Document Document Title
US07864481B1 Evaluating distribution of peak signals representing reference track crossings to compensate for thermal expansion when writing spiral tracks to a disk
A method of writing a spiral track on a disk of a disk drive is disclosed. A plurality of reference tracks are written on the disk. A head is moved over the reference tracks to generate a read signal comprising a plurality of peak signals, wherein each peak signal corresponds to a reference track crossing. At least one of a starting radial location and a velocity profile is adjusted in response to a distribution of the peak signals, and the spiral track is written on the disk using the starting radial location and the velocity profile. In one embodiment, the distribution of the peak signals represents a uniform and a non-uniform expansion of a mechanical component.
US07864480B2 Control system and method for loading actuator arm of rotating storage device
A system includes a control module and an estimating module. The control module controls a speed of an actuator arm when the actuator arm moves from a parked position to an edge of a rotating storage medium and generates an arm control signal. The estimating module estimates a force to move the actuator arm based on the arm control signal and the speed, and generates an estimated force signal that adjusts the arm control signal.
US07864476B2 Low track-per-inch (TPI) zone with reduced need for adjacent-track-erasure (ATE) refresh
Methods and systems are shown that specify at least one low track-per-inch (TPI) region and at least one normal TPI region on a disk. The low TPI region may be used to store information that may be rewritten frequently. The normal TPI region may be used to store information that may be rewritten less frequently. The low TPI region may reduce the need for adjacent-track-erasure (ATE) refresh.
US07864462B2 Interchangeable lens incorporating a lens drive motor
An interchangeable lens includes a lens drive mechanism for driving a movable lens group provided in the interchangeable lens; a lens-motor for driving the movable lens group via the lens drive mechanism; and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force of a body-motor provided in a camera body to the lens drive mechanism with the interchangeable lens being mounted to the camera body.
US07864458B2 Lens barrel
A lens barrel includes a support ring movable in an optical axis direction; a displaceable optical element supported by the support ring movable between a photographing position and a radially-displaced position in which the displaceable optical element is eccentrically displaced from the optical axis; and an advancing/retracting optical element supported by the support ring. When the lens barrel is in a ready-to-photograph state, the displaceable optical element is held at the photographing position, and the displaceable optical element and the advancing/retracting optical element are aligned in the optical axis direction. When the lens barrel moves from the ready-to-photograph state to an accommodated state, the displaceable optical element is held at the radially-displaced position, and the displaceable optical element and the advancing/retracting optical element are relatively moved so as to at least partially coincide with each other in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.
US07864455B2 Imaging lens
Disclosed is an imaging lens. The imaging lens includes a first lens having positive (+) power, a second lens having negative (−) power, and a third lens having positive (+) power and an inflection point on an imaging surface thereof facing an image side, wherein the first to third lenses are sequentially arranged from an object, and the second lens has power stronger than power of the first and third lenses.
US07864451B2 Imaging lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
An imaging lens includes first to fourth lens units in order from the object side to the image side. The first, third, and fourth lens units have a positive refractive power. The second and fifth lens units have a negative refractive power. During focusing from an object at infinity to a close object, the first, third, and fifth lens units do not move, and the second and fourth lens units respectively move toward the image side and the object side. The fifth lens unit includes a fifth-a lens unit having a negative refractive power which moves in a direction having a component perpendicular to an optical axis to shift a image position, and a fifth-b lens unit having a positive refractive power. Focal lengths of the third lens unit, the entire system of the imaging lens, the fifth-a lens unit, and the fifth-b lens unit are adequately set.
US07864443B2 Zoom lens, imaging apparatus, and personal data assistant
A zoom lens includes a first optical system having a positive focal length, the first optical system, a second optical system having a negative focal length, a third optical system having a positive focal length, a fourth optical system having a negative focal length, and a fifth optical system having a positive focal length, which are arranged in order from an object side to an image side and an aperture stop provided at an object side of the third optical system. The following condition is satisfied: 0.5<(T23w/Y′)/(ft/fw)<1.0 where T23w is an interval between the second optical system and the third optical system at the short focus end, Y′ is a maximum image height of the zoom lens, ft is a focal length of the zoom lens at the long focus end, and fw is a focal length of the zoom lens at the short focus end.
US07864440B2 Optical lens with variable focal length
The invention concerns an optical lens comprising a cavity formed by two transparent windows and a peripheral frame positioned in between, said cavity containing first and second liquids, non miscible, forming an interface, said interface being movable by electrowetting on a wall of said peripheral frame by application of a voltage between first and second electrodes, wherein said wall has a non symmetrical revolution surface, the geometrical shape of which is calculated such that said interface is of a predetermined shape, for example substantially spherical, for at least one value of said voltage.
US07864437B2 Adaptor for microscope and microscope apparatus (microscope-use adaptor and microscope device)
A microscope apparatus efficiently supplies and collects a liquid for observation by local liquid immersion. The apparatus includes an objective of a liquid immersion system, a discharging member for discharging the liquid between a front edge of the objective and a substrate, and a sucking member for sucking the liquid. Inclined faces are provided respectively in two positions adjacent to the front edge in the periphery of the objective, and protruded portions are provided in positions adjacent to the inclined faces. An aperture portion bounded by the protruded portions and the substrate is formed at the side face. The discharging member includes a tubular member provided on the inclined face for discharging the liquid. The sucking member includes another tubular member for sucking the liquid while taking in air via the aperture portion.
US07864436B2 Rear projection type display apparatus
A projection unit is mounted on a projection magnification correcting member, and the projection magnification correcting member includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first correction mechanism for correction in a direction parallel to a central light ray, and is supported by a housing. The second member includes a second correction mechanism for correction in a direction parallel to a normal line to an image plane enlarged and projected from the projection unit without passing through a reflection mirror, and is supported by the first member.
US07864433B1 Free-space optical hybrid
An exemplary optical hybrid includes a 50/50 un-polarized beam splitter, a folding prism, a beam shifter, a spacer and a phase shifter such that from an input S-beam (signal) and an L-beam (reference), four outputs, S+L, S−L, S+jL and S−jL, are produced. The phase difference between the two components of each output beam produced by the S and L beams in the optical hybrid is θ+0, θ+90, θ+180, or θ+270 degrees, where θ is the phase difference of the signal beam with respect to the reference beam. In an alternative embodiment, the phase difference between the two components of each output beam produced by the S and L beams in the optical hybrid is θ+0, θ+X, θ+180, or θ+180+X degrees, where X is an arbitrary number of degrees greater than 0 and smaller than 180.
US07864432B2 Fusion night vision system
A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer. The night vision system may also include a detector, an image combiner for forming a fused image from the detector and a display, and a camera aligned with image combiner for recording scene information processed by the first detector.
US07864431B2 Windshield for use with head-up display and/or method of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to a head-up display system for a vehicle having a windshield. First and second substantially parallel spaced-apart substrates sandwich a polymer-inclusive interlayer. An anti-reflective coating is provided on a surface of one of the first and second substrates. The anti-reflective coating is arranged so as to optically remove or block at least some of light rays produced by an image source of the head-up display system so as to reduce the occurrence of multiple images being produced by the image source. The anti-reflective coating is provided on a surface of the first or second substrate opposite the polymer-inclusive interlayer. In certain example embodiments, the polymer-inclusive interlayer may include polyvinyl butyral and/or may have a substantially uniform thickness.
US07864425B2 Composite material and optical component using the same
A composite material (10) includes a resin (12), and first inorganic particles (11) dispersed in the resin and containing at least zirconium oxide. The composite material has a refractive index at the d line nCOMd of not less than 1.60 and an Abbe's number νCOM of not less than 20, and satisfies a relationship nCOMd≧1.8−0.005 νCOM. This composite material exhibits both a high refractive index and low dispersion in good balance, and has excellent workability. Accordingly, using this composite material makes it possible to realize a small optical component having favorable wavelength characteristics.
US07864424B2 Zero order pigments (ZOP)
One or more zero-order diffractive pigments (ZOP) having both a particle distribution matrix material, and a layer of material in or on such a matrix material and having an index of refraction higher than that of the matrix material, and having a diffractive grating structure with a period in the range of 100 to 600 nm, which is smaller than the wavelength of light reflectable thereby in the zeroth reflection order. In such ZOPs the index of refraction of the matrix material is usually at least 0.25 less than that of the material of the layer, and the layer is typically of a thickness between 30 and 500 nm.
US07864421B2 Symmetrical projection screen
Disclosed herein is a symmetrical projection screen. The screen includes a front screen member and a rear screen member. The front and rear screen members are made of a hard material, such as metal, or a hard film. Between the front and rear screen members is disposed a shock-absorbing member. The shock-absorbing member is made of a soft film having physical properties and material quality different from those of the front and rear screen members, such as compressed sponge, plastic foam, or poly vinyl chloride (PVC). The front screen member and the rear screen member are arranged in a front-and-rear symmetrical structure about the shock-absorbing member. Consequently, the deformation factors, such as external pressure or the change in the weather, are extinguished or cut off by the shock-absorbing member, whereby the flatness of the screen is maintained.
US07864419B2 Optical scanning assembly
An image scanning assembly comprising at least two optics wherein at least one of the optics is movable relative to the other. An embodiment may be used to scan images for a 3D display.
US07864418B2 Screen
A screen includes a screen main body, having flexibility, onto which an image light is projected; a first support and a second support which, extending one along each of a pair of opposed edges of the screen main body, each support one of the pair of edges; an auxiliary support which, being disposed between the first support and the second support, extends parallel to the first support and the second support, and supports a pair of intersecting edges intersecting with the pair of edges of the screen main body; and linkage mechanisms which, bridging adjacent supports, among the first support, second support, and auxiliary support, as well as regulating a movement of the adjacent supports in an out-of-plane direction of a projection surface of the screen main body, extend and contract in a direction in which the adjacent supports face each other, bringing the adjacent supports closer to and away from each other.
US07864415B2 Use of a focusing vortex lens as the objective in spiral phase contrast microscopy
A method and objective apparatus are provided for implementing an enhanced phase contrast microscope. A focusing vortex lens, defined by a diffractive spiral zone plate (SZP) lens, is used for the objective for the phase contrast microscope. The SZP lens focuses and imparts a helical phase to incident illumination to image the specimen with spiral phase contrast. The spiral phase contrast microscope is sensitive to phase gradients in all sample axes. Replacing the objective of a microscope with the diffractive SZP lens of the invention immediately provides existing instruments with spiral phase contrast capability.
US07864412B2 Semiconductor optical amplifier device amplifying external light signal and driving apparatus therefor
An active layer has a quantum well structure formed of InGaAsP, and includes a saturable absorption region and optical amplification regions. To the saturable absorption region, a voltage is applied through a p-electrode, independent from the optical amplification region. To the optical amplification regions, currents are injected through p-electrodes, respectively. An input light Pin entering through a plane of incidence is generated by adding optical noise of white noise, to a light signal assuming binary optical intensity of “1” or “0”. The saturable absorption region and optical amplification regions are formed satisfying conditions that a waveform converting element provides a semiconductor laser of bistable state.
US07864407B2 Display element
A display element which has an electrolyte layer containing silver or a compound containing silver in the chemical structure thereof and an electrolytic solvent between opposed electrodes, and also contains a porous white scattering material between said opposed electrodes, wherein said opposed electrodes can be operated so as to dissolve silver or deposit silver, characterized in that said porous white scattering material is incorporated through a step of imparting an aqueous intimate mixture containing a water-soluble polymer substantially insoluble in said electrolytic solvent and a white pigment onto a component between said opposed electrodes, followed by drying. The above display element is composed of simple and easily available members, can be operated with a low voltage, exhibits high display contrast and satisfactorily high reflectance for the white display, and is reduced in the fluctuation of the white reflectance.
US07864405B2 Electrophoretic display sheet, electrophoretic display device and electronic apparatus
An electrophoretic display sheet capable of increasing pressure resistance and bleed resistance of microcapsules and constructing an electrophoretic display device stably operable for a long period of time, a highly reliable electrophoretic display device and a highly reliable electronic apparatus are provided. The electrophoretic display sheet includes a base substrate having one major surface, and a microcapsule-containing layer provided on the side of the one major surface of the base substrate and having one major surface, the microcapsule-containing layer including a plurality of microcapsules, each of the microcapsules having a shell and an electrophoretic dispersion liquid containing at least one kind of electrophoretic particles and encapsulated into the shell, wherein the microcapsules exist in a generally spherical shape within the microcapsule-containing layer.
US07864401B2 Optical phase shifting plate
An optical phase shifting plate includes: an optical substrate configured to change a refractive index for light which passes through the optical substrate by a thermooptical effect; a thin-film heater formed on a surface of the optical substrate; a wiring member disposed to be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the optical substrate; an intermediate member disposed between the optical substrate and the wiring member, the intermediate member having: a first surface that is substantially flush with a surface of the thin-film heater; and a second surface that is substantially flush with a surface of the wiring member and that is perpendicularly adjacent to the first surface, a first bonding wire which electrically connects the surface of the thin-film heater to the first surface of the intermediate member; and a second bonding wire which electrically connects the surface of wiring member to the second surface of the intermediate member.
US07864399B2 Reflective mirror assembly
An interior rearview mirror reflective element includes a front substrate connected with a rear substrate via a perimeter seal, whereby, when so connected, at least a portion of a circumferential outer edge of the rear substrate is inward of a circumferential outer edge of the front substrate and no portion of the rear substrate substantially protrudes beyond the front substrate. A first electrical connection establishes electrical connection to an electrically conductive layer at the second surface of the front substrate and a second electrical connection establishes electrical connection to a mirror reflector at the third surface of the rear substrate. A perimeter band is disposed around a border region of the front substrate and substantially hides the seal and the electrical connections from view by a driver normally operating the vehicle and viewing the reflective element when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle.
US07864380B2 Slide-borne imaging instructions
In a scanning microscope, slides are fed automatically from a magazine to the imaging system. Each slide is labeled in some fashion with information for selecting the appropriate modality of operation of the scanner for that slide and the modality is implemented automatically. The information is preferably tied to and defined by a laboratory information system (LIS). For example, the instructions may regard the type of microscopy (i.e., trans- or epi-illumination), multi-spectral imaging with particular spectral bands combined with a particular set of z-positions, alternative filters, settings for the numerical aperture of the condenser, alternative detector operation for different resolutions, and alternative post-scan analyses of the data, as deemed optimal for the scan. The label may also contain the slide's identity, a pathologist's name, desired post-scan handling protocol, etc. The preferred array microscope to carry out the invention is also described.
US07864378B2 Image reader
An image reader includes a lamp that irradiates light onto a document, a first carriage that moves the lamp along the document to optically scan the document, a CCD that receives light reflected from the document and prepares an image data indicative of an image of the document. A size sensor detects a length of the document in an auxiliary scanning direction, and an IPU that detects a length of the document in the main scanning direction from the image data. A CPU monitors whether a size of the document has changed, based on the detected by the size sensor, and controls irradiation of the light by the lamp based on the result of monitoring.
US07864375B2 Print-image forming apparatus, print-image forming method, and program
A print-image forming apparatus which forms a print image for printing on a print sheet a two-dimensional code whose size is defined based on an error correction rate, the apparatus including: a storage device which stores a plurality of levels of error correction rates; a setting device which sets an arbitrary error correction rate from among the plurality of error correction rates; an image forming device which forms the print image based on the error correction rate thus set; a determining device which determines whether or not the formed print image lies off a code printing area of the print sheet where the two-dimensional code is printed; and a setting changing device which changes the setting of the error correction rate such that the print image can lie in the code printing area when it is determined that the print image lies off the code printing area.
US07864374B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus
An image forming method that forms an image by using inks of secondary chromatic colors based on an input image, the method including: forming a test pattern that uses a color chart with the entire secondary chromatic colors of the used inks by using a normal color conversion table for converting a first color space of the input image into a second color space of the formed image; comparing data obtained by scanning the formed test pattern with second color space data of the test pattern, and identifying a non-matching color portion as a non-ejection color and a line position containing a non-ejection nozzle thereof; preparing a special color conversion table, the special color conversion table being provided for each omission ink; and setting and using the special color conversion table for an omission ink corresponding to the non-ejection color at the line position containing the identified non-ejection nozzle.
US07864373B2 Method and system for toner reproduction curve linearization using least squares solution of monotone spline functions
Methods are presented for calibrating or characterizing a printing system with respect to at least one color, in which a toner reproduction curve (TRC) is measured and curve-fitted according to a least squares solution using a set of spline basis functions having high spline density in regions of high TRC curvature and/or high measurement noise, with the weights of the spline functions being restricted to positive values to maintain monotonicity of the TRC.
US07864372B2 Color conversion apparatus and color conversion method
A color conversion method including the steps of a) generating output values corresponding to a body-center of each cubic lattice block included in a three-dimensional input space, and interpolating between the output values generated in step a) and the LUT values. The cubic lattice block is divided into six quadrangular pyramids. Each of the quadrangular pyramids is divided into two tetrahedron blocks by a side parallel to a predetermined straight line and by a plane including a diagonal line of a bottom plane that intersects the side parallel to the predetermined axis. Corrected output values are determined by performing linear interpolation on output values corresponding to body-center points of each of the tetrahedron blocks and using LUT values corresponding to three lattice points of each of the tetrahedron blocks and three correction coefficients based on a positional relationship of input color signals inside each of the tetrahedron blocks.
US07864371B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer product
An image processing apparatus includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, a selecting unit, a first converting unit, a second converting unit, and a compressing unit. The second storage unit stores therein data on a color reproduction area of an output device. The first storage unit stores therein data on virtual color reproduction areas. The selecting unit selects one of the virtual color reproduction areas similar to the color reproduction area of the output device. The first converting unit compresses and maps image data to a virtual color reproduction range based on the selected one of the virtual color reproduction areas. The compressing unit compresses and maps the image data to a color reproduction range of an output device. The second converting unit converts the image data to a control signal.
US07864370B2 Copy machine with image rotation and back surface reading based on memory capacity required
A copy machine including: an original reading apparatus having a front and back surface image reading sensors, being capable of setting plural original documents, feeding out one by one, and simultaneously reading both surfaces of the documents; an image forming apparatus; a post processing apparatus for stapling and/or punching; an image processing section which rotates an image; wherein, a control section controls such that: when the memory capacity for image rotation is enough, the documents are read by the front surface image reading sensor; the obtained image data is rotated; and an image is formed on the recording sheet based on the rotated image data; whereas, when the memory capacity is not enough, an indication to re-set the documents is displayed; the re-set documents are fed out to be read by the back surface image reading sensor; an image is formed based on the image data obtained; and the post processing is executed.
US07864367B2 Image processing system and image processing method
A printer divides an input image into a plurality of blocks and extracts a block image corresponding to each of the blocks. The colors of the block image are reduced to, for example, four colors. Index numbers are given to pixels of the color-reduced image, and the four colors are assigned. To a color palette in which color information of the four colors is described in correspondence with the index numbers, object information indicative of the kinds of images (for example, a character, a chart, and a photographic image) is added. Consequently, the handling performance of object information for use in an image processing such as a color conversion process is improved.
US07864366B2 Method and system for improved space filling interpolation
Document processing systems and methods are presented for transforming color image data from an input color space to output color space using space filling interpolation to mitigate loss of color information at the corners of color gamuts. An initial interpolation of the input color space pixel values for each pixel is performed to compute initial output color space pixel values, and these are converted into luminance-chrominance color space pixel values. An adjustment value λ is then computed according to the luminance-chrominance color space pixel values, and final output color space pixel values are computed according to the initial output color space pixel values and the adjustment value λ.
US07864362B2 Color image and monochrome image imaging process
The following processes are performed when generating new image data by modifying the color tones of images in image data: First the user is allowed to select a parameter from a plurality of modification candidate parameters corresponding to mutually differing modification details; then, according to the selected parameter, modified image data in which the colors of at least a portion of the pixels differ from those in the subject image data, is generated. Note that when the subject image data is color image data, then the selection can be made from Nc color image modification candidate parameters, and when monochrome image data, the selection can be made from Nm (where Nm is an integer larger than Nc) monochrome image modification candidate parameters. This type of process can provide image processing that fulfill the needs of some users with the strict requirement while not complicating the operations performed by typical users.
US07864355B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting image
A printing apparatus creates and prints an order sheet on which a list of image data is placed. By filling in marking fields on the order sheet a user can select image data for transmission. Once the order sheet has been scanned by the scanner, the printing apparatus creates an e-mail having attached to it the image data selected by the user, and sends this to a computer or the like via a mail server. It is possible in this way to easily select image data for transmission through a prescribed communications network.
US07864349B2 Immediate verification of printed copy
Print verification is done by scanning the printed copies, thereby forming a stream of scanned images of the specific pages. Digitized images from the stream are then spatially aligned page by page, line by line and pixel (pel) by pixel (pel) with corresponding digitized images in a stream of source images. The source and scanned images are compared to find pel sequences that are different. These differences represent defects in the printed copies.
US07864348B2 Printing apparatus printing based on a degree of urgency
A printing apparatus having a standby mode and an energy saving mode, the standby mode being capable of receiving data to be printed and of starting printing processing for the received data without requiring warming-up and the energy saving mode being capable of receiving the data and of starting the printing processing after warming-up, the printing apparatus including: a print data receiving section for receiving print data from outside as the data to be printed, the print data being provided with a degree of urgency; a printing control section for changing modes between the standby mode and the energy saving mode for receiving the data and for performing control of the printing processing for the received data; and a printing section; wherein, upon the reception of the print data in the energy saving mode, the printing control section changes the mode to the standby mode for starting the printing processing or keeps the energy saving mode for suspending the printing processing based on the degree of urgency provided with the received print data.
US07864344B1 Method and system for measuring patterned structures
A method and system are presented for determining a line profile in a patterned structure, aimed at controlling a process of manufacture of the structure. The patterned structure comprises a plurality of different layers, the pattern in the structure being formed by patterned regions and un-patterned regions. At least first and second measurements are carried out, each utilizing illumination of the structure with a broad wavelengths band of incident light directed on the structure at a certain angle of incidence, detection of spectral characteristics of light returned from the structure, and generation of measured data representative thereof. The measured data obtained with the first measurement is analyzed, and at least one parameter of the structure is thereby determined. Then, this determined parameter is utilized, while analyzing the measured data obtained with the second measurements enabling the determination of the profile of the structure.
US07864343B2 Method and system for measuring patterned structures
A method of preparation of reference data for measuring the profile of a patterned structure for use in control of a manufacturing process, the method including: providing a model for generating profiles based on the manufacturing process; generating the profiles by simulation of the manufacturing process; and preparing diffraction signal reference data corresponding to the generated profiles.
US07864342B2 Apparatus and method for measuring displacement of a curved surface using dual laser beams
An apparatus measures displacement of a structure having a curved surface, such as a pipe, conduit, shaft or rod. The apparatus includes a support structure having opposing first and second ends, with a first laser distance measurement device at the first end and a second laser distance measurement device at the second end. The laser distance measurement devices generate dual laser beams that illuminate the curved surface of the structure, detect laser energy reflected from the curved surface of the structure, and generate distance signals based on the detected laser energy. A measurement device on the support structure measures a spacing between the two laser beams. The support structure is pivotally attached to a stabilizing base, thereby providing for the tilting of the support structure and the laser beams. An inclinometer on the support structure measures an angle of tilt. A computer processor calculates position values indicating displacement of the curved surface based on the distance signals, the spacing between the laser beams, the radius of curvature of the curved surface, and the angle of tilt of the laser beams. Tripod-mounted and portable handheld versions of the apparatus are described.
US07864336B2 Compact Littrow encoder
A Littrow encoder is disclosed. The encoder includes first and second interferometers and a beam splitter assembly that splits a first instrument light beam into first and second interferometer input beams and directs these beams into the first and second interferometers, respectively. Each interferometer generates a measurement beam and a reference beam and directs the measurement beam toward a grating on a surface from which the measurement beam is diffracted, the measurement beam from the first interferometer striking the surface at a Littrow angle that is the negative of the angle at which the measurement beam from the second interferometers strikes that surface. Each interferometer includes at least one intensity detector that generates a signal related to an intensity of light in a combined light beam that includes the reference and measurement beams from that interferometer.
US07864332B2 Differential-phase interferometric system
A differential-phase interferometric system includes a polarized heterodyne interferometer for generating reference and signal beam that travel along reference and signal channels, respectively. The signal beam is directed to a specimen and contains measured information of the specimen. The interferometer further generates a first electrical signal output corresponding to first linear polarized waves of the reference and signal beams, and a second electrical signal output corresponding to second linear polarized waves of the reference and signal beams. A differential amplifier receives the first and second electrical signal outputs, and generates a differential signal output therefrom. A data acquisition unit is used to measure amplitudes of the first and second electrical signal outputs and the differential signal output. A computing unit computes the amplitudes measured by the data acquisition unit to determine a phase difference between the electrical signal outputs, which corresponds to the measured information of the specimen.
US07864326B2 Compact gas sensor using high reflectance terahertz mirror and related system and method
A system and method includes a tunable light source and a gas cell configured to detect the presence of gases at terahertz frequencies. The light source is operable to emit a light signal at terahertz frequencies. The gas cell includes at least two high frequency mirrors adapted to reflect signals at terahertz frequencies. The gas cell is adapted to be tuned based on the frequency of the emitted light to obtain a Fabry-Perot resonance of the reflected light signal. A pair of detectors are operable to detect the original light signal and the light signal reflected through absorption paths in the gas cell. The system and method are operable to determine a presence and identity of a gas present in the gas cell.
US07864322B2 Optical methods and systems for detecting a constituent in a gas containing oxygen in harsh environments
A method for detecting a gas phase constituent such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen, or hydrocarbons in a gas comprising oxygen such as air, includes providing a sensing material or film having a metal embedded in a catalytically active matrix such as gold embedded in a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix. The method may include annealing the sensing material at about 900° C., exposing the sensing material and gas to a temperature above 400° C., projecting light onto the sensing material, and detecting a change in the absorption spectrum of the sensing material due to the exposure of the sensing material to the gas in air at the temperature which causes a chemical reaction in the sensing material compared to the absorption spectrum of the sensing material in the absence of the gas. Systems employing such a method are also disclosed.
US07864321B2 Evanescent wave multimode optical waveguide sensor with continuous redistribution of optical power between the modes
There is provided an evanescent wave multimode optical waveguide sensitive to a chemical species or to a physical parameter. The optical waveguide comprises a core and a cladding having a cladding refractive index lower than that of the core for guiding light to be propagated in the optical waveguide. The cladding defines with the core an optical waveguide providing mode coupling. A chemical indicator is provided in the cladding for causing a variation of the optical absorption of the cladding as a function of the chemical species or the physical parameter. The cladding is interrogated by the evanescent wave of the propagated light. The mode coupling causes unabsorbed light power to be redistributed among the multiple modes while light propagates along the optical waveguide.
US07864317B2 Compact catadioptric spectrometer
An optical characterisation system is described for characterising optical material. The system typically comprises a diffractive element (104), a detector (106) and an optical element (102). The optical element (102) thereby typically is adapted for receiving an illumination beam, which may be an illumination response of the material. The optical element (102) typically has a refractive surface for refractively collimating the illumination beam on the diffractive element (104) and a reflective surface for reflecting the diffracted illumination beam on the detector (106). The optical element (102) furthermore is adapted for cooperating with the diffractive element (104) and the detector (106) being positioned at a same side of the optical element (102) opposite to the receiving side for receiving the illumination beam.
US07864315B2 Method and apparatus for detecting embedded material within an interaction region of a structure
A system and method processes a structure comprising embedded material. The system includes a laser adapted to generate light and to irradiate an interaction region of the structure. The system further includes an optical system adapted to receive light from the interaction region and to generate a detection signal indicative of the presence of embedded material in the interaction region. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the laser and the optical system. The controller is adapted to receive the detection signal and to be responsive to the detection signal by selectively adjusting the laser.
US07864312B2 Substrates for Raman spectroscopy having discontinuous metal coatings
In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for fabricating substrates for use in a variety of analytical and/or diagnostic applications. Such a substrate can be generated by exposing a semiconductor surface (e.g., silicon surface) to a plurality of short laser pulses to generate micron-sized, and preferably submicron-sized, structures on the surface. The structured surface can then be coated with discontinuous metal coating characterized by one or more metalized surface region and a plurality of surface gaps.
US07864306B2 Personal identification system
A personal identification system, which uses a vein pattern of a finger, optimizes the amount of light of a light source based on a captured finger image and emphasizes the vein pattern during image processing for identification.
US07864303B1 Method for electronic measurement
According to the invention, the sensitivity of a method for electronic measurement may be improved, carried out by the principle of heterodyne reception with the steps of broadcast of pulsed electromagnetic radiation (ES) with at least one pulse repetition frequency, reception of back-scattered radiation (RS), whereby the back-scattered radiation (RS) is converted into a received signal, mixing of the received signals, determination of at least one time parameter from the at least one output signal, whereby on mixing the received signals at least two pulsed mixed signals are mixed to give at least two output signals and the at least two mixed signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.
US07864300B2 Door opening and closing unit to control door rotating speed and image forming apparatus having the same
A door opening and closing unit is provided for an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, and a door rotatably mounted on the main body. The door opening and closing unit includes a door speed control unit coupling the door to the main body that includes a coupling boss; and a guide groove that engages the coupling boss and along which the coupling boss moves as the door rotates relative to the main body; wherein the door speed control unit controls a frictional force between the coupling boss and the guide groove according to a rotating angle of the door relative to the main body to control a rotating speed of the door as the door rotates relative to the main body.
US07864299B2 Apparatus for supporting a wafer, apparatus for exposing a wafer and method of supporting a wafer
In an apparatus for supporting a wafer, the apparatus may remove particles thereon. The apparatus may include a conductive support configured to support the wafer, and a power source electrically connected to the conductive support, the power source configured to provide at least one current to the conductive support to remove particles from the conductive support.
US07864297B2 Light blocking device and exposure apparatus
A light blocking device includes a deformable member deformable in a first direction and elongating in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a plurality of light blocking plates arrayed along the second direction, each of the plurality of light blocking plates being connected to the deformable member, so that adjoining blocking plates of the plurality of light blocking plates partly overlap with each other, and a plurality of actuators arrayed along the second direction and which cause deformation of the deformable member. At least one of the plurality of light blocking plates is tiltable independently from the other light blocking plates in response to deformation of the deformable member. A light blocking region is thereby defined, based on edges of the plurality of light blocking plates.
US07864294B2 Focus sensitive lithographic apparatus, systems, and methods
A system includes an illuminator, a mask, and a measurement device. The illuminator includes a light source. The mask includes at least one focus determination pattern having a first pattern portion and an adjacent second pattern portion. The first pattern portion and the second pattern portion have substantially the same width but produce a phase difference in light transmitted through the pattern portions. The measurement device measures a first critical dimension and a second critical dimension of a feature produced on a target by the at least one focus determination pattern. The difference between the first critical dimension and the second critical dimension relates to an amount of defocus and is sensitive to the focus change. The system may also include a feedback control loop where a determination regarding an amount of defocus is used to focus the position of a wafer or a mask or both of them onto the target. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US07864278B2 Liquid crystal display device with a pair of discotic liquid crystal compensating films
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer which is arranged between first and second aligning films formed on inner sides of first and second substrates, has liquid crystal molecules twist-aligned in a direction from the first aligning film toward the second aligning film when an electric field is not applied between first and second electrodes, and generates retardation of substantially λ/2 with respect to transmitted light. First and second polarizing plates are arranged on outer sides of the first and second substrates. A Transmission axis or an absorption axis of the first polarizing plate is substantially matched with a direction along which the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first aligning film are aligned when a sufficiently intensive electric field is applied.
US07864277B2 Liquid crystal device and projector
A liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel, a pair of polarizers and a phase plate. The phase plate is formed by a supply direction of an inorganic material to the substrate surface set such that a ratio of a front phase difference, which is produced when light is incident along a normal direction of the phase plate, and a first phase difference, which is produced when light is incident along a first direction different from the normal direction, falls within a predetermined range.
US07864269B2 Liquid crystal display device switchable between reflective mode and transmissive mode by employing active reflective polarizer
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device that is switchable between a transmissive mode and a reflective mode is provided. The LCD device includes a backlight; an active reflective polarizer which operates as a reflector that reflects incident light or as a reflective polarizer that reflects light of a first polarization and transmits light of a second polarization perpendicular to the first polarization, based on whether a magnetic field is applied; and a liquid crystal panel that modulates incident light to form images. The liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal layer, a first polarizer that is disposed on a rear surface of the liquid crystal layer and faces the active reflective polarizer, and a second polarizer that is disposed on a front surface of the liquid crystal layer.
US07864258B2 Liquid crystal panel assembly and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same
A liquid crystal panel assembly includes a liquid crystal panel, a backlight module having at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source to irradiate light to the liquid crystal panel, and a housing which surrounds the liquid crystal panel and the backlight module. At least a portion of the housing adjacent to the at least one LED light source is formed of a thermal-conductive material.
