| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07929271B2 |
Film capacitor
A first electrode pattern comprises a first lead-out electrode portion extending continuously along the longitudinal direction of a first dielectric film, a plurality of first capacitor electrode portions each extending from the first lead-out electrode portion almost perpendicularly to the first lead-out electrode portion, and second capacitor electrode portions which are disposed between the first capacitor electrode portions and connected thereto. The second capacitor electrode portions each have a plurality of first sections. Each first section is connected to one end surface and the other end surface extending along the width direction of the first dielectric film of the first capacitor electrode portions through a narrow first fuse portion. |
| US07929269B2 |
Wafer processing apparatus having a tunable electrical resistivity
An article with an etch resistant coating is disclosed. The article is a heating element, wafer carrier, or electrostatic chuck. The article has a base substrate made of a ceramic or other material, and further has one or more electrodes for resistance heating or electromagnetic chucking or both. The eth resistant coating has a plurality of regions made from materials having different electrical volume resistivities, such that the overall coating has a bulk resistivity that can be tailored by varying the relative size of each region. |
| US07929266B2 |
Electronic device operable to protect a power transistor when used in conjunction with a transformer
An electronic device can be used with a system, such as an ignition system, that operates a relatively high voltage. The device can include a signal clamping control module that can include a signal reference module and a feedback control module. The signal reference module is operable to provide a reference signal to the feedback control module. The feedback control can be configured to receive a scaled signal from a signal scaling module, wherein the scaled signal is representative of a signal at a current carrying electrode of a power transistor. Based on the comparison of the reference signal to the scaled signal, the measurement module provides one or more signals to a control signal drive module. The feedback control module provides a control electrode signal to a control electrode of the power transistor. |
| US07929265B2 |
Radio frequency interface circuit for a radio frequency identification tag
A radio frequency interface circuit (11) for a radio frequency identification tag comprising—at least two input terminals (RF+, RF−) for connecting the circuit (10) with an antenna structure of the radio frequency identification tag, —one or more variable resistive loads (14) coupled across pairs of the input terminals (RF+, RF−)—one or more rectifiers (15) each connected on its input side to a pair of input terminals (RF+, RF−) and on its output side to a parallel connection of voltage control means (16) and modulation control means (17), wherein combiner means (18) are provided which are adapted to receive an output signal (19, 20) from the voltage control means (16) and the modulation control means (17), respectively, and to generate a control signal (21) for controlling each variable resistive load (14) depending on the received signals (19, 20) in such a way that each variable resistive load (14) serves as a modulation and voltage regulation circuit, and wherein each variable resistive load is adapted to serve as an electro static discharge protection circuit. |
| US07929259B2 |
Magnetic sensing device including a sense enhancing layer
A magnetic sensor includes a sensor stack having a first magnetic portion, a second magnetic portion, and a barrier layer between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. At least one of the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion includes a multilayer structure having a first magnetic layer having a positive magnetostriction adjacent to the barrier layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The magnetic sensor has an MR ratio of at least about 80% when the magnetic sensor has a resistance-area (RA) product of about 1.0 Ω·μm2. |
| US07929258B2 |
Magnetic sensor including a free layer having perpendicular to the plane anisotropy
A magnetic sensor includes a reference layer having a first magnetization direction and a free layer assembly having an effective magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to the first magnetization direction and substantially perpendicular to a plane of each layer of the free layer assembly. A spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer, and a signal enhancement layer is exchange coupled to the free layer assembly on a side opposite the spacer layer. |
| US07929257B2 |
Magnetic thin film having spacer layer that contains CuZn
A magnetic thin film has a pinned layer whose magnetization direction is fixed with respect to an external magnetic field, a free layer whose magnetization direction is changed according to the external magnetic field, and a spacer layer which is sandwiched between said pinned layer and said free layer. Sense current is configured to flow in a direction that is perpendicular to film surfaces of said pinned layer, said spacer layer, and said free layer. Said spacer layer has a CuZn metal alloy which includes an oxide region, said oxide region consisting of an oxide of any of Al, Si, Cr, Ti, Hf, Zr, Zn, and Mg. |
| US07929253B2 |
Actuator bearing having non-uniform ball spacing
A method is provided for maintaining the aggregate stiffness of a pivot bearing assembly generally employed along with an actuator assembly of a magnetic disk drive, while increasing the stiffness in a predetermined direction. More specifically, bearing cartridges used in conjunction with actuator assemblies of the prior art employ at least one ball bearing assembly positioned about a stationary shaft. A modification is presented herein that generally concerns repositioning and maintaining the balls of the ball bearing along a predetermined axis for efficient reaction of loads. |
| US07929243B2 |
Setting edge stress signal in magnetic tape data storage cartridge memory in response to servo detection error signals
Methods, magnetic tape data storage drives, data storage systems, and magnetic tape data storage cartridges. A system having at least one magnetic tape data storage drive is configured to handle a magnetic tape cartridge comprising a magnetic tape data storage media and accompanying cartridge memory. The magnetic tape media comprises a plurality of longitudinal servo bands, the servo bands separated by data bands. Two servo bands, each at opposite sides of a data band are sensed. In response to at least one servo detection error signal of one of the two servo bands, an edge stress signal is set to the cartridge memory of the magnetic tape cartridge. Then, for example, after reloading the cartridge, the cartridge memory is inspected for a set edge stress signal; and, if the edge stress signal is set, only read operations are allowed with respect to the inspected magnetic tape data storage cartridge. |
| US07929241B1 |
Signal conversion system and method
A signal conversion circuit includes: an input circuit that rejects common mode inputs and is configured to receive a differential input signal and shift a first bias of the differential input signal to produce a single ended intermediate signal with a second bias; and an amplifier circuit configured to amplify the single ended intermediate signal to produce an amplified signal. The input circuit can include: first and second transistors with drains configured to couple with a supply voltage, and gates of the first transistor and the second transistor are configured to receive the differential input signal; a first resistor coupled to a source of the first transistor and a drain of a third transistor; and a second resistor coupled to a source of the second transistor and a drain of a fourth transistor; where the third transistor and the fourth transistor are connected in a current mirror configuration. |
| US07929240B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive MRA compensation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing head distortion. For example, various embodiments of the present invention provide storage devices that include a storage medium, a read/write head assembly, and an adaptive distortion modification circuit. The storage medium includes information that may be sensed by the read/write head assembly that is disposed in relation to the storage medium. The adaptive distortion modification circuit receives the information sensed by the read/write head assembly and adaptively estimates and implements a distortion compensation factor in the analog domain. In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the read/write head assembly includes a magneto resistive head. In such instances, the distortion compensation factor is designed to compensate for non-linear distortion introduced by the magneto resistive head. |
| US07929238B1 |
Disk drive seeking with a fixed rate clock when crossing servo zones to facilitate zoned servo sectors
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having a plurality of servo sectors defining a plurality of servo tracks that form a plurality of servo zones. The disk drive further comprises a head actuated radially over the disk for generating a read signal, and control circuitry operable to execute a seek operation. A fixed rate clock is generated, and a disk locked clock is generated and synchronized to the servo data rate of the servo zone the head is over. The disk locked clock is used to generate a servo timing window relative to a circumferential location of the head and the servo sectors. The control circuitry seeks the head from the first servo zone to the second servo zone, and switches to the fixed rate clock to generate the servo timing window while the head transitions from the first servo zone to the second servo zone. |
| US07929237B2 |
Modulated disk lock clock and methods for using such
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling access to a magnetic storage medium. As one example, a method for controlling access to a storage medium is disclosed that includes calculating a point to point error amount, and generating a incremental error value based at least in part on the point to point error amount. The incremental error value is applied incrementally across a defined number of clock cycles. |
| US07929233B2 |
System, method and apparatus for sector grading of defective bit patterned magnetic media in hard disk drives
A system for grading defective bit patterned magnetic media by disk sector in hard disk drives recovers a portion of any defective sectors at a lower areal density. The invention reduces the track pitch density for sectors containing amalgamated islands while leaving the remainder of the defect-free sectors in the zone optimized for linear bit density. This recovers a portion of the defective sector, approximately in proportion to the ratio of amalgamated islands over the original number of islands. A typical zone is first optimized for tracks per inch during formatting of the patterned media disk drive. The zone is then broken up into sectors that can each be optimized separately for linear bit density to ensure the maximum sustainable capacity for each sector. |
| US07929232B2 |
Test method of a magnetic disk and magnectic disk tester
A test burst signal is overwritten from a write end position over a connecting region determined by positional deviation between a read head and a write head and a peripheral speed of a disk. Since, therefore, the overwritten signal portion is overlapped on the test burst signal written at a write start point, it is possible to reduce a width of the connecting region to thereby reduce a test inhibit region. |
| US07929230B2 |
Camera lens module
A lens module includes a lens barrel, a lens holder, a base, a plurality of elastic guiding members secured on the base and a plurality of electromagnetic devices arranged on the base. The lens barrel has a plurality of optical components received therein, and outer screw threads formed on an outer wall thereof. The lens holder has inner screw threads formed on an inner wall thereof to engage with the outer screw threads of the lens barrel. A plurality of supporting bars and magnetic elements are secured on an outer wall of the lens barrel. The guiding members each is formed on the base and configured for inserting of the respective supporting bar therein to guide a movement of the lens holder. The electromagnetic devices each locates at opposite sides of the respective magnetic element of the lens holder to provide a force to drive the lens holder. |
| US07929228B2 |
Image pickup apparatus having lens barrel
An image pickup apparatus includes a lens barrel. The lens barrel includes a fixture cylinder fixed onto an image pickup apparatus body, and provided with a plurality of cam grooves, and a movement cylinder provided with a plurality of cam followers, and configured to move in an optical axis direction as the cam follower rotates around an optical axis. One cam groove includes a non-engagement area that is not engaged with the cam follower. When the cam follower is located in the non-engagement area, a supporting member of a fixture cylinder supports in a radial direction a supported member that is provided to a part of the movement cylinder on an image plane side, and a part of the movement cylinder closer to the object side than the supported member is supported by the fixture cylinder in the radius direction via an elastic member. |
| US07929221B2 |
Ultra-wide angle objective lens
A ultra-wide angle objective lens comprising a first group having a first lens element having a convex object surface facing the object and a concave image surface facing the image plane, and a second aspheric lens element, the second aspheric lens element having a varying power that is negative at its vertex; and that increases positively with radial distance from the vertex. A second group has at least one lens element and a positive power. A third group has at least a first and a second lens element and a positive power. The ratio of the total track to the focal length satisfies the condition that TT/fo=<33 and the image height on a focal plane is h(θ)>f*θ, where h(θ) is the image height formed by an off-axis chief ray having a field angle θ, and f is the effective focal length of the lens. |
| US07929219B2 |
Optical element, optical system and endoscope using the same
A flux of light entering a transparent medium proceeds along a side view optical path by way of a first transmissive surface so as to be reflected to the side opposite to an image plane by a first reflective surface and then to the image plane side by a second reflective surface to form an optical path before going out from the transparent medium to the outside at the image plane side by way of a second transmissive surface in the order of forward ray tracing and also along a direct view optical path by way of a third transmissive surface to form another optical path before going out from the transparent medium into the outside at the image plane side by way of a fourth transmissive surface also as viewed in the order of forward ray tracing. |
| US07929216B2 |
Collimate lens assembly
A collimate lens assembly is provided which includes the first collimate lens which has a total reflection surface and a plurality of refracting surfaces, and the second collimate lens which is connected to the hole, and the second collimate lens has a greater refraction ratio than the first collimate lens. |
| US07929215B1 |
Field widening lens
Field widening lens methods and systems are provided. The field widening lens includes a non-planar primary mirror and a secondary mirror. In addition, separate input and output ports are provided. The field widening lens further provides for an optical path difference for rays within the lens that is essentially zero for any ray within the field of view of an optical system including the field widening lens, regardless of the angle at which the ray entered the lens. |
| US07929213B2 |
Prism sheet
An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The transparent main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are on opposite sides of the transparent main body. The first surface defines a plurality of a plurality of elongated arc-shaped grooves. The second surface defines a plurality of parallelogram microstructures. Each parallelogram microstructure defines four adjacent triangular pyramid depressions. |
| US07929207B2 |
Screen and projection system
A screen includes a plurality of reflecting portions disposed on a flat surface with a clearance left between one another. The reflecting portions reflect diagonal incident light coming in a predetermined direction other than the normal line direction of the flat surface, and block the diagonal incident light by reflecting the incident light such that the incident light cannot reach each area between the adjoining reflecting portions on the flat surface. |
| US07929205B2 |
Mouth switch arrangement and microscopy system having a mouth switch
A microscopy assembly comprises a stand, a stereo microscope supported by the stand, and a mouth switch assembly mounted to a holder, the mouth switch assembly including a mouth piece grippable by a user's teeth, and with a force sensor actuatable by the exertion of pressure by a user's lip while the mouth piece is held by the user's teeth, the force sensor including an actuating element arranged at a side of the mouth piece, wherein an actuating area of the actuating element located next to a front end of the mouth piece is spaced apart from the front end of the mouth piece by a distance larger than 4 mm and smaller than 35 mm. |
| US07929202B2 |
Semiconductor optical amplifier having a non-uniform injection current density
A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) with efficient current injection is described. Injection current density is controlled to be higher in some areas and lower in others to provide, e.g., improved saturation power and/or noise figure. Controlled injection current can be accomplished by varying the resistivity of the current injection electrode. This, in turn, can be accomplished by patterning openings in the dielectric layer above the current injection metallization in a manner which varies the series resistance along the length of the device. |
| US07929197B2 |
System and method for a MEMS device
Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. |
| US07929196B2 |
System and method of implementation of interferometric modulators for display mirrors
A specular interferometric modulator array is configured to be at least partially selectably reflective. As such, the array forms a mirror surface having the capability of displaying information to the user while simultaneously being used as a specular mirror. The displayed information may be based on information from an external source, may be programmable, and may be based on user input. |
| US07929193B2 |
Multi-primary color projection display
Embodiments of the present invention include a method, apparatus and/or system of producing a color image using four or more primary colors. The apparatus, according to some demonstrative embodiments of the invention, may include an optical arrangement to selectively split polychromatic light into at least four primary-color light beams, and to direct the at least four primary-color light beams towards at least four reflective spatial light modulators, respectively. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07929192B2 |
Method of fabricating a micromechanical structure out of two-dimensional elements and micromechanical device
In a method of fabricating a micromechanical structure, first, a deflectably supported two-dimensional structure is formed in a substrate and, then, is arranged in a package such that an integrated micromanipulator is arranged between the package and the two-dimensional structure so as to effect a deflection of the two-dimensional structure out of a plane of the substrate. |
| US07929191B2 |
Spatial light modulator and light sensing device provided on the same substrate
A holographic memory system includes a spatial light modulator having multiple modulators for spatially modulating at least a portion of a light beam emitted from a light source and rendering it as an information light beam, and a light sensing device for reading the information light beam taken out of a recording medium. The spatial light modulator and the light sensing device are integrally formed on the same substrate. |
| US07929190B2 |
Integrated planar optical device based on digital planar holography
A method of digitally processing light waves passing through a planar structure having given functions ƒin(x, y, ω) and ƒout(x, y, ω) and consisting of a light-propagating and distributing layer is provided. This layer contains a plurality of interconnecting pattern elements of a holographic pattern and a plurality of planar optical elements arranged in a predetermined pattern on the aforementioned light-propagating and distributing layer. The method consists of calculating positions and shapes of the interconnecting pattern elements of the holographic pattern based on the aforementioned given functions by solving an inverse problem. The interconnecting pattern elements have refractive indices different from the refractive indices of the light-propagating and distributing layer and are manufactured on the basis of the results of the calculations. The aforementioned continuous function is digitized, and the obtained digitized planar holographic pattern is used for converting the function ƒin(x, y, ω) into the function ƒout(x, y, ω). |
| US07929185B2 |
System and method for switching screens from overview and preview
The invention is to provide a system and method for switching screens from overview and preview. The method comprises multitudes of overviewed jobs that are selected on an overview zone for the objective image. Multitudes of selected jobs are displayed on a select preview zone for the overview zone. Multitudes of selected jobs are generated for the select job pictures. The corresponding previewed settings are added to the corresponding previewed settings. The system comprises an overview module for displaying a previewed digital picture. Set modules is for selecting and edit settings for several jobs on the previewed digital picture. A preview module is for storing several selected jobs on the set module and displaying several select jobs respectively on the preview module. |
| US07929180B2 |
Printing system, printing method, and host apparatus capable of analyzing ink blur
A printing system, printing method, and host apparatus is capable of analyzing the degree of ink blur in consideration of print conditions and the properties of an image typified by a photograph or the like, and prompting a user to change the print conditions depending on the analysis result. The system sets print conditions upon printing an image on a printing medium via a man-machine interactive operation by the user. If the system determines that ink blurs upon printing on the printing medium on the basis of the generated print data in accordance with the set print conditions, it warns the user about the print conditions. |
| US07929176B2 |
Image processing apparatus
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can verify whether or not an image has been able to be correctly read and easily correct an image which has not been able to be correctly read. The image processing apparatus has a reading section 105, an image processing section 110 for image-processing a read image, and a CPU 110 for controlling the entire apparatus. The image processing section 110 has a detection section 101 for detecting an image in a different state, a verification section 102 for displaying an image in a different state, and a correction section 106 for correcting the image. The image processing section 110 has a preview function for displaying the read image on a display section 108, and a correction function for correcting the image. The image processing apparatus can correct only a tilted image without rereading all images. |
| US07929174B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method
An object of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method capable of printing part of a book file by designating the range. A setting user interface window is displayed from a print setting menu, a desired unit is selected from a print target column, and the range is designated in the selected unit. The designated range is printed including an original page within the designated range and another original page to be printed on the same paper sheet as that of the original page. The range can be designated by an entire book file, chapter, page, or booklet. |
| US07929173B2 |
Print control apparatus, print control method, memory medium for storing print control program, and print control program
If a print job is designated to interrupt print, processing of any print job currently being processed is interrupted, print processing of the instructed print job is immediately performed and resumption of the interrupted print job is automatically performed afterward. Further, if an interrupt print occurs, the sending source of the interrupted print jobs (host computers, etc.) are notified that an interrupt occurred. |
| US07929171B2 |
Method of transmitting changed printer information in real time and network printer using the same
A method of transmitting printer information which can inform a host of changed printer information in real time whenever printer information changes and a network printer using the method. The method includes determining whether or not the printer information has changed and transmitting the changed printer information in real time to a communications network or a predetermined program which communicates with the network printer. The network printer includes a printer information change determination circuit which determines changes in printer information, and a changed information notification module which transmits in real time the changed printer information to a communications network or a predetermined program which communicates with the network printer. The changed information notification module transmits the printer information to the communications network or the predetermined program when the network printer is turned on. |
| US07929167B2 |
Apparatus and print processing method
An apparatus is configured to allow a user to make a selection as to whether printing of print data is performed according to print setting is specified to be unchangeable, or according to restriction information indicating restriction in printing instructed by the user. |
| US07929165B2 |
Method and system for controlling printer utilization in a networked environment
A method for controlling a printer in a networked environment utilizes printer usage statistics and document features to determine whether to print a document or portion of a document. The networked environment includes printers, devices permitting the submittal of print job requests, a print server, and a document repository. The method includes receiving a job request to print a document from a device on the network and obtaining the document in digital form from the document repository or placing the document in digital form. Document and page specific information are extracted from the document. It is then determined whether printing of the document or a portion of the document is necessary based on analysis of the document and page specific information. |
| US07929164B2 |
Image forming apparatus accepting a print job and computer transmitting a print job
An image forming apparatus judges whether an identical part is included in the key and the printing contents, based on the result of comparing a previously stored key with the printing contents of a received print job. When the apparatus judges that an identical part is included, the apparatus stores the received print job in a private print job queue for private printing. When the apparatus judges that an identical part is not included, the apparatus stores the received print job in an ordinary print job queue for ordinary printing. |
| US07929163B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and method in an image forming system
A wireless communication apparatus and method in an image-forming system employ RFID tags capable of transmitting/receiving data via wireless communication. The RFID tags are mounted, respectively, on bottoms of fixing and developing units of the image-forming system, or on bottoms of feed and Organic Photosensitive Conductor (OPC) units of the image-forming system in case if the image-forming system has a detachable developing unit structure. An RFID reader is provided as an integral component of the motherboard or mounted as a separate module thereon. Priorities for wireless communication are assigned to the RFID tags mounted on the units and, according to the priorities, the RFID reader performs wireless communication with the RFID tags to read and write data from/into the RFID tags. |
| US07929152B2 |
Apparatus for detecting press-bonded ball at bonding portion in bonding apparatus and method for detecting press-bonded ball at bonding portion
A detecting apparatus used in a bonding apparatus including a capillary and a detection camera disposed with a certain amount of offset from the capillary and capable of detecting a press-bonded ball at a bonding portion after bonding. For a pad in which two edges of a press-bonded ball corresponding to two adjacent sides of the pad are definite, the detecting apparatus detects the respective distances between the two sides of the pad and the corresponding two edges of the press-bonded ball, and compares the detected values to determine if these values fall within previously set allowable ranges; and if the detected values are outside the allowable ranges, the amount of offset is corrected so that the press-bonded ball comes within the allowable ranges. |
| US07929151B2 |
Intra-oral camera for diagnostic and cosmetic imaging
An apparatus for obtaining images of a tooth comprises at least one image sensor disposed along an optical axis to take polarized reflectance image and fluorescence image, at least one broadband illumination apparatus for reflectance imaging, and a narrow-band ultraviolet illumination apparatus for fluorescence imaging. In order to remove the specular reflection, one or more polarization elements are disposed along the optical axis. A filter is disposed along the optical axis to block narrow-band ultraviolet light, and a switch for selecting one of the operation modes. |
| US07929148B2 |
Optical coherence tomography implementation apparatus and method of use
Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for optical coherence tomography implementations. The OCT implementation generally applies to both spectrometer-based and swept source-based implementations of PS-FD-OCT, and also to both fiber based and bulk-optical and Michelson and Mach-Zender PS-OCT implementations, where the detection arm is free from two photoreceivers or spectrometers for detecting the interference of the first polarization state and the second polarization state. |
| US07929146B2 |
Methods and systems for removing undesired artifacts in fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) systems using continuous phase modulation and related phase modulators
Methods, fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) interferometers and computer program products are provided for removing undesired artifacts in FDOCT systems using continuous phase modulation. A variable phase delay is introduced between a reference arm and a sample arm of an FDOCT interferometer using continuous phase modulation. Two or more spectral interferograms having different phase delay integration times are generated. The spectral interferograms are combined using signal processing to remove the undesired artifacts. Systems and methods for switching between stepped and continuous phase shifting Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) are also provided herein. |
| US07929144B1 |
Optical system and method for gas detection and monitoring
A free-space optical path of an optical interferometer is disposed in an environment of interest. A light beam is guided to the optical interferometer using a single-mode optical fiber. The light beam traverses the interferometer's optical path. The light beam guided to the optical path is combined with the light beam at the end of the optical path to define an output light. A temporal history of the output light is recorded. |
| US07929141B2 |
Sensor and method of detecting the condition of a turf grass
A method of detecting the condition of a turf grass is described. According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises steps of attaching an active sensor to a mower; traversing a section of turf grass; and processing the output of the sensor. A device for detecting the condition of turf grass is also disclosed. The device comprises an array of illuminating devices generating a pattern of illuminating light; a detecting device receiving a pattern of reflected light which is coincident with the pattern of illuminating light; a detecting device adapted to detect stray light from the array of illuminating devices; and a feedback loop controlling the array of illuminating devices. A system employing the device is also disclosed. |
| US07929140B2 |
Spectroscopy probe and material processing system
A process monitoring system determines a spectral response of a process material. This system has a tunable laser for generating an optical signal that is wavelength tuned over a scan band and an optical probe for conveying the optical signal to the process material and detecting the spectral response of the process material. The optical probe expands a beam of the optical signal to a diameter of greater than 10 millimeters. This avoids one of the difficulties with monitoring these process applications by ensuring that the spectroscopy measurements are accurate and repeatable. It is desirable to sample a relatively large area of the processed material since it can be heterogeneous. Additionally the large area mitigates spectral noise such as from speckle. |
| US07929139B2 |
Spectroscopic ellipsometer, film thickness measuring apparatus, and method of focusing in spectroscopic ellipsometer
In a spectroscopic ellipsometer, light emitted from a light source enters a measurement surface of a substrate through an optical system in a lighting part so as to incline to the measurement surface to be directed to a light receiving device, and ellipsometry is performed based on spectral intensity of reflected light reflected on the measurement surface, the spectral intensity being acquired by the light receiving device. In focusing of the spectroscopic ellipsometer, a focus position of the measurement surface is obtained based on a total light amount in a predetermined wavelength band of the reflected light, the total light amount being obtained by the light receiving device. In the spectroscopic ellipsometer, since the optical system for ellipsometry and the optical system for focusing are common, it is possible to eliminate influences of change of the optical systems by temperature change or the like and to achieve high accurate focusing. |
| US07929136B2 |
Mist measuring apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide a mist measuring apparatus in which visual confirmation performance is enhanced, and high-accuracy detection is enabled. In the mist measuring apparatus including a housing, and a light source that is provided in this housing and emits light to a misty cutting fluid, the housing is provided around an ejection part of the misty cutting fluid, the light emitted from the light source is a visible ray, and the housing is provided with an observation part for observing scattered light from the misty cutting fluid. |
| US07929135B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting size of particles in liquid
The size of particles is detected accurately and at low cost even when there are few microparticles as impurities included in a liquid. Provided is a method of detecting a size of particles in a liquid by detecting diffraction fringes appearing due to the particles in the liquid by a light detection portion. Diffraction fringes are detected by a first light detection portion and a second light detection portion that are separated along the flow direction of the liquid. A peak time difference (T2) that is a difference between times at which peak values appear in a detection signal from the first and second light detection portion is measured, and an area (SQ) based on the waveform of the detection signal is measured. The sizes of the particles included in the liquid are detected based on the peak time differences (T2) and the areas (SQ) that were measured. |
| US07929133B2 |
Nano structured sensing device for surface-enhanced Raman scattering
A sensing device for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) includes a substrate, a plurality of nano structures over the substrate, wherein at least one of the nano structures comprises an active SERS nano surface and an adsorption layer on the active SERS nano surface. |
| US07929132B2 |
Transmission microscopy using light emitted from nanoparticles
Systems and methods for performing transmission microscopy on a sample material are disclosed. The sample material is placed on a metal nanoparticle substrate. High intensity light, such as an infrared laser, is focused on the nanoparticle substrate, thereby exciting the silver nanoparticles. The excited nanoparticles emit intensely focused, spectrally broad white light that is able to pass through the sample material without significant scattering even when the sample material is highly diffuse. The emitted light that passes through the sample material is detected and used to generate images and characterize features of the sample material, including the internal structural composition of the sample material. |
| US07929130B2 |
Illumination sources and customizable spectral profiles
Methods for generating a customized spectral profile, which can be used to generate a corresponding filter, lamp or other type of illuminant. A trial spectrum can be generated. A reference spectrum can be determined or otherwise obtained. A SOURCE spectrum can be determined or otherwise obtained. One or more optical indices can be calculated using the trial spectrum and one or more of the optical indices are optimized by varying the trial spectrum to generate the customized spectral profile. A radiation force parameter can be used to minimize unsafe build-up of light in spectral regions. Adaptations of color rendering parameters can be used in the optimization process. Smoothing parameters can be used to enable easier design of filter structures. A reflectance camera can be used to measure reflectance data at one or more pixels of a digital representation of an object to be illuminated. |
| US07929120B2 |
Apparatus for controlling optical fringe generation member based on detected optical fringe and method therefor
An optical fringe generation member control apparatus is provided. The control apparatus includes a detection unit that is configured to detect an optical fringe. Further, the control apparatus includes a control unit that is configured to control operation of a member on which the optical fringe is generated. The control unit controls the operation based on a detection result by the detection unit. |
| US07929117B2 |
Apparatus for real-time contamination, environmental, or physical monitoring of a photomask
An apparatus for real-time contamination, environmental, or physical monitoring of a photomask. The apparatus includes a photomask having a patterned region configured to correspond to features of an integrated circuit and a sensor physically coupled with the photomask. The sensor is configured to monitor an attribute related to the photomask. Attributes monitored by the sensor may include chemical contamination, temperature changes, humidity changes, acceleration, shock, vibration, optical flux through the photomask, electrostatic discharge environment of the photomask, particulates, and pressure. |
| US07929112B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which measures are taken to prevent or reduce the presence of bubbles in liquid through which the projection beam radiates. This may be done, for example, by ensuring that a gap between a substrate and a substrate table is filled with immersion liquid or by causing a localized flow radially outwardly from the optical axis in the vicinity of the edge of the substrate. |
| US07929111B2 |
Environmental system including a transport region for an immersion lithography apparatus
A lithographic projection apparatus that is arranged to project a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate using a projection system has a liquid supply system arranged to supply a liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate. The apparatus also includes a liquid collecting system that includes a liquid collection member having a mesh member through which a liquid is collected from a surface of an object opposite to the liquid collection member. |
| US07929109B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovering liquid droplets in immersion lithography
Immersion fluid remaining on a portion of a substrate after that portion has passed an immersion nozzle is removed by moving the substrate relative to an immersion nozzle so that the portion of the substrate on which the immersion fluid remains is passed by the immersion nozzle again. A path is determined along which the substrate is to be moved to remove the remaining immersion fluid. The path can be determined based upon previous movements of the substrate, including factors such as the speed and/or length of the previous movements. Alternatively, portions of the substrate on which immersion fluid remains can be detected, and then the substrate can be moved so that the portion of the substrate on which the immersion fluid remains is passed by the immersion nozzle based on the results of the detection. Immersion fluid also can be removed from the stage surface located beyond the substrate. |
| US07929107B2 |
Exposure chuck comprising a surface of a lift bar having a concavo-convex structure
An exposure chuck includes a lift bar to transfer a substrate; a lift bar mounting unit including the lift bar to move the substrate; and a substrate loading unit to load the substrate as the lift bar in the lift bar mounting unit transfers the substrate such that the substrate is separated from the lift bar, wherein a surface of the lift bar contacting the substrate has a concavo-convex structure. |
| US07929101B2 |
Flexible display panel having particular anisotropic conductive film
A flexible display panel comprises a flexible substrate, a display module, a driving unit and at least one anisotropic conductive film. The display module is disposed on the flexible substrate, and has a display area and a peripheral circuit area beside the display area. The anisotropic conductive film is connected between the peripheral circuit area and the driving unit, and the driving unit is electrically connected to the peripheral circuit area through the anisotropic conductive film. In addition, the anisotropic conductive film has an insulation film and a plurality of conductive particles disposed in the insulation film. Diameters of the conductive particles are in a range from 4.5 micrometers to 7 micrometers, and a distribution density of the conductive particles is a range from 45000 grains per square millimeter to 65000 grains per square millimeter. Therefore, the flexible display panel has high reliability. |
