| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08004847B2 |
Semiconductor device
On a case member of a semiconductor device, a screw block terminal or the like for connection to external equipment is attached. The screw block terminal or the like arranged on a region inside a base plate is attached to a terminal attachment member. Terminal attachment member has wall-like bodies, similar to wall-like bodies formed on a sidewall portion, formed along the direction of extension of terminal attachment member. On one end of terminal attachment member in the direction of extension, a side fitting portion is formed that corresponds to the wall-like body, and by fitting the side fitting portion to a space between sidewall portion and the wall-like body, terminal attachment member is fixed on case member. Thus, a semiconductor device is provided that allows high degree of freedom with simpler structure, as to the position of attaching a screw block terminal or a pin terminal to the case member. |
| US08004846B2 |
Heat radiator
A heat radiator capable of thermally connect to a heat element includes a pair of heat conducting plates conducting heat from one side surface to other side surface of the heat conducting plate, respectively, the pair of heat conducting plates having a space between each of the heat conducting plates; and a radiation fin arranged between the pair of heat conducting plates, having elastic characteristics between the pair of heat conducting plates, and radiating heat from the heat conducting plate to the space. |
| US08004839B2 |
Cooling system for information device
To cool a blade type server disposed in an air-conditioned room, the following arrangements are made. The first is at least one shell having a ventilation passage disposed in the air-conditioned room. The second is, the following are disposed in a ventilation passage: racks, in which blade type servers each composed of a case with slim boards housed therein are stacked; cooling coils each having a coolant passage and a cooling fin and cooling a passing air; and at least one fan unit having axial-flow fans placed therein and producing air currents in one direction. The third is the fan unit forces a cooling air to flow in one direction in the ventilation passage thereby to cool the servers in the racks. The cooling coils and racks are disposed alternately so that warmed cooling air after passing through the rack is cooled by the cooling coil and then cools the next rack. |
| US08004838B2 |
Electronic unit and image forming apparatus
An electronic unit includes: a circuit board that has a device mounting surface mounted with circuit devices and that is supported in a condition that the device mounting surface is arranged in a direction of gravity; an opposed member that is disposed in opposition to the circuit board so that a passage space through which a refrigerant for cooling the circuit devices passes is formed between the opposed member and the device mounting surface; an exhaust unit that is disposed in opposition to the circuit devices disposed on the circuit board and that exhausts the refrigerant having passed through the passage space; and a protruding member that is provided in an upper portion of the exhaust unit in the direction of gravity and that protrudes from the opposed member toward the circuit devices. |
| US08004835B2 |
Portable data terminal internal support structure
A portable device assembly comprising a first housing portion defining a plurality of a snap retention features, a frame that supports electrical components, and a second housing portion secured to the frame with fasteners. The frame has a plurality of snap features that mate with the plurality of snap retention features so as to secure the frame to the first housing portion. |
| US08004824B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor element and solid electrolytic capacitor using same
The invention provides a solid electrolytic capacitor element, comprising a metal oxide layer, an electroconductive polymer layer, a carbon paste layer and a silver paste layer sequentially formed on surface of a valve-acting metal material, wherein thickness of the silver paste layer is within a range of 5 to 20 μm and the mass ratio of silver contained in the silver paste layer is within a range of 84 to 94%. According to the invention, a solid electrolytic capacitor having good electric properties such as ESR (equivalent series resistance) and LC (leakage current) and good reliability can be produced. |
| US08004821B2 |
Metal capacitor and manufacturing method thereof
A metal capacitor in which an electric conductivity is significantly improved by applying a metal material, instead of a solid electrolyte and electrolyte of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, and a manufacturing method thereof is provided. A metal capacitor 10 includes a metal member 11 including a plurality of grooves 11a on both surfaces of the metal member 11, a metal oxide film 12 being formed on the metal member 11, a seed electrode layer 13 being formed on the metal oxide film 12, a main electrode layer 14 being formed on the metal oxide film 12 to fill the plurality of grooves 11a, a plurality of lead terminals 15 being installed in the main electrode layer 14, and a molding member 16 being disposed so that the plurality of lead terminals may be externally protruded from the molding member 16, and the metal member 11, the metal oxide film 12, the seed electrode layer 13, and the main electrode layer 14 may be sealed. |
| US08004820B2 |
Ceramic electronic component, method of manufacturing the same, and collective component
A collective component has a first region that intersects a conductive paste film for external terminal electrodes in a break line in which break leading holes are arranged and a second region that does not intersect a conductive paste film for external terminal electrodes in the break line. The first break leading holes are formed in the first region so as not to reach the second region. The second break leading holes are formed only in the second region or from the second region to a portion of the first region. The pitch of the first break leading holes is wider than the pitch of the second break leading holes. |
| US08004819B2 |
Capacitor array and method for manufacturing the same
A capacitor array includes mutually opposed first and second internal electrodes having a first capacitance portion and a second capacitance portion, respectively, a first lead portion and a second lead portion, respectively, which are electrically connected to a first outer terminal electrode and a second outer terminal electrode, and a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion, respectively, which partially protrude toward the second outer terminal electrode and the first outer terminal electrode. The outer terminal electrodes have plating films directly connected to the internal electrodes. The plating film is formed by electrolytic plating. In the electrolytic plating, deposition of plating proceeds while being prevented from spreading in width directions of the individual side surfaces by electric fields generated from the protrusion portions toward the vicinities of exposure portions of the respective lead portions on the side surfaces. |
| US08004818B2 |
Adjustable device and method for varying the apparant value of capacitance
The invention specifically concerns a device for varying the apparent level of a capacitance, said device being characterized in that it compromises: —a dipole (1) of a type known per se, comprising a semiconductor material (4) for electronic transfer via hopping situated between a first electrode (2) and a second electrode (6), with said dipole (1) situated parallel to said capacitance (12); —a continuous voltage generator (13) electrically connected to the second electrode (6) and the first electrode (2) of the dipole (1); —and a means for varying the voltage generated by the generator (13). |
| US08004814B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a lifting magnet supplied with an AC source
A magnet controller supplied by an AC source controls a lifting magnet. Two bridges allow DC current to flow in both directions in the lifting magnet. During “Lift”, relatively high voltage is applied to the lifting magnet until it reaches its cold current. Then voltage is lowered. After a desired interval, once the magnet has had time to build its electromagnetic field, voltage is further reduced to prevent the magnet from overheating. The magnet lifting forced is maintained due to the magnetic circuit hysteresis. During “Drop”, reverse voltage is applied briefly to demagnetize the lifting magnet. At the end of the “Lift” and the “Drop”, most of the lifting magnet energy is returned to the line source. A logic controller controls current and voltage of the magnet and calculates the magnet's temperature. In one embodiment, a “Sweep” switch is provided to allow reduction of the magnet power to prevent attraction to the bottom or walls of magnetic rail cars or containers. |
| US08004809B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device having overcurrent limitation circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an output transistor, an overcurrent detection circuit and overcurrent limitation circuit. The overcurrent detection circuit includes a first transistor detecting an overcurrent of the output transistor. The overcurrent limitation circuit is connected between a gate and a source of the output transistor. The overcurrent limitation circuit includes a plurality of resistance elements and a diode connected in series between the gate and the source of the output transistor in series, and a second transistor whose gate is connected to a connection point between the resistance elements and that is cascade connected to the first transistor. |
| US08004806B2 |
Solid-state disconnect device
A solid-state disconnect device capable of isolating and protecting circuits and equipment from overloads and undesired transients is presented. The protection device includes at least one depletion mode circuit block having three terminals (drain, gate, and source), which in its simplest form is implemented by a single n-channel depletion mode field-effect transistor, and two enhancement mode circuit blocks each having three terminals (drain, gate and source), each implemented in simplest form by a single n-channel enhancement mode field-effect transistor. The current conducting path of the first enhancement mode circuit block is connected in series with the current conducting path of the depletion mode circuit block. The drain terminal of the second enhancement mode circuit block is connected through a current limiting load to both the gate terminal of the second enhancement mode circuit block and the drain terminal of the first enhancement mode circuit block. The gate terminal of the first enhancement mode circuit block is connected to the drain terminal of the second enhancement mode circuit block. The source terminals of the two enhancement circuit blocks are both connected to the gate terminal of the depletion mode circuit block. Unidirectional and bidirectional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08004803B2 |
Variable speed drive
Systems and methods for improved Variable Speed Drives are provided. One embodiment relates to apparatus for common mode and differential mode filtering for motor or compressor bearing protection when operating with Variable Speed Drives, including conducted EMI/RFI input power mains mitigation. Another embodiment relates to a method to extend the synchronous operation of an active converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. Another embodiment relates to an active converter-based Variable Speed Drive system with Improved Full Speed Efficiency. Another embodiment relates to a liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor. The liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor may be used in any application where liquid or refrigerant cooling is available and a reduction in size and weight of a magnetic component is desired. |
| US08004802B2 |
Operational amplifier circuit and arc fault circuit interrupter including the same
An operational amplifier circuit is for an arc fault circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a secondary and an envelope detector circuit having an input. The operational amplifier circuit includes a band pass filter having an input structured to be electrically interconnected with the secondary of the current sensor and an output; and a rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit includes an operational amplifier having an input electrically interconnected with the output of the band pass filter and an output, a half-wave rectifier having an input electrically interconnected with the output of the operational amplifier, an output, and a forward voltage between the input and the output of the half-wave rectifier, the half-wave rectifier output being structured to be electrically interconnected with the input of the envelope detector circuit, and a voltage compensation circuit cooperating with the input and the output of the operational amplifier to compensate for the forward voltage. |
| US08004797B2 |
Tape drive with a clamping mechanism coupled to a flexible circuit
Various embodiments are disclosed for a flexible circuit. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit bends on a curved surface to form a partial loop. |
| US08004793B2 |
Nanometer scale magnetization
Magnetic heads for perpendicular magnetic recording on magnetic recording media are provided. |
| US08004791B2 |
Information storage device with a bridge controller and a plurality of electrically coupled conductive shields
A novel information storage device is disclosed and claimed. The information storage device includes a disk drive, a disk drive printed circuit board, and a first conductive shield over the disk drive printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the disk drive. The information storage device also includes a bridge controller printed circuit board and a second conductive shield over and electrically coupled to the bridge controller printed circuit board. The first and second conductive shields are in direct contact with each other. A disk drive interface connector electrically couples the bridge controller printed circuit board with the disk drive printed circuit board. A third conductive shield is attached to the disk drive interface connector and is in direct contact with both the first and second conductive shields. |
| US08004789B2 |
Detection and acquisition of a servo pattern subject to lateral motion
A method, a servo system and a tape drive are provided to acquire lock on a servo signal. The servo signals of at least one servo element are monitored to detect a valid servo signal. If a valid servo signal is not detected than the fine actuator is moved in a first direction until either a valid servo signal is detected or the fine actuator travel limit is reached. When a valid servo signal is detected, the fine actuator is set to a neutral position and the coarse actuator is moved in the first direction. When the fine actuator travel limit is reached the fine actuator is moved to the first position and the coarse actuator is moved in a second direction, opposite of the first direction. |
| US08004788B2 |
Proximity detection method for magnetic head and recording medium
Touchdown between a read/write head of disk drive and a recording medium is detected based on the variance in the frequency domain of position error signals (PES), each of which is measured after incrementally positioning the read/write head closer to the recording medium, from a baseline PES. The synchronous portion of the baseline PES is quantified and removed from the baseline PES and subsequent PES measurements to remove the effect of the synchronous portion of the baseline PES. The non-synchronous portion of the PES measured at a particular read/write head position may also be removed by synchronously averaging multiple PES measurements for each read/write head position. Detection of touchdown may be based on the rate of change of the variance in the frequency domain of PES relative to a baseline PES, instead of the absolute value of the variance. |
| US08004787B2 |
Method and system for servo track write
A servo track writing method and a servo track write system of a hard disk drive (HDD) using the servo track write method. The servo track writing method includes performing a reference check (R/C) on a first servo pattern which is pre-written on a first surface of a disk, and if the R/C determines that a quality of the first servo pattern is not good, erasing a specific area of the first servo pattern and writing a second servo pattern on a second surface of the disk. Therefore, process time delay factors of a series of rework processes of writing servo patterns on a disk are removed to shorten a process time of the rework processes. In addition, productivity of a HDD is improved. |
| US08004786B2 |
Transducer-data storage medium spacing adjustment
A data storage device, e.g., a disc drive, includes one or more heads including a transducer. Each head also includes a deformable material that allows the spacing adjustments between the transducer and a data storage medium, e.g., a data storage disc, according to each of a plurality of settings. The device calculates a response function of a spacing change to a setting change for each head by measuring a change in the pole tip-data storage medium spacing corresponding to at least two settings. The device also determines an optimal setting. The device may also repeat response function calculations and/or determination of optimal settings to ensure continued optimal performance of the device. In summary, the device sets an optimal setting for each head according to a calculated response function particular to each head. |
| US08004785B1 |
Disk drive write verifying unformatted data sectors
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having a plurality of data sectors, wherein a physical block address (PBA) is associated with each data sector. When a write command is received from a host to write user data to the disk, and the write command comprises an unformatted logical block address (LBA), the user data is written to a first data sector, and the first data sector is write verified. A second data sector is defect scanned, and after the second data sector passes the defect scan, the user data is migrated from the first data sector to the second data sector and the LBA is formatted to the second data sector. |
| US08004781B2 |
Magnetic transfer apparatus, magnetic transfer method and magnetic recording medium with magnetic information transferred thereto
A magnetic transfer apparatus and method includes air supply for supplying air into a space above a peripheral portion of a double-sided slave disc beyond a second master disc in an air-tight chamber formed when a first disc holder holding a first master disc and the slave disc in contact and a second disc holder holding the second master disc are brought into contact with each other so as to hold and sandwich the slave disc between the first and second master discs, the air supply being controlled to take place at least either during formation of the air-tight chamber or during opening the air-tight chamber. |
| US08004772B2 |
Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera
A zoom lens system of the present invention has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a first lens unit having negative optical power and composed of two lens elements; a second lens unit having positive optical power; and a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein in zooming, the lens units are moved such that an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit should decrease and that an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit should increase, so that magnification change is achieved, and wherein the condition is satisfied: 1.5 |
| US08004771B2 |
Varifocal lens and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a varifocal lens and method of manufacturing the varifocal lens. The varifocal lens includes a transparent substrate, a spacer frame arranged to form an inner space on the transparent substrate, wherein the inner space is to be filled with an optical fluid, a rigid frame disposed to be adjacent to the spacer frame, and an optical membrane and an actuator which are formed on a surface of the rigid frame. The rigid frame supports the actuator and the optical membrane, wherein the actuator applies a pressure to an optical fluid and the optical membrane is modified according to a flow of the optical fluid. |
| US08004768B2 |
Vehicle mirror and manufacturing method therefor
The present invention provides a vehicle mirror and a manufacturing method therefor which allow the rear face side of a mirror element to be dark-colored without using a color plate or color coating. A mirror element is configured by forming a semitransparent reflective film made of a dielectric multilayer film on the front face of a flat transparent substrate. A dark-colored self-adhesive film is attached to the rear face of the mirror element. The dark-colored self-adhesive film is configured by forming an adhesive layer on the rear face of a dark-colored film layer by means of application. Grid-like air release channels are formed at fine pitches with minimal depth on an entire surface of the adhesive layer. After the dark-colored self-adhesive film is attached to the rear face of the mirror element, the grid-like air release channels visible from a front side of the mirror element are eliminated by heating and/or pressurizing. |
| US08004766B2 |
Illuminating device, illuminating method, image signal processing device, image signal processing method, and image projecting apparatus
An illuminating device is provided. The illuminating device includes a light source, a dividing unit, an optical unit and a light-distribution control unit. The dividing unit is configured to divide light emitted from the light source into light beams. The optical unit is configured to allow at least one of a travelling direction and a focal length of the light beams divided by the dividing unit to be variable. The light-distribution control unit is configured to control at least one of the travelling direction and focal length of light beams by acting on the optical unit. |
| US08004757B2 |
Safety system for a laser radiation device
A laser radiation-guiding device including: a laser including a control unit; ports for connection of one module each, it being possible that laser radiation may exit at the ports. The device further can include joining part sensors respectively assigned to a port and whose electrical condition depends on whether a predetermined joining part is spaced apart from the respective port by less than a maximum distance in a predetermined orientation relative to the respective port, and an evaluating unit connected to the joining part sensors via a signal link that detects the electrical conditions of the joining part sensors and, depending on the detected conditions, emits a control signal to the control unit of the laser or to a laser radiation-blocking unit, by which emission of eye-damaging laser radiation to the ports of the device can be prevented inhibited. |
| US08004756B2 |
Chromatically corrected catadioptric objective and projection exposure apparatus including the same
A catadioptric objective includes a plurality of optical elements arranged along an optical axis to image a pattern from an object field in an object surface of the objective to an image field in an image surface region of the objective at an image-side numerical aperture NA with electromagnetic radiation from a wavelength band around a central wavelength λ<300 nm. The optical elements include a concave mirror and a plurality of lenses. The projection objective forms an image of the pattern in a respective Petzval surface for each wavelength λ of a wavelength band, the Petzval surfaces deviating from each other for different wavelengths. The plurality of lenses include lenses made from different materials having substantially different Abbe numbers. A longitudinal departure p of the Petzval surface at a given wavelength from a planar reference surface at an edge field point of the image field (at maximum image height y′) measured parallel to the optical axis in the image surface region, varies with the wavelength λ according to: dp/dλ<(15λ/NA2)/nm. |
| US08004755B2 |
Catoptric objectives and systems using catoptric objectives
In general, in one aspect, the invention features an objective arranged to image radiation from an object plane to an image plane, including a plurality of elements arranged to direct the radiation from the object plane to the image plane, wherein the objective has an image side numerical aperture of more than 0.55 and a maximum image side field dimension of more than 1 mm, and the objective is a catoptric objective. |
| US08004753B2 |
Optical amplifier, fiber laser, and method of eliminating reflected light
A MO-PA type optical amplifier is provided which includes an oscillator and an amplifier including a fiber for optical amplification, including: a reflected-light wavelength conversion fiber which is provided on an optical path between the oscillator and the amplifier and which converts a wavelength of reflected-light traveling toward the oscillator due to Stimulated Raman Scattering; and a filter which is provided on the optical path between the oscillator and the amplifier and which eliminates the wavelength-converted light. |
| US08004746B2 |
Electrophoretic display device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an electrophoretic display device and a method for manufacturing the same, which facilitate high reflectivity, high contrast ratio and easy removal of line-shaped spots occurring when a release film is removed from an electrophoretic film. The electrophoretic display device comprising a substrate; a gate line, a data line, a storage electrode and a switching element on the substrate; a first passivation film on the gate line, data line, storage electrode, switching element and substrate, the first passivation film including first and second regions, the first region corresponding to the gate line, data line and switching element, the second region being a region other than the first region; a plurality of first dielectric patterns on the second region, the plurality of first dielectric patterns being apart from one another; a pixel electrode on the plurality of first dielectric patterns; and an electrophoretic film on the pixel electrode. |
| US08004740B2 |
Device and system for reflective digital light processing (DLP)
Aspects of the present invention include a device and system for providing reflective electrochromic switching devices having an optically reflective layer with at least one electrochromic material, a substrate, and an excitation means and controller for transmitting received light in association with transmissivity of the reflective layer at a predetermined time. The devices may be used in an array or system format to provide improved display resolutions in a manner where the devices are fixedly mounted in relation to an emitting light source. |
| US08004727B2 |
Automatically adjusting multi-media scanner
The invention claimed is a scanner which allows for any type of media, including embossed credit cards, with a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm to be inserted into the media path and remain in constant contact with the CIS as a result of a spring loaded roller, gear, and cantilever system. The input process, called a “kick start” method, allows for momentary lowering of the roller, and return, as it spins to grasp the media and continue pulling the media through the scan path. This apparatus stores energy provided by the motor within its spring and gear system, thus requiring less energy from the motor, and reduces manufacturing costs. |
| US08004723B2 |
Information processing apparatus and image processing apparatus executing script stored in association with storage region
An image processing apparatus formed of MFP or the like includes a plurality of folders for storing files. In the image processing apparatus, a script for the processing executed on a file stored in each folder is generated. Then, the generated script is stored in association with a folder storing a file subjected to the processing corresponding to the script in the image processing apparatus. |
| US08004721B2 |
Halftone apparatus that provides simultaneous, multiple lines per inch screens
A halftone threshold matrix includes a plurality of submatrices, wherein a first group of the plurality of submatrices has a line screen frequency different from a second group of the plurality of submatrices. The halftone method and apparatus removes the restriction that at most one pel is turned on per basic cell for the next constant input level and allows the pels in some basic cells to be turned on much sooner that the corresponding positions in other basic cells. This creates a dominant low frequency line screen simultaneously with the higher frequency line screen of the other basic cells. The present invention also allows the basic cells inside the threshold matrix to have different shapes and sizes. Thus, the cells participating in the low frequency screen could be larger than the cells generating the higher frequency screen. For example, the low frequency screen's pleasing patterns can distract the eye from noticing less pleasing patterns in the high frequency grid and vice versa. |
| US08004710B2 |
Printing system, printing method and printing program
In a printing system, a document data transmitting unit transmits document data generated by a document generating device, to a document storing device. A document data transmission/reception unit receives the document data and transmits the received document data to a printer. A storing/monitoring unit detects whether document data is newly stored in a document storing device. A document data acquisition unit acquires the document data when it is detected that the document data is newly stored. A password input unit enters a print password for permitting printing of the document data. A printing unit prints the document data when the print password is correct. |
| US08004705B2 |
Printing system and printing method using transfer of compressed image data and compression pattern from host to printing apparatus
This invention relates to a printing system, printing method, printing apparatus, and driver capable of printing at high-speed even when a transfer data amount increases. According to the system, in a host apparatus, a compression pattern of image data is generated. Image data corresponding to one print scan of a printhead is compressed by using the generated compression pattern. The generated compression pattern and the compressed image data corresponding to one print scan of the printhead are transferred to a printing apparatus. In a printing apparatus that executes multi-pass printing, the transferred compression pattern and the compressed image data are received. The received compression pattern is stored into a memory as a decompression pattern. The received compressed image data is decompressed by using the stored decompression pattern and stored in a print buffer. Multi-pass printing is executed by scanning the printhead by using the image data stored in the print buffer. |
| US08004703B2 |
Image data obtaining system, digital compound machine and system management server
An image data obtaining system storing image data optically read from a digital compound machine into a database managed by a server connected to the digital compound machine via a network. The digital compound machine includes: a unit configured to generate an input screen based on input screen configuration information received from the server beforehand; a unit configured to send, to the server, the image data, image data information and a DB key value, wherein the image data information is for associating the image data with the input screen configuration information and is input from the input screen, and wherein the DB key value is for associating the database with the input screen configuration information. The server includes a unit configured to store the image data and/or the image data information into the database associating the image data and/or the image data information with the DB key value. |
| US08004701B2 |
Information processing method, information processing apparatus and program for generating and printing data
An information processing system includes an information management apparatus that accepts image generation requests and an image generation section that generates image data, which is provided independently of the information management apparatus. The information management apparatus issues a job ID in response to a print request from a client, and transmits the job ID and a URL of the image generation apparatus to the client. Based on the URL, the client directly requests the image generation apparatus for image data corresponding to the job ID. |
| US08004700B2 |
Server for combining images, and method of controlling same
It is so arranged that a mount image suited to a user photo image can be selected. To accomplish this, a creator accesses a scrapbook server using a computer and executes a simulation for creating a scrapbook by affixing part images such as photographic images and decorative images to an image of a paper mount on the display screen of the computer. When a user photo image and a mount image are selected, thumbnail images of decorative images recommended as decorative images for the user photo image and mount image are displayed in a small window. The creator selects a desired decorative image from among the thumbnail images of the recommended decorative images. The selected decorative image is displayed on a scrapbook edit image. |
| US08004699B2 |
Image processing apparatus with card reader setting table
A scanner section, a printing section, and an operation section having an input section for receiving operational information and a display section are provided. A setting table section is provided and is formed from non-contact type and contact type IC card reader use sections, in which the non-contact type and contact type IC card readers are arranged, respectively. The non-contact type and contact type IC card reader use sections are closer to and farther from an operator, respectively. |
| US08004696B2 |
Printing apparatus and computer program product for delimiting received data
In a printing apparatus, the number of delimiters included in received data from a host apparatus is smaller than the number of input items of a template by one. Therefore, the number of delimiters included in the received data from the host apparatus is calculated to be three. A character string which is periodically repeated in the received data three times as the number of the delimiters is obtained and set to be a delimiter candidate. Further, a print start character string candidate is obtained from a data group which is located after a last delimiter candidate in the received data. Using the provisionally determined candidates for a delimiter and a print start character string, the four item data included in the received data are assumed. Then, a print preview is displayed on a LCD so as to show a state where the four item data is input to each of the input items of the template. |
| US08004692B2 |
Optical interferometer and method
Disclosed are compact optical interferometer array, miniature optical interferometer array, and miniature optical interferometer. The interferometer arrays contain a spatial phase modulator array and a detector array. They are used for conducting multiple measurements. The miniature interferometer has only one component—a spatial phase modulator. Without passing through any focus lens, beam portions coming out of the modulator spread and merge together by themselves. Size of the miniature interferometer can reach subwavelength or even nanoscale. The interferometer array and miniature interferometer find applications in miniature spectrometer, color filter, display, adjustable subwavelength grating, etc. |
| US08004691B2 |
Measuring apparatus, exposure apparatus and method, and device manufacturing method
A measuring apparatus includes a pinhole mask, located on an object plane of an optical system to be measured, and having a plurality of pinholes for generating a spherical wave from a measuring light beam, and a diffraction grating for splitting the measuring light beam that has passed the pinhole mask and the optical system, in which Lg=m·Pg2/λ is met, where Pg is a grating pitch of the diffraction grating, λ is a wavelength of the measuring light beam, m is an integer other than zero, and Lg is a distance between the diffraction grating and an image plane of the optical system. The measuring apparatus detects an interferogram formed by interference between a plurality of the measuring light beams split by the diffraction grating. The plurality of measuring light beams includes an aberration of the optical system. |
| US08004689B2 |
Method of assessing bond integrity in bonded structures
A technique for acoustic detection of a disbond within a bonded structure involves thermal excitation of the surface of the bonded structure to induce a lifting and membrane vibration and is applicable to laminates and coated structures, as well as foam core structures or a honeycomb structures. The technique does not require access to both sides of the bonded structure. A large etendue interferometer is used to provide surface displacement measurement. The surface displacement measurement can be analyzed both by frequency or amplitude to determine existence of a disbond by membrane vibration, and further a thickness of the disbond can be determined using traditional pulse-echo time analysis. The technique may allow detection of stick bonds. |
| US08004688B2 |
Scan error correction in low coherence scanning interferometry
In general, in one aspect, the invention features apparatus that includes a broadband scanning interferometry system including interferometer optics for combining test light from a test object with reference light from a reference object to form an interference pattern on a detector, wherein the test and reference light are derived from a common light source. The interferometry system further includes a scanning stage configured to scan an optical path difference (OPD) between the test and reference light from the common source to the detector and a detector system including the detector for recording the interference pattern for each of a series of OPD increments, wherein the frequency of each OPD increment defines a frame rate. The interferometer optics are configured to produce at least two monitor interferometry signals each indicative of changes in the OPD as the OPD is scanned, wherein the detector system is further configured to record the monitor interferometry signals. The apparatus also includes an electronic processor electronically coupled to the detection system and scanning stage and configured to determine information about the OPD increments with sensitivity to perturbations to the OPD increments at frequencies greater than the frame rate. |
| US08004685B2 |
Substrate of target substance detection element to be used in apparatus for detecting target substance by utilizing surface plasmon resonance and detection element and detection apparatus using same
A substrate of a target substance detection element to be used for a detection apparatus for detecting a target substance, utilizing surface plasmon resonance, comprises a base and a metal structure arranged on the surface of the base in a localized manner or a metal film having an aperture and arranged on the surface of the base, the metal structure or the aperture, whichever appropriate, having at least either of a loop section and a crossing section. |
| US08004673B2 |
Photometric instrument
A metallic structure is provided on a surface of a substrate. A component having a longer wavelength than excitation light is detected from luminescence from fixation positions of biomolecules and emitted from a material other than the biomolecules, and is used for photometrical analysis. As the structure, usable is a particulate (a metallic structure of a size not larger than a wavelength of the excitation light), a minute protrusion, or a thin film with minute apertures, which are made of a metal such as gold, chrome, silver or aluminum. In the case of the particulate or the minute protrusion, photoluminescence of the structure is detected with a biomolecule being fixed thereon. In the case of the thin film with minute apertures, Raman scattered light of specimen solution around the biomolecules, and photoluminescence of the metallic structure near the biomolecules are detected with biomolecules being fixed in the apertures. |
| US08004661B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting cells
A method, apparatus, and system for a sorting flow cytometer include an objective lens having an optical axis coaxially aligned with the flow path at the focal point. A controllable energy source selectively alters an analyte according to a determination of whether the analyte is in a desired sub-population. In various embodiments, one or both of the emission from the controllable energy source and/or the emission from an illumination energy source passes through the objective lens. In some embodiments in which the emission from the controllable energy source passes through the objective lens, the objective lens may focus the emission from the controllable energy source at a different point than the focal point of a signal detected from the analyte and, in particular, at a point closer to the objective lens. |
| US08004657B2 |
Exposure apparatus, control method for the same, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus that includes a chamber in which an optical element, including a capping layer, is arranged, and that exposes a substrate to exposure light via the optical element. The apparatus includes a supply unit configured to supply a material into the chamber and a providing unit configured to provide electromagnetic waves to the capping layer. The apparatus is configured so that the electromagnetic waves provided by the providing unit cause a photochemical reaction of the material, to grow a layer on the capping layer, with at least one of a condition of supply of the material by the supply unit and a condition of provision of the electromagnetic waves by the providing unit being changed in accordance with each position of the capping layer, based on information of a decrease in an amount of the capping layer at each position, so as to repair the capping layer. |
| US08004653B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method for producing device
A liquid immersion exposure apparatus includes an optical element via which a patterned beam is projected onto a substrate in an exposure operation, a liquid supply system having a supply port from which exposure liquid is supplied, and a member which has a surface and which is different from the substrate. In the exposure operation, the liquid supply system supplies the exposure liquid from the supply port to a space between the optical element and the substrate. In a cleaning operation, the member is moved to a position at which the surface of the member faces the optical element, and the liquid supply system supplies the exposure liquid from the supply port to a space between the optical element and the surface of the member. |
| US08004652B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus is disclosed including a liquid supply system configured to at least partly fill a space between the projection system and the substrate with a liquid, an outlet configured to remove a mixture of liquid and gas passing through a gap between a liquid confinement structure of the liquid supply system and the substrate, and an evacuation system configured to draw the mixture through the outlet, the evacuation system having a separator tank arranged to separate liquid from gas in the mixture and a separator tank pressure controller, connected to a non-liquid-filled region of the separator tank, configured to maintain a stable pressure within the non-liquid-filled region. |
| US08004649B2 |
Immersion photolithography system and method using microchannel nozzles
A liquid immersion photolithography system includes an exposure system that exposes a substrate with electromagnetic radiation and includes a projection optical system that focuses the electromagnetic radiation on the substrate. A liquid supply system provides liquid flow between the projection optical system and the substrate. An optional plurality of micronozzles are arranged around the periphery of one side of the projection optical system so as to provide a substantially uniform velocity distribution of the liquid flow in an area where the substrate is being exposed. |
