted to apply a liquid displacement force to the membrane in a direction perpendicular to a plane of an aperture of the inner ring to cause a change in a radius of curvature of the membrane. The membrane may be pre-tensioned prior to assembly with the other components. |
| US07697211B2 |
Symmetrical objective having four lens groups for microlithography
The invention features a system for microlithography that includes a mercury light source configured to emit radiation at multiple mercury emission lines, a projection objective positioned to receive radiation emitted by the mercury light source, and a stage configured to position a wafer relative to the projection objective. During operation, the projection objective directs radiation from the light source to the wafer, where the radiation at the wafer includes energy from more than one of the emission lines. Optical lens systems for use in said projection objective comprise four lens groups, each having two lenses comprising silica, the first and second lens groups on one hand and the third and fourth lens groups on the other hand are positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of said lens system. |
| US07697209B2 |
Dichroic mirror
A dichroic mirror includes a substrate and a dielectric multilayered film formed on a surface of the substrate. The dielectric multilayered film includes a first period layer with a structure represented by a formula (0.33H0.66L0.33H)n and a second period layer with a structure represented by a formula (2HM)m. Wherein H represents a high refractive index layer, L represents a low refractive index layer, M represents a middle refractive index layer, all of the H, L and M are set at ¼ lambda of a reference wavelength associated with the film, the m and n represent the number of repetitions of the structure, enclosed by the parentheses, used in the correspond first period layer or second period layer. |
| US07697208B2 |
3D display with an improved pixel structure (pixelsplitting)
A display apparatus comprising a display device (104, 200, 301, 401) configured to display an image is disclosed. The display device comprises a plurality of picture elements, and one or more lenticular means (203). The lenticular means comprises one or more refracting layers (303, 403) configured to direct light emanating from said picture elements in a plurality of directions such that said image of a picture element is divided in two or more essentially identical images. |
| US07697203B2 |
Stereoscopic display switching between 2D/3D images using polarization grating screen
A stereoscopic display for switching between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images. The stereoscopic display includes a display device providing an image and a parallax barrier unit that transmits all incident light in a 2D mode and forms barriers to separate an image for a left eye from an image for a right eye in a 3D mode by moving two facing polarization grating screens relative to each other. The polarization grating screens have a grating pattern such that two kinds of birefringence elements changing the directions of polarization of incident light into different directions are alternately disposed horizontally and vertically, and each row of the birefringence elements is shifted with respect to a previous row by a predetermined horizontal distance. |
| US07697198B2 |
Catadioptric projection objective
A catadioptric projection objective for projecting a pattern arranged in the object plane of the projection objective into the image plane of the projection objective, having: a first objective part for projecting an object field lying in the object plane into a first real intermediate image; a second objective part for generating a second real intermediate image with the radiation coming from the first objective part; a third objective part for generating a third real intermediate image with the radiation coming from the second objective part; and a fourth objective part for projecting the third real intermediate image into the image plane. |
| US07697195B2 |
Apparatus for reducing wavefront errors in output beams of acousto-optic devices
We disclose acousto-optic modulators that include: (a) an optical element configured to receive an input optical beam that propagates along a first direction; and (b) a transducer extending along the first direction and positioned on one or more surfaces of the optical element, the transducer having a transducer material positioned between two electrodes configured to apply a potential difference across the transducer to cause the transducer to generate an acoustic waveform propagating in a second direction in the optical element, and the input optical beam undergoing diffraction in a region of the optical element that includes the acoustic waveform. The transducer extends along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and at least one of the transducer material and the electrodes has a maximum length L along the third direction and is shaped so that the acoustic waveform has a reduced phase variation within a central region of length L of the waveform in the third direction, relative to a phase variation within a central region of length L in the third direction of an acoustic waveform generated by a rectangular transducer. |
| US07697193B2 |
Micromirror and post arrangements on substrates
A micromirror of a micromirror array of a spatial light modulator used in display systems comprises a mirror plate attached to a hinge that is supported by two posts formed on a substrate. Also the mirror plate is operable to rotate along a rotation axis that is parallel to but offset from a diagonal of the mirror plate when viewed from the top. An imaginary line connecting the two posts is not parallel to either diagonal of the mirror plate. |
| US07697190B2 |
Electrode structure of electrochromic device
Disclosed is an electrochromic device, which includes a first electrode formed on a first region of a first substrate, a second electrode formed on a second region of the first substrate, an electrochromic layer formed on the first electrode, an electrolyte layer formed on both of the electrochromic layer and the second electrode, and a second substrate formed on the electrolyte layer; and a display device including the electrochromic device. |
| US07697189B2 |
Display element
There is provided a display element which is constituted of simple members, can achieve low-voltage drive and exhibits high display contrast and superior response speed. The display element comprises opposed electrodes having therebetween an electrolyte layer containing silver or a silver-containing compound, wherein the opposed electrodes are driven so that silver is dissolved and deposited and the electrolyte layer further contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1), (2) or (3). |
| US07697186B2 |
Spectral response modification via spatial filtering with optical fiber
An optical system comprising a frequency modulated laser source adapted to produce a frequency modulated optical beam, an optical spectrum reshaper (OSR) adapted to receive the frequency modulated optical beam from the laser source and convert it into an amplitude modulated optical beam, a focusing lens adapted to receive the amplitude modulated optical beam from the OSR and focus the same, and an optical fiber adapted to receive the amplitude modulated optical beam from the focusing lens and transmit an optical signal;characterized in that the OSR has a central axis, the focusing lens has a central axis, and the optical fiber has a central axis, with the central axis of the optical fiber being laterally offset from at least one of the central axis of the OSR and the central axis of the focusing lens so as to effect spatial filtering and thereby generate the desired optical transmission characteristics for the resulting optical signal in the optical fiber. |
| US07697181B2 |
Actuator, optical scanner and image forming apparatus
An actuator includes: a first vibrating system having a frame-like driving member and a pair of first axis members holding the driving member from both sides so that the driving member is rotatable about an X axis; a second vibrating system having a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axis members holding the movable plate on the driving members from both sides so that the movable plate is rotatable about a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis; a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided to oppose the permanent magnet and a voltage applying unit applying voltage to the coil; and a spacer sandwiched between the driving member and the permanent magnet so as to form space preventing intervention by the movable plate. The permanent magnet is provided such that a line segment connecting both poles of the permanent magnet inclines, in a plan view of the movable plate, with respect to the X axis and the Y axis. The voltage applying unit includes a voltage generating portion generating a first alternating voltage and a second alternating voltage having different frequencies and a voltage superimposing portion superimposing the first voltage and the second voltage. The voltage superimposed at the voltage superimposing portion is applied to the coil so that the movable plate rotates about the X axis with a frequency of the first voltage and about the Y axis with a frequency of the second voltage. |
| US07697179B2 |
Light deflecting method and apparatus efficiently using a floating mirror
Method of deflecting light includes the steps of providing a substrate and forming a supporting member on the substrate. Next forming step forms electrodes at predetermined positions on the substrate. Next forming step forms a plate-like-shaped thin film member including light reflecting means. Placing step places the plate-like-shaped thin film member on the supporting member so that an opposite surface thereof faces the electrodes. Forming step forms space regulating members on edges of the substrate for regulating a space formed above the substrate in which the plate-like-shaped thin film member is freely movable. Applying step applies predetermined voltages to the electrodes to change a tilt direction of the plate-like-shaped thin film member in accordance with the voltages applied to deflect the input light in an arbitrary direction. Disclosure also describes light deflecting apparatuses, light deflecting array apparatuses, image forming apparatuses, image projection display apparatuses, and optical data transmission apparatuses. |
| US07697178B2 |
Recording medium, reproducing apparatus, and reproducing method
A recording medium records therein image data for distributing contents as element holograms with interference fringes generated by interference between an object beam representing the image data and a reference beam. The image data to be distributed which are recorded as the element holograms in the recording medium are reproduced by applying reference beams to the recording medium. |
| US07697172B2 |
Image sensor, image reading device, and image resolution setting method
An image sensor including a plurality of photoelectric converter elements each operable to convert an optical signal into an electric signal, a plurality of channel selector switches selectively turned on and off to selectively connect and disconnect output portions of the corresponding photoelectric converter elements to and from a common signal line, in synchronization with a clock pulse signal, and a resolution setting portion operable to receive a resolution setting timing signal, and first and second resolution setting signals, and to select one of a plurality of on-off control patterns of the channel selector switches, for thereby setting an image resolution value of the image sensor, on the basis of on-off states of the first and second resolution setting signals upon at least one of rising and falling of the resolution setting timing signal. Also disclosed are an image reading device including the image sensor, and an image resolution setting method using the resolution setting timing signal and the first and second resolution setting signals. |
| US07697171B2 |
Communications device and control method for transmitting an image by electronic mail
A communications device and method for transmitting e-mail with image data attached as an attachment file can select whether to send the e-mail directly to the recipient or via a mail server, depending on the address of the e-mail to be transmitted. As a result, the disclosed device and method can reduce the load on the mail server and transmit large volumes of data reliably. |
| US07697163B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program for distinguishing pixels of an edge portion
An image processing apparatus has a generation section that generates color component of each pixel forming an image by of a usual method or a generation for black edge; a black edge determination section that determines whether or not each pixel is a black edge pixel forming the black edge based on peripheral pixels of the pixel; a dot detection section that detects dot information of each pixel based on peripheral pixels of the pixel; and a method instruction section that instructs the generation section on what method is to be used for generating color component based on results provided by the black edge determination section and the dot detection section, wherein the method instruction section instructs the generation section to generate color component of a pixel, which is not determined as the black edge pixel or whose detection result is a specific detection result, by the usual method. |
| US07697155B2 |
Document management apparatus and document system
A document management apparatus and a document management system that selects the document which are best to digitize from among document being used in an office, and set the priority for digitization of each document are provided. The document management apparatus comprising: an accumulator apparatus that stores, the document ID, used place and used time for a document that is used; a computing part that analyzes information stored in accumulator apparatus, and for each document, computes the usability of the document data to be digitized; a specifying part that specifies document that correspond to document data for which the usability is relatively high by comparing it to the usability already computed for the data for each document; and output part that outputs the specified result to client. |
| US07697153B2 |
Print management device, print management method, print management storage medium, and print system
In a print system which processes a print job on the basis of a print instruction in which request items in print processes for obtaining a printed matter are described in a predetermined description format, a print management device manages print processings for the printed matter. The print management device includes a detection unit that detects a connection state of a processing device for executing a predetermined process among the request items included in the print instructions, and a selection unit that selects a print instruction of a description format corresponding to the connected processing device to output the print instruction to the processing device. |
| US07697151B2 |
Image quality control method and apparatus for multiple marking engine systems
A full width array CCD sensor is incorporated in the media path to monitor fused pages by calculating area coverage from multiple engines in a Tightly Integrated Parallel Process (TIPP) architecture. With knowledge of the area coverage differences between print engines for a given pixel count to the ROS, a relative density difference of each engine is determined. Based on the determined relative density difference, an adjustment is calculated and applied to the engine with the largest error to match the area coverage(s) of the other engine(s). |
| US07697150B2 |
Locking mechanism for printer paper handling device
Representative embodiments provide for a security lock apparatus configured to securely couple a sheet handling device in cooperative relationship with an imaging device in response to a first predefined user action, the security lock apparatus further configured to de-couple the sheet handling device from the imaging device in response to a second predefined user action, wherein the security lock apparatus is further configured to be inoperable by unauthorized personnel. The present invention provides a method including supporting a security lock apparatus with an imaging device, performing an authorized predefined locking action coupled to the security lock apparatus, and securely coupling the sheet handling device in cooperative relationship with the imaging device using the lock apparatus in response to the performing the authorized locking action. |
| US07697147B2 |
Apparatus and method for the representation of an area on the surface of a patient's body
An apparatus for the representation of an area on the three-dimensional surface of a patient's body, with a control device which provides three-dimensional coordinates of at least one area to be represented on the surface of the patient's body, wherein the area pre-sets a desired intersection area of a radiation area on the surface of the patient's body, characterized in that at least one projection device featuring a laser is provided, by which the desired intersection area can be projected to the three-dimensional surface of the patient's body on the basis of the provided coordinates, while at least one laser beam generated by the laser can be guided along the contour of the desired intersection area sufficiently rapidly, so that the impression of a closed contour around the desired intersection area results. |
| US07697141B2 |
In situ optical computation fluid analysis system and method
A multivariate optical element (MOE) calculation device is used in an apparatus for determining a property of petroleum in real time flowing in a pipe in petroleum field stream pipes or pipe line. Multiple apparatuses are provided for determining the amount of each of a plurality of properties. An internal reflectance element (IRE) is used to determine the property of the petroleum from a surface of the petroleum flowing in a pipe. A cleaning apparatus is provided to clean the surface of the IRE in the pipe and a turbulence generator is provided in the pipe to insure homogeneity of the petroleum being analyzed prior to analysis. A bellows may be provided the apparatus housing to compensate for pressure differentials between the housing and the flowing petroleum in the pipe. Various embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07697132B2 |
Machine for inspecting glass containers
A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The captured objects are located in a band to define a cluster. The cluster is evaluated to determine whether it is a multiple cluster and each defined cluster is evaluated to distinguish a check from a blister. |
| US07697131B2 |
Automated display quality measurement device
A method and apparatus for automating a quality assurance test conducted on display devices used for diagnostic imaging. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an automated mechanical system for scanning a light meter over a test pattern displayed on a display device. In another embodiment, the method comprises an automated method of comparing the measured data from the light meter with an ideal image. In another embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a digital image of the test pattern displayed on the display device, and the digital image is compared with an ideal image. |
| US07697129B2 |
Systems and methods for inspecting a wafer with increased sensitivity
Systems and methods for inspecting a wafer with increased sensitivity are provided. One system includes an inspection subsystem configured to direct light to a spot on the wafer and to generate output signals responsive to light scattered from the spot on the wafer. The system also includes a gas flow subsystem configured to replace a gas located proximate to the spot on the wafer with a medium that scatters less of the light than the gas thereby increasing the sensitivity of the system. In addition, the system includes a processor configured to detect defects on the wafer using the output signals. |
| US07697125B2 |
Scanning ladar with adjustable operational parameters
A LADAR has adjustable operational parameters to accommodate surveillance of a particular site. The LADAR includes a controller, a laser source governed by the controller to generate a laser beam pulsed at a pulse repetition rate, an optical scanner, a first set of optics, a first drive assembly governed by the controller, a second drive assembly governed by the controller, a light detector, a second set of optics for guiding laser echo pulses, and a processor coupled to the light detector to accommodate surveillance of the particular site. |
| US07697124B2 |
Apparatus for measuring stray light in lens module
An apparatus for measuring stray light in a lens module includes a light source, an image sensor, an object distance adjusting unit, and an object distance measuring device. The light source is disposed at an object side of the lens module for emitting light to the lens module. The image sensor is disposed at an image side of the lens module for measuring an intensity of stray light coming into the lens module. The object distance adjusting unit includes an opaque barrier defining a slit therein, and a laser aligned with the slit, the laser being configured for emitting a laser light beam through the slit thereby forming a light spot serving as an object. The object distance measuring device is configured for measuring an object distance. The opaque barrier of the object distance adjusting unit is movable relative to the wavefront sensor so as to adjust the object distance. |
| US07697120B2 |
Scanning apparatus
A scanning apparatus for use in a scanning optical system comprises a laser transmitter to produce a transmitter beam. This transmitter beam is deviated by a beam scanner, e.g. a tiltable mirror, to produce a pattern of a scanning beam. There are bearings which define first and second axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and intersecting each other in an intersecting point for allowing the beam scanner to scan. In front of the beam scanner is a window of transparent material in the shape of a spherical cap so as to define a central axis and a central point. The central axis intersects the intersecting point of the two other axes, and this common intersecting point coincides preferably with the central point of the sphere of the window. |
| US07697119B2 |
Range image generating apparatus
A range image generating apparatus capable of preventing or reducing generation of range images with interference, which contain e.g., pixels with erroneous distance values is provided. The range image generating apparatus includes: a light source radiating a light; an image pickup element; a range image generating unit; a frequency changing unit that changes a modulation frequency for each frame rate or charge storage time; and a control unit that controls the light source and the image pickup element in synchronization with the modulation frequency changed by the frequency changing unit. |
| US07697118B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method and apparatus used in the semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming circuit devices and a plurality of electrode pads within a semiconductor chip formation region. The method also includes forming, on the main surface of the semiconductor wafer, an insulating film which exposes a portion of each of the electrode pads. The method also includes forming a conducting film covering the electrode pads, on the insulating film, and forming a wiring layer on the conducting film. The method also includes forming a negative resist layer in the semiconductor chip formation region and a peripheral region. The method also includes covering protruding electrode formation regions in the semiconductor chip formation region and covering electrode portion formation regions in the peripheral region, and performing optical exposure of the negative resist layer. The method also includes forming aperture portions in the protruding electrode formation regions and a plurality of electrode portions. The aperture portions expose a portion of the wiring layer. The electrode portions are formed by exposing the conducting film. The method also includes performing plating using the resist layer as a mask to form protruding electrodes. |
| US07697117B2 |
Providing a pattern of polarization
A polarization pattern assembly produces a polarization pattern. In an embodiment, a polarization pattern assembly includes a frame that supports a polarization pane in a central region of the frame. The polarization pane changes the polarization direction of light incident upon the polarization pane. Different polarization patterns in a pupil of a polarized illuminator can be generated. |
| US07697116B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus includes a device having a blade selectively insertable into the beam. The device is in a first plane intermediate a second plane conjugate to a plane of the substrate and a third plane conjugate to a pupil plane of the projection system. The blade may include a partially opaque blade and a solid blade or have a predetermined transmissibility pattern. The transmissibility may vary in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the substrate and the patterning device are movable. In an illumination system including a field faceted mirror and a pupil faceted mirror, a reflecting blade is selectively insertable into the beam to reflect a portion of the beam to a beam dump that may be cooled to reduce a heat load. The reflecting element may have a coating that scatters the portion of radiation or changes the phase. |
| US07697115B2 |
Resonant scanning mirror
A system and method allow for a more effective synchronous scanning mirror (SSM). A lithography apparatus comprises an illumination system, a patterning device, a substrate table, and a projection system. The illumination system conditions a beam of radiation received from a radiation source operating at a first frequency. The patterning device patterns the beam. The substrate table supports and scans a substrate at a scanning velocity. The projection system includes a scanning device including a reflective device and a plurality of flexures. The plurality of flexures being configured to allow the reflective device to resonate about an axis of rotation. The scanning device is configured to scan the patterned beam onto a target area of the substrate The resonant frequency of the scanning device is substantially equal to the first frequency, and is synchronized with the scanning velocity. |
| US07697112B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate to light via a reticle includes a first plurality of optical elements configured to direct the light; a first vacuum chamber configured to accommodate said first plurality of optical elements; a first support configured to support said first vacuum chamber; and a second support configured to support at least one of said first plurality of optical elements substantially independently of said first support. |
| US07697110B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus for emitting exposure light onto a substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid to expose the substrate includes a supply pipe which supplies the liquid; a recovery pipe which recovers the liquid; a connection pipe which connects the supply pipe and the recovery pipe; and a switching device which switches a flow path of the liquid so that when liquid supply is stopped, the liquid that has flowed into the supply pipe flows to the recovery pipe via the connection pipe. The apparatus may further include a temperature regulation apparatus connected to the supply pipe, which performs temperature regulation of the liquid supplied to the supply pipe, and has a rough temperature regulator which roughly regulates the temperature of the liquid, and a fine temperature regulator which is arranged between the rough temperature regulator and the supply pipe and performs fine regulation of this temperature. |
| US07697104B2 |
Sealing structure of liquid crystal panel having an inverted T shape and method for manufacturing same
An exemplary sealing structure of a liquid crystal panel (2) is provided. The liquid crystal panel includes a pair of substrates (21, 22) and a liquid crystal layer (23) between the substrates. The scaling structure includes: a multi-layer structure (25) having a first layer (222) formed above one of the substrates and a second layer (223) formed above the first layer; an opening structure (226) having a first opening (226a) in the first layer and a second opening (226b) in the second layer and formed at the multi-layer structure. The first opening and the second opening are aligned with each other, the first opening is larger than the second opening, and a sealant (23) is sandwiched between the substrates, including in the opening structure. The adherence of the two substrates is improved. |
| US07697103B2 |
Image display device
The present invention provides an image display device which includes the heat radiation structure with a high radiation effect without increasing the number of parts and requiring additional steps in the manufacture of the display device. A metal foil having a large area is formed on a COF film provided for mounting a driver chip on a display panel, and heat generated by the driver chip is led to the metal foil and is radiated. |
| US07697097B2 |
Liquid-crystal display and method of its fabrication
The present invention is aimed to make displays with wide viewing angle possessing higher brightness in transmission mode and to develop more simple method for making such displays. This target is achieved by making in display with multiple pixels deflecting elements of dielectric material and depositing them over the electric conductive coating at least on one of the substrates the space between which is occupied by liquid crystal. Dielectric deflecting elements may be displaced along the perimeter of the pix as well as across its area. After applying electric voltage to the electrodes at the opposite substrates at the interface LC-dielectric deflecting dement distortions of the electric field arise with the component of electric field parallel to substrates. |
| US07697096B2 |
Liquid crystal display and panel therefor
A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes: a substrate; a field-generating electrode formed on the substrate; and a slope member formed on the substrate and having an inclination angle smaller than about 45 degrees. |
| US07697095B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A novel liquid crystal display device is disclosed. The device comprises a first polarizing element and a second polarizing element which are disposed with their transmission axes perpendicular to each other, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and the second polarizing elements, and a first optically anisotropic layer disposed between the first or the second polarizing element and the liquid crystal layer, showing a positive in-plane retardation (Re) at λ1 and a negative Re at λ2, both of λ1 and λ2 (λ1≠λ2) are within a visible wavelength range, and its absolute value of a thickness-direction retardation at 550 nm, |Rth(550)|, is equal to or more than 50 nm. |
| US07697094B2 |
Transflective-type liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A transflective-type liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate and data lines crossing each other on a substrate to define a plurality of pixel regions, a thin film transistor at each crossing of the gate and data lines, the thin film transistor including a semiconductor layer, and source and drain electrodes contacting source and drain regions, respectively, a projection seed pattern within the pixel region along a same layer as the semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor, and a reflective electrode contacting the drain electrode of the thin film transistor and having a reflective projection corresponding to the projection seed pattern. |
| US07697093B2 |
Array panel
An array panel is provided. The array panel comprises a substrate, a common electrode, and pixel structures. Each pixel structure comprises a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a shield. The first pixel electrode has a central portion, first branches that connect to the central portion, and a connecting portion. The shield overlaps with at least the central portion of the first pixel electrode. The connecting portion connects the ends of at least two of the first branches. The central portion connects perpendicularly with one of the first branches; this branch overlaps with at least part of the common electrode so that the width of this branch is greater than or equal to that of the common electrode. The second pixel electrode, adjacent to the first pixel electrode, comprises a central portion and second branches that connect to the central portion. |
| US07697091B2 |
Liquid crystal display with controlled viewing angle properties
A novel liquid crystal display including a liquid crystal cell including at least liquid crystal, and an optically anisotropic layer capable of optically compensating the liquid crystal cell is disclosed. It is in a first gray scale state where a subtraction of an Re(0) value of the optically anisotropic layer from an Re(0) value of the liquid crystal cell results in a positive value while being applied with a voltage falling within a first range, and in a second grayscale state where a subtraction of an Re(0) value of the optically anisotropic layer from an Re(0) value of the liquid crystal cell results in a negative value while being applied with a voltage falling within a second range. |
| US07697090B2 |
Illumination unit and liquid crystal display device including the same
An illumination unit includes a light guide plate, and at least one optical sheet which is disposed on a major surface of the light guide plate. The optical sheet includes bent portions which are formed by bending portions of the optical sheet at a pair of opposed sides, and the light guide plate includes, at a pair of opposed end surfaces, recess portions in which the bent portions are inserted. |
| US07697087B2 |
Direct type backlight module with platform support for optical plate
An exemplary backlight module (100) includes a housing (10), a reflective sheet (30), a number of point light sources (20). The housing includes a bottom plate (12) and at least one platform support (14) extending out from the bottom plate towards an interior of the housing. The reflective sheet is supported by the platform support, and defines a number of through holes (301). The point light sources are arranged in the housing corresponding to the through holes of the reflective sheet. Each point light source includes a base portion (22) and a light emitting portion (24). The base portion is secured at the bottom plate of the housing, and the light emitting portion protrudes through a corresponding one of the through holes. |
| US07697071B2 |
Device and method for detecting display mode of video signal
A device for detecting a display mode of a video signal having first pixels corresponding to a first field, second pixels corresponding to a second field, and third pixels corresponding to a third field, includes a pixel converter, a measurement circuit, and a decision circuit. The pixel converter converts the second pixels to generate converted pixels. The measurement circuit generates measurement values related to differences between a converted pixel, a first pixel, and a third pixel. The decision circuit determines the display mode of the video signal according to the first, second, and third measurement values. |
| US07697069B2 |
Multi-input and multi-output device and tuner for two-way opencable
A two-way Opencable multi-input and multi-output device used with a tuner, and the multi-input and multi-output device includes an over-the-air signal input port connected for an over-the-air signal, a cable signal input port connected for a cable signal, at least one or more splitters to split the over-the-air signal or the cable signal to plural output ports, a shield cable to connect the splitter connected to the over-the-air signal input port and the splitter connected to the cable signal input port. The two-way OpenCable system can prevent transient states upon channel changes. |
| US07697067B2 |
Digital video processing systems and methods for estimating horizontal sync in digital video signals
Video signal processing systems and methods for detecting horizontal synchronization signals within video signals. Digital filtering methods are implemented for processing analog video signals to determine time varying characteristics of video signals to detect the starting and ending positions of horizontal synchronization pulses in a video signal with increased accuracy. In addition, adaptive methods are implemented for dynamically determining various video signal parameters over time, such as blanking level BL, threshold value (slice) level and synchronization level SL using information extracted from digitally filtered video signals. |
| US07697065B2 |
Pixel conversion device and pixel conversion method
According to one embodiment, an embodiment of a pixel conversion device of the invention improves outlines of edge peripheries of characters, etc., of a color digital image signal. The device includes a histogram extraction module, a picture characteristic extraction module which detects a luminance boundary in a luminance signal block on the basis of histogram information, sets a color-difference boundary of the same pattern as that of the luminance boundary to a virtual color-difference signal block, and generates a control signal for unifying the same area by pixel data of the same value, and a data rate conversion module which converts a color-difference signal block before conversion into the same data rate as that of the luminance signal block to correlate the converted color-difference signal block to the virtual color-difference signal block, corrects resolution and obtains a color-difference signal for a format of 4:4:4. |
| US07697063B2 |
Imaging-device cleaning apparatus
An imaging-device cleaning apparatus is attached to a camera by engaging with a lens mount of the camera typically used for attaching a camera lens. The imaging-device cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle for removing dust and dirt in the vicinity of an imaging section of the camera, and a motor and a fan for supplying air to the nozzle to remove the dust and dirt from the vicinity of an image sensor of the camera. |
| US07697062B2 |
Camera and method in a camera
The present invention relates to a method in a camera for determining a camera setting when using pulsed flash is provided. The camera comprises a source of light. The source of light is adapted to emit light to illuminate an object. The object is further illuminated by ambient light. The method comprises the steps of: Capturing a first image data of the object when the object is illuminated by light emitted by the source of light and by the ambient light, capturing a second image data of the same object when the object is illuminated by the ambient light but not by light from the source of light, creating a difference image data by subtracting the second image data from the first image data. The method comprises the further step of determine a camera setting based on the created difference image data. The determined camera setting is to be used when capturing a third image of the object, using emitted pulsed flash by the source of light to illuminate the object. |
| US07697061B2 |
Apparatus for increasing field of view of an optical system
An apparatus (200) for increasing field of view of optical system is provided. The optical system includes a lens module (20). The apparatus comprises a rotational mechanism (30) rotatably mounted in the optical system. The rotational mechanism includes a refraction means disposed on an optical axis of the lens module and configured for refracting a light signal from outside of the optical system into the lens module. The apparatus may be used in optical systems, such as camera modules, digital video cameras, image pick-up systems used in cars, infrared optical systems, projection optical systems, and real-time detector systems. |
| US07697059B2 |
Imaging system where a quick return mirror is returned to a down state and a stop is returned to a fully open state before the accumulation period ends
An apparatus has an image sensing device, and a signal processing device for performing a first image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in an exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and a second image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in a non-exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and processing the sensed image signal obtained by the first image sensing operation by the sensed image signal obtained by the second image sensing operation. The signal processing device determines in accordance with the image sensing time of the first image sensing operation whether or not the second image sensing operation is performed. |
| US07697058B2 |
Device and method for autofocus adjustment by combining a distance-measuring sensor and contrast autofocus
The autofocus adjustment device comprises a distance-measuring sensor and a contrast system AF, and is capable of attaining further speeding up and high accuracy. The autofocus adjustment device drives a focus lens according to the measurement result of a distance-measuring sensor and then performs focus adjustment according to a contrast system according to the image signal outputted from a solid-state image pickup element, and makes variable the search range and determination area of the contrast AF according to the measured distance from the object, brightness of the object, focal length and aperture, etc. of the lens. The distance-measuring sensor measures the distance from the object periodically before a release button is depressed and speeds up the focusing when the release button is depressed. The autofocus adjustment device also detects a change of the periodically acquired distance measurement output, determines the change of the object and when it is decided that the change of the object is large, performs focus adjustment according to the contrast system, and thereby speeds up AF processing and reduces electric power consumption. |
| US07697055B2 |
Camera unit and apparatus for monitoring vehicle periphery
A camera unit and an apparatus for monitoring a vehicle periphery, which are capable of picking up a wide range of a visual field while adequately adjusting the visual fields in the horizontal and vertical directions, and at the same time, improving visual confirmation of images displayed. The camera unit may include a pickup element, a lens system in which light rays incoming from a prescribed range of a visual field onto the pickup element are imaged, the lens system including a wide-angle lens system whose visual field angle in the horizontal direction is 120 degrees or more, and an anamorphic lens system whose anamorphic ratio is 1.5 or more. |
| US07697053B2 |
Integrated display having multiple capture devices
An integrated imaging apparatus for displaying images while capturing images of a scene, including an electronic display having an array of display pixels which are used to display image content; a plurality of apertures are integrated within the display, wherein each of the apertures includes at least one partially transparent pixel; and a plurality of capture devices each of which captures an image, and includes at least a lens and an image sensor array; wherein each capture device is operatively associated with at least part of a particular aperture of the display; and wherein the partially transparent pixels also provide light for image content display. |
| US07697052B1 |
Electronic view finder utilizing an organic electroluminescence display
A view finder according to the present invention has an electroluminescence display element which displays an image of an object, and an optical element which magnifies the image. |
| US07697051B2 |
Image sensor with pixels having multiple capacitive storage elements
An apparatus has a pixel that includes (i) a buffer transistor having an input, (ii) first and second capacitive storage elements each of which selectively can be coupled to the input of the buffer transistor, and (iii) a photosensitive element having an output which selectively can be coupled to the input of the buffer transistor. A readout circuit selectively can be coupled to an output of the buffer transistor. A first signal level, sensed by the photosensitive element, can be stored by the first capacitive storage element, and a second signal level, sensed by the photosensitive element, can be stored by the second capacitive storage element. The first and second signal levels can be read out from the pixel. |
| US07697046B2 |
Image signal processing device and method of image signal processing including pixel array pattern determination
A device, for processing each pixel signal output from a solid-state imaging device, has a determination processor and an interpolation processor. Each pixel is defined as a center pixel of a k×k matrix. The interpolation processor presumes which pixels have the same color as one another in the k×k matrix, according to the plurality of pixel-array patterns, and conducts a pixel interpolation in each case of presumed color arrangement according to the plurality of pixel-array patterns, so as to generate signal groups of presumed interpolation signals of the center pixel. The determination processor determines a pixel-array pattern in the k×k matrix to be a pattern selected from the plurality of pixel-array patterns. One of the signal groups that is generated according to the determined pixel-array pattern is selected as interpolation signals of the center pixel. |
| US07697045B2 |
Method and apparatus to extend the effective dynamic range of an image sensing device
An image sensor generates an image signal with a differential response to image light. The image sensor has an array of photosites divided into standard photosites and non-standard photosites. A limiter provides the standard photosites with a predetermined standard response to a light exposure and the non-standard photosites with a predetermined slower response to the same light exposure. The standard photosites and nonstandard photosites both sparsely sample the array in a predetermined pattern. |
| US07697043B2 |
Apparatus for compensating for color shading on a picture picked up by a solid-state image sensor over a broad dynamic range
