| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07738222B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for protecting an integrated semiconductor circuit
A circuit arrangement for protecting an integrated semiconductor circuit includes a protection circuit connected between an element to be protected and a reference potential. The protection circuit includes a thyristor structure. The circuit arrangement also includes a control circuit configured to drive the protection circuit by generating a plurality of control signals drive an active element of the protection circuit. |
| US07738219B2 |
Narrow track extraordinary magneto resistive [EMR] device with wide voltage tabs and diad lead structure
A Lorenz magnetoresistive sensor having a pair of voltage leads and a pair of current leads. The voltage leads are located at either side of one of the current leads and are separated by a distance that is substantially equal to the length of a bit to be measured. The Lorenz magnetoresistive sensor can be, for example an extraordinary magnetoresistive sensor having a quantum well structure such as a two dimensional electron gas and a shunt structure formed on an edge of the quantum well structure opposite the voltage and current leads. |
| US07738216B2 |
Thin film magnetic head having a thermal plastic deformation portion and manufacturing the same
A thin film magnetic head includes a slider that floats from a surface of a recording medium by an airflow generated on the surface of the recording medium to be rotated, and a thin film magnetic head element structure that is formed on an air discharging end face of the slider. A thermal plastic deformation portion is provided in the vicinity of the air discharging end face on a back surface of a recording medium facing surface of a slider so that a part of the thin film magnetic head element structure is further spaced from the surface of the recording medium than the recording medium facing surface of the slider. |
| US07738211B2 |
Magnetic disk apparatus and magnetic disk apparatus control method
A magnetic disk apparatus has a heater for heating a head incorporated in the magnetic disk apparatus, an atmospheric pressure detector for detecting a change in atmospheric pressure in the magnetic disk apparatus, and an adjuster for adjusting a thermal dose supplied to the head by the heater according to the change in atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure detector. |
| US07738209B2 |
Recording medium driving device
A magnetic disk device includes a VCM coil that controls the movement of a head for recording or reproducing information onto and from a rotating magnetic disk, and an airflow guiding unit that guides an airflow occurring by the rotation of the magnetic disk toward the VCM coil when the temperature of the VCM coil exceeds a limit temperature defined in advance. |
| US07738206B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing an early warning of thermal decay in magnetic storage devices
A method and apparatus for providing an early warning of thermal decay in magnetic storage media are provided. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a test pattern that is particularly susceptible to thermal decay is written to a disk. The test pattern is then read, and the amplitude of the signal produced by the test pattern is stored. When testing for thermal decay is desired, the test pattern is again read, and the amplitude of the signal produced in the channel is compared to the stored amplitude. If the later amplitude is less than the stored amplitude by at least a predetermined amount, a thermal decay warning signal is generated. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a test pattern is written to a portion of a disk that has been identified as being particularly susceptible to thermal decay. The amplitude produced by the test pattern is then stored so that it can later be compared to an observed amplitude when testing for thermal decay. The present invention allows remedial measures to ensure the integrity of data to be taken before data loss due to thermal decay can occur. |
| US07738205B2 |
Recording disk drive and method of managing defective regions in the same
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to identifying an address of user data to be registered as a defective user data address in disk defect inspection. In an embodiment of the present invention, in the state where a write element is positioned to a target position to execute data write processing to execute normal data read processing, a write element executes data write processing. If a predefined error occurs during the data write processing, an address of user data for which the normal data write processing is executed is estimated using the error-causing servo data as a target. In addition, an address of the servo data used as the target during the normal data write processing for the estimated address of the user data is identified. If the identified address of the servo data and the address of the error-causing servo data match with each other, the estimated address of the user data is registered as a defective user data address. |
| US07738200B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating time corresponding to peak signal amplitude
Various systems and methods for peak signal detection. As one example, a method for peak signal detection that includes receiving a signal is disclosed. The received signal includes a signal region where the signal is increasing in amplitude, another signal region where the signal is decreasing in amplitude, and a transitional signal region coupling the first two signal regions. In some cases, the transitional region is of zero duration and the signal transitions directly from the increasing region to the decreasing region. The method further include calculating a distance between the signal region of increasing amplitude and the signal region of decreasing amplitude, and determining a peak of the received signal that is one half the distance from the signal region of increasing amplitude. |
| US07738198B2 |
Imaging device, lens drive control method and recording medium
A controller controls a drive waveform generator to apply a predetermined voltage to a piezoelectric element and deform the piezoelectric element, thereby moving a lens. The controller acquires the position of the lens based on a magnetic field intensity detected by a Hall device. A shock detection circuit measures a voltage generated by deformation of the piezoelectric element caused by an external shock. The controller determines whether or not the voltage measured by the shock detection circuit is larger than a predetermined threshold, and detects positional misalignment of the lens. When detecting the positional misalignment, the controller resets the lens at a position acquired before the shock was applied. |
| US07738196B2 |
Optical unit
An optical unit is provided which includes gaps dR1 and dR2 in a radial direction that prevent an optical component from being affected by external stress during thermal expansion is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the optical component and an inner circumferential surface of a holder and gaps d0A1 and d0A2 that prevent the optical component adjacent to a pressing component from being affected by external stress during thermal expansion and are formed between predetermined surfaces on the pressing component and the optical component adjacent to the pressing component opposing each other in an optical axis direction. |
| US07738195B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
A lens barrel includes: a plurality of lenses disposed in an outer enclosure; an imaging device that converts image light introduced through the plurality of lenses into an image signal; a first movable unit including a first movable lens and a first lens holder that holds the first movable lens; a second movable unit including a second movable lens and a second lens holder that holds the second movable lens; a first lead screw rotated by a first drive motor; a second lead screw rotated by a second drive motor; a first nut member made of a metal material threadably engaging the first lead screw and connected to the first lens holder; and a second nut member made of a metal material threadably engaging the second lead screw and connected to the second lens holder. |
| US07738190B2 |
Optical engine and wide angle projection lens module thereof
A wide-angle projection lens module is provided, including a reflective convex aspheric mirror and a refractive lens group of positive refractive power. The following Conditions (1) to (2) are satisfied: 15<|Freflective/F|<25 Condition (1), and 1.5<|Frefractive/f|<2.0 (Condition (2), wherein, F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module, Freflective is a focal length of the reflective convex mirror, and Frefractive is a focal length of the refractive lens group. |
| US07738187B2 |
Optical element, projection lens and associated projection exposure apparatus
An optical element (1) made of a material that is transparent to wavelengths in the UV region, which optical element (1) includes an oleophobic coating (6, 7) outside of its optically free diameter whose disperse component of the surface energy is preferably 25 mN/m or less, particularly preferably 20 mN/m or less, in particular 15 mN/m or less. In addition or as an alternative, the optical element (1) within its optically free diameter comprises an oleophilic coating (9b, 9c) that is transparent to wavelengths in the UV region, with the disperse component of the surface energy of this coating preferably being more than 25 mN/m, particularly preferably more than 30 mN/m, in particular more than 40 mN/m. The optical element may be provided in an arrangement in which it dips at least partially into an organic liquid. |
| US07738184B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus incorporating the same
A zoom lens consists of, in order from its object side, a first lens group of negative refracting power, and a second lens group of positive refractive power. Zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end is implemented by changing a distance between the respective lens groups. The first lens group consists of, in order from its object side, a front unit of negative refracting power, and a rear unit of negative refracting power. The front unit consists of, in order from its object side, a first lens that has negative refracting power, and a second lens with smaller refracting power than the first lens. The rear unit consists of, in order from its object side, a third lens of negative refracting power, a fourth lens of negative refracting power, and a fifth lens that has positive refracting power. |
| US07738183B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus having the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, the second lens unit including a positive lens, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. In the zoom lens, intervals between adjacent ones of the first lens unit, the second lens unit, and the third lens unit are variable during zooming. In the zoom lens, a refractive power of a material of the positive lens included in the second lens unit (Nd2P) and an Abbe number of the material of the positive lens included in the second lens unit (νd2P) satisfy the following conditions: Nd2P+0.01×νd2P>2.3 1.65 |
| US07738174B2 |
System for optical color division
A system for optical color division receives an incident light from a side and divides the incident light into a plurality of color lights. The system includes a light guide plate for allowing the incident light to have total internal reflection back and forth therein. A surface of the light guide plate has a plurality of microstructures, which can destroy the total internal reflection and enable the light to exit. |
| US07738173B2 |
Optical safety element and system for visualising hidden information
The invention concerns an optical security element and a system for visualising items of concealed information comprising such an optical security element. The optical security element has a substrate layer in which a relief structure defined by relief parameters, in particular relief shape, relief depth, spatial frequency and azimuth angle, is shaped in the surface region defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis, for producing an optically perceptible effect. One or more of the relief parameters defining the relief structure are varied in the surface region in accordance with a parameter variation function. The surface region is divided into one or more pattern regions and a background region. One or more of the relief parameters defining the relief structure are varied in the one or more pattern regions in accordance with a parameter variation function which is phase-displaced in relation to the parameter variation function of the background region. There is further provided a verification element which has a verification grating which is defined by a periodic transmission function and whose period corresponds to the period of the parameter variation function. |
| US07738172B2 |
Structures and methods for reducing aberration in optical systems
An optical imaging system for producing an optical image includes one or more powered optical elements with polarization aberration that degrade said optical image; and a polarization rotation system configured to reduce the contributions of the polarization aberration to the degradation of said optical image. The optical system may be used in a photolithography tool to pattern substrates such as semiconductor substrates and thereby produce semiconductor devices. |
| US07738171B2 |
Autostereoscopic display apparatus
An autostereoscopic display apparatus includes multiple micro-display devices for exporting an 3-dimensional image. Each of the micro-display devices produces a portion image of the image. The portion image has multiple viewing-zone portion images with respect to multiple viewing zones. An image guiding unit has multiple micro-image output terminals, which are arranged according to an array sequence being set, so as to guide the output images from the micro-display devices. A stereo-image discrete screen is coupled with the image guiding unit, so that the image can transit the stereo-image discrete screen through multiple column transparent regions for producing multiple viewing-zone images of the image with respect to the different viewing zones. The image guiding unit can be, for example, an optical fiber array unit or an array-type light guiding unit. |
| US07738170B2 |
Projection system
Provided is a projection system capable of obtaining a sharp contrast without being influenced by an ambient light, the projection system including a projection screen, containing a substrate and a polarized light selective-reflection layer formed on the substrate that diffuse-reflects right-handed circularly polarized light or left-handed circularly polarized light. An image is displayed by reflecting an image light irradiated from a projector on the projection screen. An external light screen is installed at an external light entrance and disposed in a sequence of a linearly polarizing plate and a retardation plate from an external side, and the external light screen circularly polarizes a light in reverse direction to the circularly polarized light diffuse-reflected by the polarized light-selective reflection layer. A transmission axis of the linearly polarizing plate is in a horizontal direction. |
| US07738165B2 |
Amplified spontaneous emission reflector-based gain-clamped fiber amplifier
Provided is an all-optical gain-clamped fiber amplifier, comprising transmission and isolation means for periodically transmitting an optical signal or reflecting amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) back to a gain medium. The transmission and isolation means can be embodied by an optical interleaver or a number of optical fiber Bragg gratings. Accordingly, an optical signal can be amplified across the entire C-band, and an ASE reflector-based gain-clamped fiber amplifier having a wider dynamic range than conventional amplifiers can be implemented. |
| US07738162B2 |
Short wavelength light source
A short wavelength light source is provided with a fundamental wave light source for generating a fundamental wave, and a plurality of wavelength conversion elements made of nonlinear optical crystals having periodic polarization-inversion structures and adapted to convert a part of the fundamental wave into a second harmonic, and the nonlinear optical crystals of the plurality of wavelength conversion elements are different in material or composition. By converting the fundamental wave from the fundamental wave light source by the plurality of wavelength conversion elements, the generation of a thermal lens effect caused by light absorption can be suppressed to improve a high output resistance. |
| US07738160B2 |
Optical components, illumination systems, and methods
Lithography aperture lenses, illumination systems, and methods are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a lens includes a substantially transparent material and an electro-optical material disposed proximate the substantially transparent material, wherein the lens is a lens for an illuminator of a lithography system. |
| US07738158B2 |
Electromechanical device treatment with water vapor
Methods, devices, and systems provide MEMS devices exhibiting at least one of reduced stiction, reduced hydrophilicity, or reduced variability of certain electrical characteristics using MEMS devices treated with water vapor. The treatment is believed to form one or more passivated surfaces on the interior and/or exterior of the MEMS devices. Relatively gentle temperature and pressure conditions ensure modification of surface chemistry without excessive water absorption after removal of sacrificial material to release the MEMS devices. |
| US07738157B2 |
System and method for a MEMS device
Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. |
| US07738156B2 |
Display devices comprising of interferometric modulator and sensor
An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope. |
| US07738155B2 |
Electrochromic mirrors and other electrooptic devices
This invention focuses on electrooptic devices and in particular on electrochromic devices with many aspects directed towards automotive EC mirrors. There are several ways to improve these products and their processing using this invention and some of the prominent ones are outlined below. This invention improves on the devices by disclosing new compositions for electrodes and methods of depositing them. It also addresses novel ways to provide busbars to power these devices in order to improve their performance. The device processing attributes and performance are also improved by adhesive compositions and solid electrolytes disclosed herein. In addition sensors are also disclosed which are novel for use in electrochromic mirrors. The invention also discloses how the electrolytes comprising ionic liquids have no adverse effect on attributes of commercial EC mirrors and often result in improved performance and/or feature enhancements. |
| US07738149B2 |
System and method for managing electronic transmission of color data
The present invention relates to a system and method for electronically communicating, coordinating and disseminating product designs, specifications and production-related data between a plurality of parties. More particularly, the invention relates to the coordination of parties that create color and graphic designs, including manufacturers, designers, suppliers and printers for new or existing color products. |
| US07738147B2 |
Method of monitoring at least one printing parameter of printer, method of determining and sending at least one printing parameter of a printer, printing system and printer
A printing system having a control arrangement and at least one printer, which are connected to each other via a communications network, in which the printer comprises the following components: a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor for registering at least one printing parameter, an encoding unit coupled to the sensor arrangement for encoding a printing parameter message belonging to a printing parameter determined by the sensor arrangement, a data transmitting unit, which is connected to the communications network, for sending the printing parameter message, in which the control arrangement comprises the following components: a data receiving unit, which is connected to the communications network, for receiving the printing parameter message, a decoding unit for decoding the printing parameter message, a printing parameter monitoring unit, coupled to the decoding unit, for monitoring the printing parameter received. |
| US07738146B2 |
Image reading device
An image reading device has a CIS unit. The CIS unit is held by a carriage. A compression coil spring that presses the CIS unit toward a contact glass plate is disposed between the bottom surface of the carriage and the bottom surface of the CIS unit. An extension coil spring that pulls the CIS unit toward the carriage is attached between the bottom surface of the carriage and the center portion of the CIS unit. |
| US07738142B2 |
Estimating color of a colorant deposited on a substrate
Systems and methods are provided that accurately estimate a post-printing appearance of a color on a substrate. In addition, systems and methods are provided that accurately estimate a post-mixing appearance of several colors mixed on a substrate. |
| US07738140B2 |
System and method for automated spot color editor
Provided is a method for enabling accurate and consistent imaging of selected colors within a document for various printing device configurations utilizing an automated spot color editor. The method includes determining appropriate target values for a selected color within a print job. The automated spot color editor modifies or adjusts the selected color by selecting a quality level, in the form of a color difference metric, and a maximum number of iterations, which is the maximum number of times the automated spot color editor is operated to calculate a CMYK color formula. Sample patch(es) are printed and analyzed for the selected target value and a CMYK color formula based on the color composition of the sample patch is calculated. The CMYK color formula is inserted into a spot color editing table. Through a graphical user interface, an operator may review the color formula for acceptance. |
| US07738138B2 |
Image processing device, transfer controlling method of image processing device, output controlling method of image processing device, control program of image processing device, storage medium storing control program of image processing device
In order to realize quick writing and reading of information required in an editorial process of an image onto and from a disc type storage device, an image processing device of the present invention includes: an input image receiving section for receiving image data having been inputted; a first compression transfer section for transferring the image data received by the input image receiving section directly to an HDD; an area data generation section for generating area data of the image data on the basis of the image data having been received; a second compression transfer section for transferring the area data, having been generated by the area data generation section, to the HDD; and an output image processing section for editing the image data on the basis of the area data stored in the HDD. Thus, it is possible to quickly transfer the image data and the area data to the HDD. |
| US07738132B2 |
Printer driver filter and method of printing with the same
A computer device including: a loading unit configured to load an updatable stored print option from a predetermined storage unit; a display unit configured to display a user interface based on the loaded print option; a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction from an operator via the user interface, wherein the instruction includes a selected print option; and an executing unit configured to execute the instruction. |
| US07738129B2 |
Method and apparatus for assigning candidate processing nodes in a stream-oriented computer system
A method of choosing jobs to run in a stream based distributed computer system includes determining jobs to be run in a distributed stream-oriented system by deciding a priority threshold above which jobs will be accepted, below which jobs will be rejected. Overall importance is maximized relative to the priority threshold based on importance values assigned to all jobs. System constraints are applied to ensure jobs meet set criteria. |
| US07738127B2 |
Proximity warnings for remote services
Techniques for issuing proximity warnings for services are provided. A first location associated with a requestor that makes a request to a remote service is determined. A second location associated with the remote service is resolved. The first and second locations are compared. In response to the compare, a decision is made as to whether a warning message is issued to the requestor or as to whether the request is passed through to the remote service for processing. |
| US07738126B2 |
Method for generating disk label print data
A method for generating printing data on the basis of which a disk label is creatable includes the steps of a) generating graphic data representing said disk label at a graphic data generating location (2 to 5), b) transforming said graphic data into said printing data at a printing data generating location (2 to 5), wherein said graphic data generating location (2 to 5) and said printing data generating location (2 to 5) are parts of a communication network (6), respectively, wherein steps a) and b) are controlled by a network capable client (3 to 5) being part of said communication network (6). |
| US07738125B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and computer product
In an image processing apparatus, a document is read to obtain image data of the document, and a color material of an image forming unit is selected. If it is detected that reproduction of a document is prohibited, a document distinction disabling process, which inhibits reproduction of the document, is applied to the image data of the document using selected color material, and the image data subjected to the document distinction disabling process is sent to the image forming unit to form an output of the image data. |
| US07738124B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus performs a user authentication process and performs a private print process according to a request from an authenticated user. When the user requests interruption of the private print which is now performed or it is detected that the user has left a place near the image forming apparatus while the private print is being performed, the image forming apparatus interrupts the private print which is now performed and stores a print state at the interruption time. Further, the image forming apparatus performs a user authentication process and re-starts the private print which is interrupted in response to a re-start request from the authenticated user. |
| US07738122B2 |
Tape printing apparatus, data processing method for tape printing apparatus, printing system, data processing method for printing system, computer program and storage medium
Basic image data serving as a source of print image data is stored. The loading of a special tape is detected when the print image based on the print image data is printed on the special tape having a particular non-printing area. The print image data is generated and then printed with non-printing area image data out of the basic image data masked. |
| US07738115B2 |
Optical device for measuring modulated signal light
An optical device for determining at least one signal light component being characteristic for an optical near-field interaction of a probe with an object to be investigated, wherein the near-field interaction is subjected to a fundamental modulation at a fundamental frequency Ω, comprises an interferometer device with an illumination light path (I) being directed to the probe, a reference light path (II) being directed to a detector device for obtaining detector output signals including signal light components, and a signal light path (III) being directed from the probe to the detector device, wherein the reference and signal light paths (II, III) are superimposed at the detector device, and a demodulation device for determining the signal light components by demodulating the detector output signals, wherein the reference light path (II) does not contain the probe, an interferometer phase modulator is arranged in the reference light path (II) or signal light path (III) for changing an interferometer phase comprising the optical phase difference between the reference light and the signal light, and the demodulation device is adapted for determining the signal light components from the detector output signals obtained at three or more different interferometer states, which represent three or more different interferometer phases or at least two different interferometer phases with at least one state wherein the reference light path (II) is blocked. |
| US07738113B1 |
Wafer measurement system and apparatus
A method and apparatus for the measurement of wafer thickness, flatness and the trench depth of any trenches etched thereon using the back surface of the wafer to accurately measure the back side of a trench, rendering the trench an effective bump, capable of being measured on the top surface and the bottom surface through a non-contact optical instrument that simultaneously measures the wavelength of the top surface and bottom surface of the wafer, converting the distance between wavelengths to a thickness measurement, using a light source that renders the material of which the wafer is composed transparent in that wavelength range, i.e., using the near infrared region for measuring the thickness and trench depth measurement of wafers made of silicon, which is opaque in the visible region and transparent in the near infrared region. Thickness and flatness, as well as localized shape, can also be measured using a calibration method that utilizes a pair of optical styli. |
| US07738111B2 |
Ultrafast chirped optical waveform recording using referenced heterodyning and a time microscope
A new technique for capturing both the amplitude and phase of an optical waveform is presented. This technique can capture signals with many THz of bandwidths in a single shot (e.g., temporal resolution of about 44 fs), or be operated repetitively at a high rate. That is, each temporal window (or frame) is captured single shot, in real time, but the process may be run repeatedly or single-shot. This invention expands upon previous work in temporal imaging by adding heterodyning, which can be self-referenced for improved precision and stability, to convert frequency chirp (the second derivative of phase with respect to time) into a time varying intensity modulation. By also including a variety of possible demultiplexing techniques, this process is scalable to recoding continuous signals. |
| US07738110B2 |
Displacement sensor based on photonic crystal waveguides
A displacement sensor comprising at least one pair of co-planar photonic crystal waveguide (PCWG) sections aligned along or parallel to a common axis and separated by a gap, one PCWG section of a pair operative to perform a displacement relative to the other section of the pair. In some embodiments, the sensor is linear, comprising two PCWG sections separated by a gap that forms a cross PCWG, the displacement sensing performed preferrably differentially between two edges of the cross PCWG. In other embodiments, the sensor includes Mach Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) configurations with gaps between fixed and moving PCWG sections. Displacement induced changes in the gap widths are reflected in changes in an output parameter of the MZI. |
| US07738108B2 |
Interferometer
The present invention relates to an interferometer, comprising at least a beamsplitter (10), at least one end reflector (11) for returning beams (S2, S3), and a set of reflectors (14, 15) for reflecting the beams (S2, S3) between the beamsplitter (10) and the end reflector (11) or the end reflectors, at least some of said set of reflectors (14, 15) being adapted to be rotatable around an axis (ω). Said set of reflectors comprises two angle reflectors (14, 15), constituted by plane reflectors, and the said end reflector (11) is or the end reflectors are an angle reflector constituted by plane reflectors (11′, 11″). An angle line of the end reflector (11) is or the angle lines of end reflectors are arranged perpendicular to an angle line of both of the angle reflectors (14, 15). |
| US07738107B2 |
Surface plasmon enhanced fluorescence sensor and fluorescence detecting method
A fluorescence sensor is constituted by: a light source, for emitting excitation light of a predetermined wavelength; a dielectric block, formed of a material that transmits the excitation light; a metal film, formed on a surface of the dielectric block; a non flexible film of a hydrophobic material, formed on the metal film at a film thickness within a range of 10 to 100 nm; a sample holding portion, for holding a sample such that the sample contacts the non flexible film; an incident optical system, for causing the excitation light to enter the interface between the dielectric block and the metal film through the dielectric block such that conditions for total internal reflection are satisfied; and fluorescence detecting means, for detecting fluorescence emitted by a substance within the sample, which is excited by evanescent waves that leak from the interface when the excitation light enters the interface. |
| US07738106B2 |
Method and system for estimating surface plasmon resonance shift
A surface plasmon measurement instrument measures a change in a property (e.g., refractive index) of a material layer. The method includes providing a prism with a rear surface having a metal layer disposed thereon; providing the material layer on the metal layer on the rear surface of the prism; directing a source beam through the prism toward the rear surface in a vicinity of the material layer; performing at least two sampled measurements to detect light reflected from the rear surface and to produce two corresponding data sets; transforming the data sets to a transform domain; processing the transformed data sets to estimate a sample shift between the two data sets; and determining a change in a property of the material layer using the estimated sample shift. |
| US07738105B1 |
System and method of applying horizontally oriented arc-lamps in ellipsometer or the like systems
Control of the angle-of-incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation provided by a horizontally oriented arc-lamp in ellipsometer, polarimeter, spectrophotometer, reflectometer, or the like systems. |
| US07738104B2 |
Gas sensing apparatus and method of sensing gas using the same
Provided are a gas sensing apparatus and a gas sensing method using the apparatus. The gas sensing apparatus includes a detection chamber, a light source, a light sensor, a gas source, and a controller. The light source is disposed at one end of the detection chamber, and a light sensor is disposed at the other end of the detection chamber. The gas source provides gas to the detection chamber. The controller controls the light source and the light sensor. The light source includes a laser supplying laser light, and a light scanner reflecting and scanning the laser light in the detection chamber. The controller includes a phase sensitive detector electrically connected to the light sensor. |
| US07738100B2 |
Particle counting and DNA uptake system and method for detection, assessment and further analysis of threats due to nebulized biological agents
The Nebulized Airborne Biohazard Stage Alert (NABSA) is a method utilizing an optical particle counter in conjunction with a fluorometer as triggers to detect and assess potential biohazard threats infused into surrounding air. In the first stage an optical particle counter is constantly passing sampled air in front of an energy source, in turn scattering light. This scattered light is evaluated to establish if the particles are above one micrometer in concentrations, and thus potentially an aerosolized threat. Such detection triggers the secondary stage in which the sample particles are tested for viability via processing through a dye with fluorescent properties affected when bonded with an entity universally found in all biological substances and a UV light source. The detection of concentrations of oversized, viable particles triggers the third stage to compare a sample of the particles to known biowarfare agents to delineate the specific agent species. |
| US07738099B2 |
Pathogen and particle detector system and method
The system includes an excitation source for providing a beam of electromagnetic radiation having a source wavelength. A first wavelength selective device is positioned to be impinged by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. The first wavelength selective device is constructed to transmit at least a portion of any radiation having the source wavelength and to reflect radiation of other wavelengths. A medium containing particles is positioned to be impinged by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. At least a portion of the beam of electromagnetic radiation becomes scattered within the medium, the scattered electromagnetic radiation including forward scattered electromagnetic radiation and backward scattered electromagnetic radiation. An optical detector is positioned to receive backward and/or forward scattered electromagnetic radiation. |
| US07738096B2 |
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) systems, substrates, fabrication thereof, and methods of use thereof
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) systems including nanostructures and capable of detecting analytes, in particular biomolecules, of interest are provided. Methods of making the SERS systems and methods for detection of a biomolecule of interest, such as a virus or other infectious agent are also provided. |
| US07738088B2 |
Optical method and system for generating calibration data for use in calibrating a part inspection system
An optical method and system for generating calibration data are provided. The calibration data is for use in calibrating a part inspection system. The method includes supporting a calibration device having a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The method further includes scanning the device with an array of spaced planes of radiation so that the device occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the central axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the device. The method still further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals. The method includes processing the measurement signals to obtain calibration data for calibrating the system. The calibration data is capable of converting raw data to calibrated data. |
| US07738085B2 |
Device and method for in vitro determination of analyte concentration within body fluids
A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band. |
| US07738082B1 |
System and method for measuring a size of a distant object
Measuring the size of a distant object using a gauge sized according to a range to the object is provided. A user may select an initial target scale size and use an aiming mark to align a rangefinder with the object before determining the range. Indicia may be associated with the gauge, both of which could be displayed in a field of view of an optical sighting device, such as a rangefinder, riflescope, or spotting scope. In addition, the gauge or the indicia, or both may be alterable in response to the determined range. While looking through an eyepiece of the optical sighting device, the user may align the gauge with the object and estimate its size by visually comparing the gauge and object with reference to the indicia. The gauge may be geometrically shaped and may contain a series of spaced apart measuring marks having a logarithmic spacing. |
| US07738080B2 |
Stage apparatus, method for controlling the same, exposure apparatus, and method for manufacturing device
A stage apparatus includes a base, a stage that can move on a surface of the base, a first imparting unit arranged inside the base, which has a mass body and an actuator that is fixed to the base and moves the mass body in a direction vertical to the surface, the first imparting unit being configured to apply a force to the base by moving the mass body, and a controlling unit that controls the movement of the mass body in the vertical direction in the first imparting unit in accordance with movement of the stage, so that a force, which is generated in the base by the movement of the stage in a rotational direction around an axis parallel to the surface, is reduced. |
| US07738074B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithography apparatus comprises a temperature controller configured to adjust a temperature of a projection system, a substrate and a liquid towards a common target temperature. Controlling the temperature of these elements and reducing temperature gradients may improve imaging consistency and general lithographic performance. Measures to control the temperature may include controlling the immersion liquid flow rate and liquid temperature, for example, via a feedback circuit. |
| US07738071B2 |
Method of forming fine pattern, liquid crystal device having a fine pattern and fabricating method thereof
This invention relates to a method of forming fine pattern that is adaptive for forming a fine pattern without limit of an exposure resolution, a liquid crystal display device and a fabricating method. The method of forming fine pattern comprises forming a photo-resist pattern on a transparent conductive layer. The photo-resist pattern having a minimum line width corresponding to an exposure resolution of an exposure device. The method further comprises over-etching the transparent conductive layer by an etching process using the photo-resist pattern as a mask to form an electrode pattern having a line width narrower than the exposure resolution of the exposure device. |
| US07738067B2 |
Method of manufacturing spacers on a color filter substrate
A liquid crystal display device, a color filter substrate and a protruding structure, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The color filter substrate includes a transparent substrate, a black matrix, a plurality of color filters, a plurality of first protruding structures, and a plurality of second protruding structures. The black matrix is disposed on the transparent substrate and exposes part of the transparent substrate for defining a plurality of first openings, a plurality of second openings, and a plurality of pixel regions, wherein the size of each first opening is different from the size of each second opening. In addition, the color filters are disposed in the pixel regions. The first protruding structures and the second protruding structures are disposed on the transparent substrate, wherein the first protruding structures correspond to the first openings respectively and the second protruding structures correspond to the second openings respectively. |
| US07738064B2 |
Retardation plate and its manufacturing method, circularly polarizing plate and 1/2 wave plate using same, and a reflective liquid crystal display
A method is provided for manufacturing a wide band retardation plate which gives uniform phase difference characteristics to incident light over the whole visible wavelength region, and which, as it permits selection of raw materials regardless of whether they have a positive or negative intrinsic double refraction value, allows a wide selection of raw materials. For this purpose, the method comprises a machine direction-stretched film-forming step for transporting and stretching in an identical direction to the transport direction, a Material A of two or more materials having different positive intrinsic double refraction values to form a machine direction-stretched film, a transverse direction-stretched film-forming step for transporting and stretching in a perpendicular direction to the transport direction, a Material B of the aforesaid two or more materials to form a transverse direction-stretched film, and a lamination step for laminating the machine direction-stretched film and the transverse direction-stretched film. |
| US07738063B2 |
Vertically aligned liquid crystal display using polynorbornene based polymer film
Provided are a vertically aligned liquid crystal display (VA-LCD) with good viewing angle characteristics, which has liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈<0). In the VA-LCD, a polynorbornene based polymer film is used as a protection film and/or as a negative C-plate retardation film for an upper polarization plate and/or a lower polarization plate. Therefore, high contrast characteristics for a front view and an oblique angle view are realized and color change for an oblique angle view can be minimized. |
| US07738047B2 |
Systems and methods of all-optical Fourier phase contrast imaging using dye doped liquid crystals
