| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08035981B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element, a supporting substrate where the semiconductor element is mounted, and a capacitor provided on the semiconductor element and coupled to the supporting substrate via an outside connection terminal. The capacitor includes a valve metal part, an anodic oxide film formed on a surface of the valve metal part, and a conductive part formed on the anodic oxide film and made of a conductive material. |
| US08035978B2 |
Printed circuit board, fabrication method and apparatus
A printed circuit board includes a mounted a first electronic component. The printed circuit board includes a first through holes extending from a mounting surface on which the electronic component is mounted. The printed circuit board includes a second through holes extending from a surface opposite the mounting surface and aligned with the first through holes. A second electronic component may be longitudinally between the first through holes and the second through holes. The first and second through holes may be electrically connected with the second electronic component. |
| US08035975B2 |
Low profile electronic module with ejector mechanism
An electronic module (100) includes a housing having a longitudinal body portion and a mounting portion extending rearward from the body portion, with a channel defined in a top or bottom section of the mounting portion; a slider member (61) accommodated in the channel of mounting portion; an actuator member (62) including a transversal beam (621) across the mounting portion and two leg portions (622) connected to opposite ends of the transversal beam and disposed outward of lateral sides of the mounting portion, said leg portions pivotally linked to the mounted portion of the housing and connected to the slider member; and a pull member (64) having two arm portions (641) spaced apart one another and an intermediate portion (642) connected to the arm portions, said two arm portions arranged under the transversal beam and engaged with the leg portions of the actuator member. |
| US08035974B1 |
Integrated circuit package support system
A system for supporting integrated circuit packages to prevent mechanical failure of the packages at their connection to a printed circuit board or card involves bracing the packages to the board or card, The packages may also be braced against one another. The structure is particularly well adapted to supporting vertical surface mount packages at a point spaced from the point where they connect to a printed circuit board or card. |
| US08035972B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquid cooling computer equipment
A cooling system for cooling computer component with a liquid provided at atmospheric pressure, or low pressure, that flows through channel defined in the computer component. The liquid is pumped from a reservoir to a discharge port, or weir, that is located above the computer component. The liquid flows through an in-feed manifold to diverters that direct the liquid into in-feed tanks located above a row of the computer component. The liquid flows through the channels and flow control orifices to a drain that returns the liquid to the reservoir. |
| US08035970B2 |
Regulation of air flow through a computer blade chassis using mechanically actuated variable air flow dampers
A server blade chassis having at least one mechanically actuated variable air flow damper is presented. One or more variable air flow dampers are aligned with server blades in the server blade chassis. When a server blade is pressed into a slot in the server blade chassis, one or more of the variable air flow dampers are mechanically opened, to variable degrees of movement, by the server blade pressing against the variable air flow dampers. |
| US08035969B2 |
Aeraulic cooling device for a “full ARINC” computer
The invention proposes a new aeraulic cooling design for ARINC series 600 computers. Using a network of ducts (N) and holes (HM) on an intermediate plate (M) situated just above the bottom place (B) through which a stream of cool air (AF) is injected into said computer (C), the present invention makes it possible to effectively cool the dissipative areas and the identified hot spots on the electronic modules (E) that it contains. |
| US08035964B2 |
Multi-position housing made of metal extruded section member for manufacturing a waterproof power electronic device
The extruded section forms a tunnel that is substantially rectangular and is provided with fins on at least one side of the rectangle. The fins allow air to flow outside the housing by natural convection in the extrusion direction. A side without fins serves as a base for fastening the housing and as a support for power electronic components of the power electronic device. The fins are machined transversely to the extrusion direction to form notches in the fins. The notches being aligned in succession to allow air to flow outside the housing by natural convection in the optimum direction. |
| US08035961B2 |
Controlled compression of hard drive carrier CAM
A cam lock apparatus includes a carrier having a bezel with a locking cam handle. The locking cam handle is pivotally attached to the bezel by a pivot pin. A resilient member is compressed between the pivot pin and the locking cam handle, whereby the first end of the locking cam handle is biased to move relative to the bezel and the carrier. |
| US08035960B2 |
Hard disk drive frame
A hard disk drive frame is provided. The distances from its hard disk drive fixing parts to the substrate center are not the same. During the process of vibrational energy transfer, three-dimensional reactions are induced correspondingly to cancel the kinetic energy transfer. The reactions generated at the static balance point in the three dimensions interfere one another to destroy vibrational frequencies in specific directions. Therefore, the disclosed hard disk drive is resistant to vibrations and suffers less from the resonance effect. |
| US08035959B2 |
Portable electronic device with projection function and projection unit thereof
A portable electronic device with a projection function includes a host, a projection module, and at least one linkage. The host has an accommodating space. The projection module is situated in the accommodating space. The linkage is disposed between the accommodating space and the projection module for moving out the projection module from the accommodating space. |
| US08035955B2 |
Cord protector for power tools
A power tool having a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a power cord connected to the motor, and a cord protector operably engaging the power cord. The cord protector comprising a spring member coupled to the housing on a first end and engaging the power cord on a second end. The spring member exerting a biasing force upon the power cord in response to a load being applied to the power cord and recovering to an initial position in response to removal of the load. |
| US08035954B2 |
Surface-mount type electrolytic capacitor and method of producing the same
An exterior case for a surface-mount type electrolytic capacitor has a box type resin case and an exterior case cover. The resin case incorporates anode terminals and a cathode terminal at the bottom portion and is open upward. The exterior cover covers the top and an outer surface of a side wall of the resin case. A convex portion is formed on an inner surface of a ceiling of the exterior case cover and, thereby, a concave portion is formed between an inner surface of the side wall of the exterior case cover and the convex portion. The concave portion and an upper end portion of the side wall of the resin case are fitted together with an adhesive therebetween. An upper surface of the capacitor element is pressed by the convex portion of the inner surface of the ceiling of the exterior case cover and, thereby, a positional deviation thereof is prevented. |
| US08035951B2 |
Capacitor devices
A capacitor device with a capacitance is introduced. The capacitor device includes at least one capacitive element. The at least capacitive element comprises a pair of first conductive layers being opposed to each other, at least one first dielectric layer formed on a surface of at least one of the first conductive layers, and a second dielectric layer being sandwiched between the first conductive layers. The first dielectric layer has a first dielectric constant and the second dielectric layer has a second dielectric constant. The capacitance of the capacitor device depends on dielectric parameters of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The dielectric parameters comprise the first dielectric constant and thickness of the at least one first dielectric layer and the second dielectric constant and thickness of the second dielectric layer. |
| US08035945B2 |
Method and apparatus providing final test and trimming for a power supply controller
A power supply controller having final test and trim circuitry. In one embodiment, a power supply controller for switched mode power supply includes a selector circuit, a trim circuit, a shutdown circuit and a disable circuit. The trim circuit includes a programmable circuit connection that can be selected by the selector circuit by toggling a voltage on an external terminal such as for example a power supply terminal, a control terminal or a function terminal of the power supply controller. The programmable circuit connection in the trim circuit can be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the external terminal. The shutdown circuit shuts down the power supply controller if the temperature rises above an over temperature threshold voltage. The shutdown circuit includes adjustment circuitry that can be used to test the shutdown circuit. The adjustment circuitry can adjust and reduce the over temperature threshold of the power supply controller. Thus, the power supply controller can be tested without having to actually heat the part. The disable circuit includes a programmable circuit connection, which when programmed prevents further trimming of power supply controller and prevents adjustment of the shutdown circuit over temperature threshold. |
| US08035944B2 |
Power supply system with adaptive blown fuse detection using negative sequence component
Existing measurements of an input component (such as voltage or current) in a three phase power supply system are decomposed into a negative sequence component. The negative sequence component, which is significantly higher when a rectifier fuse is blown, is compared to a threshold and a determination made that a rectifier fuse is blown when the negative component exceeds the threshold. In an aspect, an adaptive algorithm is used to make the detection work better in the range of the nominal frequency of the input voltage. In an aspect, the negative sequence is determined indirectly from the existing measurements. |
| US08035940B2 |
Over-voltage protection circuit structure and method thereof
An over-voltage protection circuit structure for protecting a high power translation circuit is provided. The over-voltage protection circuit structure receives an alternating current input and comprises a relay circuit, a voltage detection module, and an energy supply circuit. The relay circuit relays the alternating current input to the high power translation circuit. The energy supply circuit provides power to the voltage detection module in response to the alternating current input. The voltage detection module detects a voltage value of the alternating current input continuously. When the voltage value is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the voltage detection module generates an over-voltage signal. The relay circuit opens to cease delivering the alternating current input into the high power circuit in response to the over-voltage signal, thus the purpose of protecting the high power circuit is achieved. |
| US08035939B2 |
Tracking and fault communication for DC power supply modules
A plurality of DC power supply modules have track pins interconnected for tracking of output voltages of the modules during power-up and normal power-down. Each module pulls down its track pin voltage in response to any fault, and detects a track pin voltage below a threshold to detect a fault communicated from any other module, to facilitate fault power-down. The track pin voltage is initially raised above the threshold for power-up. One module can be designated a master for monitoring an input voltage to the modules and for determining the track pin voltage for normal power-up and power-down. |
| US08035935B2 |
Countermeasure for EMP-E3 induced currents
A countermeasure for mitigating Electromagnetic Pulse E3 (EMP-E3) induced currents flowing through the neutral of a star-connected three-phase power transformer without compromising its neutral end insulation performance. It comprises an external neutral-grounding device; a first linear resistor (R10) is connected from the transformer neutral (N) to ground (G) sized to render said induced currents, for any given EMP-E3 severity, reduced and inconsequential to the equipment operation. Contingently, a second non-linear neutral-grounding resistor (R11) provides a shunting path-to-ground of substantially low resistance, as prevailing by virtue of its non-linearity under large power system fault currents; such a bypass functionality is formulated/designed according to IEEE/ANSI/NEMA recommended insulation coordination guidelines in order to sustain proper protective margins to the equipment neutral basic insulation levels (BIL/BSL). |
| US08035923B2 |
Data storage device
Embodiments of the present invention help to provide a sealed hard disk drive (HDD) with high reliability. According to one embodiment, a HDD is a hermetically sealed HDD. A base has an opening of a through-hole on its bottom; a feedthrough is provided so as to close the opening. A flange of the feedthrough has a larger outline than the opening, and its rim is joined to the base with solder at the solder joint. The solder at the solder joint is mainly composed of Sn and contains 15 atomic percent to 27 atomic percent of indium. This solder reaches the γ phase from −150° C. to 120° C. Accordingly, even if the HDD has been exposed at low temperature for a long time, the solder joint is not broken so that helium gas does not leak. |
| US08035922B2 |
Write head with integrated coil and shield structure
Disk drive systems and associated methods of fabrication are disclosed for a write head having an integrated coil and shield structure. The write head includes a write pole having a pole tip adjacent to an air bearing surface, and a return pole having a surface adjacent to the air bearing surface. The write pole and the return pole are connected to one another by a back gap section that is distal from the air bearing surface. The write head also includes a coil formed from electrically conductive materials. The coil includes a segment that is formed proximate to the air bearing surface. The coil segment is formed from a ferromagnetic material so that the coil segment acts as a shield for the write pole. |
| US08035914B2 |
Hard disk drive and method for designing additional controller included in hard disk drive
A hard disk drive is provided. The hard disk drive comprises a plant configured to drive the hard disk drive, a main controller configured to control the plant, and an additional controller connected in parallel with the main controller. A response function in consideration of the plant and the main controller is referred to as a main response function, and a response function in consideration of the plant and the additional controller is referred to as a first response function. The first response function cancels a function value corresponding to a section of the main response function that is associated with disturbance. The response function of the additional controller may be designed using the first response function. The hard disk drive removes a portion of the main response function to minimize the influence of the disturbance. |
| US08035910B2 |
Read after write enhancement for bit patterned media
A read/write head for use with bit-patterned media detects write synchronization errors between a write clock and the bit-patterned media. In particular, the read/write head writes data to the bit-patterned media using a write clock. The data is then read from the bit-patterned media and used to detect write synchronization errors between the write clock and the location of bit-islands on the bit-patterned media. Based on detected write synchronization errors, the phase associated with the write clock is modified to align the write clock with the location of bit-islands on the bit-patterned media. |
| US08035909B2 |
Coding technique for correcting media defect-related errors and random errors
A method of writing data on a storage medium that takes into account a condition of the storage medium. The method includes receiving data to be written on a portion of a storage medium and encoding the data based on a condition of the portion of the storage medium. The encoded data is written on the portion of the storage medium. A data storage system that includes a storage medium having defects is also provided. The data storage system utilizes a coding scheme that comprises coding bit patterns configured to address the defects on the storage medium. |
| US08035907B2 |
Image capturing device
An image capturing device includes an image capturing unit, a fitting member, and a cover member. The image capturing unit captures a plurality of unit images having parallax by using a lens array having a plurality of unit lenses, and a prism. The fitting member is provided with a mounting portion upon which said prism is mounted. The cover member is put onto the fitting member from its side which faces the mounting portion. The mounting portion has a shape which, in the state in which the prism is mounted, grips two contiguous faces of the prism. And the cover member has a pair of claws which, when the cover member is put onto the fitting member, squeeze two contiguous faces of the prism which is mounted to the mounting portion. |
| US08035906B2 |
Vibration actuator, lens barrel and camera
A vibration actuator comprising: an electromechanical conversion element excited by a driving signal; an elastic body to which the conversion element is jointed and on a driving face of which vibration waves are generated by the excitation; and a relative moving element pressure-contacted with the driving face of the elastic body, and which is driven by the vibration waves, and wherein: a joining face of the conversion element which is joined to the elastic body has an electrode portion, and a joining strength improving portion which improves the joining strength between the elastic body and the conversion element; and the electrode portion is formed on at least one of two edge portions of the joining face, through the edge portions, an imaginary straight line pass, the line pass the improving portion and is orthogonal to a relative moving direction of the elastic body and the moving element. |
| US08035905B2 |
Optical element positioning apparatus
An optical element positioning apparatus capable of moving an optical element from a storage state to a use state and improving the accuracy of positioning the optical element to a use position on an optical path. A holding member that holds the optical element is guided by guide shafts to be movable between the storage state and the use state. The holding member is provided with guide-supporting and receiving portions through which the guide shafts are slidably inserted. The guide shafts are supported by holding portions. A degree of freedom in positioning the holding member at the use position is provided. Holding-member positioning parts of the guide-supporting and receiving portions are pressed by an urging device against ends of the holding portions, whereby the holding member is positioned and held at the use position. |
| US08035903B2 |
Positioning unit and alignment device for an optical element
The invention relates to a positioning unit for an optical element in a microlithographic projection exposure installation. Said unit comprises a first connection region (A, 22) for connecting to the optical elements, and a second connection region (B, 20) for connecting to an object in the vicinity of the optical elements. At least two levers are connected to the second connection region by means of the respective lever bearing thereof, and the respective load arm thereof is connected to the first connection region by an articulation by means of an intermediate element (31, 33, 36) applied to said articulations. Regulating devices (28, 29) or actuators are arranged on the respective power arms of the levers. In a first position, the first connection region and the second connection region are arranged in relation to each other in such a way that the lever bearings of at least two levers and the articulations associated with said levers have approximately parallel rotational axes that are located approximately in a plane in the first position. |
| US08035901B2 |
Laser scoring with curved trajectory
Disclosed are systems and methods for scoring and separating a glass sheet along a curved trajectory using a laser and optics. The system includes a laser that generates a laser beam, a focusing lens, and a conical optical component, such as a conical lens or a reflective conical mirror. The laser directs the laser beam through the focusing lens and conical lens to create a curved score line that is projected onto a glass sheet to create a curved score line, along which the glass sheet can be separated. Optionally, the laser directs the laser beam through the focusing lens towards a conical mirror, off of which the laser beam is reflected toward the glass sheet to create a curved score line. |
| US08035900B2 |
Objective lens for endoscope
An objective lens for an endoscope is provided and has a lens group A and a lens group B that are movable in a direction of an optical axis. In the objective lens, first focal adjustment for observing a point between a most-distant point and an intermediate point is performed by moving the lens group A from a lens arrangement for observing the most-distant point; and second focal adjustment for observing a point between the intermediate point to a nearest point is performed by moving the lens group B from a lens arrangement for observing the intermediate point. |
| US08035893B2 |
Collapsible projection screen systems
A collapsible projection screen system mountable on or at a moveable carriage (10), the system comprising a flexible projection screen (16) moveable between a collapsed position and an erect position in which the screen (16) is supported by a support arrangement (14, 15), and a screen tensioning mechanism (64, 40, 56) operable on the screen (16) in the erect position to provide a generally flat screen surface. In another embodiment there is disclosed a mounting assembly for a flexible projection screen in a collapsible projection screen system having a roller, a mechanism for applying tension across and between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the screen in the erect position, the mechanism comprising a braking device and a drive apparatus. |
| US08035892B2 |
Reliable startup of high power thin-disk laser resonators
Helper resonators useful for the reliable, controlled startup of an associated high power multidisk unstable imaging thin disk laser (TDL) main resonator each includes one of the thin disk gain elements (TDGEs) of the associated main resonator and a pair of helper reflectors disposed on opposite sides thereof. The helper resonators act to prevent the buildup of undesirable amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) during startup of the main resonator, pre-condition the TDGEs so as to enable efficient power transfer from the helper resonators to the main resonator when the main resonator reaches a selected feedback ratio (FBR) and provide a rapidly acting shunt for disk power in the event of a cessation of lasing of the main resonator. |
| US08035886B2 |
Electronically addressable microencapsulated ink and display thereof
A system of electronically active inks is described which may include electronically addressable contrast media, conductors, insulators, resistors, semiconductive materials, magnetic materials, spin materials, piezoelectric materials, optoelectronic, thermoelectric or radio frequency materials. We further describe a printing system capable of laying down said materials in a definite pattern. Such a system may be used for instance to: print a flat panel display complete with onboard drive logic; print a working logic circuit onto any of a large class of substrates; print an electrostatic or piezoelectric motor with onboard logic and feedback or print a working radio transmitter or receiver. |
| US08035885B2 |
TWDM element, imager, and method for temporally and spatially modulating by using the same
A tri wavelength diffracting modulation (TWDM) element, a TWDM imager, and methods of temporally and spatially modulating by using the same are disclosed. The TWDM element includes first and second sets of movable reflective rigid plates under independent electrical actuation, provides four different spatial configurations for reflecting and selectively diffracting incident radiation of three distinguished wavelengths. The TWDM imager is formed with a plurality of the TWDM elements in a regularly spaced planar array configuration on a planar substrate. Incident visible light is spatially modulated by the TWDM imager, either in a time sequential mode or via spatial combination with help of an aligned color filter array. |
| US08035884B2 |
Method and device for modulating light with semiconductor substrate
Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. |
| US08035883B2 |
Device having a conductive light absorbing mask and method for fabricating same
A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements. |
| US08035879B2 |
Electrowetting display device
An electrowetting display device includes a first and a second transparent substrates, multiple partition walls, a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, and a phosphor layer. The non-polar liquid is opaque and immiscible with the polar liquid. The phosphor layer is formed on at least one of the first and the second transparent substrates. The phosphor layer comprises a first part that transforms the short-wavelength light into red light, a second part that transforms the short-wavelength light into green light, and a third part that transforms the short-wavelength light into blue light or allows the short-wavelength light to pass therethrough without transformation. Each of the first, the second, and the third parts is corresponding to one pixel unit. |
| US08035877B2 |
Laser treatment apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A laser treatment apparatus is provided which is capable of irradiating a laser beam to the position where a TFT is to be formed over the entire surface of a large substrate to achieve the crystallization, thereby forming a crystalline semiconductor film having a large grain diameter with high throughput. A laser treatment apparatus includes a laser oscillation device, a lens for converging a laser beam, such as a collimator lens or a cylindrical lens, a fixed mirror for altering an optical path for a laser beam, a first movable mirror for radially scanning a laser beam in a two-dimensional direction, and an fθ lens for keeping a scanning speed constant in the case of laser beam scanning. These structural components are collectively regarded as one optical system. A laser treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a structure in which five such optical systems are placed. The number of optical systems is not limited; any number of optical systems is allowed as long as a means for supplying a plurality of laser beams is provided. |
| US08035874B1 |
MEMS device with off-axis actuator
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror device has a mirror, a frame rotatively coupled to the mirror, and a uniaxial actuator rotatively coupled to the frame where the rotational axis of the actuator is offset from the rotational axes of the mirror and the frame. Another MEMS mirror device has a mirror, a frame rotatively coupled to the mirror, and a biaxial actuator rotatively coupled to the frame where the actuator is able to rotate about the rotational axes of the mirror and the frame with the mirror. |
| US08035871B2 |
Determining target luminance value of an image using predicted noise amount
A bright luminance value, a dark luminance value, and an average luminance value relating to a face image portion included in an image represented by fed image data are calculated in calculating circuits. Further, a target bright luminance value and a target dark luminance value are calculated in a calculating circuit on the basis of a target average luminance value and a dynamic range that are inputted from an input device and the calculated bright luminance value, dark luminance value, and average luminance value. Interpolation processing based on a correspondence between the calculated bright luminance value, dark luminance value, and average luminance value relating to the face image portion and the target bright luminance value, the target dark luminance value, and the target average luminance value respectively corresponding thereto is performed in a corrected value calculating circuit, to create a look-up table. |
| US08035869B2 |
Image reading device
An image reading device including (1) a transparent member having an image reading area, (2) a line sensor that moves in a line sensor moving direction, which is perpendicular to a reading line direction of the line sensor, (3) a first supporting structure that supports, at opposite ends of the image reading area in the line sensor moving direction, the transparent member such that the transparent member is not deformed with respect to the reading line direction when an external force is applied to the transparent member, and (4) a second supporting structure that supports, at opposite ends of the image reading area in the reading line direction, the transparent member such that the transparent member is movable between a first posture, where the transparent member is in a flat plate shape, and a second posture, where the transparent member is bent with respect to the line sensor moving direction. |
| US08035868B2 |
Light source unit and object reader
A light source unit and reader can include a line light source that is attached to a radiator and a rod lens that is attached above the line light source. The radiator with the line light source and the rod lens attached thereto, and a linear strip-shaped reflector arranged in front of the rod lens, are housed in a carriage. The carriage is supported beneath a contact glass and movable in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the line light source. The lens has a section in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the lens, in which a surface of the lens facing the light source has a curved line that expands or is convexly facing toward the light source. The opposite surface of the lens from the light source has composite curves including a plurality of continuous curves with different radii of curvature. The composite curves are located on both sides of a plane containing the optical axis of the LED and expand or are convex in an opposite direction from the light source. |
| US08035867B2 |
Image reading apparatus with reading mode selection unit and image forming system
An image reading apparatus includes a reading condition receiving unit for receiving a reading condition; an image reading unit for reading the original according to the reading condition to obtain image information; a storage unit for storing the image information; a reading mode selection unit for selecting a first reading mode or a second reading mode according to a result of comparison between an image information amount and a memory capacity of the storage unit; and a data reading unit for reading the image information from the storage unit according to the reading mode. The data reading unit reads the image information per page in the first reading mode. The data reading unit reads the image information per block in the second reading mode. |
| US08035864B2 |
Image processing apparatus
Depending on processing to be executed, the processing is prevented from being restricted even if a particular image is included in image data. There is provided an image processing apparatus comprising an authentication section 67 which distinguishes a user; a particular-image judgment section 63 which detects particular images from inputted image data and judges whether or not the number of the particular images exceeds a threshold; and a threshold determination section 66 which determines a threshold according to the user and processing to be executed; and a control section 7 which restricts the processing to be executed when the number of the particular images exceeds the threshold. Depending on the importance degree of the security of the processing to be executed, the threshold determination section 66 lowers the threshold as the importance degree is higher and raises the threshold as the importance degree is lower. Furthermore, the threshold is raised in the case of a registered user and lowered in the case of an unregistered user. |
| US08035858B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method allow user to set a sequence of instructions
For image processing, user's setting of an item is received, and the item set by the user is recorded with information on situation of the setting of the item as setting log data. A parameter on reuse value is calculated based on one or more setting log data in the recorded setting log data, and operation information including the one or more setting log information is stored related with the parameter. When it is decided that the parameter satisfies a reference value, and the one or more setting log data having the parameter is presented. |
| US08035853B2 |
Image processing apparatus which calculates a correction coefficient with respect to a pixel of interest and uses the correction coefficient to apply tone correction to the pixel of interest
The invention provides an image signal processing apparatus, an image signal processing program and an image signal recording medium, each capable of generating high-definition image signals with no or little artifacts. The image signal processing apparatus adapted to implement tone correction of an image signal comprises correction coefficient calculation block (112) for calculating a correction coefficient for a pixel of interest in that image signal and a neighborhood area, transformation block (110) for applying tone correction processing to that pixel of interest, and correction block (111) for using that correction coefficient to make correction of each pixel after that tone correction processing. An image signal of each pixel of interest from correction block (111) is forwarded to compression block (113), and at a time when all image signals are in order, compression processing such as known JPEG is applied to them for their forwarding to output block (114). |
| US08035833B2 |
Facsimile communication interface unit capable of preventing data error caused by noise by using a transformer and the transformer thereof
A communication interface unit of a facsimile and a transformer for preventing a power source noise. The communication interface unit includes the transformer between a line unit and a MODEM for electrically separating the circuit boards of the line unit and the MODEM for preventing the power source noise causing data transmission error from flowing into the line unit. Also, a method for bonding the ferrite core and the housing in order to prevent damage to the transformer caused by an external force and minimizing generation of capacitance component by bonding. The bonding method can be more effectively implemented when an integrated circuit type data access arrangement circuit is used for accessing the PSTN. The present invention can prevent distortion of data generated by power source noise such as EFT and also prevent the ferrite core slipping off from the housing. |
| US08035829B2 |
Image processing apparatus, magnification ratio distribution determination method, program, and recording medium
The present invention increases output throughput and enhances user-friendliness by subjecting image data to magnification processing by an optimal image processing means, with an optimal magnification ratio, in accordance with a service provided to a user. When a service provided to the user is selected and a magnification ratio is set, a CPU of a MFP determines the distribution of respective magnification ratios of a first image data processor and a second image data processor. For instance, when the selected service is a “service relating to the output of image data” the distribution of respective magnification ratios is determined so that magnification processing with the set magnification ratio is carried out in the first image data processor. When the selected service is “a plurality of services relating to the output of image data”, and the set magnification ratios are all identical for each service, the distribution of respective magnification ratios is determined so that magnification processing with the respective magnification ratios is carried out in the first image data processor. When the set magnification ratios are different for each service, the distribution of respective magnification ratios is determined so that magnification processing with the respective magnification ratios is carried out in the second image data processor. |
| US08035825B2 |
Document editing device, program, and storage medium