In a solid-state image pickup apparatus, a preliminary pickup circuit performs, during preliminary pickup, divided photometry on a photometry signal outputted from the primary cells of photo-sensors, determines an exposure condition in which photometry data in all divided blocks do not exceed the saturation maximum value of the primary cells, and calculates the individual photometry data tints under the above exposure condition. During actual pickup, a shading corrector included in an image processing circuit divides subsidiary image data in the same manner as during the divided photometry, calculates shading correction gains in accordance with the photometry data tints and those of the subsidiary image data, and interpolates the shading correction gains in accordance with the pixel for thereby executing color shading correction on the subsidiary image data. |
| US07697041B2 |
Zoom lens system and camera using the same
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a rear zoom lens system which includes focus preset devices 15 and 16 for controlling the storage of a given distance from a subject (camera-to-subject distance) and shift of focus to the position. Trajectory information can be stored corresponding to each of camera-to-subject distances and indicating correspondences between zoom-and-focus positions, which facilitates moving the second lens group to compensate for the movement of the first moving lens group while facilitating maintaining its focus. |
| US07697040B2 |
Method for digital photo management and distribution
Digital images are captured on a digital camera, automatically formatted, and uploaded to a server for review and collaborative modifications. An on-line web gallery is automatically generated by the server whereby low resolution versions of the images are transferred to the server and appear in the gallery within seconds from capturing the images. Among other things, a viewer located remotely from a photographer can observe new images in the gallery in real time as they are captured, place a request for post-production modifications to selected images and download a high resolution version of selected images. |
| US07697039B2 |
Image transmitting system, an image transmitting method, and a machine readable medium storing thereon a computer program for transmitting images
An image transmitting system is provided, wherein the system includes: a first image storing module storing a plurality of images included in a first electronic album; a second image storing module storing a plurality of images included in a second electronic album; a feature extracting module for extracting a feature amount of an object included in each of the plurality of images stored in the second image storing module; an image selecting module for selecting an image including an object showing correspondence with the object included in the image stored in the second image storing module, which is higher than a predetermined reference value, out of the plurality of images stored in the first image storing module on the basis of the extracted feature amount; and an image transmitting module for retrieving the selected image from the first image storing module and storing the image in the second image storing module to transmit the image from the first image storing module to the image storing module. |
| US07697037B2 |
Image signal processing device and method
When a method or apparatus of assuring simultaneous exposure, such as a mechanical shutter, is not provided with a MOS imaging sensor, moving subjects are distorted with a MOS image sensor when capturing a still image of a fast-moving subject because imaging and reading are not simultaneous across the MOS sensor. Changing the MOS sensor exposure sequence and reading sequence, and interpolating the read data, change and correct the read sequence line by line when imaging a high resolution moving image, and thus improve distortion in moving subjects. |
| US07697035B1 |
Rotating camera attachment
The present invention relates generally to a rotatable camera attachment and, more particularly to a rotatable lens system that works in conjunction with after-market digital and video cameras by means of a corresponding electronic device. The rotatable camera attachment comprises a lens that rotates 360° horizontally and 180° vertically to simultaneously capture the images surrounding a primary image recorded with the conventional camera. The electronic device is provided as a means to process the images so they can be viewed together. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US07697031B2 |
Intelligent light source with synchronization with a digital camera
An intelligent light source for use with the test of a digital camera module provides a plurality of shapes of light. A fast light pulse is created with turn-on and turn-off transitions less than or equal to one microsecond. Other waveform shapes comprise a ramp and a sinusoid, and all shapes can be made to occur once or repetitively. The magnitude of the light has a range from 0.01 LUX to 1000 LUX, and the ramp has a ramp time that has a range from microseconds to 100 ms. The light comprises of a plurality of colors created by serial connected strings of LED devices, where the LED devices in a string emit the same color. The light emanating from the light source is calibrated using a photo diode and the control of a tester by adjusting offset voltages of a DAC controlling a current through the LED strings. |
| US07697029B2 |
Image display apparatus and method
An image display apparatus includes a camera, a laser radar, a depression angle correction calculation device, a three-dimensional object detection device, and a viewpoint conversion device, which are installed in a vehicle. The laser radar detects changes in the condition of a road surface with respect to the camera. The depression angle correction calculation device adds a correction angle to a depression angle of the camera. The viewpoint conversion device reduces the correction angle if the change in road surface condition detected by the laser radar is due to a three-dimensional object detected by the three-dimensional object detection device. |
| US07697026B2 |
Pipeline architecture for analyzing multiple video streams
A pipeline architecture for analyzing multiple streams of video is embodied, in part, in a layer of application program interfaces (APIs) to each stage of processing. Buffer queuing is used between some stages, which helps moderate the load on the CPU(s). Through the layer of APIs, innumerable video analysis applications can access and analyze video data flowing through the pipeline, and can annotate portions of the video data (e.g., frames and groups of frames), based on the analyses performed, with information that describes the frame or group. These annotated frames and groups flow through the pipeline to subsequent stages of processing, at which increasingly complex analyses can be performed. At each stage, portions of the video data that are of little or no interest are removed from the video data. Ultimately, “events” are constructed and stored in a database, from which cross-event and historical analyses may be performed and associations with, and among, events may be made. |
| US07697018B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method and image forming program
A technique can define a right position for forming a toner image on the transfer surface of an intermediate transfer body regardless of the size and the number of the sheets on which toner images are to be transferred. An image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on the transfer surface of an intermediate transfer body by correcting the position for forming the toner image comprises a data acquisition section that acquires predetermined data relating to the printing data for forming an image on a sheet and a correction section that corrects the predefined value for defining the position for forming the toner image on the transfer surface according to a predetermined correction value corresponding to the predetermined data acquired in the data acquisition section. Upon determining that toner images are formed simultaneously on the transfer surface for a plurality of pages according to the predetermined data, the correction section corrects the respective positions for forming the toner images, using the correction values respectively corresponding to the plurality of pages. |
| US07697017B2 |
16:9 Aspect ratio and anamorphic image processing
A method and apparatus is described for receiving a first data stream comprising a graphic image having an aspect ratio of 16:9 into a computer system, capturing the image within a storage device of the computer system, and displaying the image on a graphical user interface of the computer system in a 16:9 aspect ratio format. |
| US07697016B2 |
Image display device, image display method, image display program, and computer-readable storage medium
An image display device (1) of the present invention is an image display device having a function of rotating a display image, the image display device including: a size comparison section (17) for making a comparison (i) between a vertical length of an outer edge of a display region in which the display image is displayed and a vertical length of the display image and (ii) between a horizontal length of the outer edge of the display region in which the display image is displayed and a horizontal length of the display image; and a center-point-of-rotation determination section (18) for determining a center point of rotation of the display image in accordance with a result of the comparison made by the size comparison section (17). This makes it possible to provide a display device (i) which minimizes, regardless of how a display frame and a display image are related in position and size to each other, a portion of the display image which portion is to be hidden when the display image has been rotated and (ii) which can be easily employed in a rotation process. |
| US07697014B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying overlapping markers
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for rendering graphical markers in a manner that avoids overlap of graphical markers on a map display. The process identifies a plurality of points for display from data describing locations and associated data about locations. The process determines whether displaying graphical markers for a set of points in the plurality of points will result in graphical markers overlapping each other. If the process determines that displaying graphical markers for the set of points will result in graphical markers overlapping each other, the process displays the graphical markers for the set of points in an arrangement that avoids overlap. Each graphical marker representing a point in the set of points does not overlap with any other marker associated with the map display when displayed in the arrangement that avoids overlap. |
| US07697007B1 |
Predicated launching of compute thread arrays
A controlling process may enable or disable the launching of a predicated process that has already been queued for launching, e.g. via a pushbuffer. The controlling process generates a report so that launching of the predicated process is enabled or disabled based on the report. The predicate may be global in application to enable or disable all subsequent launch commands. Alternatively, the predicate may be specific to one or more predicated processes. In an embodiment with a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a graphics processing unit (GPU), the CPU may generate the controlling process that enables or disables the launch of the predicated process. Alternatively or additionally, the GPU may generate the controlling process that enables or disables the launch of the predicated process. |
| US07697006B2 |
Enhanced performance display lists
A modified display list contains a series of n nested bounding volumes. The first bounding volume in the series contains the remaining n-1 bounding volumes the series. The second bounding volume contains the remaining n-2 bounding volumes in the series, and so on. Upon invocation, the graphics display system processes the modified list sequentially and tests the bounding volumes as they are encountered. As soon as a bounding volume is encountered whose coordinates define a region that should not be rendered, further sequential processing of rendering commands in the list may be halted. If any state commands remain in the list, those commands or an equivalent set of state commands may be executed, and then processing of the list is complete. Alternatively, if push/pop state commands exist on either side of the list, then processing of the list may be halted without more. |
| US07697003B2 |
Simplifying complex characters to maintain legibility
Methods, systems, and computer program products for adding hinting instructions to a character in order to improve a character bitmap produced from an outline of the character at a certain size and output resolution when the character outline is scan converted. A character is retrieved to be output. A determination is made that the character belongs to a semantic character classifications, and hinting instructions that are associated with the semantic character classification are accessed. The hinting instructions preserve semantic meaning for the character while altering either stroke presence, stroke location, or both for at least one stroke of at least one feature of the character based on a reference character size and output resolution. If the actual character size and output resolution for the character is within a reference character size and output resolution for the hinting instructions, the hinting instructions are executed. |
| US07696998B2 |
Pen-based 3D drawing system with 3D orthographic plane or orthographic ruled surface drawing
A pen-based system allow users, such as artists, graphic designers sand illustrators, and the like, to create accurate curve models by sketching. A tool set implemented in software that runs on a computer system combines paper sketch metaphors and a minimalist gesture set. This tool set provides an environment where the artists can focus on the creative task at hand rather than the details of operating software. A pen-based drawing method and system allows users to create and edit three dimensional (“3D”) objects by sketching. |
| US07696997B2 |
Interactive graphical representation of a market for an electronic trading system
Systems and methods for providing an interactive graphical representation of a market for an electronic trading system are provided. A graph may be displayed on a display of a workstation in an electronic trading system. In one example, the graph may include a curve corresponding to a range of values of a financial instrument. In another example, the graph may include symbols that represent bids and offers for one or more financial instruments. A user may be allowed to select a portion of the graph. In response to the user's selection, a trading dialog box may be provided, thereby allowing the user to place a trade directly from the graph. |
| US07696993B2 |
Geometry primitive type conversion in a GPU pipeline
An input stream of graphics primitives may be converted into to a predetermined output stream of graphics primitives by a processor in a graphics pipeline. The processor recognizes a predetermined sequence pattern in the input stream of graphics primitives to the processor. The processor determines whether the recognized sequence pattern can be converted into the one of the plurality of predetermined output streams of graphics primitives. If so, the processor identifies a number of vertices in the recognized sequence pattern and reorders the vertices into a predetermined output pattern. Thereafter, the processor outputs the predetermined output pattern corresponding to one or more graphics processing components. |
| US07696992B2 |
Method and apparatus to facilitate multi-setting virtual reality experiences
When providing (101) a user a first interactive virtual reality experience via a first virtual setting and upon detecting (102) a need to transition the user to a second interactive virtual reality experience via a second virtual setting (that is different from the first virtual setting), one maintains (103) a reduced presence of the user in the first virtual setting and establishes (104) a full presence of the user in the second virtual setting. By one approach, these virtual settings can comprise, for example, virtual rooms such as, but not limited to, virtual incident command centers to facilitate the handling of public safety services of various kinds and types. |
| US07696991B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing twinned crystal
A method and an apparatus for analyzing a twinned crystal can display three-dimensionally the real space unit lattice, the reciprocal space primitive lattices and the reciprocal lattice points of each component of the twinned crystal. Respective crystal orientation matrices of the plural components of the twinned crystal are obtained with the use of X-ray single crystal structure analytical equipment. The first computing means finds the real-space unit lattices of the plural components based on the crystal orientation matrices and creates display data for displaying them three-dimensionally with possible their rotation, scaling up and down and translation. The second computing means finds the reciprocal-space primitive lattices and creates display data for displaying them three-dimensionally. The third computing means creates display data for displaying three-dimensionally reciprocal lattice points causing X-ray diffraction with a distinction between the components of the twinned crystal. |
| US07696986B2 |
Touch sensing apparatus using varying signal delay input to a flip-flop
A touch sensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a flip-flop (15), a sensor (13), an AC signal (14), and a detector (16). The AC signal supplies AC signals to the flip-flop. The flip-flop outputs a first output signal at the output of flip-flop when the sensor is not touched. The sensor receives electricity signals from the object, and causes a delay of the AC signal inputted to the first input of the flip-flop, the delay of the AC signal to be inputted to the first input of the flip-flop further causes the flip-flop to output a second output signal at the output of the flip-flop. The detector detects a change from the first output signal to the second output signal at the output of the flip-flop and accordingly identifies a touch on the sensor. |
| US07696982B2 |
Wired mouse with mobile cell unit
A wired mouse containing a circuit board, a connection line to connect the mouse to a PC, and a built-in mobile power module; the mobile power module being charged by the PC external source, or a second connection interface being provided to the mouse, the power source module charging any other electronic product through the second connection interface while the mouse is operating. |
| US07696981B2 |
Wireless human input device
The wireless human input device comprises at least one wireless human transmitting unit and a wireless human receiving unit. The wireless human transmitting unit generates leading signals and data signals and transmits the signals to the wireless human receiving unit. The wireless human receiving unit receives all of the leading signals and identifies the data signals based on the leading signals so as to distinguish the data signals being transmitted by which wireless human transmitting unit. |
| US07696977B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving display panel with temperature compensated driving voltage
Provided is a method and an apparatus for driving a display panel with a temperature compensated driving voltage, which comprises a temperature sensor, a temperature section register, a comparing unit, a voltage register, a voltage controller and a driver. The comparing unit compares temperature data output from the temperature sensor to temperature section data stored in the temperature section register and outputs comparison data having predetermined bits. The voltage controller selects voltage data corresponding to the comparison data from the voltage data stored in the voltage register and outputs a voltage control signal corresponding to the selected voltage data. The driver outputs a driving voltage corresponding to the voltage control signal to the display panel from among the different driving voltages. |
| US07696976B2 |
Data driver and organic light emitting display device having the same
An organic light emitting display device having a sampling voltage supplying unit is disclosed. The sampling voltage supplying unit supplies a power supply voltage to a plurality of sampling latches in common depending on an output signal of a shift register. Accordingly, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of transistors in the sampling latches and reduce panel area occupied by the data driver. The reduced number of transistors of the sampling latches also reduces power consumption. |
| US07696975B2 |
Liquid crystal display having display blocks that display normal and compensation images
A liquid crystal display includes an active display area and gate drivers. The active display area includes display blocks, each display block including pixel rows. The gate driver sequentially outputs gate signals to the display block and drives corresponding pixel rows to display pixel images, or outputs a dummy gate signal to the display block to drive the corresponding pixel rows to display a compensation image for improving motion image quality. A method of driving the liquid crystal display includes using the gate drivers to sequentially drive the pixel rows of each of the display blocks to display pixel images, and using the gate driver to output a dummy gate signal to simultaneously drive the pixel rows of another display block to display the compensation image. |
| US07696970B2 |
Driving circuit, display device, and driving method for the display device
A driving circuit according to an embodiment of the invention includes: a switching unit for sequentially switching between a first operation of applying a positive gray-scale voltage to odd-numbered data lines and applying a negative gray-scale voltage to even-numbered data lines and a second operation of applying a negative gray-scale voltage to odd-numbered data lines and applying a positive gray-scale voltage to the even-numbered data lines; a plurality of short-circuit switches for short-circuiting a pair of adjacent odd-numbered data lines and a pair of adjacent even-numbered data lines to produce a plurality of pairs of short-circuited data lines in a switching period between the first operation and the second operation; and a plurality of common node-connected switches corresponding to the plurality of data line pairs and short-circuiting a corresponding one of the data line pairs to a common node. |
| US07696967B2 |
Gamma control circuit and method thereof
A gamma control circuit includes a first gray-scale voltage selection unit that selects and outputs a highest gray-scale voltage and a lowest gray-scale voltage from among a plurality of first voltages present between a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage. A second gray-scale voltage selection unit receives the highest and lowest gray-scale voltages and selects and outputs a first intermediate voltage and a second intermediate voltage between the highest and lowest gray-scale voltages. A third gray-scale voltage selection unit receives the highest and lowest gray-scale voltages and the first and second intermediate voltages and generates a plurality of reference voltages from the received voltages. A gray-scale voltage generation unit receives the highest and lowest gray-scale voltages and the plurality of reference voltages and outputs a plurality of gray-scale voltages. |
| US07696964B2 |
LED backlight for LCD with color uniformity recalibration over lifetime
An LED light source for LCD backlighting is described that recalibrates itself over time so that color and brightness uniformity across the backlight is maintained over the life of the backlight. The backlight contains clusters of red, green, and blue LEDs, each cluster generating a white point. In one embodiment, each color in a cluster has its own controllable driver so that the brightness of each color is a cluster is separately controllable. One or more optical sensors are arranged in the backlight, and the sensor signals are detected by processing circuitry to sense the light output of any LEDs that are energized in a single cluster. The measured white point and flux are compared to a stored target white point value and flux for that cluster. The currents to the RGB LEDs are then automatically adjusted to achieve the target level for each cluster. This process is applied to each cluster in sequence until the recalibration is complete. The recalibration takes place at various times over the lifetime of the backlight to offset the effects of LED degradation over time. Variations of this technique are also described. |
| US07696961B2 |
Spontaneous light emitting device and driving method thereof
A counter 102 counts the accumulated lighting time or the accumulated lighting time and the intensity of lighting of each pixel by a first image signal 101A and stores them in a volatile memory 103 or a nonvolatile memory 104. A correction circuit 105 corrects the first image signal based on the correction data stored previously in a correction data storage section 106 in accordance with the degree of the degradation of each spontaneous light emitting element by the use of the accumulated lighting time or the accumulated lighting time and the intensity of lighting, and produces a second mage signal 101B. By the second image signal 101B, a display unit 107 can provide a uniform screen having no variation in luminance even if the light emitting elements in a part of the pixels are degraded. |
| US07696957B2 |
Driving method of plasma display panel
To provide a driving method of a plasma display panel capable of improving a dark contrast while preventing a spurious discharge. A discharge is produced in discharge cells only in an address erasing process for one subfield selected from a plurality of subfields constituting a unit display period, so that the states of the discharge cells are changed to a non-light emitting state. An address writing process for producing a discharge in the discharge cells so as to set the discharge cells to a light emitting state is performed before the address erasing process in the first one of the subfields. In this case, in either of the address writing process and the address erasing process, the discharge is produced between one of the row electrode pairs and the column electrodes by supplying a voltage for charging the column electrodes to a negative polarity between the one of the row electrode pairs and the column electrodes. |
| US07696952B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
In a multi-window display device, the following has been merely performed: before data for plural screens is inputted to a display, video signals themselves are subjected to signal processing, and the processed video signals are inputted to the display, whereby display is performed. Therefore, a circuit for performing signal processing, for example, an IC has a complicated structure since video signals for plural screens are stored in a memory. There is provided a pixel structure in which: signal lines for plural screens are arranged; and one of the signal lines is selected to supply a video signal to a display element. For example, in the case of performing display of two screens, there is provided a pixel structure in which: two signal lines, which are inputted with respective video signals for a first screen and a second screen, are arranged; and one of the signal lines is selected to supply a video signal from the selected signal line to a display element. |
| US07696951B2 |
Left-handed medium using no via
A two-dimensional structure medium comprising a conductor pattern as unit cells formed on the upper surface of a substrate and a conductor pattern formed on the lower surface of the substrate and exhibiting a left-handed characteristic achieved without using a via by utilizing the interaction between an inductance component formed by connecting a part of a floating island pattern out of the conductor pattern on the lower surface of the substrate with a pattern as the ground portion and a capacitance component of parallel-plate mode formed by the conductor pattern on the upper surface of the substrate and the conductor pattern on the lower surface of the substrate. |
| US07696938B2 |
Antenna system, particularly for radar applications in motor vehicles
In an antenna system, an antenna feeding substrate is connected by its conductor structures via field coupling to planar antenna radiating elements. A mounting part, able to be fixed in position against the antenna feeding substrate, is provided for the antenna radiating elements. The mounting part itself or a housing part able to be joined to it with form locking is used for the HF shielding of the antenna feeding substrate. The mounting part and/or housing part are structured in such a way that, viewed from the planar antenna radiating elements in the radiation direction, a wave guidance is achieved. |
| US07696937B2 |
Antenna combiner with a try square
An antenna coupler for testing mobile transmitters and/or receivers, especially mobile telephones, comprises a mounting surface for the mobile transmitter and/or receiver and an antenna element. A mounting bracket is disposed on the mounting surface. |
| US07696934B2 |
Antenna device, and radio communication apparatus including the antenna device
An antenna device built in a radio communication device, including a substrate having a support portion and a groove, and an electrically conductive elongate antenna member having first and second end portions, and wherein the elongate antenna member is supported at the first end portion by the support portion, and at least the second end portion of the elongate antenna member extends along the groove such that at least an extreme end of the second end portion is positioned within a depth of the groove. |
| US07696932B2 |
Antenna configured for low frequency applications
An antenna configured for low frequency applications on a mobile device includes an antenna element coupled to a conductive structure which, in turn, is coupled to the user of the mobile device such that the user of the mobile device effectively becomes part of the antenna. The conductive structure can include, for example, the device housing being made from a conductive material, a conductive structure embedded inside the device housing, or conductive pads exposed in the device housing. The antenna element is electrically connected to the conductive structure and the user can be coupled to the conductive structure either through direct contact or through capacitive coupling. In addition, the antenna can include an active element configured to boost free space operation efficiency. The active element can include, for example, a low noise amplifier integrated onto a low noise amplifier board. The active element can be at least partially surrounded by a hollow support structure around which an antenna coil is wrapped, where the antenna coil is coupled to the active element. Furthermore, one or more antenna coils can be utilized either separately or in conjunction with the antenna for low frequency applications, where the one or more antenna coils can have integrated therein inductive components and/or active/switching elements that allow the one or more antenna coils to be tuned to a desired frequency. |
| US07696930B2 |
Radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (IC) packages with integrated aperture-coupled patch antenna(s) in ring and/or offset cavities
A radio-frequency integrated circuit chip package has N integrated aperture-coupled patch antennas, N being at least two, and includes N generally planar patches, and at least one generally planar ground plane spaced inwardly from the N generally planar patches and substantially parallel thereto. The ground plane is formed with at least N coupling aperture slots therein, and the slots are substantially opposed to the patches. N feed lines are spaced inwardly from the ground plane and substantially parallel thereto, and at least one radio frequency chip is spaced inwardly from the feed lines and coupled to the feed lines and the ground plane. A first substrate layer is spaced inwardly from the feed lines, and is formed with a chip-receiving cavity, with the chip located in the chip-receiving cavity. A second substrate layer is interposed in a region between the ground plane and a plane defined by the patch, the patch is formed in a first metal layer, the ground plane is formed in a second metal layer, and the second substrate layer defines an antenna cavity in which the N generally planar patches are located. “Island” and “offset” configurations, as well as fabrication methods, are also disclosed. |
| US07696928B2 |
Systems and methods for using parasitic elements for controlling antenna resonances
Systems and methods for communicating over multiple frequency bands include a driven antenna element and a parasitic element communicatively coupled to the driven antenna element, the parasitic element including at least a first and a second conductive section. The parasitic element can include two or more conductive sections, and the sections can be coupled using a connector (e.g., switching element or trap). Further, some driven antenna elements may be associated with two or more parasitic elements. |
| US07696925B2 |
Memory reduction in GNSS receiver
Radiolocalization receiver with a massively parallel array of correlators, comprising a data compression module (199) to compress the incoherent integration values accumulated into the incoherent integration memories (176). By compressing incoherent integration values, relevant memory saving can be obtained or, in alternative, loss of data by excessive prescaling can be avoided or attenuated. The invention proposes a simple compression scheme based on offset subtraction which allows save memory size. |
| US07696923B2 |
System and method for determining geographic location of wireless computing devices
System for enabling a wireless computing device to determine its position includes a server with a database of identification and positional information about wireless beacons and a wireless computing device arranged to wirelessly communicate using the Internet with the server. The server determines the geographic location of the wireless computing device upon receiving data from the wireless computing device relating to reception of signals by the wireless computing device from at least one wireless beacon and analysis of the signals in light of the information contained in the database of the server. The server applies a calculation algorithm which determines the geographic location of the wireless computing device upon input of identification and signal strength information about the wireless beacon(s) derived from the received signals. |
| US07696919B2 |
Bullet approach warning system and method
A system and method for warning a helicopter of an approaching bullet using existing sensor systems is disclosed. The disclosed method including the steps of: detecting and providing bearing information for detected small arms weapon firing locations near the helicopter, determining a detection area and detection time window for the fired bullet, determining the antennas of the RF transmitting and RF receiving systems covering the bearing of the detected weapon firing; determining a timing sequence and allocating time segments for transmitting and receiving RF signals during the detection time window, commanding the RF emitting system to emit and the RF receiving system to receive RF signals during their allocated time segments, processing RF signals received and determining whether reflected RF signal pulses from the emitted RF signal pulses are present, and outputting a warning where reflected RF signal pulses are detected. |
| US07696915B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter having reduced number of activated comparators
An ADC circuit includes multiple comparators and a controller coupled to the comparators. Each of the comparators is operative to generate an output indicative of a difference between a first signal representative of an input signal applied to the ADC circuit and a corresponding reference signal. The controller is operative to perform at least one of: (i) activating a subset of the comparators during a given sample period being; and (ii) controlling levels of the corresponding reference signals of the comparators as a function of a level of the input signal. A number of active comparators during the given sample period is no greater than one less than a number of regions into which the input signal is quantized. |
| US07696914B2 |
Sigma delta modulator and related method thereof
A sigma-delta modulator includes a loop filter, a single bit quantizer, a single bit DAC, an adder. The loop filter is for filtering a summed signal to generate a filtered signal. The single bit quantizer is coupled to the loop filter, for performing a quantization process to the filtered signal to generate a quantized signal. The single bit DAC is coupled to the single bit quantizer, has an adjustable configuration, and is for generating a feedback signal according to the quantized signal and the configuration thereof. The adder is coupled to the loop filter and the single bit DAC, for summing an input signal and the feedback signal to generate the summed signal. |
| US07696912B2 |
Interrupt based multiplexed current limit circuit
A switching voltage regulator includes, in part, N output stages, a loop ADC, a multiplexer, a current ADC, and an interrupt block. The loop analog-to-digital converter receives the N output voltages each of which is associated with one of N channels. The loop ADC is adapted to vary a duty cycle of N signals each applied to one of the N output stages that generate the N output voltages. The interrupt block is adapted to enable the multiplexer to couple an output stage to the current ADC if a difference between voltages sensed at an output stage during at least two sampling times exceeds a predefined threshold value. The interrupt block may also be adapted to enable the multiplexer to couple an output stage to the current ADC block if a difference between a voltage sensed at the output stage and a reference voltage exceeds a predefined threshold value. |
| US07696909B2 |
Circuit for generating a temperature dependent current with high accuracy
An apparatus for adjusting a first signal with respect to a second signal includes: (a) A first converter receiving the first signal and employing n first converting elements for digitally converting the first signal to at least one first signal element. (b) A second converter coupled with an output, receiving the second signal and employing n second converting elements for digitally converting the second signal to a second representative signal presented at the output. (c) An adjusting element coupled with each of selected of the first converting elements. Each adjusting element is coupled with the output and cooperates with the connected selected element to present a corrected signal element to the output. The output presents an aggregate output signal including contributions from the second representative signal and each corrected signal element. Adjusting is effected by altering at least one corrected first signal element presented to the output. |
| US07696902B2 |
Tire sensor device and tire information transmission method
A tire sensor device comprising sensor modules 20A to 20D, each comprising a sensor, a communication module having a communication function and a power regenerating circuit, and an antenna; and a base station comprising an internal communication device for communication with the sensor modules 20A to 20D, an information processing device for processing tire information signals from the sensor modules, an external communication device for communicating with a car control device 40 on the car body side and a power source. The sensor modules 20A to 20D and the base station 30 are arranged in the tire and constitute an intra-tire LAN. Tire information signals transmitted from the sensor modules 20A to 20D are processed by the base station 30 and transmitted to the car control device 40 so that appropriate tire information can be obtained and the size and power consumption of the sensor device can be reduced. |
| US07696901B2 |
Methods and apparatus for photonic power conversion downhole
Subterranean oilfield sensor systems and methods are provided. The subterranean oilfield sensor systems and methods facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with power provided to at least one downhole device by a light source at the surface. In one embodiment, a system includes uphole light source, a downhole sensor, a photonic power converter at the downhole sensor, an optical fiber extending between the uphole light source and the photonic power converter, and downhole sensor electronics powered by the photonic power converter. The photonic power converter is contained in a high temperature resistant package. For example, the high temperature resistant package and photonic power converter may operate at temperatures of greater than approximately 100° C. |
| US07696900B2 |
Apparatus for responding to an anomalous change in downhole pressure
A method of responding to an anomalous change in downhole pressure in a bore hole comprises detecting the anomalous change in downhole pressure, sending a signal along the segmented electromagnetic transmission path, receiving the signal, and performing a automated response. The anomalous change in downhole pressure is detected at a first location along a segmented electromagnetic transmission path, and the segmented electromagnetic transmission path is integrated into the tool string. The signal is received by at least one receiver in communication with the segmented electromagnetic transmission path. The automated response is performed along the tool string. Disclosed is an apparatus for responding to an anomalous change in downhole pressure in a downhole tool string, comprising a segmented electromagnetic transmission path connecting one or more receivers and at least one pressure sensor. |
| US07696898B2 |
Electronic instrument
An electronic instrument for which operating setting is possible according to operating signals transmitted from a plurality of kinds of remote operating devices of a differing operating signal structure, includes: an operating signal receiving section which receives the operating signals transmitted by the remote operating devices; an operating signal processing section which, when a specified operating signal based on a specified operating signal structure is input among the operating signals received by the operating signal receiving section, carries out a process control of the electronic instrument in accordance with the specified operating signal; and an operating signal conversion section which, being provided in a branch signal transmission system which diverges from a direct signal system, which directly transmits the operating signal from the operating signal receiving section to the operating signal processing section, converts an operating signal based on an operating signal structure which differs from the specified operating signal into the specified operating signal, wherein the operating signal conversion section transmits the converted operating signal to the operating signal processing section, whereon the operating signal processing section carries out an operating process in the electronic instrument based on the converted operating signal. |
| US07696897B2 |
Shelf-like display machine and image display method
The prior art in this field had a display portion of electronic paper at a part of a shelf and showed a problem that the display portion and the goods were hardly co-related to each other in response to the arrangement of the goods. In view of the foregoing, plural images arranged in response to the number of stages of the shelves to be displayed are irradiated with a light source after each of the images is corrected in correspondence with the optical path length ranging from the light source to the end of each of the shelves, each of the images is guided to the end of each of the shelves by plural reflector members and then the images are displayed at the ends. In addition, each of the images is guided to the end of each of the shelves by plural reflector members and the images are displayed at the ends after plural images (either still images or animations) arranged in response to the number of stages of shelves to be displayed are irradiated by the light source and the optical path lengths ranging from the light source to the end of each of the shelves are set to be substantially the same to each other. |
| US07696893B2 |
Apparatus and related method for sensing cracks in rotating engine blades
A method and apparatus for detecting structural anomalies in the body of rotating members of an engine involves establishing an electric circuit in the body of the rotating members by embedding a network of electrically conductive fibers. Upon rotation of the members in the presence of a magnetic field, an electric current flows in the electrically conductive fibers of the rotating members. Detection of a structural anomaly in any of the rotating members results from detecting a break of the electric circuit. |
| US07696889B2 |
Fluid leak detection system and associated method
A fluid leak detection system includes a reservoir, a predetermined quantity of a disinfecting liquid contained within such a reservoir, and at least a pair of elongated conduits. A mechanism for automatically opening the distal end of the at least one conduit includes a leaking fluid absorbent member disposed along the distal end of each of the conduits. The fluid-dissolvable member is dissolved by the leaking fluid and absorbed by the member to permit the conduit to be unfolded and allow the disinfecting liquid to flow outwardly from the distal end of the at least one conduit. The system further includes a support frame attached to a support surface, an interface, a communications device electrically coupled to a switch, a monitoring station, and a communications link connecting the communications device to the monitoring station. |
| US07696884B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing the magnetic coupling in a wireless communication system
An RFID system comprises an intermediate device that includes a first and second antenna coils connected together in a close loop format. The coils are formed on a flexible substrate that can be folded around a magnetic flux blocker such that one loop is on side of the blocker and the other loop is on the other side of the blocker. The intermediate device can then improve communication between a reader on one side of the blocker and a tag on the other. The coil on the reader side of the blocker can receive RF signals being generated by the reader and convert them to an electrical signal that can be passed to the coil on the tag side of the blockage. The second coil can then generate an RF signal that can be transmitted to the tag. |