| US08004644B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate which face each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, in which a display sub-pixel and a viewing angle control sub-pixel are placed adjacently to each other for each of pixels, wherein the first substrate is provided with a pixel electrode and a common electrode driven by a lateral electric field mode in the display sub-pixel and is provided with a viewing angle control electrode in the viewing angle control sub-pixel, and in which the second substrate is provided with a transparent conductive electrode formed to overlap with both of the display sub-pixel and the viewing angle control sub-pixel on a liquid crystal layer side. |
| US08004643B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates which have opposed surfaces respectively provided with aligning films and have undergone aligning treatments such that aligning treatment directions are parallel and opposite between the films, and a liquid crystal layer made of a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy and placed between the substrates such that molecular long axes of the liquid crystal are oriented parallel to surfaces of the substrates. The first substrate includes a first conductive layer in which elongated slits obliquely crossing the aligning treatment direction are formed parallel to each other, and a second conductive layer formed on a layer different from the first layer through an insulating layer so as to overlap the slits and overlap at least part of the first layer. Each slit includes first and second linear portions extending in different directions at angles line-symmetrical to the aligning treatment direction. |
| US08004638B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus is suitable for a user to view through a polarization component having a first transmittance axis. The display apparatus includes a display module, a polarizer and a biaxial half-wave plate. The polarizer has a second transmittance axis such that a light provided from the display module passes through the polarizer and is converted into a polarized light. The biaxial half-wave plate is disposed on the display module and between the polarizer and the polarization component. The biaxial half-wave plate has a slow axis arranged between the first and second transmittance axes. The polarization of the polarized light passing through the biaxial half-wave plate tends toward the first transmittance axis. |
| US08004632B2 |
Flat display device
A flat display device includes a flat display panel, an upper polarizing plate disposed on a light exit plane of the flat display panel, and a lower polarizing plate disposed on a light entrance plane of the flat display panel. The upper polarizing plate includes a wide view film, and its absorption axis and a horizontal view direction of the flat display panel have an included angle of about 15 degrees. The absorption axis of the lower polarizing plate and the horizontal view direction of the flat display panel have an included angle of about 105 degrees. |
| US08004624B2 |
Gate in panel type liquid crystal display device
A Gate In Panel (GIP) type liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates facing each other, an area between the first and second substrates including an active region for displaying images and a dummy region outside of the active region; a common line in a peripheral area of the dummy region of the first substrate; a GIP gate driver on one side of the dummy region of the first substrate; a GIP dummy gate driver in the dummy region between the common line and the GIP gate driver; signal lines that applying signals outputted from a timing controller to the GIP gate driver and the GIP dummy gate driver, the signal lines on the one side of the dummy region on the first substrate; and an electrostatic prevention circuit formed in the dummy region of the first substrate between the common line and the signal lines. |
| US08004622B2 |
Embedded stereoscopic 3D display and 2D display film stack
An LCD device with 3D and 2D sections. The device includes an LCD panel, a light guide with a backlight, and an embedded 3D-2D film stack positioned between the LCD panel and the light guide. The 3D and 2D sections provide for simultaneously viewing visual content in 3D and 2D formats. The device can also include a frame providing a barrier between the 3D and 2D sections and can include other features to enhance the display. |
| US08004621B2 |
Switchable lens
A display apparatus has a switchable birefringent lens array. The display apparatus produces a substantially linearly polarised output. The lens array comprises birefringent material arranged between a planar surface of a first substrate and a relief substrate of a second substrate defining an array of cylindrical lenses. The lens array has electrodes for applying a control voltage across the birefringent material for electrically switching the birefringent material between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode the lens array modifies the directional distribution of incident light polarised in a predetermined direction. In the second mode the lens array has substantially no effect on incident light polarised in said predetermined direction. |
| US08004618B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver
A broadcast channel detection system enabling search of channels providing a digital television broadcast from among a large number of channels at a high speed.This is configured by a periodic signal detecting function unit 21 receiving as input a selected received signal when a channel selecting function unit 12 selects a desired channel and detecting periodic signals (P) appearing at substantially constant timings, a periodicity distribution finding function unit 22 for finding a state of distribution of the cluster of periodic signals (P) detected a plurality of times, and a decision function unit 23 deciding the presence of a digital broadcast according to whether a width of the distribution of the cluster detected fits in a predetermined width. |
| US08004616B2 |
Television receiver having a plurality of standby power modes
A television receiver having a security module fixing part for descrambling digital broadcast comprises at least a standby power mode for supplying power only to hardware, such as a remote control receiver (full standby), a standby power mode for supplying power also to a security module other than the hardware supplied with power in the full standby (partial standby), and a standby power mode for stopping supply of power only to a monitor at minimum (false standby) and has a standby power mode determination part for controlling presentation of images and electronic program guides to a user at startup. |
| US08004614B2 |
Method and system for reducing the appearance of jaggies when deinterlacing moving edges
A method and system for reducing the appearance of jaggies when deinterlacing moving edges in a video processing system are provided. The method may comprise detecting the direction of an angled edge in an interlaced video image to determine a filtering direction to be used for approximating absent pixels in deinterlacing the interlaced video. In detecting the direction of the angled edge, a group of windows of different sizes may be used to look at the edge, where a missing pixel is the center of each of the windows. Detecting the direction of the edge, and therefore the direction of filtering, may comprise: determining the angle associated with the edge, determining the strength of the edge, examining the pixels surrounding the absent pixel, and adjusting the first angle measure and the second angle measure based on the pattern of the surrounding pixels. |
| US08004611B2 |
Method of and apparatus for utilizing video buffer in a multi-purpose fashion to extend the video buffer to multiple windows
The present invention includes a method and device that allows efficient mixing of multiple video images with a graphics screen while utilizing only one video buffer. The present invention partitions the sole video buffer, pre-scales the plurality of video images and inserts them into the partitioned video buffer in a predetermined range of buffer addresses. The present invention mixes the partitioned video including the pre-scaled video images with the graphics screen to produce a video display including both a video screen and a graphics screen. |
| US08004610B2 |
Techniques to enable digital television and GPS coexistence
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a digital television (DTV) receiver including at least a one-bit-flag such that when the flag is “on”, the DTV receiver is not allowed to start an initial acquisition process, and at least one additional receiver sharing part of a receive chain of the DTV receiver and wherein the additional receiver is capable of turning the one-bit-flag “on”. The flag may be set through communication between the drivers of the DTV receiver and the at least one additional receiver. |
| US08004609B2 |
Amplifier, correcting method of correcting difference in processing time between video signal and audio signal, and correcting system
There is provided an amplifier that measures a display delay time caused until a video is displayed actually after a video signal is generated, and sets automatically a delay time of an audio signal such that an audio synchronizes with this display. Test video data is stored in a memory 11. This test video data is video data that generates a clear change in luminance in such a manner that a screen is changed suddenly from deep black to pure white. This test video is output to a video display device 2 such as PDP, for example, and a delay time generated until the test video is displayed actually after this test video is output is measured. Since the luminance of the screen is changed suddenly when the test video is displayed actually, this change can be sensed by an optical sensor 20. The audio signal is delayed by setting this delay time in an audio signal processing portion 13, so that the video can synchronize with the audio. |
| US08004607B2 |
Region-based cadence detector
In a method for detecting the cadence of a sequence of images, each pixel in each current field in the sequence of images is compared to at least one pixel in at least one previous field. A pixel motion phase value is assigned to each pixel in the field as a function of the result of that comparison. For each block of pixels in the current field, a block motion phase value is determined from the motion phase values of the pixels in the block. The current field is segmented into at least one region, with each region comprising a whole number of blocks, as a function of at least the determined block motion phase values. A region motion phase value is assigned to each region, based on the block motion phase values for the blocks in the region. |
| US08004604B2 |
Coplanar camera scanning system
A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution. |
| US08004601B2 |
Imaging apparatus using multiple regulators to decrease overall power consumption
An imaging apparatus for reducing power consumption. The apparatus includes a first regulator connected to a signal processing circuit and a second regulator connected to an output circuit. The first regulator generates a first regulated voltage that is in accordance with an output level of a solid-state image sensor. The second regulator generates a second regulated voltage that is in accordance with an input level of an external device. |
| US08004600B2 |
Composite image device and related portable electronic device
A composite image device having image capturing, laser pointing, lighting and related functions in one includes a first perspective window, a second perspective window, a third perspective window, an image capturing module, laser source module, a light source module and a switchable light modulating module. The image capturing module captures ambient light through the first perspective window to generate digital image data. The laser source module emits a laser through the second perspective window. The light source module emits illuminating light through the third perspective window. The switchable light modulating module includes at least a light modulating gate and a switching device for moving the at least a light modulating gate to a position relatively parallel to the second or third perspective window to modulate the emitted laser or the emitted illuminating light. |
| US08004599B2 |
Automatic focus adjusting apparatus and automatic focus adjusting method, and image pickup apparatus and image pickup method
In an automatic focus adjusting method for adjusting the focus based on image signals in a preset focus detection area, the face is detected from an image, and the detected face area is set as the focus detection area in a front-light scene. On the other hand, when a backlight scene is identified, an area in which the detected face area is reduced is set as the focus detection area. This enables to control the focus so that the face is accurately focused on without being affected by the contrast of the contour of the face in a backlight scene (contrast of the contour of the face is strong in the backlight scene). |
| US08004587B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, signal processing method for the same, and imaging apparatus
Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device, including, a pixel array unit, driving means, signal processing means, level determining means and control means. |
| US08004584B2 |
Method and apparatus for the creation of compound digital image effects
A user captures a digital image, which is then selected for post-processing within the image capture device. The image capture device decompresses the full size image, and buffers any metadata associated with the image. As a user applies each post-processing effect to the image, effect parameters are added to the metadata for the image. Upon completion of post-processing the effect parameters from the metadata are stored in a separate custom effect file. The image capture device then is able to perform the series of effects upon subsequent images after reading the effect parameters from the custom effect file. |
| US08004577B2 |
Multi-band image photographing method and apparatus, and program for executing the method
The multi-band image photographing method and apparatus photograph a subject by dividing a photographing wavelength region into plural bands and obtain spectral images of the subject corresponding to the respective divided plural bands. The method and apparatus detect a sensitivity balance among the respective plural bands from photographing data of each of the spectral images obtained by preliminary photographing performed prior to main photographing, determine photographing conditions for the respective plural bands based upon the detected sensitivity balance, and perform the main photographing in accordance with the determined photographing conditions to photograph a multi-band image. The program is used to cause a computer to execute this method or part thereof. |
| US08004567B2 |
Portable device capable of connecting to and selecting an external device
A portable device that sends and receives data to and from one of a plurality of external devices is provided. The portable device has connecting members, a selecting member, and a communicating member. The connecting members send and receive data to and from said external devices. The selecting member selects one of said connecting members among those connected to some of said external devices. The communicating member sends and receives data to and from an external device using the selected connecting member. |
| US08004565B2 |
System and method for using motion vectors for object tracking
A system and method for tracking objects between multiple frames of a video is described. One method for tracking objects begins with a viewer initially identifying an object in a frame of video. If the viewer requires zooming, he can also select a scale factor for the identified object. Once the user has identified an object for tracking, the computer system identifies a reference point on the object and identifies the motion vectors for that reference point. Using the motion vectors, the computer system can track the identified object as it moves across the screen and can reposition an image acquisition area to track the location of the identified object in subsequent video frames. |
| US08004563B2 |
Method and system for effectively performing event detection using feature streams of image sequences
Method and system for performing event detection and object tracking in image streams by installing in field, a set of image acquisition devices, where each device includes a local programmable processor for converting the acquired image stream that consist of one or more images, to a digital format, and a local encoder for generating features from the image stream. These features are parameters that are related to attributes of objects in the image stream. The encoder also transmits a feature stream, whenever the motion features exceed a corresponding threshold. Each image acquisition device is connected to a data network through a corresponding data communication channel. An image processing server that determines the threshold and processes the feature stream is also connected to the data network. Whenever the server receives features from a local encoder through its corresponding data communication channel and the data network, the server provides indications regarding events in the image streams by processing the feature stream and transmitting these indications to an operator. |
| US08004558B2 |
Stereoscopic wide field of view imaging system
A stereoscopic imaging system incorporates a plurality of imaging devices or cameras to generate a high resolution, wide field of view image database from which images can be combined in real time to provide wide field of view or panoramic or omni-directional still or video images. |
| US08004553B2 |
Optical scanning device, optical scanning method, and image forming apparatus, using the optical scanning device
An optical scanning device for guiding a light beam to a member to scan the member with the light beam, including a light source emitting the light beam; a light deflector deflecting the light beam; a focusing optical system including a plastic optical element molded using a die. The optical element has least two transfer surfaces formed by contacting with transfer surfaces of the die and including a light entrance surface and a light exit surface; and a third surface including a non-transfer surface formed without contacting a transfer surface of the die. The light beam passes through the optical element in such a manner that the optical axis center of the light beam extends in a direction parallel to the shorter side of the optical element while being shifted from the dimensional center of the optical element toward the third surface of the optical element. |
| US08004546B2 |
Deviation amount detecting device, deviation amount detecting method, and computer-readable recording medium
A deviation amount detecting device for use in an electrophotographic color image forming device is configured to detect whether a deviation for each of toner images of different colors on a transporting member takes place, based on position information which is stored as a result of reading of a first set of deviation detecting patterns by a pattern reading unit. |
| US08004544B1 |
Fuzzy logic based LCD overdrive control method
A boost table stores adjusted target levels for pairs of original and target pixel levels. The adjusted target levels can be used to as a substitute for the target pixel level to improve pixel response in reaching the desired target pixel level. A reduced boost table can be used, storing a subset of the adjusted target levels. Fuzzy logic control rules can be used to calculate adjusted target levels not actually stored in the reduced boost table. |
| US08004540B1 |
Display resolution boundary
A method is provided to retrieve a display resolution used by a computing device in an online conference. With the display resolution, a boundary associated with the display resolution is displayed. The boundary is configured to define a display area shown on the computing device. |
| US08004533B2 |
Graphics input command stream scheduling method and apparatus
A command parser in a GPU is configured to schedule execution of received commands and includes a first input coupled to a scheduler. The first command parser input is configured to communicate bus interface commands to the command parser for execution. A second command parser input is coupled to a controller that receives ring buffer commands from the scheduler in association with a new or previously-partially executed ring buffer, or context, which are executed by the command parser. A third command parser input coupled to a command DMA component that receives DMA commands from the controller that are also contained in the new or previously-partially executed ring buffer, which are forwarded to the command parser for execution. The command parser forwards data corresponding to commands received on one or more the first, second, and third inputs via one or more outputs. |
| US08004522B1 |
Using coverage information in computer graphics
The boundary of a surface can be represented as a series of line segments. A number of polygons are successively superimposed onto the surface. The polygons utilize a common reference point and each of the polygons has an edge that coincides with one of the line segments. Coverage bits are associated with respective sample locations within a pixel. A value of a coverage bit is changed each time a sample location associated with the coverage bit is covered by one of the polygons. Final values of the coverage bits are buffered after all of the polygons have been processed. The values of the coverage bits can be used when the surface is subsequently rendered. |
| US08004521B2 |
Graphic rendering method and system comprising a graphic module
A graphic rendering method includes: providing data primitive representing primitives of a scene; defining a plurality of three-dimensional cells of a scene view frustum; ordering the cells according to an order based on cell depths from a reference plane; associating each primitive to a cell; and processing data primitives according to the cell order to renderize the scene. |
| US08004520B1 |
Occlusion prediction graphics processing system and method
An occlusion prediction graphics processing system and method are presented in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. An occlusion prediction graphics processing method is utilized to predict which pixel values are eventually occluded before intermediate processing stages are performed on the pixel values. For example, occlusion results are predicted before the occlusion stage of a graphics pipeline. The occlusion prediction results are based upon an occlusion value received from later in a graphics processing pipeline (e.g., a raster operation stage). A convex polygonal prediction area can be established and a nearest vertex of the convex polygonal prediction area is selected for prediction analysis. Pixel values are removed or discarded from the pipeline based upon the occlusion prediction results and do not unnecessarily occupy processing resources. Removal of the pixel values from the pipeline includes pixels values associated with pixels in the convex polygonal prediction area. Pixel shading is performed on the remaining pixels. |
| US08004512B2 |
Power-on screen pattern correcting apparatus and source driver using the same
A power-on screen pattern correcting apparatus is for correcting start output data of output terminals of a source driver such that a power-on screen pattern of a display is substantially uniform. The correcting apparatus comprises a flip-flop, a first logic unit and a second logic unit. The flip-flop controls a level of an inner signal to be substantially equal to a low signal level in response to a low level of a power start signal. The first logic unit enables a first signal in response to the low level of the inner signal or a low level of a high-impedance control signal. The second logic unit enables a second signal such that the output terminals are coupled to a charge sharing line and the power-on screen pattern is uniform in response to the low level of the inner signal or a low level of a charge-sharing control signal. |
| US08004511B2 |
Systems and methods for distortion-related source light management
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for managing display device power consumption with distortion-related parameters. |
| US08004509B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display device and a driving method thereof that are adaptive for detecting a presence and a frequency range of an input signal applied to the liquid crystal display. In the device, a timing controller is provided with a signal presence determiner for detecting an application of an input signal from an interface. The signal presence determiner is provided with an oscillator for generating a reference clock having the same frequency as a horizontal synchronizing signal and a pre-synchronizing signal having the same frequency as a vertical synchronizing signal, a period detector for comparing a data enable signal from the exterior thereof with the reference clock to output a period of the input signal with the aid of a detection reference signal and the pre-synchronizing signal, a period comparator for comparing a period range between a desired maximum value and a desired minimum value of the input signal, and signal presence/absence comparing means for determining a presence/absence of the input signal in response to a pulse number of the input signal detected within a period range between the maximum value and the minimum value during an application interval of the detection reference signal. |
| US08004507B2 |
Remote status multifunction display for a transport vehicle
A display for a transport unit. The transport unit includes a vehicle, a trailer that defines a space, and a sensor that is in communication with the transport unit and that senses a parameter of the transport unit. The display unit includes a housing that is attachable to the trailer, and a display portion coupled to the housing. The display portion includes a screen configured to display the parameter. A controller is in electrical communication with the display portion to display the parameter on the screen. The controller is programmed to selectively switch the screen between a forward view mode and a mirror view mode such that the parameter is readable on the screen from outside the vehicle and from inside the vehicle based on a relationship between the vehicle and the trailer. |
| US08004506B2 |
Display control device, display control method, and program
A display control device for controlling the display of an image in a display device includes a decision unit configured to decide whether the state of a scaling of a moving-image portion in a display object image or an image to be displayed in the display device has changed; and a display control unit configured to select a screen mode for displaying the display object image in response to the change in the scaling state of the moving-image portion in the display object image, and to display the display object image in the screen mode in the display device. |
| US08004505B2 |
Variable storage of bits on a backplane
The present invention provides a various methods, systems and devices for controlling light modulating elements and/or spatial light modulators. In some embodiments of the present invention, a recursive feedback method is used to control light modulating elements and/or spatial light modulators. |
| US08004499B2 |
Interleaved electrodes for touch sensing
A capacitive touch sensing system includes a touch surface and sets of substantially parallel electrodes arranged in relation to the touch surface. Each electrode set includes a primary electrode electrically connected to at least two sub-electrodes. The primary electrode is capable of producing greater capacitive coupling to a touch in proximity with the touch surface in relation to capacitive coupling of the at least two sub-electrodes. The sub-electrodes of the electrode sets are arranged in an interleaved pattern configured to increase an effective area of capacitive coupling associated with each electrode set. |
| US08004494B2 |
Handheld electronic device and keyboard having multiple-function keys
An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keyboard provides enhanced usability with fewer keys by enabling the keys to pivot slightly to provide multiple functions to the keys. The improved keyboard may, for example, include internal strips of conductive carbon that are disposed adjacent the keys and are electrically engageable with contacts on a printed circuit board. Specifically, when a key is pressed directly downward it collapses a single dome and connects together a set of primary contacts to provide a first function. When the key is pressed at the side thereof, the key pivots slightly, collapses the dome and connects together the primary contacts, and also engages a carbon strip with a pair of secondary contacts to connect together the secondary contacts, all of which provide a second function. The keyboard may be configured to be of a QWERTY configuration while using only a relatively small number of keys. |
| US08004492B2 |
Interface for controlling a graphical image
An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the computer running an application program and generating a graphical image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipulatable object in communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between the graphical image and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation. In another version, a mouse for interfacing a user with a computer generating a graphical environment comprising, a graphical hand comprises a housing, a position detector to detect a position of the mouse, the position detector capable of providing a first position signal to the computer to control the position of the graphical hand in the graphical environment, and a finger position detector to detect a position of a finger of the user, the finger position detector capable of providing a second position signal to the computer to control a graphical finger on the graphical hand in relation to the position of the finger of the user. |
| US08004491B2 |
System for and methods of storing and comparing computer generated continuous vector lines through a non-secure or a secure communication channel
A system/method to store and compare computer generated vector lines through an insecure or a secure communication channel. Using an input device (i.e. computer Keyboard, finger, soft keypad, or any other input from body movements, electrical current, or impulses, or input from human or mechanical sound waves) to a physical machine, or through a token (i.e. credit card, USB token, which can be carried around by user), a user enters and sends their unique identifier and reference code (i.e. PIN, password, other secret code) to the physical machine by making a contact or contact-less to the computer system. As part of the enrollment process the user inscribes a pre-determined set of continuous vector lines (CVLs). The CVLs include data points that are collected from any computer pointing device in a specific format, using a push down anatomical technique and are sent to local active content (i.e. a library, or a program, or an add-on to the internet browser i.e. ActiveX) or a remote server for further analysis of the two CVLs. A user should go through an Enrollment and Verification process to capture the data points and this process uses a two factor authentication and a verification scheme. The collected data points that represent a CVL profile made previously is kept in a database, registry, or memory that can be encrypted and accessed (locally or remotely) by using a reference number or other unique identifier to enable the comparison of a newly generated CVL identifier to the previously generated one. |
| US08004489B2 |
Image processing method of backlight illumination control and device using the same
An image processing method of backlight illumination control is provided herein. First, an image including a plurality of pixels is received, wherein a first function is a relation between a gray-level value of one of the pixels and a displaying illumination of a backlight. The first function is compared with a characteristic function to obtain the specific function, wherein the characteristic function is a relation between the gray-level value and a predetermined displaying illumination of the backlight, and the specific function is a relation between the gray-level value and a remapped gray-level value. The specific function is utilized to remap the gray-level -value so as to adjust the displaying illumination. Therefore, the present invention enhances the displaying illumination for better visual quality. |
| US08004483B2 |
Display device
Display bright in contrast can be obtained without discrination and flicker in the display device of the direct vision type whose pixel pitches are short to 20 μm or less. A liquid crystal panel is driven through the frame inverse driving method, and the vertical frame frequency is set to 120 Hz or more. Also, each of the pixels is arranged to correspond to one of R, G and B of color filters disposed on a TFT substrate side. |
| US08004479B2 |
Electroluminescent display with interleaved 3T1C compensation
A method of compensating for changes in the characteristics of transistors and EL devices in an EL display, includes providing an EL display having a two-dimensional array of EL devices arranged in rows and columns, wherein each EL device is driven by a drive circuit in response to a drive signal; providing a first drive circuit for an EL device having three transistors and providing a second drive circuit for an EL device having only two transistors, and wherein a first column in the display includes at least one first drive circuit and an adjacent second column includes at least one second drive circuit; deriving a correction signal based on the characteristics of a transistor in a first drive circuit, or the EL device; and using the correction signal to adjust the drive signals applied to the first drive circuit and one or more adjacent second drive circuits. |
| US08004478B2 |
Display device and method of driving a display device
An electroluminescent display device is provided that includes a panel having a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines and a plurality of pixels formed at cross areas of the scan lines and data lines. A driving circuit may be provided to drive scan signals on the scan lines and data signals on the data lines. A frame control device may receive first display data, determine a total amount of current passing through each of the scan lines, and provide second display data to the panel based on the determined total amount of current. |
| US08004477B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method thereof
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including a pixel-array unit, a scanner unit and a signal unit. The pixel-array unit has pixels laid out to form a matrix and each provided at an intersection of first and second scanning lines each oriented in a row direction of the matrix and a signal line oriented in a column direction of the matrix. The signal unit provides a video signal to the signal line. The scanner unit sequentially scans the pixels of the matrix in row units by supplying first and second control signals to the first and second scanning lines respectively. |
| US08004471B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an antenna incorporated in an electronic apparatus includes an antenna element formed of a metal thin film and provided on the inner surface of a side wall of a housing, an antenna ground formed of a metal thin film and provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the housing, and a conductor portion formed of a metal thin film, provided at least on the inner surface of the bottom wall and connecting the antenna element to the antenna ground. The feed pin of a feed terminal mounted on a printed circuit board is kept in contact with the conductor portion on the bottom wall to feed power from a wireless module to the antenna. |
| US08004468B2 |
RIFD device with microstrip antennas
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first microstrip antenna comprising a microstrip positioned towards a first side of the device, and a Radio Frequency—(RF-)reflective back plane spaced from the microstrip of the first microstrip antenna; a second microstrip antenna comprising a microstrip positioned farther from the first side of the device than the microstrip of the first microstrip antenna, and an RF-reflective back plane spaced from the microstrip of the second microstrip antenna; and circuitry for receiving signals from the first and second microstrip antennas, wherein the first and second microstrip antennas are each independently coupled to the circuitry. |
| US08004466B2 |
Antenna
An antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a radiator disposed on one surface of the dielectric substrate, a feeding conductive pattern having one end connected with the radiator and the other end connected with an external feed line, a first slot disposed in the feeding conductive pattern, a ground plane disposed on the other surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second slot disposed on the ground plane. |
| US08004465B2 |
Multiband omnidirectional antenna
A multiband omnidirectional antenna which includes a grounded face and an antenna element situated parallel to the grounded face, the antenna element having a first planar emitter, which has a planar design and extends parallel to the grounded face, a second planar emitter, which surrounds the first planar emitter at a distance, and at least two connection elements for connecting the first and the second planar emitters to each other. |
| US08004461B2 |
Multi-functional system for extending and modulating 130dBm frequency of GPS terminal for life jacket
Disclosed is a complex multifunction system of a frequency band (130 dBm) frequency extension modulation of a GPS terminal in a life jacket which is used when there is an accident at sea, at a ship or at an airplane. The system comprises a body including a front plate which transmits and receives a frequency transferred from the GPS terminal in a life jacket in a process of introducing and sharing a coupling scheme with interspace-VLBI in frequency band 130 dBm, and a rear plate which is in contact with a tag of an HDX frequency extension modulation; a head unit for attaching a iris on a head of the body and supporting a frequency propagation amplification transmission of a microstrip fetch antenna; and a location based service (LBS) attached to a middle portion of the front plate of the body or a head unit, having a function of transmitting an emergency rescue signal and converting the signal into a multi-language voice information service. |
| US08004459B2 |
Determining a geolocation solution of an emitter on earth using satellite signals
Embodiments provide systems and methods for determining the geolocation of an emitter on earth. A solution is obtained from two TDOA measurements that need not be acquired at the same time. A solution is obtained from a TDOA measurement and an FDOA measurement that need not be acquired at the same time and need not be coming from the same satellite pair. A location of an emitter can be determined from minimizing a cost function of the weighted combination of the six solutions derived from the two TDOA measurements and the two FDOA measurements, where the weight of each solution in the combination is determined based on the intersection angle of the two curves that define the possible locations of the emitter based on the TDOA and/or FDOA measurements. |
| US08004458B2 |
Means for dual polarization radar with automatic built-in test equipment and calibration
A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal. |
| US08004456B2 |
Antenna calibration
The present invention relates to antenna calibration for active phased array antennas. Specifically, the present invention relates to a built in apparatus for autonomous antenna calibrationAccordingly, the present invention provides a method of calibrating an antenna array comprising the steps of: (i) loading a set of correction coefficients for all or a portion of the antenna array; (ii) outputting a known test signal from all or a portion of the antenna array using said correction coefficients; (iii) measuring the performance of all or a portion of the antenna array using a plurality of calibration antennas; and (iv) generating a new set of correction coefficients to correct the performance of all or a portion of the antenna array. |
| US08004455B1 |
Antenna simulator
A method and apparatus for simulating antenna apparatuses are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first portion configured to produce a first and third plurality of signals and to receive a second plurality of signals from a transmitter, wherein said first and third plurality of signals are determined by more than one of a plurality of relationships between said transmitter and at least one antenna apparatus adapted to receive signals from said transmitter. |
| US08004452B2 |
Methods and apparatus for coordinating ADS-B with mode S SSR and/or having single link communication
Methods and apparatus for an ADS-B system having a single link for communication and/or ADS-B/Mode-S coordination. With this arrangement, the system communication is efficiently used. |
| US08004451B2 |
Adaptive microwave security sensor
A method and apparatus are provided for operating a microwave detector for detecting intruders within a secured area. The method includes the steps of selecting a noise floor based upon a setting of a range setting potentiometer, detecting a magnitude of a signal reflected from a test subject within the secured area that exceeds the selected noise floor and establishing a threshold value for detecting an intruder based upon the magnitude of the detected signal and sensor mounting height. |
| US08004444B2 |
ADC chopping transconductor having two pairs of cascode transistors
A chopping transconductor includes an transconductor input stage coupled with input signals of the chopping transconductor; a chopping switch coupled with an output of the transconductor input stage, the chopping switch having a switch output; and a cascode transistor, wherein the switch output is coupled to an output of the chopping transconductor through the cascode transistor. The chopping transconductor may be used in an analog-to-digital converter to isolate chopping switches from junctions with quantization noise. |
| US08004442B2 |
Analog to digital converter (ADC) with comparator function for analog signals
This disclosure relates to analog to digital converter (ADC) component with a comparator function for analog signals. |
| US08004441B1 |
Small-area digital to analog converter based on master-slave configuration
A digital-to-analog (DAC) converter that includes a plurality of dynamically operated slave digital-to-analog (DAC) converters, each having a switched current mirror and a storage capacitor, and a static master digital-to-analog (DAC) converter in communication with the plurality of dynamically operated slave DAC converters, that distributes a current to at least one of the plurality of slave DAC converters such that voltage across the storage capacitor of the at least one slave DAC converter controls the switch current mirror so that the at least one slave DAC converter outputs currents that are equivalent to digital codes applied to the static master DAC converter. A ring counter is used to periodically refresh the charges on the storage capacitors that are lost by leakage. In addition to the periodic updates, an end user may perform immediate updates of selected slave DACs if necessary, via the ring counter. |
| US08004440B2 |
Transimpedance amplifier and analog-digital converter circuit
A transimpedance amplifier according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a first terminal supplied with a first power supply voltage, and a second terminal supplied with a second power supply voltage having a potential lower than that of the first power supply voltage. The transimpedance amplifier outputs a voltage signal that is converted into a binary signal of one of the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage, based on an input analog current signal. This makes it possible to reduce a conversion error. |
| US08004439B2 |
Digital to analog converter
A digital to analog converter with two outputs controlled by an input signal with n-bits is disclosed. A reference voltage circuit generates (2n+1) reference voltages numbered from 1 to (2n+1). A switch array coupled to the reference voltage circuit, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal, includes a plurality of switches switching according to the input signal. The first output terminal outputs only one of odd reference voltages according to the input signal, and the second output terminal outputs one of even reference voltages according to the input signal, and the number of the switches is less than (n×2n+2n). |
| US08004438B2 |
Circuit and method for dynamically selecting circuit elements