A document editing device includes: a data set storage unit that stores a plurality of data sets, each including a character string, an attribute of the character string, and a font size for the attribute; a threshold value storage unit that stores a threshold value indicating an acceptable range for a ratio between font sizes for at least two of a plurality of attributes stored in the data set storage unit; a ratio calculation unit that calculates the ratio between the font sizes for at least two of the plurality of attributes stored in the data set storage unit; and a resize unit that changes the font sizes for at least two of the plurality of attributes so as to cause the ratio between the font sizes for at least two of the plurality of attributes to fall within an acceptable range if the ratio calculated by the ratio calculation unit is outside [SN1]the acceptable range indicated by the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit. |
| US08035819B2 |
Arterial probe for OCT
An apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall is described. The apparatus includes a probe having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The apparatus includes an optical waveguide extending along the probe. The optical waveguide is configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and has a distal end in communication with the intraluminal wall. The apparatus includes an interferometer coupled to the optical waveguide and configured to provide an interference signal for sub-surface imaging of the intraluminal wall, and a processing module configured to provide spectroscopic information from detected intensity of light collected from the intraluminal wall. |
| US08035818B2 |
Solid-state laser gyro optically active through alternating bias
The field of the invention is that of solid-state laser gyros used for the measurements of rotation speed or relative angular positions. This type of equipment is notably used for aeronautical applications. The object of the invention is to complete the optical devices necessary to control the instability of lasers by specific optical devices enabling elimination of the dead zone and of population inversion gratings exiting in the amplifying medium. An “all optical” solid-state laser is hence obtained without moveable parts, stable and without a dead zone. To this end, the laser gyro according to the invention comprises notably and optical assembly enabling a nonreciprocal optical phase-shift to be introduced between the counterpropagating modes; and control means allowing the phase-shift amplitude to be varied periodically around a mean value that is very approximately zero. |
| US08035814B2 |
Spectroscopy module
In a spectroscopy module 1, a light passing hole 50 through which a light L1 advancing to a spectroscopic portion 4 passes is formed in a light detecting element 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the relative positional relationship between the light passing hole 50 and a light detecting portion 5a of the light detecting element 5 from deviating. Moreover, the light detecting element 5 is bonded to a front plane 2a of a substrate 2 with an optical resin adhesive 63. Thus, it is possible to reduce a stress generated onto the light detecting element 5 due to a thermal expansion difference between the light detecting element 5 and the substrate 2. Additionally, on the light detecting element 5, a first convex portion 101 is formed so as to be located at least between the light detecting portion 5a and the light passing hole 50 when viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the front plane 2a. Thus, when the light detecting element 5 is attached to the substrate 2 via the optical resin adhesive 63, the optical resin adhesive 63 is dammed at the first convex portion 101. Thus, the optical resin adhesive 63 is prevented from penetrating into the light passing hole 50. |
| US08035810B2 |
Surface plasmon resonance sensor chip
A surface plasmon resonance sensor chip includes: a first dielectric layer; a metal layer disposed on the first dielectric layer; and a second dielectric layer covering the metal layer, the chip being provided with an opening that makes a part of a surface on the side of the second dielectric layer of the metal layer be exposed, and allows a measurement sample and the surface on the side of the second dielectric layer to contact each other, wherein an organic molecule film is provided at least one of between the first dielectric layer and the metal layer, and between the metal layer and the second dielectric layer. |
| US08035809B2 |
Bubble removal system
A bubble removal system includes an inspection cell configured to receive an ophthalmic device and a volume of working fluid. The system also includes a vacuum device configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inspection cell and to direct a negative pressure to the volume of working fluid and the ophthalmic device within the inspection cell. |
| US08035808B2 |
Surface defect inspection method and apparatus
A surface defect inspection apparatus and method for irradiating a beam multiple times to a same region on a surface of an inspection sample, detecting each scattered light from the same region by detection optical systems individually to produce plural signals, and wherein irradiating the beam includes performing a line illumination of the beam on a line illumination region of the sample surface. The line illumination region is moved in a longitudinal direction at a pitch shorter than a length of the line illumination region in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08035804B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
A scanning exposure apparatus which exposes a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an illumination system configured to illuminate an illumination region of an original, a projection optical system configured to project a pattern of the original onto the substrate, and a stop configured to shield a flare generating component of flare light which travels from the projection optical system to the substrate, and to pass the remaining component of the flare light. An aperture of the stop has a shape different from a shape of the illumination region, and the aperture of the stop includes a portion whose dimension in a first direction parallel to a scanning direction of the substrate changes in accordance with a distance from the center of the aperture in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08035802B2 |
Method and apparatus for lithographic imaging using asymmetric illumination
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for processing a substrate may be provided. A reticle may be positioned relative to a substrate. The reticle may have a plurality of features with dimensions extending in a first and a second direction and being asymmetric in the first direction. Electromagnetic radiation may be directed onto the reticle. The electromagnetic radiation may have a first portion propagating onto the reticle in substantially the first direction and being incident on the reticle at a first angle and a second portion propagating onto the reticle in substantially the second direction and being incident on the reticle at a second angle. The second angle being greater than the first angle. |
| US08035801B2 |
Method for in-situ aberration measurement of optical imaging system in lithographic tools
A method for in-situ aberration measurement in an optical imaging system of lithographic tools. According to the method, a reticle pattern is imaged to form an imaged pattern by transmitting beams through a reticle via the optical imaging system. The imaged reticle pattern is shaped to have plural groups of imaged linewidths. The plural groups of imaged linewidths are measured using either of an image sensor, a CD-SEM and a microscope by modifying the intensity distribution at an exit pupil plane of the optical imaging system. The asymmetry and ununiformity of the imaged linewidths are calculated. Aberrations of the optical imaging system are calculated. |
| US08035800B2 |
Exposure apparatus, maintenance method, exposure method, and method for producing device
An exposure apparatus EX includes a liquid immersion system and an exchange system which performs exchange of the liquid immersion member. The exchange system has a holding device which holds the liquid immersion member detachably and a transport device. By using the exchange system, it is possible to suppress the lowering in the working rate due to the cleaning or exchange of the liquid immersion member. |
| US08035797B2 |
Projection exposure apparatus, cleaning and maintenance methods of a projection exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A projection exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with a liquid interposed between a surface of the substrate and an optical element on the substrate side of a projection optical system; includes liquid supply and discharge mechanisms, which supply the liquid via a liquid supply tube as they recover the liquid via a liquid recovery tube, and an adhesion preventing mechanism that prevents an adhesion of impurities on member forming a flow path for the liquid. |
| US08035791B2 |
Display panel and electro-optical apparatus
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealant, a plurality of spacers, and a display medium layer. The first substrate has a pixel array and a peripheral circuit. The sealant, the spacers, and the display medium layer are disposed between the first and the second substrate. The pixel array is surrounded by the sealant and located on a portion of the peripheral circuit. A multi-layer conductive wiring structure is disposed in the region of the peripheral circuit covered with the sealant. The multi-layer conductive wiring structure includes first and second conductive wirings. The second conductive wirings are connected to the pixel array via the first conductive wirings. An extending direction of the first conductive wirings is substantially different from that of the second conductive wirings. The spacers are distributed at two opposite sides of the sealant and respectively located between two adjacent first conductive wirings. |
| US08035787B2 |
Liquid crystal display
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display including a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode spaced apart with a gap therebetween, a common electrode facing the pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode and including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The first and second subpixel electrodes include a plurality of branches, and each of the first and second subpixel electrodes includes a plurality of subregions. The branches extend in different directions in different subregions. |
| US08035779B2 |
Thin film transistor display panel, liquid crystal display having the same, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display
A thin film transistor (“TFT”) array panel includes; a substrate including a display and peripheral area, a display area signal line and a display area TFT disposed in the display area, the display area TFT connected to the display area signal line, a plurality of peripheral area signal lines, a light blocking member disposed on the display area signal line, the display area TFT, and the peripheral area signal lines, a transparent connector connecting one of peripheral area signal lines and another one of the peripheral area signal lines through a contact hole passing through the light blocking member, a pixel electrode connected to the display area TFT, a spacer disposed on a layer above the light blocking member, and a light blocking assistance member composed of the same material as the spacer on the transparent connector, the light blocking assistance member covering at least the contact hole. |
| US08035771B2 |
Stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus with structured light guide surface
A stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight positioned to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel, and a double sided prism film disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight. The backlight includes a light guide having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and having a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. A plurality of first light sources is arranged along the first side of the light guide for transmitting light into the light guide from the first side. A plurality of second light sources is arranged along the second side of the light guide for transmitting light into the light guide from the second side. The second surface includes a regular array of linear prism or lenticular features. A double sided prism film is disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the regular array of linear prism or lenticular features. |
| US08035768B2 |
Liquid crystal display and a defect correcting method for the same
A liquid crystal display uses a pixel division method by which the size of a defect can be reduced much more than conventionally possible, and a defect correcting method for the liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display is provided with an active matrix array substrate including a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines arranged on a transparent substrate so as to intersect with each other, and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix, each pixel electrode including an assembly of a plurality of sub-pixel electrodes, separate TFTs respectively connected to the sub-pixel electrodes in the vicinity of an intersection portion of the gate line and the source line, the TFTs being driven by the common gate line and the common source line, and at least one opening portion being formed in a lower-layer side line placed in a lower layer at the intersection portion. |
| US08035764B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
There is provided an MVA type liquid crystal display device having high brightness and excellent display quality. The liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates disposed to be opposite to each other, a liquid crystal sealed between the pair of substrates, plural pixel areas each including a pixel electrode 16a formed on one of the substrates and a pixel electrode 16b separated from the pixel electrode 16a, a TFT 20 disposed in each of the pixel areas and including a source electrode 22 electrically connected to the pixel electrode 16a, a linear projection 42 formed on the other substrate and to regulate alignment of the liquid crystal, and a control capacitance section to capacity couple the source electrode 22 and the pixel electrode 16b and including a control capacitance electrode 33 which is electrically connected to the source electrode 22, is opposite to at least part of the pixel electrode 16b through an insulating film, and at least part of which is disposed to overlap with the linear projection 42 when viewed perpendicularly to a substrate surface and extends along the linear projection 42. |
| US08035762B2 |
2D/3D image display
A display (8) comprises a display panel (9), a polariser (10), a polarisation rotator (13), and a scatterer (12) arranged to scatter light having a first polarisation as compared with light having a second polarisation. The display (8) can be switched between 2D and 3D modes by operating the polarisation rotator (13) accordingly. In 3D mode, the polarisation rotator (13) transmits light with relatively little or no change to its polarisation. Light transmitted by the scatterer (12) is then used to present a three-dimensional image (50). In 2D mode, the polarisation rotator (13) alters the polarisation of the light and light that is scattered by the scatterer (12) is used to present a two-dimensional image (51). The polarisation rotator (13) maybe arranged so that light incident on a first area thereof undergoes a different change in polarisation to light incident on a second area, in order to allow simultaneous presentation of 2D and 3D images (51, 50). |
| US08035760B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display capable of improving a color reproduction range is disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines which cross each other to define a plurality of unit pixel regions; a first pixel region having a first dot pitch among individual pixel regions in at least one of the unit pixel regions; and a second pixel region having a second dot pitch among the individual pixel regions in the unit pixel regions, wherein the first and second dot pitches of the first and second pixel regions are different from each other. By this configuration, the pixel electrodes are formed to have the same opening ratio in the individual pixel regions forming a unit pixel by changing the shape and size of the pixel electrodes in a region having a sensor and a region without a sensor, thereby improving a color reproduction range and improving the display quality of the liquid crystal display. |
| US08035758B2 |
Image display apparatus with light path separation to return a polarized light component
An image display apparatus includes a polarization conversion element which converts second color light of unpolarized light emitted from a light source into a first linear polarized light, and a light path separation element which separates the second color light emitted from the first and third color light; and performs image display by illuminating a first, a second and a third liquid crystal display elements with the first, second and third color light that pass through the light path separation element, wherein the light path separation element leads a first linear polarized light component of the second color light to the second liquid crystal display element, and wherein the light path separation element leads a second linear polarized light component whose direction of polarization is orthogonal to the first linear polarized light component of the second color light, in a direction different from any of the liquid crystal display elements. |
| US08035755B2 |
TV broadcast receiver
In the course of the channel presetting process, the central frequency is set by a step of 1 MHz within the range from the minimum frequency in the VHF band channel plan to the maximum frequency of the VHF band adopted in the place of destination for the scheduled shipment of the TV broadcast receivers, attempts are made to detect broadcast signals by changing frequency within a range of 1.5 MHz to the high frequency side and 0.5 MHz to the low frequency side from the central frequency, and the frequencies of the detected broadcast signals are stored in the semiconductor memory. |
| US08035751B2 |
Pulldown field detector
A system and method for detecting the presence and location of pull-down fields in a video field stream. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise method steps and circuit structure for generating an array of variance indications, each of which represents a degree of variance between two video fields in the video field stream. Various aspects may comprise comparing the array of variance indications to a pattern to detect a pull-down field in the video field stream. Various aspects may comprise comparing corresponding portions of video fields and generating a histogram of differences between the corresponding portions. Various aspects may comprise generating an indication of variance of the histogram and analyzing the indication of variance. Various aspects may comprise analyzing an array of such indications of variance and may comprise comparing the array of such indications to a pattern or plurality of patterns. |
| US08035750B1 |
3:2 pulldown detection
Field-based detection of 3:2 pulldown in a sequence of digital video fields using a programmable graphics processor is described. The detection is performed using a threshold value to determine equivalence between a pair of fields of digital video data. Furthermore, additional threshold values may be used to control switching into a mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed and out of the mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed. Look ahead can be used to detect when to switch into or out of the mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed, reducing the occurrence of visual artifacts. |
| US08035745B2 |
Television channel selection canvas
A channel selection canvas for display on a video display device is disclosed. The video display device can be a television, a laptop computer, or personal digital assistant device. The channel selection canvas allows a user to preview and choose video signals to be watched. The channel selection canvas displays a set of television channel video thumbnails, which can be full motion video, slow motion video or sampled video snapshots. A channel selection canvas can also display video thumbnails for security cameras, baby monitors, video phones and the like. A channel selection canvas generator that generates channel selection canvases is also disclosed. The channel selection canvas generator can reside within a television, set top box or similar video processing device. |
| US08035739B2 |
Transmission system
In one aspect a transmission system with a transmitter which can be connected to a video source and a receiver linked to the transmitter via at least four circuit pairs, to which receiver a playback device can be connected is provided. Data is usually exchanged digitally between a graphics card in a personal computer and an LCD display module. The personal computer transmits a digital R, G, B video signal to the LCD display module via a special, so-called DVI (Digital Video Interface) cable. This DVI cable is also provided to transmit so-called DDC (Display Data Channel) data, which particularly comprises specification information of the LCD display module. A transmission system is proposed, which simplifies a connection of an LCD display module to a personal computer and with which the DVI cable can be dispensed with. |
| US08035737B2 |
Foldable picture-taking device with scanning function
The present invention relates to a foldable picture-taking device with scanning function including a picture-taking main body, a connecting module, and a supporting base module, wherein one end of the picture-taking main body is linked with a first revolving device and the supporting base module is linked with a second revolving device. The whole body can provide a support while taking the pictures and a convenient angle adjustment. While not being used it can be folded and carried conveniently and let the lens have a very good protection. The present invention is further cooperated with a scanning-system-software to have scanning and picture-taking functions through the connection between signal connecting interface in the picture-taking device and computer. |
| US08035727B2 |
Image taking device which determines whether a taken image is backlit and controls exposure and method of controlling exposure for the same
An aspect of the present invention provides an image taking device comprising an image pickup device which picks up an image in a field, a luminance measuring device which divides the image into the predetermined number of blocks to measure the luminance level of each block, a reference average luminance level calculating device which calculates an average luminance level in a predetermined reference area in the image, a bright block sampling device which compares the average luminance level in the reference area with the luminance level of each block to sample a bright block high in luminance level, a backlight determining device which determines whether the picked up image is backlit based on the average luminance level of the bright blocks and the average luminance level of the reference area, and an exposure controlling device which calculates an exposure value based on the result of the determination as to the backlight to control exposure. |
| US08035726B2 |
Digital camera and focus control method
A focus evaluation value representing a focusing state of a taking lens is repeatedly calculated on the basis of an image signal output from an imaging section of a digital camera, a change in the focus evaluation value generated by the movement of the taking lens is detected, when a predetermined change in the focus evaluation value is detected in manual focusing, at least one of a first mode for continuing manual focusing and a second mode for making the transition to auto-focusing, in which the taking lens is automatically moved, is selected, when the predetermined change in the focus evaluation value is detected in the case in which the second mode is selected, the focusing operation is automatically switched to auto-focusing, whereby the taking lens is automatically moved such that the focus evaluation value is the peak value. |
| US08035725B2 |
Multi-focus camera apparatus and image processing method and program used therein
In a multi-focus camera apparatus that photographs the same region with cameras having different focal lengths, detection means for detecting a specified target in images obtained by the cameras, region acquisition means for obtaining in the images regions comprising pixels having substantially the same relationships between blurriness degrees as relationships between blurriness degrees of the specified target having been detected in the respective images, and image processing means for carrying out image processing to display the obtained regions differently from other regions are included. |
| US08035723B2 |
Image pickup lens, image pickup apparatus and mobile terminal
Provided is a small-sized five-element image pickup lens which ensures a sufficient lens speed of about F2 and exhibits various aberrations being excellently corrected. The image pickup lens is composed of, in order from the object side, a first lens with a positive refractive power, including a convex surface facing the object side; a second lens with a negative refractive power, including a concave surface facing the image side; a third lens with a positive or negative refractive power; a fourth lens with a positive refractive power, including a convex surface facing the image side; and a fifth lens with a negative refractive power, including a concave surface facing the image side. The image-side surface of the fifth lens has an aspheric shape, and includes an inflection point at a position excluding an intersection point with the optical axis. |
| US08035718B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for preventing shoot-through current within and between signal line drivers of semiconductor devices
An imaging device driver for transmitting a signal onto a signal line for controlling transistors of a pixel row. The device includes a controller and associated circuitry for reducing shoot-through current within and between row driver circuits for driving the signal line. The controller reduces shoot-through current by preventing concurrent transmission of high and low signal outputs to the signal line by respective high and low voltage sources of the same or different row driver circuits. |
| US08035716B2 |
Wide aperture image sensor pixel
An image sensor includes a unit cell of four pixels. The unit cell includes four photosensitive regions that collect charge in response to light; four transfer transistors that respectively pass the charge from each of the four photosensitive regions to one common charge-to-voltage conversion mechanism; three control wires in which a first control wire controls two of the transfer transistors and a second control wire controls one of the transfer transistors and a third control wire controls one of the transfer transistors; an amplifier connected to the common charge-to-voltage conversion mechanism that outputs an output signal in response to a signal from the charge-to-voltage conversion mechanism; and a reset transistor connected to the common charge-to-voltage conversion mechanism for resetting the charge-to-voltage conversion mechanism to a predetermined signal level. |
| US08035710B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and signal processing method
A solid-state imaging device including a color filter having a filter characteristic more approaching to a human visual sensitivity is provided. The color filter including a group of dielectric layers has high-refractive-index-material films and low-refractive-index-material films, the high-refractive-index-material film and the low-refractive-index-material film being n films and (n−1) films, respectively, which are laminated alternately, n being an integer equal to or larger than 4. The color filter includes at least a red-transmission filter, a green-transmission filter, and a blue-transmission filter. The group of dielectric layers is common in the color filter and includes two of the high-refractive-index-material films and one of the low-refractive-index-material films positioned between and in contact with the two of high-refractive-index-material films. In the red-transmission filter, a first one of low-refractive-index-material films and a second one of low-refractive-index-material films, which are not in the group of dielectric layers, have a thickness different from each other. |
| US08035709B2 |
Image pickup apparatus provided with a solid-state image pickup device
An image pickup apparatus includes a solid-state image pickup device sharing a circuit necessary for a pixel structure between multiple pixels composing each set including a certain number of pixels having the same arrangement pattern; a pixel mixture correcting unit correcting leakage of light that should be incident on each pixel of the solid-state image pickup device from the pixel into adjacent pixels and/or leakage of light that should be incident on the adjacent pixels into the pixel in accordance with a correction parameter; a correction parameter generating unit generating multiple correction parameters corresponding to the multiple pixels composing the set; and a correction parameter selecting unit selecting the correction parameter from the multiple correction parameters in accordance with which pixel in the multiple pixels composing the set a pixel to be corrected corresponds to and supplying the selected correction parameter to the pixel mixture correcting unit. |
| US08035707B2 |
Imaging apparatus with scene analysis
An imaging apparatus comprises an image-capturing element that outputs image signals representing a plurality of color components and an analyzing device that analyzes a captured photographic image based upon image signals with linearity, which are output from the image-capturing element. |
| US08035706B2 |
Image processing apparatus and digital camera
Contour extraction circuits extract contour components YE, CbE, and CrE, respectively, from luminance signal Y, and color-difference signals Cb and Cr, respectively. The two contour components CbE and CrE of the color difference signals are inputted to the LUTs respectively, via the selectors respectively, and converted into the adjustment signals K1 and K2, respectively. The multiplier multiplies the contour component YE by the adjustment signal K1 so as to generate the modulated contour component E1. The multiplier multiplies the modulated contour component E1 by the adjustment signal K2 so as to generate the modulated contour component E2. The adder adds the modulated contour component E2 to the luminance signal Y so as to generate the luminance signal Ya, which has been contour-enhanced based on the contour component of the luminance signal and the contour components of the color-difference signals. |
| US08035701B2 |
Image tuning system and method using stored raw image signal
An image tuning system and method using a stored image signal, in which the image tuning system includes an image processing device and an external device. The image processing device outputs a third image signal by processing a first or second image signal according to a tuning parameter. The external device calculates the tuning parameter based on the third image signal. The image processing device receives the second image from the external device in a tuning mode and processes the second image. The image tuning system and the image tuning method using the stored raw image signal can prevent wasting time and extra efforts are not required for setting the tuning parameter adaptive to various weather conditions by repeatedly setting the tuning parameter with respect to a picture image. |
| US08035700B2 |
Information processing apparatus, remote indication system, and computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus including: a registration portion that, every time a new image is input, registers the image and an identifier with a storage; a reception portion that receives a delivery request including an identifier of an image and a delivery condition from an external terminal; a transmission portion that, when the identifier satisfying the delivery request is registered, transmits the image corresponding to the identifier to the external terminal; an addition portion that, when the identifier satisfying the delivery request is not registered, adds a set of the identifier, the delivery condition, identification information of the external terminal, and a registration time to the storage; and a notification portion that, when the identifier is not registered although a given period has passed from the registration time, notifies the external terminal of information showing that the image corresponding to the delivery request does not exist. |
| US08035699B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, control method therefor, and program
An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit which has an image sensor, a storage unit which stores foreign substance information of a foreign substance adhering to an optical element arranged in front of the image sensor, a buffer unit which temporarily stores the image signal output from the image capturing unit, a correction unit which corrects, based on the foreign substance information, an image signal corresponding to a shadow of the foreign substance among image signals output from the buffer unit and outputs a corrected image signal, and a control unit which controls the buffer unit and the correction unit to change, in accordance with a free area of the buffer unit, an amount of the image signal corresponding to the shadow of the foreign substance that is to be corrected among image signals output from the image capturing unit. |
| US08035698B2 |
Joint automatic demosaicking and white balancing
Joint automatic demosaicking and white balancing. In one example embodiment, a digital image processing method includes several acts. First, directional color correlation signals, global gains, and orientations of edges are calculated in a CFA input image. Next, missing luminance components in CFA chrominance locations are demosaicked along edges in the input image using CFA chrominance components and the directional color correlation signals. Then, the CFA chrominance components are white-balanced using the demosaicked luminance components, the CFA chrominance components, and white-balancing gains expressed as a function of the global gains and local gains calculated directly from a pixel under consideration. Next, missing chrominance components in CFA chrominance locations in the input image are demosaicked. Finally, missing chrominance components in CFA luminance locations in the input image are demosaicked. Performance of these acts results in the transformation of the CFA input image into a full-color white-balanced output image. |
| US08035697B2 |
Electronic imaging apparatus and method
An electronic imaging apparatus includes a color imaging device having several drive modes including at least first and second drive modes. A simultaneous shooting unit simultaneously or continuously executes an operation of acquiring a first image data by driving the color imaging device in the first drive mode and an operation of acquiring a second image data by driving the color imaging device in the second drive mode. A color conversion parameter calculator calculates color conversion parameters so that color reproduction of the first and second image data acquired by the simultaneous shooting unit becomes the same. |
| US08035695B2 |
Image sensing apparatus, method of controlling image sensing apparatus and image recording apparatus, and method of designing optical system
An image sensing apparatus which has an optical system, the focal length of which is variable, and an image sensing element that converts an image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal, and can sense and record a moving image and still image, includes a focal length detection circuit for detecting the focal length of the optical system, and a control unit for inhibiting recording of the still image in accordance with the focal length detected by the focal length detection circuit. |
| US08035694B2 |
Data processing apparatus, control method for the data processing apparatus, and computer program causing computer to execute the control method
A data processing apparatus detects attribute information of image data, and sets a wireless communication parameter based on the detected attribute information. The wireless communication parameter used for performing wireless communication can be easily set. |
| US08035689B2 |
Camera unit and method for controlling an image sensor in a camera unit
The invention relates to a camera unit, comprising an image sensor (10), a mechanical shutter (16), a host module (12), and connections between them, in particular a data and control connection (D1, C1) between the image sensor and the host unit. In the image sensor (10), there is a photoelectric pixel matrix (101), a timing unit controlling it, an electronic shutter (ERS), and a ‘global reset’ circuit for resetting the pixels simultaneously. The said data and control connection comprises: a data connection (D1) based on a series bus, a control connection (C1) based on a series bus, and a global-reset signal connection (G1, G2) separate from these. The invention also relates to a method for controlling an image sensor in a camera unit. |