| US07929099B2 |
Liquid crystal display with improved lateral visibility
A liquid crystal display having improved response speed and greater luminance includes an intersecting array of gate lines and data lines defining a matrix of pixels, a first sub-pixel electrode connected to a first thin film transistor; a second sub-pixel electrode connected to a second thin film transistor, the second sub-pixel electrode including a pair of upper and lower electrodes disposed above and below the first sub-pixel electrode and lateral electrode disposed at one side of the first sub-pixel electrode and the upper and lower electrodes; and a connecting portion connecting the lateral electrode with each of the upper and lower electrodes, at least a portion of the connecting portion forming an angle of substantially 45 degrees or −45 degrees with respect to the gate lines. |
| US07929098B2 |
Liquid crystal display element, display device, observation device, camera, and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display element
A liquid crystal display element includes: electrodes that are formed upon a substrate, and include a mark electrode that is formed in a closed loop, an outer electrode that is arranged at a periphery of the mark electrode, and an isolated electrode that is surrounded by the mark electrode; an electrically insulating layer that is disposed between the electrodes and the substrate, and in which through holes are formed that correspond to the mark electrode, the outer electrode, and the isolated electrode; and a wiring layer that is disposed between the electrically insulating layer and the substrate, and upon which wiring is formed that electrically connects the outer electrode and the isolated electrode via the through holes. |
| US07929097B1 |
Fast response liquid crystal mode
A novel nematic liquid crystal (LC) mode is based on the Fringing-Field-Switching of Vertically-Aligned liquid crystals. The VA-FFS mode is capable of generating very fast optical modulation without the use of very thin cell gap. IA major feature of this LC mode is that it has unusual fast relaxation time compared with the conventional nematic LC modes that require a thin cell gap. This fast relaxation occurs even at very low applied voltages and the operation is very stable. The fast-response mechanism of this LC mode involves the confinement of liquid crystal molecular switching within self-imposed thin LC layers. The present invention provides a novel approach to overcome the fundamental problem of the long relaxation time of the conventional nematic liquid crystal modes. |
| US07929094B2 |
Vertically-aligned liquid crystal display device having a rugged structure which is in contact with the liquid crystal layer
A liquid crystal display device 700 includes a pair of substrates, a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer 490 provided between the pair of substrates, and electrodes 481 and 485 for applying a voltage to the vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer 490. At least one of the pair of substrates has a rugged structure on a surface which is in contact with the vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer. The surface having the rugged structure formed thereon has a region in which the height of the rugged structure varies along a first direction with a first period and varies along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a second period different from the first period. The first period is no less than 0.1 μm and no more than 10 μm, and the second period is no less than 0.1 μm and no more than 10 μm. The vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer 490 has a pretilt due to the rugged structure with no voltage applied thereacross. |
| US07929086B2 |
Laminated film
A laminated film includes a polarizing plate, a retardation film, and a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided in this order, wherein the polarizing plate includes a polarizer, a first protective layer placed on a side of the polarizer where the retardation film is provided, and a second protective layer placed on another side of the polarizer which is opposite to the side where the retardation film is provided, the retardation film is a stretched film comprising a norbornene resin, the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive that may be produced by crosslinking a composition comprising a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and a crosslinking agent comprising a peroxide as a main component. The laminated film has both good adhesion to a liquid crystal cell and easy peelability, and may improve the uniformity in a screen of liquid crystal display. |
| US07929083B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including a transparent element and a reflective element with a retardation film
A subject of the present invention is to prevent damage to a retardation film, etc. to improve the reliability in a liquid crystal display device including a retardation film on the side of the color filter substrate.To solve the problem, there is provided a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal display panel which includes a pair of substrates and liquid crystal supported between the pair of substrates, wherein the liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels; each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a transparent element and a reflective element; and one substrate of the pair of substrates includes: a diffuse reflection layer formed at a position corresponding to the reflective element of each individual sub-pixel, an oriented film formed on the diffuse reflection layer, a retardation film formed in a region in which the diffuse reflection layer is formed on the oriented film, a color filter formed on the retardation film, and a planarizing film formed on the color filter. |
| US07929082B2 |
Transmissive and reflective type liquid crystal display
Disclosed is a transmissive and reflective type LCD. In the LCD, a second substrate faces a first substrate. A liquid crystal layer is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first polarizing plate is formed on an outer surface of the first substrate. A second polarizing plate is formed on an outer surface of the second substrate. A backlight is arranged for irradiating incident light onto the polarizing plate. A transparent transflective film is arranged between the first polarizing plate and the backlight for partially reflecting and partially transmitting the incident light. The transparent transflective film includes at least a first layer and a second layer, the first and second layers having different refractivity indexes from each other and are alternatively stacked. By a restoring process occurring between the transflective film and the backlight, a predetermined amount of the incident light is transmitted through the transflective film repeatedly, so that transmissivity and light efficiency are enhanced. |
| US07929081B2 |
Method for fabricating color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display device with color filter having polarizing function
A color filter layer structure usable in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a color filter layer on a substrate, the color filter layer having a polarizing function and made of a liquid crystal material deposited on the substrate, wherein a force is applied to the deposited liquid crystal material in one direction to form the color filter layer. |
| US07929080B2 |
Method of adjusting photonic bandgap of photonic crystal, method of manufacturing reflective color filter using the same, and display device including the reflective color filter
Provided are a method of adjusting a photonic bandgap of a photonic crystal, a method of manufacturing a reflective color filter using the same, and a display device including the reflective color filter. The method of adjusting a photonic bandgap of a photonic crystal includes forming the photonic crystal having a photonic bandgap on a substrate, and changing the photonic bandgap by irradiating light onto the photonic crystal. In addition, the display device includes a backlight, a transflective liquid crystal panel including liquid crystal cells sealed between first and second substrates. Each liquid crystal cell corresponding to a pixel includes a transmissive area and a reflective area. A transmissive color filter is formed on the first substrate, which faces the backlight, and a reflective color filter is formed on each reflective area. |
| US07929077B2 |
Light source, display device, portable terminal device, and ray direction switching element
A planar light source includes a backlight that emits light in a planar shape, a ray direction regulating element that regulates a direction of light made incident from the backlight and emits the light, whereby a directivity of the light is improved, and in which a transparent area for transmitting light and an absorption area for absorbing light are formed, and a transparent and scattering switching element that is switchable between a state in which light which is transmitted by the ray direction regulating element and made incident on the switching element is transmitted and a state in which the light is scattered. The transparent areas are formed in a shape of a matrix including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the transparent and absorption areas are formed alternately, and the absorption area is formed so that the transparent areas are separated. |
| US07929075B2 |
Liquid crystal display module and assembling method thereof
A liquid crystal display module and an assembling method thereof are disclosed. The liquid crystal display module includes a panel guide for supporting a liquid crystal panel, the panel guide including a first fastening portion, support side members for holding opposite sides of a lamp irradiating light to the liquid crystal panel, respectively, each of the support side members including a second fastening portion having a foreign substance shield, and a bottom case including a third fastening portion having a case hole formed through a side surface of the bottom case, to receive the foreign substance shield. |
| US07929074B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An object of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device having a so-called direct backlight where the interval between a number of rod light sources can be reduced, as well as a liquid crystal display device where the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight can be provided close to each other and the thickness of the module can be reduced. The liquid crystal display device is provided with a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight provided on the rear surface of this liquid crystal display panel, and the above described backlight is provided with a number of rod light sources aligned in a plane which faces said liquid crystal display panel and electrode supports for supporting the electrodes of the rod light sources on the same pole, which are provided on the same side of the rod light sources together. The above described electrode supports for supporting the electrodes on the same pole together are formed of at least a separate first electrode support and second electrode support. The first electrode support and the second electrode support are respectively formed by press processing a metal plate and provided with electrode fixtures for sandwiching the electrodes of the number of rod light sources and en electrode linking body for linking these electrode fixtures together. The metal fixtures of the first electrode support and the metal fixtures of the second electrode support alternate in the direction in which said rod light sources are aligned. |
| US07929073B2 |
Liquid crystal display module and method for assembling the same
An exemplary liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight unit, a bottom frame, and an upper frame. The backlight unit is positioned on the bottom frame. The upper frame is assembled on the bottom frame to fix the backlight unit in position. The upper frame includes four sidewalls, a top flange extending from the four sidewalls towards a center of the upper frame, and a plurality of supporting members defined at the inner surfaces of the sidewalls adjacent to the top flange. At least one of the supporting members is resilient. The liquid crystal display panel is held in place between the top flange and the supporting members. A method for assembling the liquid crystal display module is also provided. |
| US07929071B2 |
Electric field generating device comprising an electric field generating resistor and line electrodes, light deflecting device having the same, and image display apparatus having the same
A disclosed electric field generating device includes an electric field generating unit including a substrate, line electrodes, and an electric field generating resistor and configured to generate an electric field. In the disclosed electric field generating device, the line electrodes are formed on at least one side of the substrate in parallel with each other so as to divide the side of the substrate into multiple sections; the electric field generating resistor is shaped like a strip and positioned so as to touch a part of each of the line electrodes; and some of the line electrodes have connectors for electric connection. |
| US07929070B2 |
Pixel structures and fabricating methods thereof
A fabricating method of a pixel structure is provided, which uses the original processes of fabricating a thin film transistor to simultaneously fabricate a reflective layer with an uneven surface. In the fabrication process of the thin film transistor, a plurality of bumps are formed under the reflective layer which is to be formed later on. The bumps and a gate of the TFT are formed simultaneously or the bumps and a semiconductor layer of the TFT are formed simultaneously. In addition, by stacking layers on the bumps, the reflective layer formed on the bumps can have good uneven shapes on the surface thereon. Therefore, the fabricating method of a pixel structure has simple processes and low manufacturing costs, and can be used for fabricating a transflective pixel structure or a reflective pixel structure. |
| US07929068B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure including a substrate, a scan line, a data line, a first and a second switching device, a first and a second pixel electrode, a first and a second bended pixel electrode, a first and a second connecting conductive layer, and a first and a second common line is provided. The scan line and data line demarcate a first and a second areas on the substrate, and the scan line is located between the two areas. The first and second switching devices are electrically connected to the scan line and the data line and are also electrically connected to the first and second pixel electrodes on the first and second areas respectively. The first and second bended pixel electrodes on the second and first areas are electrically connected to the first and second pixel electrodes through the first and second connecting conductive layers on the scan line respectively. |
| US07929067B2 |
Liquid crystal component module and method of controlling dielectric constant
A liquid crystal component module comprises a liquid crystal dielectric layer, first and second electrically conductive layers disposed to oppose each other with the liquid crystal dielectric layer interposed therebetween, a voltage applying device which applies a DC voltage to the liquid crystal dielectric layer so as to control the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal dielectric layer, a temperature regulating element for changing the temperature of the liquid crystal dielectric layer, and a temperature control device which changes the temperature of the liquid crystal dielectric layer by means of the temperature regulating element so as to cause transition of the liquid crystal dielectric layer between solid phase and liquid phase. |
| US07929065B2 |
Solar energy driven LCD hanging-brand for advertising
A LCD hanging-brand using solar energy for advertising, which includes a transparent base, a transparent scaling cover, a PCB board, a picture layer, a LCD sheet, a solar sheet, LEDs, a storage battery and a metal coil. One or more color transparent films can be mounted in the picture layer, and the films can be rotated by a motor or a rotating button. The LCD sheet is transparent when it is not turned on, and the image of the picture layer can be seen through the LCD sheet. |
| US07929063B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method for adjusting audio level
An electronic apparatus including: a video receiving module configured to receive video information containing audio information; a storage module configured to store setting information for each type of the audio information; an identification module configured to identify a type of a selected audio information selected from among the audio information contained in the video information received by the video receiving module; and a control module configured to read out the setting information corresponding to the type of the selected audio information identified by the identification module and to control an output level of the selected audio information based on the setting information. |
| US07929060B2 |
Video receiver with reduced power mode
An integrated circuit device having a television signal tuner, video decoder and power control circuit. The television signal tuner selects one of a plurality of television channels, and the video decoder converts a television signal conveyed in the selected television channel into a video display signal. The power control circuit alternately enables and disables the television tuner to enable reception of a first portion of video information conveyed in the television signal and to disable reception of a second portion of the video information. |
| US07929059B2 |
Changing channels in a digital broadcast system
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for changing digital broadcast channels. In one implementation, upon receiving a request for switching to a new channel in a digital broadcast receiving device, the device switches from a power saving mode, in which the device processes time-slices only for the currently selected broadcast channel, to a channel changing mode, in which broadcast data is buffered for more than one broadcast channels in anticipation of channel surfing. In another implementation, the user's perception of the channel change delay is mitigated by displaying channel information about the newly selected channel. |
| US07929057B2 |
Display control method
A display control method and device are discussed. According to one aspect, the method includes dividing a screen into a first display region, on which a first broadcast signal is displayed, and a second display region having at least one sub screen, on which a second broadcast signal is displayed, the second broadcast signal being received in response to a channel searching command; and displaying a moving picture on the second display region when the user selects a second display mode, wherein the first display region is overlapped with the second display region, and wherein an on screen display (OSD) having direction key menus responsive to the control command is displayed in order to control the position of display region of the second display region. |
| US07929056B2 |
User interface with tiling of video sources, widescreen modes or calibration settings
A user interface for a television or receiver associated with the television includes a display of tiles representing options available to a user, and controls for selecting one of the displayed tiles to select a corresponding option. |
| US07929055B2 |
Image display device, method of controlling the same and home network system
An image display device and a home network system are provided. The image display device transmits a broadcasting signal including at least one of a video data, an audio data, and an additional data according to predetermined transmission conditions. The home network system includes at least one external device connected to the image display unit through a wire or wireless network to output the transmitted broadcasting signal. |
| US07929052B2 |
Camera module
A camera module includes a lens module, an image sensor, and a circuit board. The image sensor module is disposed in an image side of the lens module. The circuit board is electronically connected with the image sensor module. The circuit board includes a receiving chamber defined therein. The receiving chamber receives the image sensor module. The lens module is mounted on the circuit board and covers the receiving chamber. The image sensor module is fixed in the receiving chamber that is defined in the circuit board therein. Therefore, a thickness of the camera module along the axis of the camera module is decreased and a volume of the camera module becomes thinner compare with the conventional camera module. |
| US07929051B2 |
Camera incorporating method and mobile electronic equipment with camera
In a mobile electronic equipment, a main body has a flat bottom surface and a flat side which cooperatively form a frame and having a recess with rib slots on its side. A camera unit is constructed by connecting a flexible cable to a substrate on which a camera IC portion is mounted. A holder has a window portion through which the camera IC portion is passed and a cover portion which covers the camera unit and which has ribs engaging with the respective rib slots. The camera unit is housed in the recess together with the holder in which the camera IC portion is passed through the window portion, and the ribs are fitted into the respective rib slots to incorporate the camera unit into the main body. |
| US07929050B2 |
Document camera
A document camera includes a base, a first arm, a second arm, and a camera head assembly. The base includes control electronics. The first arm is connected at a first end to a side of the base utilizing a first hinge. The second arm is connected at a first end to a second end of the first arm utilizing the second hinge. The camera head assembly is connected at a first end to a second end of the second arm utilizing the third hinge. The camera head assembly includes a lens adjuster and an imaging sensor and movement of the lens adjuster changes an orientation of the imaging sensor. The first side of the first arm is connected to a first side of the base and a second side of the first arm is connected to the second hinge. |
| US07929046B2 |
Image-pickup apparatus, lens apparatus and image-pickup system having combination identification function
An image-pickup system is disclosed which is capable of performing highly accurate back focus adjustment for each combination of an image-pickup apparatus and a lens apparatus. The system includes a first memory provided in the image-pickup apparatus and stores first identification information unique to a combination of the image-pickup apparatus and a certain lens apparatus, a second memory provided in the lens apparatus and stores second identification information unique to a combination of the lens apparatus and a certain image-pickup apparatus. A comparator compares the first identification information with the second identification information. The generator generates, when the comparison results that the first identification information does not match the second identification information, identification information unique to the combination of the image-pickup apparatus and the lens apparatus. The controller causes the first memory and the second memory to store the identification information generated by the generator. |
| US07929041B2 |
Image pickup device
An image pickup device that picks up an image of an object with an image pickup element, consisting of: a lens connecting portion that connects an interchangeable lens that can be attached and detached; a lens distinguishing portion that distinguishes the type of the interchangeable lens that is connected to the lens connecting portion; a plurality of optical filters that are capable of being disposed to the optical rear side of the interchangeable lens in the image pickup optical path when picking up an image of an object on an image pickup element with the interchangeable lens; and a moving portion that moves at least any of the plurality of optical filters to a position that corresponds to the type of the interchangeable lens that the lens distinguishing portion has distinguished. |
| US07929040B2 |
Recording and reproducing device including a movable unit
A switch for changing the mode of a device main body accompanied with the rotation of an image capture unit and an operation section provided in the device main body and performing inputting or outputting operations of the external information are included, and the external information outputting unit and the operation section change a plurality of modes controlled according to the mode change of the device main body by the switch. |
| US07929038B2 |
Current drive-type apparatus and display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display area, in which pixels each including an EL device and a pixel circuit are arranged in a matrix on a substrate, and a column control circuit for controlling the pixel circuit column by column. The EL device is disposed between a lower pixel electrode and an upper transparent electrode on the substrate. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the pixel circuit, and the transparent electrode is electrically connected to a common interconnecting line via a contact hole. The contact hole and the common interconnecting line are disposed to surround a periphery of the display area. The column control circuit is divided into two circuits one of which is disposed between the contact hole and the display area and the other of which is disposed outside the area between the contact hole and the display area. |
| US07929037B2 |
Digital camera
An digital camera includes a storage medium for connecting a storage medium having image information stored thereon and a display unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium. The digital camera displays characteristic images symbolizing one or more pieces of the image information stored on the storage medium on the display unit. The characteristic images include key images, images extracted by retrieval, or images obtained by analyzing plural pieces of image information. |
| US07929036B2 |
Solid-state imaging device having improved light sensitivity and a method for producing the same
To provide a method for producing a solid-state imaging device enabling an improvement of a light sensitivity characteristic in a light receiving unit, a solid-state imaging device in which the light sensitivity characteristic is improved, and a camera provided with the solid-state imaging device. A shield film projected around the light receiving unit is formed on a substrate in which the light receiving unit is formed; an transparent insulation film is formed on the shield film; a sidewall insulation film is formed by etch-back of the insulation film, in a side wall of the shield film; a mask layer having an aperture at a position corresponding to the light receiving unit is formed on the shield film; and the shield film is etched by using the sidewall insulation film and the mask layer as a mask to form an aperture portion exposing the light receiving unit. |
| US07929028B2 |
Method and system for facilitating creation of content
There is provided a method for use by a content capturing device for facilitating creation of content. According to one embodiment, the method includes receiving a content project file in a receiver of the content capturing device. The method further includes providing instructions to the user via a user interface for creating one or more portions of the content. In one embodiment, the instructions can be included in the content project file. The content can be, for example, a video or a collection of one or more digital still images. The method further includes capturing the one or more portions of the content using a video module and automatically editing the one or more portions of the content to generate the content. |
| US07929026B2 |
Image sensing apparatus and image processing method thereof using color conversion and pseudo color removing
An image sensing apparatus comprising: a CCD, optical system for forming an image on the CCD; A/D converter for converting an image signal outputted by the CCD to a digital signal; color interpolator for performing color interpolation on the digital signal converted by the A/D converter and generating image data on R, G and B color planes; color space converter for converting RGB color space to YUV colorimetric system; and median filter for reducing pseudo color components, generated by the color interpolator, by controlling color difference signals U and V. By cutting high frequency components of the signal, filtered by the median filter, then thinning out YUV signals and performing JPEG compression, pseudo color components generated by color interpolation can be reduced. |
| US07929025B2 |
Automatic white balance control system, automatic white balance module, and method thereof
The present invention discloses an automatic white balance control system, an automatic white balance module, and a method thereof. The automatic white balance (AWB) control system calculates a distance value from a coordinate related to the image to a reference point in a color space coordinate system for each image. If the median or mean of the distance values is greater than a threshold value, an automatic white balance operation will be performed. The system dynamically adjusts the threshold value to prevent a blinking caused by the automatic white balance. The white balance module selects an image block of a higher image sharpness to perform a gain adjustment to prevent a monochromatic block from misjudging a white balance gain. |
| US07929023B2 |
Camera device and monitoring system
In a camera device having a function for converting an image formed by a lens and captured by an imaging element into image data and correcting distortion of the image data caused by distortion aberration of the lens, the camera device includes a first storage unit for storing first distortion correction parameters for correcting the distortion of the image data in a first state, a second storage unit for storing second distortion correction parameters for correcting the distortion of the image data in a second state, and a distortion-correction-parameter interpolator for generating distortion correction parameters through interpolation when transition of the image data from the first state to the second state is performed. The distortion correction parameters indicate states of the image data during the transition of the image data and correct the distortion of the image data caused by the distortion aberration of the lens. |
| US07929020B2 |
Camera device and method and program for starting the camera device
A camera device comprises a movable optical system, a driving unit which drives the optical system, and a control unit which makes the driving unit start driving of the optical system to a predetermined state by an initialization of the optical system by using an interrupt processing which is executed by setting an interrupt processing routine before the operating system is started, when the camera device is started up in a state in which an operation mode for photographing is set. |
| US07929017B2 |
Method and apparatus for stereo, multi-camera tracking and RF and video track fusion
A unified approach, a fusion technique, a space-time constraint, a methodology, and system architecture are provided. The unified approach is to fuse the outputs of monocular and stereo video trackers, RFID and localization systems and biometric identification systems. The fusion technique is provided that is based on the transformation of the sensory information from heterogeneous sources into a common coordinate system with rigorous uncertainties analysis to account for various sensor noises and ambiguities. The space-time constraint is used to fuse different sensor using the location and velocity information. Advantages include the ability to continuously track multiple humans with their identities in a large area. The methodology is general so that other sensors can be incorporated into the system. The system architecture is provided for the underlying real-time processing of the sensors. |
| US07929014B2 |
Insertion support system
With a bronchial tube insertion support system according to the present invention, a route setting unit comprises a route starting-point setting function for setting the insertion starting-point of a bronchial tube, a region-of-interest setting function for setting a region of interest serving as the insertion end-point of the bronchial tube, a route extracting function for extracting an insertion route from an insertion start point to an insertion end point, and a route verifying function for performing verification of the extracted insertion route. According to these functions, of multiple insertion routes, the most appropriate insertion route when performing insertion support is determined. |
| US07929013B2 |
Desktop electronic magnifier
A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel. |
| US07929010B2 |
System and method for generating multimedia composites to track mobile events
A wireless communication device (104) for providing guidance about surrounding conditions and a communication server (1000) for receiving data feeds from cooperative wireless devices are provided. The wireless communication device (104) comprises a device discovery mechanism (214, 302) to identify second devices (116-150) in a vicinity (106-114) of the device, a processor (306) to determine a coverage capability for each area surrounding the first device (104), and a display (208, 310) to represent the coverage capability of each area surrounding the first device. The communication server (1000) comprises a network interface (1002) to receive one or more data feeds associated with a location of a first device (104), a processor (1004) to associate each data feed with an area adjacent to the first device, and a display (1008) to represent surrounding cells surrounding the first device. One or more surrounding cells (1102-1118) show a data feed of the location of the first device (104), and each data feed is provided by a second device (116-150) located in the corresponding surrounding cell. |
| US07929008B2 |
Line head and an image forming apparatus
A line head includes: a first lens formed from a resin and on a glass substrate; and a light emitting element substrate that has light emitting elements arranged in a first direction, wherein a cross section of the first lens taken in the first direction and including an optical axis of the first lens has a configuration wherein a curvature of the first lens at the optical axis has a larger absolute value than a curvature of an outer peripheral portion of the first lens. |
| US07929005B2 |
Thermal printer
A thermal printer has a thermal head mounted on a case main body and a platen roller confronting the thermal head. A cover member mounted to the case main body undergoes swinging movement to open and close an opening of the case main body. A slider rotatably supports the platen roller and is mounted to the cover member for linear movement on a plane including a rotational center of the platen roller and a swing center of the cover member. Engagement pieces mounted to the slider engage with engagement portions of the case main body when the cover member closes the opening of the case main body and the platen roller confronts the thermal head. A biasing member biases the slider such that the engagement pieces engage with the engagement portions of the case main body and the platen roller is brought into pressure contact with the thermal head. |
| US07929001B2 |
Display device and control methods therefor
A display device, includes: a display panel comprising a plurality of pixels; a signal controller which receives an n+k bit first image signal to divide one frame into 2k number of sub frames and generates a non-image signal according to an upper k most significant bits of the binary code and a second image signal with a lower n bit, of the first image signal in one frame with a predetermined rate; and a data driver which supplies a data voltage selected on the basis of the non-image signal and the second image signal, to the pixels. |
| US07928999B2 |
Pulse width modulation algorithm
In display systems employing spatial light modulators, the OFF-state light from OFF-state pixels of the spatial light modulator can be captured and directed back to the pixels of the spatial light modulator so as to recycle the OFF-state light in the display system. Bitplanes derived from the desired image to be produced are calibrated to include the recycled off-state light to properly produce the desired image using the display system. |
| US07928994B2 |
Graphics items that extend outside a background perimeter
Described herein are methods and systems that allow a user to reposition or size a graphics item or background such that a portion of the graphics item resides outside the background. This permits tailored operating spaces based on user preference and allowable conditions, which are particularly useful with display devices having a large display area. |
| US07928990B2 |
Graphics processing unit with unified vertex cache and shader register file
Techniques are described for processing computerized images with a graphics processing unit (GPU) using a unified vertex cache and shader register file. The techniques include creating a shared shader coupled to the GPU pipeline and a unified vertex cache and shader register file coupled to the shared shader to substantially eliminate data movement within the GPU pipeline. The GPU pipeline sends image geometry information based on an image geometry for an image to the shared shader. The shared shader performs vertex shading to generate vertex coordinates and attributes of vertices in the image. The shared shader then stores the vertex attributes in the unified vertex cache and shader register file, and sends only the vertex coordinates of the vertices back to the GPU pipeline. The GPU pipeline processes the image based on the vertex coordinates, and the shared shader processes the image based on the vertex attributes. |
| US07928989B1 |
Feedback and record of transformed vertices in a graphics library
One embodiment of the invention is a method for storing transformed vertex attributes that includes the steps of allocating memory space for a transform feedback buffer, selecting one or more transformed vertex attributes to store in the transform feedback buffer independently of any shader programs executing on any processing units in the graphics rendering pipeline, configuring the transform feedback buffer to store the one or more transformed vertex attributes, and initiating a processing mode wherein vertex data is processed in the graphics rendering pipeline to produce the transformed vertices, the attributes of which are then written to the transform feedback buffer. One advantage is that the transform feedback buffer can be used to store and access transformed vertices, without having to convert the vertex data to a pixel format, store the pixels in a frame buffer, and then convert the pixels back to a vertex format. |
| US07928985B2 |
Rigging for an animated character moving along a path
In computer enabled key frame animation, a method and associated system for rigging a character so as to provide a large range of motion with great fluidity of motion. The rigging uses a character body that moves along a path or freely as needed. The nodes in the body and path are not physically connected but are linked for performing a particular task. This task driven behavior of the nodes which may allow them to re-organize themselves in different re-configurations in order to perform a common duty, implies a variable geometry to the entire dynamic structure. To some regard the nodes can be said to be intelligent. |
| US07928980B2 |
Method for visualizing data clouds using color and opacity blending
In order to address the challenge associated with the analysis and visualization of large datasets, a method and apparatus provides for visualizing data clouds using color and opacity blending. The information stored within the data cloud is represented using a data container object. The colors and opacities associated with the container object's data point or points is blended to develop two-dimensional computer generated imagery that is unique to the virtual reference point chosen, typically within an OpenGL environment. The result is the ability to understand the sample density of large interactively rendered datasets from different reference points and as the datasets change over time. |
| US07928976B2 |
Telestrator system
A telestrator system is disclosed that allows a broadcaster to annotate video during or after an event. For example, while televising a sporting event, an announcer (or other user) can use the present invention to draw over the video of the event to highlight one or more actions, features, etc. In one embodiment, when the announcer draws over the video, it appears that the announcer is drawing on the field or location of the event. Such an appearance can be performed by mapping the pixels location from the user's drawing to three dimensional locations at the event. Other embodiments include drawing on the video without obscuring persons and/or other specified objects, and/or smoothing the drawings in real time. |
| US07928975B2 |
Plasma display and driving method thereof
In a plasma display and a driving method thereof, a misfiring prevention period is provided between a reset period and an address period in response to a temperature of the plasma display being higher than predetermined temperature or a weight value of a previous subfield being higher than a predetermined weight value. In the misfiring prevention period, a first voltage higher than a voltage supplied to a sustain electrode is supplied during a first period, and a voltage at a scan electrode is gradually decreased from a second voltage to a third voltage during a second period subsequent to the first period. |
| US07928974B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, method for controlling the same, and portable terminal
An active-matrix liquid crystal display device has pixels arranged in a matrix which each include a thin film transistor (TFT) as an active element. When the device is in a power-off state, TFTs in all the pixels are switched on, and all horizontal switches are turned on so that all data lines are supplied with a potential equal to the potential of common electrodes of the pixels. This forms a discharging path for discharging residual charge in all the pixels, and the discharging path can instantaneously discharge the residual charges. |
| US07928972B2 |
Display device