Under one aspect, a phase contrast imaging system includes a coherent light source emitting a coherent beam directed toward a sample area; a lens arranged to collect at least part of the beam from the sample area; an element Fourier transforming the collected beam in a Fourier plane; a liquid crystal cell in the Fourier plane that transmits at least part of the transformed beam, wherein the cell includes liquid crystal molecules having a phase transition temperature, and wherein at temperatures exceeding the phase transition temperature, light transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules obtains a different phase than light transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules obtains at temperatures below the phase transition temperature; and an element inversely Fourier transforming the transmitted beam to provide an image. Part of the transformed beam has an intensity sufficient to heat a portion of the liquid crystal molecules above the phase transition temperature. |
| US07738040B2 |
Method and system for detecting digital QAM, VSB and analog TV signals
System and methods for processing signals in a television system are disclosed and may include measuring relative power of RF carriers over a full bandwidth of one or more received TV channels. The method may also include determining based on the measured relative power, whether the one or more received TV channels includes a digital component or an analog component without demodulating the received TV channel. It may be determined whether the one or more received TV channels includes a digital component or an analog component without synchronizing and/or decoding the one or more received TV channels. The method may further include tuning to the one or more received TV channels. It may be determined whether an applied power gain for the one or more received TV channels is a maximum power gain. |
| US07738032B2 |
Apparatus for and method of taking and viewing images of the skin
A self-contained, portable apparatus and corresponding method for capturing, displaying and analyzing images of a person includes a housing for containing a digital camera, a light source capable of providing at least two different wavelengths of light, a touch-screen display and a computer for controlling the camera, the light source and the display. The apparatus selectively captures and displays a plurality of digital images using different wavelengths of illuminating light. The light source may include a plurality of flashes and filters, some of which may be adjustable to adjust the angle of incidence of the illuminating light on the subject. Preferably, the apparatus is self-serve, allowing any person to capture, review and analyze the images. To that end, the apparatus may provide a moving image and verbal instructions to a user to aid in positioning themselves relative to the camera. Instruction may further be provided by text or internet connection for using the apparatus and/or interpreting the captured images. An intuitive graphic user interface with thumbnail images is employed. Focus control, zoom and synchronized side-by side comparison of images are available. |
| US07738027B2 |
Auto focus method and electric device using the same
An auto focus method. A step length for a driving motor and a track length are defined and a storage medium is provided. The driving motor is shifted to an initial position and the storage medium is cleaned. The driving motor sequentially shifts a focus lens to a plurality of sampling positions based on the step length. A plurality of evaluation values corresponding to each sampling position and a plurality of step lengths corresponding to each evaluation value for a desired image are recorded in the storage medium. A weighted average is calculated according to the evaluation values and the step lengths recorded in the storage medium using a statistical formula. The driving motor shifts the focus lens to a focus position according to the weighted average. |
| US07738024B2 |
Image processing method, imaging apparatus, and storage medium storing control program of image processing method executable by computer
An image processing method is provided for detecting the position of a specific subject from a movie and combining a display of detection result indicating the detected position with the movie. The image processing method includes a step of determining, depending on a display time of the detection result, whether the detection result should be continuously displayed, when the subject cannot be detected during the display of the detection result combined with the movie. |
| US07738023B2 |
Timing signal processing apparatus for controlling driving of image-capturing element, and camera
A timing generator sets a 1-frame period, in which a pixel signal is read from a CCD, at a first period or a second period that is longer than the first period. The timing generator outputs specific timing signals (with optimal driving frequencies) to a vertical driver and a horizontal driver. If it is discriminated that the timing signal for a time period necessary for reading the pixel signal for one frame is output, the timing generator stops the output of the timing signal. Thereby, power saving can be achieved without deterioration of image quality, while reading of the pixel signal is being executed with an optimal driving frequency for the image-capturing element. |
| US07738019B2 |
System and method for providing automatic gain control in an imaging device
A system and method of providing automatic gain control (AGC) in an imaging device uses accumulated signals stored in active pixels of an image sensor during an exposure period to derive a shutter value for subsequent image capture. |
| US07738017B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic linear shift parallax correction for multi-array image systems
A method and apparatus for correcting linear shift parallax error in multi-array image systems. Average pixel cell signal values for pixel cells within a summing window of each column or row of at least two sub-arrays are computed during read-out. The images of the sub-arrays are correlated based on the averages, then shifted based on a result of the correlation function to correct the exhibited parallax error. The summation, correlation, and shifting can be performed by a pixel pipeline processing circuit. |
| US07738004B2 |
Display apparatus to display a picture according to an input video signal and control method thereof
A display apparatus displaying a picture based on an input video signal includes an auto-adjustment button to select an implement of an auto-adjustment function, and a controller to implement a quick auto-adjustment function when the input video signal is determined to be changed in a display mode on the basis of the input video signal, and to implement a detailed auto-adjustment function when the auto-adjustment function is selected by the auto-adjustment button. In the display apparatus and a control method thereof, the auto-adjustment function is differently implemented according to the auto-adjustment mode and the selection of the auto-adjustment button. |
| US07738003B2 |
Display device for shifting location of pixels and method thereof
A display device and method are provided for shifting the location of pixels. The display device has a display panel with a certain panel resolution, a signal input part for receiving an input signal with a certain input resolution, a resolution adjustment part for adjusting the panel resolution of the display panel to an output resolution matched with the input resolution, a signal process part for processing the input signal to be output through the display panel, a pixel shift distance calculation part for calculating a pixel shift distance on the display panel by using a proportional value between the panel resolution and the output resolution, and a control part for controlling the signal process part to shift a location of each pixel of the input signal displayed on the display panel the pixel shift distance in a certain direction at a certain time interval. Therefore, the pixels can be shifted the same distance, even though the resolution is varied. |
| US07738001B2 |
PWM driver for a passive matrix display and corresponding method
This invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for driving passive, electro-optic displays with greater efficiency. The invention is particularly suitable for driving passive matrix organic light emitting diode displays. |
| US07737999B2 |
User interface for visual cooperation between text input and display device
A user-interface system for entering an alphanumeric string or alphanumeric clusters for identifying information content is presented. The user-interface system has presentation logic for displaying an image of a virtual user alphanumeric interface on a presentation device. The virtual user alphanumeric interface includes an image of an overloaded keypad that has a two dimensional configuration of alphanumeric clusters. Each cluster corresponds to a set of alphanumeric characters. The user-interface system also has cluster selection logic for receiving user actions from an input device (e.g., five-button interface) to provide visual cues to help the user select an alphanumeric cluster and to cause the selected alphanumeric cluster or character from a cluster to be displayed in a display field of the virtual user alphanumeric interface. |
| US07737998B1 |
System and method for contiguous images from polygons
A system, method and computer-readable media are disclosed for generating an image from another image of contiguous polygons and a vector containing values to which areas of corresponding polygons are scaled. The method embodiment relates to generating an image from a plurality of contiguous polygons having vertices. The method comprises calculating a shape value associated with a polygon, calculating an altered shape value associated with an altered polygon, the altered polygon being an altered version of the polygon, calculating a shape distortion by comparing the shape value and the altered shape value and determining whether to accept the altered polygon based on the calculated shape distortion. |
| US07737986B2 |
Methods and systems for tiling video or still image data
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for tiling video or still image data. At least some preferred embodiments include a method for accessing data that includes partitioning a display of graphical data into a plurality of two-dimensional tiles; mapping a two-dimensional tile of the plurality of two-dimensional tiles to a single memory row within a memory; and maintaining the graphical data for the two-dimensional tile in the single memory row. |
| US07737985B2 |
Pixel cache for 3D graphics circuitry
Apparatus are provided including device memory, hardware entities, a sub-image cell value cache, and a cache write operator. At least some of the hardware entities perform actions involving access to and use of the device memory. The hardware entities include 3D graphics circuitry to process, for ready display, 3D images from primitive objects. The cache is separate from the device memory, and is provided to hold data, including buffered sub-image cell values. The cache is connected to the 3D graphics circuitry so that pixel processing portions of the 3D graphics circuitry access the buffered sub-image cell values in the cache, in lieu of the pixel processing portions directly accessing the sub-image cell values in the device memory. The write operator writes the buffered sub-image cell values to the device memory under direction of a priority scheme. The priority scheme preserves in the cache border cell values bordering one or more primitive objects. |
| US07737984B2 |
Method and system for an external front buffer for a graphical system
In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for displaying images in at least one display window on a display unit includes a display processor configured to generate graphics commands from a received input. A graphics processing unit is coupled to the display processor and includes rendering engine configured to generate graphic data from the graphics commands, an internal memory coupled to the rendering engine, and a general purpose I/O coupled to the rendering engine and configured to transmit messages from the graphics processing unit. A graphics logic device is coupled to the graphics processing unit. The graphics logic device is configured to initiate a transfer of graphic data for an update of a display window from the internal memory to the display unit upon receipt of a message indicative of an available update to the display window. An external memory is coupled to the graphics logic device and the external memory is configured to supply graphic data to the display window when the update of the display unit is not available and to store the update of the display window when the display window receives the update from the internal memory. |
| US07737980B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supporting and implementing computer based animation
The present invention provides a method for hierarchically decomposing a visual or audio object within an animation into plurality of objects which can be individually edited to achieve particular animation effects. For example, a graphical object may be decomposed into a plurality of graphical sub-objects, each of which inherits an anchor point from the original object, or is given an original anchor point distinct from the original object. Each sub-object also includes a relative position for the sub-object relative to the anchor point. The path of the anchor point is combined with relative positions of the sub-objects to produce an animation for the object as a whole. This decomposition technique can greatly increase computational efficiency of an animation. It also provides for inheritance of attributes between objects and descendent sub-objects. The objects may support functions, or behaviors, such as morphing or motion blurring. The present invention additionally provides a flexible grouping operation to facilitate modifications to a group of objects. When a first type of modification is made to an attribute of an object in a group, this change is applied to corresponding attributes of other objects in the group. When a second type of modification is made to an attribute of an object in a group, the change only applies to the selected object or objects, and not to other objects in the group. The present invention allows objects to be manipulated on servers which are connected to a display on the internet. |
| US07737978B2 |
Display, displaying method, information recording medium, and program
To provide a display, etc. suitable for appropriately processing display in a case where it is expected, in three-dimensional graphics display, that a viewpoint will collide with an object, a storage unit (202) of a display (201) stores the coordinates of a viewpoint and an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, moving velocities, etc., an associating unit (203) associates a real time and a virtual time in the virtual three-dimensional space, a moving unit (204) calculates the coordinates of the viewpoint and object and moving velocities, etc. at the associated virtual time to update the values stored in the storage unit (202), a display unit (205) displays the state of the virtual three-dimensional space as observed from the viewpoint, and a determination unit (206) determines whether or not the viewpoint will collide with the object after a predetermined virtual threshold period elapses, and makes the elapse of the virtual time slower than the real time in a case where it is determined that a collision will occur. |
| US07737977B2 |
Techniques for automatically maintaining continuity across discrete animation changes
Techniques for automatically maintaining continuity in animation across discrete animation changes. Smooth animation is achieved without forcing the animator to manually calculate compensation values or introducing extra controls to the models that are animated. Continuity or smoothness of the animation is maintained as varying aspects of the animation change under continued authoring. |
| US07737975B2 |
Normal vector information generating device and normal vector information generating method
The normal vector information generating device generates normal vector information on the surface of an object, and includes: an image information obtaining unit obtaining information about an image of the object, the information including luminance information about luminance of light from the object and polarization information about polarization of the light; a shadow area extracting unit extracting an attached shadow area and a cast shadow area from the image based on the luminance information and the polarization information, the attached shadow area appearing on the surface of the object depending on an angle of incidence light, and the cast shadow area appearing on the surface of a material body when the light is blocked by the object; and a normal vector information generating unit generating normal vector information identifying a normal vector on the surface of the object in the attached shadow area using the polarization information. |
| US07737974B2 |
Reallocation of spatial index traversal between processing elements in response to changes in ray tracing graphics workload
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for reallocating workload related to traversal of a ray through a spatial index. In a first operating state a workload manager may be experiencing a first or a normal workload. In the first operating state the workload manager may be responsible for traversing the entire spatial index and a vector throughput engine may be responsible for performing ray-primitive intersection tests. In an increased workload state the workload manager may experience an increased workload. In response to the increased workload the image processing system may partition the spatial index such that the workload manager may be responsible for traversing a first portion of the spatial index and the vector throughput engine may be responsible for traversing a second portion of the spatial index and for performing ray-primitive intersection tests. |
| US07737973B2 |
Determining appearance of points in point cloud based on normal vectors of points
A method relating to a point cloud includes defining a line of sight of a point cloud on a display of a computer, estimating a normal vector for at least one point of the plurality of points, and determining the appearance on the display of at least one point of the plurality of points based on the step of estimating a normal vector. One can use the computer to manipulate the point cloud to display a selected view of the scene and calculate the angle between the normal vector of the at least one point and a line of sight. The step of determining the appearance can include determining the transparency, color or size of the point on the display according to the angle between the normal vector and the line of sight. |
| US07737972B2 |
Systems and methods for digital volumetric laminar tomography
Systems and methods are provided for implementing an analytical approach to digital volumetric laminar tomography. The volumetric data visualizations generally take the form of volumetric images which approximate the spatial distribution of an x-ray attenuation coefficient throughout the region of interest in the object, such as a person, under examination. These visualizations are produced from a set of basic two dimensional data. One numerical technique employed in this regard takes the form of a process of convolution and back projection, where the convolution function is determined through the use of various analytic and empirical techniques. |
| US07737971B2 |
Image drawing device, vertex selecting method, vertex selecting program, and integrated circuit
The present invention provides a dividing method taking, into consideration, memory access when determining vertices of polygons created through division in an image rendering apparatus for rendering a 3-dimensional image with polygons, in which a polygon is divided into smaller polygons in order to improve the representational power of an image. The image rendering apparatus according to the present invention can write pixel data for an image that is to be displayed to a frame memory in the unit of a predetermined number of pixels. The image rendering apparatus selects vertices of polygons created through division such that the vertices are at the first pixel or the last pixel in the writing pixel unit. |
| US07737966B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for processing geometric data of assembled parts
A geometric data processing apparatus which can determine whether a specific component of a three-dimensional model has changed, display two-dimensional images of the specific component and neighboring components thereof, and indicate whether the change in the specific component influences the images of the neighboring components. |
| US07737957B2 |
Touch sensitive display device and driving apparatus and method thereof
A display device includes a display panel, a plurality of pixels formed on the display panel, a plurality of sensing units formed on the display panel and generating sensor output signals in response to a touch exerted on the display panel, a sensing signal processor receiving and processing an analog sensor data signal originated from the sensor output signals to generate a digital sensor data signal, a first touch-determination unit detecting whether a touch exists based on the digital sensor data signal for a plurality of frames, and operating in a power saving mode, and a second touch-determination unit detecting whether and where a touch exists based on the digital sensor data signal for the plurality of frames, and operating in a normal mode. The display device includes hardwired logic units for detecting the touch, it detects the touch using the hardwired logic units in the power saving mode and converts the operation mode to the normal mode when the touch is detected, thus reducing power consumption. |
| US07737952B2 |
Electrostatic-capacitance-type coordinate input device
An input sensor is bonded on the rear surface of an insulating support plate which supports the input sensor. By forming the input sensor to be thin, a device in which an input device having the input sensor is incorporated can be formed very thin. |
| US07737950B2 |
Automated banking machine and system
A cash dispensing automated banking machine that operates in response to data read from user cards includes a cash dispenser, keypad, and a card reader. The card reader is operative to read data bearing records such as user cards that include financial account information. At least one computer in the automated banking machine is responsive to a keymap specified by at least one markup language document and is responsive to configuration data accessed by the automated banking machine, to selectively enable a subset of keys of the keypad to be capable of providing inputs operative to cause the automated banking machine to carry out a portion of a banking transaction. |
| US07737949B2 |
Driving circuit adapted for use in optical mice
A control circuit having a drive circuit and a controller adapted for use in optical mice is disclosed. The drive circuit is connected between first and second ports and passes a current between those ports having an amplitude determined by a control signal that is generated by the controller. The first port is connected to an illumination device and the second port is connected to a power rail. The control circuit also includes a potential measuring circuit that generates a signal indicative of a drive circuit potential between the first and second ports. The controller records the drive circuit potential for a predetermined current when the first port is connected to an illumination device. The controller sets the control signal based on the recorded drive circuit potential. The control circuit can record the drive circuit potential when the controller is powered. |
| US07737942B2 |
Computer mouse on a glove
A computer input device on a glove includes fittings for a user's fingers and adjustable straps for fastening to a user's wrist. A tracking device for controlling cursor movement on a video display is affixed to the glove for positioning next to the end of one of the user's fingers. Pressure plates for controlling the various right and left mouse “clicking” functions are affixed to the glove for positioning next to the ends of the other of the user's fingers. Scrolling/paging buttons are located on the side of the fitting fitted to the index finger for pressing by the thumb. A transmitter is affixed to the glove for receiving signals from the tracking device, the pressure plates and the scrolling/paging buttons, and transmitting those signals to a computer for controlling cursor movement in the x-y plane on a video display and for controlling the various mouse “clicking” controls, which implement the “select” function, the “drag” function, the “scroll” function, the “page” function, and so forth. |
| US07737941B2 |
Mouse-shaped responsive punching device
A responsive novelty punching device for use in amusement and the relief of frustration or aggression of computer users, wherein the responsive novelty punching device contains stored audio responses and means for broadcasting the audio responses when the user strikes the responsive novelty punching device. Audio responses will cycle through a variety of languages for amusement and educational purposes, and for the production efficiencies in the case of international distribution and sales. The responsive novelty punching device also contains connectivity means for communicating data to or from a computer, and affixing means for attaching the responsive novelty punching device to a horizontal surface such as a desk. The responsive novelty punching device can be formed in any of a variety of computer-like shapes for use as a “scapegoat” for computer user frustration and will be encased in a resilent, energy-absorbing material to withstand many blows without losing its shape. |
| US07737939B2 |
Display driver IC and display driving method for supporting various driving modes
A display driving integrated circuit (IC) and a display driving method for supporting various driving mode include an input unit, a digital-analog converter and a row data output unit. The row data output unit outputs at least one of the row data to a row line corresponding thereto for each row scan clock pulse. The row data output unit activates output paths for outputting the row data to the row lines in an activation order of a driving mode selected from a plurality of driving modes having different orders of activating the output paths in response to a mode select signal. |
| US07737938B2 |
Driving circuit for LCD backlight
In a driving circuit for an LCD backlight, a fundamental wave generator generates a triangle wave signal and a square wave signal in accordance with time constant of a time constant circuit including a time constant capacitor. A PWM comparator compares a difference signal between a feedback voltage and a preset reference voltage with the triangle wave signal to generate a PWM signal in response to the comparison result. A signal synchronizer sets a connection node between the time constant capacitor and the fundamental wave generator and an output terminal of the square wave signal in accordance with a power level of the LCD backlight. Also, a driving signal generator generates a driving signal in response to the square wave signal from the fundamental wave generator and the PWM signal from the PWM comparator. The driving circuit enables PWM controlling integrated circuits to be synchronized together. |
| US07737936B2 |
Liquid crystal display backlight with modulation
A display is backlit by a source having spatially modulated luminance to attenuate illumination of dark areas of images and increase the dynamic range of the display. |
| US07737931B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device capable of displaying a still image with low consumption power is provided. In the semiconductor device incorporated with a semiconductor display device capable of displaying the still image, a memory portion is mounted on a substrate on which a pixel portion is formed. As a mounting method, the memory portion is formed on the substrate on which the pixel portion is formed or a stick driver including the memory portion is used. When the still image is displayed using image data stored in such a memory portion, the still image can be displayed by inputting only simple control signals from the outside of the semiconductor device. Thus, there are provided the semiconductor display device capable of displaying the still image with low consumption power and the semiconductor device incorporated with the semiconductor display device. |
| US07737930B2 |
Image signal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus that includes a liquid crystal display panel having a liquid crystal layer held between a pair of substrates, a light source whose brightness is controllable, and a normalization processing circuit that converts an image signal to a normalized signal and to a normalization coefficient. In addition, the display apparatus includes an LCD driving circuit that converts the normalized signal to an LCD driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display panel, and a light source driving circuit that converts the normalization coefficient to a light source driving signal for driving the light source. The normalization coefficient is used to set pixel values in a blanking interval of a display screen, and the normalized signal is used to set pixel values in a display area of the display screen. |
| US07737929B2 |
Display device having low voltage differential signal lines overlapping drive circuits
A display device which transmits display data to drive circuits which drive a display panel using low voltage differential signals have input circuits which are hardly influenced by noise. To transmit the low voltage differential signals under the same condition, low voltage differential signal lines are formed in a zigzag pattern so as to make the lengths of the lines equal. To reduce the influence generated by the overlapping of the zigzagged low voltage differential signal lines and the drive circuits, level shift circuits are provided to the input circuits so as to make the input signals assume a stable operation level. |
| US07737924B2 |
Display device and electric equipment using the same
A power source for EL driving is built in an active matrix type EL display device, and the number of power sources externally attached is reduced. Therefore, the power source for EL driving is constructed by a transistor formed on a substrate, and its output circuit is constructed by a p-channel transistor of a source ground when the anode of an OLED is operated. Thus, the electric potential difference between a power voltage and an output voltage is reduced, and a power source circuit of small electric power consumption is constructed. |
| US07737922B2 |
Light emitting device
The present invention relates to a light emitting device where difference of brightness of pixels can be reduced when the same data currents are applied to the pixels. The light emitting device includes anode electrode layers, cathode electrode layers, pixels and cathode lines. The anode electrode layers are disposed in a first direction. The cathode electrode layers are disposed in a second direction. The pixels are formed in cross areas of the anode electrode layers and the cathode electrode layers. The cathode lines are coupled to the cathode electrode layers. Here, in one cathode electrode layer, at least one of resistors between parts corresponding to pixels except a first pixel next to a cathode line corresponding to the cathode electrode layer has resistance smaller than resistor between a part corresponding to the first pixel and a part corresponding to a pixel next to the first pixel. |
| US07737920B2 |
Plasma display apparatus
A plasma display apparatus is disclosed. The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel including a scan electrode, a sustain electrode, and an address electrode to intersect the scan electrode and the sustain electrode, an integrated driver for supplying the scan electrode or the sustain electrode with a sustain voltage, a data driver for supplying the address electrode with a data voltage, a first ground unit for grounding the integrated driver and the sustain electrode, a second ground unit for grounding the data driver, and a ground controller for controlling the first ground unit and the second ground unit to be electrically separated from each other for a predetermined period in at least one of a reset period and an address period of a subfield. |
| US07737919B2 |
Plasma display and driving method thereof
A plasma display device and a driving method thereof are provided. An input grayscale value is converted according to a peak grayscale value of an input video signal of one frame. The number of on-subfields may be increased as a result of the grayscale conversion. Therefore, a total number of sustain discharge pulses applied during the one frame is reset in order to obtain the same brightness for the input and converted grayscale values. |
| US07737913B2 |
Flat panel display device and portable display apparatus using the same
The present invention relates to a dual type flat panel display device and a flexible printed circuit board that is integrated to simultaneously transfer electric signals to both of a light source device and a main display panel. According to one aspect of the present invention, the first flexible printed circuit board includes a first substrate portion, a second substrate portion, a third substrate portion, and a connection substrate portion. The first substrate portion is connected to a main display panel. The second substrate portion is disposed between the main display panel and a backlight unit, and is connected to the first substrate portion. The second substrate portion includes a light source device to transmit light into the backlight unit. The third substrate portion is disposed between the backlight unit and the printed circuit board, and is connected to the printed circuit board. The connection substrate portion connects the second substrate portion to the third substrate portion. The integrated flexible printed circuit board will make it possible to manufacture more compact portable display apparatus. |
| US07737911B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes first and second display panels, a driver chip and a first flexible printed circuit. The first display panel displays a first image in response to first driving signals. The second display panel displays a second image in response to second driving signals. The driver chip is disposed between the first and second display panels, and the driver chip provides the first and second driving signals to the first and second display panels. The first flexible printed circuit is disposed between the first and second display panels, and the first flexible printed circuit applies the second driving signal generated from the driver chip to the second display panel. Therefore, an electrical resistance is reduced, so that a signal delay is prevented to enhance display qualities. |
| US07737910B2 |
Scalable display
A display system and methods provide for a large, high-resolution display that is scalable. The scalable display is made up of a number of smaller displays. The resolution of the scalable display is the combined resolutions of the smaller displays according to the vertical and horizontal layout of the smaller displays. The system includes an intermediate computer that acts as a primary client to a network computer to request and receive video data at the resolution of the scalable display. The intermediate computer reconfigures video data from a format consistent with the large, scalable display coordinates to a format consistent with the coordinates of the individual smaller displays. The intermediate computer sends reconfigured video data to the smaller displays (through clients) according to which portion of the scalable display each of the smaller displays supports. |
| US07737909B2 |
Antenna structure for two overlapping frequency bands
The present disclosure relates to a substantially flat antenna structure which includes a frame earth terminal and at least one HF feed connection, which can be used for at least two frequency bands. From one foot area outwards, which includes the frame earth terminal, the antenna structure includes two antenna branches. Two distanced HF feed connections are provided in the foot area. The two antenna branches of the antenna structure are embodied in such a way that the associated frequency bands overlap. |
| US07737905B1 |
Broadband ferrite loaded loop antenna
A ferrite-loaded broadband loop antenna having nearly comparable transmit/receive characteristics is disclosed. The antenna contains a low loss ferrite core having a width-to-height ratio of approximately 24 and a depth-to-height ratio of approximately 6, and an antenna feed plate assembly centered about the long axis of the ferrite core, having a width-to-height ratio of approximately 6 and a width-to-depth ratio of approximately 1, and a balanced feed located at the center of the antenna feed plate assembly, positioned on the radiating side of the antenna, and a low loss center element in the ferrite core, the center element having at least one of a loss tangent and a permeability that is lower than the ferrite core, and a grounding surface coupled to the antenna feed plates. |
| US07737904B2 |
Antenna systems for multiple frequency bands
An antenna system for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals in multiple frequency bands includes a horn antenna and a feed network. The horn antenna may transmit and/or receive RF signals in multiple frequency bands that are spread over more than an octave bandwidth with at least a 2.44-to-1 bandwidth ratio. The horn antenna includes a throat, an aperture, and an interior surface. The feed network includes a first waveguide section, a first junction, one or more first filters, and a first step-down waveguide section. The first waveguide section can provide a matching network and transmit and/or receive the RF signals in the multiple frequency bands. The first junction can transmit and/or receive the RF signals in first selected band(s) of the multiple frequency bands. The first step-down waveguide section may transmit and/or receive the RF signals in second selected band(s) of the multiple frequency bands. |
| US07737900B1 |
Mobile satellite dish antenna stand
The mobile antenna stand provides adjustments in azimuth, tilt, and elevation used to obtain a satellite signal. The stand may be placed on unlevel ground of up to 11 inches difference in terrain heights. The stand includes a compass with azimuth readings which provides known starting point for the azimuth setting. The mast is easily plumbed regardless of the terrain. The satellite dish antenna is attached to a keyed post that matches a keyed receiver on the stand so the azimuthal position of the antenna is maintained when the antenna is removed and reinstalled. A line of sight tool is provided with a post also matching the stand receiver to visually assure that view of a signal transmitting satellite by the antenna has no obstructions. |
| US07737899B1 |
Electrically-thin bandpass radome with isolated inductive grids
A bandpass radome is described including inductive layers comprising periodic conductive grids. First and second capacitive patch layers may be disposed above, and third and fourth capacitive patch layers may be disposed below the inductive layer to realize a 2-pole bandpass radome. An additional inductive layer and a fifth and sixth capacitive patch layers may be added below the fourth capacitive layer to realize a 3-pole bandpass radome. Conductive posts may connect one of the uppermost patch layers to one of the lowermost patch layers without connecting to the intervening inductive conductive grids. The conductive posts may form a rodded medium to suppress transverse magnetic (TM) surface waves. The total thickness of the bandpass radome may be less than 1/30 of a free-space wavelength at the center of a passband frequency. More than one passband may be separated by a ratio of center frequencies exceeding 1.5. |
| US07737898B2 |
Very high frequency line of sight winglet antenna
A line of sight antenna supported in an upturned terminal winglet or similar vertical member of an aircraft is disclosed. An aperture is formed in the conductive winglet or vertical member, and the antenna is supported within the aperture by a support mechanism such that the antenna is exposed to the line of sight transmissions. A non-conductive covering may also be used for the aperture. Using the cover, the antenna within the winglet can be configured so that it does not alter the appearance or aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. Alternatively, the antenna can be coupled to the outside of the winglet or vertical member if cosmetics are not a concern. The frequency range of the antenna can be tuned to cover desired frequency ranges. The antenna position at the winglet maintains a large physical separation from fuselage-mounted antennas thereby reducing interference. |
| US07737894B2 |
CMOS IC and high-gain antenna integration for point-to-point wireless communication
A point-to-point radio communications device, with an integrated antenna-IC module, includes highly-directional antenna elements and silicon CMOS-based ICs in plastic packaging material. The high-gain horn-type antenna includes two sections made of molded plastic and covered in a metallic coating. When combined, the two sections form an aperture and an opening on a face. The face of the antenna element can be mounted directly to an integrated circuit with an antenna coupling element, such that the aperture forms a horn-IC module. The module can be completely enclosed in a plastic-packaging environment using low-cost approach. The antenna-IC module can be manufactured as an integral part of a case for a point-to-point wireless electronic device such as a mobile video phone or a set-top box with tens of gigabits of video downloading capability. |
| US07737892B2 |
Time delay beamformer and method of time delay beamforming
A time delay beamformer comprises input channels, which have associated samplers arranged to sample inputs signal carried upon the input channels. The samplers sample the input channels at a number of points in time to produce a number of sampled signals. An adaptive processor receives each of the input signals and each of the sampled signals, and generates processed signals therefrom. Time delay devices introduce a steering time delay to the processed signals and a summer generates a beamformed output signal the delayed processed signals. |
| US07737891B2 |
Array antenna system
An array antenna system is provided. The array antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements which are arranged at intervals in rows and in columns; and a control means which selectively operates at least two antenna elements of the plurality of the antenna elements according to a direction of received radio signals. |
| US07737890B2 |
Method and device for transmitting signals in a wireless communication system, receiving device for receiving signals in a wireless communication system, with a special frame structure
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting signals in a wireless communication system, in which signals are transmitted from a first communication device to a second communication device, said signals being transmitted in consecutive frames, each frame having a preamble section including preamble information, at least one of said first and said second communication devices having a narrow beam antenna which is adapted to be steered to different positions, each of said different positions corresponding to one of a number of different transmissions paths from said to said second communication device, including the steps of transmitting and receiving a first preamble section including preamble information enabling the estimation of a channel quality of a current transmission path, while said narrow beam antenna is in a current position corresponding to said current transmission path, steering said narrow beam antenna from said current position to a different position corresponding to a candidate transmission path, and transmitting and receiving a second preamble section including preamble information enabling the estimation of a channel quality of said candidate transmission path while said narrow beam antenna is in said different position. The present invention further relates to a corresponding transmission device as well as a receiving device. |
| US07737884B2 |
Method for the operation of a radar system
The invention relates to a method for operating a radar system (100) especially of a motor vehicle (200), comprising at least one first sensor module (110a) and at least one additional sensor module (110b). A detection range (A) of the first sensor module (100a) at least partly overlaps a detection range (B) of the additional sensor module (110b) while the first sensor module (100a) receives a transmit signal transmitted by the additional sensor module (110b) in a monitoring mode (305) in order to obtain information about the operating condition of the additional sensor module (110b). |