| US08035687B2 |
Image processing apparatus and program
An image processing apparatus includes unit reading, from first objects, information items for determining program procedures used to detect the first objects by image processing, unit selecting, from the program procedures, program procedures corresponding to the information items, and to determine an order of execution of the selected program procedures, unit acquiring an initial image including images corresponding to the first objects, the initial image being used for executing a first program procedure of a first order of execution, which is included in the selected program procedures, unit detecting, using the initial image, at least one of the first objects by executing the first program procedure corresponding to at least one of the first objects, and unit generating a post-removal image obtained by removing, from the initial image, image data corresponding to one of the images, which is on a first area corresponding to at least one detected object. |
| US08035685B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating video data between a mobile imaging system and a fixed monitor system
A system for communicating video data is described. The system includes a mobile imaging system, at least one monitor fixed to a room in a medical facility, and a video transmitter assembly coupled to the mobile imaging system to transmit a video signal. The system for communicating video data also includes a video receiver assembly coupled to the at least one monitor to receive the video signal and display the video signal on the at least one monitor. |
| US08035683B2 |
Stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus and stereoscopic image reproducing method
When three-dimensional images are displayed on various display apparatuses, the images are displayed in a state that allows for stereoscopic vision even if the size of the display apparatus is large or even if the resolution of the display apparatus is low.The apparatus includes: a decision means for deciding based on the standard information contained in the control information whether the amount of parallax on the display screen when three-dimensional image data is displayed is greater than the amount of parallax on the optimal display apparatus for displaying the three-dimensional image data; and an image processing means for implementing an image process for changing the amount of parallax, and adjusts the amount of parallax of three-dimensional images in accordance with the ratio between the pitch between dots of the standard display apparatus for displaying three-dimensional images and the pitch between dots of an own terminal. |
| US08035682B2 |
Moving screen image assembler
A device for modifying source image frames to create modified image frames and for projecting the modified image frames onto a geometrically changing viewable surface is presented. The device may include a viewable surface image sampler for outputting surface image frames each including surface image pixels that reflect the geometrically changing viewable surface and a comparator in circuit with the surface image sampler. The comparator may be configured for identifying a number and a location of the surface image pixels of one or more of the surface image frames and for identifying a number and a location of source image pixels in one or more of the source image frames. The comparator may be further configured to thereafter compare the number and the location of the surface image pixels with the number and the location of the source image pixels to determine a number and a location of target pixels. An image modification device may be interconnected with the comparator and configured to receive the target pixels and to reconfigure the one or more source image frames to one or more modified image frames that are reconfigured to fit the target pixels and thereby fit the geometrically changing viewable surface. At least one projector may be configured to project the one or more modified image frames onto the geometrically changing viewable surface. |
| US08035678B2 |
Light scanning apparatus and scanning type image display apparatus
A compact light scanning apparatus is disclosed which can provide a high light scanning efficiency. The apparatus includes a scanner that scans a light beam from a light source to form an image in an effective scan area, and a light detector that detects light. The light scanning apparatus includes a light-introducing member that introduces a partial light beam component of the light beam within its light beam width to the light detector in a state in which the light beam scanned by the scanner proceeds toward outside the effective scan area. |
| US08035672B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a thermal head in which a plurality of heating elements are provided in a width direction of paper, an analyzing unit which analyzes whether an input print layout contains any bar code, a calculating unit which calculates a print ratio of a bar code portion in the paper for each line of the print layout in the case where the analyzing unit analyzes that at least the print layout contains a bar code, a setting unit which sets a printing velocity corresponding to the print ratio for one line in the bar code portion calculated by the calculating unit in the case where the analyzing unit analyzes that the print layout contains the bar code and a changing unit which changes a velocity at which the thermal head performs printing on the paper for one line to the printing velocity set by the setting unit. |
| US08035670B2 |
Thermal transfer sheet, thermal transfer sheet set, and image forming method
A thermal transfer sheet includes coloring material layers D1, D2, and D3. Transferred images respectively formed by the coloring material layers D1, D2, and D3 have a value C defined by mathematical formula 1 of less than 12, and colorimetric values P (a*, b*) defined by mathematical formulae 2 and 3 different from one another: C=([a*]2+[b*]2)0.5 (mathematical formula 1) where C represents chroma and a* and b* each represent a colorimetric value equivalent to L*=38, [a*]=(ay−ax)/(Ly−Lx)*(38−Lx)+ax (mathematical formula 2), and [b*]=(by−bx)/(Ly−Lx)*(38−Lx)+bx (mathematical formula 3) where Lx, ax, bx, Ly, ay, and by represent colorimetric values at adjacent step Sx and step Sy near L*=38 when a stairstep image is formed by transfer. |
| US08035660B2 |
Liquid crystal display with corrected image data and method of driving the liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) and a method of driving the same are provided. The LCD includes a graphic controller providing raw image data and a conversion data set for correcting the raw image data, a timing controller correcting the input raw image data using the conversion data set and outputting corrected image data, a data driver receiving the corrected image data, selecting a gray scale voltage corresponding to the corrected image data, and outputting the selected gray scale voltage. A liquid crystal panel displays an image according to the level of the gray scale voltage. |
| US08035656B2 |
TV screen text capture
A method of processing television images consistent with certain implementations involves receiving a command from a television user interface to capture a television image; capturing and storing a frame of the television image to a frame memory device; receiving commands from the television user interface for editing the captured image to at least isolate a portion of the image; editing the captured image in accord with the editing commands; and storing the isolated portion of the image to a storage device for subsequent retrieval. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08035655B2 |
System and method for converting RGB to RGBW color using white value extraction
A system and method of converting a red-green-blue (RGB) pixel to a red-green-blue-white (RGBW) pixel by using a W value extraction, the RGB-to-RGBW converting system including: a lookup table generator to generate an RGBW lookup table using one or more RGB lattice points; and an RGBW value computation unit to compute an RGBW value of an input pixel with respect to an RGB value of the input pixel based on the generated RGBW lookup table. |
| US08035654B1 |
Tuning cell sizes in interpolated lookup tables
Tuning sizes of cells of an interpolated lookup table may be performed based at least in part on an area specific behavior of a quality metric. A weighted input shaper curve may be determined to reduce interpolation errors in a multi-dimensional color lookup table. An initial input shaper curve may be applied to a color lookup table to create an interpolation result. The interpolation result may then be assessed for accuracy. The accuracy assessment may include comparing the interpolation result with a reference representation. An interpolation error may be calculated as the error between one or more intervals in a prospective color lookup table as compared to a reference representation. The weighted input shaper curve may be based at least in part on the calculated interpolation error. |
| US08035653B2 |
Dynamically adjustable elements of an on-screen display
A system for generating an on-screen display (OSD) is described. The on-screen display, which has a semitransparent background area, is overlaid on top of an image. The data which make up this image are stored in a buffer. An accumulator, connected to the buffer, is used to examine this data, and store information about it. An attached OSD module used the stored information to automatically adjust the semitransparent background of the OSD. |
| US08035651B2 |
Method of adjusting displaying state of display apparatus
A method of adjusting a displaying state of a display apparatus includes determining a reference color temperature and a reference Δu′v′, determining setting color temperatures corresponding to gradations of a gray level according to the reference color temperature to make color temperature differences between adjacent gradations of the gray level be within a predetermined color temperature range, measuring coordinates according to the gradations within a gray area formed by the gray level and displayable in the display apparatus on a predetermined color coordinates system corresponding to the reference Δu′v′ and the setting color temperatures corresponding to the gradations, and setting the coordinates corresponding to the gradations measured about each gradation of the gray level of the display apparatus. Thus the method of adjusting a displaying state of a display apparatus varies a color sensation to have directionality and linearity between gradations of a gray level, thereby improving color representation. |
| US08035650B2 |
Tiled cache for multiple software programs
Caching techniques for storing instructions, constant values, and other types of data for multiple software programs are described. A cache provides storage for multiple programs and is partitioned into multiple tiles. Each tile is assignable to one program. Each program may be assigned any number of tiles based on the program's cache usage, the available tiles, and/or other factors. A cache controller identifies the tiles assigned to the programs and generates cache addresses for accessing the cache. The cache may be partitioned into physical tiles. The cache controller may assign logical tiles to the programs and may map the logical tiles to the physical tiles within the cache. The use of logical and physical tiles may simplify assignment and management of the tiles. |
| US08035647B1 |
Raster operations unit with interleaving of read and write requests using PCI express
A raster operations (ROP) unit interleaves read and write requests for efficiently communicating with a frame buffer via a PCI Express (PCI E) link or other system bus that provides separate upstream and downstream data transfer paths. One example of a ROP unit processes pixels in groups, performing read modify writeback sequences for each group. The read requests associated with pixels in a second group are advantageously interleaved with the writeback requests for pixels in the first group prior to sending the requests on the system bus. |
| US08035644B2 |
Method for embedding animation in electronic mail and websites
Provided is a method for providing animation in electronic communications. An image is generated by capturing multiple photographs from a camera or video camera typically fixed in one position. The first photograph is called the “naked photo.” Using a graphics program, photos subsequent to the naked photo are edited to cut an element common to the subsequent photos. The cut images are pasted into the naked photo as layers. The modified naked photo, including the layers, is stored as a web-enabled graphics file, which is then transmitted in conjunction with electronic communication. When the electronic communication is received, the naked photo is displayed and each of the layers is displayed and removed in the order that each was taken with a short delay between photos. In this manner, a movie is generated with much smaller files than is currently possible. |
| US08035642B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing information, and program for making computer execute the method
In an apparatus and method for processing information, the font sizes of characters in display content are changed in different magnifications for each of the font sizes so as to display the content in a legible size when the size of the display area is changed. A program makes a computer execute the method. |
| US08035641B1 |
Fast depth of field simulation
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for rendering a scene with a simulated depth of field blur. In one embodiment, the scene comprises a plurality of polygons, each polygon comprises a respective plurality of vertices, and each of the vertices has a respective depth. A respective blur radius may be determined for each vertex of each polygon as a function of the depth of the vertex. A respective blur radius may be determined for each pixel in each polygon based on the blur radii for the vertices of the polygon. Each pixel in each polygon may be rendered using the respective blur radius determined for the pixel. |
| US08035640B2 |
Restoring and collating system and method for 3-dimensional face data
A 3-dimensional face data restoring and collating system includes a 2-dimension face image storage unit configured to store a plurality of 2-dimensional face images of persons, and a 3-dimensional face restored shape storage unit. A 3-dimensional face shape restoring unit restores a 3-dimensional face shape data from one of the plurality of 2-dimensional face images for a target one of the persons based on a 3-dimensional reference face shape data, and stores the 3-dimensional restored face shape data in the 3-dimensional face restored shape storage unit. |
| US08035638B2 |
Component suppression in mechanical designs
The complexity of a CAD model is reduced while its kinematic integrity is maintained by unloading certain data associated with the CAD model from the main memory of a computing device used in the design of the CAD model. The unloaded data includes graphics data and geometry data of those components of the CAD model that the user selects to suppress. The constraint data of the suppressed components are, however, retained in main memory so that the movements of the components of the CAD model can be modeled accurately. By unloading data from the main memory, the overall performance of the computing device is improved and also frees up memory resources for other uses. |
| US08035635B2 |
Method and system for displaying visual content in a virtual three-dimensional space
A system and system for positioning content elements in a virtual 3D space. A 2D base plane is designated in the 3D space, and the visual content is positioned in the 3D space with at least one page being parallel to the base plane. A viewpoint and a viewing ray are selected in the 3D space from which to view the 3D space with the viewing ray being neither parallel or perpendicular to the base plane. A 2D surface is then positioned in the 3D space so that the 2D surface intersects the view ray between the viewpoint and the base plane. At least a portion of the 3D space is then projected onto the 2D surface by a perspective projection determined by the viewing ray. The process may be repeated as desired each time optionally selecting a new viewpoint and/or selecting a new viewing ray and/or altering a property of one or more content elements. The projection onto the viewing surface may be displayed on a display device such as a computer monitor. |
| US08035633B2 |
Organic electro-luminescence display and driving method thereof
An organic electro-luminescence display is disclosed. The display includes a pixel unit configured to display at least a portion of an image, a first regulator configured to generate first and second power voltages and to transmit the first and second power voltages to the pixel power source line, a second regulator configured to generate a predetermined voltage and to transmit the predetermined voltage to a driver driving unit, and a power generating unit. The power generating unit is configured to generate another predetermined voltage, to transmit the other predetermined voltage to the signal generator, to generate a third power voltage, to transmit the third power voltage to the pixel unit, and to generate a fourth power voltage. The display also includes a switching unit configured to transmit the third and fourth power voltages to the pixel power source line when the first and second power voltages are off. |
| US08035630B2 |
USB image transmission system and device
A USB image transmission system is provided. The USB image transmission system may include a content source configured to be operatively coupled to a USB-enabled display device. Image data may be transmitted over the USB connection from the content source for display by the display device. In some embodiments, a USB collaboration hub may enable multiple content sources to be operatively linked through a USB connection to one or more USB-enabled display devices. |
| US08035622B2 |
SAR ADC with dynamic input scaling and offset adjustment
An apparatus for generating an image of touch on or about a touch-sensitive surface comprising a touch panel is disclosed. The touch panel can include a plurality of touch sensors configured for detecting one or more touch events occurring at distinct locations at about the same time. Each touch event can comprise a touching of an object against the touch-sensitive surface. A plurality of receive channels can be coupled to the touch panel for generating values representative of detected touch events. The receive channels can include a charge redistribution successive approximation register digital-to-analog converter (SAR ADC) configured to convert an analog waveform into a digital representation via a binary search and outputting the digital representation to an output register. The SAR ADC architecture can be such that it the dynamic input range can be scaled and offset adjusted. |
| US08035621B2 |
Input device and mobile communication terminal having the same
An input device and mobile terminal having the same is provided. The input device includes a housing having at least one transmissive region, a touch board located substantially adjacent the housing, the touch board being configured to sense a touch applied to the housing, a plurality of light emitting units, each light emitting unit being at least partially located in or on the touch board, and a controller configured to selectively turn on at least one of the light emitting units to be visible through the at least one transmissive region when the touch board senses a touch applied to the housing. |
| US08035619B2 |
Image drawing method, portable terminal, and computer program
An image drawing method for drawing an image on an input screen of a portable terminal having input keys arranged in an N×M matrix includes the steps of: determining a size of an input window formed of grid squares arranged in an N×M matrix; determining a position of the input window on the input screen; displaying the input window of the size determined in the input window size determination at the position of the input screen, the position being determined in the input window position determination; and in response to user input being performed on one of the input keys arranged in the N×M matrix, performing a drawing process at the grid square corresponding to the position in the N×M matrix at which the user input has been performed. |
| US08035610B2 |
LCD and display method thereof
A LCD includes a first data line, a second data line and a third data line arranged sequentially, a first scan line, a second scan line and a third scan line arranged sequentially, and a pixel array. The pixel array includes a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel and a fourth pixel. The first pixel has a first transistor coupled to the first data line and the second scan line. The second pixel has a second transistor coupled to the second data line and the first scan line. The third pixel has a third transistor coupled to the second data line and the second scan line. The fourth pixel has a fourth transistor coupled to the third data line and the third scan line. |
| US08035609B2 |
Imaging element
Imaging elements are provided. An imaging element has a wireless communication circuit adapted to detect a wireless communication signal and to generate a control signal; an illumination circuit having an illumination element, the illumination circuit being adapted so that the illumination element generates light at an intensity that is based upon the control signal and a body containing the wireless communication circuit and the light source, wherein the body occupies a space that is less than about five cubic millimeters. The imaging element can also incorporate radiation sensors and can provide wireless signals indicative of sampled radiation. |
| US08035603B2 |
Illumination system and liquid crystal display
An illumination system capable of varying the light emission intensity of illumination light while maintaining the color balance of the illumination light is provided. An additive process illumination system obtaining a specific color light by mixing a plurality of color lights, the illumination system may include a plurality of light sources each emitting a different color light; a lighting period varying means for varying the lighting period of each light source; a light emission intensity varying means for varying the light emission intensity of each light source; and a control means for controlling the lighting period varying means and the light emission intensity varying means to control the light emission amount of each light source. |
| US08035601B2 |
Image display device
The present invention provide an image display device including a level shift circuit not requiring a clock signal nor a control signal from the outside and operating at a low voltage and ensuring a high yield.The level shift circuit comprises a pair of transistors each having a source electrode connected to a power, a gate electrode and a drain electrode (the gate electrode and the drain electrode of one of the transistors being connected with the drain electrode and the gate electrode of the other (cross coupling)); and transistors each having an a source electrode connected to a low voltage source or the ground, a drain electrode connected to a connection point for the cross coupling, and a gate electrode, one of the gate electrodes being connected to an input signal and the other being connected to an input inversion signal. The level shift circuit has also a transistor having a gate electrode connected to a connection point for the cross-coupling, a drain electrode connected to a connection point for cross-coupling forming a pair with the cross-coupling connection point, and a source electrode, one of the source electrodes being connected to an input signal and the other being connected to an input inversion signal. The transistor with at least the gate electrode connected to the cross-coupling connection point is a TFT formed on an insulating substrate. |
| US08035588B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel with auxiliary line disposed between boundary data line and pixel electrode and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel and its driving method are provided. The liquid crystal display panel includes: a plurality of scanning lines and data lines; a pixel matrix having a plurality of pixels which are formed in the intersections of the scanning lines and the data lines; and each of the pixels having: a pixel electrode; a control electrode; a first thin film transistor having a gate electrode connected to the scanning line, a first electrode connected to the data line and a second electrode connected to the pixel electrode; a second thin film transistor having a gate electrode connected to another adjacent scanning line, a first electrode connected to another adjacent data line and a second electrode connected to the control electrode; and wherein one of the two most outside data lines of the pixel matrix is called a boundary data line, and an auxiliary line is disposed between the boundary data line and the pixel electrode adjacent to the boundary data line. |
| US08035584B2 |
Organic light emitting display and image compensation method
An organic light emitting display and an image compensation method improves the Long Range Uniformity (LRU) of the output image by displaying the identical image when the identical image is input to each pixel, by measuring the luminance, chromaticity coordinates and color temperature after an organic light emitting display panel is fabricated, by storing the compensation values thereof in a memory in the form of a look-up table in advance, and by compensating one of a power supply voltage, a data voltage and a light emission time. The organic light emitting display device and an image compensation method includes: a video signal processor; a control unit coupled to the video signal processor to compensate the luminance, chromaticity coordinates and color temperature in order to have the identical output image in relation to the identical input image; and an organic light emitting display panel coupled to the control unit to display the compensation image in which the luminance, chromaticity coordinates and color temperature have been compensated. |
| US08035580B2 |
Electro-luminescence display panel and driving method thereof
An electro-luminescence display panel and a driving method thereof for preventing a life shortening of the EL caused by a direct current are disclosed. In the electro-luminescence display panel implementing a gray level by a combination of light-emitting periods of sub-frames corresponding to each bit of video data, each of pixels includes an electro-luminescence (EL) cell, and a cell driver for allowing a forward current to be flown into the EL cell in accordance with a supplied data signal in a light-emitting period of the sub-frame while allowing a backward bias to be applied to the EL cell in a non-light-emitting period of the sub-frame. |
| US08035573B2 |
Deployable panel structure for an array antenna
A deployable panel structure for an array antenna comprising a first and a second set of panels hinged together for deployment between a folded configuration for stowage and an elongate unfolded configuration; wherein the panels of said first set are hinged together about a plurality of spaced-apart axes which are transverse to an elongate axis of the unfolded structure and the panels of said second set are hinged to panels of the first set about lengthwise axes parallel to said elongate axis of the unfolded structure; and wherein the number and arrangement of the panels is such that a width of the unfolded structure, measured transversely of its elongate extent, is less at one or both of its ends than the width of its middle portion. |
| US08035572B2 |
H-type monopole isolation antenna
Provided is an H-type monopole isolation antenna. The antenna provides an H-type monopole isolation antenna which can gain a high bi-directional transmitting/receiving isolation between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna of co-channel/co-polarization by including an antenna symmetrically positioned in right/left sides based on a covering means. A transmitting/receiving isolation antenna for maintaining high isolation between a transmitting signal and a receiving signal includes a cover which includes a conductor; and first and second antennas which are bisymmetrically positioned in right and left parts of the covering means and separately operated as a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. The antenna is used in a co-channel bi-direction repeater system. |
| US08035569B2 |
Antenna core and antenna
An antenna core produced by shaping a soft magnetic metal powder with the use of a resin as a binder, wherein the soft magnetic metal powder is an amorphous soft magnetic metal powder or a nanocrystal-containing amorphous soft magnetic metal powder, of the general formula (1): (Fe1-x-yCoxNiy)100-a-b-cSiaBbMc (1), and wherein the resin as a binder is a thermosetting resin. In the formula, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Mo, Zr, W, Ta, Hf, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Y, Pd, Ru, Ga, Ge, C, P, Al, Cu, Au, Ag, Sn and Sb. Each of x and y is an atomic ratio and each of a, b and c an atomic %, satisfying the relationships: 0≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.5, 0≦x+y≦1.0, 0≦a≦24, 1≦b≦30, 0≦c≦30 and 2≦a+b≦30. |
| US08035564B2 |
Surface mounted planar antenna apparatus
A surface mounted planner antenna apparatus includes an antenna and a circuit board. The antenna includes a base, a radiation metal plate arranged on a top face of the base, and a ground metal plate arranged on a bottom face of the base. A through hole is defined from the radiation metal plate and passed through the base to the ground metal plate. A signal feeder is arranged in the through hole and electrically connected to the radiation metal plate but electrically insulated with the ground metal plate. The circuit board is attached on the bottom face of the base and includes an upper face and a lower face, the upper face includes an area for binding with the ground metal plate on the bottom face of the base, and the lower face includes a first pad and a signal feeding trace electrically connected with the signal feeder. |
| US08035561B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus communicating other apparatuses includes: a switch for switching between a vertical polarized antenna and a horizontal polarized antenna; a communication device for transmitting and receiving the electric wave via one of the antennas, which is selected by the switch; a monitor for monitoring a relative distance between the apparatus and other apparatuses; and a controller for controlling the switch such that the switch selects the vertical polarized antenna when the relative distance is equal to or larger than a distance threshold, and the switch selects the horizontal polarized antenna when the relative distance is smaller than the distance threshold. The distance threshold is larger than a distance between the apparatus and a dip point. |
| US08035560B1 |
System and apparatus for tracking a person or an animal
This invention relates to a system and apparatus for tracking a target object, such as a person or an animal, using at least one of a global positioning system (GPS) satellite network, a cellular network, a radio frequency network, a telephone network, and a computer network using a multifunctional transceiver carried or mounted on or by the target object being tracked. The transceiver may be configured for mounting on or integrally a belt or collar worn by the target object being tracked. The transceiver may relay position and/or location information of the transceiver, and ultimately the target object being tracked, to a remote user. |
| US08035554B2 |
Device for measuring a position of a mobile station
A device for measuring a position of a mobile station according to the present invention comprises: first measuring means for measuring the position of the mobile station based on observed data of signals from satellites using a one-epoch measuring method; second measuring means for measuring the position of the mobile station using previous determination result of the position of the mobile station and speed information representative of a speed of the mobile station; third measuring means for measuring the position of the mobile station using solutions of variables derived from previous determination results of the first or second measuring means; and controlling means 60 for selecting one of the respective measuring means which is to execute its measuring process; wherein if reliability of the determination result of the selected measuring means is lower than a predetermined reference value, the controlling means selects another measuring means to make it execute its measuring process. |
| US08035547B1 |
System and method of assisted aerial navigation
A system and method of providing aerial navigation. Techniques are described for receiving global positioning system data, receiving local positioning system data such as instrument landing system data, generating a virtual target flight path using the global positioning system data and the local positioning system data, and presenting a virtual target flight path indicator corresponding to the virtual target flight path. In one implementation, the system includes a user interface, a global positioning component, a local positioning component, and a processing system. |
| US08035545B2 |
Vehicular surveillance system using a synthetic aperture radar
According to one embodiment, a system for gathering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information comprises a synthetic aperture radar that is housed within an enclosure coupled to a land vehicle. The synthetic aperture radar includes an antenna array that transmits and receives electro-magnetic radiation for generating images of objects around the land vehicle while the land vehicle is in motion. |
| US08035543B2 |
Analog-to-digital conversion circuit
An analog-to-digital conversion circuit includes a plurality of comparators and an averaging circuit. The averaging circuit is configured so that a length of a metal routing connected between output terminals of two comparators arranged on a leftmost side from among the plurality of comparators or a length of a metal routing connected between output terminals of two comparators arranged on a rightmost side from among the plurality of comparators is less than a length of a metal routing connected between output terminals of two comparators to which reference voltages having levels that are closest in magnitude are input. |
| US08035542B2 |
Digital-to-analog converter and successive approximation type analog-to-digital converter including the same
A digital-to-analog converter generates a voltage from power supply and ground voltages, generates upper and lower limit reference voltages for a reference width which regards the generated voltage as an intermediate potential, converts a change in an analog input signal with respect to the upper and lower limit reference voltages into a digital code, and performs a control in order to achieve a sample and hold of the analog input signal. |
| US08035539B2 |
Signal sampling circuit
A sampling circuit includes multiple sampling channels adapted to sample the signal in time-multiplexed fashion. Each sampling channel includes a respective track-and-hold circuit connected to a respective analogue to digital converter via a respective output switch. The output switch of each channel opens for a tracking time period when the track-and-hold circuit is in a tracking mode for sampling the signal, and closes for a holding time period when the track-and-hold circuit is in a holding mode for outputting the sampled signal. In an embodiment, the holding time period includes a settling time period that is at least as long as the tracking time period. The settling time period is used by the track-and-hold circuit to charge an input capacitance of the analogue to digital converter to a voltage according to the sampled signal. |
| US08035538B2 |
Sigma-delta conversion circuit suitable for photocurrent measurement applications
A sigma-delta converter suitable for measuring a photocurrent comprises an input node adapted to receive a current to be measured (Imeas), a capacitor connected to the input node, a clocked comparator coupled to the input node and to a reference voltage Vref at respective inputs, and a switchable current source connected to the input node which conducts a reference current Iref when switched on. The converter is arranged in a sigma-delta configuration, with the current source switched on to pull down the voltage (VCMP) at the input node when the comparator output toggles due to VCMP increasing above Vref, and to be switched off when the comparator output toggles due to VCMP falling below Vref, such that the comparator output comprises a digital bitstream which varies with Imeas. |
| US08035537B2 |
Methods and apparatus for programmable decoding of a plurality of code types