| US07696882B1 |
Reading codes of RFID tags incoming at premises and removing them later as they exit
RFID reader systems, components, software and methods are provided for use premises that have RFID-tagged items. When a person comes onto an enclosure of the premises already carrying a personal tag, the incoming code of that personal tag is read. When later the person exits the enclosure, they could be transporting some of the items that have actionable codes. The actionable codes can be read, but the incoming code can be removed from them, before the actionable codes are acted upon, in Point-of-Sale or Electronic Article Surveillance systems. |
| US07696881B2 |
RFID systems and methods employing infrared localization
A series of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are delineated. An RFID system comprises an RFID signpost having a transmitter for transmitting signals of a predefined type, and a receiver for receiving signals of the predefined type, wherein the transmitter for transmitting signals of the predefined type cannot transmit until a determination is made that the predefined type of signal is not present at the receiver. Another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost including a transmitter having a continuous power dissipation rating, and a processor for controlling the transmitter such that peak pulse power of a transmission from the transmitter multiplied by its duty cycle does not exceed the continuous power dissipation rating for the transmitter. |
| US07696879B2 |
Ascertaining physical routing of cabling interconnects
In a communication network or networked system, cables that interconnect systems or parts of a system are provided with RFID tags embedded at periodic intervals along their lengths. A network of GPS-enabled RFID readers with triangulation capabilities enables the determination of the physical routing of cables within an area of interest. It also enables communication of the physical routing information to an operations support system for cable management. |
| US07696878B2 |
RFID key switch with integrated key circuitry
A system and method for enhanced security by incorporating RFID processing circuitry within a key switch assembly. The RFID key switch assembly includes four subassemblies; the key/tumbler assembly, rotating and stationary switch contacts, RFID Processing Circuitry and an electrical connection interface. The RFID Processing Circuitry incorporated in the key switch assembly reads RF signals transmitted from an RFID tag embedded in a key inserted into the key switch. |
| US07696876B2 |
System for spatially adjustable excitation of leadless miniature marker
A system for generating a magnetic field for excitation of a leadless marker assembly. The system of at least one embodiment includes a source generator that generates a plurality of alternating electrical signals each having an independently adjustable phase. A plurality of excitation coils are configured to simultaneously receive a respective one of the alternating electrical signals at a selected phase to generate a magnetic field. The phase of the alternating electrical signal for each excitation coil is independently adjustable relative to the phase of the alternating electrical signal for the other excitation coils so as to adjust the magnetic field from the respective coil. The magnetic fields from the excitation coils combine to form a spatially adjustable excitation field for excitation of the remote leadless marker assembly. |
| US07696875B2 |
Antenna interfaces for mobile RFID readers
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for communicating with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags using an RFID reader are provided. A first communication signal configured to communicate with at least one RFID tag is generated. The first communication signal is transmitted from a first antenna of the reader. The reader is docked with a docking station, the docking station including a contact member coupled to at least one additional antenna, enabling the reader to couple a second communication signal through the contact member to the at least one additional antenna. |
| US07696873B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically disarming a security system
A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet. |
| US07696871B2 |
Security system having ad hoc networking of individual components
A security system (100) for storing and transporting valuables, the security system (100) comprising at least one security container (20) for receiving valuables having a protection mechanism for protecting the valuables. Furthermore, the security system (100) comprises a storage container (30) or receiving and storing the security container (20). An electrical protection circuit is provided in the security container (20), which comprises an infrared receiver, the protection mechanism of the security container (20) being able to be put into a first protection mode and a second protection mode. An electrical control circuit is provided in the storage container (30), which comprises an infrared receiver. A communication protocol is implemented in the circuit which automatically establishes an ad hoc, point-to-point communication link from the infrared transmitter to the infrared receiver as soon as the security container (20) arrives in direct proximity to the storage container (30). The protection mechanism changes automatically from the first into the second protection mode when it is located in proximity to the storage container (30). |
| US07696867B2 |
Sensor node
A sensor node for intermittently sensing data in a short cycle includes a control unit for acquiring information by driving the sensor, a radio communication unit for transmitting the information acquired by the control unit and a battery for supplying the control unit. The control unit includes a clock supply unit (RTC) for supplying the control unit with clocks at a predetermined frequency. A sensor control unit starts the supply of power to the sensor when the measurement period has begun, maintains the power supply to the sensor even if the control unit has shifted to the standby state during the measurement period, and shuts down the power supply to the sensor when the measurement period has been completed. A measurement unit is also provided for acquiring information from the sensor every time the latter has shifted to the operational state. |
| US07696866B2 |
Learning and reasoning about the context-sensitive reliability of sensors
A sensor monitoring system is described that identifies inaccurate or degraded sensor data and corresponding sensors. The system analyzes a plurality of sensors to determine reliable sensors and isolate or reinterpret unreliable sensor data. An analysis component analyzes a traffic representation that varies as context varies and determines the probability that current sensor data is invalid. Learning and reasoning are performed from a case library of sensor failure data to build predictive models of sensor health that can provide inferences about the output of sensors. Resulting inferences about sensor reliability can be employed in base-level inferences and predictions about traffic flow. |
| US07696865B1 |
Electronic message board for vehicles and associated method
An electronic message board includes a housing removably affixed to an interior surface of a selected window of a vehicle. Such housing is visible to another driver during driving conditions and includes a back wall with front and rear planar surfaces respectively and a first electrically conductive plate with a planar rear surface directly attached to the front surface of the back wall. The message board further includes a light display removably interfitted within the housing, a light emitting diode array, a transparent faceplate with predetermined indicia formed in a front surface thereof, and a mechanism for selectively actuating the light display. |
| US07696861B2 |
Tire inflation pressure detecting apparatus with function of identifying running and spare wheels
According to the present invention, there is provided a wheel identifying apparatus for a vehicle which includes a transmitter, a signal strength determiner, a variation determiner, and a wheel identifier. The transmitter is located on the body of the vehicle and working to transmit a signal during running of the vehicle. The signal strength determiner is located on a wheel of the vehicle away from the rotational axis of the wheel and works to determine strength of the signal thereat. The variation determiner works to determine a variation in the strength of the signal determined by the signal strength determiner. The wheel identifier is configured to identify the wheel as a spare wheel located on the body of the vehicle when the variation determined by the variation determiner is substantially zero. |
| US07696860B2 |
Electromagnetic field tactile display interface and biosensor
Tactile communication methods, systems and devices for wireless touch communication which include an array of electromechanical transducers each independently capable of producing a vibration for communicating qualitative and quantitative tactile cues to a user, at least one electromagnetic field sensor coupled with at least one of the array of transducers for monitoring a change in an electromagnetic field of the array of electromechanical transducers and producing an output signals when a change is detected, wherein a change in a position of a transducer contactor produces the change in the electromagnetic field and a vibrotactile waistbelt for housing the array of electromechanical transducers and sensors, wherein the vibrotactile waistbelt is worn by a user to receive and send wireless touch communication respectively from and to a remotely located controller. |
| US07696855B2 |
Strain gauge for measuring large strains
The strain gauge for measuring large strains has metallic foil pattern sections including a gauge element pattern section, gauge tab pattern sections and connecting pattern sections attached to a gauge base. The gauge base having the metallic foil pattern sections attached and connected with the bases of gauge leads is almost entirely covered on the surface with a laminating film, and the tip of the laminating film is extended by a predetermined length from the tip end of the gauge base, to form a protruding portion. The protruding portion functions to prevent the separation of the gauge base from an object to be measured. |
| US07696853B2 |
Coupled inductor structure
A coupled inductor structure applied in a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer disposed under the first dielectric layer includes a first inductor element disposed on the first dielectric layer and a second inductor element disposed on the second dielectric layer. The first inductor element has a first bending segment, a second bending segment connected to the first bending segment, and a third bending segment connected to the second bending segment. The second bending segment of the first inductor element has on the second dielectric layer a projection intersecting a second bending segment of the second inductor element. A relative position of the first bending segment of the first inductor element to a first bending segment of the second inductor element is opposite to another relative position of the third bending segment of the first inductor element to a third bending segment of the second inductor element. |
| US07696841B2 |
Power amplifier utilizing quadrature hybrid for power dividing, combining and impedance matching
A power amplifier includes a quadrature hybrid and input impedance matching network. The power amplifier also includes at least one amplifier that includes an output electrode, and a quadrature hybrid and output impedance matching network. The quadrature hybrid and input impedance matching network exhibits a low pass frequency response. |
| US07696840B2 |
RF selection switch for multiple antenna input
RF switches are known from the art for selecting an RF signal from a multiple of inputs. For instance a TV-tuner and TV-Front-end can have two or more antenna inputs but are implemented with a relative bad cost performance. The present invention relates to an RF selection switch circuit (200). The switch comprises a first switch (202), a second switch (204) with both an RF input port and a common RF output port a control signal circuitry (206). In a preferred embodiment the switches comprise pin-diodes. The RF output port comprises two transistors (T1, T2), one of which at a time can put the non-selected switch to a low-impedance level in order to minimize signal leakage the common output port. |
| US07696837B2 |
RF system having a one-dimensional nanostructure multi-port coupler
A one-dimensional nanostructure multi-port coupler (100, 300, 400, 600) is provided for use in an RF device (700). The coupler (100, 300, 400, 600) includes a first plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (102) aligned substantially in a first direction (110) and coupled between the input (103) and first output (103′), and a second plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (104) substantially aligned in a second direction (112), coupled to a second output (105), and disposed contiguous to the first plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (102). The first and second plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (102, 104) may comprise first and second contiguous planes. The amount of RF energy coupled may be controlled by varying the width, density, diameter, and type of one of the plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (102, 104) versus the other. The amount of RF energy coupled may also be controlled by varying the angle between the first and second plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (102, 104) and by disposing a dielectric material (132) therebetween. |
| US07696831B2 |
Phase locked loop and method for controlling the same
Phase locked loop and method for controlling the same includes a phase/frequency detector configured to detect a phase difference between an input clock and a feedback clock to generate an up signal or a down signal depending on the detected phase difference, a charge pump configured to variably control a bandwidth according to a bandwidth control signal input thereinto, the charge pump operating in response to the up signal or the down signal and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to change a frequency according to an output of the charge pump. |
| US07696830B2 |
Digital controlled oscillator, frequency synthesizer, radio communication apparatus using the same, and control method for the same
The digital controlled oscillator includes a variable capacitance section having a first capacitor array of a plurality of first variable capacitors and a second capacitor array of a plurality of second variable capacitors, and generates a signal having an oscillation frequency corresponding to the capacitance value of the variable capacitance section. The first capacitance change amount in the individual first variable capacitors is a value obtained by multiplying the second capacitance change amount in the individual second variable capacitors by an integer equal to or more than 2, and the number of second variable capacitors is equal to or more than a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the integer equal to or more than 2. |
| US07696829B2 |
Frequency synthesizer and method
A synthesizer arrangement includes an oscillator, a phase detector, and a loop filter that form a phase-locked loop. The loop filter is coupled to a control unit to activate a respective set of internal states out of a plurality of sets of internal states. |
| US07696825B2 |
Apparatus for receiving input and bias signals at common node
An apparatus includes an input-bias node and an internal load. The input-bias node is configured to simultaneously receive an input signal and a bias signal through an input-bias port. The internal load is connected between the input-bias node and multiple output ports, at least one of the output ports outputting an output signal based on the input signal received at the input-bias node. |
| US07696824B2 |
Differential audio amplifier
A differential audio amplification apparatus with common mode rejection is shown, having a first input current path (401) and a second input current path (402) with a shunting input resistance (400) therebetween. The apparatus also has a first output current path (403) and a second output current path (404) with a shunting output resistance (405) therebetween. Differential amplifiers (412, 413) are provided with feedback connecting the input paths with the output paths and providing an output signal. The output shunting resistance (405) is controlled to provide gain control while maintaining common mode rejection. |
| US07696823B2 |
System and method for linearizing a CMOS differential pair
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers provide image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. Active filters utilize multi track spiral inductors with shields to increase circuit Q. The filters incorporate a gain stage that provides improved dynamic range through the use of cross coupled auxiliary differential pair CMOS amplifiers to cancel distortion in a main linearized differential pair amplifier. Frequency planning provides additional image rejection. Local oscillator signal generation methods on chip reduce distortion. A PLL generates needed out of band LO signals. Direct synthesis generates in band LO signals. PLL VCOs are centered automatically. A differential crystal oscillator provides a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission throughout the receiver is used. ESD protection is provided by a pad ring and ESD clamping structure. Shunts utilize a gate boosting at each pin to discharge ESD build up. An IF VGA utilizes distortion cancellation achieved with cross coupled differential pair amplifiers having their Vds dynamically modified in conjunction with current steering of the differential pairs sources. |
| US07696821B2 |
Method and system for extending dynamic range of an RF signal
Aspects of a method and system for extending dynamic range of an RF signal are provided. In this regard, a signal representative of an amplitude of a pair of baseband signals may be generated. The amplitude of the generated signal may be expanded, and the amplitude of the baseband signals may be compressed. In this regard, the compression and the expansion may be inverse functions of each other. Additionally, the compressed baseband signals may be combined to generate an intermediate signal which may be amplitude modulated by the expanded signal. The amplitude modulation may result from controlling a gain, a voltage source, and/or a current source of a power amplifier. The intermediate signal may be generated by up-converting the baseband signals and subsequently combining the up-converted signals. |
| US07696819B2 |
Switched-capacitor variable gain amplifier having high voltage gain linearity
Provided is a switched-capacitor variable gain amplifier having high voltage gain linearity. According to the above amplifier, a sampling capacitor is shared and used at a sampling phase and an amplification phase, and thus a voltage gain error caused by capacitor mismatch can be reduced. Also, using a unit capacitor array enables circuit design and layout to be simplified. Further, in the amplifier, a voltage gain can be easily controlled to be more or less than 1, as necessary, and power consumption and kT/C noise can be reduced by a feedback factor that is relatively large, so that gain amplification performance can be improved. |
| US07696816B2 |
System and method for minimizing DC offset in outputs of audio power amplifiers
An amplifier system receives an input signal and generating therefrom an amplified output signal. The amplifier system is recited as comprising an input stage and an amplifier stage. The input stage is configured to receive the input signal and provide a level-shifted signal that has an average signal level that is shifted in regards a level shift value. The amplifier stage is configured to receive the level-shifted input signal from the input stage and generate therefrom the amplified output signal. The level shift value being selected to minimize a DC offset in the amplified output signal at least when the amplifier system is initially powered on. Since the amplified output signal has a minimal or zero DC offset, the amplifier system avoids generation of undesirable noises when it is initially powered on. |
| US07696815B2 |
Electronic device having multi-power source integrated circuit
An electronic device includes: an integrated circuit having a first circuit part, a second circuit part, a first power source line of the first circuit part, a second power source line of the second circuit part, and a coupling switch coupling the first power source line and the second power source line; a power source supply part which generates a power source to be supplied to the first and second circuit parts and which has a power source supply control circuit controlling the supply of power source to the second circuit part; and a power source control part that controls the power source supply control circuit and the coupling switch, wherein the power source control part controls the power source supply control circuit so as to supply a power source in accordance with the operating state of the second circuit part and closes the coupling switch. |
| US07696811B2 |
Methods and circuits to reduce threshold voltage tolerance and skew in multi-threshold voltage applications
A design structure. The design structure includes: a first set of FETs having a designed first Vt and a second set of FETs having a designed second Vt, the first Vt different from the second Vt; a first monitor circuit containing at least one FET of the first set of FETs and a second monitor circuit containing at least one FET of the second set of FETs; a compare circuit configured to generate a compare signal based on a performance measurement of the first monitor circuit and of the second monitor circuit; a control unit responsive to the compare signal and configured to generate a control signal regulator based on the compare signal; and an adjustable voltage regulator responsive to the control signal and configured to voltage bias wells of FETs of the second set of FETs, the value of the voltage bias applied based on the control signal. |
| US07696808B2 |
Slew rate control in output driver
A slew rate control circuit in output driver of switching circuit to prevent power ground undershoot is introduced. The gate capacitance of lower power transistor is first fast discharged to ensure the operation of the output signal. The gate capacitance of lower power transistor is then slowly discharged to limit OUT SLEW RATE. The gate capacitance of lower power transistor is further slowly discharged when the power ground level is below common ground. With above controlling, the gate voltage slew rate of lower power transistor is reduced when the lower power transistor is almost fully turned OFF. Therefore, undershoot at the power ground is avoided. Similar slew rate control circuit can also be derived in output driver of switching circuit to prevent PVCC overshoot. |
| US07696806B2 |
Level shift circuit and method for the same
The present invention discloses a level shift circuit which comprises: an input driver circuit; a capacitor having a first end electrically connected with the output of the input driver circuit; an output driver circuit electrically connected with a second end of the capacitor; and a feedback latch circuit electrically connected between the output of the output driver circuit and the second end of the capacitor, for maintaining the voltage level at the second end of the capacitor. |
| US07696805B2 |
Level shifter circuit incorporating transistor snap-back protection
Level shift circuits are disclosed for level shifting an input signal corresponding to a first voltage domain, to generate a pair of complementary output signals corresponding to a second, higher-voltage domain. Snap-back sensitive devices in a discharge circuit for a high voltage output node are protected, irrespective of the loading on the output node, and without requiring precise transistor sizing as a function of the output loading. The snap-back sensitive devices are protected by a voltage shifter circuit in series with the sensitive devices, to limit the voltage across the sensitive devices, even for a high capacitance output node at its highest output voltage. The voltage shifter circuit is then bypassed to provide for an output low level that fully reaches the lower power supply rail. |
| US07696804B2 |
Method for incorporating transistor snap-back protection in a level shifter circuit
Level shift circuits are disclosed for level shifting an input signal corresponding to a first voltage domain, to generate a pair of complementary output signals corresponding to a second, higher-voltage domain. Snap-back sensitive devices in a discharge circuit for a high voltage output node are protected, irrespective of the loading on the output node, and without requiring precise transistor sizing as a function of the output loading. The snap-back sensitive devices are protected by a voltage shifter circuit in series with the sensitive devices, to limit the voltage across the sensitive devices, even for a high capacitance output node at its highest output voltage. The voltage shifter circuit is then bypassed to provide for an output low level that fully reaches the lower power supply rail. |
| US07696803B2 |
Signal generating circuit
A signal generating circuit includes an input stage delay circuit which can switch a state of outputting a reference clock and a state of outputting a signal delaying the reference clock by a first time which is shorter than one cycle of the reference clock, a control section including a gate circuit holding the output of the input stage delay circuit for a second time which is shorter than one cycle of the reference clock from a point at which the output of the input stage delay circuit is changed to output a signal corresponding to the output of the gate circuit, and an output stage delay circuit outputting a signal delaying the output signal of the control section by the second time, in which the input stage delay circuit switches an output state in response to change of the output signal of the control section. |
| US07696796B2 |
Initialization signal generating circuit
An initialization signal generating circuit includes a voltage distributor, a first initialization signal generator, a second initialization signal, and a controller. The voltage distributor outputs a voltage signal in response to an external voltage. The first initialization signal generator outputs a first initialization signal in response to the voltage signal output from the voltage distributor. The second initialization signal generator outputs a second initialization signal in response to the voltage signal output from the voltage distributor. The controller blocks the external voltage supplied to the voltage distributor and the first and second initialization signal generators, in response to the first and second initialization signals. |
| US07696793B2 |
Driver circuit and method for differential signaling with improved signal level control
A differential signal driver circuit is provided with a driver circuit and a common feedback circuit. The driver circuit is responsive to differential input signals for generating differential output signals from operation currents generated by two current sources. The common feedback circuit controls the current sources to regulate the current levels of the operation currents in response to the differential output signals. |
| US07696788B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit able to reduce a load of layout design when arranging switches in a power lines for preventing leakage current and able to reduce the influence of a voltage drop occurring in the switches on a signal delay, wherein a plurality of groups of power lines are arranged in stripe shapes, power is supplied to circuit cells by a plurality of groups of branch lines branching from the groups of power lines, power switch cells arranged in the groups of branch lines turn on or off the supply of power to the circuit cells, the power switch cells are arranged dispersed in the area of arrangement of the circuit cells, and the supply of power by the power switch cells is finely controlled for every relatively small number of circuit cells. |
| US07696783B2 |
Logic modules for semiconductor integrated circuits
A logic module (400) that is capable of implementing data-path and random logic (command Z in block 42) uses control logic for selectively coupling one or more of the input terminals (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 40) to the at least one output terminal (20). The control logic comprises a plurality of logic elements (26, 28, 30, 32) arranged to generate a first set of two-input logic functions (f, (a, b)) and a programmable inverter (36) arranged to generate a second set of two-input logic functions, the second set of two-input logic functions being the complement functions of the first set of two-input logic functions. SRAM memory cells (4 bit memory batch (38)) may be used for configuration purposes, realizing a compact logic module or block that is also re-programmable. |
| US07696782B2 |
Programmable core for implementing logic change
An apparatus comprising a plurality of fixed logic circuits, wherein each of the fixed logic circuits is configured to receive a plurality of input signals, perform combinational logic operations using the input signals, and produce at least one output signal, and wherein the combinational logic operations are substantially fixed; and a programmable logic core configured to functionally replace a selected subset of the plurality of fixed logic circuits, receive the input signals of the selected subset of the plurality of fixed logic circuits, perform logic operations on the input signals, and produce at least one output signal as the output signal of the selected subset of the plurality of fixed logic circuits, and wherein the logic operations are dynamically changeable. |
| US07696775B2 |
Apparatus of impedance matching for output driver and method thereof
An apparatus for impedance matching circuit is disclosed. The impedance matching apparatus has an output driver for outputting an output signal and includes an output data generator, for generating an output data signal; an output stage, for generating the output signal according to the output data signal, and receiving a first control signal to adjust an impendence of the output stage; an impendence unit, electrically coupled to the output stage, for receiving a second control signal to adjust an impedance of the impedance unit; and a calibration circuit electrically coupled to the output stage and the impedance unit, for outputting the first control signal and the second control signal to respectively control the output stage and the impedance unit such that a sum of impedances of the output stage and the impedance unit is adjusted to compensate an environment factor of the chip. |
| US07696772B2 |
Strip socket for testing and burn-in having recessed portions with material that extends across a bottom surface of the corresponding semiconductor device
A method and apparatus are provided for using a strip socket in testing or burn-in of semiconductor devices in a strip. In one example of the method, processing of semiconductor devices involves assembling the semiconductor devices into a strip, isolating a portion of each of the semiconductor devices of the strip, and performing operations on the strip using a strip socket, wherein the strip socket is designed to make electrical contact substantially simultaneously with each semiconductor device in the strip. |
| US07696771B2 |
Test apparatus and test method
Provided is a test apparatus that tests fluctuation of a power supply voltage supplied to a device under test, including an oscillator that outputs a clock signal having a frequency that corresponds to the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply input terminal of the device under test, and a measuring section that measures the frequency of the clock signal. For example, the oscillator outputs as the clock signal an output signal of any one negative logic element from among an odd number of negative logic elements connected in a loop, and at least one of the negative logic elements operates using, as a voltage source, a voltage corresponding to the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply input terminal of the device under test. |
| US07696770B2 |
Self-centering nest for electronics testing
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a self-centering nest for testing of microprocessor chip modules. The self-centering nest includes two slideable jaws disposed on a base diagonally opposite each other. Each jaw includes a jaw pin that is receptive in a carrier, such that when the jaw pins are received in the carrier, the jaws are in an open position. The self-centering nest includes a transfer mechanism for urging a microprocessor chip module from the carrier into the self-centering nest. The self-centering nest includes a plurality of springs, each spring having a first end connected to the first slideable jaw and a second end connected to the second slideable jaw. The springs cause the jaws to move toward each other capturing and centering the microprocessor chip module when the jaws are pulled away from the carrier releasing the jaw pins. |
| US07696765B2 |
System and method for measuring a cable resistance in a Power over Ethernet application
A system and method for measuring a cable resistance in a power over Ethernet (PoE) application. A short circuit module in a powered device is designed to produce a short circuit effect upon receipt of a cable resistance detection voltage. The cable resistance detection voltage can be designed to be greater than a voltage for detection or classification and less than a voltage for powering of the powered device. The measurement of the current at a time when a short circuit effect is produced at the powered device enables a calculation of the actual resistance of the cable on a given PoE port. |
| US07696764B2 |
Systems and arrangements for sensing current with a low loss sense element
In some embodiments, the arrangement includes a sense element to convey a current from a source to a load and a compensation element located proximate to the sense element. The compensation element has a resistance that changes proportional to a change in temperature of the sense element. In several embodiments, the arrangement further includes an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the sense element, a second input connected to the compensation element and an output that provides an output signal that biases a current through the compensation element in response to a voltage across the sense element. In such embodiments, the bias current provides an output signal proportional to the conveyed current and the compensation element provides temperature compensation for the output signal. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US07696759B2 |
Alternator and starter tester with alternator cable check
An alternator and starter motor tester system having alternator cable check. The alternator cable connector is specific to an alternator type. The cable connector is monitored so that if it fails a certain alternator type for a predetermined number of times in a row, the cable will be locked. |
| US07696756B2 |
Oil based mud imaging tool with common mode voltage compensation
An apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of a common mode voltage signal in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. A voltage drop across a segment of the borehole wall is measured by two voltage electrodes, and the differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole wall. A common mode voltage in front of the two voltage electrodes is measured and minimized by controlling the excitation source, thereby reducing the resistivity measurement error. |
| US07696750B2 |
Parametric nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy system and method
A system and method for probing a specimen to determine one or more components by utilizing a first signal to excite the specimen at a nuclear quadrupole resonant frequency and observing changes in a specimen property. One exemplary property may be dielectric constant. Another exemplary property may be magnetic permeability. In one embodiment, the first signal is unmodulated and a second signal is observed for the presence of modulation at the frequency of the first signal. Alternatively, the first signal may be modulated and the second signal may be observed for the presence of the modulation. A system is disclosed wherein the specimen is excited using the first frequency and a radar at the second frequency is used to observe changes in radar reflectivity of the specimen due to the excitation. |
| US07696747B2 |
Electromagnetic induction type inspection device and method
Any inspection object regardless of material can easily be inspected or discriminated with high accuracy and high sensitivity by being placed in a magnetic field generated by applying an alternating current to an exciting coil and detecting changes of voltage level and phase of electromotive force induced by a detection coil unit. The discrimination of the inspection object is performed on the basis of a DC voltage value with respect to a standard specimen and a phase differential voltage value with respect to a phase difference between the phase of a voltage signal from the induction coil and the phase of the exciting current to the exciting coil. |
| US07696744B2 |
Screw-less latching system for securing load boards
A screw-less latching system for securing load boards comprises a frame and a backer plate. The frame includes a loading site for a device under test. The loading site includes a first tee clamp disposed along a first longitudinal axis and a second tee clamp disposed along a second longitudinal axis of the loading site. The loading site further includes a first spring plunger disposed along a first lateral axis of the loading site. The backer plate is configured to attach the device under test. The backer plate includes two lock tabs coupling with the first and second tee clamps. The backer plate further includes a first recess coupling with the first spring plunger. |
| US07696740B2 |
EMI suppressing regulator
A regulator circuit receives a power supply and provides a regulated power supply output suitable for integrated circuitry. It has a controllable current source circuit, a controller and a capacitor, such that an output of the controllable current source circuit can provide a lower frequency current part of the regulated power supply output, and the capacitor can supply a higher frequency current part of the regulated power supply output. The controllable current source circuit is controlled according to feedback from the regulated power supply output, and to restrict a rate of change of the output of the controllable current source circuit. The amount of EMI noise caused by high rate of change of current in power supply lines to the regulator circuit can be reduced. This can be done more efficiently or using a smaller capacitor than known arrangements. |
| US07696739B2 |
Electronic switch circuit, converter and method of operation
An electronic switch circuit includes an electronic switch having a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, control means for applying to the first terminal a cyclic drive waveform which causes the electronic switch to conduct between the second and third terminals during a selected portion of each cycle of the waveform, operably coupled to the control means to control synchronisation of the cyclic drive waveform a detector operable to detect a change of direction of current flow at the second terminal of the electronic switch and means for monitoring and, where required, compensating for offset error of the detector. The electronic switch may beneficially be a synchronous rectifier. The synchronous rectifier may be used in DC-DC power converters to improve efficiency. |
| US07696736B2 |
Buck DC to DC converter and method
A method and apparatus for converting a DC voltage to a lower DC voltage, provides for conducting current from an input terminal, through an inductor to charge a capacitor connected to the inductor at an output terminal and to provide a varying range of load current from the output terminal, alternately switching the input terminal between a supply voltage and a ground potential to produce a desired voltage at the output terminal that is lower than the supply voltage, while providing the varying range of load current, and disconnecting the input terminal from both the supply voltage and the ground potential to reduce an increase in voltage at the output terminal caused by a substantial reduction in the load current, while current through the inductor adjusts in response to the reduced load current. |
| US07696733B2 |
Resonant switching power source device
A resonant switching power source device is provided which comprises first and second MOS-FETs 1 and 2 connected in series to a DC power source 3, a first transformer 5 which has a first primary winding 5a connected in parallel to first or second MOS-FET 1 or 2 and in series to a first capacitor 4, a first rectifying smoother 10 connected between a secondary winding 5b of first transformer 5 and first output terminals 11, 12, a second transformer 6 which has a primary winding 6a connected in parallel to primary winding 5a of first transformer 5, and a second rectifying smoother 20 and an output-regulatory MOS-FET 41 connected between a secondary winding 6b in second transformer 6 and second DC output terminals 21 and 22 to control peak current flowing through primary windings of transformers 5 and 6 and rectifying smoothers 10 and 20 in secondary sides for improvement in power conversion efficiency and to produce stable DC outputs of desired level from a plurality of output terminals 11, 12, 21 and 22. |
| US07696732B2 |
Dynamic multiphase operation
An output regulator includes a plurality of switch arrays. A controller enables selected ones of the plurality of switch arrays in response to a sense signal. The sense signal is based on an output of the output regulator. The controller generates drive signals to control the selected ones of the plurality of switch arrays. The controller adjusts first selected pulses in an output phase of the selected ones of the plurality of switch arrays based on a first pulse width. The controller adjusts second selected pulses in the output phase of the selected ones of the plurality of switch arrays based on a second pulse width greater than or less than the first pulse width. |
| US07696729B2 |
Configurable power tank
A plurality of supercapacitor elements is arranged in rows and columns within a single housing. The elements have no physical connection until they are configured into series, parallel or combinatory matrix by a configuration circuit composing of switches, a driver and a controller. Under the manipulation of the configuration circuit, the elements can be assembled in a broad voltage range to deliver the desired powers to automobiles, heavy machineries, power tools, appliances, or consumer electronics in real-time responses. When the loads present energy for recovery, the elements can also be immediately grouped in the voltage and capacity ranges corresponding to the power levels of the energy to be harvested. Using the present invention, the efficiency of DC and AC energy utilization can be significantly improved. |
| US07696725B2 |
Battery cell monitoring and balancing circuit
A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided. |
| US07696724B2 |
Method of measuring the battery level in a mobile telephone
Measuring the voltage level of a mobile telephone battery during a charging operation involves disabling the charge temporarily so that the battery rapidly enters discharge mode. The discharge mode voltage is more representative of the true battery charge level, so that the present invention can be implemented to provide a battery charge level display that is accurate even when the telephone is being charged. |
| US07696722B2 |
Battery powered X-ray detector power system and method
A power system and method for supplying power to a wireless X-ray detector utilizes a detachable handle for a wireless X-ray detector. The handle carries a battery which, when the detachable handle is coupled to a wireless X-ray detector, provides the wireless X-ray detector with a mobile supply of power. A detachable handle charging station may recharge a plurality of detachable handles, providing a swappable supply of power for a wireless X-ray detector. Charging stations for such handles, or for entire detectors are also disclosed. |
| US07696721B2 |
Switching method and apparatus for AC/DC powered corded/cordless appliance and related apparatus
The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system to switch between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) power sources for appliances with a third position to allow on-board recharging of the DC power source. The method involves locking out a power source when the other power source is powering the appliance and locking out both power sources from operating the appliance when the appliance is being recharged. The DC power source can remain coupled to the appliance during operation and during recharging without necessitating removal for remote recharging by the use of a unique switch. |
| US07696720B2 |
Battery pack and electronic device
A battery pack includes a battery, a pair of output terminals connected to the battery, a switch inserted between the battery and one of the pair of output terminals, an acceleration sensor detecting a shock and outputting a detected value dependent thereon, and a control unit of a protection circuit. When a detected value of the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit turns off the switch and thereby cuts off a current path between the battery and the pair of output terminals to cut off the current. |
| US07696713B2 |
Drive control method, drive control device, belt apparatus, image forming apparatus, image reading apparatus, computer product