US07864254B2 Electrostatic discharge protection element comprising top gate thin film transistors with an auxiliary electrode between an organic insulating layer and a gate electrode
An electrostatic discharge protection element, a liquid crystal display device having the same, and a manufacturing method. A first ESD organic TFT, a second ESD organic TFT, a third ESD organic TFT each have a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode in which the source electrode and drain electrode of the first and second ESD organic TFTs and the gate electrode of the third ESD organic TFT are electrically connected. The gate electrode and the source electrode of the first ESD organic TFT are electrically connected to a first array line and the gate electrode and the drain electrode of the second ESD organic TFT are electrically connected to a second array line. The source electrode of the third ESD organic TFT is electrically connected to a data line or a gate line and the drain of the third ESD organic TFT are electrically connected to a common voltage line.
US07864252B2 Video signal processor capable of suppressing excessive heat generation, method using the same, display device and method using the same
A video signal processor for processing input video data in accordance with an input clock signal includes: an input section for changing the format of the video data and outputting resultant data; a logic section for decoding the data output from the input section and outputting decoded data; and a frequency detector for detecting that the clock signal has a frequency higher than a given frequency and outputting a result of the detection as a detection signal. When the frequency of the clock signal is higher than the given frequency, operation of at least part of circuits constituting the video signal processor is stopped in accordance with the detection signal.
US07864251B2 System and method for decreasing end-to-end delay during video conferencing session
A method for decreasing end-to-end delay in a video conferencing context is disclosed. At video conferencing system startup, a processor is initialized to receive either a top field or a bottom field of video frame data. If the first line of a new field arriving after initialization does not match a field state that the processor is initialized to, the present invention senses the state mismatch and adjusts a display buffer by one display line, and the field is stored in the display buffer. The display buffer is adjusted in order to preserve a vertical spatial relationship between the top and bottom fields.
US07864247B2 Method and apparatus for image scaling
A source image with an input vertical resolution and an input horizontal resolution is received using an input clock signal. An intermediate image with an output vertical resolution and the input horizontal resolution is generated using an intermediate clock signal by scaling the source image. An output image with the output vertical resolution and an output horizontal resolution is generated using an output clock signal by scaling the intermediate image. The frequency of the intermediate clock signal is equal to the frequency of the output clock signal multiplied by the ratio of the input horizontal resolution to the output horizontal resolution.
US07864243B2 Image pick-up apparatus with right and left microphones disposed on opposing arcuate sides of a front cabinet with a flash mechanism positioned therebetween
Microphone mechanisms are disposed on both sides of a flash mechanism provided in a video camera's front cabinet, and the microphone mechanisms are incorporated in the front cabinet. The video camera 1 includes: a camera body 2; a front cabinet 3 provided at the front of the camera body 2; a viewfinder 4 provided on an upper face 2a of the camera body 2; a grip belt 5 provided on a first side face 2b of the camera body 2; and a flash mechanism 8 provided in the camera body 2. In the front cabinet 3, microphone mechanisms 9 are provided on both the right and left sides sandwiching the flash mechanism 8.
US07864240B2 Imaging apparatus in which an enlargement of a live picture displayed is based on a determined in-focus evaluation value
There is disclosed an imaging apparatus for displaying a live view image, in which an enlargement ratio of the live view image dynamically changes according to changes in in-focus state of a subject.
US07864239B2 Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
An optical apparatus includes a focus adjustment unit which controls a focusing lens such that the focusing lens is driven to an in-focus position using a signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of an image of an object, the image being formed by an optical system including the focusing lens; and a color temperature detection unit which detects a color temperature of the object. The manner in which the focusing lens is driven differs depending on the color temperature.
US07864236B2 CMOS image sensor
The CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix having a plurality of rows and columns. A plurality of floating junctions are provided, each of which is arranged between one of a plurality of pairs of the photoelectric conversion elements arranged in adjacent two rows and is connected to one of the pairs of the photoelectric conversion elements, so that output signals of the pair of the photoelectric conversion elements may be transferred. Output circuits are connected to a plurality of the floating junctions arranged in the column for reading in common the output signals of the photoelectric conversion elements transferred to these flowing junctions. Output signal lines are provided for each column so as to supply output signals of the output circuits. The output circuits are arranged between the pairs of photoelectric conversion elements adjacently arranged in the row.A CMOS image sensor has a plurality of pixels PD arranged two-dimensionally at predetermined pitches in the vertical direction and horizontal direction and a plurality of output circuits OUT for reading output signals from the pixels PD and the output circuits OUT are arranged between pairs of PD pixels arranged in the row (vertical) direction. The output circuits OUT read in common accumulated signals of pixels composed of the plurality of pixels PD and output them to signal output lines. By use of such a constitution, integration of the pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in the horizontal direction can be improved.
US07864235B2 Imaging device and imaging method including generation of primary color signals
An imaging device has an image sensor, and a color filter that is located on said image sensor and has at least four color elements, a signal reading processor that reads at least four series of color signals corresponding to the at least four color elements from said image sensor, and a signal processor that generates primary color signals on the basis of at least one predetermined series of color signals and an adopted series of color signals that is obtained from the remaining series of color signals. The signal processor defines a series of color signals that corresponds to a spectral response distribution curve over wavelength range for which spectral values in the spectral distribution of the object are relatively large, as the adopted series of color signals.
US07864234B2 Digital camera having a display menu used to select either color photographing operation or a black/white photographing operation
A digital camera includes: an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts light to output a color image; a selecting unit that selects any one identifier from identifiers which are colored in different colors from each other; and a black/white image producing unit that produces a black/white image by weighting gradation values of respective colors for each of pixels of the output color image and adding the weighted gradation values to each other. When the light entered to the imaging unit is entered to a color filter having a color equal to a color of the selected identifier, a correlation between a light amount of light having a wavelength which penetrates the color filer and a light amount of the entered light becomes stronger than a correlation between a light amount of light having a wavelength which is absorbed by the color filter and the light amount of the entered light.
US07864231B2 Imaging apparatus and defective pixel correcting method
A disclosed imaging unit includes an image sensor in which plural light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix; a defective information storage unit configured to hold position information of a defective light receiving element in the image sensor; an imaging region moving unit configured to change an imaging region from a first imaging region corresponding to a desired imaging target region to a second imaging region, wherein the second imaging region is determined in such a manner that a position of a defective pixel corresponding to the defective light receiving element in an image of the second imaging region does not coincide with that in an image of the first imaging region; an imaging control unit configured to control the imaging unit and the imaging region moving unit in such a manner that a first imaging operation of picking up the image of the first imaging region and a second imaging operation of picking up the image of the second imaging region are performed in a single imaging operation; and a defective pixel correcting unit configured to correct defective pixel information created due to the defective light receiving element in image information obtained by the first imaging operation, with the use of pixel information obtained by the second imaging operation corresponding to a position of the defective pixel information in the image information obtained by the first imaging operation, according to the position information of the defective light receiving element held in the defective information storage unit.
US07864230B2 Inspection apparatus
An inspection apparatus for inspecting a microarray comprises an image sensor for imaging the microarray, a moving means for moving the image sensor relative to the microarray, a memory for memorizing the position of a defective picture element on the image sensor, and a controlling means which determines an overlap state of an imaging area of the defective picture element on reaction areas on the microarray and controls the moving means based on the result of the determination.
US07864229B2 Analog to digital converting device and image pickup device for canceling noise, and signal processing method thereof
An image pick-up device includes a first correlated double sampling circuit configured to generate a first sampling signal by performing correlated double sampling on an active pixel signal output from an active pixel and generating a first comparison signal by comparing the first sampling signal with a reference signal, and a second correlated double sampling circuit to generate a second sampling signal by performing correlated double sampling on an OB pixel signal output from an optical black pixel and generating a second comparison signal by comparing the second sampling signal with the reference signal.
US07864225B2 System and method for displaying image capture time
A system and method for displaying together images and an image capture time of captured images comprises a storage device and a viewer for displaying an image capture time. The storage device stores image data obtained from an image capture unit and environment data, which includes a storage medium, indicative of environment conditions where images are captured, and creates subtitle data based on the environment data to display a time of capturing the images as a subtitle. Also, The viewer receives the image data and subtitle data to play back the captured images based on the received data, and displays the image capture time using the subtitle data while the captured images are played back.
US07864223B2 Imaging apparatus, video signal processing circuit, video signal processing method and computer program product for converting a color image
A video signal processing circuit converting a color image represented using a plurality of primary color signals into a monocolor image is provided. The video signal processing circuit includes: a chroma adjustment unit adjusting the chroma of the plurality of input primary color signals; a gain correction unit provided for each of the primary color signals, correcting gain on the primary color signals whose chroma is adjusted in the chroma adjustment unit; and a control unit instructing the chroma adjustment unit to adjust the chroma and instructing each of the gain correction units to correct the gain.
US07864220B2 Photographing apparatus
A photographing apparatus comprises an operation unit and a controller. The operation unit has a direct key and an operation key. The operation key is used for setting a function regarding at least one of an image processing operation of an image data obtained by a photographing operation and a storing operation of the image data and is operated more than once for setting the function. The direct key is used for setting the function and is operated only once for setting the function. The controller sets the function corresponding to an operation of the operation key and that sets the function corresponding to one operation of the direct key. When the direct key is operated once, the function is set regardless of a prior function state set by operating the operation key.
US07864219B2 Video-signal layered coding and decoding methods, apparatuses, and programs with spatial-resolution enhancement
An input video signal is encoded at a plurality of coding layers exhibiting different spatial resolutions. The input video signal is spatially scaled down to a resolution-lowered video signal that exhibits a resolution lower than the video signal. The resolution-lowered video signal is encoded by using a quantization parameter, with a decoding procedure, thus obtaining first coded data and a decoded signal. The decoded signal is spatially scaled up through a high-resolution procedure for controlling high-frequency components estimation depending on the quantization parameter, thus obtaining a high-resolution scaled-up video signal. The input video signal is encoded through inter-spatial resolution prediction using the high-resolution scaled-up video signal as a predictive signal, thus obtaining second coded data that exhibits a resolution higher than the resolution-lowered video signal.
US07864216B2 Self-contained wireless camera device, wireless camera system and method
A self-contained wireless camera (10) and a wireless camera system (25) having such a device and a base station (20). Video processing (e.g. video compression) circuitry (200, 210) of the camera device receives video signals from a camera (130) and provides processed video signals. These are transmitted over a shared radio channel. A radio receiver (101) receives processed (e.g. compressed) video signals from the base station or another camera device. Images from the camera or the base station are displayed in a selected manner on a display or monitor (140). The base station device (20) receives processed (e.g. compressed) video signals, stores them and retransmits them. A command signal is received by the radio receiver to modify operation in such a manner as to control bandwidth usage. Wireless camera devices can adjust their operation to accommodate other wireless camera devices. Different transport protocol modules 230 and 240 can be selected according to the application that the user selects for operation.
US07864215B2 Method and device for generating wide image sequences
The invention relates to a video recording apparatus comprising: a microprocessor (130), a memory means (120) for storing program for generating a set of calibration parameters related to a device having at least two video cameras which are arranged in a predetermined relationship to each other, said parameters being unique for the at least two cameras and their current location as related to the object being recorded; said memory means (120) also storing program for recording of wide image video sequences; read and write memory means (140) for storing data relating to recorded video sequences from at least two video cameras; input means (300) for input of manual input of parameters, input of recorded video sequences, output means (300) for output of a wide image video sequence. The invention also relates to a method for generating a wide image video sequence, said method comprising the steps of generating a set of calibration parameters related to a device having at least two video cameras which are arranged in a predetermined relationship to each other, said parameters being unique for the at least two cameras and their current location as related to the object being recorded; recording synchronously video sequences using each of said at least two video cameras, and generating a wide image video sequence from each of said synchronously recorded video sequences.
US07864214B2 Signal processing device
A signal processing device includes a system of circuit processing in essence while avoiding large sized device under restoring fluctuated signals such as deterioration and the like. The signal processing unit includes a processing unit that restores one of a signal before fluctuation, a signal which should have been intrinsically obtained, and signal data which is approximated from these signals from an initial signal which has fluctuated like deterioration. A fluctuated data region storing fluctuated data and a restored data region storing signal data (restored data) restored every restoring process are installed. The processing unit repeats the following processes in order to produce data formed in the restored data region at the completion of processing as original signal data. The processing unit transfers energy of the fluctuated data from the fluctuated data region to the restored data region using fluctuation-factor information data, which is a fluctuation factor, and produces restored data; and substitutes residual data in the fluctuated data region remained through the data transfer for the fluctuated data.
US07864212B2 Image storing and printing device with replaceable casing
An image storage device comprising a chassis carrying a memory for storing at least one image, a pagewidth print head for printing said stored image, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the print head, a supply of print media on to which said stored image is printed, and a casing surrounding and encasing said chassis so that the supply of print media is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing. The casing comprises a front shell and a back shell, the front and back shells adapted to be snap-on fitted to each other. The back shell comprises a clamp strip adapted to clamp to the cover a wrapper label.
US07864210B2 System and methods for video conferencing
A system for generating video images and corresponding audio of multiple parties engaged in a video conference is provided. The system includes multiple voice transducers for receiving voice signals from the multiple parties and a video camera for capturing moving images of one of the multiple parties who is speaking. The system further includes a processor in communication with the voice transducers and video camera. The processor determines respective distances and angles between the party who is speaking and each of the multiple voice transducers. Additionally, the processor identifies a location of the party who is speaking relative to the video camera based on the determined respective distances and angles. Based on the identified location, the processor selects a portion of a video frame produced by video camera and processes the selected portion to mitigate optical distortion and generate an overall picture in which the party speaking does not appear unnaturally small relative to the overall picture.
US07864209B2 Audio processing in a multi-participant conference
Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant audio conferences over a computer network. This architecture has a central distributor that receives audio signals from one or more participants. The central distributor mixes the received signals and transmits them back to participants. In some embodiments, the central distributor eliminates echo by removing each participant's audio signal from the mixed signal that the central distributor sends to the particular participant.
US07864207B2 Optical disk drawing apparatus
A system control unit writes image data received from a host apparatus into a first storage regions. Next, the system control unit produces duplication data from the image data written in the first storage region, and then, writes these produced duplication data into a second storage regions. Furthermore, the system control unit furthermore produces duplication data from the image data written in the second storage region, and writes these produced duplication data into a third storage region. As a result, 1 piece of the image data and 2 pieces of the duplication data can be prepared on a buffer memory. The optical disk drawing apparatus draws an image on a drawing layer of an optical disk by employing these image data and duplication data.
US07864200B1 Multiple backdrop compositing
Systems and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for compositing a digital image. The invention performs the steps of identifying a graphics element in a compositing order, the graphics element identifying a source image from among a plurality of images; copying the source image into a working buffer; using the element to modify the working buffer by applying a general filtering operation to data in the working buffer; and crossfading a first image with the modified working buffer.
US07864196B2 Image display system and server device
An image display system includes: a storage section that stores plural image data sets and layout information indicating layout of one or plural sub images forming, as a whole, a background image behind a main image; a main image select section that selects one image data as a main image data set expressing a main image, from the plural image data sets; a characteristic specify section that specifies a characteristic of the main image data set selected by the main image select section; a sub image extract section that extracts, as one or plural image data sets each expressing a sub image, one or plural image data sets each having a characteristic making a relationship with the characteristic specified by the characteristic specify section, among the plural image data sets stored in the storage section except the main image data set, whereby the relationship satisfies a predetermined condition; and an image display section that displays the main image selected by the main image select section and the one or plural sub images extracted by the sub image extract section, in accordance with the layout information stored in the storage section.
US07864194B2 Systems and methods for motion adaptive filtering
Methods and systems for motion adaptive filtering detect movement of text or areas of high spatial frequency in one frame to another frame of an image. When such movement is detected and meets a certain level or threshold, the subpixel rendering processing of such text or areas of high spatial frequency may be changed.
US07864191B2 Techniques for efficient dithering
A system comprising a storage including an image file associated with a plurality of pixels and processing logic coupled to the storage. The processing logic is adapted to determine an average of least significant bits associated with a maximum of two of the plurality of pixels, add the average to bits associated with a target pixel, and disassociate from the target pixel least significant bits of the target pixel. No pixels are disposed between the target pixel and each of the two of the plurality of pixels.
US07864190B2 Methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding images
Methods and apparatus for generating images, compressing image data, decompressing image data, and processing the decompressed image data so that it can be used by a rendering circuit of a device, e.g., a set top box, are described. Images are generated in the native format used by the rendering circuit of the device which will ultimately control the display of the image avoiding the need to perform processing associated with converting color component information from one format to another. Uncompressed image data is arranged in a file with color component values being grouped separately from alpha values to facilitate compression by a standard file compression technique. The file is compressed using a conventional file compression operation. The compressed image file is decompressed when needed and the alpha data and color component data is reorganized so that the color component values and alpha value(s) corresponding to individual pixels are grouped together.
US07864189B2 Converting color data to a color palette
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method to convert a pixel tuple in a red, green, blue (RGB) color space having R, G, and B color values into a human recognizable color name corresponding to a range of numerical values of a linear color palette scale based on application of the RGB color values to a predetermined set of hierarchical rules. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07864184B2 Image processing device, image processing system, image processing method, computer program, and semiconductor device
Provided is an image processing device for outputting a graphic image drawn into a frame memory after saving the image in a display memory. The image processing device is provided with a save processing section for saving frame data representing a predetermined image from a graphic memory in which the frame data is stored to a display memory, and an output interface for outputting the frame data saved in the display memory by transforming the frame data into a video output signal. The save processing section saves the frame data from the graphic memory to the display memory in equally divided units (partial data units). The partial data units of the frame data are outputted from the display memory.
US07864183B1 Dynamic switching of memory termination characteristics in a graphics system
A graphics system includes a graphics memory. The graphics system includes a high performance mode and at least one power savings mode. A termination impedance and switching threshold of the graphics memory are selected based on an operating mode of the graphics system.
US07864179B1 Fractional parametric polystar methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus disclosed herein receive a non-integer star points input parameter value, create a star shape with a number of star points equal to an integer portion of the star points input parameter plus one, and store or render the star shape to an output device. A fractional star point is differentiated from integer star points by a differential radial length between the two. Some embodiments also receive a non-integer polygon sides input parameter value and render a modified polygon shape with a total number of sides equal to an integer portion of the polygon sides input parameter plus one. A number of sides equal to the integer portion of the polygon sides parameter minus one are rendered as regular polygon sides. Two sides are rendered as adjacent symmetrical bezier curves, and the modified polygon shape is stored or rendered to an output device.
US07864177B2 System and methods for real-time rendering with global and specular illumination
Frames of image data representative of a scene containing deformable geometry are computed for display on a display device. Frame animation data is computed for a series of frames representative, in animated sequence, of a scene containing deformable geometry. The frame animation data includes a control mesh descriptive of the three-dimensional surface of graphical elements occurring within the scene. Based on the frame animation data, respective illumination values are computed for the individual polygons of the control mesh to determine the global illumination of the scene. The computation is performed iteratively utilizing the directional light functionally emitted from source polygons to receiver polygons to determine global illumination. The directional light emitter values are further utilized, in combination with material properties, specular illumination contributions to the global illumination of the receiver polygons.
US07864173B2 Systems and methods for creating virtual objects in a sketch mode in a haptic virtual reality environment
A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.
US07864172B2 Cathode potential controller, self light emission display device, electronic apparatus, and cathode potential controlling method
A cathode potential controller for controlling a common cathode potential applied to a self light emission type display panel in which an emission state of each of pixels is driven and controlled in accordance with an active matrix drive system, the cathode potential controller including: a self light emitting element; a constant current source; an electrode-to-electrode voltage measuring portion; a cathode potential determining portion; and a cathode potential applying portion.
US07864166B2 Networked computer system with wireless pen interface
A networked computer system includes a printer configured to print media bearing visible graphic data and invisible coded data tags and receive transmitted sensed data associated with the data tags. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data to the printer. One or more servers are interfaced to the printer, via a network, and are configured to receive the sensed data from the printer and process the sensed data.
US07864164B2 Haptic interface for palpation simulation
A method for interfacing a user with a computer running an application program, the computer generating a graphical environment comprising a graphical object and a graphical representation of at least a portion of a living body, comprises providing an object in communication with the computer, controlling the graphical object in relation to manipulation of at least a portion of the object by the user, and outputting a haptic sensation to the user when the graphical object interacts with a region within the graphical representation to provide the user with haptic feedback related to a simulated palpation of the region.
US07864163B2 Portable electronic device, method, and graphical user interface for displaying structured electronic documents
A computer-implemented method, for use in conjunction with a portable electronic device with a touch screen display, comprises displaying at least a portion of a structured electronic document on the touch screen display, wherein the structured electronic document comprises a plurality of boxes of content, and detecting a first gesture at a location on the displayed portion of the structured electronic document. A first box in the plurality of boxes at the location of the first gesture is determined. The first box on the touch screen display is enlarged and substantially centered.
US07864162B2 Product having encoded authentication writing areas
A product is provided which has a plurality of coded tags and at least one authentication writing area defined by at least some of the coded tags for receiving handwritten authentication information from a sensing device operated by a user. Each coded tag encodes coordinates for a point on a tag map and an orientation feature. The orientation features enable the sensing device to determine a planar orientation of each tag relative to a yaw of the sensing device.
US07864149B2 Display panel
In a display panel, main and sub pixel electrodes are connected to first and second drain electrodes of a thin film transistor, respectively, to receive a data voltage during a 1 H period as main and sub pixel voltages. A main storage electrode overlaps the main pixel electrode to receive a first common voltage that varies with the gate pulse and the polarity of the data voltage. A sub storage electrode overlaps the sub pixel electrode to receive a second common voltage that is uniformly maintained at a constant voltage level. The sub pixel voltage is uniformly maintained by the second common voltage, but the main pixel voltage is shifted up or down by the first common voltage. Thus, the main pixel voltage may have a voltage level higher than that of the sub pixel voltage.
US07864148B2 Bistable nematic liquid crystal display device and method for controlling such a device
The present invention relates to a display device comprising a bistable nematic liquid-crystal matrix screen with anchoring breaking, characterized in that it comprises: components (40) capable of switching between an off state and an on state, these components being placed respectively between a drive electrode (47) associated with each pixel and a display state control link (45); and means capable of applying, to the input of each aforementioned component (40), via the state control link (45), input signals comprising at least two phases separated by a controlled time interval, namely a first phase during which the input signal has an amplitude sufficient to permit breaking of the anchoring of the liquid crystal on the associated pixel, then a second phase during which the amplitude of the input signal is controlled in order to select one of the two bistable states of the liquid crystal, the time interval between the two phases being adapted in order to break the anchoring of the liquid crystal on the said associated pixel before the second input signal phase is applied.
US07864146B2 Gamma voltage output circuit having the same DC current voltage input for liquid crystal display
An exemplary gamma voltage output circuit (2) for a liquid crystal display includes a plurality of operational amplifiers (221) and a plurality of resistors (Rn1˜Rn2). Each of the operational amplifiers includes a high voltage input port, a low voltage input port, a non-inverting input port, an inverting input port, and an output port. The high voltage input port of each operational amplifier connects to a same electrical source, and the low voltage input port of each operational amplifier is grounded. The non-inverting input port of each operational amplifier receives a same direct-current voltage, and the output port of each operational amplifier outputs a gamma voltage configured for driving the liquid crystal display and is grounded via two respective of the resistors connected in series. A node between the two respective resistors connects to the inverting input port of the operational amplifier.
US07864145B2 Display units and display panels of light emitting display devices
A display unit and a display panel are provided. In the display panel, uneven images caused by the electrical difference between driving transistors within the display unit are prevented through increasing the number of switch elements within the display unit and the number of scan signals and controlling data signals. Moreover, unequal brightness resulted from the disposition of the power lines is also prevented.
US07864144B2 Light emission control device, display device, drive control device, and control device
A light emission control device has a drive current feeder supplying a drive current to a light-emitting element, a drive current controller controlling the current level of the drive current based on the number of pulses in an enable signal, and a resetter resetting the controlling of the current level of the drive current when the enable signal has remained in a predetermined logic state for a predetermined period. Thus configured, the light emission control device allows its turning-on and -off and drive current level to be controlled with a single-line interface.
US07864141B2 Display device and a driving method thereof
A display device and a driving method thereof are provided. The display device comprises a plurality of pixels, each pixel includes: a light emitting element; a storage capacitor; a driving transistor that has a control terminal, an input terminal, and an output terminal and supplies a current to the light emitting element to emit light; a first switching transistor for supplying a data voltage to the storage capacitor in response to a scanning signal; a second switching transistor for diode-connecting the driving transistor in response to a previous scanning signal; and a third switching transistor for supplying a driving voltage to the driving transistor in response to an emission signal, wherein the storage capacitor stores a control voltage depending on a threshold voltage of the driving transistor and a threshold voltage of the light emitting element through the diode-connected driving transistor, and transmits the control voltage and the data voltage to the control terminal of the driving transistor.
US07864140B2 Light-emitting display
A light-emitting display device includes a pixel circuit that transmits a data signal using switches responding to control signals. The pixel circuit of the light-emitting display device includes first and second switching transistors serially coupled to a data line. A capacitor is charged with charges in response to a data signal from the data line through the first and second switching transistors. A driving transistor outputs a current corresponding to the charges in the capacitor. A light-emitting diode emits light corresponding to the current. One of the first and second switching transistors is turned on in response to a select signal from a first scan line and the other one is turned on in response to a control signal for controlling an operation of a second pixel circuit.
US07864136B2 Tiled electronic display structure
A tiled display device is formed from display tiles having picture element (pixel) positions defined up to the edge of the tiles. Each tile includes a memory which stores display data, and pixel driving circuitry which controls the scanning and illumination of the pixels on the tile. The tiles are formed in two parts, an electronics section and a display section. Each of these parts includes connecting pads which cover several pixel positions. Each connecting pad makes an electrical connection to only one row electrode or column electrode. The connecting pads on the display section are electrically connected and physically joined to corresponding connecting pads on the electronics section to form a complete tile.
US07864129B2 Radio frequency medical treatment device and system and usage method thereof
Advanced RF therapeutic antenna probes, their systems and usage methods are disclosed. The therapeutic antenna probe comprising an RF power transmitting cable by which a dipole antenna assembly is formed and a sheath that includes the dipole antenna assembly therein. The RF power transmitting means comprises at least a central conductor, a cylindrical dielectric insulator formed around the central conductor and an outer conductor all of which are formed to be the dipole antenna assembly. A dipole antenna which is a member of the dipole antenna assembly is composed of the first and second electrodes which are formed by a part and another part of the outer conductor, respectively, and electrically connected to the one central conductor and an isolating means which is formed between the first and the second electrodes. The sheath is made of a hard material for at least a head element having a sharp edge.
US07864127B2 Broadband terminated discone antenna and associated methods
The discone antenna is a small communication antenna with broad voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) bandwidth. The discone antenna includes a conical antenna element and a disc antenna element adjacent the apex thereof and including a proximal electrically conductive planar member and a spaced apart distal electrically conductive planar member being electrically connected together at respective peripheries thereof defining a folded ground plane. An antenna feed structure is coupled to the disc and conical antenna elements and includes a first conductor coupled to the proximal electrically conductive planar member, and a second conductor coupled to the conical antenna element and to the distal electrically conductive planar member. An impedance element, such as a resistor, may be connected between the second conductor and the distal electrically conductive planar member.
US07864126B2 Transmitting/receiving antenna with radiation diversity
The present invention relates to a transmission/reception antenna with diversity of radiation comprising on a substrate at least a first and a second radiating elements connected by a network of feeder lines to a transmission/reception circuit of electromagnetic signals, wherein the network is constituted by a first feeder line connected to a first radiating element and by a set of two second feeder lines each connected by means of a switching element to the second radiating element in such a manner as to supply the two radiating elements in phase or in phase opposition, the set of the two second feeder lines being connected to the first feeder line by a third feeder line, the first and third feeder lines being connected by a feeder line common to the transmission/reception circuit of electromagnetic signals.
US07864124B2 Multi-band antenna for mobile phone
A mobile phone includes a multi-band antenna which is mutually connected in a dependent manner for operation according to a signal transmitted to and received from the mobile phone; and a resonance unit for generating resonance for multiple frequency bands as ends of the multi-band antenna are spaced apart at a predetermined interval, to improve mute performance, reduce SAR, and prevent a reduction in call performance due to an influence of a user's body and hand when holding the mobile phone to make a call.
US07864122B2 Electronic device
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing, a storage mechanism, a printed wiring board, an antenna element and a component. The storage mechanism and printed wiring board are accommodated in the housing. The antenna element is mounted on the printed wiring board and executes wireless communication. The component adversely affects the wireless communication by the antenna element. The printed wiring board includes a first surface which is opposed to the component, and a second surface which is located on a side opposite to the first surface. The antenna element is mounted on the second surface.
US07864121B2 MIMO self-expandable antenna structure
Systems and methodologies are described that provide a low cost, compact and easily manufacturable multiple-input, multiple-output antenna structure suitable for portable radio equipment. Multiple antenna elements are printed on a folded flexible material. The flexible material expands when the antenna structure is deployed for operation and collapses when stowed.
US07864118B2 Dual circularly polarized antenna system and a method of communicating signals by the antenna system
An antenna system and a method for communicating signals by a dual circularly polarized antenna system are provided. The antenna system includes a substantially straight microstrip segment and a plurality of substantially straight microstrip projections. The plurality of microstrip projections extend from the microstrip segment in pairs at a predetermined angle, wherein each microstrip projection of the pair of microstrip projections extends from substantially the same location on the microstrip segment. A first microstrip projection extends from the microstrip segment on a first side of the microstrip segment and a second microstrip projection extends from the microstrip segment on a second side of the microstrip segment, such that the first and second microstrip projections at least one of emit and receive circularly polarized radiation in a first direction and circularly polarized radiation in a second direction simultaneously.
US07864116B2 Mounting structure of antenna device
A mounting structure of an antenna device for mounting the antenna device composed of a ground part and an element part on an electronic apparatus is disclosed. The ground part is mounted on the electronic apparatus so as to be substantially overlapped with a conductive part of the electronic apparatus.
US07864114B2 Negative permeability or negative permittivity meta material and surface wave waveguide
Each of unit cells constituting a negative permeability medium includes a metal patch formed on a surface of a dielectric substrate. The dielectric substrate has a rear surface having a ground conductor formed on its entire surface. A positive permeability medium is an existing micro strip line and each of unit cells has a two-dimensional structure having a metal strip connected in four directions. The dielectric substrate has a rear surface having a ground conductor formed on its entire surface. The negative permeability medium is arranged at the left side adjacent to the positive permeability medium formed by unit cells arranged at the right side so that the media oppose to each other. A waveguide formed by the positive/negative permittivity medium or the positive/negative permeability medium of the meta material for propagation of a surface wave is formed at the boundary of the two media.
US07864110B2 Method for beam formation by calculation, in particular adapted to the compensation of failures of active modules of a radar with electronic scanning
The invention relates to a method for beam formation by calculation. For each defective active module of rank ip, the missing samples of the microwave signal a(îp) are calculated by one or more non-adaptive interpolations using the samples coming from the active modules in nominal operating mode situated in the neighborhood of the defective active modules, the beam being formed as if the interpolated samples a(îp) were the real measurements. In particular, the invention is applicable to the compensation for the effects of failures of one or more active modules distributed over an antenna of a radar with electronic scanning. The method according to the invention can notably be implemented within an airborne weather radar.
US07864108B2 Present position estimation method, positioning method, program, and mobile terminal
A final located position when a GPS receiver section (positioning section) has finished positioning is determined to be the latest located position, and the combination of identification information (ID) of base stations (suspended base stations) with which a portable telephone wireless communication circuit section has performed wireless communication is stored in a flash ROM. The combination of base stations that currently perform wireless communication with the wireless communication section and the combination of the suspended base stations stored in the flash ROM are compared when the GPS receiver section again performs positioning. When it has been determined that the combinations coincide, the latest located position stored in the flash ROM is estimated to be the present position of a portable telephone. The estimated present position is used as the initial position during the first positioning when the GPS receiver section again performs positioning.
US07864100B2 Self-referencing radar pulse detector
An automatic pulse detector compares a radar video pulse to a delayed and amplified version of itself. The radar video pulse serves as an amplitude reference for a comparator. A delayed and amplified version of the same pulse serves as the pulse to be detected. Time of detection is amplitude independent and is not degraded by flat-topped pulses. Pulse detection occurs at a fixed, fractional point on the leading edge of a pulse where noise has less temporal influence than at the top of a pulse. Unlike a time-of-peak detector, the self-referencing pulse detector is well-suited to detecting wide, flat-topped pulses produced by expanded-time, pulse-echo radars operating in relatively narrow ISM bands.
US07864095B2 Wave absorber and manufacturing method of wave absorber
The problem of the present invention is to offer a wave absorber that has reflection attenuation capability sufficient to enable prevention of communication disturbances due to reflection and the like of EM waves, that enables greater thinness and lighter weight, and that has wide-band attenuation properties, as well as a manufacturing method of the wave absorber. The wave absorber of the present invention has a structure which sequentially laminates a grid-like conductor layer composed of an electric conductor, a first dielectric layer, a high-resistance conductor layer having a surface resistivity within a prescribed range, a second dielectric layer, and a pattern layer having multiple patterns composed of an electric conductor, wherein each pattern in said pattern layer differs in either or both of size and form relative to another adjacent pattern.