Methods and apparatus are provided for programmable decoding of a plurality of code types. A method is provided for decoding data encoded using one of a plurality of code types, where each of the code types correspond to a communication standard. The code type associated with the data is identified and the data is allocated to a plurality of programmable parallel decoders. The programmable parallel decoders can be reconfigured to decode data encoded using each of the plurality of code types. A method is also provided for interleaving data among M parallel decoders using a communications network. An interleaver table is employed, wherein each entry in the interleaver table identifies one of the M parallel decoders as a target decoder and a target address of a communications network for interleaved data. Data is interleaved by writing the data to the target address of the communications network. The communications network can comprise, for example, a cross-bar switch and/or one or more first-in-first-out buffers. |
| US08035533B2 |
Method and apparatus reporting a vehicular sensor waveform in a wireless vehicular sensor network
This document discloses using multiple wireless vehicular sensor nodes to wirelessly receive multiple, time-interleaved vehicular waveform reports from the nodes. Each vehicular waveform report approximates a raw vehicular sensor waveform observed by a magnetic sensor at the node based upon the presence of a vehicle. The vehicular waveform reports are products of this wirelessly receiving process. The document also discloses apparatus supporting the above outlined process. The vehicular waveform reports may be time synchronized. |
| US08035532B2 |
Vehicle location based particulate matter filter regeneration
A regeneration control system for a vehicle comprises a regeneration control module and a disabling module. The regeneration control module selectively initiates a regeneration of a particulate matter filter of the vehicle. The disabling module selectively disables the regeneration control module based on a location of the vehicle provided by a global positioning system (GPS). |
| US08035531B2 |
Parking support device
To provide a parking support device for easily and quickly moving or rotating a target parking frame to an appropriate position. The parking support device includes a target parking position setting unit configured to set a target parking position at which a vehicle is to be parked with a target parking frame superimposed on an actual image displaying an area surrounding the vehicle. The parking support device guides the vehicle to the target parking position set by the target parking position setting unit. The target parking position setting unit moves the target parking frame initially displayed on a touch display to a position indicated by a coordinate point determined by a touch operation. |
| US08035530B2 |
RFID intelligent traffic signaling
A system and method for regulating the flow of traffic at a roadway intersection having one or more traffic signals by positioning a processor in the vicinity of the intersection to store cycle times of the traffic flow directions, mounting an RFID reader in the vicinity of each traffic signal in communication with the processor, interrogating with the RFID reader an RFID tag on each RFID-tagged vehicle at the roadway intersection to count the number of RFID-tagged vehicles present in each traffic flow direction at the roadway intersection, calculating an unused time slice of the cycle time for a first traffic flow direction at the intersection; reducing the cycle time for the first traffic flow direction in accordance with the unused time slice; and, increasing the cycle time for a second traffic flow direction at the intersection in accordance with the unused time slice. |
| US08035523B2 |
Antenna switching system and method
An improved RFID tag reader is provided. More specifically, an RFID tag reader is provided that includes a plurality of antenna panels arranged to form a sensing volume in which RFID tags are read. Additionally, the RFID tag reader includes a novel switching mechanism that activates the antenna panels in sequence while minimizing cross coupling between the antenna panels. Furthermore, a novel antenna geometry also reduces antenna cross coupling. |
| US08035522B2 |
RFID tag
A circuit chip having a loop-shaped antenna coil on a main surface and a tag sheet having an antenna pattern on a main surface are prepared, and the circuit chip is mounted on the main surface of the tag sheet so as not to place over the antenna pattern. The circuit chip is placed closely to the antenna pattern, and at least the half of the main surface is desirably faced against the antenna pattern. Thus, signals and/or power can be securely exchanged between the circuit chip (or antenna coil) and the antenna pattern. Therefore, a high-performance and rigid RFID tag can be obtained by roughly aligning the circuit chip and the tag sheet. |
| US08035521B2 |
Radio frequency data reader
An RFID or NFC reader is associated via a data link with a tag module such that when the reader transmits an interrogation signal the tag module responds with a random, or constrained random, information signal. The information signal masks a signal transmitted by an RFID or NFC tag which the reader is interrogating, making fraudulently obtaining details contained in the tag transmission more difficult. |
| US08035515B2 |
Security system using laser range finder and method of detecting intruder using laser range finder
A security system using a laser range finder that can precisely determine an existence and a location of an intruder, and a method of detecting the intruder using the laser range finder are provided. The security system using a laser range finder, the security system includes: the laser range finder emitting laser beam, receiving the reflected laser beam, measuring a distance between the laser range finder and a target object, and detecting an existence and a location of an intruder; and at least one reflective means reflecting the emitted laser beam toward the laser beam finder, wherein at least one reflective means is spaced by a predetermined distance of the laser range finder and is installed a predetermined distance from the laser range finder. |
| US08035513B2 |
Wireless variable illumination level lighting system
A sensor circuit for remotely commanding the operation of a remote device includes a motion sensor circuit for detecting motion relative thereto and having an output conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to a control circuit having a plurality of inputs. The invention further includes a data output comprising a remote device operation command and a transmitter circuit coupled to the data output of said control circuit for transmitting said operation command to a remote device. |
| US08035504B2 |
Child carrier latch warning system
A child restraint warning system configured to be secured to a child seat/carrier having a base, a seat detachably connected to the base, where the child seat/carrier includes a harness configured to be releasably secured with a latch. When the seat is secured on the base a seat position sensor sends a signal to a control unit positioned on the back of the seat. The control unit is switched into an active status for detecting an unlocked condition of the harness latch. A first series of audible warning signals is produced by the control unit if the latch remains unlocked for a pre-determined period of time. If the latch continues to be in an unlocked condition after the first series of warning signals the control unit generates a second series of signals, which can be spoken messages pre-programmed by the user. |
| US08035499B2 |
Tire pressure monitor system module
A tire pressure monitor system module provides modular products with tire pressure monitor system functionality. The tire pressure monitor system module may be added to a modular product to provide tire pressure monitor system functionality. The tire pressure monitor system module may be a stand-alone module that may be attached, connected or in communication with a modular product. The tire pressure monitor system tool may include all of the functionality available to tire pressure monitor systems. The tire pressure monitor system module may include modules for transmitting and receiving signals from a tire pressure monitor system, resetting and diagnosing a tire pressure monitor system, initiating, determining, and selecting procedures associated with the tire pressure monitor system, simulating a tire pressure sensor of a tire pressure monitor system, storing, displaying, and updating information related to tire pressure monitor systems, and notifying a user of a status of a procedure and that a procedure has been completed. |
| US08035498B2 |
Wireless monitoring system with a self-powered transmitter
A system with a self-powered sending unit communicating with a receiving unit. The sending unit interacts with a magnet attached to a rotating or moving member. The sending unit includes an inductor that intercepts the magnetic field from the magnet. The magnetic interaction with the sending unit generates power that is stored for later use by a transmitter. The magnetic interaction also provides a trigger for the transmitter that causes the transmitter to send a signal using the stored energy. In one embodiment, the signal includes a identification code that uniquely identifies the sending unit. A receiving unit includes a receiver responsive to the transmitted signal and, in one embodiment, a display of the measured parameter that is projected by a heads-up display unit. |
| US08035495B2 |
Rear view mirror, monitoring apparatus and monitoring method
The embodiment relates to a rear view mirror, a monitoring apparatus and a monitoring method. The monitoring apparatus comprises a mirror for showing an object; a camera module obtaining image data from the object and processing the image data; and a display module for displaying the image data processed by the camera module. |
| US08035494B2 |
Motor vehicle control device data transfer system and process
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle control device data transfer system and process. In particular, it relates to such a system and process for the transfer of data, subject to the risk of tampering, from a central data-processing device (12) at the motor vehicle manufacturer's to a motor vehicle data-processing device (5), such as an electronic drive engine control device, in which tamper-free data transfer is guaranteed. In this connection, an authentication enquiry value is generated by the vehicle data-processing device (5) and transferred to the central data-processing device (12) by means of a mobile data-processing device (9). This generates an authentication response value, which is transferred back by the same route with release data. |
| US08035487B2 |
Method for assembling, identifying and controlling a powered surgical tool assembly assembled from multiple components
A surgical tool system comprising a control console, a powered surgical device, an intermediate attachment removably connected to the surgical device and a cutting accessory removably connected to the intermediate attachment. Internal to the cutting accessory is an identification device that contains data specific to the operation of the accessory. The control console, through the transfer of signals through the powered surgical device and the intermediate attachment reads the data in the cutting accessory. Based on these data, the control console selectively actuates the powered surgical device. In some versions of the invention, the identification device may be an RFID chip. Signals are exchanged between the surgical device and the intermediate attachment and between the intermediate attachment and cutting accessory by inductive coupling. An identification device internal to the intermediate attachment provides the control console with data describing the intermediate attachment. |
| US08035486B1 |
Radio frequency identification device power-on reset management
Apparatus, systems, and methods may include providing a power-on reset function to many types of receiving circuitry, including radio frequency identification (RFID) tag processing circuitry. Thus, the power-on reset function may be realized by applying a supply voltage to a power-on reset circuit coupled to RFID tag processing circuitry. Operations may include sensing a first current substantially independent of the supply voltage, sensing a second current substantially dependent on the supply voltage, and indicating a power-on reset condition based on a comparison between the first current and the second current. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08035485B2 |
System for tracking vessels in automated laboratory analyzers by radio frequency identification
A system for automation of laboratory analyzers that utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers to identify containers and vessels, and the contents thereof, that are employed in the system. Radio frequency identification tags, conforming to the guidelines of ISO 18000 and either of ISO 14443 or ISO 15693, are positioned on the items of interest, such as, for example, reagent containers, sample containers, and microplates. These tags can be read by and written to by a stationary antenna connected to a radio frequency identification reader. Reading of radio frequency identification tags and writing to radio frequency identification tags are controlled by software. |
| US08035483B2 |
Oscillator tuning system and oscillator tuning method
An oscillator tuning system and an oscillator tuning method are provided. The system includes a determination unit which determines whether a power which is used in an RFID tag having an RFID oscillator is greater than a reference value; and a frequency tuner which tunes a driving frequency of the RFID oscillator according to a result of the determination. The method includes determining whether a power which is used in an RFID tag having an RFID oscillator is greater than a reference value; and tuning a driving frequency of the RFID oscillator according to a result of the determination. |
| US08035481B2 |
Illuminable latch
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a data capture device such as a camera. In one aspect, the data capture device may integrated with the housing of the computing device and further detachable therefrom. In another aspect, the data capture device may swivel and/or translate relative to the housing of the computing device. In another aspect, the computing device may include a positioning device for controlling the movement of the data capture device relative to the housing. In yet another aspect, the computing device may include a latch that is automatically positioned in a home position when a housing component of the computing device is positioned in first position, and is automatically positioned in a lock position when the housing component of the computing device is positioned in a closed position. |
| US08035473B2 |
Current limiting fuse
A mounting assembly couples a current limiting fuse to an element that defines a longitudinal axis. The mounting assembly includes a mounting member on the element; a first attachment member coupled to the mounting member in a fixed position relative to the mounting member; and a second attachment member coupleable to the current limiting fuse. The first and second attachment members are configured to be attached to one another in a plurality of discreet positions about an axis that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08035472B2 |
Crossed gap ferrite cores
The invention relates to swinging inductors of a stepped-gap construction. We describe an inductor core structure having first and second core segments, constructed and arranged such that distal ends of legs of the first core segment are paired with distal ends of legs of the second core segment in an opposing relation. The at least one distal ends of the first core segment has a ridge projecting therefrom and is paired with the at least one distal ends of the second core segment which has a ridge projecting therefrom in an opposing relation, such that opposingly paired projecting ridges form a cross arrangement. |
| US08035471B2 |
Power inductor with reduced DC current saturation
A power inductor comprises a magnetic core material having first and second ends. An inner cavity arranged in said magnetic core material extends from the first end to the second end. A conductor passes through the cavity. A slotted air gap is arranged in the magnetic core material and extends from the first end to the second end. An eddy current reducing material is arranged in the cavity. The eddy current reducing material has a permeability that is lower than said magnetic core material. |
| US08035467B2 |
Add-on trip module for multi-pole circuit breaker
An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, and a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the breaker contacts for operating a trip mechanism in response to a predetermined mechanical movement of any of the transducers. |
| US08035466B2 |
High frequency electrical connector
A coaxial to transmission line connector has a connector and an attachment area with a windowed electrical attachment point that when soldered in place on a ground reference of an electrical device, creates an electrical and mechanical connection between an outer conductor of the coaxial to transmission line connector. The attachment area has at least one mechanical alignment point and a corresponding reference pivot point located substantially co-planar at the termination of the coaxial dielectric region at an edge of a PCB and a port of the coaxial to transmission line connector. The at least one mechanical alignment point and the corresponding reference pivot plane serve to automatically align the coaxial to transmission line connector to the electrical device. Opposite the attachment area is a dielectric area following termination of the outer conductor in the transition area of the microstrip transmission line. |
| US08035461B1 |
Inductive filter and method of reducing vibration sensitivity
A filter according to a present invention embodiment reduces the effects of microphonic behavior in a communications network. The filter passes a network signal, while filtering out unwanted voiceband leakage (e.g., emissions of plaintext voice signals) due to microphonic behavior of the network equipment. The filter employs inductive units each including at least two inductive elements connected in series and arranged to cancel current within the inductive elements induced by vibrations and/or sound pressure (or acoustic) waves in the surrounding environment, thereby reducing extraneous signals produced within the filter (e.g., signals produced from microphonic behavior that may be in the form of perceivable voice or audio, noise, etc.). The filter reduces the extraneous signals in active and passive modes, and prevents compromise of secure or sensitive information (e.g., in the form of perceivable voice or audio) due to microphonic behavior of filter elements. |
| US08035458B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of integrating balun and RF coupler on a common substrate
A semiconductor die has an RF coupler and balun integrated on a common substrate. The RF coupler includes first and second conductive traces formed in close proximity. The RF coupler further includes a resistor. The balun includes a primary coil and two secondary coils. A first capacitor is coupled between first and second terminals of the semiconductor die. A second capacitor is coupled between a third terminal of the semiconductor die and a ground terminal. A third capacitor is coupled between a fourth terminal of the semiconductor die and the ground terminal. A fourth capacitor is coupled between the high side and low side of the primary coil. The integration of the RF coupler and balun on the common substrate offers flexible coupling strength and signal directivity, and further improves electrical performance due to short lead lengths, reduces form factor, and increases manufacturing yield. |
| US08035454B2 |
Oscillator device comprising a thermally-controlled piezoelectric resonator
The crystal oscillator device includes an air-tight case (1) forming a vacuum chamber (23), a piezoelectric resonator element (11), oscillation circuitry, a temperature sensor, and a heating unit implemented in an integrated-circuit (IC) chip (13) with an active surface (13a). The piezoelectric resonator element (11) and the oscillation circuitry are connected together to form an oscillation circuit. Furthermore, the temperature sensor and the heating unit are enclosed in the vacuum chamber (23) with the piezoelectric resonator element (11).The piezoelectric resonator element is attached in a heat conductive manner to the active surface (13a) of the integrated-circuit chip (13) in such a way that the IC chip provides mechanical support for the piezoelectric resonator element. |
| US08035446B1 |
Natural sampling for a digital Class-D power amplifier
A digital signal processor includes an up-sampling module that samples an input signal and generates up-sampling points. A natural sampling module includes a reference signal generation module that generates a reference signal. A crossing point detection module receives the up-sampling points and the reference signal and uses interpolation to detect intersection points of the input signal and the reference signal. The crossing point detection module determines values of the input signal at first and second evaluation times. The crossing point detection module estimates a current intersection point of the input signal and the reference signal as an intersection of the reference signal and a line that extends between first and second points on the input signal that correspond with the first and second evaluation times. A frequency of the reference signal is variable and a current switching period of the reference signal is not equal to a previous switching period. |
| US08035436B2 |
Passive capacitively injected phase interpolator
A phase-interpolator circuit is described. In the phase-interpolator circuit, an output signal, having a fundamental frequency and a phase, is generated based on a weighted summation of a first reference signal and a second reference signal, where the first reference signal has the fundamental frequency and a first phase, and the second reference signal has the same fundamental frequency and a second phase. Note that contributions of the first reference signal and the second reference signal, respectively, to the output signal are determined based on associated first and second impedance values in a weighting circuit in the phase-interpolator circuit. For example, a programmable capacitance ratio of two capacitors may be used to interpolate between the first reference signal and the second reference signal. Additionally, the phase-interpolator circuit may include a biasing circuit that provides a DC bias to the weighting circuit, and which amplifies the output of the weighting circuit to provide the output signal. |
| US08035429B2 |
Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of synchronization clock generators configured to generate a plurality of synchronization clock signals by mixing phases of first and second source clock signals having an identical frequency, a first clock transmission path configured to sequentially apply the first source clock signal to the plurality of synchronization clock generators by transferring the first source clock signal in a forward direction, a second clock transmission path configured to sequentially apply the second source clock signal to the plurality of synchronization clock generators by transferring the second source clock signal in a backward direction, and a plurality of data output units configured to synchronize a plurality of data with the plurality of synchronization clock signals and outputting the synchronized plurality of data. |
| US08035427B2 |
Signal generating apparatus capable of measuring trip point of power-up signal and method of measuring trip point of power-up signal using the same
A signal generating apparatus that is capable of accurately measuring a trip point of a power-up signal without installing a separate measuring instrument is described. An apparatus for generating a signal includes a power-up signal generating unit that generates a power-up signal using an external voltage and a measuring unit that outputs, when the power-up signal is enabled, the comparison result between a voltage generated on the basis of the external voltage and a reference voltage as a trip point. |
| US08035425B2 |
Active echo on-die repeater circuit
A repeater circuit. The repeater circuit includes two output circuits, two echo circuits, two activation circuits, and two deactivation circuits. Responsive to detecting a logical transition of an input signal, one of the activation circuits is configured to activate a corresponding output circuit, which is configured to drive an output signal on an output node. A corresponding echo circuit is configured to be activated and to drive an input node responsive to activation of the corresponding output circuit. A corresponding one of the deactivation circuits is configured to deactivate the corresponding output circuit after a delay time has elapsed, whereas the corresponding echo circuit is deactivated in response thereto. A keeper circuit is configured to continue providing the output signal on the output node after deactivation of the corresponding output circuit. |
| US08035416B1 |
Bipolar-MOS driver circuit
The present invention relates to electronic driver circuits, and more particularly, to low power electronic driver circuits having low manufacturing costs. The present invention is a circuit design that utilizes two transistor types that can be manufactured together thereby reducing the number of processing steps and masks and resulting in lower cost. |
| US08035415B2 |
Shift register and semiconductor display device
The invention provides a shift register which can operate normally while suppressing a delay of signal and a rounding of waveform. The shift register of the invention includes a plurality of stages of flip-flop circuits each of which includes a clocked inverter. The clocked inverter includes a first transistor and a second transistor which are connected in series, a first compensation circuit including a third transistor and a fourth transistor which are connected in series, and a second compensation circuit including a fifth transistor and a transmission gate. According to the first compensation circuit, a timing at which a signal outputted from the flip-flop circuit rises or falls can be controlled in synchronization with an output of two stages before. The second compensation circuit can control a clock signal input can be controlled. |
| US08035413B2 |
Dynamic impedance control for input/output buffers
A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination. |
| US08035412B2 |
On-die termination latency clock control circuit and method of controlling the on-die termination latency clock
A semiconductor device includes an on-die termination (ODT) latency clock control circuit and an ODT circuit controlled by the ODT latency clock control circuit. The ODT latency clock control circuit includes an ODT enable signal generator receiving an ODT signal input through an ODT pad of the ODT circuit, and generating an ODT enable signal, and an ODT latency clock generator generating a plurality of ODT latency clocks in response to the ODT enable signal. The ODT enable signal includes an enabling period of a first logic level and a disabling period of a second and different logic level, and the ODT enable signal generator generates the ODT enable signal by increasing the width of the enabling period by a predetermined clock cycle and only generating the clocks during the increased enabling period. |
| US08035411B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit including a power controllable region
Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit capable of testing power control operation in the semiconductor integrated circuit including a power controllable region. Power control switches have switch series each constituted by a plurality of switch cells. A power controllable region includes output nodes in the switch series. The output nodes output power control signals that have passed through final stages of the respective switch series of the power control switches to the outside of the power controllable region. A chip on which the semiconductor integrated circuit is mounted has output terminals that output outputs of the output nodes to the outside of the chip. In the case of inserting a scan path test, observation flip-flops that load the outputs of the output nodes to data terminals, and load scan data to scan-in terminals are disposed in correspondence with the respective output nodes. Those observation flip-flops are connected to constitute a scan path chain. |
| US08035406B2 |
Test head positioning system and method
An apparatus for supporting a load includes pneumatic units and couplers coupled to opposite sides of the load. The couplers move the load parallel to a first axis responsive to actuation of the pneumatic units. At least one of the couplers rotate the load about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The load is compliant along the first axis and about the second axis At least one of the pneumatic units provides compliance along the first axis and about the second axis. |
| US08035403B1 |
Wireless soil sensor utilizing a RF frequency for performing soil measurements
A wireless soil sensor for using a RF frequency for performing soil moisture measurements is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a sensing component integrated directly with a radio and a microcontroller. The wireless soil sensor is designed to be buried underground and to transmit to above ground receivers. |
| US08035401B2 |
Self-calibrating driver for charging a capacitive load to a desired voltage
A self-calibration system includes a variable current source to generate a default source current for charging a capacitive load, and a load charge calibrator to detect a voltage associated with the capacitive load when charged by the default source current, and to generate a current control feedback according to the detected voltage and a desired charged voltage of the capacitive load, the current control feedback to indicate to the variable current source a charge current capable of charging the capacitive load to the desired charged voltage. |
| US08035398B1 |
Arrangement to detect a fault electrical connection
An arrangement to detect a fault electrical connection in a wind turbine is provided. According to the arrangement, an ozone sensor is located close to a dedicated electrical connection within the wind turbine. A certain amount of ozone gas, which is generated by a corona due to a fault of the dedicated electrical connection, is detected by the ozone sensor. |
| US08035393B2 |
Fiber optic system for electromagnetic surveying
An electromagnetic survey sensing device includes at least two electrodes disposed at spaced apart locations. An electrical to optical converter is electrically coupled to the at least two electrodes. The converter is configured to change a property of light from a source in response to voltage imparted across the at least two electrodes. The device includes an optical fiber optically coupled to an output of the electrical to optical converter, the optical fiber in optical communication with a detector. |
| US08035390B2 |
Omnidirectional sonde and line locator
At least one antenna array including three mutually orthogonal antennas each sharing a common center point senses an electromagnetic signal emitted by a buried object such as a utility line, pipe or sonde. A circuit at least partially mounted in a housing is connected to the array and determines a location of the buried object by measuring signal strength and field angles in three dimensions without having to align the antenna array relative to the buried object while eliminating nulls and false peaks. A graphical user interface (GUI) has user-friendly icons, symbols, menus, numbers and graphical and auditory representation of signal strength. A SEARCH view indicates signal strength by showing a rotating strength indicator, a trace mode MAP view in which line location is shown by a line that moves side-to-side, and a sonde mode MAP view in which sonde location is shown by a moving line, pole and equator. |
| US08035389B2 |
RF switch device, magnetic resonance imaging system and an RF signal transmission method
A radio frequency (RF) switch device has at least two RF switch units, each RF switch unit having an output terminal and at least two input terminals. The RF switch units select one channel of RF signals from several channels of the RF signals that are supplied as inputs to their input terminals for emission as an output from their output terminals. A magnetic resonance imaging system and an RF signal transmission method employ such an RF switch device. The use of such an RF switch device reduces the number of channels of the RF signals that need to be further transmitted, which in turn reduces the number of the corresponding long RF cable channels and the number of channels of the subsequent devices, thereby preventing waste and reducing the cost of the system. Moreover, if the subsequent devices include a receiver coil channel selector, then the complexity of the receiver coil channel selector will also be reduced as the number of RF signal channels is decreased. |
| US08035386B2 |
NMR probe with magnetic field irradiating coil and NMR signal receiving coil
A probe for NMR includes a coil for irradiating an RF magnetic field and a coil for receiving an NMR signal, wherein the coil for irradiating the RF magnetic field includes one wire or one sheet of foil, and the coil for receiving the NMR signal is formed of part of the coil for irradiating the RF magnetic field. A lead wire pair is drawn out from a portion on the way of a winding of the coil that comprises one wire or one sheet of foil, and a coil portion between the lead wire pair is assumed to be a second coil. |
| US08035378B2 |
Magnetic resonance system with power loss-optimized operation
A magnetic resonance system has multiple individual transmission antennas each charged with a transmission current to emit an individual excitation field in an examination volume to excite magnetic resonances in a subject, producing a total excitation field as a superimposition of the individual excitation fields. A determination device provided with a spatial distribution of an absorption rate of the examination subject, determines a combination of amplitudes and phase positions for the transmission currents relative to one another such that a locally absorbed power at a first point of the examination subject relative to a locally absorbed power at a second point of the examination subject satisfies a relative condition. The determined combination of amplitudes and phase positions are communicated to a control device, which charges the transmission antennas with transmission currents having the communicated phase positions and amplitudes scaled with a uniform scaling factor for all transmission currents relative to the communicated amplitudes. |
| US08035377B2 |
Method for excluding magnetic objects from magnetic resonance imaging facility
A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes. |
| US08035376B2 |
Optical pumping modules, polarized gas blending and dispensing systems, and automated polarized gas distribution systems and related devices and methods
A method of providing polarized noble gas for NMR or MRI applications incorporates a control module, a plurality of optical pumping modules each including an optical pumping cell operably associated with the control module; a plurality of dispensing systems, one for each optical pumping module wherein each dispensing system is operably associated with the control module and the its associated optical pumping module to dispense meted volumes of polarized gas from the hyperpolarizer; the optical pumping modules, and the dispensing systems, where a noble gas is directed to a selected one of the optical pumping modules, polarized and dispensed by the associated dispensing system. |
| US08035375B2 |
Material for electrical isolation and vibro-acoustic performance
The present invention provides a material for the construction of external coverings accessible by humans or animals. It aims to increase the breakdown voltage between a high voltage VRF, high frequency source of energy and the human or animal, by adaptation of materials and structures. According to an embodiment of the invention, a structure is provided for the cover 18 used in MRI or NMR systems, which carries a greater proportion Vs of the voltage VRF across itself, thereby reducing the voltage Vg across the gap 22 and reducing the likelihood of breakdown. |
| US08035374B1 |
Pipe stress detection tool using magnetic barkhausen noise
A tool disposable within a well pipe, such as for detecting a freepoint of a well pipe, includes an electromagnet capable of inducing a magnetic field within a wall of a well pipe. The tool includes a Barkhausen noise sensing device capable of sensing magnetic Barkhausen noise in response to the electromagnet inducing the magnetic field within the wall of the well pipe. The tool may be moved along the well pipe so as make two passes of the tool along the well pipe, with one pass being performed while the well pipe is less stressed and the other pass being performed while the well pipe is more stressed, with the output of the tool during a first pass being compared to the output of the tool during a second pass to determine the location of the freepoint of the well pipe. |
| US08035370B2 |
Systems and methods to stir an electromagnetic (EM) field
Systems and methods to stir an electromagnetic (EM) field of an EM reverberation chamber are disclosed. A particular system includes an EM reverberation chamber. The system also includes a transmit antenna and a receive antenna operable to generate an EM field within the EM reverberation chamber. The system further includes a variable charged particle source to stir the EM field by varying introduction of charged particles into the EM field. |