Driving of a pulse motor is controlled in such a manner that a rotating body driven by the pulse motor rotates at a uniform angular velocity. Angular displacement of the rotating body is detected, a difference between a detection value of the angular displacement and a target value of angular displacement set in advance is calculated, and a drive pulse frequency of a drive pulse signal to be used for driving the pulse motor is calculated based on the difference and a reference drive pulse frequency. Whether the difference is added to the reference drive pulse can be selected. |
| US07696712B2 |
Motor controller providing position feedback correction
A motor controller employs absolute encoder signals to periodically assess the existence of cumulative error in a position signal derived from an incremental encoder signal. In one embodiment the absolute encoder signals are extracted from commutation switches of the motor eliminating the need for a separate absolute encoder. |
| US07696705B2 |
Method for measuring the rotational speed of an EC motor
A method for measuring the rotational speed of an EC motor having a primary part including a winding, and a secondary part having magnet segments offset with respect to one another in the circumferential direction and magnetized in alternatingly opposite directions, the magnet segments having tolerances regarding their positioning and/or their dimensions, the method including rotating the secondary part with respect to the primary part and detecting the position of the magnet segments with respect to the primary part. The position measuring signal is differentiated to form a rotational speed signal. At least one correction value is determined and saved to compensate the influence of at least one of the tolerances on the speed signal. The speed signal is corrected with the aid of the correction value. |
| US07696704B2 |
Discharge lamp driving device and electronic device using the same
A driving device for driving plural discharge lamps. A controller circuit converts a received signal to a first high voltage signal and a second high voltage signal. A first balancing circuit is mounted on a first connecting board and connected to one ends of the discharge lamps. A second balancing circuit is mounted on a second connecting board and connected to the other ends of the discharge lamps. A first set of high voltage lines connects the controller board and the first connecting board, and the first high voltage signal is outputted from the control circuit to the first balancing circuit via the first set of high voltage lines. A second set of high voltage lines connects the controller board and the second connecting board, and the second high voltage signal is outputted from the control circuit to the second balancing circuit via the second set of high voltage lines. |
| US07696696B2 |
Magnetron having a transparent cathode and related methods of generating high power microwaves
A cathode for use in a magnetron may include a plurality of longitudinally oriented emitter regions disposed around a longitudinal axis of the cathode. Each emitter region may be configured to emit electrons and adjacent emitter regions may be separated from one another by openings. |
| US07696695B2 |
Mercury-free metal halide discharge lamp
A metal halide discharge lamp comprises a lamp body and a chamber formed within the body. A pair of electrodes extends into the chamber and have electrode tips spaced apart from one another. A discharge medium composition is sealed within the chamber that generates a plasma, which generates visible light. The composition comprises a rare gas, a first metal halide that produces a luminous flux and zinc iodide that generates a desired lamp operating voltage. The composition may also comprise zinc, sealed in the chamber, in elemental form that is not derived from the first metal halide or the zinc iodide. The zinc iodide halide serves as a substitute for mercury for purposes of generating desired lamp operating voltage; and, the excess pure zinc attracts or reacts with iodine atoms thereby making available electrons and the first metal halide for generation of a luminous flux. |
| US07696694B2 |
Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp (1) has a discharge vessel (3) enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas. The discharge vessel (3) comprises means for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge space. A portion of the surface (15) of the discharge vessel (3) facing the discharge space is provided with a protective layer (16) comprising yttrium oxide or aluminum oxide and further comprises a borate and/or a phosphate of an alkaline earth metal and/or of scandium, yttrium, or a further rare earth metal. Preferably, the alkaline earth metal is calcium, strontium, and/or barium. Preferably, the further rare earth metal is lanthanum, cerium, and/or gadolinium. The lamp according to the invention has a comparatively low mercury consumption. |
| US07696692B2 |
Plasma display panel having an electrode structure including blackened dielectric layer and method of fabricating same
Disclosed herein is a plasma display panel and a method of fabricating the same. The plasma display panel comprises a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate. An electrode structure disposed between the front and rear glass substrates is prepared in such a way that a non-photosensitive black dielectric layer and a non-photosensitive or photosensitive electrode layer, formed on the front glass substrate, are subjected to heat treatment. The black dielectric layer is blackened at a lower surface by the heat treatment. Current flows between an upper electrode and a transparent electrode and it is possible to assure sufficiently low visibility even though costly metal particles are not used as conductive material on the front substrate of the plasma display panel. It is possible to use various types of black pigments thanks to non-photosensitivity, thus it is possible to fabricate a low-priced plasma display panel due to a reduced material cost. |
| US07696678B2 |
Plasma display apparatus using filter
The present invention relates to a plasma display apparatus including an external light blocking sheet which blocks and absorbs the external light injected from the outside, in particular, in which a pattern portion having a predetermined gap and width on a base portion prevents the external light from injecting into the inside of a panel inside, in addition, and permits to efficiently radiate a light emitted from the inside of the panel, thereby, the bright room contrast of PDP can be improved. |
| US07696668B2 |
Solid state transport-based thermoelectric converter
A solid state thermoelectric converter includes a thermally insulating separator layer, a semiconducting collector and an electron emitter. The electron emitter comprises a metal nanoparticle layer or plurality of metal nanocatalyst particles disposed on one side of said separator layer. A first electrically conductive lead is electrically coupled to the electron emitter. The collector layer is disposed on the other side of the separator layer, wherein the thickness of the separator layer is less than 1 μm. A second conductive lead is electrically coupled to the collector layer. |
| US07696666B2 |
Dynamoelectric machine grommet
A dynamoelectric machine grommet including, a body portion of the grommet sealably engagable with an opening in a housing of a dynamoelectric machine, and at least one projection extending from the body portion and receptive to a conductor and providing electrical insulation thereto. |
| US07696665B2 |
Brush holder for an electrical collector machine, particularly for a direct current motor
A brush holder for a motor. The brush holder includes a plastic support structure corresponding incorporating at least a first and a second essentially rigid conducting element connected, respectively, between positive and negative brush or brushes and associated connecting members to form corresponding connecting paths in the brush holder for connecting the brushes to the terminals of an external source of supply voltage. At least one discontinuity is provided in at least one of the connecting paths. A resiliently deformable and electrically conducting strip is connected mechanically and electrically across this discontinuity, with a substantially permanent connection at one end, and with a thermally fusible connection at the other end, the strip having a resilient pre-loading which tends to break the connection at the said other end. |
| US07696663B2 |
Rotor for a forced-air-cooled electric motor
A rotor (2) for a forced-air-cooled electric motor, in particular a universal motor, especially for use with electrical power tools, has a laminated armature (6) incorporating longitudinal slots (8) and with wire windings of a coil (10) protruding from the longitudinal slots (8) on the front face where the windings form coil connecting heads (20, 22). Some or all of the longitudinal slots (8) in the laminated armature (6) contain a rod (28) aligned in the longitudinal direction and protruding axially from one or both front faces (24, 26) of the laminated armature (6), whereby the protruding rod ends thus surround the coil connecting heads (20, 22) on the respective front face to protect the coil connecting heads from abrasive wear. |
| US07696661B2 |
Stator for an electric motor and assembly method
The apparatus of the present invention provides a stator for an electric motor. The apparatus includes a plurality of stator components assembled together to form a generally annular stator core. A wire is wrapped around at least a portion of the stator core to form a stator winding. A first generally annular end plate and a second generally annular end plate are mounted to axially opposite sides of the stator core such that the stator core is axially trapped and retained therebetween. A fastener applies a clamping load to the first and second end plates such that the stator core is compressed therebetween. The clamping load from the fastener is applied directly to the first and second end plates which distribute the clamping load to the stator core such that the plurality of components are held together without the fastener directly applying the clamping load to the stator core. A corresponding method for providing a stator is similarly provided. |
| US07696656B2 |
Motor assembly incorporating a securely positioned electromagnetic disturbance suppression device
A motor assembly (20) includes a motor (22) and an end cap (26). The end cap (26) includes an electrically insulating body (28) having a peripheral edge (30) that interfaces with a conductive housing (24) of the motor (22). Motor terminals (94, 102) and an electromagnetic suppression (EMD) chip device (54) are located within the body (28). The chip device (54) has an input terminal (74) in electrical communication with the motor terminal (94), an input terminal (76) in electrical communication with the motor terminal (102), and an earth terminal (78). A conductive ground strap (56) is in electrical communication with the earth terminal (78). The ground strap (56) encapsulates and retains the chip device (54) in the end cap (26) and has an end (60) fitted onto the peripheral edge (30) of the end cap (26) between the end cap (26) and the conductive housing (24) of the motor (22). |
| US07696652B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator, method of manufacturing a part of an electromagnetic actuator, and lithographic apparatus comprising and electromagnetic actuator
A lithographic apparatus has a patterning support constructed to support a patterning device and a substrate support constructed to support a substrate. At least one of the patterning support and the substrate support is moved by an electromagnetic actuator. The actuator has a first part and a second part that are movable relative to each other. The first part has a coil structure, and the second part including a plurality of permanent magnets interacting with the coil structure. The second part is provided with a cooling structure arranged adjacent the permanent magnets. Cooling ducts are arranged between adjacent permanent magnets, or on a side of the permanent magnets facing the coil structure. |
| US07696651B2 |
Linear motor
A linear motor comprising a mover part including; an armature module having an I shaped magnetic iron core and an armature winding of one kind wound on the periphery of the I shaped magnetic iron core through an insulating material. A non-magnetic material holder on which a plurality of armature modules are arranged in a stroke direction is provided. A base upper plate and a base lower plate are provided for attaching the non-magnetic material holder in upper and lower parts respectively. A stator part includes a plurality of field permanent magnets opposed to the I shaped magnetic iron cores through magnetic spaces and field yokes for supporting the field permanent magnets. The non-magnetic material holder has at both end parts thereof through holes for inserting bolts corresponding to the forms and the arranging pitches of the I shaped magnetic iron cores. |
| US07696650B2 |
Driving circuit for switching elements
A level shifting circuit, satisfying a requirement of a high tolerated dV/dt level, and a highly reliable inverter circuit, wherein a set pulse signal and a reset pulse signal, both of which are level-shifted to a potential side taking as reference a reference potential of a gate control terminal of a switching terminal, are obtained differentially and integrated, and, in case these pulse signals equal or exceed stipulated integrated values, are transmitted as regular control signals controlling the on/off state. |
| US07696648B2 |
Incoming current suppression device
A control unit of an electric power supply system causes, responsive to a closing command signal, a switch corresponding to R phase to be thrown at a timing when a stationary magnetic flux and a residual magnetic flux of R phase are coincident with each other and then subsequently causes other switches corresponding to S phase and T phase to be thrown at a timing which is delayed from a zero point of an alternating voltage of R phase by a predetermined phase angle of 0-30 degrees, such that the difference of the stationary magnetic flux and the residual magnetic flux of each of S phase and T phase is minimum. Therefore, an exciting incoming current which flows into a three-phase transformer at a time of throwing a three-phase breaker provided with interpole capacitors can be suppressed. |
| US07696641B2 |
Power supply control circuit and electronic circuit
A power supply control circuit (3) having control of the supply and shutoff of electrical power from a power source (2), and including a request-receiving unit (11) operable to receive a power shutoff-requesting signal (10) from each of a plurality of functional blocks, in which each of the plurality of functional blocks has a predetermined processing function, a switchover unit (12) operable to provide switchover between the supply and shutoff of the electrical power from the power source to each of the plurality of functional blocks, and a control unit (13) operable to control the switchover unit (12) in accordance with the power shutoff-requesting signal (10) received by the request-receiving unit (11). The power supply control circuit (3) provides proper control over the supply and shutoff of the electrical power for each of the functional blocks, whereby each of the functional blocks consumes reduced electrical power. |
| US07696633B2 |
Floating power generation device and system
A floating power generating device that includes a support frame having a pair of buoyant pontoons, a power generator mounted to the support frame between the pontoons, an electrical cable in electrical communication with the power generator, and means for maintaining the floating power generating device in a substantially fixed position within the flow of water. |
| US07696629B2 |
Chip-stacked package structure
A chip stacked package structure and applications are provided, wherein the chip stacked package structure comprises a substrate, a first chip, a patterned circuit layer and a second chip. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first chip with a first active area and an opposite first rear surface is electrically connected to first surface of substrate by a flip chip bonding process. The patterned circuit layer set on the dielectric layer is electrically connected to the substrate via a bonding wire. The second chip set on the patterned circuit layer has a second active area and a plurality of second pads formed on the second active area, wherein the second bonding pad is electrically connected to the patterned circuit layer. |
| US07696628B2 |
Relay substrate and substrate assembly
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a substrate for connecting circuit boards comprises: a substrate member having a first surface and a second surface facing each other and a first end and a second end facing each other; a first signal line formed on the first surface of the first end; a second signal line formed on the second surface of the second end; a third signal line connecting the first signal line with the second signal line; a first ground plane arranged on the first surface and surrounding the first signal line; and a portion of the second signal line formed over the first ground, the portion comprising narrower than an other portion of the second signal line. |
| US07696626B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of arranging pad thereof
A semiconductor device and method of forming a pad thereof are provided. The device includes: a substrate; at least one first active region disposed in a first region of the substrate; at least one second active region disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region of the substrate; a plurality of first contacts disposed on the second active region; a first insulating layer disposed on the first active region and between the first contacts; a poly layer disposed on the first contacts and the first insulating layer; a plurality of second contacts disposed on the poly layer in the second region; a second insulating layer disposed between the second contacts and on the poly layer in the first region; and a pad disposed on the second insulating layer and the second contacts. |
| US07696625B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
In a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, electroplating and CMP have had a problem of increase in manufacturing costs for forming a wiring. Correspondingly, an opening is formed in a porous insulating film after a mask is formed thereover, and a conductive material containing Ag is dropped into the opening. Further, a first conductive layer is formed by baking the conductive material dropped into the opening by selective irradiation with laser light. Subsequently, a metal film is formed over the entire surface by sputtering, and the mask is removed thereafter to have only the metal film remain over the first conductive layer, thereby forming an embedded wiring layer formed with a stack of the first conductive layer containing Ag and the second conductive layer (metal film). |
| US07696624B2 |
Nucleation method for atomic layer deposition of cobalt on bare silicon during the formation of a semiconductor device
A method used to form a cobalt metal layer on a silicon surface using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process comprises a treatment of the silicon surface prior to cobalt formation. Treatment includes serial exposure to one or more cycles comprising a titanium nitride precursor or a tantalum nitride precursor, followed by an optional exposure to ammonia. After this treatment, the silicon surface is exposed to a metal organic cobalt such as cyclopentadienylcobalt dicarbonyl to form a cobalt precursor on the silicon surface, which is then exposed to hydrogen or ammonia to reduce the precursor to an ALD cobalt metal layer. Once this initial metal layer is formed, additional cobalt ALD layers may be completed to form a cobalt metal layer of a desired thickness. |
| US07696618B2 |
POP (package-on-package) semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having package-on-package (POP) configuration, primarily comprises a plurality of vertically stacked semiconductor packages and a plurality of electrical connecting components such as solder paste to electrically connect the external terminals of the semiconductor packages such as external leads of leadframes. Each semiconductor package has an encapsulant to encapsulate at least a chip where the encapsulant is movable with respect to the electrical connecting components to absorb the stresses between the vertically stacked semiconductor packages. In one embodiment, a stress-releasing layer is interposed between the vertically stacked semiconductor packages. |
| US07696613B2 |
Multilayered wiring substrate including wiring layers and insulating layers and method of manufacturing the same
A multilayered wiring substrate is constructed by stacking wiring layers 105, 108, 110, 112 and insulating layers 104, 106, 107, 109 in predetermined number, with at least one of the wiring layers being formed as a reinforcing wiring layer 103 whose thickness is 35 to 150 μm arranged in one layer or plural layers. Also, the thickness of the reinforcing wiring layer is larger than that of the other wiring layers. |
| US07696612B2 |
Multiphase synchronous buck converter
Disclosed in this specification is a multiphase buck converter package and process for forming such package. The package includes at least four dies and at least nine parallel leads. The dies are electrically connected through a plurality of die attach pads, thus eliminating the need for wirebonding. |
| US07696608B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and process for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor IC includes grooves formed in a substrate to define a first dummy region and second dummy regions formed at a scribing area, and third dummy regions and a fourth dummy region formed at a product area. A width of the first dummy region is greater than widths of each of the second and third dummy regions and a width of the fourth dummy region is greater than widths of each of the third dummy regions. A conductor pattern is formed over the first dummy region for optical pattern recognition. The first dummy region is formed under the conductor pattern so the grooves are not formed under the conductor pattern. The second dummy regions are spaced from one another by a predetermined spacing at the scribing area, and the third dummy regions are spaced from one another by a predetermined spacing at the product area. |
| US07696603B2 |
Back end thin film capacitor having both plates of thin film resistor material at single metallization layer
An integrated circuit back end capacitor structure includes a first dielectric layer on a substrate, a thin film bottom plate on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the bottom plate, and a thin film top plate disposed on the second dielectric layer. The thin film top plate and bottom plate are composed of thin film resistive layers, such as sichrome, which also are utilized to form back end thin film resistors having various properties. Interconnect conductors of a metallization layer contact the top and bottom plates through corresponding vias. |
| US07696601B2 |
Semiconductor device with SEG film active region
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. A barrier film is formed in a device separating structure, and the device separating structure is etched at a predetermined thickness to expose a semiconductor substrate. Then, a SEG film is grown to form an active region whose area is increased. As a result, a current driving power of a transistor located at a cell region and peripheral circuit regions is improved. |
| US07696599B2 |
Trench MOSFET
A trench MOSFET with drain (8), drift region (10) body (12) and source (14). In order to improve the figure of merit for use of the MOSFET as control and sync FETs, the trench (20) is partially filled with dielectric (24) adjacent to the drift region (10) and a graded doping profile is used in the drift region (10). |
| US07696596B2 |
Bipolar junction transistor and CMOS image sensor having the same
Embodiments relate to a horizontal type bipolar junction transistor element (BJT) and a CMOS image sensor having the same to form a photodiode. In embodiments, the bipolar junction transistor as well as collector current may flow uniformly in a horizontal direction, which may increase the entire amount of current. In embodiments, large current gain may be obtained. In embodiments, a bipolar junction transistor element with various current gains can be manufactured. |
| US07696593B2 |
PIN-type photo detecting element with three semiconductor layers, and window semiconductor layer having controlled thickness
A semiconductor photo detecting element includes a PIN-type photo detecting element and window semiconductor layer. The PIN-type photo detecting element has a semiconductor substrate, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and a third semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer is provided on the semiconductor substrate, is lattice-matched to the semiconductor substrate, includes a first conductivity type dopant, and has first band gap energy. The second semiconductor layer is provided on the first semiconductor layer, has the first band gap energy, and has a concentration of the first conductivity type dopant lower than that of the first semiconductor layer or is substantially undoped. The third semiconductor layer is provided on the second semiconductor layer. The window semiconductor layer has second band gap energy larger than the first band gap energy at a light-incoming side with respect to the second semiconductor layer and has a thickness of 5 nm to 50 nm. |
| US07696588B2 |
Microelectronic imagers with shaped image sensors and methods for manufacturing microelectronic imagers
Microelectronic imagers with shaped image sensors and methods for manufacturing curved image sensors. In one embodiment, a microelectronic imager device comprises an imaging die having a substrate, a curved microelectronic image sensor having a face with a convex and/or concave portion at one side of the substrate, and integrated circuitry in the substrate operatively coupled to the image sensor. The imaging die can further include external contacts electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry and a cover over the curved image sensor. |
| US07696585B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
In one aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate; a first gate dielectric layer provided on the semiconductor substrate, the relative dielectric constant ratio of the first gate dielectric layer being no less than 8; a second gate dielectric layer provided on the semiconductor substrate, the relative dielectric constant ratio of the second gate dielectric layer being no less than 8; a first gate electrode provided on the first gate dielectric layer and made of germanide which is a metallic compound containing a metal element of a rare earth metal; and a second gate electrode provided on the second gate dielectric layer and made of silicide which is a metallic compound containing the same metal element of a rare earth metal as the germanide in the first gate electrode. |
| US07696583B2 |
Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor and a method of fabricating the same capable of reducing stress of a substrate caused by a metal layer of the drain and source electrodes, the thin film transistor including a substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate and including source, drain and channel regions; a gate insulating layer disposed on the substrate including the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer to correspond to the channel region of the semiconductor layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate including the gate electrode, and having contact holes connected with the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer; and source and drain electrodes connected with the source and drain regions through the contact holes, wherein the source and drain electrodes include a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a metal oxide layer interposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. Accordingly, the thin film transistor can reduce stress of the substrate caused by a metal layer of the source and drain electrodes, thereby improving yield of an organic light emitting diode display device. |
| US07696576B2 |
Semiconductor device that includes transistors formed on different silicon surfaces
According to the present invention, it is possible to isolate elements from each other without formation of STI and integrate the elements at a high density. A step is formed on a surface of a silicon substrate so as to provide different surfaces. Transistors are formed on the respective different surfaces. The transistors are insulated from each other by a silicon layer and an insulating sidewall. Since no STI is formed between the transistors, it is possible to integrate the transistors at a high density. |
| US07696574B2 |
Semiconductor substrate with multiple crystallographic orientations
A semiconductor structure and its method for fabrication include a first surface semiconductor layer of a first crystallographic orientation located upon a dielectric surface of a substrate. Located laterally separated upon the dielectric surface from the first surface semiconductor layer is a stack layer. The stack layer includes a buried semiconductor layer located nearer the dielectric surface and a second surface semiconductor layer of a second crystallographic orientation different from the first crystallographic orientation located over and not contacting the buried semiconductor layer. The semiconductor structure provides a pair of semiconductor surface regions of different crystallographic orientation. A particular embodiment may be fabricated utilizing a sequential laminating, patterning, selective stripping and selective epitaxial deposition method. |
| US07696573B2 |
Multiple crystallographic orientation semiconductor structures
A semiconductor structure includes an epitaxial surface semiconductor layer having a first dopant polarity and a first crystallographic orientation, and a laterally adjacent semiconductor-on-insulator surface semiconductor layer having a different second dopant polarity and different second crystallographic orientation. The epitaxial surface semiconductor layer has a first edge that has a defect and an adjoining second edge absent a defect. Located within the epitaxial surface semiconductor layer is a first device having a first gate perpendicular to the first edge and a second device having a second gate perpendicular to the second edge. The first device may include a performance sensitive logic device and the second device may include a yield sensitive memory device. An additional semiconductor structure includes a further laterally adjacent second semiconductor-on-insulator surface semiconductor layer having the first polarity and the second crystallographic orientation, and absent edge defects, to accommodate yield sensitive devices. |
| US07696572B2 |
Split source RF MOSFET device
An RF MOS transistor having improved AC output conductance and AC output capacitance includes parallel interdigitated source and drain regions separated by channel regions and overlying gates. Grounded tap regions contacting an underlying well are placed contiguous to source regions and reduce distributed backgate resistance, lower backgate channel modulation, and lower output conductance. |
| US07696569B2 |
Semiconductor device including a trench with a curved surface portion and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a trench provided in a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode formed in the trench through a gate dielectric film, and a diffusion layer formed in the vicinity of the trench. The trench includes an opening portion provided in a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a recess curved surface portion including a cross-sectional contour having a substantially circular arc shape, and a connection curved surface portion connecting the recess curved surface portion and the opening portion. The connection curved surface portion includes a continuous curved surface between the opening portion and the recess curved surface portion. |
| US07696566B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a circuit with a high voltage sense device
A control circuit with a high voltage sense device. In one embodiment, a circuit includes a first transistor disposed in a first substrate having first, second and third terminals. A first terminal of the first transistor is coupled to an external voltage. A voltage provided at a third terminal of the first transistor is substantially proportional to a voltage between the first and second terminals of the first transistor when the voltage between the first and second terminals of the first transistor is less than a pinch-off voltage of the first transistor. The voltage provided at the third terminal of the first transistor is substantially constant and less than the voltage between the first and second terminals of the first transistor when the voltage between the first and second terminals of the first transistor is greater than the pinch-off voltage of the first transistor. The circuit also includes a control circuit disposed in the first substrate and coupled to the third terminal of the first transistor. The circuit further includes a second transistor disposed in a second substrate. A first terminal of the second transistor coupled to the external voltage. |
| US07696564B1 |
Lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
A lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor structure including a P substrate, an N+ buried layer, an N epitaxial layer, a P well, an N well, a drain region, a source region, and a body region is disclosed. The N+ buried layer is located between the P substrate and the N epitaxial layer, the P well contacts the N+ buried layer, the source region and the body region are located in the P well, the N well is located in the N epitaxial layer, and the drain region is located in the N well. When a high voltage is applied to the drain and the P substrate is grounded, a breakdown voltage with the P substrate is raised because of the N+ buried layer isolating the P substrate from the N epitaxial layer, so as to be able to avoid PN junction breakdown. |
| US07696560B2 |
Flash memory device
A flash memory device includes control gates that are formed to completely surround the top and sides of floating gates. The control gates are located between the floating gates that are adjacent in the word line direction as well as the floating gates that are adjacent in the bit line direction. The present flash memory device reduces a shift in a threshold voltage resulting from interference among floating gates and increases an overlapping area of the floating gate and the control gates. Thus, there is an effect in that the coupling ratio can be increased. |
| US07696558B2 |
Semiconductor memory device for storing data as state of majority carriers accumulated in channel body and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device comprises a substrate; a semiconductor layer of a first conductive type isolated from the substrate by an insulator layer; a memory transistor having a gate electrode, a drain and a source regions of a second conductive type formed in the semiconductor layer, and a channel body of the first conductive type formed in the semiconductor layer between the regions, the memory transistor operative to store data as a state of majority carriers accumulated in the channel body; an impurity-diffused region of the first conductive type formed at a location in contact with the upper surface of the drain region, the impurity-diffused region having a higher impurity concentration of the first conductive type than an impurity concentration of the second conductive type in the drain region; and a write transistor including a bipolar transistor having the impurity-diffused region as an emitter region, the drain region as a base region and the channel body as a collector region, the write transistor operative to write data in the memory transistor. |
| US07696556B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices including high-voltage MOS transistors with floated drain-side auxiliary gates and methods of fabricating the same
High-voltage MOS transistors with a floated drain-side auxiliary gate are provided. The high-voltage MOS transistors include a source region and a drain region provided in a semiconductor substrate. A main gate electrode is disposed over the semiconductor substrate between the drain region and the source region. A lower drain-side auxiliary gate and an upper drain-side auxiliary gate are sequentially stacked over the semiconductor substrate between the main gate electrode and the drain region. The lower drain-side auxiliary gate is electrically insulated from the semiconductor substrate, the main gate electrode and the upper drain-side auxiliary gate. Methods of fabricating the high-voltage MOS transistors are also provided. |
| US07696548B2 |
MRAM with super-paramagnetic sensing layer
An MRAM is disclosed that has a MTJ comprised of a ferromagnetic layer with a magnetization direction along a first axis, a super-paramagnetic (SP) free layer, and an insulating layer formed therebetween. The SP free layer has a remnant magnetization that is substantially zero in the absence of an external field, and in which magnetization is roughly proportional to an external field until reaching a saturation value. In one embodiment, a separate storage layer is formed above, below, or adjacent to the MTJ and has uniaxial anisotropy with a magnetization direction along its easy axis which parallels the first axis. In a second embodiment, the storage layer is formed on a non-magnetic conducting spacer layer within the MTJ and is patterned simultaneously with the MTJ. The SP free layer may be multiple layers or laminated layers of CoFeB. The storage layer may have a SyAP configuration and a laminated structure. |
| US07696547B2 |
Semiconductor device with burried semiconductor regions
A solid-state image sensor having a well of a first conductivity type; a photoelectric conversion region having a second conductivity type formed in the well storing charges obtained from a photoelectric conversion; a drain region having the second conductivity type formed in the well apart from a surface of the well; and a gate electrode formed on the surface of the well via a gate insulator, the gate electrode transferring the charges from the photoelectric conversion region to the drain region. Alternatively, a transistor includes a first semiconductor region having a first conductivity type; second and third semiconductor regions having a second conductivity type formed in the first semiconductor region, the second and third semiconductor regions being separated from each other by a portion of the first semiconductor region serving as a channel region; an insulator layer provided on a surface of the first semiconductor region in contact with the channel region; a gate electrode provided on the insulator layer; and the first semiconductor region includes a shield semiconductor region of the first conductivity type disposed between the surface of the first semiconductor region and at least one of the second and third semiconductor regions such that the at least one of the second and third semiconductor regions is sandwiched between the shield region and the first semiconductor region. |
| US07696546B2 |
Solid-state imaging device having wiring layer which includes lamination of silicide layer in order to reduce wiring resistance, and manufacturing method for the same
A silicide layer (first silicide layer, second silicide layer) is laminated on top laminate surfaces of gates of a transmission transistor and a reset transistor, respectively. Each of the first silicide layer and the second silicide layer respectively formed on each of the gates extends in a direction along the main surface of the semiconductor substrate among at least a portion of a plurality of image pixels, connecting gates with one another among the respective image pixels. On the other hand, a signal outputter is not in contact with any silicide layers, has the top laminate surface that is covered with an insulating layer, and is connected with other transistors via a metal wiring layer. |
| US07696545B2 |
Skimmed charge capture and charge packet removal for increased effective pixel photosensor full well capacity
An imaging device having pixels that store charge from a photosensor under at least one storage gate during a sampling period. A driver used to operate the at least one storage gate, estimates how much charge in the pixel exceeds a predetermined limit during a non-destructive pixel sensing operation. A specific voltage is stored on the pixel's floating diffusion region to flag how many times the pixel exceeded the limit. The final pixel signal and the stored information is readout at the end of integration period to create a sum that represents the pixel's final signal value. |
| US07696540B2 |
Structure and method for a fast recovery rectifier structure
An apparatus and method for a fast recovery rectifier structure. Specifically, the structure includes a substrate of a first dopant. A first epitaxial layer lightly doped with the first dopant is coupled to the substrate. A first metallization layer is coupled to the first epitaxial layer. A plurality of trenches is recessed into the first epitaxial layer, each of which is coupled to the metallization layer. The device also includes a plurality of wells each doped with a second dopant type, wherein each well is formed beneath and adjacent to a corresponding trench. A plurality of oxide layers is formed on walls and a bottom of a corresponding trench. A plurality of channel regions doped with the first dopant is formed within the first epitaxial layer between two corresponding wells. Each of the plurality of channel regions is more highly doped with the first dopant than the first epitaxial layer. |
| US07696532B2 |
Power semiconductor module
A power semiconductor module (1) with a housing (2) and at least one semiconductor chip (3, 3′) located in it is devised. At least one semiconductor chip (3, 3′) has a first main electrode side (31) and a second main electrode side (32) opposite the first main electrode side, the first main electrode side (31) making thermal and electrical contact with the first base plate (4, 4′). The first cooling device (6) makes thermal and electrical contact with the side of the first base plate (41) facing away from the first main electrode side. The second main electrode side (32) makes thermal and electrical contact with a second base plate (5, 5′). A second cooling device (7) makes thermal contact with the side of the second base plate (51) facing away from the second main electrode side. The heat sink (65) of the first cooling device is supported against the housing (2). |
| US07696526B2 |
Surface mount optoelectronic component
The invention relates to a surface mount optoelectronic component. A thick, electrically conductive material is used to serve as a base material for the assembly. An opaque plastic material is used to provide housing for the whole component. A cavity formed on a top surface of the optoelectronic component is designed within the plastic material. An optoelectronic chip is mounted within this cavity. This cavity is filled with a hard transparent or translucent resin material so that optical radiation may be transmitted or received via this window. Electrical connection(s) between the chip and the base material is/are provided by a metallic wire (4). Subsequent connections to external sub-systems, such as PCBs, are provided by the base material itself. No extra mechanical forming processes are necessary to create the connections. The base material extends all the way from a middle portion to a bottom surface of the optoelectronic component, and to one of the side surfaces, ultimately extending and protruding outside the package. The bottom surface is used for connection when a top illuminator is required. Alternatively, one of the side surfaces could be used for connection when the optoelectronic component is used as a side illuminator. |
| US07696525B2 |
Surface mounting device-type light emitting diode
A surface mounting device-type light emitting diode (SMD-type LED) comprises a lead frame composed of a pair of lead terminals; a package housing a portion of the lead frame therein, the package having an emission window which is opened so that light is emitted through the emission window; an LED chip mounted on the lead frame inside the package; a wire for electrically connecting the LED chip and the lead frame; and a molding material filled in the package, the molding material having surface irregularities with a predetermined shape formed on the surface thereof which is exposed through the emission window of the package. |
| US07696524B2 |
Light-emitting element and display device
There has been a problem that difference in refractive index between an opposite substrate or a moisture barrier layer (passivation film) such as SiN provided thereover, and air is maintained large, and light extraction efficiency is low. Further, there has been a problem that peeling or cracking due to the moisture barrier layer is easily generated, which leads to deteriorate the reliability and lifetime of a light-emitting element. According to the present invention, a light-emitting element comprises a pixel electrode, an electroluminescent layer, a transparent electrode, a passivation film, a stress relieving layer, and a low refractive index layer, all of which are stacked sequentially. The stress relieving layer serves to prevent peeling of the passivation film. The low refractive index layer serves to reduce reflectivity of light generated in the electroluminescent layer in emitting to air. Therefore, a light-emitting element with high reliability and long lifetime and a display device using the light-emitting element can be provided. |
| US07696522B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device including a light source and a light transforming 101 member containing a fluorescent substance for absorbing at least a part of a light emitted from the light source and for emitting a light having a different wavelength. The light source includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting units 104, at least a part of which are covered with the light transforming member 101. A shielding member 102 between a first semiconductor light emitting unit 104a covered with the light transforming member 101 and a second semiconductor light emitting unit 104b which is adjacent to the semiconductor light emitting unit 104a. |
| US07696521B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display device having first and second capacitors disposed on a substrate wherein the first capacitor comprises an undoped semiconductor layer electrode.