Techniques for dynamically selecting circuit elements to combat mismatches are described. In one design, an apparatus includes first, second, and third circuits. The first circuit receives input data and provides first signals that are asserted based on the input data, e.g., with thermometer decoding. The second circuit receives the first signals and provides second signals used to select circuit elements, e.g., current sources, capacitors, resistors, etc. The third circuit generates a control for the second circuit, and the second circuit maps the first signals to the second signals based on this control. In one design, the second circuit includes a set of multiplexers and a control circuit. The multiplexers provides the first signals, circularly rotated by an amount determined by the control, as the second signals. The control circuit accumulates control data (e.g., the input data, pseudo-random data, or a fixed value) with the current control value to obtain new control value. |
| US08004436B2 |
Dithering technique for reducing digital interference
The invention is directed to a circuit and method for equalizing digital interference. A digital interference equalizing circuit may include a signal clipping unit, receiving a digital signal and clipping the digital signal based upon a clipping function, and a dithering unit adding dither to the clipped digital signal. A digital interference equalizing circuit may also include a noise detection circuit, detecting the normal activity level in a digital signal which may then be used to scale the dither added to the digital signal. |
| US08004431B2 |
Fast parsing of variable-to-fixed-length codes
Methods and systems for parsing and decoding compressed data are provided. Random segments of the compressed data may be decompressed and positioned appropriately in the corresponding uncompressed data set. The methods and systems utilize variable to fixed length (VF) coding techniques. For some applications, the VF coding techniques may be implemented within media encoders, decoders, or combined encoder-decoders (CODECs). |
| US08004430B2 |
Coding scheme for serial data communications
An encoding scheme generates an encoded nine bit code word from each input eight bit data word. The coding scheme is such that the encoded data words have advantageous properties, such as a minimum of two polarity transitions in each encoded data word, and a maximum of five bits without a polarity transition. Five of the bits from the input eight bit data word appear unchanged in the encoded data word, while the other four bits of the encoded data word are obtained by applying appropriate logical operators to the remaining three bits of the input data word in combination with two of the five bits that appear unchanged in the encoded data word. Exception codes can also be defined, that is, nine bit code words that cannot be obtained from any eight bit data word by means of the coding scheme, and can be used to embed control information into the data stream. For example, the exception codes may advantageously have six or seven bits without a polarity transition. |
| US08004425B2 |
Blind spot detection system and method using preexisting vehicular imaging devices
A vehicular blind spot detection system (700) for alerting a driver of a motor vehicle to an object in the vehicle's blind spot, the system includes a first imaging device (707) used typically used to control vehicle lighting and that works to detect objects substantially forward of the vehicle and a second imaging device (709) typically used with a rear camera display (RCD) for detecting objects substantially rearward of the vehicle. A control unit (711) is coupled to the first imaging device (707) and second imaging device (709) that includes a graphic processing unit (713) for processing images captured by the first imaging device (707) and second imaging device (709) for detecting an optical flow of objects within the images so as to discriminate between vehicles and other objects entering the driver's blind spot. |
| US08004422B2 |
Telemetry system and method with variable parameters
A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path. |
| US08004418B2 |
Communication interface apparatus for an electrical distribution panel, and system and electrical distribution panel including the same
A system includes a number of electrical switching apparatus having separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a test circuit structured to test the trip mechanism and determine a failure to protect condition thereof, and a communication circuit structured to communicate the failure to protect condition. The system also includes an electrical distribution panel having a housing housing the number of electrical switching apparatus, and a communication interface structured to receive the failure to protect condition from the communication circuit and annunciate the failure to protect condition. |
| US08004417B2 |
Computer device output setting indicator
A computer device comprises an output monitor configured to determine an output configuration setting for the computer device and automatically actuate an output setting indicator corresponding to the output configuration setting. |
| US08004414B2 |
Use of RFIDs to measure flow-rates of materials flowing through piping
Material passing through a piping is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. As the RFID tags pass an RFID sensor, which is either adjacent to or within the piping, a flow-rate of the material is determined by counting the rate at which the RFID tags pass the RFID sensor. |
| US08004412B2 |
Electronic device capable of identifying external antennas and related external antenna module
An electronic device with external antenna identification function includes a plurality of external antenna modules, each of which includes an antenna and an identification tag unit for generating a specific identification signal to identify the external antenna module according to a query signal, a connection port, a identification tag authorizing module, coupled to the connection port, for outputting the query signal when one of the plurality of external antenna modules is connected to the connection port and for generating a identification result according to the specific identification signal generated by the external antenna module, and a radio transceiver module, coupled to the connection port and the identification tag authorizing module, for transmitting and receiving corresponding radio signals according to the identification result. |
| US08004410B2 |
System and method for providing secure identification solutions
The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking identification information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader. |
| US08004406B2 |
Pliable material tag using a lanyard or a portion of a garment
A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is coupled to the item or items it is protecting by either a lanyard or by passing a portion of the unfinished garment through aperture(s) in the pliable material. The lanyard can take on various compositions and can couple to the pliable material using different latching mechanisms. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed. |
| US08004404B2 |
Information storage device, information storage program, verification device and information storage method
An information storage device which can record highly reliable information is provided. The moving object information storage device 3 is an information storage device equipped in a moving object 1, and includes: a moving object information storage unit 32 storing moving object information based on information detected by sensors which detect information related to the moving object 1; a tamper preventing unit 20 obtaining specifying information which can specify the moving object 1, and generating integrity information to be used for verifying if at least either the specifying information or the moving object information is tampered or not based on the obtained specifying information and the moving object information stored in the moving object information storage unit 32; and an integrity information storage unit 33 storing the integrity information generated by the tamper preventing unit 20. |
| US08004403B2 |
System and method for generating an alert for a trailer
A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation. |
| US08004400B2 |
Communication method for locating a parked vehicle
A method of locating a parked vehicle that is equipped with a RKE system including a vehicle-installed RF communication module and a driver-borne wireless RF nomadic device such as a key fob involves installing a RFID tag in the nomadic device and a RFID interrogator in the vehicle. The driver depresses a button on the nomadic device to transmit a location request to the vehicle's communication module, and the RFID interrogator in turn emits a RF interrogation signal to identify the RFID tag and determine its location relative to the vehicle. The communication module then transmits a compass bearing to the nomadic device, and an indicator of the nomadic device is activated to provide the driver with a bearing for locating the vehicle. |
| US08004395B2 |
Display system
An instrument panel display system displays vehicle information, amenity information, and safety information as images. In this instrument panel display system, data (image data, image layout data, and image output control data) for displaying the images are generated in a shared manner by a vehicle system processor, an amenity system processor, and a safety system processor. On account of this, the stability of image display on an instrument panel of a vehicle or the like is improved and hence safety of driving is increased. |
| US08004394B2 |
Camera system for large vehicles
A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or schoolbus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided. |
| US08004392B2 |
Voice acquisition system for a vehicle
A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly may include a microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of these audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and/or an emergency communication system. The system may include a control that is responsive to the output from the microphone and that distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one accessory of the equipped vehicle, and the accessory may be responsive to a vocal signal captured by the microphone. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include at least one accessory, such as an antenna, a video device, a security system status indicator, a tire pressure indicator display and/or a loudspeaker. |
| US08004378B2 |
Coil configuration having a coil brace of an electromagnetic drive
A coil configuration having a tube-shaped coil brace of an electromagnetic drive is provided, particularly a two-stage starter solenoid switch, the coil configuration having a holding winding and a pull-in winding. The coil brace has at its one end a first delimitation and at its other end a second delimitation, between which the holding winding is situated. The first delimitation has on its side, facing away from its second delimitation, an axial recess for accommodating the pull-in winding. |
| US08004377B2 |
Indicator for a fault interrupter and load break switch
A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts. |
| US08004373B2 |
MEMS ultrasonic device having a PZT and cMUT
A MEMS ultrasonic device has an array of PZT transducer elements and a cMUT structure bonded to the array of PZT transducer elements. The MEMS ultrasonic device can be adapted for ultrasonic imaging. The cMUT structure may serve as an active MEMS acoustic filter having at least two acoustic I/O ports to alter an input acoustic signal to an output acoustic signal. The first I/O port is adapted for interfacing with a medium, and the second I/O port for passing an acoustic signal to an acoustic transducer. An array of MEMS acoustic filters may be designed to function as an acoustic lens. Fabrication methods to make the same are also disclosed. |
| US08004369B2 |
Arrangement structure of electromagnetic band-gap for suppressing noise and improving signal integrity
An electromagnetic-wave suppression structure in a multilayer PCB or package structure is supplied with a power to be used therein by a power distribution network including a power plane and a ground plane. The multilayer PCB and package includes: an electromagnetic-wave suppression structure including an electromagnetic band-gap; and the electromagnetic-wave suppression structure is formed at a specific portion(s) of the power plane and/or the ground plane to suppress noises. |
| US08004367B2 |
VCO control and methods therefor
A PLL receives an indicator indicating that it is to operate at a different operating frequency than a current operating frequency. A control word is selected from a set of linear control words based upon the different operating frequency. A capacitance of a variable capacitor of a voltage-controlled oscillator is adjusted based upon the control word. The variable capacitor is monotonic and non-linear relative to the set of linear control words. |
| US08004366B2 |
Area and power efficient, high swing and monolitihic ground centered headphone amplifier circuit operable on a low voltage
A minimal area, power efficient, high swing and monolithic ground centered headphone amplifier circuit operable on a low voltage. An input amplifier stage includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal and having a first gain. An output amplifier stage is coupled to an output of the input amplifier stage to provide an output signal and having a second gain. A feedback network coupled between the first input terminal and the output of the output amplifier stage. A level shifting unit coupled to the first input terminal and the feedback network. A charge pump coupled to the output amplifier stage to generate a negative supply voltage and to minimize a noise associated with the negative supply voltage using a loop gain of the amplifier, wherein the loop gain is a combination of the first gain, the second gain, and a gain of the feedback network. |
| US08004365B2 |
Amplifier circuit
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement (30, 40, 70, 80, 90) of a low-noise linear input amplifier comprising a parallel circuit of a common-base circuit (20) and a common-emitter circuit (30), the emitters of two first transistors (Q3, Q4) are interlinked and the bases of two second transistors (Q1, Q2) are intercoupled, the collectors are interconnected in parallel with the output, and the source voltage (VG) is interlinked with the emitters of the second transistors (Q1, Q2) and with the bases of the first transistors (Q3, Q4), in which a linearization of the output current (OUTLNA1,2) as a function of the source voltage (VG) is achieved by a linearization of the transfer function, such as the tangential hyperbolic function, of the first and second transistors (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). |
| US08004363B2 |
Wideband low-noise amplifier
A wideband low-noise amplifier of the present invention is designed such that an input terminal is connected to a base of a first transistor, one terminal of a first passive element, and one terminal of a third passive element; an emitter of the first transistor is grounded; a collector of the first transistor is connected to an output terminal, a base of a second transistor, one terminal of a capacitor, and one terminal of a second passive element; the other terminal of the first passive element is connected to the other terminal of the capacitor; an emitter of the second transistor is connected to the other terminal of the third passive element; and a power terminal is connected to a collector of the second transistor and the other terminal of the second passive element, wherein impedance of the third passive element is determined based on impedance of the first transistor whose emitter size is determined to suite desired saturation level of amplification, thus establishing input impedance matching. |
| US08004361B2 |
Constant transconductance operational amplifier and method for operation
An embodiment is a circuit comprising a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, a first switch, and a second switch. The first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are all of a same conductivity type. Sources of the first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are electrically coupled together. Drains of the first transistor and the third transistor are electrically coupled together, and drains of the second transistor and the fourth transistor are electrically coupled together. A feature of the third transistor is three times a feature of the first transistor such that 3 [ μ C ox ( W L ) ] T 1 = [ μ C ox ( W L ) ] T 3 is satisfied where “T1” denotes the first transistor and “T3” denotes the third transistor, and a feature of the fourth transistor is three times a feature of the second transistor such that 3 [ μ C ox ( W L ) ] T 2 = [ μ C ox ( W L ) ] T 4 is satisfied where “T2” denotes the second transistor and “T4” denotes the fourth transistor. The first switch is operable to selectively electrically couple a first input terminal to a gate of the third transistor, and the second switch is operable to selectively electrically couple a second input terminal to a gate of the fourth transistor. |
| US08004358B2 |
Distortion compensation device
A distortion in an amplified signal obtained by amplifying a first input signal, is compensated for by applying a correction factor to the first input signal. The correction factor is updated based on the first input signal and the amplified signal. Updating the correction factor is prohibited when a value of the first input signal is same as a value of a second input signal among a plurality of input signals input previous to the first input signal. |
| US08004356B2 |
Tuning multiport amplifiers
A method of tuning a multiport amplifier and a multiport amplifier are provided. The multiport amplifier comprises an even number of microwave power amplifiers arranged in parallel, a series of input ports and a series of output ports, the input ports being connected to the amplifiers by a series of input hybrids and the output ports being connected to the amplifiers by a series of output hybrids, whereby an input signal at any given input port is amplified by all amplifiers, and then recombined into an output signal at a given output port. The method includes the steps of matching each amplifier in a pair of adjacent amplifiers to the other to an extent which is greater than matching between non paired amplifiers while still being able to ensure acceptable signal isolation between all output ports. This method of tuning results in an MPA well suited to the requirements of certain frequency re-use schemes and which has a significantly reduced set-up and test time. |
| US08004349B2 |
Power supply unit
High-accuracy overcurrent detection is performed, while a loss resulting from the current detection is significantly reduced. A switch section outputs the voltage between the both terminals of a current detection resistor using an AND signal between an output signal from a hysteresis comparator and an output signal from a pre-driver. The voltage is filtered by an electrostatic capacitor element and a resistor, and inputted to a comparator. The comparator makes a comparison between the signals inputted to the two input terminals thereof, and outputs the result of the comparison to a digital filter. When an overcurrent begins to flow in a power supply unit, the levels of the voltages inputted to the two input terminals of the comparator are inverted so that the comparator outputs an inversion signal to the digital filter. The digital filter outputs a detection signal to an overcurrent detection circuit when an arbitrary time has elapsed. |
| US08004345B2 |
Minimizing non-linearity errors
A system and method for minimizing non-linearity errors induced in output drive voltage of a transmitter circuit due to on-chip process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. The system including an oscillator for converting an input reference bias voltage into a clock output signal, where the input reference bias voltage varies in response to PVT variations. Also included is a counter for counting the clock output signal and generating a count value corresponding to the clock output of the oscillator. A comparison module operatively coupled to the counter compares the count value with a pre-simulated count value to generate an error signal. Based on the error signal generated by the comparison module, a correction logic adjusts an output drive signal of the transmitter circuit making it immune to PVT variations. |
| US08004343B2 |
Driver circuit and ink jet printer head driver circuit
A driver circuit includes first and second switching elements connected in series to two ends of an electric voltage source. A driven load having a capacity is connected to a connection line connecting the first and second switching elements to each other. An inverter inverts a control signal into an inverted control signal applied to the second switching element. When the first switching element is turned on by the control signal and the second switching element is turned off by the inverted control signal, a drive voltage is applied from one of the two ends of the electric voltage source to the driven load. When the first switching element is turned off by the control signal and the second switching element is turned on by the inverted control signal, an electric charge of the driven load is discharged to another of the two ends of the electric voltage source. |
| US08004340B2 |
System and method for a semiconductor switch
In one embodiment, a semiconductor circuit for coupling a first node to a second node includes a first transistor having a first terminal coupled to the first node, a second terminal coupled to the second node, and a control terminal coupled to a control node. The circuit also includes a level shifting circuit having a series diode for coupling a bulk terminal of the first transistor to the control node, and a supply coupling circuit coupled between a first power supply node and the control node. |
| US08004338B2 |
Pulse generator
At an occasion of a level transition when a second periodic voltage becomes equal to a main reference voltage a first periodic voltage generating circuit starts a first monotonically changing time-period in which a voltage value of a first periodic voltage increases monotonically from 0, which is an initial value, towards a voltage value of the main reference voltage. At an occasion of a level transition of a first main switching signal when the first periodic voltage becomes equal to the main reference voltage, a second periodic voltage generating circuit starts a second monotonically changing time-period in which a voltage value of the second periodic voltage increases monotonically from 0, which is an initial value, towards a voltage value of the main reference voltage. |
| US08004337B2 |
Digital delay circuit
A digital time delay circuit is provided in which fabrication process variations and temperature effects on the switching threshold level of digital circuits utilized in the timing delay circuits are substantially eliminated. |
| US08004336B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device includes an edge detector configured to receive two pairs of complementary clocks to detect edges of the clocks, a comparator configured to compare output signals of the edge detector to detect whether clocks of the same pair have a phase difference of 180 degrees and detect whether clocks of different pairs have a phase difference of 90 degrees, a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for controlling phases of the clocks according to an output signal of the comparator, and a phase corrector configured to correct phases of the clocks in response to the control signal. |
| US08004331B2 |
CMOS clock receiver with feedback loop error corrections
A system for correcting duty cycle errors in a clock receiver that includes a differential amplifier having inputs for a pair of differential clock signals. A duty cycle error detector has inputs for a pair of amplified clock signals and an output for a duty cycle error correction signal. A signal conditioner is also provided with the differential amplifier having an input for the duty cycle error correction signal. Furthermore, the signal conditioner adjusts the differential clock signals in response to the duty cycle error correction signal. Also, a system for correcting cross point errors in a clock receiver that includes a differential amplifier having inputs for a pair of differential clock signal. A cross point error detector has inputs for a pair of amplified clock signals and an output for a cross point error correction signal. A signal conditioner is also provided with the differential amplifier having an input for the cross point error correction signal. Furthermore, the signal conditioner adjusts the differential clock signals in response to the cross point error correction signal. |
| US08004328B2 |
AC-coupling phase interpolator and delay-locked loop using the same
An AC-coupling phase interpolator and a DLL using the same are provided. The AC-coupling phase interpolator includes a coupling capacitor generating and outputting a coupling signal by AC-coupling to an interpolation signal obtained by phase-interpolating an input signal. Thereby, it is possible to correct duty of an input signal and adjust the level of an output signal. |
| US08004327B2 |
Phase locked oscillator and radar unit having the same
An error detecting unit of a phase-locked oscillator evaluates difference between a reference phase error signal output from a phase detector and a phase error signal actually output from the phase detector when a reference frequency modulation signal is output from a voltage-controlled oscillator and further detects a frequency error of the frequency modulation signal from the voltage-controlled oscillator based on a rate of change of the difference. A correction unit of the phase-locked oscillator calculates an average value of the frequency error in a predetermined section of the frequency modulation signal and corrects center frequency of the frequency modulation signal by correcting the average value to be zero, and changes the rate of change of control voltage per control step based on comparison between at least two frequency errors in one cycle of the frequency modulation signal. Thus frequency shift of the frequency modulation signal is corrected. |
| US08004324B2 |
Phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer of fractional N-type, and phase shift circuit with frequency converting function
Provided is a phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer, including: a reference oscillator; a voltage controlled oscillator; a variable frequency divider that divides the high frequency signal in frequency to output a feedback signal; a phase comparator that compares the reference signal and the feedback signal with each other to output a phase comparison signal; a loop filter that outputs a control signal of the voltage controlled oscillator based on the phase comparison signal; and a frequency/phase control circuit that generates frequency division number control data in synchronism with any one of the feedback signal and the reference signal based on setting data which is input from an external to give an output frequency and setting data which is input from the external to give a phase to the reference signal, to thereby output the frequency division number control data to the variable frequency divider. |
| US08004319B2 |
Programmable clock divider
In one or more embodiments, a programmable clock divider (PCD) can receive an input clock signal and a programmable number, and the PCD can produce a divided clock signal based on the programmable number. First and second circuits can compare first and second numbers, respectively, with a count value from a counter to generate first and second signals, respectively. A multiplexer can receive the first and second signals at inputs and can receive the clock signal at a selection input. The multiplexer can output an output signal, as a divided clock signal, based on the clock signal, the first signal, and the second signal, where the output signal transitions from a first value to a second value on at least one of a first edge of the first clock signal to output the first signal and a second edge of the first clock signal to output the second signal. |
| US08004318B2 |
Circuit arrangement for controlling a high side CMOS transistor in a high voltage deep sub micron process
The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement, which is used for controlling a high side CMOS transistor (M1) in a high voltage deep sub micron process. To provide a circuit arrangement for switching a high side CMOS transistor (M1) in a circuit having a very thin gate oxide, produced by a deep sub micron process, a circuit arrangement is proposed for controlling a high side CMOS transistor (M1), wherein the high side CMOS transistor (M1) is coupled between a high side voltage potential (Vbat) and a control output (OUT) for switching an external device, the high side CMOS transistor (M1) is controlled at its gate by a reference potential (Vbat-Vref), which is provided by a high side voltage reference (11) having a capacitor (C1), which is charged for switching on and discharged for switching off the high side CMOS transistor (M1). |
| US08004314B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is able to terminate internal transmission lines and including a pre-driving unit configured to generate a pull-up driving signal and a pull-down driving signal corresponding to an output data signal, and transfer the pull-up driving signal and the pull-down driving signal to a first transmission line and a second transmission line, respectively, a main driving unit configured to drive an output data in response to the pull-up driving signal and the pull-down driving signal transferred through the first transmission line and the second transmission line and a termination unit configured to be supplied with a termination voltage to terminate the first transmission line and the second transmission line. |
| US08004313B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems for a high voltage tolerant buffer
Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed, including those for a buffer having pre-driver circuitry configured to provide voltages to thin-gate dielectric transistors. One such buffer may comprise a plurality of pre-drivers wherein each pre-driver of the plurality of pre-drivers is operably coupled to a transistor of a plurality of transistors. The buffer may further comprise one or more clamping devices, wherein at least one transistor of the plurality of transistors has a gate coupled to at least one clamping device of the one or more clamping devices. |
| US08004306B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an oscillating circuit including a plurality of logic circuits connected in series; and an error detecting circuit receiving output signals of at least two of the plurality of logic circuits, and suspending an operation of the oscillating circuit to notify other blocks of the oscillating circuit that an error occurs in the oscillating circuit if a phase difference between the output signals is not within a predetermined phase difference range. |
| US08004302B2 |
Semiconductor device including switch for coupling power line
A semiconductor device whose operational state is switched between a test state and a normal operational state according to a logical value of a signal input from the outside is provided. The semiconductor device includes a first power line, a second power line, a switch that is controlled by a signal line to couple/isolate the first power line to/from the second power line, a control circuit that outputs a control signal, and a state switching circuit that drives the signal line to couple/isolate the first power line to/from the second power line according to a logical value of the control signal when the input signal is one of logical values, whereas the state switching circuit drives the signal line to couple the first power line to the second power line when the first signal is the other logical value. |
| US08004301B2 |
Testing device for printed circuit boards
A testing device for testing functions of a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a transfer board electrically coupled to the PCB, and a controller board electrically coupled to the transfer board and the PCB. The transfer board includes a signal bus and a controller bus. The PCB is capable of running a test program stored therein to transmit instructions to the controller board; and the controller board is capable of transmitting control signals to the transfer board according to the instructions. The transfer board is capable of switching the PCB corresponding ports on/off; and the PCB information is capable of being transmitted to the controller board via the signal bus. The controller board is capable of converting the PCB information to network information which is uploaded to the internet. |
| US08004299B2 |
Cantilever probe structure for a probe card assembly
A probe for a probe card assembly includes a beam and a fulcrum element. The fulcrum element is positioned between a base end portion of the beam and a tip end portion of the beam and is adapted for contact with the beam such that the beam is cantilevered by the fulcrum. |
| US08004297B2 |
Isolation circuit
The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for isolation circuits. One such isolation circuit embodiment includes: a first transistor configured for connection to a supply voltage via a first terminal; a register connected to the first transistor; a second transistor in parallel with a resistor, wherein the second transistor is configured for connection to the first terminal, with a gate of the second transistor configured for connection to an output of the register; and wherein the second transistor is configured for connection to a second terminal, the second transistor having a state that depends on a status of the register. |
| US08004291B2 |
Bioelectric impedance measuring circuit
A bioelectric impedance measuring circuit for applying a current to an organism and measuring a bioelectric impedance of the organism is disclosed that includes a pseudo-sine wave generating circuit for generating a pseudo-sine wave based on an input square wave, a voltage/current converting circuit for outputting current to the organism in correspondence with the pseudo-sine wave generated by the pseudo-sine wave generating circuit, and a processing circuit for generating the square wave and supplying the square wave to the pseudo-sine wave generating circuit and measuring the bioelectric impedance based on a voltage output from the voltage/current converting circuit. The pseudo-sine wave generating circuit is included in a semiconductor integrated circuit. |
| US08004289B2 |
Wafer-to-wafer alignments
Structures for aligning wafers and methods for operating the same. The structure includes (a) a first semiconductor wafer including a first capacitive coupling structure, and (b) a second semiconductor wafer including a second capacitive coupling structure. The first and second semiconductor wafers are in direct physical contact with each other via a common surface. If the first and second semiconductor wafers are moved with respect to each other by a first displacement distance of 1 nm in a first direction while the first and second semiconductor wafers are in direct physical contact with each other via the common surface, then a change of at least 10−18 F in capacitance of a first capacitor comprising the first and second capacitive coupling structures results. The first direction is essentially parallel to the common surface. |
| US08004288B1 |
Methods and apparatus for testing of high dielectric capacitors
The present subject matter provides apparatus and methods for testing high dielectric capacitors. A testing process whereby voltage and temperature is varied to provide temperature dependent plots to determine the reliability of a capacitor is provided. A testing system is demonstrated to measure capacitor reliability and/or relative capacitor reliability. |
| US08004285B2 |
Leakage detection device of vehicle mounted power supply system
A leakage detection can be correctly performed both in a DC high voltage circuit and in an AC high voltage circuit in a vehicle-mounted power supply system. Under a state where a contactor 17 is turned off, all IGBT elements (switching elements) 76 in an IGBT inverter circuit 12 are turned on, and an AC signal Vs is applied to an applying point P. Then, a voltage measured at a voltage measurement point Q is compared with a threshold value to detect whether or not the leakage exists. |
| US08004283B2 |
Method of actuating a test function of an electrical switching apparatus at a panel and electrical switching apparatus employing the same
An arc fault circuit breaker includes a panel having a first side and an opposite second side, a housing coupled to the opposite second side of the panel, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a test circuit structured to simulate a trip condition to trip open the separable contacts, and a proximity sensor disposed on or within the housing proximate the opposite second side of the panel. The proximity sensor is structured to sense a target to actuate the test circuit when the target is disposed proximate the first side of the panel and opposite the proximity sensor. |
| US08004282B2 |
Method of measuring and imaging RXO (near wellbore resistivity) using transient EM
A transient electromagnetic wave is generated using an electromagnetic instrument in a borehole. An apparent resistivity is estimated using a received signal responsive to the generated wave and further used to estimate a resistivity property of a fluid in the borehole. |
| US08004269B1 |
Wide bandwidth measurement of RF power into an arbitrary impedance load
The present invention relates to a radio frequency (RF) power measurement circuit that measures delivered power to a load. The RF power measurement circuit includes a measurement RF transmission line coupled to the load, and measurement and power calculation circuitry coupled to either end of the measurement RF transmission line to measure an RF input signal feeding the measurement RF transmission line and to measure an RF output signal fed from the measurement RF transmission line to the load. The measurement and power calculation circuitry uses the measured RF input and output signals to calculate and provide a delivered power signal that is indicative of the delivered power to the load. |
| US08004266B2 |
Chopper stabilized bandgap reference circuit and methodology for voltage regulators
A chopper stabilized bandgap voltage reference circuit comprises current mirror circuitry mirroring first and second currents into first and second networks to generate a forward diode voltage signal and a PTAT (proportional to absolute temperature) component signal, and a third current having a derived temperature coefficient into a third network to generate a reference voltage signal for a regulator. An amplifier amplifies a differential signal of the forward diode voltage signal and the PTAT component signal to output a fourth current to control the first and second currents. According to a chopper clock, a modulator modulates the differential signal to be supplied to the amplifier and a demodulator demodulates the fourth current. A gain loop compensation circuit is coupled to the demodulator to compensate the amplifier, and filter the fourth current for noise components, and a bypass circuit is also provided to the third network for filtering the third current. |
| US08004264B2 |
Voltage converter
A voltage converter to convert a high voltage to a low voltage is provided. The voltage converter comprises: a current mirror, a current bias, a plurality of loads and a low voltage output. The current mirror comprises a first PMOS and a second PMOS, wherein the source of the first PMOS and the second PMOS receive a high voltage input which is a supply voltage of the current mirror, and the gate of the first PMOS is connected to the drain of the first PMOS. The current bias is connected between the drain of the first PMOS and a ground potential. The plurality of loads are parallel connected between the drain of the second PMOS and the ground potential. And the low voltage output connected to the drain of the second PMOS. |
| US08004260B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-stage power supplies
A power supply having an specified hold-up time to take a input voltage and convert it to an output voltage, comprising: a first power stage to receive the input voltage; a second power stage to generate the output voltage and an output current; an intermediate charge storage device coupled between the first and second power conversion stages providing an intermediate output voltage in response to the input voltage; and a controller that controls the intermediate output voltage according to a voltage function that is associated with the hold-up time. |
| US08004255B2 |
Power supply for IGBT/FET drivers
A power supply for IGBT/FET drivers (1) that provides separated, isolated power to each IGBT/FET driver in a system wherein the power supply (1) is connected to at least one voltage controller (16) having at least one line in main power connector (14), at least one line out main power connector (15) and at least one drive signal command input (11) for connection to at least one IGBT/FET driver. The power supply (1) includes at least one power supply unit (5) in connection with at least voltage controller (16), at least one diode (2) for routing a predetermined amount of power from the at least one voltage controller (16) to at least one capacitor (3) and at least one capacitor (3) for routing said predetermined amount of power from said at least one diode (2) to said at least one voltage controller (16). |
| US08004254B2 |
Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit includes a first voltage regulator, a second voltage regulator, and a voltage comparator. The first voltage regulator is connected to a direct current power supply, and regulates a direct current supply voltage down to a first voltage level to output a first voltage at a first output terminal. The second voltage regulator is connected to the first voltage regulator, and regulates the first output voltage down to a constant, second voltage level to output a second voltage at a second output terminal. The voltage comparator is connected to the first and second voltage regulators, compares the first output voltage against a given threshold level greater than the second voltage level, and deactivates the second voltage regulator until the first output voltage exceeds the given threshold level upon startup of the power supply circuit. |
| US08004252B2 |
Power system stabilizer and method
A power system stabilizer includes: a sensor configured for sensing a signal representative of electromechanical oscillations of the power system; a controller configured for using the sensed signal for generating control signals for damping the electromechanical oscillations; and a damper including a damping converter and a resistor coupled to the damping converter, the damping converter being coupled to the power system through a power bus, the damping converter configured for using the control signals for damping the electro-mechanical oscillations. |
| US08004248B2 |
Systems and methods for multi-mode battery charging
Various systems and methods for battery charging are disclosed herein. As just one example, a battery charger is disclosed that includes a current feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated current control output, and a voltage feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated voltage control output. In addition, the battery charger includes a transition circuit with a digital phase/frequency detector. The digital phase/frequency detector is operable to detect a duty cycle difference between the pulse width modulated current control output and the pulse width modulated voltage control output. Further, the transition circuit is operable to transition between application of a substantially current charge control to a charging node to application of a substantially constant voltage to the charging node based at least in part on the difference in duty cycle. |
| US08004247B1 |
Switchable battery charger circuit
In one or more embodiments, a battery charger switching circuit enables a device to automatically select between multiple device interfaces individual ones of which are connectable to different power supplies for recharging the device. In at least some embodiments, selection of a particular device interface is based upon the magnitude of the voltage associated with a particular power supply. For example, the battery charger switching circuit can ascertain charge voltages associated with individual power supplies and select a power supply having a greater magnitude of charge voltage. In at least some embodiments, the battery charger switching circuit can enable charge control circuits associated with a particular power supply and disable charge control circuits associated with unselected power supplies in a manner that reduces or eliminates leakage current associated with unselected power supplies. |