| US08035369B2 |
Method for detecting an isolated network
The subject matter of the invention is a method for detecting an isolated network for an inverter (2) carrying a converter voltage that is adapted for connection in parallel with a grid (5) having a mains frequency and electric loads and that is decoupled from the grid (5) by a choke (3), a test signal being superimposed upon the converter voltage at a test frequency the frequency of which is smaller than the mains frequency, the amplitude of the test signal being much smaller than the nominal voltage amplitude of the mains voltage on the one side but still just large enough on the other side for changes in reactive power to be detectable as a result of the test signal, a reactive power share being determined, which oscillates with the test frequency, this share not being allowed to fall below an imposed minimum for an isolated operation to be reliably excluded. |
| US08035367B2 |
Electronic device, detection circuit and voltage control method
A voltage control method includes producing an error signal based on a difference between a reference signal and an adaptor voltage and an adaptor current corresponding to the adaptor voltage, regulating, based on the error signal, the adaptor voltage, comparing a reference voltage to a voltage proportional to a potential corresponding to an identifying voltage corresponding to the adaptor voltage, detecting, based on the comparison result, whether or not a couplable external power source is suitable, and setting based, on the detection result, a potential corresponding to the identifying voltage. |
| US08035362B2 |
Amplifier system with DC-component control
A power supply system comprises a parallel arrangement of a linear amplifier (LA) and a DC-DC converter (CO). An output of the linear amplifier (LA) is directly coupled to a load (LO) for supplying a first current (II) to the load (LO). The DC-DC converter (CO) has a converter output coupled to the load (LO) for supplying a second current (12) to the load (LO). The linear amplifier (LA) comprises a first amplifier stage (OS1) to supply the first current (II), and the second amplifier stage (OS2) to generate a third current (13) being proportional to the first current (II). The first amplifier stage (OS1) and the second amplifier stage (OS2) have matched components. The DC-DC converter (CO) further comprises a controller (CON) having a control input for receiving a voltage generated by the third current (13) to control the second current (12) for minimizing a DC-component of the first current (II). |
| US08035357B2 |
Fault clearing for permanent magnet machines
A permanent magnet machine (PMM) has a kinetic portion electrically coupled to a power conversion portion. Motive power is provided to the kinetic portion by a torque applied to a motive shaft coupled to a prime mover, such as an aircraft engine or an automobile engine. A sensor is effective to detect a fault condition in the kinetic portion. When a fault is detected, the sensor applies a voltage to a winding within the kinetic portion generating an opposing directional counter torque to the motive shaft. A combination of the torque and counter torque exceeds a fracture yield strength of the motive shaft. The fault condition is then rendered safe while the prime mover may continue normal operation. |
| US08035350B2 |
Battery charger
A setting current switching circuit 120 includes a comparator 127. A battery temperature signal corresponding to a battery temperature detected by a battery temperature detecting unit 8 is inputted to one input terminal (−) of the comparator 127 and a reference signal corresponding to a reference temperature is inputted to the other input terminal (+) of the comparator 127 to vary the setting charging current value of a charging current setting unit 80 and the setting full-charge current value of a full-charge current setting unit 90 correspondingly to the output of the comparator 127. |
| US08035349B2 |
Systems and methods for absorbing waste electricity from regenerative braking in hybridized vehicles
The invention relates to a system for absorbing electric energy from regenerative braking. The system includes a battery, a thermoelectric module in thermally-conductive contact with the battery, a generator for generating an electric current from regenerative braking, the generator connected to the battery via a first switch and connected to the thermoelectric module via a second switch, and a sensor for measuring a temperature and a charge state of the battery. The system also comprises a controller for activating and deactivating the first switch and the second switch when certain conditions have been met. |
| US08035347B2 |
Battery charger
A battery charger for charging a secondary battery using a power supply circuit, includes a discrimination circuit to discriminate a constant-current charging mode and a constant-voltage charging mode, and a controller to which a discrimination signal is supplied. When judged as being the constant-current charging mode, the controller sets the current in the constant-current charging mode by using the control signal. When judged as being the constant-voltage charging mode in accordance with the discrimination signal, the controller sets intermittently the end of charging detection current, and sets an end of charging detection period for judging the constant-current charging mode and the constant-voltage charging mode. When the discrimination signal indicates the constant-voltage charging mode in the end of charging detection period, the controller controls to shift to the end of charging detection mode. |
| US08035343B2 |
Method for balancing cells in a battery pack
A method is provided for charging a plurality of cells in a battery pack to a target charging value. The method includes: delivering a charging current to the plurality of cells; monitoring cell voltage of each cell in the plurality of cells to determine when at least one of the cells reaches the target charging value; and diverting the charging current around the cells having reached the target charging value and cooperatively adjusting the charging current so that a current received by the cells having reached the target charging value is substantially zero. |
| US08035342B2 |
Integrated power adapter for a laptop
A power pack arrangement for a laptop computer, wherein an AC/DC adapter is integrated with a battery pack to form one cohesive unit freely insertable into and removable from a laptop computer housing. |
| US08035341B2 |
Staged deployment for electrical charge spots
A method and system is provided to deploy electrical charge spots in stages according to demand. During a first stage a plurality of infrastructure adapters are installed. This may involve demolishing and rebuilding portions of the infrastructure and laying down power cables from the electrical power supply to the charge spot locations. The infrastructure adapters are then coupled to an electrical power supply. Many if not all of the infrastructure adapters are covered with a temporary housing protecting them from vandalism and weather. During a second stage, in response to a demand for charge stations, the charge stations are completed. During the second stage, at least one external unit is attached to an infrastructure adapter by making an infrastructure adapter quick connect interface with an external unit quick connect interface. As such, a charge spot is completed quickly in response to demand. |
| US08035340B2 |
Controlling inductive power transfer systems
An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period. In dependence upon said one or more energy decay measures, the control unit controls the electrical drive unit so as to restrict or stop inductive power transfer from the primary unit. |
| US08035339B2 |
Power supply device and portable electronic device
A power supply device capable of reducing noise intruding into connecting terminals for signal input or output will be provided. A cradle device 3 has a case 18; a positive supply terminal 21P and a negative power supply terminal 21N exposed from the case 18; a charger 52 provided inside the case and setting the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21 at constant potentials being different from each other; an input terminal 21S exposed from the case 18 and arranged between the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21N adjacent to the positive power supply terminal P and the negative power supply terminal 21N; and an amplifier 51 provided inside the case 18 and operating based on a signal input into the input terminal 21S. |
| US08035334B2 |
Electric power converter
A voltage-command correction unit provided between an electric-power conversion unit and a voltage-command calculation unit provides a predetermined current range including the zero level for the detected output current, and, at a first clock time when the output current enters from outside to inside of the current range, sets a zero cross timing of the output current as a clock time for switching the polarity of the correction voltage that corrects the AC voltage command calculated and output by the voltage-command calculation unit based on the first clock time and the frequency, thereby making a configuration capable of correcting the AC voltage command with the correction voltage with the same polarity as the polarity of the output current around the zero cross point of the output current. |
| US08035329B2 |
Apparatus for actuating an electrical switching device
The invention relates to a device for actuating an electrical switchgear comprising at least one mobile contact point driven by a rotary shaft. According to the invention, an electric motor comprising a rotating drive shaft can be coupled to the rotary shaft by means of a transmission, in order to drive the same. |
| US08035317B2 |
Optocoupler system with reduced power consumption and pulse width distortion
According to one embodiment, there is provided an optocoupler system configured to generate current signals having high, low and no amplitude portions in response to the receipt of logic high and low input signals. The varying amplitude portions of the current signals are used to drive other portions of the isolation circuitry, and result in reduced power consumption and dissipation, as well as reduced pulse width distortion. |
| US08035315B2 |
LED driver with feedback calibration
Power management in a light emitting diode (LED) system having a plurality of LED strings is disclosed. A voltage source provides an output voltage to drive a plurality of LED strings. An LED driver implements a feedback mechanism to monitor the tail voltages of the active LED strings to identify the minimum tail voltage and adjust the output voltage of the voltage source based on the lowest tail voltage. A loop calibration module of the LED driver calibrates the feedback mechanism of the LED driver based on a relationship between a digital code value used to generate a particular output voltage and another digital code value generated based on the minimum tail voltage resulting from the particular output voltage. |
| US08035305B2 |
Alternating headlights and method of operating
A multi-headlight assembly of a motorcycle includes a pair of headlights. A first one of the pair of headlights includes a low power main lamp and a second one of the pair of headlights includes a high power main lamp, the low power main lamp being configured to illuminate in a first operating condition and the high power main lamp being configured to illuminate in a second operating condition. A secondary lamp is associated with one of the pair of headlights and is configured to illuminate when the main lamp of the other one of the pair of headlights is illuminated. The secondary lamp is of a lower power than the low power main lamp. |
| US08035302B2 |
Plasma display panel with colored first and second phosphors
A plasma display panel includes a front substrate providing an image display surface, a rear substrate facing the front substrate, barrier ribs arranged between the front and rear substrates to defining a plurality of discharge cells, a plurality of discharge electrodes extending across the discharge cells to generate a discharge, a front dielectric layer on the front substrate to bury the discharge electrodes, first phosphors coated within the discharge cells, second phosphors on upper surfaces of the barrier ribs and extending from the first phosphors, and a discharge gas filled into the discharge cells, wherein one or more of the front substrate, the front dielectric layer, and/or the barrier ribs is colored with a first color, and the first and second phosphors are colored with a second color. |
| US08035297B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device with carrier blocking layer interposed between two emitting layers
An organic electroluminescent device including in sequence an anode, a first emitting layer (5), a carrier barrier layer (6), a second emitting layer (7) and a cathode stacked; wherein the ionization potential of the carrier barrier layer (6) is more than the ionization potential of the first emitting layer (5) by 0.1 eV or more and the affinity level of the carrier barrier layer (6) is less than the affinity levels of the first emitting layer (5) and the second emitting layer (7) by 0.1 eV or more. |
| US08035293B2 |
Cold-cathode light-emitting device with defocusing grid and associated methods of manufacturing
A light emitting device has an enclosure with a face portion, a cold cathode within the enclosure, a phosphor layer disposed on an interior surface of the face portion, an extracting grid between the cold cathode and the phosphor layer and a defocusing grid between the extracting grid and the phosphor layer. Electrons emitted from the cold cathode are defocused by the defocusing grid and impact the phosphor layer when an electric field is created between the cold cathode and the phosphor layer due to applied voltages at the cold cathode, extracting grid, defocusing grid and phosphor layer. The phosphor layer emits light through the face portion in response to electrons incident thereon. Secondary electron emission may also occur resulting in increased electron impact upon the phosphor layer, thereby increasing light output. A mirror layer may be included to reflect light toward the face portion of the light emitting device. The mirror layer also inhibits low energy electrons from impacting the phosphor, thereby enhancing the blink rate of the light emitting device. |
| US08035291B2 |
Field emission electrode, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic device
An electron emission film having a pattern of diamond in X-ray diffraction and formed of a plurality of diamond fine grains having a grain diameter of 5 nm to 10 nm is formed on a substrate. The electron emission film can restrict the field intensity to a low level when it causes an emission current to flow, and has a uniform electron emission characteristic. |
| US08035290B2 |
Fluorescent display device and conductive paste for the fluorescent display device
A fluorescent display device includes an aluminum wiring layer formed on an insulating substrate; an insulating layer formed on the aluminum wiring layer, the insulating layer being provided with a through-hole disposed on the aluminum wiring layer; a conductive layer filled in the through-hole. The fluorescent display device further includes an anode conductor formed on the insulating layer to cover the conductive layer and a phosphor layer formed on the anode conductor. The conductive layer is formed of solid mixture containing aluminum and graphite. |
| US08035289B2 |
Flat coplanar-discharge lamp and uses of same
A flat discharge lamp transmitting radiation in ultraviolet or visible, including first and second flat, or substantially flat, glass elements substantially parallel to each other and defining an internal space filled with gas, the first and/or second glass element being made of a material that transmits the radiation; at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode, which may be at different potentials and may be supplied by an AC voltage, the first and second electrodes being associated with one or more main faces of the first glass element, the first and second electrodes being essentially elongate and substantially parallel to one another, and separated by at least one interelectrode space of given width substantially constant; and at least one third electrode which may be at a given potential associated with a main face of the second glass element and at least partly occupying, in projection, the interelectrode space. |
| US08035285B2 |
Hybrid interference coatings, lamps, and methods
Disclosed herein are optical interference multilayer coatings having region provided by a physical vapor deposition process and region provided by a chemical vapor deposition process. Also disclosed herein are methods of making such coatings, as well as lamps comprising a light-transmissive envelope, at least a portion of the surface of the light-transmissive envelope being provided with the optical interference multilayer coating noted above. Such coatings, when used on lamps, may advantageously offer improved energy efficiencies for such lamps. |
| US08035278B2 |
Ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, and ultrasonic probe manufacturing method
A plurality of piezoelectric elements are arrayed two-dimensionally. A plurality of electrodes are respectively formed on the plurality of piezoelectric elements. A plurality of non-conductive members have columnar shape and are arranged on the plurality of electrodes. A plurality of internal metal layers are respectively provided for the plurality of non-conductive members. The internal metal layers reach from arrangement surfaces of the non-conductive members to other surfaces of the non-conductive members. The arrangement surfaces are opposite to the other surfaces. |
| US08035275B2 |
Vibration actuator, lens barrel, camera system and vibrating element
A vibration actuator by which stable drive can be obtained, a lens barrel, a camera system and a vibrating element are provided. In first vibration mode and second vibration mode, vibrating elements of the vibration actuator can vibrate. Resonance frequency of the second vibration mode, which is different from the first vibration mode used for driving a relatively moving member, is prevented from being same as the frequency of the higher harmonic of a driving signal. |
| US08035274B2 |
Apparatus and method for ferroelectric conversion of heat to electrical energy
The present invention relates to a new method and apparatus for converting heat to electric energy. The invention exploits the rapid changes in spontaneous polarization that occur in ferroelectric materials during phase change. The invention permits robust and economical generation of electric energy from thermal energy, and it can be used in many different applications. In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for converting heat to electric energy comprising a pair of electrodes; a ferroelectric layer formed there between with a ferroelectric material characterized with a Curie temperature, Tc, such that when the temperature of the ferroelectric material is lower than Tc, the ferroelectric material is in a ferroelectric phase in which very powerful polarization is established spontaneously in the unit cells of the ferroelectric material, and when the temperature of the ferroelectric material is greater than Tc, spontaneous polarization is not established in the unit cells of the ferroelectric material; and a means for alternately delivering a flow of cold fluid and a flow of hot fluid to the ferroelectric layer so as to alternately cool the ferroelectric layer at a first temperature TL that is lower than Tc, and heat the ferroelectric layer at a second temperature TH that is higher than Tc, thereby the ferroelectric material of the ferroelectric layer undergoes alternating phase transitions between the ferroelectric phase and the paraelectric phase with temperature cycling. |
| US08035273B2 |
Rotor assembly having two core portions each with a reduced back portion
A rotor for an electric machine having a number of poles includes a shaft that extends along a portion of an axis and defines an outer surface. A first core portion is formed as a single inseparable component and includes a first portion that extends from the outer surface to a first outside diameter to define a first thickness, and a second portion spaced axially from the first portion that includes a reduced back portion that extends from an inside diameter to the first outside diameter to define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. A second core portion is connected to the first core portion and includes a second outside diameter that is substantially the same as the first outside diameter. |
| US08035271B2 |
Stator core and rotating electric machine
A stator core includes: an assembled stator core formed of annularly arranged, divided stator cores; a fixing member disposed at an outer circumferential surface of the assembled stator core and capable of pressing the divided stator cores inward in a radial direction of the assembled stator core to annularly arrange and thus fix the divided stator cores; and a weak portion provided between the divided stator cores and the fixing member and deformable by a force exerted from the fixing member to press the divided stator cores. |
| US08035264B2 |
Motor
The invention provides a motor including a terminal block that is insert molded into a core, so as to increase the strength to support the terminal block. A stator has paired inner cores configured by two inner cores facing back to back and each having a disk part and pole teeth. Each of the disk parts is provided with a terminal block holding part. The terminal block is connected with the terminal block holding parts via a resin connection part that is insert molded. The terminal block holding parts are provided with recesses configured by cutouts in portions to face the terminal block, respectively. The resin connection part has a thickness increased by filling the recesses so as to increase the strength at a connection portion thereof. The cutouts in the terminal block holding parts facing back to back are offset with respect to a radial line, terminal block facing ends are generally spaced apart from the terminal block by a constant distance. Therefore, the terminal block is prevented from being unstable. |
| US08035257B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved burst mode during power conversion
A method and apparatus for coupling power to an AC power grid. In one embodiment, the method comprises interleaving a storage period and a burst period, wherein (i) energy is stored during the storage period for a predetermined number of grid voltage cycles, and (ii) stored energy is converted to AC power and coupled to the AC power grid during the burst period. |
| US08035254B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrated cable drop compensation of a power converter
An integrated circuit controller for a power converter to be coupled to a distribution network is disclosed. An example integrated circuit controller according to aspects of the present invention includes a switching control circuit that outputs a drive signal to control switching of a switch to regulate an output of the power converter. The integrated circuit controller also includes a cable drop compensator that outputs a compensated reference voltage signal to the switching control circuit in response to a switching signal. The switching signal is responsive to the drive signal. The compensated reference voltage signal is representative of a voltage value that is responsive to a distribution voltage across the distribution network and a load voltage across a load to be coupled to the distribution network. The switching of the switch is responsive to the compensated reference voltage signal and a feedback signal. |
| US08035253B2 |
Controlling method for multi-converter structure having series-connected inputs and parallel-connected outputs
The method of controlling a multi-converter having N converters with series-connected inputs and parallel-connected outputs is provided in the present invention. The proposed controlling method includes steps of: causing each of the N converters to have an intermittent operating period, an intermittent operating time interval and an intermittent operating duty ratio equal to a value of the intermittent operating time interval divided by a value of the intermittent operating period; and causing the N converters to operate alternately with the intermittent operating period, wherein N is an integer larger than one. |
| US08035250B2 |
System and method for load sharing in multi-module power supply systems
A load sharing, multi-module power supply system for supplying power to a load. The system may involve: a first power supply module having a controller, and having a first per unit capacity (pu-c); a second power supply module having a controller, and having a second per unit capacity (pu-c); the controller of the first power supply module adapted to implement a reduction in an output power of the first power supply module upon the detection of an operating event, where a portion of the load being handled by the first power supply module is shed by a percentage, and such that the first power supply module remains operating during the operating event but at a reduced power output level; and upon the occurrence of the operating event the controller of the second power supply module is adapted to increase a power output of the second power supply module sufficient to accommodate the portion of the load that has been shed by the first power supply module. |
| US08035248B2 |
Systems and process for energizing loads through a control unit
A system and a process for energizing loads through a control unit, said loads being energized from a power network, said system comprising: connecting elements, each including a processing unit operatively connected to a respective power switch so as to lead the latter to opening and closing conditions, de-energizing and energizing a respective adjacent load that is electrically coupled to the connecting element; a pair of electrical conductors connected to a power network for energizing the loads and which are disposed so as to define an energizing means which is common to the connecting elements and to the control unit; and a signal conductor not galvanically isolated from the power network and which is common to the processing units and to the control unit, connecting them so as to allow the control unit to instruct, through the processing units and through coded electrical signals, the opening and closing of each respective power switch. |
| US08035241B2 |
Wind turbine, control system, and method for optimizing wind turbine power production
A wind turbine includes a generator and a control system. The control system is configured to determine whether a predefined amount of turbulence will be induced to the wind turbine by a wake zone created by a wind turbine upstream thereof. The control system is also configured to adjust at least one constraint of the wind turbine to a first setting if the amount of turbulence is greater than the predefined amount, the constraint affecting power produced by the generator, and to adjust the constraint of the wind turbine to a second setting if the amount of turbulence is not greater than the predefined amount. |
| US08035239B2 |
Cogeneration system
In a cogeneration system having a power plant that includes a generator and an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load, there are provided a battery, a controller that controls operation of the thermal load, a main switch disposed to be operable by an operator, a microprocessor that controls operation of the power plant when the main switch is turned on by the operator, and an external terminal adapted to transmit an activation signal to the controller upon manipulation by the operator when the main switch is kept off. In the system, the microprocessor is operated by power supplied from the battery in response to the activation signal so as to activate the power plant. With this, even when the operator stays at a place away from the main switch, the power plant can be activated to supply power to electrical loads. |
| US08035230B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
This invention discloses a semiconductor device including an insulating film having a recess therein; an electric conductor formed inside the recess; a manganese silicate film formed on an upper surface of the conductor, the manganese silicate film being formed of a reaction product of a manganese with a silicon oxide insulating film. A method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device is also described. |
| US08035224B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having an integrated circuit, a functional element electrically coupled with the integrated circuit, and an array of contact elements connected with the integrated circuit and the functional element. The functional element is configured to protect the integrated circuit from transient voltage. |
| US08035223B2 |
Structure and process for electrical interconnect and thermal management
A structure and method for thermal management of integrated circuits. The structure for thermal management of integrated circuits includes first and second substrates bonded together, at least one of the first and second substrates including at least one circuit element, an entrance through-hole having a length extending through a thickness of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, an exit through-hole having a length extending through a thickness of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a bonding element forming a seal between the first and second substrates and forming a space between the first and second substrate, and a coolant channel formed in the space between the first and second substrates such that a fluid entering the entrance through-hole transits the coolant channel and the exit through-hole to provide cooling to the circuit element. The method supplies a fluid through the entrance through-hole, flows the fluid through the coolant channel between the first substrate and second substrates, and removes the fluid from the coolant channel through the exit through-hole. |
| US08035221B2 |
Clip mount for integrated circuit leadframes
A leadframe having a die thereon connects a high current conductive area on the die to a leadframe contact using a copper clip that include a structural portion that is received within a recess-like “tub” that is formed in the leadframe contact which tub is shaped to conform to the geometric shape of the clip. In the preferred embodiment, a leadframe structure fabricated by etching includes at least one contact that is a halfetch recess or “tub” that receives one end of the clip structure and is retained in the tub by an adhesive. The end of the clip that is received in the tub is held in place during subsequent handling until the clip and leadframe undergo solder reflow to effect an electrical connection sufficient to handle the current load and also effect a reliable mechanical connection. |
| US08035219B2 |
Packaging semiconductors at wafer level
A method for packaging a plurality of semiconductor devices formed in a surface portion of a semiconductor wafer. The method includes: lithographically forming, in a first lithographically processable material disposed on the surface portion of the semiconductor wafer, device exposing openings to expose the devices and electrical contact pad openings to expose electrical contact pads for devices; and mounting a support having a rigid dielectric layer formed on a selected portion of the support, such rigid dielectric layer comprising a second lithographically processable material, such rigid material being suspended over the device exposing openings and removed from portions of the support disposed over the electrical contacts pads openings in the first lithographically processable material. The support is released and removed from the second lithographically processable material, leaving the second photolithographically processable material bonded to the first photolithographically processable material. |
| US08035212B2 |
Semiconductor chip mounting body, method of manufacturing semiconductor chip mounting body and electronic device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor chip mounting body, with an enhanced shock-resistance at portions of the bonding member corresponding to the corners of a semiconductor chip, is provided. The semiconductor chip mounting body includes a circuit board having a circuit pattern formed on a mounting surface thereof, a semiconductor chip mounted on the circuit pattern of the circuit board, and a bonding member arranged at least between the circuit board and the semiconductor chip, and on the sides of the semiconductor chip to fix the semiconductor chip on the circuit board. The bonding member contains thermosetting resin and magnetic powder dispersed in the thermosetting resin. The magnetic powder is locally disposed in portions of the bonding member which is located the corners of the semiconductor chip. |
| US08035206B2 |
Self-aligning structures and method for integrated circuits
A lead frame having a die thereon connects a high current conductive area on the die to a lead frame contact using a copper clip that includes a structure portion that is received with a recess-like “tub” formed in the lead frame contact. In the preferred embodiment, a lead frame structure fabricated by etching includes at least one contact that is a half-etch recess or “tub” that receives one end of the clip structure and is retained in the tub by solder paste or an adhesive. The end of the clip that is received in the tub is held in place during subsequent handling until the clip and leadframe undergo solder reflow to effect an electrical connection sufficient to handle the current load and a also effect a reliable mechanical connection. One or more solder-holding pockets are formed a surface portion of the tub and/or the end of the clip that is received in the tub so that a volume of liquefied solder formed during the solder reflow step will effect alignment of any mis-aligned parts by “drawing” at least one of the parts against a “stop” surface. |
| US08035205B2 |
Molding compound flow controller
A semiconductor package can comprise a die stack attached to a substrate, with bond wires electrically connecting the two. Often multiple die stacks are adhered to a single substrate so that several semiconductor packages can be manufactured at once. A molding compound flow controller is optimally associated with the substrate or semiconductor package at one or more various locations. Flow controllers can control or direct the flow of the molding compound during the encapsulation process. Flow controllers can be sized, shaped, and positioned in order to smooth out the flow of the molding compound, such that the speed of the flow is substantially equivalent over areas of the substrate containing dies and over areas of the substrate without dies. In this manner, defects such as voids in the encapsulation, wire sweeping, and wire shorts can be substantially avoided during encapsulation. |
| US08035202B2 |
Electronic device having a wiring substrate
A semiconductor chip of the present invention has a wiring substrate and a chip part. The wiring substrate has an insulating resin layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, and a first wiring layer disposed on the insulating resin layer on the second major surface side. The chip part has a projection electrode on the bottom surface. The insulating resin layer holds the chip part such that the bottom and side surfaces of the chip part are in contact with the insulating resin layer, and the top surface of the chip part is exposed on the insulating layer on the first major surface side. The projection electrode of the chip part is connected with the first wiring layer. |
| US08035201B2 |
Reliable interconnection
Embodiments relate to a method for forming reliable interconnects by the use of a device layer that can serve as a barrier or an etch stop layer, among other applications. The device layer is UV resistant in that its dielectric constant and stress remain stable or relatively stable when subjected to UV curing. |
| US08035199B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor fin which is formed on the semiconductor substrate, which has a long side direction and a short side direction, and which has a carbon-containing silicon film including an impurity and a silicon film formed on the carbon-containing silicon film, a gate electrode which is formed to face both side surfaces of the semiconductor fin in the short side direction, source and drain regions which are respectively formed in the semiconductor fin located in the direction of both sides in the long side direction of the semiconductor fin so as to sandwich the gate electrode, and an element isolation insulating film which is formed on the side surface of the semiconductor fin and between the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08035197B2 |
Electronic device and method for fabricating the same
An electronic device has an element formed in the chip region of a substrate, a plurality of interlayer insulating films formed on the substrate, a wire formed in the interlayer insulating films in the chip region, and a plug formed in the interlayer insulating films in the chip region and connecting to the wire. A seal ring extending through the plurality of interlayer insulating films and continuously surrounding the chip region is formed in the peripheral portion of the chip region. A stress absorbing wall extending through the plurality of interlayer insulating films and discretely surrounding the seal ring is formed outside the seal ring. |