US07864094B2 Solid-state image sensing device, imaging method, and imaging apparatus
A solid-state image sensing device includes: a pixel unit that has plural pixels and outputs analog pixel signals; a ramp signal generator unit that generates a ramp signal having a predetermined initial voltage and a fixed gradient; and an analog-digital converter unit that compares the analog pixel signals output by the pixel unit to the ramp signal generated by the ramp signal generator unit and digitally converts the analog pixel signals based on a comparison time, wherein the analog-digital converter unit can perform operation in a digital addition mode of adding the analog pixel signals output from the plural pixels of the pixel unit among plural pixels and outputting the signals as digital pixel signals, and the ramp signal generator unit can set the initial voltage of the ramp signal to an arbitrary value after resetting a potential of the ramp signal in the digital addition mode.
US07864091B1 Interference detection using a moving window
A system comprises a gain control module that selectively generates a gain locked signal based on a wireless input signal. A sync detect module that selectively generates a sync detect signal based on the wireless input signal. An interference detection module that selectively generates a wireless interference detection signal based on the gain locked signal and the sync detect signal.
US07864088B2 Integrated DSP for a DC offset cancellation loop
Processes and apparatuses for direct current (DC) offset cancellation using digital signal processing. Some embodiments of the invention are summarized in this section. In one embodiment, a circuit includes: an analog receiver; and a feedback circuit comprising a digital signal processor coupled with the analog receiver to generate a feedback signal to the analog receiver.
US07864086B2 Mode switched adaptive combinatorial coding/decoding for electrical computers and digital data processing systems
Embodiments described herein may include example embodiments of a method, article and apparatus for compressing data utilizing adaptive combinatorial encoding with either specified occurrences or specified data length which may be used for communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium (e.g., a bus) within a single computer or digital data processing system, and/or for communication between computing platforms via a network or other interconnection medium.
US07864085B2 Data compression method and apparatus
Embodiments of the invention include a dictionary based data compression method, apparatus and system that is not based on either the LZ77 compression algorithm or the LZ78 compression algorithm, but includes many features of the LZW compression algorithm. The data compression method includes creating a mapping table of the messages in the alphabet of messages to a corresponding plurality of codewords, maintaining a dictionary including a mapping table of a first codeword and a second codeword to a new codeword, reading an input ensemble including a plurality of messages, converting the messages to an input codeword using the mapping table, and outputting the converted codewords as an output ensemble of compressed data. Unlike conventional data compression methods, the dictionary is generated from the output ensemble only, and is not based on any input messages. Therefore, the dictionary more quickly builds to define longer sequences of messages compared to conventional data compression methods.
US07864079B1 Ternary and higher multi-value digital scramblers/descramblers
Ternary (3-value) and higher, multi-value digital scramblers/descramblers in digital communications. The method and apparatus of the present invention includes the creation of ternary (3-value) and higher value truth tables that establish ternary and higher value scrambling functions which are its own descrambling functions. The invention directly codes by scrambling ternary and higher-value digital signals and directly decodes by descrambling with the same function. A disclosed application of the invention is the creation of composite ternary and higher-value scrambling devices and methods consisting of single scrambling devices or functions combined with ternary or higher value shift registers. Another disclosed application is the creation of ternary and higher-value spread spectrum digital signals. Another disclosed application is a composite ternary or higher value scrambling system, comprising an odd number of scrambling functions and the ability to be its own descrambler.
US07864078B2 Method and device for decoding a signal
A method and a device for decoding a signal transmitted via at least one transmission line of a data transmission system, in a user of the data transmission system receiving the signal. Instead of at discrete instants, as currently done, sampling at a specific sampling instant does not take place. To this end, a potential-edge position (PEP) for an imminent edge is estimated first. Then, given n-fold oversampling, maximally n sampling values before the PEP and maximally n sampling values after the PEP are determined and compared with previously recorded and stored sampling values. The stored sampling values are preferably stored in an edge-acceptance vector (EAV) and correspond to an edge change of the signal to be decoded at a particular point in time. Preferably not all detected 2n sampling values are compared to the content of the EAVs, but the comparison is limited to a portion, combined to a sensitivity range, of the 2n sampling values of each EAV.
US07864074B2 Data driver used in a current-driving display device
A data driver used in a current-driving display device for receiving a digital signal and for outputting a gray-scaled current signal to a data line. The data driver includes a digital-to-analog current converter for transforming the digital signal into an analog current signal, a current-copying/reproducing module, and a control circuit. The current-copying/reproducing module is used to store a predetermined voltage for conducting the analog current signal in a transforming/storing status and to conduct a reproducing current signal to the data line in a reproducing/sustaining status. The control circuit is electrically connected between the digital-to-analog current converter and the current-copying/reproducing module for providing a switch between the transforming/storing status and the reproducing/sustaining status. The reproducing current signal is the gray-scaled current signal and is almost equivalent to the analog current signal.
US07864066B2 Automated lost load response system
An automated lost load response system for work machines is disclosed. The response system has a container supported by the machine to retain material. It also has a sensor situated to detect material lost from the container. The sensor generates a signal corresponding to detection of material lost. Additionally, the response system has a controller that is in communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to provide a load loss warning based on the signal generated by the sensor.
US07864063B2 Sensor arrangement for detecting moisture on a window
An especially simple and economical moisture sensor with temperature compensation is provided. To this end, in addition to a measuring capacitor, a second capacitor is arranged on a window of a motor vehicle, wherein the second capacitor is not affected by the moisture and/or water droplets. For analysis, a differential measurement of the capacitances of the measuring capacitor and of the second capacitor is carried out, from which is determined a degree of wetting of the window not influenced by the window temperature.
US07864061B2 Multi-stage system for verification of container contents
A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes. The collected radiation data is dynamically adjusted according to at least one of a plurality of background radiation data based on a determined background environment about the container. The collected and adjusted radiation data is compared to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent.
US07864060B2 Wetness detection device
The teachings herein are directed to devices for detecting and signaling the presence of urine or another electrically conducive liquid in an undergarment, fabric, or other thin material. Preferred devices include a clip configured to safely and releasably secure a liquid detecting sensor to a fabric or undergarment, wherein said sensor is operably coupled to a detection device that emits a notification signal when liquid is present in the fabric.
US07864058B2 Danger determining device, method, danger notifying device, and program for determining danger based on identification information of a person in a watched environment and identification information of an article in the watched environment
A sensing history database for storing ID and position information of an article detected by an article detecting unit and ID and position information of a person detected by a person detecting unit, a dangerous article database in which an article having a possibility of posing danger in an environment to be watched over is defined for each individual, an accessible location database for storing accessible locations in the environment for each individual, an article-leaving-operation determining unit for determining that the person has left the article from the position information of the article and the position information of the person stored in the sensing history database, and a left-article danger degree determining unit for determining as dangerous when determined that combination of the ID of the person and the ID of the left article in the environment is dangerous from information defined in the dangerous article database and determined that the person present in the environment can access the position of the left article in the article-leaving-operation determining unit.
US07864057B2 Pet locating device
A pet location system having a pet locator with GPS capabilities in communication with a wireless network such that a user interface accessible on a common computer network or by telephone is provided. The pet location system includes access to the user interface via a computer on the common computer network or via a telecommunications network.
US07864054B2 Apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag and cartridge for including at least a RFID tag
An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag comprises: a container holder configured to detachably attach a container for including at least a RFID tag which contains a tag medium on which a RFID circuit element is arranged; and an apparatus magnetic-path forming portion configured to form a magnetic path for a communication magnetic flux in a feeding path of said tag medium in said container for including at least a RFID tag when said container for including at least a RFID tag is attached to said container holder.
US07864053B2 Visibility radio cap and network
A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed.
US07864040B2 Localization system and localization method and mobile position data transmitter
There is described a localization system with a mobile position data transmitter having a position-detecting device for detecting a position of the position data transmitter and for deriving position data from the position detected. The position data transmitter also has a radio tag writing device for wirelessly emitting the derived position data with a write signal for writing to radio tags. The localization system also has radio tags which are to be spatially distributed and each have a memory for storing an item of localization information which is taken from the position data received with the write signal. A radio tag reading device is used to retrieve and output the stored read information from the radio tags that are situated in the retrieval range.
US07864032B2 Collision determination device and vehicle behavior control device
A control unit 5 calculates, by a statistical processing, the current front/rear-directional acceleration, the current front/rear-directional velocity, and the current front/rear-directional position of the three-dimensional object to be determined while considering an error caused by a camera. These values are used in the statistical processing so as to calculate the front/rear-directional acceleration after Δt seconds, the front/rear-directional velocity after Δt seconds, and the front/rear-directional position after Δt seconds, and so as to obtain a probability of contact after Δt seconds based on the front/rear-directional position after Δt seconds.
US07864028B2 In-vehicle emergency call apparatus
An in-vehicle emergency call apparatus capable of performing an emergency call operation when electric power supply from a vehicle battery is cut is provided. The in-vehicle emergency call apparatus includes a first electric power supply line system causing an electric power supply unit to supply electric power to an emergency notification detection unit and an control unit. A second electric power supply line system is provided that causes the electric power supply unit to supply the electric power to the radio-communication unit. The second electric power supply line system is provided independently of the first electric power supply line system. A first capacitor coupled with the first electric power supply line system is capable of being configured to have a small capacitance.
US07864025B2 Component with countermeasure to static electricity
There is provided a static electricity countermeasure component including a varistor layer having a plurality of inner electrodes of a planer shape, embedded therein a board including alumina laminated with the varistor layer, and a terminal connected to the inner electrode of the varistor layer and formed at a side face of the varistor layer, in which the varistor layer and the board are sintered to thereby diffuse bismuth oxide of the varistor layer in the board and provide a bismuth oxide diffusing layer at the board. In this way, the static electricity countermeasure component achieving thin-sized formation while maintaining a varistor characteristic against a small surge voltage can be realized.
US07864024B2 Electronic assembly having spring-loaded contact bridge with fuse function
An electronic assembly includes an electronic circuit on a circuit board. The circuit includes a conductor path on the circuit board, and at least one SMD component, electronic component and/or electromechanical component that is mounted on the circuit board and connected to the conductor path. A circuit connection between any two of the conductor paths and/or the components is established via a soldered joint and a spring-loaded contact bridge. In the event of excessive power dissipation, the soldered joint melts or weakens and the contact bridge opens due to the spring force.
US07864022B2 Wear indicator for a circuit interrupter exhaust control device
An exhaust control device includes a wear indicator disposed within a housing of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is arranged to be exposed to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device. The wear indicator has a first observable state indicative of remaining useful life of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is responsive to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device to assume a second observable state indicative of the exhaust control device having reached the end of its useful life.
US07864019B2 Wiring assembly and method of forming a channel in a wiring assembly for receiving conductor
A conductor assembly and method for constructing an assembly of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, induces a voltage. In one embodiment the method provides a first layer that is tubular in shape with an outer surface along which a conductor may be positioned. A channel defining a first conductor path is formed in the first layer outer surface to create a pattern extending along the first layer. A first segment of conductor is placed in the first channel and defines a shape about an aperture region. After placing the first segment of conductor in the first channel, at least part of the first layer outer surface and at least part of the first segment of conductor are coated with a second layer. A second channel is formed along an outer surface of the second layer to define a second conductor path extending about the aperture region for placement of a second segment of conductor.
US07864016B1 Method for making magnetic components with N-phase coupling, and related inductor structures
Methods and structures for constructing a magnetic core of a coupled inductor. The method provides for constructing N-phase coupled inductors as both single and scalable magnetic structures, where N is an integer greater than 1. The method additionally describes how such a construction of the magnetic core may enhance the benefits of using the scalable N-phase coupled inductor. The first and second magnetic cores may be formed into shapes that, when coupled together, may form a single scalable magnetic core. For example, the cores can be fashioned into shapes such as a U, an I, an H, a ring, a rectangle, and a comb, that cooperatively form the single magnetic core.
US07864015B2 Flux channeled, high current inductor
A flux-channeled high current inductor includes an inductor body having a first end and an opposite second end and a conductor extending through the inductor body. The conductor includes a plurality of separate channels through a cross-sectional area of the inductor body thereby directing magnetic flux inducted by a current flowing through the conductor into two or more cross-sectional areas and reducing flux density of a given single area. The inductor body may be formed of a first ferromagnetic plate and a second ferromagnetic plate. The inductor may be formed from a single component magnetic core and have one or more slits to define inductance. The inductor may be formed of a magnetic powder. A method is provided for manufacturing flux-channeled high current inductors.
US07864011B2 System and method for balancing concentric circular field emission structures
An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.
US07864010B2 Method for coding field emission structures
An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.
US07863999B2 Low-loss tunable radio frequency filter
A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
US07863998B2 Method and system for processing signals via directional couplers embedded in an integrated circuit package
Methods and systems for processing signals via directional couplers embedded in an integrated circuit package are disclosed and may include generating via a directional coupler, one or more output RF signals that may be proportional to a received RF signal. The directional coupler may be integrated in a multi-layer package. The generated RF signal may be processed by an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the multi-layer package. The directional coupler may include quarter wavelength transmission lines, which may include microstrip or coplanar structures. The directional coupler may be electrically coupled to one or more variable capacitances in the integrated circuit. The variable capacitance may include CMOS devices in the integrated circuit. The directional coupler may include discrete devices, which may be surface mount devices coupled to the multi-layer package or may be devices integrated in the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package.
US07863994B2 System and method for increasing radio frequency (RF) microwave inductor-capacitor (LC) oscillator frequency tuning range
System and method for increasing the frequency tuning range of a RF/microwave LC oscillator. A preferred embodiment comprises a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) configured to generate an output signal at a frequency that is dependent upon a magnitude of an input voltage level and an effective inductance of an inductive load and a variable inductor coupled to the VCO. The variable inductor comprises a primary inductor coupled to the VCO to produce a magnetic field based upon a current flowing through the primary inductor and a secondary inductor magnetically coupled to the primary inductor, the secondary inductor to affect the magnitude of the effective inductance of the primary inductor.
US07863990B2 Oscillation circuit, test apparatus and electronic device
Provided is an oscillation circuit for generating an oscillation signal synchronized with a supplied reference clock, including: a voltage control oscillation section that, when triggered by each edge of the reference clock, stops oscillation of the oscillation signal having a frequency in accordance with a supplied control voltage to start new oscillation; a phase comparing section that compares a phase of a comparison signal that is in accordance with the oscillation signal outputted from the voltage control oscillation section and a phase of a signal that is in accordance with the reference clock; and a voltage control section that supplies the control voltage in accordance with a comparison result of the phase comparing section, to the voltage control oscillation section.
US07863988B2 Microwave signal generator
A microwave signal generator includes a magnetron to generate a microwave signal, a coupler to receive the microwave signal generated by the magnetron and to send the microwave signal to a load; and a band-pass filter to receive the microwave signal from the coupler and to filter the microwave signal to obtain a signal from an oscillation frequency band of the magnetron. The band-pass filter feeds the signal from the oscillation frequency band back to the magnetron in order to fix an oscillation frequency of the magnetron and is a DR (Dielectric Resonator) filter.
US07863987B2 Clock signal generating and distributing apparatus
LC resonant voltage control oscillators are adopted as voltage control oscillators for the purpose of providing a clock generating and distributing apparatus that can generate and distribute a clock signal of high precision even in a high-frequency region of several giga hertz or higher, and of providing a distributive VCO-type clock generating and distributing apparatus in which voltage control oscillators oscillate in the same phase, and which can generate a clock signal of a desired frequency and distributes a high-frequency clock signal to each part within a chip more stably even in a high-frequency region reaching 20 GHz. Furthermore, an inductor component of a wire connecting the oscillation nodes of the oscillators is made relatively small, or the LC resonant oscillators are oscillated in synchronization by using injection locking, whereby the LC resonant voltage control oscillators stably oscillate in the same phase.
US07863985B1 High frequency amplifier linearization technique
An output stage for an amplifier is provided. The amplifier generally provides for compensation of an error current generated by the base-collector (or gate-drain) capacitance of a common base (or gate) amplifier transistor. The stage accomplishes this by utilizing a three transistor Wilson current mirror to combine the error current with a mirrored bias current to reduce the load current on the common base (or gate) amplifier transistor.
US07863982B2 Driving circuit capable of enhancing response speed and related method
A driving circuit of enhancing response speed is disclosed. The driving circuit includes an operational amplifier and a slew rate enhancement unit. The operational amplifier is utilized for generating a driving voltage according to an input voltage. The slew rate enhancement unit is coupled to the operational amplifier, and is utilized for generating a compensation current to the operational amplifier to enlarge a bias current of the operational amplifier according to voltage difference between the input voltage and the driving voltage when variation of the input voltage occurs.
US07863980B2 Amplifiers with negative capacitance circuits
Provided herein are amplifiers including negative capacitance circuits for reducing distortion resulting from a gate-source (or base-emitter) capacitance of output stages of such amplifiers. Such a negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the gate-source (or base-emitter) capacitance of the output stage to shunt the gate-source (or base-emitter) capacitance and thereby reduce distortion. Also provided herein are methods for use with amplifiers including an output stage, including connecting a negative capacitance circuit in parallel with a base-emitter capacitance of the output stage.
US07863978B1 RF amplifier system for neutralizing internal capacitance in a cavity
An RF amplifier system having closed cavity containing an amplifying device that includes at least a cathode, an anode and a grid and wherein the amplifying device exhibits an internal grid-to-anode capacitance. Apparatus is presented for use in neutralizing the internal capacitance. This includes a feedback circuit including an external capacitor of fixed value and a phase inverting transformer having a transformer primary winding connected in series with the capacitor to the cathode. The transformer has a secondary winding connected between the cathode and the grid for supplying a phase inverted negative feedback voltage to the grid for neutralizing the cavity by the feedback voltage. The transformer coupling is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the feedback voltage.
US07863976B1 Adjustable segmented power amplifier
An adjustable stage in an amplifier. The adjustable stage generally comprises a first common node, a second common node and a plurality of independently selectable parallel amplifier segments. Each of the parallel segments may have an input at the first common node and an output at the second common node, a transistor and an inductor to resonate with a capacitance at a base of the transistor. The present invention advantageously provides a relatively compact power amplifier with an extended output power range at which the amplifier is highly efficient. In preferred embodiments, the input and output matching characteristics are generally independent of the number of selected output amplifier segments.
US07863975B2 Method for calibrating a power amplifier and device using the same
A calibration device for a power amplifier includes a calculation unit, a first storage unit and a multiplier. The calculation unit is utilized for generating a calibration factor according to a value of a characteristic parameter of the power amplifier. The first storage unit coupled to the calculation unit, for storing the calibration factor. The multiplier is coupled to the first storage unit and a baseband unit, for multiplying a baseband signal outputted from the baseband unit by the calibration factor for generating an input signal to the power amplifier.
US07863974B2 Selectable intermediate frequency demodulator
A method and apparatus for demodulating an input signal in a selectable intermediate frequency system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a front end module, a filter, and a phase lock loop (PLL). The front end module mixes the input signal with an oscillating signal. The filter includes at least one characteristic that is selectable to configure an intermediate frequency. The PLL demodulates an output frequency based on the output of the filter.
US07863973B2 Operating panel arrangement for domestic appliances and method for manufacturing an operating panel arrangement
The invention relates to an operating panel arrangement, in particular for domestic appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers. An operating panel has formed on its outside actuating sections and display sections for operating or monitoring purposes. An electrical circuit arrangement is coupled to the actuating sections and the display sections and is arranged in the region of the inside of the operating panel.In this case, the circuit arrangement has at least three electrodes, which are arranged in a manner distributed approximately parallel to the operating panel. The circuit arrangement has evaluation means which are designed to calculate the spatial position of an operating means in relation to the position of the three electrodes, to be precise by evaluating the fields between the electrodes and the operator. The actuating sections can be freely defined as positions of the operating means in the region of the outside of the operating panel.
US07863968B1 Variable-output current-load-independent negative-voltage regulator
Methods and circuits for implementing negative voltage regulators are provided. The negative voltage regulator circuit includes an operational amplifier (op-amp), a PMOS transistor, and two resistors. The op-amp is powered by positive and negative voltages, and the PMOS transistor has a gate in electrical communication with the op-amp. A first resistor is disposed between a positive reference voltage and a tap point, while the second resistor is disposed between the tap point and the output of the negative voltage regulator circuit. The use of the PMOS transistor facilitates a common drain output stage making the loop gain load independent, resulting in a stable system independent of current load.
US07863966B1 Readout circuit for touch panel
A readout circuit for touch panel includes first and second switches, an operational amplifier (OP-AMP), a feedback capacitor, a comparison unit, and a counter. A first input terminal and an output terminal of the OP-AMP are respectively coupled to a second terminal of the first switch and an input terminal of the comparison unit. A second input terminal of the OP-AMP receives a reference voltage. Two terminals of the feedback capacitor and the second switch are respectively coupled to the first input terminal and the output terminal of the OP-AMP. The comparison unit selects first or second threshold voltages to compare with an output of the OP-AMP according to a output of the comparison unit. An input terminal of the counter receives the output of the comparison unit.
US07863965B2 Temperature sensor circuit and method for controlling the same
A temperature sensor circuit comprises a first reference voltage generator configured to generate a first signal that linearly varies with temperature and a first reference voltage signal that maintains a certain level irrespective of temperature, a second reference voltage generator configured to generate a second reference voltage signal by using the first reference voltage signal, and a controller configured to compare the first signal with the second reference voltage signal and control a voltage level of the first signal according to a comparison result.
US07863962B2 High voltage CMOS output buffer constructed from low voltage CMOS transistors
A high voltage CMOS output buffer is constructed from low voltage CMOS transistors. The output buffer employs a series of unique CMOS inverter stages, each of which contains a switched PMOS transistor, one or more voltage drop blocks, and a switched NMOS transistor. The voltage drop blocks are composed of stacked PMOS transistors that are diode-connected—i.e., the PMOS gate terminal is connected to the PMOS drain terminal, and the PMOS body (N-well) terminal is connected to the PMOS source terminal. The diode-connected PMOS transistors reduce the voltage across the transistor gate oxide to a safe value, for all internal PMOS/NMOS transistors inside the CMOS output buffer.
US07863961B2 Vehicle communication system
An ECU serving as a transmission side and an ECU serving as a reception side are coupled to each other through communication lines and junction connectors. A diode in which a direction directed from a negative-side output terminal of the ECU serving as the transmission side to a positive-side output terminal thereof becomes a forward direction is provided between the positive-side output terminal and the negative-side output terminal.
US07863954B2 Timing vernier using a delay locked loop
A method for synchronizing a plurality of programmable timing verniers with a reference pulse signal, each of the verniers being programmable to one of a plurality of timing steps within a delay range determined by a control signal applied to a bias input. A first and second control vernier is selected from the plurality of verniers, the first control vernier is programmed to a first delay, and the second control vernier is programmed to a second delay. The first and second control verniers are triggered together to generate respective first and second delay signals. A difference pulse signal is generated with a duty cycle corresponding to a difference between the generated first delay signal and second delay signal. The duty cycle of the pulse signal is compared to a duty cycle of the reference pulse signal to generate a difference signal pulse. The difference signal pulse is coupled to the bias input of the verniers to adjust the delay range, such that the duty cycle of the difference signal approaches the duty cycle of the reference pulse signal. In one embodiment there is provided a circuit for implementing the method.
US07863944B2 Passive clock detector
A clock detector is provided. The clock detector generally comprises a filter, a first branch, a second branch, a latch, and logic. The filter is adapted to receive a clock signal and is coupled to a low threshold inverter in the first branch and a high threshold inverter in the second branch. The latch is adapted to receive the clock signal and is coupled to the first branch, while the logic is coupled to the node between the first branch and the latch, an output of the latch, and the second branch so that it can output a clock detection signal.
US07863943B2 Sampling device and circuit having a single voltage supply
In embodiments of the present invention a device, circuit, and method are described for sampling input signal voltages, which may include voltages below a negative supply voltage for the device or circuit, without requiring static current from the input. Various embodiments of the invention obviate the requirement of an external negative supply voltage or attenuation resistors to allow sampling between a positive and negative voltage range. These embodiments result in a lower power sampling solution as well as simplifying any driver circuitry required by the sampler. The embodiments of the invention may be applied to sampling processes within analog-to-digital converters and may also be applicable to various other types of circuits in which a sampling input having input voltages that are lower than its negative supply voltage.
US07863939B2 Signal detecting apparatus, signal receiving apparatus, and signal detecting method
A signal detecting apparatus detects a signal received based on a current received and includes a detecting unit that detects, in the current received, a peak equal to or higher than a threshold and a time counting unit that counts a given period of time from a point in time of detection of the peak by the detecting unit. The signal detecting apparatus further includes a determining unit that determines whether the detecting unit has detected the peak again within the given period of time counted by the time counting unit. An output unit of the signal detecting apparatus outputs information indicating detection of the signal received when the determining unit determines that the peak has been detected again.
US07863935B2 Line driver architecture for 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
A multimode line driver circuit is provided having improved performance. The multimode line driver comprises at least first and second driver circuits that, when “active,” respectively transmit data using first and second modes. The multimode line driver further comprises a circuit arrangement including a voltage regulator and an associated set of switches. In operation, at least some of the switches are coupled to the second driver circuit and are turned on when the first driver circuit is active. The voltage regulator supplies a direct current to at least some of the turned-on switches in order to decrease a common mode voltage at the second driver circuit while the first driver circuit transmits data using the first mode. As such, components of the second driver circuit can be powered off while the first driver circuit is active, thus reducing power consumption in the first mode.
US07863934B2 Adjusting method and circuit using the same
A method adjusts driving ability of an output buffer. The output buffer has multiple driving ability classes. The method includes the following steps. First, the driving ability of the output buffer is initialized as an initial class among the driving ability classes. Next, a voltage at an output terminal of the output buffer is initialized to an initial voltage. Then, an input voltage is inputted via the input terminal at a first time instant. Next, an output voltage outputted from the output terminal is sampled to obtain a voltage value at a second time instant. Then, whether the voltage value satisfies a predetermined condition is judged. Next, if the voltage value satisfies the predetermined condition, the driving ability class of the output buffer is recorded and set.
US07863933B2 Tri-state I/O port
The present invention discloses a tri-state I/O port. The tri-state I/O port comprises a tri-state logic block, a weak buffer and a delay block. The input terminals of the tri-state logic block are connected to data and OE (output enable) signals. When OE signal is enabled, the output terminal of the tri-state I/O block is pulled high when the data is high while the output terminal is pulled low when the data is low. The input terminal and the output terminal of the weak buffer are connected to the output terminal of the tri-state logic block. And the input terminal of the delay block is connected to the output terminal of the tri-state logic block while the output terminal of the delay block is fed back to the tri-state logic block. When the output terminal of the tri-state logic block is low to high/high to low, the weak buffer is active and maintains the output terminal of the tri-state logic block weak high/low while the delay block turns off the pull high/low function of the tri-state logic block.
US07863928B2 Data line termination circuit
A data line termination circuit includes a swing-width sensing unit configured to sense a swing width of a voltage of a data line and output a sensed signal, and a variable termination unit configured to adjust a termination resistance value of the data line in response to the sensed signal. The swing-width sensing unit can sense if the swing width is less than or greater than a predetermined swing width, and the swing width of the voltage of the data line can be reduced or increased to maintain the voltage of the data line within a predetermined range.
US07863917B2 Semiconductor chip having a crack test circuit and method of testing a crack of a semiconductor chip using the same
A semiconductor chip includes a line structure arranged along a peripheral region of the semiconductor chip region in order to inspect a crack, a first pad and second pad arranged on different end portions of the line structure, a second pad arranged on another end portion of the line structure, an inspection device activated during a crack test mode to electrically connect the first pad, the line structure and the second pad. The inspection device may include a first switching circuit connected between the first pad and the line structure, the first switching circuit being deactivated during a normal operation mode and being activated a crack test mode; and a second switching circuit connected between the second pad and the line structure, the second switching circuit being deactivated during the normal operation mode and being activated during the crack test mode.
US07863915B2 Probe card cooling assembly with direct cooling of active electronic components
A probe card cooling assembly for use in a test system includes a package with one or more dies cooled by direct cooling. The cooled package includes one or more dies with active electronic components and at least one coolant port that allows a coolant to enter the high-density package and directly cool the active electronic components of the dies during a testing operation.
US07863911B2 Test device and method for measurement of tunneling magnetoresistance properties of a manufacturable wafer by the current-in-plane-tunneling technique
A combined manufacturable wafer and test device for measuring a tunneling-magnetoresistance property of a tunneling-magnetoresistance, sensor-layer structure. The combined manufacturable wafer and test device comprises a tunneling-magnetoresistance, sensor-layer structure disposed on a substrate. The combined manufacturable wafer and test device also comprises a plurality of partially fabricated tunneling-magnetoresistance sensors; at least one of the partially fabricated tunneling-magnetoresistance sensors is disposed at one of a plurality of first locations. The test device is disposed on the substrate at a second location different from the plurality of first locations. The test device allows measurement of the tunneling-magnetoresistance property of the tunneling-magnetoresistance, sensor-layer structure using a current-in-plane-tunneling technique.
US07863909B2 System and method for measuring a capacitance by transferring charge from a fixed source
A touch sensor device and method is provided that determines measurable capacitances for object detection. The systems and methods measure capacitance by controllably transferring charge from a storage capacitor, and determining the measurable capacitance by measuring the residual voltage remaining on the storage capacitor after the transfer. The systems and methods thus provide an accurate determination of the measurable capacitance that can be used for object proximity sensing.
US07863905B2 Detection and monitoring of partial discharge of a power line
There is provided a method that includes (a) acquiring a first spectral component of a single noise pulse on a power line, and a second spectral component of the single noise pulse, (b) determining that the single noise pulse is synchronous with a power voltage on the power line, (c) determining a first magnitude of the first spectral component, (d) determining a second magnitude of the second spectral component, and (e) determining a condition of the power line from the first and second magnitudes. There is also provided a system that employs the method.
US07863902B2 Coherent in-phase demodulation for resistivity image tools with spread spectrum continuous phase modulation stimulus
A method and system for measuring formation resisitivity is achieved by introducing one or more continuous phase modulated electrical signals into the formation, each signal introduced at a different location. The current of each introduced electrical signal is then sensed, producing an analog voltage signal as a measurement of the formation. Each introduced electrical signal is compared with its respective measured signal of the formation. Each comparison is made in a quadrature demodulation device, producing an in-phase demodulated signal. A quasi-direct-current signal is extracted from each in-phase demodulated signal, producing an analog measurement related to the resistivity of the formation. Each analog measurement is converted into a digital value for further processing. Successive measurements are digitally summed and averaged to increase the signal to noise ratio.
US07863899B2 Magnet structure for MRI apparatus and MRI apparatus
A magnet structure for an MRI apparatus utilizing a permanent magnet, which apparatus has an inverted U shape with two essentially parallel opposed pole pieces, which are supported at a predetermined distance from each other by an inverted U-shaped magnetic yoke, which pole pieces and/or at least a portion of which yoke delimit a cavity for receiving at least a part of the patient's body, whereas a partial volume is generated in the volume of said cavity, which has such magnetic field values as to provide MRI images of a sufficient quality to enable the use thereof as diagnostic images, i.e. a so-called imaging volume. According to the invention, the distance (D1) between the pole pieces (1, 2) of the magnet structure is of 36 to 42 cm, and the pole pieces (1, 2) have a surface area of 4500 to 5500 cm2. The invention also relates to an MRI imaging apparatus, particularly designed for the spine region, or a part thereof, and which has a magnet structure as described above.
US07863897B2 Method and apparatus for characterizing the temporal resolution of an imaging device
A system and method for determining the temporal resolution of a tomographic imaging device uses an apparatus to drive one or more dynamic phantoms composed of multiple materials. The apparatus is placed at or near the isocenter of the imaging device and the one or more phantoms are moved to produce a plurality of dynamic features, each having a specified frequency. The dynamic features are imaged with the device and the acquired image data corresponding to the dynamic features is analyzed to determine a temporal modulation transfer value at each of the known specified frequencies. The temporal resolution of the imaging device is determined using these temporal modulation transfer values.
US07863896B2 Systems and methods for calibrating functional magnetic resonance imaging of living tissue
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for calibrating functional magnetic resonance imaging of living tissue. For example, a calibration method includes providing a contrast signal simulation device configured for generating one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals selected from a group consisting of BOLD and BOSS contrast simulation signals that simulate at least one contrast signal generated by living tissue of a subject and positioning the contrast signal simulation device adjacent to the subject. The method includes using an imaging instrument to take first and second data sets from the subject's tissue while the contrast signal simulation device is disposed adjacent to the subject and while generating and not generating the one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals, respectively. The method also includes using the first and second data sets to determine at least one figure of merit of the imaging instrument, the contrast simulation device, and/or the living tissue.