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device and a method of fabricating the same capable of minimizing the number of process operations and a decrease in aperture ratio. The OLED display device includes a compensation circuit to compensate for a threshold voltage of a driving transistor. A pixel circuit of the OLED display device can be stably driven, can minimize a threshold voltage of a driving transistor using a minimized structure, and can increase an aperture ratio of the display device. |
| US07696517B2 |
NMOS transistors that mitigate fermi-level pinning by employing a hafnium-silicon gate electrode and high-k gate dieletric
Transistors having a Hafnium-Silicon gate electrode and high-k dielectric are disclosed. A workpiece is provided having a gate dielectric formed over the workpiece, and a gate formed over the gate dielectric. The gate may comprise a layer of a combination of Hf and Si. The layer of the combination of Hf and Si of the gate establishes the threshold voltage Vt of the transistor. The transistor may comprise a single NMOS transistor or an NMOS transistor of a CMOS device. |
| US07696510B2 |
Integrated circuit including memory having reduced cross talk
An integrated circuit includes a first electrode, a second, a first resistivity changing material contacting the first electrode at a first interface, and a second resistivity changing material contacting the second electrode at a second interface. A direct communication path between the first interface and the second interface is greater than the lateral distance. |
| US07696508B2 |
Phase change memory devices having dual lower electrodes
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a lower interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate. An opening passing through the lower interlayer insulating layer and exposing the substrate is included. A buried insulating pattern is disposed in the opening. First and second conductive layer patterns are sequentially stacked to surround the sidewall and bottom of the buried insulating pattern. A phase change material pattern is included, which is disposed on the lower interlayer insulating layer in contact with a top surface of the second conductive layer pattern, and spaced apart from the first conductive layer pattern. An upper interlayer insulating layer covering the lower interlayer insulating layer and the phase change material pattern is included. A conductive plug is included, which passes through the upper interlayer insulating layer and is electrically connected to the phase change material pattern. A method of fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided. |
| US07696505B2 |
Connectible nanotube circuit
Carbon nanotube template arrays may be edited to form connections between proximate nanotubes and/or to delete undesired nanotubes or nanotube junctions. |
| US07696502B2 |
Bistable resistance value acquisition device, manufacturing method thereof, metal oxide thin film, and manufacturing method thereof
A ferroelectric layer (104) is sandwiched between a lower electrode layer (103) and an upper electrode (105). When a predetermined voltage (DC or pulse) is applied between the lower electrode layer (103) and the upper electrode (105) to change the resistance value of the ferroelectric layer (104) to switch a stable high resistance mode and low resistance mode, a memory operation is obtained. A read can easily be done by reading a current value when a predetermined voltage is applied to the upper electrode (105). |
| US07696496B2 |
Apparatus for ion beam fabrication
The apparatus for ion beam fabrication, which has been able to detect any anomalous condition of ion beams only by means of the current irradiated on the specimen, could not compensate the failure by investigating the cause and could not realize stable processing. To solve the problem described above, the present invention includes the first and second blankers and Faraday cups switches ON and OFF the first and second blankers and monitors beam current at two positions above and below the projection mask. By adopting this configuration, it will be possible to acquire the information on failure in ion beam, sort out the cause of the failure and to compensate the failure while limiting damages to the projection mask. As a result, it will be possible to realize stable processing by means of ion beam, and to use the ion beam fabricating device on a stable basis. |
| US07696495B2 |
Method and device for adjusting a beam property in a gas cluster ion beam system
A method and device for adjusting a beam property, such as a beam size, a beam shape or a beam divergence angle, in a gas cluster beam prior to ionization of the gas cluster beam is described. A gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) source is provided, comprising a nozzle assembly having a gas source, a stagnation chamber and a nozzle that is configured to introduce under high pressure one or more gases through the nozzle to a vacuum vessel in order to produce a gas cluster beam. Additionally, the GCIB source comprises a gas skimmer positioned downstream from the nozzle assembly that is configured to reduce the number of energetic, smaller particles in the gas cluster beam. Furthermore, the GCIB source comprises a beam adjustment device positioned downstream from the gas skimmer that is configured to adjust at least one beam property of the gas cluster beam, and an ionizer positioned downstream from the beam adjustment device that is configured to ionize the gas cluster beam to produce a GCIB. |
| US07696490B2 |
Device for the UV treatment of flowing fluids
A device for the UV treatment of fluids flowing in a flow channel, including a plurality of cylindrical low-pressure mercury UV emitters arranged in groups in the flow channel. The longitudinal axes of the UV emitters are disposed substantially parallel to one another such that the emitters of a given group are disposed in a plane. At least one elongated sensor arrangement monitors the operating state of the emitters, and is spaced from and parallel to one of the groups of the emitters. The sensor arrangement extends essentially transverse to the longitudinal axes of the emitters of the adjacent group, and is provided with a separate UV sensor for each emitter. At least one unit connected with the sensor arrangement controls and/or regulates the emitters. |
| US07696488B2 |
Irradiating device and method for controlling the same
An irradiating device and a method for controlling it are provided. The device comprises an electron accelerator and a scanning box connected to the electron accelerator, wherein the scanning box is provided with a target, an electron beam exit window positioned at left or right side of the target and a scanning magnet. The device integrates the functions of both the existing irradiating device outputting electron beams and those outputting X-rays. When the scanning magnet is in operation, the irradiating device outputs electron beams; and when the scanning magnet is not in operation, the irradiating device outputs X-rays. Therefore, the device is capable of outputting two radiation sources so as to meet requirements for radiation-processing articles with different sizes. |
| US07696485B2 |
Plasma panel based ionizing radiation detector
A radiation detector is formed from a plasma panel that includes a front substrate, and a back substrate that forms a generally parallel gap with the front substrate. X (column) and Y (row) electrodes are coupled by gas discharge events to define one or more pixels. Impedances are coupled to the X and Y electrodes, and a power supply is coupled to one or both types of electrodes. Discharge event detectors are coupled to the impedances. |
| US07696484B2 |
Electronic cassette type of radiation detection apparatus
An electronic cassette type of radiation detection apparatus having a sensor array including a plurality of sensors for detecting incident radiation has a connecting portion to which detachable additional function modules are connected. A selection unit is provided for changing a radiographing mode from a still image radiographing mode and a moving image radiographing mode into a selectable state in response to a connection of at least one of the additional function modules changes. |
| US07696482B1 |
High spatial resolution radiation detector
High spatial resolution radiation detectors, assemblies and methods including methods of making the radiation detectors and using the detectors in performing radiation detection. A radiation detector of the invention includes a substrate, a scintillator layer comprising a microcolumnar scintillator, and an optically transparent outer cover layer, the scintillator layer disposed between the substrate and the cover layer with a gap disposed between at least a portion of the cover layer and the scintillator layer. |
| US07696481B2 |
Multi-layered detector system for high resolution computed tomography
X-ray detector system 18 with improved spatial resolution for a computed tomography systems is provided. Detector system 18 may include pairs of first and second detector arrays 50 and 52, with each array containing detector elements of a different design. In one embodiment, the first array 50 may comprise a first, relatively thin and continuous (i.e., monolithic) scintillation layer 70 with an array of individual diodes 74 positioned to receive light generated within the scintillation layer 70. The second array may comprise a second, relatively thick scintillation layer 80 formed of separate scintillator elements 82. An array of diodes 86 may be positioned to receive radiation from the scintillation layer 80 such that each diode element 82 is aligned to primarily receive radiation from one scintillator element 82 in the layer 80. The structural arrangements of the detector system may also be adapted for applications involving direct conversion of x-ray energy. |
| US07696473B2 |
Method of optical manipulation of small-sized particles
Method and system of optical manipulation of micrometer-sized objects, which comprises the steps of placing a pattern (2) of a certain material on a surface (1), wherein said material is capable of sustaining surface plasmons; placing a solution (4) comprising micrometer-sized objects in contact with said surface (1) and said pattern (2); applying at least one optical beam (5) at a certain wavelength and with a certain incident angle (Φ) to said surface (1) for certain time interval, thereby creating surface plasmons forces at said surface (1), in such a way that said micrometer-sized objects are trapped by the pattern (2) in a stable and selective way. Optical trap and use thereof as a tool for optically driven lab-on-a-chip. |
| US07696469B2 |
Safety multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor
The present invention can be used in a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor indicating an operating status thereof to a non-safety control device. The present invention allows the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor so as to become a easier operation. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor has a control unit to providing a safety control signal representing a result of a distinguish portion in a normal operating status, a safety control signal representing operation non-allowable in an abnormal status and a safety control signal representing operation allowable in a special operating status. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor also has an operating status indication portion for determining an operating status of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor from the normal operating status, the abnormal status and the special operating status, and providing the operating status to an external device via the same output line regardless of the result of the determination. |
| US07696467B2 |
Semiconductor photosensor device with sensitivity region for wide dynamic range and information apparatus
A semiconductor photosensor device includes a plurality of photodiode sections, a switch, and an output section is provided. The plurality of photodiode sections have different illuminance-output characteristics. The switch selects any one of the plurality of photodiode sections on the basis of an illuminance of incident light irradiated on the photodiode sections. The output section outputs an output signal from the selected photodiode section through the switch. |
| US07696465B2 |
Image sensor package, camera module having same and manufacturing method for the same
An exemplary image sensor package includes a substrate, an imaging area, a circuit layer and two passive components. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface, which are opposite to each other. An image sensing area is formed on the first surface of the substrate and a circuit layer is formed on the second surface of the substrate. The passive components opposite to the image sensing area are soldered to the circuit layer of the second surface. |
| US07696459B2 |
Techniques for articulating a nose member of a guidable projectile
A guidable projectile has a nose member, a projectile body, and a nose member articulation assembly which couples the nose member to the projectile body. The nose member articulation assembly includes a stator attached to the nose member, a rotor attached to the projectile body, and rotational support hardware interconnecting the stator to the rotor. The stator defines a central axis. The rotational support hardware is constructed and arranged to guide rotation of the rotor around the central axis defined by the stator. Such a guidable projectile enables circuitry such as the driver of the stator and the power source to reside at fixed locations relative to the stator thus alleviating the need for slip rings which would otherwise present potential points of failure. |
| US07696457B2 |
Adjustable magnetic separator
A magnetic separator has a funnel-shaped inlet opening that is adapted to admit and align any misaligned workpieces moving into the separator. A view port for enables viewing of the pole pieces from a location other than the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The view port is preferably formed in a lower guide plate. The separator has a jack screw adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the upper guide plate relative to the lower guide plate. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the upper pole piece relative to the upper guide plate includes an adjustment screw that is accessible from the top of the separator The upper guide plate is easily removable from the separator by removing only one fastener per side. |
| US07696456B2 |
Electrothermal deicing apparatus and a dual function heater conductor for use therein
An electrothermal deicing apparatus includes at least one heater conductor formed into a predetermined pattern for application to a structure. Each conductor of the pattern is coated with at least one layer of a material active to absorb electromagnetic energy. The pattern of the at least one coated heater conductor is operative to attenuate radar wave transmissions incident thereon to reduce the radar cross-section of the structure. A heater controller is coupled to the pattern of at least one coated heater conductor for controlling the deicing of the structure. |
| US07696455B2 |
Power terminals for ceramic heater and method of making the same
A ceramic heater is provided that includes a power terminal for connecting a resistive heating element to a power source. An intermediate layer is disposed on an AlN ceramic substrate proximate the resistive heating element. The power terminal is bonded to the intermediate layer by an active brazing material. The intermediate layer is formed of Mo/AlN or W/AlN and has a coefficient of thermal expansion between that of the active brazing material and that of the AlN ceramic substrate so that thermal stress generated in the ceramic substrate can be reduced. |
| US07696454B2 |
Cooking apparatus and control method of the same
A cooking apparatus is provided having an apparatus body including a burner which heats an object. There may be a first image acquirer provided at one side of the apparatus body, the first image acquirer may be configured to acquire image information corresponding to a heat source generated by the burner. Additionally, a display may be provided at one side of the apparatus body to display the image information acquired by the first image acquirer. |
| US07696453B2 |
Chromium-free welding consumable
A chromium-free welding consumable and a method of welding stainless steel to reduce the presence of chromium emissions. The consumable is made from an alloy that reduces the emission of chromium during a welding process, and include predominantly nickel, with between approximately five and ten weight percent copper, up to approximately two percent by weight of ruthenium and up to five percent non-copper alloying ingredients. Welding consumables made from the alloy are particularly well-suited for welding austenitic stainless steels, such as type 304 stainless steel. The method involves using chromium-free weld filler material with a stainless steel base material. |
| US07696450B2 |
Cutter with laser generator that irradiates cutting position on workpiece to facilitate alignment of blade with cutting position
A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder. |
| US07696439B2 |
Layered metal structure for interconnect element
A layered metal structure is provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The structure can be used, for example, to fabricate a conductive interconnect element for conductively interconnecting one or more microelectronic elements. The layered structure includes first and second metal layers each of which may include one or more of copper or aluminum, for example. An intervening layer, may include for example, chromium between the first and second metal layers, chromium being resistant to an etchant usable to pattern the first and second metal layers selectively to the intervening layer. An etchant such as cupric chloride, ferric chloride (FeCl3), a peroxysulfuric composition, or a persulfate composition may be used to pattern the first and second metal layers in such case. |
| US07696437B2 |
Telecommunications cable
A telecommunications cable having a cable core in which each conductor is surrounded by an individual dual layer insulation of an inner layer of flame retardant polyolefin and an outer layer of another material, for example, fluorinated ethylene propylene, MFA, PVDF, ECTFE, PTFE, or foamed PFA. |
| US07696436B2 |
Multi-coaxial cable assembly and manufacturing method of the same
The multi-coaxial cable assembly includes a multi-coaxial cable in which a plurality of coaxial cables having insulators, external conductors, and jackets on an outer periphery of center conductors are arranged in parallel; inclined cross sections formed on the end part of the multi-coaxial cable in such a manner as exposing the center conductors and the external conductors of the coaxial cables; and a wiring board or a connector having a wiring pattern to which the center conductors and the external conductors of the coaxial cables exposed on the inclined cross sections are directly connected. |
| US07696432B2 |
Mounting structure of electrical junction box
In a mounting structure of an electrical junction box, the electrical junction box is vertically mounted on a wall surface along a vertical direction in a state where mating faces of an under case member and an upper case member are set in the vertical direction. Each of the under case member and the upper case member has a pair of left and right locking projections provided therein. A bracket including a backside plate part and a pair of case hook parts provided upright from both sides of the backside plate part is disposed along the vertical direction on the wall surface. The electrical junction box is slidingly inserted from above along the backside plate part in the vertical direction until both pairs of locking projections of the under case member and the upper case member are locked to the pair of case hook parts. Thus, the electrical junction box is mounted on the wall surface by use of the bracket. |
| US07696430B2 |
Metallic conductor and process of manufacturing same
A metallic conductor (21) including an assembly of wires (22) having a predetermined polygonal cross-section. A flexible cable (23) is formed from a plurality of the multi-wire conductor (21) having a predetermined polygonal cross-section that are insulated. |
| US07696426B2 |
Recombinant music composition algorithm and method of using the same
The present invention provides a retrograde recombinant composition algorithm that creates new musical compositions based on existing musical compositions that are preferably written in software and is suitable for implementation in electro-mechanical and electronic devices that generate musical works based on existing bodies of music. The retrograde approach to recomposition according to the present invention provides a highly simplified code that executes at a high speed, and accordingly a reduced need for computational resources. |
| US07696425B2 |
Key pad assembly and electronic device having the same
A keypad assembly, which includes at least one key configured to be provided at an outer surface of a body of an electronic device, a substrate including at least one switch that closes when the at least one key is depressed, and a supporting plate configured to detachably attach to an inner surface of the body of the electronic device, the supporting plate fixing the at least one key and the substrate to the body of the electronic device. |
| US07696417B2 |
Inbred corn line IV2
An inbred corn line, designated IV2, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line IV2, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line IV2 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line IV2 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from the inbred IV2. |
| US07696414B1 |
Soybean cultivar S07-04KL019461
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar S07-04KL019461 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar S07-04KL019461 and its progeny, and methods of making S07-04KL019461. |
| US07696411B2 |
Transgenic plants containing ligninase and cellulase which degrade lignin and cellulose to fermentable sugars
The present invention provides transgenic plants which after harvest degrade the lignin and cellulose therein to fermentable sugars which can further be fermented to ethanol or other products. In particular, the transgenic plants comprise ligninase and cellulase genes from microbes operably linked to a DNA encoding a signal peptide which targets the fusion polypeptide produced therefrom to an organelle of the plant, in particular the chloroplasts. When the transgenic plants are harvested, the plants are ground to release the ligninase and cellulase which then degrade the lignin and cellulose of the transgenic plants to produce the fermentable sugars. |
| US07696410B1 |
Rps-1-κ nucleotide sequence and proteins
This invention relates to the purified and isolated family of Rps1-k disease resistance genes, proteins encoded thereby and use of the same to confer, enhance or otherwise modify resistance of soybean to plant pathogens, particularly Phytophthora sojae. |
| US07696404B2 |
Embryonic or stem-like cell lines produced by cross species nuclear transplantation and methods for enhancing embryonic development by genetic alteration of donor cells or by tissue culture conditions
An improved method of nuclear transfer involving the transplantation of differentiated donor cell nuclei into enucleated oocytes of a species different from the donor cell is provided. The resultant nuclear transfer units are useful for the production of isogenic embryonic stem cells, in particular human isogenic embryonic or stem cells. These embryonic or stem-like cells are useful for producing desired differentiated cells and for introduction, removal or modification, of desired genes, e.g., at specific sites of the genome of such cells by homologous recombination. These cells, which may contain a heterologous gene, are especially useful in cell transplantation therapies and for in vitro study of cell differentiation. Also, methods for improving nuclear transfer efficiency by genetically altering donor cells to inhibit apoptosis, select for a specific cell cycle and/or enhance embryonic growth and development are provided. |
| US07696403B2 |
Nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response
An object of the present invention is to provide a nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response lacking PIR-B gene function on its chromosome by which the Th2-mediated immune response mechanism and allergy onset mechanism in vivo can be analyzed and which is liable to suffer from not only hyper-response of B cells but also allergy, and an inducer/promoter or an inhibitor for Th2-mediated immune response, etc. with the use of the nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response. The nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response is prepared by integrating a fragment comprising exons 1 to 7 and the domain in the 5′ side of exon 8 of mouse PIR-B gene and another fragment containing exons 10 to 14 into a vector pMC1-Neo, cleaving it with Xho I-Sal I, integrating it into a vector pIC19R-MC1tk having herpes virus thymidine kinase to thereby construct targeting vector, transferring the targeting vector into ES cells and then injecting the ES cells into blastcyst. |
| US07696400B2 |
Wound dressing
A wound dressing includes an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces including a central portion and a border portion, and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer connected to the distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer defines a border portion extending beyond the periphery of the absorbent core. A skin adherent, perforated facing layer is secured to the proximal surface of the absorbent core. An adhesive layer is applied to at least a proximal segment of the border portion of the backing layer and has greater skin adherence properties than the facing layer. |
| US07696397B2 |
Catalytic composition and its application to olefin oligomerization
An improved catalytic composition for oligomerization, in particular dimerization, of monoolefins comprises the product resulting from bringing the following three constituents into contact in any order: a) at least one divalent nickel compound; b) at least one hydrocarbylaluminium dihalide, optionally enriched with an aluminum trihalide; and c) at least one organic Bronsted acid; the catalytic composition being pre-conditioned in a solvent before using it for oligomerization. |
| US07696396B2 |
Method for extraction and concentration of carotenoids using supercritical fluids
Carotenoids are extracted and/or enriched from a mixture containing such compounds. The extraction/enrichment process involves the use of liquefied or supercritical solvents to extract lipids and carotenoids from carotenoid-containing substrates. The extraction process can also be performed in two steps in which lipids and carotenoids are first removed from a carotenoid-containing substrate with a liquefied or supercritical solvent, and subsequently a liquefied or supercritical gas is used to separate the lipids from the carotenoids. The two step process can be reversed to first extract lipids with the liquefied or supercritical gas, and subsequently use the solvent to extract the carotenoids. The process is also applicable to yield an organic solvent-free product from a carotenoid-containing source that was first extracted using an organic solvent. |
| US07696395B2 |
Dehydrogenation and polymerization process
Process for the production of an isoprene containing rubber compound by dehydrogenation of an isoamylene containing feedstock supplied to a dehydrogenation reactor containing a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst comprising iron and potassium and having a pore diameter of at least 500 nanometers. The dehydrogenation reactor is operated at a temperature of at least 570° C. to dehydrogenate the isoamylene to produce isoprene. The product containing isoprene and unreacted isoamylene is recovered from the dehydrogenation reactor. Isoprene is polymerized to produce an isoprene containing rubber product. An unreacted feed component containing isoamylene is separated from the rubber product and recycled to the dehydrogenation reactor. |
| US07696393B2 |
Method and compositions for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates
A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule has been discovered that involves adding a composition to the mixtures in an amount that is effective in inhibiting formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The composition includes at least one dendrimeric compound having a number average molecular weight of at least 1,000 atomic mass units (amu); and at least one small molecular weight species having less than 1,000 amu, selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine, polyallylamine, starch, sugars, and polymers or copolymers of vinyl alcohol or allyl alcohol; and, optionally, at least one surfactant. |
| US07696390B2 |
Methanol synthesis
A process is disclosed for the synthesis of methanol from methane comprising three reaction steps operated in tandem. In the first step methylene chloride is produced by the reaction of methane with oxygen and hydrogen chloride. In the second step, methylene chloride is hydrolyzed to formaldehyde, which is hydrogenated in the third step to provide the product methanol. |
| US07696387B2 |
Method for preparing catalyst for partial oxidation of methylbenzenes
The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing a catalyst for partial oxidation of methylbenzenes, comprising, (a) a step of preparing a solution or slurry of the compounds comprising tungsten; (b) a step of supporting the solution or slurry obtained in the step (a) on inorganic carrier; (c) a step of drying the catalyst obtained in the step (b); and (d) a step of calcining the dried catalyst obtained in the step (c), characterized in that the ratio of the pore volume of inorganic carrier and the volume of the solution or slurry in the step (b) is 1:0.9˜1.1, and the catalyst provides superior aromatic aldehydes selectivity to those prepared by the conventional impregnation or heat evaporation method over a wide range of conversion rate. |
| US07696373B2 |
C-nitroso-derived nitroxyl donors
Active compounds of Formula (I) are described: wherein: R1 and R2 are each independently C1-C4 alkyl; or R1 and R2 together form a C2-C7 alkylene chain; and Z is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); along with pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrug thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US07696367B2 |
Direct epoxidation process using a mixed catalyst system
The invention is a process for epoxidizing an olefin with hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst mixture containing a titanium or vanadium zeolite and a supported catalyst comprising palladium, gold, and an inorganic oxide carrier. Prior to its use in the epoxidation process, the supported catalyst is calcined in the presence of oxygen at a temperature from 450 to 800° C. and reduced in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature greater than 20° C. The process results in significantly reduced alkane byproduct formed by the hydrogenation of olefin. |
| US07696365B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds useful as malonyl-CoA decarboxylase inhibitors
The present invention provides methods for the use of compounds as depicted by structure I, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods for the prophylaxis, management and treatment of metabolic diseases and diseases modulated by MCD inhibition. The compounds disclosed in this invention are useful for the prophylaxis, management and treatment of diseases involving in malonyl-CoA regulated glucose/fatty acid metabolism pathway. In particular, these compounds and pharmaceutical composition containing the same are indicated in the prophylaxis, management and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and obesity. |
| US07696364B2 |
Process for the manufacture of alkenylated hydroxylated aromatic compounds, of chroman compounds and of their acylated derivatives
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of alkenylated aromatic compounds featuring at least one hydroxy group, their ring-closure reactions to 5 chroman derivatives, as well as the acylation of the latter and the aromatic compounds featuring at least one hydroxy group themselves. The present invention relates especially to a process for the manufacture of tocol, tocopherols and their alkanoates such as (x-tocopherol (TCP) and alkanoates (TCPA) thereof, preferably (x-toeopheryl acetate (TCPAc). The processes of the present invention are characterized in that at least one step of the processes is carried out in the presence of an indium salt as the catalyst. |
| US07696361B2 |
Chemical reagents capable of selective attachment to and reaction with peptides and proteins
Biomimetic reagents capable of selectively forming non-covalent complexes and initiating intermolecular reactions with peptides in the gas phase are described. The reagents are particularly useful in gas phase peptides chemistry. |
| US07696357B2 |
Stable hydrate of a muscarinic receptor antagonist
A stable solid hydrate of a muscarinic receptor antagonist is useful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, oesophageal achalasia, chronic obstructive airways disease, over active bladder (including symptoms of incontinence, urge and frequency), urinary incontinence, neurogenic urinary urgency or pollakiuria, treatment of bladder functional disorder, urinary leakage, painful or difficult urination caused by neurogenic bladder, spastic or hypertonic bladder, dysfunctional bladder syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders including gastrointestinal hyperactivity, and relaxing effect on intestinal smooth muscle cells. |
| US07696355B2 |
Isothiazole carboxylic acid amides and the application thereof in order to protect plants
Novel isothiazolecarboxamides of the formula in which R is as defined in the description, a plurality of processes for preparing the novel compounds and their use for protecting plants against attack by undesirable microorganisms and animal pests. |
| US07696354B2 |
Cephem compounds having broad antibacterial spectrum
A compound of the formula: (wherein, T is S, SO or O; X is halogen, CN, carbamoyl optionally substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or lower alkylthio; A is substituted lower alkylene (wherein the substituent is optionally substituted mono lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkylidene, or optionally substituted lower alkylene); Z+ is an optionally substituted, a cation and an N atom-containing heterocyclic group), ester, amino-protected compound wherein the amino bonds to a thiazole ring at the 7-position, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. |
| US07696347B2 |
Oxymethyl boron compounds
The present invention provides compounds which are useful as safe substitutes for the organotin reagent used in coupling reaction for the oxymethylation of aromatic rings, such as alkoxymethylation or hydroxymethylation, with a palladium catalyst and which can dispense with chromatographic purification with silica gel in the production and are suitable for mass production; and compounds applicable even to the oxymethylation of aromatic ring substrates which do not permit coupling reaction by conventional technique or have low reactivity. |
| US07696346B2 |
Production method
The present invention relates to a process for preparing compounds of general formula I wherein R1 and R2 are defined as in claim 1, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and the solvates thereof, which may be prepared starting from compounds of general formula II wherein R1 is defined as in claim 1. |
| US07696345B2 |
Polycyclic sugar surrogate-containing oligomeric compounds and compositions for use in gene modulation
Compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers includes a modification comprising a polycyclic sugar surrogate. Oligomer/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein at least one nucleoside of the oligomer has a polycyclic sugar surrogate modification. |
| US07696344B2 |
siRNA targeting complement factor B
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rationale design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. |
| US07696343B2 |
Method for opening tight junctions
The use of antagonists to JAM-1 Claudin-4 and occludin to open tight junctions. The antagonists include, by way of example antibodies and antibody fragments that bind to the proteins and small interfering nucleic acids that downregulate the mRNA encoding the proteins. |
| US07696341B2 |
Corn event DAS-59122-7 and methods for detection thereof
The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided. |
| US07696331B2 |
High dose radionuclide complexes for bone marrow treatment
The present invention relates to a method of suppressing bone marrow (BM) and treating conditions that arise in or near bone such as cancer, myeloproliferative diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases or genetic diseases, with compositions having as their active ingredient a radionuclide complexed with a chelating agent such as macrocyclic aminophosphonic acid. |
| US07696330B2 |
Binding molecules against SARS-coronavirus and uses thereof
The present invention provides binding molecules that specifically bind to SARS-CoV, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The binding molecules are capable of specifically binding to SARS-CoV and can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of a condition resulting from SARS-CoV. |
| US07696329B2 |
Immunoglobulin peptides against heated bovine blood
The present invention is related to immunoglobulin peptides that recognize a thermostable antigen from bovine blood. The invention also provides methods for determining the presence of bovine blood in a food sample or an animal feed sample. |
| US07696324B2 |
Humanized antibodies
Humanized antibodies that bind ICAM-1 are provided. Antibodies include those selected from: SEQ ID NO:1 and 3 (HumA); SEQ ID NO:5 and 7 (HumB); SEQ ID NO:9 and 11 (HumC); SEQ ID NO:13 and 15 (HumD); SEQ ID NO:17 and 19 (HumE); SEQ ID NO:21 and 23 (HumF); SEQ ID NO:25 and 27 (HumG); SEQ ID NO:29 and 31 (HumH); and SEQ ID NO:33 and 35 (HumI). Subsequences of the humanized antibodies capable of binding an ICAM-1 epitope are also provided. Methods of inhibiting pathogen infection (e.g., HRV) of a cell employing humanized antibodies capable of binding an ICAM-1 epitope are further provided. |
| US07696323B2 |
Bivalent IgY antibody constructs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
This invention relates to the field of recombinant antibody technology. It provides novel recombinant IgY antibody constructs for diagnostic and therapeutical applications. The bivalent antibody constructs display a heterotetrameric or homodimeric format stabilized by disulfide bonds. The constant heavy chain domains CH2-CH4 are partly or completely of avian origin, whereas the VH, VL, CL, and CH1 domains as well as the hinge region may be of avian origin or derived from any other species. The invention allows to combine the advantages of IgY antibodies with those of established mammalian monoclonal antibodies. IgY antibody constructs comprising nonglycosylated IgY constant heavy chain domains allow to reduce unwanted interactions with C-type lectins, e.g., in human sera. Furthermore, chimeric IgY antibody containing mammalian VH, VL, CL, and CH1 domains as well as a mammalian hinge region provide a higher molecular stability than IgY antibodies in acidic conditions and, thereby, are especially suited for peroral therapeutic applications. |
| US07696321B2 |
Molecules and methods for inhibiting shedding of KIM-1
Disclosed are antibodies that inhibit proteolytic release of a soluble KIM-1 polypeptide from KIM-1 expressing cells. Also disclosed are methods of using the antibodies to inhibit shedding of the KIM-1 polypeptide. |
| US07696316B2 |
21910, 56634, 55053, 2504, 15977, 14760, 25501, 17903, 3700, 21529, 26176, 26343, 56638, 18610, 33217, 21967, H1983, M1983, 38555 or 593 molecules and uses therefor