| US08035196B2 |
Methods of counter-doping collector regions in bipolar transistors
The present invention provides a method of forming a bipolar transistor. The method includes doping a silicon layer with a first type of dopant and performing a first implant process to implant dopant of a second type opposite the first type in the silicon layer. The implanted dopant has a first dopant profile in the silicon layer. The method also includes performing a second implant process to implant additional dopant of the second type in the silicon layer. The additional implanted dopant has a second dopant profile in the silicon layer different than the first dopant profile. The method further includes growing an insulating layer formed over the silicon layer by consuming a portion of the silicon layer and the first type of dopant. |
| US08035192B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor chip and through electrodes formed passing through the semiconductor chip. A ground layer connected to the through electrode and a patch antenna connected to the through electrode are provided through an inorganic insulating layer formed of SiO2 or SiN on a second face opposite to a first face (main face) of the semiconductor chip. |
| US08035191B2 |
Contact efuse structure
A contact efuse structure includes a silicon layer and a contact contacting the silicon layer with one end. When a voltage is applied to the contact, a void is formed at the end of the contact, and thus the contact is open. Such structure may be utilized in an efuse device or a read only memory. A method of making a contact efuse device and a method of making a read only memory are also disclosed. |
| US08035187B2 |
Semiconductor light receiving element and optical communication system
The present invention provides a semiconductor light receiving element capable of reducing capacity while minimizing increase in travel time of carriers. The semiconductor light receiving element includes a semiconductor stacked structure including a first conductivity type layer, a light absorbing layer, and a second conductivity type layer having a light incidence plane in order. The semiconductor light receiving element has an oxidation layer including a non-oxidation region and an oxidation region in a stacking in-plane direction in the light absorbing layer or between the first conductivity type layer and the light absorbing layer. |
| US08035185B2 |
Electrode, method of making same, photoelectric transfer element, method of manufacturing same, electronic device and method of manufacturing same
An electrode is composed of a carbon carrying a metal and a binder polymer, and it is used as a counter electrode of a dye-sensitized solar cell. The metal carried by carbon is at least one kind of metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru, Co, Ti, Ni, Al and Au. The carbon is needle-like carbon, fullerene, carbon nanotube, conductive carbon black, or the like, and its specific surface area is equal to or larger than 100 m2/g. |
| US08035183B2 |
Photodiodes with PN junction on both front and back sides
The present invention is directed toward a dual junction photodiode semiconductor device. The photodiode has a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a first impurity region of a second conductivity type shallowly diffused on the front side of the semiconductor substrate, a second impurity region of the second conductivity type shallowly diffused on the back side of the semiconductor substrate, a first PN junction formed between the first impurity region and the semiconductor substrate, and a second PN junction formed between the second impurity region and the semiconductor substrate. Since light beams of a shorter wavelength are absorbed near the surface of a semiconductor, while light beams of a longer wavelength reach deeper sections, the two PN junctions at front and back sides of the photodiode allow the device to be used as an adjustable low pass or high pass wavelength filter detector. |
| US08035180B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is an image sensor and method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including a photodiode for each unit pixel, an interlayer insulating layer including metal lines on the semiconductor substrate, and an optical refractive part in a region of the interlayer insulating layer corresponding to the photodiode for focusing light on the photodiode. The optical refractive part can be formed by implanting impurities into the interlayer insulating layer. |
| US08035179B2 |
Packaged microelectronic imagers and methods of packaging microelectronic imagers
Microelectronic imagers, methods for packaging microelectronic imagers, and methods for forming electrically conductive through-wafer interconnects in microelectronic imagers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a microelectronic imaging die can include a microelectronic substrate, an integrated circuit, and an image sensor electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. A bond-pad is carried by the substrate and electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. An electrically conductive through-wafer interconnect extends partially through the substrate and is in contact with the bond-pad. The interconnect can include a passage extending partially through the substrate to the bond-pad, a dielectric liner deposited into the passage and in contact with the substrate, a conductive layer deposited onto at least a portion of the dielectric liner, a wetting agent deposited onto at least a portion of the conductive layer, and a conductive fill material deposited into the passage and electrically coupled to the bond-pad. |
| US08035177B2 |
Magnetic stack with oxide to reduce switching current
A magnetic stack having a ferromagnetic free layer, a metal oxide layer that is antiferromagnetic at a first temperature and non-magnetic at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, and a non-magnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the reference layer. During a writing process, the metal oxide layer is non-magnetic. For magnetic memory cells, such as magnetic tunnel junction cells, the metal oxide layer provides reduced switching currents. |
| US08035176B2 |
MEMS package and packaging method thereof
Provided are a Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) package and a method of packaging the MEMS package. The MEMS package includes: a MEMS device including MEMS structures formed on a substrate, first pad electrodes driving the MEMS structures, first sealing parts formed at an edge of the substrate, and connectors formed on the first pad electrodes and the first sealing parts; and a MEMS driving electronic device including second pad electrodes and second sealing parts respectively corresponding to the first pad electrodes and the first sealing parts to be sealed with and bonded to the MEMS device through the connectors to form an air gap having a predetermined width. |
| US08035169B2 |
Semiconductor device with suppressed crystal defects in active areas
A technique that makes it possible to suppress a crystal defect produced in an active area and thereby reduce the fraction defective of semiconductor devices is provided. A first embodiment relates to the planar configuration of SRAM. One of the features of the first embodiment is as illustrated in FIG. 4. That is, on the precondition that the active areas in n-channel MISFET formation regions are all configured in the isolated structure: the width of the terminal sections is made larger than the width of the central parts of the active areas. For example, the terminal sections are formed in an L shape. |
| US08035168B2 |
Elevation of transistor channels to reduce impact of shallow trench isolation on transistor performance
Roughly described, transistor channel regions are elevated over the level of certain adjacent STI regions. Preferably the STI regions that are transversely adjacent to the diffusion regions are suppressed, as are STI regions that are longitudinally adjacent to N-channel diffusion regions. Preferably STI regions that are longitudinally adjacent to P-channel diffusions are not suppressed; preferably they have an elevation that is at least as high as that of the diffusion regions. |
| US08035166B2 |
Integrated circuit device with stress reduction layer
An integrated circuit device is disclosed that includes a dual stress liner NMOS device having a tensile stress layer that overlies a NMOS gate film stack, a dual stress liner PMOS device having a compressive stress layer that overlies a PMOS gate film stack, a reduced-stress dual stress liner NMOS device having a stress reduction layer that extends between the tensile stress layer and the NMOS gate film stack, and a reduced-stress dual stress liner PMOS device having a stress reduction layer that extends between the compressive stress layer and the PMOS gate film stack. In embodiments of the invention additional reduced-stress dual stress liner NMOS devices and reduced-stress PMOS devices are formed by altering the thickness and/or the material properties of the stress reduction layer. |
| US08035165B2 |
Integrating a first contact structure in a gate last process
A semiconductor device is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate, a transistor formed on the substrate, the transistor having a gate stack including a metal gate and high-k gate dielectric and a dual first contact formed on the substrate. The dual first contact includes a first contact feature, a second contact feature overlying the first contact feature, and a metal barrier formed on sidewalls and bottom of the second contact feature, the metal barrier layer coupling the first contact feature to the second contact feature. |
| US08035164B2 |
Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate having a first surface; an insulation layer; a semiconductor layer disposed to the first surface of the substrate with the insulation layer interposed between the semiconductor layer and the first surface; and a piezoelectric layer that is positioned between the first surface and the semiconductor layer, and disposed in a region included and interposed in the insulation layer. |
| US08035159B2 |
Device structure and manufacturing method using HDP deposited source-body implant block
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device. The trenched semiconductor power device includes a trenched gate, opened from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate, surrounded by a source region encompassed in a body region near the top surface above a drain region disposed on a bottom surface of a substrate. The semiconductor power device further includes an implanting-ion block disposed above the top surface on a mesa area next to the body region having a thickness substantially larger than 0.3 micron for blocking body implanting ions and source ions from entering into the substrate under the mesa area whereby masks for manufacturing the semiconductor power device can be reduced. |
| US08035154B2 |
Semiconductor device including a plurality of memory cells with no difference in erasing properties
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of bit lines, and a plurality of source lines. The memory cells are located in the semiconductor substrate. Each of the memory cells includes a trench provided in the semiconductor substrate, an oxide layer disposed on a sidewall of the trench, a tunnel oxide layer disposed at a bottom portion of the trench, a floating gate disposed in the trench so as to be surrounded by the oxide layer and the tunnel oxide layer, and an erasing electrode disposed on an opposing side of the tunnel oxide layer from the floating gate. The bit lines and the source lines are alternately arranged on the memory cells in parallel with each other. |
| US08035151B2 |
Semiconductor device capable of suppressing short channel effect and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including at least one memory channel region and at least one memory source/drain region, the memory channel region and the memory source/drain region being arranged alternately, and at least one word line on the memory channel region, wherein the memory source/drain region has a higher net impurity concentration than the memory channel region. |
| US08035145B2 |
Magnetic memory device
A magnetic memory device is provided. The magnetic memory device includes an invariable pinning pattern and a variable pinning pattern on a substrate. A tunnel barrier pattern is interposed between the invariable pinning pattern and the variable pinning pattern, and the pinned pattern is interposed between the invariable pinning pattern and the tunnel barrier pattern. A storage free pattern is interposed between the tunnel barrier pattern and the variable pinning pattern, and a guide free pattern is interposed between the storage free pattern and the variable pinning pattern. A free reversing pattern is interposed between the storage and guide free patterns. The free reversing pattern reverses a magnetization direction of the storage free pattern and a magnetization direction of the guide free pattern in the opposite directions. |
| US08035144B2 |
Color image sensor with improved optical crosstalk
The invention relates to image sensors produced on a thinned silicon substrate. To limit the optical crosstalk between adjacent filters and, notably filters of different colors, the invention proposes positioning, between the adjacent filters of different colors (FR, FB, FV), a wall (20) of a material tending to reflect the light so that the light arriving obliquely on a determined filter corresponding to a first pixel does not tend to pass toward an adjacent filter or toward a photosensitive zone corresponding to an adjacent pixel but is returned by the wall to the first filter or the photosensitive zone corresponding to the first pixel. The wall is preferably made of a material with a high reflection coefficient such as aluminium and it is sunk depthwise into the thinned semiconductor layer (16), preferably in p+ diffusions formed in the layer if it is of p-type. |
| US08035143B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are an image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate formed on a first surface thereof with a readout circuitry and a photodiode area; a metal interconnection layer formed on the first surface; a connection via metal extending from the first surface to a second surface of the semiconductor substrate, the connection via metal having a projection part projecting from the second surface; an insulating layer formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate to expose the projection part while surrounding a portion of a lateral side of the projection part; and a metal pad formed on the insulating layer such that the metal pad covers the projection part, thereby shortening an optical path to reduce light loss and improve image sensitivity. |
| US08035138B2 |
Junction field effect transistor and production method for the same
A junction field effect transistor of the present invention includes: a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate; a second conductivity type epitaxial layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; a first conductivity type epitaxial layer formed on the second conductivity type epitaxial layer; a second conductivity type source region which penetrates the first conductivity type epitaxial layer in a layer thickness direction thereof and is connected to the second conductivity type epitaxial layer; a second conductivity type drain region which is spaced from the source region, penetrates the first conductivity type epitaxial layer in the layer thickness direction, and is connected to the second conductivity type epitaxial layer; a source electrode connected to the source region; a drain electrode connected to the drain region; and a gate electrode electrically connected to the first conductivity type epitaxial layer between the source region and the drain region. |
| US08035136B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, a substrate is defined into active and non-active regions by a device isolation layer and a recessed portion is formed on the active region. A gate electrode includes a gate insulation layer on an inner sidewall and a bottom of the recessed portion, a lower electrode on the gate insulation layer and an inner spacer on the lower electrode in the recessed portion, and an upper electrode that is positioned on the inner spacer and connected to the lower electrode. Source and drain impurity regions are formed at surface portions of the active region of the substrate adjacent to the upper electrode. Accordingly, the source and drain impurity regions are electrically insulated by the inner spacer in the recessed portion of the substrate like a bridge, to thereby sufficiently prevent gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) at the gate electrode. |
| US08035130B2 |
Nitride semiconductor heterojunction field effect transistor having wide band gap barrier layer that includes high concentration impurity region
The objective of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device of a hetero-junction field effect transistor that is capable of obtaining a high output and a high breakdown voltage and a manufacturing method of the same. The present invention is a semiconductor device of a hetero-junction field effect transistor provided with an AlxGa1-xN channel layer with a composition ratio of Al being x (0 |
| US08035127B2 |
Packaging substrate structure with a semiconductor chip embedded therein
A packaging substrate structure with a semiconductor chip embedded therein is disclosed, including a carrier board having a first and an opposed second surfaces and disposed with at least a through cavity; a semiconductor chip received in the through cavity, the chip having an active surface and an inactive surface opposite to one another, wherein the active surface has a plurality of electrode pads, a passivation layer is disposed on the active surface with the electrode pads exposed from the passivation layer, and metal pads are disposed on surfaces of the electrode pads; a buffer layer disposed on the first surface of the carrier board and on surfaces of the passivation layer and the metal pads; a first dielectric layer disposed on the buffer layer; and a first circuit layer disposed on the first dielectric layer and electrically connected with the metal pads of the chip via first conductive structures disposed in the buffer layer and the first dielectric layer, wherein the CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) of the buffer layer is between the CTE of the semiconductor chip and the CTE of the dielectric layer. Thereby, the buffer layer can reduce the stress on the interface between the dielectric layer and the semiconductor chip. |
| US08035118B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device, method for manufacturing the same, and light-emitting apparatus including the same
A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device includes a layered portion emitting light on a substrate. The layered portion includes an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer. The periphery of the layered portion is inclined, and the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer is exposed at the periphery. An n electrode is disposed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. This device structure can enhance the emission efficiency and the light extraction efficiency. |
| US08035112B1 |
SIC power DMOSFET with self-aligned source contact
An intermediate product in the fabrication of a MOSFET, including a silicon carbide wafer having a substrate and a drift layer on said substrate, said drift layer having a plurality of source regions formed adjacent an upper surface thereof; a first oxide layer on said upper surface of said drift layer; a plurality of polysilicon gates above said first oxide layer, said plurality of polysilicon gates including a first gate adjacent a first of said source regions; an oxide layer over said first source region of greater thickness than said first oxide layer; and, an oxide layer over said first gate of substantially greater thickness than said oxide layer over said first source region. |
| US08035111B2 |
Integrated nitride and silicon carbide-based devices
Monolithic electronic devices are providing including a high bandgap layer. A first type of nitride device is provided on a first portion of the high bandgap layer, the first nitride device including first and second implanted regions respectively defining source and drain regions of the first type of nitride device. A second type of nitride device, different from the first type of nitride device, is provided on a second portion of the high bandgap layer, the second type of nitride device including an implanted highly conductive region. At least a portion of the implanted highly conductive region of the second type of nitride device is coplanar with at least a portion of both the first and second implanted regions of the first type of nitride device. |
| US08035110B2 |
Thin-film transistor substrate having oxide active layer patterns and method of fabricating the same
A thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate has improved electrical properties and reduced appearance defects and a method of fabricating the TFT substrate, are provided. The TFT substrate includes: gate wiring which is formed on a surface of an insulating substrate; oxide active layer patterns which are formed on the gate wiring and include an oxide of a first material; buffer layer patterns which are disposed on the oxide active layer patterns to directly contact the oxide active layer patterns and include a second material; and data wiring which is formed on the buffer layer patterns to insulatedly cross the gate wiring, wherein a Gibbs free energy of the oxide of the first material is lower than a Gibbs free energy of an oxide of the second material. |
| US08035104B2 |
Thin film transistor display panel and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor array panel that includes an organic layer formed on a data line and a drain electrode disposed on a color filter. A thickness of a portion of the organic layer around a contact hole exposing a portion of the drain electrode is similar to a thickness of a portion of the organic layer around a contact hole exposing a portion of the data line. Having approximately the same thickness can prevent non-uniform etching of the organic layer around contact holes and deterioration of the thin film transistor array panel. |
| US08035098B1 |
Transistor with asymmetric silicon germanium source region
The present invention is directed to a transistor with an asymmetric silicon germanium source region, and various methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the transistor includes a gate electrode formed above a semiconducting substrate comprised of silicon, a doped source region comprising a region of epitaxially grown silicon that is doped with germanium formed in the semiconducting substrate and a doped drain region formed in the semiconducting substrate. |
| US08035092B2 |
Laser produced plasma EUV light source
A device is disclosed which may comprise a system generating a plasma at a plasma site, the plasma producing EUV radiation and ions exiting the plasma. The device may also include an optic, e.g., a multi-layer mirror, distanced from the site by a distance, d, and a flowing gas disposed between the plasma and optic, the gas establishing a gas pressure sufficient to operate over the distance, d, to reduce ion energy below a pre-selected value before the ions reach the optic. In one embodiment, the gas may comprise hydrogen and in a particular embodiment, the gas may comprise greater than 50 percent hydrogen by volume. |
| US08035086B2 |
Aberration correction apparatus that corrects spherical aberration of charged particle apparatus
To provide an aberration correction configuration that can realize both an aberration correction function for a long focus and an aberration correction function for a short focus. While having a conventional aberration correction apparatus configuration that has two rotationally symmetric lenses arranged between two multipole lenses, three rotationally symmetric lenses are disposed between an objective lens and a multipole lens instead of the conventional arrangement in which two rotationally symmetric lenses are disposed therebetween. When using the objective lens with a long focal length, aberrations are corrected using two rotationally symmetric lenses among three rotationally symmetric lenses disposed between the objective lens and the multipole lens. When using the objective lens with a short focal length, e.g. for high resolution observation, aberrations are corrected using two rotationally symmetric lenses of a different combination to those used for a long focus, among the three rotationally symmetric lenses disposed between the objective lens and the multipole lens. (See FIG. 3) |
| US08035081B2 |
High precision electric gate for time-of-flight ion mass spectrometers
A time-of-flight mass spectrometer having a chamber with electrodes to generate an electric field in the chamber and electric gating for allowing ions with a predetermined mass and velocity into the electric field. The design uses a row of very thin parallel aligned wires that are pulsed in sequence so the ion can pass through the gap of two parallel plates, which are biased to prevent passage of the ion. This design by itself can provide a high mass resolution capability and a very precise start pulse for an ion mass spectrometer. Furthermore, the ion will only pass through the chamber if it is within a wire diameter of the first wire when it is pulsed and has the right speed so it is near all other wires when they are pulsed. |
| US08035078B1 |
Distributed display composed of active fiducials
An apparatus configured to obtain, process, and relay data to a user in a coherent and useful manner. An active fiducial is equipped with an interface for receiving and transmitting data. The fiducial may transmit its position using a satellite-based position sensing device such as a GPS. Active fiducials may also be equipped with battery power pack regenerated with solar cells. Similarly, the fiducials can be equipped with at least one video camera or other device having a focal plane array and a computer software system, configured to recognize shapes. The fiducials may also be equipped with inductive coils or other means for sensing metal containing compounds. The active fiducials may be equipped with a gas chromatograph. The active fiducials may use a variety of propulsion means including motor driven tracks, motor driven wheels, propellers, or other device or a combination of devices. |
| US08035077B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is manufactured through steps in which a photoelectric conversion element and an amplifier circuit are formed over a first substrate with a release layer interposed therebetween, and the photoelectric conversion element and the amplifier circuit are separated from the first substrate. Output characteristics of the amplifier circuit are improved and the semiconductor device with high reliability is obtained. A manufacturing method of such semiconductor device includes steps of forming a metal layer having an opening portion over a substrate, forming an insulating layer over the entire surface of the substrate including the opening portion and the metal layer, forming a photoelectric conversion layer in a region which overlaps with the metal layer and is a layer over the insulating layer, forming an amplifier circuit, which amplifies an output current of the photoelectric conversion element by using a thin film transistor, in the opening portion in the metal layer, forming a protective layer over the photoelectric conversion element and the amplifier circuit, and separating the photoelectric conversion element and the amplifier circuit, together with the insulating layer, from the substrate through laser irradiation to the metal layer. |
| US08035072B2 |
Optical semiconductor device and infrared data communication apparatus eliminating low frequency component
An optical semiconductor device and an infrared data communication apparatus eliminating a direct current component and a low frequency component included in a light signal. The optical semiconductor device converts a light signal into an electric signal and amplifies the converted electric signal. The optical semiconductor device includes: a photodiode which converts a light signal into a current signal; another photodiode which converts a light signal into a current signal; a current amplifying circuit which includes an operational amplifier which amplifies an output current from the photodiode; and a current-voltage conversion circuit which converts an output current from the other photodiode into a voltage. An output terminal of the current amplifying circuit is connected to an input terminal of the current-voltage conversion circuit. |
| US08035070B2 |
Imaging apparatus and device
An imaging apparatus capable of suppressing deterioration of image qualities and output properties is provided having one or more output circuits in series and a buffer circuit 6, and processing luminance signals from photodetectors to output image information, the buffer circuit performing impedance conversion on signals outputted from a final output circuit of the one or more output circuits, the final output circuit being a source follower circuit that has an active element and a current source circuit 5 which is inserted between a source terminal of the active element and a reference voltage terminal, wherein the current source circuit and the buffer circuit 6 are external to a solid-state image sensor 1 having the photodetectors, and a main part of the current source circuit 5 and a main part of the buffer circuit 6 are in a single package. |
| US08035067B2 |
Solid-state image capturing device, image capturing device, and manufacturing method of solid-state image capturing device
A solid-state image capturing device, includes a semiconductor board, upon which same semiconductor board are disposed in a predetermined order: a first detecting unit for detecting a first wavelength region component within an electromagnetic wave; and a second detecting unit for detecting a second wavelength region component which is longer wavelength side than at least the first wavelength region component, wherein in the depth direction from the surface of the semiconductor board, a valid region where a first electroconductive type dopant of the second detecting unit is formed reaches a portion deeper than a valid region where a first electroconductive type dopant of the first detecting unit is formed. |
| US08035064B1 |
Heating unit for refrigerant charging cylinders
The product is basically a heating blanket that is adapted in size to fit around a canister of refrigerant used to recharge heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators in a commercial or home setting. The blanket has a heating element within it which heats the canister when placed around the canister. From one corner of the blanket is an electrical cord which runs to a small control unit and then to a plug that fits a common 110 voltage household outlet. The control unit consists of a fitting that is designed to be attached to the valve on the top of the refrigerant canister. This fitting is attached to a pressure sensitive valve that sense the pressure of the refrigerant that passes through the valve. This pressure sensitive valve turns off the flow of electric to the blanket when the gas hits a certain pressure. |
| US08035063B2 |
Electronic power control for cooktop heaters
A power control system for an electric cooktop. The power level is set by a knob connected to a potentiometer. Potentiometer information is digitally communicated by a controller over a serial communication bus to a power unit. The power unit communicates power level display information back to the controller over the same serial communication bus. The display information is displayed as numbers on a digital display by the controller. The power unit controls a heating element of the cooktop according to the potentiometer information. A second potentiometer can be added to control a second heating element by operating as a slave to the first controller. Further, multiple heating elements can be controlled by a single potentiometer by dividing the angular rotation into multiple segments or ranges. |
| US08035061B2 |
Hairdressing device
A hairdressing device is designed to heat a hair at different temperatures. The device includes first and second arms coupled together by a hinge so that the arms can be closed together when pressed toward each other, each of the first and second arms including a grip portion and a head portion extending from the grip portion. The first arm includes a first heat generating body having at least one electric heater arranged in the head portion for heating a hair. The second arm includes a second heat generating body having two electric heaters arranged side by side in the head portion for heating the hair at different temperatures and a digital display part provided on an outer surface of the second arm for indicating information on a permanent to be performed. |
| US08035055B2 |
Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body. |
| US08035052B2 |
Method and apparatus for visiometric in-line product inspection
A method and an apparatus for grouping individual products such as industrially baked products that travel past a visiometry station into lots for counting them. In a viewing zone of a conveyor belt, a laser triangulation visiometry system is used. The method and apparatus also uses a signal processor associated with the camera that deduces from the images acquired thereby at least one piece of information on the location of the products on the conveyor belt as well as height information thereon. This information is then used by the signal processor to automatically distinguish between the presence of a product and the presence of contaminating material (for example flour or chocolate particles) on the conveyor belt and to distinguish the presence of several partially or fully overlapping products from the presence of a single product on said conveyor belt. Preferably, two cameras are disposed symmetrically relative to a laser plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the viewing zone. |
| US08035050B1 |
Deformable cap for a computer pointing device
A deformable cap for a computer pointing device is provided that may be particularly useful for miniature joystick-type pointing devices such as the TrackPoin™ and ScrollPoint™ devices manufactured by the IBM corporation of Armonk, N.Y. When an operator places a fingertip on the cap, the cap deforms thereby advantageously increasing the surface area of contact between the cap and the fingertip. All embodiments of the cap are placed on an upper portion of a control stick of the pointing device. A first embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support, a disc, a plurality of wire supports, and an elastic cover that overlays the disc and wire supports. An inner surface of the cover may be scored to ensure repeatable deformation of the cap. A spring may be attached to a lower surface of the disc to assist the cap in regaining its original shape once the operator's fingertip is removed. A second embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support, a plurality of wire supports, and an elastic cover overlaying the wire supports. An inner surface of the cover may be scored. The cap may be hollow or may be filled with a deformable material. A third embodiment of the cap includes a bottom support and an elastic cover in which an inner surface of the cover may be scored. The cap may be hollow or may be filled with a deformable material. |
| US08035047B2 |
Reduced material plug-on jaw with symmetrical spring for a circuit breaker
A circuit breaker includes a stationary contact, a plug-on half jaw, and a jaw spring. The plug-on half jaw is electrically coupled to the stationary contact and has a single terminal end for receiving a bus bar. The jaw spring is operatively coupled to the half jaw and has a bridge portion connecting two symmetrical spring legs. |
| US08035046B2 |
Control device for a bicycle and bicycle comprising same
A control device (1) for a bicycle for providing at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one bicycle component is provided, comprising a support body (2), at least one switch (47, 48), and a respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70), the switch (47, 48) and the respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70) are included in a switch unit (30) so as to be integrally removable from the support body (2). By so including said components (47, 48, 34, 35, 70) in a self-standing switch unit (30), in the case of a failure or malfunction of the switch (47, 48), the switch unit (30) can be easily inspected and possibly replaced. |
| US08035031B2 |
Data transmission
A system for data transmission over an electricity distribution network. The system having an electrical apparatus having a shielded cable connected thereto. The cable has a core surrounded by a metallic sheath and armour surrounding the metallic sheath, wherein the armour is disengaged from around the metallic sheath at a position where the cable enters the apparatus and is supported relative to the apparatus at a position spaced from that position such that a portion of the metallic sheath is exposed. |
| US08035030B2 |
Hermetically sealed electrical connection assembly