| US08004245B2 |
Test device for testing charge performance of electronic device
A test device (100) for charge performance of an electronic device (60) that including a battery port (61) and a charge port (62), which includes a first switch (10), a second switch (20), a reset chip (40) and a control unit (50). The second switch is connected to the first switch and both the battery port and charge port. The first switch generates a charge voltage and input it to the charge port. The second switch obtains a voltage on the battery port and sends it to the reset chip. The reset chip includes an input end connected to the second switch and a RESET pin connected to the first switch. The reset chip adjudges if the RESET pin should generating a reset signal to the first switch according to the voltage on the battery port. |
| US08004240B2 |
Non-isolated charger with bi-polar inputs
Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output. |
| US08004239B2 |
Battery management system for calculating charge and disharge powers
A battery management system which can output a battery state enabling optimum charge and discharge control to be performed even when a temperature variation occurs among individual single cells. A plurality of temperature sensors measure temperature values of a battery. A measurement unit measures a voltage and a current of the battery. A maximum/minimum temperature selection unit in a calculation unit determines a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature from the temperature values measured by the temperature sensors. An available power calculation unit calculates respective values of maximum available charge and discharge powers or maximum available charge and discharge currents of the battery corresponding to the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature based on the voltage and the current of the battery. A selection unit selects and outputs smaller maximum available charge and discharge powers or smaller maximum available charge and discharge currents from the respective values of the maximum available charge and discharge powers or the maximum available charge and discharge currents of the battery corresponding to the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature, which are calculated by the calculation unit. |
| US08004238B2 |
Apparatus for balancing of battery pack having function of prevention of over-discharge
An apparatus balances a charging voltage of each battery cell of a battery pack. The apparatus includes a discharge resistor installed on a conductive line connected to both ends of a battery cell in parallel; a balance signal relay unit for relaying a charging voltage of the battery cell according to a balance control signal; and a discharge switching unit for receiving the relayed charging voltage of the battery cell as a driving voltage and connecting the battery cell to the discharge resistor to discharge the battery cell if the driving voltage is over an effective voltage level. This apparatus prevents overcharging of a battery cell, caused by a failure of a control processor, while balancing a charging voltage of battery cells. Also, the control processor may be protected against an electric impact by electrical insulation from a discharge circuit. Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack is improved. |
| US08004237B2 |
Battery power supply with bidirectional battery charge controller
A bidirectional battery charge control system for a portable electronic device which uses a rechargeable main battery. The system enables the connection of an auxiliary battery to the device for inputting additional current to the device. Control of the current flow into and out of the auxiliary battery is performed by a bidirectional charger. The auxiliary battery can contain one or more readily available primary or secondary cells, and the bidirectional charger is such that an external charger connected to the device, generally used to charge the main rechargeable battery of the device, can also recharge a secondary cell or cells in the auxiliary battery, if such are installed. The use of such an auxiliary battery enables the main battery to be hard-wired into the device. |
| US08004236B2 |
Contactless charging device and contactless charging method
A contactless charging device and contactless charging method is provided. The contactless charging device includes an energy-storing device for providing a DC signal as an input power, a power module electrically connected to the energy-storing device for generating an output signal in response to the DC signal and a control signal. The power module includes a transformer primary winding for coupling the output signal to a transformer secondary winding located external to the contactless charging device. The charging device further includes a feedback controller electrically connected to the power module for generating the control signal in response to the output signal, a predetermined power and a predetermined phase. When the contactless charging device is in close proximity to a plurality of loads, the output signal at the transformer primary winding will be coupled to the transformer secondary windings of the plurality of loads so as to simultaneously charge the loads. |
| US08004231B2 |
Control of a triac for the starting of a motor
A method and a circuit for controlling a triac intended to be series-connected with a resistive element of positive temperature coefficient or a capacitive element, and a winding for starting an asynchronous motor, for supply by an A.C. voltage, the present invention including the steps of: detecting a voltage representative of the voltage across the series connection of the element and of the triac; comparing this detected voltage with respect to a threshold; and blocking a turning back on of the triac when the threshold has been exceeded. |
| US08004228B2 |
Robotic manipulator using rotary drives
A two degree-of-freedom positioning and manipulating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first driven member rotatable about a first driven axis, a first driver member coupled to a first driven member for rotating the first driven member about the first driven axis, and a link member fixedly connected to the first driven member. The apparatus further includes a second driven member rotatably mounted to the link member for rotating about a second driven axis, with the second driven axis generally parallel to the first driven axis, and a second driver member coupled at a drive point to the second driven member for rotating the second driven member about the second driven axis. The drive point is generally coincident with the first driven axis. |
| US08004226B2 |
Method and system for detecting a failed current sensor in a three-phase machine
A method of detecting one or more failed current sensor and estimating a phase current for the failed current sensor on a three-phase machine is disclosed. The method may include detecting one or more failed current sensor by determining if an absolute value of a sum of the phase currents of the motor is below an open circuit value. The method may also include determining which phase currents are approximately zero, for each phase current associated with each phase of the motor, if the sum of the phase currents of the motor is not below the open circuit value. The method may further include estimating the phase current for the failed current sensor by determining the phase current value for the failed current sensor, that when added to the phase currents of the remaining current sensors, will make the sum of all the phase currents equal to approximately zero. |
| US08004224B2 |
Safety device for roller blinds, sun, awnings, gates or the like
Method—and device for the implementation thereof intended to provide a protection system for barriers which are movable along an operating path and actuated by a motor, such as roller blinds, gates or the like, comprising the steps of connecting the barrier, with play, to a fixed part (30) so that the barrier is able to move independently of the action of the motor over a travel section (98); defining within the section (98) a set of safety positions corresponding to a safety position for the barrier; detecting along the travel section (98) the actual position of the barrier with respect to the fixed part (30); preventing or reversing the action of the motor and/or the movement of the barrier when the barrier, inside the travel section (98), does not have a position included within the set of safety positions. |
| US08004223B2 |
Wheel driving apparatus and electric vehicle including the same
An electric bike includes a wheel driving apparatus. The wheel driving apparatus includes an electric wheel drive motor which drives a wheel, a gap changer which changes a gap length in the wheel drive motor, and a motor control unit which controls the wheel drive motor and the gap changer. The motor control unit calculates a target gap length for the gap changing motor in the gap changer based on an accelerator opening-degree signal, a rotation speed, a q-axis electric-current command value, a power source voltage, and a voltage utilization rate. Then, a feedback control is provided to the gap changer based on a difference value between the target gap length and the actual gap-length. A good vehicle characteristic is obtained without being affected by individual variability or operating environment of the electric motor through efficient drive of the electric motor from a low-speed range through a high-speed range. |
| US08004221B2 |
Inverter system for vehicle-mounted air conditioner
The present invention has an object to provide an inverter system for a vehicle-mounted air conditioner that prevents noise from entering a control circuit and allows high speed communication. A motor control microcomputer 24 is isolated from a gate circuit 22, and communication therebetween is performed via a photocoupler 80. This suppresses the influence of noise resulting from changes caused by changes in voltage and current that occur in a high voltage system for driving a motor 30. Also, the motor control microcomputer 24 and a communication driver 27 can be directly bus-connected without a photocoupler, thereby allowing high speed communication therebetween. |
| US08004217B2 |
Electronic ballast with integral shutdown timer
The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a gas discharge lamp ballast with an integral shutdown timer. The ballast includes a circuit for receiving AC power, a converter circuit for converting the AC power to DC power and a square wave oscillator powered from the DC power. A resonant circuit powered by the square wave oscillator supplies power to at least one gas discharge lamp. A time-delay circuit disables the square wave oscillator, without interrupting the DC power supplied to the oscillator, upon the passage of a predetermined period of time from power-up of the AC power. The ballast can be realized with only a marginal increase in cost and size of the ballast. |
| US08004212B2 |
Drive apparatus for a vacuum fluorescent display
A VFD drive apparatus in which the filament of a VFD is coupled at a first terminal to an input voltage derived from a voltage source, and at a second terminal to a shunt voltage regulator that establishes a regulated filament current and a regulated cutoff voltage with respect to ground potential. Other electrical loads such as drive circuitry for the anodes and grid of the display are coupled between the second terminal of the filament and ground potential so that at least a portion of the filament current is supplied to such other electrical loads. Power dissipated by the shunt voltage regulator is thereby reduced, and the cost associated with providing additional voltage regulators for the other electrical loads is avoided. |
| US08004208B2 |
Power supply system and method
A power supply system and a method for providing power supply to electrical equipment from conventional lighting circuits in buildings are disclosed. The invention is intended to provide power supply to electrical equipment, without the need of conventional alternating current (AC) power supply power socket outlets. Instead, it obtains electrical power from existing lighting points. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed for achieving this without disrupting normal operation of turning on and off existing lighting sources. The present invention consists a wall switch unit and a lighting source control unit. The wall switch unit controls the level or waveforms of AC voltage supply to the lighting source control unit while the lighting source control unit detects the AC voltage level or waveforms for switching on or off a lighting source. Additionally, regardless of whether the lighting source is switched on or off, an uninterrupted power supply is derived from the lighting source control unit with this power supply being usable for electrically powering external electrical equipment connected thereto. |
| US08004205B2 |
Backlight module control system whose two backlight sub-modules are in a closed loop
A backlight module control system includes a power supply, a first backlight sub-module, a second backlight sub-module, a first transformer and a second transformer. The power supply is utilized for providing an operating power to the backlight module control system. A primary side and a secondary side of the first transformer are respectively coupled to the power supply and a first node of the first backlight sub-module. A primary side of the second transformer is coupled to the power supply, and a secondary side of the second transformer is coupled to the secondary side of the second transformer and a first node of the second backlight sub-module. |
| US08004197B2 |
Method and apparatus for collector sweeping control of an electron beam
A collector sweeping method for controlling an electron beam in a beam collector, in particular of a magnetic gyrotron device, comprises the steps of subjecting the electron beam to a transversal sweeping field having a field component perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (z) of the beam collector and providing a tilted, rotating intersection area of the electron beam in the beam collector, and varying at least one of a longitudinal position and a tilting angle of the intersection area by a modulation of the transversal sweeping field. Furthermore, a collector sweeping apparatus and a microwave generator are described. |
| US08004194B2 |
High-pressure discharge lamp
The lamp uses a sealing system with a ceramic supporting element (17) having a short length LA together with a W—Nb leadthrough part (18, 19, 20) and a specially adapted glass solder (21), which is based on an Al2O3 rare earth oxide system. In this case, the W part is accommodated in the supporting part over a length LW of 1 mm, and the aspect ratio LW/DUW, formed from the length LW and the diameter DUW of the W part, is at least 10. |
| US08004193B2 |
Glass composition and display panel using the same
A glass composition of the present invention is an oxide glass, in which the percentages of elements except for oxygen (O) contained therein are as follows, in terms of atom %: the amount of boron (B) exceeds 72% but does not exceed 86%, the total amount of lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) is 8% to 20%, the total amount of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba) is 1% to 8%, the amount of silicon (Si) is from 0% to less than 15%, and the amount of zinc (Zn) is from 0% to less than 2%. This glass composition further may contain molybdenum (Mo) and/or tungsten (W) in the range of more than 0% but not more than 3%. |
| US08004190B2 |
Plasma display panel and method for manufacture of the same
The present invention improves discharge characteristics of a protective layer in order to provide a PDP that exhibits excellent display performance even if the PDP is of a fine-cell structure. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method for the PDP. In particular, a protective layer 8 is composed of an MgO film layer 81 and an MgO particle layer 82 that is made of MgO particles 16. The MgO particles 16 are formed by burning an MgO precursor and satisfy that a/b≧1, where a denotes a spectrum integral value in a wavelength region of a CL spectrum from 200 nm to 300 nm, exclusive of 300 nm, and b denotes a spectrum integral value in a wavelength region of the CL spectrum from 300 nm to 550 nm, exclusive of 550 nm. |
| US08004186B2 |
White and color photoexcitation light emitting sheet and method for the fabrication thereof
The present invention relates to a white and color photoexcitation light emitting sheet comprising a substrate, a light source formed on the substrate, and a white and color photoexcitation light emitting layer capable of converting a light emitted from the light source into a light having a different wavelength, where the white and color photoexcitation light emitting layer is fabricated by mixing a matrix polymer, white and color photoexcitation light emitting materials and a solvent, spinning the resulting mixture to prepare an ultrafine composite fiber layer of the matrix polymer/photoexcitation light emitting materials, and thermocompressing the ultrafine composite fiber layer; and a method for fabrication thereof. The white and color photoexcitation light emitting sheet according to the present invention has uniform brightness and color coordinates and exhibits high color reproducibility. |
| US08004183B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing thereof
It is a problem to provide an electric apparatus less in consumption power and long in life by the manufacture using the display device. An insulating bank is provided in a form surrounding the pixel portions on first electrodes over a substrate. The entire surface is applied, by a wet scheme (method), with an organic conductive film which has a thickness form of T2>T1>T3 under the influence of the insulating bank. Accordingly, the portion T3 has an increased resistance in a lateral direction, making possible to prevent against crosstalk. Due to a conductive polymer as a buffer layer, a display device can be provided which is low in drive voltage. Furthermore, because the portion T2 is increased in thickness, the electric-field concentration is relaxed at and around the pixel portion. This makes it possible to prevent the organic light-emitting element from deteriorating at around the pixel. |
| US08004176B2 |
Organic light emitting display having reduced manufacturing shorts and method of fabricating the same
In one embodiment, an organic light emitting display (OLED) includes a thin film transistor (TFT) disposed on a substrate. In addition, the display includes: an insulating layer disposed on the TFT and having a via hole; a pixel electrode disposed on the insulating layer and connected to a drain electrode of the TFT through the via hole; an emission layer disposed on the pixel electrode; and an opposite electrode pattern disposed on the emission layer and exposing at least an upper region of the via hole. This avoids close configuration proximity between the opposite electrode and the pixel layer thus reducing the possibility of a short circuit. |
| US08004172B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting apparatus including elongated hollow wavelength conversion tubes and methods of assembling same
A semiconductor light emitting apparatus includes an elongated hollow wavelength conversion tube that includes an elongated wavelength conversion tube wall having wavelength conversion material, such as phosphor, dispersed therein. A semiconductor light emitting device is oriented to emit light inside the elongated hollow wavelength conversion tube to impinge upon the elongated wavelength conversion tube wall and the wavelength conversion material dispersed therein. The elongated hollow wavelength conversion tube may have an open end, a crimped end, a reflective end, and/or other configurations. Multiples tubes and/or multiple semiconductor light emitting devices may also be used in various configurations. Related assembling methods are also described. |
| US08004171B2 |
Dielectric layer containing carbon for a plasma display panel
A plasma display panel including a front panel having a first substrate, a first electrode, a first dielectric layer and a protective layer wherein the first electrode is formed on the first substrate, the first dielectric layer is formed over the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode, and the protective layer is formed on the first dielectric layer, and a rear panel having a second substrate, a second electrode, a second dielectric layer and a phosphor layer wherein the second electrode is formed on the second substrate, the second dielectric layer is formed over the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode, the phosphor layer is formed on the second dielectric layer. |
| US08004168B1 |
Light assembly
A light assembly includes a bulb connected to the passage defined through the base and the base includes a plurality of first slots defined transversely in an outer periphery of the base. A base cover has a space for receiving the base and multiple ventilation holes are defined through a wall of the base cover. A plurality of engaging pieces extend from an inner periphery of the base cover and are engaged with the first slots of the base. The heat generated from the bulb escaped via the ventilation holes. |
| US08004166B1 |
Germicidal lamp
An improved germicidal lamp of the type containing mercury, having a ceramic base, and disposed in, and preventing contact with, a transparent quartz sleeve to prevent formation of a cold spot in the germicidal lamp caused by an undesirable thermal transfer between the lamp and the sleeve and which causes condensation of the mercury at the cold spot in the germicidal lamp. The improvement includes the ceramic base having a circumferential groove therearound, and a thermally insulating ring siting in the circumferential groove of the ceramic base so as to prevent the ceramic base from contacting the sleeve to prevent formation of the cold spot in the germicidal lamp caused by the undesirable thermal transfer between the lamp and the sleeve and prevent the condensation of the mercury at the cold spot in the germicidal lamp. |
| US08004157B2 |
Piezoelectric resonator plate and piezoelectric resonator device
An electrode forming region for providing lead electrodes (65a, 65b) is provided on a crystal resonator plate (2). Opposed side surfaces (67a, 67b) of a substrate (6) are formed and inclined in the same direction with respect to a front major surface (63). Also, an adhesion reinforcing portion (7) for reinforcing adhesion to a conductive adhesive (5) is provided in the electrode forming region for the lead electrodes (65a, 65b). For example, the adhesion reinforcing portion (7) is a notch portion which is cut and formed in the opposed side surfaces (67a, 67b). Thereby, an adhesion strength of the crystal resonator plate (2) and the conductive adhesive (5) is increased. |
| US08004154B2 |
Piezoelectric actuation structure including an integrated piezoresistive strain gauge and its production method
The invention relates to a piezoelectric actuation structure including at least one strain gauge and at least one actuator produced from a stack on the surface of a substrate of at least one layer of piezoelectric material arranged between a bottom electrode layer and a top electrode layer, at least a portion of the stack forming the actuator being arranged above a cavity produced in the substrate, characterized in that the strain gauge is a piezoresistive gauge located in the top electrode layer and/or the bottom electrode layer, the layer or layers including electrode discontinuities making it possible to produce said piezoresistive gauge. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a structure. |
| US08004153B2 |
Fine positioning system using an inertial motor based on a mechanical amplifier
The invention relates to a fine positioning system using an inertial motor based on a mechanical amplifier that comprises a first amplified inertial sub-assembly including a mechanical amplifier, a piezoactive member and a countermass. A second relative drive sub-assembly includes a clamp and a clamped member attached to the first amplified inertial sub-assembly. Asymmetric excitation cycles of the first inertial sub-assembly generate impact forces and movements amplified in a driving direction (z), thus resulting in sliding and adhesion successions of the clamped member in the clamp in order to generate a relative translation movements of the points A and B relative to the point D. The mechanical amplifier increases the step size and reduces the supply inrush currents. Fine and dynamic positioning of the point B relative to the point D can be achieved with augmented strokes using the amplifier. |
| US08004151B2 |
Drive unit
A drive unit includes an ultrasonic actuator having an actuator body generating vibration, and diver elements attached to the actuator body to output drive force by generating orbit motion in response to the vibration of the actuator body; and a movable body contacting the driver elements, and relatively moving with respect to the ultrasonic actuator. In a surface of the movable body, which contacts the driver elements, smoothed portions are interleaved with recessed portions which are recessed with respect to the smoothed portions. |
| US08004144B2 |
Rotor for automotive alternator having mechanism for positioning magnetic pole cores
A rotor for an automotive alternator includes a rotary shaft, first and second magnetic pole cores each having a plurality of magnetic pole claws, a bobbin, a field coil, a plurality of permanent magnets, and a positioning mechanism. The magnetic pole claws of the first magnetic pole core are interleaved with those of the second magnetic pole core. The field coil is wound around the first and second magnetic pole cores via the bobbin. The permanent magnets are interposed between the first and second magnetic pole cores. The positioning mechanism, which is made up of at least one of the rotary shaft, the first and second magnetic pole cores, and the bobbin, functions to position the first and second magnetic pole cores in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft with intervals between adjacent pairs of the magnetic pole claws of the first and second magnetic pole cores being even. |
| US08004138B2 |
Motor
A motor is provided with: an inner rotor having inner permanent magnets arranged in a peripheral direction and an outer rotor having outer permanent magnets arranged in the peripheral direction, the mutual axes of rotation of the inner rotor and the outer rotor being arranged coaxially, and a rotating device capable of making at least one of the inner rotor and the outer rotor rotate around the axes of rotation so as to change the relative phase between the rotors, wherein the rotating device includes: a first member which is integrally and rotatably provided with respect to the outer rotor; and a second member which is integrally and rotatably provided with respect to the inner rotor and which defines pressure chambers inside the inner rotor with the first member, and wherein a working fluid is supplied to the pressure chambers, thereby changing the relative phase between the rotors. |
| US08004137B2 |
Electromechanical transformer
A system and method for moving an object is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a device for moving an object. The device comprises a penetrating structure comprising an externally threaded surface. The device further comprises a receiving structure comprising an internally threaded cylinder surrounding the penetrating structure. The device further comprises a source of magnetic flux configured to magnetize the externally threaded surface with a first polarity and to magnetize the internally threaded cylinder with a second polarity that is different from the first polarity. The device further comprises a conductor positioned between the penetrating structure and the receiving structure configured to conduct an electric current. The device further comprises a sensor configured to determine the radial position of the penetrating structure with respect to the receiving structure. The device further comprises a controller configured to control the electric current in the conductor based on the determined radial position. |
| US08004132B2 |
Coreless motor
A coreless motor able to be downsized and easy to be assembled and to ensure the concentricity between a motor shaft, a magnet, and an outer cylinder. The coreless motor includes an outer cylinder gear unit having an output shaft and a speed-reducer mechanism incorporated into a field assembly having a magnet fitted on an inner yoke and an outer cylinder fitted on an outer periphery of the magnet, a motor shaft unit having an inner lid rotatably supporting a motor shaft via ball bearings, a rotor unit having a circular plate attached with a commutator electrically connected to a coil, an outer lid unit having an outer lid mounted with brushes. The inner lid is incorporated in the inner yoke, the coil is incorporated in between the outer cylinder and the magnet, and the outer lid unit is attached to the rotor unit and the outer cylinder. |
| US08004124B2 |
Vibration generation module capable of generating inertial and impact vibrations
Disclosed herein is a vibration generation module capable of generating inertial and impact vibrations. The vibration generation module includes a magnetic force generation unit, an elastic force provision unit, a permanent magnet, a contactor, and an impact transmission panel. The permanent magnet is configured such that when periodic electrical energy having a specific duty or voltage is supplied to the magnetic force generation unit, the permanent magnet alternates between a position in which the permanent magnet is completely spaced apart from the magnetic force generation unit and a completely lowered position in which the permanent magnet collides with an upper surface of the magnetic force generation unit, and such that periodic electrical energy having another specific duty or voltage is supplied to the magnetic force generation unit, the permanent magnet alternates between a position in which the permanent magnet is partially spaced apart from the magnetic force generation unit and a partially lowered position in which the permanent magnet is close to the upper surface of the magnetic force generation unit. |
| US08004119B2 |
Multi-function three-phase active power filter
A new multi-function shunt active filter has been successfully implemented. The proposed decoupler and cascade controller provide a simple solution to power factor correction, reduction of harmonics loads and load balancing. The mathematical burden of resolving the load current to fundamental and harmonics is not required. The decoupler and controller can easily be implemented using low-cost analogue devices. |
| US08004118B2 |
Power transmission control device, power transmitting device, electronic instrument, and non-contact power transmission system
A power transmission control device provided in a power transmitting device of a non-contact power transmission system includes a driver control circuit that controls a power transmitting driver that drives a primary coil, a load state detection circuit that detects a power-receiving-side load state, and a control circuit that controls the driver control circuit. The control circuit performs a foreign object detection process based on load state detection information from the load state detection circuit after receiving ID authentication information from a power receiving device, and starts normal power transmission to the power receiving device after performing the foreign object detection process. |
| US08004115B2 |
Automatic transfer switch module
An automatic transfer switch for automatically switching an electrical load between two power sources that includes a switch module containing circuitry for facilitating the switching function, and having two attached input cables and one attached output receptacle. The switch module may be mounted directly on or adjacent to the back of a piece of rack-mounted equipment, thereby minimizing the probability of a power failure between the switch and the equipment. The switch is relatively small, requires no mounting space within a rack, and requires minimal cord lengths. |
| US08004114B2 |
Two-stage power supply system
A two-stage power supply system includes a standby power circuit, a main power circuit, a driver and, a rectifier. Moreover, the standby power circuit is used to convert a utility AC (Alternating Current; AC) into a standby AC. The main power circuit is used to convert the utility AC into a main AC. Furthermore, the driver is coupled to the main power circuit so as to control whether or not the main power circuit outputs the main AC to the rectifier. Finally, the rectifier is coupled to the standby power circuit, the main power circuit, and a load, wherein the rectifier rectifies the standby AC alone for outputting a standby DC (Direct Current; DC) to the load, or rectifies an integrated AC of the standby AC and the main AC for outputting a supply DC to the load. |
| US08004112B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication system, image capture apparatus, video capture apparatus, and setting method thereof
A communication apparatus has a electrical outlet that is electrically connected to a power connector so as to supply power externally; a connection detector that detects connection of an external plug to the electrical outlet; and a controller that uses a receiver and a transmitter so as to perform setting with a device connected to the electrical outlet, when external connection is detected at the electrical outlet. |
| US08004110B2 |
On-vehicle power generation controller
Provided is an on-vehicle power generation controller capable of uniformly maintaining balance of electric power generated by a plurality of generators, and also capable of realizing a less expensive controller structure. The on-vehicle power generation controller includes a controller (3) which adjusts a generated voltage to a predetermined voltage by controlling turning on and off of a field current so as to control an electric power generating operation of a generator. In a case where at least two on-vehicle power generation controllers are mounted with respect to a single engine, when respective generators (1a, 1b) corresponding to the at least two on-vehicle power generation controllers are operated at the same time, each of second and succeeding on-vehicle power generation controllers controls the electric power generating operation of each of the respective generators (1a, 1b) based upon a field current on-off control signal output in a first on-vehicle power generation controller. |
| US08004096B2 |
Semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of the device are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate that mounts a semiconductor element, a first stiffener, a reinforcement resin member, and a second stiffener for reinforcing the reinforcement resin member. |
| US08004095B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming interconnect structure for encapsulated die having pre-applied protective layer
A semiconductor device has a protective layer formed over an active surface of a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor die with pre-applied protective layer are moved from the semiconductor wafer and mounted on a carrier. The semiconductor die and contact pads on the carrier are encapsulated. The carrier is removed. A first insulating layer is formed over the pre-applied protective layer and contact pads. Vias are formed in the first insulating layer and pre-applied protective layer to expose interconnect sites on the semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the first insulating layer in electrical contact with the interconnect sites on the semiconductor die and contact pads. The interconnect structure has a redistribution layer formed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the redistribution layer, and an under bump metallization layer formed over the second dielectric in electrical contact with the redistribution layer. |
| US08004088B2 |
Post passivation interconnection schemes on top of IC chip
A new method is provided for the creation of interconnect lines. Fine line interconnects are provided in a first layer of dielectric overlying semiconductor circuits that have been created in or on the surface of a substrate. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric, a thick second layer of dielectric is created over the surface of the layer of passivation. Thick and wide interconnect lines are created in the thick second layer of dielectric. The first layer of dielectric may also be eliminated, creating the wide thick interconnect network on the surface of the layer of passivation that has been deposited over the surface of a substrate. |
| US08004086B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention provides a semiconductor device capable of preventing occurrence of cracking and the like, taking a large area, where wiring and the like that function as elemental devices can be arranged, within a plurality of interlayer insulation films, and reducing production cost. The semiconductor device according to the present invention has a low dielectric constant film having a dielectric constant of not less than 2.7. In the low dielectric constant film and the like, materials (e.g., a first dummy pattern, a second dummy pattern) with a larger hardness than that of the low dielectric constant film are formed at a part under a pad part. |
| US08004082B2 |
Electronic component formed with barrier-seed layer on base material
It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology for forming an ULSI fine copper wiring by a simpler method. An electronic component in which a thin alloy film of tungsten and a noble metal used as a barrier-seed layer for an ULSI fine copper wiring is formed on a base material, wherein the thin alloy film has a composition comprising tungsten at a ratio equal to or greater than 60 at. % and the noble metal at a ratio of equal to or greater than 5 at. % and equal to or less than 40 at. %. The noble metal is preferably one or more kinds of metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, silver and palladium. |
| US08004081B2 |
Semiconductor chip package and printed circuit board having through interconnections
A semiconductor chip package includes a signal interconnection penetrating a semiconductor chip and transmitting a signal to the semiconductor chip and a power interconnection and a ground interconnection penetrating the semiconductor and supplying power and ground to the semiconductor chip. The power interconnection and the ground interconnection are arranged to neighbor each other adjacent to the signal interconnection. |
| US08004078B1 |
Adhesive composition for semiconductor device
Provided is an adhesive composition for a semiconductor device. For example, the adhesive composition comprises a binder resin and a silicon carbide filler. The silicon carbide filler has relatively high thermal conductivity and a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Accordingly, the adhesive composition containing the silicon carbide filler exhibits improved heat dissipation performance and electrical performance due to high thermal conductivity and shows inhibition of delamination or cracking of semiconductor devices due to low CTE. The silicon carbide has high thermal conductivity, but is electrically non-conductive. Therefore, an electrically conductive adhesive can be obtained by additional incorporation of a silver (Ag) filler into the binder resin. |
| US08004077B2 |
Interconnection of land section to wiring layers at center of external connection terminals in semiconductor device and manufacturing thereof
A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate; a terminal on the substrate's first surface; a first electrode on the first surface connected to the terminal; an electronic element on the substrate's second surface; a second electrode connected to the electronic element; a groove on the second surface leading to the second electrode; a conductive portion inside the grove connected to the second electrode's rear face; a first wiring on the first surface connected to the first electrode; a second wiring connecting the first wiring and the terminal; a stress-absorbing layer between the substrate and terminal; a land connecting the first wiring and the second wiring, the land opening a part of the stress-absorbing layer and exposing the first wiring, the land being in a region surrounded by terminals, and the land being along a straight line connecting the centers of diagonal terminals, with the region between the terminals. |
| US08004075B2 |
Semiconductor power module including epoxy resin coating
Use of Pb-free solder has become essential due to the environmental problem. A power module is formed by soldering substrates with large areas. It is known that in Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu which hardly creeps and deforms with respect to large deformation followed by warpage of the substrate, life is significantly shortened with respect to the temperature cycle test, and the conventional module structure is in the situation having difficulty in securing high reliability. Thus, the present invention has an object to select compositions from which increase in life can be expected at a low strain rate. In Sn solder, by doping In by 3 to 7% and Ag by 2 to 4.5%, the effect of delaying crack development at a low strain rate is found out, and as a representative composition stable at a high temperature, Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu-5In is selected. Further, for enhancement of reliability, a method for partially coating a solder end portion with a resin is shown. |
| US08004070B1 |
Wire-free chip module and method
A wire-free chip module and method. The wire-free chip module including a conductive pattern formed from at least a portion of a lead frame, the conductive pattern including a plurality of pads; at least two electrical components that includes an integrated circuit and a passive component, the integrated circuit and the passive component bonded to the plurality of pads by solder; and wherein the conductive pattern is disposed to interconnect at least a portion of the integrated circuit with the passive component. |
| US08004066B2 |
Crack stop and moisture barrier
A design for a crack stop and moisture barrier for a semiconductor device includes a plurality of discrete conductive features formed at the edge of an integrated circuit proximate a scribe line. The discrete conductive features may comprise a plurality of staggered lines, a plurality of horseshoe-shaped lines, or a combination of both. |
| US08004062B2 |
Semiconductor device
A multilayer wiring layer 400, a first inductor 310 and a second inductor 320 are formed on a substrate 10. The multilayer wiring layer is formed by alternately stacking an insulating layer and a wiring layer in this order t or more times (t≧3). The first inductor 310 is provided in the nth wiring layer in the multilayer wiring layer 400. The second inductor 320 is provided in the mth wiring layer in the multilayer wiring layer 400 (t≧m≧n+2) and positioned above the first inductor 310. No inductor is provided in any of the wiring layers positioned between the nth wiring layer and the mth wiring layer to be positioned above the first inductor 310. The first inductor 310 and the second inductor 320 constitute a signal transmitting device 300 which transmits an electrical signal in either of two directions. |
| US08004061B1 |
Conductive trace with reduced RF impedance resulting from the skin effect
The radio frequency (RF) impedance of a metal trace at gigahertz frequencies is reduced by forming the metal trace to have a base region and a number of fins that extend away from the base region. When formed in a spiral configuration having a number of loops, the metal trace forms an inductor with an increased quality factor (Q). |
| US08004059B2 |
eFuse containing SiGe stack
An eFuse, includes: a substrate and an insulating layer disposed on the substrate; a first layer including a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon disposed on the insulating layer; a second layer including a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon germanium disposed on the first layer, and a third layer including a silicide disposed on the second layer. The Ge has a final concentration in a range of approximately five percent to approximately twenty-five percent. |
| US08004058B2 |
Schottky diode for high speed and radio frequency application
A semiconductor diode that is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor diode includes a portion of a semiconductor substrate including a first dopant, a first well with a Schottky region, and a second well with a second dopant; and an isolation region replacement element positioned over the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the first and second wells. |