The present invention provides a display device having an illuminance detection circuit. The illuminance detection circuit includes: a photosensor which changes an optical current in response to illuminance of an external light; a capacitor which discharges a charge when the optical current flows in the photosensor; a comparator which compares a voltage at one end of the capacitor and a comparison reference voltage; a switching circuit which is connected to one end of the capacitor and charges the capacitor in response to a level of an output signal of the comparator; and a selection circuit which applies either a first voltage or a second voltage to the other end of the capacitor in response to the level of the output signal of the comparator. |
| US07928970B2 |
Display device and control method thereof
A liquid crystal display device employing the color sequential display method includes multiple, different color light sources. An image data arranging circuit sorts image data input from an external source for each frame according to color and arranges the sorted image data into a plurality of sub-frames. A data driver applies the arranged image data for each color to the liquid crystal panel sequentially according to the sub-frames. |
| US07928966B2 |
Computer input pen apparatus
A computer input pen comprises a cylindrical housing and a weight eccentrically disposed within the cylindrical housing relative to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. The weight is rotationally coupled relative to the cylindrical housing with a desired level of friction to absorb rotational energy of the cylindrical housing relative to the weight. |
| US07928963B2 |
Input device
An input device constructed in a carrier electronic apparatus comprises a letter button module and a number button module. The letter button module has a plurality of letter buttons to represent different letters respectively, and the number button module has a plurality of number buttons to represent different numbers respectively. The number buttons are separated from the letter buttons by being located in the intervals formed by adjacent rows of the letter buttons. The size, form, and color of the number buttons are different to those of the letter buttons. |
| US07928960B2 |
Analog input device with integrated pressure sensor and electronic apparatus equipped with said input device
In an input device, a control element is operated by a user; a pressure sensor is mechanically coupled to the control element and is provided with a monolithic body of semiconductor material housing a first sensitive element, which detects an actuation of the control element; a supporting element is connected to the pressure sensor; and connection elements electrically connect the monolithic body to the supporting element without interposition of a package. In particular, the monolithic body has electrical-contact areas carried by one main surface thereof, and the printed circuit board has conductive regions carried by a main face thereof; the connection elements are conductive bumps and electrically connect the electrical-contact areas to the conductive regions. |
| US07928957B2 |
Light-emission control device and liquid-crystal display apparatus
According to one embodiment, a light-emission control device controls light emission of light sources of a light emitter including a plurality of light source areas each corresponding to one of the light sources, and includes a light-value calculator, a light-value modifying module, and a light controller. The light-value calculator calculates a light value for each of the light source areas. The light source areas include a target area for which a light value is to be modified and surrounding areas surrounding the target area. The light-value modifying module modifies a light value calculated for the target area using light values for the surrounding areas. The light controller lights a light source in the target area based on the modified light value. |
| US07928955B1 |
Automatic brightness control for displays
An automatic brightness adjustment for devices with displays includes the capability to assess ambient light. The assessment may be made using circuitry, such as a light meter circuit, by exploiting exposure control circuitry, or using other approaches. The ambient light value is sent to a brightness adjustment driver, which may employ a look-up table to keep track of brightness adjustments for particular ambient conditions. The look-up table may include distinct adjustment values based upon the type of display. |
| US07928953B2 |
Display driver circuit
In an output mode, an output switch (SW11) is turned on and supply switches (SW13a, SW13b) are turned off, and output current is supplied to an intermediate node (nc) from driving transistors (T105a, T105b). In a transition mode, the output switch (SW11) is turned off and the supply switches (SW13a, SW13b) are turned on, and supply of the output current from the driving transistors (T105a, T105b) is shut off. Meanwhile, capacitance elements (C103a, C103b) receive voltage from reference nodes (Vcc, Vss). Also input voltage (Vin) is supplied to the intermediate node (nc). |
| US07928948B2 |
Matrix addressing circuitry and liquid crystal display device using the same
The invention aims at preventing an occurrence of artefacts while reducing power consumption. A matrix addressing method for alternately driving pixels. The frame period of the images is formed by successively sequencing on a time series a plurality of block periods, the block periods each being composed of a first half block being a period for successively sequencing on a time series application timings of the pixel voltages for one or more row electrodes to be provided with one polarity, the second half block being a period for successively sequencing on a time series application timings of the pixel voltages for one or more row electrodes to be provided with the other polarity. Ones of even-numbered row electrodes and odd-numbered row electrodes in arrangement order on the display screen are selected in the first half block. The others spatially adjoining the ones are selected in the second half block. A row electrode selecting order in the first half block and a row electrode selecting order in the second half block during one frame period are made differed from orders in the corresponding half blocks during the other frame period, respectively, so as to mitigate block-period-base visual artefact. |
| US07928947B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device and a method of driving the same is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel including a liquid crystal panel including a plurality of first and second pixel cells supplied with data of the opposite polarities to display a picture, and a pre-charging unit to electrically connect a first one of the first pixel cells and a first one of the second pixel cells to each other just prior to a period of supplying the data to the first ones first and second pixel cells, and to electrically disconnect the first ones of the first and second pixel cells from each other for a period of supplying the data to the first and second pixel cells. |
| US07928944B2 |
Color-sequential display device
A display arrangement comprises a plurality of pixel elements (FLCD) that have controllable light-transfer characteristics. A display driver controls the plurality of pixel elements in accordance with a color component (R) during a control interval (TO) that is assigned to the color component. The display driver causes a color-light source (RL1, RL2) to apply a color light, which corresponds to the color component, to the plurality of pixel elements during a main interval (RMO). The main interval is comprised in the control interval that is assigned to color component. The light-source controller also causes the color-light source to apply the color light during a spillover interval (RS1, RS2). The spillover interval is comprised in another control interval (T1) that is assigned to another color component (G). |
| US07928940B2 |
Drive method for MEMS devices
Embodiments of exemplary MEMS interferometric modulators are arranged at intersections of rows and columns of electrodes. In certain embodiments, the column electrode has a lower electrical resistance than the row electrode. A driving circuit applies a potential difference of a first polarity across electrodes during a first phase and then quickly transition to applying a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the first polarity during a second phase. In certain embodiments, an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the row electrode is less than an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the column electrode during the first and second phases. |
| US07928938B2 |
Semiconductor device including memory circuit, display device and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device of the invention includes a data line, a power source line, a first scan line, a second scan line, a first transistor, a second transistor, a memory circuit, a third transistor, and a light-emitting element. A gate of the first transistor is connected to the data line, and a first terminal thereof is connected to the power source line; a gate of the second transistor is connected to the first scan line, and a first terminal thereof is connected to a second terminal of the first transistor; the memory circuit is connected to a second terminal of the second transistor and the second scan line; a first terminal of the third transistor is connected to the light-emitting element; and the memory circuit holds a first potential inputted from the power source line or a second potential inputted from the second scan line, and applies the potential to a gate of the third transistor to control emission/non-emission of the light-emitting element. |
| US07928936B2 |
Active matrix display compensating method
Compensating for changes in the threshold voltage of the drive transistor of an OLED drive circuit, the drive transistor includes a first electrode, second electrode, and gate electrode; connecting a first voltage source to the first electrode, and an OLED device to the second electrode and to a second voltage source; providing a test voltage to the gate electrode and connecting to the OLED drive circuit, a test circuit, that includes an adjustable current mirror causing voltage applied to the current mirror, to be at a first test level; providing a test voltage to the gate electrode of the drive transistor and connecting the test circuit to the OLED device producing a second test level after the drive transistor and the OLED device age; and using the first and second test levels to calculate changes in the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the drive transistor to compensate for drive transistor aging. |
| US07928935B2 |
Electric circuit, driving method thereof, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes a plurality of data lines, scan lines, and unit circuits. Each data line is supplied with a data potential corresponding to a gray scale, and each scan line is supplied with a scan signal defining a writing period. Each unit circuit includes a drive transistor generating a driving current, an electro-optical element displaying a gray scale, a capacitive element having first and second electrodes, an electric supply line, which extends in a direction so as not to intersect the scan line, connected to the second electrode in an initialization period other than the writing period, a first switching element connecting the gate and drain of the drive transistor during at least the initialization period, and a second switching element controlling an electrical connection between the data line and the first electrode based on the scan signal. |
| US07928931B2 |
Plasma display apparatus
A plasma display apparatus comprises a plasma display panel, a sustain driver, a data driver and a reference separation controller. The plasma display panel including a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode crossing the first electrode and the second electrode. The sustain driver supplying a sustain signal swinging between a positive polarity sustain voltage and a negative polarity sustain voltage to the first electrode during a sustain period. The data driver supplying a data signal to the third electrode during an address period. The reference separation controller controlling a first reference voltage source, which is connected with the sustain driver and the second electrode commonly, separated from or connected with a second reference voltage source which is connected with the data driver. |
| US07928929B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A pixel is divided into m (m is an integer of m≧2) sub-pixels, and an area ratio of an s-th (s is an integer of 1 to m) sub-pixel is to be 2s−1. Also, k (k is an integer of k≧2) sub-frame groups including a plurality of sub-frames are provided in one frame, along with dividing one frame into n (n is an integer of n≧2) sub-frames, so that a ratio of a lighting period length of a t-th (t is an integer of 1 to n) sub-frame is 2(t−1)m. Further, each of the n sub-frames is divided into k sub-frames each having a lighting period length that is about 1/k of each of the n sub-frames, and one of these is provided in each of the k sub-frame groups. |
| US07928927B1 |
Head worn head up display system
A head worn head up display (HUD) system providing an enhanced head down view in an environment including a head worn device including a vision tracking device and a dynamic head down display. The head worn HUD system includes a computational platform for receiving vision tracking device signals from a vision tracking device of a head worn device and for generating head down display signals associated with a dynamic head down display. The computational platform processes and utilizes the vision tracking device signals and the generated head down display signals to provide output signals to the head worn device for output by the head worn device as superimposed visual steering cues to the operator. |
| US07928925B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering RF energy into RF metal shield secured on circuit board
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board carried by the housing and having RF circuitry comprising at least one RF component and plurality of other components mounted on the circuit board. An RF metal shield is secured to the circuit board and surrounds and isolates the at least one RF component and plurality of other components within the RF metal shield. An RF absorber is positioned adjacent an area of the RF component that radiates energy to aid in reducing energy radiated from the RF component into the RF metal shield. |
| US07928923B2 |
Antenna assembly and method for manufacturing the same
In an antenna apparatus, at least one choke in the form of a groove is arranged between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. The choke functions to suppress the mutual electromagnetic coupling between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. The depth of the choke is in a range from 0.15, to less than 0.225λ where λ is a wavelength of a carrier wave. |
| US07928920B2 |
Film antenna and electronic equipment
A film antenna comprises a base film formed of an insulating material; and first and second antenna elements of film-like electric conductors formed on the base film, wherein each of the first and second antenna elements is a planar shape in which two end faces from a feed point to a tip have two different lengths or a planar shape in which an end face and a diagonal line from a feed point to a tip have two different lengths, a core wire of a coaxial cable is connected to the first antenna element at the feed point, an external conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to the second antenna element at the feed point, and the first and second antenna elements have an area as a capacitor for performing impedance matching. |
| US07928912B2 |
Multiband antenna
A multiband antenna includes a long radiating branch, a short radiating branch, a short strip, a feed point, a grounding portion, a connecting portion, a long parasitic strip, and a short parasitic strip. The feed point, the long radiating branch, the short radiating branch, and the short strip are in a first plane. The grounding portion connects to the short strip. The connecting portion connects the long radiating branch, the short radiating branch, and the short strip. The long radiating branch, the short strip, and the connecting portion form a first inverted-L shaped antenna structure. The short radiating branch, the short strip, and the connecting portion form a second inverted-L shaped antenna structure. The long parasitic strip and the short parasitic strip are in a second plane and respectively connected to the grounding portion. The first plane is parallel to the second plane. |
| US07928911B2 |
Digital television (DTV) antenna apparatus
The present invention discloses a DTV antenna apparatus build in a portable device. The portable device includes a system ground. The DTV antenna includes a ground plane with a short circuit point, an extending metal arm with a grounding point and a radiation element. The ground plane is the system ground. The radiation element and the ground plane are arranged in parallel to each other. The extending metal arm connects with the short circuit point. The antenna receives signals with frequencies in the range from 470 MHz to 870 MHz. The radiation element includes a radiation arm and a parasitic arm. The radiation arm has a feeding terminal. The parasitic arm connects with the short circuit point. |
| US07928910B2 |
Wireless chip and electronic device having wireless chip
It is an object to provide a wireless chip which can increase a mechanical strength, and a wireless chip with a high durability. A wireless chip includes a transistor including a field-effect transistor, an antenna including a dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive layers, and a conductive layer connecting the chip and the antenna. Further, a wireless chip includes a transistor including a field-effect transistor, an antenna including a dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive layers, a sensor device, a conductive layer connecting the chip and the antenna, and a conductive layer connecting the chip and the sensor device. Moreover, a wireless chip includes a transistor including a field-effect transistor, an antenna including a dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive layers, a battery, a conductive layer connecting the chip and the antenna, and a conductive layer connecting the chip and the battery. |
| US07928909B2 |
Concurrent mode antenna system
A concurrent mode antenna system includes an antenna which generates a plurality of operating frequencies that are available at a same time, the antenna comprising a plurality of feed points; and a signal processing circuit which is connected to the feed points and processes radio signals transmitted and received by the antenna. Accordingly, the antenna system can not only provide various wireless services corresponding to the respective operating frequency bands on the single antenna but also miniaturize the antenna system. Furthermore, the antenna system can achieve the insertion loss prevention, the simplified structure, and the lower cost. |
| US07928901B2 |
Systems and methods for producing radar images
Systems and methods for producing radar images are provided. In illustrated embodiments, a representative system includes: a transmitter operative to transmit a pulsed signal; a receiver operative to sample the pulsed signal after reflection; a Doppler-shifting mechanism operative to create a Doppler shift in the pulsed signal; and a platform upon which the transmitter and the Doppler-shifting mechanism are mounted, the Doppler shift being associated with relative motion between the Doppler-shifting mechanism and the platform. |
| US07928897B2 |
Target detection method for use in radar and radar device using the target detection method
A radar device includes a transmission antenna and a reception antenna having a plurality of antenna elements. The radar device switches the antenna elements in synchronization with a modulation cycle, thereby obtaining a reception signal. At this time, the radar device obtains the reception signal by switching the antenna elements using a first measurement phase and a second measurement phase having different switching cycles as one set. The radar device calculates an azimuth sine value sin θ1 from the reception signal in the first measurement phase and also calculates an azimuth sinusoidal value sin θ2 from the reception signal in the second measurement phase. Then, the radar device calculates a relative velocity V from the azimuth sine value sin θ1, the azimuth sine value sin θ2, an interval time difference Δt between switching cycles, and an inter-antenna element spacing d. |
| US07928894B1 |
Phased array radar with mutually orthogonal coding of transmitted and received V and H components
A polarimetric radar with V and H polarized array antenna elements which transmit a V component modulated by a V code and the H component modulated by an H code orthogonal thereto. Unwanted polarization errors occur at off-boresight angles, which tend to obscure the polarization characteristics of the target. Radar returns are processed to form four independent channels by convolving the signals received by the V and H antennas with the mutually orthogonal V and H codes. This overcomes the polarization obscuration and allows determination of the polarimetric ratio of the target with high accuracy. |
| US07928891B2 |
GPS with radar detector
A GPS system includes a frame having a window, a GPS navigator supported by the frame, wherein a display of the GPS navigator is facing opposite to the window of the frame, a radar detector received in the frame to align with the window thereof, and an attaching element attaching the GPS system to an interior side surface of a vehicle such that the display of the GPS navigator is rearwardly facing towards the driver while the radar detector is forwardly sending out detecting signal through the window of the frame. The GPS system integrates the two important driving assistant equipments together, occupies minimal mounting space, and utilize only one car power outlet. |
| US07928889B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter, solid-state imaging device including the same, and method of digitizing analog signal
An analog-to-digital converter receives first and second analog signal voltages, and first and second comparison voltages. The first and second comparison voltages decrease by the same fixed inclination from a first reference voltage to below the first signal voltage and from a second reference voltage to below the second signal voltage, respectively. The converter counts cumulatively over first periods to acquire a first result, counts cumulatively over second periods to acquire a second result, and outputs a difference between the first and second results as a digital quantity. Each first period is time required for the first comparison voltage to change from the first reference voltage to the same voltage as the first signal voltage. Each second period is time required for the second comparison voltage to change from the second reference voltage to the same voltage as the second signal voltage. |
| US07928887B2 |
Analog/digital conversion device
An disclosed analog/digital conversion apparatus for converting an analog signal into digital data by cycling the analog signal through a fully differential amplifier circuit includes a polarity switching unit configured to switch connection polarities of the fully differential amplifier circuit; and a control unit configured to control the polarity switching unit in such a manner that the connection polarities of the fully differential amplifier circuit are switched between a first signal cycle and second and subsequent signal cycles. |
| US07928885B2 |
A/D converter
An A/D converter provides one or more operational amplifiers as components. The A/D converter includes a current controlling unit that is activated before an actual operation of the A/D converter to control a current of at least one of the operational amplifiers based on a settling characteristic of the operational amplifier. |
| US07928879B2 |
Audio processor
An audio processor is provided which includes a digital signal processor for processing a digital audio data in an inputted digital audio file and a digital analog converter for converting the digital audio data processed by the digital signal processor into an analog audio data in accordance with a sampling frequency of the digital audio data. If a sampling frequency of a digital audio data in a digital audio file which is earlier inputted is different from that of a digital audio data in a digital audio file which is subsequently inputted when a plurality of digital audio files are successively inputted, the digital signal processor adds a silent data of time which is the same or longer as time for completing a setting of the sampling frequency in a beginning of the digital audio data in the subsequently inputted digital audio file. |
| US07928877B1 |
Continuous-time delta-sigma modulator with small distributed resonators
A continuous time delta-sigma modulator having a sampling frequency includes a distributed resonator having a length about equal to a reciprocal of an integer times a velocity of a signal in the distributed resonator divided by twice the sampling frequency of the continuous time delta-sigma modulator. |
| US07928876B2 |
Sigma delta modulator
A method of controlling a sigma delta modulator with a loop which establishes a signal transfer function, STF, and a quantization noise transfer function, NTF, of the sigma delta modulator, wherein the sigma delta modulator receives an input signal, x(n), and provides a modulated output signal, y(n) in response to the input signal. The method is characterized in comprising the step of controlling the sigma delta modulator to change the quantization noise transfer function, NTF, in response to a signal feature, A(n), which is correlated with the input signal. |
| US07928875B2 |
Superconductor analog-to-digital converter
A superconducting Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) employing rapid-single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) logic is disclosed. The ADC has only superconductor active components, and is characterized as being an Nth-order bandpass sigma-delta ADC, with the order “N” being at least 2. The ADC includes a sequence of stages, which stages include feedback loops and resonators. The ADC further includes active superconducting components which directionally couple resonator pairs of adjacent stages. The active superconducting components electrically shield the higher order resonator from the lower order resonator. These active superconductor components include a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) amplifier, which is inductively coupled to the higher order resonator, and may include a Josephson transmission line (JTL), which is configured to electrically connect the SQUID amplifier to the lower order resonator. The first stage of ADC may employ an implicit feedback loop. |
| US07928869B2 |
Digital signal coding method and apparatus, digital signal decoding apparatus, ditigal signal arithmetic coding method and digital signal arithmetic decoding method
In a bit stream syntax containing compressed video slice data for compressed video data of a slice structure, a slice header for compressed video slice data has attached thereto a slice start code, a register reset flag indicating whether a register value, which designates a status of a codeword occurring in an arithmetic coding process, should be reset in the next transmission unit, an initial register value which indicates a register value to be used to start arithmetic coding/decoding to build/decompose the next transmission unit, only when the register reset flag indicates that the register should not be reset. |
| US07928868B1 |
Entropy decoding device
An entropy decoding device offers all nodes on a decoding tree, and a most probable symbol for each node, and predicts presumptive information of a next node. The entropy decoding device decodes an encoded bit stream, and output a decoded content that includes real information of the next node. The entropy decoding device further generates a flush instruction to the table look-up module, when the prediction misses, and updates the most probable symbol. |
| US07928863B2 |
Multifunction controller/standby instrument
One embodiment of the present invention includes an aircraft instrumentation system for a cockpit instrument panel having a first device associated with a first pilot of an aircraft and positioned on the instrument panel substantially in front of the first pilot. The first device may include a first display and a first controller, which may have a set of controls for controlling the first display and aircraft systems. The instrumentation system may also include a second device associated with a second pilot of the aircraft and positioned on the instrument panel substantially in front of the second pilot. The second device may include a second display and a second controller, which may have a set of controls for controlling the second display and the aircraft systems. The instrumentation may be configured such that at least one of the first display and the second display presents attitude, altitude and airspeed at all times. |
| US07928862B1 |
Display of hover and touchdown symbology on head-up display
A head-up display (HUD) is disclosed. The HUD is on board a rotary wing aircraft. The HUD comprises a projector. The HUD also comprises a combiner. The combiner enables viewing of the world outside of the combiner and allows viewing of information provided from the projector. Further, the HUD comprises a computer coupled to the projector in providing hover and touchdown symbols conformally mapped onto the combiner. A conformal mapping of hover and touchdown symbols is also provided on the combiner. |
| US07928861B2 |
Telemetry wave detection apparatus and method
Non-contacting means of measuring the material velocities of harmonic acoustic telemetry waves travelling along the wall of drillpipe, production tubing or coiled tubing are disclosed. Also disclosed are contacting means, enabling measurement of accelerations or material velocities associated with acoustic telemetry waves travelling along the wall of the tubing, utilizing as a detector either a wireless accelerometer system or an optical means, or both; these may also be applied to mud pulse telemetry, wherein the telemetry waves are carried via the drilling fluid, causing strain in the pipe wall that in turn causes wall deformation that can be directly or indirectly assessed by optical means.The present invention enables detection of telemetry wave detection in space-constrained situations. The invention also teaches a substantially contactless method of determining the time-based changes of the propagating telemetry waves. A final benefit of the present invention is that it demonstrates a particularly simple contacting means of directly measuring wall movements in live coiled tubing drilling environments. |
| US07928854B2 |
Techniques for smoke detection
Techniques for smoke detection are provided. In one aspect, an exemplary smoke detection device is provided. The smoke detection device comprises an infrared beam transmitting unit; an infrared beam receiving unit; and a control module associated with the infrared beam transmitting unit and the infrared beam receiving unit. The infrared beam transmitting unit and the infrared beam receiving unit are configured to communicate with each other, via an infrared beam, and with the control module, via a signal produced in response to smoke being present at a level that is greater than a threshold smoke level. |
| US07928850B2 |
Analyte monitoring system and methods
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed. |
| US07928848B2 |
RFID tag producing apparatus
This disclosure discloses an RFID tag producing apparatus comprising: a first antenna device that transmits and receives information to and from an RFID circuit element; a writing control portion that writes a command signal for commanding operation of at least one operating device so as to produce a command RFID tag; a second antenna device that transmits and receives information to and from the command RFID tag; a reading control portion that acquires the command signal; and a device control portion, based on information obtained by the reading control portion, that controls the at least one operating device. |
| US07928837B2 |
Data acquisition and display system for motor vehicles
The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that includes a GPS receiver and connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector. The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module includes a display computer including a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions for display on a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer. The display module collects information from the GPS receiver via direct electrical communication and/or vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The direct connection between the display module and the data link facilitates bi-directional communication with the vehicle's on-board computer(s) for diagnostics as well as reprogramming of the on-board computer(s) which may be accomplished in real-time. |
| US07928835B1 |
Systems and methods for drug compliance monitoring
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for drug compliance monitoring. A drug compliance monitoring system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a portable drug containment unit, which has a drug container, such as a pill bottle, for holding prescription or non-prescription drugs. The drug containment unit also comprises at least one sensor and control logic. The sensor is configured to automatically sense a parameter indicating when a drug, such as one or more pills or an amount of liquid, has been or is about to be removed from the drug container. The system, based on the sensor, automatically estimates and tracks drug consumption and provides a patient with reminders when a dosage is currently due. If the patient deviates from an expected drug regime, the system automatically senses this event and provides a notification to the patient or caregiver. In addition, the system stores a usage history indicating the approximate time and amount of each sensed dosage. |
| US07928834B2 |
Presence representation device
A device for providing a representation of the presence state of a remote party, the device being responsive, when the presence state of a remote party changes, to move from a first mechanical configuration to a second mechanical configuration, the device preferably comprising a puppet portion in the form of a humanoid which can be moved between a standing and another position. |
| US07928832B2 |
Method for the operation of RFID read/write devices
A method of operating a first RFID read/write device and at least one second RFID read/write device is disclosed herein. The first and second RFID read/write devices respectively comprise an RF part and a baseband part with a digital signal processor. The first and second RFID read/write devices are arranged at a usable wireless transmission distance from one another. The method comprises generating a Reader Service Signal in its baseband form in the signal processor and combining the Reader Service Signal with an RFID signal in its baseband form comprising a carrier signal, so that the RFID signal has the Reader Service Signal embedded to it in amplitude, frequency or phase. Thereafter, the RFID signal with the embedded Reader Service Signal is shifted into an RF band and the RFID signal is transmitted as a transmission signal wirelessly by the RFID read/write devices. The transmission signal from the first RFID read/write device is received by a number of electronic tags for the purpose of communicating with the first RFID read/write device. Simultaneously, the transmission signal from the first RFID read/write device is received at least by the one second RFID read/write device for the purpose of communicating with the first RFID read/write device. |
| US07928830B2 |
Biometric information detecting apparatus
A biometric information detecting apparatus has a biometric sensor for measuring biometric information for a predetermined time period. An A/D conversion portion acquires a sampling data by subjecting an output of the biometric sensor to A/D conversion. A storing portion stores the sampling data. A frequency analyzing portion subjects the sampling data stored in the storing portion to a frequency analysis and stores a result of the frequency analysis to in storing portion. A biometric state value calculating portion calculates a biometric state value from the result of the frequency analysis stored in the storing portion. An SN ratio calculating portion calculates an SN ratio from the result of the frequency analysis stored in the storing portion. A determining portion determines a reliability of the biometric state value based on whether the calculated SN ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold. A measured data storing portion associates a result of the reliability determination with the biometric state value and stores the result of the reliability determination and the biometric state value. |
| US07928828B2 |
Electrical assembly with PTC resistor elements
An electrical assembly includes a housing and at least two PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) resistor elements in the housing. Each of the at least two PTC resistor elements includes a body having a flat construction and electrodes on main surfaces of the body. Each of the at least two PTC resistor elements includes an electrically insulating envelope. The housing is closed. |
| US07928827B2 |
Blade fuse
A blade fuse includes a first terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge includes a first portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the first portion; a second terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge include a second portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the second portion; an element extending from the first portion of the inner edge of the first terminal to the second portion of the inner edge of the second terminal; and a housing covering the element. |
| US07928825B2 |
Safety plug
A safety plug, comprising: a housing a first metal blade a second metal blade a conducting device a bimetallic strip an isolating-equipment an elastomer a cover and an isolator, wherein all of its apparatus are all well-located even after encountering overloading. Both the bimetallic strip and the conducting device are fixed together in the housing of the safety plug thus makes sure that their restoring back at the same exact location. It increases the safety and the practical utility of the safety plug in this way. |
| US07928822B2 |
Bobbin, coil-wound bobbin, and method of producing coil-wound bobbin
A bobbin includes a spool portion having a hollow circular cylinder shape and adapted to have a wire wound thereon in multilayer alignment; a flange integrally disposed at one end of the spool portion; and a terminal block integrally disposed at the flange and adapted to terminate the wire, wherein a formula: D×N−D/2≦L |
| US07928818B2 |
Capacitive elements and filtered feedthrough elements for implantable medical devices
A capacitive element for an implantable medical device feedthrough element includes a bore, to receive a feedthrough member, or pin of the filtered feedthrough element, an external surface extending laterally outward from a first opening of the bore, and a recessed area formed in the external surface and extending about an outer perimeter thereof. The recessed area may provide a location on which to apply a conductive material to form a joint that electrically couples the capacitive element to a ferrule of the filtered feedthrough element. |
| US07928814B2 |
Apparatus and method for signal level control
A set top box is described including multiple tuners and an apparatus and method for controlling signal level. The apparatus includes a signal splitter for splitting signal power of a signal between an input and at least two outputs, a controller coupled to an output, and a circuit controlled by the controller and selectively coupled to the signal splitter for altering a signal transfer response characteristic of the signal. The method describes controlling the signal level of signals outputted by a signal splitter including determining a signal quality characteristic of one of the output signals and altering a signal response in the signal splitter in response to comparing the signal quality characteristic to a predetermined signal quality characteristic threshold. |
| US07928812B2 |
Automated tuning in wide range multi-band VCO with internal reset concept
Circuits and methods for automated real-time tuning of wide range frequency/delay voltage controlled oscillators (VCO) using a reset mechanism, to account for run-time variations such as power supply, temperature, reference clock frequency and input slew drift etc is described. It finds extensive applications in wide range, multi frequency band phase and delay locked loops. In one embodiment, an automated Jump-Down band switching structure and method for use in VCOs with a plurality of frequency bands is described. This involves monitoring the VCO's analog control voltage signal until it reaches a predetermined lower limit, at which time band switching to an overlapping lower frequency band is triggered by an internally generated reset signal, while simultaneously charging the analog control voltage to a limit in a pre-determined range of the lower band, to avoid phase detector malfunctions in the PLL/DLL system at lower control voltages during band switch. |
| US07928810B2 |
Oscillator arrangement and method for operating an oscillating crystal
The oscillator arrangement (1) comprises a differential amplifier (13) and also a first and a second terminal (2, 3). The first terminal (2) of the oscillator arrangement (1) can be coupled via a quartz resonator (10) to the second terminal (3) of the oscillator arrangement (1) and via a first capacitor (11) to a reference voltage terminal (8). The second terminal (3) of the oscillator arrangement (1) can be coupled via a second capacitor (12) to the reference voltage terminal (8). The differential amplifier (13) is connected at a first input (14) to the first terminal (2) of the oscillator arrangement (1) and at an output (16) to the second terminal (3) of the oscillator arrangement (1). The second input (15) of the differential amplifier (13) is connected via a direct voltage source (21) to the reference voltage terminal (8). |
| US07928808B2 |
Selectable local oscillator
A selectable local oscillator provides an output frequency signal having a selectable frequency within a desired output frequency range. The selectable local oscillator comprises first, second and third signal generators configured to provide first, second and third frequency signals having frequencies in first, second and third input frequency ranges. A first mixer provides a first mixed product signal having an upper sideband and a lower sideband. A frequency selector selects one of the upper and lower sidebands of the first mixed product signal. A second mixer provides a second mixed product signal having an upper sideband and a lower sideband. An output stage selects at least one of the upper and lower sidebands of the second mixed product signal as the output frequency signal. |
| US07928807B2 |
Frequency synthesizer architecture for multi-band ultra-wideband system