A method of manufacturing a hermetically sealed electrical connection is provided. The method includes providing an electrically conductive wire, surrounding the electrically conductive wire with a metal layer, providing an insulating layer between the metal layer and the electrically conductive wire, and applying a magnetically-induced compressive force to the metal layer such that the metal layer is compressed against the insulating layer and the insulating layer is compressed against the electrically conductive wire to form a hermetic seal between the metal layer and the conductive wire while maintaining the insulating layer therebetween. |
| US08035025B1 |
Acoustic musical instrument with transducers
A stringed musical instrument may include various features, including any of a soundboard designed for efficient production of acoustic tone, a removable cover for easy access to the instrument's interior, a tailpiece mounted to receive and tension strings, one or more transducers to record and amplify musical tones, a dampening device that further improves operation of the transducers, a detachable thumbrest, an overbrace to strengthen supporting cross members that embody openings, and a rigid overlay that may be placed over an original fretted fingerboard to create a fretless surface for the strings to contact. |
| US08035024B2 |
Phase-staggered multi-channel signal panning
This invention provides a signal processing and signal synthesis technique from a family of signal processing and signal synthesis techniques designed to readily interwork or be used individually in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. Phase staggered multi-channel signal panning creates spatial perturbation and chase effects for subtle or dramatic application, and may be swept with control signals from a low-frequency oscillator, transient envelope, or other source. Phase-staggering and modulation parameters may be recalled from stored program control or modulated in real-time by arbitrary control signals, including those derived from the original input signal. The invention may be used individually or in conjunction with other signal processing and signal synthesis techniques in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. The invention may also be used in spatially-distributed timbre construction. |
| US08035023B2 |
Predictive environment music playlist selection
An entertainment system has a music storage system storing a plurality of music pieces, a playback system coupled with the music storage system, a navigation system providing current map information including a present location, wherein a current map has a plurality of zones each being assigned to one of a plurality of zone types, and a controller for controlling playback of selected music pieces, wherein the controller maintains a plurality of playlists, each having a plurality of music pieces and being assigned to at least one zone type. The controller receives information of a present location and a current zone type and selects an assigned playlist, wherein the navigation system further provides information about a distance and/or time to a next zone. The controller modifies the assigned playlist such that a transition to the next zone is timely synchronized with the ending of a music piece of the assigned playlist. |
| US08035022B2 |
Method and system for delivering signaling tone sequences
In a method for delivering signaling tones to signaling devices or signaling systems, a signaling tone sequence is selected from a set of undelivered signaling tone sequences. The selected signaling tone sequence is removed from the set of undelivered signaling tone sequences, and the selected signaling tone sequence is delivered. |
| US08035019B2 |
Wearable instrument supporting means
A wearable instrument supporting means comprising: an instrument mountable support (10) having a surface (11); and a wearable support (1) having at least one region (4) that has a non-slip relationship with said surface (11) of the instrument mountable support (10); and wherein said at least one region (4) is positioned to contactably align with the surface (11) of the instrument mountable support (10) when the instrument (15) is in normal use. |
| US08035018B2 |
Vertically vented drum shell
A shell for a drum adapted to have at least one drum head fixedly secured thereto, includes at least one sidewall, a height and a plurality of flared vertical slots. The shell is comprised of a plurality of staves spaced from one another to create flared slots. The staves are of rectangular cross section. Each of the flared slots may be extends in length a major portion of the height of the drum shell. The flared slots may be non-linear or horizontally directed. Filler elements may be located within at least one of the slots. |
| US08035016B2 |
Method of using gold nanorods-siRNA complexes
Provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting expression of one or more target genes. The compositions contain RNA polynucleotides that can inhibit expression of a target gene via RNA interference (RNAi) electrostatically complexed with surface functionalized gold nanorods (GNRs). The RNA polynucleotides are not covalently bound to the surface functionalized GNRs. The method involves inhibiting expression of a target gene in an individual. The method is performed by administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition containing surface functionalized GNRs electrostatically complexed with RNA polynucleotides, such as siRNA, that can inhibit expression of the target gene via RNAi. The siRNA is not covalently bound to the surface functionalized GNRs. |
| US08035015B1 |
Maize variety hybrid 10034320
A novel maize variety designated 10034320 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10034320 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10034320 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10034320, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10034320. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10034320. |
| US08035014B1 |
Maize variety inbred PH11V0
A novel maize variety designated PH11V0 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH11V0 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH11V0 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 PH11V0 or a locus conversion of PH11V0 with another maize variety. |
| US08035011B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH524818
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH524818. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH524818, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH524818 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH524818. |
| US08035007B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH288631
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH288631. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH288631, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH288631 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH288631. |
| US08035004B1 |
Soybean cultivar 98193227
A soybean cultivar designated 98193227 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 98193227, to the plants of soybean 98193227, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 98193227, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 98193227 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 98193227, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 98193227, 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 98193227 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08034993B2 |
Generation of plants with altered protein, fiber, or oil content
The present invention is directed to plants that display an improved oil quantity phenotype or an improved meal quality phenotype due to altered expression of an IMQ nucleic acid. The invention is further directed to methods of generating plants with an improved oil quantity phenotype or improved meal quality phenotype. |
| US08034992B2 |
Gibberellin 2-oxidase genes and uses thereof
Novel gibberellin 2-oxidase (GA2ox) genes were identified. Differential expression of GA2ox genes correlated with flower development, seed germination, tiller growth and other developmental processes. In addition, the early and increased growth of tiller and adventitious root and altered root architecture caused by overexpression of GA2oxs further suggest the pleiotropic role of GA2oxs in controlling growth and architecture in plants such as rice. GA2ox5, GA2ox6 and GA2ox9 were three genes encoding class C20 GA2oxs in rice. Mutants or transgenic rice overexpressing class C20 GA2oxs exhibited a broad range of mutant phenotypes, including semi-dwarfism, increased root system and higher tiller numbers that may favor grain yield. Mutations in the conserved domain III were found to affect the physiological activity of class C20 GA2oxs. |
| US08034991B2 |
Absorbent article including a plurality of longitudinally extending channels
An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region. |
| US08034983B2 |
Process for the preparation of xanthophyll crystals
The invention describes the preparation and isolation of xanthophylls from plant sources, whereby a transesterification process is utilized without the necessity of an aqueous format. |
| US08034981B2 |
Modified bio-related substance, process for producing the same, and intermediate
A modified bio-related substance, wherein at least one poly(alkylene glycol)oxy group represented by the following formula (1) is combined in a molecule: wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, OA1 and OA2 are each an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the groups represented by R are the same or different from each other in one molecule, and the groups represented by OA2 are the same or different from each other in one molecule, n and m are each average number of moles of the oxyalkylene group added, n represents 0 to 1000, and m represents 10 to 1000. |
| US08034975B2 |
Method of manufacturing succinic acid and ammonium succinate solutions
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a highly pure ammonium succinate solution including the steps of (A) producing calcium succinate trihydrate by crystallization fermentation of a microorganism; (B) converting calcium succinate trihydrate to calcium succinate monohydrate by transition crystallization; (C) separating the calcium succinate monohydrate crystals; (D) substituting the calcium salt in the calcium succinate monohydrate with ammonium salt resulting in an ammonium succinate solution; and (E) removing the solid calcium carbonate from the ammonium succinate solution. |
| US08034967B2 |
Method of preparing a purified ester-substituted phenol stream
A method of producing a purified ester-substituted phenol stream is provided. The method includes a first step of obtaining from a melt transesterification reaction a byproduct stream containing a residual ester-substituted diaryl carbonate, an ester-substituted phenol, a residual melt transesterification catalyst, and a catalyst degradation product. A second step includes treating the reaction byproduct stream to separate ester-substituted phenol and catalyst degradation product from residual ester-substituted diaryl carbonate and residual melt transesterification catalyst to create a light recycle stream containing ester-substituted phenol and catalyst degradation product and a heavy recycle stream containing residual ester-substituted diaryl carbonate and residual melt transesterification catalyst. A third step includes treating the light recycle stream to reduce catalyst degradation product concentration thereby producing a purified ester-substituted phenol stream. |
| US08034966B1 |
Phenoxyisobutyric acid compounds and methods for synthesis
The present invention provides a process for the synthesis of substituted arylureidophenoxymethylpropionic acid and related compounds including bifunctional and tetrafunctional derivatives. The compounds are useful for inhibiting the formation of AGEs (Aminaglycation end products). |
| US08034963B2 |
Process for refining fats and oils
The present invention relates to a process for cooling fatty acid distillate from scrubbing section in a fats and oils refinery comprising cooling the fatty acid distillate by heat recovery in at least one heat-exchanging zone with refined oils having a temperature above about 50° C. heating the refined fats and oils to a temperature above about 70° C. The present invention relates further to a process for refining crude fats and oils, and refining plant for refining crude fats and oils. |
| US08034953B2 |
Modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and methods of using the same
The present invention is directed to modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as compositions and pharmaceutical methods thereof. |
| US08034952B2 |
Supramolecular assemblies and building blocks
The present invention generally relates to supramolecular assemblies and their modes of synthesis. The supramolecular assemblies include a 1:8 ratio of a supermolecular polyhedral building block and a triangular molecular building block, the supermolecular polyhedral building block having points of extension corresponding to the vertices of a rhombicuboctahedron for linking the supermolecular polyhedral building block to the triangular building block. |
| US08034950B2 |
Processes for the facile synthesis of diaryl amines and analogues thereof
The present invention relates to processes for the facile synthesis of diaryl amines and analogues thereof. The processes of the present invention produce diaryl amines in high yield and purity. The present invention also relates to intermediates useful in the process of the present invention. |
| US08034948B2 |
Method for resolving omeprazole salts
The present invention relates to the resolution by preferential crystallization of potassium salts of racemic omeprazole which is a solvate of ethanol and/or of ethylene glycol, which consists in converting the omeprazole to the potassium salt in the form of a solvate or of a mixture of these solvates in the presence of an excess of inorganic base which is a source of potassium, the said potassium salts existing in the form of conglomerates, and in then resolving the said conglomerates, independently or simultaneously, by preferential crystallization in order to separate the two (S) and (R) enantiomers of these potassium salts of omeprazole. |
| US08034946B2 |
Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists
This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, m, n, p, s, t, W, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R8 are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders. |
| US08034945B2 |
4-phenyl-5-OXO-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline derivatives as medicaments for the treatment of infertility
The invention relates to a 4-phenyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline derivative according to Formula (I), wherein the substituents are defined as in the description, or a pharmaceutically salt thereof. The compounds of this invention are potent FSH receptor activators and may be used for treating fertility disorders in e.g. controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF procedures. |
| US08034943B2 |
6-aminoisoquinoline compounds
6-Aminoisoquinoline compounds are provided that influence, inhibit or reduce the action of a kinase. Pharmaceutical compositions including therapeutically effective amounts of the 6-aminoisoquinoline compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are also provided. Various methods using the compounds and/or compositions to affect disease states or conditions such as cancer, obesity and glaucoma are also provided. |
| US08034941B2 |
Imidazopyridazinone and imidazopyridone derivatives, the preparation thereof and their use as pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to substituted imidazo-pyridinones and imidazo-pyridazinones of general formula wherein Y and R1 to R4 are defined as in claim 1, the tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibiting effect on the activity of the enzyme dipeptidylpeptidase-IV (DPP-IV). |
| US08034933B2 |
Piperidine derivatives useful as CCR5 antagonists
The present invention provides a compound of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R9, R10, A and B are as defined in the specification. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of this invention, and methods of treatment using the compound of this invention. The invention also relates to the use of a combination of a compound of this invention and one or more antiviral or other agents useful in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The invention further relates to the use of a compound of this invention, alone or in combination with another agent, in the treatment of solid organ transplant rejection, graft v. host disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asthma, allergies or multiple sclerosis. |
| US08034925B2 |
Glucosamine and method of making glucosamine from microbial biomass
Glucosamine suitable for human or animal consumption is disclosed. The glucosamine is derived from fungal biomass containing chitin. Various methods of producing glucosamine by acid hydrolysis of fermented fungal biomass are also disclosed. |
| US08034924B2 |
Process for production of crystal of purine nucleoside compound
Crystals of a purine nucleoside compound, particularly crystals of 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine, which have excellent storage stability and have a concentration of phosphate attached to the crystal of 25 ppm or more, may be produce by: (1) preparing an aqueous solution containing phosphate ion (PO43−) and a purine nucleoside compound; and (2) crystallizing the purine nucleoside compound from the aqueous solution. |
| US08034921B2 |
IRNA agents targeting CCR5 expressing cells and uses thereof
The invention relates to iRNA agents that preferably include a modification that targets CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5). The invention also relates to methods of making and using such modified iRNA agents. |
| US08034916B2 |
Expression control elements from the Lemnaceae family
Compositions and methods for regulating expression of nucleotide sequences of interest in a plant are provided. Compositions include novel nucleic acid molecules, and variants and fragments thereof, for expression control elements isolated from the Lemnaceae ubiquitin, r-histone and chitinase genes. A method for expressing a nucleotide sequence of interest in a plant using the expression control elements disclosed herein is further provided. The method includes introducing into a plant or plant cell or nodule an expression construct comprising an expression control element of the present invention operably linked to a nucleotide sequence of interest. In particular, the compositions and methods find use in enhancing expression of nucleotide sequences of interest in duckweed. Also provided is a novel Lemnaceae signal peptide-encoding sequence and the signal peptide encoded thereby. Where an expression construct of the invention is designed to express a polypeptide of interest, this novel signal peptide-encoding sequence can be included within the expression construct of the invention to provide for extracellular secretion of the encoded polypeptide of interest. |
| US08034915B2 |
Gene expression construct
Provided are novel nucleic acid molecule encoding modified HAP1 DNA-binding domains. Also provided are novel reporter genes based on GFP and extension. The materials provided by the invention may be used in a variety of methods of activating genes having HAP1 upstream activation sequences in plants, which methods can be used to co-ordinate or investigate gene expression, optionally in conjunction with GAL4-regulated expression, and also in novel “enhancer” traps. |
| US08034908B2 |
Glycolipids and synthetic method thereof as well as their synthetic intermediates, and synthetic method thereof
Novel glycolipid derivatives, where the substituent of the sphingosine base part is a short carbon chain alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group and efficient synthetic methods for practical mass production of the same and intermediates useful for the synthesis of these compounds.Glycolipids having the formula (I): where R3 indicates a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C7 linear alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group and R8 indicates a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C35 alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group are chemically synthesized. |
| US08034907B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding soluble, stable forms of human double minute 2 polypeptides
The present invention discloses modified Hdm2 proteins that are soluble. In addition, the present invention discloses nucleic acids that encode the modified Hdm2 proteins of the present invention. The invention also provides crystals of modified Hdm2 proteins that are suitable for X-ray crystallization analysis. The present invention also discloses methods of using the modified Hdm2 proteins and crystals thereof to identify, select and/or design compounds that may be used as anticancer agents. The present invention further discloses compounds that bind to modified Hdm2 proteins in protein-ligand complexes. |
| US08034906B2 |
Crystalline anti-hTNFalpha antibodies
The present invention relates to a batch crystallization method for crystallizing an anti-hTNFalpha antibody which allows the production of said antibody on an industrial scale; antibody crystals as obtained according to said method; compositions containing said crystals as well as methods of use of said crystals and compositions. |
| US08034905B2 |
Anti-VEGF antibody compositions and methods
Disclosed are human antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two primary VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new human antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific human antibodies are also provided. |
| US08034904B2 |
Anti-IGF-I receptor antibody
Antibodies, humanized antibodies, resurfaced antibodies, antibody fragments, derivatized antibodies, and conjugates of these molecules with cytotoxic agents, which specifically bind to and inhibit insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, antagonize the effects of IGF-I and are substantially devoid of agonist activity toward the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. These molecules can be conjugated to cytotoxic agents for use in the treatment of tumors that express elevated levels of IGF-I receptor, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian carcinoma, synovial sarcoma and pancreatic cancer. These molecules can also be labeled for in vitro and in vivo diagnostic uses, such as in the diagnosis and imaging of tumors that express elevated levels of IGF-I receptor. |
| US08034899B2 |
HIV fusion inhibitor peptides with improved biological properties
Provided is an HIV fusion inhibitor peptide having an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, or SEQ ID NO:15; and provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a HIV fusion inhibitor peptide and one or more of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and macromolecular carrier, and uses and methods of treatment provided by these compositions. |
| US08034897B1 |
Recombinant spider silk proteins
The present invention is directed to recombinant spider silk proteins, nucleic acids, coding for these recombinant spider silk proteins, as well as hosts suitable for expressing those nucleic acids. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method of aggregation of spider silk proteins and the use of the proteins in the field of biotechnology and/or medicine and other industrial fields, in particular in the manufacture of automotive parts, in the aircraft construction, in the processing of textiles and leather, as well as in the manufacture and processing of paper and the like. |
| US08034896B2 |
Method and system for degassing polymer powder
The present invention relates to a method for degassing polymer powder comprising flushing the polymer powder in a first chamber with a first flow of flushing gas, transferring the polymer powder into a second chamber and flushing the polymer powder with a second flow of flushing gas in said second chamber. The present invention also relates to a system suitable for carrying out this method. |
| US08034890B2 |
Porous films and bodies with enhanced mechanical strength
This invention provides a process for making a polyfunctional starburst-shaped fullerene derivative for use as a matrix-reinforcing agent for mesoporous and other porous materials. This invention can include the formation of a highly soluble example of such a derivative from a fullerene and a bifunctional coupling agent. A solution of said agent can be delivered to the surface of a porous solid during, or after, the solids formation. Porous films and bodies containing such a matrix-reinforcing agent can exhibit improved mechanical properties, and can be produced using equipment and techniques common and available to those skilled in the art of porous materials preparations. |
| US08034888B2 |
Amphoteric ethyl methacrylate copolymers and use thereof
The present invention relates to amphoteric copolymers which comprise ethyl methacrylate, if appropriate a N-vinyllactam compound, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and at least one compound with α,β-ethylenically unsaturated double bond and at least one cationogenic and/or cationic group in copolymerized form, to cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions which comprise such copolymers, to preparation methods, and to the use of these copolymers. |
| US08034887B2 |
Process for preparing microcapsules
The present invention relates to a process for preparing microcapsules comprising a lipophilic capsule core and a capsule wall synthesized from 30% to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of one or more monomers (monomers I) from the group comprising C1-C24 alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and maleic acid, 0% to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of one or more difunctional or polyfunctional monomers (monomers II) which are sparingly soluble or insoluble in water, and 0% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of one or more other monomers (monomers III). |
| US08034884B2 |
Gaseous phase fluidized-bed reactor
Gas-phase fluidized-bed reactor for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, comprising a reactor chamber (1) in the form of a vertical tube, if desired a calming zone (2) following the upper section of the reactor chamber, a circulation gas line (3), a circulation gas compressor (4) and a cooling device (5), where, in the region of transition of the reaction gas from the circulation gas line into the reactor chamber and in the lower section of the reactor chamber itself, there is either no gas distributor plate at all or only a gas distributor plate the total surface area of whose gas orifices is more than 20% of the total surface area of said gas distributor plate. |
| US08034879B2 |
Method for preparation of penta-block copolymers with oh-functionalized blocks based on (meth)acrylate
The invention relates to a process for preparing CABAC or ACBCA pentablock copolymers based on (meth)acrylate with an OH functionalization of the A blocks. |
| US08034878B2 |
Low molecular weight ethylene interpolymers, methods of making, and uses thereof
The invention provides a comprising one or more ethylene interpolymers, and wherein the interpolymers, or the composition, has a melt viscosity from 1 to 30,000 cP at 177° C., and wherein at least one ethylene interpolymer has an Rv from 0.3 to 0.99. The invention further provides a composition comprising at least one low molecular weight (LMW) ethylene interpolymer, and at least one high molecular weight (HMW) ethylene interpolymer, and wherein the composition has a melt viscosity from 1 to 30,000 cP at 177° C., and wherein the sum of the Rv from the low molecular weight interpolymer and the high molecular weight interpolymer is from 0.3 to 2. The invention further provides for processes of making such compositions, processes for functionalizing the interpolymer(s) of such compositions, and articles comprising at least one component prepared from an inventive composition. |
| US08034877B2 |
Aqueous intermediate coating composition and method for forming multilayer coating film
The present invention provides an aqueous intermediate coating composition comprising: (A) a resin containing hydroxyl and carboxyl groups with a hydroxyl value of 100 to 200 mg KOH/g and an acid value of 20 to 50 mg KOH/g; (B) at least one curing agent selected from the group consisting of melamine resins and blocked polyisocyanate compounds; and (C) flat pigment particles; the molecular weight distribution of a curable resin component comprising component (A) and component (B) including from 30 to 50% by weight of a component with a molecular weight of less than 1,000, and 10% by weight or less of a component with a molecular weight exceeding 100,000; the proportion of component (C) being from 2 to 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the resin component; and when the intermediate coating composition is applied to an undercoating film, pre-dried at 100° C. for 30 minutes and then heat-cured at 145° C. for 30 minutes, the film thickness shrinkage percentage of the cured coating film being 20% or less based on the film thickness of the coating film after pre-drying. The invention also provides a method for forming a multilayer coating film using the aqueous intermediate coating composition. |
| US08034876B2 |
Organic fiber-reinforced composite resin composition and organic fiber-reinforced composite resin molded article
There are provided an organic fiber-reinforced composite resin composition which is good in fiber dispersion, excellent in appearance, excellent in mechanical properties such as tensile elongation at break or impact strength and easy in thermal recycle; and a molded article obtained therefrom.An organic fiber-reinforced composite resin composition comprising (a) 60 to 95% by weight of a polyolefin resin (provided that an acid-modified polyolefin resin is excluded) and (b) 40 to 5% by weight (provided that (a)+(b)=100% by weight) of organic fiber to which a polar resin (provided that an acid-modified polyolefin resin is excluded) is attached, or an organic fiber-reinforced composite resin composition comprising organic fiber in an amount of 10 to 200 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin and having an Izod impact strength at −40° C. of 10 kJ/m2 or more, and further, an organic fiber-reinforced composite resin molded article obtained therefrom. |
| US08034874B2 |
Medical devices having polymeric regions that contain fluorocarbon-containing block copolymers
In one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices, which contain at least one polymeric region. The polymeric region contains at least one fluorocarbon-containing block copolymer, which, in turn, contains (a) at least one fluorocarbon-containing, low glass transition temperature (low Tg) copolymer chain and (b) at least one glass transition temperature (high Tg) polymer chain. |
| US08034873B2 |
In-situ plasticized thermoplastic polyurethane
In-situ plasticized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions are made by a process which involves reacting a polyol, glycol chain extender and a polyisocyanate where the reaction is conducted in the presence of a plasticizer. The reactants together with the plasticizer are added to a reaction extruder and reacted to form the in-situ plasticized TPU. |
| US08034871B2 |
Latex based open-time extenders for low VOC paints
The present invention relates to paint extenders or open-time extenders, which are mixed with an architectural coating, such as aqueous latex paints, to increase the coating's open time. The open-time extender comprises acrylic or vinyl latex particles having a mean diameter of less than about 150 nm, and at least one crosslinkable monomer that can crosslink the latex particles in the open-time extender to the latex particles in the architectural coating at ambient conditions. The open-time extender also comprises water and the total solid content of the open-time extender is less than about 15% by weight. |
| US08034870B2 |
Flame-retardant polyester composition
A composition, comprising: a poly(butylene terephthalate); a nitrogen-containing flame retardant selected from the group consisting of triazines, guanidines, cyanurates, isocyanurates, and mixtures comprising at least one of the foregoing nitrogen-containing flame retardants; a phosphinates or diphosphinates; and a charring polymer. |
| US08034864B2 |
Opaque plastics
The present invention relates to opaque plastics comprising effect pigments which are distinguished by the fact that they have high gloss and virtually no visible or no visible flow lines. |
| US08034861B2 |
Golf ball compositions
Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a catechol. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches. |
| US08034858B2 |
Polypropylene resin composition and injection molded article made from the same
Disclosed is a polypropylene resin composition comprising predetermined amounts of a propylene-ethylene block copolymer (A-1), a first ethylene-α-olefin random copolymer rubber (B-1) which has a density of from 0.85 to 0.885 g/cm3 and a melt flow rate measured at 190° C. of 5 g/10 min or less, a second ethylene-α-olefin random copolymer rubber (B-2) which has a density of from 0.85 to 0.885 g/cm3 and a melt flow rate measured at 190° C. of 10 g/10 min or more, an inorganic filler (C), a fatty acid amide (D), and optionally a propylene homopolymer (A-2). Injection molded articles produced from the composition is also disclosed. |
| US08034857B2 |
Polyetherimide/polyphenylene ether sulfone blends
Compositions comprise phase separated polyetherimide/polyphenylene ether sulfone blends. The dispersed phase has an average cross sectional size of 0.1 to 10 micrometers. The composition retains has good hydrolytic stability and is capable of withstanding steam autoclaving at temperatures of 130 to 138° C. |
| US08034853B2 |
Powder coating composition
The invention provides a powder coating composition prepared from a combination, the combination comprising: A) at least one binder resin and, optionally at least one curing agent, B) at least one calibrated pigmented liquid, based on at least one pigment, and, C) optionally, at least one pigment and/or extenders and/or additive. The powder coating composition of the invention provides a precise color of the coatings having a desired color with high color stability. Therefore there is no need for additional adjustment tests or re-working procedures, and, therefore, it makes it possible to offer efficient, small-batch manufacture of custom colors, for example, to match a swatch of fabric supplied by a customer. |
| US08034852B2 |
Hollow element filled curable body repair compounds
A curable body repair material is described. The curable body repair material includes a curable polymeric resin, and a plurality of hollow elements. The curable body repair includes less than 3% by number of hollow elements having a diameter greater than 100 micrometers. Method of making and using the same are also described. |
| US08034851B1 |
Anaerobic cure systems for an anaerobic curable compositions, and anaerobic curable compositions containing same
The present invention relates to new cure accelerator systems for anaerobic curable compositions. These anaerobic cure systems include tetraalkyl ammonium oxidizing salts that are soluble in the (meth)acrylate component of the composition. |
| US08034837B2 |
Polymorphic form of 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-7-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1h-pyrrolizin-5-ylacetic acid
The present invention relates to a new crystalline modification of 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-7-phenyl-2,S-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizin-S-ylacetic acid which is referred to as polymorph B. It has a peak in the solid state 13C-NMR spectrum (with adamantane as external reference standard; CH group d=29.45 ppm) in the range from 179.8 to 180.2 ppm and can be processed directly to a pharmaceutical formulation. |
| US08034834B2 |
Method for treating proliferative disorders with HSP90 inhibitors
The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for treating Bcr-Abl, FLT-3, EGFR, c-Kit, B-raf, and NPM-ALK associated cancers, in a subject in need thereof. |
| US08034830B2 |
Argatroban formulation
An aqueous, stable, sterile pharmaceutical composition of the thrombin inhibitor argatroban in a solution containing an acid to solubilize the argatroban, substantially free from dehydrated alcohol is described, as well as a method for its preparation. |
| US08034829B2 |
5, 6, or 7-substituted-3-(hetero)arylisoquinolinamine derivatives and therapeutic use thereof
The present invention relates to 5, 6, or 7-substituted-3-(hetero)arylisoquinolinamine derivatives represented by general formula D, their pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions containing such compounds. Methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders by administering the compounds are also included. |
| US08034828B2 |
Use of FGF inhibiting substituted 1,2,3 indolizine derivatives in the preparation of medicaments which can be used to treat diseases linked to pathological choroidal angiogenesis
The present invention thus relates to the use of 1,2,3-substituted indolizine derivatives in the preparation of medicaments of use in the treatment of diseases related to pathological choroidal angiogenesis, which derivatives correspond to the following general formula (I): |