| US07737883B2 |
Method for using a dynamic mission replanning algorithm as an aid to assess jam effectiveness
The method generally relates to the field of computer software particularly to an improved method of providing aircrew decision aids for use in determining the optimum placement of an Electronic Attack (EA) aircraft. The core of the method is a software program that will dynamically provide the EA flight crew situational awareness regarding a threat emitter's coverage relative to the position of the EA aircraft and to the position of any number of protected entities (PE). The software program generates information to provide visual cues representing a Jam Acceptability Region (JAR) contour, a Jam Assessment Strobe (JAS) and text for display on a number of flexibly configurable display formats posted on display units. The JAR and JAS graphics and text will aid the EA aircrew in rapidly assessing the effectiveness of a given jamming approach. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. |
| US07737878B2 |
Collision and conflict avoidance system for autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs)
A collision and conflict avoidance system for autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) uses accessible on-board sensors to generate an image of the surrounding airspace. The situation thus established is analyzed for imminent conflicts (collisions, TCAS violations, airspace violations), and, if a probable conflict or collision is detected, a search for avoidance options is started, wherein the avoidance routes as far as possible comply with statutory air traffic regulations. By virtue of the on-board algorithm the system functions independently of a data link. By taking into account the TCAS zones, the remaining air traffic is not disturbed unnecessarily. The system makes it possible both to cover aspects critical for safety and to use more highly developed algorithms in order to take complicated boundary conditions into account when determining the avoidance course. |
| US07737877B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing SAR images based on a complex anisotropic diffusion filtering algorithm
A computer system for processing complex synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images includes a database for storing complex SAR images to be processed, and a processor for processing a complex SAR image from the database. The processing includes receiving a complex SAR data set for a SAR image comprising a plurality of pixels, and applying a complex anisotropic diffusion algorithm to the complex SAR data set. The complex SAR data set includes a real and an imaginary part for each pixel. |
| US07737876B2 |
Video-rate holographic surveillance system
In a holographic surveillance system (10) for near real-time imaging of a target (15), a source of RF radiation directs a non-amplified reference beam of pulsed coherent RF electromagnetic radiation toward a target. An array of antennas (31) receives a reflected beam from the target together with a component of the reference beam so as to produce a signal representative of phase and amplitude data of received energy, and a processor (20) processes the signals so as to produce a holographic image for display on a display device coupled to the processor. |
| US07737874B1 |
Method of multi-channel data readout and acquisition
A method for dealing with the problem of simultaneous continuous readout of large number of data channels from the set of multiple sensors in instances where the use of multiple amplitude-to-digital converters is not practical or causes undesirable extra noise and distortion in the data. The new method uses sensor front-end s and subsequent electronics to transform the analog input signals and encode them into a series of short pulses that can be transmitted to a long distance via a high frequency transmission line without information loss. Upon arrival at a destination data decoder and analyzer device, the series of short pulses can be decoded and transformed back, to obtain, store, and utilize the sensor information with the required accuracy. |
| US07737867B2 |
Multi-modal cockpit interface for improved airport surface operations
A system for multi-modal cockpit interface during surface operation of an aircraft comprises a head tracking device, a processing element, and a full-color head worn display. The processing element is configured to receive head position information from the head tracking device, to receive current location information of the aircraft, and to render a virtual airport scene corresponding to the head position information and the current aircraft location. The full-color head worn display is configured to receive the virtual airport scene from the processing element and to display the virtual airport scene. The current location information may be received from one of a global positioning system or an inertial navigation system. |
| US07737861B2 |
Location, communication and tracking systems
A passenger location system comprises a plurality of radio transceivers at predetermined locations in a passenger terminal facility. At least one transponder is associated in use with a passenger. The transponder is adapted to transmit a radio signal in response to receiving a signal from one or more of the transceivers. The transponder signal is capable of being received by more that one transceiver. The passenger location means is adapted to determine the position of the transponder by determining the location of the one or more transceiver that have received the transponder signal. |
| US07737860B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring automatic doors
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an automatic door system. In one embodiment, an automatic door system may include a door system controller coupled to one or more input devices. The door system controller may be configured to receive data representative of an operational parameter of the automatic door system. At least one monitor display may be operably coupled to the door system controller and configured to display information regarding the operational parameter of the input devices. A remote display device interface may be configured to operably couple at least one remote display device to the door system controller. The at least one monitor display may be configured to automatically change from a master configuration to a slave configuration when the at least one remote display device is operably coupled to the door system controller. |
| US07737858B2 |
System, method and kit for managing inventory
A system, method and kit for managing RFID-tagged articles. The kit allows transforming a cabinet to an RFID-enabled cabinet. The transformation can be performed in the field. The RFID-enabled cabinet is fitted with a controller, communication means, one or more RFID readers, one or more antennae for reading RFID tags, and a multiplexer connecting the RFID reader and the antennae. Each antenna comprises a switch for activating and deactivating the antenna and a tuning board. No more than one antenna is activated at a given time thus avoiding interference between the different antennae. A central database can communicate with the RFID-enabled cabinets thus managing an inventory of RFID-enabled articles across multiple cabinets in multiple geographies. |
| US07737849B2 |
Switch detection device using RFID tag
A switch detection device using RFID tags is disclosed. The switch detection device includes a RFID tag, a conducting circuit loop and a switch connected to the conducting circuit loop to form a control circuit. The switch is controlled to turn on or off, leading to the closing or opening of the control circuit. The RFID tag detects the state of the conducting circuit loop and transmits a signal representing the opened/closed state to a RFID reader. The switch detection device is incorporated to a turning operation mechanism which includes a lever lock assembly, a deadbolt lock assembly, a window sash lock assembly, an odometer wheel, a hinge provided with a first hinge member and a second hinge member interconnected by a central axle, a door closer, a water faucet, a rotatable switch, or a rotatable lock. |
| US07737847B2 |
Wireless monitoring for an electronics system
A method of monitoring an electronics system comprises providing information regarding at least one parameter of at least one component of the electronics system, and communicating the information from the at least one component to a manager of the electronics system via a wireless communication pathway independent of the electronics system. |
| US07737843B2 |
Programmable alarm module and system for protecting merchandise
A security alarm module for attaching to an item of merchandise in a security system for protecting the item of merchandise has a housing, a logic control circuit including a central controller, a wireless interface for communicating with a programmable key containing a security code, and a memory circuit for storing the security code. An attachment device attaches the alarm module to the item of merchandise and a sense loop operatively communicates with the attachment device for sensing when the integrity of the attachment device is compromised. An audio alarm is located within the housing and is actuated when the integrity of the sense loop is compromised. A visual indicator such as an LED, indicates the status of the alarm module. The housing includes a base and a bottom housing member which is spaced from the base to form a sound region. The audio alarm is mounted in the bottom housing member and communicates with the sound region which enhances the sound level of the alarm when actuated. The housing includes a plurality of terminal jacks which are connected to the logic control circuit for connection to one or more attachment devices containing the sense loops which extend from the alarm module to items of merchandise. |
| US07737839B1 |
System and method for protecting pocket-portable electronic devices
A clothes washing machine is specially adapted to protect pocket-portable electronic devices from damage. A basket is aligned with an opening for receiving clothes to be washed. A door covers the opening during washing of clothes. An electromagnetic loop is positioned at the periphery of the opening so that all clothing loaded into the clothes washing machine passes through the electromagnetic loop. The electromagnetic loop is also positioned so that no permanent ferrous structures of the clothes washing machine are located between the electromagnetic loop and the opening. A detector circuit is coupled to the electromagnetic loop for generating an electronic detection signal in response to a predetermined change in an electromagnetic characteristic sensed across the electromagnetic loop corresponding to a pocket-portable electronic device being present at the opening. A washing machine controller coupled to the detector circuit responds to the detection signal to generate an alarm and to inhibit a washing cycle (e.g., introduction of water into the basket) until a user provides a manual override signal to the washing machine controller. |
| US07737838B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmission of wireless signals in a mobile platform
There is provided a method and system for communicating a signal output from a wireless sensor to a processor on a mobile platform upon interruption of wireless communications with the processor. The wireless sensor is signally connected to a local processor operative to wirelessly communicate with the processor. A second sensor is signally connected to first and second inputs of the processor via an electrical cable. The local processor is operative to selectively interrupt signal transmission from the second sensor to the processor effective to identify the wireless sensor and effective to communicate the wireless sensor signal via the second input of the processor. |
| US07737822B2 |
Method of recognizing whether a transponder belongs to a group of transponders
A method recognizes whether a transponder designed for communicating with a communication station belongs to one of at least two groups of transponders. First, for each group of transponders, a check data block that is significant for the group of transponders is generated. Then, the data from the check data block that is significant for the group of transponders is evaluated for the recognition of whether the transponder belongs to the group of transponders. |
| US07737821B2 |
Electronic identification system with improved sensitivity
The electronic identification system provides two-way communications between reader and tags using alternating magnetic fields established by the reader and tag. Communication is accomplished by utilizing either a one-step or a two-step modulation process in which the information to be communicated either modulates an alternating magnetic field directly or modulates a periodic signal which modulates an alternating magnetic field. The coil in the reader that is used to establish an alternating magnetic field is transformer-coupled through capacitors to a push-pull driving circuit consisting of four field-effect transistors connected in a bridge arrangement. The coil, capacitors, and coupling circuitry are maintained in a tuned condition by continually adjusting either the driving frequency, the coil inductance, or the capacitor capacitance during communications. A tag utilizes a coil to couple with the reader's alternating magnetic field and a capacitor to resonate the coil, thereby extracting power from the field more efficiently. Transformer coupling of the coil and capacitor is utilized for improved impedance matching. The coil, capacitor, and coupling circuitry can be maintained in a tuned condition by continually adjusting either the coil inductance, or the capacitor capacitance during communications. Certain configurations of the system may require that tuning maintenance be discontinued during the transmission of data. |
| US07737819B2 |
Theatrical lighting control network
A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system. |
| US07737818B2 |
Embedded resistor and capacitor circuit and method of fabricating same
An embedded resistor and capacitor circuit and fabrication method is provided. The circuit includes a substrate, a conductive foil laminated to the substrate, and a thick film dielectric material disposed on the conductive foil. One or more thick film electrodes are formed on the dielectric material and a thick film resistor is formed at least partially contacting the thick film electrodes. A capacitor is formed by an electrode and the conductive foil. The electrodes serve as terminations for the resistor and capacitor. |
| US07737816B1 |
Dual protection device for circuit
A dual protection device for a circuit includes a first protection unit and a second protection unit functioning independently. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece which has a first contact point. A first conductive member has a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. The elastic contact piece is deformed and bent toward an opposite direction to separate the first contact point from the second contact point when overloaded. A second protection unit has a second conductive member which is connected between the second terminal and the first conductive member. A fuse member and a biasing member are disposed at two opposite sides of the second conductive member. When the fuse member melts due to high temperature, the second conductive member is pushed by the biasing member to be separated from the second terminal. |
| US07737808B2 |
Resonant frequency shifted connector
A connector has data signal conductors for communicating data signals and voltage reference (power and ground) conductors for the signals' return currents. Voltage reference conductors carrying the same voltage level are coupled together at one or more points between the ends of the connector to shift the connector's resonant frequency beyond an operating frequency range of the data signals. Decoupling capacitors may alternatively or additionally be inserted between pairs of voltage reference conductors carrying high and low voltage levels at one or more points between the ends of the connector to shift the connector's resonant frequency beyond an operating frequency range of the data signals. |
| US07737807B2 |
Acoustic galvanic isolator incorporating series-connected decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonators
Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprises series-connected decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonators (DSBARs). |
| US07737803B2 |
Electric part including a dielectric portion and a magnetic portion
A sixth coil electrode forming a first coil is electrically connected to a twelfth coil electrode forming a second coil, for example, via a second capacitor electrode in a second capacitor electrode layer. Thus, an induction body has a permeability significantly smaller than the permeability of a magnetic body (for example permeability μ=1). Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the permeability to such a degree that it is possible to ignore the connection between the first coil and the second coil appearing equivalently and to obtain a desired frequency characteristic. |
| US07737801B2 |
Non-reciprocal circuit device
A non-reciprocal circuit device comprising a first inductance element disposed between a first input/output port and a second input/output port; a second inductance element disposed between the second input/output port and the ground; a first capacitance element constituting a first parallel resonance circuit with the first inductance element; a resistance element parallel-connected to the first parallel resonance circuit; a third inductance element series-connected between the second inductance element and the ground; and a second capacitance element constituting a second parallel resonance circuit with the second and third inductance elements. |
| US07737794B2 |
Phase locked loop with temperature and process compensation
Mechanisms are provided for compensating for process and temperature variations in a circuit. The mechanisms may select at least one resistor in a plurality of resistors in the circuit to provide a resistance value for generating a calibration voltage input to the circuit to compensate for variations in process. A reference signal may be compared to a feedback signal generated by the circuit based on the calibration signal. A determination is made as to whether the feedback signal is within a tolerance of the reference signal and, if so, an identifier of the selected at least one resistor is stored in a memory device coupled to the circuit. The circuit may be operated using the selected at least one resistor based on the identifier stored in the memory device. An apparatus and integrated circuit device utilizing these mechanisms are also provided. |
| US07737792B2 |
Phase Locked loop circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit device using the same
To provide a phase locked loop circuit that is capable of performing an automatic adjustment that satisfies a desired characteristic not depending on a process variation and an environmental variation. The phase locked loop circuit has a phase frequency comparator, a charge pump, a loop filter, a frequency divider, a selector, and a voltage controlled oscillator. The frequency divider inputs an output signal and a reference signal, divides the output signal, and outputs a feedback signal, and also outputs a select signal, a trimming signal, and a limit signal from the output signal. The voltage controlled oscillator inputs the control voltage, the base voltage, the trimming signal, and the limit signal, changes the output signal frequency according to the control voltage so as to limit the upper limit frequency of the output signal. Also, the voltage controlled oscillator is capable of changing the frequency sensitivity of the output signal that is outputted with respect to the control voltage according to the trimming signal, and the upper limit frequency of the output signal according to the limit signal. |
| US07737791B2 |
Spread spectrum clocking in fractional-N PLL
In applications that use fractional-N phase locked loops (PLLs), the use of spread spectrum clocking (SSC) to reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) would be desirable, but conflicts can occur. Here, a circuit is provided that includes both fractional logic circuitry and spread spectrum logic circuitry. This logic circuitry operates in combination with a phase selector to generally ensure that the likelihood of conflicts (which can occur in conventional circuit) are reduced. |
| US07737790B1 |
Cascode amplifier and method for controlling current of cascode amplifier
A cascode amplifier includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor and a bias circuit. Each of the transistors has a gate electrode, a first electrode and a second electrode, a first electrode of the first transistor is coupled to a second electrode of the second transistor, a first electrode of the third transistor is coupled to a second electrode of the fourth transistor, and gate electrodes of the third and the fourth transistors are coupled to gate electrodes of the first and the second transistors, respectively. The bias circuit is coupled to the first electrode of the fourth transistor, and is used for biasing a voltage level at the first electrode of the fourth transistor to make the second and the fourth transistors operate in a same region. |
| US07737787B2 |
Impedance-mapping amplifier circuit with exclusively reactive negative feedback
An amplifier circuit has a transistor element that has an input terminal, an output terminal) and a third terminal. An input signal to be amplified is supplied to the input terminal. The amplified input signal is emitted as an output signal at the output terminal. The input terminal is connected with the output terminal via a first reactance. The third terminal is connected via a second reactance with a zero potential. One of the reactances is fashioned as an inductor and the other of the reactances is fashioned as a capacitor. An inductance value of the inductor and a capacitance value of the capacitor are dimensioned such that the quotient of the inductance value of the inductor and the capacitance value of the capacitor is equal to the product of a desired input impedance that is effective at the input terminal and an output impedance associated with the output impedance. Based on this dimensioning, the output impedance associated with the output terminal is mapped to the input terminal at the same level or scaled. |
| US07737786B2 |
Broadband reciprocal active balun structure
The present invention relates to the field of electronic devices known as baluns. It concerns an active balun which is broadband and reciprocal. Embodiments of the invention integrate an active splitter balun with an active combiner balun so as to form three transmission lines. A first active coupling is provided between the first and second transmission lines and a second active coupling is provided between the first and third transmission lines. The active couplings are provided by means of amplifier cells distributed along the transmission lines. Embodiments of the invention have configurable means for polarizing the different amplifier cells so as to create a specific coupling direction between the various transmission lines. The device according to the invention can be applied in the field of broadband mixers which are used, notably, in radio transmission and reception circuits. |
| US07737784B2 |
Self configuring output stages of precision amplifiers
Self configuring output stages of precision amplifiers that remain linear when operating into a load that may have a ground reference below the amplifier ground reference, that maintain full amplifier gain while approaching zero output, and that can provide a zero output even when operating into a load that may have a ground reference below the amplifier ground reference, that has a self configuring output stage operable with either a mid-rail or ground reference below amplifier ground, and which maintain a high output impedance when not selected even when the output is above the amplifier supply voltage, or when not powered, thereby allowing amplifier outputs from un-powered amplifiers or amplifiers operating at lower supply voltages to be connected in common for multiplexing to a common load. |
| US07737782B1 |
Operational amplifier circuit
Provided is a CMOS operational amplifier circuit that can operate with low noise, with low current consumption, and with stability. A cascode bias voltage of a folded cascode circuit in the CMOS operational amplifier circuit is modulated by a current at an input differential stage, thereby enabling operation with low noise, with low current consumption, and with stability. |
| US07737779B2 |
Method of and circuit for reducing distortion in a power amplifier
An integrated circuit having a circuit for reducing distortion in a power amplifier is disclosed. The integrated circuit comprises a predistortion circuit coupled to receive a signal to be amplified; sample capture buffers coupled to an output of the predistortion circuit and an input/output port of the integrated circuit; and an estimator circuit coupled to the sample capture buffers, wherein the estimator circuit generates parameters for the predistortion circuit based upon the output of the predistortion circuit and an output of the power amplifier received at the input/output port of the integrated circuit. A method of reducing distortion in a power amplifier is also disclosed. |
| US07737778B2 |
Adaptive predistortion for a transmit system
Systems, methods, and devices relating to the provision of deliberate predistortion to an input signal to compensate for distortions introduced by an amplifier subsystem. An input signal is received by a signal processing system which includes a predistortion subsystem. The input signal is decomposed and the fragments are then predistorted by the predistortion subsystem by applying a deliberate predistortion to the fragments. The predistorted fragments are then separately processed and recombined to arrive at the system output signal. The predistortion subsystem adaptively adjusts based on characteristics of the system output signal. Also, the predistortion subsystem is equipped with a control system that is state based—the state of the predistortion subsystem is dependent upon the prevailing conditions and, when required, the control system switches the state of the predistortion subsystem. A feedback signal, a replica of the system output signal, is used in updating lookup table entries used to determine the predistortion. |
| US07737777B2 |
Amplifiers with compensation
An amplifier system includes a first amplifier stage having an input and an output. A second amplifier stage has an input and an output, the input of the second amplifier stage being connected to the output of the first amplifier stage. A transistor has a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal, the first terminal of the transistor being coupled to the output of the first amplifier stage and the input of the second amplifier stage. A first capacitance has a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the first capacitance being connected to the input of the first amplifier stage, the second terminal of the first capacitance being connected to the second terminal of the transistor. A first current source to source current to amplifier system, the first current source being is connected to the output of the first amplifier stage. A second current source will sink current from the amplifier system. The second current source is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitance and the second terminal of the transistor. |
| US07737776B1 |
Power efficient amplifier
An amplifier generates a tri-level output signal in response to an input signal that is pulse-width modulated. The amplifier is filterless and DC free. A control block supplies a multitude of pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals in response to the received digital input signal. A pair of the PWM signals are applied to the signal generator which in response supplies a third signal to the integrator. The integrator integrates the third signal in accordance with a feedback signal. |
| US07737775B2 |
Low-noise DC offset calibration circuit and related receiver stage
A receiver stage has an operational amplifier, a feedback resistor coupled between an output of the operational amplifier and an input of the operational amplifier, and a DC offset calibration circuit. The DC offset calibration circuit includes a plurality of resistors and a plurality of switches. Each resistor has a first end coupled to a supply voltage. First ends of each of the switches are coupled to second ends of each of the resistors, respectively, and second ends of the switches are coupled to the input of the operational amplifier. |
| US07737773B2 |
Semiconductor device, step-down chopper regulator, and electronic equipment
A bootstrap circuit for a step-down chopper regulator IC includes an LDMOS transistor having a gate and a source connected to output terminals of a constant voltage circuit and a drain connected to a leader terminal of a boot voltage, and a bootstrap control circuit that performs control of turning on and off the LDMOS transistor so as to support high-speed oscillation without requiring expensive process and realize a stable step-down chopping action with a wide input voltage range. |
| US07737772B2 |
Bandwidth-adjustable filter
A bandwidth-adjustable filter includes an operational amplifier, a first resistor, a first capacitor and a first resistor ladder circuit. The operational amplifier has a negative input terminal and a positive input terminal. The first resistor is coupled to one of the input terminals of the operational amplifier. The first capacitor is coupled to the first resistor. The first resistor ladder circuit is coupled in parallel to the first resistor for changing the resistance of the first resistor so as to adjust the bandwidth of the filter. |
| US07737769B2 |
OPAMP-less bandgap voltage reference with high PSRR and low voltage in CMOS process
A circuit includes an OPAMP-less bandgap voltage generating core circuit connected between a regulated voltage and a ground reference to generate an output bandgap voltage. A preregulator circuit generates the regulated voltage from an unregulated supply voltage. The preregulator circuit includes a negative feedback loop operable to stabilize the regulated voltage and a current source operable to source current for the regulated voltage, the current source mirroring a PTAT current of the OPAMP-less bandgap voltage generating core circuit. The core circuit further includes a negative feedback loop and a positive feedback loop, the negative and positive feedback loops functioning to equalize two internal voltages within the core. |
| US07737767B2 |
Control circuit and control method for charge pump circuit
A pulse frequency modulator generates a pulse signal having a fixed duty ratio and a frequency which is adjusted such that a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage of a charge pump circuit is coincident with a predetermined first reference voltage. A driver, on receiving the pulse signal, turns on a first or second group of switches during the time periods corresponding to the high time periods of the pulse signal and turns on the other ones of the first and second group of switches during the time periods corresponding to the low time periods of the pulse signal. |
| US07737765B2 |
Fast start charge pump for voltage regulators
A digital multilevel memory system includes a charge pump and a voltage regulator for generating regulated high voltages for various memory operations. The charge pump may include a plurality of boost circuits to boost the output of the charge pump during a fast start up. Afterwards, the boost circuits are disabled to allow the charge pump to generate high voltages without boosting. The boost circuits may be successively enabled to boost the voltage. The boost circuits may be loadless. The voltage regulator may operate in an open loop and may include a resistive divider as a reference voltage for regulating the high voltage from the charge pump. The charge pump may include spread spectrum pump clocking to reduce electromagnetic inference for capacitor or inductor on-chip charge pumping. |
| US07737760B2 |
Mixer having controllable load with reduced equivalent load value during switching transients of local oscillating signal
A mixer has a controllable load, a signal mixing module, and a controller. The controllable load is controlled by a control signal to change an equivalent load value thereof. The signal mixing module has an output port coupled to the controllable load and an input port coupled to an input signal, and is used for mixing the input signal with a local oscillation signal. The controller is coupled to the controllable load, and is used for generating the control signal to reduce the equivalent load value of the controllable load during switching transients of the local oscillation signal. |
| US07737759B2 |
Logarithmic linear variable gain CMOS amplifier
A logarithmic linear variable gain CMOS amplifier includes first and second differential pairs of transistors forming a differential input, with each differential pair of transistors including a common source node. A pair of diode-connected load transistors is connected to the first and second differential pairs of transistors, and a third differential pair of transistors is connected to the pair of diode-connected load transistors. The third differential pair of transistors include respective gates connected together and in parallel to gates of the first and second differential pairs of transistors. First and second current mirrors are respectively connected to the common source nodes of the first and second differential pairs of transistors for programmably injecting respective bias currents thereto, with a sum of the respective bias currents remaining constant. |
| US07737756B2 |
Level shift circuit
In a level shift circuit, even when a power supply voltage of an input signal is reduced, a level shift operation is reliably performed without causing increase in circuit area and process costs. For a pair of n-type transistors which receive an input signal and a reverse signal of the input signal as a pair of complementary signals at their gates, respectively, a layout which allows reduction in unit gate width size is adopted. The layout configuration includes a plurality of divided rectangular doped regions which function as drains and sources and a plurality of gates arranged to align in a gate length direction with a gate width direction according with a short side direction of the doped regions. The gates are electrically connected with one another, the drains are electrically connected with one another, and the sources are electrically connected with one another. |
| US07737750B2 |
Method and device for determining trim solution
A trimming system for determining a trim solution for a semiconductor device includes an internal value generating circuit for generating an internal value based upon a counter value. The relationship between the internal delay value and an external reference is compared to determine if the counter value is a possible trim solution, while predetermined counter values are excluded as a trim solution. |
| US07737745B2 |
DLL clock signal generating circuit capable of correcting a distorted duty ratio
A DLL (Delay Locked Loop) clock signal generating circuit includes a duty correction buffer for receiving a first clock signal and a second clock signal, producing a first internal clock signal and a second internal clock signal, and correcting duty ratios of the first and second internal clock signals based on a reference signal which is controlled by a duty ratio of the first internal clock signal, and an edge trigger unit for a DLL clock signal which has a first level when the first internal clock signal is activated and which has a second level when the second internal clock signal is activated. |
| US07737744B2 |
Register controlled delay locked loop circuit
A register controlled delay locked loop (DLL) circuit, including: a phase comparator configured to compare phases of a source clock and a feedback clock with each other, and a clock delay circuit configured to delay a phase of an internal clock synchronized with a clock edge of the source clock in response to an output signal of the phase comparator. The clock delay circuit delays the phase of the internal clock using first delay units for a predetermined delay duration, and thereafter delays the phase of the internal clock using second delay units, the second delay unit providing a longer delay than the first delay unit. A delay replica model is configured to reflect actual delay conditions of the source clock in an output clock of the clock delay circuit to output the feedback clock. |
| US07737741B2 |
Periodic signal delay apparatus, systems, and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to delay a periodic input signal in one or more delay elements of a group of delay elements to generate a periodic output signal and to vary a power supply to the delay elements. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US07737740B2 |
Integrated circuit with a programmable delay and a method thereof
An integrated circuit including a first circuit block having a power supply terminal for receiving a first power supply voltage and an output terminal for providing a first data signal is provided. The integrated circuit further includes a second circuit block having a power supply voltage terminal for receiving a second power supply voltage and an input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first circuit block for receiving the first data signal. The integrated circuit further includes a first programmable delay block for adding a first delay time to the first data signal when one or both of the first or second power supply voltages is changed. |
| US07737736B2 |
Interface circuit and signal output adjusting method
The problem to be solved by of this claimed application is solved by providing an interface circuit and a signal output adjusting method that are capable of adjusting amplitude of a transmission-side signal by taking attenuation of a transmission path into consideration. In a transmission-side circuit part of an interface circuit 100, a repetitive signal 111 having constant amplitude is sent out to a transmission path 123 through an output buffer circuit 117 that is configured of a CML circuit at the time of testing. In a reception-side circuit part 102, a determining circuit 135 compares the amplitude of the input signal 131 with each of a plurality of reference voltages Vref1 to Vrefn in comparators 1321 to 132n to obtain a comparison result. And, a voltage controlling circuit 119 of a transmission-side circuit part 101 makes the setting of the amplitude by appropriately controlling a constant current value of the CML circuit, thereby enabling the low consumption power to be realized. |
| US07737735B2 |
Output circuit for outputting a signal with a high-voltage amplitude
An output circuit includes an output block and a predrive block for driving the output block based on an input signal. The predrive block has a clamp unit connected between the gate terminal of a first output transistor and the gate terminal of a second output transistor to limit the potential of the gate terminal of the first output transistor to a value of not more than a first potential and limit the potential of the gate terminal of the second output transistor to a value of not less than a second potential. |
| US07737734B1 |
Adaptive output driver
An adaptive output driver has a number of transistors connected in series between a power supply and a ground. An adaptive bias input is coupled to a gate of one of the transistors. |
| US07737733B2 |
Current-voltage conversion circuit
A current-voltage conversion circuit which converts a current to be detected into a voltage, includes a detection resistor, amplifier circuit having a first operational amplifier, and an offset adjusting current source having a third resistor and a fourth resistor which are capable of trimming. The offset adjusting current source causes an offset adjustment current to flow in the offset resistor. The current value of the offset adjustment current is controlled by adjusting the resistance of the third resistor and the fourth resistor. A voltage at a node between the first transistor and the second resistor is output. |
| US07737730B2 |
Method of detecting the frequency of an input clock signal of an integrated circuit and integrated circuit
An integrated circuit includes a first switched capacitor element and a second switched capacitor element, which are coupled to form a bridge circuit, the first switched capacitor element being located in a first branch of the bridge circuit and the second switched capacitor element being located in a second branch of the bridge circuit. A detector circuit is coupled to the first branch and to the second branch of the bridge circuit. Switching signals of the first switched capacitor element and of the second switched capacitor element are generated on the basis of an input clock signal of the integrated circuit. |
| US07737726B1 |
Hybrid resistor/FET-logic demultiplexer architecture design for hybrid CMOS/nanodevice circuits
A hybrid resistor/FET-logic demultiplexer (demux) is provided. According to an embodiment, hybrid nonoelectronics, which incorporate nanodevice crossbars on CMOS backplane circuits, can be implemented using the subject demux as the interface between the nanowires in the nanodevice crossbars and the microwires fabricated in the CMOS domain. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate resistor-logic and FET-logic to realize the demultiplexing function. In various embodiments, a single column of p-type FETs is used to convert the linear voltage output of a resistor-logic demux core into a nonlinear output so that the desired demultiplexing function can be much better approximated. The resistor-logic demux core design can still be optimized using constant weight codes, whereas the optimization constraint on the constant weight code construction is largely relaxed, which can result in a more area efficient demux. |
| US07737724B2 |
Universal digital block interconnection and channel routing
A programmable routing scheme provides improved connectivity both between Universal Digital Blocks (UDBs) and between the UDBs and other micro-controller elements, peripherals and external Inputs and Outputs (I/Os) in the same Integrated Circuit (IC). The routing scheme increases the number of functions, flexibility, and the overall routing efficiency for programmable architectures. The UDBs can be grouped in pairs and share associated horizontal routing channels. Bidirectional horizontal and vertical segmentation elements extend routing both horizontally and vertically between different UDB pairs and to the other peripherals and I/O. |
| US07737722B2 |
Configurable integrated circuit with built-in turns
Some embodiments of the invention provide configurable integrated circuits (“IC's”) with configurable node arrays. In some embodiments, the configurable node array includes numerous (e.g., 50, 100, etc.) configurable nodes arranged in several rows and columns. This array also includes several direct offset connections, where each particular direct offset connection connects two nodes that are neither in the same column nor in the same row in the array. In some embodiments, at least some direct offset connections connect pairs of nodes that are separated in the array by more than one row and at least one column, or by more than one column and at least one row. Some embodiments establish a direct connection by (1) a set of wire segments that traverse through a set of the IC's wiring layers, and (2) a set of vias when two or more wiring layers are involved. In some embodiments, some of the direct connections have intervening circuits (e.g., buffer circuits), while other direct connections do not have any intervening circuits. Also, in some embodiments, the nodes in the configurable array are all similar (e.g., have the same set of circuit elements and same internal wiring between the circuit elements). |
| US07737715B2 |
Compensation for voltage drop in automatic test equipment
Providing reliable testing of a device under test (DUT) by compensating for a reduced voltage inside the device without changing the internal circuitry of the device. The DUT has multiple connection terminals for connecting to the test equipment including at least first and second power connection terminals that both connect to an internal power bus of the DUT. An adapter board connects to the multiple connection terminals of the DUT via a removably attachable socket which holds the DUT. A tester supplies power to the DUT through the adapter board. The adapter board is configured to supply power from the tester to the DUT through the first power connection terminal and to monitor voltage at the second power connection terminal. The tester includes a compensation unit which controls power based on the voltage monitored at the second power connection terminal. |