US07863895B2 System, program product, and method of acquiring and processing MRI data for simultaneous determination of water, fat, and transverse relaxation time constants
A system, program product, and method to determine water, fat, and transverse relaxation time constants in MRI scanning are provided. A method includes initiating readout gradient pulses to collect echo signals with identical phase encoded gradients to thereby produce a plurality of images, instead of a single image with a single readout gradient. A receiver bandwidth used for collecting the echo signals can be determined responsive to an acquisition matrix size along the readout axis and a time duration for water and fat signals to evolve by a preselected phase angle. In a modified FSE implementation, for example, a method includes using readout gradient pulses that use substantially all of the echo spacing time periods between successive refocus RF pulses. By exploiting the phase and the amplitude relationship between the images, the method can include processing the images to generate separate water and fat images, as well as quantitative maps of transverse relaxation time constants.
US07863894B2 Small optics cell for miniature nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope
A beamsplitter is arranged to split an incident laser beam into a pump beam and a detection beam. The pump beam passes through the beam splitter and then reflects from a pair of mirrors to a quarter waveplate into an NMR cell. After passing through the NMR cell, the pump beam reflects from a mirror to a first photodetector. The detection beam reflects from the beam splitter and propagates on a path perpendicular to the path of the pump beam through the NMR cell. After passing through the NMR cell, the detection beam is incident upon a polarizer. The polarized portion of the detection beam then is incident upon a photodetector. Electrical signals output from the first and second photodetectors may then be processed to determine the rotation rate of the NMR cell about a sensing axis.
US07863893B2 Dynamic pMRI using GRAPPA-operator with under-sampled time interleaved frames
Example systems, methods, and apparatus facilitate providing a k-space line that is missing in an under-sampled time frame. The missing line is computed by applying a GRAPPA-operator to a known k-space line in the under-sampled time frame. One example method includes controlling a dynamic parallel magnetic resonance imaging (DpMRI) apparatus to acquire a first under-sampled time interleaved frame having at least one first k-space line and controlling the DpMRI apparatus to acquire a second under-sampled time interleaved frame having at least one second k-space line that neighbors the first k-space line. The method includes assembling a reference data set from the first under-sampled time frame and the second under-sampled time frame and then determining the GRAPPA-operator from neighboring k-space lines in the reference data set.
US07863891B2 Collision detection device which uses variation of an inductance of a coil
A collision detection device is provided with a coil which is arranged at an inner side of an outer panel of a body portion of a vehicle and faces the outer panel to generate a magnetic field in a direction toward the outer panel, and a collision determining unit for determining a collision with the body portion of the vehicle based on a variation of an inductance of the coil. The collision determining unit includes a resonance circuit which is constructed of the coil. When there occurs a collision with the vehicle body portion, a distance between the outer panel and the coil will decrease so that an inductance of the coil can instantly decrease. Therefore, a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit will increase and be detected, thus shortening the response time.
US07863889B1 Component receptacle to segregate components
A component receptacle for coupling to a component tester that tests a component is disclosed. The component receptacle includes a plurality of trays mounted in a housing for receiving components, a tray access control system configured to control access to at least one of the plurality of trays, and circuitry configured to perform operations. In particular, the operations include: processing a component test result for a component to match the component with the at least one tray, and causing the tray access control system to enable access to the at least one tray.
US07863884B1 Sub-volt bandgap voltage reference with buffered CTAT bias
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide voltage references having a temperature independent output voltage that is less then the bandgap of silicon. The temperature coefficient and absolute voltage can be independently adjusted. One example generates two voltages, the first of which is proportional-to-absolute temperature and the second of which is complementary-to-absolute temperature. These voltages are placed across a first resistor. The first resistor is further connected to a second resistor to form a resistor divider. The resistor divider provides a reduced voltage that is below that bandgap of silicon. The temperature coefficient of the reference voltage provided by the resistor divider can be set by adjusting the first resistor. The absolute voltage provided can be set by adjusting the second resistor.
US07863880B1 Adaptive control loop
A controller comprises a duty cycle estimator to determine a nominal duty cycle. An adjustment determiner determines an adjustment value to combine with the nominal duty cycle to generate an adjusted duty cycle. A pulse width adjuster varies a pulse width signal based on the adjusted duty cycle. Transfer of energy between an input and a regulated output is based on the pulse width signal.
US07863878B2 Voltage regulator for write/read assist circuit
A push-pull voltage regulator configured to selectively provide power to used portions of a memory array is presented. The push-pull voltage regulator includes a voltage-up regulator, which provides a reference voltage to an SRAM array, and a voltage-down regulator, which controls removal of excess charge from the SRAM array. The voltage-down regulator consists of a plurality of amplifier stages with a plurality of inputs, a plurality of inverters, a gain amplifier, a biasing transistor, and a NMOS drainage transistor. The gate terminal of the NMOS drainage transistor is coupled to an output of the voltage-down regulator. A first output terminal of the NMOS drainage transistor coupled to an output node of the push-pull voltage regulator and a second output terminal of the NMOS drainage transistor coupled to ground. When activated, the NMOS drainage transistor transfers excess charge from the SRAM array to ground.
US07863876B2 Built-in self-calibration (BISC) technique for regulation circuits used in non-volatile memory
A reference voltage regulation circuit (143) is provided in which one or more input voltage signals (Vref, Vref′) are selectively coupled to a configurable amplifier (114) which is coupled through a sample and hold circuit (120) to a voltage follower circuit (122) which is coupled in feedback to the configurable amplifier (114) for generating an adjusted output voltage at a circuit output (130), where the voltage follow circuit comprises a resistor divider circuit (126) that is controlled by a calibration signal (Cal) generated by a counter circuit (128) selectively coupled to the output of the configurable amplifier when configured as a comparator for generating the calibration signal in response to a clock signal, where the calibration signal represents a voltage error component (Verror, Voffset) that is removed from the circuit output when the calibration signal is applied to the resistor divider circuit during normal operational.
US07863871B2 Apparatus and method for monitoring for a maintain power signature (MPS) of a powered device (PD) in a power source equipment (PSE) controller
Power over Ethernet (PoE) communication systems provide power and data communications over the same communications link, where a power source device (PSE) provides DC power (for example, 48 volts DC) to a powered device (PD). The DC power is transmitted simultaneously over the same communications medium with the high speed data from one node to the other node. The PSE typically includes a controller that controls the DC power provided to the PD at the second node of the communications link. The PSE controller measures the voltage, current, and temperature of the outgoing and incoming DC supply lines to characterize the power requirements of the PD. In addition, the PSE controller may detect and validate a compatible PD, determine a power classification signature for the validated PD, supply power to the PD, monitor the power, and reduce or remove the power from the PD when the power is no longer requested or required. The PSE controller also monitors for a Maintain Power Signature (MPS). The PSE controller removes power from the PD if the MPS condition is absent for longer than its related time limit. The MPS consists of two components: an AC MPS component and a DC MPS component. The PSE controller may optionally monitor the AC MPS component only, the DC MPS component only or both the AC and the DC MPS components.
US07863865B2 Systems and methods for pulse charging a battery
Embodiments of the present invention include techniques for charging a battery. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method comprising determining if a maximum current output of a power source is above a threshold, configuring a regulator coupled to the power source, wherein the regulator is configured in a pass mode if the maximum current output is above the threshold, and wherein the regulator is configured in a regulation mode if the maximum current output is below the threshold, and generating pulses to a battery, wherein an output of the regulator is coupled to the battery when a pulse is being generated, and the output of the regulator is decoupled from the battery when a pulse is not being generated. In other embodiments, the techniques may be embodied in a circuit including a detection circuit and a switching regulator coupled to a battery through a pulse circuit.
US07863863B2 Multi-cell battery pack charge balance circuit
A multi-cell battery pack charge balance circuit is connected to a recharge-discharge circuit to charge battery cells. The charge balance circuit includes a first balance circuit, a second balance circuit and a protection circuit. The first balance circuit is connected to a first node of the recharge-discharge circuit. The first balance circuit includes a plurality of controlling units, each of the controlling units includes a switch element and a resistor element connected with the switch element. The second balance circuit is connected to a second node of the recharge-discharge circuit and the first balance circuit. The second balance circuit has a first and second branch. The first branch includes a switch element. The second branch includes a switch element and a resistor element connected with each other. The protection circuit has a plurality of controlling points. The controlling points connect with the corresponding switch elements of the first and second balance circuits.
US07863861B2 Contact-less power transfer
There is disclosed a system and method for transferring power without requiring direct electrical conductive contacts. There is provided a primary unit having a power supply and a substantially laminar charging surface having at least one conductor that generates an electromagnetic field when a current flows therethrough and having an charging area defined within a perimeter of the surface, the at least one conductor being arranged such that electromagnetic field lines generated by the at least one conductor are substantially parallel to the plane of the surface or at least subtend an angle of 45° or less to the surface within the charging area; and at least one secondary device including at least one conductor that may be wound about a core. Because the electromagnetic field is spread over the charging area and is generally parallel or near-parallel thereto, coupling with flat secondary devices such as mobile telephones and the like is significantly improved in various orientations thereof.
US07863855B2 Electronic equipment and power management method for the electronic equipment, and power source unit
Electronic equipment and power management method for the power equipment and a power source unit are provided. The present invention provides a guideline associated with control content required to use a fuel cell as a power source in various kinds of electronic equipment, and perform appropriate power management according to loads. A notebook personal computer includes a hybrid pack which has a battery serving as a secondary battery, a battery protection IC for controlling this battery, a fuel cell for causing a predetermine fuel and air to electrochemically react with each other so as to cause a power generating unit to generate power, and a fuel cell controller for controlling this fuel cell, and a computer body at least having a CPU for executing various processes and consuming power. In the hybrid pack, the battery protection IC and the fuel cell controller mutually transfer at least remaining battery power information indicative of the amount of power remaining in the battery and fuel cell status information indicative of a status of the fuel cell, to each other via a bus.
US07863853B2 Electric motor control device
An excitation current processor of a current controller processes the excitation current corresponding to the magnetic flux instruction from the magnetic flux instruction processor. It multiplies this excitation current with a boost coefficient to obtain an excitation current instruction. Here, the boost coefficient is determined based on the difference obtained by subtracting the magnetic flux estimation value processed by the magnetic flux processor based on the excitation current feedback from the voltage conversion device from the magnetic flux instruction input from the magnetic flux instruction processor. Further, the boost coefficient can be found from the function of time from the start of the rise of the magnetic flux.
US07863847B2 Power unit
A power unit which makes it possible to reduce power transmitted from a prime mover to a driven part via an electrical path, to thereby increase the efficiency of driving the driven part. A first rotating machine of the power unit inputs and outputs energy between a stator and first and second rotors thereof, via magnetic circuits formed by generation of a rotating magnetic field, and the rotating magnetic field, and the rotors rotate while maintaining a linear relation in which respective differences in rotational speed between the rotating magnetic field and the second rotor, and between the second and first rotors are equal. The rotors are mechanically connected to a prime mover and a transmission, respectively. A second rotating machine of the power unit is mechanically connected to a drive part without via the transmission, and electrically connected to the stator.
US07863845B2 Electric power steering system apparatus
In a power supply apparatus, a power supply circuit includes a primary power supply circuit including a high-voltage battery and a step-down circuit for stepping down the voltage of the high-voltage battery, and a secondary power supply circuit including a low-voltage battery and a step-up circuit for stepping up the voltage of the low-voltage battery. The primary power supply circuit and the secondary power supply circuit are connected in parallel. An output voltage of the secondary power supply circuit is set to be lower than an output voltage of the primary power supply circuit. When the output voltage of the primary power supply circuit becomes lower than a target voltage of the secondary power supply circuit, the voltage stepped-up by the step-up circuit is supplied to a motor drive circuit. Accordingly, power supply backup of an electric power steering apparatus can be performed at low cost.
US07863840B2 Motor driving circuit
A motor driving circuit comprising: a synchronous rectification driving circuit to carry out synchronous rectification, to energize a driving coil connected between a first connection point at which a first source and first sink side transistors are connected in series and a second connection point at which a second source and second sink side transistors are connected in series; a backflow detecting resistor connected to electrodes of the first and second sink side transistors, the electrodes being on an opposite side of the first and second sink side transistors to the first and second connection points; a backflow detecting comparator to output a comparison signal indicating a result of comparison of voltage between a first and second terminals of the backflow detecting resistor; and a backflow prevention circuit to prohibit the synchronous rectification when the comparison signal indicates that the second terminal is higher in voltage than the first terminal.
US07863831B2 AC illumination apparatus with amplitude partitioning
A method includes rectifying AC power and controlling switching of first, second and third currents from and rectified power and a switching sequence that is locked to the AC cycle time by sensing an amplitude of at least one of the AC power and the rectified power. The first, second and third currents are conducted through corresponding first, second and third series of color light emitting devices of different colors. The switching sequence repeats at least twice each AC cycle time.
US07863830B2 Electronic ballast and method for operating an electric lamp
The invention relates to an electronic ballast device for operating an electric lamp (2), comprising a first (21) and a second lamp filament (22), wherein the lamp filaments (21, 22) are electrically connected to a heating circuit (3) during a pre-warming phase for the electric lamp (2) said heating circuit (3) being of such a form that the heating current generated by the heating circuit (3) during an operational phase of the electric lamp (2) amounts to between 20% and 60% of the lamp current of said electric lamp (2). The invention further relates to a method for operation of an electric lamp with an electronic ballast device.
US07863824B2 Light emitting device and production system of the same
To provide a light emitting device without nonuniformity of luminance, a correcting circuit for correcting a video signal supplied to each pixel to a light emitting device. The correcting circuit is stored with data of a dispersion of a characteristic of a driving TFT among pixels and data of a change over time of luminance of a light emitting element. Further, by correcting a video signal inputted to the light emitting device in conformity with a characteristic of the driving TFT of each pixel and a degree of a deterioration of the light emitting element based on the over-described two data, nonuniformity of luminance caused by a deterioration of an electroluminescent layer and nonuniformity of luminance caused by dispersion of a characteristic of the driving TFT are restrained.
US07863823B2 Method of improving uniformity of brightness between pixels in electron emission panel
A method of improving uniformity of brightness between pixels in an electron emission panel includes respectively applying a scan driving voltage and a data driving voltage to a scan electrode and a data electrode of each of a plurality of pixels, wherein one of the scan driving voltage and the data driving voltage is higher than the other; measuring a brightness of each of the pixels; and respectively applying a scan adjustment voltage and a data adjustment voltage to the scan electrode and the data electrode of each of the pixels based on the measured brightness of a respective one of the pixels, wherein a higher one of the scan adjustment voltage and the data adjustment voltage is applied to a same one of the scan electrode and the data electrode to which a lower one of the scan driving voltage and the data driving voltage is applied.
US07863821B1 Drop-in light emitting diode (LED) module, reflector, and flashlight including same
A drop-in light emitting diode (LED) module that can be used to increase the light output of a conventional flashlight includes a heat sink, a high power LED mounted on the heat sink, and an LED driver circuit. The driver circuit is designed to supply the LED with its maximum rated current so that its light output is brighter than the light output of conventional flashlights. The heat sink channels heat generated by the LED when receiving its maximum rated current into the body of the flashlight so the LED does not overheat and fail. The module is designed to be easily inserted into a conventional flashlight to increase its light output and removed when desired. The module can be used to create a modified flashlight by using the module with a conventional reflector that has been modified for use with the module.
US07863819B2 Metal halide lamp with adhesive layer sealing molybdenum/vandium alloy leadthrough
The invention relates to a metal halide lamp comprising a ceramic discharge vessel (10), characterized in that an MoV leadthrough is connected to a PCA element (Al2O3) by means of a specific adhesive layer containing Al and Mo.
US07863807B2 System for displaying images and method for fabricating the same
Systems for displaying images and fabrication method thereof are provided. A representative system incorporates an electroluminescent device including light emitting units emitting lights with different luminescent intensities along light emitting paths thereof, formed overlying a substrate. And a compensation layer is disposed along the light emitting paths to adjust the different luminescent intensities for outputting substantially uniform light.
US07863803B2 Tuning fork resonator element and tuning fork resonator
A tuning fork resonator element that has a base portion, first and second resonating arms extending from the base portion in a first direction, and a support frame sandwiching the first and second resonating arms and being connected to the base portion includes: a first excitation electrode, formed in an area close to a connection portion with the base portion of the support frame, being connected to a mount electrode with a conductive adhesive; a second excitation electrode, formed in at least one of an area sandwiching the first and second resonating arms of the support frame and an area positioned farther than the first and second resonating arms in the first direction, being connected to a mount electrode with the conductive adhesive; and a cut portion of the support frame formed on an external surface of the support frame.
US07863802B2 Quartz crystal element made of double-rotation Y-cut quartz crystal plate
A crystal element has a crystal blank which is cut from a crystal of quartz and has a principal plane orthogonal to a Y″-axis, where the Y- and Z-axes are rotated by an angle of α around the X-axis in the crystal to be designated as the Y′- and Z′-axes, and the X- and Y′-axes are rotated by an angle of β around the Z′-axis to be designated as the X′- and Y″-axes. The crystal blank has mutually orthogonal two null stress-sensitivity axes. In the crystal blank, the thickness of the center part at which two null stress-sensitivity axes intersect is increased, and a ridge line portion defining a quadrangular pyramid like shape from the center part toward the outer peripheral part is formed. The sectional thickness of the crystal blank along the base thereof is larger in the central region and becomes gradually smaller toward both ends.
US07863794B2 Armature winding of rotating electrical machine
There is provided a 3-phase 2-layer armature winding of a rotating electrical machine. The lead-out connection conductor connected to the output terminal is connected to a coil piece positioned at least farther than a first coil piece inside the phase belt counted from the end of the each phase belt, and a coil piece positioned at the end of the phase belt is connected to a coil piece positioned at least farther than the n-th (n is an integer larger than 1) inside the phase belt counted from the other end of the phase belt in the same parallel circuit, by a jumper wire.
US07863789B2 Brushless permanent magnet motor/generator with axial rotor decoupling to eliminate magnet induced torque losses
A permanent magnet motor/generator that includes a stator, a rotor provided with a plurality of permanent magnets at a peripheral surface thereof and having a central axis which coincides with the central axis of the stator, a rotatable shaft upon which the rotor is coupled, and an actuator for moving the rotor with respect to the stator axially along the rotatable shaft a sufficient distance to completely decouple the rotor from the stator so as to eliminate magnet induced torque drag. When the permanent magnet/generator is used in parallel hybrid vehicles, the ability to completely decouple the rotor from the stator greatly improves range and efficiency. In addition, by progressively engaging the rotor with the stator a desired voltage output can be obtained upon deceleration.
US07863787B2 Compact high power alternator
A compact, high power, power conversion apparatus including a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a cylindrical casing, and a predetermined number of permanent magnets disposed on the casing, and is adapted for rotation about the axis of the casing. The stator includes a core and a plurality of sets of conductive windings, each set including a predetermined number of individual conductive windings and associated with an electrical phase. A respective collecting conductor is associated with each set of conductive windings, with each individual conductive winding of the set being electrically connected to the associated collecting conductor. The respective collecting conductors are disposed in a coolant flow path a coolant flow path directing coolant into contact with the stator windings, electrically isolated from each other and spaced apart from each other and from the windings. Collecting conductors in the form of continuous rings and in the form of a plurality of arcs are disclosed.
US07863782B2 Linear motor with differently configured secondary part sections
The aim of the invention is to better adapt the power range of a linear motor to specific applications. For this purpose, the secondary part (2) is subdivided into at least one first (3) and one second section (4) in the direction of travel (15) of the primary part (1). The secondary part (2), in the first section (3), has a different shape than in the second section (4) and/or is produced from a different material. In this manner, different speeds of the primary part (1) can be achieved on the traveled distance independent of the actuation of the primary part. Optionally, cage windings can be inserted in a section of the secondary part so that said secondary part can be used for passive breaking.
US07863777B2 Low power switching circuit
A method and apparatus are provided for operating a wall switch module using leakage current. In one embodiment, the wall switch module may be operable using leakage current. The wall switch control module may be provided to include a microcontroller, wireless receiver and triac. The wall switch control module may be configured to control power applied to a load. In another embodiment, one or more signals received by the wireless receiver may be useable to control power applied to a load coupled to the wall switch control module. According to another embodiment, the wall switch control module may be useable for home automated systems.
US07863773B2 Apparatus for the redundant power supply of at least one load
In order to provide an apparatus for the redundant power supply of at least one load having a first converter, which can be connected to a first AC voltage system via a first connection, a second converter, which can be connected to a second AC voltage system via a second connection, and a DC voltage intermediate circuit, which connects the first converter to the second converter on the DC voltage side, which apparatus makes a redundant power supply possible, the invention proposes that the DC voltage intermediate circuit has at least one load connection for the purpose of supplying power to a load.
US07863767B2 Turbine driven electric power production system and a method for control thereof
A turbine (2) driven electric power production system (1),—said turbine (2) arranged for being driven by a fluid (3) having a fluid speed (v) varying in time,—said turbine (2) connected to a hydrostatic displacement pump (6) further connected to a hydrostatic displacement motor (8) as part of a closed loop hydrostatic transmission system (7),—said motor (8) arranged for driving an electrical generator (9) supplying AC power (10) at a frequency (fg) near a given desired frequency (fdes), characterized by a closed loop system arranged for controlling a volumetric displacement (13) of the hydrostatic motor (8), comprising—a fluid speed meter (11m) arranged for producing a speed signal (11s) representing a speed (v) of said fluid (3), and—a rotational speed meter (12m) arranged for providing a rotational speed signal (12s) representing a rotational speed measurement (ω) of said turbine (2), —a motor displacement control system (15) for continuously receiving said speed signal (11s) and said rotational speed signal (12s) and arranged for calculating a control signal (16), —a volumetric displacement control actuator (17) on said hydrostatic motor, arranged for receiving said control signal (16) for continuously adjusting a volumetric displacement (d) of said hydrostatic motor (8) for maintaining a set turbine tip speed ratio (tsrset) and thereby providing an improved power efficiency of the power production system (1) during fluctuations in said fluid speed (v).
US07863764B2 Powertrain with torque converter-mounted generator for multiple voltage electrical power and method for assembling same
A torque converter-mounted generator is provided that, along with power electronics, offers at least two types of electrical power output and may be attached to a transmission without impacting the axial length of a powertrain in comparison to a powertrain with an identical transmission and a torque converter not having a generator mounted thereto. Different torque-converter mounted generators and power electronics configurations providing different combinations of electrical power voltages may be offered for use with a given transmission type, thus allowing flexibility in meeting customer needs without unduly impacting assembly of the powertrains. A method of assembling transmissions is also provided.
US07863759B2 Package structure and method for chip with two arrays of bonding pads on BGA substrate for preventing gold bonding wires from collapse
A package structure and method for preventing gold bonding wires from collapsing are disclosed. The structure is especially useful for those chips whose two n×1 arrays of bonding pads are on the chip center to be packaged on a BGA substrate. According to the first preferred embodiment, two dies having a redistribution layer formed thereon are introduced outer the bonding pad array on the chip so that the gold bonding wires can be divided into two sections each to connect the bonding pads with the redistribution layer and the redistribution layer with the gold fingers on the BGA substrate. According to the second embodiment, the gold bonding wires are fixed by the epoxy strips on the chips after bonding the bonding pads to the gold fingers but before pouring liquid encapsulated epoxy into a mold.
US07863758B2 Adhesive film composition, associated dicing die bonding film, and die package
An adhesive film composition includes a polyester-based thermoplastic resin, an elastomer resin containing at least one of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, or an epoxy group, an epoxy resin, a phenol curing agent, one or more of a latent catalytic curing agent or a curing catalyst, a silane coupling agent, and a filler.
US07863754B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A technique for manufacturing a low-cost, small volume, and highly integrated semiconductor device is provided. A characteristic of the present invention is that a semiconductor element formed by using a semiconductor thin film is transferred over a semiconductor element formed by using a semiconductor substrate by a transfer technique in order to manufacture a semiconductor device. Compared with the conventional manufacturing method, mass production of semiconductor devices with lower cost and higher throughput can be realized, and production cost per semiconductor device can be reduced.
US07863750B2 Semiconductor device capable of suppressing warping in a wafer state and manufacturing method thereof
In this manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, after a sealing film is applied over an entire surface of a semiconductor wafer and hardened, a second groove for forming a side-section protective film is formed in the sealing film and on the top surface side of the semiconductor wafer. In other words, the sealing film is formed in a state where a groove that causes strength reduction has not been formed on the top surface side of the semiconductor wafer. Since the second groove is formed on the top surface side of the semiconductor wafer after the sealing film is formed, the semiconductor wafer is less likely to warp when the sealing film, made of liquid resin, is hardened.
US07863744B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes an insulating interlayer formed above a silicon substrate and provided with a concave portion in a certain location, a barrier metal film covering an inner wall of the insulating interlayer, a lower layer copper interconnect provided so as to be in contact with the barrier metal film and buried in the interior of the concave portion, and a protective film provided so as to be in contact with the lower layer copper interconnect and also provided on substantially the entire top surface of the lower layer copper interconnect. An upper surface of the lower layer copper interconnect is provided so as to be retracted to be closer to the substrate than an upper surface of barrier metal film on the side wall of the concave portion. The protective film contains Co or Ni as constituent element, and Co concentration or Ni concentration in the protective film in vicinity of the side wall of the barrier metal film is higher than Co concentration or Ni concentration in the barrier metal film in the central region of the concave portion.
US07863743B1 Capactive connectors with enhanced capacitive coupling
A single-chip module (SCM) and a multi-chip module (MCM) that includes at least two instances of the SCM are described. The SCM includes a pad disposed on a substrate. This pad has a top surface that includes a pattern of features. A given feature in the pattern of features has a height that extends above a minimum thickness of the pad, thereby increasing a capacitance associated with the pad relative to a configuration in which the top surface is planar. Furthermore, pads disposed on the two instances of the SCM in the MCM may each have a corresponding pattern of features that increases the capacitive coupling between the pads relative to a configuration in which the top surfaces of either or both of the pads are planar. Note that the pads may be aligned such that features in the patterns of features on these pads are interdigited with each other.
US07863742B2 Back end integrated WLCSP structure without aluminum pads
An integrated circuit structure includes a passivation layer; a via opening in the passivation layer; a copper-containing via in the via opening; a polymer layer over the passivation layer, wherein the polymer layer comprises an aperture, and wherein the copper-containing via is exposed through the aperture; a post-passivation interconnect (PPI) line over the polymer layer, wherein the PPI line extends into the aperture and physically contacts the copper-via opening; and an under-bump metallurgy (UBM) over and electrically connected to the PPI line.
US07863740B2 Semiconductor device having conductive bumps, metallic layers, covering layers and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor device having conductive bumps and a fabrication method thereof is proposed. The fabrication method includes the steps of forming a first metallic layer on a substrate having solder pads and a passivation layer formed thereon, and electrically connecting it to the solder pads; applying a second covering layer over exposed parts of the first metallic layer; subsequently, forming a second metallic layer on the second covering layer, and electrically connecting it to the exposed parts of the first metallic layer; applying a third covering layer, and forming openings for exposing parts of the second metallic layer to form thereon a conductive bump having a metallic standoff and a solder material. The covering layers and the metallic layers can provide a buffering effect for effectively absorbing the thermal stress imposed on the conductive bumps to prevent delamination caused by the UBM layers.
US07863739B2 Low fabrication cost, fine pitch and high reliability solder bump
A barrier layer is deposited over a layer of passivation including in an opening to a contact pad created in the layer of passivation. A column of three layers of metal is formed overlying the barrier layer and aligned with the contact pad and having a diameter that is about equal to the surface of the contact pad. The three metal layers of the column comprise, in succession when proceeding from the layer that is in contact with the barrier layer, a layer of pillar metal, a layer of under bump metal and a layer of solder metal. The layer of pillar metal is reduced in diameter, the barrier layer is selectively removed from the surface of the layer of passivation after which reflowing of the solder metal completes the solder bump of the invention.
US07863737B2 Integrated circuit package system with wire bond pattern
An integrated circuit package system including providing a plurality of substantially identical package leads formed in a single row, and attaching bond wires having an offset on adjacent locations of the package leads.
US07863734B2 Dual-sided chip attached modules
An electronic device and method of packaging an electronic device. The device including: a first substrate, a second substrate and an integrated circuit chip having a first side and an opposite second side, a first set of chip pads on the first side and a second set of chip pads on the second side of the integrated circuit chip, chip pads of the first set of chip pads physically and electrically connected to corresponding substrate pads on the first substrate and chip pads of the second set of chip pads physically and electrically connected to substrate pads of the substrate.
US07863732B2 Ball grid array package system
A ball grid array package system comprising: forming a package base including: fabricating a heat spreader having an access port, attaching an integrated circuit die to the heat spreader, mounting a substrate around the integrated circuit die, and coupling an electrical interconnect between the integrated circuit die and the substrate; and coupling a second integrated circuit package to the substrate through the access port.
US07863720B2 Method and system for stacking integrated circuits
A method and system for stacking integrated circuits is described. An integrated circuit stack is formed by stacking integrated circuit pairs. The integrated circuit pairs are formed by connecting an active surface of a first integrated circuit to an active surface of a second integrated circuit using flip chip bonding. The first integrated circuit pair is connected to a substrate using an adhesive. The other integrated circuit pairs are stacked sequentially on the first integrated circuit pair using an adhesive. Wire bonding is used to connect the second integrated circuit in each of the integrated circuit pairs to the substrate.
US07863717B2 Package structure of integrated circuit device and manufacturing method thereof
A package structure of an integrated circuit device comprises a copper foil substrate, an integrated circuit device, a plurality of metal wires and an encapsulation material. The copper foil substrate comprises an IC bonding area, a plurality of conductive areas and an insulating dielectric material. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the surface of the IC bonding area, and is electrically connected to the plurality of conductive areas through the metal wires. The insulating dielectric material is between the IC bonding area and the conductive areas, and is also between two adjacent conductive areas. In addition, the encapsulation material covers the IC bonding area, the conductive areas and the integrated circuit device.
US07863716B2 Method and apparatus of power ring positioning to minimize crosstalk
A method and/or an apparatus of power ring positioning to minimize crosstalk are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating an array of fingers between a power ring and a die, applying a signal wire between a bond pad of the die and a particular finger of the array of fingers, and applying a shielding wire between an adjacent bond pad and the power ring, such that the shielding wire is longer than the signal wire and does not couple to any of the array of fingers. The shielding wire may be placed between adjacent ones of the signal wire to minimize crosstalk between the adjacent ones of the signal wire.
US07863714B2 Monolithic MEMS and integrated circuit device having a barrier and method of fabricating the same
An integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor die, the semiconductor die including a semiconductor substrate, driving/control circuitry disposed along a peripheral region of the semiconductor die, a MEMS device disposed within a central region of the semiconductor die, and a barrier disposed between the driving/control circuitry and the MEMS device.
US07863709B1 Low base resistance bipolar junction transistor array
Methods and apparatuses directed to low base resistance bipolar junction transistor (BJT) devices are described herein. A low base resistance BJT device may include a collector layer, a base layer formed on the collector layer, a plurality of isolation trench lines formed in the base layer and extending into the collector layer, and a plurality of polysilicon lines formed on the base layer parallel to and overlapping the plurality of isolation trench lines. The base layer may be N-doped or P-doped.
US07863707B2 DC-DC converter
A semiconductor device includes, in one semiconductor substrate: a plurality of switching elements connected between a terminal of an input voltage and an inductor; a driver circuit connected to a gate electrode of the switching element and driving the switching element; a reference voltage line connected to a source electrode of the switching element; a power supply line of the driver circuit; and a capacitor connected between the power supply line and the reference voltage line.
US07863700B2 Magnetoresistive sensor with tunnel barrier and method
Magnetoresistive sensors with tunnel barrier and method. One embodiment provides a magnetoresistive sensor having a magnetic tunnel junction is provided. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes carbon, pyrolytic carbon, or graphene, or graphite.
US07863697B2 Method and apparatus for MEMS oscillator
A resonator includes a CMOS substrate having a first electrode and a second electrode. The CMOS substrate is configured to provide one or more control signals to the first electrode. The resonator also includes a resonator structure including a silicon material layer. The resonator structure is coupled to the CMOS substrate and configured to resonate in response to the one or more control signals.
US07863687B2 Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes an internal circuit, a CMOS composed of a P-channel MOS transistor with a source connected to a high-potential power supply line and a gate connected to the internal circuit, and an N-channel MOS transistor with a source connected to a low-potential power supply line and a gate connected to the internal circuit, an output terminal connected to a drain of the P-channel MOS transistor and a drain of the N-channel MOS transistor and a protection transistor with a source and a gate connected to one power supply line of the high-potential power supply line and the low-potential power supply line and a drain connected to the output terminal, a conductivity type of the protection transistor being the same as a conductivity type of one MOS transistor of the P-channel MOS transistor and the N-channel MOS transistor, the source of the one MOS transistor being connected to the one power supply line. Resistance of a current path extending from the output terminal through the one MOS transistor to the one power supply line has a value such that, when a voltage at which the protection transistor causes snapback is applied between the output terminal and the one power supply line, a current flowing through the current path is lower than a breakdown current of the one MOS transistor.