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 21910, 56634, 55053, 2504, 15977, 14760, 25501, 17903, 3700, 21529, 26176, 26343, 56638, 18610, 33217, 21967, h1983, m1983, 38555 and 593 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 21910, 56634, 55053, 2504, 15977, 14760, 25501, 17903, 3700, 21529, 26176, 26343, 56638, 18610, 33217, 21967, h1983, m1983, 38555 and 593 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 21910, 56634, 55053, 2504, 15977, 14760, 25501, 17903, 3700, 21529, 26176, 26343, 56638, 18610, 33217, 21967, h1983, m1983, 38555 or 593 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 21910, 56634, 55053, 2504, 15977, 14760, 25501, 17903, 3700, 21529, 26176, 26343, 56638, 18610, 33217, 21967, h1983, m1983, 38555 or 593 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-21910, 56634, 55053, 2504, 15977, 14760, 25501, 17903, 3700, 21529, 26176, 26343, 56638, 18610, 33217, 21967, h1983, m1983, 38555 or 593 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. |
| US07696311B2 |
Process and systems for recovery of peptides
The invention provides methods of obtaining a peptide that include steps of synthesizing a peptide intermediate having one or more side chain protecting groups; providing a solvent to the peptide intermediate to form a peptide intermediate composition; and providing a precipitating agent in an amount sufficient to precipitate the peptide intermediate from the peptide intermediate composition, wherein the precipitating agent is an alcohol having three or more carbon atoms. Also provided are methods for precipitating peptides, methods for concentration peptides, and methods for filtering peptides. |
| US07696309B2 |
Protease resistant mutants of stromal cell derived factor-1 in the repair of tissue damage
The present invention is directed stromal cell derived factor-1 peptides that have been mutated to make them resistant to digestion by the proteases dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) but which maintain the ability of native SDF-1 to attract T cells. The mutants may be attached to membranes formed by self-assembling peptides and then implanted at sites of tissue damage to help promote repair. |
| US07696308B2 |
Recombinant protein containing a C-terminal fragment of Plasmodium MSP-1
The invention relates to a recombinant protein fabricated in a baculovirus system, of which the essential constitutive polypeptide sequence is that of a C-terminal fragment of 19 kilodalton (p19) of the surface protein 1 (protein MSP-1) of the merozoite parasite of the Plasmodium type, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, which is infectious for humans, said C-terminal fragment remaining normally anchored at the surface of the parasite at the end of its penetration phase into human erythrocytes, in the occurrence of an infectious cycle. Said recombinant protein is applicable to the production of vaccines against malaria. |
| US07696305B2 |
Polystyrene processing apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps: using at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160) to heat a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent to provide a heated solution of polystyrene dissolved in the organic solvent, and separating the dissolved polystyrene from the organic solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent, at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160), and a separator. |
| US07696304B2 |
Thermally stable water-soluble polymer which is crosslinkable at high temperatures
The invention relates to a copolymer containing: i) 80-90% by weight of one or more structural units of the formula A, where R1 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 is C2-C10-alkylene, and Me+ is an ammonium or an alkali metal ion; ii) from 1 to 10% by weight of one or more structural units of the formula B where R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; iii) from 1 to 10% by weight of one or more structural units of the formula C, where n is a number from 1 to 6; iv) from 0.1 to 5% by weight of structural units of the formula D where X is hydrogen, an ammonium ion or an alkali metal ion; and optionally, v) from 0 to 10% by weight of one or more structural units of the formula E, where R5 is hydrogen, methyl and/or ethyl, with the proviso that the content in the copolymers of structural units B) and C) is from 6 to 15% by weight. |
| US07696302B2 |
High-molecular-weight polyazoles
The invention under consideration concerns novel high-molecular-weight polyazoles, which are suitable for the production of fibers, films, membranes, and molded articles, on the basis of their high molecular weight, expressed as intrinsic viscosity, of at least 1.3 dl/g. Moreover, the invention under consideration describes a method for the production of high-molecular-weight polyazoles. |
| US07696300B2 |
Oxygen-absorbing resin, oxygen-absorbing resin composition and oxygen-absorbing container
Disclosed is an oxygen-absorbing resin which exhibits excellent oxygen absorption performance even in the absence of a transition metal catalyst. Specifically disclosed is an oxygen-absorbing resin which is composed of a copolyester obtained by copolymerizing at least the following monomers (A)-(C). Monomer (A): a dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof having a carbon atom bonded to both the structures (a) and (b) below and also bonded to one or two hydrogen atoms, wherein the carbon atom is contained in an alicyclic structure (a) a carbon-carbon double bond group (b) any one of a functional group containing a heteroatom or a linking group derived from such a functional group, a carbon-carbon double bond group and an aromatic ring; Monomer (B): at least one selected from the group consisting of a dicarboxylic acid having an aromatic ring or a derivative thereof, and a hydroxycarboxylic acid having an aromatic ring or a derivative thereof; Monomer (C): a diol. |
| US07696297B2 |
Branched polycarbonates and processes for producing the same
Methods for making a branched polycarbonate are disclosed. An interfacial mixture comprising water, a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent, a dihydroxy compound, a polyhydric branching agent, an endcapping agent, a catalyst, and a base is formed. The base and the branching agent are dissolved in the mixture before the dihydroxy compound is added, and the interfacial mixture has a basic pH. The mixture is reacted by adding a carbonate precursor to the mixture while maintaining the pH between about 8 and about 10 to form the branched polycarbonate. The resulting branched polycarbonates may contain more than 1.5 mole % of the THPE; have residual chloride content of 20 ppm or less; and a weight average molecular weight of about 55,000 or less. They may also be highly transparent. |
| US07696294B2 |
Siloxane polymers and uses thereof
A method for preparing a siloxane polymer comprising the steps of (a) providing an aldehyde-based redox initiator; and (b) reacting said redox initiator with a siloxane having a plurality of end-capped hydride moieties to form a siloxane polymer having a plurality of terminal aldehyde moieties. |
| US07696293B2 |
Method of neutralizing polysiloxanes containing acidic residuals
A method of neutralizing a polysiloxane having acidic residuals is disclosed. The method involves contacting a polysiloxane having acidic residuals with a carbon solid, and separating the carbon solid from the polysiloxane. This invention is particularly useful to neutralize residual acid polymerization catalysts in organopolysiloxanes. |
| US07696290B2 |
Aromatic sulfonic acids, amines, and nitrophenols in combination with nitroxyl radical-containing compounds or C-nitrosanilines as polymerization inhibitors
Disclosed herein is a method for inhibiting and retarding the premature polymerization and the polymer growth of vinyl aromatic monomers wherein the method comprises adding to said monomers an effective amount of an inhibitor and retarder blend comprising: (A) at least one aromatic sulfonic acid; (B) at least one amine; (C) at least one nitrophenol; and (D) at least one member of the group consisting of nitroxy radical-containing compounds and nitrosoanilines. |
| US07696289B2 |
Low molecular weight induced condensing agents
The present invention relates to a continuous gas phase process comprising passing a recycle stream through a fluidized bed in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor, wherein the recycle stream comprises a low molecular weight dew point increasing component and a high molecular weight component, polymerizing an alpha-olefin monomer in the presence of a catalyst, and controlling an amount of the low molecular weight dew point increasing component in the recycle stream such that a dew point approach temperature of the recycle stream is less than the dew point approach temperature when operating with the higher molecular weight dew point increasing component alone. |
| US07696286B2 |
Semiconductor encapsulant of epoxy resin, polyphenolic compound, filler and accelerator
A resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation contains an epoxy resin (A); a phenolic compound (B) containing two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups; an inorganic filler (C); and a curing accelerator (D). The epoxy resin (A) contains an epoxy resin (a1) represented by the formula (1) wherein Ar is a C6-C20 aryl group, R1 is a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group, R2 is a C1-C4 hydrocarbon group, W1 is oxygen or sulfur, RO is a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group, a=0-10, g=0-3, 0 |
| US07696284B2 |
White-emitting copolymers, representation and use thereof
The present invention relates to white-emitting copolymers which are obtained by a combination of blue-, green- and red-emitting repeating units. The copolymers of the invention display better film formation and an improved efficiency when used in polymeric organic light-emitting diodes compared to materials according to the prior art. |
| US07696282B2 |
Method for the hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers containing double bonds
The present invention relates to a method for the hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers containing double bonds, the unsaturated polymers present in latex form being hydrogenated in the presence of a metal-containing colloid. |
| US07696280B2 |
HDPE resins for use in pressure pipe and related applications
The present invention provides bimodal polyethylene resins in which the high molecular weight ethylene copolymer component typically has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution, with short chain branching content being substantially constant across its molecular weight distribution. The resins of this invention are typically characterized by improved toughness and resistance to slow crack propagation properties making them useful for pressure pipe applications. |
| US07696279B2 |
Process for producing thermoplastic elastomer composition
A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition, which comprises the steps of: (1) supplying at least an olefin copolymer rubber and an olefin resin to a plasticization-kneading zone of a biaxial extruder, which zone has at least two kneading discs forming a tip clearance of 1% or larger and smaller than 10% of an inner diameter of a cylinder in the biaxial extruder, thereby forming a melt-kneaded product; and (2) supplying an organic peroxide to a dynamically cross-linking zone of the biaxial extruder, which zone (i) is located after the plasticization-kneading zone, and (ii) has at least two kneading discs forming a tip clearance of 1% or smaller of the inner diameter of the cylinder in the biaxial extruder, thereby dynamically cross-linking the melt-kneaded product with the organic peroxide. |
| US07696276B2 |
Thermoplastic elastomers and process for making the same
A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition, the process comprising synthesizing an elastomeric copolymer by polymerizing ethylene, an α-olefin, and optionally a diene monomer within the gas phase to thereby produce a gas-phase elastomeric copolymer, blending the gas-phase elastomeric copolymer with a thermoplastic polymer to form a mix of the elastomeric copolymer and thermoplastic polymer, and dynamically vulcanizing the gas-phase elastomeric copolymer within the mix of the elastomeric copolymer and thermoplastic polymer. |
| US07696273B2 |
Method for improving mechanical properties of polymer particles and its applications
A method for improving the mechanical hardness of polymer particles is provided, the method comprising subjecting the polymer particles to a thermal cycle of heating and subsequently cooling. The method is applicable for use with combinations of preferably three monomers, the monomers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in their polymer chain in order to achieve preferential orientation of the polymer chains in a polar solvent after applying the heating cycles of the invention (for example, but not limited to, polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene based terpolymers and copolymers). Polymeric abrasives used in slurry compositions for polishing copper and their use in a chemical mechanical polishing method are also provided. |
| US07696272B2 |
Rubber toughing of thermalplastic clay nanocomposites
Very low loading of impact modifier less than 4% can significantly improve elongation and impact strength of N6/clay nanocomposites and keep the high tensile strength and modulus. This rubber modified nylon nanocomposites have potential applications in fabricating high-strength fibers for textile industry, coatings for strings or polymer parts, and packaging industry. |
| US07696270B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wax dispersion
The present invention is method of manufacturing a wax dispersion. The method includes forming a solution of a solvent and a dispersant, the dispersant being a polymer of partially or fully hydrogenated styrene butadiene wherein the styrene to butadiene ratio is from 20 to 90. Wax is added to the solution to form a slurry. The particle size of the wax is reduced through communition of the slurry. The wax dispersion can be sued for the manufacture of toner particles. |
| US07696269B2 |
Silated core polysulfides, their preparation and use in filled elastomer compositions
This invention relates to novel sulfur-containing silane coupling agents, and organic polymers containing carbon-carbon double bonds. These novel silanes can be carried on organic and inorganic fillers. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture, particularly tires, made from the elastomer compositions described herein. |
| US07696268B2 |
Process for producing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion
The present invention provides a method of producing a fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion by which the fluorine-containing emulsifier contained in the fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion as obtained after polymerization can be efficiently removed as well as a fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion low in fluorine-containing emulsifier concentration. The present invention is a method of producing a fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion which comprises carrying out a concentration treatment comprising a concentration operation of a pretreatment fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion, wherein the pretreatment fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion is obtained by carrying out a polymerization in an aqueous medium in the presence of a fluorine-containing surfactant (A), the fluorine-containing surfactant (A) is a fluorine-containing surfactant having an octanol/water partition coefficient of 1.5 to 3.5. |
| US07696267B2 |
Asphalt composition containing hydrogenated conjugated diene copolymer
An asphalt composition comprising from 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated conjugated diene copolymer (a) and 100 parts by weight of asphalt (b), wherein the hydrogenated conjugated diene copolymer (a) comprises a polymer block (A) comprising vinyl aromatic monomer units and at least one hydrogenated copolymer block (B) obtained by hydrogenation of a non-hydrogenated random copolymer block comprising conjugated diene monomer units and vinyl aromatic monomer units, the hydrogenated conjugated diene copolymer (a) having the following characteristics (1) to (5): (1) the content of the vinyl aromatic monomer units is more than 30% and not more than 60% by weight per weight of the hydrogenated conjugated diene copolymer; (2) the content of the polymer block (A) is from 5% to 50% by weight per weight of the hydrogenated copolymer; (3) the weight average molecular weight is from 30,000 to 500,000; (4) the percentage of hydrogenation of the double bonds in the conjugated diene monomer units is from 60% to 100%; and (5) at least one peak of the loss tangent (tan δ) is present in the range of from −40° C. to less than −10° C. in a dynamic viscoelastic spectrum obtained with respect to the hydrogenated copolymer. |
| US07696266B2 |
Select elastomeric blends and their use in articles
The present invention relates to select elastomeric blends including at least one halogenated random copolymer. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions including at least one halogenated random copolymer of isobutylene and methylstyrene, preferably para-methylstyrene; wherein the at least one halogenated random copolymer includes at least 9.0 wt % methylstyrene, preferably para-methylstyrene, based upon the weight of the at least one halogenated random copolymer; and at least one general purpose rubber. The invention also relates to articles made from these compositions and processes for making the same. |
| US07696265B2 |
IR reflective elements made of impact-resistance plastic, and a process for their production
A process for the production of a translucent, IR-reflective plastic element, consisting entirely or at least in part of an impact-resistant, thermoplastic plastic, containing IR-reflective particles made of a lamellar-shaped carrier pigments coated with a metal oxide and the plastic element made therefrom. |
| US07696263B2 |
Ink composition containing a polymer complex, and an image formation method and equipment using the ink composition
The present invention relates to a stimulus responsive composition, which includes a polymer complex that a polymer including repeated units of polyvinyl ether structure is chemically bonded to a functional substance, and a solvent. It is desirable that a solvent is water and that the polymer in the composition contains a polyvinyl ether structure. The present invention also relates to an ink composition including the above composition, an image forming method and image forming device using the above composition, and recording medium contains a stimulating material or composition which stimulates the above composition. |
| US07696262B2 |
Wetting agent combinations for inkjet printing
An inkjet ink includes an ink vehicle including humectant co-solvents and a fluorosurfactant, and a colorant in the vehicle. |
| US07696257B2 |
Oxime ester compound and photopolymerization initiator containing such compound
An oxime ester compound represented below is useful as a photopolymerization initiator. A photopolymerization initiator including this as an active constituent has high sensitivity and causes no concern about coloration or contamination. (X represents a halogen atom or alkyl group. R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent R, OR, COR, SR, CONRR′, or CN, wherein R and R′ each represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a heterocyclic group; these groups may be substituted with (a) halogen atom(s) and/or (a) heterocyclic group(s); the alkylene moiety in the alkyl or aralkyl group may be interrupted by (an) unsaturated bond(s), (an) ether bond(s), (a) thioether bond(s), or (an) ester bond(s); and R and R′ may form a ring. Y1 represents an oxygen, sulfur, or selenium atom; A represents a heterocyclic group; m represents an integer 0-4; p represents an integer 0-5; and q represents 0 or 1.) |
| US07696253B2 |
Water-resistant additives for gypsum wood fiber products
Emulsions are provided which are useful in imparting water-resistance to gypsum wood fiber products. In one embodiment, the emulsions comprise a wax or a combination of waxes, an alkyl phenol, at least one surfactant, Polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, and an alkali metal hydroxide. In another embodiment, the emulsions comprise a wax or a combination of waxes, an alkyl phenol, at least one surfactant, polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, an alkali metal hydroxide, and a complexed starch. |
| US07696252B2 |
Process for the production of emulsions and dispersions
Methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions. The method includes combining an aqueous substance with a second substance that is normally immiscible with the aqueous substance, to form a mixture, and before, during or after the combining removing dissolved gases from one or both of the aqueous and second substance, whereby the aqueous and second substances mix and form a colloidal suspension. The methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions include methods for the formation of emulsions as well as particulate dispersions. The methods used to form the colloidal suspensions in accordance with the present invention produce colloidal suspensions that are stable for periods from an hour to several weeks in the absence of surfactants or stabilizing agents. |
| US07696249B2 |
Diphenyl urea derivatives
The invention relates to novel specifically trifluoromethyl and halogen substituted 1,3-diphenyl ureas and their use as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also concerns related aspects like the preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of those compounds and especially their use as anti-infectives. |
| US07696247B2 |
Lipid-based nitric oxide donors
Novel nitric-oxide releasing lipid molecules are provided which comprise a lipid molecule selected from (a) phosphoglycerides, (b) lipids having a sphingosine base as a backbone, (c) monoacylglyerols, (d) diacylglycerols, (e) glycosylacylglycerols, and (f) sterol compounds of the formula: where R is a branched aliphatic chain of eight or more carbon atoms, wherein the lipid molecule is provided with a nitric-oxide containing group which comprises (a) a —S—N═O moiety, (b) a —O—N═O moiety, or (c) a a moiety. Also provided are methods of forming such nitric oxide releasing lipid molecules. Various pharmaceutical compositions, topical liquids and drug delivery systems comprising the nitric-oxide releasing lipid molecules are also described. Further provided are methods for therapeutically administering nitric oxide to patients, methods of treating or preventing various conditions, methods for promoting wound healing and methods of reducing the cells present in an atherosclerotic lesion, which methods utilize the nitric-oxide releasing lipid molecules. |
| US07696240B2 |
Fused pyrrole derivatives
The invention is concerned with novel fused pyrrole derivatives of formula (I) wherein A, Ar, R1, R2, R2′ and R2″ and n are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit chymase and can be used as medicaments. |
| US07696239B2 |
Tetracyclic heteroatom containing derivatives useful as sex steroid hormone receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to novel tetracyclic heteroatom containing derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, their use in the treatment of disorders mediated by one or more sex steroid hormone receptors and processes for their preparation. |
| US07696236B2 |
Method of providing pirfenidone therapy to a patient
The invention relates to methods for decreasing adverse events associated with pirfenidone (5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone) therapy. The invention discloses an optimized dose escalation scheme that results in the patient having increased tolerance to adverse events associated with the administration of pirfenidone. The invention also discloses a starter pack that may be used in conjunction with the dose escalation scheme. |
| US07696230B2 |
Drugs for chronic pains
Nitro-oxyderivative compounds or salts thereof having the following general formula (I): A-(B)b0-(C)c0—NO2 wherein: c0 is an integer and is 0 or 1, b0 is an integer and is 0 or 1, A=R-T1-, wherein R is the radical of an analgesic drug for the chronic pain, in particular for the neuropathic pain; B is such that its precursor is selected from aminoacids, hydroxyacids, polyalcohols, compounds containing at least one acid function; C is a bivalent radical containing an aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic radical. |
| US07696228B2 |
Oral preparation of dyclonine hydrochloride
The present invention discloses an oral preparation of dyclonine hydrochloride for the endoscopic examination in upper gastrointestinal tract, which has the effects of anesthetization and lubrication, and an oral preparation comprising dyclonine hydrochloride that has the advantages of avoiding foam in the body cavity, preventing vomiting, and offering a clear view. The preparation of the present invention comprises, as main ingredients, 0.2%-3% weight percent of dyclonine hydrochloride, 1%-12% weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol, 1%-10% volume percent of glycerin, 1%-10% volume percent of a defoaming agent, and a balance of a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant. The viscosity of the preparation is in a range of 30 to 300 mpa·s and the pH value is in a range of 2.0 to 8.0. |
| US07696226B2 |
HIV protease inhibiting compounds
A compound of the formula is disclosed as an HIV protease inhibitor. Methods and compositions for inhibiting an HIV infection are also disclosed. |
| US07696220B2 |
Methods for the treatment or inhibition of ileus
Methods for the treatment of ileus are disclosed wherein the peripheral mu opioid antagonist methylnaltrexone is administered. |
| US07696216B2 |
Aryl-quinazoline/aryl-2-amino-phenyl methanone derivatives
A compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and Y are as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable ester, or acid addition salt thereof, useful for promoting the release of parathyroid hormone, e.g. for preventing or treating bone conditions which are associated with increased calcium depletion or resorption or in which stimulation of bone formation and calcium fixation in the bone is desirable. |
| US07696215B2 |
4-oxoquinazolin-3-yl benzamide derivatives for the treatment of cytokine diseases
The invention concerns a compound of the Formula (I) wherein m is 1-2 and each R1 is a group such as cyano, halogeno, trifluoromethyl heterocyclyl and heterocyclyloxy; R2 is trifluoromethyl or (1-6C)alkyl; R3 is hydrogen or halogeno; and R4 is isoxazolyl; or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of diseases or medical conditions mediated by cytokines. |
| US07696211B2 |
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating sepsis
Methods and compositions for treating and preventing sepsis are provided. The methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist in combination with an antibiotic agent. The invention further encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist and an antibiotic agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention find use in methods for treating and preventing sepsis. |
| US07696210B2 |
Gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor antagonists
Compounds of Formula I, useful as Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (“GnRH”) (also known as Leutinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone) receptor antagonists, are disclosed. |
| US07696207B2 |
Therapeutic agents useful for treating pain
A compound of formula: wherein X is S or O and A, R1, R2, R3, R4, n, and m are disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “Pyridazinylpiperazine Compound”), compositions comprising a Pyridazinylpiperazine Compound, and methods for treating or preventing pain, UI, an ulcer, IBD and IBS in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Pyridazinylpiperazine Compound are disclosed herein. |
| US07696206B2 |
2-phenyl substituted imidazotriazinones as phosphodiesterase inhibitors
The application claims a compound of the formula or a salt, a hydrate, or a hydrate of a salt thereof. The compounds inhibit cGMP-metabolizing phosphodiesterases and are suitable for use as active compounds in pharmaceuticals, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. |
| US07696203B2 |
DNA-PK inhibitors
Compounds of formula I: wherein A, B and D are respectively selected from the group consisting of: (i) CH, NH, C; (ii) CH, N, N; and (iii) CH, O, C; the dotted lines represent two double bonds in the appropriate locations; and where Z is selected from S, O, C(═O), CH2 and NH are disclosed for use in inhibiting DNA-PK. |
| US07696198B2 |
Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors
Selective PDE4 inhibition is achieved by 4-(substituted-phenyl)-2-pyrrolidinone compounds. The compounds exhibit improved PDE4 inhibition as compared to compounds like rolipram and show selectivity with regard to inhibition of other classes of PDEs. The compounds of the present invention are of formula I: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein. |
| US07696197B2 |
Use of a phenothiazine derivative for preventing and/or treating hearing loss
The invention concerns the use of a phenothiazine derivative of formula (I), wherein: R represents the hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, arylalkyl, or —C(O)R′, for preparing a medicine for preventing and/or treating hearing loss. |
| US07696194B2 |
Visual function disorder improving agents
The present invention provides a visual function disorder improving agent containing a compound having Rho kinase inhibitory activity, particularly (R)-(+)-N-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)benzamide, as an effective component. This agent has axon of the retinal ganglion cellal extension promoting action and optic nerve cell regeneration promoting action, and is useful for the treatment of a visual function disorder associated with various eye diseases caused by damage, defects, degeneration and the like in the retinal or optic nerve. |
| US07696190B2 |
16Alpha-methyl or ethyl substituted estrogens
The invention makes a 16α-substituted steroidal compound available having formula 1, wherein the dotted ring is a fully saturated, a fully aromatic or a saturated ring with a Δ5-10 double bond; R1 is (C1-C3)alkyl or (C2-C3)alkenyl, and each of these groups can be substituted with one or more halogens; R2 is (C1-C4;)alkyl, (C2-C4)alkenyl or methylene, and each of these groups can be substituted with one or more halogens; R3 is methyl or ethyl; or a prodrug thereof, which compound can be used for an estrogen receptor α selective treatment |
| US07696188B2 |
7,8 and 9-substituted tetracycline compounds
7, 8 and 9-substituted tetracycline compounds, methods of treating tetracycline responsive states, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the 7, 8 and 9-substituted tetracycline compounds are described. |
| US07696186B2 |
7,9-substituted tetracycline compounds
The present invention pertains to novel 7,9-substituted tetracycline compounds. These tetracycline compounds can be used to treat numerous tetracycline compound-responsive states, such as bacterial infections and neoplasms, as well as other known applications for minocycline and tetracycline compounds in general, such as blocking tetracycline efflux and modulation of gene expression. |
| US07696183B2 |
Ibandronate sodium propylene glycol solvate and processes for the preparation thereof
A novel form of Ibandronate sodium which is particularly suitable for pharmaceutical applications, and a process for preparing said novel form. |
| US07696172B2 |
Fibroblast growth factor-like polypeptides
The present invention provides Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, and variants thereof. |
| US07696170B2 |
Fibrosis inhibitor for implanted organ
A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a hepatocyte growth factor or a DNA molecule encoding the same and the like according to the present invention can suppress the fibrosis of a transplanted organ after organ transplantation. The present invention is useful in the fields of organ transplantation and regeneration therapy. |
| US07696168B2 |
G protein coupled receptor agonists and antagonists and methods of activating and inhibiting G protein coupled receptors using the same
The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same. |
| US07696167B2 |
Cyclic peptide compound
A cyclic peptide compound of the following general formula (I): Wherein R1, R2 and R3 are defined in the description, or a salt thereof. The compound (I) is useful for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of hepatitis C. |
| US07696166B2 |
Use of cyclosporin alkyne/alkene analogues for preventing or treating viral-induced disorders
The present invention relates to methods of preventing or treating a mammal with a viral-induced disorder. The method involves administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Formula I, as shown below: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with X, R0, R1, and R2 defined herein, under conditions effective to prevent or treat the viral-induced disorder. |
| US07696165B2 |
Use of cyclosporin alkyne analogues for preventing or treating viral-induced disorders
The present invention relates to methods of preventing or treating a mammal with a viral-induced disorder. The method involves administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Formula I, as shown below: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with X, R0, and R1 defined herein, under conditions effective to prevent or treat the viral-induced disorder. |
| US07696164B2 |
Substantially pure glycopeptide antibiotics AC-98-1 ; AC-98-2; AC-98-3; AC-98-4 and AC-98-5
The invention provides new substantially pure antibiotics designated AC-98-1, AC-98-2, AC-98-3, AC-98-4 and AC-98-5 derived from the microorganism Streptomyces hygroscopicus. |
| US07696162B2 |
Zinc-free and low-zinc insulin preparations having improved stability
The invention relates to a formulation comprising a polypeptide selected from at least one of insulin, an insulin metabolite, an insulin analog, and an insulin derivative; at least one surfactant; optionally at least one preservative; and optionally at least one of an isotonicizing agent, a buffer or an excipient, wherein the formulation is free from or low in zinc. The invention also relates to the production of such insulin preparations and their use as pharmaceutical formulations. |
| US07696161B2 |
Exendin agonist compounds
Novel exendin agonist compounds are provided. These compounds are useful in treating diabetes and conditions which would be benefited by lowering plasma glucose or delaying and/or slowing gastric emptying. |
| US07696158B2 |
Use of IL-22 for the treatment of conditions of metabolic disorders
The use of IL-22 for the treatment of metabolic disorders including hyperlipidemia, obesity, hyperinsulinemia and diabetes. IL-22 may also be used in combination with insulin for diabetes. |
| US07696154B2 |
Methods for treating interleukin-18 mediated disorders with interleukin-18 binding proteins
Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and of modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for the isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them. DNA vectors expressing them, vectors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided. Therapeutic uses of IL-18 binding proteins and further inhibitors of IL-18 are also provided according to the invention. |
| US07696152B2 |
Biologically active peptide consisting of tyrosyl-seryl-leucine (YSL)
A substantially pure and biologically active peptides consisting of tyrosyl-seryl-leucine (YSL) is disclosed. Nucleic acids that have sequences coding for the biologically active peptide and pharmaceutical formulation produced therefrom are also disclosed. |
| US07696146B2 |
Mixture, comprising a surfactant and a cosurfactant
A mixture comprising a surfactant and a cosurfactant is proposed wherein the cosurfactant used is an amphiphilic comb polymer having a backbone with two or more side chains attached to the backbone, where the side chains differ from one another and/or the side chains differ from the backbone in their amphiphilic character. |
| US07696144B2 |
Particulate textile treatment composition comprising silicone, clay and anionic surfactant
The present invention relates to a particulate textile treatment composition comprising silicone, clay and anionic surfactant, wherein the composition comprises at least three particulate components: wherein the first particulate component comprises silicone, clay and a first anionic surfactant; wherein the second particulate component comprises a second anionic surfactant; and wherein the third particulate component comprises a third anionic surfactant; wherein the concentration of the second anionic surfactant in the second particulate component is greater than the concentration of the third anionic surfactant in the third particulate component. |
| US07696143B2 |
Acidic hard surface cleaners
The present invention is directed to an acidic hard surface treatment composition which provides a cleaning and disinfecting benefit comprising: an acidic constituent which comprises water soluble organic acid; at least one anionic surfactant constituent; at least one nonionic surfactant constituent; at least one organic solvent constituent; optionally one or more further constituents and the balance, water. The compositions exhibit surprising efficacy against various gram positive and gram negative type pathogenic bacteria, as well as against fungi in the absence of known cationic quaternary ammonium compounds known to be effective against pathogenic bacteria, as well as other known-art antimicrobial constituents and bleach are excluded. |
| US07696141B2 |
Cleaning compound and method and system for using the cleaning compound
A cleaning compound is provided. The cleaning compound includes about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent of a fatty acid dispersed in water. The cleaning compound includes an amount of a base sufficient to bring a pH of the fatty acid water solution to about a level where above about 50% of the dispersed fatty acid is ionized. A method for cleaning a substrate, a system for cleaning a substrate, and a cleaning solution prepared by a process are also provided. |
| US07696140B2 |
Composition containing a phospholipid and quaternary ammonium polymer
The invention relates to compositions containing at least one alcohol-insoluble quaternary ammonium polymer, at least one amphoteric surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant and, optionally, at least one phospholipid compound as well as to methods of using and preparing such compositions. |
| US07696136B2 |
Lubricant compositions containing hydroxy carboxylic acid and hydroxy polycarboxylic acid esters
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising: (A) a lubricant or a hydrocarbon fuel; (B) at least one hydroxy carboxylic acid ester or hydroxy polycarboxylic acid ester having the generic formula defined herein; and (C) at least one phosphorus-containing additive. |
| US07696132B2 |
Chemical amendments for the stimulation of biogenic gas generation in deposits of carbonaceous material
Methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content are described. The methods may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation that includes a carbonaceous material. They may also include providing hydrogen and one or more phosphorous compounds to the microorganisms. The combination of the hydrogen and phosphorous compounds stimulates the consortium to metabolize the carbonaceous material into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. Also, methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content by providing a carboxylate compound, such as acetate, to a consortium of microorganisms is described. The carboxylate compound stimulates the consortium to metabolize carbonaceous material in the formation into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. |
| US07696130B2 |
PNA chip using plastic substrate coated with epoxy group-containing polymer, method of manufacturing the PNA chip, and method of detecting single nucleotide polymorphism using the PNA chip
Provided is a PNA (Peptide Nucleic Acid) chip in which a probe PNA containing a desired DNA sequence is immobilized on a plastic substrate coated with an epoxy group-containing polymer. Therefore, single-stranded PNAs can be immobilized on a transparent plastic substrate by means of an epoxy group-containing polymer layer in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Fluorescence signal detection based on PNA/DNA hybridization enables identification of SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism). |
| US07696129B2 |
Substituted aromatic amide derivative, intermediate thereof, agrohorticultural insecticide containing thereof and method for the use thereof