The present invention provides a frequency synthesizer for a wireless communication system. The synthesizer includes an oscillator that generates an electronic signal as well as frequency dividers, frequency selectors and mixers. The signal generated by the oscillator is sequentially divided by the frequency dividers to produce a first group of frequencies, and the selectors and mixers are then capable of mixing the first group of frequencies according to instructions from control bits to produce a second group of frequencies which constitute UWB band frequencies. In this manner, the synthesizer can generate all 14 UWB band frequencies or particular UWB band groups using a single oscillator. One of the frequencies generated by the dividers can also be used as the baseband clock signal without requiring an additional frequency source. |
| US07928800B2 |
Programmable compensation network for operational amplifiers
Systems and methods for implementing a programmable network for a multimode conditionally stable operational amplifier are disclosed. |
| US07928793B2 |
Voltage selection circuitry
Techniques, systems and apparatus are described for providing a voltage selection circuitry and a DC-to-DC converter having such voltage selection circuitry. The voltage selection circuitry includes a first terminal voltage sensing unit that senses a voltage of a first terminal and a second terminal voltage sensing unit that senses a voltage of a second terminal. The voltage selection circuitry also includes a comparison unit connected to the first terminal voltage sensing unit and the second terminal voltage sensing unit. The comparison unit compares the voltage of the first terminal with the voltage of the second terminal and outputs a comparison signal indicating a difference between the sensed voltages of the first and second terminals. The voltage selection circuitry includes a selection unit that selects a higher voltage from the sensed voltages of the first and second terminals in response to the comparison signal. |
| US07928789B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improved phase switching and linearity in an analog phase interpolator
Methods and apparatus are provided for improving phase switching and linearity in an analog phase interpolator. A phase interpolator in accordance with the present invention comprises (i) a plurality of tail current sources that are activated for substantially all times when the phase interpolator is operational; (ii) at least two pairs of input transistor devices, wherein one pair of the input transistor devices is associated with a minimum phase of the phase interpolator and another pair of the input transistor devices is associated with a maximum phase of the phase interpolator; and (iii) a plurality of current steering switches that provide currents generated by the plurality of tail current sources to one or more of the at least two pairs of input transistor devices, based on an applied interpolation control signal. |
| US07928786B2 |
Clock buffer circuit of semiconductor device configured to generate an internal clock signal
A clock buffer circuit of a semiconductor device is disclosed which receives an external clock signal and generates an internal clock signal with no duty distortion. The clock buffer circuit includes a first clock buffer for receiving and buffering a normal-phase clock signal, a second clock buffer for receiving and buffering a reverse-phase clock signal, and an internal clock generator for generating an internal clock signal in response to output signals from the first and second clock buffers. |
| US07928783B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a frequency determining unit configured to determine an operational speed of the semiconductor integrated circuit and to generate a frequency region signal; a duty cycle control unit configured to detect a duty cycle of a DLL clock and to generate a duty cycle control signal; a duty cycle correcting unit configured to generate a corrected clock by correcting a duty cycle of an input clock in response to the frequency region signal and in response to the duty cycle control signal; and a DLL (Delay Locked Loop) circuit configured to generate the DLL clock by controlling a phase of the corrected clock. |
| US07928782B2 |
Digital locked loops and methods with configurable operating parameters
A locked loop may have an adjustable hysteresis and/or a tracking speed that can be programmed by a user of an electronic device containing the locked loop or controlled by an integrated circuit device containing the locked loop during operation of the device. The looked loop may include a phase detector having a variable hysteresis, which may be coupled to receive a reference clock signal and an output clock signal from a phase adjustment circuit through respective frequency dividers that can vary the rate at which the phase detector compares the phase of the output clock signal to the phase of the reference clock signal, thus varying the tracking speed of the loop. The hysteresis and tracking speed of the locked loop may be programmed using a variety of means, such as by a temperature sensor for the electronic device, a mode register, a memory device command decoder, etc. |
| US07928780B1 |
Phase-locked-loop circuit
A phase-locked loop circuit comprises a phase error detector for receiving a multi-phase reference signal and a synchronized phase signal of the phase-locked-loop circuit, and for performing a rotational transformation to convert the multi-phase reference signal into two-phase quantities at a synchronous rotation d-q reference frame. A monotonic transfer module receives the two-phase quantities, and generates a monotonic phase error signal which is monotonic when a phase difference between the multi-phase reference signal and the synchronized phase signal ranges from −180 degrees to 180 degrees. A regulator receives the monotonic phase error signal, and generates a synchronized rotation frequency. An integrator receives the synchronized rotation frequency, and generates the synchronized phase signal. |
| US07928779B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for incremental bandwidth changes responsive to frequency changes of a phase-locked loop
In a phase-locked loop, a desired change in frequency is indicated. The phase-locked loop locks to the new frequency and a loop bandwidth of the phase-locked loop is changed. In changing the loop bandwidth, a frequency adjustment signal to a voltage-controlled oscillator may include a voltage spike. The voltage spike is reduced by detecting a lock when the reference clock and a feedback clock reach a same frequency, then waiting for a time delay after the detecting the lock, and adjusting a current level of a charge pump pulse by an incremental amount to achieve a fractional portion of a new loop bandwidth. The charge pump pulse is filtered to generate the frequency adjustment signal and the frequency spike reduction process is repeated until the new loop bandwidth is achieved. |
| US07928775B2 |
High-side switch arrangement
High-side switch arrangement having a switching transistor, the collector of which is connected to a battery connection of the high-side switch arrangement and the emitter of which is connected to an output connection of the high-side switch arrangement, an actuating transistor, the emitter of which is connected to the battery connection of the high-side switch arrangement and the collector of which is connected to the base of the switching transistor, and a diagnosis transistor, the emitter of which is connected to the battery connection of the high-side switch arrangement and the collector of which is connected to the output connection of the high-side switch arrangement, wherein the diagnosis transistor has a saturation collector for sensing the saturation current of the diagnosis transistor. |
| US07928772B1 |
Clock input filter circuit
A clock input filter uses a first programmable low-pass delay element to filter during a low period of an input clock signal and to output a SET signal. The clock input filter uses a second programmable low-pass delay element to filter during a high period of the input clock signal and to output a RESET signal. A latch is set and reset by the SET and RESET signals. The latch outputs a filtered version of the input signal that has the same approximate duty cycle as the input signal. A pair of gates generates a corresponding pair of duty cycle adjusted versions of the input signal. Output multiplexing circuitry is provided to output either the output of the latch, or an increased duty cycle version of the input signal, or a decreased duty cycle version of the input signal, or an unfiltered version of the input signal. |
| US07928771B2 |
Drive signal output circuit and multi-chip package
Input signals from a signal input terminal are input to a logic circuit, and a control signal corresponding to states of the input signals is output. The control signal is supplied to an output circuit, a plurality of transistors are controlled, and a drive signal is output corresponding to states of the transistors. In the logic circuit, the logic is switched according to the polarity of the setting signal which is input to a logic setting terminal, and a control signal corresponding to the input signal is changed. |
| US07928769B1 |
Logic circuits with current control mechanisms
Some embodiments regard a circuit comprising a current source network configured to generate a first current; a leakage circuit having a leakage current in at least two leakage conditions; the leakage currents affecting the flow of the first current; a current source generator configured to generate a similar first current corresponding to the first current, a similar first leakage current corresponding to a first leakage current in a first leakage condition, a similar second leakage current corresponding to a second leakage current in a second leakage condition; and a current control circuit configured to provide a current control signal controlling the first current based on the similar first current, the similar first leakage current, and the similar second leakage current. |
| US07928765B2 |
Tuning high-side and low-side CMOS data-paths in CML-to-CMOS signal converter
Electronic circuitry and techniques are disclosed for controlling one or more timing parameters associated with a circuit that converts a signal of a first type to a signal of a second type. For example, the converter circuit may convert a differential digital logic signal, such as a current mode logic (CML) signal, to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) signal. For example, apparatus for converting a first type of signal to a second type of signal comprises the following circuitry. First circuitry is configured for generating a first pair of CMOS signals in response to a differential digital logic signal, the first pair of CMOS signals comprising a first CMOS signal having a first polarity and a second CMOS signal having a second polarity. Second circuitry is configured for adjusting, with respect to the first pair of CMOS signals, a transition time of one of the first CMOS signal and the second CMOS signal relative to a transition time of another of the first CMOS signal and the second CMOS signal. |
| US07928759B2 |
Low power consumption MIS semiconductor device
A logic gate is constructed of an insulated gate field effect transistor (MIS transistor) having a thin gate insulation film. An operation power supply line to the logic gate is provided with an MIS transistor having a thick gate insulation film for switching the supply and stop of an operation power source voltage. A voltage of the gate of the power source switching transistor is made changing in an amplitude greater than an amplitude of an input and an output signal to the logic gate. Current consumption in a semiconductor device configured of MIS transistor of a thin gate insulation film can be reduced and an power source voltage thereof can be stabilized. |
| US07928756B1 |
Method and system for reducing I/O noise and power
In an I/O circuit, noise reduction and power savings are achieved by providing feedback from the output of the I/O driver to control the current through the pre-driver and thereby the current through the driver transistors after a non-zero time delay following a low to high or high to low data signal change. |
| US07928754B2 |
Wafer level burn-in and electrical test system and method
A burn-in and electrical test system (20) includes a temperature controlled zone (22) and a cool zone (24) separated by a transition zone 25. The temperature controlled zone (22) is configured to receive a plurality of wafer cartridges (26) and connect the cartridges (26) to test electronics (28) and power electronics (30), which are mounted in the cool zone (24). Each of the wafer cartridges (26) contains a semiconductor wafer incorporating a plurality of integrated circuits. The test electronics (28) consists of a pattern generator PCB (100) and a signal driver and fault analysis PCB (102) connected together by a parallel bus (104). The pattern generator PCB (100) and the fault analysis PCB (102) are connected to a rigid signal probe PCB (104) in cartridge (26) to provide a straight through signal path. The probe PCB (104) is rigid in order to allow close control of capacitance between each signal line and a backplane, thus providing impedance controlled interconnections between a semiconductor wafer under test and the test electronics (28). The power distribution system (30) is connected to a probe power PCB (106) in the cartridge (26). The probe power PCB (106) has at least a bendable portion in order to allow it to be positioned closely adjacent to and parallel with the rigid probe PCB (104), yet extend a substantial distance away from the probe PCB (106) at its interconnection (109). |
| US07928753B2 |
Device and method for evaluating electrostatic discharge protection capabilities
A device and a method for evaluating ESD protection capabilities of an integrated circuit, the method includes: connecting multiple test probe to multiple integrated circuit testing points. The method is characterized by repeating the stages of: (i) charging a discharge capacitor to an ESD protection circuit triggering voltage level; (ii) connecting the discharge capacitor to the integrated circuit during a testing period such as to cause the discharge capacitor to interact with the integrated circuit; (iii) measuring at least one signal of the integrated circuit, during at least a portion of the testing period; and (iv) determining at least one ESD protection characteristic of the integrated circuit in response to the at least one signal. |
| US07928752B2 |
Display device, display device testing system and method for testing a display device using the same
A display device testing system and a method for testing a display device using the same, which are capable of testing whether a display panel is defective or not according to a variation of the frame frequency and whether the driver module operates normally or not even at a voltage higher than a normal operation voltage. The display device testing system includes a display panel including a plurality of gate lines; a driver module including a gate driver unit for sequentially supplying a gate voltage to the plurality of gate lines in response to a test, vertical synchronization start signal; and a testing module for supplying a test vertical synchronization start signal to the driver module. |
| US07928748B2 |
Method of locating failure site on semiconductor device under test
In an analysis of a semiconductor device under test (DUT) using a Thermal Induced Voltage Alteration (TIVA) tool, the TIVA is connected to an output of the DUT and the DC component on the output is decoupled from the TIVA. The remaining AC component from the output is analyzed by the TIVA while scanning the DUT with a scanning laser to identify locations on the DUT that produce signal anomalies at the DUT output. |
| US07928742B2 |
Digital measurement transmitter with current signal
A measurement transmitter, including: A microprocessor having a reset input and a clock output for providing a periodic clock signal; a monitoring circuit having a clock signal input and a reset output; and a current controller for issuing in a band range, during operation, a measurement signal current representing a measured value. The clock signal input is connected with the clock signal output and the reset input with the reset output. Upon absence of the clock signal, the reset output periodically issues a reset signal. The measurement transmitter further includes a comparator circuit having a first input, which is connected via a lowpass with the reset output of the monitoring circuit, and a second input, on which a reference voltage is applied. An output of the comparator circuit is connected with the current controller. After repeated output of the reset signal, the voltage at the first input of the comparator circuit moves above the reference voltage, so that a control signal is then present on the output of the comparator. The control signal causes the current controller to issue an error signal outside of the band range. |
| US07928741B2 |
Oil monitoring system
An embodiment of the present invention provides for a sensing element comprising a non-conductive housing with three chambers for detecting oil conductivity, additive depletion and oxidation, and water contamination, respectively. Through the monitoring of an array of oil sensors, an early warning of oil degradation due to oxidation is provided. The monitoring system further detects excess soot, water and other contaminants in the oil. The oil sensor array and related monitoring system decrease the likelihood of catastrophic engine failure through the early detection and warning of a decrease in oil quality thereby reducing vehicle owner outlays for servicing and disposal fees while further aiding in the satisfaction of environmental protection regulations. |
| US07928735B2 |
Battery performance monitor
Improvements both in the methods whereby existing techniques for determining the condition of a battery are communicated to a user (for example, to the owner of a private vehicle, or to the service manager of a fleet of vehicles), or the vehicle's operating system, and in the methods for evaluating the condition of the battery are disclosed. It has been discovered by the inventors that the difference in internal resistance of a fully charged battery as measured during charging and as measured after charging is greater for a battery in poor condition than for a new battery. The invention relates in part to instruments and corresponding methods for evaluating the condition of a battery utilizing this discovery. |
| US07928732B2 |
Subsurface conductivity imaging systems and methods
A subsurface imaging cable includes a plurality of sensor modules, wherein the plurality of the sensor modules are flexible and each of the plurality of the sensor modules is spaced apart on the subsurface imaging cable at a selected distance; and a flexible medium connecting the plurality of the sensor modules, wherein the subsurface imaging cable is flexible and adapted to be wound on a reel. A method for subsurface images includes acquiring direct-current measurements at a plurality of sites in a survey area; acquiring a first set of electric and magnetic measurements from natural electromagnetic fields at the plurality of sites; acquiring a second set of electric and magnetic measurements using controlled electric and magnetic sources at the plurality of sites; and determining a subsurface conductivity distribution from the direct-current measurements and the first set and the second set of electric and magnetic measurements. |
| US07928731B2 |
Arrangement to adjust the homogeneity of a basic magnetic field
An arrangement for the adjustment of the homogeneity of a basic magnetic field in a magnetic resonance apparatus includes gradient coil support fashioned to support a gradient coil system. The gradient coil support has at least one channel that is fashioned to accommodate an associated shim tray. The shim tray is designed to accommodate ferromagnetic shim elements at predetermined positions in order to adjust the homogeneity of the basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance apparatus. The shim tray has a first locking element coupled with it. The channel has a second locking element, and the first and second locking element are shaped such that both are positively connected with one another by a force produced by the basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance apparatus upon activation thereof. |
| US07928728B2 |
Visualizing high-resolution diffusion data by maximum coherence projection
A method for displaying diffusion data includes defining intra-voxel coherence and inter-voxel coherence of the diffusion data. On the basis of the inter-voxel coherence and the intra-voxel coherence, a multiplicity of tracks can be defined. Only those tracks having a selected characteristic are displayed. |
| US07928726B2 |
Rotation sensor unit
A rotation sensor unit includes an encoder, a holder radially positioning the encoder, and a rolling bearing having an inner race. The rolling bearing is fitted around the shaft so that one end of the inner diameter surface of the inner race protrudes from the end of the outer diameter surface of the shaft. The holder has a screwed portion fitted in the inner race, positioning the encoder coaxially with the shaft. The holder is non-magnetic, having a retaining portion in which the encoder is axially pressed. The encoder is a plastic magnet, with protrusions and recesses formed integrally on its outer diameter surface and biting the inner diameter surface of the retaining portion to prevent the encoder from rotating. With the holder screwed to the shaft, the encoder is disposed between the magnetism detection element and the one end of the shaft. |
| US07928724B2 |
Magnetic odometer with direction indicator systems and method
Systems and methods for determining a directional movement of an object such as a wheeled vehicle. The system includes a magnet having a north pole and a south pole mounted to the object, a single magnetic sensor positioned such that the sensor can individually detect each magnetic pole as the object moves, the sensor configured to produce a first characteristic signal when a north pole is detected and a second characteristic signal when a south pole is detected, and a processing device in signal communication with the sensor, the processing device configured to determine a directional movement of the object based on a configuration of a signal doublet that includes the first and second characteristic signals. The methods include sensing the north and south poles as they pass the magnetic sensor and determining a direction based on an order in which the north and south poles are sensed. |
| US07928721B2 |
Method and apparatus for amplifying a signal and test device using same
An amplifier circuit is used in a multimeter to amplify signals applied between a pair of test terminals. A voltage applied to one of the test terminals is amplified by a first operational amplifier configured as a voltage follower. An output of the first operational amplifier is applied to an inverting input of a second operational amplifier configured as an integrator. An output of the second operational amplifier is connected to the other of the test terminals. A voltage generated at the output of the second operational amplifier provides an indication of the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied to the first and second test terminals. |
| US07928718B2 |
Method for calibrating a particle counting apparatus
A method of calibration of a particle characterization apparatus, and a particle characterization apparatus, in which particles suspended in a liquid are passed through an orifice one by one for characterization of the particles, for instance by Coulter counting. The calibration does not require utilization of special calibration particles or liquids. A priori knowledge of the shape of a typical size distribution of a blood sample is utilized to adjust the apparatus based on an initial relatively short counting period of the sample in question. The initially determined size distribution is compared to the corresponding known typical size distribution and the apparatus is subsequently adjusted to counteract possible differences. Upon adjustment of the apparatus, the remaining part of the sample is passed through the orifice for determination of the actual particle size distribution of the remaining sample. |
| US07928716B2 |
Power supply modulation
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for modulating a power source are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may comprise predicting, by a current control logic, a potential voltage transient on a power supply bus, and modulating, by the current control logic, a current source, based at least in part on said predicting, to control the predicted voltage transient. Additional variants and embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. |
| US07928710B2 |
Voltage protection circuit for thin oxide transistors, and memory device and processor-based system using same
Devices, reference voltage generators, systems and methods may include an embodiment of a voltage regulator output transistor using a thin gate insulator to provide a low output impedance despite having a semiconductor channel width that is relatively small. The output transistor is protected from damage by a clamping circuit provided to limit the gate-to-source voltage of the transistor such that damage to the output transistor should be reduced or prevented. One such clamping circuit includes a clamp transistor that receives a reference voltage at its gate. The magnitude of the reference voltage limits to voltage to which the gate of the transistor can be driven. A voltage reference circuit provides the reference voltage so that it compensates for process and temperature variations of the output transistor. |
| US07928702B2 |
Driving circuit for use with high voltage depletion-mode semiconductor switches
A driving circuit for a half bridge utilizing bidirectional semiconductor switches in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a high side driver operable to control a high side bidirectional semiconductor switch, wherein the high side driver provides a negative bias voltage to the bidirectional semiconductor switch to turn the high side bidirectional semiconductor switch OFF. A low side driver may be operable to control a low side bidirectional semiconductor switch. An external voltage source with a negative terminal of the voltage source connected to the high side driver may be provided. A high side driving switch may be positioned between the negative terminal of the voltage source and the high side driver and operable to connect the high side driver to the negative terminal of the voltage source when the low side driver turns the low side bidirectional semiconductor switch ON. |
| US07928697B2 |
Wireless power storage device, semiconductor device including the wireless power storage device, and method for operating the same
To simplify charging of a battery in a power storage device which includes the battery. Further, to provide a wireless power storage device which can transmit and receive information without the task of replacing a battery for drive power supply, which becomes necessary when the battery depletes over time, being performed. An antenna circuit, a battery which is electrically connected to the antenna circuit via a rectifier circuit, and a load portion which is electrically connected to the battery are provided. The battery is charged when an electromagnetic wave received by the antenna circuit is input to the battery via the rectifier circuit, and discharged when electrical power which has been charged is supplied to the load portion. The battery is charged cumulatively, and the battery is discharged in pulses. |
| US07928696B2 |
Method for ensuring safe use of a battery pack after impact
A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery, an impact sensor, a processor and a memory. The impact sensor is capable of generating an impact signal in response to a detection of an impact on the battery pack. The processor is capable of generating impact information based on the impact signal, and processor continues to count a number of charging times to the battery after the generation of the impact information. The memory is capable of storing the impact information and the number of charging times. The processor can refer to the memory to deliver a control command to a battery charger so that the battery can only be charged up to an allowable charge capacity smaller than a full charge capacity after an occurrence of an impact when the battery pack is attached to the battery charger. The charging to the battery stops when the number of the counted charging times reaches a predetermined number of allowable charging times that is allowed after the generation of the impact information. |
| US07928695B2 |
Rechargeable battery protection device
A rechargeable battery protection device has a voltage detector, a logic circuit, an output stage, a first switch, a second switch and inverter circuits. The device turns on a charger to charge a rechargeable battery or turns off the charger not to charge the rechargeable battery depending on the purpose for battery protection. |
| US07928694B2 |
Charging and discharging control circuit and charging type power supply device
An overcharge detecting comparator (121) detects an overcharged state of a battery (101), and an overcurrent detecting comparator (120) detects an overcurrent state of the battery (101). In response to output signals from those comparators, a control circuit (210) performs on/off control of each of a switch (102) and a protection circuit (50). In response to an output signal from the control circuit (210), the protection circuit (50) is turned on, to thereby connect a resistor (125) to a path connecting a VSS terminal and an overcurrent detecting terminal, and is turned off, to thereby disconnect the resistor (125) from the path. As a result, even when the battery is in the overcurrent state, current consumption can be reduced. |
| US07928685B2 |
Method of manufacturing a starting device for a three phase electric motor, and a starting device
When manufacturing a starting device for a three-phase electric motor, especially a soft starter, in at least one embodiment an arc quenching system is at least partly removed from a commercially available contactor that so becomes to a modified contactor. In at least one embodiment, a modified contactor is used as a contactor in the starting device. |
| US07928684B2 |
Drive device for movable furniture parts
An article of furniture includes a drive device for moving a movable furniture part. The drive device includes an electric drive unit and a coupling device for at least temporarily transmitting a force of the electric drive unit to the movable furniture part, and the coupling device has a drive and a drive output. Operating between the drive and the drive output are coupling elements by which, in a first operating position, a clamping connection between the drive and the drive output and thus coupling between the drive and the drive output can be produced, and, in a second operating position, the coupling elements are movable into a position in which the drive and the drive output are not coupled. |
| US07928682B2 |
Numerical controller having axis reconfiguration function
A numerical controller capable of performing axis reconfiguration of control axes in at least two paths without need for the paths to wait. A program block is read and it is determined whether or not the read block includes an axis detachment command. If the block includes the axis detachment command block, an action axis attribute of an control axis designated by the axis detachment command is altered to a non-action axis attribute. Further, if the read block includes an axis allocation command, it is determined whether or not an control axis designated by the axis allocation command becomes a non-action axis, and when the control axis has the non-action axis attribute, the non-action axis attribute of the control axis is altered to a designated path's action axis attribute. Thus, the axis reconfiguration processing in one path can be performed separately from axis reconfiguration processing in another path. |
| US07928678B2 |
Door opening/closing control device
A device for controlling a speed of a door includes a detecting unit that detects a position of the door, and a control unit that controls the speed of the door in such a manner that an acceleration of the door becomes substantially zero at a point that is calculated based on the position. Thus, a target maximum speed of the door is adjusted depending on the remaining moving distance. |
| US07928673B2 |
Generic motor control system
A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of different motors used in a corresponding plurality of power tool applications requiring different operational characteristics. In one implementation a method involves the use of a single universal control module to store a generic, non-application-specific control algorithm. The generic, non-application-specific control algorithm has at least one programmable constant. The programmable constant is selected to transform the generic, non-application-specific control algorithm into an application-specific control algorithm. The programmable constant represents a function parameter relating to a specific functionality of a specific, selected motor used in a specific, selected motor application to implement a phase control over the specific, selected motor. |
| US07928671B1 |
Illumination intensity control
A method for controlling average current. The method enables control of average current independent of instantaneous current. The average current is controlled by changing the number of unit pulses provided during a time interval. The unit pulses are used to switch the delivery of current to the load. |
| US07928670B2 |
LED driver with multiple feedback loops
An LED driver includes at least two interlocked closed feedback loops. One feedback loop controls the duty cycle of the on/off times of a switch connected in series to the LED string, and the other feedback loop controls the duty cycle of the on/off times of a power switch in the switching power converter that provides a DC voltage applied to the LED string. The LED driver of the present invention achieves fast control of the LED brightness and current sharing among multiple LED strings simultaneously in a power-efficient and cost-efficient manner. |
| US07928669B2 |
Color control of a discharge lamp during dimming
A ballast circuit is suitable for driving a high intensity discharge lamp in at least two power modes including a nominal power mode for driving the high intensity discharge lamp at a nominal power and a reduced power dimming mode for driving the lamp at less than the nominal power. The lamp ballast circuit generates a first alternating current waveform during the nominal power mode and generates a background alternating current waveform in the reduced power mode which is perturbed at intervals by a high intensity pulse which helps to reduce the change in correlated color temperature which would otherwise occur in the dimming mode. |
| US07928666B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system comprising an electric lamp (1), especially a fluorescent lamp, which is provided with a first (11) and at least one second lamp coil (12). The lighting system further comprises an electronic ballast (2) that is electrically connected to the lamp coils (11, 12) and at least two additional light sources (31a to 31c; 32a to 32c) which are interconnected in parallel. The parallel connection (3) of the two additional light sources (31a to 31c; 32a to 32c) are serially connected between the first (11) and the second lamp coil (12). |
| US07928663B1 |
Lighting dimmer adaptable to four wiring configurations
A lighting dimmer (52) adaptable to four wiring configurations is capable of use in serial or parallel lighting circuits and in place of two-way or three-way switches. The dimmer operates in series when one active input wire (H) is connected and in parallel when two active input wires (H, N) are connected. The dimmer is operated in place of a two-way switch by connecting one output wire (DH1) and in place of a three-way switch by connecting two output wires (DH1, DH2). |
| US07928660B2 |
Vehicular conspicuity lamp with rapidly modulated intensity
A method and apparatus is used to rapidly modulate the intensity of a vehicular lamp for the purpose of enhancing the vehicle's conspicuity. A timer is used to generate a periodically varying pulse width modulated signal that is used to drive a transistor connected to one or more lamps. The modulation rate is chosen such that the lamp or lamps appear to flicker when seen with peripheral vision, yet appears not to flicker when seen out of the center of the eye. |
| US07928655B2 |
Light-emitting diode device and method for fabricating the same
A light-emitting diode (LED) device is disclosed. The LED device includes a semiconductor substrate with a planar top surface, a light-emitting diode (LED) chip disposed over the top surface of the semiconductor substrate, at least two isolated outer wiring layers formed through the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the light-emitting diode chip, serving as input terminals, a transparent encapsulating layer with a substantially planar top surface formed over the semiconductor substrate, capping the LED chip and the at least two isolated outer wiring layers, and a lens module adhered to the substantially planar top surface of the transparent encapsulating layer to cap the light-emitting diode chip. In one embodiment, the lens module includes a fluorescent layer and a lens covering or covered by the fluorescent layer. |
| US07928651B2 |
Top emission type organic electro luminescence device and fabrication method thereof
An organic electro luminescence device is provided. First and second substrates are arranged to face each other. A thin film transistor (TFT) is formed on the first substrate in each sub-pixel. A first electrode is formed on the first substrate and connected to the TFT. An organic electro luminescent layer and a second electrode are formed on the first electrode. A black matrix is disposed below the first electrode. |
| US07928648B2 |
Yellow light emitting Ce3+-activated silicate phosphor with new composition, manufacturing method thereof and white LEDs including phosphor
The present invention relates to a phosphor and a white LED, more particularly, to a method for fabricating a yellow emitting Ce3+-activated silicate phosphor with a new composition represented as (Sr1-y-zMyNz)3-xSiO5:Ce3+x, (0 |
| US07928644B1 |
Low pressure discharge lamp with envelope having double helix shape and sealed ends
A low pressure discharge lamp with a double helix shape comprises a lamp base and an envelope connected to the lamp base. The envelope has a phosphor coating on an interior surface thereof, and contains a gas fill energizable to a discharge state by electrical voltage. The envelope includes discharge tube sections which are wound about a longitudinal axis and fitted into each other as a double-start thread. The discharge tube sections have first end portions and second end portions. The first end portions are closer to the lamp base and each have a gas-tight sealing and electrodes in the sealing for receiving the electric voltage. The second end portions are farther off the lamp base and each have a gas-tight sealing. These second end portions are bent inwards from a pitch of the helix and extend next to each other spaced apart by a clearance. A passage is formed between said second end portions. The passage is spaced apart by a distance from the sealing of each said second end portion. |
| US07928641B2 |
Spark plug
A spark plug includes a longitudinal bore formed in a housing for receiving an insulator, with the housing having a first bore for receiving a pressure measuring device and a second bore for receiving a light guide which opens into the combustion chamber. |
| US07928640B2 |
Light-emitting display apparatus incorporating a circular polarizer in arrangement with a light-absorbing member
A display apparatus includes a substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged above the substrate, each including a plurality of sub-pixels emitting light of different colors; a circularly polarizing member disposed above the pixels, the transmittance of light of a selected color through the circularly polarizing member being higher than that of light of the other colors therethrough; and a light-absorbing member disposed only above the sub-pixels, emitting light of the non-selected colors. The light-absorbing member absorbs light of the selected color. |
| US07928624B2 |
Electric motor
The present invention relates to an electric motor and to a method for manufacturing an electric motor. The electric motor comprises at least a stator (24), a rotor (25) and an air gap (26) between these, in which motor the stator and/or rotor comprises slots (4) and teeth (5) between slots, and in which the stator and/or rotor has a concentrated winding fitted in the slots. In the method of the invention, the phase windings are fitted as a concentrated fractional-slot winding. |
| US07928621B2 |
Speed-variable single phase induction motor
A speed-variable single phase induction motor. By a plurality of stators disposed with an interval therebetween and a plurality of magnetic rotors corresponding to the respective stators, the motor implements a high efficiency and a speed-variable performance such as a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor with a low cost without using an expensive inverter driving apparatus. |
| US07928620B2 |
Device for safeguarding an uninterruptible power supply of a magnet bearing in the event of failure of an electrical supply voltage
The invention relates to a device for safeguarding uninterrupted power supply of a magnetic bearing (5) in the event of a power supply voltage (U) failure. Said device comprises: a first frequency converter (2) which is supplied with power by the supply voltage (U) and controls a motor (3), and a transformer (7) which is connected to a rectifier (8) and the motor (3), said rectifier (8) supplying a DC-link electric circuit (11) of a second frequency converter (14) controlling the magnetic bearing (5) with power in the event of a power supply voltage failure. The invention allows prevention of damages to the magnetic bearing in the event of disruption of power supply of the magnetic bearing in the event of a power supply voltage failure. |
| US07928618B2 |
Electromagnetic engine
A contact system for energizing an electromagnetic engine includes a fixed first contact set connected to an electrical power source and having an axial face and a first electrical connector disposed on at least a portion of the axial face. The contact system includes a rotatable second contact set having an axial face adjacent the axial face of the first contact set and a plurality of spaced apart second electrical connectors extending along the axial face. The second electrical connectors are connected to a set of electromagnetic coils and energize a predetermined number of the electromagnetic coils when the second electrical connectors engage with the first electrical connector during rotation of the second contact set. The present invention also provides an electromagnetic engine having a housing, a first contact set, a controller, and stator ring and rotor assemblies that produce an electromotive force to spin a shaft of the engine. |