| US08004057B2 |
Materials, systems and methods for optoelectronic devices
A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer. |
| US08004052B2 |
Three-dimensional analog input control device
A method and device for one or more dimensional input control of different functions in electronic devices is provided. Certain versions of the Present Invention provide a one or more dimensional input force interface control device for cell phones, portable gamers, digital cameras, and other applications. Certain alternate versions of the Present Invention exhibit one or more of the qualities of smallness, low-cost, high reliability, and/or high stability. Certain still alternate versions of the Present Invention provide a three, two or one-dimensional input finger force control device that (1.) accommodates a required ratio between X, Y and Z sensitivities, (2.) has low cross-axis sensitivity, (3.) allows process integration with other sensors and CMOS, (4.) is scalable, (5.) allows convenient solutions for applying an external force, and/or (6.) allows economic manufacturability for high volume consumer markets. |
| US08004051B2 |
Lateral trench MOSFET having a field plate
One embodiment relates to an integrated circuit that includes a lateral trench MOSFET disposed in a semiconductor body. The lateral trench MOSFET includes source and drain regions having a body region therebetween. A gate electrode region is disposed in a trench that extends beneath the surface of the semiconductor body at least partially between the source and drain. A gate dielectric separates the gate electrode region from the semiconductor body. In addition, a field plate region in the trench is coupled to the gate electrode region, and a field plate dielectric separates the field plate region from the semiconductor body. Other integrated circuits and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08004049B2 |
Power semiconductor device
A device includes an array of cells, the source regions of the individual cells comprising a plurality of source region branches each extending towards a source region branch of an adjacent cell, the base regions of the individual cells comprising a corresponding plurality of base region branches merging together to form a single base region surrounding the source regions. The junctions between the merged base region and the drain region define rounded current conduction path areas for the on-state of the device between adjacent cells. Floating voltage regions of opposite conductivity type to the drain region are buried in the substrate beneath the merged base region. The features of the floating voltage regions define rings of the opposite conductivity type to the drain region that surround the current conduction paths of respective cells. The floating voltage regions include respective islands situated within the current conduction paths. |
| US08004046B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device has a gate insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a second gate electrode portion of a gate electrode including a TiN film and a polysilicon film that are successively formed on the gate insulating film, and an interlayer insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to cover the gate electrode. A contact formed to extend through the interlayer insulating film and the polysilicon film is directly connected to the TiN film. |
| US08004045B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing the same
First and second gate insulating films are formed so as to cover at least the upper corner of first and second fin-shaped semiconductor regions. The radius of curvature r1′ of the upper corner of the first fin-shaped semiconductor region located outside the first gate insulating film is greater than the radius of curvature r1 of the upper corner of the first fin-shaped semiconductor region located under the first gate insulating film and is less than or equal to 2×r1. The radius of curvature r2′ of the upper corner of the second fin-shaped semiconductor region located outside the second gate insulating film is greater than the radius of curvature r2 of the upper corner of the second fin-shaped semiconductor region located under the second gate insulating film and is less than or equal to 2×r2. |
| US08004041B2 |
Semiconductor device for surge protection
A semiconductor device for surge protection having high surge resistance is provided. A semiconductor substrate (10) included in the semiconductor device for surge protection according to the present invention includes a high concentration first conductivity type semiconductor substrate (1), a low concentration first conductivity type semiconductor layer (2), a high concentration first conductivity type semiconductor layer (4), a second conductivity type semiconductor layer (3), and a cylindrical low concentration second conductivity type semiconductor layer (5) that extends from a surface of the low concentration first conductivity type semiconductor layer (2) into the low concentration first conductivity type semiconductor layer (2) so as to share an axis with the high concentration first conductivity type semiconductor layer (4), and has an interface (J4) with the high concentration first conductivity type semiconductor layer (4) and an interface (J5) with the second conductivity type semiconductor layer (3). Further, the low concentration second conductivity type semiconductor layer (5) has an impurity concentration lower than an impurity concentration of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer (3). |
| US08004040B2 |
Semiconductor device and its manufacturing method
Provided are a semiconductor device which can be manufactured at low cost and has a low on-resistance and a high withstand voltage, and its manufacturing method. The semiconductor device comprises an N-type well area formed on a P-type semiconductor substrate, a P-type body area formed within the well area, an N-type source area formed within the body area, an N-type drain area formed at a distance from the body area within the well area, a gate insulating film formed so as to overlay a part of the body area, a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film and a P-type buried diffusion area which makes contact with the bottom of the body area and extends to an area beneath the drain area in a direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate within the well area. |
| US08004039B2 |
Field effect transistor with trench-isolated drain
A MOS transistor includes a body region of a first conductivity type, a conductive gate and a first dielectric layer, a source region of a second conductivity type formed in the body region, a heavily doped source contact diffusion region formed in the source region, a lightly doped drain region of the second conductivity type formed in the body region where the lightly doped drain region is a drift region of the MOS transistor, a heavily doped drain contact diffusion region of the second conductivity type formed in the lightly doped drain region; and an insulating trench formed in the lightly doped drain region adjacent the drain contact diffusion region. The insulating trench blocks a surface current path in the drift region thereby forming vertical current paths in the drift region around the bottom surface of the trench. |
| US08004037B2 |
MOS type semiconductor device
A surface between gate electrodes in an MOS gate structure is patterned so that missing portions are partially provided in surfaces of n+ emitter regions to thereby enlarge surface areas of p+ contact regions surrounded by the surfaces of the n+ emitter regions. In this manner, a highly reliable MOS type semiconductor device is provided which is improved in breakdown tolerance by suppressing an increase in the gain of a parasitic transistor caused by photo pattern defects produced easily in accordance with minute patterning in a process design rule. |
| US08004036B2 |
MOSFET-Schottky rectifier-diode integrated circuits with trench contact structures for device shrinkage and performance improvement
A trench MOSFET device with embedded Schottky rectifier, Gate-Drain and Gate-Source diodes on single chip is formed to achieve device shrinkage and performance improvement. The present semiconductor devices achieve low Vf and reverse leakage current for embedded Schottky rectifier, have overvoltage protection for GS clamp diodes and avalanche protection for GD clamp diodes. |
| US08004034B2 |
Single poly type EEPROM and method for manufacturing the EEPROM
Embodiments relate to a single poly type EEPROM and a method for manufacturing an EEPROM. According to embodiments, a single poly type EEPROM may include unit cells. A unit cell may include a floating gate at a side of a control node formed on and/or over a semiconductor substrate having an activation region and a device isolation area, not overlapping a device isolation region but overlapping only a top of the activation region. A select gate may be formed on and/or over a top of the activation region. According to embodiments, a ratio of a capacitance of a control node side to a capacitance of a bit line side may increase, which may improve a coupling ratio. According to embodiments, a junction capacitance may be maximized by not doping the floating gate with an impurity, which may allow for a reduction in chip size by securing design margins. |
| US08004033B2 |
High-density nonvolatile memory
Nonvolatile memory cells and methods of forming the same are provided, the methods including forming a first conductor at a first height above a substrate; forming a first pillar-shaped semiconductor element above the first conductor, wherein the first pillar-shaped semiconductor element comprises a first heavily doped layer of a first conductivity type, a second lightly doped layer above and in contact with the first heavily doped layer, and a third heavily doped layer of a second conductivity type above and in contact with the second lightly doped layer, the second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type; forming a first dielectric antifuse above the third heavily doped layer of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor element; and forming a second conductor above the first dielectric antifuse. |
| US08004031B2 |
Memory device transistors
Method and device embodiments are described for fabricating MOSFET transistors in a semiconductor also containing non-volatile floating gate transistors. MOSFET transistor gate dielectric smiling, or bird's beaks, are adjustable by re-oxidation processing. An additional re-oxidation process is performed by opening a poly-silicon layer prior to forming an inter-poly oxide dielectric provided for the floating gate transistors. |
| US08004026B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
In each photosensitive cell, a photodiode 101, a transfer gate 102, a floating diffusion layer section 103, an amplifier transistor 104, and a reset transistor 105 are formed in one active region surrounded by a device isolation region. The floating diffusion layer section 103 included in one photosensitive cell is connected not to the amplifier transistor 104 included in that cell but to the gate of the amplifier transistor 104 included in another photosensitive cell adjacent to the one photosensitive cell in the column direction. A polysilicon wire 111 connects the transfer gates 102 arranged in the same row, and a polysilicon wire 112 connects the reset transistors 105 arranged in the same row. For connection in the row direction, only polysilicon wires are used. |
| US08004024B2 |
Field effect transistor
A transistor. The transistor including: a well region in a substrate; a gate dielectric layer on a top surface of the well region; a polysilicon gate electrode on a top surface of the gate dielectric layer; spacers formed on opposite sidewalls of the polysilicon gate electrode; source/drain regions formed on opposite sides of the polysilicon gate electrode in the well region; a first doped region in the polysilicon gate electrode, the first doped region extending into the polysilicon gate electrode from a top surface of the polysilicon gate electrode; and a buried second doped region in the polysilicon gate electrode. |
| US08004022B2 |
Field effect transistor
A field effect transistor includes a GaN epitaxial substrate, a gate electrode formed on an electron channel layer of the substrate, and source and drain electrodes arranged spaced apart by a prescribed distance on opposite sides of the gate electrode. The source and drain electrodes are in ohmic contact with the substrate. At an upper portion of the gate electrode, a field plate is formed protruding like a visor to the side of drain electrode. Between the electron channel layer of the epitaxial substrate and the field plate, a dielectric film is formed. The dielectric film is partially removed at a region immediately below the field plate, to be flush with a terminal end surface of the field plate. The dielectric film extends from a lower end of the removed portion to the drain electrode, to be overlapped on the drain electrode. |
| US08004015B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having L-shaped cell blocks arranged in diagonal direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions
Semiconductor devices are provided including a plurality of L-shaped cell blocks each including, a cell array and a plurality of decoders disposed in horizontal and vertical directions of the cell array. The plurality of L-shaped cell blocks are oriented in a diagonal direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions. Related methods are also provided herein. |
| US08004013B2 |
Polycrystalline thin film bipolar transistors
A semiconductor device comprising a bipolar transistor having a base region, an emitter region and a collector region, wherein the base region comprises polycrystalline semiconductor material formed by crystallizing silicon, germanium or silicon germanium in contact with a silicide, germanide or silicide germanide is described. The emitter region and collector region also may comprise polycrystalline semiconductor material formed by crystallizing silicon, germanium or silicon germanium in contact with a silicide, germanide or silicide germanide forming metal. The polycrystalline semiconductor material is preferably silicided polysilicon, which is formed in contact with C49 phase titanium silicide. |
| US08004010B2 |
Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device with a shared contact, a gate electrode is formed via a gate insulating film on a semiconductor substrate and a sidewall insulating film is formed on both side faces of the gate electrode. At least one of the surface parts of the semiconductor substrate adjacent to both sides of the gate electrode is removed beyond the lower part of the sidewall insulating film and to the underside of the gate electrode. Then, the gate insulating film exposed in the remove part is removed. An impurity-doped semiconductor layer is formed in the part where the semiconductor substrate and the gate insulating film have been removed. |
| US08004006B2 |
Nitride semiconductor light emitting element
Provided are a nitride semiconductor light emitting element which does not suffer a damage on a light emitting region and has a high luminance without deterioration, even though the nitride semiconductor light emitting element is one in which electrodes are disposed opposite to each other and an isolation trench for chip separation and laser lift-off is formed by etching; and a manufacturing method thereof. An n-type nitride semiconductor layer 2 has a step, formed in a position beyond an active layer 3 when viewed from a p side. Up to the position of this step A, a protective insulating film 6 covers a part of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer 2, the active layer 3, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer 4, the side of a p electrode 5 and a part of the top side of the p electrode 5. The use of a structure having a chip side face covered with the protective insulating film 6 prevents the active layer or the like from being exposed to an etching gas for a long time when an isolation trench for chip separation or laser lift-off is formed by etching. |
| US08004004B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element, method for manufacturing the same, and light emitting device
The present invention provides a semiconductor light emitting element with excellent color rendering properties, a method for manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting element, and a light emitting device. The semiconductor light emitting element includes: a semiconductor substrate that has a convex portion having a tilted surface as an upper face, and a concave portion formed on either side of the convex portion, the concave portion having a smaller width than the convex portion, a bottom face of the concave portion being located in a deeper position than the upper face of the convex portion; and a light emitting layer that is made of a nitride-based semiconductor and is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to cover at least the convex portion. |
| US08004001B2 |
Fabrication of semiconductor devices for light emission
A semiconductor device for light emission having a plurality of epitaxial layers with an n-type layer for light emission and a p-type layer for light reflection. The p-type layer has at least one seed layer for an outer layer of a conductive metal. The at least at least one seed layer is a material for providing a buffer for differential thermal expansion of the outer layer and the light reflecting layer. |
| US08003998B2 |
Light-emitting diode arrangement
A light-emitting diode arrangement is disclosed, comprising at least one light-emitting diode (LED) chip with a radiation decoupling surface through which a large portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated in the LED chip exits in a main direction of emission; a housing laterally surrounding the LED chip; and a reflective optic disposed after the radiation decoupling surface in the main direction of emission. The LED arrangement is particularly well suited for use in devices such as camera-equipped cell phones, digital cameras or video cameras. |
| US08003994B2 |
Vertical LED with current guiding structure
Techniques for controlling current flow in semiconductor devices, such as LEDs are provided. For some embodiments, a current guiding structure may be provided including adjacent high and low contact areas. For some embodiments, a second current path (in addition to a current path between an n-contact pad and a metal alloy substrate) may be provided. For some embodiments, both a current guiding structure and second current path may be provided. |
| US08003986B2 |
Active matrix organic light emitting diode display device and structure of such device
An AMOLED display device includes a substrate, a device layer, a flat layer, a first, a second, and a third color filter layers, a first, a second, and a third pixel electrodes, a first, a second and a third organic light emitting layers. The device layer on the substrate includes active devices. The flat layer on the device layer includes contact window openings. The first color filter layer on the flat layer has a first pixel area and a first opening configured above a part of the contact window openings. The second color filter layer on the flat layer has a second pixel area and a second opening configured above a part of the contact window openings. The third color filter layer on the flat layer has a third pixel area and a third opening configured above a part of the contact window openings. |
| US08003985B2 |
Apparatus having a dielectric containing scandium and gadolinium
Apparatus having a dielectric containing scandium and gadolinium can provide a reliable structure with a high dielectric constant (high k). In an embodiment, atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be used to form a nanolaminate dielectric of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and scandium oxide (Sc2O3) In an embodiment, a dielectric structure can be formed by depositing gadolinium oxide by atomic layer deposition onto a substrate surface using precursor chemicals, followed by depositing scandium oxide onto the substrate using precursor chemicals, and repeating to form the thin laminate structure. A dielectric containing scandium and gadolinium may be used as gate insulator of a MOSFET, a capacitor dielectric in a DRAM, as tunnel gate insulators in flash memories, as a NROM dielectric, or as a dielectric in other electronic devices, because the high dielectric constant (high k) of the film provides the functionality of a much thinner silicon dioxide film. |
| US08003979B2 |
High density coupling of quantum dots to carbon nanotube surface for efficient photodetection
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a carbon nanotube-quantum dot conjugate having a high density of quantum dots (QDs) on its surface. This method involves providing a plurality of semiconductor quantum dots and providing a thiol-functionalized carbon nanotube having a plurality of terminal thiol groups on its surface. The plurality of semiconductor quantum dots are attached to the surface of the carbon nanotube under conditions effective to yield a carbon nanotube-quantum dot conjugate having a high density of quantum dots on its surface. The present invention also relates to a carbon nanotube-quantum dot conjugate having a high density of quantum dots on its surface. The present invention further relates to a photodetector device. This device includes a substrate and a nanocomposite layer. The nanocomposite layer includes a plurality of the carbon nanotube-quantum dot conjugates previously described. |
| US08003976B2 |
Organic light-light conversion device
An organic light-light conversion device excellent in device characteristics, comprising a light sensing unit having a layer including a photo-conductive organic semiconductor developing a photo-current multiplication phenomenon by light irradiation, and a light emitting unit having a layer including an electroluminescent organic semiconductor emitting light by current injection, characterized in that at least one of the photo-conductive organic semiconductor and an electroluminescent organic semiconductor is polymer semiconductor. An imaging intensifier consisting of a plurality of arranged above organic light-light conversion devices. An optical sensor provided with a means of measuring and outputting voltages applied to the above organic light-light conversion device and to the opposite ends of a layer including the electroluminescent organic semiconductor. |
| US08003975B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a semiconductor layer having a principal surface on which a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode are formed and having a first through hole; an insulating film formed in contact with the semiconductor layer and having a second through hole; a first interconnection formed on the semiconductor layer through the first through hole and connected to one of the source electrode, the drain electrode and the gate electrode which is exposed in the first through hole; and a second interconnection formed on the insulating film through the second through hole and connected to another of the source electrode, the drain electrode and the gate electrode which is exposed in the second through hole. The first interconnection and the second interconnection face each other and form a microstrip line. |
| US08003972B2 |
Bottom electrode geometry for phase change memory
A PCRAM cell has a gradated or layered resistivity bottom electrode with higher resistivity closer to a phase change material, to provide partial heating near the interface between the cell and the bottom electrode, preventing separation of the amorphous GST region from the bottom electrode, and reducing the programming current requirements. The bottom electrode can also be tapered to have a smaller cross-sectional area at the top of the bottom electrode than at the bottom of the bottom electrode. |
| US08003967B2 |
Radiation-shielding assemblies and methods of using the same
In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights. |
| US08003965B2 |
Apparatus for sub-wavelength near-field focusing of electromagnetic waves
Planar sub-wavelength structures provide superlensing, i.e., electromagnetic focusing beyond the diffraction limit. The planar structures use diffraction to force the input field to converge to a spot on the focal plane. The sub-wavelength patterned structures manipulate the output wave in such a manner as to form a sub-wavelength focus in the near field. In some examples, the sub-wavelength structures may be linear grating-like structures that can focus electromagnetic radiation to lines of arbitrarily small sub-wavelength dimension, or two dimensional grating-like structures and Bessel (azimuthally symmetric) structures that can focus to spots of arbitrarily small sub-wavelength dimensions. The particular pattern for the sub-wavelength structures may be derived from the desired focus. Some examples describe sub-wavelength structures that have been implemented to focus microwave radiation to sub-wavelength dimensions in the near field. |
| US08003961B2 |
Electromagnetic wave generating device, electromagnetic wave integrated device, and electromagnetic wave detector
A transmission line for propagating a terahertz wave generated based on a carrier generated in a carrier generation layer includes a first region in which the terahertz wave propagates in a first direction and a second region having a different impedance compared to the first region and forming a reflection interface with respect to a terahertz wave which propagates opposite to the first direction. The transmission line is formed so that a distance from an irradiation location at which light is irradiated to the carrier generation layer to the reflection interface is smaller than D, where D is a distance converted from a half width of a time waveform of a terahertz wave which propagates in the first direction without passing through the reflection interface. Accordingly, a terahertz wave can be made to propagate with energetic efficiency, to a direction the terahertz wave is required to propagate. |
| US08003958B2 |
Apparatus and method for doping
There is proposed an apparatus for doping a material to be doped by generating plasma (ions) and accelerating it by a high voltage to form an ion current is proposed, which is particularly suitable for processing a substrate having a large area. The ion current is formed to have a linear sectional configuration, and doping is performed by moving a material to be doped in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a section of the ion current. |
| US08003952B2 |
Integrated deflectors for beam alignment and blanking in charged particle columns
A charged particle beam column package includes an assembly (e.g., comprising a plurality of layers, which can have a component coupled to one of the layers), and at least one deflector between an extractor and aperture of the assembly. Further, at least one of the layers has interconnects thereon. |
| US08003951B2 |
Optical radiation sensor system
An optical radiation sensor system having: a housing having a distal portion for receiving radiation from the radiation source and a proximal portion; a sensor element in communication with the proximal portion, the sensor element configured to detect and respond to incident radiation received from the radiation source; and motive structure configured to move the housing with respect to the sensor element between at least a first position and a second position. A radiation pathway is defined between the radiation source and the sensor element when the housing is in at least one of the first position and the second position. Movement of the housing with respect to the sensor element causes a modification of intensity of radiation impinging on the sensor element. |
| US08003950B2 |
Radiation detector, X-ray CT apparatus, and method for manufacturing radiation detector
A radiation detector includes: a base plate; and a radiation detection unit provided on one major surface side of the base plate and configured to output an electrical signal proportional to intensity of radiation. The base plate includes a buffer section at a junction with the radiation detection unit, the buffer section being configured to absorb stress generated at the junction due to temperature variation. |
| US08003937B2 |
Electrospray ion source with reduced analyte electrochemistry
An electrospray ion (ESI) source and method capable of ionizing an analyte molecule without oxidizing or reducing the analyte of interest. The ESI source can include an emitter having a liquid conduit, a working electrode having a liquid contacting surface, a spray tip, a secondary working electrode, and a charge storage coating covering partially or fully the liquid contacting surface of the working electrode. The liquid conduit, the working electrode and the secondary working electrode can be in liquid communication. The electrospray ion source can also include a counter electrode proximate to, but separated from, said spray tip. The electrospray ion source can also include a power system for applying a voltage difference between the working electrodes and a counter-electrode. The power system can deliver pulsed voltage changes to the working electrodes during operation of said electrospray ion source to minimize the surface potential of the charge storage coating. |
| US08003931B2 |
Optical vend-sensing system for control of vending machine
A transparent-front vending machine includes an optical vend-sensing system with an article sensing subsystem arranged athwart a vend space. The article sensing subsystem has two emitter/detector arrays, each having at least one emitter and a plurality of detectors. The emitter/detector arrays are arranged so that at least some electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter of the first array can be detected by at least two active detectors of the second array, and at least some electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter of the second array can be detected by at least two active detectors of the first array so that articles falling through the vend space will interrupt electromagnetic radiation between an emitter and at least one detector. At least two emitters are active at one time. |
| US08003928B1 |
Method for compensating a millimeter wave imaging array
A method for compensating a plurality of sensors comprises exposing each of the plurality of sensors to a scene energy from a scene, exposing each of the plurality of sensors to the scene energy from the scene and a reference signal energy, exposing each of the plurality of sensors to a uniform signal energy, exposing each of the plurality of sensors to the uniform signal energy and the reference signal energy, obtaining reference outputs during each exposure of the plurality of sensors, and determining the scene energy received by each of the plurality of sensors relative to the reference signal energy by combining the sensor and reference outputs obtained. |
| US08003927B2 |
Image projection apparatus which projects an image corrected according to a projection surface
An image projection apparatus of the present invention projects a corrected image according to a projection surface, and includes: an imaging unit for capturing a projected image; a correction parameter calculation unit for calculating a correction parameter, on the basis of the captured image, for correcting an image distortion caused by the projection surface; a correction unit for generating a corrected image by correcting the image using the correction parameter; a reproduction level calculation unit for calculating a reproduction level of the corrected image relative to the original image; an image generation unit for generating a guidance image regarding the reproduction level; and a control unit for controlling projection of the guidance image. |
| US08003924B2 |
Cooking appliance
A cooking appliance includes at least one heating element; a heat sink connected to the heating element, to radiate heat generated by the heating element; a cooling fan located at one side of the heat sink, to blow cooling air to the heat sink; and a flow guide covering at least a portion of the heat sink and guiding a portion of the cooling air to flow to the heating element. |
| US08003922B2 |
Solid state switch with over-temperature and over-current protection
An intake air heating system for an internal combustion engine includes an electric heater that heats the intake air, a control circuit that switches a voltage to the electric heater based on a control signal and an over-temperature signal, a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal based on a temperature of the control circuit, and a temperature sensing circuit that generates the over-temperature signal based on the temperature signal and a predetermined temperature. |
| US08003921B2 |
Cooking apparatus
The invention concerns a cooking apparatus (1) which includes a base (3) and a receptacle (2) that rests upon the base (3). According to the invention, the apparatus includes a skirt (14) that has a closed side wall (15) surrounding the receptacle (2) and extending vertically from the base (3) up to at least the free top end (16) of the side wall (5) of the receptacle (2). |
| US08003920B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus of which through holes in a mounting stage can be properly sealed. A substrate processing apparatus comprises a plate-like mounting stage having a plurality of first through holes, a base member including a plurality of second through holes that have female thread portions, a plurality of pin-shaped members being passed through and fitted into the first and second through holes and including flange portions, a plurality of sealing surfaces, and a plurality of sealing members disposed such as to enclose openings of the first through holes. One ends of the pin-shaped members project out from the sealing surfaces, and the other ends have male thread portions capable of engaging with female thread portions of the base member. When the base member moves away from the mounting stage, an end of each of the female thread portions comes into abutment with an end of each of the male thread portions. |
| US08003917B2 |
Seal for a glow plug
A glow plug for a combustion chamber of a self-igniting internal combustion engine has a ceramic heating element designed as a sheathed-element glow plug, which is surrounded by a supporting tube. The ceramic heating element is sealed with respect to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine by a seal in the supporting tube. The seal is designed as a sealing element made of an FeNi alloy having an Invar effect. |
| US08003912B2 |
Method for manufacturing a machine housing having a surface-hardened fluid chamber
Method for manufacturing a machine housing having a fluid chamber (14) with a hardening layer (16) on an internal wall surface, in which the hardening layer (16) is made of a material, that, per-se, is not electrically conductive but has been made conductive by additives, and in that the surface of the hardening layer (16) is machined by electro-discharge machining. |
| US08003904B2 |
Dimmer switch
A dimmer switch includes a first switch for coupling to a power source, a second switch, a dimmer module, and a main actuator movable between an operational position and a disconnected position. The main actuator includes a first switch actuator and a second switch actuator. The first switch may be a normally-closed air-gap switch including a lever in contact with the first switch actuator. Movement of the main actuator between the operational position and the disconnected position is effective to open the switch. The main actuator is pivotally and slidably coupled to a frame. A coupling between the main actuator and the frame includes a pivot in a pivot holder; a partial cylindrical surface of the pivot is in contact with a surface of the pivot holder which includes a first portion having a partial cylindrical surface and a second portion having a ramp surface. |
| US08003903B2 |
Side stand switch
On a pivot bolt which rotatably and pivotally supports a side stand bar on a vehicle-body-side bracket, a switch unit which is constituted of a base and a rotary made of a resin and detects a rotational position of the side stand bar is mounted. A first engaging mechanism which is constituted of a groove and a projection is arranged between a cylindrical portion formed on the rotary and an engaging shaft and, at the same time, a second engaging mechanism which is constituted of a groove and a projection is arranged between the base and the cylindrical portion. The rotary on which a movable contact formed of a leaf spring is mounted allows a positioning pin which is formed on one end portion thereof to be engaged with a pin hole formed in a pivot portion and hence, the rotary is integrally rotated with the side stand bar. |
| US08003901B2 |
Switch device
When a knob is operated, operating force is exerted on an operating point Pm of the manual switch and an operating point Po of the automatic switch from a pusher, and thus the manual switch and the automatic switch are pushed and turned on sequentially. In this case, since the height H of the pusher is set ‘0.9 times’ or more of the distance Lmo from the operating point Pm of the manual switch to the operating point Po of the automatic switch, the pusher has a vertically long shape. As a result, the operating force of the knob is influenced by the friction when the automatic switch is pushed and turned on. Therefore, the manual switch and the automatic switch can be pushed and turned on sequentially while using the automatic switch having small self-holding force Fo. |
| US08003895B2 |
Electronic parts packaging structure and method of manufacturing the same
An electronic parts packaging structure of the present invention includes a core substrate having such a structure that a recess portion is provided by forming a prepreg insulating layer having an opening portion therein on a resin layer, and an electronic parts mounted on a bottom portion of the recess portion of the core substrate such that a connection pad of the electronic parts is directed upward, and also, such a structure may be employed that the electronic parts is embedded in a resin layer of a core substrate having a structure that the resin layer is formed on the prepreg insulating layer. |
| US08003891B2 |
High-voltage outdoor bushing
An exemplary high-voltage outdoor bushing is disclosed which includes a conductor extended along an axis, a condenser core and an electrically insulating polymeric weather protection housing molded on the condenser core. The condenser core can contain an electrically insulating tape which is wound in spiral form around the conductor. Capacitance grading insertions can be arranged between successive windings of the tape. A cured polymeric insulating matrix embeds the wound tape and the capacitive grading insertions. A moisture diffusion barrier can be incorporated inside the condenser core prior to molding the weather protection housing. |
| US08003890B2 |
Repositionable shelf-mounted handle spool assembly for cable routing
A repositionable shelf-mounted handle spool assembly for cable routing includes a mounting bracket and a repositionable spool coupled thereto. The mounting bracket has a primary mounting plate and a shelf, having an opening, that is parallel to but spaced apart from the primary mounting plate. The repositionable spool includes a base having a stub for repositionably coupling with the opening in the shelf, a cylindrical shaft extending from the base, and a gate arm mounted perpendicularly to the cylindrical shaft. The base may be repositioned relative to the mounting structure via the stub. |
| US08003887B1 |
Connecting member
A connecting member includes a cable configured for transmitting signals, a first resilient component located on a top surface of the cable, and a second resilient component located on a bottom surface of the cable, configured for being secured to the first resilient component. The cable includes a first connector and a second connector, that are configured to be electrically connected to two electronic components. The cable is sandwiched between the first resilient component and the second resilient component; and the first and second resilient components are elastically deformable between a first state, in which the first and second resilient components are contracted, and a second state, in which the first and second resilient components are elastically extended. |
| US08003885B2 |
Connection box for solar panel
A box for connecting a ribbon output conductor of a solar panel with a feed cable has a base mountable on the solar panel and formed with a first hole for the ribbon output conductor and a second hole for the feed cable, a removable cover fittable with the base and forming when fitted with the base a substantially closed compartment, and two holders at the first hole oriented at a predetermined angle to each other and adapted to hold a conductive part of the feed cable in either of two positions offset by the predetermined angle relative to the first hole. |
| US08003884B2 |
Photovoltaic device and method for preparing the same
The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device, especially hybrid solar cells, comprising at least one layer comprising evaporated fluoride and/or acetate; and to a method for preparing the same. |
| US08003883B2 |
Nanowall solar cells and optoelectronic devices
A photovoltaic device that includes a substrate and a nanowall structure disposed on the substrate surface. The device also includes at least one layer conformally deposited over the nanowall structure. The conformal layer(s) is at least a portion of a photoactive junction. A method for making a photovoltaic device includes generating a nanowall structure on a substrate surface and conformally depositing at least one layer over the nanowall structure thereby forming at least one photoactive junction. A solar panel includes at least one photovoltaic device based on a nanowall structure. The solar panel isolates such devices from its surrounding atmospheric environment and permits the generation of electrical power. Optoelectronic device may also incorporate a photovoltaic device based on a nanowall structure. |
| US08003880B2 |
Method and devices for generating energy from photovoltaics and temperature differentials
A method for generating power is provided. The method including: providing a heat source with an output of radiation in a predetermined spectrum; generating a first portion of the power from the absorption of the radiation; and generating a second portion of the power from a temperature difference between a first element heated by the heat source and a second element at least partially thermally insulated from the first element. |
| US08003879B2 |
Method and apparatus for in vivo thermoelectric power system
The present subject matter includes a first housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has a first housing opening, a second housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has a second housing opening, the second housing opening being hermetically sealed to the first housing opening, with the first housing portion and the second housing portion at least partially defining an interior volume, cardiac rhythm management electronics disposed in the interior volume, and a thermoelectric energy converter disposed in the interior volume, the thermoelectric energy converter having a hot pole and a cold pole, with the hot pole thermally connected to the first housing portion, and the cold pole thermally connected to the second housing portion. |
| US08003877B2 |
Electronic fingerboard for stringed instrument
An electronic musical instrument for producing musical notes includes an onset signal sensor for sensing the initiation of a note played on the musical instrument. An electronic fingerboard determines the pitch of the note sensed by the sensor. The electronic fingerboard comprises a first layer of film, a second layer of film and a spacer member between the first and second layers of film. The first and second layers are movable relative to each other between a first inactive position in which the first and second layers are separate from each other along their respective lengths and a second active position in which the first and second layers are in contact with each other at a user selected point along their respective lengths. The pitch is determined by the resistance between the first and second layers at the user selected point. |
| US08003873B2 |
Percussion assembly, as well as drumsticks and input means for use in said percussion assembly
The present invention relates to a percussion assembly comprising a multitude of percussion instruments, means for playing said percussion instruments and input means for inputting a tone pitch selection for the purpose of producing a tone pitch selection signal. The percussion assembly further comprises sensor means for producing a synchronization signal when at least one of said percussion instruments is being played. The percussion assembly furthermore comprises control means for receiving the tone pitch selection signal and the synchronization signal and for producing an audio signal dependent on the tone pitch selection signal synchronously with the synchronization signal. The invention further relates to drumsticks and to input means for use with a percussion assembly as described in the foregoing. |