| US07737712B2 |
Probe-testing device and method of semiconductor device
A probe-testing device includes probe tips configured to apply inputs to pads of a semiconductor chip, wherein one of the probe tips is connected to a calibration pad for impedance adjustment and a calibration resistor is connected thereto. |
| US07737709B2 |
Methods for planarizing a semiconductor contactor
A planarizer for a probe card assembly. A planarizer includes a first control member extending from a substrate in a probe card assembly. The first control member extends through at least one substrate in the probe card assembly and is accessible from an exposed side of an exterior substrate in the probe card assembly. Actuating the first control member causes a deflection of the substrate connected to the first control member. |
| US07737707B2 |
Sheet-like probe, method of producing the probe, and application of the probe
A sheet-like probe and a method of producing the probe. In the probe electrode structure bodies do not come out from an insulation film and achieve high durability, and in a burn-in test for a wafer having a large area and for a circuit device having to-be-inspected electrodes with small intervals, positional displacement, caused by temperature variation, between the electrode structure bodies and the to-be-inspected electrode can be reliably prevented for stable connection conditions. The sheet-like probe includes an insulation layer and a contact film provided with electrode structure bodies arranged on the insulation layer to be apart from each other in the surface direction of the insulation layer and penetratingly extend in the thickness direction of the insulation layer. The electrode structure bodies each are composed of a surface electrode section exposed to the front surface of the insulation layer. |
| US07737706B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting process performance for use in a plasma processing apparatus
A method inspects a process performance of a capacitively coupled plasma processing apparatus which generates a plasma for a plasma processing by applying a radio frequency power between a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in a processing vessel to face the first electrode in parallel. The method includes measuring an impedance of a radio frequency transmission path ranging from a rear surface of the first electrode to a ground potential part and sweeping a frequency to thereby obtain a frequency characteristic of a real resistance component of the impedance; reading a specific property value of a horn-like peak which appears from the frequency characteristic of the real resistance component; and determining efficaciousness or inferiority of the process performance of the plasma processing apparatus based on the peak property value. |
| US07737702B2 |
Apparatus for wafer level arc detection at an electrostatic chuck electrode
Wafer level arc detection is provided in a plasma reactor using an RF transient sensor sensing voltage at an electrostatic chucking electrode, the RF sensor being coupled to a threshold comparator, and a system controller responsive to the threshold comparator. |
| US07737697B2 |
Method and apparatus for use of the real component of a magnetic field of multicomponent resistivity measurements
Multi-component induction measurements are made using a resistivity logging tool in an anistropic earth formation. A subset of the multi-component measurements are inverted to first determine horizontal resistivities. Using the determined horizontal resistivities and another subset of the multi-component measurements, the vertical resistivities are obtained. Results of using the in-phase signals are comparable to those obtained using multifrequency focusing of quadrature signals. |
| US07737695B2 |
High field magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method for obtaining high signal-to-noise by its receiving coil
In a high field magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a method for obtaining signals having a high signal-to-noise ratio with the receiving coil thereof, the apparatus has at least a basic magnet and a receiving coil, the basic magnet generating a basic magnetic field, and the receiving coil being disposed within the basic magnetic field and forming an accommodating cavity. The accommodating cavity of the receiving coil is perpendicular to the direction of the basic magnetic field and is positioned in the field of view of the apparatus. The receiving coil is a loop type coil. The apparatus can further have a bracket for fixing the receiving coil. In the method, a receiving coil is used to receive signals in a magnetic field, wherein the receiving coil is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. By using the apparatus and the corresponding method since the receiving coil can have a loop type design, the signal-to-noise ratio is increased. Moreover, the receiving coil can be disposed at a position closer to the center of the field of view, so that the imaging quality is improved. |
| US07737689B2 |
Vessel for rare gas filling, and method for polarization of rare gas atomic nucleus using said vessel
A vessel for rare-gas filling is provided that is capable of realizing a substantially completely circularly polarized light state in the vessel by using a single crystal material for a light entrance window. To this end, the thickness and the crystal axis orientation of the single crystal material are optimized. A polarization method of rare-gas nucleus using such a vessel is also provided. Embodiment of the vessel and the polarization method include those in which (1) an alkali resistance is high, (2) a pressure resistance is high, (3) no permeation of 3He occurs, and (4) a neutron absorption corresponds to applications to basic science, for example, neutron scattering is negligible. The vessel for rare-gas filling includes a vessel body and a pipe connected to the vessel body for introducing a rare-gas containing gas and an alkali metal into the vessel body. The vessel body is provided with a light entrance window made of a single-crystal material of which the thickness and crystal axis orientation have been adjusted to be a predetermined thickness and orientation, respectively. The vessel for rare-gas filling is preferably formed of sapphire or the like. |
| US07737687B2 |
Fluxgate sensor having conbzr magnetic core and fabrication method thereof
A fluxgate sensor includes a magnetic core including CoNbZr, an excitation coil, and a magnetic field sensing coil. The fluxgate sensor can use CoNbZr. A low coercivity and high magnetic permeability can be obtained. |
| US07737686B2 |
Distance sensor arrangement for a magnet of the levitation magnet of a magnetic levitation transport system
A distance sensor configuration for a magnet of the levitation magnet of a magnetic levitation transport system equipped with a number of distance sensors. Each distance sensor has a distance measuring coil acted upon by an operating frequency and can be placed in an installation space on the magnet. In order to obtain reliable distance measurement values by using a distance sensor configuration of the aforementioned type, the distance measuring coil of each distance sensor is connected to a programmable module for generating an operating frequency. The distance sensor contains a location information querying device for querying an installation space-specific location information providing device in the installation space. The location information querying device is connected on the input side to the programmable module. |
| US07737682B2 |
Wheel speed detecting apparatus and a wheel bearing apparatus incorporated with a wheel speed detecting apparatus
A wheel speed detecting apparatus incorporated with a wheel bearing apparatus. The wheel speed detecting apparatus has an encoder, and an annular sensor holder arranged opposite to the encoder. The sensor holder has an annular fitting member formed from a steel plate. A holding portion is integrally molded with the annular fitting member. A wheel speed sensor is arranged opposite to the encoder. Several substantially circular arc notches are formed on the outer circumference of the holding portion so that portions of the periphery of the annular fitting member are exposed from the holding portion. |
| US07737681B1 |
Non contact method and apparatus for measurement of sheet resistance of P-N junctions
A contactless sheet resistance measurement apparatus and method for measuring the sheet resistance of upper layer of ultra shallow p-n junction is disclosed. The apparatus comprises alternating light source optically coupled with first transparent and conducting electrode brought close to the wafer, the second electrode placed outside of illumination area. Using the measurement of the surface photovoltage signals inside illuminated area and outside this area and its phase shifts, linear SPV model describing its lateral distribution the sheet resistance and p-n junction conductance is determined. |
| US07737680B1 |
Non contact method and apparatus for measurement of sheet resistance of P-N junctions
A contactless sheet resistance measurement apparatus and method for measuring the sheet resistance of upper layer of ultra shallow p-n junction is disclosed. The apparatus comprises alternating light source optically coupled with first transparent and conducting electrode brought close to the wafer, the second electrode placed outside of illumination area. Using the measurement of the surface photovoltage signals inside illuminated area and outside this area and its phase shifts, linear SPV model describing its lateral distribution the sheet resistance and p-n junction conductance is determined. |
| US07737675B2 |
Reference current generator adjustable by a variable current source
A reference current generator for outputting a current proportional to absolute temperature includes a fixed current source transistor, a variable current source transistor and an output transistor which are connected to a drain voltage line. The fixed current source transistor is connected to a source voltage via a series of resistor and first diode. The variable current source transistor is connected to the source voltage via a second diode. A first node between the variable current source transistor and the resistor is connected with a noninverting input of an operational amplifier, and a second node between the variable current source transistor and the second diode is connected with an inverting input of the operational amplifier. The operational amplifier has its output connected to the gate electrode of both the fixed current source transistor and the output transistor, which outputs a PTAT current depending upon the gate voltage. |
| US07737662B2 |
Power management circuit for battery pack
A power system for managing charging, discharging and protection of rechargeable batteries is disclosed. The power system mainly includes a power system. The power system includes a switching circuit coupled to the rechargeable batteries to charge and discharge the rechargeable batteries. The power system includes a power management unit to control the switching circuit. The power system includes a temperature sensing circuit to monitor a temperature of the batteries, voltage detectors to monitor voltages of the batteries, and current detectors to monitor a current of the batteries. If an abnormal condition is sensed by the power management unit when the power system is in an operating mode, the power management unit will terminate the operating mode by switching off the switching circuit to protect the batteries and the power system. |
| US07737661B2 |
Secondary battery having constant-voltage device
Disclosed is a secondary battery having a constant-voltage device for preventing the secondary battery from being excessively overcharged. The breakdown voltage of the constant-voltage device is lower than the explosion or ignition voltage of the secondary battery, so the discharge operation may occur before the secondary battery is exploded or ignited even if the voltage of the secondary battery rises above the overcharge voltage, thereby protecting the secondary battery from explosion or ignition. The leakage current value of the constant-voltage device is less than 0.05% of the capacity value of the secondary battery under the maximum charge voltage of the secondary battery, or the breakdown voltage of the constant-voltage device is higher than the maximum charge voltage of the secondary battery. Thus, the constant-voltage device rarely generates the leakage current even if the secondary battery has been charged with the maximum charge voltage. |
| US07737655B1 |
Electronic control module for a lithium-ion battery powered lantern
A controller allows use of a battery protection circuit that limits electrical current to a safe level regarding short circuits and hazardous locations as well as determining each battery configuration having a voltage-temperature profile associated with that enhances cold weather operation; high battery temperatures are also detected and then rectified by the controller. |
| US07737654B2 |
Vertically-mounted garage door operator
Embodiments of the invention provide a control system for a garage door. The control system can include a motor, a pulley, a synchronous drive member, a carriage, and an operator. The pulley can be coupled to and driven by the motor. The synchronous drive member can be coupled to the pulley and driven by the pulley. The carriage can be coupled to the synchronous drive member and to a bottom edge of a garage door. The operator can be coupled to the motor and can control the motor. The operator can be mounted vertically adjacent to the garage door when the garage door is in a closed position. |
| US07737653B2 |
Method of controlling a motorized window treatment
A method of controlling a motorized window treatment provides for continued operation of the motorized window treatment during an overload condition, a low-line condition, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. The motorized window treatment is driven by an electronic drive unit having a motor, a motor drive circuit, a rotational position sensor, a controller, and a memory for storing the command. The controller stores the present position of the motorized window treatment in the memory each time the rotational position of the motor changes by a predetermined angle, such that a plurality of positions are stored in the memory. When the controller is reset due to an overload condition or ESD event, the controller recalls the desired position from the memory, determines the present position, and continues to drive the motor drive circuit in response to the command and the present position. |
| US07737646B2 |
Operating electrical machines from a DC link
A drive system has a number of electrical machines. One machine operates as a generator supplying an output to a DC link, which in turn supplies one or more machines operating as motors to drive loads. The motors are supplied through power converters. The total capacitance of the DC link is minimized and the link kept in a stable condition by preventing it falling to a hazardous level. One embodiment prevents the phase currents adding in such a manner as to reduce the DC link voltage. Another embodiment employs freewheeling in the phase currents to prevent the DC link voltage falling below a predetermined threshold. |
| US07737644B2 |
Backlight control circuit with feedback circuit
An exemplary backlight control circuit (20) includes at least two sampling circuits (21), at least two feedback circuits (22), and a PWM IC (23). Each of the sampling circuits includes a sampling output (210) and a backlight lamp (211). The PWM IC includes a current sense pin (230). The at least two feedback circuits correspond to the at least two sampling circuits, respectively. Each of the feedback circuits includes a resistor (222) and a diode (223) electrically coupled in parallel. The sampling output is configured to output a first voltage when the backlight lamp is in a normal working state, and output a second voltage when the backlight lamp has an open circuit. One terminal of the diode is electrically coupled to the sampling output of a corresponding one of the sampling circuits, and an opposite terminal of the diode is electrically coupled to the current sense pin. |
| US07737641B2 |
Capacitive-load driving circuit capable of properly handling temperature rise and plasma display apparatus using the same
A capacitive-load driving circuit has a configuration in which a driving power supply source is connected to an output terminal via a driving device. The capacitive-load driving circuit has a power distributing circuit inserted between the driving power supply source and the driving device. Therefore, temperature rise (power consumption) in the capacitive-load driving circuit can be distributed. |
| US07737638B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device having an anode and a cathode is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the light-emitting device comprises a first lead connected to the anode of the light-emitting device and a second lead connected to the cathode of the light-emitting device. The first lead has a first bend, wherein the direction of the first bend indicates that the first lead is connected to the anode. The second lead has a second bend, wherein the direction of the second bend indicates that the second lead is connected to the cathode. |
| US07737637B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device having input function and electronic apparatus
The invention provides an organic electroluminescence device having an input function, including: an element substrate that has a light-emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes; a sealing substrate that seals the element substrate; a first detection electrode that is provided at the inner-surface side of the sealing substrate; a second detection electrode that is provided at the outer-surface side of the sealing substrate; the second detection electrode having a detection axis that is not the same as that of the first detection electrode; a dielectric film that is formed on the second detection electrode; and a detection unit that detects a position at which electrostatic capacitance is generated via the dielectric film between the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode. |
| US07737635B2 |
High efficiency white light emitting diode and method for manufacturing the same
A light source module of a white light emitting diode comprising a blue LED, a packaging substrate, wherein the blue LED is mounted on and electrically connected to the packaging substrate, a cap layer, enclosing the blue LED, wherein the cap layer includes a mixture of silicon and phosphor blend at ratio of 1:0.2-0.5, and a protective layer over the cap layer. |
| US07737633B2 |
Electroluminescent wire
An electroluminescent wire includes a continuous base wire, plated with a metal modified layer. The metal wire is coated with a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is coated with a luminous layer made of electroluminescent powder added with YAG to emit light. The luminous layer is coated with a transparent conductive layer. The surface of the conductive layer connects to 1 to 4 protective conductive wires, and all are enclosed by a fluoroplastics layer. The fluoroplastics layer is enclosed by a plurality of transparent and translucent colorized plastic tubes. Fluorescent dye or paint and scattering agent or glass microballons are added into at least one layer of the plastic tubes respectively. AC is applied between the metal modified layer and outer protective conductive wire. |
| US07737632B2 |
Organic EL element with lamination structure and its manufacturing method
There is provided an organic EL element having, between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a lamination structure formed of organic films having a light emitting layer, a hole transport layer adjacent to a positive electrode side of the light emitting layer, and an electron transport layer adjacent to a negative electrode side of the light emitting layer. At least one of the organic films composing the lamination structure includes a metal element having reactivity to oxygen or water. |
| US07737630B2 |
Electroluminescence element and a light emitting device using the same
An EL element which is thicker and lower-voltage drive without doping acceptor or donor than the conventional one. An EL element in which an electroluminescent film 103 containing an organic compound which can provide electroluminescent, a floating electrode 104, an electron transport supporting layer 105 and a cathode 102 are in order laminated on an anode 101. A film thickness of the electroluminescent film 103 is on the order of a conventional film thickness (on the order of approximately 100 nm), and the electron transport supporting layer 105 may also have a film thickness on the order of the electroluminescent film 103. The EL element can be driven at lower voltage than the conventional one by introducing a hole blocking material into an electron transport supporting layer. |
| US07737629B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus
A light emitting device includes: a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes; and a plurality of light emitting films. Each of the plurality of light emitting films is disposed between one first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and one second electrode among the plurality of second electrodes. The one first electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode that is adjacent to the one second electrode among the plurality of second electrodes. |
| US07737628B2 |
Aromatic amine derivative and organic electroluminescence device using the same
An aromatic amine derivative with a specified structure whose benzene ring is bonded with a cycloalkyl group. An organic electroluminescence device which comprises at least one organic thin film layer comprising a light emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrode consisting of an anode and a cathode, wherein at least one of the organic thin film layer comprises the aromatic amine derivative singly or in combination. The organic EL device employing the aromatic amine derivative reveals practically sufficient luminance even under low applied voltage, exhibits an enhanced efficiency of light emission, and is resistant to degrade even after a long time usage demonstrating a prolonged lifetime. |
| US07737626B2 |
Light emitting element
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element having a structure in which the drive voltage is relatively low. Further, it is an object of the invention to provide a highly reliable light emitting device by alleviating the stress to the light emitting layer. Further, it is another object of the invention to provide a light emitting element having a structure in which increase in the drive voltage over time is small. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device in which the drive voltage is low and increase in the drive voltage over time is small and which can withstand long-term use. In a light emitting element, a layer in contact with an electrode serves as a hole generating layer such as an organic compound layer containing a P-type semiconductor or an electron accepting material, a light emitting layer is provided between hole generating layers, an electron generating layer is formed between the hole generation layer on the cathode side and the light emitting layer. |
| US07737624B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device having at least one organic layer containing a light-emitting layer between a pair of electrodes, wherein the organic electroluminescent device contains a compound emitting fluorescence at a time that voltage is applied, and the light emission at the time that voltage is applied is mainly derived from the light emission of a fluorescent compound, and the external quantum efficiency of the device is 6% or more. It is preferable that the organic electroluminescent device contain an amplifying agent performing the function of amplifying the number of singlet excitons generated at the time that voltage is applied, thus amplifying the intensity of the light emission. The amplifying agent is a transition metal complex, in particular, an iridium complex, a platinum complex, a rhenium complex, a ruthenium complex, a palladium complex, a rhodium complex, a copper complex or a rare earth device complex. The compound emitting fluorescence is preferably a fused aromatic compound. |
| US07737623B2 |
Light emitting device, lighting system, backlight unit for display device, and display device
To enhance emission efficiency and color rendering, a light emitting device includes: at least one light source; at least one first emitting section having at least one sort of luminescent material that can emit light including a wavelength component that is longer than the light emitted from light source when excited by the light emitted from light source; at least one second emitting section having at least one sort of luminescent material that can emit light including a wavelength component that is longer than the light emitted from first emitting section when excited by the light emitted from light source and first emitting section; wherein light emitting device includes at least one light shielding unit that protects at least a of the light emitted from first emitting section from entering second emitting section. |
| US07737622B2 |
Light emitting element with semiconductive phosphor
A phosphor element (10) of the present invention includes a pair of electrodes (2, 6) facing each other, and a phosphor layer (4) interposed between the pair of electrodes and including a semi-conductive phosphor fine particle (7) in which at least a part of the surface is covered with a conductive organic material (8). The conductive organic material is preferably chemically adsorbed on the surface of the semi-conductive phosphor fine article. Further, it is preferable that electron transport layers (3, 5) be further provided between the phosphor layer and at least one of the electrodes. |
| US07737621B2 |
Light emitting device provided with a wavelength conversion unit incorporating plural kinds of phosphors
A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting element for emitting primary light, and a wavelength conversion unit for absorbing part of the primary light and emitting secondary light having a wavelength longer than that of the primary light, wherein the wavelength conversion unit includes plural kinds of phosphors having light absorption characteristics different from each other, and then at least one kind of phosphor among the plural kinds of phosphors has an absorption characteristic that can absorb the secondary light emitted from at least another kind of phosphor among the plural kinds of phosphors. |
| US07737618B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus is having a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate. An electrode is located on an inner surface of the first substrate or an inner surface of the second substrate. An electron emitter is located on the electrode. A barrier rib structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a sealed inner space therebetween. The barrier rib structure is comprised of a conductive material. A gas is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US07737617B2 |
Image formation apparatus having getters spacers and wires
An image formation apparatus comprising a rear plate on which a plurality of wires for connecting electron emission devices are placed; a faceplate arranged in parallel to the rear plate in a frame, on which an image formation material for forming images by radiation of electrons emitted from the electron emission devices is placed; spacers placed between the rear plate and the faceplate and placed on the wires of the rear plate; and getters provided on the wires on which a spacer is not placed but not provided on the wires on which the spacer is placed. |
| US07737610B2 |
Drive apparatus having auxiliary springs
Provided is a self-propelled drive apparatus that enables stable drive and low cost, the apparatus includes: a movable member which has an electromechanical transducer whose one end is fixed to the movable member and the other end is fixed to a drive friction member, which is movably supported by the movable member movably in the first direction, which represents a extension-contraction direction A-B of the electromechanical transducer, where the movable member is supported movably in the first direction; a pair of plate springs which extend in a belt shape in the first direction and sandwich the drive friction member; a base member holding the plate springs in a cantilever manner in the direction of the short sides of the plate springs; and auxiliary springs disposed on the outside of the plate springs to apply elastic force only to both ends of each of the plate springs. |
| US07737608B2 |
Enhanced amplitude piezoelectric motor apparatus and method
A piezoelectric drive motor especially well adapted for use with flow control systems on commercial aircraft, military aircraft and spacecraft. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure that supports a piezoelectric beam. A biasing element, for example a coil spring, is coupled between a free end of the piezoelectric beam and the support structure. The spring exerts a compressive force on the beam and serves to amplify its displacement when electric signals applied to piezoelectric layers on the beam cause deflection of the beam between two stable positions. The drive motor operates over a wider band of drive frequencies than conventional piezoelectric beams and is also suitable for use as a sensor and in a wide variety of actuator applications. |
| US07737606B2 |
Inertial drive actuator
To provide an inertial drive actuator that is easy to assemble and achieves high accuracy in position detection, the actuator has a fixed member, a vibration substrate, a piezoelectric element (movement unit), first and second moving bodies that moves relative to the vibration substrate by inertia, a first electrode provided on the surface of each of the first and second moving bodies, a second electrode provided on a surface of the vibration substrate, an insulating film provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, a drive unit, and a position detection unit that detects the position of the moving body with respect to the vibration substrate based on capacitance of the portion in which the first electrode and the second electrode are opposed to each other. |
| US07737601B2 |
System and method for securing a rotor to a motor drive shaft using cam fasteners
A rotor assembly for mounting a rotor to a motor shaft having a rotor with a centrally positioned central bore, the diameter of which is slightly larger than a diameter of the motor shaft, a first stepped bore intersecting the central bore and being aligned along a first axis of the rotor, and a second stepped bore also intersecting the central bore and being aligned along a second axis of the rotor. A first cam fastener is disposed within the first stepped bore, and a second cam fastener is disposed within the second stepped bore. Upon rotating the first and second cam fasteners, they engage the motor shaft thereby securely clamping the rotor to the motor shaft. |
| US07737599B2 |
Securing structure for stator and electric vehicle
A securing structure for a stator includes the stator having a stator core, and a housing having an opening portion containing the stator core, and the housing includes a portion A where the clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the opening portion and the stator core is relatively smaller and the inner diameter of the opening portion is constant, and a portion B located adjacent to the portion A in the axial direction of the stator core where the clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the opening portion and the stator core is relatively larger. |
| US07737593B2 |
Electrical rotation machine and a wind turbine system
An electric rotation machine for windmill power generation equipped with a stator slot structure having distributed windings and a rotor pole structure having permanent magnets, wherein the number of slots per pole per phase (Nspp) is undividable by 3 times P (where P is the number of poles), and pole width rate Pw obtained by dividing pole piece width Tp by pole pitch Tr at the outermost diameters of the adjoining poles of the rotor is satisfied any of Pw≦0.6, 0.67≦Pw≦0.71, and 0.78≦Pw. The distortion factors of induced voltages in a permanent magnet type electrical rotation machine, particularly for windmill power generation, can be reduced. |
| US07737587B2 |
Motor
A motor having a busbar unit which is accommodated in a housing along with an armature includes a relay wherein the connection between the armature and the relay is secured. By virtue of such a configuration, reliability of the connection between the armature and the relay is improved. In the busbar unit, a plurality of first busbars and a plurality of second busbars each having a substantially arcuate shape are arranged so as to be circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The first busbars do not overlap with the second busbars in the axial and radial directions thereby reducing the dimensions of the motor in the axial and radial directions. |
| US07737586B2 |
Rotating electric machine
A rotating electric machine wherein sub slots serving as cooling fluid ducts in the axial direction are provided at the bottoms of the coil slots formed in the rotor, radial cooling fluid ducts are formed through the field coil of the rotor in the radial direction of the rotor and juxtaposed in the axial direction of the rotor, so as to communicate the sub slots with the air gap, and radial cooling fluid ducts are formed through the stator in the radial direction of the stator and juxtaposed in the axial direction of the rotor, corresponding in position to the radial cooling fluid ducts in the rotor, so as to communicate the inner periphery of the stator with the outer periphery of the stator. |
| US07737584B2 |
Electric machine
The invention relates to an electric machine (6) comprising a rotor and a stator, the rotor having a shaft (7) and the longitudinal extension of the electric machine (6) being defined by the shaft axis. The electric machine (6) can be cooled by means of a cooling circuit, the latter comprising at least one cooling pipe (3), which extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the electric machine (6). The cooling circuit comprises a first circular distribution pipe (1) that forms almost a complete circle, which stretches over one plane, the axis of the longitudinal extension of the electric machine (6) being essentially perpendicular to said plane. According to the invention: at least one cooling pipe (3) can be connected in a water-tight manner to the first distribution pipe (1); the cooling circuit can be traversed by a coolant and has a first connection (10), which allows coolant to be supplied to the cooling circuit; and the cooling circuit has a second connection (9), which allows coolant to be evacuated from the cooling circuit. The first distribution pipe (1) is cast in one piece (2) from metal and said piece (2) has openings (4) for the cooling pipes (3) at the connection points of the first distribution pipe (1) to the cooling pipes (3). Once installed, the piece (2) is connected to the housing of the electric machine (6) so that it can conduct heat and/or forms an integral part of the housing. |
| US07737582B2 |
Self-protective high-current low-loss bi-directional semiconductor switch module and method of operation
A high current, light weight, thermally stable, bidirectional semiconductor switch module in an electrical system uses MOSFET technology in a back-to-back parallel architecture. The device comprises a controller which permits it to operate in high electrical noise environments. The device is further controlled to operate in either or both directions based on external events such as voltage changes associated with the electrical system and with vehicle operating conditions. The device operates at currents typically from a few amperes to 1000 amperes and may be used as a circuit breaker, over voltage switch, isolation switch, transient protection switch, and voltage converter. The device functions to replace the solenoids and relays associated with starter motors in a vehicle electrical system. |
| US07737579B1 |
Common neutral for load-side separately-derived transfer switch
A separately-derived, load-side transfer switch connected to the neutral leads of a load center in a single and switchable connection, which allows for connection and disconnection of the load center neutrals to a primary or an auxiliary power source in a single manual operation. |
| US07737571B2 |
System and method for creating a networked infrastructure distribution platform of fixed hybrid solar wind energy generating devices
A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of ground-based hybrid solar-wind energy generating devices, one or more roads, and a roadway system electricity grid. The energy generating devices are connected to the roadway system electricity grid and substantially all of the ground-based hybrid solar-wind energy generating devices are positioned on part of one of the roads or near to one or more of the roads to thereby allow energy generation from wind created from passing vehicles in addition to energy generation from atmospheric wind. |
| US07737566B2 |
Alignment devices and methods for providing phase depth control
Alignment marks for use on substrates. An exemplary implementation provides phase depth control. A grating mark, for example, can be etched on a silicon wafer with sub-wavelength segmentation in the spacing portion of the alignment grating's period. The sub-wavelength segmentation can be applied to the spaces or to the lines, or both, of an alignment grating to control the phase depth of the grating. By applying segmentation with a period smaller than the alignment light wavelength in either the space(s) and/or in the line(s) of the grating, the effective refractive index in that region can be manipulated. This change in the effective index will result in a change in the phase depth (optical path length). By varying the duty cycle of the sub-wavelength segmented region, the effective refractive index can be controlled, thereby providing selective control over the phase depth. |
| US07737565B2 |
Stackable semiconductor package and method for its fabrication
A stackable semiconductor package includes a board having first electrical connections, an integrated circuit chip fixed on a front face of the board, second electrical connections which connect the chip to the first electrical connections of the board and front electrical contact terminals arranged beyond at least one edge of the chip on the front face of this board. An encapsulation block of a coating material is formed on the front face of the board and encapsulates the chip, its electrical connections and the front terminals. The block has at least one opening which at least partially uncovers the front terminals with a view to receiving electrical connection beads of a stacked second package. This one opening is preferably in the form of a groove. |
| US07737564B2 |
Power configuration method for structured ASICs
A method for electrically coupling a bond pad of an integrated circuit such as a field programmable device, an application-specific integrated circuit, or a rapid chip with an input/output device is disclosed. The bond pad is provided with a plurality of metal layers configurable for making a connection with the input/output device. The bond pad is then coupled to the input/output device with an interconnect structure. The method for electrically coupling the bond pad to the input/output device allows the customer to configure the power and ground pad counts after the slice is created. |
| US07737559B2 |
Semiconductor constructions
The invention includes methods of forming layers conformally over undulating surface topographies associated with semiconductor substrates. The undulating surface topographies can first be exposed to one or more of titanium oxide, neodymium oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide and vanadium oxide to treat the surfaces, and can be subsequently exposed to a material that forms a layer conformally along the treated surfaces. The material can, for example, comprise an aluminum-containing compound and one or both of silane and silazane. The invention also includes semiconductor constructions having conformal layers formed over liners containing one or more of titanium oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide and vanadium oxide. |
| US07737558B2 |
Semiconductor device with a high-frequency interconnect
Provided is a semiconductor device having a high-frequency interconnect, first dummy conductor patterns, an interconnect, and second dummy conductor patterns. The first dummy conductor patterns are arranged in the vicinity of the high-frequency interconnect, and the second dummy conductor patterns are arranged in the vicinity of the interconnect. The minimum value of distance between the high-frequency interconnect and the first dummy conductor patterns is larger than the minimum value of distance between the interconnect and the second dummy conductor patterns. |
| US07737555B2 |
Semiconductor method having silicon-diffused metal wiring layer
In a semiconductor device, an insulating interlayer having a groove is formed on an insulating underlayer. A silicon-diffused metal layer including no metal silicide is buried in the groove. A metal diffusion barrier layer is formed on the silicon-diffused metal layer and the insulating interlayer. |
| US07737552B2 |
Device having a bonding structure for two elements
A device and a method for bonding elements are described. A first solder ball is produced on a main surface of a first element. A second solder ball is produced on a main surface of a second element. Contact is provided between the first solder ball and the second solder ball. The first and second elements are bonded by applying a reflow act whereby the solder balls melt and form a joined solder ball structure. Prior to the bonding, the first solder ball is laterally embedded in a first layer of non-conductive material and the second solder ball is laterally embedded in a second layer of non-conductive material, such that the upper part of the first solder ball and upper part of the second solder ball are not covered by the non-conductive material. A third solder volume is applied on one or both of the embedded first or second solder balls, prior to the bonding. |
| US07737549B2 |
Circuit module with thermal casing systems
Flexible circuitry is populated with integrated circuitry (ICs), and contacts are distributed along the flexible circuitry to provide connection to an application environment. The flexible circuitry is disposed about a rigid substrate, placing the ICs on one or both sides of the substrate with one or more layers of integrated circuitry on one or both sides of the substrate. The substrate is preferably devised from thermally-conductive materials and one or more thermal spreaders are in thermal contact with at least some of the ICs. Optionally, as an additional thermal management feature, the module may include a high thermal conductivity thermal sink or area that is disposed proximal to higher thermal energy IC devices. In preferred embodiments, extensions from the substrate body or substrate core encourage reduced thermal variations amongst the ICs of the module while providing an enlarged surface for shedding thermal energy from the module. |
| US07737546B2 |
Surface mountable semiconductor package with solder bonding features
A packaged circuit element such as an LED and a method for making the same are disclosed. The packaged circuit element includes a lead frame, a molded body, and a die containing the circuit element. The lead frame has first and second leads, each lead having first and second portions. The molded body surrounds the first portion of each lead, and the die is connected electrically to the first and second leads on the first portions of the first and second leads. The second portion of each of the first and second leads is substantially parallel to opposing side surfaces of the body and include a feature that inhibits molten solder from wetting a portion of the second section of each lead between the feature and the first portion of that lead while allowing the molten solder to wet the remaining surfaces of the second portions. |
| US07737545B2 |
Multi-surface IC packaging structures and methods for their manufacture
An IC package having multiple surfaces for interconnection with interconnection elements making connections from the IC chip to the I/O terminations of the package assembly which reside on more than one of its surfaces and which make interconnections to other devices or assemblies that are spatially separated. |
| US07737540B2 |
Stacked semiconductor devices and signal distribution methods thereof