The present invention provides a substituted anilide derivative of formula (I): {wherein Z is a group of formula (II) or (III) (in these formulas, A is C1-C6 alkylene, C2-C6 alkenylene, etc., R1 is H, halogen, —C(R5)═NOR6, (substituted) phenyl, (substituted) heterocyclic ring, -A1-R7, etc.; R2 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, etc.), R3 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, etc.; R4 is H, F, fluoro C1-C6 alkyl; Rf is F, fluoro C1-C6 alkyl; 1 is 0 to 2; Y is halogen, (substituted) phenyl, (substituted) phenoxy, etc.; and m is 0 to 3}, an intermediate thereof, an agrohorticultural agent, and a method for the use thereof. The compound of the present invention exhibits, at a low dosage, high uptake and translocation from the root and an excellent insecticidal effect especially when applied to soil. |
| US07696126B2 |
Method of producing oxidation catalyst for cleaning exhaust gas
A method of producing an oxidation catalyst for cleaning exhaust gas, excellent in the function of oxidizing high boiling point materials such as particulates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust gas of internal-combustion engines is provided. Metal elements A and B are selected so that the value of the ionic radius of metal element A/the ionic radius of metal element B is in the range of from 1.349 to 1.580. After reacting the grind mixed material of the first metal element A, the second metal element B, and urea, the reactant material is grind mixed, and thereafter subjected to firing at 600 to 1200° C. for 1 to 5 hours. By doing so, an oxidation catalyst for cleaning exhaust gas comprising a composite oxide represented by the general formula ABO3 is obtained. |
| US07696124B2 |
Method for producing catalytically-active materials
A method for producing a catalytically-active material having at least one base component and at least one catalytically-active component in which the at least one base component is heated to a softening or melting temperature to form a softened or molten base component. While the base component is in the softened or molten state, at least one catalytically-active component is incorporated into or onto the base component, forming the catalytically-active material. In accordance with one embodiment, a catalyst precursor is introduced into the base component and subsequently transformed to a catalytically-active component. |
| US07696123B2 |
Dimerization catalyst systems, their preparation, and use
A method for preparing a nickel-containing composition, and a composition prepared by such method, are disclosed including the steps of: a) mixing a phosphorous compound with a nickel complex having nickel bonded to a heteroatom to thereby form a nickel-phosphorous-containing mixture; and b) contacting the nickel-phosphorous-containing mixture with a supported partially hydrolyzed alkylaluminum compound, thereby forming such nickel-containing composition. Use of such nickel-containing composition in the dimerization of propene is also disclosed. |
| US07696121B2 |
Photocatalytic electrode and fuel cell
The invention provides an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from an adsorbate material adsorbed on the surface of the electrode. The adsorbate is substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable. The surface of the electrode can be microroughened and include, for example, a plurality of adatoms or clusters of adatoms of a metallic material. The adatoms or clusters of adatoms form sites for photocatalysis of electroreduction when the electrode is irradiated with a light source. The invention also includes a method for making the electrode, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention. |
| US07696120B2 |
Method of restoring catalytic activity to a spent hydroprocessing catalyst, a spent hydroprocessing catalyst having restored catalytic activity, and a hydroprocessing process
Disclosed is method for restoring catalytic activity to a hydroprocessing catalyst that has become spent due to its use or to the deposition of carbon thereon. The method includes a carbon reduction step whereby carbon is removed from the spent hydroprocessing catalyst in a controlled manner to within a specifically defined concentration range. Following the carbon removal step, the resulting catalyst, having a reduced concentration of carbon, is subjected to a chelation treatment whereby the resulting carbon-reduced catalyst is contacted with a chelating agent and aged for a time period necessary for realizing the benefit from the controlled carbon reduction step. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst resulting from the chelation treatment is subjected to a sulfurization treatment involving the incorporation of elemental sulfur therein and contacting therewith an olefin. |
| US07696119B2 |
Process for producing organic carbonates
A process for producing various organic carbonates by performing transesterification and disproportionation reactions in dual vapor/liquid phase mode preferably in the presence of solid catalyst composition selected from the group consisting of oxides, hydroxides, oxyhydroxides or alkoxides of two to four elements from Group IV, V and VI of the Periodic Table supported on porous material which has surface hydroxyl groups and the method of reactivating catalyst deactivated by polymer deposition by contacting the deactivated catalyst with a solution of hydroxy containing compound in a solvent such as benzene or THF. |
| US07696114B2 |
Optical glass and optical element
An optical glass contains as glass ingredients, by weight: 10-35% SiO2; 8-30% B2O3; 4-9% Li2O; 26-40% ZnO; 1-25% La2O3; and 6-22% Nb2O5. |
| US07696111B2 |
Cosmetic pad
The inventive cosmetic pad (2) exhibiting an improved effectiveness thereof for make-up removal contains or consists of discontinuous synthetic micro staple fibers whose length is equal to or greater than 7 mm. |
| US07696109B2 |
Low-density cleaning substrate
The present invention is directed to a low-density substrate, which has an optimized pore volume distribution. The optimized pore volume distribution allows the substrate to hold at least 50 percent of its cumulative volume within pores with a radius size of about 110 to 250 microns. The optimized pore volume distribution can also be characterized by having a dry fibrous web that absorbs less than 20 percent of the cumulative volume of the fibrous web at a pore radius of 75 microns. The optimized pore volume distribution of the substrate enables it to controllably release a fluid composition effectively onto a surface. The basis weight of the substrate is about 80 to 20 gsm and the density of the substrate is below 0.1 g/cc. The substrate may be a pre-loaded wipe, which is either moistened by a consumer prior to use or moistened prior to packaging. The composition loaded onto the substrate may contain dry and/or liquid compositions preferably for cleaning hard or soft surfaces. |
| US07696103B2 |
Method for purifying silicon carbide coated structures
Processes for the purification of silicon carbide structures, including silicon carbide coated silicon carbide structures, are disclosed. The processes described can reduce the amount of iron contamination in a silicon carbide structure by 100 to 1000 times. After purification, the silicon carbide structures are suitable for use in high temperature silicon wafer processing. |
| US07696100B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device of which cost can be suppressed by using a nanoimprinting method is provided. In the invention, a gate insulating film, a conductive film, and a resist are formed in sequence over a semiconductor film and a resist is hardened while pressing a mold formed with a pattern to the resist. Therefore, the pattern is transferred to the resist, the surface of the resist to which the pattern is transferred is ashed until a part of the conductive film is exposed, the resist having the ashed surface is used a mask, and the conductive film is etched. |
| US07696099B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A first film and a second film are formed on a semiconductor substrate in this order. A resist pattern is formed on the second film. An opening is formed by removing the second film exposed between the resist pattern at a state where the second film remains on the bottom. A first removal preventing film is formed on the side wall of the opening and the residual film is removed at a state where the projecting part of the second film protruding from the sidewall to the opening remains. The first film exposed in the opening is removed. A second removal preventing film is formed on the first removal preventing film and the surface of the semiconductor substrate exposed in the opening is removed at a state where the projecting part of the semiconductor substrate protruding from the side wall to the opening remains and a round part is formed at the projecting part of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate exposed in the opening is further removed. |
| US07696098B2 |
Tuneable unipolar lasers
A unipolar semiconductor laser is provided in which an active region is sandwiched in a guiding structure between an upper and lower cladding layer, the lower cladding layer being situated on a semiconducting substrate. The unipolar semiconductor laser comprises a raised ridge section running from end to end between end mirrors defining the laser cavity. The ridge section aids in optical and electrical confinement. The ridge waveguide is divided in a plurality of cavity segments (at least two). Lattice structures can be arranged on and/or adjacent to these cavity segments. Each cavity segment is in contact with upper metallic electrodes. A metallic electrode coupled to the bottom surface of the semiconducting substrate facilitates current injection through the device. |
| US07696093B2 |
Methods for forming copper interconnects for semiconductor devices
Methods for forming copper interconnects for semiconductor devices are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for forming a copper interconnect comprises depositing copper into a trench formed in a dielectric material overlying a semiconductor material. A force is applied to the semiconductor material and stress is induced within the copper deposited in the trench. Recrystallization and grain growth are effected within the copper and the stress is removed. |
| US07696092B2 |
Method of using ternary copper alloy to obtain a low resistance and large grain size interconnect
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a barrier layer along lateral side walls and a bottom of a via aperture and providing a ternary copper alloy via material in the via aperture to form a via. The via aperture is configured to receive the ternary copper alloy via material and electrically connect a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The ternary copper alloy via material helps the via to have a lower resistance and an increased grain size with staffed grain boundaries. |
| US07696091B2 |
Method of forming a silicon layer and method of manufacturing a display substrate by using the same
A method of manufacturing a silicon layer includes pretreating a surface of a silicon nitride layer formed on a substrate through a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method using a first reaction gas including at least one of silicone tetrafluoride (SiF4) gas, a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas, SiF4—H2 gas and a mixture thereof. Then, a silicon layer is formed on the pretreated silicon nitride layer through the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method using a second reaction gas including a mixture of gas including silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4), hydrogen (H2) and argon (Ar). |
| US07696085B2 |
Dual damascene metal interconnect structure having a self-aligned via
A recessed region containing a line portion and a bulge portion is formed in a hard mask layer. Self-assembling block copolymers containing two or more different polymeric block components that are immiscible with one another are applied within the recessed region and annealed. A cylindrical polymeric block centered at the bulge portion is removed selective to a polymeric block matrix surrounding the cylindrical polymeric block. A via cavity is formed by transferring the cavity formed by removal of the cylindrical polymeric block into a dielectric layer. The pattern in the hard mask layer is subsequently transferred into the dielectric layer to form a line cavity. A metal via and a metal line are formed by deposition and planarization of metal. The metal via is self-aligned to the metal line. |
| US07696083B2 |
Multi-layer device
A multi-layer device is provided for connecting to an electrical unit enclosed within the multi-layer device. A first wafer has a first outer terminal and a second outer terminal with etch pits. A first insulator has a first surface bonded to the first wafer and a first inner terminal located on an opposing second surface. A second wafer has a first surface bonded to the second surface of the first insulating layer and includes a pillar electrically connected to the first wafer. A second insulator has a first surface bonded to a second surface of the second wafer and a second inner terminal located on the first surface of the second insulator. The first outer terminal is electrically connected to the first inner terminal, and the second outer terminal is electrically connected to the second inner terminal. The first and second outer terminals are adapted for connecting to an electrical unit. A reinforcement is positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second outer and, inner terminals to provide for reinforcement of the at least one of the first and second outer and inner terminals. |
| US07696079B2 |
Methods for patterning films, fabricating organic electroluminescence display and fabricating thin film transistor array substrate
A method for fabricating a thin film transistor array substrate is provided. Wherein, a plurality of contact holes and recesses are formed in a protection layer disposed upon thin film transistors. Each recess comprises an under-cut profile while each contact hole exposes a drain-metal layer of a corresponding thin film transistor. Then, a transparent conductor layer is formed on the protection layer, which in turn fills in the contact holes so as to be electrically connected to the drain-metal layer. Besides, the transparent conductor layer automatically segregates at the recesses to form a plurality of pixel electrodes, whereby the plurality of pixel electrodes can be formed without the utilization of photolithography and etching processes and thus fabricating cost is lowered. |
| US07696075B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device having a recess channel structure therein
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a recess channel structure is provided. A first recess is formed in a substrate. A liner and a filling layer are formed in the first recess. A portion of the substrate adjacent to the first recess and a portion of the liner and the filling layer are removed to form trenches. An insulation layer fills the trenches to form isolation structures. The filling layer is removed, using the liner as an etching stop layer, to expose the insulation layer. A portion of the exposed insulation layer is removed to form a second recess having divots adjacent to the sidewalls of the substrate. The liner is removed. A dielectric layer and a gate are formed over the substrate covering the second recess. Source and drain regions are formed in the substrate adjacent to the second recess. |
| US07696072B2 |
Method for introduction impurities and apparatus for introducing impurities
A method for introducing impurities includes a step for forming an amorphous layer at a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and a step for forming a shallow impurity-introducing layer at the semiconductor substrate which has been made amorphous, and an apparatus used therefore. Particularly, the step for forming the amorphous layer is a step for irradiating plasma to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the step for forming the shallow impurity-introducing layer is a step for introducing impurities into the surface which has been made amorphous. |
| US07696067B2 |
Method of manufacturing device
A method of manufacturing a device includes: a laser beam-machined groove forming step of irradiating a wafer with a laser beam from the back side of the wafer along planned dividing lines so as to form laser beam-machined grooves along the planned dividing lines; an etching step of etching a back-side surface of the wafer having been subjected to the laser beam-machined groove forming step, so as to remove denatured layers formed at processed surfaces of the laser beam-machined grooves; an adhesive film attaching step of attaching an adhesive film to the back-side surface of the wafer having been subjected to the etching step, and adhering the adhesive film side of the wafer to a surface of a dicing tape; and an adhesive film rupturing step of expanding the dicing tape so as to rupture the adhesive film along individual devices. |
| US07696066B2 |
Method of fabricating intergrated circuit chip
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC) chip is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. The substrate is divided into an internal region and an external region by a die seal ring region. A number of circuit units are then formed in the internal region on the substrate. Thereafter, a dielectric layer is formed over the substrate, interconnects are formed in the dielectric layer within the internal region, and a number of bonding pad structures are formed in the dielectric layer within the external region. Finally, a cutting process is performed along a number of scribed lines on the substrate to form a number of chips. The bonding pad structures are exposed at the sides of each chip. |
| US07696063B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A semiconductor device which has higher integration and is further reduced in thickness and size. A semiconductor device with high performance and low power consumption. A semiconductor element layer separated from a substrate by using a separation layer is stacked over a semiconductor element layer formed by using another substrate and covered with a flattened inorganic insulating layer. After separation of the semiconductor element layer in a top layer from the substrate, the separation layer is removed so that an inorganic insulating film formed under the semiconductor element layer is exposed. The flattened inorganic insulating layer and the inorganic insulating film are made to be in close contact and bonded to each other. In addition, a semiconductor layer included in the semiconductor element layer is a single crystal semiconductor layer which is separated from a semiconductor substrate and transferred to a formation substrate. |
| US07696062B2 |
Method of batch integration of low dielectric substrates with MMICs
A method for mounting a dielectric substrate to a semiconductor substrate, such as mounting a dielectric antenna substrate to an MMIC semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a thin dielectric antenna substrate having metallized layers on opposing sides. In one embodiment, carrier wafers are used to handle and maintain the dielectric substrate in a flat configuration as the metallized layers are patterned. The dielectric substrate is sealed to the semiconductor substrate using a low temperature bonding process. In an alternate embodiment, the metallized layers on the dielectric substrate are patterned simultaneously so as to prevent the substrate from curling. |
| US07696060B2 |
Recyclable stamp device and recyclable stamp process for wafer bond
A recyclable stamp device and a recyclable stamp process for wafer bond are provided. The recyclable stamp device includes a substrate, a protective layer, a stack film structure and a cap. The protective layer is disposed on the substrate. An opening is positioned at the substrate and the protective layer to expose the substrate. The stack film structure includes an adhesion layer, a stress control layer and a wafer bond alignment mark layer. The adhesion layer is disposed on the protective layer and the exposed substrate. The stress control layer is disposed on the adhesion layer. The wafer bond alignment mark layer is disposed on the stress control layer. The wafer bond alignment mark layer includes an alignment mark at a side of the opening. The cap has a capping portion disposed on the wafer bond alignment mark layer corresponding to the opening. |
| US07696059B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor substrate
A consistent reduction in temperature in an SOI substrate manufacturing process is achieved.A gate oxide film provided on an SOI substrate is obtained by laminating a low-temperature thermal oxide film 13 grown at a temperature of 450° C. or below and an oxide film 14 obtained based on a CVD method. Since the thermal oxide film 13 is a thin film of 100 Å or below, a low temperature of 450° C. or below can suffice. The underlying thermal oxide film 13 can suppress a structural defect, e.g., an interface state, and the CVD oxide film 14 formed on the thermal oxide film can be used to adjust a thickness of the gate oxide film. According to such a technique, a conventional general silicon oxide film forming apparatus can be used to form the gate oxide film at a low temperature, thereby achieving a consistent reduction in temperature in the SOI substrate manufacturing process. |
| US07696058B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI substrate
An object is to reduce occurrence of defective bonding between a base substrate and a semiconductor substrate even when a silicon nitride film or the like is used as a bonding layer. Another object is to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate by which an increase in the number of steps can be suppressed. A semiconductor substrate and a base substrate are prepared; an oxide film is formed over the semiconductor substrate; the semiconductor substrate is irradiated with accelerated ions through the oxide film to form a separation layer at a predetermined depth from a surface of the semiconductor substrate; a nitrogen-containing layer is formed over the oxide film after the ion irradiation; the semiconductor substrate and the base substrate are disposed opposite to each other to bond a surface of the nitrogen-containing layer and a surface of the base substrate to each other; and the semiconductor substrate is heated to cause separation along the separation layer, thereby forming a single crystal semiconductor layer over the base substrate with the oxide film and the nitrogen-containing layer interposed therebetween. |
| US07696056B2 |
Methods of forming capacitors
A method of forming a capacitor includes providing material having an opening therein over a node location on a substrate. A shield is provided within and across the opening, with a void being received within the opening above the shield and a void being received within the opening below the shield. The shield is etched through within the opening. After the etching, a first capacitor electrode is formed within the opening in electrical connection with the node location. A capacitor dielectric and a second capacitor electrode are formed operatively adjacent the first capacitor electrode. |
| US07696054B2 |
Transistor, a transistor arrangement and method thereof
A transistor, transistor arrangement and method thereof are provided. The example method may include determining whether a gate width of the transistor has been adjusted; and adjusting a distance between a higher-concentration impurity-doped region of the transistor and a device isolation layer of the transistor based on the adjusted gate width if the determining step determines the gate width of the transistor is adjusted. The example transistor may include a first device isolation layer defining a first active region, a first gate line having a first gate width and crossing over the first active region, a first lower-concentration impurity-doped region formed in the first active region at first and second sides of the first gate line and a first higher-concentration impurity-doped region formed in the lower-concentration impurity-doped region and not in contact with the gate line and the device-isolation layer. |
| US07696048B2 |
Method of improving gate resistance in a memory array
A semiconductor device is formed with a normal, non-recessed, spacer structure in a cell region and a recessed spacer structure in a peripheral region. The recessed spacer structure is formed as by etch masking those in the cell region and exposing those in the peripheral region, then performing an etch process. The increased height of the cell region spacers is adapted to further prevent over-etching during gate interconnect formation which would otherwise result in etching through the spacer to the substrate and subsequent short circuit. Therefore, it is also possible to prevent bridge defects due to over-etching, which occurs because the barrier metal layer for a subsequent interconnection contact is accidentally connected to the underlying substrate. Also, since the recessed spacer structure is provided in the peripheral region, it is possible to remarkably enhance a resistance distribution of a cobalt silicide layer occurring in a gate line width of 100 nm or less. |
| US07696047B2 |
Method for evaluating a gate insulation film characteristic for use in a semiconductor device
A gate insulating film 3 is formed of an insulative inorganic material containing silicon and oxygen as a main material. The gate insulating film 3 contains hydrogen atoms. A part of the absorbance of infrared radiation of which wave number is in the range of 830 to 900 cm−1 is less than both the absorbance of infrared radiation at the wave number of 830 cm−1 and the absorbance of infrared radiation at the wave number of 900 cm−1 when the insulating film to which an electric field has never been applied is measured by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy at room temperature. Further, in the case where the absolute value of the difference between the absorbance of infrared radiation at the wave number of 830 cm−1 and the absorbance of infrared radiation at the wave number of 770 cm−1 is defined as A and the absolute value of the difference between the absorbance of infrared radiation at the wave number of 900 cm−1 and the absorbance of infrared radiation at the wave number of 990 cm−1 is defined as B, then A and B satisfy the relation: A/B is 1.8 or more. |
| US07696045B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a mask with an opening of a predetermined pattern in the first insulating film; performing anisotropic etching on the semiconductor substrate with the mask used as an etching mask to form a trench; forming a second insulating film on a surface of an inner wall of the trench with the mask used as a selective oxidation mask; removing the mask; forming a conductive film on the semiconductor substrate to fill the trench with the conductive film; and etching back the conductive film until at least a surface of the semiconductor substrate is exposed. |
| US07696043B2 |
Method of manufacturing a flash memory device
A method of manufacturing a flash memory device includes the steps of forming trenches by forming a tunnel oxide layer and a conductive layer for a floating gate over a semiconductor substrate, and then etching a portion of the conductive layer, the tunnel oxide layer and the semiconductor substrate to form the trenches, filling the trenches with an insulating layer to form isolation layers projecting above the floating gate, forming spacers on sidewalls of the isolation layers projecting above the floating gate, etching the conductive layer using the spacers as a mask, thereby forming a U-shaped conductive layer, removing the spacers, etching the top surface of the isolation layers, thereby controlling an Effective Field Height (EFH) of the isolation layer, and forming a dielectric layer and a conductive layer for a control gate on the resulting surface. |
| US07696042B2 |
Semiconductor capacitor structure and method to form same
A semiconductor capacitor structure comprising sidewalls of conductive hemispherical grained material, a base of metal silicide material, and a metal nitride material overlying the conductive hemispherical grained material and the metal silicide material. The semiconductor capacitor structure is fabricated by forming a base of metal silicide material along the sidewalls of an insulative material having an opening therein, forming sidewalls of conductive hemispherical grained material on the metal silicide material, and forming a metal nitride material overlying the conductive hemispherical grained material and the metal silicide material. |
| US07696039B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device employing selectivity poly deposition
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device employing a selectivity poly deposition is disclosed. The disclosed method comprises depositing selectivity poly on a gate poly and source/drain regions of the silicon substrate, and forming salicide regions on the gate and active regions from the deposited selectivity poly. Accordingly, the present invention employing selectivity poly deposition can reduce or minimize contact surface resistance and improve the electrical characteristics of the semiconductor device by reducing the surface resistance in a miniature semiconductor device. In addition, because the size of the gate electrode is getting small, the present invention can be used as an essential part of the future generations of nano-scale technology. Moreover, mass semiconductor production systems can promptly employ the present invention with existing equipment. |
| US07696035B2 |
Method for fabricating non-volatile memory with boost structures
A method for fabricating a non-volatile memory having boost structures. Boost structures are provided for individual NAND strings and can be individually controlled to assist in programming, verifying and reading processes. The boost structures can be commonly boosted and individually discharged, in part, based on a target programming state or verify level. The boost structures assists in programming so that the programming and pass voltage on a word line can be reduced, thereby reducing side effects such as program disturb. During verifying, all storage elements on a word line can be verified concurrently. The boost structure can also assist during reading. In one approach, the NAND string has dual source-side select gates between which the boost structure contacts the substrate at a source/drain region, and a boost voltage is provided to the boost structure via a source-side of the NAND string. |
| US07696034B2 |
Methods of base formation in a BiCOMS process
Methods for fabricating a heterojunction bipolar transistor having a raised extrinsic base is provided in which the base resistance is reduced by forming a silicide atop the raised extrinsic base that extends to the emitter region in a self-aligned manner. The silicide formation is incorporated into a BiCMOS process flow after the raised extrinsic base has been formed. The present invention also provides a heterojunction bipolar transistor having a raised extrinsic base and a silicide located atop the raised extrinsic base. The silicide atop the raised extrinsic base extends to the emitter in a self-aligned manner. The emitter is separated from the silicide by a spacer. |
| US07696030B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device and semiconductor fabricated by the same method
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device fabricated by the same method are disclosed. The method includes: depositing a silicon layer containing amorphous silicon on a substrate using any one of a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method and a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method; annealing the silicon layer in an H2O atmosphere at a certain temperature to form a polycrystalline silicon layer; forming a gate insulating layer on the polycrystalline silicon layer; forming impurity regions in the polycrystalline silicon layer to define source and drain regions; and activating the impurity regions. Thus, it is possible to provide a semiconductor device, in which the substrate is prevented from being bent and polycrystalline silicon constituting a semiconductor layer is excellent. |
| US07696028B2 |
Pixel structure of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display
A pixel structure of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display employs a design of three metal layers and includes an organic insulating layer between a data signal line and a common electrode for reducing a parasitic capacitance, while a passivation layer included between the common electrode and a pixel electrode acts as a storage capacitor required for the pixels, so as to achieve a high aperture ratio, and the common electrode can act as a shielding bar for enhancing the display contrast. |
| US07696026B2 |
Array substrate for a liquid crystal display and method for fabricating thereof
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a plurality of thin film transistors formed on the substrate, each thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a first gate insulation layer, a second gate insulation layer, an active layer, an ohmic contact layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines disposed orthogonal to the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed at pixel regions defined by intersections of the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, each pixel electrode electrically contacting each drain electrode of the plurality of thin film transistors, and a plurality of storage capacitors each including a portion of each gate line as a first capacitor electrode, the first gate insulation layer as a dielectric layer, and a capacitor electrode electrically communicating with each pixel electrode and functioning as a second capacitor electrode with a portion of each pixel electrode. |
| US07696025B2 |
Sidewall semiconductor transistors
A novel transistor structure and method for fabricating the same. First, a substrate, a semiconductor region, a gate dielectric region, and a gate block are provided. The semiconductor region, the gate dielectric region, and the gate block are on the substrate. The gate dielectric region is sandwiched between the semiconductor region and the gate block. The semiconductor region is electrically insulated from the gate block by the gate dielectric region. The semiconductor region and the gate dielectric region share an interface surface which is essentially perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate. The semiconductor region and the gate dielectric region do not share any interface surface that is essentially parallel to a top surface of the substrate. Next, a gate region is formed from the gate block. Then, first and second source/drain regions are formed in the semiconductor region. |
| US07696024B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device is provided, which comprises a semiconductor film, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, an insulating film, and a source and drain electrodes. The semiconductor film includes at least a channel forming region, a region, a source and drain regions disposed between the channel forming region and the region, a first silicide region over the region, and a second silicide region over a portion of the source and drain regions. The insulating film has a contact hole to expose at least the first silicide region. Each of the source and drain electrodes is electrically connected to the first silicide region via the contact hole. The region includes an element imparting one conductivity type at a lower concentration than the source and drain regions. |
| US07696022B2 |
Electric device having nanowires, manufacturing method thereof, and electric device assembly
An electric device having a plurality of nanowires, in which at least one of the nanowires is cut or changed in its electric characteristics so as to have a desired characteristic value of the electric device. |
| US07696019B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing thereof
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a semiconductor device comprising a workpiece, the workpiece including a first region and a second region proximate the first region. A first material is disposed in the first region, and at least one region of a second material is disposed within the first material in the first region, the second material comprising a different material than the first material. The at least one region of the second material increases a first stress of the first region. |
| US07696017B1 |
Memory device with a selection element and a control line in a substantially similar layer
The invention facilitates manufacture of semiconductor memory components by reducing the number of layers required to implement a semiconductor memory device. The invention provides for a selection element to be formed in the same layer as one of the control lines (e.g. one of the wordline and bitline). In one embodiment of the invention, a diode is implemented as the selection element within the same layer as one of the control lines. Production of the selection element within the same layer as one of the wordline and bitline reduces problems associated with vertical stacking, increases device yield and reduces related production costs. The invention also provides an efficient method of producing memory devices with the selection element in the same layer as one of the control lines. |
| US07696016B2 |
Method of packaging a device having a tangible element and device thereof
Forming a packaged device having a semiconductor device having a first major surface and a second major surface includes forming an encapsulating layer over the second major surface of the semiconductor device and around sides of the semiconductor device and leaving the first major surface of the first semiconductor device exposed. An insulating layer is formed over the first major surface. A via is formed in the insulating layer. A tangible element is coupled to the semiconductor device through the via. At least a portion of the tangible element is surrounded with a cavity wall having a first face toward the element and a second face away from the element. A supporting layer, after surrounding the tangible element, is formed over the insulating layer so that the supporting layer is adjacent to the second face and blocked from the first face thereby providing protection for the tangible element. |
| US07696015B2 |
Method of forming a stack of heat generating integrated circuit chips with intervening cooling integrated circuit chips
A stack of heat generating integrated circuit chips may be provided with intervening cooling integrated circuit chips. The cooling integrated circuit chips may include microchannels for the flow of the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid may be pumped using the integrated electroosmotic pumps. Removal of cooling fluid gases may be accomplished using integrated re-combiners in some embodiments. |
| US07696014B2 |
Method for breaking adhesive film mounted on back of wafer
A method for breaking an adhesive film mounted on the back of a wafer having a plurality of streets formed in a lattice pattern on the face of the wafer, and having devices formed in a plurality of regions demarcated by the plurality of streets, the devices being divided individually, is adapted to break the adhesive film along the outer peripheral edges of the individual devices, with the adhesive film being stuck to the surface of a dicing tape mounted on an annular frame. The method comprises: a laser processing step of projecting a laser beam with a pulse width of 100 picoseconds or less onto the adhesive film through gaps between the individually divided devices to form deteriorated layers in the adhesive film along the outer peripheral edges of the individual devices; and an adhesive film breaking step of exerting external force on the adhesive film having the deteriorated layers formed therein, to break the adhesive film along the deteriorated layers. |
| US07696013B2 |
Connecting microsized devices using ablative films
A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die. |
| US07696012B2 |
Wafer dividing method