| US07928613B2 |
Machine with direct drive
A machine includes a moving part and a direct drive for moving the moving part. The direct drive includes a stator and an armature unit which interacts with the stator. A coupling device couples the armature unit to the moving part to allow a movement of the moving part in relation to the armature unit. The direct drive further includes a spacer device to maintain a distance between an active region of the stator and an active region of the armature unit, thereby defining the air gap between the stator and the armature unit. |
| US07928611B2 |
Electric motor with a measurement system for position or movement
An electric motor with a magnet free main drive component, as stator or secondary part, having a measuring system for determining positions and directions with increased resolution is proposed. Said electric motor comprises a first engine part (140), being moveable in relation to a second engine part (110). A number of magnetic field sensor devices (160) of the measuring system are attached on the first engine part (140), being separated from each other along the direction of movement. The second engine part (110) comprises magnet free pole-teeth (120), being also separated from each other along the direction of movement. Each of the magnetic field sensor devices (160) has at least one magnet, the magnetic field thereof being directed through one of the pole-teeth (120) for detection by a sensor of the magnetic field sensor device. The space between each two of the magnetic field sensor device (160) is different to the space between each two of the pole-teeth (120). Thus, refined determination of the position, for example with a synchronous linear motor with permanent magnet free secondary part can be achieved. |
| US07928604B2 |
Universal system for controlling automated transfer switches in response to external stimuli
A universal system used to monitor external conditions, particularly including environmental conditions, to preemptively activate secondary power sources and isolate electric loads from a main power source such as an electric utility's power grid for the purpose of protecting the load from dangerous power conditions brought about by the external condition. The system includes a universal control module capable of communicating with a variety of external stimuli sensors and automatic transfer switches that switch a load's power source from one source to another upon activation, which results in the isolation of the load from the main (or another) power source. |
| US07928603B2 |
Power supply system, vehicle using the same and its control method
An integral element corresponding to a converter continues an integral operation even in a period in which a voltage converting operation of the converter is suspended. The integral output integrated in this period is invalid data. Therefore, if the invalid integral output is provided from the integral element at a time at which the voltage converting operation of the converter is resumed, it follows that the converter would be controlled by an irrelevant control value. Therefore, as described above, the voltage converting operation control unit applies a reset signal to the integral element to zero-clear the stored integral output. |
| US07928596B2 |
Systems and methods for the utilization of energy generated by a powered vehicle
The present invention is directed to a power transfer system and method for utilizing the electrical power generated by a powered vehicle, such as a locomotive. The power transfer system comprises an electromotive machine configured to generate electrical energy on the powered vehicle and an electrical system located outboard from the powered vehicle, which is configured to receive electrical energy. Interface equipment is provided, which is electrically coupled to the electromotive machine and the electrical system, to transfer electrical energy from the electromotive machine to the electrical system. |
| US07928595B1 |
Electric power generation system for harvesting underwater currents
An electric power generation system that includes a platform positioned above a water surface, an anchoring system to secure the platform to a floor below a body of water, at least one turbine extending below the platform to harvest underwater ocean currents and at least one electrical generator positioned upon the platform for outputting electrical energy. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft and a plurality of rotatable blades connected to the rotatable shaft. A first rotational axis of the rotatable shaft is vertically oriented and wherein a second rotational axis of the plurality of rotatable blades is horizontally aligned with an underwater current stream. The electrical generator is mechanically connected to the shaft of the turbine to convert a rotational torque of the shaft to electrical energy. |
| US07928593B2 |
Method for damping oscillations in a wind turbine
The present invention relates to a method for damping oscillations in a wind turbine comprising a wind turbine tower, a nacelle arranged on top of said wind turbine tower, and a number of rotor blades rotatably connected to the nacelle. The oscillations to be damped originate from forces induced on the nacelle and the wind turbine tower by the rotating rotor blades. The method comprises the steps of providing an internally suspended pendulum mass structure being operationally connected to an upper tower section, providing a platform being fixedly attached to the upper tower section, and providing damping means comprising one or more friction members being displaceably arranged relative to the platform, the one or more friction members being adapted to be displaced relative to the platform in response to relative movements between the suspended pendulum mass structure and the platform in order to dissipate energy from the suspended pendulum mass structure by friction. |
| US07928592B2 |
Wind turbine with parallel converters utilizing a plurality of isolated generator windings
A system and method are provided to isolate outputs of parallel converter threads of a power system converter on a generator side of a wind turbine generator by utilizing isolated power windings on the wind turbine generator. Such isolation eliminates the circulating common mode current between the parallel converters of the wind turbine system and eliminates the need for a common mode inductor. System reliability is enhanced and total system cost is reduced. |
| US07928591B2 |
Apparatus and method for predetermined component placement to a target platform
The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly. |
| US07928588B2 |
Circuit signal connection interface, a manufacture method thereof, and an electronic device using the same
A circuit signal connection interface, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device using the same are provided. The circuit signal connection interface includes a first signal line and a second signal line juxtaposed to each other, an insulation layer, and a first conductive pad. The first conductive pad electrically connects to the first signal line, and crosses the second signal line. The insulation layer is disposed between the second signal line and the first conductive pad. The electronic device further includes a circuit device including a first conducting bump and a second conducting bump connected to each other in a parallel manner. The first conducting bump electrically connects to a first portion of the first conductive pad while the second conducting bump electrically connects to a second portion of the first conductive pad. |
| US07928573B2 |
Metal thin film for interconnection of semiconductor device
A metal thin film used in fabricating a damascene interconnection of a semiconductor device which exhibits excellent high temperature fluidity during high pressure annealing, and which can fabricate an interconnection for a semiconductor device which has a low electric resistance and stable high quality is provided. Also provided is an interconnection for a semiconductor device. More specifically, a metal thin film for use as an interconnection of a semiconductor device comprising a Cu alloy containing N at a content of not less than 0.4 at % to not more than 2.0 at %; and an interconnection for a semiconductor device fabricated by forming the metal thin film on an insulator film which is formed on a semiconductor substrate and which has grooves formed therein, and filling the metal thin film in the interior of the grooves by a high pressure annealing process are provided. |
| US07928567B2 |
Power supply network
A power supply network (2) for an integrated circuit is provided, the power supply network (2) comprising a supply grid (4); a plurality of supply pads (6), each supply pad (6) being in electrical contact with an edge of the supply grid (4); a current spreader (8) for at least one of the plurality of supply pads (6), each current spreader (8) being in electrical contact with a respective supply pad (6) and the supply grid (4), each current spreader (8) being sized so that it overlaps with a respective portion of the supply grid (4); and each current spreader (8) having a lower electrical resistance than the supply grid (4). Further embodiments provide an integrated circuit with a power supply network as described above. |
| US07928564B2 |
Multichip module package and fabrication method
A method for fabricating a multichip module package includes providing a first heat sink positioned for releasing heat from the package and providing a second heat sink positioned proximate the first heat sink. The heat sinks are thermally coupled and electrically isolated to and from one another. A first semiconductor device is attached to the first heat sink in thermal and electrical communication therewith and electrically insulated from the second heat sink. A second semiconductor device is attached to the second heat sink in thermal and electrical communication therewith and electrically insulated from the first heat sink. |
| US07928562B2 |
Segmentation of a die stack for 3D packaging thermal management
An apparatus to reduce a thermal penalty of a three-dimensional (3D) die stack for use in a computing environment is provided and includes a substrate installed within the computing environment, a first component to perform operations of the computing environment, which is coupled to the substrate in a stacking direction, a set of second components to perform operations of the computing environment, each of which is coupled to the first component and segmented with respect to one another to form a vacated region, a thermal interface material (TIM) disposed on exposed surfaces of the first and second components, and a lid, including a protrusion, coupled to the substrate to overlay the first and second components such that the protrusion extends into the vacated region and such that surfaces of the lid and the protrusion thermally communicate with the first and second components via the TIM. |
| US07928560B2 |
Composite multi-layer substrate and module using the substrate
A composite multi-layer substrate comprising a flat plate-like core member formed of a material having an excellent electric conductivity, an excellent heat conductivity, and a high rigidity, a front resin layer and a rear resin layer covering at least the front and rear surfaces of the core member, and a bottomless hole formed in the core member through the front and rear sides of the core member, wherein an electronic component is installed in the bottomless hole, whereby since the strength of the composite multi-layer substrate can be assured by the rigidity of the core member, conventional prior art glass cloth can be eliminated, deterioration in the electric characteristics caused by ion migration can be avoided and will result in reduced production cost. |
| US07928557B2 |
Stacked package and method for manufacturing the package
In a stacked package in which a plurality of packages having semiconductor elements mounted on substrates are stacked, while being electrically connected together, by use of connection sections, wherein the connection sections are formed from pillar-like members and solder joint sections and the upper package is supported on the lower package by pillar-like members. |
| US07928554B2 |
IC chip, antenna, and manufacturing method of the IC chip and the antenna
An antenna used for an ID chip or the like is disclosed with planarized antenna unevenness and an IC chip having such the antenna with a flat surface is disclosed. Manufacturing an integrated circuit mounted with an antenna is facilitated. A laminated body formed by stacking a conductive film 11, a resin film 13, an integrated circuit 12, and a resin film 14 are rolled so that the resin film 14 is outside. Then, the laminated body is integrated in a roll form by softening the resin films 13, 14 by applying heat. By slicing the rolled laminated body along with the direction in which the rolled conductive film 31 appears in the cross section, an IC chip with antenna formed by the rolled conductive film 11 is formed. |
| US07928552B1 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with multi-tier conductive interconnects and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a carrier having a planar surface and a cavity therein, a first barrier between the planar surface and a first interconnect, and a second barrier between the cavity and a second interconnect; providing a substrate; mounting an integrated circuit over the substrate; mounting the carrier to the substrate with the first interconnect and the second interconnect attached to the substrate and with the planar surface over the integrated circuit; forming an encapsulation between the substrate and the carrier covering the integrated circuit, the encapsulation having an encapsulation recess under the planar surface and over the integrated circuit; and removing a portion of the carrier to expose the encapsulation, a portion of the first barrier to form a first contact pad, and a portion of the second barrier to form a second contact pad. |
| US07928543B2 |
Tape wiring substrate and tape package using the same
A tape wiring substrate may have dispersion wiring patterns. The dispersion wiring patterns may be provided between input/output wiring pattern groups to compensate for the intervals therebetween. Connecting wiring patterns may be configured to connect the dispersion wiring patterns to a first end of the adjacent input/output wiring pattern. |
| US07928542B2 |
Lead frame for semiconductor package
A semiconductor package including a lead frame comprising a frame including both a ground ring and a chip mounting board located therein. Extending between the ground ring and the chip mounting board are a plurality of elongate slots or apertures. The ground ring is formed to include recesses within the bottom surface thereof which create regions of reduced thickness. A semiconductor chip bonded to the chip mounting board may be electrically connected to leads of the lead frame and to the ground ring via conductive wires. Those conductive wires extending to the ground ring are bonded to the top surface thereof at locations which are not aligned with the recesses within the bottom surface, i.e., those regions of the ground ring of maximum thickness. |
| US07928538B2 |
Package-level electromagnetic interference shielding
A shielded electronic package, comprising a semiconductor device, an insulating housing surrounding the semiconductor device and a metal coating on the insulating housing. The metal coating covers all but those portions of the insulating housing that are adjacent to connective structures on one or more mounting sides of the insulating housing. |
| US07928536B2 |
Roughness reducing film at interface, materials for forming roughness reducing film at interface, wiring layer and semiconductor device using the same, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Techniques for obtaining a wiring layer with a high TDDB resistance and little leakage current, and accordingly, for manufacturing a highly reliable semiconductor device with a small electric power consumption are provided, in which an interfacial roughness reducing film is formed which is in contact with an insulator film and also in contact with a wiring line on the other side surface thereof, and has an interfacial roughness between the wiring line and the interfacial roughness reducing film smaller than that between the insulator film and the interfacial roughness reducing film. |
| US07928535B2 |
Semiconductor device and semiconductor package having the same
A semiconductor device having no voids and a semiconductor package using the same is described. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a circuit section which is formed in a first area and a peripheral section which is formed in a second area defined around the first area, and an insulation layer covering the first and second areas and having at least one void removing part which extends from the first area to the second area to prevent a void from being formed. |
| US07928533B2 |
Nano-multiplication region avalanche photodiodes and arrays
An avalanche photodiode with a nano-scale reach-through structure comprising n-doped and p-doped regions, formed on a silicon island on an insulator, so that the avalanche photodiode may be electrically isolated from other circuitry on other silicon islands on the same silicon chip as the avalanche photodiode. For some embodiments, multiplied holes generated by an avalanche reduces the electric field in the depletion region of the n-doped and p-doped regions to bring about self-quenching of the avalanche photodiode. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07928532B2 |
Fuse box including a guard ring electrically connected to the fuse pattern and method of forming the same
A fuse box includes a fuse pattern having a rugged profile and an interlayer insulating film including a fuse blowing window to fill the fuse pattern. |
| US07928529B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device that attenuates light to the circuit element area is provided. The semiconductor device includes light-sensitive element area formed on substrate and a circuit element area formed on the substrate. Additionally, a multilayer wiring area is formed on circuit element area. A Tantalum film (which is generally made of tantalum or a tantalum compound) is formed on the surface of the multilayer wiring area to attenuate incident light on circuit element area. |
| US07928527B2 |
Delamination and crack resistant image sensor structures and methods
A plurality of image sensor structures and a plurality of methods for fabricating the plurality of image sensor structures provide for inhibited cracking and delamination of a lens capping layer with respect to a planarizing layer within the plurality of image sensor structures. Particular image sensor structures and related methods include at least one dummy lens layer of different dimensions than active lens layer located over a circuitry portion of a substrate within the particular image sensor structures. Additional particular image sensor structures include at least one of an aperture within the planarizing layer and a sloped endwall of the planarizing layer located over a circuitry portion within the particular image sensor structures. |
| US07928526B2 |
Imaging module package
An exemplary imaging module package includes a substrate, an imaging sensor chip set on the substrate, a housing positioned on the substrate, and a lens module. The housing includes a first chamber enclosing the imaging sensor chip therein, a second chamber coaxially extending from the first chamber for receiving the lens module therein, and a shoulder between the first and second chambers. The shoulder abuts against a top surface of the imaging sensor chip. |
| US07928520B2 |
Micro-fluidic structure
A microfabricated structure that includes a first layer of material on a substrate, and a second layer of material over the first layer that forms an encapsulated cavity, and a structural support layer added to the second layer. Openings can be formed in the cavity, and the cavities can be layered side by side, vertically stacked with interconnections via the openings, and a combination of both can be used to construct stacked arrays with interconnections throughout. |
| US07928518B2 |
P-channel power MIS field effect transistor and switching circuit
In a P-channel power MIS field effect transistor formed on a silicon surface having substantially a (110) plane, a gate insulation film is used which provides a gate-to-source breakdown voltage of 10 V or more, and planarizes the silicon surface, or contains Kr, Ar, or Xe. |
| US07928514B2 |
Selective implementation of barrier layers to achieve threshold voltage control in CMOS device fabrication with high-k dielectrics
The present invention provides a semiconductor structure including a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of source and drain diffusion regions located therein, each pair of source and drain diffusion regions are separated by a device channel. The structure further includes a first gate stack of pFET device located on top of some of the device channels, the first gate stack including a high-k gate dielectric, an insulating interlayer abutting the gate dielectric and a fully silicided metal gate electrode abutting the insulating interlayer, the insulating interlayer includes an insulating metal nitride that stabilizes threshold voltage and flatband voltage of the p-FET device to a targeted value and is one of aluminum oxynitride, boron nitride, boron oxynitride, gallium nitride, gallium oxynitride, indium nitride and indium oxynitride. A second gate stack of an nFET devices is located on top remaining device channels, the second gate stack including a high-k gate dielectric and a fully silicided gate electrode located directly atop the high-k gate dielectric. |
| US07928512B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is provided herein, which includes a substrate having a first-type MOS transistor, an input/output (I/O) second-type MOS transistor, and a core second-type MOS transistor formed thereon. The semiconductor device further includes a first stress layer and a second stress layer. The first stress layer is disposed on the first-type MOS transistor, or on the first-type MOS transistor and the I/O second-type MOS transistor. The second stress layer is disposed on the core second-type MOS transistor. |
| US07928504B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed, which reduce parasitic capacitance generated between a storage node contact and a bit line of a high-integration semiconductor device. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor memory device includes forming a buried word line in an active region of a cell region, forming an insulation layer in the cell region and a lower electrode layer of a gate in a peripheral region so that a height of the insulation layer is substantially equal to that of the lower electrode layer, and providing a first conductive layer over the cell region and the peripheral region to form a bit line layer and an upper electrode layer. |
| US07928503B2 |
Memory cells
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Dopant is implanted into a semiconductor substrate to form a pair of source/drain regions that are spaced from one another by a channel region. The dopant is annealed within the source/drain regions, and then a plurality of charge trapping units are formed over the channel region. Dielectric material is then formed over the charge trapping units, and control gate material is formed over the dielectric material. Some embodiments include memory cells that contain a plurality of nanosized islands of charge trapping material over a channel region, with adjacent islands being spaced from one another by gaps. The memory cells can further include dielectric material over and between the nanosized islands, with the dielectric material forming a container shape having an upwardly opening trough therein. The memory cells can further include control gate material within the trough. |
| US07928499B2 |
Profile of flash memory cells
A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a tunneling layer on the semiconductor substrate; a source region adjacent the tunneling layer; and a floating gate on the tunneling layer. The floating gate comprises a first edge having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion is recessed from the upper portion. The semiconductor structure further includes a blocking layer on the floating gate, wherein the blocking layer has a first edge facing a same direction as the first edge of the floating gate. |
| US07928496B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having high charge retention characteristics and capable of improving leakage characteristics of a dielectric film disposed between a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, and manufacturing method thereof is disclosed. According to one aspect, there is provided a semiconductor memory device comprising a first electrode disposed on a first insulator on a semiconductor substrate, a second insulator disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the second insulator, and diffusion layers disposed in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second insulator including a silicon-rich silicon nitride film containing more silicon than that in a stoichiometric silicon nitride film, and a silicon oxide film formed on the silicon-rich silicon nitride film, and wherein the silicon-rich silicon nitride film has a ratio of a silicon concentration and a nitrogen concentration set to 1:0.9 to 1:1.2. |
| US07928494B2 |
Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of floating gate electrodes formed in a memory cell forming region of the semiconductor substrate, a word line electrically connecting the floating gate electrodes and a conductor portion formed on the word line so as to reduce a resistance of the word line. |
| US07928487B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and driving method of solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device having an electrode for reading a signal charge is provided on one side of a light-receiving sensor portion constituting a pixel; a predetermined voltage signal applied to a light-shielding film formed to cover an image pickup area except the light-receiving sensor portion; a second-conductivity-type semiconductor area formed in the center on the surface of a first-conductivity-type semiconductor area constituting a photo-electric conversion area of the light-receiving sensor portion; and areas containing a lower impurity concentration than that of the second-conductivity-type semiconductor area formed on the surface of the first-conductivity-type semiconductor area at the end on the side of the electrode and at the opposite end on the side of a pixel-separation area. |
| US07928484B2 |
Small pixel for CMOS image sensors with vertically integrated set and reset diodes
A pixel of an image sensor, the pixel includes a floating diffusion node to sense photo-generated charge, a reset diode to reset the floating diffusion node in response to a reset signal, and a set diode to set the floating diffusion node. |
| US07928477B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus, controlling a potential on a semiconductor substrate for an electronic shutter operation, includes: a first semiconductor region of the first conductivity type for forming a photoelectric conversion region; a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, formed separately from the photoelectric conversion region, for accumulating carriers; a third semiconductor region of a second conductivity type arranged under the second semiconductor region, for operating as a potential barrier; a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type extending between the first semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate, and between the third semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate; and a first voltage supply portion for supplying a voltage to the third semiconductor region; wherein the first voltage supply portion includes a fifth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type arranged in the pixel region, and a first electrode connected to the fifth semiconductor region. |
| US07928468B2 |
Buffer structure for semiconductor device and methods of fabrication
Embodiments of the present invention describe a semiconductor device having an buffer structure and methods of fabricating the buffer structure. The buffer structure is formed between a substrate and a quantum well layer to prevent defects in the substrate and quantum well layer due to lattice mismatch. The buffer structure comprises a first buffer layer formed on the substrate, a plurality of blocking members formed on the first buffer layer, and second buffer formed on the plurality of blocking members. The plurality of blocking members prevent the second buffer layer from being deposited directly onto the entire first buffer layer so as to minimize lattice mismatch and prevent defects in the first and second buffer layers. |
| US07928466B2 |
Light emitting semi-conductor diode (with high light output)
A light-emitting semi-conductor diode comprising a light emitting chip at least partially surrounded by a transparent electronics protecting body on which a composite layer foil is disposed, the composite layer foil includes at its side facing away from the electronics protection body a carrier layer, which has a refraction index that is greater than the refraction index of the electronics protection body and, at the opposite side, an active layer of the same material of which the electronics protecting body consists. |
| US07928462B2 |
Light emitting device having vertical structure, package thereof and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting device having a vertical structure, a package thereof and a method for manufacturing the same, which are capable of damping impact generated in a substrate separation process, and achieving an improvement in mass productivity, are disclosed. The method includes growing a semiconductor layer having a multilayer structure over a substrate, forming a first electrode on the semiconductor layer, separating the substrate including the grown semiconductor layer into unit devices, bonding each of the separated unit devices on a sub-mount, separating the substrate from the semiconductor layer, and forming a second electrode on a surface of the semiconductor layer exposed in accordance with the separation of the substrate. |
| US07928460B2 |
Light emitting element and manufacturing method thereof
In a laser chip 1 using a nitride semiconductor having a hexagonal crystal structure, the −c plane is used as a first resonator facet A, which is the side of the laser chip 1 through which light is emitted. On the first resonator facet A, that is, on the −c plane, a facet protection film 14 is formed. This ensures firm joint between the first resonator facet A and the facet protection film 14 and alleviates deterioration of the first resonator facet A. |
| US07928457B2 |
Member for semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing such member, and semiconductor light emitting device using such member
To provide novel semiconductor light-emitting device member superior in transparency, light resistance, and heat resistance and capable of sealing semiconductor light-emitting device and holding phosphor without generating cracks or peelings even after use for a long time, the member meets the following requirements: (1) comprising functional group forming hydrogen bond with hydroxyl group or oxygen in a metalloxane bond, on the surface of ceramic or metal, (2) maintenance rate of transmittance at 400 nm wavelength before and after left at 200° C. for 500 hours is between 80% to 110%, (3) no change is observed by visual inspection after irradiated with light having 380 nm to 500 nm wavelength, whose center wavelength is between 400 nm and 450 nm both inclusive, for 24 hours with 4500 W/m2 illumination intensity at 436 nm wavelength, and (4) refractive index at 550 nm wavelength is 1.45 or larger. |
| US07928455B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and method for forming the same
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a light-impervious substrate, a bonding structure, a semiconductor light-emitting stack, and a fluorescent material structure overlaying the semiconductor light-emitting stack. The semiconductor light-emitting stack is separated from a growth substrate and bonded to the light-impervious substrate via the bonding structure. A method for producing the semiconductor light-emitting device includes separating a semiconductor light-emitting stack from a growth substrate, bonding the semiconductor light-emitting stack to a light-impervious substrate, and forming a fluorescent material structure over the semiconductor light-emitting stack. |
| US07928452B2 |
GaN-based semiconductor light-emitting element, light-emitting element assembly, light-emitting apparatus, method of manufacturing GaN-based semiconductor light-emitting element, method of driving GaN-based semiconductor light-emitting element, and image display apparatus
A GaN-based semiconductor light-emitting element includes a first GaN-based compound semiconductor layer of n-conductivity type, an active layer, a second GaN-based compound semiconductor layer of p-conductivity type, a first electrode electrically connected to the first GaN-based compound semiconductor layer, a second electrode electrically connected to the second GaN-based compound semiconductor layer, an impurity diffusion-preventing layer composed of an undoped GaN-based compound semiconductor, the impurity diffusion-preventing layer preventing a p-type impurity from diffusing into the active layer, and a laminated structure or a third GaN-based compound semiconductor layer of p-conductivity type. The impurity diffusion-preventing layer and the laminated structure or the third GaN-based compound semiconductor layer of p-conductivity type are disposed, between the active layer and the second GaN-based compound semiconductor layer, in that order from the active layer side. |
| US07928451B2 |
Shaped contact layer for light emitting heterostructure
An improved light emitting heterostructure and/or device is provided, which includes a contact layer having a contact shape comprising one of: a clover shape with at least a third order axis of symmetry or an H-shape. The use of these shapes can provide one or more improved operating characteristics for the light emitting devices. The contact shapes can be used, for example, with contact layers on nitride-based devices that emit light having a wavelength in at least one of: the blue spectrum or the deep ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. |
| US07928450B2 |
Pixel structure and method for fabricating the same
A pixel structure is disclosed. The pixel structure includes a substrate, a first data line having at least one end formed on the substrate, a first insulation layer overlying the first data line and exposing a part of the end of the first data line, a shielding electrode disposed on the first insulation layer and overlapped with the first data line, a second data line formed on the first insulation layer and electrically connected to the exposed end of the first data line, a second insulation layer overlying the shielding electrode and the second data line, and a pixel electrode formed on the second insulation layer and overlapped with the shielding electrode. The invention also provides a method for fabricating the pixel structure. |
| US07928447B2 |
GaN crystal substrate, fabricating method of GaN crystal substrate, and light-emitting device
A GaN crystal substrate is provided, which has a diameter of not less than 20 mm and a thickness of not less than 70 μm and not more than 450 μm, and has a light absorption coefficient of not less than 7 cm−1 and not more than 68 cm−1 for light in the wavelength range of not less than 375 nm and not more than 500 nm. A fabricating method of the GaN crystal substrate, and a light-emitting device fabricated using the GaN crystal substrate are also provided. |
| US07928446B2 |
Group III nitride semiconductor substrate and method for cleaning the same
A Group-III nitride semiconductor substrate having a flat surface with a dangling bond density of higher than 14.0 nm−2 is produced by cleaning the surface having a dangling bond density of higher than 14.0 nm−2 with a cleaning agent containing an ammonium salt. |
| US07928439B2 |
Thin film transistor, organic light emitting display device including the same, and method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device
A thin film transistor (TFT) may include a substrate, a gate electrode on the substrate, a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, and a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer. The semiconductor layer may include a top surface, a channel area aligned in a vertical direction with the gate electrode, a plurality of doped areas proximate to the channel area, and a plurality of non-doped areas. Source and drain electrodes may be on the top surface of the semiconductor layer aligned above respective ones of the plurality of non-doped areas of the semiconductor layer. A planarization layer may be on the gate insulating layer, the source and drain electrodes and the semiconductor layer channel area, and may include a plurality of openings respectively exposing the plurality of doped areas of the semiconductor layer and a portion of the source electrode and the drain electrode. |
| US07928437B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate and method of manufacture
A thin film transistor (“TFT”) substrate in which the size of a pixel TFT formed in a display area is reduced using a single slit mask, and the length of the channel area of a protection TFT constituting an electrostatic discharge protection circuit formed in a non-display area is formed larger than that of the pixel TFT using the same mask pattern. The TFT substrate includes a signal line and a discharge line formed on a substrate, a signal supply pad formed on one end of the signal line to supply a signal to the signal line, and an electrostatic discharge protection circuit including at least one protection TFT including a plurality of channels formed between the signal supply pad and the discharge line and/or between the signal line and the discharge line. |
| US07928435B2 |
Interposer chip and multi-chip package having the interposer chip
An interposer chip may include an insulating substrate, conductive patterns, and a test pattern. The conductive patterns may be formed on the insulating substrate. Further, the conductive patterns may be electrically connected to conductive wires. The test pattern may be connected to the conductive patterns. A test current for testing an electrical connection between the conductive patterns and the conductive wires may flow through the test pattern. Thus, the interposer chip may have the test pattern connected to the conductive patterns, so that the test current may flow to the test pattern through the conductive wires and the conductive patterns. As a result, an electrical connection between the conductive wires and the conductive patterns may be identified based on the test current supplied to the test pattern. |
| US07928432B2 |
Sensing devices from molecular electronic devices
The present invention generally relates to the fabrication of molecular electronics devices from molecular wires and Single Wall Nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, the cutting of a SWNT is achieved by opening a window of small width by lithography patterning of a protective layer on top of the SWNT, followed by applying an oxygen plasma to the exposed SWNT portion. In another embodiment, the gap of a cut SWNT is reconnected by one or more difunctional molecules having appropriate lengths reacting to the functional groups on the cut SWNT ends to form covalent bonds. In another embodiment, the gap of a cut SWNT gap is filled with a self-assembled monolayer from derivatives of novel contorted hexabenzocoranenes. In yet another embodiment, a device based on molecular wire reconnecting a cut SWNT is used as a sensor to detect a biological binding event. |
| US07928431B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus
An organic light emitting display apparatus with reduced infiltration of external moisture and oxygen comprises: a substrate comprising a plurality of TFT devices; and a display region formed on the substrate; wherein the display region comprises a base layer which comprises first electrodes electrically connected to the TFT devices and defining a pixel region, an organic layer formed on the base layer, and a second electrode layer formed in a structure covering the base layer and organic layer completely. |
| US07928430B2 |
Mononuclear star-branched polymer dielectric material and organic thin film transistor
A mononuclear star-branched polymer dielectric material having a repeat unit of the formula (I): A-Bn (I) wherein, A represents a multifunctional center having a functionality and a functional group with “n” arms; n is an integer greater than 2. B represents a hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed compound of the formula (II): wherein, X represents H or CH3; R represents H, alkyl or is selected from a group consisting of acetoxyl, t-butyl, t-butyldimethyl silyl, acid labile groups and acid stable groups; “a” is an integer from 1 to 5; y and z are molar ratio and are the numbers satisfying y+z=1, 0 |
| US07928426B2 |
Forming a non-planar transistor having a quantum well channel
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a substrate, a buried oxide layer formed on the substrate, a silicon on insulator (SOI) core formed on the buried oxide layer, a compressive strained quantum well (QW) layer wrapped around the SOI core, and a tensile strained silicon layer wrapped around the QW layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07928425B2 |
Semiconductor device including a metal-to-semiconductor superlattice interface layer and related methods
A semiconductor device which may include a semiconductor layer, and a superlattice interface layer therebetween. The superlattice interface layer may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers. Each group of layers may include a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. At least some atoms from opposing base semiconductor portions may be chemically bound together with the chemical bonds traversing the at least one intervening non-semiconductor monolayer. |
| US07928422B2 |
Phase change memory device capable of increasing sensing margin and method for manufacturing the same
A phase change memory device capable of increasing a sensing margin and a method for manufacturing the same. The phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate formed with a device isolation structure which defines active regions; first conductivity type impurity regions formed in surfaces of the active regions and having the shape of a line; a second conductivity type well formed in the semiconductor substrate at a position lower than the device isolation structure; a second conductivity type ion-implantation layer formed in the semiconductor substrate at a boundary between a lower end of the device isolation structure and the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of vertical PN diodes formed on the first conductivity type impurity regions; and phase change memory cells formed on the vertical PN diodes. |