A stacked semiconductor device includes a plurality of stacked chips, each having a plurality of elements to receive a signal. At least one first ladder main signal line for receiving the signal is arranged to pass through the chips. At least one second ladder main signal line is arranged to pass through the chips. A plurality of ladder buffers buffer the signal applied from the first ladder main signal line to the second ladder main signal line. The signal is uniformly distributed to the stacked chips using a ladder type circuit network technique. |
| US07737537B2 |
Electronic device
Embodiments provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes a leadframe having a first face that defines an island and multiple leads configured to communicate with a chip attached to the island, a first structure element separate from and coupled to a first face of the leadframe, at least one electrical connector coupled between the chip and the first structure element, and at least one electrical connector coupled between the first structure element and one of the multiple leads. |
| US07737535B2 |
Total ionizing dose suppression transistor architecture
A total ionizing dose suppression architecture for a transistor and a transistor circuit uses an “end cap” metal structure that is connected to the lowest potential voltage to overcome the tendency of negative charge buildup during exposure to ionizing radiation. The suppression architecture uses the field established by coupling the metal structure to the lowest potential voltage to steer the charge away from the critical field (inter-device) and keeps non-local charge from migrating to the “birds-beak” region of the transistor, preventing further charge buildup. The “end cap” structure seals off the “birds-beak” region and isolates the critical area. The critical area charge is source starved of an outside charge. Outside charge migrating close to the induced field is repelled away from the critical region. The architecture is further extended to suppress leakage current between adjacent wells biased to differential potentials. |
| US07737534B2 |
Semiconductor devices that include germanium nanofilm layer disposed within openings of silicon dioxide layer
A process is provided for fabricating a semiconductor device having a germanium nanofilm layer that is selectively deposited on a silicon substrate in discrete regions or patterns. A semiconductor device is also provided having a germanium film layer that is disposed in desired regions or having desired patterns that can be prepared in the absence of etching and patterning the germanium film layer. A process is also provided for preparing a semiconductor device having a silicon substrate having one conductivity type and a germanium nanofilm layer of a different conductivity type. Semiconductor devices are provided having selectively grown germanium nanofilm layer, such as diodes including light emitting diodes, photodetectors, and like. The method can also be used to make advanced semiconductor devices such as CMOS devices, MOSFET devices, and the like. |
| US07737531B2 |
Wafer including a reinforcing flange formed upright at a periphery and method for manufacturing the same
A wafer with an orientation notch being cut in a portion of its circumference, the wafer includes: a reinforcing flange formed upright at periphery; and a thin section surrounded by the reinforcing flange and having a smaller thickness than the reinforcing flange. The reinforcing flange includes a circumferential portion formed upright along the circumference and a notch portion formed upright near the orientation notch, and a width of the circumferential portion as viewed parallel to a major surface of the wafer is smaller than a depth of the orientation notch as viewed parallel to the major surface. |
| US07737526B2 |
Isolated trench MOSFET in epi-less semiconductor sustrate
An isolation structure for a semiconductor device comprises a floor isolation region, a dielectric filled trench above the floor isolation region and a sidewall isolation region extending downward from the bottom of the trench to the floor isolation region. This structure provides a relatively deep isolated pocket in a semiconductor substrate while limiting the depth of the trench that must be etched in the substrate. A MOSFET is formed in the isolated pocket. |
| US07737525B1 |
Method for producing low-K CDO films
Methods of preparing a carbon doped oxide (CDO) layers having a low dielectric constant are provided. The methods involve, for instance, providing a substrate to a deposition chamber and exposing it to one or multiple carbon-doped oxide precursors having molecules with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, or carbon-carbon double bond, or a combination of these groups and depositing the carbon doped oxide dielectric layer under conditions in which the resulting dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of not greater than about 2.7. |
| US07737523B2 |
Semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device of the present invention, a protection diode for protecting a device is formed on an epitaxial layer formed on a substrate. A Schottky barrier metal layer is formed on a surface of the epitaxial layer and a P-type diffusion layer is formed at a lower portion of an end portion of the Schottky barrier metal layer. Then, a P-type diffusion layer is formed to be connected to a P-type diffusion layer and is extended to a cathode region. A metal layer to which an anode electrode is applied is formed above the P-type diffusion layer, thereby making it possible to obtain a field plate effect. This structure reduces a large change in a curvature of a depletion layer, thereby improving a withstand voltage characteristic of the protection diode. |
| US07737520B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and camera implementing the same
To provide a solid-state imaging device able to improve light transmittance of a transparent insulation film in a light incident side of a substrate, suppress the dark current, and prevent quantum efficiency loss, wherein a pixel circuit is formed in a first surface of the substrate and light is received from a second surface, and it has: a light receiving unit formed in the substrate and for generating a signal charge corresponding to an amount of incidence light and storing it; a transparent first insulation film formed on the second surface; and a transparent second insulation film formed on the first insulation film and for retaining a charge having the same polarity as the signal charge in an interface of the first insulation film or in inside, and when the thicknesses of the first and second insulation films are determined to obtain a transmittance higher than when using only the first insulation film. |
| US07737519B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention, in a photoelectric conversion device in which a pixel including a photoelectric conversion device for converting a light into a signal charge and a peripheral circuit including a circuit for processing the signal charge outside a pixel region in which the pixel are disposed on the same substrate, comprising: a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type for forming the photoelectric region, the first semiconductor region being formed in a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type; and a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type and a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type for forming the peripheral circuit, the third and fourth semiconductor regions being formed in the second semiconductor region; wherein in that the impurity concentration of the first semiconductor region is higher than the impurity concentration of the third semiconductor region. |
| US07737518B2 |
Optical microsystem and fabrication process
The invention relates to the fabrication of optical microsystems for miniature cameras or miniature matrix displays. It is proposed that N dot matrix arrays and associated circuits should be collectively fabricated, on the front of a semiconductor wafer, to produce N identical chips, with on the side of each array, external connection lands; a plate, used to collectively form N identical optical image-forming structures, each optical image-forming structure covering a respective chip and being designed to form an overall image corresponding with the whole of the matrix array of the respective chip, is fabricated collectively and placed in close contact with the front of the semiconductor wafer; through the thickness of the wafer, conductive vias extending to the contact lands are opened, and, only after these various operations, the wafer is divided into N individual optical microsystems comprising an electronic chip covered by an optical structure. |
| US07737517B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a pixel including: a gate line; a gate insulating film; a substrate; a data line; a pixel electrode; a semiconductor layer formed on the gate line and the gate insulating film; a protective film formed on the data line, the pixel electrode, and the semiconductor layer; and a thin film transistor. A portion of the gate line also serves as a gate electrode of the thin film transistor. A portion of the data line also serves as a drain electrode of the thin film transistor. A portion of the pixel electrode also serves as a source electrode of the thin film transistor. The semiconductor layer is formed of an oxide semiconductor layer. The oxide semiconductor layer is directly connected to the drain electrode and the source electrode, and the data line and the pixel electrode are formed of different conductive films. |
| US07737516B2 |
Image sensor
Embodiments relate to an image sensor and a method for manufacturing an image sensor. According to embodiments, a transistor structure may be manufactured on a semiconductor substrate, and an insulating layer covering the transistor structure may be formed. The insulating layer may be patterned to form a first via that may expose the semiconductor substrate, and a silicon layer may be formed on the first via and the insulating layer. The silicon layer and the insulating layer may be patterned to form a second via exposing the transistor structure, and the second via may be filled with metal to form a connecting line electrically connected with the transistor structure. Conductive impurities may be implanted into the silicon layer and may form a light receiving portion connected with the connecting line. |
| US07737515B2 |
Method of assembly using array of programmable magnets
Systems and methods for assembling a structure onto a substrate include an array of programmable magnets disposed beneath a substrate, wherein a magnetic field is applied to the structure to levitate the structure above the substrate while the structure is moved relative to the substrate to align the structure with a corresponding recess formed in the substrate. A magnetic field may be applied to translate and rotate the structure relative to the substrate. Differences between or among the programmable magnets regarding magnetic polarity, energized versus de-energized status, and magnetic field strength may be used to move the structure relative to the substrate in conjunction with a closed-loop control system. A bonded substrate assembly and a method of bonding a first wafer to a second wafer include wherein the first wafer includes a projection and the second wafer includes a matching depression. The first and second wafers are bonded together at least in part via magnetic attraction between respective magnetic layers in the projection and the depression. |
| US07737514B1 |
MEMS pressure sensor using area-change capacitive technique
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor includes a silicon spacer defining an opening, a silicon membrane layer mounted above the spacer, and a silicon sensor layer mounted above the silicon membrane layer. The silicon membrane layer forms a diaphragm opposite of the spacer opening, and a stationary perimeter around the diaphragm and opposite the spacer. The silicon sensor layer includes a movable electrode and a stationary electrode separated by a substantially constant gap and respectively located above the diaphragm and the stationary perimeter of the silicon membrane layer. The movable electrode and the diaphragm move in response to a pressure applied to the diaphragm where an overlap area between sidewall surfaces of the movable and the stationary electrodes create a capacitance proportion to the pressure. |
| US07737510B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A gate insulating film and a gate electrode are formed on an active region of a semiconductor substrate. A sidewall forming an L shape in cross section is formed on the sides of the gate electrode. Source/drain regions are formed in regions of the semiconductor substrate located outside an area covering the gate electrode and the sidewall. A stress-applying stress liner film is formed to cover the gate electrode and the sidewall. |
| US07737509B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
In an integrated circuit device, there are various optimum gate lengths, thickness of gate oxide films, and threshold voltages according to the characteristics of circuits. In a semiconductor integrated circuit device in which the circuits are integrated on the same substrate, the manufacturing process is complicated in order to set the circuits to the optimum values. As a result, in association with deterioration in the yield and increase in the number of manufacturing days, the manufacturing cost increases. In order to solve the problems, according to the invention, transistors of high and low thresholds are used in a logic circuit, a memory cell uses a transistor of the same high threshold voltage and a low threshold voltage transistor, and an input/output circuit uses a transistor having the same high threshold voltage and the same concentration in a channel, and a thicker gate oxide film. |
| US07737508B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device is disclosed, which comprises a memory cell unit including at least one memory cell transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate and having a laminated structure of a charge accumulation layer and a control gate layer, and a selection gate transistor one of the source/drain diffusion layer regions of which is connected to a bit line or a source line and the other of the source/drain diffusion layer regions of which is connected to the memory cell unit. The shape of the source diffusion layer region of the selection gate transistor is asymmetrical to the shape of the drain diffusion layer region thereof below the selection gate transistor. |
| US07737506B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An objective is to provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and a semiconductor device manufactured by using the manufacturing method, in which a laser crystallization method is used that is capable of preventing the formation of grain boundaries in TFT channel formation regions, and is capable of preventing conspicuous drops in TFT mobility, reduction in the ON current, and increases in the OFF current, all due to grain boundaries. Depressions and projections with stripe shape or rectangular shape are formed. Continuous wave laser light is then irradiated to a semiconductor film formed on an insulating film along the depressions and projections with stripe shape of the insulating film, or along a longitudinal axis direction or a transverse axis direction of the rectangular shape. Note that although it is most preferable to use continuous wave laser light at this point, pulse wave laser light may also be used. |
| US07737505B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to, a single crystal silicon diffusion layer, a polycrystal silicon conductor, and a diffusion barrier layer. The diffusion barrier layer separates the polycrystal silicon conductor from the single crystal silicon diffusion layer. The diffusion barrier layer prevents a diffusion of at least one of silicon-interstitial and silicon-vacancy between the single crystal silicon diffusion layer and the polycrystal silicon conductor. |
| US07737504B2 |
Well isolation trenches (WIT) for CMOS devices
A well isolation trenches for a CMOS device and the method for forming the same. The CMOS device includes (a) a semiconductor substrate, (b) a P well and an N well in the semiconductor substrate, (c) a well isolation region sandwiched between and in direct physical contact with the P well and the N well. The P well comprises a first shallow trench isolation (STI) region, and the N well comprises a second STI region. A bottom surface of the well isolation region is at a lower level than bottom surfaces of the first and second STI regions. When going from top to bottom of the well isolation region, an area of a horizontal cross section of the well isolation region is an essentially continuous function. |
| US07737503B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: an n-channel MIS transistor and a p-channel MIS transistor. An n-channel MIS transistor includes: a first gate insulating film having an amorphous layer or an epitaxial layer formed on a p-type semiconductor region between a first source/drain regions; and a first gate electrode having a stack structure formed with a first metal layer and a first compound layer. The first metal layer is formed on the first gate insulating film and made of a first metal having a work function of 4.3 eV or smaller, and the first compound layer is formed on the first metal layer and contains a compound of a second metal and a IV-group semiconductor. The second metal is different from the first metal. A p-channel MIS transistor includes a second gate electrode having a second compound layer containing a compound of the same composition as the first compound layer. |
| US07737502B2 |
Raised STI process for multiple gate ox and sidewall protection on strained Si/SGOI sructure with elevated source/drain
The present invention provides a strained/SGOI structure that includes an active device region of a relaxed SiGe layer, a strained Si layer located atop the relaxed SiGe layer, a raised source/drain region located atop a portion of the strained Si layer, and a stack comprising at least a gate dielectric and a gate polySi located on another portion of the strained Si layer; and a raised trench oxide region surrounding the active device region. The present invention also provides a method of forming such a structure. In the inventive method, the gate dielectric is formed prior to trench isolation formation thereby avoiding many of the problems associated with prior art processes in which the trench oxide is formed prior to gate dielectric formation. |
| US07737501B2 |
FinFET SRAM with asymmetric gate and method of manufacture thereof
A FinFET SRAM transistor device includes transistors formed on fins with each transistor including a semiconductor channel region within a fin plus a source region and a drain region extending within the fin from opposite sides of the channel region with fin sidewalls having a gate dielectric formed thereon. Bilateral transistor gates extend from the gate dielectric. An asymmetrically doped FinFET transistor has source/drain regions doped with a first dopant type, but the asymmetrically doped FinFET transistor include at least one of the bilateral transistor gate electrode regions on one side of at least one of the fins counterdoped with respect to the first dopant type. The finFET transistors are connected in a six transistor SRAM circuit including two PFET pull-up transistors, two NFET pull down transistors and two NFET passgate transistors. |
| US07737496B2 |
Electronic devices including a semiconductor layer
An electronic device can include a first semiconductor portion and a second semiconductor portion, wherein the compositions of the first and second semiconductor portions are different from each other. In one embodiment, the first and second semiconductor portions can have different stresses compared to each other. In one embodiment, the electronic device may be formed by forming an oxidation mask over the first semiconductor portion. A second semiconductor layer can be formed over the second semiconductor portion of the first semiconductor layer and have a different composition compared to the first semiconductor layer. An oxidation can be performed, and a concentration of a semiconductor element (e.g., germanium) within the second portion of the first semiconductor layer can be increased. In another embodiment, a selective condensation may be performed, and a field isolation region can be formed between the first and second portions of the first semiconductor layer. |
| US07737492B2 |
Semiconductor device for reducing interference between adjoining gates and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an active region having a plurality of recessed channel areas extending across the active region and a plurality of junction areas also extending across the active region. Gates are formed in and over the recessed channel areas of the active region. A device isolation structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate to delimit the active region, and the device isolation structure has recessed portions, each of which is formed near a junction area of the active region. Landing plugs are formed over each junction area in the active region and extend to fill the recessed portion of the device isolation structure outside the active region. The semiconductor device suppresses interference caused by an adjoining gate leading to a decrease in leakage current from a cell transistor. |
| US07737479B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor, in which, a planarized layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate including a pixel array region, an optical black region, and a logic region to cover a photo sensing unit array in the pixel array region, a patterned metal layer is formed on the planarized layer corresponding to the pixel array region and the logic region, but not the optical black region. An optical black layer is formed in the optical black region after a passivation layer is formed and before a color filter array is formed at a temperature less than about 400° C., and preferably contains metal material. |
| US07737477B2 |
CMOS image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
A CMOS image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same improve light-receiving efficiency and maintain a margin in the design of a metal line. The CMOS image sensor includes a transparent substrate including an active area having a photodiode region and a transistor region and a field area for isolation of the active area, a p-type semiconductor layer on the transparent substrate, a photodiode in the p-type semiconductor layer corresponding to the photodiode region, and a plurality of transistors in the p-type semiconductor layer corresponding to the transistor region. |
| US07737475B2 |
Stacked pixel for high resolution CMOS image sensor
Provided is a solid-state CMOS image sensor, specifically a CMOS image sensor pixel that has stacked photo-sites, high sensitivity, and low dark current. In an image sensor including an array of pixels, each pixel includes: a standard photo-sensing and charge storage region formed in a first region under a surface portion of a substrate and collecting photo-generated carriers; a second charge storage region formed adjacent to the surface portion of the substrate and separated from the standard photo-sensing and charge storage region; and a potential barrier formed between the first region and a second region underneath the first region and diverting the photo-generated carriers from the second region to the second charge storage region. |
| US07737470B2 |
High-frequency diode
A high-frequency diode has a first semiconductor area with a first conductivity type as well as a barrier area adjacent to the first semiconductor area, which has a second conductivity type, which differs from the first conductivity type. Further, the high-frequency diode has a second semiconductor area adjacent to the barrier area, which has the second conductivity type and a dopant concentration which is lower than the dopant concentration of the barrier are or equal to zero. Further, the high-frequency diode has a third semiconductor area adjacent to the second semiconductor area, which has the same conductivity type and a higher dopant concentration than the barrier area. Through such a structure it is possible to provide a high-frequency diode with short switching times and low bias. |
| US07737469B2 |
Semiconductor device having superjunction structure formed of p-type and n-type pillar regions
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a first semiconductor pillar region of the first conductivity type provided on a major surface of the semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor pillar region of a second conductivity type provided adjacent to the first semiconductor pillar region on the major surface of the semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor pillar region forming a periodic arrangement structure substantially parallel to the major surface of the semiconductor layer together with the first semiconductor pillar region; a first main electrode; a first semiconductor region of the second conductivity type; a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type; a second main electrode; a control electrode; and a high-resistance semiconductor layer provided on the semiconductor layer in an edge termination section surrounding the first semiconductor pillar region and the second semiconductor pillar region. The high-resistance semiconductor layer has a lower dopant concentration than the first semiconductor pillar region. A boundary region is provided between a device central region and the edge termination section. The first semiconductor pillar region and the second semiconductor pillar region adjacent to the high-resistance semiconductor layer in the boundary region have a depth decreasing stepwise toward the edge termination section. |
| US07737468B2 |
Semiconductor devices having recesses filled with semiconductor materials
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a workpiece, and forming a recess in the workpiece. The recess has a depth having a first dimension. A first semiconductive material is formed in the recess to partially fill the recess in a central region to a height having a second dimension. The second dimension is about one-half or greater of the first dimension. A second semiconductive material is formed over the first semiconductive material in the recess to completely fill the recess, the second semiconductive material being different than the first semiconductive material. |
| US07737464B2 |
Organic light emitting apparatus
An organic light emitting apparatus comprising a substrate and a plurality of organic light emitting devices having different emission colors to each other formed on the substrate, each of the plurality of organic light emitting devices including a cathode, an electron injection layer which is in contact with the cathode, organic compound layers including a light emitting layer, and an optically-transparent anode, the electron injection layer including an organic compound and at least one of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal compound, and an alkaline earth metal compound. The electron injection layer has a thickness adjusted for each of the different emission colors so that each of the plurality of organic light emitting devices having the different emission colors enhances light emitted from the light emitting layer. |
| US07737461B2 |
Package for storing light emitting element and method for producing package for storing light emitting element
A light-emitting element storing package which ensures the efficient reflection of light emitted by a light-emitting element by a reflector frame and thereby improves the brightness of the emitted light, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. In a light-emitting element storing package includes: an insulating substrate consisting of a ceramic board, a reflector frame composed of a ceramic material, joined to the upper surface of the substrate along its outer edge and having an inner wall surface defining a light-reflecting surface, and a wiring pattern layer formed on the upper surface of the substrate for connection with a light-emitting element, a light-emitting element storing concave portion, which is defined by the substrate and the reflector frame, and in which the light-emitting element is mounted on the wiring pattern layer, the reflector frame is mainly composed of nitride ceramics and its light-reflecting surface is composed of white ceramics. |
| US07737456B2 |
Multiple reflection layer electrode, compound semiconductor light emitting device having the same and methods of fabricating the same
Provided are a multiple reflection layer electrode, a compound semiconductor light emitting device having the same and methods of fabricating the same. The multiple reflection layer electrode may include a reflection layer on a p-type semiconductor layer, an APL (agglomeration protecting layer) on the reflection layer so as to prevent or retard agglomeration of the reflection layer, and a diffusion barrier between the reflection layer and the APL so as to retard diffusion of the APL. |
| US07737452B2 |
Light-emitting element package and light source apparatus using the same
A light-emitting element package including a heat conductive layer having a first surface and a second surface, a dielectric layer disposed on the first surface of the heat conductive layer and having an opening exposing the heat conductive layer, two electrodes disposed on the dielectric layer at a side far away from the heat conductive layer, a light-emitting element, and a transparent sealing layer. The light-emitting element is disposed in the opening, carried on the first surface of the heat conductive layer, and electrically coupled to the two electrodes. The transparent sealing layer encapsulates the light-emitting element, the heat conductive layer, and the two electrodes, and exposes part of the two electrodes and the second surface of the heat conductive layer. |
| US07737451B2 |
High efficiency LED with tunnel junction layer
An LED made from a wide band gap semiconductor material and having a low resistance p-type confinement layer with a tunnel junction in a wide band gap semiconductor device is disclosed. A dissimilar material is placed at the tunnel junction where the material generates a natural dipole. This natural dipole is used to form a junction having a tunnel width that is smaller than such a width would be without the dissimilar material. A low resistance p-type confinement layer having a tunnel junction in a wide band gap semiconductor device may be fabricated by generating a polarization charge in the junction of the confinement layer, and forming a tunnel width in the junction that is smaller than the width would be without the polarization charge. Tunneling through the tunnel junction in the confinement layer may be enhanced by the addition of impurities within the junction. These impurities may form band gap states in the junction. |
| US07737450B2 |
Light emitting diode systems
Light emitting diode systems are disclosed. An optical display system that includes a light emitting diode (LED) and a cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system is configured so that, during use, the cooling system regulates a temperature of the light emitting diode. |
| US07737446B2 |
Thin films transistor array substrate and fabricating method thereof
A thin film transistor array substrate includes: a gate line provided on a substrate; a data line crossing the gate line; and a thin film transistor having a source electrode that is a portion of the data line that crosses the gate line and a drain electrode overlapping the gate line. |
| US07737445B2 |
Contact portion of semiconductor device, and thin film transistor array panel for display device including the contact portion
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a first wire on a substrate, forming a lower film on the first wire, forming a photosensitive pattern on the lower film using a photosensitive material, forming contact holes for exposing the first wire by etching the lower film using the photosensitive film as an etching mask, removing part of the photosensitive film pattern by an ashing process to expose a borderline of the lower film defining the contact holes and forming second wire connected to the first wire via the contact holes. |
| US07737444B2 |
Display device and electronic device
The invention provides a display device and an electronic device, each of which has one of a structure in which a substrate provided with a light emitting element which performs bottom light emission and a substrate provided with a light emitting element which performs top light emission are attached, and a structure in which two substrates, each of which is provided with a light emitting element which performs bottom light emission are attached. By attaching two substrates, each of which is provided with a light emitting element, displays are provided on the front and back of the display device, thus a high added value can be realized. One of the two substrates, each of which is provided with a light emitting element also functions as a sealing substrate for another substrate, thus a compact, thin, and lightweight display device can be obtained. |
| US07737440B2 |
Test structure for charged particle beam inspection and method for fabricating the same
A test structure and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The test structure includes a plurality of sampling lines over a substrate located between a plurality of a first grounding lines and a plurality of a second grounding lines. The sampling lines are selectively electrically coupled to the first grounding line or the second grounding line and include at least one programmed defect. A double-patterning fabricating approach is utilized to produce such test structure which may be applied to a charged particle beam such as an electron-beam defect inspection system. |
| US07737438B2 |
Field-effect transistor and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a field-effect transistor includes the steps of forming a source electrode and a drain electrode each containing hydrogen or deuterium; forming an oxide semiconductor layer in which the electrical resistance is decreased if hydrogen or deuterium is added; and, causing hydrogen or deuterium to diffuse from the source electrode and the drain electrode to the oxide semiconductor layer. |
| US07737436B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, and electrooptical device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which is equipped with a switching element having an organic semiconductor layer and a drive circuit electrically coupled to the switching element on a first surface of a flexible substrate, the method including: providing the drive circuit above a temporary substrate in advance, transferring the drive circuit to the first surface of the flexible substrate, and then providing the organic semiconductor layer by a liquid phase process. |
| US07737433B2 |
Electronic junction devices featuring redox electrodes
The electronic properties of molecular junctions of the general type carbon/molecule/TiO2/Au as examples of “molecular heterojunctions” consisting of a molecular monolayer and a semiconducting oxide. Junctions containing fluorene bonded to pyrolyzed photoresist film (PPF) were compared to those containing Al2O3 instead of fluorene, and those with only the TiO2 layer. The responses to voltage sweep and pulse stimulation were strongly dependent on junction composition and temperature. A transient current response lasting a few milliseconds results from injection and trapping of electrons in the TiO2 layer, and occurred in all three junction types studied. Conduction in PPF/TiO2/Au junctions is consistent with space charge limited conduction at low voltage, then a sharp increase in current once the space charge fills all the traps. With fluorene present, there is a slower, persistent change in junction conductance which may be removed by a reverse polarity pulse. This “memory” effect is attributed to a redox process in the TiO2 which generates TiIII and/or TiII, which have much higher conductance than TiO2 due to the presence of conduction band electrons. The redox process amounts to “dynamic doping” of the TiO2 layer by imposed electric field. The memory effect arises from a combination of the properties of the molecular and oxide layers, and is a special property of the molecular heterojunction configuration. |
| US07737430B2 |
Adapting short-wavelength LED's for polychromatic, broadband, or “white” emission
An adapted LED is provided comprising a short-wavelength LED and a re-emitting semiconductor construction, wherein the re-emitting semiconductor construction comprises at least one potential well not located within a pn junction. The potential well(s) are typically quantum well(s). The adapted LED may be a white or near-white light LED. The re-emitting semiconductor construction may additionally comprise absorbing layers surrounding or closely or immediately adjacent to the potential well(s). In addition, graphic display devices and illumination devices comprising the adapted LED according to the present invention are provided. |
| US07737427B2 |
Radiation image capturing system
A signal detector detects signals transmitted from signal generators disposed in a radiation detecting cassette, and a distance calculator calculates the distance between a radiation source and a radiation detector based on the signals detected by the signal detector. A determining unit determines whether the detected distance matches a predetermined distance from the radiation source to the radiation detector when a radiation image is captured. If the detected distance does not match the predetermined distance, the determining unit outputs, to a warning unit, a warning signal indicating that the detected distance does not match the predetermined distance, and also outputs a control signal for equalizing the detected distance with the predetermined distance, to a radiation source movement controller. |
| US07737426B2 |
Substrate positioning device and substrate positioning method for a substrate having a transparent layer and a nontransparent layer
It is intended to achieve a high level of positioning accuracy for a substrate assuming a two-layer structure constituted with a transparent layer with a high level of light transmissivity and a nontransparent layer with a low level of light transmissivity. A substrate positioning device according to the present invention characterized in that only the edge of the nontransparent layer, not the edge of the transparent layer, is exclusively detected and the substrate is positioned based upon the detection results. |
| US07737425B2 |
Contamination barrier with expandable lamellas
A contamination barrier configured to permit radiation from a radiation source to pass through and to capture debris from the radiation source. The contamination barrier includes a support structure, a plurality of plate members arranged on the support structure and extending in a radial direction from an axis of the support structure, and a shield configured to block at least part of the support structure from being hit by radiation or debris from the radiation source. |
| US07737424B2 |
X-ray window with grid structure
A high strength window for a radiation detection system includes a plurality of intersecting ribs defining a grid having openings therein with tops of the ribs terminate substantially in a common plane. The intersecting ribs are oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to each other and define non-rectangular openings. The window also includes a support frame around a perimeter of the plurality of intersecting ribs, and a film disposed over and spanning the plurality of intersecting ribs and openings. The film is configured to pass radiation therethrough. An associated radiation detection system includes a sensor disposed behind the window. The sensor is configured to detect radiation passing through the high strength window. |
| US07737418B2 |
Debris mitigation system and lithographic apparatus
A debris mitigation system for trapping debris coming from a tin debris-generating radiation source is provided. The debris mitigating system includes a debris barrier comprising a plurality of foils, and a cleaning system constructed and arranged to clean the foils. The cleaning system includes a supply unit to provide a liquid alloy to the foils to dissolve and flush trapped debris from the foils. The alloy includes gallium, indium, tin, or any combination thereof. |
| US07737416B2 |
Sample transfer unit and sample transferring method
There is provided a mini environment type transfer unit which can efficiently transfer a sample to a critical dimension scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM) even in the case of use of a SMIF pod which can store only one photomask. In addition to a load port, a stocker which can store a plurality of photomasks is provided in the mini environment type transfer unit. A mask storage slot in which a plurality of storage units are stacked is provided in the stocker, and one photomask is stored in each storage unit. A sensor is provided in each storage unit to determine whether or not the photomask is normally stored. Additionally, a sensor is provided in each storage unit to detect whether or not the photomask exists. |
| US07737415B2 |
System for the control, verification and recording of the performance of a radioisotope generator's operations
This invention is referred to a digital technetium Tc-99m generator obtained by incorporating devices to allow the control, verification and recording of all the operations performed by the generator. The invention includes a conventional traditional generator Mo-99/Tc-99m, using either a dry or wet column, such as the ones commercially available for use in nuclear medicine. The invention also includes an electronic sensor of elution; an eluted activity measurement sensor; and a device to measure the nuclear quality of the eluted Tc-99m. There is an electronic memory with information for the user regarding: Generator No., Lot No., activity, calibration and expiration dates. The invention also includes a communication interface, whether via RS232, USB, parallel Port or any other input-output port of a PC; a control, and user interface software. |
| US07737414B2 |
Atomically sharp iridium tip
A method for preparing an iridium tip with atomic sharpness. The method includes tapering an iridium wire to a needle shape and heating the iridium needle in an oxygen atmosphere. Also disclosed is an iridium needle having a pyramidal structure which terminates with a small number of atoms prepared by the methods. |
| US07737412B2 |
Electron microscope phase enhancement
A microfabricated electron phase shift element is used for modifying the phase characteristics of an electron beam passing though its center aperture, while not affecting the more divergent portion of an incident beam to selectively provide a ninety-degree phase shift to the unscattered beam in the back focal plan of the objective lens, in order to realize Zernike-type, in-focus phase contrast in an electron microscope. One application of the element is to increase the contrast of an electron microscope for viewing weakly scattering samples while in focus. Typical weakly scattering samples include biological samples such as macromolecules, or perhaps cells. Preliminary experimental images demonstrate that these devices do apply a ninety degree phase shift as expected. Electrostatic calculations have been used to determine that fringing fields in the region of the scattered electron beams will cause a negligible phase shift as long as the ratio of electrode length to the transverse feature-size aperture is about 5:1. Calculations are underway to determine the feasibility of aspect smaller aspect ratios of about 3:1 and about 2:1. |
| US07737409B2 |
Silicon detector and method for constructing silicon detectors
Described is a die having photodetectors provided on a first surface thereof. The die includes an insulative shell member, a conductive shell member and a photodetector conductor. The insulative shell member extends around a periphery of the photodetector receptors and extending through a depth of the semiconductor die. The conductive shell member bridges the insulative shell member and extends through the depth of the semiconductor die. The photodetector conductors are provided on the first surface of the semiconductor die and electrically couple respective photodetectors with a corresponding conductive shell member. Also described is a process for making a semiconductor die and an integrated circuit structure. |
| US07737408B2 |
Monolithic scintillators with optical fiber read-out
A scintillation detector according to an embodiment of the invention features a monolithic scintillation crystal and a plurality of optical fibers coupled to the scintillation crystal. The optical fibers are arranged to convey scintillation light to an optical sensor that is located exterior to the scintillation crystal. Because the optical fibers are extremely small in diameter, a multiplicity of them can be coupled to the scintillation crystal to provide the extremely high resolution of a pixelated scintillation crystal while the comparative manufacturing simplicity of a monolithic scintillation crystal is maintained. In preferred embodiments, the optical fibers are further arranged so that depth of interaction information can be obtained. |