| US08003869B1 |
Harmonics
A harmonic chime on a stringed instrument can be rendered by touching a part of a stringed instrument player's body, which is not part of a first member of the player's body that shortens a playable length of a string, to the string along its playable length at a harmonic-rendering position of the string, and plucking the string within its playable length to provide a harmonic chime on the string. Such a technique can provide for natural or artificial harmonic tones. |
| US08003868B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHVRZ
A novel maize variety designated PHVRZ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHVRZ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHVRZ 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 PHVRZ or a locus conversion of PHVRZ with another maize variety. |
| US08003867B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHWCY
A novel maize variety designated PHWCY and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHWCY with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHWCY 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 PHWCY or a locus conversion of PHWCY with another maize variety. |
| US08003865B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV282996
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV282996. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV282996, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV282996 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV282996 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV282996. |
| US08003864B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV433540
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV433540. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV433540, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV433540 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV433540 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV433540. |
| US08003861B2 |
Soybean cultivar S070143
A soybean cultivar designated S070143 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070143, to the plants of soybean S070143, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070143, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070143 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S070143, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070143, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S070143 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08003859B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080182
A soybean cultivar designated S080182 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080182, to the plants of soybean S080182, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080182, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080182 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S080182, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080182, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S080182 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08003855B2 |
Production of hydroxylated fatty acids in genetically modified plants
This invention relates to plant fatty acyl hydroxylases. Methods to use conserved amino acid or nucleotide sequences to obtain plant fatty acyl hydroxylases are described. Also described is the use of cDNA clones encoding a plant hydroxylase to produce a family of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic plants. In addition, the use of genes encoding fatty acid hydroxylases or desaturases to alter the level of lipid fatty acid unsaturation in transgenic plants is described. |
| US08003848B2 |
Non-dehiscent black-seeded sesame variety sesaco 55
Non-dehiscent black-seeded sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated (S55) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S55 suitable for mechanized harvesting. |
| US08003847B2 |
Non-human mutant mammals deficient in Sigma receptors and their applications
The genome of the non-human mutant mammal, deficient in an endogenous Sigma receptor, contains a mutation that comprises a disruption in an endogenous Sigma receptor gene, wherein said gene disruption gives rise to a mutant lacking detectable levels of endogenous Sigma receptor. The mutant may be used as a control animal for in vivo tests, as well as a source of cells that can be used in in vitro tests. Mutants deficient in the Sigma-1 receptor can be used as models for in vivo study of disorders of the central nervous system, memory alterations, stress conditions and drug addictions, analgesia processes and neuroprotection. Mutants deficient in the Sigma-2 receptor can be used to study diagnostic or therapeutic tools to fight cancer and/or degenerative processes and/or to design compounds capable of preventing, reducing or alleviating the secondary pathology associated with administration of neuroleptic agents. |
| US08003845B2 |
Process for the complete combustion and oxidation of the mineral fraction of waste treated in direct incineration-vitrification apparatus
The invention concerns a process enabling the complete combustion and oxidation of the mineral fraction of combustible waste contained in an apparatus intended to treat waste by direct incineration-vitrification, said process comprising the following steps: a step to add said waste to the apparatus for its depositing on the surface of a molten glass bath contained in the apparatus, an incineration and oxidation step of the waste on the surface of the glass bath, an incorporation step to incorporate combustion products in the glass during which the glass bath, the combustion products and any vitrification additives added to the glass bath are heated until a paste-like, liquid mass is obtained, a step during which said mass is removed from the apparatus and left to cool to obtain finally what is called a confinement matrix, said process being characterized in that the complete combustion and oxidation of the waste is achieved partly during the waste adding step and partly during the waste incineration and oxidation step on the surface of the glass bath, through the presence of holding means enabling the waste to be maintained for a determined time under oxidizing vapors derived from gases added to the apparatus and/or via the addition of oxidants to the waste, during these two steps. |
| US08003842B2 |
Hydrocarbon separation
A process for the separation of close boiling compounds comprising distilling a hydrocarbon mixture of said compounds in the presence of a high boiling diluent liquid and a solid adsorbent. The high boiling diluent is withdrawn from the bottom of the distillation column and recycled to the column. The process is particularly suitable for the separation of straight-chain isomers from isomerate mixtures, the separation of benzene from hydrocarbon mixtures and the separation of paraffins from olefins. |
| US08003839B2 |
Process for generating linear apha olefin comonomers
The present invention relates to an in-line method for generating comonomer, from monomer, such as ethylene. The comonomer generated is stored prior to transporting to a polyethylene polymerization reactor. The in-line method includes the steps of providing an in-line comonomer synthesis reactor and a downstream gas/liquid phase separator prior to the polymerization reactor; feeding ethylene monomer and a catalyst in a solvent and/or diluent to the comonomer synthesis reactor; reacting the ethylene monomer and the catalyst in solvent and/or diluent under reaction conditions to produce an effluent stream including ethylene monomer and comonomer; passing the effluent stream from the comonomer synthesis reactor to the downstream gas/liquid phase separator to separate a gas stream from a bottom stream, wherein the gas stream is a mixture of ethylene monomer and comonomer; and passing the gas stream to the polymerization reactor to provide the necessary comonomer input. |
| US08003835B2 |
Biomass conversion process
A method for converting solid biomass into hydrocarbons includes contacting the solid biomass with a catalyst in a first riser operated at a temperature in the range of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. to thereby produce a first biomass-catalyst mixture and a first product comprising hydrocarbons; a) separating the first product from the first biomass-catalyst mixture; c) charging the first biomass-catalyst mixture to a second riser operated at a temperature in the range of from about 200° C. to about 400° C. to thereby produce a second biomass-catalyst mixture and a second product comprising hydrocarbons; d) separating the second product from the second biomass-catalyst mixture; e) charging the second biomass-catalyst mixture to a third riser operated at a temperature greater than about 450° C. to thereby produce a spent catalyst and a third product comprising hydrocarbons; and f) separating the third effluent from the spent catalyst. |
| US08003830B2 |
Method for improving the color number of trimethylolpropane
The present invention relates to a method for the production of trimethylolpropane with a low color number by treatment with activated carbon. |
| US08003829B2 |
Recovery of phenol ligands during the production of isopulegol
The present invention relates to a method of working up an aluminum-containing reaction product from the production of isopulegol by cyclization of citronellal in the presence of complex compounds, comprising at least one ligand of the formula (I), where R1, R2, R3 are chosen from hydrogen, halogen, nitro, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-alkoxy, di(C1-C4-alkyl)amino and aryl; R4, R5 are chosen from halogen, nitro, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-alkoxy, di(C1-C4-alkyl)amino, aryl or heteroaryl; in which a) the reaction product is subjected to distillative separation to obtain an isopulegol-enriched top product and an isopulegol-depleted bottom product and b) the ligand of the formula (I) is separated off from the bottom product. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of producing isopulegol, and to a method of producing menthol. |
| US08003823B2 |
Halo active aromatic sulfonamide organic compounds and odor control uses therefor
Aromatic N-halosulfonamide organic compounds have been known for over one hundred years. The ability of these compounds to release active halogen ions has been utilized in a range of biocidal and fungicidal applications. The most widely used halogen sulfonamide organic compound for these applications is Chloramine-T. This invention deals with the new use of discovered compositions of matter, halo active aromatic sulfonamide organic compounds and use of solutions of these compounds as, odor control agents. The odor control solutions may be buffered to a predetermined pH. The odor control compositions may further incorporate small percentages of low molecular weight alcohols and wetting agents. |
| US08003822B2 |
Process for continuous carbonylation by supported ionic liquid-phase catalysis
A process for continuous carbonylation of carbonylatable reactants with carbon monoxide in the gaseous phase in the presence of a catalyst, wherein said catalyst is a Supported Ionic Liquid-Phase (SILP) catalyst comprising a solution of a Group VIII metal in an ionic liquid confined on a support. The SILP catalyst offers a very large active catalyst area resulting in a very efficient use of catalyst material and a simple apparatus design. |
| US08003821B2 |
Bronsted acid compound, manufacturing method of condensation compound, dispersion liquid of condensation compound particles, manufacturing method of electrostatic image developing toner, manufacturing method of binder resin, binder resin, dispersion liquid of resin particles, electrostatic image developing toner, electrostatic image developer, and image-forming method
A Brønsted acid is a compound represented by formula (I): wherein n represents an integer of from 1 to 4, RHL('s) each independently represents Cl or F, and R1 represents an alkyl group having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. |
| US08003815B2 |
Method for preparation of cross-condensed compound between amino acids and aminoalkylsilane having alkoxy groups using microwave
The present invention provides a method of preparing a cross-condensed compound of an amino-acid derivative and (aminoalkyl)trialkoxysilane using microwave, including: irradiating and heating an amino-acid derivative and (aminoalkyl)trialkoxysilane in a microwave reactor to obtain a reaction product (step 1); and refining the reaction product obtained in the step 1 by removing an unreacted solid material from the reaction product and then leaving the reaction product at room temperature under vacuum to remove excess (aminoalkyl)trialkoxysilane therefrom (step 2). According to the method, since a cross-condensation reaction is performed using microwave, unlike a conventional condensation reaction, economic efficiency is increased due to no catalyst, short reaction time and no solvent. Further, the yield and selectivity of products is increased, and the condensation reaction can be environment-friendly performed because a solvent which can badly influence the environment may not be used. |
| US08003814B2 |
Metal alkoxide compound, material for forming thin film, and method for producing thin film
A metal alkoxide compound represented by the following general formula (1), wherein each of R1 to R8 is independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; M is a titanium, a zirconium or a hafnium atom. |
| US08003810B2 |
Process for preparing Nebivolol
The present invention relates to a process for preparing Nebivolol and, more particularly, to an improved process for synthesizing enantiomerically enriched 6-fluoro chroman alcohol or epoxide derivatives of formula, wherein R and X is defined in the description; as useful intermediates in the preparation of Nebivolol. |
| US08003809B2 |
Synthesis of acyloxyalkyl carbamate prodrugs and intermediates thereof
Methods for synthesis of 1-(acyloxy)-alkyl carbamates, particularly, the synthesis of 1-(acyloxy)-alkyl carbamate prodrugs of primary or secondary amine-containing drugs are described. Also described are methods for synthesis of 1-(acyloxy)-alkyl N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbonates which are useful intermediates in the synthesis of 1-(acyloxy)-alkyl carbamates are also described. |
| US08003808B2 |
3-hydrazino-2,5-dioxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylates, process for production of the same, and use of the same
The present invention provides 3-hydrazino-2,5-dioxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylates of the formula (I): wherein R1 is a C1-6 alkyl group, etc., R2 is a hydrogen atom or a COOR3 group, wherein R3 is a tert-C4-6 alkyl group, a 2,2,2-trichloroethyl group or a benzyl group in which the benzene ring moiety may be optionally substituted by one or two atoms or groups independently selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, a C1-4 alkoxy group, a cyano group and a nitro group, and a salt thereof, which are useful as a novel intermediate for preparing tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-4-spiro-3′-pyrrolidine derivatives such as Ranirestat being promising therapeutic agents for diabetic complications in a short process and in an economically advantageous and safe manner, and the process for preparing the same. |
| US08003806B2 |
Integrin antagonists useful as anticancer agents
The invention relates to compounds of the Formula 1 and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein A, X2, X4, X5 and X1 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to methods of treating abnormal cell growth in mammals by administering the compounds of Formula 1 and to pharmaceutical compositions for treating such disorders which contain the compounds of Formula 1. |
| US08003804B2 |
Synthesis of 4-[1-(4-cyano phenyl)-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl] benzonitrile and 4-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methylene benzonitrile intermediate
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-[1-(4-cyano phenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile (letrozole), substantially free from its isomeric impurity. The preparation involves reaction of 4-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methylene benzonitrile with 4-fluorobenzonitrile in the presence of an organic solvent and a silicon amine. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of 4-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methylene benzonitrile which involves: (a) the reaction of a 4-halomethyl benzonitrile with 1,2,4-triazole in the presence of cesium carbonate and an organic solvent to obtain a reaction mass comprising 4-[1-(1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile of formula II; and (b) precipitation of 4-[1-(1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile (II) from the reaction mass using a suitable organic solvent. |
| US08003799B2 |
Picolinic acid derivatives and their use as fungicides
Compounds of general formula (I): in which n, G, Q1, Q2, X1, X2, Y and Z are as defined in the description, process for preparing these compounds, fungicidal compositions comprising these compounds, processes for treating plants by applying these compounds or compositions. |
| US08003797B2 |
Pyridine carboxamide orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to pyridyl carboxamide compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. |
| US08003796B2 |
Pyridone GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor agonists
Novel compounds are provided which are GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators. GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulator therapy. These novel compounds have the structure Formula I or Formula IA. |
| US08003795B2 |
Compounds and compositions for reducing lipid levels
Compositions comprising extracts or isolated or purified compounds from plants of the genus Corydalis provide prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatic steatosis, and metabolic syndrome. Corydalis compounds and their derivatives of natural and synthetic origins lower total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and increase hepatic LDL receptor expression and activate AMP-activated protein kinase. Specific stereoisomers of Corydalis compounds with lipid lowering activity include 14R-(+)-corypalmine, 14R,13S-(+)-corydaline, 14R-(+)-tetrahydropalmatin, (+)-corlumidin, d-(+)-bicuculline, and (+)-egenine. |
| US08003787B2 |
Sulphoximine-substituted quinoline and quinazoline derivatives as kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to a quinoline or quinazoline derivative having the general formula (A): in which R3, R4, W, Y and Q are indicated in the description and the claims, the use of the compounds of the general formula (A) for the treatment of various disorders, and the preparation of compounds of the general formula (A). |
| US08003784B2 |
Cyanopyrrole containing cyclic carbamate and thiocarbamate biaryls and methods for preparing the same
Methods for preparing cyclic carbamates and thiocarbamates containing cyanopyrrole moieties and of the formula are provided. Z are the same or different and are H, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkyl, or CORA; RA is H, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkyl, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C1 to C6 aminoalkyl; Q are the same or different and are H, OH, NH2, CN, halogen, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkyl, optionally substituted C2 to C6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkynyl, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C1 to C6 aminoalkyl, or CORB; and RB is H, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkyl, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C1 to C6 aminoalkyl. Compounds including 2-amino-5-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)benzoic acid methyl ester, 5-[4-amino-3-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile, and 2-amino-5-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-phenyl-ethanone, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the uses thereof are also provided. |
| US08003780B2 |
AIMP2-DX2 gene and SiRNA targeting AIMP2-DX2
The present invention relates to a variant of AIMP2 lacking exon 2 gene, named as AIMP2-DX2 gene, which is specifically expressed in cancer cells. The AIMP2-DX2 gene and siRNA targeting AIMP2-DX2 can be successfully used in the development of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. |
| US08003774B2 |
Identification and engineering of antibodies with variant Fc regions and methods of using same
The present invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly immunoglobulins (e.g., antibodies), comprising a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region, which variant Fc region binds FcγRIIIA and/or FcγRIIA with a greater affinity, relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with a disease, disorder, or infection. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder where an enhanced efficacy of effector cell function (e.g., ADCC) mediated by FcγR is desired, e.g., cancer, infectious disease, and in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic antibodies the effect of which is mediated by ADCC. |
| US08003772B2 |
Chimeric PUFA polyketide synthase systems and uses thereof
Disclosed are chimeric polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) proteins and chimeric PUFA PKS systems, including chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems derived from Schizochytrium and Thraustochytrium. Disclosed are nucleic acids and proteins encoding such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems, genetically modified organisms comprising such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems, and methods of making and using such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems. |
| US08003771B2 |
Compositions, probes and conjugates and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compositions useful as probes and in other applications and methods of their use. In some embodiments, nucleotides are prepared and functionalized with dyes. In some embodiments a first molecule is functionalized with an alkynyl group, a second molecule is functionalized with an azide group, and said first and second molecules are mixed under conditions to form a conjugate with a 1,2,3-triazol group. In further embodiments, a nucleotide is functionalized with an alkynyl group, a dye is functionalized with an azide group, and mixing the nucleotide and the dye forms a conjugate capable of emitting light. |
| US08003770B2 |
T-cell receptor and nucleic acid encoding the receptor
A polypeptide comprising a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 of Sequence Listing or a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence having deletion, addition, insertion or substitution of one to several amino acid residues in the sequence, the polypeptide being capable of constituting an HLA-A24-restricted, MAGE-A4143-151-specific T cell receptor together with a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 of Sequence Listing. |
| US08003769B2 |
Dye-labeled ribonucleotide triphosphates
The invention provides novel dye-labeled ribonucleotide analogs and methods for synthesizing those analogs. The compounds of the invention are especially useful for DNA sequencing by the polymerase chain reaction. |
| US08003768B1 |
System for providing 20% ethanol solutions that meet bioburden and endotoxin requirements
A system and method for providing 20% ethanol solutions meeting bioburden and endotoxin specifications, which provides the 20% ethanol solution in a ready-to-use form which may be dispensed directly from the container in which the solution is shipped, and which may be used in connection with storage, reuse and/or rejuvination of Protein A. |
| US08003765B2 |
Methods, antibodies and kits for detecting cerebrospinal fluid in a sample
The present disclosure relates to detection of the presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sample, in particular to the analysis of the CSF protein lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS). The present disclosure provides assays for the analysis of L-PGDS indicating the presence or absence of CSF in a sample. |
| US08003763B2 |
Cripto blocking antibodies and uses thereof
The invention provides Cripto blocking antibodies, or biologically functional fragments thereof, and uses thereof. Antibodies which bind Cripto and modulate Cripto signaling are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and block the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 are provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto and modulate tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, modulate signaling, and modulate tumor growth are also provided. Antibodies which bind Cripto, block the interaction between Cripto and ALK4 and modulate tumor growth are provided. The invention also provides methods of using these antibodies in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications. |
| US08003762B2 |
Monoclonal antibody to CD166 and method for production thereof
CD166 is a cell adhesion molecule belonging to an immunoglobulin superfamily that is expressed in an excessive amount on the tumor surface. If an monoclonal antibody specifically binding to the CD166 is obtained, it becomes possible to suppress growth of tumor cells, detect the cells, and supply a therapeutic drug thereto specifically. However, because the CD166 proteins are very similar to each other among mammals, it was not possible to obtain an antibody to human CD166, by immunizing, for example, mice with the human CD166.The antibody was prepared by immunizing mice with a purified avian CD166 protein. The antibody was found to be adsorbed on human and mouse CD166 proteins in vitro as well as in vivo and to have an action to suppress tumor growth in mice. |
| US08003758B2 |
BPC-1: a secreted brain-specific protein expressed and secreted by prostate and bladder cancer cells
Described is a novel gene and its encoded secreted tumor antigen, termed BPC-1, and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions useful in the management of various cancers which express BPC-1, particularly including prostate cancer and bladder cancer. In human normal tissues, BPC-1 is only expressed in certain tissues of the brain. However, BPC-1 is expressed at high levels in prostate cancer cells and is also expressed in bladder cancer cells. The structure of BPC-1 includes a signal sequence and a CUB domain. BPC-1 protein is secreted. Preliminary experimental evidence suggests that BPC-1 is directly involved in oncogenesis or maintenance of the transformed phenotype of cancer cells expressing BPC-1. BPC-1 also appears to bind specifically to a cellular protein expressed in prostate cancer cells and other cells. |
| US08003756B2 |
Agent derived from tortoise spleen stimulating mammalian hemopoiesis
The present invention relates to a proteinaceous extract derived from tortoise spleen and to a tetrapeptide FTGN, which have stimulatory activity on hematopoietic cells. In particular, this tetrapeptide enhances hemopoietic reconstruction, and bone marrow re-population, reduced as a consequence of a high dose of radiation or chemotherapy exposure. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising as an effective ingredient the proteinaceous extract or the FTGN tetrapeptide and ex vivo and in vivo methods of treatment employing them. |
| US08003754B2 |
Paralytic peptide for use as a insecticide
The invention relates to a method of killing or immobilizing an insect comprising administering to the insect a low molecular weight peptide isolated from the submaxiliary saliva glands of shrews of the species Blarina. The invention further relates to an insecticide composition comprising such a peptide. |
| US08003752B2 |
Sintering ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Articles made of and/or including ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UMWPE) having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as high yield strength, high tensile strength, high load strength, and/or high impact strength. Some embodiments of articles made of and/or including UHMWPE having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as that listed above, include UHMWPE having co-monomers. |
| US08003746B2 |
Amino-mercapto functional organopolysiloxanes
An organopolysiloxane containing both an amino functional organic group and a mercapto functional organic group is disclosed. A method of making such amino-mercapto functional organopolysiloxanes is by reacting (A) a silanol-functional polysiloxane, (B) an amino functional alkoxy silane, and (C) a mercapto functional alkoxy silane, via a condensation reaction. The amino-mercapto functional organopolysiloxanes products are useful in textile and fabric treatments. |
| US08003743B2 |
Metallocene compounds, ligands used in their preparation, preparation of 1-butene polymers and 1-butene polymers therefrom
A process for preparing 1-butene polymers comprising polymerizing 1-butene and optionally ethylene, propylene or higher alpha-olefin, in the presence of a catalyst system obtainable by contacting:a) metallocene compound of formula (I): wherein: M is a transition metal; p is an integer from 0 to 3; X, same or different, is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a hydrocarbon group; L is a divalent C1-C40 hydrocarbon radical; R1 is a C1-C40 hydrocarbon radical; T1, is a moiety of formula (IIa) or (IIb): wherein R2 and R3, are C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals or they can form together a C3-C7-membered ring; R4 is C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals; T2 and T3, are a moiety of formula (IIIa) or (IIIb): wherein R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals; R5 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals; with the proviso that if T1 is a moiety of formula (IIa) at least one between T2 and T3 is a moiety of formula (IIIb), and if T1 is a moiety of formula (IIb) at least one between T2 and T3 is a moiety of formula (IIIa); and b) at least an alumoxane or a compound able to form an alkylmetallocene cation. |
| US08003737B2 |
Coating system
A curable composition comprising a) an epoxy resin containing on average more than one epoxy group per molecule, and b) as curing agent a hybrid hardener, whereby said hardener is a blend of b1) an aminic compound selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic amines, imidazoline group-containing amidoamines based on mono- or polybasic acids, adducts of said amines or amidoamines made from glycidyl compounds, adducts of said amines or amidoamines made from cyclic carbonates, whereby said aminic compound contains, on average per molecule, at least two reactive hydrogen atoms bound to nitrogen atoms, and b2) a DCPD-phenol based novolac, and wherein the DCPD-phenol novolac is used in an amount from 1 to 65 wt %, based on the total weight of the hardener blend b1) and b2), especially useful as protective coatings for metallic and mineral substrates. |
| US08003733B2 |
Process for preparing sulfonated block copolymers and various uses for such block copolymers
A process for preparing sulfonated block copolymers that are solid in water having at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B involving sulfonating the interior block B until substantially sulfonated. Each A block having one or more segments selected from polymerized (i) para-substituted styrene monomers, (ii) ethylene, (iii) alpha olefins of 3 to 18 carbon atoms; (iv) hydrogenated 1,3-cyclodiene monomers, (v) hydrogenated monomers of conjugated dienes having a vinyl content less than 35 mol percent prior to hydrogenation, (vi) acrylic esters, (vii) methacrylic esters, and (viii) mixtures thereof. Each B block having segments of one or more polymerized vinyl aromatic monomers selected from (i) unsubstituted styrene monomers, (ii) ortho-substituted styrene monomers, (iii) meta-substituted styrene monomers, (iv) alpha-methylstyrene, (v) 1,1-diphenylethylene, (vi) 1,2-diphenylethylene and (vii) mixtures thereof. |
| US08003732B2 |
Gradient reinforced proton exchange membrane
An ion conducting polymeric structure suitable for fuel cell applications is provided. The polymeric structure comprises a non-homogenous polymeric layer. The non-homogeneous layer is a blend of a first polymer comprising cyclobutyl moiety; and a second polymer having a non-ionic polymer segment. The weight ratio of the first polymer to the second polymer varies as a function of position within the non-homogenous layer. The blend composition may be cast into an electrolyte membrane that can be used to prepare electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells. |
| US08003729B2 |
Organic insulator composition including a hydroxyl group-containing polymer, dielectric film and organic thin film transistor using the same
An organic insulator composition including a crosslinking agent and a hydroxyl group-containing oligomer or hydroxyl group-containing polymer is provided. A dielectric film and an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) using an organic insulator composition are also provided. A dielectric film may include a compound having hydroxyl group-containing oligomers or hydroxyl group-containing polymers linked by crosslinking using a crosslinking agent having at least two vinyl ether groups. An organic thin film transistor may include a gate electrode on a substrate, a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, source and drain electrodes on the gate insulating layer and an organic semiconductor layer contacting the gate insulating layer, wherein the gate insulating layer includes an dielectric film as described above. |
| US08003723B2 |
Pyrolysis resistant coating finish
A coating solution made from a mixture of at least one silane and at least one polysiloxane which can be hardened on a substrate by hydrolysis and condensation to give a coating on the substrate, wherein the at least one silane is of general formula RxSi(OR′)4-x and the at least one polysiloxane is of general formula [R2SiO]y or R3Si—(O—SiR2)Y—O—SiR3, where R independently=alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl or H, Rprime independently=H, methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, n-, iso-, sec.- or tert.-butyl, x=0 or 1 (for the first silane), x=0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (for each further silane) and y=a whole number of at least 2, wherein the coating solution includes at least one alkali or earth alkali oxide or hydroxide. |
| US08003720B2 |
Method and compositions for reducing plate-out in the manufacture of plastic articles
Chemical additives disclosed for reducing “plate-out” which have applications in polymers, such as polyolefins. It is possible to provide for a composition and a process for producing parts, sheet and film from polyolefin extrusion applications wherein the polyolefins are processed with a minimal quantity of “plate-out.” A polyolefin composition may contain a sorbitol-based clarifying system of a derivative of Dibenzylidene, along with one or more co-additives to achieve a reduction in undesirable plate-out. |
| US08003719B2 |
Nucleating agents
A composition includes a thermoplastic polyester or polyolefin; and a nucleant having a chemical formula: and combinations of any two or more thereof; where each R1 is independently H, NR2R2, OH, OR2, SR2, SOR2, SO2R2, CN, COR2, CO2R2, CONR2R2, NO2, F, Cl, Br, or I; and each R2 is independently H or C1-C6 alkyl. |
| US08003716B2 |
Aqueous polymer dispersions based on copolymers formed from vinylaromatics and conjugated aliphatic dienes, processes for preparation thereof and use thereof
Aqueous polymer dispersions based on copolymers of vinyl aromatics and conjugated aliphatic dienes having a mean particle size of from 80 to 150 nm, obtained by free radical emulsion copolymerization of (a) from 19.9 to 80 parts by weight of at least one vinyl aromatic compound, (b) from 19.9 to 80 parts by weight of at least one conjugated aliphatic diene, (c) from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid, and (d) from 0 to 20 parts by weight of at least one other monoethylenically Unsaturated monomer, the sum of the parts by weight of the monomers (a), (b), (c) and (d) always being 100, in an aqueous medium in the presence of at least one degraded starch having an intrinsic viscosity ηi of less than 0.07 dl/g with the use of at least 0.9% by weight, based on the monomers used altogether, of initiators selected from peroxodisulfates, peroxosulfates, azo initiators, organic peroxides, organic hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide, at least 30% by weight of the initiators being initially taken together with the degraded starch in the aqueous medium and the monomers and the remaining initiators being metered into this initially taken mixture under polymerization conditions. |
| US08003714B2 |
Ink, ink set, ink cartridge and ink ejecting apparatus
An ink comprising a pigment, a dispersant, a penetrating agent, water, a compound having two hydroxyl groups in the molecule, a compound having three hydroxyl groups in the molecule, and a compound having four or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule, the content of the pigment being in the range of from about 7% by weight to about 20% by weight; the content of the compound having two hydroxyl groups in the molecule being in the range of from about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight; the content of the compound having three hydroxyl groups in the molecule being in the range of from about 2% by weight to about 20% by weight; and the content of the compound having four or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule being in the range of from about 25% by weight to about 50% by weight. |
| US08003713B2 |
Fabricating polymers for optical devices
High concentrations of dye may be prepared in combination with thermoplastic polymers and used in optical polymers as monomeric and dimeric molecular solutions. The method of preparing high concentration levels allows the control over the aggregation of dye molecules that is required to maintain effective nonlinear operation. The present invention is applicable to many systems and is essential to the successful production of working optical limiting devices and other optically transparent polymeric devices, as well as other photonic applications, such as nonlinear optics. |
| US08003707B2 |
Metal-rich siliceous compositions and methods of producing same
A modified sol-gel method to create metal-rich siliceous material, such as colloidal silica or aluminosilicate particles is disclosed. Initially, the metal salt of choice is added to a silicic acid solution or a silicic acid solution containing aluminum salt. The aluminum is added to vary the metal-support interaction as it forms Al—O—Si linkages within the silica matrix. Besides aluminum, other metals can be added that form M—O—Si (M=Ti, B, etc.) linkages, which do not become reduced when treated with a reducing agent. Once the metal, silicic acid and/or aluminum salt is generated, it is subjected to colloidal growth by addition to a basic heel. Upon colloidal synthesis, the metal salt containing colloidal particle is left as is to maximize colloidal stability or is reduced with hydrazine to produce the zero valence metal-containing colloidal particle. Keeping a particle colloidal before use may be an effective method of forming a catalyst material as it can be easily spray-dried or mixed with other materials for extruded catalyst particles. |
| US08003700B2 |
Colchicine solid complex; methods of making; and methods of use thereof
Disclosed are new colchicine solid complexes, methods of making the solid complexes as well as formulation prepared therefrom and uses thereof. |
| US08003699B2 |
Amide compound and use thereof for controlling plant diseases
Disclosed is an amide compound represented by the following formula (1). (1) (In the formula, X1 represents a fluorine atom or a methoxy group; X2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or the like; Z represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; and A represents an A1-CR6R7R8 group, an A2-Cy1 group or an A3-Cy2 group, wherein A1 represents a CH2 group or the like, A2 represents a single bond, a CH2 group or the like, Cy1 represents a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group substituted with a C1-C6 alkoxy group or the like, Cy2 represents a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group which may be substituted with at least one halogen atom or the like, R6 and R7 independently represent a C1-C4 alkyl group, and R8 represents a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or the like.) The amide compound has excellent plant disease controlling activity. |
| US08003695B2 |
IKK-beta serine-threonine protein kinase inhibitors
Compounds of formula (IA) or (IB) are inhibitors of IkB kinase (IKK) activity, and are useful in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: Formula (A) and (B) wherein R7 is hydrogen or optionally substituted (C1-C6)alkyl; ring A is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl ring of 5-13 ring atoms; Z is (a) a radical of formula R1R2CHNH—Y-L1-X1—(CH2)z— wherein: z is 0 or 1; R1 is a carboxylic acid group (—COOH), or an ester group which is hydrolysable by one or more intracellular esterase enzymes to a carboxylic acid group; R2 is the side chain of a natural or non-natural alpha amino acid; Y is a bond, —C(═O)—, —S(═P)2-, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)NR3-, —C(═S)—NR3, —C(═NH)—NR3 or —S(═O)2NR3— wherein R3 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; L is a divalent linker radical of formula -(Alk1)m(Q)(Alk2)p- wherein m, n, p, Q, AIk1 and AIk2 are as defined in the claims. |
| US08003693B2 |
Modulation of anxiety through blockade of anandamide hydrolysis
Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors of the Formula: are provided wherein X is NH, CH2, O, or S; Q is O or S; Z is O or N; R is an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted aryl; substituted or unsubstituted biphenylyl, substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl, and substituted or unsubstituted phenyl; substituted or unsubstituted terphenylyl; substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or alkyl; and R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted biphenylyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; with the proviso that if Z is O, one of R1 and R2 is absent, and that if Z is N, optionally R1 and R2 may optionally be taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted N-heterocycle or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl with the N atom to which they are each attached. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I and methods of using them to inhibit FAAH and/or treat appetite disorders, glaucoma, pain, insomnia, and neurological and psychological disorders including anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and depression are provided. |
| US08003691B2 |
Antiviral and comma antibacterial pharmaceutical compositions of cantharidic anhydride and method of preparation thereof
The present invention relates to an antiviral and antibacterial pharmaceutical composition comprising cantharidic anhydride-essential oil preparation as effective ingredient and method for preparing thereof. The cantharidic anhydride-essential oil preparation is prepared by dissolving cantharidic anhydride at appropriate temperatures. The clinical trials demonstrate that the cantharidic anhydride-essential oil preparation is effective in the treatment of tuberculosis and various viruses infected diseases. Furthermore, a series of local formulations for external use for treatment and prevention of virus infections can be prepared from the said cantharidic anhydride-essential oil preparations. |
| US08003679B2 |
Use of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system
Inhibitors of the rennin-angiotensin system are useful for the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with hypoxia, such as stroke. |
| US08003678B2 |
Therapeutic substituted thiazolidinones, oxazolidinones, and related compounds
A compound having a structure is disclosed herein. Therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed. |
| US08003677B2 |
2-heteroaryl-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole derivatives and their use as SCD inhibitors
The invention relates to heterocyclic derivatives of formula I wherein R, R1, A, B, D, M, L and n are as defined herein, or their physiologically compatible salts, their pharmaceutical compositions and their uses as SCD1 inhibitors. |
| US08003676B2 |
1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as DGAT1 inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I), or salts thereof, which inhibit acetyl CoA (acetyl coenzyme A):diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) activity are provided, wherein: n is 1, 2 or 3 and each R is independently selected from fluoro, chloro, cyano, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy and difluoromethoxy; together with processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments. |