US07863686B2 Nonvolatile memory devices having a fin shaped active region
A nonvolatile memory device includes a semiconductor substrate and a device isolation layer on the semiconductor substrate. A fin-shaped active region is formed between portions of the device isolation layer. A sidewall protection layer is formed on the sidewall of the fin-shaped active region where source and drain regions are formed. Thus, it may be possible to reduce the likelihood of an undesirable connection between an interconnection layer connected to the source and drain regions and a lower sidewall of the active region so that charge leakage from the interconnection layer to a substrate can be prevented or reduced. The sidewall protection layer may be formed using the device isolation layer. Alternatively, an insulating layer having an etch selectivity with respect to an interlayer insulating layer may be formed on the device isolation layer so as to cover the sidewall of the active region.
US07863682B2 SIC semiconductor having junction barrier Schottky diode
A semiconductor device having a junction barrier Schottky diode includes: a SiC substrate; a drift layer on the substrate; an insulation film on the drift layer having an opening in a cell region; a Schottky barrier diode having a Schottky electrode contacting the drift layer through the opening of the insulation film and an ohmic electrode on the substrate; a terminal structure having a RESURF layer surrounding the cell region; and multiple second conductive type layers on an inner side of the RESURF layer. The second conductive type layers and the drift layer provide a PN diode. The Schottky electrode includes a first Schottky electrode contacting the second conductive type layers with ohmic contact and a second Schottky electrode contacting the drift layer with Schottky contact.
US07863678B2 Insulated-gate field-effect transistor
An IGFET that can be turned off when a reverse voltage is applied. Included is a semiconductor substrate having formed therein an n-type drain region, p-type first body region, p−-type second body region, n-type first source region, and n+-type second source region. Trenches etched in the substrate receive gate electrodes via gate insulators. The source electrode is in ohmic contact with both first and second source regions and in schottky barrier contact with the second body region.
US07863677B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of active regions which are defined in a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of gate lines which are formed as zigzag lines, extend across the active regions, are symmetrically arranged, and define a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions therebetween, and wherein the first regions being narrower than the second regions. The semiconductor device further includes an insulation layer which defines a plurality of contact regions by filling empty spaces in the first regions between the gate lines and, extending from the first regions, and surrounding sidewalls of portions of the gate lines in the second regions, and wherein the contact regions partially exposing the active regions and a plurality of contacts which respectively fill the contact regions.
US07863676B2 Semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a device isolation layer in a semiconductor substrate, an active region defined by the device isolation layer, the active region including a main surface and a recess region including a bottom surface that is lower than the main surface, and a gate electrode formed over the recess region, wherein a top surface of the device isolation layer adjacent to the recess region is lower than the bottom surface of the recess region.
US07863674B2 Multiple-gate transistors formed on bulk substrates
In one aspect, the present invention teaches a multiple-gate transistor 130 that includes a semiconductor fin 134 formed in a portion of a bulk semiconductor substrate 132. A gate dielectric 144 overlies a portion of the semiconductor fin 134 and a gate electrode 146 overlies the gate dielectric 144. A source region 138 and a drain region 140 are formed in the semiconductor fin 134 oppositely adjacent the gate electrode 144. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface 150 of the gate electrode 146 is lower than either the source-substrate junction 154 or the drain-substrate junction 152.
US07863673B2 Non-volatile memory device and method of operating the same
A non-volatile memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second control gates, and first and second charge storage patterns. The semiconductor substrate includes a protruding active pin having a source region, a drain region and a channel region located between the source and drain regions. The first control gate is located on a first sidewall of the channel region, and the second control gate is located on a second sidewall of the channel region. The second second control gate is separated from the first control gate. The first charge storage pattern is located between the first sidewall and the first control gate, and the second charge storage pattern is located between the second sidewall and the second control gate.
US07863667B2 Zirconium titanium oxide films
Dielectric layers having an atomic layer deposited oxide containing titanium and zirconium and a method of fabricating such a dielectric layer produce a reliable dielectric layer having an equivalent oxide thickness thinner than attainable using SiO2. Pulsing a titanium-containing precursor onto a substrate, and pulsing a zirconium-containing precursor to form an oxide containing Zr and Ti by atomic layer deposition provides a dielectric layer with a relatively high dielectric constant as compared with silicon oxide. A zirconium-containing precursor to form the oxide containing Zr and Ti can include zirconium tertiary-butoxide.
US07863663B2 Hybrid electrical contact
Techniques for manufacturing an electronic device. In certain embodiments, a substrate includes a lower patterned layer that has a target conductor. A hybrid-vertical contact may be disposed directly on the target conductor. The hybrid vertical contact may include a lower-vertical contact directly on the target conductor and an upper-vertical contact directly on the lower-vertical contact. The upper-vertical contact may have an upper width that is greater than a lower width of the lower-vertical contact.
US07863662B2 Capacitor to be incorporated in wiring substrate, method for manufacturing the capacitor, and wiring substrate
A wiring substrate in which a capacitor is provided, the capacitor comprising a capacitor body including a plurality of dielectric layers and internal electrode layers provided between the different dielectric layers, wherein said capacitor body has, in at least one side face of said capacitor body, recesses extending in a thickness direction of said capacitor body from at least one of a first principal face of said capacitor body and a second principal face positioned on the side opposite to the first principal face.
US07863660B2 Photodiode and display device
Disclosed is a photodiode having a silicon film (5) formed of a continuous grain silicon, where the silicon film (5) has a p-type semiconductor region (2), an intrinsic semiconductor region (3) and an n-type semiconductor region (4), which are arranged in this order along the surface of the silicon film (5). The intrinsic semiconductor region (3) is formed to be in contact with the p-type semiconductor region (2) and the n-type semiconductor region (4). The distance L from the boundary between the intrinsic semiconductor region (3) and the p-type semiconductor region (2) to the boundary between the intrinsic semiconductor region (3) and the n-type semiconductor region (4) is set to not less than 2.5 μm and not more than 10 μm. The distance L is preferably set to not less than 3 μm and not more than 7 μm.
US07863657B2 Efficient transistor structure
An integrated circuit comprises a first drain region having a symmetric shape across at least one of horizontal and vertical centerlines. A first gate region has a first shape that surrounds the first drain region. A second drain region has the symmetric shape. A second gate region has the first shape that surrounds the second drain region. A connecting gate region connects the first and second gate regions. A first source region is arranged adjacent to and on one side of the first gate region, the second gate region and the connecting gate region. A second source region is arranged adjacent to and on one side of side of the first gate region, the second gate region and the connecting gate region.
US07863651B2 Using multiple coulomb islands to reduce voltage stress
A substrate is levitated a first distance over a mother substrate when a first group of Coulomb islands are charged. A second group of Coulomb islands are charged and increase a separation to a second distance. When the magnitude of the potential of all Coulomb islands is decreased, the separation decreases from the second distance to the first distance. All potentials associated with the Coulomb islands have decreased yet the distance of separation equals to the first distance. Increasing the number of Coulomb islands in a substrate can reduce the magnitude of potentials applied to the Coulomb islands thereby reducing the concern of voltage stress.
US07863650B2 Multilayer structure and fabrication thereof
A process for fabricating a multilayer structure is provided as well as the structure itself. In accordance with one embodiment, the process includes growing a growth layer on a silicon substrate by epitaxial growth, forming at least one pattern from the growth layer, depositing an oxide layer on the silicon substrate, transferring a silicon active layer onto the oxide layer, forming a cavity in the silicon active layer oxide layer above the pattern, and growing a III-V material in the cavity.
US07863647B1 SiC avalanche photodiode with improved edge termination
An avalanche photodiode semiconductor device (20) for converting an impinging photon (22) includes a base n+ doped material layer (52) formed having a window section (72) for passing the photon (22). An n− doped material layer (30) is formed on the n+ doped material layer (52) having a portion of a lower surface (74) suitably exposed. An n+ doped material layer (32) is formed on the n− doped material (30). A p+ layer (24) formed on top of the n+ doped layer (32). At least one guard ring (26) is formed in the n− doped layer (30).
US07863645B2 High breakdown voltage double-gate semiconductor device
A double-gate semiconductor device provides a high breakdown voltage allowing for a large excursion of the output voltage that is useful for power applications. The double-gate semiconductor device may be considered a double-gate device including a MOS gate and a junction gate, in which the bias of the junction gate may be a function of the gate voltage of the MOS gate. The breakdown voltage of the double-gate semiconductor device is the sum of the breakdown voltages of the MOS gate and the junction gate. Because an individual junction gate has an intrinsically high breakdown voltage, the breakdown voltage of the double-gate semiconductor device is greater than the breakdown voltage of an individual MOS gate. The double-gate semiconductor device provides improved RF capability in addition to operability at higher power levels as compared to conventional transistor devices. The double-gate semiconductor device may also be fabricated in a higher spatial density configuration such that a common implantation between the MOS gate and the junction gate is eliminated.
US07863644B1 Bipolar transistor and method of forming the bipolar transistor with a backside contact
NPN and PNP bipolar junction transistors are formed on a wafer in a fabrication process that eliminates the heavily-doped buried layers and the lightly-doped epitaxial layer by forming back side collector contacts that are electrically connected to an interconnect structure on the top side of the wafer with through-the-wafer contacts.
US07863632B2 High performance light-emitting devices
An organic light emitting device consists of a layered structure including a top multilayer stack, a bottom multilayer stack, a cavity layer between the top multilayer stack and the bottom multilayer stack, and an organic light emitting region within the cavity layer. The layered structure is constructed such that the product of phase factors ξ1 and ξ2 is. greater than 80% at the center of at least one emitting wavelength region and for a normal viewing angle, wherein where Ra− and Rb+ are the reflectance of the top and bottom multilayer stacks respectively, φa− and φb+ are the phase changes on reflection for the top and bottom multilayer stacks respectively, α1 β1 are respectively the real and imaginary parts of the phase thickness of the cavity layer, α2 and β2 are respectively the real and imaginary parts of the phase thickness of the light-emitting region at the operating wavelength of the device, x is the mean distance of light emitting region from the bottom multilayer stack, n and k are the refractive index and absorption coefficient of the cavity layer, θcavity is the emitting angle inside the cavity layer, and d is the physical thickness of said cavity layer. This condition improves the light output efficiency of the device.
US07863626B2 Surface mountable chip
A surface mountable device having a circuit device and a base section. The circuit device includes top and bottom layers having a top contact and a bottom contact, respectively. The base section includes a substrate having a top base surface and a bottom base surface. The top base surface includes a top electrode bonded to the bottom contact, and the bottom base surface includes first and second bottom electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another. The top electrode is connected to the first bottom electrode, and the second bottom electrode is connected to the top contact by a vertical conductor. An insulating layer is bonded to a surface of the circuit device and covers a portion of a vertical surface of the bottom layer. The vertical conductor includes a layer of metal bonded to the insulating layer.
US07863623B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate 11 including a group III-V nitride semiconductor; a first-conductivity-type layer 12 formed on the substrate 11, the first-conductivity-type layer including a plurality of group III-V nitride semiconductor layers of first conductivity type; an active layer 13 formed on the first semiconductor layer 12; and a second-conductivity-type layer 14 formed on the active layer 13, the second-conductivity-type layer including a group III-V nitride semiconductor layer of second conductivity type. The first-conductivity-type layer 12 includes an intermediate layer 23 made of Ga1-xInxN (0
US07863621B2 Thin film transistor
A thin film transistor includes a semiconductor layer formed on a polycrystalline silicon layer crystallized by a super grain silicon (SGS) crystallization method. The thin film transistor is patterned such that the semiconductor layer does not include a seed or a grain boundary created when forming the semiconductor layer on the polycrystalline silicon layer.
US07863619B2 Semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor of the present invention has an active layer including at least source, drain and channel regions formed on an insulating surface. A high resistivity region is formed between the channel region and each of the source and drain regions. A film capable of trapping positive charges therein is provided on at least the high resistivity region so that N-type conductivity is induced in the high resistivity region. Accordingly, the reliability of N-channel type TFT against hot electrons can be improved.
US07863618B2 Display device
The present invention provides an active matrix type display device having a high aperture ratio and a required auxiliary capacitor. A source line and a gate line are overlapped with part of a pixel electrode. This overlapped region functions to be a black matrix. Further, an electrode pattern made of the same material as the pixel electrode is disposed to form the auxiliary capacitor by utilizing the pixel electrode. It allows a required value of auxiliary capacitor to be obtained without dropping the aperture ratio. Also, it allows the electrode pattern to function as a electrically shielding film for suppressing the cross-talk between the source and gate lines and the pixel electrode.
US07863615B2 Display unit and method of manufacturing the same
A display unit includes, on an insulating substrate, a plurality of wirings formed to extend in different directions, a thin-film transistor, and a display element. At least one of the plurality of wirings is a divided wiring having a crossing portion formed at an intersection with the other of the plurality of wirings, and a main portion which is formed in a layer same as the other of the plurality of wirings with an insulating film in between and which is electrically connected to the crossing portion via an conductive connection provided in the insulating film. At least one of the main portion and the crossing portion includes a first layer and a second layer stacked in order from the insulating substrate side, the second layer being in direct contact with the first layer and made of a material of a higher melting point than the first layer.
US07863613B2 Thin film transistor array of horizontal electronic field applying type and method for fabricating the same
A thin film transistor array of a horizontal electronic field applying type enhances brightness. The thin film transistor array includes a gate line and common line separated from the gate line; a data line crossing with the gate line to define pixel region and insulated from the gate line by a gate insulating film; a TFT connected to the gate line and the data line in the pixel region; a pixel electrode on a passivation film overlapping with the common line in the pixel region and connected to the TFT; and a common electrode on the passivation film opposed to the pixel electrode in the pixel region and connected to the common line, wherein the width of the pixel electrode at the overlapping portion between the common line and the pixel electrode is narrower than the width of the common line, and the edge of one side of the pixel electrode adjacent to the common electrode is formed on the inside of the edge of one side of the common line adjacent to the common electrode.
US07863612B2 Display device and semiconductor device
An object is to provide a display device with a high aperture ratio or a semiconductor device in which the area of an element is large. A channel formation region of a TFT with a multi-gate structure is provided under a wiring that is provided between adjacent pixel electrodes (or electrodes of an element). In addition, a channel width direction of each of a plurality of channel formation regions is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode. In addition, when a channel width is longer than a channel length, the area of the channel formation region can be increased.
US07863609B2 Compound semiconductor substrate, semiconductor device, and processes for producing them
A compound semiconductor substrate 10 according to the present invention is comprised of a Group III nitride and has a surface layer 12 containing a chloride of not less than 200×1010 atoms/cm2 and not more than 12000×1010 atoms/cm2 in terms of Cl and an oxide of not less than 3.0 at % and not more than 15.0 at % in terms of O, at a surface. The inventors conducted elaborate research and newly discovered that when the surface layer 12 at the surface of the compound semiconductor substrate 10 contained the chloride of not less than 200×1010 atoms/cm2 and not more than 12000×1010 atoms/cm2 in terms of Cl and the oxide of not less than 3.0 at % and not more than 15.0 at % in terms of O, Si was reduced at an interface between the compound semiconductor substrate 10 and an epitaxial layer 14 formed thereon and, as a result, the electric resistance at the interface was reduced.
US07863607B2 Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
The disclosed thin film transistor array panel includes an insulating substrate, a channel layer including an oxide formed on the insulating substrate. A gate insulating is layer formed on the channel layer and a gate electrode is formed on the gate insulating layer. An interlayer insulating layer is formed on the gate electrode and a data line formed on the interlayer insulating layer and includes a source electrode, wherein the data line is made of a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. A drain electrode formed on the interlayer insulating layer, and includes the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. A pixel electrode extends from the first conductive layer of the drain electrode and a passivation layer formed on the data line and the drain electrode. A spacer formed on the passivation layer.
US07863606B2 Semiconductor-on-diamond devices and methods of forming
The present invention provides semiconductor-on-diamond devices, and methods for the formation thereof. In one aspect, a mold is provided which has an interface surface configured to inversely match a configuration intended for the device surface of a diamond layer. An adynamic diamond layer is then deposited upon the diamond interface surface of the mold, and a substrate is joined to the growth surface of the adynamic diamond layer. At least a portion of the mold can then be removed to expose the device surface of the diamond which has received a shape which inversely corresponds to the configuration of the mold's diamond interface surface. The mold can be formed of a suitable semiconductor material which is thinned to produce a final device. Optionally, a semiconductor material can be coupled to the diamond layer subsequent to removal of the mold.
US07863599B2 Light emitting diode
A light emitting diode (LED) has an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and a transparent electrode layer. The LED includes a tunnel layer interposed between the p-type semiconductor layer and the transparent electrode layer, an opening arranged in the transparent electrode layer so that the tunnel layer is exposed, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) arranged in the opening, and an electrode pad arranged on the transparent electrode layer to cover the DBR in the opening.
US07863596B2 Ring heater for a phase change memory device
A ring shaped heater surrounds a chalcogenide region along the length of a cylindrical solid phase portion thereof defining a change phase memory element. The chalcogenide region is formed in a sub-lithographic pore, so that a relatively compact structure is achieved. Furthermore, the ring contact between the heater and the cylindrical solid phase portion results in a more gradual transition of resistance versus programming current, enabling multilevel memories to be formed.
US07863592B1 Optical night vision device with standard light intensifier
The disclosure relates to a compact optical device, intended for use in a night vision telescope, that includes an objective, a standard light intensifier that rotates the image through 180° between its entry and its exit, an eyepiece, and four optical deflections, one in the objective and three in the eyepiece. The eyepiece, producing a single intermediate image between its entry and its exit, includes a combiner whose deflection angle α depends on its optical index n and the half-field θ of the device. The field width of the device is at least 40°. The invention is applicable notably to night vision binoculars for aircraft or helicopter pilots.
US07863591B2 Radiation system and lithographic apparatus comprising the same
An optical sensor apparatus for use in an extreme ultraviolet lithographic system is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical sensor comprising a sensor surface and a removal mechanism configured to remove debris from the sensor surface. Accordingly, dose and/or contamination measurements may be carried out conveniently for the lithographic system.
US07863587B2 Symmetrical shaper for an ion beam deposition and etching apparatus
A shaper for shaping an ion beam and that can be used for both deposition and etching is described. The shaper includes a plate that is placed between an ion beam grid and an ion beam source. The plate covers holes in the grid, and is shaped and dimensioned such that the plate does not partially cover any holes in the grid that are directly adjacent to the plate. A hole is configured to mount the shaper at a center of the grid and at least one other hole is configured to secure the shaper to the grid to prevent the shaper from rotating relative to the grid. A center mount portion covers holes in the grid. The plate has two axes of reflection symmetry. The uniformity of both deposition and etching is improved.
US07863586B2 Writing data creation method and charged particle beam writing apparatus
A method of creating writing data for writing a pattern on a target workpiece by using a writing apparatus provided with a plurality of columns that emit charged particle beams includes inputting information on distance between optical centers of the plurality of columns, inputting layout data and virtually dividing a writing region indicated by the layout data into a plurality of small regions, by a width of one integer-th of the distance indicated by the information on distance, converting, for each small region, the layout data to a format adaptable to the writing apparatus to create, for the each small region, the writing data whose writing region is divided into the small regions, and outputting the writing data.
US07863580B2 Electron beam apparatus and an aberration correction optical apparatus
An electron beam apparatus for providing an evaluation of a sample, such as a semiconductor wafer, that includes a micro-pattern with a minimum line width not greater than 0.1 μm with high throughput. A primary electron beam generated by an electron gun is irradiated onto a sample and secondary electrons emanating from the sample are formed into an image on a detector by an image projection optical system. An electron gun 61 has a cathode 1 and a drawing electrode 3, and an electron emission surface 1a of the cathode defines a concave surface. The drawing electrode 3 has a convex surface 3a composed of a partial outer surface of a second sphere facing the electron emission surface 1a of the cathode and an aperture 73 formed through the convex surface for passage of the electrons. An aberration correction optical apparatus comprises two identically sized multi-polar Wien filters arranged such that their centers are in alignment with a ¼ plane position and a ¾ plane position, respectively, along an object plane-image plane segment in the aberration correction optical apparatus, and optical elements having bidirectional focus disposed in an object plane position, an intermediate image-formation plane position and an image plane position, respectively, in the aberration correction optical apparatus.
US07863575B2 Radiographic imaging method and radiographic imaging system
A radiographic imaging method and system use a radiation solid state detector or a flat panel detector (FPD). The method and system enable radiographic imaging to be continued for a while after occurrence of pixel defects that may lower image quality and minimizing adverse effects of the pixel defects. The pixel defects are analyzed in the respective local regions on the detector. A pixel defect correction is not made on local regions where the pixel defect exceeds a given tolerance but these regions are marked on the radiographic image for recognition.
US07863573B2 Positron emission tomography imaging system, detector, data processing apparatus, computer readable program product having positron emission tomography imaging program for user terminal, and method for positron emission tomography diagnosis
A positron emission tomography imaging system includes a detector configured to detect radiation emitted from an object to be examined, a data processing apparatus configured to reconstruct image data for positron emission tomography diagnosis from detection data obtained from the detector, and a user terminal configured to obtain desired information by operating the detector and the data processing apparatus. The detector includes a detection part having a plurality of detection elements configured to detect the radiation emitted from the object to be examined for every designated timing, and an event information file generation part configured to generate an event information file based on the detection data obtained from the detector.
US07863571B2 Muon detector
An economical position-sensing muon detector for muon radiography is constructed using a pair of glass plates spaced apart by crossed parallel barriers. Smaller detector wires are interspersed between the barriers and an ionizing gas is used to fill the space between the plates. A muon striking near where detector wires cross causes a local momentary current flow. The current flow in two of the detector wires is sensed to determine the coordinates of the muon impact. Such muon detectors can be assembled in modular surface arrays and such arrays can be positioned on spatial surfaces for differential inspection and detection of muons transiting through and emanating from objects placed within the inspection space. Such a detector constitutes a novel and useful invention in providing an inspection device and means for cargo or cargo vehicles that detects muons transiting through and emanating from hazardous materials intended to cause malicious harm.
US07863569B2 Apparatus for analyzing cells in real-time
The present invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing cells in real-time which incorporates a wavelength-tunable light source/infrared ray (IR) sensor and can be used to observe and analyze the IR-related characteristics of adherent cells or non-adherent cells. The Apparatus for analyzing cells in real-time in accordance with the present invention can be used to quantify specific materials in a cell and measure the metabolism of a cell. In addition, the apparatus for analyzing cells in real-time in accordance with the present invention can be configured to have a visible light microscope coupled thereto, and in this configuration, it can be used to locate a cell of interest.
US07863568B2 Photosensitive sensor in the automotive field
A sensor that is photosensitive vis-à-vis at least part of the radiation in the visible range and/or in the near infrared range installed on a vehicle, the sensor being associated with an objective having a first zone that is focused to infinity and a second zone focused in near field.
US07863567B1 Multimodal radiation imager
According to one embodiment, generating image data includes receiving coded aperture imaging sensor data collected according to coded aperture imaging and receiving Compton imaging sensor data collected according to Compton imaging. The coded aperture imaging sensor data and the Compton imaging sensor data are generated by a sensor system sensing radiation from a radiation source. A coded aperture imaging pixel value and a Compton imaging pixel value are determined for each pixel of an image. A combining function comprising addition is applied to the coded aperture imaging pixel value and the Compton imaging pixel value to yield a combined pixel value for each pixel. Combined image data is generated from the combined pixel values. The combined image data is configured to yield a combined image of the radiation source.
US07863565B2 Electron beam inspection method and electron beam inspection apparatus
An electron beam inspection apparatus images reflected electrons and cancels negative charging derived from electron-beam irradiation. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated and an irradiated area of ultraviolet rays is displayed as a photoelectron image. The photoelectron image and a reflected-electron image are displayed on a monitor while being superposed on each other, to easily grasp the positional relationship between the images and the difference in size between them. Specifically, the shape of the irradiated area of an electron beam includes the shape of the irradiated area of ultraviolet rays on a display screen. The intensity of the ultraviolet rays in the irradiated area of the electron beam is adjusted while the reflected-electron imaging conditions for the reflected-electron image are sustained. Moreover, an amount-of-ultraviolet ray adjustment mechanism is controlled on the monitor so that an amount of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted while observing a reflected-electron image obtained during ultraviolet irradiation.
US07863561B2 Mass-spectrometer interface housing
An apparatus for performing chemical analyses includes a mass spectrometry module and an interface module that processes sample materials for delivery to the mass spectrometry module. The interface module includes a vessel having an opening to access a vessel chamber, a door to block the opening, a sealing member disposed between the door and the vessel, and an interlock. The interlock is actuated by the sealing member if the door is in the closed position and the sealing member is properly disposed between the door and the vessel to seal the vessel. The sealing member alternatively includes an indicator portion that is visible to an operator if the door is in the closed position and the sealing member is properly disposed.
US07863555B2 Illumination apparatus and projection display apparatus
An illumination apparatus includes; a first solid-state light source, a second solid-state light source, a first arrangement member provided with a first arrangement surface, a second arrangement member provided with a second arrangement surface, an optical unit configured to reduce a dispersion angle of a light beam. The first solid-state light source emits a light beam having a first directivity. The second solid-state light source emits a light beam having a second directivity greater than the first directivity. A distance from the second arrangement surface to the second light-entering surface is longer than a distance from the first arrangement surface to the first light-entering surface.
US07863554B2 Far ultraviolet with high luminance emitting high-purity hexagonal boron nitride monocrystalline powder and method of manufacturing the same
While high-purity hexagonal boron nitride monocrystal (hBN) obtained by way of a high temperature/high-pressure treatment in the presence of a high-purity solvent has excellent properties in terms of far-UV luminescence characteristics, it has drawbacks including that it can be easily adversely affected by mechanical vibrations and impetus, that monocrystal shows a poor morphological retentiveness and that the luminescence characteristics fluctuate to shift the selected and set wavelength. The present invention can overcome the drawbacks of being easily affected by vibrations and showing a poor morphological retentiveness by grinding down the monocrystal obtained by a solvent/refining process into powder and applying the powder to a light emitting surface. Thus, the present invention provides crystal powder to be used for a far-UV luminescence device showing excellent luminescence characteristics that are stable and do not fluctuate.
US07863552B2 Digital images and related methodologies
An imaging system, methodology, and various applications are provided to facilitate optical imaging performance. The system contains a sensor having one or more receptors and an image transfer medium to scale the sensor and receptors in accordance with resolvable characteristics of the medium, and as defined with certain ratios. Also provided are digital images that contain a plurality of image pixels, each image pixel containing information from about one sensor pixel, each sensor pixel containing substantially all information from about one associated diffraction limited spot in an object plane. Methods of making digital images are provided.
US07863551B2 System, method and medium tracking motion of subject using laser
A system, method and medium tracks a motion of a subject using a laser by synchronizing an incident axis of the input image with an exit axis of the laser in order to radiate the laser based on an input image. The system includes a half mirror to reflect a predetermined amount of incident light and to transmit a remaining amount of the incident light, an image input unit to input an image reflected from the half mirror, a position identifying unit to identify a position of a first subject included in the input image, and a target tracking unit to track the first subject with reference to the identified position by radiating a laser transmitted through the half mirror onto the first subject along an axis from the half mirror and onto the first subject.
US07863546B2 Automated preparation of infant formula and children's beverages
A beverage preparation machine is provided that is arranged and configured to dispense infant formula or children's beverages from a liquid concentrate with a consistent temperature in a receiving receptacle. In one form, the beverage preparation machine operates to provide a beverage in a receiving receptacle consistently and reliably at or near a predetermined final temperature based on the beverage type, such as formula or children's beverage, and independent of environmental conditions.
US07863544B2 Arrangement and method for the on-line monitoring of the quality of a laser process exerted on a workpiece
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for the on-line monitoring of the quality of a laser process exerted on a workpiece (3), comprising a laser source transmitting a laser beam (4) to the workpiece (3), the thermal process of the laser beam (4) causing emission of electromagnetical radiation (7) from the process zone on the workpiece (3); a heat detection camera (8) for detecting the electromagnetical radiation emitted from the process zone of the workpiece (3), wherein the arrangement (1) is provided with a tilted non-focussing mirror (5) such that the laser beam (4) which is transmitted by the laser source is let through the tilted non-focussing mirror (5) towards the working piece (3), and the electromagnetical radiation (7) emitted from the process zone on the workpiece (3) is reflected by the tilted non-focussing mirror (5) towards the heat detection camera (8). The invention further relates to a method using such an arrangement (1).
US07863543B2 Apparatus and method for material processing using a transparent contact element
A method of preparing an apparatus for material processing by generating optical breakthroughs in an object. The apparatus includes a variable focus adjustment device. A contact element is mounted to the apparatus, the contact element has a curved contact surface having a previously known shape. The position of the contact surface is determined prior to processing the object, by focusing measurement laser radiation near or on the surface by the variable focus adjustment device, and the focus position is adjusted in a measurement surface intersecting the expected position of the contact surface. Radiation from the focus of the measurement laser radiation is confocally detected. The position of points of intersection between the measurement surface and the contact surface is determined from the confocally detected radiation to determine the position of the contact surface from the position of the points of intersection and the previously known shape of the contact surface.
US07863542B2 Laser processing apparatus and laser processing method as well as debris extraction mechanism and debris extraction method
A laser processing apparatus is provided. The laser processing apparatus is for performing pattern processing of a transparent conductive film that is formed on a multilayer film on a substrate by using laser light, includes debris extraction module having a vortex generation mechanism that generates a vortex flow by directing gas into the vicinity of a laser-irradiated portion of the transparent conductive film. The debris extraction module is disposed close to the substrate, and debris before deposition and after deposition on the substrate, which is generated by laser irradiation, is entrapped into the vortex flow to be extracted to the outside with the gas.
US07863539B2 Positioning method of spot welding robot
A positioning method of a spot welding robot, the spot welding robot having a movable electrode tip and an opposition electrode tip opposed to the movable electrode tip. The method sandwiches a work piece to be welded between the pair of electrode tips and includes driving the movable electrode tip towards the opposition electrode tip with a servo motor and stopping the movement upon contact based upon a prescribed current value. The method further includes measuring an open separation of two opposing tips between the movable electrode tip and the opposition electrode tip and moving the opposition electrode tip towards the moveable electrode tip based upon the preset value and the open separation of the two opposing tips.
US07863528B2 Housing with thermal bridge
A hermetically sealed and/or ignition protection housing is provided with heat bridges at discreet points. The heat bridges form mounting faces in the interior space of the housing and also on the outer side. Heat from the interior of the housing generated by an item on the interior mounting faces is dissipated outwardly at the corresponding points by means of the heat bridges.
US07863521B2 Cold shrink article and method of using cold shrink article
An article of manufacture includes a protective core having at least two end portions, a plurality of support cores, and at least one cold shrinkable material held in an expanded state over at least a portion of the protective core and at least a portion of each support core. One end of each support core interconnected with a corresponding end portion of the protective core. The support cores, the protective core, and the cold shrinkable material are collectively configured to circumferentially surround an apparatus such that the cold shrinkable material compresses over a portion of the apparatus in response to removal of one of the plurality of support cores from the corresponding end portion of the protective core.
US07863518B2 Photovoltaic device
A photovoltaic device capable of improving output characteristics is provided. This photovoltaic device comprises a crystalline semiconductor member, a substantially intrinsic first amorphous semiconductor layer formed on the front surface of the crystalline semiconductor member and a first conductivity type second amorphous semiconductor layer formed on the front surface of the first amorphous semiconductor layer, and has a hydrogen concentration peak in the first amorphous semiconductor layer. Thus, the quantity of hydrogen atoms in the first amorphous semiconductor layer is so increased that the hydrogen atoms increased in quantity can be bonded to dangling bonds of silicon atoms forming defects in the first amorphous semiconductor layer for inactivating the dangling bonds.
US07863514B2 Methods and apparatus for transmitting finger positions to stringed instruments having a light-system
The invention provides systems and methods of for displaying on a second instrument finger positions that were played on a first instrument. A teacher, for example, can play notes and/or chords on a first stringed instrument having a sensor. A processing having a decoder and a message generator can receive signals from the sensor and generate messages that are communicated to a light-system in the second instrument. The light-system displays the finger positions on the second instrument, each finger position corresponding to a finger position played on the first instrument. The processor can receive sensor information from the second information that can be used to determine whether a displayed finger position was correctly played on the second instrument.
US07863513B2 Synchronous playback system for reproducing music in good ensemble and recorder and player for the ensemble
A synchronous player system is used for recording an ensemble between an automatic player piano and an audio player and playback therebetween; while a user is playing on the automatic player piano in ensemble with the audio player, reference characteristic data of the performance is extracted from the audio music data, and are stored in a memory together with the event codes; when the user instructs the synchronous player system to reproduce the performance in ensemble with the same piece of music recorded in another compact disc, the synchronous player system extracts objective characteristic data from the audio data recorded in the other compact disc, finds differences through a correlation analysis, by way of example, and rescheduling the timing to reproduce the note events for synchronously controlling the automatic player piano and audio player.