| US07737407B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing depth-of-interaction detection using positron emission tomography (PET)
A detector is provided for nuclear medicine imaging. Scintillator pixels form an axial array and a transaxial array. A first photosensor is positioned along the axial array; and a second photosensor is positioned along the transaxial array, wherein the first photosensor and the second photosensor provide dual event localization for nuclear medicine imaging. |
| US07737405B2 |
Time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) reconstruction from time-truncated projection data
A method of TOF-PET image reconstruction using time-truncated TOF-PET projection data. The time-truncated TOF-PET data is obtained by narrowing the scanner time window to a smaller “time window field of view,” which reduces the field of view of a TOF-PET scanner. This results in a lower list mode stream transfer rate, which can be useful in high count rate data acquisitions, in particular 82Rb cardiac studies. |
| US07737401B2 |
Radiation measurement using multiple parameters
An improved radiation detection device measures a broad range of dose rate levels. According to one arrangement, the radiation detection device calculates a radiation value based on, gamma count information representing counts for different energy levels of radiation in a radiation field as well as a radiation intensity indicator value (e.g., photomultiplier tube anode DC current, measured directly by conventional Analog to Digital Converters or indirectly by power or current consumption information indicating how much energy is required to maintain a photomultiplier tube at a constant voltage) that is at least proportional to an amount of overall radiation energy detected in the radiation sample. Based on a combination of the gamma count information and the radiation intensity indicator value, a controller associated with a corresponding radiation detection device can calculate a radiation dose rate associated with the received radiation sample. |
| US07737398B2 |
Linear RF ion trap with high mass resolution
In a linear ion trap in which an essentially quadrupole RF electrical field is generated between at least four rod-shaped electrodes, ions may be mass-selectively ejected orthogonally to the axis. An aspect of the invention comprises compensating for field irregularities along the axis of a linear ion trap, which result, at different ejection locations, in the ejection of ions of the same masses at slightly different times, by of measuring the ions that are ejected at the different ejection locations using a number of separate detectors, and correcting, after a mass calibration of each of the mass spectra, the time shifts of the various location-dependent mass spectra during their addition to a combined spectrum. |
| US07737396B2 |
Ion fragmentation in mass spectrometry
In a tandem mass spectrometer using a collision cell for ion fragmentation, the upper limit of the collision energy required for collision induced dissociation (CID) can be extended without reaching or going beyond the upper electrical discharge limit of the system components. The present teachings describe a method of lifting the potential energy of ions to a predetermined level sufficient for CID fragmentation while satisfying a discharge free condition. The present teaching also describes a method of lifting the potential energy of the fragment ions after CID fragmentation so that the product ions have sufficient energy for mass analysis. |
| US07737395B2 |
Apparatuses, methods and compositions for ionization of samples and mass calibrants
The present invention provides, inter alia, apparatuses and methods for ionizing samples that are in gaseous phase or can be vaporized/sublimated. The samples include samples to be analyzed and mass calibrants that serve as standards. In addition, the present invention also provides calibrant formulations that release mass calibrants in a slow, controlled manner. |
| US07737393B2 |
Orientation determination utilizing a cordless device
A system for generating orientation information includes a reflector, an image collection system, and a processor. The image collection system is configured to collect at least two sets of image data, where one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data. The two sets of image data are collected using at least one reflector with some orientation-specific characteristic or a reflector integrated into a device that includes some orientation-specific structural feature. Once collected, the two sets of image data are used to generate orientation information related to the reflector. In particular, orientation information related to the reflector is generated by taking the difference between the two sets of image data. |
| US07737392B2 |
Photonic crystal sensors with integrated fluid containment structure, sample handling devices incorporating same, and uses thereof for biomolecular interaction analysis
Photonic crystal (PC) sensors, and sensor arrays and sensing systems incorporating PC sensors are described which have integrated fluid containment and/or fluid handling structures. The PC sensors are further integrated into a sample handling device such as a microwell plate. Sensors and sensing systems of the present disclosure are capable of high throughput sensing of analytes in fluid samples, bulk refractive index detection, and label-free detection of a range of molecules, including biomolecules and therapeutic candidates. The present disclosure also provides a commercially attractive fabrication platform for making photonic crystal sensors and systems wherein an integrated fluid containment structure and a photonic crystal structure are fabricated in a single molding or imprinting processing step amendable to high throughput processing. |
| US07737391B2 |
Method for independently detecting signals in a double-junction filterless CMOS color imager cell
A double-junction complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) filterless color imager cell is provided. The imager cell is fabricated from a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a silicon (Si) substrate, a silicon dioxide insulator overlying the substrate, and a Si top layer overlying the insulator. A photodiode set is formed in the SOI substrate, including a first and second photodiode formed as a double-junction structure in the Si substrate. A third photodiode is formed in the Si top layer. A (imager sensing) transistor set is formed in the top Si layer. The transistor set is connected to the photodiode set and detects an independent output signal for each photodiode. The transistor set may be an eight-transistor (8T), a nine-transistor (9T), or an eleven-transistor (11T) cell. |
| US07737389B2 |
Image pickup device including photodetection surface and transfer control arrangement
A fluorescence correlation spectroscopy analyzer 1 is equipped with an excitation light illuminating optical system 21, a fluorescence imaging optical system 22, a CCD camera 15, and a data analyzer 16. The excitation light illuminating optical system 21 illuminates excitation light onto a predetermined region of a measured sample S. The fluorescence imaging optical system 22 images the fluorescence generated at the measured sample S onto the photodetection surface of the CCD camera 15. The CCD camera 15 performs photoelectric conversion of the fluorescence made incident onto the photodetection surface in accordance with the respective pixels and outputs the charges generated by the photoelectric conversion as detection signals from an output terminal. The data analyzer 16 inputs the detection signals based on the charges generated at the pixels, and computes autocorrelation functions of the input detection signals according to each pixel. |
| US07737387B2 |
Method for shutting off projector including turning off the light source and the fan after the projector receiving a second shut down command
A method for shutting off a projector having a fan and a light source is provided. The method includes the following steps. The power of the light source is reduced from a first power to a second power and the speed of the fan is increased from a first speed to a second speed after the projector receiving a first command. Then, a process is executed for shutting off the light source and the fan after the projector receiving a second command. The above-mentioned method is capable of not only preventing the projector from damage result from over-shooting, but also shortening the time needed to shut off the projector. |
| US07737383B2 |
Contoured shield orifice for a plasma arc torch
A component for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that includes a continuously contoured surface extending along the component that directs a flow of shield gas at a predetermined angle to result in a specific pierce or cut location on a workpiece. In one form, the component is a shield cap that includes an exit orifice extending through a central portion of the shield cap, the exit orifice defining an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and a continuously contoured surface extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The continuously contoured surfaces may be convergent, divergent, or a combination of convergent and divergent according to the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the shield cap may comprise a single, unitary piece or alternately a plurality of pieces or components. |
| US07737382B2 |
Device for processing welding wire
A device for processing a wire having an outer surface and moving along a given path in a give direction. The device comprises a conductive contact tube surrounding said path and electrically engageable with the wire as it moves along the path and through the tue and a dielectric sleeve adjacent the contact tube and extending in the given direction from the contact tube and around the path to define an annular gas passage between the dielectric sleeve ad the wire. An inlet for processing gas is adjacent the contact tube in and a conductive electrode sleeve is around the dielectric sleeve so a high frequency, high voltage signal between said electrode sleeve ad the contact tube creates a dielectric barrier discharge plasma of the progressing gas in the annular passage. |
| US07737381B2 |
Electric discharge apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube, in cooperation with a substrate having at least one reference level on a surface of the substrate on which at least one carbon nanotube is formed, comprising at least one positioning platform for mounting and calibrating the substrate; a discharging electrode mounted on one side of the positioning platform to cut the carbon nanotube wherein the position of the discharging electrode can be calibrated with the positioning platform; a piezoelectric actuator for calibrating the position of the discharging electrode or the height of the discharging electrode relative to the substrate reference level; a position sensor for detection of the height of the substrate; and a voltage pulse supplying means for applying a voltage pulse to the discharging electrode to cut the carbon nanotube. |
| US07737380B2 |
Electrical-discharge machining apparatus and method and apparatus for dielectric-fluid quality control
A water purifying unit generates pure water by eliminating impurity ions from dielectric fluid. A corrosion-protection-ion generating unit generates corrosion protection ions, substitutes predetermined cations for impurity cations contained in the dielectric fluid, and substitutes the corrosion protection ions for impurity anions contained in the dielectric fluid. A switching unit switches a supply of the dielectric fluid between the water purifying unit and the corrosion-protection-ion generating unit. A switching control unit controls the switching unit based on a conductivity of the dielectric fluid measured by a conductivity measuring unit. |
| US07737378B2 |
Sorting system having storage modules for flat mail items with last-in/first-out operation and improved address assignment
A sorting system for flat mail items includes a process controller and at least three storage modules connected in a parallel arrangement. Each of the at least three storage modules has a storage area and an infeed function to transfer mail items from a mail item stream into the storage area, and an extraction function to extract mail items from the storage area for generating an improved mail item stream. One of the at least three storage modules is operable in the infeed function, another one of the at least three storage modules operable in the extraction function, and at least one further module of the at least three storage modules is operable in a halt status. Address information is added to the mail items by the process controller for the mail items contained in the storage area of the storage module operated in the halt status. |
| US07737376B2 |
Mechanical switch
Apparatus including a substrate and a mechanical switch, the mechanical switch located over the substrate, the mechanical switch including: a first electrical contact over the substrate; a support over the substrate, the support including a region moveable relative to the first electrical contact, the moveable region having a second electrical contact, the second electrical contact located over the first electrical contact; and a self-assembled molecular layer between the substrate and the second electrical contact. Method including placing into operation an apparatus, and applying a coulomb force causing the second electrical contact to move relative to the first electrical contact such that the switch is opened or closed. |
| US07737372B2 |
Leak and spill containment scale
A scale assembly for weighing potentially hazardous materials comprise a containment deck designed to support a container from which materials are dispensed. The containment deck is preferably provided with sufficient storage capacity to capture spillage or leaks from the container and is supported on a low-profile platform supported in turn by load cells which generate signals indicative of the weight of the contents of the container and of any spillage within the containment deck. The containment deck is further equipped with a level detector typically positioned near the bottom of the deck for generating signals indicating the presence of leakage or spillage from the container. |
| US07737369B2 |
Semiconductor module
A semiconductor module (A1) comprises a semiconductor device (10) provided with a semiconductor chip, and a conductive cover (6) for electromagnetic shielding bonded to the semiconductor device (10) via an adhesive coat (8). The conductive cover (6) includes a surface facing the adhesive coat (8), and the surface is formed with a convex portion (6a) protruding toward the adhesive coat (8). Around the convex portion (6a), a space (7) is formed for filling in adhesive to form the adhesive coat (8). |
| US07737367B2 |
Multilayer circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
Holes having the same diameter as via holes are formed in predetermined positions in advance when forming wiring patterns on releasable carriers. The carriers with the wiring patterns are bonded on an insulating material, and a laser beam is irradiated from the side of the carrier using the holes in the wiring pattern as a laser mask to form via holes in the insulating material. The via holes and the holes in the carrier are then filled with a conductive paste. With the holes in the carrier that are matched in position with the via holes, lands in the conductor layers are precisely positioned relative to the via holes. A multilayer circuit board thus produced has lower electrical connection resistance and excellent mountability with improved performances. Also a manufacturing method thereof is achieved. |
| US07737366B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board with filled viahole structure
A multilayer printed wiring board having a multilayered structure including multiple conductor circuit layers and multiple interlaminar insulative layers, the conductor layers having one or more conductor circuit portions, the interlaminar insulative resin layers including the outermost interlaminar insulative resin layer forming the outermost layer of the multilayered structure, a filled-viahole formed in the outermost interlaminar insulative resin layer and made of one or more metal plating filling and completely closing a hole formed through the outermost interlaminar insulative resin layer, the metal plating of the filled-viahole extending out of the hole and having a substantially flat surface, the filled-viahole electrically connected to the conductor circuit portion in the conductor circuit layers, and a solder bump formed on the substantially flat surface of the filled-viahole. |
| US07737358B2 |
Data transmission cable pairs and cables and methods for forming the same
A data transmission pair includes first and second longitudinally extending electrical conductors each having a longitudinally extending, substantially flat side surface. The first and second conductors are paired such that their respective flat side surfaces face one another. The pair further includes an insulation cover having a separator portion and surrounding the first and second conductors. The separator portion is interposed between and separates the respective flat side surfaces of the first and second conductors. |
| US07737347B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH684476
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH684476. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH684476, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH684476 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH684476. |
| US07737342B1 |
Maize variety 35K02
A novel maize variety designated 35K02 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 35K02 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 35K02 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 35K02, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 35K02. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 35K02 and to the maize varieties derived by the use of those methods. |
| US07737341B1 |
Maize variety PHRJB
A novel maize variety designated PHRJB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHRJB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHRJB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHRJB or a trait conversion of PHRJB with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHRJB, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHRJB and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US07737331B2 |
Bacillus thuringiensis crystal polypeptides, polynucleotides, and compositions thereof
The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to Bacillus Cry2 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed. |
| US07737329B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding proteins involved in plant metabolism
The invention provides isolated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions. |
| US07737326B2 |
EPSPS promoter from maize
The present invention is directed to a promoter, designated EPSP. The present invention is also directed to DNA molecules including the EPSP promoter, such as a DNA construct containing the promoter operably linked to one or more genes or antisense DNA. The invention is further directed to transformed plant tissue including the DNA molecule and to transformed plants and seeds thereof. The promoter is useful for driving gene or antisense expression for the purpose of imparting agronomically useful traits such as, but not limited to, increase in yield, disease resistance, insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, drought tolerance and salt tolerance in plants. |
| US07737325B2 |
Antibody composition-producing cell
The present invention relates to a cell for the production of an antibody molecule such as an antibody useful for various diseases having high antibody-dependent cell-modulated cytotoxic activity, a fragment of the antibody and a fusion protein having the Fc region of the antibody or the like, a method for producing an antibody composition using the cell, the antibody composition and use thereof. |
| US07737321B2 |
colostomy alert device and method
A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed. |
| US07737317B1 |
Fractionation recovery processing of FCC-produced light olefins
Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for the processing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock via hydrocarbon cracking processing with selected hydrocarbon fractions being obtained via fractionation-based product recovery. |
| US07737308B1 |
Methods for nitrating compounds
Methods of nitrating compounds, such as phloroglucinol or a methoxy derivative thereof, are disclosed. For example, a reaction mixture may be formed by combining sulfuric acid and at least one nitrate salt. A nitratable aromatic compound, such as phloroglucinol or a methoxy derivative thereof, may then be exposed to the reaction mixture to nitrate the phloroglucinol or methoxy derivative thereof. |
| US07737303B2 |
Production of chirally pure amino alcohol intermediates, derivatives thereof, and uses thereof
A method of selectively preparing a chiral 2S-amino alcohol useful in preparation of an amide sulfonated or acylated with alkyl, substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl is described. The method involves reacting a di-tert-butyl diazene-1,2-dicarboxylate with a (4S)-4-benzyl-3-[(S)-trifluoromethyl-alkyl substituted alkanoyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one to afford a di-tert-butyl 1-(1S,2S)-([(4S)-4-benzyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-3-yl]-carbonyl}-trifluoromethyl-alkyl substituted alkyl)hydrazine-1,2-dicarboxylate. This dicarboxylate is then reduced to yield di-tert-butyl 1-(1S,2S)-[trifluoromethyl-alkyl substituted alkyl]hydrazine-1-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-dicarboxylate. The resulting product is deblocked with an acid to yield the acid addition salt of (2S,3S)-trifluoro-hydrazino-methyl alkan-1-ol. The acid addition salt of (2S,3S)-trifluoro-2-hydrazino-methyl alkan-1-ol is hydrogenated in the presence of a suitable metal catalyst to yield the amino alcohol (2S,3S)-2-amino-trifluoro-methyl alkan-1-ol HCl. |
| US07737301B2 |
Process for the production of anilines
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently of the others hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, by a) reacting compounds of formula (II) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined for formula (I) and X is bromine or chlorine, with a compound of formula (III) wherein R4 is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, in the presence of a base and catalytic amounts of at least one palladium complex compound, to form compounds of formula (IV) wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined for formula (I), and b) converting those compounds, using a reducing agent, into compounds of formula (I). |
| US07737299B2 |
Process for producing 2,2,3,3,-tetrafluorooxetane
In the production of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorooxethane by reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with a compound of formaldehyde generation source in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, the reaction is carried out in the presence of polyfluoroalkylcarboxylic acid or polyfluoroalkyl ester thereof, represented by the following general formula RfCOORf′ (where Rf is a polyfluoroalkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and Rf′ is a hydrogen atom or a polyfluoroalkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms), preferably CF3COOH, CF3COOCH2CF2CF3, or CF3COOCH2CF3, whereby a high reaction yield can be attained. |
| US07737298B2 |
Production of acetic acid and mixtures of acetic acid and acetic anhydride
Disclosed is a process for the production of acetic acid or mixtures of acetic acid and acetic anhydride in a carbonylation process wherein a mixture comprising methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether and methyl iodide is contacting in the liquid phase with carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst at elevated pressures and temperatures. Methanol, water, or a mixture thereof is added to an acetic anhydride-containing stream within a flash evaporation zone to convert some or all of the acetic anhydride to acetic acid and optionally methyl acetate and to provide heat for the evaporation of a portion of the product effluent produced by the carbonylation process. |
| US07737296B2 |
Method for producing 2-hydroxyester compound
A simple and easy-to-use method for producing a 2-hydroxyester compound using a cyanohydrin compound, as a raw material, is provided. A method for producing a 2-hydroxyester compound represented by the general formula (1) (provided that ethyl 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate is excluded), wherein an acid is introduced into a mixture of a cyanohydrin compound represented by the general formula (2), an alcohol, an organic solvent and water:(Chemical Formula 1) R1—CH(OH)—COOR2 (1) R1—CH(OH)(CN) (2) wherein, R1 is a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may contain an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a nitrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, which may contain an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a nitrogen atom, and a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or aralkyl group having 3 to 14 carbon atoms, which may contain an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a nitrogen atom; and R2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may contain an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a nitrogen atom. |
| US07737290B2 |
Atomic layer deposition using metal amidinates
Metal films are deposited with uniform thickness and excellent step coverage. Copper metal films were deposited on heated substrates by the reaction of alternating doses of copper(I) NN′-diispropylacetamidinate vapor and hydrogen gas. Cobalt metal films were deposited on heated substrates be the reaction of alternating doses of cobalt(II) bis(N,N′-diispropylacetamidinate) vapor and hydrogen gas. Nitrides and oxides of these metals can be formed by replacing the hydrogen with ammonia or water vapor, respectively. The films have very uniform thickness and excellent step coverage in narrow holes. Suitable applications include electrical interconnects in microelectronics and magnetoresistant layers in magnetic information storage devices. |
| US07737288B2 |
Non-steroidal androgen receptor modulators, preparation process, pharmaceutical composition and use thereof
Non-steroidal androgen receptor modulating compounds of the general formula (I), their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, preparation process and pharmaceutically compositions containing the said compounds are disclosed. Such compounds of the general formula (I) or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used for preparing non-steroidal medicines to treat and/or prevent conditions or diseases such as prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, hirsutism, severe hormone-dependent alopecia or acne, etc. as a result of androgen receptor antagonistic activities. |
| US07737285B2 |
Azole derivatives and fused bicyclic azole derivatives as therapeutic agents
This invention provides certain compounds, methods of their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and their use in treating human or animal disorders. The compounds of the invention are useful as modulators of the interaction between the receptor for advanced glycated end products (RAGE) and its ligands, such as advanced glycated end products (AGEs), S100/calgranulin/EN-RAGE, β-amyloid and amphoterin, and for the management, treatment, control, or as an adjunct treatment for diseases in humans caused by RAGE. Such diseases or disease states include acute and chronic inflammation, the development of diabetic late complications such as increased vascular permeability, nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and retinopathy, the development of Alzheimer's disease, erectile dysfunction, and tumor invasion and metastasis. |
| US07737281B2 |
Purine based fluorescent dyes
The present invention provides novel purine-based fluorescent dyes that may be used for staining, localizing and otherwise labeling target molecules, such as nucleic acids, for detection, amplification and quantification. |
| US07737278B2 |
Colorant compounds
Compounds of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R66, m, n, p, and G are as defined herein. |
| US07737277B2 |
Electroluminescent bis-cyclometalled iridium compounds and devices made with such compounds
One embodiment of this invention is bis-cyclometalled electroluminescent complexes of iridium (III) according to Formula I. Another embodiment of this invention is electronic devices in which the active layer includes a bis-cyclometalled electroluminescent Ir(III) complex. |
| US07737274B2 |
Methods for producing phenylalanine derivatives having a quinazolinedione skeleton and intermediates for production thereof
The present invention provides a method for producing a phenylalanine derivative(s) having a quinazolinedione ring of formula (5), including steps comprising of reacting an acylphenylalanine derivative(s) of formula (1) with a carbonyl group-introducing reagent(s) and a derivative(s) of anthranilic acid to form an asymmetric urea intermediate(s); making the asymmetric urea intermediate(s) into a quinazolinedione compound(s) of formula (4) in the presence of a base(s); and N-alkylating quinazolinedione ring amide of the obtained quinazolinedione compounds with N-alkylation agents. This production method is an industrially applicable method for producing phenylalanine derivatives having a quinazolinedione skeleton, which are compounds highly useful as drugs having α 4 integrin inhibiting activity. In the formulae (1) and (5), R1 represents a phenyl group having a substituent(s) and the like, R2 represents an alkyl group and the like, R3 represents a dialkylamino group and the like, and R4 represents an alkyl group and the like. |
| US07737273B2 |
Process for acyclic phosphonate nucleotide analogs
The present invention provides a novel process for the preparation of acyclic phosphonate nucleotide analogs using novel intermediates. Thus, for example, (R)-9-(2-phosphonomethoxypropyl)adenine is reacted with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal to give N4-dimethylaminomethyledino-9-(2-phosphonomethoxy ethyl) adenine, which is then reacted with chloromethyl-2-propyl carbonate in presence of triethylamine to give (R)-N4-Dimethylaminomethyledino-9-(2-phosphono methoxypropyl) adenine disoproxil, followed by deprotection with acetic acid to get tenofovir disoproxil. Tenofovir disoproxil is then treated with fumaric acid to give tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. |
| US07737269B2 |
Process for preparing an alpha-lipoic acid/cyclodextrin complex and product prepared
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a cyclodextrin/alpha-lipoic acid complex, wherein in a first step, an alpha-lipoic acid and a cyclodextrin are dissolved in an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH above pH 7, and in a second step an acid is added to lower the pH of the solution to a pH below pH 7. |
| US07737266B2 |
RNAi modulation of SCAP and therapeutics uses thereof
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a SCAP gene (Human SCAP gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of a SCAP gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by Human SCAP expression and the expression of a SCAP gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of a SCAP gene in a cell. |
| US07737265B2 |
RNAi modulation of HIF-1 and therapeutic uses thereof
The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of HIF-1α, such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified. |
| US07737263B2 |
Modified Cry35 proteins having altered protease stability
This invention provides modified, insecticidal Cry35 proteins with enhanced properties as compared to wild-type Cry35 proteins. The modifications to these proteins were based in part on analysis of the atomic coordinates and three-dimensional (3D) structure of the ˜45 kDa 149B1 protein and other proteins in the Cry35 class. The subject invention also includes polynucleotides that encode these modified proteins, and transgenic plants that produce these modified proteins. This invention further provides methods of controlling plant pests, including rootworms, with these modified proteins. The modified proteins of the subject invention include chimeric toxins involving exchanged segments, domains, and motifs as discussed herein. The subject invention also provides methods of modifying Cry35 proteins. |
| US07737261B2 |
Avermectin B1 and avermectin B1 monosaccharide derivatives having an alkoxymethyl substituent in the 4″ -or 4′-position
Avermectin B1 and avermectin B1 monosaccharide derivative compounds having an alkoxymethyl substituent in the 4″- or 4′-position; a process for preparing and using these compounds and their tautomers; pesticides whose active compound is selected from these compounds and their tautomers; and a process for preparing these compounds and compositions are provided. |
| US07737256B2 |
Antibody against uPA/uPAR
The invention herein disclosed relates to the anti-HIV action of uPAR-activators or activated uPAR molecules, the control of chemotaxis and cell migration by agents interfering with uPAR activation, a method for determining activated uPAR forms, the use of agents interfering with uPA/uPAR interaction for the diagnosis or therapy of diseases. |
| US07737253B2 |
Human cancer stem cell culture compositions comprising Erbb2 variants and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the culture and maintenance of cancer stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides the identification of cancer stem cell specific markers and methods of recognizing the same for the detection of tumors, for facilitating the prognosis of a patient with a tumor, and for the treatment of various cancers. The invention also provides antibodies that specifically recognize the disulfide linked Erbb2Δ16 homodimer, an Erbb2Δ16/Erbb3 heterodimer, or post-translational modifications of Erbb2 that are specific to Erbb2 of variant hESCs. In addition, the invention provides a modified defined media useful in the absence of a feeder layer and in the absence of serum or serum replacement, that comprises a basal salt nutrient solution, bFGF, IGF-I, and Activin A, and wherein the composition does not comprise heregulin. The invention further relates to the use of an Erbb2 variant isoform to generate robust cell cultures that are independent of heregulin. |
| US07737251B2 |
Long lasting glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders
This invention relates to glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) derivatives. In particular, this invention relates to GLP-2 peptide derivatives having an extended in vivo half-life, for the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal disorders or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal functions, from any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, from the oesophagus to the anus. |
| US07737243B2 |
Highly productive coating composition for automotive refinishing
This invention relates to coating compositions and more particularly to highly productive coating compositions that quickly harden for sanding or buffing by incorporating therein a polyisocyanate adduct mixture into the coating composition as the crosslinking material. Such coatings are particularly useful for refinishing automobiles and trucks. |
| US07737234B2 |
Catalysts for radical polymerization
Provided is a method for polymerizing a polymer precursor, comprising: contacting a polymer precursor with a lithium carborane catalyst and an initiator under polymerizing conditions. A reaction solvent may be used, but is not necessary. Also provided is a method of preparing lithium carborane polymers, comprising: contacting a lithium carborane polymer precursor having a terminal alkenyl or alkynyl group with an initiator and an optional reaction solvent under polymerizing conditions. Functionalized carborane anions are also provided. |
| US07737233B2 |
Catalyst systems and their use for metathesis reactions
Novel catalyst systems for metathesis reactions, in particular for the metathesis of nitrile rubber, which contain a specific salt additive in addition to the metathesis catalyst are provided. |
| US07737226B2 |
Acetylene group-containing poly(alkylene oxide, oxyethylated polyol or olefinic alcohol)
The invention provides water-soluble compounds that include a polymer and at least one terminal azide or acetylene moiety. Also provided are highly efficient methods for the selective modification of proteins with PEG derivatives, which involves the selective incorporation of non-genetically encoded amino acids, e.g., those amino acids containing an azide or acetylene moiety, into proteins in response to a selector codon and the subsequent modification of those amino acids with a suitably reactive PEG derivative. |
| US07737222B2 |
Pressureless polymer pipe
A pressureless pipe and polymer composition for making such a pipe as well as the use of the polymer composition for pressureless pipes and supplementary parts, are disclosed. The polymer composition is characterized in that the polymer comprises a multimodal ethylene polymer including a copolymer of ethylene and a C4-C10 &agr; -olefin comonomer; the ethylene polymer has a total density of 953-958 kg/m3 and a MFR5 of 0.2-2.0 g/10 min; the ethylene polymer has a modulus of elasticity, determined according to ISO 178 of 1300-1700 MPa; the ethylene polymer has a resistance to slow crack growth, determined according to ASTM F 1473 of more than 1.5 hrs. |
| US07737218B2 |
Method for generating free radical capable polymers using tin or silicon halide compounds
Provided is a method comprising reacting the anionic living end of a polymer with a compound selected from the group consisting of tin halides and silicon halides to produced a polymer with a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond. An engineered plastic may then be produced by adding the polymer containing a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond to a solvent comprising at least one vinyl monomer; (b) optionally adding at least one additional inert solvent; (c) optionally adding additives selected from the group consisting of extender oils, modifiers, and antioxidants; and (d) initiating polymerization of the at least one vinyl monomer by the use of an initiator and/or heat, wherein a free radical is produced from the polymer containing a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond. |
| US07737215B2 |
Compositions of ethylene/α-olefin multi-block interpolymer for elastic films and laminates
This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin. |
| US07737212B2 |
Heat conductive silicone composition
A heat conductive silicone composition is provided, which includes (A) an organopolysiloxane having the formula (1): {(CH2═CH)R12SiO1/2}L(R1SiO3/2)m(R12SiO)n{O1/2SiR12—R2—SiR1(3-a)(OR3)a}o (1) wherein R1 represents monovalent hydrocarbon groups, R2 represents an oxygen atom or a bivalent hydrocarbon group, R3 represents an alkyl group, alkoxyalkyl group, alkenyl group, or acyl group, L and o represent numbers from 1 to 10, m represents a number from 0 to 10, n represents a number from 5 to 100, a represents an integer from 1 to 3, and when m=0, L+o=2 and R2 is a bivalent hydrocarbon group, (B) a heat conductive filler, and (C) an organopolysiloxane other than the component (A). Even upon high-level packing with the heat conductive filler to obtain a highly heat conductivity, the composition still exhibits favorable handling and moldability properties. |
| US07737207B2 |
Resin composition and flexible printed circuit board
A resin composition characterized as containing (A) a synthetic resin having a melting temperature of 300° C. or above and (B) a platy inorganic filler incorporated in the resin and having the following properties; pH of aqueous dispersion: 5.5-8.0, amount of extracted alkalis: Na 30 ppm or below and K 40 ppm or below, maximum diameter a: 50 μm or below, thickness b: 1.0 μm or below, and aspect ratio (a/b): 20 or above. |
| US07737204B2 |
Rubber with combination of silica and partially decarboxylated rosin acid and tire with component thereof
This invention relates to rubber compositions which contain a combination of silica reinforcement and plant-derived liquid partially decarboxylated rosin acid and to tires having components thereof, such as, for example, tire treads. Said liquid partially decarboxylated rosin acid acts both as a processing aid for the mixing of the rubber composition and as an aid to reinforcement of the rubber composition by interaction with the silica in situ within the rubber composition. |
| US07737203B2 |
Mercaptosilane blocked with vinyl ether group (coupling agent) and rubber composition and pneumatic tire using the same
A rubber composition, superior in the processability and rubber properties compared with a rubber composition using a conventional mercaptosilane coupling agent, containing 100 parts by weight of a diene-based rubber, 10 to 160 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler containing silica and 0.1 to 20% by weight, based upon the weight of silica, of a mercaptosilane coupling agent blocked with a compound having a vinyl ether group and a pneumatic tire using the same. |
| US07737202B2 |
Free-flowing filler composition and rubber composition containing same
This invention relates to novel free-flowing filler compositions containing silated cyclic core polysulfide coupling agents, and to a rubber containing the filler composition. |
| US07737199B2 |
Two-component adhesive of epoxy resin/polyol pack and polyamide/aliphatic amine/tertiary amine pack
An epoxy adhesive composition of an epoxy resin, an epoxy terminated liquid rubber, filler, and an amine curing package for said epoxy resin is disclosed. Advantageously, a short chain diol will be incorporated into the adhesive in order to enhance reactivity and strength build. Advantageously, a mixture of amines will be used in the curative including multifunctional aliphatic amines that improve adhesion and strength build; tertiary amines which are used to enhance adhesion and strength build, polyamides which can be used to provide flexibility; and amine-terminated rubbers (ATBN) which can improve toughness and impact resistance to the cured system. The preferred short chain diol is glycerin. Surfaces of adherends are joined with the dried residue of the epoxy adhesive composition by applying the epoxy resin composition to one or both surfaces, joining the surfaces, and applying pressure, optionally with heating. |
| US07737198B2 |
Wholly aromatic liquid crystal polyester resin molded product
A molded product of a wholly aromatic liquid crystal polyester resin composition having a dielectric constant of 3.0 or less and a dielectric dissipation factor of 0.04 or less and is obtained by an injection molding of a composition comprising 90 to 45 percent by weight of the wholly aromatic liquid crystal polyester having a melting point of 320C or more, 10 to 40 percent by weight of an inorganic spherical hollow material having an aspect ratio of 2 or less, and 0 to 15 percent by weight of an inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of 4 or more. The molded product has dielectric properties suitable for information and telecommunications equipment, and is excellent in solder heat resistance, processability, and dimensional stability. The molded product is advantageous as a substrate material for use in information and telecommunications equipment such as a cellular mobile phone and as a fixing/holding member of a transmitter-receiver element. |
| US07737196B2 |
Compositions and methods for producing urethane coated pigment particles
The present invention is drawn to passivated pigment suspensions, methods of forming passivated pigment suspensions, and ink sets based thereupon. The coated pigment suspension can comprise a liquid vehicle and a passivated pigment suspended in the liquid vehicle. The coated pigment can include a pigment core, on which is deposited a passivation layer comprising a polymer precursor synthesized while separate from the pigment. A polymer encapsulation layer may be attached to or deposited on the passivation layer. |
| US07737191B2 |
Rubber treatment method
A process and resulting product is provided in which vulcanized rubber crumb has selected chemical bonds broken and sulphur removal by biotreatment with hydrophobic bacteria, such as mycolic acid containing actinomycete bacteria of ‘mycolata’, without significant degradation of the hydrocarbon polymer. The products obtained from the use of these bacteria may be processed alone or in blends with virgin rubber and revulcanized to yield products of much higher quality than conventional reclaimed rubber materials. |