| US07928413B2 |
Ion implanters
The present invention relates to components in an ion implanter that may see incidence of the ion beam, such as a beam dump or a beam stop. Such components will be prone to the ions sputtering material from their surfaces, and sputtered material may become entrained in the ion beam. This entrained material is a source of contamination. The present invention provides an ion implanter comprising power supply apparatus and an ion-receiving component. The component has an opening that receives ions from an ion beam such that ions strike an internal surface. The power supply apparatus is arranged to provide an electrical bias to the internal surface to decelerate the ions prior to their striking the surface, thereby mitigating the problem of material being sputtered from the surface. |
| US07928408B2 |
Multi-channel fluorescence measuring optical system and multi-channel fluorescence sample analyzer
A multi-channel fluorescence measuring optical system and a multi-channel fluorescence sample analyzer using the optical system are provided. The multi-channel fluorescence measuring optical system, which irradiates light onto a plurality of sample channels and detecting fluorescence radiated from samples, includes: a light source; an integrator for giving the light irradiated from the light source a uniform intensity distribution; a sample holder having a plurality of sample channels on which the samples are mounted, wherein the samples are exited by the light emitted from the integrator; and a beam splitter between the integrator and the sample holder for dividing the incident light in a predetermined ratio. Since the light intensities of fluorescence images are detected using optical fiber bundles and photodiodes, the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced, and the optical system can be miniaturized. |
| US07928407B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
In an immersion lithographic apparatus, bubble formation in immersion liquid is reduced or prevented by reducing a gap size or area on a substrate table and/or covering the gap. |
| US07928406B2 |
Method and system for extracting ion beams composed of molecular ions (cluster ion beam extraction system)
A new type of triode extraction system, a Cluster Ion Beam Extraction System, is disclosed for broad energy range cluster ion beam extraction applications while still being applicable to atomic and molecular ion species as well. The extraction aperture plate contours are set to minimize the beam cross over and at the same time shield the source from excess extraction electric fields thus allowing smaller values of the extraction gap. In addition, a novel focusing feature is integrated into these new optics which allows the beam to be either focused or de-focused in the non-dispersive plane by using a bipolar bias voltage of only a few kV over a broad range of beam energy. This is a superior solution to a stand-alone electrostatic lens solution, for example an einzel lens, which would require tens of kV of bias voltage in order to be able to focus an energetic beam. |
| US07928398B2 |
Radiation detecting pixel array signal routing
An embodiment of the invention includes a radiation detecting pixel array. The radiation detecting pixel array includes a substrate, a plurality of radiation detecting pixels arranged in a grid pattern on the substrate, a signal routing array embedded within the substrate in operative communication with the plurality of radiation detecting pixels, and at least two symmetrical communication channels arranged on each of two sides of the grid pattern. The signal routing array is formed of communication channels configured to provide operative communication between any of the plurality of radiation detecting pixels and each of the at least two symmetrical communication channels. |
| US07928396B2 |
Method for obtaining a scintillation structure
A method for obtaining a scintillation body comprising the steps of readying a matrix of binding material within which is present a plurality of scintillation crystals, obtaining a plurality of channels within the matrix and around the crystals and inserting metallic material having a high atomic number and high density between mutually adjacent scintillation crystals without separating the scintillation crystals from the matrix of binding material. |
| US07928387B2 |
Device for detecting infrared radiation with bolometric detectors
A device for detecting infrared radiation comprising an array of bolometric detectors which are sensitive to incident radiation and are referred to as “active” and a bolometer which is insensitive to said radiation and is referred to as “blind” formed on a substrate in which a read circuit is produced for sequentially addressing each of the rows of detectors of the array, each of the active bolometers in a single row being biased simultaneously. The read circuit also comprises means of producing a reference current (Iref) based on the blind bolometer; means of simultaneously copying the reference current (Iref) for each column of the array; and a plurality of current integrators, each associated with one column of the array and each designed to integrate the difference between the current flowing through the active bolometer of the row which is currently being read and said thus copied reference current. |
| US07928385B2 |
Radiation machine
A radiation machine includes a sensor configured to convert radiation into an electric signal; an electronic component configured to process the electric signal output from the sensor; and a protector configured to protect at least a part of the electronic component from exposure to radiation, a transmittance of radiation of the protector being changeable. In the radiation machine, the transmittance of the protector, which protects an IC in the casing, is protected from exposure to radiation. |
| US07928384B2 |
Localized static charge distribution precision measurement method and device
A charged particle beam device including a function for measuring localized static charges on a sample. A primary charged particle beam scans a sample positioned in a mirror state to acquire an image. The acquired image may be an image of the sample or may be an image of a structural component in the charged particle optical system. The acquired image is compared with a standard sample image and the localized static charge is measured. |
| US07928378B2 |
Apparatus for inspection with electron beam, method for operating same, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using former
A substrate inspection apparatus 1-1 (FIG. 1) of the present invention performs the following steps of: carrying a substrate “S” to be inspected into an inspection chamber 23-1; maintaining a vacuum in said inspection chamber; isolating said inspection chamber from a vibration; moving successively said substrate by means of a stage 26-1 with at least one degree of freedom; irradiating an electron beam having a specified width; helping said electron beam reach to a surface of said substrate via a primary electron optical system 10-1; trapping secondary electrons emitted from said substrate via a secondary electron optical system 20-1 and guiding it to a detecting system 35-1; forming a secondary electron image in an image processing system based on a detection signal of a secondary electron beam obtained by said detecting system; detecting a defective location in said substrate based on the secondary electron image formed by said image processing system; indicating and/or storing said defective location in said substrate by CPU 37-1; and taking said completely inspected substrate out of the inspection chamber. Thereby, the defect inspection on the substrate can be performed successively with high level of accuracy and efficiency as well as with higher throughput. |
| US07928377B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus and sample manufacturing method
It is possible to carry out a highly accurate thin film machining by irradiation of an ion beam to a sample and a high-resolution STEM observation of the sample by irradiating an electron beam with a high throughput almost without moving the sample. The FIB irradiation system has an irradiation axis almost orthogonally intersecting an irradiation axis of the STEM observation electron beam irradiation system. The sample is arranged at the intersection point of the irradiation axes. The FIB machining plane of the sample is extracted from the thin film plane of the STEM observation sample. The transmitting/scattered beam detector are arranged at backward of the sample on the electron beam irradiation axis viewed from the electron beam irradiation direction. |
| US07928373B2 |
Isolating ions in quadrupole ion traps for mass spectrometry
Ions in a predefined narrow mass to charge ratio range are isolated in an ion trap by adjusting the field and using ejection frequency waveform(s). The ejection waveforms have frequency components in a first and a second dimension, and, are applied across electrodes aligned along a first and a second dimension. Thus the mass-to-charge ratio isolation window is controlled and has an improved resolution without increasing the number of frequency components. |
| US07928371B2 |
Methods for penning trap mass spectroscopy
A method of mass spectroscopy according to example embodiments may include injecting ions into a Penning trap and exciting the ions into cyclotron and/or magnetron motions. The cyclotron motions and magnetron motions may be converted to one another with external radio frequency signals. The ions may be ejected from the Penning trap onto a position sensitive charged particle detector to determine the phases and amplitudes of the motions. Ion cyclotron resonance frequencies may be determined based on the phases and amplitudes of the motions of the ejected ions. |
| US07928369B2 |
Device for the analysis of isotope ratios
A method for the analysis of isotope ratios, wherein at least one sample gas and/or at least one reference gas are supplied to at least one analytical device via at least one open split, the addition of a carrier gas also being possible. According to the invention, the concentration of the sample gas and/or reference gas passing into the analytical device is controlled by the supply of the respective carrier gas or by direct supply of the sample gas into the analytical device. In the device according to the invention for supplying gases to at least one analytical device, two or more capillaries are provided for sample gases, the capillaries in each case having their own drive for the movement between mixing zone and waiting zone. |
| US07928365B2 |
Method and apparatus for mass spectrometry
For the achievement of data transfer time reduction, removal of noise data, and analytical efficiency improvement in an ADC data processing function of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, the mass spectrometer comprises a data acquisition circuit including: an A/D converter; a signal intensity addition memory that stores data of ion signals such as a time range and the number of measurements and performs an addition process; a voltage value frequency addition memory that performs an addition process of frequencies of voltage values of the predetermined time range and the number of measurements and stores addition results; a threshold level computation circuit that computes a predetermined threshold level from the results in the memory; a compression memory that extracts only data exceeding the threshold level from the data in the signal intensity addition memory; and a counter that controls a measurement time for data acquisition and the operation of each circuit. |
| US07928361B1 |
Multiple detection systems
A particle detection system is configured and operated as two or more separate and completely independent detection systems. The detection systems may be of the same or different design, may be operated in the same or different modes, and may be operated with the same or different operating parameters. Each detection system may record signals simultaneously, or alternately; the measurements obtained from each of the detection systems may either be combined into a single unified data set, or recorded separately. Means are provided to direct particles to impinge on one of the detectors or any of the other detectors. Alternatively, a population of particles can be dispersed in a manner that allows a population of particles to be distributed among two or more detectors simultaneously. The implementation of completely independent detection systems, for example, in a Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer, allows the design and operation of each detection system to be optimized independently, while being employed simultaneously. The flexibility afforded by the apparatus and methods in the invention allows signals to be recorded with enhanced signal dynamic range, signal-to-noise, and/or temporal resolution, relative to other presently available detection systems. |
| US07928357B2 |
High speed scanning platform for microarray scanner
The invention provides a scanning platform for high speed scanning of microarrays. The platform uses a novel flexible a metal strip/wheel linear driving system to convert rotary movement of motors into linear movement, thereby drives movement of a stage/microarray in the direction of scanning. The platform of the present invention provides high movement speed, high resolution, and low return deviation. It is also simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost. |
| US07928350B2 |
Microwave heating device
In a microwave heating apparatus, an electricity feeding port constituting a port of radiating a microwave is set to a ceiling wall of a heating chamber, a magnetron is arranged on a side of an outer side face of the heating chamber by directing an antenna for oscillating the microwave to a side of the heating chamber, and a wave guide for guiding the microwave oscillated from the magnetron to the electricity feeding port is formed in an L-like shape including a side wave guide extended upwardly from a surrounding of the antenna along the outer side face of the heating chamber and an upper wave guide extended from an upper end of the side wave guide to the electricity feeding port along an outer face of the ceiling wall. |
| US07928347B2 |
Heating unit and method of making the same
A heating unit includes an AlN substrate having a main surface on which an elongated heat-generating resistor is provided. A protection layer is formed on the main surface of the substrate for the heat-generating resistor. The protection layer includes a first cover layer covering the heat-generating resistor and a second cover layer covering the first cover layer. The first cover layer is made of crystallized or semi-crystallized glass having a higher crystallization temperature by at least 50° C. than the softening point of the glass. The second cover layer is made of non-crystalline glass. |
| US07928344B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring hot surface of cook top
Provided are an apparatus and a method for monitoring a hot surface of a cook top. The apparatus includes a display unit, a temperature detecting sensor, and a microprocessor. The display unit displays a state of a hot surface and an operation error of a hot plate as a heater operates. The temperature detecting sensor is installed closely to the heater to detect heater temperature greater than set temperature. The microprocessor compares the heater temperature greater than the set temperature that is detected by the temperature detecting sensor with heater temperature greater than the set temperature that is expected by an elapse of an operating time of the heater to judge one of a hot surface and an operation error of the hot plate, and controls the judgment results to be displayed using the display unit. |
| US07928342B2 |
Metal sheathed heater with solid state control device
A metal sheathed heater includes a solid state control device that allows the metal sheathed heater to be more efficiently operated. The control device supplies or terminates power to the heater according to certain conditions. Further, the control device uses predetermined time periods to control power to the heater. Thus, the heater is not kept on unnecessarily. |
| US07928338B2 |
Plasma spraying device and method
A device and a method for plasma spraying are disclosed. The device comprises, a cathode, an anode, a plasma channel formed by the anode and intermediate electrodes, and one or more flowable material injectors. The plasma channel has a throttling portion that divides the plasma channel into a high pressure portion near the cathode formed by at least one intermediate electrode and a low pressure portion near the anode. During operation, a plasma generating gas is heated by the arc maintained between the cathode and the anode, forming plasma. When the plasma passes through the throttling portion, its speed increases to a supersonic speed, and at the same time its static pressure drops. Flowable materials are injected in the plasma flow in the low pressure portion. The particles in the flowable materials are heated by the plasma and the resultant heated particles and plasma are output from the outlet of the plasma channel. |
| US07928337B2 |
Apparatus for machining a workpiece using wire discharge including an upper and lower power supply unit
A wire-discharge machining apparatus controls a short circuit between a wire electrode and a workpiece and wire-breakage, and makes it easy to improve productivity, by performing power supply control to mix an upper-side power supply state in which a high-frequency pulse voltage is applied from an upper-side power supplying unit, a lower-side power supply state in which the high-frequency pulse voltage is applied from a lower-side power supplying unit, and a both-sides power supply state in which the high-frequency pulse voltage is applied to the wire electrode from both power supplying units in synchronization with each other during a period of electric discharge machining. |
| US07928334B2 |
Rotary actuator with magnetic brake
A rotary actuator is provided for a motor vehicle, having a control knob, a housing, an actuating shaft that is rotationally fixed to the control knob, and electromagnetic means that act on the control knob so as to permit a detent or locking of the rotation of the control knob, wherein a coil is arranged in the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, and a disk-shaped flux guide is attached to the actuating shaft so as to be rotationally fixed and movable along the actuating shaft, and the flux guide can be pressed against the coil and/or the housing. |
| US07928330B2 |
Safety switch
There is provided a safety switch having a housing configured to receive a removable key, and a mechanism arranged to be operated when the key is moved from an engaged position to a partially disengaged position, the mechanism being arranged to cause a signal to pass to a separate apparatus, wherein the safety switch further comprises a lock which is controlled by the separate apparatus and is arranged to prevent the key from being fully disengaged from the safety switch until a signal has been received in response from the separate apparatus. |
| US07928327B2 |
Shielding device
A shielding device configured to provide EMI and ESD protection includes an anti-ESD layer, a conductive layer, and an EMI blocking layer attached to each other in sequence. In addition, a supporting layer can be optionally attached to the EMI blocking layer to increase the strength of the shielding device. |
| US07928326B2 |
Thermoformed EMI shield
Systems and methods for minimizing the transmission and reception of electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) are provided. A member having first and second sides and at least one edge can be formed to correspond to the interior of an enclosure. At least one aperture can penetrate the member from the first side to the second side, forming at least one internal edge. A conductive layer can be disposed on or about the first side, the second side, the at least one edge, and the at least one internal edge of the member, thereby encapsulating the member. |
| US07928322B2 |
Conductive ink, conductive circuit and non-contact media
Disclosed is an active energy ray-curable conductive ink containing a conductive substance and a binder component, which is characterized in that the binder component contains a chlorinated polyester and an active energy ray-polymerizable compound. This active energy ray-curable conductive ink has good fluidity and enables to obtain a conductive circuit with low resistance after curing. Also disclosed are a method for forming a conductive circuit by printing this conductive ink on a substrate, and non-contact media comprising an IC chip mounted in a state electrically connected with the conductive circuit. The conductive substance is preferably a flake powder having a BET specific surface area of 0.1-0.4 m2/g and an aspect ratio of not less than 3. |
| US07928320B2 |
Helically-wound electric cable
A helically-wound electric cable having at least two groups wound together so as to form a group helix. Each group has at least two twisted-together conductor wires, wherein the pitch of the group helix varying along the helically-wound electric cable in accordance with a sinusoidal function between two limit values having the same sign, characterized in that said sinusoidal function has a determined modulation period (MP) in order to avoid return loss peak (RLp) in the operating frequency range (Fmin-Fmax) of said helically-wound electric cable. |
| US07928314B2 |
Terminal box for a solar battery module and a method for producing such a terminal box
A terminal box for a solar battery module is provided with a plurality of terminal plates (30) juxtaposed in a box main body (10) and connectable with positive and negative electrodes of the solar battery module, cables (90) for external connection connectable with the terminal plates (30), a conductor piece (50) connected with one of two corresponding terminal plates (30) and extending from this one terminal plate toward the other, and a bear chip diode (70) held between the conductor piece (50) and the other terminal plate (30) to be connected with both. The conductor piece (50) is connectable with a P-area (72) of the bear chip diode (70) and the other terminal plate (30) is connectable with an N-area (71) of the bear chip diode (70). |
| US07928313B2 |
Variable slippage control for a disc jockey control surface
The disclosure pertains to a scratch effect controller for use by a disk jockey, wherein at least one electromagnet creates the slippage tension or friction effect between the user manipulated disc, which includes a vinyl-like surface thereby simulating a vinyl record, and the rotatable or fixed platter. The strength of the electromagnet is variable so as to create a variable slippage tension or friction effect. |
| US07928308B2 |
Data reproducing apparatus and data reproducing method
A data reproducing apparatus includes a music data reproduction list creating unit that obtains music data matching a time attribute of selected image data from a reproduction history storage unit in which a reproduction history about music data is stored and thus creates a reproduction list of music data. The data reproducing apparatus simultaneously reproduces music data and image data organized by a data organizing unit configured to match selected image data to the reproduction list. |
| US07928304B2 |
Instrument support apparatus having non-horizontal tiers and vertical axis pivot capability
At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be a support apparatus that includes at least two item support rails supported by support legs coupled thereto by pivot coupler apparatus that enable rotatable motion of a coupled support rail about a substantially vertical axis, where at least one of the item support rails is a non-horizontal item support rail, and where a cable passes through at least a portion of one or more of the support rails. In certain embodiments, the couplers may be height adjust couplers that enable substantially purely vertical, translatory height adjustment of coupled support rails and/or the couplers may couple item support rails to rail support legs at an angle other than ninety degrees. Items that may be supported include but are not limited to electronic percussion instruments. |
| US07928302B2 |
Compact drum set and methods of using, setting up, and compacting same
A compact transportable drum set includes a bass drum; a snare drum; at least one tom drum; at least one cymbal; and a throne. The compact transportable drum set is compactable to a compact transportable single package with the bass drum, the snare drum, at least one tom drum, at least one cymbal, and the throne vertically aligned and defining an envelope volume less than 8 cubic feet and weighing less than 60 lbs. |
| US07928301B1 |
Maize variety inbred PH12TB
A novel maize variety designated PH12TB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH12TB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH12TB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH12TB or a locus conversion of PH12TB with another maize variety. |
| US07928298B2 |
Tomatoes having reduced polygalacturonase activity caused by non-transgenic mutations in the polygalacturonase gene
A series of independent non-transgenic mutations found in the fruit PG gene of tomato; tomato plants having these mutations in their fruit PG gene; and a method of creating and identifying similar and/or additional mutations in the PG gene by screening pooled and/or individual tomato plants. The tomato plants of the present invention exhibit reduced PG enzyme activity and fruit that soften more slowly post harvest without having the inclusion of foreign nucleic acids in their genomes. |
| US07928297B1 |
Soybean variety XB49X08
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB49X08. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB49X08, to the plants of soybean XB49X08 to plant parts of soybean variety XB49X08 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB49X08 with another soybean plant, using XB49X08 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US07928294B2 |
Polypeptide having Δ5 desaturating activity, polynucleotide coding for the polypeptide, and use thereof
The present invention relates to a polypeptide having a Δ5 fatty acid desaturation activity and a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide as well as use thereof. For example, the present invention relates to a polypeptide, comprising (a) the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) the amino acid sequence in which one or more amino acids are substituted, deleted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, and having the Δ5 fatty acid desaturation activity; an antibody capable of binding to this polypeptide; a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide; a vector comprising this polynucleotide; a cell or transformant introduced with the polynucleotide; a method of producing a fatty acid using the cell, and so on. |
| US07928292B2 |
Refined plant transformation
The present invention provides methods for producing transgenic plants based on an optimized transfer of DNA from Agrobacterium to plant cells, and/or on an optimized integration of the transferred DNAs into plant cell genomes. It also provides Agrobacterium-transformation vectors that can be used to limit or eliminate the transfer of undesirable DNA. The present invention can be applied to essentially any species of plants, including many recalcitrant plant species. |
| US07928289B2 |
Method for production of transgenic plants with increased pathogenic resistance by altering the content and/or activity of actin-depolymerising factors
The invention relates to a method for production of transgenic plants and/or plant cells with increased pathogenic resistance, whereby the transgenic plants or plant cells have an altered content or an altered activity of at least one actin-depolymerising factor (ADF) with relation to the wild type. The invention also relates to the use of nucleic acids, coding for at least one ADF, for the production of transgenic plants or plant cells with increased pathogenic resistance and, furthermore, nucleic acid sequences coding for an ADF. |
| US07928287B2 |
Methods for large scale functional evaluation of nucleotide sequences in plants
The present invention provides for rapid and large scale evaluation of expression of, or function of, nucleotide sequences in plants. The invention comprises three specific components which provide for fast and large scale evaluation of nucleotide sequences. The first component includes delivery in either a single event a library of different engineered vectors or a single engineered vector for a single target nucleotide sequence comprising sequences the function of which is desired to be known in plant cells. Surprisingly, applicants have discovered that, the introduction of multiple vectors to plant cells predominantly results in individual transgenic plants which contain only a single transformation event. The second feature of the invention involves a highly transformable, fast cycling and/or miniature size plant and the final step involves mass scale analysis of T0 plants for various phenotypes and plasmid rescue to identify the nucleotide sequence present in a particular phenotype. |
| US07928285B2 |
Method of producing xenogenous antibodies using a bovine
In general, the invention features genetically modified non-human mammals (e.g., bovines and other ungulates), and methods of making these mammals. In particular, the invention features transgenic ungulates having reduced levels of endogenous IgM heavy chain and/or prion protein. |
| US07928284B2 |
Methods and animal model for analyzing age-related macular degeneration
Methods for testing candidate drugs for treatment of age-related macular degeneration are provided. Ccl2-deficient, and Ccr2-deficient mice are used to determine the effect of candidate drugs and treatments on development of age-related macular degeneration. Also provided is a Ccl2-deficient, Ccr2-deficient dual knockout mouse, which is a useful animal model for age-related macular degeneration. |
| US07928283B2 |
Transgenic reporter system that reveals expression profiles and regulation mechanisms of alternative splicing in nematodes
An object of the present invention is to develop a new alternative splicing reporter system and to provide a method for detecting alternative splicing patterns in a multicellular organism more precisely, a method for identifying efficiently substances and gene regions that affect alternative splicing in a multicellular organism, and the like by utilizing the alternative splicing reporter system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for detecting alternative splicing in a multicellular organism, and a method for identifying substances and gene regions that affect alternative splicing in a multicellular organism, which use a DNA construct in which at least two different reporter genes are inserted into a specific gene that undergoes alternative splicing, or a combination of DNA constructs (a combination of at least two different DNA constructs) in which DNA construct a reporter gene is inserted into a specific gene that undergoes alternative splicing. |
| US07928282B2 |
Absorbent products with a linked enzyme treatment
The present invention provides a substrate treated with an linked enzyme. It has been discovered that a substrate treated with a linked enzyme can be effective in improving the ability of the substrate to absorb viscoelastic materials, such as menses, by cleaving a protein structure present in some viscoelastic materials. In addition, the linked enzyme is less likely to migrate from the treated material onto the user, as compare to an enzyme being placed directly on the substrate, thereby reducing the risk of sensitization to the user of the absorbent product. Also provided by the present invention are absorbent articles which contain at least one surface or layer containing the linked enzyme. |
| US07928278B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing near-infrared radiation
The subject invention pertains to a method, apparatus, and composition of matter for producing near-infrared (near-IR) radiation. The subject invention can incorporate a polymer and a metal-containing compound, wherein the metal-containing compound can incorporate a metal-ligand complex, wherein when the metal-ligand complex becomes excited, energy is transferred from the ligand to the metal, wherein, the energy transferred to the metal by sensitization is emitted as near-infrared radiation. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention relates to a composition of matter having a luminescent polymer and a metal containing compound where the metal containing compound incorporates a metal-ligand complex such that the absorption spectrum of the metal-ligand complex at least partially overlaps with the emission spectrum of the luminescent polymer. As the absorption spectrum of the metal-ligand complex at least partially overlaps with the emission spectrum of the luminescent polymer, when the luminescent polymer becomes electronically excited energy can be transferred from the luminescent polymer to the metal-ligand complex. At least a portion of the energy transferred from the luminescent polymer to the metal-ligand complex can then be emitted by the metal-ligand complex as near-infrared radiation. The subject invention can incorporate polymers which are conjugated or non-conjugated and luminescent or non-luminescent. In a specific embodiment, conjugated polymers which are luminescent can be utilized. |
| US07928277B1 |
Method for reducing contamination
Exemplary compositions, methods, and systems are disclosed that can be useful for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with Fe-MDGA and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. |
| US07928274B2 |
Alkylaromatic production process
The present disclosure provides a process for selectively producing a desired monoalkylated aromatic compound comprising the step of contacting in a reaction zone an alkylatable aromatic compound with an alkylating agent in the presence of catalyst comprising a porous crystalline material under at least partial liquid phase conditions, said catalyst manufactured from extrudate to comprise catalytic particulate material of from about 125 microns to about 790 microns in size, having an Effectiveness Factor increased from about 25% to about 750% from that of the original extrudate, and having an external surface area to volume ratio of greater than about 79 cm−1. |
| US07928271B2 |
Process for producing 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene and related azeotropic compositions
A process for making CHF═CFCF3 is disclosed. The process involves (a) reacting CCl2FCF2CF3 with H2 in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of hydrogenation catalyst to form CH2FCF2CF3; and (b) dehydrofluorinating CH2FCF2CF3 from (a) to form CHF═CFCF3.Also disclosed are compositions including CCl3CF2CF3 and HF, wherein the HF is present in an effective amount to form an azeotropic combination with the CCl3CF2CF3; and compositions including CCl2FCF2CF3 and HF, wherein the HF is present in an effective amount to form an azeotropic combination with the CCl2FCF2CF3. |
| US07928260B2 |
Salt of a sulfur-containing, phosphorus-containing compound, and methods thereof
There is disclosed a salt of a sulfur-containing, phosphorus-containing compound. There is also disclosed a method of making the salt. |
| US07928258B2 |
Cyclic diol-derived blocked mercaptofunctional silane compositions
Diol derived blocked mercaptofunctional silane compositions in which the silanes comprise cyclic and bridged alkoxy groups derived from hydrocarbon-based diols and processes for their preparation are provided. Also provided are rubber compositions comprising the cyclic diol-derived blocked mercaptofunctional silanes, processes for their preparation and articles of manufacture comprising the rubber compositions, in particular, automotive tires and components thereof. |
| US07928257B2 |
Method for producing optically active aziridine compounds and amine compounds as well as complexes and their intermediates used in this method
This invention provides a method for producing an optically active aziridine compound or amine compound, which uses as a catalyst a Ru(salen)(CO) complex represented by the following formula (I) or its enantiomer having a high stability, in a high turnover number (TON) and a high enantioselectivity. In the formula (I), Ar is represented by the following formula (VI) or (VII), wherein in the formula (VI), Xs are independently a halogen or a halogenated alkyl group and R1 and R2s are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group or a trialkylsilyl group having a carbon number of 1-4, and in the formula (VII), R3 is a bulky group. |
| US07928254B2 |
Method for preparing unsaturated fatty hydroxyacids
The invention concerns a method for preparing a compound of formula (I), wherein: R3 and R1 represent in particular H and n is greater than 4, said preparation method including performing a Wittig-Horner reaction with a phosphonate on a lactol, so as to obtain a hydroxyester and, optionally a saponification reaction of said hydroxyester. |
| US07928252B2 |
Prostaglandin synthesis and intermediates for use therein
Fused cyclopentane—4-substituted 3,5-dioxalane lactone compounds useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of prostaglandin analogs are provided. The compounds have the formula A: wherein R represents an aryl group such as p-methoxyphenyl. This compound can be reacted with a lower alkyl aluminum compound to open the dioxalane ring and reduce the lactone to lactol, without over-reducing to diol. The resulting compound can be functionalized to insert chemical side groups of target prostaglandins, adding the required α-side chain and then the required ω-side chain sequentially and independently of each other. The compounds and process are particularly suitable for preparing lubiprostone. |
| US07928247B2 |
Polymerizable composition, resin using the same, optical component and compound
Disclosed is a polymerizable composition containing a compound represented by the following general formula (1), wherein, in the formula, M represents P, P═O or P═S; X1 and X2 each independently represent a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; R1 represents a divalent organic group; m represents 0 or an integer of not less than 1; n represents an integer of not less than 1 but not more than 3; p and q represent (1, 0) or (0, 1); and Y represents an inorganic or organic residue. |
| US07928242B2 |
Electroluminescent metal complexes with triazoles
Disclosed are electroluminescent metal complexes with triazoles of the formula (I), where n1 is an integer of 1 to 3, m1 and m2 each are an integer 0, 1 or 2, M1 is a metal with an atomic weight of greater than 40, L1 is a monodentate ligand or a bidentate ligand, L2 is a monodentate ligand, Q2 stands for an organic bridging group completing, together with the bonding carbon atoms of the triazole ring, an annellated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic, non-aromatic ring, which optionally may be substituted, Q3 represents a group of forming a condensed aromatic, or heteroaromatic ring, which can optionally be substituted, as well as new intermediates for the preparation of these complexes, electronic devices comprising the metal complexes and their use in electronic devices, especially organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), as oxygen sensitive indicators, as phosphorescent indicators in bioassays, and as catalysts. |
| US07928240B2 |
Process for preparation of substituted sulfoxides
The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form. Thus, racemic omeprazole is reacted with (S)-camphorsulfonyl chloride to form a diastereomeric mixture and the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization, followed by deprotection to give esomeprazole. |
| US07928239B2 |
Inhibition of RAF kinase using quinolyl, isoquinolyl or pyridyl ureas
This invention relates to the use of a group of aryl ureas in treating raf mediated diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions in such therapy. |
| US07928238B2 |
1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline derivatives as CETP inhibitors
The invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I) described herein useful as CETP inhibitors, compositions containing them, and methods of using them. |
| US07928236B2 |
Fluorescent amino acid derivatives
The subject of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent substance excitable under visible light, having higher photostability and a long fluorescence lifetime. Another subject is to provide a fluorescent substance consists of a non-natural amino acid applicable to peptide synthesis systems.Searching fluorescent substances, which are fluorescent amino acids and excitable under visible light, having the lowest possible molecular weight for a high photostability resulted in forming a condensed polycyclic aromatic compound by subjecting a compound having an acridone structure to substitution with an amino acid and further condensation with a benzene ring. Thus, the subject is achieved by the fluorescent substance consisting of amino acid-substituted benzoacridone derivative excitable under visible light. |
| US07928235B2 |
Methods of making esters of camptothecins
Methods of preparing CPT-esters are described. The methods include using at least one acid in the esterification reactions or acylation reactions of camptothecins. |
| US07928228B2 |
Triazolone derivatives
A Compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1a, R1b, R1c and R1d each independently represent hydrogen, etc.; R2 represents optionally substituted phenyl, etc.; R3 represents optionally substituted C6-10 aryl, etc.; and Z1 and Z2 each independently represent hydrogen or salts thereof or hydrates of the foregoing. |
| US07928225B2 |
Oxabispidine compounds for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias
There is provided compounds of formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3, R41 to R46, X, Y and Z have meanings given in the description, which compounds are useful in the prophylaxis and in the treatment of arrhythmias, in particular atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. |
| US07928221B2 |
Compound and method of producing organic semiconductor device
A method of producing an organic semiconductor device is provided in which a layer composed of an organic semiconductor having excellent crystallinity and orientation in a low-temperature region can be formed, and the device can be produced in the air. The method includes forming a layer composed of an organic semiconductor precursor on a base body and irradiating the organic semiconductor precursor with light, wherein the organic semiconductor precursor is a porphyrin compound or an azaporphyrin compound having in its molecule at least one of the structure represented by the following general formula (1) or (2): |
| US07928217B2 |
Nuclease resistant double-stranded ribonucleic acid
This invention relates to modified double-stranded oligoribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having improved stability in cells and biological fluids, and methods of making and identifying dsRNA having improved stability, and of using the dsRNA to inhibit the expression or function of a target gene. |