| US08003675B2 |
3,4-dihalogenoisothiazole derivative, and agricultural or horticultural plant disease-controlling agent
A 3,4-dihalogenoisothiazole derivative represented by the general formula [I] (wherein R1 is a halogen atom; A is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; and R is a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C2-C5 alkenyl group, a C2-C5 alkynyl group, a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group, a phenyl group or a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic group containing at least one of oxygen atom, sulfur atom and nitrogen atom), or a salt thereof. |
| US08003673B2 |
Daptomycin for the treatment of biofilm and catheter salvage
Daptomycin can be used for biofilm treatment (particularly central venous catheter salvage for S. epidermidis infected catheters). Catheter salvage with daptomycin shows rapid cidality, activity against stationary phase bacteria, and penetration and activity in biofilms. The present inventions provide formulations, methods, and articles of manufacture useful for biofilm treatment or catheter salvage involving daptomycin. Particular formulations include daptomycin in lactated Ringer's solution having a rapid kill curve against the bacteria of the biofilm. |
| US08003665B2 |
Salts and polymorphs of a potent antidiabetic compound
Salts and polymorphs of a compound useful in the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic conditions and diseases are provided herein. In particular, the invention provides salts and polymorphs of a compound which modulates the expression and/or function of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. The salts and polymorphs are useful for the treatment or prevention of conditions and disorders associated with energy homeostasis such as type II diabetes, lipid metabolism, adipocyte differentiation and inflammation. |
| US08003661B2 |
Naphthalene and quinoline sulfonylurea derivatives as EP4 receptor antagonists
The invention is directed to naphthalene and quinoline sulfonylurea derivatives as EP4 receptor antagonists useful for the treatment of EP4 mediated diseases or conditions, such as acute and chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included. |
| US08003660B2 |
Modulators of muscarinic receptors
The present invention relates to benzo-spiro-azaheterocyclic compounds of formula I, wherein R1, R2a, Rsb, R3, R′3, R4, R′4, m, n, q and p are define herein. The compounds of this invention are useful as modulators of muscarinic receptors. The present invention also provides compositions comprising such modulators, and methods therewith for treating muscarinic receptor mediated diseases |
| US08003656B2 |
2-phenoxy pyrimidinone analogues
2-Phenoxy pyrimidinone analogues are provided, of the Formula: wherein variables are as described herein. Such compounds are ligands that may be used to modulate specific receptor activity in vivo or in vitro, and are particularly useful in the treatment of conditions associated with pathological receptor activation in humans, domesticated companion animals and livestock animals. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using such compounds to treat such disorders are provided, as are methods for using such ligands for receptor localization studies. |
| US08003649B2 |
Bicyclic derivatives for use in the treatment of androgen receptor associated conditions-155
The invention concerns bicyclic compounds of Formula I wherein the integers X1, X2, X3, Ring A, R4, R5 and m are as defined in the description. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the prevention or treatment of androgen-receptor associated conditions. |
| US08003647B2 |
(Aza)indole derivative and use thereof for medical purposes
The present invention provides compounds useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with abnormal serum uric acid level which has a uricosuric activity or the like. The present invention relates to (aza)indole derivatives represented by the following general formula (I) having xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities and useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with abnormality of serum uric acid level, prodrugs thereof, or salts thereof. In the formula (I), T represents nitro or cyano and the like; ring J represents aryl or heteroaryl and the like; Q represents carboxy or 5-tetrazolyl and the like; Y represents H, OH, NH2, halogen, nitro, alkyl, alkoxy and the like; X1, X2 and X3 independently represent CR2 or N; R1 and R2 independently represent halogen, cyano, haloalkyl, A-D-E-G, —N(-D-E-G)2 and the like, in the formula, A represents a single bond, O, S and the like; D and G independently represent optionally substituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, heterocycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene and the like; E represents a single bond, O, S, COO, SO2 and the like. |
| US08003646B2 |
Substituted triazolo-pyridazine derivatives
This invention relates to novel substituted triazolo-pyridazines, their derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering an α1-GABA-A receptor antagonist and/or a α2, α3 and α5 GABA-A receptor agonist. |
| US08003641B2 |
Compositions and methods of treating cell proliferation disorders
The invention relates to compounds and methods for treating cell proliferation disorders. |
| US08003636B2 |
Certain crystalline diphenylazetidinone hydrates, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods for their use
Provided are certain crystalline hydrates of the formula I in which n has a value of from 0.5 to 1.8. The compound may be suitable, for example, as a hypolipidemic. |
| US08003633B1 |
Anti-cancer compositions and methods
Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)n—Se—C(═NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)n—Se—C(═NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation. Compositions of the present invention inhibit Akt enzymes, iNOS, and increase MAP kinase activity such that cancer cells contacted with the compositions are inhibited. |
| US08003630B2 |
Combinatorial therapies for the treatment of neoplasias using the opioid growth factor receptor
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for treating neoplasias in an animal or human comprised of a carrier and therapeutically effective amounts of at least one chemotherapeutic agent along with the biotherapeutic endogenous pentapeptide Met-enkephalin, referred to as opioid growth factor. Also provided are methods of treating neoplasias in an animal or human in need of such treatment, comprising the administration to the animal or human therapeutically effective amounts of a pharmaceutical composition comprised of a carrier and therapeutically effective amounts of at least one neoplasia-treating agent, such as a chemotherapeutic agent or radiation, along with opioid growth factor. |
| US08003629B2 |
21-substituted progesterone derivatives as new antiprogestational agents
A compound having the general formula: in which: R1 is a member selected from the group consisting of —OCH3, —SCH3, —N(CH3)2, —NHCH3, —CHO, —COCH3 and —CHOHCH3; R2 is a member selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, acyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkyl carbonate, cypionyloxy, S-alkyl and S-acyl; R3 is a member selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy and acyloxy; R4 is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl; and X is a member selected from the group consisting of ═O and ═N—OR5, wherein R5 is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl. In addition to providing the compounds of Formula I, the present invention provides methods wherein the compounds of Formula I are advantageously used, inter alia, to antagonize endogenous progesterone; to induce menses; to treat endometriosis; to treat dysmenorrhea; to treat endocrine hormone-dependent tumors; to treat uterine fibroids; to inhibit uterine endometrial proliferation; to induce labor; and for contraception. |
| US08003627B2 |
Urokinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel compounds with inhibitory activity towards urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA); to methods for preparation of said uPA inhibitor compounds; to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said uPA inhibitor compounds; to the use of said uPA inhibitor compounds as a medicament and the use of said uPA inhibitor compounds for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of conditions chosen from the group comprising cancer, tumour growth, tumour invasion, tumour metastasis, diabetic retinopathy, hemorrhagic atherosclerosis and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. |
| US08003623B2 |
Mixtures of sulfated oligosaccharides
The present invention relates to mixtures of polysaccharides derived from heparin having a mean molecular weight of 1500 to 3000 Daltons and an anti-Xa/anti-IIa ratio greater than 30, their method of preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US08003621B2 |
Drug carriers
Compositions that can include a cationic polymeric carrier, targeting agent, and therapeutic agent are disclosed herein. The therapeutic agent may have a therapeutic activity such as inhibiting fibrosis within a target organ or tissue or inhibiting the growth of a cancer cell. |
| US08003617B2 |
Methods of treating diabetes mellitus
The invention provides methods of treating a diabetic subject comprising administering a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor to the subject. |
| US08003616B2 |
Composition for the treatment of ear infections and method
A composition for treating ear infections in animals includes an antifungal agent, an antibiotic agent, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and an acid dissolved to form a liquid. The acid aids in keeping the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent in solution, and enhances the bactericidal effect of the composition. The method of preparing such composition includes dissolving the antifungal agent, steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and acid in dehydrated alcohol, dissolving the antibiotic agent in propylene glycol, combining the two solutions together, heating the combination and then cooling the composition. Several drops of the composition are applied at least twice per day to the affected area of the animal's ear. |
| US08003614B2 |
Dipeptides incorporating selenoamino acids with enhanced bioavailability—synthesis, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications thereof
Disclosed is a novel synthetic method for isomeric peptides through an appropriate linkage of L-selenomethionine or Se-Methyl-L-selenocysteine with L-glutamic acid. The novel synthetic method produces isomeric peptides of L-selenomethionine or Se-Methyl-L-selenocysteine that exhibit (i) enhanced water solubility; (ii) enhanced rate of dissolution in water; (iii) enhanced bioavailability; (iv) excellent vascular endothelial growth factor promoting activity; (v) excellent anti-5-alpha-reductase activity; (vi) capabilities to prevent/reduce “hair fall” and promote “hair growth”, thereby maintaining a perfect homeostasis for “hair care”. Cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the isomeric peptides obtained through an appropriate linkage of L-selenomethionine or Se-Methyl-L-selenocysteine with L-glutamic acid are also disclosed. Other dipeptides with several other amino acids and uses thereof are also disclosed. |
| US08003613B2 |
Methods and compositions for inducing apoptosis
The C-terminal domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK-CD) was isolated using a Baculoviral system. Using phage display techniques, a phage encoding a 12 amino-acid peptide (peptide 35) and AV3 that binds to FAK-CD were identified. The peptides were also conjugated to TAT-FITC to produce a fluorescently labeled chimeric molecule capable of penetrating cell membranes. Contacting various breast cancer cell lines with these molecule caused detachment, rounding, apoptosis and cell death. These effects were not observed in normal (non-cancerous) breast cells. |
| US08003611B2 |
Composite material useful as biomaterial and its preparation
The present invention aims at providing a biomaterial composite not having risks of pathogen infection and unfavorable side effects such as rejection response. According to the invention, there is provided a biomaterial composite, which comprises a polypeptide and a calcium phosphate compound, said peptide comprising the units of Formulas (I) to (III): [—(OC—(CH2)m—CO)p-(Pro-Y-Gly)n-]a (I) [—(OC—(CH2)m—CO)q-(z)r-]b (II) [—HN—R—NH—]c (III) wherein m, p, q, Y, n, Z, r, R, a, b and c are as defined in the specification. The composite of the invention is particularly suitable for an artificial bone due to its high biocompatibility, high endurance and mechanical strength. Further, the invention can provide a process of the composite according to the invention can for preparation of the composite having excellent mechanical characteristics by a simple procedure. |
| US08003610B2 |
Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist peptide from amphibian skin
A bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist peptide, kinestatin, isolated from toad (Bombina maxima) defensive skin secretion, and analogs thereof, is disclosed. The structure of kinestatin is pGlu-Leu/Ile-Pro-Gly-Leu/Ile-Gly-Pro-Leu/Ile-Arg-NH2. Also disclosed are kinestatin analogs, prodrugs including the peptides, fusion peptides and multimeric peptides including the peptide sequences, pharmaceutical compositions including kinestatin and analogs thereof, prodrugs, fusion and multimeric peptides thereof, nucleic acids encoding kinestatin and analogs thereof, and nucleic acids encoding the fusion and multimeric peptides. Kinestatin and analogs thereof (including the prodrugs and multimeric and/or fusion peptides) can be used to treat and/or prevent disorders associated with bradykinin, including cardiovascular disorders, inflammation, asthma, allergic rhinitis, pain, angiogenesis and the like. |
| US08003609B2 |
Method for ameliorating pain by modification of NMDA receptors through inhibition of Src
The present invention provides a method for ameliorating inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain in a subject by modifying the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cells of the subject by inhibition of the interaction of the unique domain of the tyrosine kinase Src enzyme and the NMDA receptor complex. |
| US08003607B2 |
HGF precursor protein variant and active protein thereof
An HGF precursor protein variant, in which a peptide structure comprises a sequence including a peptide chain X inserted between an α chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the C-terminus of the α chain are deleted, and a β chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the N-terminus of the β chain are deleted; wherein (i) the peptide chain X has an amino-acid sequence of at least two residues, (ii) the peptide chain X can be cleaved by a protease reaction or a chemical reaction, and (iii) a protein obtained by cleaving at least one site of the peptide chain X has HGF action. |
| US08003599B2 |
Inhibitors of L1 and ADAM10 for the treatment of carcinomas
Described is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound(s) interfering with the biological activity of L1 and/or ADAM10 or their expression. Also described is the use of said compound(s) for the prevention/treatment of carcinomas like ovarian and endometrial carcinoma. Finally, the diagnosis of highly malignant forms of carcinomas which is based on the determination of the activity/expression of L1 and/or ADAM10 is described. |
| US08003598B2 |
Peptide anti-tumor agent
Disclosed herein are isolated, purified peptides, biologically active fragments and analogs of the peptides having anti-tumor activity in mammals, pharmaceutical formulations comprising the peptides, fragments and analogs and methods of treating mammals suffering from tumors using such materials. |
| US08003592B2 |
Particle for imparting a fabric-softening benefit to fabrics treated therewith and that provides a desirable suds suppression
The present invention relates to a particle comprising: (a) solid film-forming polymeric material; (b) liquid fabric-softening component; and (c) cationically charged polymeric material. |
| US08003584B2 |
Lubricant compositions
There is disclosed a lubricating composition comprising a friction modifier and a base oil comprising less than about 3% by weight of tetracycloparaffins. Methods of making and using the composition are also disclosed. |
| US08003583B2 |
Benzo[b]perhydroheterocyclic arylamines and lubricating oil compositions
Benzo[b]perhydroheterocyclic arylamine compounds have shown to be particularly useful as stabilizers. The compounds may serve as antioxidants, antiozoants, heat stabilizers and ultraviolet light stabilizers and such compounds are oil soluble, thus particularly suited for use as an antioxidant in a lubricating oil composition. |
| US08003582B2 |
Grease, rolling bearing, constant velocity joint, and rolling parts
The present invention provides grease which prevents frictional wear on a lubricating surface and excellent in performance of preventing occurrence of flaking, heat-resistant performance, and long-term durability, a grease-enclosed rolling bearing, a constant velocity joint, and rolling parts. Grease is composed of base grease, essentially containing a thickener, to which at least 0.01 to 15 wt % of one substance selected from among bismuth and inorganic bismuth compounds is added. The inorganic bismuth compounds are at least one inorganic bismuth selected from among bismuth sulfate, bismuth trioxide, bismuth carbonate, and sodium bismuthate. The above-described grease is used for the rolling bearing and the constant velocity joint. A coating film of at least one substance selected from among the bismuth and the inorganic bismuth is formed on surfaces of the rolling parts. |
| US08003581B1 |
Iron control agent
An iron control agent capable of reducing ferric iron containing compounds to ferrous iron containing compounds in an acidic solution, such as one used for formation acidizing. The iron control agent comprises a combination of a sulfur dioxide, sulfurous acid, sulfite salts, bisulfite salts, or thiosulfate salts or mixtures thereof, with a source of copper ions and a source of iodine or iodine ions. The iron control agent may also include small amounts of an adjunct such as stannous chloride, 2-mercaptoethanol, and thioglycolic acid and its salts. |
| US08003577B2 |
Method of treating subterranean formation with crosslinked polymer fluid
A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore utilizes a treating fluid formed from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The treating fluid further contains a crosslinking agent and an optional delayed release alkaline additive. The delayed release alkaline additive may be at least one of urea, a urea derivative, a solid alkaline earth metal carbonate, a solid alkaline earth metal oxide and combinations of these. The treating fluid further includes an acidic pH adjusting agent used in an amount to provide the treating fluid with a pH of less than about 5. The treating fluid is then introduced into the formation. |
| US08003575B2 |
Scale squeeze treatment systems and methods
An aqueous composition for treating hydrocarbon wells contains (a) a scale inhibitor and (b) a viscoelastic surfactant, and further contains from 0 to less than 1% by weight of acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof. |
| US08003571B2 |
Buffer layers for coated conductors
A composite structure is provided including a base substrate, an IBAD oriented material upon the base substrate, and a cubic metal oxide material selected from the group consisting of rare earth zirconates and rare earth hafnates upon the IBAD oriented material. Additionally, an article is provided including a base substrate, an IBAD oriented material upon the base substrate, a cubic metal oxide material selected from the group consisting of rare earth zirconates and rare earth hafnates upon the IBAD oriented material, and a thick film upon the cubic metal oxide material. Finally, a superconducting article is provided including a base substrate, an IBAD oriented material upon the base substrate, a cubic metal oxide material selected from the group consisting of rare earth zirconates and rare earth hafnates upon the IBAD oriented material, and an yttrium barium copper oxide material upon the cubic metal oxide material. |
| US08003570B2 |
Composition and method for killing nematodes and weeds in soils
A composition for and a method to kill nematodes, weeds, weed seeds and weed rhizomes in soils. |
| US08003569B2 |
Herbicidal mixtures comprising a safener
A herbicidal mixture comprising A) a 3-heterocyclyl-substituted benzoyl derivative selected from the group of 4-[2-chloro-3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonylbenzoyl]-1-methyl-5 -hydroxy-1H-pyrazole, 4-[2-methyl-3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl-benzoyl]-1-methyl-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazole and 4-[2-methyl-3-(4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl)-4-methylsulfonylbenzoyl]-1-methyl-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazole; or one of its environmentally compatible salts, B) a safening effective amount of cloquintocet, or its environmentally compatible salts, amides, esters and hydrates; and, if desired, at least one herbicidal compound from the group of the acetyl-CoA carb-oxylase inhibitors (ACC), acetolactate synthase inhibitors (ALS), amides, auxin herbicides, auxin transport inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, enolpyruvylshikimate 3 -phosphate synthase inhibitors (EPSPS), glutamine synthetase inhibitors, lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, mitosis inhibitors, protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitors, photosynthesis inhibitors, synergists, growth substances, cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors and a variety of other herbicides. Compositions comprising these mixtures, processes for the preparation of these compositions and their use for controlling undesired plants. |
| US08003568B2 |
Thermosensitive recording material
Provided is a thermosensitive recording material that comprises a support, a thermosensitive coloring layer on the support, and a protective layer on the thermosensitive coloring layer, wherein the thermosensitive coloring layer comprises a leuco dye and a color developer, and the protective layer comprises a diacetone-modified polyvinyl alcohol resin and a (meth)acrylic resin. |
| US08003566B2 |
Process for preparing catalyst supports having reduced levels of contaminants
A method of preparing a catalyst support is described comprising washing a precipitated metal oxide material with water and/or an aqueous solution of acid and/or base such that contaminant levels in said precipitated metal oxide are reduced. The method may be applied to precipitated alumina materials to reduce contaminants selected from sulphur, chlorine, Group 1 A and Group 2A metals. The catalyst supports may be used to prepare catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons. |
| US08003563B2 |
Method for producing tungsten trioxide powder for photocatalyst, tungsten trioxide powder for photocatalyst, and photocatalyst product
A method for producing a tungsten trioxide powder for a photocatalyst according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a sublimation step for obtaining a tungsten trioxide powder by subliming a tungsten metal powder or a tungsten compound powder by using inductively coupled plasma process in an oxygen atmosphere, and a heat treatment step for heat-treating the tungsten trioxide powder obtained in the sublimation step at 300° C. to 1000° C. for 10 minutes to 2 hours in an oxidizing atmosphere. A tungsten trioxide powder which is obtained by the method for producing a tungsten trioxide powder for a photocatalyst according to the present invention has excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light. |
| US08003560B2 |
Heat-sensitive recording material and process for production thereof
Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material comprising a support and a heat-sensitive recording layer formed on the support, the heat-sensitive recording layer containing dye precursor-containing composite particles and a developer, the dye precursor-containing composite particles being obtained by dissolving a solute containing a dye precursor in a solvent containing a polyvalent isocyanate compound-containing polymerization component, emulsifying and dispersing the obtained solution in an aqueous medium, and then performing a polymerization reaction of the polyvalent isocyanate compound-containing polymerization component in the presence of polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of 200 to 1,500. Also disclosed is a method of producing such a heat-sensitive recording material. |
| US08003557B2 |
Volume-change resistant silicon oxy-nitride or silicon oxy-nitride and silicon nitride bonded silicon carbide refractory
A reaction sintered silicon carbide-based product, including a silicon carbide component, a bond component, wherein the bond component includes silicon oxynitride in excess of any silicon nitride of the bond component, and at least one boron component residual to an amount present prior to reaction sintering to cause increased resistance of the reaction sintered silicon carbide-based product to volume change under oxidative stress, and methods of making the same. |
| US08003550B2 |
Method for revealing emergent dislocations in a germanium-base crystalline element
The invention relates to a method for detecting defects, more particularly emergent dislocations of an element having at least one crystalline germanium-base superficial layer. The method comprises an annealing step of the element in an atmosphere having a base that is a mixture of at least an oxidizing gas and a neutral gas enabling selective oxidizing of the emergent dislocations of the crystalline germanium-base superficial layer. |
| US08003544B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes processing a second film 14 formed on a semiconductor substrate to a pattern including a plurality of linear parts and end portions formed in an end of each of the linear parts, having a width wider than the linear parts, forming a first pattern 16 by slimming the pattern, forming a second pattern including a first opening 180 that traverses the end portion 141a of the first pattern 16, etching the second film 14 exposed in the first opening 180, and dividing the end portion 141a into a first end portion 142a close to the linear part 140a and a second end portion 143a apart from the linear part 140a. |
| US08003543B2 |
Method of forming a hard mask and method of forming a fine pattern of semiconductor device using the same
A method of forming hard mask employs a double patterning technique. A first hard mask layer is formed on a substrate, and a first sacrificial pattern is formed on the first hard mask layer by photolithography. Features of the first sacrificial pattern are spaced from one another by a first pitch. A second hard mask layer is then formed conformally on the first sacrificial pattern and the first hard mask layer so as to delimit recesses between adjacent features of the first sacrificial pattern. Upper portions of the second hard mask layer are removed to expose the first sacrificial pattern, and the exposed first sacrificial pattern and the second sacrificial pattern are removed. The second hard mask layer and the first hard mask layer are then etched to form a hard mask composed of residual portions of the first hard mask layer and the second hard mask layer. A fine pattern of a semiconductor device, such as a trench isolation region or a pattern of contact holes, can be formed using the hard mask as an etch mask. |
| US08003539B2 |
Integrated assist features for epitaxial growth
A method for making a semiconductor device is provided which comprises (a) creating a data set (301) which defines a set of tiles for a polysilicon deposition process; (b) deriving a polysilicon deposition mask set (311) from the data set, wherein the polysilicon deposition mask set includes a plurality of polysilicon tiles (303); (c) deriving an epitaxial growth mask set (321) from the data set, wherein the epitaxial growth mask set includes a plurality of epitaxial tiles (305); and (d) using the polysilicon deposition mask set and the epitaxial growth mask set to make a semiconductor device (331); wherein the epitaxial growth mask set is derived from the data set by using at least a portion of the tile pattern defined in the data set for at least a portion of the tile pattern defined in the epitaxial deposition mask set. |
| US08003538B2 |
Method for producing a structure on the surface of a substrate
The present invention relates to a method for producing a structure serving as an etching mask on the surface of a substrate. In this case, a first method involves forming a first partial structure on the surface of the substrate, which has structure elements that are arranged regularly and are spaced apart essentially identically. A second method involves forming spacers on the surface of the substrate, which adjoin sidewalls of the structure elements of the first partial structure, cutouts being provided between the spacers. A third method step involves introducing filling material into the cutouts between the spacers, a surface of the spacers being uncovered. A fourth method step involves removing the spacers in order to form a second partial structure having the filling material and having structure elements that are arranged regularly and are spaced apart essentially identically. The structure to be produced is composed of the first partial structure and the second partial structure. |
| US08003537B2 |
Method for the production of planar structures
A method for the production of a planar structure is disclosed. The method comprises producing on a substrate a plurality of structures of substantially equal height, and there being a space in between the plurality of structures. The method further comprises providing a fill layer of electromagnetic radiation curable material substantially filling the space between the structures. The method further comprises illuminating a portion of the fill layer with electromagnetic radiation, hereby producing a exposed portion and an unexposed portion, the portions being separated by an interface substantially parallel with the first main surface of the substrate. The method further comprises removing the portion above the interface. |
| US08003535B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method and target substrate processing system
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes removing copper deposits, by use of an organic acid gas and an oxidizing gas, from a surface of a second interlayer insulation film having a groove formed therein and reaching a copper-containing electric connector member. The second interlayer insulation film is disposed on a first interlayer insulation film provided with the electric connector member. The method then includes reducing a surface of the electric connector member exposed at a bottom of the groove of the second interlayer insulation film; forming a barrier layer on the second interlayer insulation film; and forming a copper-containing conductive film to fill the groove of the second interlayer insulation film. |
| US08003531B2 |
Method for manufacturing flash memory device
A method for manufacturing a flash memory device is capable of controlling a phenomenon in which a length of the channel between a source and a drain is decreased due to undercut. The method includes forming a gate electrode comprising a floating gate, an ONO film and a control gate using a hard mask pattern over a semiconductor substrate, forming a spacer over the sidewall of the gate electrode, forming an low temperature oxide (LTO) film over the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate including the gate electrode and the spacer, etching the LTO film such that a top portion of the source/drain region and a top portion of the gate electrode are exposed, and removing the LTO film present over the sidewall of the gate electrode by wet-etching. |
| US08003528B2 |
Semiconductor structure and method for making the same
A method for forming a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes providing a substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the substrate; forming a conductor pattern on a main surface of the dielectric layer, the conductor pattern having a top surface and sidewalls; and performing a selective atomic layer deposition (ALD) process to selectively deposit a conformal metal layer onto the top surface and sidewalls of the conductor pattern, but without depositing onto the main surface of the dielectric layer substantially. |
| US08003526B2 |
Low resistance metal silicide local interconnects and a method of making
A process for forming a local interconnect includes applying a layer of metal over a semiconductor layer. A layer of metal silicide is formed over the layer of metal. The layer of metal silicide is patterned to define the boundaries of the local interconnect. The metal silicide is reacted with the layer of metal to form a composite structure. The composite structure includes the metal silicide, another metal silicide formed as silicon from the metal silicide reacts with the underlying layer of metal and an intermetallic compound of the metal from the layer of metal and metal from the layer of metal silicide. The unreacted layer of metal is removed with the composite structure remaining as the local interconnect. |
| US08003522B2 |
Method for forming trenches with wide upper portion and narrow lower portion
A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes the following steps. A hard mask layer is formed over a semiconductor region. The hard mask layer has inner portions that are thinner than its outer portions, and the inner portions define an exposed surface area of the semiconductor region. A portion of the semiconductor region is removed through the exposed surface area of the semiconductor region. The thinner portions of the hard mask layer are removed to expose surface areas of the semiconductor region underlying the thinner portions. An additional portion of the semiconductor region is removed through all exposed surface areas of the semiconductor region thereby forming a trench having an upper portion that is wider than its lower portion. |
| US08003518B2 |
Semiconductor device fabrication method
A semiconductor device fabrication method including the steps of: forming an interlayer insulating film on a substrate; forming an opening in the interlayer insulating film; forming an alloy layer containing manganese and copper to cover the inner surface of the opening; forming a first copper layer of a material containing primarily copper on the alloy layer to fill the opening; forming, on the first copper layer, a second copper layer of a material containing primarily copper and a higher concentration of oxygen, carbon or nitrogen than the first copper layer; heating the substrate on which the second copper layer has been formed; and removing the second copper layer. |
| US08003514B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices including storage node landing pads separated from bit line contact plugs
A method can include forming gate lines on a semiconductor substrate and forming a first interlayer dielectric layer for insulating the gate lines from each other. First and second contact plugs are formed on the semiconductor substrate and landing pads are formed on the first contact plugs and the first interlayer dielectric layer to overlap portions of the first contact plugs. Recessed contact plugs are formed to have recessed portions by etching the second contact plugs, to be located below an upper surface of the first interlayer dielectric layer, where a cross-sectional total distance between the landing pads and the recessed contact plugs increases due to the recessed portions. |
| US08003513B2 |
Multilayer circuit devices and manufacturing methods using electroplated sacrificial structures
A multilayer circuit includes a dielectric base substrate, conductors formed on the base substrate and a vacuum deposited dielectric thin film formed over the conductors and the base substrate. The vacuum deposited dielectric thin film is patterned using sacrificial structures formed by electroplating techniques. Substrates formed in this manner enable significant increases in circuit pattern miniaturization, circuit pattern reliability, interconnect density and significant reduction of over-all substrate thickness. |
| US08003507B2 |
Method of integrating high-K/metal gate in CMOS process flow
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first active region and a second active region, forming a high-k dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate, forming a first metal layer over the high-k dielectric layer, the first metal layer having a first work function, removing a portion of the first metal layer in the second active region, thereafter, forming a semiconductor layer over the first metal layer in the first active region and over the partially removed first metal layer in the second active region, forming a first gate stack in the first active region and a second gate stack in the second active region, removing the semiconductor layer from the first gate stack and from the second gate stack, and forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer in the first gate stack and on the partially removed first metal layer in the second gate stack, the second metal layer having a second work function. |
| US08003506B2 |
Single poly CMOS imager
More complete charge transfer is achieved in a CMOS or CCD imager by reducing the spacing in the gaps between gates in each pixel cell, and/or by providing a lightly doped region between adjacent gates in each pixel cell, and particularly at least between the charge collecting gate and the gate downstream to the charge collecting gate. To reduce the gaps between gates, an insulator cap with spacers on its sidewalls is formed for each gate over a conductive layer. The gates are then etched from the conductive layer using the insulator caps and spacers as hard masks, enabling the gates to be formed significantly closer together than previously possible, which, in turn increases charge transfer efficiency. By providing a lightly doped region on between adjacent gates, a more complete charge transfer is effected from the charge collecting gate. |
| US08003499B2 |
Laser irradiating device, laser irradiating method and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for constantly setting the energy distribution of a laser beam on an irradiating face, and uniformly irradiating the laser beam to the entire irradiating face. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including this laser irradiating method in a process. Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that the shapes of plural laser beams on the irradiating face are formed by an optical system in an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape, and the plural laser beams are irradiated while the irradiating face is moved in a first direction, and the plural laser beams are irradiated while the irradiating face is moved in a second direction and is moved in a direction reverse to the first direction. The plural laser beams may be irradiated while the irradiating face is moved in the first direction, and the plural laser beams may be irradiated while the irradiating face is moved in the direction reverse to the first direction, and the irradiating face may be also moved in the second direction. |
| US08003496B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of mounting semiconductor die to heat spreader on temporary carrier and forming polymer layer and conductive layer over the die
A semiconductor device is made by forming a heat spreader over a temporary carrier. A semiconductor die is mounted to the heat spreader. A first polymer layer is formed over the semiconductor die and heat spreader. A first conductive layer is formed over the first polymer layer. The first conductive layer is connected to the heat spreader and contact pads on the semiconductor die. A second polymer layer is formed over the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the second polymer layer. The second conductive layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer. Bumps are formed through a solder masking layer on the second conductive layer. The temporary carrier is removed. The heat spreader dissipates heat from the semiconductor die and provides shielding from inter-device interference. The heat spreader is grounded through the first and second conductive layers. |
| US08003495B2 |
Manufacturing method for semiconductor integrated device
In a chip pick-up process after dicing in an assembly process during manufacture of a semiconductor integrated circuit device it is an important subject to diminish a pick-up defect caused by the reduction in thickness of each chip which is proceeding in quick tempo. Particularly, bending of the chip peripheral portion caused by a peeling operation is very likely to induce cracking and chipping of the chip. In the present invention, to solve these problems, in case of peeling a chip from a dicing tape (adhesive tape) or the like while vacuum-chucking the chip by a chucking collet, the flow rate of a vacuum chucking system in the chucking collet is monitored to check a bent state of the chip before complete separation of the first chip from the adhesive tape. |
| US08003494B2 |
Method for producing a bonded wafer
In a method for producing a bonded wafer by bonding a wafer for active layer and a wafer for support layer and thinning the wafer for active layer according to the invention, oxygen ions are implanted into the wafer for active layer at a state of holding a temperature of the wafer for active layer below 200° C. under a dose of 5×1015 to 5×1016 atoms/cm2, whereby there can be obtained a bonded wafer being excellent in the thickness uniformity after thinning and having a dramatically improved surface roughness. |
| US08003489B2 |
Method for forming isolation layer in semiconductor device
A method for forming an isolation layer in a semiconductor device includes forming a trench in a semiconductor substrate. A flowable insulation layer is formed to fill the trench. The flowable insulation layer is recessed. A buried insulation layer is deposited on the flowable insulation layer while keeping a deposition sputtering rate (DSR) below about 22 so as to fill the trench with the buried insulation layer while restraining the buried insulation layer from growing on a lateral portion of the trench. |
| US08003488B2 |
Shallow trench isolation structure compatible with SOI embedded DRAM
A deep trench is formed in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a pad layer thereupon. A conductive trench fill region is formed in the deep trench. A planarizing material layer having etch selectivity relative to the pad layer is applied. A portion of the pad layer having an edge that is vertically coincident with a sidewall of the deep trench is exposed by lithographic means. Exposed portion of the pad layer are removed selective to the planarizing material layer, followed by removal of exposed portion of a semiconductor layer selective to the conductive trench fill region by an anisotropic etch. The planarizing material layer is removed and a shallow trench isolation structure having a lower sidewall that is self-aligned to an edge of the original deep trench is formed. Another shallow trench isolation structure may be formed outside the deep trench concurrently. |
| US08003482B2 |
Methods of processing semiconductor substrates in forming scribe line alignment marks
A method of processing a semiconductor substrate in forming scribe line alignment marks includes forming pitch multiplied non-circuitry features within scribe line area of a semiconductor substrate. Individual of the features, in cross-section, have a maximum width which is less than a minimum photolithographic feature dimension used in lithographically patterning the substrate. Photoresist is deposited over the features. Such is patterned to form photoresist blocks that are individually received between a respective pair of the features in the cross-section. Individual of the features of the respective pairs have a laterally innermost sidewall in the cross-section. Individual of the photoresist blocks have an opposing pair of first pattern edges in the cross-section that are spaced laterally inward of the laterally innermost sidewalls of the respective pair of the features. Individual of the photoresist blocks have an opposing pair of second pattern edges in the cross-section that self-align laterally outward of the first pattern edges to the laterally innermost sidewalls of the features during the patterning. |
| US08003477B2 |
Method for making a P-I-N diode crystallized adjacent to a silicide in series with a dielectric antifuse