| US07737190B2 |
Process to prepare stable trifluorostyrene containing compounds grafted to base polymers using a solvent/water mixture
A fluorinated ion exchange polymer is prepared by grafting at least one grafting monomer derived from trifluorostyrene on to at least one base polymer in a organic solvent/water mixture. These ion exchange polymers are useful in preparing catalyst coated membranes and membrane electrode assemblies used in fuel cells. |
| US07737188B2 |
Reversible biogel for manipulation and separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes
The invention provides the use of novel, binary guanosine gels for simple, rapid and nondestructive solubilization of individual single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) at high concentrations. The gels exhibit selectivity between metallic and semiconducting SWNTs and, further, among SWNTs with different chiralities. |
| US07737187B2 |
Process for producing inorganic oxide organosol
A process for producing an inorganic oxide organosol that has good dispersibility and low viscosity, has excellent transparency, and shows good compatibility with resin solutions, and includes the steps (A) and (B) of: (A) adding silicon alkoxide having two or more alkoxy groups bonded to a silicon atom or having one or more hydroxy groups bonded to a silicon atom and one or more alkoxy groups bonded to a silicon atom to a hydrophilic inorganic oxide sol containing a hydrophilic solvent having a boiling point (1 atm) of 100° C. or less in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight in a dispersion medium to treat surface of the inorganic oxide particles in the sol; and (B) replacing the dispersion medium of the surface treated inorganic oxide sol obtained in step (A) with a non-alcoholic organic solvent in the presence of a primary alcohol having 3 to 12 carbon atoms. |
| US07737184B2 |
Histone deacetylase inhibitors
This invention relates to hydroxamic acid derivatives having a urea linkage, that are inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC), and are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of cellular proliferative diseases, for example cancer, autoimmune, allergic and inflammatory diseases, diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as neurodegenerative diseases, and in the prevention and/or treatment of restenosis. |
| US07737180B2 |
Use of neboglamine (CR 2249) as an antipsychotic and neuroprotective
Use of neboglamine, (S)-4-amino-N-(4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)glutamic acid (CR 2249) (CAS Registry Number 163000-63-3), of the racemate thereof or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of schizophrenia. |
| US07737178B2 |
Aspirin-triggered lipid mediators
Aspirin triggered lipid mediators (ATLMs) are disclosed which are useful for the treatment of prevention of inflammation associated with various diseases, including ischemia. |
| US07737176B2 |
Substituted arylhexadienoic acids and esters thereof which can be used for the treatment and prevention of diabetes, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and processes for the preparation of them
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I: and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to processes for the preparation of them and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, which are useful especially for the treatment and prevention of dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and diabetes. |
| US07737173B2 |
Indole-3-carboxylic acid amide, ester, thioamide and thiol ester compounds bearing aryl or heteroaryl groups having sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor antagonist biological activity
The invention provides compounds represented by the formula I, each of which compounds may have sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist and or antagonist biological activity: and wherein the variables Y, R4, n, A, X, Z, R1, o, R3, R2 and p are as defined in the specification. These compounds are useful for treating a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, dry eye, angiogenesis, cardiovascular conditions and diseases, and wound healing. |
| US07737170B2 |
Uses of 2-(1H-indolylsulfanyl)-benzyl amine derivatives as SSRIS
The present invention relates to uses of 2-(1H-indolylsulfanyl)-benzyl amine derivatives of general formula (I): in the treatment of affective disorders. |
| US07737169B2 |
Anionically substituted 7-nitroindoline derivatives and their uses
Anionically substituted 7-nitroindoline derivatives are disclosed and their uses as caged compounds from which effector species such as neurotransmitters and amino acids are releasable on irradiation with light. |
| US07737167B2 |
2-amino benzimidazole derivatives and their use as modulators of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels
This invention relates to novel 2-amino benzimidazole derivatives useful as modulators of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels).In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention. |
| US07737165B2 |
Methods of reducing weight gain associated with olanzapine treatment
A method of reducing weight gain associated with olanzapine treatment in a human subject, by orally administering to an olanzapine-treated subject betahistine or a salt thereof, is disclosed. |
| US07737164B2 |
Cyanopyridine antibacterial agents
The present invention relates generally to compounds providing antibacterial therapeutic agents and preparations, and related methods of using and making antibacterial compounds. Antibacterial compounds of the present invention include chalcone, alkylpyrimidine, aminopyrimidine and cyanopyridine compounds and derivatives thereof exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) similar to or less than conventional antibacterial compounds in wide use. For example, the present invention provides chalcone and cyanopyridine compounds, and derivatives thereof, exhibiting high antibacterial activities having multiple electron withdrawing group substituents, such as halogens and fluorinated alky groups, and optionally having hydroxyl and/or alkoxyl groups substituents. |
| US07737160B2 |
Thienopyridine and furopyridine kinase inhibitors
Compounds having the formula are useful for inhibiting protein tyrosine kinases. The present invention also discloses methods of making the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds. |
| US07737156B2 |
Selective phosphodiesterase 9A inhibitors as medicaments for improving cognitive processes
The invention relates to the use of selective phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) inhibitors for producing medicaments for improving perception, concentration, cognitive processes, learning and/or memory. |
| US07737155B2 |
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, esters, and tautomers thereof, wherein: Q is selected from the group consisting of: and L is selected from the group consisting of: pharmaceutically compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula (I), and methods of using the compounds of formula (I). |
| US07737154B2 |
CRF receptor antagonists and methods relating thereto
CRF receptor antagonists are disclosed which have utility in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including the treatment of disorders manifesting hypersecretion of CRF in a warm blooded animals, such as stroke. The CRF receptor antagonists of this invention have the following structure (I), including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, Y, Ar, and het are as defined herein. Compositions containing a CRF receptor antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also disclosed, as well as methods for use of the same. |
| US07737153B2 |
Heteroaryloxy-substituted phenylaminopyrimidines as rho-kinase inhibitors
The invention relates to heteroaryloxy-substituted phenylaminopyrimidines, to methods for the production thereof, and to the use of the same for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. The inventive compounds inhibit Rho-Kinase. |
| US07737152B2 |
6-carboaryl-oxy-pyrazin-2-yl-carboaryl-amines and compositions comprising said compounds
The present invention pertains to certain 6-carboaryloxy-pyrazin-2-yl-carboaryl-amines of the following formula, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which, inter alia, inhibit RAF (e.g., B-RAF) activity, inhibit cell proliferation, treat cancer, etc., wherein Q is independently —N═; RP3 is independently a group of the formula -J1-L1-Z; -J1L1-Z is independently —NH—Z; Z is independently C6-14carboaryl and is independently unsubstituted or substituted; RP2 is independently —H; RP5 is independently a group of the formula —W—Y; W is independently —O—; Y is independently C6-14 carboaryl and is independently unsubstituted or substituted; and RP6 is independently —H. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. |
| US07737149B2 |
N-[5-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-4-(3,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)benzamide and salts thereof
There is provided a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There are also provided processes for the manufacture of a compound of Formula 1, and the use of a compound of Formula 1 as a medicament and in the treatment of cancer. |
| US07737145B2 |
Diamine derivatives as inhibitors of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
This invention is directed to compounds of formula (I): where r, q, R, R2, R3, R4, R5a, R5b, R5c, R6a, R6b, R6c, R7, R8, and R9 are described herein, as single stereoisomers or as mixtures of stereoisomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, clathrates, polymorphs, ammonium ions, N-oxides or prodrugs thereof; which are leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitors and therefore useful in treating inflammatory disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of preparing the compounds of the invention are also disclosed. |
| US07737141B2 |
Prodrug of cinnamide compound
The present invention provides a most suitable prodrug of a cinnamide compound. The prodrug is represented by Formula (I) wherein Ra and Rb each denote a C1-6 alkyl group or the like; Xa denotes a methoxy group or a fluorine atom; Y denotes a phosphono group or the like; and A denotes a cyclic lactam derivative. |
| US07737139B2 |
Sulfonic acids, their derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
Selected sulfonic acids, their derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds are useful in inhibiting the chernotactic activation of neutrophils (PMN leukocytes) induced by the interaction of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) with CXCR1 and CXCR2 membrane receptors. The compounds are used for the prevention and treatment of pathologies deriving from said activation. Notably, the selected sulfonic acids and their derivativas are devoid of cyclo-oxygenase inhibition activity and are particularly useful in the treatment of neutrofil-dependent pathologies such as psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, melanoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bullous pemphigoid, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic fibrosis, glomerulonephritis and in the prevention and treatment of damages caused by ischemia and reperfusion. |
| US07737138B2 |
Methods of treatment of a tauopathy condition comprising the use of thioninium compounds
This invention pertains generally to the field of chemical synthesis and purification, and more specifically to methods of synthesizing and purifying certain 3,7-diaminophenothiazin-5-ium compounds (referred to herein as “diaminophenothiazinium compounds”) including Methythioninium Chloride (MTC) (also known as Methylene Blue). In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of, in order: nitrosylation (NOS); nitrosyl reduction (NR); thiosulfonic acid formation (TSAF); oxidative coupling (OC); Cr(VI) reduction (CR); isolation and purification of zwitterionic intermediate (IAPOZI); ring closure (RC); chloride salt formation (CSF); one of: sulphide treatment (ST); dimethyldithiocarbamate treatment (DT); carbonate treatment (CT); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment (EDTAT); organic extraction (OE); and recrystallisation (RX). The present invention also pertains to the resulting (high purity) compounds, compositions comprising them (e.g., tablets, capsules), and their use in methods of inactivating pathogens, and methods of medical treatment and diagnosis, etc., for example, for tauopathies, Alzheimer's disease (AD), skin cancer, melanoma, viral diseases, bacterial diseases, or protozoal diseases. |
| US07737136B2 |
Non-steroidal progesterone receptor modulators
The present invention provides compounds according to general Formula (I), a prodrug thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a prodrug thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides high affinity non-steroidal compounds which are agonists, partial agonists or antagonists of the progesterone receptor. |
| US07737134B2 |
Anticancer agents and use
Provided herein are compositions, all related stereoisomers as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts provided as simplified analogs of pateamine A, in which the analogs generally are devoid of the C3-amino and C5-methyl groups, also referred to as desmethyl, desamino-pateamine A. Suitable analogs provide anticancer and antiproliferative effects in vivo and in vitro by a novel drug mechanism of action described herein for pateamine A, including inhibition of eIF4A-dependent translation initiation. As with pateamine A, as described herein, suitable analogs cause cell cycle arrest or induce apoptosis in transformed cells. However, toxicity of such compounds to slow growing normal cells is low. In addition, such analogs, like pateamine A, target translation initiation factors and are useful as anticancer and antiproliferative agents in subjects in need thereof. Moreover, the analogs, like pateamine A, are valuable molecular probes for evaluation of eukaryotic translation initiation and as lead compounds for development of improved anticancer agents. |
| US07737130B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for topical use in treatment of skin or mucous injuries
The present invention describes new pharmaceutical compositions in treatment of skin and/or mucous injuries, new therapeutic use of compounds and use of compositions and compounds in treatment of injuries that involve skin and/or mucous, and/or therapies where regeneration or modelling of tissues growth is necessary. Particularly these pharmaceutical compositions are indicated for treatment of injuries caused by burns. |
| US07737129B2 |
Substituted liposaccharides useful in the treatment and prevention of endotoxemia
Novel substituted liposaccharides useful as in the prophylactic and affirmative treatment of endotoxemia including sepsis, septicemia and various forms of septic shock and methods of using these agents are provided. Also provided are methods of preparing these agents and intermediates useful therein. |
| US07737128B2 |
Pyrimidines, such as uridine, in treatments for patients with bipolar disorder
The invention is based on the discovery that specific dosages of pyrimidine compositions, such as uridine compositions, can be used to treat patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. |
| US07737125B2 |
LNA antagonists targeting the androgen receptor
The invention relates to oligonucleotide compounds (oligomers), which target androgen receptor mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of the androgen receptor. Reduction of androgen receptor expression is beneficial for the treatment of certain disorders, such as hyperproliferative disorders (e.g., cancer). The invention provides therapeutic compositions comprising oligomers and methods for modulating the expression of androgen receptor using said oligomers, including methods of treatment. |
| US07737122B2 |
Spinosyn fumigants
Methods of controlling arthropod pests by dispersing spinosyn compositions in the form of aerosols, fogs, smokes, or vapors are disclosed. |
| US07737121B2 |
Insulin secretion by anthocyanins and anthocyanidins
A method for stimulating insulin secretion by anthocyanidins and anthocyanins is described. The secretion can be in vivo in mammals, including humans, or in vitro. |
| US07737120B2 |
Methods for the specific preparation of lysobactin fragments
The invention relates to methods for the targeted production of lysobactin derivatives by combined chemical and enzymatic modifications. In particular, the invention relates to method for preparing lysobactin fragment 4-11 by chemical reduction and cleavage of the resultant product by chymotrypsin. |
| US07737116B2 |
Modified and stabilized GDF propeptides and uses thereof
Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis). |
| US07737114B2 |
Didemnin analogs and fragments and methods of making and using them
The present invention relates to macrocyclic depsipeptides, including didemnin analogs and fragments thereof, which are useful as anti-cancer agents and for other purposes. The invention includes numerous didemnin analogs and fragments and methods of making them. Methods of using these compounds as inhibitors of protein synthesis, cell growth, and tumorigenesis and as enhancers of apoptosis are also provided. |
| US07737113B2 |
Antiarrhythmic peptides
Disclosed are novel peptides including antiarrhythmic peptides that have improved stability. Further disclosed are compositions that include such peptides and methods of using the compositions particularly as medicaments. |
| US07737112B2 |
Composition for enzyme inhibition
Compositions comprising one or more practically insoluble proteasome inhibitors and a cyclodextrin, particularly a substituted cyclodextrin, substantially increase the solubility of these proteasome inhibitors and facilitate their administration. Such compositions optionally comprise a buffer. Methods of treatment using such compositions are also disclosed. |
| US07737110B2 |
Methods for altering mRNA splicing and treating familial dysautonomia and other mechanistically related disorders
This invention relates to methods for altering the splicing of mRNA in cells. In particular, this invention also relates to methods for increasing the ratio of wild type to misspliced forms of mRNA and corresponding encoded proteins in cells possessing a mutant gene encoding either the i) misspliced mRNA corresponding to the mutant protein or ii) a component in the splicing machinery responsible for processing the misspliced mRNA. In addition, this invention relates to treating individuals having a disorder associated with a misspliced mRNA, such as Familial Dysautonomia or Neurofibromatosis 1, by administering to such an individual a cytokinin such as kinetin. |
| US07737107B2 |
Trimethylcyclododecatriene derivatives, use thereof and perfumed products containing the same
A compound of formula (I); its structure represented with dotted lines being either cis- or trans-double bonds wherein: A) R1 represents a hydrogen atom and R2 represents an OH, OCH3 or OC2H5 group while either a) R4, R5, and R7 each represent hydrogen atoms with R3, R6, and R8 each representing methyl radicals; b) R4, R6, and R7 each represent hydrogen atoms with R3, R5, and R8 each representing methyl radicals; or c) R3, R6 and R7 each represent hydrogen atoms with R4, R5, and R8, each representing methyl radicals; or B) R7 represents a hydrogen atom; R1, R4, and R6 each represent hydrogen atoms with R2, R3, and R5 each representing a methyl radical while R8 represents OH, OCH3 or OC2H5 groups when dotted lines are present; when dotted lines are absent, R8 represents either OCH3 or OC2H5 groups. At least one compound is applied as an odorant agent. |
| US07737106B2 |
Process for making an ionic liquid comprising ion actives
A process for making ionic liquids containing ion actives, which provide fabric treating benefits, surface treating benefits and/or air treating benefits. The ionic liquid is made from an ion active feedstock and an ionic liquid forming counterion feedstock, which preferably comprises another ion active. |
| US07737105B2 |
Fabric treatment compositions comprising oppositely charged polymers
The invention is directed to fabric treatment compositions comprising at least one cationic polymer and at least one anionic polymer, wherein at least one of these two polymers is a silicone polymer, and wherein said composition forms a coacervate phase. |
| US07737104B2 |
Enhanced oil delivery from structured surfactant formulations
Spherulite-containing compositions are described, including compositions comprising a surfactant component, a salt, and an oil phase, wherein the surfactant component comprises (a) about 6 to about 8.25 weight % sodium trideceth sulfate; (b) about 1.8 to about 3.0 weight % of a structuring agent; (c) about 1.1 to about 3.0 weight % of a foam booster; (d) water; and (e) about 0.3 to about 0.8 weight % of a cationic guar gum. |
| US07737100B2 |
Compositions and methods for preventing and treating corrosion of metal surfaces
Environmentally safe, cost effective, VOC-free compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of corrosive processes in and on metal such as rust, flash rust and scale in a wide variety of industry sectors is provided. Compositions particularly well-suited for the long term prevention of rust and other corrosive processes may include an organic acid or salt thereof, a natural gum and/or wax and/or extracts or derivatives thereof, a gelling agent, and water. |
| US07737096B2 |
Mild acyl isethionate toilet bar composition
A mild toilet bar composition contains C8-C18 mono and diacyl isethionates in a specified ratio in a first preferred embodiment of the invention and a specified ratio of calcium and magnesium diacyl isethionates in a second preferred embodiment of the invention. Both toilet bars provide substantial lather, mild cleansing, low mush and wear rate levels during use. |
| US07737094B2 |
Engine wear protection in engines operated using ethanol-based fuel
Lubricant formulations and methods for producing lubricant formulations are described that provide improved wear protection in engines operated using ethanol-based fuels. The improved wear protection may be provided by an increased amount of overbased calcium detergent present in the formulation. |
| US07737088B1 |
Method and device for producing biochemical reaction supporting materials
The present invention relates to arrays of biochemical and/or biofunctional elements such as nucleic acids (oligonucleotides, for example) or other biomolecules on a carrier surface and methods of producing such arrays using photoactivation of predetermined areas for synthesis using an illumination matrix that is computer-controlled to generate an exposure pattern. This exposure pattern can be adjusted and monitored by computer using a light sensor matrix, for example a CCD matrix, to allow precise, controlled illumination of specific regions and therefore attachment of array building blocks to those specific regions. The methods and compositions of the invention permit spatially resolved photochemical synthesis of polymer probes on a carrier. |
| US07737086B2 |
Method for producing a superconductive electrical conductor
A method is provided for producing a superconductive electrical conductor (7) in which a layer of an yttrium-barium-copper oxide (YBCO) is applied as a superconductive material onto a textured metal base directly or after prior application of a buffer layer, and is subjected to a heat treatment. To this end an interlayer of a metallic material which is compatible with the crystal structure of YBCO, or with the structure of a buffer layer suitable for the application of YBCO, is initially applied all around onto an elongate metal support (1). The support (1) provided with the interlayer is subsequently processed so that predetermined texturing is imparted to the interlayer as a metal base for the layer of YBCO material or for the buffer layer. The layer of superconductive YBCO material is then applied all around, directly onto the textured interlayer or onto the buffer layer previously applied thereon, and the heat treatment is finally carried out. |
| US07737078B2 |
Catalyst for purifying exhaust gas
The formation of H2S in a stoichiometric or reducing atmosphere is restrained without using Ni or Cu as an environmental load substance. An additional oxide composed of an oxide of at least one kind of metal selected from the group consisting of Bi, Sn and Zn was added to a three-way catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engine of which the combustion is controlled in near a stoichiometric atmosphere in the amount of from 0.02 mol to 0.2 mol per liter of the catalyst. The additional oxide forms SO3 or SO4 from SO2 in an oxidizing atmosphere, and stores sulfur components as a sulfide in a reducing atmosphere so that emission of H2S can be restrained. And since no environmental load substance is contained, the catalyst can be used safely. |
| US07737076B2 |
Catalyst and producing method thereof
A catalyst producing method comprises preparing reverse micellar solution including an aqueous solution containing at least a noble metal element as a catalytic active component, and carrying the catalytic active component by a substrate to establish them into a catalyst precursor; and spraying the emulsion solution containing the catalyst precursor in an inert gas atmosphere to obtain a dried catalyst precursor, and firing the obtained dried catalyst precursor in an air atmosphere. A catalyst is obtained by the catalyst producing method. |
| US07737072B2 |
Hydroprocessing bulk catalyst and uses thereof
A hydroprocessing catalyst is provided. The hydroprocessing catalyst has the formula (Mt)a(Xu)b(Sv)d(Cw)e(Hx)f(Oy)g(Nz)h, wherein M is at least one group VIB metal; X is at least one Group VIII non-noble metal; t, u, v, w, x, y, z representing the total charge for each of the components (M, X, S, C, H, O and N, respectively); ta+ub+vd+we+xf+yg+zh=0; and 0= |
| US07737069B2 |
Magnesium compound, catalyst for olefin polymerization and method for producing olefin polymer
A magnesium compound represented by the formula (I): Mg(OC2H5)2−n(OR1)n (I) where R1 is CmH2m+1 (where m is an integer of from 3 to 10), and n is a numerical value satisfying 0 |
| US07737067B2 |
Regeneration of ionic liquid catalyst
A process for regenerating a used ionic liquid catalyst comprising a cationic component and an anionic component, which catalyst has been deactivated by conjunct polymers complexed with the anionic component comprising the steps of adding a reagent which is capable of replacing the complexed conjunct polymer with the cationic component of the catalyst, said reagent being added in an amount sufficient to react with a suitable amount of both free and complexed anionic components in the used catalyst and removing the replaced conjunct polymer to produce a regenerated ionic liquid catalyst is disclosed. |
| US07737066B2 |
Niobium monoxide powder, niobium monoxide sintered body and capacitor using the sintered body
(1) A niobium monoxide powder for a capacitor represented by formula: NbOx (x=0.8 to 1.2) and optionally containing other elements in an amount of 50 to 200,000 ppm, having a tapping density of 0.5 to 2.5 g/ml, an average particle size of 10 to 1000 μm, angle of repose from 10° to 60°, the BET specific surface area from 0.5 to 40 m2/g and a plurality of pore diameter peak tops in the pore distribution, and a producing method thereof; (2) a niobium monoxide sintered body, which is obtained by sintering the above niobium monoxide powder and, having a plurality of pore diameter peak tops in a range of 0.01 μm to 500 μm, preferably, the peak tops of two peaks among the plurality of pore diameter peak tops having a highest relative intensity are present in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 μm and in the range of 0.7 to 3 μm, respectively, and a producing method thereof; (3) a capacitor using the above sintered body and a producing method thereof; and (4) an electronic circuit and electronic device using the above capacitor. |
| US07737063B2 |
AI2O3-rare earth oxide-ZrO2/HfO2 materials, and methods of making and using the same
Al2O3-rare earth oxide-ZrO2/HfO2 ceramics (including glasses, crystalline ceramics, and glass-ceramics) and methods of making the same. Ceramics according to the present invention can be made, formed as, or converted into glass beads, articles (e.g., plates), fibers, particles, and thin coatings. The particles and fibers are useful, for example, as thermal insulation, filler, or reinforcing material in composites (e.g., ceramic, metal, or polymeric matrix composites). The thin coatings can be useful, for example, as protective coatings in applications involving wear, as well as for thermal management. Certain ceramic particles according to the present invention can be are particularly useful as abrasive particles. |
| US07737059B1 |
Airbag coating
Coating compositions, which are used as a monolithic coating layer for airbags. The coating compositions include a combination of urethanes which are blended together. At least one of the urethane components provides gas-retaining properties and the other provides the aging stability. The gas-retaining urethane may be characterized as having high tensile strength at break, high elongation at break, and a 100% modulus less than 1,200 psi. The aging stability urethane has a polycarbonate backbone as result of a manufacturing process in which a polycarbonate diol is reacted with an isocyanate. The resulting coating compositions, when applied as a single layer to an airbag fabric, result in an airbag with good gas retention and aging stability. |
| US07737058B2 |
Airbag with flame retardant monolithic coating layer
Provided herein are specific coating compositions, which are used as a monolithic coating layer for airbags. Preferably, these coating compositions are comprised of urethanes, which are blended together, where at least one of the urethane components is inherently flame retardant and the other of which is a urethane with gas-retaining properties. The gas-retaining urethane may be characterized as having high tensile strength at break, high elongation at break, and a 100% modulus less than 2,000 p.s.i. The inherently flame retardant urethane is the result of a manufacturing process in which a halogenated diol is reacted with an isocyanate, resulting in the incorporation of halogens into the polyurethane backbone. The resulting coating compositions (that is, the blends of gas-retaining urethane and flame retardant urethane), when applied as a single layer to an airbag fabric, result in an airbag with good gas retention, flame retardance, anti-blocking properties, and aging stability. |
| US07737043B2 |
Inspection method of compound semiconductor substrate, compound semiconductor substrate, surface treatment method of compound semiconductor substrate, and method of producing compound semiconductor crystal
There are provided an inspection method of a compound semiconductor substrate that can have the amount of impurities at the surface of the compound semiconductor substrate reduced, a compound semiconductor substrate, a surface treatment method of a compound semiconductor substrate, and a method of producing a compound semiconductor crystal. In the inspection method of the surface of the compound semiconductor substrate, the surface roughness Rms of the compound semiconductor substrate is measured using an atomic force microscope at the pitch of not more than 0.4 nm in a scope of not more than 0.2 μm square. The surface roughness Rms of the compound semiconductor substrate measured by the inspection method is not more than 0.2 nm. |
| US07737041B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer including a plurality of paralleled linear straight sections extending in a first direction. The layer also includes a plurality of connecting sections each having a width in the first direction sufficient to form a wire-connectable contact therein and arranged to connect between adjacent ones of the straight sections in a second direction. The connecting sections have respective ends formed aligned with a first straight line parallel to the second direction. |
| US07737040B2 |
Method of reducing critical dimension bias during fabrication of a semiconductor device
An anti-reflective hard mask layer left on a radiation-blocking layer during fabrication of a reticle provides functionality when the reticle is used in a semiconductor device manufacturing process. |
| US07737039B2 |
Spacer process for on pitch contacts and related structures
Methods are disclosed, such as those involving increasing the density of isolated features in an integrated circuit. Also disclosed are structures associated with the methods. In one or more embodiments, contacts are formed on pitch with other structures, such as conductive interconnects. The interconnects may be formed by pitch multiplication. To form the contacts, in some embodiments, a pattern corresponding to some of the contacts is formed in a selectively definable material such as photoresist. The features in the selectively definable material are trimmed to desired dimensions. Spacer material is blanket deposited over the features in the selectively definable material and the deposited material is then etched to leave spacers on sides of the features. The selectively definable material is removed to leave a mask defined by the spacer material. The pattern defined by the spacer material may be transferred to a substrate, to form on pitch contacts. In some embodiments, the on pitch contacts may be used to electrically contact conductive interconnects in the substrate. |
| US07737037B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor device which includes a barrier metal having high adhesiveness and diffusion barrier properties and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. The invention provides a semiconductor device manufacturing method including forming a first layer made of a material containing silicon on a base substance; forming a second layer containing metal and nitrogen on the first layer; and exposing the second layer to active species obtained from plasma in an atmosphere including reducing gas. |
| US07737035B1 |
Dual seal deposition process chamber and process
An apparatus and method for sealing and unsealing a chemical deposition apparatus in a chemical deposition process chamber includes a microvolume that has dual sealing elements at its periphery. One seal, the outer seal, is used to seal the inside of the microvolume from the main process chamber. The second (inner) seal is used to seal the inside of the microvolume from a vacuum source. The apparatus and process of the present invention has several advantages for enhanced chamber performance. |
| US07737030B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, and said semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device has forming a first metal wire in a groove formed in an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, forming an interlayer dielectric on the insulating film and the first metal wire, forming a via hole by etching the interlayer dielectric, forming a first barrier metal on sidewalls of the via hole, forming an organic film in the via hole having the first barrier metal formed therein, etching the first barrier metal exposed by performing an etchback on the organic film to a predetermined position, forming a trench integrally with an upper portion of the via hole by etching the interlayer dielectric to a predetermined position, forming a second barrier metal on the first barrier metal and sidewalls of the trench in the via hole, after the organic film remaining in the via hole is removed, and forming a second metal wire in the via hole and the trench having the second barrier metal formed therein. |
| US07737025B2 |
Via including multiple electrical paths
A method for forming an plurality of paths on a substrate includes drilling an opening for a via to a depth to expose a first pad and a second pad, lining the opening with a conductive material, and insulating a first portion of the lining in the opening from a second portion of the lining in the opening to form a first electrical path contacting the first pad and a second electrical path contacting the second pad. |
| US07737019B1 |
Method for containing a silicided gate within a sidewall spacer in integrated circuit technology
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a gate over the semiconductor substrate. A gate sidewall spacer is formed around the gate and a resist is deposited on the gate sidewall spacer with the gate sidewall spacer and the gate exposed. A portion of the gate within the gate sidewall spacer is removed and a gate silicide is formed within the curved gate sidewall spacer. A dielectric layer is formed over the gate silicide and a contact is formed to the gate silicide. |
| US07737016B2 |
Two-print two-etch method for enhancement of CD control using ghost poly
According to various embodiments, two-print two-etch methods and devices are disclosed that can be used to form features, such as ghost features, on a substrate. The disclosed methods can be incorporated into, for example, altPSM, attPSM, and binary lithographic method for making semiconductor devices. a method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. The exemplary methods can include defining a plurality of first features and at least one ghost feature on a photosensitive layer by exposing a first mask to a light, wherein the first mask comprises a plurality of phase shift areas that change a phase of the light. A portion of a layer disposed under the photosensitive layer can be removed by etching to form the plurality of first features and the at least one ghost feature. One or more structures not requiring phase shifting can then be defined on the photosensitive layer by exposing a second mask to the light, wherein the second mask removes the at least one ghost feature. A second portion of the layer disposed under the photosensitive layer can then be removed by etching to form one or more structures not requiring phase shifting, wherein the second portion includes the at least one ghost feature. |
| US07737011B2 |
Method for improving the quality of an SiC crystal and an SiC semiconductor device
It is an object to provide a method for improving the quality of an SiC layer by effectively reducing or eliminating the carrier trapping centers by high temperature annealing and an SiC semiconductor device fabricated by the method.A method for improving the quality of an SiC layer by eliminating or reducing some carrier trapping centers comprising the steps of: (a) carrying out ion implantation of carbon atoms (C), silicon atoms, hydrogen atoms, or helium atoms into a shallow surface layer (A) of the starting SiC crystal layer (E) to introduce excess carbon interstitials into the implanted surface layer, and (b) heating the layer for making the carbon interstitials (C) to diffuse out from the implanted surface layer (A) into a bulk layer (E) and for making the electrically active point defects in the bulk layer inactive. After the above steps, the surface layer (A) can be etched or mechanically removed. A semiconductor device according to the invention is fabricated by the method. |
| US07737008B2 |
Method for making quantum dots
A method for forming at least one quantum dot at at least one predetermined location on a substrate is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing a layer of semiconductor material on an insulating layer on the substrate. The layer of semiconductor material is patterned so as to provide at least one line of semiconductor material having a width (wL) and having a local width variation at at least one predetermined location where the at least one quantum dot has to be formed. The local width variation has an amplitude (A) of between about 20 nm and 35 nm higher than the width wL of the at least one line. The at least one line is patterned to form at least one quantum dot. A design for a lithographic mask for use with the method and a method for making such a design are also disclosed. |
| US07737007B2 |
Methods to fabricate MOSFET devices using a selective deposition process
In one embodiment, a method for forming a silicon-based material on a substrate having dielectric materials and source/drain regions thereon within a process chamber is provided which includes exposing the substrate to a first process gas comprising silane, methylsilane, a first etchant, and hydrogen gas to deposit a first silicon-containing layer thereon. The first silicon-containing layer may be selectively deposited on the source/drain regions of the substrate while the first silicon-containing layer may be etched away on the surface of the dielectric materials of the substrate. Subsequently, the process further provides exposing the substrate to a second process gas comprising dichlorosilane and a second etchant to deposit a second silicon-containing layer selectively over the surface of the first silicon-containing layer on the substrate. |
| US07737006B2 |
Methods and apparatus to form electronic components with at least one N- or P-doped portion
A method of manufacturing an electronic component comprising at least one n- or p-doped portion, comprising the steps of: co-depositing inorganic semi-conducting nanoparticles and dopant on a substrate, the nanoparticles being a group four element such as silicon or germanium; fusing the nanoparticles by heating to form a continuous layer; and subsequently; and, recrystallising the layer. |
| US07737005B2 |
Method for forming Ti film and TiN film, contact structure, computer readable storing medium and computer program
A cleaning process is performed on the surface of a nickel silicide film serving as an underlayer. Then, a Ti film is formed to have a film thickness of not less than 2 nm but less than 10 nm by CVD using a Ti compound gas. Then, the Ti film is nitrided. Then, a TiN film is formed on the Ti film thus nitrided, by CVD using a Ti compound gas and a gas containing N and H. |
| US07737004B2 |
Multilayer gettering structure for semiconductor device and method
In one embodiment, a multi-layer extrinsic gettering structure includes plurality of polycrystalline semiconductor layers each separated by a dielectric layer. |
| US07737000B2 |
Process for the collective fabrication of microstructures consisting of superposed elements
The invention relates to the collective fabrication of superposed microstructures, such as an integrated circuit and a protective cover. Individual structures each comprising superposed first and second elements are fabricated collectively. The first elements (for example, integrated circuit chips) are prepared on a first plate and the second elements (for example, transparent covers) are prepared on a second plate. The plates are bonded to each other over the major portion of their facing surfaces, but with no bonding of the defined zones in which there is no adhesion. The individual structures are then diced via the top on the one hand and via the bottom on the other hand along different parallel dicing lines passing through the zones with no adhesion, so that, after dicing, the first elements retain surface portions (those lying between the parallel dicing lines) that are not covered by a second element. A connection pad may thus remain accessible at this point. |
| US07736999B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
An adhesive layer of which thickness is over 25 μm and a dicing tape are laminated on a rear surface of a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is cut together with a part of the adhesive layer by using a first blade of which cutting depth reaches the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cut together with a part of the dicing tape by using a second blade of which cutting depth reaches the dicing tape and of which width is narrower than the first blade. A semiconductor element sectioned by cutting the semiconductor wafer with the adhesive layer is picked up from the dicing tape, and is adhered on another semiconductor element or a circuit board. |
| US07736988B2 |
Forming structures that include a relaxed or pseudo-relaxed layer on a substrate
A method for forming a relaxed or pseudo-relaxed useful layer on a substrate is described. The method includes growing a strained semiconductor layer on a donor substrate, bonding a receiver substrate to the strained semiconductor layer by a vitreous layer of a material that becomes viscous above a certain viscosity temperature to form a first structure. The method further includes detaching the donor substrate from the first structure to form a second structure comprising the receiver substrate, the vitreous layer, and the strained layer, and then heat treating the second structure at a temperature and time sufficient to relax strains in the strained semiconductor layer and to form a relaxed or pseudo-relaxed useful layer on the receiver substrate. |
| US07736986B2 |
Integrated stacked capacitor and method of fabricating same