US07863508B2 String alignment peg
A String Alignment Plate for stringed instruments to reduce the excess friction in that portion of the string in the head region, generated at the nut of the instrument as a string passes through a notch of the nut and then bends in order to align with the tuning pin or machine head. The additional friction is created at the point of the bend where the string rubs excessively against the nut. This friction impedes tuning and results in differential tension of the string on either side of the nut. The String Alignment Plate is affixed to the head of the instrument and keeps the portion of the string in the head area in-line or parallel with that portion of the same string as it extends from the bridge to the nut, thus removing the bend. Once the string reaches the String Alignment Plate, the string curves around the Peg on the String Alignment Plate to the tuning peg or machine head.
US07863506B2 Inbred corn line CB11
An inbred corn line, designated CB11, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB11, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB11 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line CB11 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from the inbred corn line CB11.
US07863502B2 Delta-8 desaturases and their use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids
Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-8 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these delta-8 desaturases in plants and oleaginous yeast.
US07863501B2 B-type gene from oil palm
The present invention relates generally to genetic sequences and their complementary forms capable of facilitating the modification of a phenotype of a plant. More particularly, the present invention relates to polynucleotide sequences defining B-type genes, to the proteins encoded thereby, to methods for isolating such polynucleotides and to nucleic acid constructs for the expression thereof. The present invention further provides cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells and to differentiated tissue including whole plants and their progeny comprising cells which contain these nucleic acid constructs or parts of the constructs. Plants and parts of plants, such as flowering and reproductive parts including seeds, also form part of the present invention. The genetic sequences of the present invention may be used inter alia for the production of plants and, in particular, oil palm plants, which have modified phenotypes and/or which exhibits more highly desired characteristics such as, for example, male sterility or plants in which the sex ratio may be manipulated, and for the diagnosis and, preferably, elimination of the mantled phenotype.
US07863500B2 Nucleotide sequences mediating plant male fertility and method of using same
Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences are useful in mediating male fertility in plants. In one such method, the homozygous recessive condition of male sterility causing alleles is maintained after crossing with a second plant, where the second plant contains a restoring transgene construct having a nucleotide sequence which reverses the homozygous condition. The restoring sequence is linked with a hemizygous sequence encoding a product inhibiting formation or function of male gametes. The maintainer plant produces only viable male gametes which do not contain the restoring transgene construct. Increase of the maintainer plant is also provided by self-fertilization, and selection for seed or plants which contain the construct.
US07863497B2 Disposable absorbent article designed to facilitate an easy change
A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.
US07863489B2 Direct and selective production of ethanol from acetic acid utilizing a platinum/tin catalyst
A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.
US07863483B2 Carboxylic acid production process
Disclosed are processes and apparatus for producing a carboxylic acid. The processes employ a concentration section disposed before and/or after a product isolation section, which allows for oxidation byproducts produced in the process to exit the product isolation section with the isolated carboxylic acid product and/or to be combined with the isolated carboxylic acid product downstream of the product isolation section at a rate of at least about 15 percent of the net make rate of the oxidation byproducts in the production process.
US07863481B2 Versatile oxidation byproduct purge process
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for treating a purge stream in a carboxylic acid production process. The process employs a purge process that allows for the separation of oxidation byproducts into benzoic acid and non-benzoic acid oxidation byproducts, thus providing flexibility in the treatment and use of such oxidation byproducts.
US07863480B2 Process for alkaline hydrolysis of carboxylic acid derivatives to carboxylic acids
The invention relates to a process for alkaline hydrolysis of carboxylic acid derivatives, especially carboxylic esters, to carboxylic acids, wherein, for the alkaline hydrolysis of the carboxylic acid derivatives, red mud which is produced by the Bayer process used for aluminum production is used as a reaction-promoting component, especially as a hydroxide ion source.
US07863472B2 Process for producing refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides, and oil obtainable by said process
The present invention concerns a process for producing refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides. The invention also pertains to refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides obtainable by said process. Advantageously, the refined avocado oil of the invention contains a sterols-enriched unsaponifiable fraction. Advantageously, the refined avocado oil of the invention is substantially free of acetogenins and furanic lipids. The invention also concerns compositions containing said oil. The invention also pertains to such compositions for use as a medication, as a dermatological agent, as a cosmetic agent, or as a nutriceutical, for human or animal use.
US07863470B2 Linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates for gene delivery
Linear polyethylenimine was modified with sterols, such as cholesterol, in three different geometries: linear shaped (L), T-shaped (T), and a combined linear- and T-shaped (LT), to result in linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates. These conjugates were mixed with nucleic acids to form complexes for delivery of the nucleic acids into cells. Mammalian cells transfected with these complexes showed protein expression levels higher than linear polyethylenimine alone, and twice that of branched polyethylenimine, but without any significant loss in cell viability. Methods of making these compositions and methods of using them for gene delivery are also described.
US07863469B2 Chemical process for preparation of intermediates
The present invention relates to compounds useful as pharmaceutical intermediates, to processes for preparing the intermediates, to intermediates used in the processes, and to the use of the intermediates in the preparation of pharmaceuticals. In particular, the present invention concerns enantiomerically pure trans-cyclopropane carboxylic acid derivatives, processes for preparing the carboxylic acid derivatives and their use in preparing pharmaceuticals.
US07863466B2 Method of producing proanthocyanidin-containing material
The method for producing proanthocyanidin-containing product of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a pine bark as a starting material, extracting the pine bark with at least one of water and an organic solvent, and treating the resultant extract with a synthetic resin adsorbent, wherein the pine bark has characteristics in that at least 7 wt % of solid material in terms of dry weight is obtained from a pine bark extract that is obtained by adding 10 parts by volume of an aqueous ethanol solution containing ethanol in the range of 50 to 80 volume % to one part by weight of the pine bark, and performing extraction at 80 to 85° C. for one hour. It is possible to conveniently and efficiently obtain proanthocyanidin-containing product that contains at least 10 wt % of OPCs.
US07863463B2 Method of purifying dianhydrides
Disclosed herein is a method for purification of dianhydrides comprising a substantial amount (10000 ppm or more) of at least one metal salt. In one aspect the method is useful for the purification of dianhydrides prepared by the reaction of a halophthalic anhydride with a metal carbonate and may be optionally catalyzed by a phase transfer catalyst. The purification of the dianhydrides may be accomplished by hydrolyzing the dianhydride metal salt mixture directly to a tetraacid with an inorganic acid, followed by separating the impurities from an aqueous phase, and subsequently heating the tetraacid to effect ring closure to form a purified dianhydride having less than 50 parts per million metal halide and lower levels of other residual impurities. In one aspect the method is highly effective in removing phase transfer catalyst impurities such as hexalkylguanidinium halides initially present in the dianhydride undergoing purification.
US07863462B2 Process for the purification of ropinirole hydrochloride
The present invention provides an improved process for the purification of ropinirole hydrochloride. The process includes (i) treating ropinirole hydrochloride with sodium dithionate and charcoal in suitable alcoholic solvent; (ii) triturating the ropinirole hydrochloride obtained in step (i) with ethanol; (iii) reacting the triturated solid with base in water immiscible solvent and isolating the free base; and (iv) treating the free base obtained in step (iii) with ethanolic HCl to give ropinirole hydrochloride.
US07863460B2 Process for producing 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkylpyrazole-4-carboxylate
In a process for producing 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (3) by a reaction of 2-alkoxymethylenefluoroacylacetate (1) and hydrazine (2), the reaction is conducted in the presence of a base and water, to produce 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkylpyrazole-4-carboxylate (3) with high selectivity and yield. This novel process enables to produce 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkylpyrazole-4-carboxylate (3), which is useful as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, with high selectivity and yield by simple and safe operations.
US07863453B2 Tartrate salt of isofagomine and methods of use
A novel tartaric acid salt of Isofagomine (Isofagomine tartrate) that can be used for the treatment of Gaucher disease is provided. The invention also provides a crystalline form of isofagomine tartrate, method for preparing the salt, a pharmaceutical composition containing the salt, and a method of treating Gaucher disease.
US07863448B2 Dye for photoelectronic device, photoanode comprising the dye and photoelectronic device employing the photoanode
Disclosed is a novel dye for use in a photoelectronic device, wherein the photoelectronic device is comprised of a photoanode comprising the dye. According to the novel dye, the dye is derived through the introduction of a group which narrows the dihedral angle of the dye ligand as well as through the introduction of conjugated groups. Since the dye has improved light sensitivity and absorption properties, it can be used to fabricate a photoelectronic device with high power conversion efficiency.
US07863447B2 Diphosphines and metal complexes
A compound of the formula I or I′, where the radicals R1 are each, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom or C1-C4-alkyl and R′1 is C1-C4-alkyl; X1 and X2 are each, independently of one another, a sec-phosphino group; R2 is (1) hydrogen, (2) R01R02R03Si—, (3) C1-C18-acyl substituted with halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C8-alkoxy or R04R05N—, or (4) R06—X01—C(O)—; R01, R02 and R03 are each, independently of one another, C1-C12-alkyl, unsubstituted or C1-C4-alkyl- or C1-C4-alkoxy-substituted C6-C10-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl; R04 and R05 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C1-C12-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl, or R04 and R05 together are trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene or 3-oxapentylene; R06 is C1-C18-alkyl, unsubstituted or C1-C4-alkyl- or C1-C4-alkoxy-substituted C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl; X01 is —O— or —NH—; T is C-bonded C3-C20-heteroarylene; v is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; X1 in the heteroring of the heteroarylene is bound in the ortho position relative to the T—C* bond; and * indicates a mixture of racemic or enantiomerically pure diastereomers or pure racemic or enantiomerically pure diastereomers.
US07863441B2 Preparation of quetiapine
The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of quetiapine, which comprises the ring closure of a compound of the formula shown below, as well as novel intermediates in the process.
US07863438B2 Stable salt of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate
The present invention provides a stable salt of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) and a production method therefor.The present invention is directed to a stable salt of PAPS (amine salt), which is formed between PAPS and an amine compound, and to a method for producing a stable salt of PAPS, which includes adding an amine compound to an aqueous PAPS solution in an amount by mole equal to or greater than that of PAPS, and lyophilizing the resultant solution.The present invention has first realized production of a solid-form PAPS salt having considerably improved stability through a very simple technique. Since the thus-produced amine salt of PAPS is very stable, the salt can be stored or employed without taking much care about decomposition thereof at ambient temperature.
US07863437B2 RNA antagonist compounds for the modulation of PIK3CA expression
The invention relates to oligomeric compounds (oligomers), which target PIK3CA mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of PIK3CA. Reduction of PIK3CA expression is beneficial for the treatment of certain medical disorders, such as hyperproliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). The invention provides therapeutic compositions that include the oligomers and methods for modulating the expression of PIK3CA using said oligomers, including methods of treatment.
US07863436B2 Induction of apoptosis by inhibition of sirtuin SIRT1 expression
The invention relates to the induction of apoptosis by inhibition of the sirtuin SIRT1 expression, in particular the induction of apoptosis in tumour cells. Materials and methods for inhibiting SIRT1 expression are provided, including RNA interference methods. In particular, the invention provides a method of treating a proliferative disease comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a SIRT1 inhibitor.
US07863434B2 Characterization of granulocytic Ehrlichia and methods of use
The present invention relates, in general, to granulocytic ehrlichia (GE) proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins; purified GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins and polypeptides; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules; antibodies having binding affinity specifically to GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins and polypeptides; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of nucleic acids encoding GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins; a method of detecting nucleic acids encoding GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins or polypeptides in a sample; kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies; bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess, or prognose a mammal afflicted with ehrlichiosis; therapeutic uses, specifically vaccines comprising S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins or polypeptides or nucleic acids; and methods of preventing or inhibiting ehrlichiosis in an animal.
US07863425B2 Compositions and methods for inhibiting Yersinia pestis infection
The invention provides a gene transfer vector for inducing an immune response against Yersinia pestis in a mammal. The gene transfer vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an immunogenic portion of one or more proteins of Yersinia pestis and/or a nucleic acid sequence encoding a monoclonal antibody directed against Yersinia pestis. The invention further provides a method of producing an immune response against Yersinia pestis in a mammal comprising administration of the gene transfer vector to the mammal. The invention also provides a monoclonal antibody directed against the Virulence (V) antigen of Y. pestis, as well as a hybridoma cell line producing same and a nucleic acid sequence encoding same.
US07863423B2 Pancreatic cancer genes
The present invention provides the art with the DNA coding sequences of polynucleotides that are up-or-down-regulated in cancer and dysplasia. These polynucleotides and encoded proteins or polypeptides can be used in the diagnosis or identification of cancer and dysplasia. Inhibitors of the up-regulated polynucleotides and proteins can decrease the abnormality of cancer and dysplasia. Enhancing the expression of down-regulated polynucleotides or introducing down-regulated proteins to cells can decrease the growth and/or abnormal characteristics of cancer and dysplasia.
US07863417B2 Tripeptides and derivatives thereof for cosmetic application in order to improve skin structure
The invention relates to compounds and to the cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, which correspond to general formula (I), wherein: R1 represents H, —C(O)—R6, —SO2—R6 or —C(O)—XR6; R2 and R4, independent of one another, represent (CH2)n—NH2 or (CH2)3—NHC(NH)NH2; n equals 1 4; R3 represents linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl that is optionally substituted by hydroxy; R5 and R6, independent of one another, represent hydrogen, optionally substituted (C1-C24) alkyl, optionally substituted C2-C24 alkenyl, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted phenyl-C1-C4 alkyl or 9-fluorenyl-methyl; X represents oxygen (—O—) or —NH—; or XR5 with X═O also represents the esters of a-tocopherol, tocotrienol or retinol, with the provision that R1 and R5 do not represent hydrogen and X does not represent oxygen at the same time. The invention also relates to the production of the compounds of general formula (I) and to a cosmetically active composition that contains at least one compound of formula (I).
US07863409B2 Method of separating resin
A separation object including at least two types of resins with different glass transition temperatures (glass transition temperature of a first resin 1
US07863408B2 Body fluid compatible and biocompatible resin
A body fluid compatible and biocompatible resin for use in a medical treatment involving a contact of said resin with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a body fluid and a biological tissue, which comprises at least one substituted oxyalkylene polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 1,000,000 and represented by the following formula (1): wherein each of R1, R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a —CH2R4 group, and each R4 independently represents a hydroxyl group or a —OR5 group (wherein R5 represents a group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, a C6-C10 aryl group, a —R6COOH group and a derivative thereof, and a —CH2—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—OR7 group, wherein R6 represents a C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbylene group and R7 represents a C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group or a C6-C10 aryl group), provided that all of R1, R2, and R3 are not simultaneously hydrogen atoms; and 10≦x≦10,000 and 0≦y≦10,000.
US07863405B2 Removal of residual acetaldehyde from polyester polymer particles
In one embodiment, there is provided a process comprising introducing polyester polymer particles containing residual acetaldehyde into a vessel at a temperature within a range of 130° C. to 195° C. to form a bed of particles within the vessel, flowing a gas through at least a portion of the particle bed, and withdrawing finished particles from the vessel having a reduced amount of residual acetaldehyde. In this process, it is not necessary to introduce a hot flow of gas at high flow rates otherwise required to heat up cool particles to a temperature sufficient to strip acetaldehyde. Rather, this process provides a benefit in that, if desired, gas introduced into the vessel at low flow rates and low temperatures can nevertheless effectively strip acetaldehyde in a reasonable time because the hot particles quickly heat a the gas to the particle temperature.
US07863404B2 Method of making isosorbide polycarbonate
A polycarbonate is provided that contains repeat units derived from isosorbide and a residue derived from an activated diaryl carbonate. The polycarbonate has 1H-NMR peaks associated with the repeat units derived from isosorbide. The polycarbonate contains no more than a maximum allowable amount of sorbitol-derived color bodies. If these color bodies are present in the polycarbonate it has a 1H-NMR peak associated with the color bodies. The maximum allowable amount of color bodies are present when the integrated area of the 1H-NMR peak associated with the color bodies divided by the integrated areas of the 1H-NMR peaks associated with the repeat units derived from isosorbide is 0.025.
US07863400B2 Deoxybenzoin-based anti-flammable polyphosphonate and poly(arylate-phosphonate) copolymer compounds, compositions and related methods of use
Deoxybenzoin-phosphonate and other copolymer compounds, compositions and related methods.
US07863394B2 Ni or Pd-catalyzed cationic polymerization of polycyclic olefins with silane chain transfer agents
A method of polymerizing poly(cyclic)olefin monomers encompassing (a) combining a monomer composition containing the poly(cyclic)olefin monomers, a non-olefinic chain transfer agent and an activator compound to form a mixture; (b) heating the mixture; and (c) adding a polymerization catalyst containing Ni and/or Pd. The non-olefinic chain transfer agent includes one or more compounds selected from H2, alkylsilanes, alkylalkoxysilanes, alkylgermanes, alkylalkoxygermanes, alkylstannanes, and alkylalkoxystannanes. The activator is characterized as having an active hydrogen with a pKa of at least 5. The resulting poly(cyclic)olefin polymers can be used in photoresist compositions.
US07863388B2 Preparation of functionalized cationic polymers and their application in personal care
Water-soluble functionalized cationic copolymers obtainable by a process which comprises reacting a cationic base polymer which contains amino groups with at least one functional compound reactive to at least a part of the amino groups on the base polymer, are useful in personal care and cosmetic formulations.
US07863387B2 Dehydrofluorination and surface modification of fluoropolymers for drug delivery applications
Fluoropolymers having a —CF adjacent to a —CH which are subsequently dehydrofluorinated to create a —C═C— can be used as controlled release carriers for therapeutic agent(s) by covalently conjugating the therapeutic agent(s) to the fluoropolymer at the —C═C—.
US07863386B2 Low density ethylenic polymer composition and method of making the same
The instant invention is an improved low-density ethylenic polymer composition and method of making the same. The polymer composition according to instant invention includes a major component, and a minor component. The major component is an LDPE resin having a melt index (I2) in the range of about 0.01 dg/min to about 100 dg/min, a MW(abs)/MW(GPC) ratio of about 2.6 or less, and a melt strength of less than (14.0 e(−1.05*log 10(MI)))cN Jj16 mmor component is an LDPE resin having a melt index (I2) of less than about 5 dg/min, a molecular weight distribution of greater than about 7, and a MW(abs)/MW(GPC) ratio of at least 2.7. The polymer composition of the instant invention may further include additional components.
US07863384B2 Fluoropolymers having improved whiteness
The present invention relates to the preparation of a fluoropolymer exhibiting improved whiteness upon fabrication. The fluoropolymer is a multiphase copolymer or blend of fluropolymers. Fluoropolymer compositions of this invention could have application in both melt processing and solvent casting operations for such products as pipes, tubes, sheets, rods, solvent-casted and melt-processed films.
US07863383B2 Polyolefin based peelable seals
The invention relates to a polyolefin-based heat sealable and peelable seal. The peelable seals comprise from 5 to 98 percent by weight of a propylene based plastomer or elastomer and from 2 to 95 percent by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polybutylene, and styrenic polymer and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to tamper evident peelable seals. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the heat sealable, peelable seal.
US07863381B2 Polymer composites
Compositions comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a host polymer, and A block copolymer comprising a first block and a second block, wherein no block is compatible with the host polymer. In one aspect, the block copolymer is amphiphilic. In another aspect, the block copolymer may comprise a first block and a second block, wherein at least one of the first and second blocks comprises repeating units derived from a monomer having the general formula: (R)2C═C(R)(Rf) wherein Rf is selected from fluorine, a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, and a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkoxy group; each R is independently selected from F, H, Cl, Rf, a C1 to C10 alkyl group, and R2A, wherein R2 is a C1 to C10 alkylene group and A is selected from CO2M and SO3M, wherein M is selected from H, an ammonium and organo onium group.
US07863380B2 Erucamide-free closure and liner compositions
An exemplary erucamide-free composition for making container closures or closure sealants includes a matrix polymer, a silicone lubricant such as poly(dimethyl)siloxane, and a slip aid comprising a saturated amide, oxidized polyethylene, or combination thereof.
US07863374B2 Self-curable water-based solid adhesive and bonding method using the self-curable water-based solid adhesive
Self-curable water-based solid adhesives of this invention include the following components (A), (B), (C), and (D):(A) an anionic-group-containing polymer terminally having an alkoxysilyl group, the polymer being a reaction product of a compound (A1) containing no anionic group and having plural isocyanate-reactive groups, a compound (A2) having an anionic group and plural isocyanate-reactive groups, a polyisocyanate compound (A3), and an alkoxysilane compound (A4) containing an isocyanate-reactive group;(B) a basic compound;(C) water; and(D) a gelling agent.The self-curable water-based solid adhesives of the present invention can be applied with good workability, have good fitting after attachment, have good adhesion to plastics, metals and glass and exhibit excellent heat resistance and water resistance after curing. They are highly safe to humans and the environment. They also have excellent shape retention and slidability and can be easily applied. In addition, they can bond adherends by contact bonding despite that they are water-based solid adhesives. Accordingly, the self-curable water-based solid adhesives of this invention are very useful as stick adhesives.
US07863372B2 Aqueous copolymer dispersions with improved blocking resistance
The invention relates to new, aqueous secondary copolymer dispersions, to a process for preparing them and to their use for producing high-grade coatings, especially for wood. The dispersions comprise a copolymer (P) synthesized from a mixture of free-radically polymerizable monomers (M) comprising (M1) cycloaliphatic esters of acrylic and/or methylacrylic acid and also (M2) vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids.
US07863362B2 Density-matched polymer slurries
Polymer slurries of ultrahigh molecular weight polyalpha-olefins are made stable toward settling, separation and agglomeration by surface treatment with a combination of wax and optional relatively high-density particulates. The selection of the surface coating acts not only as an anti-blocking agent, or partitioning aid to keep the tacky polymer particles separated, but also provides the suspended polymer particle with a density that matches the carrier. This prevents separation of the slurry components over time. Such materials, ultimately used as pipeline additives to reduce the fluid drag and increase the volumetric throughput, can be stored and shipped for extended periods of time without degradation of the slurry quality. Upon injection into the pipeline, the polymer particle dissolves quickly, unhindered by the coating.
US07863360B2 Acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive compositions
The present invention relates to an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive composition, specifically, an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive composition having improved anti-static properties, comprising acrylic copolymers, chelating agent which may form a bond with metal ion; and alkali metal salts, and prevent whitening appearance under high temperature and humidity condition as well as static electricity without change of the durability, transparency, and adhesion.
US07863358B2 2-cyanoacrylate composition
There is provided a 2-cyanoacrylate composition useful as cyanoacrylate adhesives that maintain a high speed of adhesion to poorly adherent materials and porous materials and have an improved light stability. The 2-cyanoacrylate composition contains a 2-cyanoacrylate, (1) a hindered phenol compound having a specific structure and (2) a compound having a clathrating ability.
US07863355B2 Moulding material for the production of fire-retarding objects, pigment therefor and use thereof
A moulding material for the production of highly flame resistant articles with a matrix of a thermoplastic and a particulate pigment dispersed therein is characterized in that the pigment is light-sensitive and changes colour under the influence of laser light and in that the pigment is a reaction product of at least one halogen-free flame retardant organic nitrogen base with (i) at least one mixed salt with at least two different cations and/or with (ii) a mixture of salt type compounds which on heating can be transformed into at least one salt type compound with at least two different cations, as in (i); wherein in variations (i) and (ii), at least one of the cations is selected from a group (A) of elements Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, La, Pr, Ta, W and Ce and at least one further cation is selected from a group (B) of elements from periods 3 and 6 of groups II and III, periods 5 and 6 of group IV and periods 4 and 5 of groups III to VIII and the lanthanides of the periodic table of the elements.
US07863349B2 Compositions, kits and methods for initiating or accelerating curing of endodontic filler or sealer compositions placed on a root canal
Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filler composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization, or they may comprise the peroxide. An implement can be dipped in a concentrated curing composition just prior to inserting the implement into a root canal to contact the filler or sealer composition. Kits may include a plurality of curing agent compositions having different concentrations and/or amounts of curing agent. Kits may also include a curable resin material that includes a first part of a multi-part curing system and a curing composition that includes, as curing agent a complementary part of the curing system.
US07863346B2 Mold compositions with high adhesion to metal substrates
The invention is based on the discovery that certain well-defined crosslinkable polyester compounds are useful as components in mold compositions having increased adhesion to substrates, compared to mold compositions that do not contain the crosslinkable polyester compounds described herein.
US07863341B2 Preparation of syngas
The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of syngas from two sources with different hydrogen: carbon ratios, the first source having a low hydrogen:carbon ratio including any one or a combination of coal, brown coal, peat, bitumen and tar sands, and the second source having a high hydrogen:carbon ratio including any one or a combination of natural gas, associated gas and coal bed methane. The sources are converted to syngas and then combined to provide syngas with an optimum hydrogen:carbon monoxide ratio for use in a Fischer-Tropsch process.
US07863337B2 Use of triacontanol in preparation of medicaments for treatment of cancers
Use of triacontanol in preparation of human medicaments for treatment of cancers, especially liver cancer, intestinal cancer, and lung cancer. Triacontanol can be formulated into many formulations, such as oral tablets, capsules, drop pills, sustained-released formulation, injectable solution, injectable powder, suspension, and emulsion.
US07863336B2 Continuous administration of dopa decarboxylase inhibitors and compositions for same
Disclosed herein are compositions that include for example the arginine salt of carbidopa, and methods for treating neurological or movement diseases or disorders such as restless leg syndrome, Parkinson's disease, secondary parkinsonism, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's like syndrome, PSP, MSA, ALS, Shy-Drager syndrome and conditions resulting from brain injury including carbon monoxide or manganese intoxication, using substantially continuous administration of carbidopa or salt thereof together with administration of levodopa.
US07863331B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing fenofibrate and method for the preparation thereof
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising micronized fenofibrate, a surfactant and a binding cellulose derivative as a solubilization adjuvant, wherein said compositions contain an amount of fenofibrate greater than or equal to 60% by weight and methods of producing fenofibrate compositions.
US07863330B2 Deloxiglumide and proton pump inhibitor combination in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders
Combination of dexloxiglumide and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of patients suffering from functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is disclosed.
US07863329B2 Glucagon receptor antagonists, preparation and therapeutic uses
The present invention discloses novel compounds of Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which have glucagon receptor antagonist or inverse agonist activity, as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula I as well as methods of using them to treat diabetic and other glucagon related metabolic disorders, and the like.
US07863327B2 Therapeutic compounds and methods of use
Compounds and methods useful for chemopreventative treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis.
US07863324B2 Chroman-derived compounds for the treatment of cancer
The present invention provides methods for inhibiting the growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer tumor cells in a human comprising administering to the human. The invention further provides pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions containing chroman-derived compounds useful in the alleviation of cancer.
US07863322B2 Anti-cancer combinations
The present invention relates to synergistic combinations of the compound 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and a compound selected from platinum compounds, vinca alkaloids, alkylating agents, anthracyclines, topoisomerase I inhibitors, antimetabolites and topoisomerase II inhibitors, which have anti-tumour activity. Preferably, the present invention relates to synergistic combinations of the compound 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and a compound selected from carboplatin, gemcitabine, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, doxorubicin and irinotecan. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the use of such combinations in the treatment of cancer and pharmaceutical compositions containing such combinations. The invention further provides for methods of preparing the combinations of the invention.
US07863321B2 Anti-cancer combinations
The present invention relates to synergistic combinations of the compound 5, 6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and a compound selected from anthracyclines and topisomerase II inhibitors, which have anti-tumor activity. Preferably, the present invention relates to synergistic combinations of the compound 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and a compound selected from etoposide, and doxorubicin. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the use of such combinations in the treatment of cancer and pharmaceutical compositions containing such combinations. The invention further provides for methods of preparing the combinations of the invention.
US07863317B2 Lactams of alkylated acyclic diamine derivatives as modulators of chemokine receptor activity
The present application describes modulators of MCP-1 of formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, useful for the prevention of asthma, multiple sclerosis, artherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
US07863316B2 Extended release formulation of Levetiracetam
The present invention relates to extended release pharmaceutical compositions of Levetiracetam and processes for preparing the same. The extended release tablet of Levetiracetam is with a core comprising of Levetiracetam and water dispersible rate controlling polymer, and the tablet core is optionally functional coated comprising a combination of water non-dispersible and/or water dispersible polymer. It provides extended therapeutically effective plasma levels over a twenty four hour period with diminished incidences of neuropsychiatric adverse events by eliminating the troughs and peaks of drug concentration in a patient's blood plasma. The composition also exhibits no food effect.
US07863315B2 2-indolinone derivatives as selective histone deacetylase inhibitors
Provided herein are isolated compounds of formula I: processes for their preparation and isolation, as well as pharmaceutical compositions which comprise these therapeutic agents, and methods of use therefore the treatment and/or control of conditions associated with or mediated by effects of histone deacetylase.
US07863314B2 5-membered heterocycle-based p38 kinase inhibitors
Provided are 5-membered heterocycle-based p38 kinase inhibitors. Further provided are pyrazole and imidazole-based p38 kinase, including p38α and p38β kinase, inhibitors. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are also provided. Methods of use of the compounds and compositions are also provided, including methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of p38 kinase mediated diseases and disorders, including, but not limited to, inflammatory diseases and disorders.
US07863311B2 Transmucosal veterinary composition comprising detomidine
The present invention relates to a veterinary composition in a semisolid form adapted for transmucosal administration for providing sedation and analgesia in large animals such as horses and cattle. The semisolid transmucosal composition of the invention comprises detomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. The composition provides a rapid onset of action while having low irritation potential in the oral mucosa.
US07863309B2 Dual-acting antihypertensive agents
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Z, X, R3, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US07863308B2 Substituted thiophenes
Disclosed herein are substituted pyrimidine-based endothelin modulators of Formula I, processes of preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US07863297B2 Methods of using 4-(amino)-2-(2,6-dioxo(3-piperidly))-isoindoline-3-dione for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing myelodysplastic syndromes are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, stereoisomer, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, alone or in combination with a second active ingredient, and/or the transplantation of blood or cells. Specific second active ingredients are capable of affecting or blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US07863296B2 Selective serotonin receptor inverse agonists as therapeutics for disease
Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an inverse serotonin receptor agonist or a serotonin receptor antagonist and an anti-insomnia agent. Disclosed herein are also methods of treating insomnia using the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions.
US07863288B2 Compounds and methods for kinase modulation, and indications therefor
Compounds active on protein kinases are described, as well as methods of using such compounds to treat diseases and conditions associated with aberrant activity of protein kinases.
US07863281B2 Bicyclic heterocycles, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, their use and processes for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to bicyclic heterocycles of general formula wherein Ra, Rb, Rc, A, B, C, D, E and X are defined as in claim 1, the tautomers, the stereoisomers, the mixtures and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on signal transduction mediated by tyrosine kinases, the use thereof for treating diseases, particularly tumoral diseases, as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, and the preparation thereof.
US07863280B2 Substituted 2-pyridone derivatives, method for their preparation and their use as medicament
This invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 and R3 independently represent fluorine, methoxy, —OCF3, C2-C3-alkenyl or C1-C4-alkyl which is optionally substituted by chlorine, methoxy or one, two or three fluorine atoms; R2 represents hydrogen, fluorine, methoxy, —OCF3, C2-C3-alkenyl or C1-C4-alkyl which is optionally substituted by chlorine, methoxy or one, two or three fluorine atoms; X represents O, S, NH or N(C1-C3-alkyl); and Ar represents an unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted aryl or heteroaryl. Said compounds are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and may be used for the treatment of a variety of disorders.
US07863272B2 Sigma ligands for neuronal regeneration and functional recovery
The invention discloses methods and compositions useful for facilitating neuronal regeneration and functional recovery in neurodegenerative diseases. The methods and compositions utilize ligands for the sigma receptor, wherein the ligand is preferably SA-4503, or salts, or solvates thereof. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with agents which treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as those caused by ischemic stroke, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cancer therapy induced neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease. In other methods, the sigma receptor ligands are administered after stroke to facilitate functional recovery. The administration of the sigma receptor ligands effects faster functional recovery.
US07863266B2 Therapeutic pyrazoloquinoline urea derivatives
The invention provides a novel chemical series of formula I, as well as methods of use thereof for binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and modulating GABAA, and use of the compound of formula I for the treatment of GABAA receptor associated disorders. The general structure of formula I is shown below: The invention further provides a method of modulation of one or more GABAA subtypes in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I).
US07863265B2 2-azetidinone derivatives and their use as cholesterol absorption inhibitors for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia
Compounds of formula (I) (wherein variable groups are as defined within) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, solvates of such salts and prodrugs thereof and their use as cholesterol absorption inhibitors for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia are described. Processes for their manufacture and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are also described.
US07863259B1 Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one antibiotics or equivalent bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability in oral drug delivery.