| US07928212B2 |
Gene upregulated in cancers of the prostate
The present invention relates to a novel protein designated 20P2H8 which shares homology with several heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). A full length approximately 3600 bp 20P2H8 cDNA (SEQ ID NO: 1, encoding a 517 amino acid open reading frame (SEQ ID NO: 2), is provided herein. |
| US07928209B2 |
Fungal cell wall synthesis gene
A reporter system reflecting the transport process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall was constructed and compounds inhibiting this process were discovered. Further, fungal genes conferring resistance to the above compounds were identified and methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the activity of the proteins encoded by these genes were developed. These genes encode proteins participating in fungal cell wall synthesis. Therefore, through the novel compounds, the present invention showed that antifungal agents having a novel mechanism, i.e. inhibiting the process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall, could be achieved. |
| US07928207B2 |
Synthesis and compositions of nucleic acids comprising 2′-terminator nucleotides
The invention provides methods of producing blocked oligonucleotides that include 2′-terminator nucleotides. These blocked oligonucleotides are used primers and probes in a variety of nucleic acid technologies. Related kits are also provided. |
| US07928205B2 |
Methods for refolding of recombinant antibodies
The present invention is generally directed to methods of producing an increase in the enrichment or recovery of preferred forms of IgG proteins. More particularly, the invention relates to subjecting preparations of such recombinant IgG proteins with a reduction/oxidation coupling reagent and optionally a chaotropic agent. |
| US07928200B1 |
Human genes relating to respiratory diseases and obesity
This invention relates to isolated nucleic acids comprising genes of human chromosome 12q23-qter and the proteins encoded by these genes. Expression vectors and host cells containing such genes or fragments thereof, as well as antibodies to the proteins encoded by these nucleic acids are also included herein. |
| US07928199B2 |
Stabilized proteins with engineered disulfide bonds
The present invention relates to methods of introducing one or more cysteine residues into a polypeptide which permit the stabilization of the polypeptide by formation of at least one bond, preferably a disulfide bond, between different domains of the polypeptide. The invention also relates to polypeptides containing such introduced cysteine residue(s), nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides or nucleic acids. The invention also relates to vectors, viral particles and host cells containing such nucleic acids, and methods of using them to produce the polypeptides of the invention. Exemplified polypeptides include plasma proteins, including hepatocyte growth factor activator and plasma hyaluronin binding protein, as well as blood coagulation factors, such as Factor VIII, Factor V, Factor XII and prothrombin. |
| US07928198B2 |
IL-B50 polypeptide
Purified genes encoding cytokines from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this molecule are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided. |
| US07928193B2 |
Antigen binding proteins directed against scavenger receptor B1 that inhibit HCV replication
The present invention features antigen binding protein that bind to a SR-BI target region identified herein as a region involved in HCV E2 binding. Identified target regions are regions bound by a single-chain antibody of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3 or 4. |
| US07928191B2 |
Method for purifying bioactive substances
A method for purifying bioactive substances includes the steps of: causing a bioactive substance having histidine units to contact media, each constituted by a substrate, ligands which are physically attached to the surface of the substrate, and Cu(II) or Fe(II) metal ions which are covalently bonded to the ligands; causing the bioactive substance to covalently bond with the metal ions via the histidine units; and washing the media with an amount of 1 nmol/L to 10 mmol/L imidazole derivative solution 60 times the volume of the media or greater. In the case that the metal ions are Cu(II), the bioactive substance which has covalently bonded with the Cu(II) via the histidine units are recovered by one of a 10 mmol/L to 1 mol/L imidazole derivative solution and a 0.5 mmol/L to 5 mol/L EDTA solution. |
| US07928190B2 |
Methods and compositions for tumor vaccination and therapy
The present invention relates to peptide vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and associated methodologies that promote the immune-mediated regression of tumors expressing an onconeural antigen, e.g. a cdr-2 antigen, HuD antigen. The cancer peptide vaccines of the present invention are antigenic peptides capable of being faithfully presented on the MHC I complex of a target cell or antigen presenting cell. This external cellular presentation of these peptides promotes a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against tumor cells expressing these proteins, thereby, inducing immunological reactivity. |
| US07928189B2 |
PCSK9 polypeptide fragment
The present invention provide PCSK9 polypeptides, fragments thereof and methods of modulating PCSK9 phosphorylation and low density lipoprotein degradation. |
| US07928187B2 |
Neuropeptide alarin
The present invention describes a polypeptide, comprising the amino acid sequence APAHRSSTFPKWVTKTERGRQPLRS (Seq. ID. No.1) or a fragment thereof, said fragment comprising at least 7 consecutive amino acid residues of Seq. ID. No.1. |
| US07928186B2 |
Cell permeable bioactive peptide conjugates
Cell permeable bioactive peptide conjugates having a first bioactive peptide region coupled to a second transport peptide region allowing transfer of the first bioactive peptide region and the second transport peptide region across biological membranes to enter intact living cells for regulation of biological responses. |
| US07928185B2 |
Synthetic arginine substituted peptides and their use
The present invention relates to new arginine substituted peptides designed based on the sequence of human lactoferrin and to use thereof, in particular for treatment and/or prevention of infections, inflammations, tumours, pain, wounds and/or scars. |
| US07928182B2 |
Glycerol polycarbonate, organic compositions containing same and method for obtaining said compositions
An organic composition including a) a glycerol polycarbonate of the formula: in which m is equal to at least 2, and has a value from 2 to 100; b) a glycerol of formula: in which n and p are each equal to at least 2, each having a value from 2 to 150; and c) a [(α-hydroxymethyl) oxyethylene (α-hydroxymethyl) ethylene carbonate)] copolymer of the formula: in which x is equal to at least 2 and has a value between 2 and 100, y is equal to at least 2 and has a value between 2 and 100 and q is equal to at least 2 and has a value between 2 and 100. |
| US07928181B2 |
Semiconducting polymers
A semiconducting polymer of Formula (I): wherein X is independently selected from S, Se, O, and NR, wherein R is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, and —CN; Ar is independently a conjugated divalent moiety; a is an integer from 1 to about 10; and n is an integer from 2 to about 5,000. The resulting semiconducting polymer is suitable for use in organic thin film transistors. |
| US07928173B2 |
Transition metal catalytic systems and methods for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene and α-olefins using the same
Provided are transition metal catalytic systems for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with α-olefins. More specifically, provided are Group 4 transition metal catalysts, which is characterized in that the catalyst comprises around the Group 4 transition metal a cyclopentadiene derivative, and at least one aryloxide ligand(s) having a fluorenyl group or a derivative thereof (which is ready to be substituted at 9-position) that functions as an electron donor and serves to stabilize the catalytic system by surrounding an oxygen atom that links the ligand to the transition metal at ortho-position, and there is no cross-linkage between the ligands; catalytic systems comprising such transition metal catalyst and aluminoxane cocatalyst or boron compound cocatalyst; and processes for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with α-olefins by using the same. |
| US07928161B2 |
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions made from hydroxymethyl containing polyester polyols derived from fatty acids
Polymer dispersions are prepared by reaction of a polyisocyanate and a hydroxylmethyl containing polyester polyol derived from a fatty acid to form a prepolymer, dispersing the prepolymer in an aqueous phase and then curing the prepolymer to form solid particle particles. The prepolymers can be prepared having isocyanate, hydroxyl, or a variety of other reactive functional groups. The dispersions are useful in a variety of coating, sealant, adhesive and elastomer applications. |
| US07928160B2 |
Coating composition of polyurea, polyurethane and flame retardant
The present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising polyurea and polyurethane. Further, the present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising polyurea or, polyurea and polyurethane, and flame retardant. The polyurea is formed from a reaction mixture comprising isocyanate and amine wherein the ratio of equivalents of isocyanate groups to equivalents of amine groups is greater than 1 and the isocyanate-functional component and the amine-functional component can be applied to a substrate at a volume mixing ratio of 1:1. |
| US07928147B2 |
Antimicrobial wash and carrier solutions, and uses thereof
Novel wash and carrier solutions ideally suited for topical administration (e.g., as wash solutions and as carrier solutions). The solutions described herein are non-toxic, non-irritating, isotonic, possess non-specific broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, and have an alkaline pH. Also disclosed are sterile preparations of the solutions and methods of using the same. |
| US07928146B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treating fecal incontinence and anal itch
Fecal incontinence and anal itch can be treated by administration, more particularly by local application to the anus, of an αadrenergic blocker, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, prostaglandin F2α, dopamine, morphine, β-blockers, and 5-Hydroxytryptamine. The patients who benefit most from the invention are those who have a normal or low maximum anal resting pressure and a structurally intact internal anal sphincter muscle, and patients who have had major bowel resection and reanastomisis. |
| US07928138B2 |
Marine actinomycete taxon for drug and fermentation product discovery
The invention is the discovery of an actinomycete genus, given the name Salinospora gen. nov., that displays an obligate requirement of seawater (Na+) for growth and unique 16S rRNA signature nucleotides. The invention is also the use of the genus for the production and discovery of active biomolecules such as pharmaceutical agents, agrichemicals, immunomodifiers, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors. |
| US07928136B2 |
Substituted 2-indolinone as PTK inhibitors containing a zinc binding moiety
The present invention relates to substituted 2-indolinone containing zinc-binding moiety based derivatives that have enhanced or unique properties as inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) receptors and their use in the treatment of PTK related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The said derivatives may further act as HDAC inhibitors. |
| US07928134B2 |
5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-(1H)-pyrazolines as cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists
The invention is directed to 5-(hetero)aryl-4,5-dihydro-(1H)-pyrazole (pyrazoline) derivatives as cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, to methods for their syntheses, methods for preparing novel intermediates useful for their syntheses, and methods for preparing compositions. The invention also relates to the uses of such compounds and compositions, administered to patients to achieve a therapeutic effect in disorders in which CB1 receptors are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors.Compounds of the present invention include compounds of formula (I): wherein the substituents have the definitions given in the specification. |
| US07928132B2 |
Methods for the amelioration of episodes of acute or chronic ulcerative colitis
Methods of ameliorating episodes of accute or chronic colitis are provided by using methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thiones in combination with another pharmaceutical compound. |
| US07928131B2 |
Imidazole compounds
Imidazole compounds, compositions, and methods of using them in leukocyte recruitment inhibition, in modulating H4 receptor expression, and in treating conditions such as inflammation, H4 receptor-mediated conditions, and related conditions. |
| US07928130B2 |
Isoxazoline compounds having MIF antagonist activity
Methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions for a genus of low molecular weight compounds comprising optionally substituted isoxazoline ring systems that act as inhibitors of MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) are disclosed. Specifically, the compounds are useful for treating a variety of diseases involving inflammatory activity or pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, such as autoimmune diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, graft versus host disease, lupus syndromes), asthma, arthritis, ARDS, psoriasis, interleukin-2 toxicity, proliferative vascular disease, and various forms of sepsis and septic shock, and other conditions characterized by underlying MIF responses including, for instance, tumor growth and neovascularization (angiogenesis). |
| US07928127B2 |
Inhibitors of matrix metallaproteinases
The present invention provides novel compounds of formulas I-IX, as described herein. Also provided are compositions of compounds of formulas I-IX, methods of making compounds of formulas I-IX, and methods of using compounds of formulas I-IX. The compounds of the invention can be used to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases, and are useful to treat conditions and diseases associated therewith. |
| US07928125B2 |
N-aroyl cyclic amine derivatives as orexin receptor antagonists
Disclosed are N-aroyl cyclic amine derivatives having the formula: where the variables are as define herein, and their use as pharmaceuticals, specifically as orexin receptor antagonists. |
| US07928123B2 |
Compounds which modulate the CB2 receptor
Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention bind to and are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain. |
| US07928122B2 |
Modulators of cellular adhesion
The present invention provides compounds having formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, wherein R1-R4, n, p, A, B, D, E, L and AR1 are as described generally and in classes and subclasses herein, and additionally provides pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for the use thereof for the treatment of disorders mediated by the CD11/CD18 family of cellular adhesion molecules (e.g., LFA-1). |
| US07928120B2 |
Cyanoisoquinoline compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to cyanoisoquinoline compounds suitable for use in treating hypoxia inducible factor-mediated and/or erythropoietin-associated conditions. The cyanoisoquinoline compounds of the invention have the following structure: |
| US07928117B2 |
Method of inducing cytokine biosynthesis
Pharmaceutical formulations and methods including an immune response modifier (IRM) compound and an oleic acid component are provided where stability is improved by using oleic acid have low polar impurities such as peroxides. |
| US07928115B2 |
Methods of treating travelers diarrhea and hepatic encephalopathy
Treatment of traveler's diarrhea in subjects having hepatic encephalopathy using rifaximin is disclosed. |
| US07928111B2 |
Compounds including substituted thienopyrimidinone derivatives as ligands for modulating chemosensory receptors
The present invention provides compounds including substituted thienopyrimidinone derivatives of Formula (IIc) as ligands for modulating chemosensory receptors: These compounds are useful as sweet taste enhancers in comestible or medicinal compositions. The present invention also provides screening methods for identifying modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands, e.g., by determining whether a test entity is suitable to interact with one or more interacting sites within the Venus flytrap domains of the chemosensory receptors as well as modifiers capable of modulating chemosensory receptors and their ligands. |
| US07928109B2 |
Sulfonyl amide derivatives for the treatment of abnormal cell growth
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula I wherein R1 to R6, A, B, n and m are as defined herein. Such novel sulfonyl amide derivatives are useful in the treatment of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals. This invention also relates to a method of using such compounds in the treatment of abnormal cell growth in mammals, especially humans, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. |
| US07928107B2 |
Quinazolines useful as modulators of ion channels
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders. |
| US07928106B2 |
Aza-pyridopyrimidinone derivatives
The invention is concerned with novel aza-pyridopyrimidinone derivatives of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X1, X2, X3, Y, Z, m and n are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds are HM74A agonists and can be used in treating or preventing diseases which are modulated by HM74A agonists. |
| US07928103B2 |
Compounds which modulate the CB2 receptor
Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain. |
| US07928101B2 |
Fused polycyclic compounds having a heterocyclic ring(s) and pharmaceutical use thereof
The present invention provides a fused polycyclic compound of the following formula, analogues thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and agents for increasing the sugar-transporting capacity, hypoglycemic agents and pharmaceutical compositions containing the above compounds. This fused polycyclic compound has high medicinal properties and few side-effects, and a therapeutic effect on diabetes. wherein R represents an alkoxy group, R′ represents an oxazolylpropionyl group or a thiazolylpropionyl group, and R″ represent a hydrogen atom. |
| US07928099B2 |
Pyrimido [4,5-D] azepine derivatives as 5-HT2c agonists
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the variables R1, R2, R3a, R3b, R3b, R3d, and R100 are as defined herein. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) and methods of treating a 5-HT2c receptor-mediated disorders with a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I). |
| US07928096B2 |
Polydiazeniumdiolated cyclic polyamines with polyphasic nitric oxide release and related compounds, compositions comprising same and methods of using same
The present invention provides compound of the formula (I): in which at least two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are N2O2M and related compounds, substrates, compositions, and methods of using such compounds and compositions to treat biological disorders in which a polyphasic release of nitric oxide would be beneficial. |
| US07928090B2 |
External preparation composition
An external preparation composition used for preventing or treating symptoms or diseases related to dermatopathy caused by dryness, UV rays and aging such as wrinkles and sags of the skin, pigmentation of the skin, skin roughness and coarse texture and skin diseases such as psoriasis, lichen, ichthyosis, keratosis, Darier's disease, pustulosis, acne, eczema and atopic dermatitis. The external preparation composition comprises at least one of acyl glucosamine derivatives represented by the following Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined; and X is any one of groups represented by the following Formulas (A) to (C): wherein Y, n and R6 are also defined. |
| US07928087B2 |
Cosmetic compositions containing fructan and a cationic polymer and their uses
The invention concerns novel cosmetic compositions comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least a fructan, at least a cationic polymer. Said composition provides a flow texture to cosmetic compositions, said compositions are easily rinsed. Hair treated with said composition have a soft feel free of residue. Said compositions are used for washing and/or conditioning keratinous matter such as hair or skin. |
| US07928084B2 |
Regulation of integrin surface expression
Disclosed are methods and compositions for preventing and treating conditions associated with platelet aggregation, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that modifies the interaction of DNAJC10 with αIIbβ3 in a megakaryocyte, thereby altering the expression of αIIbβ3 on the surface of the megakaryocyte. |
| US07928078B2 |
Conjugates of immune cell specific macrolide compounds with anti-inflammatory compounds for improved cellular targeting of anti-inflammatory therapy
The present invention relates to novel compounds represented by the structure I and pharmaceutical preparations thereof for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in humans and animals. |
| US07928072B2 |
Multimeric constructs
Multimeric fusion proteins of an Ig-like domain of Flt-1 are rendered functional by inclusion of a linker moiety. Vectors encoding the fusion proteins and host cells expressing the fusion proteins can be used therapeutically to block neovascularization in individuals with pathological conditions related to neovascularization. Such conditions include age-related macular degeneration, cancer, psoriasis, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, asthma, uveitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The same means of multimerization used for an Iglike domain of Flt-1, i.e., a linker and a multimerization domain, can be used for other polypeptides, including extracellular receptors, antibody variable regions, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. |
| US07928069B2 |
Crosslinked compounds and methods of making and using thereof
Described herein are crosslinked compounds useful in numerous treatments. Described herein are methods of making crosslinked compounds via (1) die oxidative coupling of two or more thiol compounds or (2) by the reaction between at least one thiol compound with at least one thiol-reactive compound. |
| US07928060B2 |
Amylin family polypeptide-6 (AFP-6) analogs and methods of making and using them
The present invention relates to Amylin Family Polypeptide-6 (AFP-6) analogs, which include derivatives and fragments, related nucleic acids, expression constructs, host cells, and processes for recombinant production of the AFP-6 analogs. The AFP-6 analogs of the invention include one or more amino acid sequence modifications. In addition, methods and compositions are disclosed to treat and prevent conditions such as metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, e.g., obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, myocardial ischemia, and increased cardiovascular risk. |
| US07928059B2 |
Use of neuropeptides for traumatic cartilage injury
Disclosed are a method and a corresponding pharmaceutical composition for treating damaged cartilage and subchondral bone. Neurogenic compounds in general and neuropeptides in particular have been found to be highly effective in stimulated repair of cartilage and bone damaged due to traumatic injury, ligament disease, and disuse. Preferred active ingredients for use in the method and corresponding pharmaceutical composition include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), dynorphin, enkephalin, galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P (SP), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). |
| US07928058B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition comprising oxyntomodulin derivatives and a method for reducing body weight using the composition
Modified oxyntomodulin derivatives. Such derivatives can be used for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. |
| US07928054B2 |
Detergent additive extrudates containing alkyl benzene sulphonate
A detergent additive extrudate containing from about 0.5% to about 20% an alkyl benzene sulphonate, from about 0.5% to about 15% a water soluble carboxylate-containing polymer, from about 20% to about 80% water soluble inorganic salt and a moisture level of 2% to 10%; process for making the detergent additive extrudate and granular laundry detergent containing the same. The detergent additive extrudates have an improved physical stability, dissolution property and ease of process property. |
| US07928053B2 |
Multiphase cleaning compositions having ionic liquid phase
A multiphase cleaning composition comprises a first phase and a second ionic liquid phase, wherein the second phase is substantially immiscible with the first phase. The first phase may comprise, for example, an aqueous phase or a silicone solvent system. Methods of cleaning a soiled surface comprise contacting a soiled surface with a multiphase wash liquor including a first phase and a second ionic liquid phase, wherein the second phase is substantially immiscible with the first phase, and removing soils from the surface. |
| US07928051B2 |
Polyethylene for injection moldings
Polyethylene which comprises ethylene homopolymers and/or copolymers of ethylene with 1-alkenes and has a molar mass distribution width Mw/Mn of from 3 to 30, a density of from 0.945 to 0.965 g/cm3, a weight average molar mass Mw of from 50 000 g/mol to 200 000 g/mol, a HLMI of from 10 to 300 g/10 min and has from 0.1 to 15 branches/1000 carbon atoms, wherein the 1 to 15% by weight of the polyethylene having the highest molar masses have a degree of branching of more than 1 branch of side chains larger than CH3/1000 carbon atoms, a process for its preparation, catalysts suitable for its preparation and also injection moldings in which this polyethylene is present. |
| US07928050B2 |
Liquid laundry detergent compositions with improved stability and transparency
An improved method for predicting stability of liquid detergent composition, identifying and designing liquid detergent compositions that provide said desired stability, consumer acceptance and performance. |
| US07928049B2 |
Use of metal complex compounds as oxidation catalysts
The present invention relates to the use of metal complex compounds having hydrazide ligands as oxidation catalysts. Further aspects of the invention are formulations comprising such metal complex compounds, novel metal complex compounds and novel ligands. The metal complex compounds are used especially for enhancing the action of peroxides, for example in the treatment of textile material, without at the same time causing any appreciable damage to fibers and dyeings. There is also no appreciable damage to fibers and dyeings if these metal complexes are used in combination with an enzyme or a mixture of enzymes. |
| US07928044B2 |
Lubricating oil additive composition and method of making the same
An oil-soluble lubricating oil additive composition prepared by the process which comprises reacting a copolymer, with at least one ether compound and with at least one aromatic compound. |
| US07928042B2 |
Composition and method for recovering hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir
This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The IPN constrains the microparticle to an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile cross-links in the polymers of the IPN are subject to degradation, which results in release of the expandable microparticle so that the microparticle expands. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations. |
| US07928037B2 |
3-biphenyl-substituted-3-substituted-4-ketolactam and ketolactone and their utilization as pesticide
The present invention relates to novel 3-biphenyl-substituted, 3-substituted 4-keto-lactams and -lactones of the formula (I) in which A, B, Q, G, W, X, Y and Z are as defined in the disclosure, to processes for their preparation, and to their use as pesticides and/or microbicides and/or herbicides. |
| US07928034B2 |
Process for producing olefin oxide
There is disclosed a process for producing an olefin oxide characterized by contacting an olefin and oxygen, in the presence of water and a halogen compound, with a silver catalyst, wherein the silver catalyst is a silver catalyst that is obtainable by contacting metal silver, a silver compound or a mixture of both with an alkaline earth metal carbonate and that has an alkali metal content of 1,500 ppm or less based on the total weight of the silver catalyst. |
| US07928033B2 |
Catalyst for reducing mercury, a mercury conversion unit, and an apparatus for measuring total mercury in combustion exhaust gas by using the same
The present invention relates to a catalyst for reducing mercury, which comprises a reagent comprising any of the sulfites of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, or any of the phosphates thereof, or a combination of them, as a main reagent of a catalyst component. And the present invention relates to the catalyst for reducing mercury, wherein the catalyst component is mixed with a different salt as an agent for inhibiting crystallization of the catalyst component. |
| US07928032B2 |
Catalyzed soot filter and method(s) to make these
An improved soot catalyst is comprised of an alkali compound at least partially coated by a ceramic coating comprised of C bonded to a metal, semimetallic element or combination thereof. The improved soot catalyst may be employed in catalyzed Diesel particulate filters. In one method to make a catalyzed Diesel particulate filter, the improved filter is made by contacting a porous ceramic body having an alkali catalyst thereon, coating the alkali catalyst with an organic ceramic precursor, heating the ceramic body to a temperature in an atmosphere sufficient to decompose the organic ceramic precursor to form the soot catalyst on the porous ceramic body without volatilizing substantial amount of the alkali catalyst away. |
| US07928028B2 |
ZrO2-Al2O3 composite ceramic material and production method therefor
A ZrO2—Al2O3 composite ceramic material having excellent wear resistance, hardness, strength and toughness is provided. This ceramic material comprises a ZrO2 phase composed of 90 vol % or more of tetragonal ZrO2, and containing 10 to 12 mol % of CeO2 as a stabilizer, and an Al2O3 phase. An amount of the Al2O3 phase in the ceramic material is in a range of 20 to 70 vol %, and preferably 40 to 70 vol %. In the composite ceramic material, Al2O3 grains each having a fine ZrO2 grain therein are dispersed. Some of the Al2O3 grains each having the fine ZrO2 grain therein are trapped within ZrO2 grains to form composite grains. A ratio of the number of the Al2O3 grains each having the fine ZrO2 grain therein relative to the number of the entire Al2O3 grains dispersed in the composite ceramic material is 10% or more, and preferably 50% or more. |
| US07928026B2 |
Synthetic silica material with low fluence-dependent-transmission and method of making the same
Disclosed in the application are a synthetic silica glass having low fluence-dependent transmission, particularly at about 193 nm, and a process for making the same. The glass may desirably exhibit a low level of fluorescence at 290 and 390 nm when activated at about 248 nm. The glass may desirably exhibit low level of LIWFD, [SiH*] and/or [ODC]. |
| US07928025B2 |
Nonwoven multilayered fibrous batts and multi-density molded articles made with same and processes of making thereof
Thermal compression moldable nonwoven multilayered fibrous batts having substantially uniform density are provided, which are useful, for example, for fabrication of multi-density molded parts, such as multi-density molded vehicle liners. The nonwoven multilayered fibrous batts of uniform density comprising needle-punched first and second (and optionally third and/or fourth) fibrous batt layers formed with different fiber blends, wherein the multilayered batt can be molded into acoustical parts having multi-densities. |
| US07928024B2 |
Composite pad with enhanced resistance to interlaminar delamination and a method for the manufacture thereof
A composite pad is made of two layers joined together at their interface. The top layer of the composite pad, which has a smooth surface has a dense and firm fine denier fibrous structure. The bottom layer of the composite pad has a lighter and softer coarser denier fibrous structure in order to be able to have a large fluid holding capacity. A method of manufacturing the composite stamp pad is described. |
| US07928022B2 |
Olefin block compositions for heavy weight stretch fabrics
Heavy weight stretch fabrics comprising ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer are described. The fabric often has a weight of at least 10 ounces per square yard measured according to ASTM 3776 and has a stretch of at least 10 percent measured according to ASTM D3107. These fabrics exhibit excellent chemical, resistance (for example chlorine or caustic resistance) and durability, that is they retain their shape and feel over repeated exposure to processing conditions, such as stone-washing, dye-stripping, PET-dyeing and the like, and industrial laundry conditions. |
| US07928019B2 |
Semiconductor processing
Embodiments of the present disclosure include semiconductor processing methods and systems. One method includes forming a material layer on a semiconductor substrate by exposing a deposition surface of the substrate to at least a first and a second reactant sequentially introduced into a reaction chamber having an associated process temperature. The method includes removing residual first reactant from the chamber after introduction of the first reactant, removing residual second reactant from the chamber after introduction of the second reactant, and establishing a temperature differential substantially between an edge of the substrate and a center of the substrate via a purge process. |
| US07928016B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, and semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided that can reduce warping of manufactured products after the formation of a final protective film. The method includes, in a semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate provided with wiring and a final protective film formed on the wiring, forming a first protective film on the wiring, forming a second protective film having tensile stress on the first protective film, and removing the first protective film and the second protective film from contact regions of the wiring. |
| US07928015B2 |
Solar cell fabrication using extruded dopant-bearing materials
Wafer-based solar cells are efficiently produced by extruding a dopant bearing material (dopant ink) onto one or more predetermined surface areas of a semiconductor wafer, and then thermally treating the wafer to cause diffusion of dopant from the dopant ink into the wafer to form corresponding doped regions. A multi-plenum extrusion head is used to simultaneously extrude interdigitated dopant ink structures having two different dopant types (e.g., n-type dopant ink and p-type dopant ink) in a self-registered arrangement on the wafer surface. The extrusion head is fabricated by laminating multiple sheets of micro-machined silicon that define one or more ink flow passages. A non-doping or lightly doped ink is co-extruded with heavy doped ink to serve as a spacer or barrier, and optionally forms a cap that entirely covers the heavy doped ink. A hybrid thermal treatment utilizes a gaseous dopant to simultaneously dope exposed portions of the wafer. |
| US07928014B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a silicon film
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: mounting a wafer having an exposed silicon nitride film, on an electrode received in a plasma chamber; dry-cleaning the chamber to remove reaction products accumulated on the wall and ceiling of the chamber, anisotropic-etching the silicon nitride film and an underlying silicon film for patterning; and removing the wafer from the chamber. The method repeats the treatment for a number of semiconductor wafers. |
| US07928012B2 |
Integrated circuit with upstanding stylus
A stylus, an integrated circuit (IC) and method of forming the IC. The stylus extends upward from its apex and has a substantially circular cross section that decreases in diameter upward from the apex. The stylus is formed in a mold that may be formed in an orifice in a dielectric layer between wiring layers. The mold may include multiple concentric layers. For a more pronounced, non-linear stylus taper, each layer may be thinner than its next adjacent outer concentric layer. |
| US07928007B2 |
Method for reducing dielectric overetch when making contact to conductive features
In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, conductive features are formed on a first dielectric etch stop layer, and a second dielectric material is deposited over and between the conductive features. A via etch to the conductive features which is selective between the first and second dielectrics will stop on the dielectric etch stop layer, limiting overetch. In a second embodiment, a plurality of conductive features is formed in a subtractive pattern and etch process, filled with a dielectric fill, and then a surface formed coexposing the conductive features and dielectric fill. A dielectric etch stop layer is deposited on the surface, then a third dielectric covers the dielectric etch stop layer. When a contact is etched through the third dielectric, this selective etch stops on the dielectric etch stop layer. A second etch makes contact to the conductive features. |
| US07928004B2 |
Nano imprint technique with increased flexibility with respect to alignment and feature shaping
By forming metallization structures on the basis of an imprint technique, in which via openings and trenches may be commonly formed, a significant reduction of process complexity may be achieved due to the omission of at least one further alignment process as required in conventional process techniques. Furthermore, the flexibility and efficiency of imprint lithography may be increased by providing appropriately designed imprint molds in order to provide via openings and trenches exhibiting an increased fill capability, thereby also improving the performance of the finally obtained metallization structures with respect to reliability, resistance against electromigration and the like. |
| US07928003B2 |
Air gap interconnects using carbon-based films
A method of forming an interconnect structure comprising: forming a sacrificial inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer over a substrate, wherein the sacrificial IMD layer comprising a carbon-based film, such as amorphous carbon, advanced patterning films, porous carbon, or any combination thereof; forming a plurality of metal interconnect lines within the sacrificial IMD layer; removing the sacrificial IMD layer, with an oxygen based reactive process; and depositing a non-conformal dielectric layer to form air gaps between the plurality of metal interconnect lines. The metal interconnect lines may comprise copper, aluminum, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, tantalum nitride, titanium nitride, tungsten nitride, or any combination thereof. Carbon-based films and patterned photoresist layers may be simultaneously removed with the same reactive process. Highly reactive hydrogen radicals processes may be used to remove the carbon-based film and simultaneously pre-clean the metal interconnect lines prior to the deposition of a conformal metal barrier liner. |
| US07928002B2 |
Method of forming wiring layer of semiconductor device
A method of forming a wiring layer of a semiconductor device, includes forming a first interlayer insulating layer to have a first thickness corresponding to a part of the thickness of an interlayer insulating layer that is to be formed on a support layer and forming a first contact plug in the first interlayer insulating layer. The method further includes forming a second interlayer insulating layer to have a second thickness on the first contact plug and the first interlayer insulating layer, thereby forming the interlayer insulating layer, wherein the second thickness corresponds to the rest of the thickness of the interlayer insulating layer, and forming a second contact plug connected to the first contact plug in the second interlayer insulating layer, thereby forming a local wiring layer including the first contact plug and the second contact plug. |
| US07928001B2 |
Electronic device and method of manufacturing the same
The electronic device includes a first interconnect layer and a second interconnect layer. The second interconnect layer is provided on the lower surface of the first interconnect layer. The first interconnect layer includes a via plug (first conductive plug). An end face of the via plug on the side of the second interconnect layer is smaller in area than the opposite end face. The via plug is exposed on the surface of the first interconnect layer facing the second interconnect layer. An insulating resin forming the first interconnect layer is higher in thermal decomposition temperature than an insulating resin forming the second interconnect layer. |
| US07928000B2 |
Method for forming self aligned contacts for integrated circuit devices
A method for processing integrated circuit devices including forming self aligned contact regions. The method includes providing a partially completed semiconductor wafer, the wafer including one or more semiconductor chips, where each of the chips including a plurality of MOS gate structures. Each of the gate structures is formed on a substrate and having a first layer of silicon nitride formed overlying portions including a contact region between the gate structures. Each of the chips has conformal layer of doped silicon glass of a predetermined thickness overlying the silicon nitride layer and the gate structures. The method then applies a plasma etching process to the doped silicon glass to expose a portion of the first silicon nitride layer using an anisotropic etching component to vertically remove portions of the doped silicon glass. A step of cleaning the exposed portion of silicon nitride using an isotropic component is also included. The method forms a second silicon nitride layer on the exposed portion of the second silicon nitride layer and removes the second silicon nitride layer and exposed portion of the first silicon nitride layer to expose the contract region on the substrate. The method processes the exposed contact region using a soft etching technique. |
| US07927995B2 |
Adopting feature of buried electrically conductive layer in dielectrics for electrical anti-fuse application