An integrated stacked capacitor comprises a first capacitor film (46) of polycrystalline silicide, a second capacitor film (48) and a first dielectric (26) sandwiched between the first capacitor film (46) and second capacitor film (48). A second dielectric (34) and a third capacitor film (50) are provided. The second dielectric (34) is sandwiched between the second capacitor film (48) and third capacitor film (50). A method for fabrication of an integrated stacked capacitor comprises the following sequence of steps: applying a polysilicide layer (20) to form the first capacitor film (46); applying a first dielectric (26); applying a first metallization layer (28) to form the second capacitor film (48); applying a second dielectric (34); and applying a second metallization layer (44) to form the third capacitor film (50). |
| US07736985B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device using overlapping exposure and semiconductor device thereof
The performance of a sensor in a semiconductor device can be improved. A plurality of oscillators forming an ultrasonic sensor are arranged on a main surface of a semiconductor chip. A negative-type photosensitive insulating film which protects the oscillators is deposited on an uppermost layer of the semiconductor chip. At the time of exposure for forming an opening in the photosensitive insulating film, the semiconductor chip is divided into a plurality of exposure areas and exposed, and then, the exposure areas are jointed so that the entire area is exposed. At this time, a stitching exposure area is arranged so that a center of the stitching exposure area in a width direction in the joint portion of the adjacent exposure areas is positioned at a center of a line which connects centers of oscillators located above and below the stitching exposure area. |
| US07736980B2 |
Vertical gated access transistor
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an apparatus comprises forming a plurality of deep trenches and a plurality of shallow trenches in a first region of a substrate. At least one of the shallow trenches is positioned between two deep trenches. The plurality of shallow trenches and the plurality of deep trenches are parallel to each other. The method further comprises depositing a layer of conductive material over the first region and a second region of the substrate. The method further comprises etching the layer of conductive material to define a plurality of lines separated by a plurality of gaps over the first region of the substrate, and a plurality of active device elements over the second region of the substrate. The method further comprises masking the second region of the substrate. The method further comprises removing the plurality of lines from the first region of the substrate, thereby creating a plurality of exposed areas from which the plurality of lines were removed. The method further comprises etching a plurality of elongate trenches in the plurality of exposed areas while the second region of the substrate is masked. |
| US07736979B2 |
Method of forming nanotube vertical field effect transistor
A nanotube field effect transistor and a method of fabrication are disclosed. The method includes electrophoretic deposition of a nanotube to contact a region of a conductive layer defined by an aperture. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of depositing nanotubes in a region defined by an aperture, with control over the number of nanotubes to be deposited, as well as the pattern and spacing of nanotubes. For example, electrophoretic deposition, along with proper configuration of the aperture, allows at least one nanotube to be deposited in a target region with nanometer scale precision. Pre-sorting of nanotubes, e.g., according to their geometries or other properties, may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure to facilitate fabrication of devices with specific performance requirements. |
| US07736973B2 |
Non-volatile memory arrays having dual control gate cell structures and a thick control gate dielectric and methods of forming
Non-volatile semiconductor memory devices with dual control gate memory cells and methods of forming are provided. A charge storage layer is etched into strips extending across a substrate surface in a row direction with a tunnel dielectric layer therebetween. The resulting strips may be continuous in the row direction or may comprise individual charge storage regions if already divided along their length in the row direction. A second layer of dielectric material is formed along the sidewalls of the strips and over the tunnel dielectric layer in the spaces therebetween. The second layer is etched into regions overlaying the tunnel dielectric layer in the spaces between strips. An intermediate dielectric layer is formed along exposed portions of the sidewalls of the strips and over the second dielectric layer in the spaces therebetween. A layer of control gate material is deposited in the spaces between strips. The resulting control gates are separated from the strips by the intermediate dielectric layer and from the substrate surface by the tunnel dielectric layer, the second layer of dielectric material and the intermediate dielectric layer. |
| US07736971B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first interlayer insulating film including a storage node contact plug over a semiconductor substrate. A second interlayer insulating film is formed over the first interlayer insulating film and the storage node contact plug. A mask pattern is formed over the second interlayer insulating film to expose a storage node region. The second interlayer insulating film and the first interlayer insulating film is selectively etched to form a recess exposing a portion of the storage node contact plug. A lower storage node is formed in the recess. The storage node includes a concave structure that surrounds the exposed storage node contact plug. A dip-out process is performed to remove the second interlayer insulating film. A dielectric film is formed over the semiconductor substrate including the lower storage node. A plate electrode is deposited over the dielectric film to form a capacitor. |
| US07736965B2 |
Method of making a FinFET device structure having dual metal and high-k gates
Methods include making a FinFET device structure having multiple FinFET devices (e.g. ntype and/or ptype) with different metal conductors and/or different high-k insulators in the gates formed on a SOI substrate. One such method includes removing a second semiconductor layer from a second metal layer in a region above a second cap layer, from adjoining regions and from regions adjacent to a second fin. |
| US07736964B2 |
Semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of separating a thin film transistor, and circuit or a semiconductor device including the thin film transistor from a substrate by a method different from that disclosed in the patent document 1 and transposing the thin film transistor, and the circuit or the semiconductor device to a substrate having flexibility. According to the present invention, a large opening or a plurality of openings is formed at an insulating film, a conductive film connected to a thin film transistor is formed at the opening, and a peeling layer is removed, then, a layer having the thin film transistor is transposed to a substrate provided with a conductive film or the like. A thin film transistor according to the present invention has a semiconductor film which is crystallized by laser irradiation and prevents a peeling layer from exposing at laser irradiation not to be irradiated with laser light. |
| US07736963B2 |
Method of forming a gate structure for a semiconductor device and method of forming a cell gate structure for a non-volatile memory device
In an embodiment, a method of forming a gate structure for a semiconductor device includes forming a preliminary gate structure on a semiconductor substrate. The preliminary gate structure includes a gate oxide pattern and a conductive pattern sequentially stacked on the substrate. Then, a re-oxidation process is performed to the substrate having the preliminary gate structure using an oxygen radical including at least one oxygen atom, so that an oxide layer is formed on a surface of the substrate and sidewalls of the preliminary gate structure to form the gate structure for a semiconductor device. The thickness of the gate oxide pattern is prevented from increasing, and the quality of the oxide layer is improved. |
| US07736960B2 |
Process for producing a photoelectric conversion device
A catalyst element remaining in a first semiconductor film subjected to a first heat treatment (crystallization) is moved and concentrated/collected by subjecting a second semiconductor film which is formed on the first semiconductor film and contains a rare gas element to a second heat treatment. That is, the rare gas element is incorporated into the second semiconductor film to generate a strain field as a gettering site. |
| US07736954B2 |
Methods for nanoscale feature imprint molding
Methods for fabricating nanoscale features are disclosed. One technique involves depositing onto a substrate, where the first layer may be a silicon layer and may subsequently be etched. A second layer and third layer may be deposited on the etch first layer, followed by the deposition of a silicon cap. The second and third layer may be etched, exposing edges of the second and third layers. The cap and first layer may be removed and either the second or third layer may be etched, creating a nanoscale pattern. |
| US07736949B2 |
Device and method for fabricating double-sided SOI wafer scale package with optical through via connections
A semiconductor package includes an SOI wafer having a first side including an integrated circuit system, and a second side, opposite the first side, forming at least one cavity. At least one chip or component is placed in the cavity. An optical through via is formed through a buried oxide which optically connects the chip(s) to the integrated circuit system. |
| US07736939B2 |
Method for forming microlenses of different curvatures and fabricating process of solid-state image sensor
A method for forming microlenses of different curvatures is described, wherein a substrate having at least a first and a second areas different in height is provided. A transparent photosensitive layer having a planar surface is formed on the substrate and then patterned into at least two islands of different thicknesses respectively over the first area and the second area. The at least two islands are heated and softened to form at least two microlenses of different curvatures respectively over the first area and the second area, wherein the higher an area is, the smaller the curvature of the corresponding microlens is. |
| US07736934B2 |
Method for manufacturing vertical germanium detectors
An improved method for manufacturing a vertical germanium detector is disclosed. Initially, a detector window is opened through an oxide layer on a single crystalline substrate. Next, a single crystal germanium layer is grown within the detector window, and an amorphous germanium layer is grown on the oxide layer. The amorphous germanium layer is then polished and removed until only a portion of the amorphous germanium layer is located around the single crystal germanium layer. A tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) layer is deposited on the amorphous germanium layer and the single crystal germanium layer. An implant is subsequently performed on the single crystal germanium layer. After an oxide window has been opened on the TEOS layer, a titanium layer is deposited on the single crystal germanium layer to form a vertical germanium detector. |
| US07736931B1 |
Wafer process flow for a high performance MEMS accelerometer
A process for fabricating a pendulous accelerometer, including the steps of: providing a first substrate having a top planar surface, etching a portion of the first substrate to a first predetermined depth from the top planar surface to form a plurality of first protrusions, providing a second substrate, etching a portion of the second substrate to a second predetermined depth to form a plurality of second protrusions, bonding planar surfaces of the first protrusions to planar surfaces of the second protrusions, and etching a portion of the first substrate from an opposite side of the first substrate to a third predetermined depth equal to or greater than the difference between the total thickness of the first substrate and the first predetermined depth to form a freely rotatable sensing plate that includes a substantially hollow proof mass. |
| US07736928B2 |
Precision printing electroplating through plating mask on a solar cell substrate
Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a low cost solar cell using a novel electroplating apparatus and method to form a metal contact structure having metal lines formed using an electrochemical plating process. The apparatus and methods described herein remove the need to perform the often costly processing steps of performing a mask preparation and formation steps, such as screen printing, lithographic steps and inkjet printing steps, to form a contact structure. The resistance of interconnects formed in a solar cell device greatly affects the efficiency of the solar cell. It is thus desirable to form a solar cell device that has a low resistance connection that is reliable and cost effective. Therefore, one or more embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to form a low cost and reliable interconnecting layer using an electrochemical plating process containing a common metal, such as copper. Embodiments of the invention may provide an apparatus and method of forming a solar cell device that utilizes a reusable masking device during one or more electrochemical deposition steps. |
| US07736926B2 |
Method for manufacturing a light-emitting device with a periodic structure in an active region
The invention provides a light-emitting device, where the active region thereof may be escaped from being damaged by the plasma process. The device is first formed with a semiconductor layer on the semiconductor substrate, next provided with an etching mask. Using the mask, the semiconductor layer on the substrate is dry-etched to form a periodic structure with grooves and mesas. The active regions are buried within the grooves by the OMVPE method. |
| US07736923B2 |
Optical semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
An optical semiconductor device includes: a first conductivity type first semiconductor region; a first conductivity type second semiconductor region formed on the first semiconductor region; a second conductivity type third semiconductor region formed on the second semiconductor region; a photodetector section formed of the second semiconductor region and the third semiconductor region; a micro mirror formed of a trench formed selectively in a region of the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region except the photodetector section; and a semiconductor laser element held on the bottom face of the trench. A first conductivity type buried layer of which impurity concentration is higher than those of the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region is selectively formed between the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region in the photodetector section. |
| US07736922B2 |
Semiconductor laser element and method of fabrication thereof
A semiconductor laser element having an advantageous vertical light confinement efficiency, a low threshold current and a low element resistance is provided. The semiconductor laser element has a substrate and a stacked structure formed thereon, where the stacked structure comprises a buffer layer, an n-Al0.6Ga0.4As cladding layer, an n-Al0.47Ga0.53As cladding layer, an active layer, a p-Al0.47Ga0.53As first cladding layer, an Al0.55Ga0.45As etching stop layer, a p-Al0.47Ga0.53As second cladding layer, a p-Al0.6Ga0.4As third cladding layer, and a p-GaAs contact layer. The second and third cladding layers, and the contact layer are formed as a stripe-patterned ridge, and serve as a current injection regions. Both lateral portions of the ridge are filled with an n-type current blocking layer and serve as non-current-injection regions. Because the cladding layers on the active-layer-section side have a refractive index larger than that of the cladding layers disposed outward thereof, light leaked from the active layer section can efficiently be confined within the cladding layers on the active-layer-section side. |
| US07736917B2 |
Laser beam irradiation method and method of manufacturing a thin firm transistor
A laser beam irradiation method that achieves uniform crystallization, even if a film thickness of an a-Si film or the like fluctuates, is provided. The present invention provides a laser beam irradiation method in which a non-single crystal semiconductor film is formed on a substrate having an insulating surface and a laser beam having a wavelength longer than 350 nm is irradiated to the non-single crystal semiconductor film, thus crystallizing the non-single crystal silicon film. The non-single crystal semiconductor film has a film thickness distribution within the surface of the substrate, and a differential coefficient of a laser beam absorptivity with respect to the film thickness of the non-single crystal semiconductor film is positive. |
| US07736910B2 |
One-step production of gold sols
The present invention comprises novel “one-step” methods for the production of gold sol and gold sol conjugates. The methods disclosed herein produce gold sol and colloidal gold conjugates with product with yields on the order of about 20 ODs. Since current methods in the art yield conjugates at concentrations on the order of about 2 ODs, the present invention represents an approximately 10-fold increase in production over conventional methods. The novel method provided herein also does not result in the production of undesired aggregate by-products that, in conventional methods, must be removed via centrifugation, filtration or other means. The new method is therefore less labor intensive and requires less time to complete than standard methods in the art for synthesizing pure colloidal gold conjugates. |
| US07736900B2 |
Automated flocculation titration method for accurate determination of Heithaus parameters
A system for determining parameters and compatibility of a substance such as an asphalt or other petroleum substance uses titration to highly accurately determine one or more flocculation occurrences and is especially applicable to the determination or use of Heithaus parameters and optimal mixing of various asphalt stocks. In a preferred embodiment, automated titration in an oxygen gas exclusive system and further using spectrophotometric analysis (2-8) of solution turbidity is presented. A reversible titration technique enabling in-situ titration measurement of various solution concentrations is also presented. |
| US07736898B1 |
Thiaminases and thiaminase genes for use in apoptotic therapies
This disclosure describes methods for preparing and utilizing thiaminase and thiaminase genes to induce apoptosis in a selected group of vertebrate cells in vivo by reducing the level of thiamin in the cells. Emphasis is on methods for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. |
| US07736895B2 |
Methods for altering cell fate
The invention provides methods for altering the expression profile of a cell to convert the cell from one cell type to a desired cell type. These reprogrammed cells may be used in a variety of medical applications for treating a mammal in need of a particular cell type. |
| US07736894B2 |
Method for constructing reconstructed skin
The present invention relates to a method for constructing human skin tissue, in which human skin tissue is reconstructed on a body surface of an immunodeficient non-human animal. |
| US07736893B2 |
Nanobio device of imitative anatomy structure
Objects to be achieved by the invention are to provide a nanobio device in which cultured cells are organized at a high-level in a state near in vivo, and to provide a method of using the nanobio device of imitative anatomy structure. The nanobio device of imitative anatomy structure of the invention is obtained by manufacturing a substrate with a bio-compatible substance and arranging a plurality of types of cells thereon in a desired array. A method of manufacturing a nanobio device in the invention includes a step of manufacturing a substrate for a nanobio device by a micromachine processing technique and a step of arranging a plurality of cultured cells on the substrate in a desired array with laser optical tweezers. |
| US07736892B2 |
Cultures, products and methods using umbilical cord matrix cells
Stem cells from human sources can have a variety of useful applications in disease treatment and biotechnology. More particularly the umbilical cord matrix cell cultures of the invention have a variety of totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent cells for a variety of end uses from a non-controversial, universally available, species-specific source. The technology can have application to any amniotic animal, including agricultural and laboratory animals and humans. The invention relates to isolating the stem cells, culturing the stem cells, maintaining the stem cells, transforming the stem cells into useful cell types using genetic or other transformation technologies, stem cell and tissue banking and using untransformed or transformed cells in disease treatment. |
| US07736888B2 |
Stage and platform for building a biochip and biochip
A biochip, a platform which composes the biochip, and a stage which composes the platform. The biochip is for detecting analytes in a test sample. The platform comprises a stage. The stage of the invention includes a carrier. |
| US07736886B2 |
Recombination systems and methods for eliminating nucleic acid sequences from the genome of eukaryotic organisms
The invention relates to recombination systems and methods for eliminating nucleic acid sequences from the chromosomal DNA of eukaryotic organisms, and to transgenic organisms—preferably plants—which comprise these systems or were generated using these methods. |
| US07736884B2 |
Metabolically engineered Saccharomyces cells for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids
The present invention relates to the construction and engineering of cells, more particularly microorganisms for producing PUFAs with four or more double bonds from non-fatty acid substrates through heterologous expression of an oxygen requiring pathway.The invention especially involves improvement of the PUFA content in the host organism through fermentation optimization, e.g. decreasing the temperature and/or designing an optimal medium, or through improving the flux towards fatty acids by metabolic engineering, e.g. through over-expression of fatty acid synthases, over-expression of other enzymes involved in biosynthesis of the precursors for PUFAs, or codon optimization of the heterologous genes, or expression of heterologous enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the precursor for PUFAs. |
| US07736875B2 |
Dipeptidyl peptidase I crystal structure and its uses
The present invention relates to structural studies of dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) proteins, modified dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) proteins and DPPI co-complexes. Included in the present invention is a crystal of a dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) and corresponding structural information obtained by X-ray crystallography from rat and human DPPI. In addition, this invention relates to methods for using structure co-ordinates of DDPI, mutants hereof and co-complexes, to design compounds that bind to the active site or accessory binding sites of DPPI and to design improved inhibitors of DPPI or homologues of the enzyme. |
| US07736873B2 |
Chlamydia polypeptides and corresponding DNA fragments and uses thereof
The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a 98 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention. |
| US07736871B2 |
Peptide-forming enzyme gene
DNA and recombinant DNA that encode a peptide-forming enzyme, a method for producing a peptide-forming enzyme, and a method for producing a dipeptide are disclosed. A method for producing a dipeptide includes producing a dipeptide from a carboxy component and an amine component by using a culture of a microbe belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium and having the ability to form the dipeptide from the carboxy component and the amine component, a microbial cell separated from the culture, treated microbial cell product of the microbe or a peptide-forming enzyme derived from the microbe. |
| US07736868B2 |
Nucleic acid sequences having gene transcription regulatory qualities
The invention is concerned with the systematic elucidation and identification of regulatory sequences. The invention provides among others screenings and detection methods with which regulatory sequences can be identified. The invention further provides regulatory sequences and use thereof in various fields such as, but not limited to, protein production, diagnostics, transgenic plants and animals, and the therapeutic field. |
| US07736866B2 |
Enzyme-based time temperature indicator
A time temperature indicator for indicating temperature change over time is provided, comprising an immobilized enzyme and a substrate of the enzyme, wherein the reaction of the substrate catalyzed by the enzyme produces a reaction product in a time and temperature dependent manner and wherein the formation of the reaction product can be detected by monitoring a physical characteristic of the substrate and/or the product which is linked to its concentration. Also provided is a method of time temperature indication comprising the step of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, a method of printing the enzyme-based time temperature indicator on a packaging material or a label, a printing ink or printing ink concentrate comprising components of the enzyme-based time temperature indicator and a packaging material or a label comprising the enzyme-based time temperature indicator. |
| US07736863B2 |
Monocyte activation test better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogenic contaminants in medical products
An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample. |
| US07736851B2 |
DNA cloning method
The invention relates to methods for cloning DNA molecules using recE/recT-mediated homologous recombination mechanism between at least two DNA molecules where one DNA molecule is a circular or linear DNA molecule and the second DNA molecule is a circular DNA molecule, and the second DNA molecule contains two regions with sequence homology to the first DNA molecule. Competent cells and vectors are also described. |
| US07736848B2 |
Cellular targets for treatment of retroviral infection
Cellular targets for anti-retroviral drug development are disclosed. The cellular targets comprise ATR kinase and its relevant substrates, based on the identification of the ATR kinase as required for the final step of retroviral DNA integration. Assays for identifying modulators of retroviral integration via the ATR kinase pathway are disclosed, as well as modulators identified by such assays. Pharmaceutical preparations and methods of their use in treating retroviral infection are also disclosed. |
| US07736846B2 |
Methods of assaying for modulators of the inflammatory process using components of the ubiquitin ligation cascade
The present invention relates to regulation of inflammation. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding components of the ubiquitin ligation pathway, e.g., ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecules, E1, E2, and E3 proteins and their substrates, which are involved in modulation of the inflammatory process. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents, including small molecule chemical compositions, antibodies, peptides, cyclic peptides, nucleic acids, RNAi, antisense nucleic acids, and ribozymes, that modulate the inflammatory process via modulation of the ubiquitin ligation pathway; as well as to the use of expression profiles and compositions in diagnosis and therapy related to regulation of inflammation and modulation of cytokine signaling involved in inflammation, e.g., for treatment of infection, autoimmune disease and other diseases related to the inflammatory process. |
| US07736844B2 |
Overlay mark and method of forming the same
An overlay mark may include a main overlay pattern and an auxiliary overlay pattern, wherein the main overlay pattern may have an opening exposing a substrate and the auxiliary overlay pattern may be formed in the opening. The auxiliary overlay pattern may be spaced apart from a sidewall of the main overlay pattern defining the opening. The thickness ratio of the auxiliary overlay pattern to the main overlay pattern may be about 0.05:1 to about 0.30:1. Accordingly, overlay accuracy measurements may be improved using the clearer overlay mark according to example embodiments. |
| US07736839B2 |
Process for fabricating semiconductor device and method for generating mask pattern data
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including a first wiring pattern extending in a vertical direction and a second wiring pattern identical in geometry to the first wiring pattern and extending in a (horizontal) direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, including the steps of: employing linearly polarized illumination to perform exposure along a mask pattern including mask patterns used to form the first and second wiring patterns, respectively; and subsequently forming the first and second wiring patterns having a geometry along the mask patterns. The mask patterns to form the first and second wiring patterns are formed to be different in geometry. |
| US07736837B2 |
Antireflective coating composition based on silicon polymer
The present invention relates to an antireflecting coating composition which is capable of forming a crosslinked coating underneath a layer of photoresist comprising a silicon polymer, where the silicon polymer comprises at least one unit with the structure 1, where, R1 is selected from C1-C4 alkyl. The invention also relates to a process for imaging this composition. |
| US07736833B2 |
Multilayered resist systems using tuned polymer films as underlayers and methods of fabrication thereof
Multilayered resist structures including bilayer and top surface imaging which utilize tuned underlayers functioning as ARCs, planarizing layers, and etch resistant hard masks whose properties such as optical, chemical and physical properties are tailored to give a multilayer resist structure exhibiting high resolution, residue free lithography and methods of preparing these materials. |
| US07736832B2 |
Toner compositions
Toners made by the emulsion aggregation process comprising an amorphous resin and a nucleated crystalline resin. Such toners demonstrate improved charging performance in the A-zone and the C-zone, improved heat cohesion and improved resistivity. |
| US07736831B2 |
Emulsion/aggregation process using coalescent aid agents
A process for preparing a toner includes mixing a polymeric resin emulsion, a colorant dispersion, and a wax to form a mixture; optionally adding a coagulant to the mixture; heating the mixture at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the polymeric resin to aggregate the polymeric resin, colorant, and wax, to form aggregated particles; adding a coalescent agent to the aggregated particles; heating the aggregated particles and coalescent agent at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymeric resin, to coalesce the aggregated particles to form toner particles, optionally cooling the mixture, and isolating the tone particles. |
| US07736829B2 |
Charge adjuvants in electrostatic inks
Ink toners, electroink compositions, methods of making ink toners, methods of making electroink compositions, and the like, are described. |
| US07736828B2 |
Liquid toner methods of producing same
A liquid toner comprising a hydrocarbon carrier liquid; toner particles; wax particles; and a charge director. Methods of producing embodiments of the toner and components of the toner are disclosed. |
| US07736826B2 |
Toner, developer and image forming apparatus
A toner composition including toner particles including at least a binder resin; and a colorant, wherein the toner composition satisfies at least one of the following relationships (1) and (2): B≦14 when 155 |
| US07736825B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method utilizing a resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer in a multiple exposure system
A device manufacturing system and method are used to perform multiple exposures utilizing a resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer. A radiation sensitive layer is formed on a substrate. A resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer is formed on the radiation sensitive layer. The resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer is bleached with a first pattern. The first pattern formed in the resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer is transferred to the radiation sensitive layer. The resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer is reset to unbleach the resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer. The resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer is bleached with a second pattern. The second pattern formed in the resettable or reversible contrast enhancing layer is transferred to the radiation sensitive layer. |
| US07736824B2 |
Photomask blank, photomask, and method of manufacture
A photomask blank comprising a multilayer film including at least four layers of different compositions, wherein the interface between the layers is moderately graded in composition; a phase shift mask blank comprising a phase shift film of at least two layers including a surface layer of a composition based on a zirconium silicide compound and a substrate adjacent layer of a composition based on a molybdenum silicide compound, and a further layer between one layer and another layer of a different composition, the further layer having a composition moderately graded from that of the one layer to that of the other layer; a phase shift mask blank comprising a phase shift film including a plurality of layers containing a metal and silicon in different compositional ratios which are stacked in such order that a layer having a higher etching rate is on the substrate side and a layer having a lower etching rate is on the surface side. The invention provides a photomask blank, typically a phase shift mask blank, which satisfies optical properties such as transmittance, reflectance and refractive index at an exposure wavelength of interest, and has an etched pattern with a minimal line edge roughness, and a photomask, typically a phase shift mask obtained therefrom. |
| US07736823B1 |
Method and system for providing optical proximity correction for structures such as a PMR nose
A mask for transferring a pattern for portion of a magnetic recording transducer is disclosed. The masks includes one corner corresponding to an angle of more than ninety degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. The mask also includes at least one rectangular serif residing at the corner. |
| US07736822B2 |
Resist underlayer coating forming composition for mask blank, mask blank and mask
There is provided a resist underlayer coating forming composition used in processes for manufacturing a mask blank and a mask, and a mask blank and a mask manufactured from the composition. The resist underlayer coating forming composition comprises a polymer compound having a halogen atom-containing repeating structural unit and a solvent. In a mask blank including a thin film for forming transfer pattern and a chemically-amplified type resist coating on a substrate in that order, the composition is used for forming a resist underlayer coating between the thin film for forming transfer pattern and the resist coating. The polymer compound is preferably a compound containing a halogen atom in an amount of at least 10 mass %. |
| US07736819B2 |
Method for correcting critical dimension variations in photomasks
A method for compensating for critical dimension (CD) variations of pattern lines of a wafer, by the correcting the CD of the corresponding photomask. The photomask comprises a transparent substrate having two substantially opposite surfaces, a first back surface and a second front surface on which front surface an absorbing coating is provided, on which the pattern lines were formed by removing the coating at the pattern lines. The method comprises: determining CD variations across regions of a wafer exposure field relating to the photomask; and providing Shading Elements (SE) within the substrate of the photomask in regions which correlates to regions of the wafer exposure field where CD variations greater than a predetermined target value were determined, whereby the shading elements attenuate light passing through the regions, so as to compensate for the CD variations on the wafer and hence provide and improved CD tolerance wafer. |
| US07736818B2 |
Holographic recording medium and method of making it
A laminated holographic recording medium having (a) a first substrate having a through-hole and (b) a solid polymer matrix layer that records holographic data laminated to the first substrate and a method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The method of manufacturing preferably requires injecting a precursor material through the through-hole and polymerizing the precursor material in contact with the first substrate to form the polymer matrix layer. |
| US07736817B2 |
Method of forming an interface between components having different rates of expansion
A method of forming an interface between components having different rates of volumetric expansion includes forming an interface surface of the interface with respect to a center of growth such that slippage occurs at the interface between the components during volumetric expansion. |
| US07736816B2 |
Fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells in a horizontal direction. The stack body is held in a casing including end plates. Further, the casing includes a plurality of side plates provided on sides of the stack body. The end plates and the side plates are coupled by coupling pins. Each of the side plates has a plurality of separate second coupling portions, and the coupling pins are inserted into the coupling portions. |
| US07736814B2 |
Fuel-cell system and method of estimating nitrogen concentration on fuel electrode of fuel cell
Nitrogen concentration in a fuel-cell stack is estimated more accurately, hence the life of the fuel-cell is prevented from being reduced by operation performed when the impurity concentration in the anode increases. The fuel-cell system comprises: stack temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the fuel-cell stack; fuel electrode pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the fuel electrode; and standing time measuring means for measuring the standing time. The fuel electrode nitrogen concentration, which indicates concentration of nitrogen in the fuel electrode of the fuel cell (nitrogen or the like transmitted from the air electrode to the fuel electrode via an electrolyte membrane), is estimated on the basis of the temperature of the fuel-cell stack at the time when operation of the fuel cell is stopped, the pressure in the fuel electrode at the time when the operation of the fuel cell is restarted, and the standing time between when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped and when the operation of the fuel cell is restarted. |
| US07736811B2 |
Solid electrolyte and all solid state battery using the same
A solid electrolyte of the present invention is represented by a general formula: LiaPbMcOdNe, where M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, B, Ge, Al, C, Ga and S, and a, b, c, d and e respectively satisfy a=0.62 to 4.98, b=0.01 to 0.99, c=0.01 to 0.99, d=1.070 to 3.985, e=0.01 to 0.50, and b+c=1.0. The solid electrolyte hardly deteriorates in a wet atmosphere. |
| US07736806B2 |
Cathode material and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using it
A negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, characterized in that the negative electrode material comprises a composite particle including solid phases A and B, the solid phase A being dispersed in the solid phase B, and the ratio (IA/IB) of the maximum diffracted X-ray intensity (IA) attributed to the solid phase A to the maximum diffracted X-ray intensity (IB) attributed to the solid phase B satisfies 0.001≦IA/IB≦0.1, in terms of a diffraction line obtained by a wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurement of the composite particle. |
| US07736805B2 |
Lithium hydride negative electrode for rechargeable lithium batteries
A lithium battery comprises a negative electrode composition that uses lithium hydride and a second metal. The negative electrode composition is activated by infusing lithium into particles of the second metal hydride to form lithium hydride and the second metal. As the battery is discharged lithium is released from the electrode and the second metal hydride formed. Charging of the battery re-infuses lithium into the negative electrode composition with the re-formation of lithium hydride. |
| US07736804B2 |
Anode active material, method of manufacturing the same, and lithium battery using the same
Anode active materials, methods of producing the same and lithium batteries using the same are provided. More particularly, an anode active material having high capacity and excellent capacity retention, a method of producing the same and a lithium battery having a long lifespan using the same are provided. The anode active material comprises complex material particles comprising silicon and graphite, a carbon layer covering the surface of the complex material particles, and a silicon-metal alloy formed between the complex material particles and the amorphous carbon layer. |
| US07736803B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided and includes a battery element in which a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer provided on a positive electrode collector and a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer provided on a negative electrode collector are stacked via a separator, and an edge of the negative electrode is disposed so as to protrude along the planar direction relative to an edge of the positive electrode. A positive electrode terminal is connected to the positive electrode, and a negative electrode terminal is connected to the negative electrode. The negative electrode terminal has a contact piece intersecting with the continuous direction of the edge of the negative electrode and intersecting with the planar direction of the negative electrode. The contact piece comprehensively cleaves and contacts a plurality of the edges of the negative electrode. |
| US07736801B2 |
Film covered electric device and method of manufacturing the same
The occurrence of micro-crack is prevented at the root of a thermally sealed area of casing materials even if a thick electric device element is sealed. Film covered battery 10 has cell element 13 to which leads 12a, 12b are connected, and casing films 11 for sealing cell element 13 with leads 12a, 12b extended therefrom. Casing films 11 are thermally sealed along the periphery to seal cell element 13. Thermally sealed area 13 of casing films 11 is positioned between both surfaces of cell element 13 in the thickness direction of cell element 13. On a side of casing films 11 from which leads 12a, 12b are not extended, close contact zone 15, in which casing films 11 are not thermally sealed to each other but are in close contact with each other, is formed continuously to a space which receives cell element 13. Close contact zone 15 has a length of one-half or more of the distance from one end to the other end of an inner edge of thermally sealed area 14. |
| US07736799B1 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining cell wall integrity during thermal runaway using an outer layer of intumescent material
A method and apparatus is provided in which a layer of an intumescent material surrounds the casing of a battery, the layer helping to prevent the formation of perforations in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event and, if a perforation is formed, inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery. A sleeve, surrounding the cell, may be used to contain the intumescent material during the thermal event. |
| US07736792B2 |
Battery cooling system
A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack. |
| US07736790B2 |
Platinum and tungsten containing electrocatalysts
The present teachings are directed toward electrocatalyst compositions of platinum, tungsten and at least a third metal for use in fuel cells. The electrocatalyst composition is composed essentially of platinum present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 20 percent and about 55 percent, tungsten present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 30 percent and about 75 percent, and at least a third metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 40 percent. The third metal can be at least one member selected from the group consisting of scandium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, yttrium, niobium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, hafnium, tantalum and rhenium; additional fourth and fifth metals can also be present. |