US07863253B2 Purine Derivatives and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to Purine Derivatives; compositions comprising an effective amount of a Purine Derivative; and methods for treating or preventing an ischemic condition, reperfusion injury, a cellular proliferative disorder, a cardiovascular disease, a neurological disorder, a skin disorder, a radiation-induced injury, a wound, or an inflammatory disease comprising administering an effective amount of a Purine Derivative to a subject in need thereof. The Purine Derivatives include compounds of the following formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is —C(O)NHR3; B and C are —OH; D is
US07863252B2 Modulation of C-reactive protein expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of C-reactive protein. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding C-reactive protein. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of C-reactive protein expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of C-reactive protein are provided.
US07863251B2 Hepatic stellate cell specific promoter and uses thereof
Methods and reagents for effecting transgene expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC) comprising a 2.2 kb fragment of the promoter region of the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) gene, said construct being up-regulated by pro-fÊbronetic cytokines such as TGF-beta 1 in a dose and time dependent manner, and uses thereof.
US07863250B2 Modulation of immunostimulatory properties of oligonucleotide-based compounds by utilizing modified immunostimulatory dinucleotides
The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immunomers and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotides for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunomers and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention preferably comprise novel purines. The immunomers according to the invention further comprise at least two oligonucleotides linked at their 3′ ends, internucleoside linkages or functionalized nucleobase or sugar to a non-nucleotidic linker, at least one of the oligonucleotides being an immunomodulatory oligonucleotide and having an accessible 5′ end.
US07863248B2 Tyrosinase activity inhibitor and ameliorant for facial blood flow
A tyrosinase activity inhibitor and an ameliorant for facial blood flow that are excellent in terms of safety, and medicinal compositions, food compositions, and cosmetic preparations that contain the inhibitor and the ameliorant as active ingredients are provided. A tyrosinase activity inhibitor and an ameliorant for facial blood flow that contain anthocyan obtained by concentration or extraction of plant material, and medicinal compositions, food compositions, and cosmetic preparations that have an inhibitory action on tyrosinase activity and ameliorating action on facial blood flow are provided.
US07863246B2 Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The present invention relates to the treatment of motoneuron diseases. More particularly, the invention relates to the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is found that the intracerebroventricular delivery of low amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor into a pre-clinical ALS animal model induces a significant motor performance and prolongation of survival time of the animals.
US07863244B2 Peptides
Isolated peptides that are fragments of protein products arising from frameshift mutations in genes associated with cancer are disclosed. The isolated peptides of the invention are capable of eliciting T cell immunity against cells harboring genes with such frameshift mutations. Cancer vaccines and therapeutically effective compositions containing the peptides of the invention are also described.
US07863241B2 Compositions for treatment and prevention of pulmonary conditions
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating pulmonary conditions and for reducing the negative effects of pulmonary inflammation. Such compositions and methods employ protease inhibitors and a lung surfactant mixture. The compositions and methods can also include lipase inhibitors (e.g. a phospholipase inhibitors) and anti-oxidants.
US07863237B2 Solid cleaning products
Solid cleaning products suitable for use as a floor cleaner are disclosed. Methods of making and using solid cleaning products are also disclosed.
US07863232B2 Treatment/cleaning of textile materials utilizing formulations of branched carboxylic acid diesters
Carboxylic acid diesters are employed for treating, in particular for cleaning textile materials, and more particularly for removing paint stains from textile fibers to improve the cleaning thereof; the subject dicarboxylic acid diesters have the formula (I), R1—OOC-A-COO—R2, in which R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, are each a linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic C1-C20 alkyl, aryl, alkyaryl, or arylalkyl radical, and the group A represents a branched divalent C3-C10 alkylene radical.
US07863231B2 Thinner composition and method of removing photoresist using the same
A thinner composition includes propylene glycol ether acetate, methyl 2-hydroxy-2-methyl propionate, and an ester compound such as ethyl lactate, ethyl 3-ethoxy propionate or a mixture thereof.
US07863229B2 Lubricating compositions
The pour point of a lubricating composition consisting essentially of from about 5 wt % to about 100 wt % of a Group III base stock and from 0 wt % to about 95 wt % of a Group IV base stock is reduced by incorporating in the lubricating composition an effective amount of a polyol ester represented by Formula I wherein x=OH or CH2OH; y=H, CH3, CH3CH2, or CH2OH; and R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group having from about 16 to about 30 carbon atoms.
US07863228B2 Additives for lubricants and fuels
A multi-functional composition for use as an additive for fuels and lubricants. The composition includes an amination product of a hydrocarbyl substituted succinic acylating agent and a mixture containing an aliphatic polyamine and an aromatic polyamine. The molar ratio of aliphatic polyamine to aromatic polyamine in the mixture ranges from about 10:0.1 to about 0.1:10. The amination product contains at least about 0.1 molar equivalent of the polyamine mixture to 1 molar equivalent of the hydrocarbyl substituted succinic acylating agent.
US07863224B2 Wellbore servicing compositions comprising a set retarding agent and methods of making and using same
A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, a polyphosphate, a pozzolan, and a set retarding agent, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt, placing the composition in the wellbore and allowing the composition to set. A composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement in an amount of from about 30 wt. % to about 60 wt. % and a set retarding agent in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % based upon the total weight of the composition, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt in a ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:3.
US07863213B2 Supported polymerization catalysts
A supported catalyst for olefin polymerization comprises a selected ionic activator, a selected organometallic catalyst and a support material. The selected activator must contain an active hydrogen moeity. The organometallic catalyst is characterized by having a phosphinimine ligand and a substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand (which contains from 7 to 30 carbon atoms). The supported catalyst exhibits excellent activity in gas phase olefin polymerizations and may be used under substantially “non-fouling” polymerization conditions.
US07863211B2 Epoxidation catalyst, its use and epoxidation process in the presence of this catalyst
Epoxidation catalyst based on titanium zeolite in the form of extruded granules. Use of this catalyst in the synthesis of epoxides, preferably 1,2-epoxy-3-chloropropane or 1,2-epoxypropane, by reacting an olefinic compound, preferably allyl chloride or propylene, with a peroxide compound, preferably hydrogen peroxide. Process for the preparation of an epoxide, preferably 1,2-epoxy-3-chloropropane or 1,2-epoxypropane, by reacting an olefinic compound, preferably allyl chloride or propylene, with a peroxide compound, preferably hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of the aforementioned catalyst.
US07863210B2 Nano-linked metallocene catalyst compositions and their polymer products
The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing novel dinuclear metallocene compounds. Methods for making these new dinuclear metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.
US07863204B2 Substrate processing apparatus, heating apparatus for use in the same, method of manufacturing semiconductors with those apparatuses, and heating element supporting structure
A substrate treating device comprising a treatment chamber for storing and treating substrates and a heating device having a heating element and a heat insulator and heating the substrates in the treatment chamber by the heating element. The heating element is so formed that only its one end is held by a holding part, and a projection projected to the treatment chamber side at the intermediate part of the heating element and positioned in proximity to or in contact with the heating element is formed on the heat insulator. A pin with an enlarged part is passed through the heating element and the heat insulator at the intermediate part of the heating element and the enlarged part is positioned in proximity to or in contact with the heating element. The plurality of projections may be formed on the heat insulator and the pins may be disposed between these plurality of projections.
US07863202B2 High dielectric constant materials
An integrated circuit can be formed with a high-k dielectric layer. A first titanium oxide layer is deposited over a substrate using a first ALD process. A first metal oxide layer is also deposited over the substrate using a second ALD process. A second titanium oxide layer is deposited over the substrate using a third ALD process and a second metal oxide layer is deposited over the substrate using a fourth ALD process. The first and second metal oxides are preferably strontium oxide and/or aluminum oxide.
US07863200B2 Process of vapor depositing glass layers for wafer-level hermetic encapsulation of electronic modules
A process to encapsulate electronic modules in a manner which is substantially resistant to water diffusion yet is carried out at moderate temperatures below 300° C., preferably below 150° C. is provided. The process forms a housing for electronic modules, in particular sensors, integrated circuits and optoelectronic components. The process includes the steps of: providing a substrate, of which at least a first substrate side is to be encapsulated; providing a vapor-deposition glass source; arranging the first substrate side in such a manner with respect to the vapor-deposition glass source that the first substrate side can be vapor-coated; and vapor-coating the first substrate side with a glass layer.
US07863197B2 Method of forming a cross-section hourglass shaped channel region for charge carrier mobility modification
A method for fabricating the semiconductor structure include a semiconductor substrate having a cross-section hourglass shaped channel region. A stress imparting layer is located adjacent the channel region. The hourglass shape may provide for enhanced vertical tensile stress within the channel region when it is longitudinally compressive stressed by the stress imparting layer.
US07863194B2 Implantation of multiple species to address copper reliability
A first species and a second species are implanted into a conductor of a substrate, which may be copper. The first species and second species may be implanted sequentially or at least partly simultaneously. Diffusion of the first species within the conductor of the substrate is prevented by the presence of the second species. In one particular example, the first species is silicon and the second species is nitrogen, although other combinations are possible.
US07863192B2 Methods for full gate silicidation of metal gate structures
One embodiment relates to a method of fabricating an integrated circuit. In the method, p-type polysilicon is provided over a semiconductor body, where the p-type polysilicon has a first depth as measured from a top surface of the p-type polysilicon. An n-type dopant is implanted into the p-type polysilicon to form a counter-doped layer at the top-surface of the p-type polysilicon, where the counter-doped layer has a second depth that is less than the first depth. A catalyst metal is provided that associates with the counter-doped layer to form a catalytic surface. A metal is deposited over the catalytic surface. A thermal process is performed that reacts the metal with the p-type polysilicon in the presence of the catalytic surface to form a metal silicide. Other methods and devices are also disclosed.
US07863186B2 Fully and uniformly silicided gate structure and method for forming same
Fully and uniformly silicided gate conductors are produced by deeply “perforating” silicide gate conductors with sub-lithographic, sub-critical dimension, nanometer-scale openings. A silicide-forming metal (e.g. cobalt, tungsten, etc.) is then deposited, polysilicon gates, covering them and filling the perforations. An anneal step converts the polysilicon to silicide. Because of the deep perforations, the surface area of polysilicon in contact with the silicide-forming metal is greatly increased over conventional silicidation techniques, causing the polysilicon gate to be fully converted to a uniform silicide composition. A self-assembling diblock copolymer is used to form a regular sub-lithographic nanometer-scale pattern that is used as an etching “template” for forming the perforations.
US07863184B1 System and method for reducing corrosion of an integrated circuit through its bond pads
A bond pad structure has a first conductive layer and an anti-reflective coating layer disposed on the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes first and second portions (which could be formed by etching). Part of the first portion is exposed within a bond pad opening, and the second portion is electrically connected to an integrated circuit. The anti-reflective coating layer also includes first and second portions (which could be formed by etching). The first portion may be located near the bond pad opening, and the second portion may be located farther away from the bond pad opening. A second conductive layer electrically connects the first and second portions of the first conductive layer. In this way, the first portion of the anti-reflective coating layer may undergo oxidation without leading to oxidation of the second portion of the anti-reflective coating layer.
US07863182B2 Dicing die-bonding film
The invention relates to a dicing die-bonding film having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) on a substrate material (1) and a die-bonding adhesive layer (3) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2), wherein the adhesion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) to the die-bonding adhesive layer (3), as determined under the conditions of a peel angle of 15° and a peel point moving rate of 2.5 mm/sec. at 23° C., is different between a region (2a) corresponding to a work attachment region (3a) and a region (2b) corresponding to a part or the whole of the other region (3b), in the die-bonding adhesive layer (3), and satisfies the following relationship: adhesion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2a)
US07863180B2 Through substrate via including variable sidewall profile
A microelectronic structure, such as a semiconductor structure, and a method for fabricating the microelectronic structure, include an aperture within a substrate. Into the aperture is located and formed a via. The via may include a through substrate via. The aperture includes, progressing sequentially contiguously at least partially through the substrate: (1) a first comparatively wide region at a surface of the substrate; (2) a constricted region contiguous with the first comparatively wide region; (3) a second comparatively wide region contiguous with the constricted region; and (4) a tapered region contiguous with the second comparatively wide region. The structure of the aperture provides for ease in filling the aperture, as well as void isolation within the via that is filled into the aperture.
US07863175B2 Zero interface polysilicon to polysilicon gate for flash memory
A system and method are disclosed for processing a zero angstrom oxide interface dual poly gate structure for a flash memory device. An exemplary method can include removing an oxide on a surface of a first poly layer and forming a second poly layer on the first poly layer in a same processing chamber. A transfer of the structure is not needed from an oxide removal tool to, for example, a poly layer formation tool, an implant tool, and the like. As a result, impurities containing a silicon oxide caused by exposure of the first poly layer to an oxygen-containing atmosphere do not form at the interface of the first and second poly layers.
US07863174B2 Vertical pillar transistor
A vertical pillar transistor may include a plurality of lower pillars, a plurality of upper pillars, a first insulation part, a second insulation part and a word line. The plurality of lower pillars protrudes substantially perpendicular to a substrate and is defined by a plurality of trenches. The plurality of lower pillars extends along a second direction and may be separated from each other along a first direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of upper pillars may be formed on the plurality of lower pillars. The plurality of upper pillars has a width substantially smaller than that of the plurality of lower pillars. The first insulation part has a substantially uniform thickness on a sidewall of each of the plurality of lower pillars. The second insulation part may be formed on the first insulation part to fill a gap between the adjacent upper pillars. The word line may be formed on the second insulation part and may extend between facing sidewalls of the adjacent pair of upper pillars along the first direction.
US07863162B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device in which the oxygen and carbon concentrations are reduced at the interface of each layer making up the semiconductor multilayer film. A first semiconductor layer is formed on a single-crystal substrate in a first reactor; the substrate is transferred from the first reactor to a second reactor through a transfer chamber; and a second semiconductor layer is formed on the first semiconductor layer in the second reactor. During substrate transfer, hydrogen is supplied when the number of hydrogen atoms bonding with the surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer is less than the number of surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer, and the supply of hydrogen is stopped when the number of hydrogen atoms bonding with the surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer is greater than the number of surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer.
US07863159B2 Semiconductor die separation method
According to the invention, die shift is reduced or substantially eliminated, by cutting the wafer in two stages. In some embodiments a first wafer cutting procedure is carried out prior to thinning the wafer to the prescribed die thickness; and in other embodiments the wafer is thinned to the prescribed die thickness prior to carrying out a first wafer cutting procedure. The first wafer cutting procedure includes cutting along a first set of streets to a depth greater than the prescribed die thickness and optionally along a second set of streets to a depth less than the die thickness. The result of the first cutting procedure is an array of strips or blocks of die, each including a plurality of connected die, that are less subject to shift than are individual singulated die. In a second wafer cutting procedure the die are singulated by cutting through along the second set of streets. Subsequent to the first cutting procedure, and prior to the second cutting procedure, additional die preparation procedures that are sensitive to die shift may be carried out.
US07863157B2 Method and structure for fabricating solar cells using a layer transfer process
A photovoltaic cell device, e.g., solar cell, solar panel, and method of manufacture. The device has an optically transparent substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface. A first thickness of material (e.g., semiconductor material, single crystal material) having a first surface region and a second surface region is included. In a preferred embodiment, the surface region is overlying the first surface of the optically transparent substrate. The device has an optical coupling material provided between the first surface region of the thickness of material and the first surface of the optically transparent material. A second thickness of semiconductor material is overlying the second surface region to form a resulting thickness of semiconductor material.
US07863149B2 Method for fabricating a capacitor
In a method for fabricating a capacitor that includes an electrode structure (80), an auxiliary layer (40) is formed over a substrate (10). A recess (60), which determines the shape of the electrode structure (80), is etched into the auxiliary layer (40), and the electrode structure of the capacitor is formed in the recess. As an example, the auxiliary layer can be a semiconductor layer (40).
US07863148B2 Method for integrating SiGe NPN and vertical PNP devices
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for forming an NPN and a vertical PNP device on a substrate comprises forming an insulating layer over an NPN region and a PNP region of the substrate. The method further comprises forming a buffer layer on the insulating layer and forming an opening in the buffer layer and the insulating layer in the NPN region, where the opening exposes the substrate. The method further comprises forming a semiconductor layer on the buffer layer and in the opening in the NPN region, where the semiconductor layer has a first portion situated in the opening and a second portion situated on the buffer layer in the PNP region. The first portion of the semiconductor layer forms a single crystal base of the NPN device and the second portion of the semiconductor layer forms a polycrystalline emitter of the vertical PNP device.
US07863141B2 Integration for buried epitaxial stressor
Structures and methods of fabricating isolation regions for a semiconductor device. An example method comprises the following. We form one or more buried doped regions in a substrate. We form a stressor layer over the substrate. We form a strained layer over the stressor layer. We form STI trenches down through the strained layer and the stressor layer to as least partially expose the buried doped regions. We etch the buried doped regions to form at least a buried cavity in communication with the STI trenches. In the first and second embodiments, we fill only the STI trenches with insulation material to form isolation regions and form voids in the cavities. In the third and fourth embodiments, we fill both the STI trenches and the cavities with insulation material.
US07863139B2 Double gate FET and fabrication process
A method of fabricating a double gate FET on a silicon substrate includes the steps of sequentially epitaxially growing a lower gate layer of crystalline rare earth silicide material on the substrate, a lower gate insulating layer of crystalline rare earth insulating material, an active layer of crystalline semiconductor material, an upper gate insulating layer of crystalline rare earth insulating material, and an upper gate layer of crystalline rare earth conductive material. The upper gate layer and the upper gate electrically insulating layer are etched and a contact is deposited on the upper gate layer to define an upper gate structure. An impurity is implanted into the lower gate layer to define a lower gate area aligned with the upper gate structure. A source and drain are formed in the active layer and contacts are deposited on the source and drain, respectively.
US07863138B2 Methods of forming nano line structures in microelectronic devices
A method of forming a microelectronic device includes forming a groove structure having opposing sidewalls and a surface therebetween on a substrate to define a nano line arrangement region. The nano line arrangement region has a predetermined width and a predetermined length greater than the width. At least one nano line is formed in the nano line arrangement region extending substantially along the length thereof and coupled to the surface of the groove structure to define a nano line structure. Related devices are also discussed.
US07863136B2 Method of manufacturing integrated circuits including a FET with a gate spacer and a fin
A method of manufacturing integrated circuits including a FET with a gate spacer. One embodiment provides forming a lamella of a semiconductor material and two insulator structures on opposing sides of the lamella. The lamella is recessed. A fin is formed from a central portion of the lamella. The fin is thinner than a first and a second portion of the lamella which face each other on opposing sides of the fin. A first spacer structure is formed which encompasses a first portion of the fin, the first portion adjoining to the first lamella portion. A gate electrode is disposed adjacent to the first spacer structure and encompasses a further portion of the fin on a top side and on two opposing lateral sides.
US07863135B2 Method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
For enhancing the high performance of a non-volatile semiconductor memory device having an MONOS type transistor, a non-volatile semiconductor memory device is provided with MONOS type transistors having improved performance in which the memory cell of an MONOS non-volatile memory comprises a control transistor and a memory transistor. A control gate of the control transistor comprises an n-type polycrystal silicon film and is formed over a gate insulative film comprising a silicon oxide film. A memory gate of the memory transistor comprises an n-type polycrystal silicon film and is disposed on one of the side walls of the control gate. The memory gate comprises a doped polycrystal silicon film with a sheet resistance lower than that of the control gate comprising a polycrystal silicon film formed by ion implantation of impurities to the undoped silicon film.
US07863131B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method for semiconductor device to reduce the lithography masks
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method for reducing the number of required lithography masks added to the nonvolatile memory in the standard CMOS process to shorten the production period and reduce costs. In a split-gate memory cell with silicided gate electrodes utilizing a sidewall structure, a separate auxiliary pattern is formed adjoining the selected gate electrodes. A contact is set on a wiring layer self-aligned by filling side-wall gates of polysilicon in the gap between the electrodes and auxiliary pattern. The contact may overlap onto the auxiliary pattern and device isolation region, in an optimal design considering the size of the occupied surface area. If the distance to the selected gate electrode is x, the ONO film deposit thickness is t, and the polysilicon film deposit thickness is d, then the auxiliary pattern may be separated just by a distance x such that x<2×(t+d).
US07863130B2 Tunable stressed polycrystalline silicon on dielectrics in an integrated circuit
System and method for creating stressed polycrystalline silicon in an integrated circuit. A preferred embodiment includes manufacturing an integrated circuit, including forming a trench in an integrated circuit substrate, forming a cavity within the integrated circuit substrate, wherein the cavity is linked to the trench, depositing a dielectric layer within the cavity, and depositing polycrystalline silicon over the dielectric layer, wherein an inherent stress is induced in the polycrystalline silicon that grows on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may be, for example, silicon aluminum oxynitride (SiAlON), mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2), and alumina (Al2O3).
US07863129B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an oxide film uniformly in a trench in the device isolation by, for example, a radical oxidation process. The method also includes increasing the thickness of the oxide film positioned at recess sidewalls by forming a gate oxide film. Manufacturing the device according to this method will prevent junction leakage and maintain a gate oxidation intensity characteristic that will improve the refresh characteristic of the device.
US07863126B2 Fabrication of a CMOS structure with a high-k dielectric layer oxidizing an aluminum layer in PFET region
A method for fabricating a CMOS structure is disclosed. The method includes the blanket disposition of a high-k gate insulator layer in an NFET device and in a PFET device, and the implementation of a gate metal layer over the NFET device. This is followed by a blanket disposition of an Al layer over both the NFET device and the PFET device. The method further involves a blanket disposition of a shared gate metal layer over the Al layer. When the PFET device is exposed to a thermal annealing, the high-k dielectric oxidizes the Al layer, thereby turning the Al layer into a PFET interfacial control layer, while in the NFET device the Al becomes a region of the metal gate.
US07863125B2 Manufacturing method of CMOS type semiconductor device, and CMOS type semiconductor device
The manufacturing method of the CMOS type semiconductor device which can suppress the boron penetration from the gate electrode of the pMOS transistors to the semiconductor substrate in the case that boron is contained in the gate electrodes, while enabling the improvement in the NBTI lifetime of the pMOS transistors, without degrading the performance of the nMOS transistors, is offered. The manufacturing method of the CMOS type semiconductor device concerning the present invention has the following process steps. Halogen is introduced to the semiconductor substrate of pMOS transistor formation areas. Next, a gate insulating film is formed on the semiconductor substrate of the pMOS transistor formation areas. Next, nitrogen is introduced to the gate insulating film.
US07863123B2 Direct contact between high-κ/metal gate and wiring process flow
A low resistance contact is formed to a metal gate or a transistor including a High-κ gate dielectric in a high integration density integrated circuit by applying a liner over a gate stack, applying a fill material between the gate stacks, planarizing the fill material to support high-resolution lithography, etching the fill material and the liner selectively to each other to form vias and filling the vias with a metal, metal alloy or conductive metal compound such as titanium nitride.
US07863121B2 Method for fabricating Schottky barrier tunnel transistor
A Schottky barrier tunnel transistor includes a gate electrode, and source and drain regions. The gate electrode is formed over a channel region of a substrate to form a Schottky junction with the substrate. The source and drain regions are formed in the substrate exposed on both sides of the gate electrode.
US07863115B2 Flat-panel display semiconductor process for efficient manufacturing
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to fabricate a flat panel display. A poly-last structure is formed for a display panel using an amorphous silicon or amorphous silicon compatible process. The poly-last structure has a channel silicon precursor. The display panel is formed from the poly-last structure using a polysilicon specific or polysilicon compatible process.
US07863114B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
The present invention provides a method for removing a metal element effectively from a crystalline semiconductor film obtained with the use of the metal element, without increasing the number of processes. In the present invention, an amorphous semiconductor film is formed on an insulating surface, a metal element for promoting crystallization is added to the amorphous semiconductor film, the amorphous semiconductor film is heated to form a crystallized semiconductor film, a continuous wave laser beam is irradiated to the crystallized semiconductor film, and an upper portion of the crystallized semiconductor film is removed.
US07863108B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with etched ring and die paddle and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system is provided including: forming a D-ring includes half etching a paddle, etching a ring, and etching a tie bar. The tie bar is between the paddle and the ring. The system further includes mounting an integrated circuit die on a central portion of the D-ring, connecting the integrated circuit die and the D-ring, and encapsulating the integrated circuit die and a portion of the D-ring.
US07863101B2 Stacking semiconductor device and production method thereof
In a stacking semiconductor device in which a first-layer and a second-layer semiconductor devices are stacked and bonded with a solder, warpage occurs due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient of constituent members or a difference in elastic modulus of individual members. Therefore, between the first-layer and the second-layer semiconductor devices are provided an external connection terminal of solder and a thermosetting resin, and the stacking semiconductor device is heated at 150 to 180° C., which are the temperatures of preheating for reflow of the solder, for 30 to 90 seconds. Thereby the warpage of the first-layer semiconductor device is reduced and the thermosetting resin is cured completely in this state. Then, the temperature is raised to a reflow temperature of the solder and solder bonding using the external connection terminal is performed. Thereby, the bonding reliability of a solder-bonded portion of the stacking semiconductor device is considerably improved.
US07863100B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with layered packaging and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a base package having a base interposer; forming an intermediate package having an intermediate interposer and an intermediate package embedded link trace, the intermediate package embedded link trace being encapsulated in an intermediate package mold compound; forming a cap package having a cap interposer; and connecting the intermediate package to the cap package and the base package using the intermediate package embedded link trace.
US07863097B2 Method of preparing detectors for oxide bonding to readout integrated chips
In one embodiment, a method of preparing detectors for oxide bonding to an integrated chip, e.g., a readout integrated chip, includes providing a wafer having a plurality of detector elements with bumps thereon. A floating oxide layer is formed surrounding each of the bumps at a top portion thereof. An oxide-to-oxide bond is formed between the floating oxide layer and an oxide layer of the integrated chip which is provided in between corresponding bumps of the integrated chip. The oxide-to-oxide bond enables the bumps on the detector elements and the bumps on the integrated chip to be intimately contacted with each other, and removes essentially all mechanical stresses on and between the bumps. In another embodiment, a device has an interconnect interface that includes the oxide-to-oxide bond and an electrical connection between the bumps on the detector elements and the bumps on the integrated chip.
US07863096B2 Embedded die package and process flow using a pre-molded carrier
An embedded die package includes a carrier with an electrical device in the cavity of the carrier, a first dielectric layer covering the sides and top of the electrical device except for vias over selected bonding pads of the electrical device, a plurality of metal conductors, each of which is in contact with at least one of the vias, one or more additional dielectric layers lying over the metal conductors and the first dielectric layer, wherein a top layer of the one or more dielectric layers has openings with metalization underneath coupled to at least one of the metal conductors, and solder bumps protruding from each of the openings.
US07863095B2 Method of manufacturing layered chip package
A layered chip package includes a plurality of layer portions stacked, each layer portion including a semiconductor chip having a first surface with a device formed thereon and a second surface opposite thereto. The plurality of layer portions include at least a pair of layer portions disposed such that the first surfaces of the respective semiconductor chips face toward each other. A manufacturing method for the layered chip package includes the steps of: fabricating a layered substructure by stacking a plurality of substructures each including a plurality of layer portions corresponding to the plurality of layer portions of the layered chip package; and fabricating a plurality of layered chip packages by using the layered substructure. The step of fabricating the layered substructure includes: fabricating a first and a second pre-polishing substructure each having a first surface and a second surface; bonding the pre-polishing substructures to each other such that their respective first surfaces face toward each other; and forming a first and a second substructure by polishing the second surfaces.
US07863088B2 Semiconductor device including covering a semiconductor with a molding compound and forming a through hole in the molding compound
A semiconductor device and method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a first semiconductor over an electrically conductive carrier. The first semiconductor is covered with a molding compound. A through hole is formed in the molding compound. A first material is deposited in the through hole.
US07863086B2 Thin film transistor substrate and method for fabricating the same
A thin film transistor substrate includes an insulating substrate, a gate electrode formed on the insulating substrate, a first gate insulating film formed on the gate electrode and having an opening for exposing at least part of the gate electrode, a second gate insulating film covering the gate electrode exposed by the opening and having a larger dielectric constant than the first gate insulating film, a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed apart from each other in a central area of the second gate insulating film and defining a channel region there between, and an organic semiconductor layer formed in the channel region. A method for forming the TFT substrate is also provided. Thus, the present invention provides a TFT substrate in which a characteristic of a TFT is improved.
US07863084B2 Contact fabrication of emitter wrap-through back contact silicon solar cells
Back contact solar cells including rear surface structures and methods for making same. The rear surface has small contact areas through at least one dielectric layer, including but not limited to a passivation layer, a nitride layer, a diffusion barrier, and/or a metallization barrier. The dielectric layer is preferably screen printed. Large grid areas overlay the dielectric layer. The methods provide for increasing efficiency by minimizing p-type contact areas and maximizing n-type doped regions on the rear surface of a p-type substrate.
US07863081B2 Field effect transistor and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a field effect transistor having an organic semiconductor layer, in which crystal grains having a maximum diameter of 10 μm or more account for 25% or more of the surface area of the organic semiconductor layer. The organic semiconductor layer preferably contains 7 to 200 crystal grains having a maximum diameter of 10 μm or more per 0.01 mm2. The organic semiconductor layer preferably contains a porphyrin crystal.
US07863078B2 Method for making an anti-reflection film of a solar cell
A method is disclosed for making an anti-reflection film of a solar cell. The method includes the step of providing a laminate. The laminate includes a ceramic substrate, a titanium-based compound film, a p+ type poly-silicon back surface field, a p− type poly-silicon light-soaking film and an n+ type poly-silicon emitter. The laminate is passivated with SiCNO:Ar plasma in a plasma-enhanced vapor deposition device, thus filling the dangling bonds of the silicon atoms at the surface of the n+ type poly-silicon emitter, the dangling bonds of the silicon grains at the grain boundaries of the p− type poly-silicon light-soaking film and the dangling bonds of the silicon atoms in the p+ type poly-silicon back surface field. Finally, the n+ type poly-silicon emitter is coated with an anti-reflection film of SiCN/SiO2.
US07863076B2 Solid-state image pickup device, method for making same, and image pickup apparatus
Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup device which includes: a light-receiving unit for photoelectric conversion of incident light; and a charge transfer unit of an n-channel insulating gate type configured to transfer a signal charge photoelectrically converted in the light-receiving unit; wherein the charge transfer unit has an insulating film formed on a transfer electrode and having a negative fixed charge.
US07863074B2 Patterning electrode materials free from berm structures for thin film photovoltaic cells
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device having patterned electrode films includes providing a soda lime glass substrate with an overlying lower electrode layer comprising a molybdenum material. The method further includes subjecting the lower electrode layer with one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation from a laser source to ablate one or more patterns associated with one or more berm structures from the lower electrode layer. Furthermore, the method includes processing the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns using a mechanical brush device to remove the one or more berm structures followed by treating the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns free from the one or more berm structures. The method further includes forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer and forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic material.
US07863072B2 Micromechanical diaphragm sensor having a double diaphragm
A method for producing a micromechanical diaphragm sensor, and a micromechanical diaphragm sensor produced with the method. The micromechanical diaphragm sensor has at least one first diaphragm as well as a second diaphragm, which is disposed essentially on top of the first diaphragm. Furthermore, the micromechanical diaphragm sensor has a first cavity and a second cavity, which is essentially disposed above the first cavity.
US07863068B2 Method for making a light emitting diode having a P-N junction doped with one or more luminescent activator ions
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a p-n junction containing luminescent activator ions. The visible emission from the activator ions preferably complementing the band edge emission of the LED in order to produce an overall white emission from the LED. In a preferred embodiment, the LED has double heterojunction structure having a semiconductor active layer between two confinement layers. The semiconductor active layer includes activator ions preferably selected from among Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Pr3+, Tm3+, and Mn2+. The electron-hole pairs trapped within the active layer sensitize the activator ions, causing the activator ions to emit light.
US07863066B2 Method for making a multiple-wavelength opto-electronic device including a superlattice
A method for making a multiple-wavelength opto-electronic device which may include providing a substrates and forming a plurality of active optical devices to be carried by the substrate and operating at different respective wavelengths. Moreover, each optical device may include a superlattice comprising a plurality of stacked groups of layers, and each group of layers may include a plurality of stacked semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer thereon.
US07863065B2 Display substrate and method for manufacturing the same
A method of forming a display substrate includes forming an array layer on a substrate, forming a passivation layer on the array layer, forming a photoresist pattern on the passivation layer corresponding to a gate line, a source line and a thin-film transistor of the array layer, etching the passivation layer using the photoresist pattern as a mask Non-uniformly surface treating a surface of the photoresist pattern, forming a transparent electrode layer on the substrate having the surface-treated photoresist pattern formed thereon and forming a pixel electrode. The forming a pixel electrode includes removing the photoresist pattern and the transparent electrode layer, such as by infiltrating a strip solution into the surface-treated photoresist pattern.
US07863064B2 Method of manufacturing organic light emitting display and organic light emitting display
A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display includes: forming a transistor on a substrate; forming a cathode electrode on the transistor to be connected to a source or a drain of the transistor; forming a bank layer having an opening on the cathode electrode; allowing a natural oxide layer to form on the cathode electrode; removing the natural oxide layer from the cathode electrode; forming an insulating buffer layer on the cathode electrode; forming an organic light emitting layer on the insulating buffer layer; and forming an anode electrode on the organic light emitting layer.