An anti-fuse structure that included a buried electrically conductive, e.g., metallic layer as an anti-fuse material as well as a method of forming such an anti-fuse structure are provided. According to the present invention, the inventive anti-fuse structure comprises regions of leaky dielectric between interconnects. The resistance between these original interconnects starts decreasing when two adjacent interconnects are biased and causes a time-dependent dielectric breakdown, TDDB, phenomenon to occur. Decreasing of the resistance between adjacent interconnects can also be expedited via increasing the local temperature. |
| US07927989B2 |
Method for forming a transistor having gate dielectric protection and structure
A transistor structure is formed by providing a semiconductor substrate and providing a gate above the semiconductor substrate. The gate is separated from the semiconductor substrate by a gate insulating layer. A source and a drain are provided adjacent the gate to define a transistor channel underlying the gate and separated from the gate by the gate insulating layer. A barrier layer is formed by applying nitrogen or carbon on opposing outer vertical sides of the transistor channel between the transistor channel and each of the source and the drain. In each of the nitrogen and the carbon embodiments, the vertical channel barrier retards diffusion of the source/drain dopant species into the transistor channel. There are methods for forming the transistor structure. |
| US07927986B2 |
Ion implantation with heavy halogenide compounds
A method of plasma doping includes providing a dopant gas comprising a dopant heavy halogenide compound gas to a plasma chamber. A plasma is formed in the plasma chamber with the dopant heavy halogenide compound gas and generates desired dopant ions and heavy fragments of precursor dopant molecule. A substrate in the plasma chamber is biased so that the desired dopant ions impact the substrate with a desired ion energy, thereby implanting the desired dopant ions and the heavy fragments of precursor dopant molecule into the substrate, wherein at least one of the ion energy and composition of the dopant heavy halogenide compound is chosen so that the implant profile in the substrate is substantially determined by the desired dopant ions. |
| US07927983B2 |
Laser irradiation method, laser irradiation apparatus, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
Attenuation regions of laser light are removed or reduced in size using a slit located in the immediate vicinity of a surface to be irradiated so that a steep energy distribution is obtained in the end portions of the laser light. The reason why the slit is located in the immediate vicinity of the surface to be irradiated is to suppress the spread of the laser light. In addition, the attenuation regions of the laser light are folded by using a mirror instead of the slit to increase energy densities in the attenuation regions by one another so that a steep energy density distribution is obtained in the end portions of the laser light. |
| US07927978B2 |
Method of making devices including graphene layers epitaxially grown on single crystal substrates
An electronic device comprises a body including a single crystal region on a major surface of the body. The single crystal region has a hexagonal crystal lattice that is substantially lattice-matched to graphene, and a at least one epitaxial layer of graphene is disposed on the single crystal region. In a currently preferred embodiment, the single crystal region comprises multilayered hexagonal BN. A method of making such an electronic device comprises the steps of: (a) providing a body including a single crystal region on a major surface of the body. The single crystal region has a hexagonal crystal lattice that is substantially lattice-matched to graphene, and (b) epitaxially forming a at least one graphene layer on that region. In a currently preferred embodiment, step (a) further includes the steps of (a1) providing a single crystal substrate of graphite and (a2) epitaxially forming multilayered single crystal hexagonal BN on the substrate. The hexagonal BN layer has a surface region substantially lattice-matched to graphene, and step (b) includes epitaxially forming at least one graphene layer on the surface region of the hexagonal BN layer. Applications to FETs are described. |
| US07927977B2 |
Method of making damascene diodes using sacrificial material
A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first layer comprising a seed material over an underlying layer, forming a second layer comprising a sacrificial material over the first layer, the sacrificial material being different from the seed material, patterning the first layer and the second layer into a plurality of separate features, forming an insulating filling material between the plurality of the separate features, removing the sacrificial material from the separate features to form a plurality of openings in the insulating filling material such that the seed material is exposed in the plurality of openings, and growing a semiconductor material on the exposed seed material in the plurality of openings. |
| US07927975B2 |
Semiconductor material manufacture
Electronic apparatus, systems, and methods include a semiconductor layer bonded to a bulk region of a wafer or a substrate, in which the semiconductor layer can be bonded to the bulk region using electromagnetic radiation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US07927970B2 |
Producing SOI structure using high-purity ion shower
Disclosed are methods for making SOI and SOG structures using purified ion shower for implanting ions to the donor substrate. The purified ion shower provides expedient, efficient, low-cost and effective ion implantation while minimizing damage to the exfoliation film. |
| US07927968B2 |
Dual stress STI
The embodiments of the invention provide a device, method, etc. for a dual stress STI. A semiconductor device is provided having a substrate with a first transistor region and a second transistor region different than the first transistor region. The first transistor region comprises a PFET; and, the second transistor region comprises an NFET. Further, STI regions are provided in the substrate adjacent sides of and positioned between the first transistor region and the second transistor region, wherein the STI regions each comprise a compressive region, a compressive liner, a tensile region, and a tensile liner. |
| US07927965B2 |
Method for fabricating partial SOI substrate
A method for fabricating a partial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is disclosed. The method for fabricating a partial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate includes forming an insulation pattern over a first silicon layer, forming a second silicon layer over the substrate structure including the insulation pattern, etching the second silicon layer to form trenches, and forming device isolation regions filling the trenches. |
| US07927964B2 |
Methods of forming electrically insulative materials, methods of forming low k dielectric regions, and methods of forming semiconductor constructions
Some embodiments include methods of forming low k dielectric regions between electrically conductive lines. A construction may be formed to have a plurality of spaced apart electrically conductive lines, and to have sacrificial material between the electrically conductive lines. The sacrificial material may be removed. Subsequently, electrically insulative material may be deposited over and between the lines. The deposition of the insulative material may occur under conditions in which bread-loafing of the insulative material creates bridges of the insulative material across gas-filled gaps between the lines. The gas-filled gaps may be considered to correspond to low k dielectric regions between the electrically conductive lines. In some embodiments the sacrificial material may be carbon. In some embodiments, the deposited insulative material may be a low k dielectric material, and in other embodiments the deposited insulative material may not be a low k dielectric material. |
| US07927954B2 |
Method for fabricating strained-silicon metal-oxide semiconductor transistors
A method for fabricating strained-silicon transistors is disclosed. First, a semiconductor substrate is provided and a gate structure and a spacer surrounding the gate structure are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. A source/drain region is then formed in the semiconductor substrate around the spacer, and a first rapid thermal annealing process is performed to activate the dopants within the source/drain region. An etching process is performed to form a recess around the gate structure and a selective epitaxial growth process is performed to form an epitaxial layer in the recess. A second rapid thermal annealing process is performed to redefine the distribution of the dopants within the source/drain region and repair the damaged bonds of the dopants. |
| US07927953B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
On a silicon substrate is formed a stacked body by alternately stacking a plurality of silicon oxide films and silicon films, a trench is formed in the stacked body, an alumina film, a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxide film are formed in this order on an inner surface of the trench, and a channel silicon crystalline film is formed on the silicon oxide film. Next, a silicon oxide layer is formed at an interface between the silicon oxide film and the channel silicon crystalline film by performing thermal treatment in an oxygen gas atmosphere. |
| US07927945B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device having 4F2 transistor
Provided is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a 4F2 transistor. In the method, a gate stack is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A first interlayer dielectric including a contact hole which includes a first region and second regions Spacer layers are formed on both sides of the gate stack and a portion of the second region. Landing plugs are formed on the contact hole, a portion of the semiconductor substrate exposed by a thickness of the spacer layer, and a lateral side of the trench. A second interlayer dielectric is formed to separate the landing plug. The bit line contact plug is connected to a first portion of the landing plug that extends to the lateral side of the trench. The bit line stack is connected to the bit line contact plug. The storage node contact plug is connected to the first portion and a second portion of the landing plug located at a corresponding position in a diagonal direction. |
| US07927944B1 |
ESD protection transistor
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) transistor structure includes a self-aligned outrigger less than 0.4 microns from a gate electrode that is 50 microns wide. The outrigger is fabricated on ordinary logic transistors of an integrated circuit without severely affecting the performance of the transistors. The outrigger is used as an implant blocking structure to form first and second drain regions on either side of a lightly doped region that underlies the outrigger. The self-aligned outrigger and the lightly doped region beneath it are used to move the location of avalanche breakdown upon an ESD event away from the channel region. Durability is extended when fewer “hot carrier” electrons accumulate in the gate oxide. A current of at least 100 milliamperes can flow into the drain and then through the ESD transistor structure for a period of more than 30 seconds without causing a catastrophic failure of the ESD transistor structure. |
| US07927939B2 |
Method of manufacturing a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device, and an integrated circuit associated therewith. The method includes forming a lightly-doped source/drain region with a first dopant, the lightly-doped source/drain region located between first and second isolation structures. The method further includes creating a gate over the lightly-doped source/drain region. In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes diffusing a second dopant at least partially across the lightly-doped source/drain region and under the gate to form a first portion of a channel. |
| US07927938B2 |
Fin-JFET
Methods, devices, and systems integrating Fin-JFETs and Fin-MOSFETs are provided. One method embodiment includes forming at least on Fin-MOSFET on a substrate and forming at least on Fin-JFET on the substrate. |
| US07927931B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof
A liquid crystal display device may comprise a semiconductor layer on a substrate and including a channel portion and ohmic contact portions at both sides of the channel portion, wherein an edge portion of the semiconductor layer has a side surface of a substantially tapered shape; a gate insulating layer covering the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer and substantially corresponding to the channel portion; source and drain electrodes contacting the semiconductor layer; and a pixel electrode contacting the drain electrode. |
| US07927929B2 |
Method of fabricating thin film transistor structure having strip-shaped silicon island
A method of fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) includes first providing a strip-shaped silicon island which is a thin film region with a predetermined long side and short side. Next, the strip-shaped silicon island is subject to an ion implantation to form a first ion doping region and a second ion doping region. The first and second ion doping regions, respectively used as the source and the drain of the TFT, are located at two sides along the long side of the island and substantially perpendicular to the gate. A gate is formed over the strip-shaped silicon island and the first and second ion doping regions, wherein the gate is substantially parallel to the direction of the short side. |
| US07927927B2 |
Semiconductor package and method therefor
A semiconductor package substrate (11) has an array of package sites (13, 14, 16, and 21) that are substantially identical. The entire array of package sites (13, 14, 16, and 21) is covered by an encapsulant (19). The individual package sites (13, 14, 16, and 21) are singulated by sawing through the encapsulant (19) and the underlying semiconductor package substrate (11). |
| US07927923B2 |
Method and apparatus for directing molding compound flow and resulting semiconductor device packages
Flow diverting structures for preferentially impeding, redirecting or both impeding and redirecting the flow of flowable encapsulant material, such as molding compound, proximate a selected surface or surfaces of a semiconductor die or dice during encapsulation are disclosed. Flow diverting structures may be included in or associated with one or more portions of a lead frame, such as a paddle, tie bars, or lead fingers. Flow diverting structures may also be inserted into a mold in association with semiconductor dice carried on non-lead frame substrates, such as interposers and circuit boards, to preferentially impede, redirect or both impede and redirect the flow of molding compound flowing between and over the semiconductor dice. |
| US07927922B2 |
Dice rearrangement package structure using layout process to form a compliant configuration
A dice rearrangement package structure is provided, which a dice having an active surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of pads is disposed on the active surface; a package body is provided to cover the dices and the plurality of pads being exposed; one ends of plurality of metal traces is electrically connected to the each pads; a protection layer is provided to cover the active surface and the other ends of the exposed metal traces is electrically connected to the plurality of conductive elements, the characteristic in that the package body is a B-stage material. |
| US07927920B2 |
Method of manufacturing electronic component package, and wafer and substructure used for manufacturing electronic component package
In a method of manufacturing an electronic component package, first, there is fabricated a wafer incorporating a plurality of sets of external connecting terminals corresponding to a plurality of electronic component packages, and a retainer for retaining the plurality of sets of external connecting terminals, the wafer including a plurality of pre-base portions that will be separated from one another later to be bases of the electronic component packages. Next, at least one electronic component chip is bonded to each of the pre-base portions of the wafer. Next, electrodes of the electronic component chips are connected to the external connecting terminals. Next, the electronic component chips are sealed. Next, the wafer is cut so that the pre-base portions are separated from one another and the plurality of bases are thereby formed. |
| US07927917B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with inward and outward interconnects and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a base circuit assembly having an integrated circuit device; mounting a pre-formed conductive frame having an outer interconnect and an inner interconnect shorter than the outer interconnect over the base circuit assembly, the inner interconnect over the integrated circuit device and the outer interconnect around the integrated circuit device; applying an encapsulant over the inner interconnect and the outer interconnect; and removing a portion of the pre-formed conductive frame exposing an end of the inner interconnect and an end of the outer interconnect. |
| US07927915B2 |
Low resistivity silicon carbide
An opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide and a method of making the opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide. The opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide is doped with a sufficient amount of nitrogen to provide the desired properties of the silicon carbide. The opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide is a free-standing bulk material that may be machined to form furniture used for holding semi-conductor wafers during processing of the wafers. The opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide is opaque at wavelengths of light where semi-conductor wafers are processed. Such opaqueness provides for improved semi-conductor wafer manufacturing. Edge rings fashioned from the opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide can be employed in RTP chambers. |
| US07927906B2 |
Method for MEMS threshold sensor packaging
Apparatus, methods, and systems for bonding a cover wafer to a MEMS threshold sensors located on a silicon disc. The cover wafer is trenched to form a region when bonded to the silicon wafer that produces a gap over the contact bond pads of the MEMS threshold sensor. The method includes a series of cuts that remove part of the cover wafer over the trenches to permit additional cuts that may avoid the contact bond pads of the MEMS threshold sensor. In addition the glass frit provides for isolation of the sensor with a hermetic seal. The cavity between the MEMS threshold sensor and the cover wafer may be injected with a gas such as nitrogen to influence the properties of the MEMS threshold sensor. The MEMS threshold sensor may be utilized to sense a threshold for pressure, temperature or acceleration. |
| US07927904B2 |
Method of making BIOMEMS devices
A MEMS device is manufactured by first forming a self-aligned monolayer (SAM) on a carrier wafer. Next, a first polymer layer is formed on the self-aligned monolayer. The first polymer layer is patterned form a microchannel cover, which is then bonded to a patterned second polymer layer on a device wafer to form microchannels. The carrier wafer is then released from the first polymer layer. |
| US07927901B2 |
Method for fabricating LED chip comprising reduced mask count and lift-off processing
A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode. |
| US07927899B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and fabricating method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel includes: a thin film transistor array substrate having a gate line and a data line provided on the substrate; a gate insulating film between the gate line and the data line; a thin film transistor having a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode; a pixel electrode; a protective film for protecting the thin film transistor; a plurality of pads; a transparent electrode pattern formed on the data line, source electrode and drain electrode; and a color filter array substrate joined to the thin film transistor array substrate so that the color filter substrate does not overlap the pad area of the thin film transistor array substrate, wherein at least one of the gate insulating film and protective film in the pad area is etched using the color filter array substrate as a mask to expose at least one of the plurality of pads. |
| US07927897B2 |
Photoresist composition and method of manufacturing array substrate using the same
A photoresist composition includes a binder resin, a photo acid generator, an acryl resin having four different types of monomers, and a solvent. |
| US07927894B2 |
Apparatus for aligning an optical device an object, an optical instrument and a semiconductor process system
The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for aligning an optical device with an object. The apparatus comprises, a frame (12), a support unit (16) for supporting said optical device or said object and a transportation device (14) arranged to at least tilt the support unit in relation to the frame, wherein a segment of a sphere (18, 22) is provided, which segment defines a spherical surface (20), and the tilting movement of the support unit is controlled by said spherical surface. The apparatus according to the invention allows for a tilting movement between said optical device and said object, while such movement does not lead to a shift in focus. Furthermore the invention relates to an optical instrument and a semiconductor process system comprising said apparatus. |
| US07927892B2 |
Thermal treatment apparatus, thermal treatment method and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A thermal treatment apparatus having a first light source emitting a first light having light diffusion property, a reflectance measuring unit irradiating a treatment target with the light from plural directions by the first light source and determining a light reflectance of the treatment target, a light irradiation controller adjusting an intensity of a second light of a second light source on the basis of the light reflectance, the second light has diffusion property, and a thermal treatment unit irradiating the treatment target with the second light having adjusted the intensity of the second light by the light irradiation controller. |
| US07927891B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A lower electrode film is formed above a semiconductor substrate first, and then a ferroelectric film is formed on the lower electrode film. After that, an upper electrode film is formed on the ferroelectric film. When forming the upper electrode, an IrOx film containing crystallized small crystals when formed is formed on the ferroelectric film first, and then an IrOx film containing columnar crystals is formed. |
| US07927890B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a lower electrode over a substrate, increasing the temperature of the substrate with the lower electrode to a predetermined temperature under mixture gas atmosphere of inert gas and oxygen gas, forming a dielectric film on the lower electrode by using an organic metal raw material after the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, and forming an upper electrode on the dielectric film. |
| US07927886B2 |
Hazardous substance removing method, hazardous substance removing material used therein such as air filter, mask, wipe sheet, and the like, and storage method thereof
A hazardous substance (20) is removed by using a hazardous substance removing material (10) in which a support (11) supports an antibody (12). Humidity of the ambient atmosphere of the antibody (12) is controlled so that the antibody (12) becomes active. |
| US07927885B2 |
Hazardous substance removing material, method for removing hazardous substances, and nonwoven fabric
An objective to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hazardous substance removing material capable of efficiently capturing and quickly inactivating hazardous substances of microbe origin such as viruses and bacteria, so as to minimize influences on the human body. The present invention provides a hazardous substance removing material which comprises a support having antibodies supported thereon, wherein the support is made of a fiber, and the moisture regain of the core fiber of the support is different from the moisture regain of the sheath fiber of the support. |
| US07927884B2 |
Systems and methods for determining carbon credits
A method for determining the phytolithic organic carbon yield of a plant type at a location or region comprising: a) taking a sample of a plant type growing in the location or region; b) quantifying phytolithic organic carbon in the sample; c) quantifying a total biomass of the plant type growing at the location or region; and d) determining a total amount of phytolithic organic carbon for the total biomass of the plant type at the location or region. |
| US07927881B2 |
Inorganic polymers and use of inorganic polymers for detecting nitroaromatic compounds
A method for detecting an analyze that may be present in ambient air, bound to a surface or as part of complex aqueous media that includes providing a metallole-containing polymer or copolymer, exposing the polymer or copolymer to a suspected analyze or a system suspected of including the analyze, and measuring a quenching of photoluminescence of the metallole-containing polymer or copolymer exposed to the system. Also included is a solid state inorganic-organic polymer sensor for detecting nitroaromatic compounds that includes a substrate and a thin film of a metallole-containing polymer or copolymer deposited on said substrate. |
| US07927880B2 |
Methods and kit for early detection of acute coronary syndrome and prediction of adverse cardiac events
The invention provides methods for early diagnosis or detection of acute coronary syndrome and prediction of adverse cardiac events on the basis of elevations of catalytic iron in biological fluid of a human subject. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for early detection of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a human subject at the time of presentation of the chest pain. The method includes analyzing a test sample of the biological fluid for amount of catalytic iron and detecting acute coronary syndrome in the human subject. |
| US07927877B1 |
Detection and analysis of biodiesel in fuels
A method of analyzing biodiesel content in a fuel sample generally includes providing a fuel sample including at least one of a biodiesel and other diesel fuel; mixing a predetermined amount of solvent to the fuel sample, wherein the fuel sample is soluble in the solvent; mixing a predetermined amount of water to the fuel sample; analyzing the fuel sample for a change; and associating the change with a biodiesel content in the fuel sample. |
| US07927876B2 |
Sample well strip and method of use
A multiple cuvette strip comprises a plurality of wells and a reversible interlocking device. The well strips can be reversibly interlocked to other well strips to form a sample holder system. One embodiment of a well strip comprises a flange and a slot to form a reversible interlocking device. |
| US07927874B2 |
Method of transferring substance into cell
There is provided a method by which multiple types of substances desired to be transferred into cells can be continuously transferred into multiple types of cells by a convenient procedure, a cell in which the substance desired to be transferred into cells has been taken up by this method, and an apparatus for transferring a substance into cells by this method. The foregoing objects can be achieved by electrospraying cells with a liquid free from the substance to be transferred into cells while the cells are kept in contact with the substance to be transferred into cells, or first electrospraying cells with a liquid free from the substance to be transferred into cells and then bringing the cells into contact with the substance to be transferred into cells. |
| US07927872B2 |
ALDOs as modifiers of the IGF pathway and methods of use
Human ALDO genes are identified as modulators of the IGF pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGF function. Methods for identifying modulators of IGF, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of ALDO are provided. |
| US07927867B2 |
Device for evaluating in vitro cell migration under flow conditions, and methods of use thereof
The current invention is directed towards a device that useful for studying cell migration. It is preferred that the device is configured to study stem cell, particularly hematopoetic stem/precursor cell homing. The device allows for detailed analysis of the various phases of the multiphase homing process. There are also provided herein, novel methods of using the device, including, but not limited to, dissection of the homing process under microenvironmental conditions mimicking healthy conditions, diseased conditions, inflammatory conditions, drug treatment conditions and experimental conditions. |
| US07927863B2 |
Methods of synthesizing heteromultimeric polypeptides in yeast using a haploid mating strategy
Methods are provided for the synthesis and secretion of recombinant proteins preferably large mammalian proteins or hetero-multimeric proteins at high levels and for prolonged time in polyploid, preferably diploid yeast. These methods use various mating competent yeast, including Pichia. In a preferred embodiment, a first expression vector is transformed into a first haploid cell; and a second expression vector is transformed into a second haploid cell. The transformed haploid cells, each individually synthesizing a non-identical polypeptide, are identified and then genetically crossed or fused. The resulting diploid strains are utilized to produce and secrete fully assembled and biologically functional hetero-multimeric protein. |
| US07927862B2 |
Production of isoprenoids
The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids. |
| US07927858B2 |
Drying process
The present invention relates to a method of drying biological and other labile samples so that they can be preserved as a highly viscous liquid. The method involves the steps of preparing a preservation sample by dissolving/suspending an active agent in a solution of a stabilizing agent, subjecting the preservation sample to such temperature and pressure conditions that the preservation sample loses solvent by evaporation without freezing or bubbling to form a foam and removing solvent until the preservation sample dries to form a highly viscous liquid. |
| US07927856B2 |
Thermophilic endo-glucanase and uses thereof
A novel thermophilic endo-glucanase, nucleic acid encoding the endo-glucase, and uses thereof in converting lignocellulosic material to fermentable sugars. |
| US07927855B2 |
Esters of long-chain alcohols and preparation thereof
Disclosed are esters and a process for the preparation of the esters represented by formula 1: The process includes reacting an alcohol with a long-chain acid R2COOH or long-chain ester R2COOR4 in the presence of an organic solvent and an enzyme with or without the removal of water. |
| US07927853B2 |
DNA ligase mutants
It is intended to obtain DNA ligase improved in binding ability and reactivity with DNA, particularly thermostable DNA ligase improved in binding ability and reactivity with DNA. The present invention provides a DNA ligase mutant improved in binding ability and reactivity with DNA, which is obtained by partially or completely deleting a C-terminal helix portion of DNA ligase. Particularly, the mutant is derived from a thermostable bacterium. |
| US07927848B2 |
Method and apparatus for production of biogas from an organic material
In a method of producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter, organic matter is dried to a dry solids content of at least 50% by weight TS and pelletized and then mixed with a liquid to form a slurry. The slurry is contacted with biogas-producing bacteria for digestion under anaerobic conditions in a reactor (102) while producing biogas. |
| US07927844B2 |
L-glutamic acid-producing microorganism and a method for producing L-glutamic acid
A coryneform bacterium that is modified by using a yggB gene so that L-glutamic acid-producing ability is enhanced as compared to a non-modified strains is cultured in a medium to cause accumulation of L-glutamic acid in the medium or bacterial cells, and L-glutamic acid is collected from the medium or cells. |
| US07927843B2 |
Method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate
The present invention discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase but substantially no phosphates or the enzyme derived from the microorganism. The present invention also discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting dihydroxyacetone phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase and triose-phosphate isomerase but substantially no phosphates or the enzymes derived from the microorganism. |
| US07927841B2 |
Assay for species sources
A family of PCR assays is disclosed for determining, both qualitatively and quantitatively, presence of material from a predetermined species source and for quantifying the amount of such material. The assays are based respectively on SINEs uniquely characteristic of pig species, cow species, chicken species, and ruminant sub-order, and having a high copy number. The assays disclosed permit rapid, inexpensive evaluation of meat samples to facilitate elimination from their diet of pork or beef by persons desiring to avoid such food sources; as well as the assay of cattle feed to determine presence therein of ruminant-source proteins, which are a potential source of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly referred to as “mad cow disease.” The assays amplify the predetermined unique SINEs and the resulting amplified mixture is then evaluated qualitatively by electrophoresis on gel containing ethidium bromide or quantitatively by SYBR Green-based detection or TaqMan chemistry. The invention also extends to kits, primers, and other products used in connection with the assays. The amplicons are selected to be from about 100 to 170 bp long. |
| US07927836B2 |
Device and method for the production of biologically active compounds by fermentation
The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber. |
| US07927835B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding P-selectin ligand fusion proteins
A novel P-selectin ligand glycoprotein is disclosed, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or by the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. DNA sequences encoding the P-selectin ligand protein are also disclosed, along with vectors, host cells, and methods of making the P-selectin ligand protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the P-selectin ligand protein and methods of treating inflammatory disease states characterized by P-selectin- and E-selectin-mediated intercellular adhesion are also disclosed. |
| US07927832B2 |
Nucleic acid encoding proteins involved in protein degradation, products and methods related thereto
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Siah-Mediated-Degradation-Proteins (SMDPs) and/or SCF-Complex Proteins (SCPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SMDPs and/or SCPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SMDP and/or SCP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions, and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies for drug screening, functional genomics and other applications. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein. |
| US07927829B2 |
Method for in vitro phosphorylation of trap of Staphylococcus aureus and a method for screening the inhibitor of the trap phosphorylation
The present invention relates to a method for in vitro phosphorylation of TRAP derived from Staphylococcus aureus. In the present invention, the TRAP is first identified as a kinase that self-phosphorylates and is phosphorylated specifically in the presence of an oxidative metal ion such as iron, copper and zinc. Based upon this finding, a novel method for in vitro phosphorylation of purified TRAP is provided and also, a method for screening various chemicals and natural materials by using the above method is provided in order to select inhibitors against the TRAP phosphorylation. The inhibitors are expected to be applied for novel antibiotics of Staphylococcus aureus, because this TRAP phosphorylation is essential to infect Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the present invention can be widely used to develop novel drugs against Staphylococcus aureus and their resistant strains, in near future. |
| US07927828B2 |
Immunoassay for venom detection including noninvasive sample collection
Methods and immunoassays for diagnosing a bite or sting of a venomous organism in a patient having symptoms consistent with such a bite or sting are provided. A sample of venom is collected from the area of the suspected bite or sting using a swab and then contacted with an antibody that specifically binds to an antigenic site on venom present in the sample. Binding is then detected. The invention is illustrated by examples showing diagnosis of brown recluse spider bite, distinguishing it from other diagnoses with which it is often confused. This extremely sensitive test can detect venom antigens down to about 20 picograms even after the sample has been shipped and stored for periods of up to three weeks during the summer. |
| US07927824B2 |
Complex of a chaperone with β-amyloid and methods employing this complex
A chaperone protein Q2 and β-amyloid can form a complex. This complex can be detected in a biological sample, such as, for example, tissues or fluids from a mammal. Q2 levels can also be detected in a biological sample. A method for determining the Q2 level in a biological sample and comparing that level to a normal Q2 level can be used to detect, screen, diagnose, or otherwise determine a person's susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease such as, for example, the presence or absence of Alzheimer's disease, of symptoms of this disease, of factors leading to or associated with this disease, of likelihood of developing this disease, and the like. In one embodiment, a decline in Q2 level correlates to an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. In another embodiment, a decline in Q2 level correlates to an increase in β-amyloid aggregation. The method may further include screening for an apolipoprotein E genotype, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. |
| US07927822B2 |
Methods for screening cells and antibodies
The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies. |
| US07927821B2 |
Methods of screening for compounds which bind G protein-coupled receptors
The present invention provides a method of screening an agonist or antagonist to a G protein-coupled receptor protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a salt thereof, which comprises using the receptor protein or a salt thereof and the ligand or a salt thereof; etc. The present invention is useful for screening agents for the prevention/treatment of, e.g., leukopenia, leukemia, lymphoma, malignant tumor, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, tonsil disorders, collagen disease, inflammatory disease, leukocytosis, heart failure, inherited muscle disorders, muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular degenerative disease, myocardial infarction, obesity, mellitus diabetes, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, cancer, pulmonary edema, multiple organ failure, etc. |
| US07927820B2 |
Assay systems and methods for detecting molecules that interact with membrane channels
The invention provides an assay system for detecting a molecule that interacts with a membrane channel, the assay system including cell membranes including one or more membrane channels; support bodies including scintillant and a coupling agent that associates with the cell membrane; a ligand that is selected to bind the membrane channel, the ligand including a scintillant-activating label. According to the invention, association of the support bodies with the cell membrane and binding of the ligand to the membrane channel results in emission from the scintillant of the support bodies, and, in the presence of a test molecule that interacts with the membrane channel, the emission from the scintillant of the support bodies changes. Methods of identifying a molecule that interacts with a cell membrane channel are also described. |
| US07927796B2 |
Number coding for identification of subtypes of coded types of solid phase carriers
Disclosed is number coding of pairs (“doublets”) or small sets (“multiplets”) of solid phase carriers which provides distinguishable subtypes of a given type of such carriers, where each carrier type is distinguishable on the basis of a different code. Such number coding is useful for augmenting a coding system, such as a color code, and thereby effectively multiplying the number of “colors” (distinguishable sub-types). It can be applied, for example, to determine whether a sample is homozygous or heterozygous at a number of different sites for one of two different alleles, where the same color code is applied for each of the two alleles, and the alleles with the same color code are distinguished by knowing how many carriers are associated with molecules which detect each different allele. |
| US07927795B2 |
Gene expression profiling in primary ovarian serous papillary tumors and normal ovarian epithelium
Gene expression profiling and hierarchal clustering analysis readily distinguish normal ovarian epithelial cells from primary ovarian serous papillary carcinomas. Laminin, tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1 and 2 (TROP-1/Ep-CAM; TROP-2), claudin 3, claudin 4, ladinin 1, S100A2, SERPIN2 (PAI-2), CD24, lipocalin 2, osteopontin, kallikrein 6 (protease M), kallikrein 10, matriptase and stratifin were found among the most highly overexpressed genes in ovarian serous papillary carcinomas, whereas transforming growth factor beta receptor III, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha, SEMACAP3, ras homolog gene family, member I (ARHI), thrombospondin 2 and disabled-2/differentially expressed in ovarian carcinoma 2 (Dab2/DOC2) were significantly down-regulated. Therapeutic strategy targeting TROP-1/Ep-CAM by monoclonal chimeric/humanized antibodies may be beneficial in patients harboring chemotherapy-resistant ovarian serous papillary carcinomas. |
| US07927794B2 |
Methods for identifying a biosynthetic pathway gene product
The present invention provides isolated, genetically modified host cells, where a host cell is genetically modified with a nucleic acid that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a biosynthetic pathway enzyme. Synthesis of the enzyme in the host cell results in conversion of a substrate for the enzyme into a biosynthetic pathway intermediate, which intermediate is produced in an amount effective to inhibit growth of the genetically modified host cell. The present invention further provides compositions and kits comprising a subject genetically modified host cell. Subject host cells are useful for identifying a gene product having activity in a biosynthetic pathway. The present invention further provides methods of identifying a gene product having activity in a biosynthetic pathway. |