A method is described for monolithically forming a first memory level above a substrate, the method including: (a) forming a plurality of first substantially parallel, substantially coplanar conductors above the substrate, the first conductors extending in a first direction; (b) forming a plurality of vertically oriented contiguous p-i-n diodes above the first conductors, the contiguous p-in diode comprising semiconductor material crystallized in contact with a silicide, silicide-germanide, or germanide layer; (c) forming a plurality of second substantially parallel, substantially coplanar conductors, the second conductors above the contiguous p-i-n diodes, the second conductors extending in a second direction different from the first direction, each contiguous p-i-n diode vertically disposed between one of the first conductors and one of the second conductors; (d) and forming a plurality of dielectric rupture antifuses, each dielectric rupture antifuse disposed between one of the contiguous p-i-n diodes and one of the first conductors or between one of the contiguous p-i-n diodes and one of the second conductors, wherein the dielectric rupture antifuses comprise dielectric material, the dielectric material having a dielectric constant greater than about 8. Other aspects are provided. |
| US08003476B2 |
Semiconductor device having a plurality of kinds of wells and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device has a configuration in which more than three kinds of wells are formed with small level differences. One kind of well from among the more than three kinds of wells has a surface level higher than other kinds of wells from among the more than three kinds of wells. The one kind of well is formed adjacent to and self-aligned to at least one kind of well from among the other kinds of wells. The other kinds of wells are different in one of a conductivity type, an impurity concentration and a junction depth, and include at least two kinds of wells having the same surface level. |
| US08003472B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
When transistors having different gate lengths are formed on one substrate and an ESD structure is applied to at least a transistor having longer gate length, a method including: depositing a gate insulating film and a gate electrode material layer on the substrate; forming a first gate electrode having a longer gate length in a first region; forming a first insulating film on a whole surface; forming a second gate electrode including the first insulating film and having a shorter gate length in a second region; forming a second insulating film on a whole surface; forming second sidewalls made of the second insulating film on sidewalls of the second gate electrode; forming first sidewalls made of the first and second insulating films on sidewalls of the first gate electrode; forming a selectively epitaxially grown layer on at least exposed substrate of the first region and implanting ions into the substrate via the selectively epitaxially grown layer, thereby forming an ESD structure. |
| US08003471B2 |
Formation of a super steep retrograde channel
Systems and methods for raised source/drain with super steep retrograde channel. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in one embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a substrate comprising a surface and a gate oxide disposed above the surface comprising a gate oxide thickness. The semiconductor device further comprises a super steep retrograde channel region formed at a depth below the surface. The depth is about ten to thirty times the gate oxide thickness. Embodiments in accordance with one embodiment may provide a more desirable body biasing voltage to threshold voltage characteristic than is available under the conventional art. |
| US08003467B2 |
Method for making a semiconductor device having metal gate stacks
The present disclosure provides a method including forming STI features in a silicon substrate, defining a first and a second active regions for a PFET and an NFET, respectively; forming a hard mask having an opening to expose the silicon substrate within the first active region; etching the silicon substrate through the opening to form a recess within the first active region; growing a SiGe layer in the recess such that a top surface of the SiGe layer within the first active region and a top surface of the silicon substrate within the second active region are substantially coplanar; forming metal gate material layers; patterning the metal gate material layers to form a metal gate stack on the SiGe layer within the first active region; and forming an eSiGe S/D stressor distributed in both the SiGe layer and the silicon substrate within the first active region. |
| US08003466B2 |
Method of forming multiple fins for a semiconductor device
A fabrication process for a FinFET device is provided. The process begins by providing a semiconductor wafer having a layer of conductive material such as silicon. A whole-field arrangement of fins is then formed from the layer of conductive material. The whole-field arrangement of fins includes a plurality of conductive fins having a uniform pitch and a uniform fin thickness. Next, a cut mask is formed over the whole-field arrangement of fins. The cut mask selectively masks sections of the whole-field arrangement of fins with a layout that defines features for a plurality of FinFET devices. The cut mask is used to remove a portion of the whole-field arrangement of fins, the portion being unprotected by the cut mask. The resulting fin structures are used to complete the fabrication of the FinFET devices. |
| US08003461B1 |
Method of fabricating efuse structure, resistor sturcture and transistor sturcture
A method of fabricating an efuse structure, a resistor structure and a transistor structure. First, a work function metal layer, a polysilicon layer and a first hard mask layer are formed to cover a transistor region, a resistor region and an e-fuse region on a substrate. Then, the work function metal layer on the resistor region and the efuse region is removed by using a first photomask. Later, a gate, a resistor, an efuse are formed in the transistor region, the resistor region and the efuse region respectively. After that, a dielectric layer aligning with the top surface of the gate is formed. Later, the polysilicon layer in the gate is removed by taking a second hard mask as a mask to form a recess. Finally, a metal layer fills up the recess. |
| US08003458B2 |
Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device with active regions of different heights
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor having a first active area, and a second transistor having a second active area. A top surface of the first active area is elevated or recessed with respect to a top surface of the second active area, or a top surface of the first active area is elevated or recessed with respect to a top surface of at least portions of an isolation region proximate the first transistor. |
| US08003457B2 |
Fabricating method of vertical transistor
A substrate is provided. A pillar protruding out of a surface of the substrate is already formed on the substrate, and a patterned layer is already formed on the pillar. The pillar includes a lower part, a channel region, and an upper part from bottom to top, and the lower part has a first doped region. A gate dielectric layer is formed on a sidewall at one side of the pillar. A surrounding gate is formed on the gate dielectric layer located on the channel region, and a base line electrically connected to the channel region is formed on a sidewall at the other side of the pillar. A second doped region is formed in the upper part of the pillar. |
| US08003456B2 |
Method for producing a semiconductor component
A method for producing a semiconductor component is proposed. The method includes providing a semiconductor body having a first surface; forming a mask on the first surface, wherein the mask has openings for defining respective positions of trenches; producing the trenches in the semiconductor body using the mask, wherein mesa structures remain between adjacent trenches; introducing a first dopant of a first conduction type using the mask into the bottoms of the trenches; carrying out a first thermal step; introducing a second dopant of a second conduction type, which is complementary to the first conduction type, at least into the bottoms of the trenches; and carrying out a second thermal step. |
| US08003448B2 |
Semiconductor package and method for producing the same
A semiconductor package includes a rewiring substrate and a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes: a first face with an active surface including integrated circuit devices and chip contact pads, a second face lying in a plane essentially parallel to the first face and side faces. Each side face of the semiconductor chip lies in a plane essentially perpendicular to the first and second faces. At least one edge between two mutually essentially perpendicular faces of the semiconductor chip includes a surface. |
| US08003444B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device 28 in which a plating mask 38, 39 having a noble metal plating layer 35 as an uppermost layer is formed at a predetermined portion on an obverse surface side or a reverse surface side of a leadframe material 10, and the leadframe material 10 is consecutively subjected to etching by using the plating mask 38, 39 as a resist mask, so as to form external connection terminal portions 22 which electrically communicate with a semiconductor element 18 disposed in an interior of an encapsulating resin 21, and which project downwardly. Base metal plating or noble metal plating 33 exhibiting etching solution resistance is provided as a lowermost layer of the plating mask 38, 39. |
| US08003443B2 |
Non-leaded integrated circuit package system with multiple ground sites
A non-leaded integrated circuit package system is provided providing a die paddle of a lead frame, forming a dual row of terminals including an outer terminal and an inner terminal, and selectively fusing an inner terminal and an adjacent inner terminal to form a fused lead. |
| US08003442B2 |
Integrated cirucit package and method for fabrication thereof
The invention provides an integrated circuit package and method of fabrication thereof. The integrated circuit package comprises an integrated circuit chip having a photosensitive device thereon; a bonding pad formed on an upper surface of the integrated circuit chip and electrically connected to the photosensitive device; a barrier formed between the bonding pad and the photosensitive device; and a conductive layer formed on a sidewall of the integrated circuit chip and electrically connected to the bonding pad. The barrier layer blocks overflow of the adhesive layer into a region, on which the photosensitive device is formed, to improve yield for fabricating the integrated circuit package. |
| US08003441B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises: laminating a surface protective sheet to a circuit surface side of a wafer formed with grooves which divide each circuit wherein an adhesive film is adhered on the circuit surface of the wafer; reducing the thickness of the wafer and finally dividing the wafer into individual chips by grinding a back face of the wafer; picking up individual chips together with the adhesive film; die-bonding said individual chip to predetermined position of a chip mounting substrate via said adhesive film; fixing the chip to the chip mounting substrate by heating the die-bonded chip having the adhesive film; and applying a static pressure larger than an ambient pressure by 0.05 MPa or more to a stacked body including the adhesive film one or more times, at any point between adhering the wafer to the adhesive film and fixing the chip to the chip mounting substrate. |
| US08003436B2 |
Stacked organic memory devices and methods of operating and fabricating
The present invention provides a multi-layer organic memory device that can operate as a non-volatile memory device having a plurality of stacked and/or parallel memory structures constructed therein. A multi-cell and multi-layer organic memory component can be formed with two or more electrodes having a selectively conductive media between the electrodes forming individual cells, while utilizing a partitioning component to enable stacking of additional memory cells on top of or in association with previously formed cells. Memory stacks can be formed by adding additional layers—respective layers separated by additional partitioning components, wherein multiple stacks can be formed in parallel to provide a high-density memory device. |
| US08003433B2 |
Process for fabricating a high-integration-density image sensor
The present application relates to the fabrication of an electronic component. The component comprises two, superposed integrated circuits: one of which is formed on the front side of a thinned first substrate, and the other of which is produced on the front side of a second substrate, with an insulating planarization layer interposed between the front sides of the two substrates. The silicon of the backside of the thinned substrate is opened locally above a first conducting area located in the thinned substrate and above a second conducting area located in the second substrate. A conducting layer portion, deposited on both areas, electrically connects them so as to provide the interconnection between the two circuits. The external connection pads may also be formed in this conducting layer. |
| US08003430B1 |
Sulfide species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region, forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region, forming a copper layer overlying the first electrode layer and forming an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The multi-layered structure is subjected to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to forming a copper indium disulfide material. The copper indium disulfide material comprising a copper-to-indium atomic ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to about 2:1 and a thickness of substantially copper sulfide material having a copper sulfide surface region. The thickness of the copper sulfide material is selectively removed to expose a surface region having a copper poor surface comprising a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method subjects the copper poor surface to a sulfide species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type semiconductor characteristic to a p-type semiconductor characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material. |
| US08003429B2 |
Method of fabricating image sensor
A method of fabricating an image sensor includes forming a photoelectric transformation device on a substrate and forming a dielectric layer structure on the substrate. The dielectric layer structure includes multi-layer interlayer dielectric layers and multi-layer metal interconnections which are located between the multi-layer interlayer dielectric layers. A cavity which penetrates the multi-layer interlayer dielectric layers on the photoelectric transformation device is formed. A heat treatment is performed on the substrate on which the cavity is formed. |
| US08003425B2 |
Methods for forming anti-reflection structures for CMOS image sensors
Protuberances, having vertical and lateral dimensions less than the wavelength range of lights detectable by a photodiode, are formed at an optical interface between two layers having different refractive indices. The protuberances may be formed by employing self-assembling block copolymers that form an array of sublithographic features of a first polymeric block component within a matrix of a second polymeric block component. The pattern of the polymeric block component is transferred into a first optical layer to form an array of nanoscale protuberances. Alternately, conventional lithography may be employed to form protuberances having dimensions less than the wavelength of light. A second optical layer is formed directly on the protuberances of the first optical layer. The interface between the first and second optical layers has a graded refractive index, and provides high transmission of light with little reflection. |
| US08003423B2 |
Method for manufacturing a poly-crystal silicon photovoltaic device using horizontal metal induced crystallization
A method for manufacturing a poly-crystal silicon photovoltaic device using horizontal metal induced crystallization comprises the steps of forming at least one layer of an amorphous silicon thin film on a substrate, forming at least one groove of which depth is less than or equal to that of the thin film on the amorphous silicon thin film, and horizontally crystallizing the amorphous silicon thin film by forming a metal layer on an upper portion of the groove. Since a crystal shape and a growth direction of the photovoltaic device can be adjusted by the method, a poly-crystal silicon thin film for improving current flow can be formed at a low-temperature. |
| US08003422B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical system device and method for making same
According to the present invention, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device comprises: a thin film structure including at least a metal layer and a protection layer deposited in any order; and a protrusion connected under the thin film structure. A preferred thin film structure includes at least a lower protection layer, a metal layer and an upper protection layer. The MEMS device for example is a capacitive MEMS acoustical sensor. |
| US08003411B2 |
Device for processing a substrate, method of processing a substrate and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which are hard to cause a defect in processing a substrate owing to that a pressure inside a process chamber is not kept constant, and which enable a better processing of a substrate. |
| US08003404B2 |
Methods and compositions for pathogen detection using nanoparticle-fluorescent polymer complexes
Compositions, methods and related apparatus, as can be used for selective pathogen detection and identification. |
| US08003403B1 |
Optochemical sensors for the detection of low pressure vapors based on porous semiconductors and emissive organics
A chemical sensor for detecting organic or inorganic target vapors and comprising a silicon member having a silicon surface with semiconductor pores therein, at least one luminescent sensory material entrapped in the semiconductor pores. The luminescent spectral material is exposed to the target vapors, wherein an excitation of the at least one luminescent sensory material results in a luminescent spectral response due to emission interference. The change in the luminescent spectral response is measured during this exposure. |
| US08003402B2 |
Method for measuring the concentration of a glycosaminoglycan anticoagulant
The invention provides an accurate, economical, automatable, high throughput method for the determination of the concentration of glycosaminoglycan anticoagulants, including low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulants, in aqueous solutions. A method for cleaning a unit of manufacturing equipment used in the preparation of a LMWH to obtain an acceptable residual concentration of LMWH is further provided. |
| US08003401B2 |
Carbon dioxide sensor and method of determining partial pressure of carbon dioxide
A carbon dioxide sensor and a method of detecting carbon dioxide using the sensor are provided, the sensor includes a closed chamber having as a wall portion thereof a substantially watertight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane, two electrodes disposed in the chamber, and a film of substantially electrolyte-free liquid disposed in the chamber capable of simultaneously contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes. |
| US08003400B2 |
Measurement of vitamin D
The present invention relates to a method of measuring a vitamin D metabolite in a sample, the method comprising the steps of (a) treating said sample with a vitamin D metabolite releasing reagent under conditions appropriate to release a vitamin D metabolite from vitamin D-binding protein and not to cause protein precipitation, (b) subjecting the treated sample obtained in step (a) to a chromatographic separation, and (c) measuring a vitamin D metabolite during or after said chromatographic separation. The present invention also relates to methods for determining the vitamin D status of a subject, for use in the diagnosis of disease, and to agents and kits for use in performing the methods of the invention. |
| US08003399B2 |
Nitrite detection technique
A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or absence of nitrites within a test sample is provided. The test kit comprises an aromatic primary amine that is capable of reacting with a nitrite to form a diazonium ion. The test kit also comprises a lateral flow device that comprises a chromatographic medium and an absorbent material that receives the test sample after flowing through the chromatographic medium. The chromatographic medium defines a detection zone within which is contained a detection reagent (e.g., nucleophilic aromatic amine) that is capable of reacting with the diazonium ion to form an indicator (e.g., azo compound). The indicator exhibits a color that is different than the color of the detection reagent. |
| US08003396B2 |
NT-proBNP/troponin ratio for assessing myocardial dysfunction
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing if a subject which has suffered from an acute myocardial infarction is also suffering from a pre-existing myocardial dysfunction, the method comprising a) determining the amount of a natriuretic peptide in a sample of the subject; b) determining the amount of a cardiac troponin in a sample of the subject; c) calculating the ratio (natriuretic peptide/cardiac troponin); and d) diagnosing if the elevated natriuretic peptide level is related to a preexisting myocardial dysfunction or if the elevated level is caused by the acute myocardial infarction, based on the ratio calculated in step c). The method allows determining whether the individual has suffered from a myocardial dysfunction, in particular heart failure, before the myocardial infarction has occurred. |
| US08003395B2 |
Non-signal imidazole reagents for mass spectrometry analysis of phosphomonoesters
Analytical chemical reagents termed non-signal imidazoles and a method for their use that provide a host of advantages for analysis of phosphomonoesters are described. The method and compounds of the invention provide a host of advantages for the analysis of phosphomonoester-containing compounds, namely characteristic, multi-analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity of known and unknown phosphomonoester-compounds simultaneously. |
| US08003391B2 |
Fluid storage and dispensing vessels having colorimetrically verifiable leak-tightness, and method of making same
A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color. |
| US08003387B2 |
In vitro germinal centers
The present invention incorporates germinal centers (GCs) into three-dimensional (3D) engineered tissue constructs (ETCs). In an embodiment, we have incorporated the GC in the design of an artificial immune system (AIS) to examine immune responses to vaccines and other compounds. Development of an in vitro GC adds functionality to an AIS, in that it enables generation of an in vitro human humoral response by human B lymphocytes that is accurate and reproducible, without using human subjects. The invention also permits evaluation of, for example, vaccines, allergens, and immunogens, and activation of human B cells specific for a given antigen, which can then be used to generate human antibodies. In an embodiment of the present invention the function of the in vitro GC is enhanced by placing FDCs and other immune cells in a 3D ETC; FDCs appear more effective over a longer time (antibody production is sustained for up to about 14 days. |
| US08003384B2 |
Cell lines comprising sour-taste receptors
The present invention relates to sour taste receptors and compositions and methods thereof. In particular, the present invention provides assays and methods of screening for ligands specific for sour taste receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for screening for accessory proteins and mutations, polymorphisms and other potential sour taste receptor protein mutations that are associated with disease states, and therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for modulating sour taste receptors in vitro and in vivo. |
| US08003378B2 |
Capillary perfused bioreactors with multiple chambers
A bioreactor for cultivating living cells in a liquid medium. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bioreactor includes a first substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface and edges. The bioreactor further includes a second substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a cavity with a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is located therebetween the first surface and the second surface. The first surface of the first substrate is received by the second surface of the second substrate to cover the cavity so as to form a channel for receiving cells and a liquid medium. In forming the bioreactor, the channel is sized to allow the growth of a layer of cells on a biocompatible coating layer and a flow of liquid in the channel. The flow of liquid is controlled so as to provide a known shear force to the layer of cells. The flow of liquid can be further controlled so as to provide an environment that simulates a vascular space in the channel. |
| US08003375B2 |
Qualitative differential screening
The invention concerns a method for identifying and/or cloning nucleic acid regions representing qualitative differences associated with alternative splicing events and/or with insertions, deletions located in RNA transcribed genome regions, between two physiological situations, comprising either hybridization of RNA derived from the test situation with cDNA's derived from the reference situation and/or reciprocally, or double-strand hybridization of cDNA derived from the test situation with cDNA's derived from the reference situation; and identifying and/or cloning nucleic acids representing qualitative differences. The invention also concerns compositions or banks of nucleic acids representing qualitative differences between two physiological situations, obtainable by the above method, and their use as probe, for identifying genes or molecules of interest, or still for example in methods of pharmacogenomics, and profiling of molecules relative to their therapeutic and/or toxic effects. The invention further concerns the use of dysregulation of splicing RNA as markers for predicting molecule toxicity and/or efficacy, and as markers in pharmacogenomics. |
| US08003374B2 |
Reagentless, reusable, bioelectronic detectors
A reagentless, reusable bioelectronic DNA, or other oligonucleotide sequence sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes an oligonucleotide (aptamer) probe tagged with a electroactive, redoxable moiety, self-assembled on or near an electrode. This surface-confined oligonucleotide (aptamer) probe structure undergoes hybridization-induced conformational change in the presence of the target which changes the electron-transfer distance between the redoxable moiety and the electrode thereby providing a detectable signal change. In an alternative embodiment, the target can harbor the redoxable moiety. |
| US08003371B2 |
Systems for genome selection
Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed. |
| US08003368B2 |
Method for producing L-amino acids by fermentation using bacteria having enhanced expression of xylose utilization genes
A method for producing an L-amino acid, such as L-histidine, L-threonine, L-lysine, L-glutamic acid, and L-tryptophan, using bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has increased expression of genes, such as those of the xylABFGHR locus, which encode the xylose utilization enzymes, is disclosed. The method includes cultivating the L-amino acid producing bacterium in a culture medium containing xylose, and collecting the L-amino acid from the culture medium. |
| US08003362B2 |
Methods and constructs for high yield expression of clostripain
The invention provides methods and nucleic acid constructs to express clostripain. The source of the coding region for recombinantly expressed clostripain is Clostridium histolyticum. |
| US08003358B2 |
Two-step enzyme method for preparing 7-aminocephalosporanic acid
The present invention discloses a two-step enzyme method for preparing 7-aminocephalosporanic acid from cephalosporin C, wherein D-amino acid oxidase used is purified D-amino acid oxidase mutant of yeast Trigonopsis variabilis, having a specific activity of 105% higher than that of parent D-amino acid oxidase. The method has no need of addition of hydrogen peroxide, β-lactamase inhibitor, catalase inhibitor, catalase and the like commonly used in the prior art. The productivity of the method can reach more than 93%. Thus, the method is simple, low in cost and high in productivity. |
| US08003356B2 |
Methods for the preparation of para-hydroxycinnamic acid and cinnamic acid at alkaline pH
Methods for the microbial production of para-hydroxycinnamic acid (pHCA) and cinnamic acid (CA) are provided. Microbes producing either tyrosine or phenylalanine are grown in the presence of either tyrosine ammonium lyase or phenylalanine ammonium lyase respectively where some part of the fermentation is accomplished at alkaline pH. The process results in greater yields and higher rates of para-hydroxycinnamic acid (pHCA) and cinnamic acid (CA) production as compared with fermentation exclusively at physiological pH. |
| US08003354B2 |
Multiplex nucleic acid reactions
The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously. |
| US08003351B2 |
Activatable recombinant neurotoxins
Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids. |
| US08003349B2 |
YLMPO1 gene derived from yarrowia lipolytica and a process for preparing a glycoprotein not being mannosylphosphorylated by using a mutated yarrowia lipolytica in which YLMPO1 gene is disrupted
The present invention relates to a novel YlMPO1 gene which plays an important role in mannosylphosphorylation of an industrial yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, and to a method for preparing a host system capable of producing recombinant glycoproteins free of mannosylphosphate by disruption of the gene. The mannosylphosphorylation is suppressed by the disruption of YlMPO1 gene according to the present invention, thereby achieving humanization of glycosylation pathway of Yarrowia lipolytica. |
| US08003344B2 |
Microbial hydrogen-producing process and system thereof
The present invention provides a microbial hydrogen-producing process, comprising: providing at least one Clostridium microbe and at least one Bacillus microbe; and co-culturing said at least one Clostridium microbe and said at least one Bacillus microbe in a fermentation culture system to produce hydrogen. The present invention also provides a microbial hydrogen-producing system, characterized by that the system comprises at least one Clostridium microbe and at least one Bacillus microbe, and it uses an organic waste medium as the substrate to perform a hydrogen-producing fermentation having high efficiency, high stability, and high reproducibility. |
| US08003341B2 |
Method of amplifying ATP and use thereof
The ATP amplification method is a method for amplifying and detecting a very trace amount of exogenous ATP by allowing a fusion protein (PPK-ADK) of a polyphosphate kinase and an adenylate kinase, the fusion protein not containing ADP, to act on a mixture of ATP, AMP, and a polyphosphate compound. Also provided is an ultrasensitive ATP amplification method by which ATP at a single cell level can be amplified and detected, and an ultrasensitive microbial assay based on this ATP amplification method. |
| US08003340B2 |
Method and kit for isolating and fractioning phosphoproteins
Disclosed herein a method and a kit for fractioning/isolating phosphoproteins. Calcium ions, barium ions, cobalt ions and molybdenum ions are bound specifically to phosphoproteins to form metal-phosphoprotein complexes. They can be easily precipitated with precipitants including sulfates, citrates, bicarbonates and carbonates. |
| US08003338B2 |
Diagnostic method for diseases by screening for hepcidin in human or animal tissues, blood or body fluids and therapeutic uses therefor
The present invention concerns methods and kits for diagnosing a disease condition characterized by non-physiological levels of hepcidin protein, including prohepcidin and fragments thereof, comprising obtaining a tissue or fluid sample from a subject; contacting the sample with an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide corresponding to the amino acid sequence between and including amino acids 25 and 49 of a hepcidin precursor protein, and quantifying the hepcidin precursor level using an assay based on binding of the antibody and the polypeptide; wherein the non-physiological level of prohepcidin is indicative of the disease condition. The present invention also concerns diagnostic methods and kits for applications in genetic technological approaches, such as for overexpressing or downregulating hepcidin. |
| US08003335B2 |
Levels of APRIL in serum and use in diagnostic methods
The present invention provides a method of measuring the levels of APRIL in a biological sample, in a preferred embodiment, in serum. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing or currently suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as RA, predicting the future severity of the disease, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnostic test serves to predict a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment, in particular treatment with APRIL antagonists, either singly or in combination with other immune suppressive drugs. |
| US08003330B2 |
Error-free amplification of DNA for clonal sequencing
Provided are methods of producing low copy number circularized nucleic acid variants that can be distributed to reaction volumes. The methods include providing a template nucleic acid; producing a population of clonal nucleic acids from the template nucleic acid; generating a set of partially overlapping nucleic acid fragments from the population of clonal nucleic acids; circularizing the partially overlapping nucleic acid fragments to produce circularized nucleic acid variants; and aliquotting the circularized nucleic acid variants into reaction volumes. Related compositions of nucleic acid templates are also provided. |
| US08003325B2 |
Polymorphisms of the BLyS gene and use in diagnostic methods
The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising at least one polymorphic nucleotide sequence, for example, the major alleles of the SNPs described as rs12583006, rs1224141, and rs1248930 and diagnostic assays for detecting the presence of these polymorphism associated with a condition associated with BLyS activity, such as hematological malignancy including B cell malignancies. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing a condition associated with BLyS activity, such as hematological malignancies, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with a condition associated with BLyS activity, such as prediction of a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment. The invention also provides an array of nucleic acid molecules immobilized on a solid surface, where at least one of the nucleic acid molecules comprises a BLyS polymorphic nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acid arrays of the invention allow rapid detection of hybridizing nucleic acid-molecules, in a nucleic acid sample from an individual, of a BLyS polymorphism associated with hematological malignancy. |
| US08003320B2 |
Methods and compositions involving MicroRNA
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for isolating, enriching, and/or labeling miRNA molecules and for preparing and using arrays or other detection techniques for miRNA analysis. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for generating miRNA profiles and employing such profiles for therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications. |
| US08003318B2 |
Polymorphisms in growth hormone receptor, ghrelin, leptin, neuropeptide Y, and uncoupling protein 2 genes and their associations with measures of performance and carcass merit in beef cattle
The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine genes encoding growth hormone receptor (GHR), ghrelin, leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) and their association with economically relevant traits in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations. |
| US08003317B2 |
Methods for high level multiplexed polymerase chain reactions and homogeneous mass extension reactions
Provided herein are optimized methods for performing multiplexed detection of a plurality of sequence variations. Also provided are methods for performing multiplexed amplification of target nucleic acid. |
| US08003316B2 |
Polarization-enhanced detector with gold nanorods for detecting nanoscale rotational motion and method therefor
A nanoscale motion detector attaches a gold nanorod (30) to the rotating arm (26) of a molecular structure (10) to cause the nanoparticle to rotate. The molecular structure is an F1-ATPase enzyme. The gold nanorod is exposed to a light source. The long axis of the gold nanorod scatters red light when the nanorod is in a first position. The short axis of the gold nanorod scatters green light when the nanorod is in a second position. A polarizing filter filters the red and green light to detect the rotational motion by observing alternating red and green lights. A detection DNA stand (50) is coupled between the gold nanorod and the molecular structure. The detection DNA strand hybridizes with a target DNA strand (58) if the target DNA strand matches the detection DNA strand to form a structural link between the molecular structure and gold nanorod. |
| US08003310B2 |
Masking techniques and templates for dense semiconductor fabrication
A template comprising pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied features is configured for use in imprint lithography. On a first substrate, a first pattern is formed using pitch multiplication and a second pattern is formed using photolithography without pitch multiplication. The first pattern and the second pattern are transferred to a template. The template is brought into contact with a transfer layer overlying a series of mask layers overlying a second substrate. The pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied patterns on the template are transferred to the transfer layer, forming an imprinted pattern. The imprinted pattern is transferred to the second substrate to form pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied features. |
| US08003307B2 |
Photo mask and method for fabricating image sensor using the same
A method for fabricating an image sensor includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate in a logic circuit region and a pixel region, forming a photoresist over the insulation layer, patterning the photoresist to form a photoresist pattern where the insulation layer in the pixel region is exposed and the insulation layer in the logic circuit region is not exposed, wherein a thickness of the photoresist pattern is gradually decreased in an interfacial region between the pixel region and the logic circuit region in a direction of the logic circuit region to the pixel region, and performing an etch back process over the insulation layer and the photoresist pattern in conditions that an etch rate of the photoresist pattern are substantially the same as that of the insulation layer. |
| US08003305B2 |
Method for patterning a semiconductor wafer
A method for etching a pattern on a surface is disclosed. A mask layer is disposed over a surface and a resist is disposed over the mask layer. The resist is exposed to light through the mask exposing primary pattern and sidelobe regions. The resist is developed and the mask layer is etched according to the resist pattern. A first material is deposited over the mask layer, wherein a gap is formed beneath the material and over the primary pattern region. The material is etched back so that the gap is exposed, and the primary pattern region is etched using the first material as a mask. |
| US08003304B2 |
Method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic write pole using an electrical lapping guide for tight write pole flare point control
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method provides for accurate definition of a device feature such as a write pole flare point. A functional lapping guide is formed to determine when a lapping operation should be terminated to define an air bearing surface of a slider. In order to provide accurate compensation for manufacturing variations in the functional lapping guide, a dummy lapping guide is provided. An amount of variation of a front edge of the dummy lapping guide, which is defined by the same process step as a writer pole flare point, can be calculated by measuring the width (stripe height) of the dummy lapping guide based on its electrical resistance. Since the back edges of the dummy lapping guide and functional lapping guide are defined by the same manufacturing steps, the back edge of the functional lapping guide can then be determined, and used for accurately control of the writer flare point through their correlation established from the dummy lapping guide. |
| US08003302B2 |
Method for fabricating patterns using a photomask
Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating a pattern using a photomask that includes forming a first light shielding layer pattern over a substrate; forming a first resist layer pattern aligned to the first light shielding layer pattern over the first light shielding layer pattern; forming a phase shift region by selectively etching a portion of the substrate exposed by the first light shielding layer pattern; forming a second resist layer pattern by reducing the line width of the first resist layer pattern; forming a second light shielding layer pattern, having a reduced line width, by etching an exposed portion of the first light shielding layer pattern, and exposing a portion of the substrate adjacent the groove to form a rim region; removing the second resist layer pattern to form a photomask; and transferring a second pattern onto a wafer by performing an exposure process using the photomask. |
| US08003301B2 |
Manufacturing method for semiconductor device
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device having patterns including two adjacent sides forming a corner portion with an external angle and a periodic pattern with a high density arrangement in the same layer is provided with (a) the step of exposing the first divided pattern including a first side which is obtained by dividing the pattern including two sides and the region which corresponds to a first thinned out pattern from which the periodic pattern is thinned out to light through a first mask having a first mask pattern, and (b) the step of exposing the second divided pattern including a second side which is obtained by dividing the pattern including two sides and the region which corresponds to a second thinned out pattern which is obtained by thinning out the periodic pattern to light through a first mask having a second mask pattern. |
| US08003298B2 |
Printing resist, method for preparing the same and patterning method using the same
Disclosed herein is a printing resist sequentially transferred to a printing plate and a substrate after being applied to a printing roll. The printing resist comprises at least one polymer main chain bound to a tackiness-inducing vinyl group. The surface of the printing resist has tackiness without complete dryness, thus enabling a correct transfer of the printing resist to the printing plate and substrate. |
| US08003296B2 |
Chemically amplified positive resist composition
The present invention provides a chemically amplified positive composition comprising: (A) a resin comprising a structural unit having an acid-labile group and being itself insoluble or poorly soluble in an alkali aqueous solution but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, (B) a resin comprising a structural unit represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or a C1-C4 perfluoroalkyl group, Z represents a single bond or —(CH2)k—CO—X4—, k represents an integer of 1 to 4, X1, X2, X3 and X4 each independently represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, m represents an integer of 1 to 3 and n represents an integer of 0 to 3, and a structural unit having a fluorine atom in a side chain, and an acid generator. |
| US08003292B2 |
Method for applying a resist layer, uses of adhesive materials, and adhesive materials and resist layer
A method in which a resist layer is applied to a base layer is disclosed. The resist layer includes an adhesive material, and the adhesive force of the adhesive material decreases or increases during an irradiation process. Residues of the resist layer may be stripped using the disclosed method. |