US07863062B2 Semiconductor device with a shielding section to prevent condensation and optical device module having the semiconductor device
In a solid-state imaging device 1 in which a hollow section 9 is formed between a solid-state imaging element 2 and a covering section 4 and an air path 7 extending from the hollow section 9 to the outside is formed in an adhesive section 5, a shielding section 11 for shielding the air path 7 is formed on the air path 7 so as to be positioned on a portion exposed from the covering section 4. This makes it possible to reduce noises occurring in a signal processing section of a semiconductor element while preventing condensation in the covering section for covering the semiconductor element.
US07863061B2 Surface emitting laser manufacturing method, surface emitting laser array manufacturing method, surface emitting laser, surface emitting laser array, and optical apparatus including surface emitting laser array
Provided is a surface emitting laser manufacturing method, etc., which reduces process damage occurring to a surface relief structure, enabling stable provision of a single transverse mode characteristic. Provided is a method including a surface relief structure for controlling a reflectance in a light emitting portion of an upper mirror, the surface relief structure including a stepped structure, includes: forming a resist pattern including a pattern for forming a mesa structure and a pattern for forming a stepped structure, on or above the upper mirror, and performing first-phase etching for etching the surface layer of the upper mirror to determine the horizontal position of the stepped structure; forming a current confining structure after the performing first-phase etching; and performing second-phase etching for further etching the area that the first-phase etching has been performed, to determine the depth position of the stepped structure, after the forming a current confining structure.
US07863058B2 Methods of attaching biological compounds to solid supports using triazine
Disclosed are methods of attaching biologically active compounds to a solid surface, comprising modifying the solid surface using triazine chloride and attaching the biologically active compound to the triazine moiety.
US07863057B2 Method and assay for detection of residues
Embodiments described herein include methods and assays for detecting an analyte in a sample using a plurality of control zone capture agents. Some embodiments include detection of multiple analytes in a sample utilizing a plurality of analyte binders and a control zone containing multiple control zone capture agents. In some embodiments, the multiple control zone capture agents capture a plurality of binders within one control zone. Test results are determined by comparison of the control zone signal to a test zone signal.
US07863055B2 Sampling system for introduction of high boiling point streams at low temperature
The present invention is a method and apparatus for sampling a high-temperature gaseous process stream containing components with high boiling points. The sampling system is especially suited for instruments having extremely low pressure chambers, such as mass spectrometers. The invention reduces the condensation of high boiling point components of the sample in the sampling system without the necessity of maintaining extremely high temperatures. The gaseous sample is passed through an orifice from the high temperature stream into a lower-temperature zone of the sampling system where a low pressure is maintained by a vacuum pump. The low pressure reduces the boiling point of the sample components so they may be maintained in a gas phase without excessive heating. The low pressure sample is then introduced into an instrument chamber through a sample introduction valve.
US07863054B2 Microfluidic system, sample analysis device, and target substance detection/measurement method
A microfluidic system includes a plate-shaped microfluidic chip having a flow path, a liquid introduction tube for supplying liquid to the flow path, the liquid introduction tube having an end communicating with an end of the flow path and its other end that can be soaked in the liquid that is to be supplied to the flow path, and a liquid discharge head communicating with the other end of the flow path for discharging liquid that has passed through the flow path.
US07863052B2 Grating-based sensor combining label-free binding detection and fluorescence amplification and readout system for sensor
A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data. In other embodiments, the at least one detector takes the form of a spectrometer for collection of label-free data and a photomultiplier for collecting ER data. In other embodiments, a single light source such as a tunable laser or broad band light source is used.
US07863050B2 Methods and compositions for purification of nucleic acid from a host cell
Methods and compositions are provided for gently lysing and solubilizing cells. Methods and compositions are further provided for quickly purifying high quality low molecular weight nucleic acid from host cells. Target cells are treated with a pre-chilled lysis solution having a zwitterionic detergent, for example n-Dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, and a brief room-temperature incubation. Where nucleic acid purification is required, the lysis solution-treated cells are contacted with a nucleic acid capture matrix having an average pore size of at least about 1 μm.
US07863049B2 Noninvasive blood sugar level measuring method
A noninvasive blood sugar level measurement method includes a process of changing a blood sugar level of a biological body, a process of noninvasively measuring biological feature amounts at plural measurement points that are timewise shifted from each other, a process of invasively measuring blood sugar levels of the biological body by the number of times that is lesser than the measurement points of the biological feature amount, a process of obtaining an approximate curve indicating temporal change in the actually measured blood sugar level that is obtained by the invasive measurement, a process of obtaining, using the obtained approximate curve, blood sugar levels (interpolation blood sugar levels) that would be obtained by the invasive measurement at the measurement times when the biological feature amounts are noninvasively measured, and a process of associating the values of the biological feature amounts at the times corresponding to the respective measurement points of the biological feature amounts with the interpolation blood sugar levels at the respective times, thereby forming a correlation table having plural sets of the biological feature amounts and the interpolation blood sugar levels. Therefore, even when the change in the biological feature amount relative to the blood sugar level is not monotonous, it is possible to form a precise correlation table without increasing the number of times of the invasive blood sugar level measurement.
US07863043B2 Stem cell populations and methods of use
Populations of stem cells and methods for their isolation and use are provided. These stem cell populations comprise aldehyde dehydrogenase positive (ALDHbr) cells isolated from bone marrow, and ALDHbr CD105+ cells derived from any stem cell source. These populations may also comprise cells expressing such surface markers as CD34, CD38, CD41, CD45, CD105, CD133, CD135, CD117, and HLA-DR, and/or are substantially free from such cell surface markers as CD3, CD7, CD 10, CD 13, CD 14, C1319, CD33, CD35, CD56, CD 127, CD 138, and glycophorin A. The population may also comprise cells expressing CD90. The stem cell populations of the invention are isolated from a stem cell source such as bone marrow, peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, and fetal liver. Methods of the invention comprise isolating and purifying stem cell populations from stem cell sources, and methods of using these cells to reconstitute, repair, and regenerate tissues.
US07863039B2 Organic waste treatment apparatus
A composting system including a vertically-orientated vessel with mechanisms attached to a vertically oriented central mounted rotating shaft, including rotatable size reduction blade(s), agitation mechanism(s), and discharge blade/mechanism(s). The composting system includes internal size reduction mechanism for reducing the size of material introduced to the vessel. The composting system includes a loading hatch, a discharge hatch, and a source of air to maintain aerobic conditions within the vessel. In use, material introduced moves from the upper region of the vessel gravitationally and via agitation through a zone of size reduction to the lower region of the vessel. Process conditions within the vessel are controlled by an operator and via electronic control mechanism, which can monitor operating conditions such as temperature and loading rate (for example), to manage air injection, mechanical agitation and size reduction such that composting proceeds efficiently and at an optimal rate.
US07863035B2 Fluidics devices
The invention relates to fluidics as used in medical and diagnostic equipment and relates further to means for purifying, abstracting, filtering, detecting and/or measuring analytes in liquid samples.
US07863034B2 Microbial streaking device
A streaker device for streaking a microbial inoculum for single colonies on the surface of a solid growth medium. The streaking device has a row of spaced apart contact surfaces for contact with the surface of the solid growth medium. The spaced apart contact surfaces are resiliently flexibly supported by a common support member so as to accommodate variations in depth of growth medium. The spaced apart contact surfaces may be provided on lowermost part of axially curved portions of plastics straps, that are angled backwardly. It is found that formation of a single band can give separation into single colonies. Also provided is an automatic streaking apparatus.
US07863033B2 Lactobacillus living body activating Lactobacillus preparation and preventive or therapeutic agent for living body infection
There has been effort to develop a lactobacillus that would be useful as a probiotic, and to develop a lactobacillus which would colonize and proliferate in lesions of infection, eliminating the causal bacteria.This problem was resolved by developing a Lactobacillus casei species having the following key properties. (1) The species can be grown in the presence of any of one to four amino acids as a nitrogen source necessary for growth. (2) When a growth-promoting culture medium is inoculated with the species and Escherichia coli in the same count and subjected to anaerobic mixed culturing at 37° C., the final count of lactobacilli is 50% or more of the coliform count. (3) Upon cultivation in an appropriate culture medium, the final pH value is 4.0 or below, and the highest acidity is 1.5% or more. (4) The species is resistant to 5% bile salts. (5) The species produces an antibiotic.
US07863031B2 Phytases and methods of making and using them
The invention provides a purified, isolated, synthetic or recombinant phytase enzyme (e.g., SEQ ID NO:2) initially derived from Escherichia coli B. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 47.1 kilodaltons and has phytase activity (SEQ ID NO:2). The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.
US07863027B2 Process for enzymatically converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid
A process is provided to improve the specific activity of an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity when converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid under aqueous reaction conditions. Inclusion of an effective amount of at least one amine protectant improves the specific activity and catalytic productivity of the enzyme catalyst.
US07863021B2 Genetic polymorphisms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, methods of detection and uses thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods based on genetic polymorphisms that are associated with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. For example, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and variant proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid molecules and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.
US07863020B2 Production of sialylated N-glycans in lower eukaryotes
The present invention relates to eukaryotic host cells which have been modified to produce sialylated glycoproteins by the heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferase and/or trans-sialidase, to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. Novel eukaryotic host cells expressing a CMP-sialic acid biosynthetic pathway for the production of sialylated glycoproteins are also provided. The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and combinatorial libraries which can be used to successfully target and express mammalian enzymatic activities (such as those involved in sialylation) to intracellular compartments in a eukaryotic host cell. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation.
US07863019B2 Interleukin-15 receptors
There are disclosed Interleukin-15 Receptor (IL-15R) proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding IL-15R, and processes for producing IL-15R as products of recombinant cell cultures.
US07863015B2 Method and device for carrying out biochemical reactions with a high throughput
Device, method and kit for carrying out biochemical reactions, in particular for cell-free polypeptide biosynthesis composed of an external housing which encloses an inner housing with incorporated wells and a supply chamber, wherein the wells of the inner housing each contain a producing system during the biochemical reaction, the supply chamber contains a supply liquid during the biochemical reaction and the wells of the inner housing and the supply chamber are separated by a semipermeable membrane characterized in that the inner housing has at least two wells the lower ends of which are closed by a semipermeable membrane and the upper ends of which protrude from the supply liquid contained in the supply chamber, and is connected to means for moving and incubating the producing systems and to the supply liquid.
US07863009B2 Mutants of the factor VII-activating protease and detection methods using specific antibodies
Mutants of the DNA sequence coding for the protease (FSAP) which activates blood clotting factor VII and single-chain plasminogen activators, the mutants comprising a G/C base exchange at nucleotide position 1177 and/or a G/A base exchange at nucleotide position 1601, are described. The corresponding protease has a Glu/Gln exchange at amino acid position 393 and/or a Gly/Glu exchange at amino acid position 534. Diagnostic methods which are used for detecting FSAP in body fluids or tissue cells and also for identifying patients with genetic heterozygous or homozygous FSAP expression are also described. In addition, antibodies against FSAP and its mutants are disclosed and diagnostic methods which can be used to detect antibodies against FSAP and its mutants are specified.
US07863008B2 Method for detecting NANBV associated seroconversion
The present invention relates to recombinant expression vectors which express segments of deoxyribonucleic acid that encode recombinant HIV and HCV antigens. These recombinant expression vectors are transformed into host cells and used in a method to express large quantities of these antigens. The invention also provides compositions containing certain of the isolated antigens, diagnostic systems containing these antigens and methods of assaying body fluids to detect the presence of antibodies against the antigens of the invention.
US07863007B2 Marker for prolonged rupture of membranes
The present invention relates to amniotic fluid specific polypeptide and a method for detecting rupture of the amniotic membranes. In particular the invention provides a marker for prolonged rupture of the membranes (PROM), which marker consists essentially of polypeptides of approximately 75 kDa, 20 kDa and 50 kDa as determined by 4-15% gradient SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.
US07863006B2 Antibodies for specifically detecting pathogenic prions of human origin, and detection methods carried out using these antibodies
This application includes description of antibodies for specifically detecting prions of human origin and methods for detecting pathogenic prions. In some embodiments, the antibodies bind to an epitope characteristic of a human prion protein which is not found in the prion proteins of other species. In some embodiments, the antibodies are not cross-reactive with cow, Syrian Gold hamster, mouse, or rat prions. The application also includes a conformation-dependent immunoassay method for detecting pathogenic prions in a sample containing a prion (PrP) protein. The PrP protein may be present in a first conformation and a second conformation, such as PrPc and PrPSc in which the two conformations have different binding affinity for the antibody used to detect them.
US07863005B2 Method for detecting perilymphatic fistula
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, reliable and low-invasive method to detect perilymph fistulas. The present invention provides a method for detecting a perilymph fistula, which comprises detecting the existence of Cochlin in body fluid existing in the middle ear.
US07863003B2 Apparatus for implementing non-destructive quality control of substrates and printed biological microarrays
Apparatus implements non-destructive quality control of substrates and printed biological microarrays. A method and apparatus are provided for implementing quality control of gel-based microarrays prepared by dispensing a gel-forming composition on a solid substrate. The method utilizes the difference between the wettability properties of a supporting substrate and a gel, where the gel is hydrophilic. Condensation of vapor of a chemically inert water-soluble liquid, such as water or glycerol, on the surface of a substrate under inspection creates a layer of tiny droplets that affect both transmission and scattering of light on the surface. A pattern of condensation, characterized by spatial distribution, average size of the droplets and spacing between the droplets, reflects variation in wetting properties of the substrate. The pattern of condensation circumscribes printed microarray features to be non-destructively imaged and analyzed.
US07863002B2 Breeding and milking cows for milk free of β-casein A1
A milk or other dairy product, capable of minimising the onset of disease such as coronary heart disease or enhancing the immune response is derived from animals which are substantially free of the β-casein A allele. Bulk milk can be produced by testing for and culling cows who test positive for the β-casein A allele, or by producing immunoglobulins and other immune response proteins, in cow's milk from animals not possessing the β-casein A1 allele, or other commercial milk producing animals, to this allele, to counteract the immunosuppressant substances present that are produced from it, in commercial milking cows such as Holsteins, together with its blending with non-treated milk or the recovery of such immunoproteins.
US07863000B2 Probe, probe set and probe carrier for detecting Candida lusitaniae
A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 2 and mutated sequences thereof.
US07862997B2 Primer and primer set for amplification of CEA nucleic acid, and method for assisting cancer diagnosis
The present invention provides a nucleic acid amplification primer which can detect CEA mRNA. Also provided are nucleic acid amplification primer sets, methods to amplify nucleic acid for detecting mRNA of the gene that encodes CEA, and a method for assisting cancer diagnosis.
US07862995B2 Methods and materials for predicting responsiveness to treatment with dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor
The present invention relates to a panel of targeted therapy markers that can be used in assessing a particular subject's sensitivity to various therapeutic agents and cancer treatments as a means of prognosticating whether a treatment or use of a particular therapeutic agent will result in a clinically positive outcome. Cellular receptors, ligands to those receptors and molecules involved in the programmed cell death pathway are examples of targeted therapy markers that might be used in the present invention.
US07862993B2 Methods for identifying agents for preventing or treating proliferative diseases, and for inhibiting extracellular matrix or α1 type IV collagen
A method of detecting proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising measuring the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1, phosphorylated Smad1, activin receptor-like kinase 1, activin receptor-like kinase 3 and bone morphogenetic proteins in a biological sample. A kit therefor. A prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising as an active ingredient a substance having an inhibitory effect on the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1 and phosphorylated Smad1. A method of identifying substances effective in preventing and/or treating proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising judging whether or not a test substance inhibits the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1 and phosphorylated Smad1. A kit therefor.
US07862992B2 Dynamic fermentation controller
One or more set point values are generated by a dynamic fermentation controller for one or more of temperature, pH, and enzyme dosage for a fermentation system. The one or more set point values are output to one or more controllers of the fermentation system. The generation of the one or more set point values and the outputting of the one or more set point values is repeated until a change in conditions in the fermentation system is detected.
US07862991B2 Method for fabricating recess pattern in semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a recess pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate including active regions, performing a first photo-exposure process on the photoresist layer using a photo mask including repeatedly formed line structures and spaces, performing a second photo-exposure process on the photoresist layer using a photo mask exposing the active regions, performing a developing process on regions of the photoresist layer whereon both the first and second photo-exposure processes are performed, and etching the substrate to form recess patterns using the remaining photoresist layer.
US07862990B2 Polymer having antireflective properties and high carbon content, hardmask composition including the same, and process for forming a patterned material layer
An antireflective hardmask composition includes an organic solvent, an initiator, and at least one polymer represented by Formulae A, B, or C as set forth in the specification.
US07862989B2 Method for fabricating dual damascene structures using photo-imprint lithography, methods for fabricating imprint lithography molds for dual damascene structures, materials for imprintable dielectrics and equipment for photo-imprint lithography used in dual damascene patterning
The process of producing a dual damascene structure used for the interconnect architecture of semiconductor chips. More specifically the use of imprint lithography to fabricate dual damascene structures in a dielectric and the fabrication of dual damascene structured molds.
US07862985B2 Method for double patterning a developable anti-reflective coating
A method for double patterning a thin film on a substrate is described. The method includes forming the thin film to be patterned on the substrate, forming a developable anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the thin film, and forming a layer of photo-resist on the ARC layer. Thereafter, the layer of photo-resist and the ARC layer are imaged with a first image pattern, and developed, thus forming the first image pattern in the ARC layer. The photo-resist is removed and another layer of photo-resist is formed on the ARC layer. Thereafter, the other layer of photo-resist and the ARC layer are imaged with a second image pattern, and developed, thus forming the second image pattern in the ARC layer. The other photo-resist layer is removed and a double patterned ARC layer remains for etching the underlying thin film.
US07862981B2 Compound, positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A compound including a polyhydric phenol compound represented by general formula (I) shown below (wherein R11 to R17 each independently represents an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or aromatic hydrocarbon group which may contain a hetero atom in the structure thereof, and X represents an aliphatic cyclic group) and having a molecular weight of 300 to 2,500, in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the phenolic hydroxyl groups are substituted with acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups; a positive resist composition containing the compound; and a method of forming a resist pattern using the positive resist composition.
US07862978B2 Toner and manufacturing process therefor
The invention provides a process for the manufacture of a toner which comprises the steps of: a) providing a latex dispersion containing primary resin particles and surfactant; b) providing a colorant dispersion containing primary colorant particles and surfactant; c) optionally providing a wax dispersion containing primary wax particles and surfactant; d) providing at least one carboxy functional compound of Formula (1), which may be in acid, salt and/or complex form: wherein R is a carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical which may be optionally substituted and Z1 is a bond or linker group and wherein the amount of carboxy functional compound of Formula (1) provided is greater than 3% by weight, the amount of carboxy functional compound being calculated according to the following equation: amount ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ carboxy ⁢ ⁢ functional ⁢ ⁢ ⁢ compound ⁢ ⁢ ( % ⁢ ⁢ weight ) = 100 × weight ⁢ ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ carboxy ⁢ ⁢ functional ⁢ ⁢ compound ( weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ carboxy ⁢ ⁢ functional ⁢ ⁢ compound + weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ solids ⁢ ⁢ content ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ latex , colorant ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ optional ⁢ ⁢ wax ⁢ ⁢ dispersions + weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ ⁢ any ⁢ ⁢ additional ⁢ ⁢ surfactant ) e) mixing the latex dispersion, colorant dispersion, optional wax dispersion and said carboxy functional compound; and f) causing the particles in the mixture to associate. The process advantageously may produce a toner of small size and narrow particle size distribution. The present invention also provides a toner manufactured by the process.
US07862972B2 Toner binder and toner
Disclosed herein is a polyester resin-based toner binder which can impart both excellent anti-blocking property under high temperature and humidity conditions and low-temperature fixing properties to a toner. The toner binder for developing electrostatic images includes a polycondensation polyester resin produced in the presence of at least one titanium-containing catalyst (a) represented by the following general formula (I) or (II): Ti(—X)m(—OH)n  (I) O═Ti(—X)p(—OR)q  (II) wherein X is a residue formed by removing H of one OH group from a (poly)alkanolamine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; R is H or a C1 to C8 alkyl group which may have 1 to 3 ether bonds; m is 1 to 4, n is 0 to 3, and the sum of m and n is 4; and p is 1 to 2, q is 0 to 1, and the sum of p and q is 2 (m, n, p, and q are each an integer).
US07862969B2 Image bearing member and image forming method using thereof, and image forming apparatus and process cartridge
The present invention provides an image bearing member that includes: a photoconductor; and a heating unit which heats the photoconductor, wherein the photoconductor includes: a support; a charge generating layer on the support, a charge transport layer, and a crosslinked charge transport layer in this order, wherein the crosslinked charge transport layer includes a reaction product of a radically polymerizable compound with three or more functional groups which does not have a charge transporting structure, and a radically polymerizable compound with one functional group, which compound has a charge transporting structure.
US07862953B2 Compound, solid polymer electrolyte membrane, electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and solid polymer fuel cell
An unsaturated compound including a urethane bond in a main chain and a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, an alkylsulfonic acid group, or an alkylphosphoric acid group on a benzene ring in a side chain is provided. In addition, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane containing a compound prepared by polymerizing the above-mentioned compound and an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly including diffusion layers adhered on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane are provided. Furthermore, a solid polymer fuel cell using the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is provided.
US07862952B2 Membrane electrode composite module, fuel cell and electronic equipment, and method of manufacturing the membrane electrode composite module
According to the present invention, there is provided a membrane electrode composite module including a membrane electrode composite formed by sandwiching both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane between gas diffusion electrodes, an anode current collecting plate having fuel flow holes through which fuel flows, and a cathode current collecting plate having oxygen flow holes through which oxygen flows, wherein both surfaces of the membrane electrode composite are sandwiched between the anode current collecting plate and the cathode current collecting plate, the membrane electrode composite module further including films made of a synthetic resin (a first film and a second film) which are a base of the anode current collecting plate and a base of the cathode current collecting plate.
US07862951B2 Fuel cell and fuel cell connector
A connecter comprises a housing having a first projection formed on an upper half of a first lateral surface over the entire width thereof between the front surface and the rear surface, and a second projection formed on a lower half of a second lateral surface opposed to the first lateral surface; a single detection terminal mounted inside the first projection, capable of connection to an electrode of a single cell contained in a fuel cell; and a detection terminal mounted in the lower half of the housing, capable of connection to the electrode of the single cell contained in the fuel cell. The detection terminals are all arranged at equal intervals.
US07862949B2 Fuel cell reliability improvement by using stack end plate temperature sensors
A system and method for determining whether a fuel cell stack is overheating. The system measures the temperature of end cells in the stack using end cell temperature sensors, and calculates an average end cell temperature based on the end cell temperature measurements. The system also measures the temperature of a cooling fluid being output from the fuel cell stack. The system determines if any of the measured end cell temperatures are outlying by comparing each end cell temperature measurement to the average. The system determines that the cooling fluid outlet temperature sensor has possibly failed if the cooling fluid outlet temperature is greater than the average end cell temperature and the cooling fluid outlet temperature minus the average end cell temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value. The system also determines that the fuel cell stack may be overheating if the average end cell temperature is greater than the cooling fluid outlet temperature and the average end cell temperature minus the cooling fluid outlet temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value.
US07862948B2 Control of nitrogen fraction in a flow shifting fuel cell system
A device and method to predict and regulate nitrogen concentration in a flow shifting system. In one aspect of the system, a bleed valve fluidly coupled to multiple fuel cell stacks is used to reduce the presence of nitrogen in an anode flowpath. One or more sensors can be used to measure voltage within one or both of the fuel cell stacks. By assessing fuel cell voltage changes within the anode flowpath and equating such changes with nitrogen fraction buildup, the system can manipulate the bleed valve at appropriate times to improve system operability. In one form of equating the sensed voltage changes with the nitrogen fraction buildup, a predictive algorithm can be used by a logic device in a controller to compare the sensed voltage so that the controller instructs the bleed valve when to open and close. In a variation, the controller can compare the sensed voltages against stored data rather than rely on a formula or related algorithm.
US07862945B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system according to the present invention has a movement drive device (load) (2), a fuel cell (10) for supplying electric power to the drive device, an electric power storing device (31) consuming electric power equivalent to the consumption power of the drive device, and an electronic control unit (connection control unit) (4) for controlling the connection of the fuel cell to the drive device. Before the fuel cell is connected to the drive device by the control of the electronic control unit, the fuel cell is made to generate electric power equivalent to the consumption power of the drive device, and the generated power is supplied to the electric power storing device. When a fuel cell voltage at the time of supply of the electric power to the electric power storing device is not less than a specified value, the connection between the fuel cell and the drive device is permitted.
US07862944B2 Method for detection and diagnosis of isolation faults in fuel cell hybrid vehicles
An isolation fault detection system for detecting isolation faults in a fuel cell system associated with a fuel cell hybrid vehicle. The isolation fault detection system measures a stack voltage potential, a positive fuel cell voltage potential, a negative fuel cell voltage potential, a positive battery voltage potential, and an overall battery voltage potential. The isolation fault detection system then uses these voltage potentials in mesh equations to compare the measured voltage potentials to voltage potentials that would occur during a loss of isolation. In one embodiment, the isolation fault detection system uses these five measured voltage potentials to determine whether an isolation fault has occurred at four separate locations in the fuel cell hybrid vehicle. The system also can detect the location of the isolation fault.
US07862942B2 Strategies for mitigating cell degradation during start-up and shutdown with H2/N2 storage
A system and method for reducing cathode carbon corrosion during start-up of a fuel cell stack. If a long enough period of time has gone by since the last system shutdown, then both the anode side and the cathode side of the stack will be filled with air. If the system includes split sub-stacks, then a start-up sequence uses a fast hydrogen purge through each sub-stack separately so as to minimize the time of the hydrogen/air front flowing through the anode side of the stacks. The start-up sequence then employs a slow hydrogen purge through the sub-stacks at the same time. If the time from the last shutdown is short enough where a significant amount of hydrogen still exists in the cathode side and the anode side of the sub-stacks, then the fast hydrogen purge can be eliminated, and the start-up sequence proceeds directly to the slow hydrogen purge.
US07862941B2 Hydrogen emissions control during up-transients and cathode pulsing
A fuel cell system that controls an anode exhaust gas bleed during power up-transients. The fuel cell system includes a by-pass valve that allows compressor air to by-pass the fuel cell stack and be directly emitted into the cathode exhaust gas stream. The system detects a power up-transient by monitoring the rate of closing of the by-pass valve and the rate of change of an increase in the compressor airflow set-point. If these parameters pass a certain threshold, then the system determines that a power up-transient is occurring, and prevents an anode exhaust gas bleed for a predetermined period of time. If cathode pulsing is occurring where power up-transients come one after another, then the system will continuously reset the time period for preventing the anode exhaust gas bleed until a second time limit is reached, where the bleed is then forced.
US07862940B2 Managing MEA hydration cycling life
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating an electrochemical conversion cell is provided wherein the method comprises the steps of (i) initiating a membrane dehydration sequence when the membrane is characterized by an initial membrane hydration λWET and (ii) maintaining the membrane dehydration sequence until the membrane is characterized by a target membrane hydration λDRY. According to the method, the membrane dehydration sequence is characterized by a drying rate that varies in a manner that substantially corresponds to a fatigue life contour map of the membrane. Additional methods and corresponding systems are contemplated.
US07862937B2 Anode effluent control in fuel cell power plant
A fuel cell stack (1) performs power generation using an anode gas having hydrogen as its main component, and after a power generation reaction, the anode gas is discharged as anode effluent. The anode effluent is re-circulated into the anode gas through a return passage (5). The return passage (5) comprises a purge valve (8) which discharges the anode effluent to the outside of the passage. In this invention, calculation of a first energy loss caused by an increase in non-hydrogen components in the anode gas while the purge valve (8) is closed (S7, S28), and calculation of a second energy loss which corresponds to the amount of hydrogen lost from the anode gas by opening the purge valve (8) (S8, S29) are performed. By opening the purge valve (8) when the second energy loss equals or falls below the first energy loss, the start timing of purging is optimized.
US07862936B2 Water removal channel for PEM fuel cell stack headers
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed including a first unipolar plate having an active surface with a plurality of flowfield channels formed therein. The first unipolar plate further includes an inlet header disposed at a first end of the unipolar plate that is in communication with the active surface, and an outlet header disposed at a second end of the unipolar plate having an exhaust opening formed therethrough. A peripheral edge of the exhaust opening is chamfered and is also in communication with the active surface. The chamfered exhaust opening forms a water removal channel in the bipolar plate. A fuel cell stack including the bipolar plate is also disclosed.
US07862932B2 Catalyst, electrode, membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell
Disclosed is a catalyst, including a catalyst particle containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum and an gold alloy, the gold alloy containing gold and at least one element selected from transition metal elements of the fourth period, fifth period and sixth period of the Periodic Table, and a catalyst carrier carrying the catalyst particle and containing a perovskite type oxide represented by general formula (1) given below: A(1-x)BxTiOy  (1) where the element A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba, the element B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, the molar ratio x satisfies 0
US07862929B2 Constitution of the dispersant in the preparation of the electrode active material slurry and the use of the dispersant
Disclosed are anode active material slurry for a lithium secondary cell having improved dispersibility of an anode active material and a conductive agent, and a lithium secondary cell comprising the same. Particularly, the present invention is characterized by adding a dispersant comprising a polymer backbone capable of surface-adsorption and a side-chain having non-ionic surfactant properties in a small amount, to the anode active material slurry comprising a carbon-based anode active material that is capable of lithium ion intercalation/deintercalation, a conductive agent, a binder comprising a styrene-butadiene-based polymer resin, a thickener comprising a cellulose-based or an acrylate-based resin, and water.
US07862923B2 Polymers for proton exchange membranes, proton exchange membranes, and their fabrication methods
The present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane having a polymer comprising of a main chain and a branch chain connected to said main chain wherein the chemical formula for said branch chain is and where n is an integer. Said main chain is a polymer selected from the group that includes: aliphatic polymers, aliphatic block polymers, and aliphatic random copolymers. The fabrication method for said polymers comprises the steps of: reacting a polymer having a benzene ring in its branch chain with a sulfo-alkylated chemical reagent and a catalyst in an anhydrous solvent in an inert atmosphere; separating the resulting sulfo-alkylated polymer; and acidifying to obtain said fabricated polymer. Proton exchange membranes made with these polymers are pliant, do not expand much during wet conditions, and, are chemically, hydrolytically, dimensionally and thermally stable.
US07862922B2 Polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell and fuel cell system comprising same
The polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present invention includes a proton-conducting polymer including metal ions bound to polyalkylene oxide. The polymer electrolyte membrane can save manufacturing cost of a fuel cell and improve proton conductivity and mechanical strength.
US07862921B2 Process for continuously producing polymer electrolyte membrane and producing apparatus therefor
The present invention provides a process for producing a polymerelectrolyte membrane comprising the steps of coating a solution of a polymerelectrolyte on at least one surface of a porous substrate and laminating the coated porous substrate and a supporting material while applying a tension F (kg/cm) in a range of the following expression (A) 0.01≦F≦10  (A) to the coated porous substrate. According to the present invention, a polymerelectrolyte composite membrane in which wrinkling and the like are suppressed and whose appearance is excellent can be continuously produced.
US07862920B1 Charged arrays of micro and nanoscale electrochemical cells and batteries for computer and nanodevice memory and power supply
A sequence or array of electrochemical cells storing both digital and analog data. Both binary code and codes having a higher base may be stored in the memory device to increase information density. Such battery arrays could also provide power for the micro or nanodevice. Devices are microscale and nanoscale in size and utilize electrically conductive atomic force microscopy tips to record and read data stored in the device.
US07862918B2 Recording medium and sheet
A recording medium includes a magnetic material and a pulp-fiber, a minimum value of shortest distances between the magnetic material and an edge of the recording medium substantially parallel to the pulp-fiber orientation direction being about 1 mm or more.
US07862916B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and magnetic storage device
The perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a non-magnetic underlayer composed of Ru or an Ru alloy having a columnar structure in which crystalline particles are isolated from each other by a space, a non-magnetic granular layer provided on the non-magnetic underlayer and composed of crystalline particles and a non-soluble phase and a granular magnetic layer provided on the non-magnetic granular layer and composed of CoCrPt alloy crystalline particles and the non-soluble phase, wherein when a lattice constant in an in-plane direction of the non-magnetic underlayer is a1, the lattice constant in the in-plane direction of the non-magnetic granular layer is a2, and the lattice constant in the in-plane direction of the granular magnetic layer is a3, the relation a1>a2>a3 is satisfied.
US07862915B2 Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a multilayered underlayer including a first underlayer containing Cu aligned in a (111) plane and a second underlayer formed on the Cu underlayer and containing Cu and nitrogen as main components is formed.