A method of dividing a wafer having a plurality of streets, which are formed in a lattice pattern on the front surface, and having devices, which are formed in a plurality of areas sectioned by the plurality of streets, into individual devices along the streets, comprising: a protective member-affixing step for affixing a protective member for protecting devices onto the front surface of the wafer; a deteriorated layer-forming step for applying a laser beam of a wavelength having permeability for the wafer from the rear surface side of the wafer along the streets to form a deteriorated layer along the streets in an area where it does not reach the final thickness of each device from the front surface of the wafer and the rear surface of the wafer in the inside of the wafer; a groove-forming step for cutting areas corresponding to the streets from the rear surface side of the wafer where the deteriorated layer has been formed along the streets to form a groove reaching the deteriorated layer; a dividing the wafer into individual devices along the streets where the deteriorated layer and the groove have been formed by exerting external force to the wafer; and a grinding the rear surface of the wafer which has been divided into individual devices until the final thickness of each device is achieved. |
| US07696009B2 |
Method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a heat radiation layer
A fabricating method for a semiconductor device includes forming a heat spreading material on rear surface of the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer has a plurality of device areas and scribe lines which are arranged between the device areas. After the heat spreading material is formed on rear surface of the semiconductor wafer, the semiconductor wafer is separated at the scribe lines. |
| US07696008B2 |
Wafer-level chip packaging process and chip package structure
A wafer-level chip packaging process includes the following steps. First, a wafer having a plurality of chip units, an active surface, and a corresponding back surface is provided. Each chip unit has a plurality of pads on the active surface. Next, a plurality of through holes is formed under the pads. The through holes are filled with a conductive material such that the conductive material within each through hole is electrically connected to corresponding one of the pads and a portion of the conductive material is exposed and protrudes from the back surface of the wafer. Thereafter, a transparent adhesive layer is formed on the active surface. Next, a transparent cover panel is disposed on the transparent adhesive layer such that the transparent cover panel is connected to the wafer through the transparent adhesive layer. Afterwards, a singulation step is performed to form a plurality of independent chip package structures. |
| US07696007B2 |
Semiconductor package board using a metal base
A semiconductor package board for mounting thereon a semiconductor chip includes a metal base having an opening for receiving therein the semiconductor chip and a multilayer wiring film layered onto the metal base. The semiconductor chip is flip-chip bonded onto the metal pads disposed on the multilayer wiring film within the opening. The surface of the metal base is flush with the top surface of the semiconductor chip received in the opening. The resultant semiconductor device has a larger number of external pins and a smaller deformation without using a stiffener. |
| US07696005B2 |
Method for manufacturing an electronic module in an installation base
This publication discloses a method for manufacturing an electronic module, in which manufacture commences from an insulating-material sheet (1). At least one recess (2) is made in the sheet (1) and extends through the insulating-material layer (1) as far as the conductive layer on the opposite surface (1a). A component (6) is set in the recess, with its contact surface towards the conductive layer and the component (6) is attached to the conductive layer. After this, a conductive pattern (14) is formed from the conductive pattern closing the recess, which is electrically connected from at least some of the contact areas or contact protrusions of the component (6) set in the recess. |
| US07696004B2 |
Wafer level package fabrication method
Provided is a wafer level package fabrication method. The method includes providing a device substrate wafer including one or more devices on an upper surface thereof, and a bonding pad electrically connected to the device, providing a bonding seal surrounding the device along the bonding pad, bonding a cap substrate wafer to the device substrate wafer through the bonding seal, the cap substrate wafer having a via formed in a region corresponding to the bonding pad, forming an external terminal on the cap substrate wafer, the external terminal being electrically connected to the bonding pad, and cutting the cap substrate wafer and the device substrate wafer along a cutting line to individually separate a plurality of wafer level packages. The method is conducive to reducing product size for miniaturization, is capable of performing a bonding process without wafer deformation or damage, and increases freedom in wafer material selection. |
| US07696002B1 |
Electrolytic capacitor case design with insert molded elastomer seals
Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a feed thru for use in an electrolytic capacitor case. First, an electrode is inserted into a liquid injection mold. Liquid elastomer is then injected into the mold to surround a portion of the electrode. The elastomer is cured, and the resulting electrode and feed thru combination is inserted into a machined hole in a capacitor case. The machined hole may be located on either the base or the lid of the capacitor case. In other embodiments, a ferrule may also be placed in the liquid injection mold prior to injecting liquid elastomer. When a ferrule is used, the assembly may be welded into a machined hole in a capacitor case. |
| US07696001B2 |
Method for mounting semiconductor chips on a substrate and corresponding assembly
A method for mounting semiconductor chips on a substrate using flip-chip technology and a corresponding assembly are provided, which method includes the steps of: a) providing a semiconductor chip having a component region including components and an edge region, a mounting region containing a plurality of bonding pads being situated in the edge region; b) providing a substrate having a surface including a plurality of lands; c) applying soldering material to the bonding pads and/or to the lands; d) positioning the semiconductor chip on the substrate; and e) melting the soldering material by a soldering process in such a way that the mounting region of the semiconductor chip is moved towards the substrate due to the surface tension of the melting soldering material, and the component region is lifted away from the substrate by the resulting rotation around an axis of rotation or a pivot between the two regions. |
| US07695996B2 |
Photodetecting device
A method of manufacturing a photodetecting device, by providing a first wafer that includes a photosensitive layer made of a semiconductor material and a second wafer that includes a circuit layer of electronic components, with one of the photosensitive layer or the circuit layer incorporating a field isolation layer; bonding the first and second wafers to form a structure comprising successively the circuit layer, the field isolation layer and the photosensitive layer; and forming electrically conductive vias to electrically connect the photosensitive layer to at least some of the electronic components of the circuit layer. Also, photodetecting devices prepared by these methods. |
| US07695994B2 |
Material sidewall deposition method
A method of forming a layer of material on a sidewall of a via with good thickness control. The method involves forming a layer of material with a conventional deposition process. The material formed on a field region surrounding the via is removed with a sputter etch process. Another layer of material is deposited thereon, wherein the sputter etch-deposition cycle is repeated as necessary to achieve a desired sidewall thickness. With this method, the thickness of the material deposited on the sidewall is linearly dependent on the number of process cycles, thus providing good thickness control. The method may be used to form a resistance variable material, e.g., a phase-change material, on a via sidewall for use in a memory element. |
| US07695992B2 |
Vertical type CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof
A vertical-type CMOS image sensor and a fabricating method thereof by which capacitance between an upper line and a dark shield layer can be effectively reduced. The vertical-type CMOS image sensor can include an inter-metal dielectric layer having a plurality of metal lines formed over a semiconductor substrate; a passivation oxide layer formed over the inter-metal dielectric layer, wherein the uppermost surface of the passivation oxide layer includes an inclined portion between a lower portion and an upper portion corresponding to a portion of the inter-metal dielectric layer having a plurality of the metal lines; a dark shield layer formed over the upper portion of the passivation oxide layer; and a nitride layer formed over the semiconductor substrate including the dark shield layer. |
| US07695986B1 |
Method and apparatus for modifying process selectivities based on process state information
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for modifying process selectivities based on process state information. The method includes accessing process state information associated with at least one material removal process, determining at least one selectivity based on the process state information, and modifying at least one process parameter of said material removal process based on said at least one determined selectivity. |
| US07695983B2 |
Independent control of ion density, ion energy distribution and ion dissociation in a plasma reactor
A method of processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor includes coupling RF power from at least three RF power source of three respective frequencies to plasma in the reactor, setting ion energy distribution shape by selecting a ratio between the power levels of a first pair of the at least three RF power sources, and setting ion dissociation and ion density by selecting a ratio between the power levels of a remaining one of the three RF power sources and an applied magnetic field. The three respective frequencies can be an LF frequency, an HF frequency and a VHF frequency, wherein the first pair corresponds to the LF and HF frequencies and the second pair corresponds to the HF and VHF frequencies. |
| US07695980B2 |
Chemiluminescent compounds and their use
The present invention relates to novel chemiluminescent compounds, to a method for synthesizing these compounds, to derivatives and conjugates comprising these compounds, to the use of these compounds or conjugates thereof in chemiluminescence based assays, especially in immunoassays. |
| US07695979B2 |
Biomolecule diagnostic devices
A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask. |
| US07695977B2 |
Assays for preimplantation factor and preimplantation factor peptides
The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability. In additional embodiments, the present invention provides for ELISA assays which detect PIF by determining the effect of a test sample on the binding of anti-CD2 antibody to a CD2 substrate. |
| US07695976B2 |
Method for uniform analyte fluid delivery to microarrays
A method of chemical analysis that includes: a) introducing an analyte fluid having a flow to a surface of a sample chip through a microfluidic device comprising i) a fluid inlet having a semi-circular groove and ii) a flow chamber comprising an inner wall having an inlet end, where the fluid inlet is in communication with the flow chamber and where the inner wall at the inlet end is curved and has a radius similar to the radius of semi-circular groove; b) maintaining the flow of the analyte fluid such that the analyte fluid forms a pattern on the surface of the sample chip, the pattern approximating the semi-circular groove; c) maintaining the flow of the analyte fluid so that a linear fluid front forms on the surface of the sample chip at the inlet end; and d) maintaining the flow so that the linear fluid front moves along the surface of the sample chip. |
| US07695971B2 |
Use of non-absorbable fat in determining dietary fat absorption
The use of sucrose polyester containing behenate fatty acid chains as a non-absorbable fat marker to determine total dietary fat absorption by the digestive tract of a subject. A test food for use in measuring fat absorption contains a non-absorbable fat and a dietary fat. The method is useful for diagnostic testing for diagnosing malabsorption of dietary fat by the digestive tract of the subject, and impairment of dietary fat digestion in the subject. |
| US07695966B2 |
Method for the separation and sorting of different biological objects utilizing differences in their viscoelastic properties
A method for separating a multitude of biological objects by the type of the object. The method utilizes the differences in the viscoelastic properties for the different types of objects. As an example but not limited to: the method can be applied to most tumor cells that might be present in a sample of blood, allowing the tumor cells to be separated from the majority of the normal blood cells. |
| US07695958B2 |
Cell-filled hollow fiber membranes having modified cross-section
To provide a cell-filled device that is suitable for use in, for example, an implantable or circulation type hybrid artificial organ. In a cell-filled device including hollow fiber membranes whose hollow portions are filled with cells, the hollow fiber membranes have modified cross sections, and a cell aggregate provided in each of the hollow portions has cells formed into two or more layers in arbitrary directions, provided that the distance from an arbitrary point of the cell aggregate to the nearest inner wall of hollow fiber membrane is less than 75 μm. This cell-filled device enables effective use of cells without the necrosis thereof. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the cell-filled device. |
| US07695956B2 |
Device for cell separation and analysis and method of using
A microflow device for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts which are arranged across the width of a collection region in an irregular or set random pattern so as to disrupt streamlined flow. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, are attached to all surfaces in the collection region via a hydrophilic permeable hydrogel coating. The collection region is formed as a cavity in a body molded from PDMS, which flexible body is sandwiched between a glass slide or comparable flat plate and a rigid top cap plate, both of which are pressed into abutting relation with the PDMS body by a heat-shrunk polymeric sleeve. Following cell separation and washing, cells can be released from the sequestering agents and the device centrifuged to force said cells to collect adjacent the hydrogel-coated slide or plate. Slitting the polymeric sleeve allows the body to then be peeled from the slide or plate, using an integral tab, to expose the separated cells on the top surface thereof for ready microscopic examination. |
| US07695952B2 |
Disposable sample processing module for detecting nucleic acids
A disposable sample processing module is provided for processing DNA or RNA samples. The module includes a hybridization chamber adapted to receive an oligonucleotide covalently bonded to an internal surface of the hybridization chamber. The module also include a sample well adapted to hold a DNA or RNA sample, said sample well being coupled to the hybridization chamber, a moveable valve plate disposed between the sample well and hybridization chamber, said moveable valve plate having a first position that allows transfer of the DNA or RNA sample from the sample well to the hybridization chamber and a second position that blocks transfer to the hybridization chamber and a manifold adapted to exchange fluids with the hybridization chamber to hybridize the DNA or RNA sample with the oligonucleotide, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify the hybridized sample. |
| US07695950B2 |
Δ5 desaturase and its use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids
The present invention relates to a Δ5 desaturase, which has the ability to convert dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3 ω-6) to arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4 ω-6) and/or eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA; 20:4 ω-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 ω-3). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding Δ5 desaturase along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using this Δ5 desaturase in oleaginous yeast are disclosed. |
| US07695949B2 |
Process for producing a target fermentation product
The present invention provides a process for producing a target fermentation product. This process includes providing a fermentation medium containing a recombinantly-produced microorganism that over-produces a fermentation product and contains a mutation which causes auxotrophic growth of the microorganism wherein the auxotrophy within the microorganism does not compromise the ability of the microorganism to produce the fermentation product. The medium is then supplied in excess with all substrates required for production of the fermentation product and in growth limiting amounts with a substrate complementing the auxotrophy. Host cells, vectors, and polynucleotide sequences used in the process are also provided. The polynucleotide sequences of the present invention include sequences derived from the biotin operon of B. subtilis and in particular the bioFDB gene cassette. |
| US07695942B2 |
Enzymatic conversion of epoxides
The invention relates to a process for converting an epoxide to an alcohol. The process according to the invention is enzymatically catalyzed and highly enantioselective and regiospecific. |
| US07695941B2 |
Multiplexed polymerase chain reaction for genetic sequence analysis
A PCR method involving: providing a biological sample suspected of containing one or more pathogen nucleic acids; adding a plurality of PCR primers corresponding to genes found in the pathogens; and performing a polymerase chain reaction on the sample to amplify a subset of the nucleic acids that correspond to the genes. The primers include at least one primer pair for each pathogen, and the primers contain a tail sequence that is not homologous any pathogen DNA or to any background DNA in the sample. The concentration of at least one primer in the polymerase chain reaction is no more than about 100 nM. |
| US07695939B2 |
Method for the cultivation of primary cells and for the amplification of viruses under serum free conditions
The present invention relates to a method for the cultivation of primary cells. The primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The method for the cultivation of primary cells may be one step in a method for the amplification of viruses, such as poxviruses. According to this latter method the primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The cells are then infected with the virus and the infected cells are cultivated in serum free medium until progeny virus is produced. |
| US07695938B2 |
Vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acid molecules encoding Fibroblast Growth Factor-like polypeptides
The present invention provides vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acid molecules encoding Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for producing FGF-like polypeptides using such recombinant host cells. |
| US07695937B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding C-type lectin polypeptides and methods of use thereof
Provided herein are polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences for a molecule having homology to the C-type lectin family of polypeptides. Also provided are methods of making and using the polypeptide and polynucleotides. |
| US07695931B2 |
Carotenoid hydroxylase gene, method for preparing hydroxylated carotenoid, and novel geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase
The present invention provides a Brevundimonas sp. strain SD212-derived peptide having β-ionone ring-2-hydroxylase activity and a gene encoding the same, to thereby make it possible to produce rare carotenoids in which a hydroxyl group is introduced at the position 2(2′) carbon in their β-ionone ring in large quantities.The present invention also provides a novel gene encoding an enzyme which introduces a hydroxyl group at the position 3(3′) carbon in the β-ionone ring of carotenoids, and a novel gene encoding a geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase. |
| US07695924B2 |
Methods and compositions for detecting receptor-ligand interactions in single cells
The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state. |
| US07695923B2 |
CFTR polypeptides methods to overcome biosynthetic misprocessing
The invention relates to biosynthetic maturation of cell surface polypeptides and, more specifically, to particular CFTR polypeptides which exhibit increased transport to the cell surface and tripeptide amino acid sequences that promote or enhance transport of export-incompetent CFTR to the cell surface. |
| US07695921B2 |
Method for detecting the presence of prostate cancer
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, treatment and drug screening. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting the nuclear translocation of IkB kinase-α (IKKα) and the IKKα-mediated suppression of Maspin expression observed in metastatic prostate cancer cells. |
| US07695920B2 |
Methods of screening compounds binding to presynaptic protein CAST
The present invention enabled the detection and quantification of CAST, which is localized to synapses and tightly bound to the cytomatrix, and of the mRNA encoding the CAST. Furthermore, it was revealed that CAST functions as a protein scaffold for localizing RIM1 to synapses, contributing as a molecular basis for active zone formation. |
| US07695919B2 |
Antibody profiling sensitivity through increased reporter antibody layering
A method for analyzing a biological sample by antibody profiling for identifying forensic samples or for detecting the presence of an analyte. In an embodiment of the invention, the analyte is a drug, such as marijuana, Cocaine (crystalline tropane alkaloid), methamphetamine, methyltestosterone, or mesterolone. The method comprises attaching antigens to a surface of a solid support in a preselected pattern to form an array wherein locations of the antigens are known; contacting the array with the biological sample such that a portion of antibodies in the sample reacts with and binds to the antigens in the array to form immune complexes; washing away antibodies that do form immune complexes; and detecting the immune complexes, to form an antibody profile. Forensic samples are identified by comparing a sample from an unknown source with a sample from a known source. Further, an assay, such as a test for illegal drug use, can be coupled to a test for identity such that the results of the assay can be positively correlated to the subject's identity. |
| US07695918B2 |
Process for detecting PrPSC using an antibiotic from the family of aminoglycosides
A process of concentration by precipitation of PrPsc for detecting or diagnosing PrPsc, wherein a tissue or biological fluid stemming from or obtained from an animal or human organism is brought together with an antibiotic from the family of aminoglycosides, preferably streptomycin or one of its derivatives. The use of such an antibiotic for eliminating PrPsc from a tissue or biological fluid and a kit for diagnosing pathologies associated with the presence of PrPsc is also disclosed. |
| US07695917B2 |
Rescue of gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor mutants
Herein disclosed is a method of rescuing gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) mutants with IN3 or a mimetic thereof. IN3 significantly rescues 11 missense mutations as assessed by radioligand binding and by IP production. Such rescue occurred despite widely disparate loci along the receptor. In addition, many altered GnRH receptors (terminally truncated, internal deletions, or lacking the ability to form bridges to form tertiary structure) were rescued with IN3. |
| US07695914B2 |
Corn event DAS-59122-7 and methods for detection thereof
The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided. |
| US07695912B1 |
Site-specific cleavage of nucleic acids by photoreactive conjugates
A process of forming a double strand cleavage in DNA includes providing a reaction mixture containing double stranded DNA having a break in a first strand defining a target site in a second strand. The method continues by adding to the reaction mixture a photoreactive lysine conjugate selected from a lysine-enediyne conjugate, a lysine-acetylene conjugate or a combination thereof, for a time sufficient for the lysine conjugate to bind to the DNA adjacent the target site. The reaction mixture is then irradiated with electromagnetic radiation sufficient to photoactivate the lysine conjugate to cleave the second strand adjacent the target site. |
| US07695908B2 |
Methods for predicting methotrexate polyglutamate levels using pharmacogenetics
The present invention provides methods for determining a level of methotrexate polyglutamates (MTXPGs) in an individual undergoing methotrexate (MTX) therapy and for optimizing dose efficacy of MTX therapy in an individual by genotyping the individual at a polymorphic site in at least one folate pathway gene (e.g., a reduced folate carrier (RFC-1) gene, a gamma glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) gene, etc.). Methods are also provided for determining a level of MTXPGs in an individual undergoing MTX therapy and for optimizing dose efficacy of MTX therapy in an individual by generating a pharmacogenetic index based upon the genotype of the individual at a polymorphic site in an RFC-1 gene and/or a GGH gene. |
| US07695907B2 |
Gene detection field-effect device and method of analyzing gene polymorphism therewith
A gene detection field-effect device provided with an insulation film (2), a semiconductor substrate (3), and a reference electrode (4), includes: (a) the insulation film (2) including a nucleic acid probe (5) immobilized on one of the surfaces thereof and is in contact with a sample solution (6) containing at least one type of a target gene (601) for detection and analysis; (b) the semiconductor substrate (3) being installed so as to abut against the other surface of the insulation film (2); and (c) the reference electrode (4) being provided in the sample solution (6). |
| US07695906B2 |
Method for the manufacture of nucleic acid molecules
The present invention is related to a method for the manufacture of a nucleic acid molecule and compounds used therefore. The invention further provides a method of ligating, cleaving and immobilising oligonucleotides in order to manufacture nucleic acid molecules. The invention includes the steps wherein a first and second at least partially double-stranded oligonucleotides are ligated via their respective single-stranded overhangs. The ligation product may be immobilised to the surface via the modification that is provided on the first oligonucleotide. The immobilised ligation product is cleaved with the first type IIS restriction enzyme therein releasing an elongated oligonucleotide having an overhang. The elongated oligonucleotide may further be combined and ligated with a further at least partially double-stranded oligonucleotide to form a further ligated product that may be cleaved with a type IIS restriction enzyme releasing an elongated oligonucleotide having an overhang. The steps may be further repeated in various combinations. |
| US07695905B2 |
Magnetic fine particles having lower critical solution temperature
The present invention relates to magnetic fine particles having a lower critical solution temperature to which at least one substance selected from biotin and avidin is immobilized, and a method of converting a substance, a method of separating or concentrating a microorganism, a method of modifying a denatured protein, a method of detecting a nucleic acid, a separating agent, and a method of separating a biological substance using the same. |
| US07695898B2 |
Photothermographic material and image formation method
Disclosed is a photothermographic material having an image-forming layer containing a silver salt of an organic acid, photosensitive silver halide grains and a reducing agent on a support, wherein ratio of scratch strength measured before heat development and scratch strength measured 30 minutes after the heat development is in the range of 1:1-1:3 for a surface of the image-forming layer side. The photothermographic material shows improved film strength after heat development. |
| US07695897B2 |
Structures and methods for low-k or ultra low-k interlayer dielectric pattern transfer
The present invention relates to improved methods and structures for forming interconnect patterns in low-k or ultra low-k (i.e., having a dielectric constant ranging from about 1.5 to about 3.5) interlevel dielectric (ILD) materials. Specifically, reduced lithographic critical dimensions (CDs) (i.e., in comparison with target CDs) are initially used for forming a patterned resist layer with an increased thickness, which in turn allows use of a simple hard mask stack comprising a lower nitride mask layer and an upper oxide mask layer for subsequent pattern transfer. The hard mask stack is next patterned by a first reactive ion etching (RIE) process using an oxygen-containing chemistry to form hard mask openings with restored CDs that are substantially the same as the target CDs. The ILD materials are then patterned by a second RIE process using a nitrogen-containing chemistry to form the interconnect pattern with the target CDs. |
| US07695895B2 |
Alkali-developable photosensitive color composition
An alkali-developable photosensitive color composition containing a binder resin, a fluorine-containing copolymer, a photopolymerization initiator, a colorant, and a solvent. A photopolymerizable unsaturated compound is used as the binder resin. The photopolymerizable unsaturated compound is obtained by adding (B) an unsaturated monobasic acid to (A) a polyfunctional epoxy resin to form (C) an epoxy adduct and allowing the epoxy adduct (C) and (D) a polybasic acid anhydride to react with each other. |
| US07695894B2 |
Sacrificial compositions and methods of fabricating a structure using sacrificial compositions
Compositions, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary composition, among others, includes a polymer and a catalytic amount of a negative tone photoinitiator. |
| US07695891B2 |
Photosensitive composition, pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition and compound for use in the photosensitive composition
A photosensitive composition comprising a compound capable of generating a compound having a specific structure upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; a pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition; a compound having a specific structure; and a compound capable of generating a compound having a specific structure upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation. |
| US07695889B2 |
Copolymer for semiconductor lithography and process for production thereof
A copolymer for semiconductor lithography, comprising at least a recurring unit (A) having a carboxylic acid ester structure whose solubility in alkali increases by the action of an acid and a carboxyl group-containing recurring unit (B), which copolymer is obtained via a step (P) of (co)polymerizing at least a monomer giving a recurring unit (A) and a step (Q) of forming a recurring unit (B) in the co-presence of a recurring unit (A)-containing (co)polymer and/or a monomer giving a recurring unit (A), and an acid.The copolymer is used in production of semiconductor as a resist polymer which is small in roughness, little in development defect and superior in lithography properties such as DOF and the like. |
| US07695888B2 |
Photosensitive lithographic printing plate
A photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a hydrophilic support and a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer containing: (i) a sensitizing dye having an absorption maximum in a wavelength range of from 360 to 450 nm; (ii) a hexaarylbisimidazole compound; (iii) an addition polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond; (iv) a binder polymer; and (v) a mercapto compound represented by the following formula (1) as defined herein. |
| US07695886B2 |
Process for producing resin particle liquid dispersion for electrostatic image developing toner, electrostatic image developing toner and production process thereof
A process for producing a resin particle liquid dispersion for an electrostatic image developing toner, the process comprising: polycondensing a polycondensable monomer by utilizing an acid having a surface activating effect as a polycondensation catalyst, so as to obtain a polycondensed resin; and dispersing the polycondensed resin in an aqueous medium to which a base is added, so as to obtain a resin particle liquid dispersion in which a median diameter of resin particles is from 0.05 to 2.0 μm, or the process comprising: polycondensing a polycondensable monomer by utilizing an acid having a surface activating effect as a polycondensation catalyst in a co-presence of a polycondensed resin, so as to obtain a polycondensed resin-containing material; and dispersing the polycondensed resin-containing material in an aqueous medium, so as to obtain a resin particle liquid dispersion in which a median diameter of resin particles is from 0.05 to 2.0 μm. |
| US07695885B2 |
Developer and image forming method using the developer
A negatively-chargeable non-magnetic one-component developer for developing an electrostatic latent image using a contact DC-bias development method, having a capacitance of 1.05×10−12 to 1.25×10−12 F, a volume resistivity of 5.0×1010 to 5.0×1012 Ω·cm and a dielectric loss tangent of 1.0×10−3 to 2.0×10−2. In a contact DC-bias development method, the developer has a capacitance of 1.30×10−12 to 1.60×10−12 F, a resistivity of 5.0×109 to 5.0×1010 Ω·cm and a dielectric loss tangent of 1.0×10−3 to 2.0×10−2. In a non-contact DC/AC-bias development method, the developer has a capacitance of 1.45×10−12 to 1.60×10−12 F, a resistivity of 5.0×109 to 1.0×1010 Ω·cm and a dielectric loss tangent of 1.0×10−3 to 2.0×10−2. |
| US07695884B2 |
Toner compositions and processes
An emulsion aggregation toner including a core and a shell wherein the core includes an amorphous polyester, a wax, a crystalline polyester and an optional colorant and wherein the shell includes an amorphous polyester and a wax and is substantially free of crystalline polyester. |
| US07695880B2 |
Toner, electrophotographic apparatus and process cartridge
A toner, and an electrophotographic apparatus and an electrophotographic process cartridge using the toner are provided having excellent charge stability without adversely affecting electric properties of the toner even when used for a long period of time and having excellent image density stability without bringing about image deletion and blurring. The toner includes colored particles containing at least a binder resin and a colorant, and two or more external additives. At least one of the external additives includes hydrophobic treated mesoporous particles, and the mesoporous particles are inorganic particles of at least one type selected from the group consisting of silica, titanium oxide, alumina, cerium oxide, and strontium titanate. |
| US07695877B2 |
Methods and devices for lithography using electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths
One inventive aspect relates to a method of lithographic processing of a device). The method may be performed using a lithographic processing system and applying a reticle). Lithographic processing of a device typically is characterized by focus conditions, a set of selectable lithographic processing system parameter values and selectable reticle parameter values. The method of configuring the lithographic processing comprises receiving values for the lithographic processing system parameters and for the reticle parameters. The method further comprises receiving focus conditions for the lithographic processing, the focus conditions allowing separation of image performance effects due to lithographic processing system aberrations and image performance effects due to reticle shadowing effects. The method further comprises determining image performance effects due to lithographic processing system aberrations and the image performance due to reticle shadowing effects. Furthermore, a test kit for performing a method for lithographic processing devices such as a lithographic processing system or a reticle adapted for using the method is described. |
| US07695876B2 |
Method for identifying and using process window signature patterns for lithography process control
A method for identifying process window signature patterns in a device area of a mask is disclosed. The signature patterns collectively provide a unique response to changes in a set of process condition parameters to the lithography process. The signature patterns enable monitoring of associated process condition parameters for signs of process drift, analyzing of the process condition parameters to determine which are limiting and affecting the chip yields, analyzing the changes in the process condition parameters to determine the corrections that should be fed back into the lithography process or forwarded to an etch process, identifying specific masks that do not transfer the intended pattern to wafers as intended, and identifying groups of masks that share common characteristics and behave in a similar manner with respect to changes in process condition parameters when transferring the pattern to the wafer. |
| US07695873B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing color filter with a line-scan exposure technology by high-speed shutter control
A method and apparatus for producing a color filter is disclosed. It mainly uses an exposure apparatus which can produce a plurality of exposure light sources to do an exposure process. Through fast controlling the on/off time of the plurality of exposure light sources as well as making a relative moving between the plurality of exposure light sources and a substrate plane, a color photoresist layer on the substrate plane can be exposed to form a pattern thereon, wherein the on/off time of the exposure light sources are respectively controlled by a plurality of shutters of the exposure apparatus. Then, with a developing process to the exposed color photoresist layer, a color layer is formed on the substrate plane. The main advantage of the invention is that photo-mask is not needed in the exposure process and any size substrate plane can be handled by the present exposure apparatus. |
| US07695872B2 |
Continuous sloped phase edge architecture fabrication technique using electron or optical beam blur for single phase shift mask ret
A phase shift mask may include boundaries between phase shift regions with continuous sloped phase edges. The continuous sloped phase edges may be produced by introducing a predetermined degree of defocus into a beam used during production of the mask to image the pattern on the mask. Such a phase shift mask may be “trimless”, i.e., not require a corresponding binary “trim” mask for a second exposure to remove phase conflicts after exposure with the phase shift mask. |
| US07695869B2 |
Positive active material for lithium secondary battery and method of preparing same
Disclosed in a positive active material for a lithium secondary battery including a compound represented by formula 1 and having a 10% to 70% ratio of diffracted intensity of diffraction lines in 2θ=53° (104 plane) with respect to diffracted intensity of diffraction lines in the vicinity of 2θ=22° (003 plane) in X-ray diffraction patterns using a CoKα-ray, LixCoO2-yAy (1) wherein, x is from 0.90 to 1.04, y is from 0 to 0.5, and A is selected from the group consisting of F, S and P. |
| US07695868B2 |
Sodium ion secondary battery
The positive electrode active material of a positive electrode includes a sodium-containing transition metal oxide (NaaLibMxO2±α). The M includes at least two of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni). For a negative electrode, a sodium metal or a metal that forms an alloy with sodium is used. A non-aqueous electrolyte produced by dissolving an electrolytic salt (sodium salt) in a non-aqueous solvent is used. Examples of the non-aqueous solvent may include a cyclic carbonate, a chain carbonate, esters, cyclic ethers, chain ethers, nitrites, amides and a combination thereof. |