| US08034820B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, which are useful for treatment of depression and the like, and which comprises a compound having an adenosine A2A receptor antagonistic activity such as (E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-diethyl-7-methyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an antidepressant drug (for example, a tricyclic antidepressant, a tetracyclic antidepressant, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, a serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, a 5-HT2 antagonist or the like), and the like. |
| US08034818B2 |
Therapeutic uses of derivatives of piperidinyl- and piperazinyl-alkyl carbamates
Therapeutic uses of a compound corresponding to the general formula (I): in which A=N or CR2; R2=H, F, OH, CN, CF3, C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-alkoxy; n=2 or 3 and m=2 when A=N; n=1, 2 or 3 and m=1 or 2 when A=CR2; B=covalent bond or C1-8-alkylene; R1=optionally substituted heteroaryl; R3=CHR4CONHR5; R4=H or C1-6-alkyl; R5=H, C1-6-alkyl, C3-7-cycloalkyl, C3-7-cycloalkyl-C1-C6-alkylene; in the form of a base, an acid-addition salt, a hydrate or a solvate. |
| US08034817B2 |
Treatment of bacterial diseases of the respiratory organs
The invention relates to inhalable quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative compositions for local control of diseases of the respiratory organs, in particular of lung diseases. |
| US08034814B2 |
Phthalazine derivatives with angiogenesis inhibiting activity
The invention relates to new phthalazine derivatives of formula I, and to processes for the preparation thereof, the application thereof in a process for the treatment of the human or animal body, the use thereof alone or in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds for the treatment especially of a disease that responds to the inhibition of especially the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase, preferably the treatment of a proliferative disease, or the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic or rheumatoid arthritis and/or pain; and the use of such a compound alone or in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of said diseases in an animal. |
| US08034809B2 |
Enantiomerically pure beta agonists, process for the manufacture thereof and use thereof as medicaments
Enantiomerically pure compounds of general formula 1 wherein the groups R1, R2, R3, R4, and X− may have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification, processes for preparing them and the use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions, particularly as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of respiratory complaints. |
| US08034807B2 |
Salts of bazedoxifene
The invention deals with new crystalline salts of bazedoxifene, by means of which a high API quality can be achieved in a high yield. |
| US08034806B2 |
Bicyclic mGluR5 positive allosteric modulators and methods of making and using same
In one aspect, the invention relates to bicyclic MGluR5 positive allosteric modulators, for example 6-(phenylethynyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-one, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US08034805B2 |
Methods for the preparation of salts of 2-[2-(4-dibenzo[B,F][1,4]thiazepin-11-yl-1-piperazinyl)ethoxyl]ethanol (quetiapine) and for the purification thereof
A method for the preparation of salts of 2-[2-(4-dibenzo[b,fj[1,4]thiazepin-11-yl-1 -piperazinyl)ethoxy]ethanol (quetiapine) from the quetiapine base and the respective acid, wherein the salt is precipitated from a mixture of solvents, the mixture being either a mixture of an aromatic hydrocarbon and a ketone or ester, or that of an aromatic hydrocarbon, water and a ketone or ester. The salts of quetiapine are purified by partial crystallization, wherein only a part of the salt of quetiapine is dissolved in a C1 to C6 alcohol used. |
| US08034803B2 |
Photodynamic therapy of occult age-related macular degeneration
The invention relates to the selection and treatment of subjects afflicted with occult choroidal neovascular lesions, including subjects with age-related macular degeneration, by use of photo dynamic therapy (PDT). |
| US08034791B2 |
Activation of Egr-1 promoter by DNA damaging chemotherapeutics
The present invention relates to methods of inducing expression of a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide, e.g., TNF-α, in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a construct comprising an Egr-1 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, and at least one chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the chemotherapeutic agent induces expression of the polypeptide. The invention also relates to methods of inhibiting a neoplastic cell, comprising contacting the cell with a construct comprising an Egr-1 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding TNF-α and a chemotherapeutic agent. The present invention further relates to methods of inhibiting or reducing the growth of a tumor in a subject, comprising co-administering to the subject a construct comprising an Egr-1 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding TNF-α and a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the co-administration inhibits or reduces the ability of the tumor to grow. |
| US08034790B2 |
Use of MDA-7 to inhibit pathogenic infectious organisms
Methods of suppressing or preventing an infection of a subject by a pathogen that involve administering to the subject a composition that includes a therapeutically effective amount of an MDA-7 polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the MDA-7 polypeptide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable preparation suitable for delivery to the subject, wherein the MDA-7 suppresses or prevents the infection, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of suppressing or preventing a viral infection of a cell, including obtaining an MDA-7 polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the MDA-7 polypeptide, and contacting the cell with the MDA-7 polypeptide or the nucleic acid encoding the MDA-7 polypeptide, wherein the MDA-7 suppresses or prevents infection of the cell. |
| US08034784B2 |
Method of suppressing or reducing IL-TIF-induced inflammation, or treating associated conditions thereof, using Zcytor16
Cytokines and their receptors have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides a new human cytokine receptor designated as “Zcytor16” and uses thereof. |
| US08034783B2 |
Prodomain modulators of ADAM 10
The presently disclosed subject matter discloses isolated ADAM 10 modulating peptides and related compounds useful for studying the biological functions of ADAM 10 and for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, asthma, and allergic responses, and disorders characterized at least in part by the presence of one or more of inflammation, excess cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and excess soluble CD23. In one aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides isolated mouse and human ADAM 10 prodomain comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs 1-8, or a sequence having at least 95% homology to any of SEQ ID NOs 1-8 and having the functionality of modulating ADAM 10 activity. |
| US08034782B2 |
Agonists of guanylate cyclase useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, cancer and other disorders
The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer. |
| US08034776B2 |
Materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease
The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease. In addition, the present invention provides materials and methods of monitoring the treatment of a subject having celiac disease. |
| US08034775B2 |
Kallikrein-inhibitor therapies
Methods are described for preventing or reducing ischemia, e.g., cerebral ischemia, and/or reperfusion injury, e.g., reperfusion injury associated with cerebral ischemia, in a patient. |
| US08034773B2 |
Immunostimulatory compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides novel immuno-stimulatory polypeptides, and methods for their use and identification. |
| US08034771B2 |
IL-1F6 polypeptides
The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to IL-1Rrp2 requiring proteins. |
| US08034766B2 |
Compositions and methods for prion decontamination
The invention relates to compositions and methods for prion degradation, decontamination or disinfection. The composition comprises an oxidizing agent, one or more proteases and a surfactant such as an ionic surfactant/detergent. The method comprises contacting a prion contaminated entity with a prion-degrading composition comprising an effective amount of an oxidizing agent, an effective amount of at least one protease, and an effective amount of a surfactant. The components of the composition may be contacted with a prion-contaminated entity sequentially or simultaneously using an aqueous composition. Typically at least two different proteases are used for optimal efficacy. Preferably the oxidizing agent comprises peracetyl ions or a source thereof. The invention also relates to kits comprising the various reagents. |
| US08034764B2 |
Modulation of SOCS expression in therapeutic regimens
A method is provided for treating conditions that are susceptible of treatment with a cytokine wherein certain physiological processes normally associated with cytokine administration (e.g. the induction of SOCS 1 and/or SOCS 3) are diminished or eliminated. The method comprises continuously administering a controlled dose of a cytokine to an individual afflicted with a condition susceptible of treatment with the cytokine. |
| US08034763B2 |
Platelet aggregation inhibitor composition
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one polypeptide of the following (a) to (d): (a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence comprising one or more amino acid deletions, insertions, substitutions or additions in the amino acid sequence of the above (a) and having a platelet aggregation inhibitory activity and/or a platelet adhesion inhibitory activity; (c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3; and (d) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence comprising one or more amino acid deletions, insertions, substitutions or additions in the amino acid sequence of the above (c) and having a platelet aggregation inhibitory activity and/or a platelet adhesion inhibitory activity, as an active component. |
| US08034760B2 |
Softening detergent composition
[PROBLEMS] To provide a softening detergent composition capable of washing a fibrous manufactured article or the like having softening ability, and at the same time allowing a clay mineral to be less likely to remain on clothes.[SOLVING MEANS] A softening detergent composition containing (a) 2 to 20% by mass of clay granules containing as a main component a smectite clay mineral represented by the following general formula (I), provided that a Na/Ca mass ratio in the granules is 1.0 or more: [Si8(MgaAlb)O20(OH)4]X−.X/n [Me]n+ (I), wherein a, b, and x satisfy the formulas 0 |
| US08034759B2 |
Enhanced stability peracid compositions
The present invention is directed to stabilized peracid compositions. Stabilizing compositions including a metal salt and a chelating agent are added to compositions including peracids. The results stabilized peracid compositions have increased shelf life and storage stability. |
| US08034757B2 |
Detergent composition for clothing
The present invention provides a detergent composition for clothing containing components (a) and (b): (a) glyceryl or polyglyceryl monoether represented by formula (I); and (b) a sulfate selected from those represented by formulae (II), (III), and (IV). Component (a) contains compounds having different condensation degrees of glycerol n's, with the proviso that when component (b) is a sulfate represented by formula (II) or (III), component (a) has a condensation degree of glycerol n of 3 to 5. Formula (I) is R—O—(C3H6O2)n—H (I), wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms; and n represents a condensation degree of glycerol and is an integer. Formulas (II)-(IV) are: R1—O—SO3M (II); R1—O-(EO)m-(AO)1—SO3M (III); and R1—O-(A1O)p-(AO)q—SO3M (IV). In formulas (II-(IV), R1 represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms; EO represents an oxyethylene group; AO represents an oxyalkylene group, at least one of a plurality of AOs being an oxyethylene, oxypropylene, or oxybutylene group; m represents an integer of 1 to 10; l represents an integer of 0 to 10; A1O represents an oxypropylene group and/or an oxybutylene group; p represents an integer of 1 to 5; q represents an integer of 0 to 10; and M represents an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, NH4, or alkanolammonium group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms. |
| US08034755B2 |
Oil-in-water type emulsion composition
The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsified composition comprising fatty acid soap, the following ingredients (2)-(5) and (6) water. (2) Polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 2000-25000 in the amount of 0.3-4.0 wt % of the composition, (3) One, two, or more of nonionic surfactants having a HLB of 10-17 in the amount of 0.1-5.0 wt %, (4) one, two, or more of nonionic surfactants having a HLB of 2-10 in the amount of 0.1-5.0 wt % of the composition, and (5) an oil ingredient comprising a solid or semisolid oil ingredient in the amount of 40-70 wt % of the composition. The object of the present invention is to provide an oil-in-water emulsified composition primarily or secondarily aiming at removing dirt that exhibits no stickiness, superior stability, and richness. |
| US08034753B2 |
Lubricating oil composition
A low SAPS lubricating oil composition exhibiting excellent piston cleanliness having up to 0.3 wt. % sulfur, up to 0.08 wt. % phosphorus, and a sulfated ash content up to 0.80 wt. % comprising an overbased alkali metal or alkaline earth metal alkyl salicylate detergent having a low soap content. |
| US08034750B2 |
Borozirconate systems in completion systems
A cross-linking system for hydratable polymers for using is formation fracturing applications is disclosed along with methods for using same, where the cross-linking system includes a reaction product of a transition metal alkoxide or alkanolate and a borate or borate generating reagent. |
| US08034743B2 |
Method for production of an exhaust gas purification catalyst support and exhaust gas purification catalyst support
To provide a method of production of an exhaust gas purification catalyst support preventing a drop in the heat resistance of alumina or other catalyst support due to the presence of titania and provided with a sulfur poisoning suppression action by titania and an exhaust gas purification catalyst support produced by the same. A method of production of an exhaust gas purification catalyst support comprising, in a basic solution, making alumina particles adsorb ammonium ions and then bringing titania sol into contact with the alumina particle so as to make the alumina particles adsorb the titania particles. An exhaust gas purification catalyst support where at least base points on the alumina particle surfaces adsorb titania particles and the pH does not rise when immersed in an ammonium nitrate solution. |
| US08034740B2 |
Adsorptivity imparting agent containing porous silica
A moisture- or protein-adsorbability imparting agent, comprising a porous silica having a hexagonal pore structure, an average pore size of from 0.8 to 20 nm, an average particle size of 50 nm to 100 μm, a specific surface area of from 400 to 2000 m2/g, and a pore volume of from 0.1 to 3.0 cm3/g; a material having an adsorbability of moisture or a protein, comprising the moisture- or protein-adsorbability imparting agent; and use of the moisture- or protein-adsorbability imparting agent for imparting absorbability of moisture or a protein to a material selected from the group consisting of food wrapping materials; filtration aid agents; sanitary articles; compositions containing a synthetic resin; moisture-controlled material; covering materials for wounds; insulation substrates; coating materials for semiconductor devices; cosmetics; inkjet recording media; and compositions containing synthetic fibers. |
| US08034739B2 |
Method for selecting adsorptive composite barriers for packaging applications
A method of selecting an appropriate resin bonded sorbent composition which may be used at least for in part making an enclosure to protect contents from external humidity including the steps of: a) selecting a plurality of resins, a plurality of sorbents and a plurality of ratios therebetween to form a plurality of composites; b) calculating a plurality of failure times for the plurality of composites, wherein each failure time of the plurality of failure times is based on when an internal relative humidity of each composite of the plurality of composites is equal to the maximum internal relative humidity; c) determining which of the plurality of failure times is greater; and, d) selecting one composite of the plurality of composites based on the result of step (c). |
| US08034723B2 |
Film deposition apparatus and film deposition method
A film deposition apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate by performing a cycle of alternately supplying at least two kinds of reaction gases that react with each other on the substrate to produce a layer of a reaction product in a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The film deposition apparatus includes a ring-shaped locking member that may be provided in or around a wafer receiving portion of a turntable in which the substrate is placed, in order to keep the substrate in the substrate receiving portion. |
| US08034722B2 |
Method of forming dual damascene semiconductor device
A method of forming a dual damascene includes forming first, second and third material layers sequentially over a substrate. The first, second and third material layers have first, second and third thicknesses, respectively. An opening is etched within the first material layer while a portion or all of the thickness of the third layer is simultaneously removed. The ratio of the depth of the opening and the thickness of the third material layer removed, correspond to an etch selectivity of the first material layer and the second material layer. The etching operation may be automatically terminated to produce the opening with a predetermined depth. |
| US08034719B1 |
Method of fabricating high aspect ratio metal structures
To fabricate high aspect ratio metal structures, a two-layer structure is provided on a conductive layer. The two-layer structure includes a first layer adjacent the conductive layer and a second layer adjacent the first layer where the second layer is etchable by a Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) process. Using the DRIE process, at least one selected region of the second layer is completely etched away with the selected region being at least partially aligned with a region of the conductive layer such that the first layer is then exposed thereover. The first layer so-exposed is then removed to expose the region of the conductive layer thereunder. Metal is electroplated onto the exposed conductive layer and any remaining portions of the two-layer structure are then removed. |
| US08034718B2 |
Method to recover patterned semiconductor wafers for rework
Disclosed are embodiments of a method of removing patterned circuit structures from the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The method embodiments comprise blasting the surface of the semiconductor wafer with particles so as to remove substantially all of the patterned circuit structures. The blasting process is followed by one or more grinding, polishing and/or cleaning processes to remove any remaining circuit structures, to remove any lattice damage and/or to achieve a desired smoothness across the surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08034711B2 |
Bonding structure and fabrication thereof
A bonding structure and the method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The bonding structure of the invention includes a copper-based pad formed in an insulator layer and a protection layer substantially covering top surface of the copper-based pad. The protection layer is self-aligned formed and the material thereof is selected from a group consisting of metal nitride, copper alloy, copper compounds, and a combination thereof. |
| US08034708B2 |
Structure and process for the formation of TSVs
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; an interconnect structure over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a top inter-metal dielectric (IMD); an opening penetrating the interconnect structure into the semiconductor substrate; a conductor in the opening; and an isolation layer having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion physically connected to each other. The vertical portion is on sidewalls of the opening. The horizontal portion is directly over the interconnect structure. The integrated circuit structure is free from passivation layers vertically between the top IMD and the horizontal portion of the isolation layer. |
| US08034704B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of providing an element forming layer on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate, and providing an external connection terminal on a second surface of the semiconductor substrate opposite to the first surface so that the external connection terminal is electrically connected to the element forming layer through a via hole. The via hole is formed through the steps of forming a buried conductor layer on the first surface so as to electrically insulate the buried conductor layer from the semiconductor substrate, forming a communication hole on the second surface so as to communicate it with the buried conductor layer, and electrically connecting the buried conductor layer and the communication hole. |
| US08034702B2 |
Methods of forming through substrate interconnects
A method of forming a through substrate interconnect includes forming a via into a semiconductor substrate. The via extends into semiconductive material of the substrate. A liquid dielectric is applied to line at least an elevationally outermost portion of sidewalls of the via relative a side of the substrate from which the via was initially formed. The liquid dielectric is solidified within the via. Conductive material is formed within the via over the solidified dielectric and a through substrate interconnect is formed with the conductive material. |
| US08034698B2 |
Systems and methods for inducing crystallization of thin films using multiple optical paths
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for irradiating regions of a thin film sample(s) with laser beam pulses having different energy beam characteristics that are generated and delivered via different optical paths. An exemplary method includes generating laser beam pulses having energy beam characteristics, directing a first pulse onto a first optical path, modulating the pulse's energy beam characteristics, and irradiating at least a portion of a first region of the thin film with the pulse to induce crystallization of the portion of the first region. The method also includes directing a second pulse onto a second optical path, modulating the pulse's energy beam characteristics so as to be different from the energy beam characteristics of the first pulse, and irradiating at least a portion of a second region of the thin film with the second pulse to induce crystallization of the portion of the second region. |
| US08034695B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: forming a first silicon oxide film which covers a first region on the top surface of a silicon substrate, but which does not cover a second region and a third region thereon; oxidizing the silicon substrate to thicken the first silicon oxide film formed on the first region, and to form a second silicon oxide film on the second region and the third region; forming a first silicon film which covers the first region and the second region, but which does not cover the third region; etching and removing the second silicon oxide film formed on the third region by using the first silicon film as a mask; and forming a third silicon oxide film on the third region, the third silicon oxide film being thinner than the second silicon oxide film. |
| US08034692B2 |
Structure and method for manufacturing asymmetric devices
A plurality of gate structures are formed on a substrate. Each of the gate structures includes a first gate electrode and source and drain regions. The first gate electrode is removed from each of the gate structures. A first photoresist is applied to block gate structures having source regions in a source-down direction. A first halo implantation is performed in gate structures having source regions in a source-up direction at a first angle. The first photoresist is removed. A second photoresist is applied to block gate structures having source regions in a source-up direction. A second halo implantation is performed in gate structures having source regions in a source-down direction at a second angle. The second photoresist is removed. Replacement gate electrodes are formed in each of the gate structures. |
| US08034690B2 |
Method of etching oxide layer and nitride layer
An exemplary method of etching an oxide layer and a nitride layer is provided. In particular, a substrate is provided. A surface of the substrate has an isolating structure projecting therefrom. A first oxide layer, a nitride layer and a second oxide layer are sequentially provided on the surface of the substrate, wherein the first oxide layer is uncovered on the isolating structure, the nitride layer is formed overlying the first oxide layer, and the second oxide layer is formed overlying the nitride layer. An isotropic etching process is performed by using an etching mask unmasking the isolating structure, and thereby removing the unmasked portion of the second oxide layer and the unmasked portion of the nitride layer and further exposing sidewalls of the isolating structure. The unmasked portion of the first oxide layer generally is partially removed due to over-etching. |
| US08034688B2 |
Methods of forming power switching semiconductor devices including rectifying junction-shunts
A semiconductor device includes a drift layer having a first conductivity type and a body region adjacent the drift layer. The body region has a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type and forms a p-n junction with the drift layer. The device further includes a contactor region in the body region and having the first conductivity type, and a shunt channel region extending through the body region from the contactor region to the drift layer. The shunt channel region has the first conductivity type. The device further includes a first terminal in electrical contact with the body region and the contactor region, and a second terminal in electrical contact with the drift layer. The shunt channel region has a length, thickness and doping concentration selected such that: 1) the shunt channel region is fully depleted when zero voltage is applied across the first and second terminals, 2) the shunt channel becomes conductive at a voltages less than the built-in potential of the drift layer to body region p-n junction, and/or 3) the shunt channel is not conductive for voltages that reverse biase the p-n junction between the drift region and the body region. |
| US08034687B2 |
Methods of forming a plurality of transistor gates, and methods of forming a plurality of transistor gates having at least two different work functions
A method of forming a plurality of transistor gates having at least two different work functions includes forming first and second transistor gates over a substrate having different widths, with the first width being narrower than the second width. A material is deposited over the substrate including over the first and second gates. Within an etch chamber, the material is etched from over both the first and second gates to expose conductive material of the first gate and to reduce thickness of the material received over the second gate yet leave the second gate covered by the material. In situ within the etch chamber after the etching, the substrate is subjected to a plasma comprising a metal at a substrate temperature of at least 300° C. to diffuse said metal into the first gate to modify work function of the first gate as compared to work function of the second gate. |
| US08034684B2 |
Semiconductor device with improved overlay margin and method of manufacturing the same
Semiconductor devices with an improved overlay margin and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. In one aspect, a method includes forming a buried bit line in a substrate; forming an isolation layer in the substrate to define an active region, the isolation layer being parallel to the bit line without overlapping the bit line; and forming a gate line including a gate pattern and a conductive line by forming the gate pattern in the active region and forming a conductive line that extends at a right angle to the bit line across the active region and is electrically connected to the gate pattern disposed thereunder. The gate pattern and the conductive line can be integrally formed. |
| US08034679B1 |
Fabrication of field-effect transistor having hypoabrupt body dopant distribution below source/drain zone
An insulated-gate field-effect transistor (100, 100V, 140, 150, 150V, 160, 170, 170V, 180, 180V, 190, 210, 210W, 220, 220U, 220V, 220W, 380, or 480) is fabricated so as to have a hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile below one (104 or 264) of its source/drain zones for reducing the parasitic capacitance along the pn junction between that source/drain zone, normally serving as the drain, and adjoining body material (108 or 268). In particular, the concentration of semiconductor dopant which defines the conductivity type of the body material increases by at least a factor of 10 in moving from that source/drain zone down to an underlying body-material location no more than 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface than that source/drain zone. The body material is preferably provided with a more heavily doped pocket portion (120 or 280) situated along the other source/drain zone (102 or 262) normally serving as the source. |
| US08034676B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A plurality of origin patterns (3) containing a metal catalyst are formed over a semiconductor substrate (1). Next, an insulating film (4) covering the origin patterns (3) is formed. Next, a trench allowing at the both ends thereof the side faces of the origin patterns (3) to expose is formed. Thereafter, a wiring is formed by allowing carbon nanotubes (5) having a conductive chirality to grow in the trench. Thereafter, an insulating film covering the carbon nanotubes (5) is formed. |
| US08034674B2 |
Semiconductor device, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and electronic appliance
To provide a semiconductor device in which a channel formation region can be thinned without adversely affecting a source region and a drain region through a simple process and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device. In the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor film, having a thickness smaller than a height of a projection of a substrate, is formed over a surface of the substrate having the projections; the semiconductor film is etched to have an island shape with a resist used as a mask; the resist is etched to expose a portion of the semiconductor film which covers a top surface of the projection; and the exposed portion of the semiconductor film is etched to be thin, while the adjacent portions of the semiconductor film on both sides of the projection remain covered with the resist. |
| US08034673B2 |
Film formation method and apparatus for forming silicon-containing insulating film doped with metal
A film formation method for a semiconductor process performs a film formation process to form a silicon-containing insulating film doped with a metal on a target substrate, in a process field inside a process container configured to be selectively supplied with a silicon source gas and a metal source gas. The method includes forming a first insulating thin layer by use of a chemical reaction of the silicon source gas, while maintaining a shut-off state of supply of the metal source gas; then, forming a first metal thin layer by use of a chemical reaction of the metal source gas, while maintaining a shut-off state of supply of the silicon source gas; and then, forming a second insulating thin layer by use of the chemical reaction of the silicon source gas, while maintaining a shut-off state of supply of the metal source gas. |
| US08034671B2 |
Polysilicon film, thin film transistor using the same, and method for forming the same
A crystallizing method for forming a poly-Si film is described as follows. First, forming an activated layer on a substrate, and the molecule structure of the activated layer includes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and silicon. And then, forming an amorphous silicon film on the activated layer. Finally, performing an annealing process to crystallize the amorphous silicon film and transform it into a poly-Si film. |
| US08034668B2 |
Method for forming semiconductor device having metallization comprising select lines, bit lines and word lines
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first region having a cell region and a second region having a peripheral circuit region, first transistors on the semiconductor substrate, a first protective layer covering the first transistors, a first insulation layer on the first protective layer, a semiconductor pattern on the first insulation layer in the first region, second transistors on the semiconductor pattern, a second protective layer covering the second transistors, the second protective layer having a thickness greater than that of the first protective layer, and a second insulation layer on the second protective layer and the first insulation layer of the second region. |
| US08034666B2 |
Multi-layer thick-film RF package
A method for producing a multi-layer thick-film RF package includes forming conductive layer(s) including one or more source portions, one or more gate portions, and/or one or more drain portions on a ceramic substrate. The conductive layer(s) and the ceramic substrate are fired or otherwise heated in a furnace until sintered. Thereafter, a dielectric pattern is formed on the conductive layer(s) and fired or otherwise heated in the furnace until sintered. Then, a conductive bridge is formed on the dielectric pattern, over the one or more drain portions and between the one or more source portions, which is then fired until sintered in the furnace. As a result, a monolithic, single-piece, sintered, high-frequency RF power transistor package having circuit features including a highly conductive and low capacitive bridge is produced. |
| US08034665B2 |
Microelectronic package with thermal access
A method of forming a microelectronic package including the steps of providing a three-layer metal plate, having a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. A plurality of conductive elements is formed from the first layer of the metal plate. A dielectric sheet is attached to the first layer of the metal plate, such that the dielectric sheet is remote from the third layer. A plurality of conductive features is then formed from the third layer of the metal plate which are also remote from the dielectric sheet. A microelectronic element is next electrically conducted to the conductive elements and a heat spreader is thermally connected the microelectronic element. |
| US08034662B2 |
Thermal interface material with support structure
Various semiconductor chip thermal interface material methods and apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of establishing thermal contact between a first semiconductor chip and a heat spreader is provided. The method includes placing a thermal interface material layer containing a support structure on the first semiconductor chip. The heat spreader is positioned proximate the thermal interface material layer. The thermal interface material layer is reflowed to establish thermal contact with both the first semiconductor chip and the heat spreader. |
| US08034660B2 |
PoP precursor with interposer for top package bond pad pitch compensation
An electronic assembly adapted for forming package on package (PoP) devices includes a package substrate having a molded IC die thereon that defines a mold cap height and substrate contact pads lateral to the molded IC die. An interposer including an interposer substrate has bottom metal land pads and top metal land pads, interposer vias, and an open receptacle region formed through the interposer substrate. The substrate top surface is positioned relative to the interposer so that the molded IC die is within the open receptacle region to align the bottom metal land pads and substrate contact pads. An underfill layer is between the substrate top surface and the bottom side of the interposer substrate. A step height from the mold cap height minus a height of the top metal land pads is generally from 0 to 0.2 mm. |
| US08034659B2 |
Production method of semiconductor device and bonding film
To provide a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices, the method being capable of efficiently obtaining a singulated semiconductor chip upon which an adhesive is adhered and also capable of excellently bonding a semiconductor chip to a wiring substrate, and provide an adhesive film. A layered product 60 in which a dicing tape 9, an adhesive layer 3, and a semiconductor wafer 6 are stacked in this order so that a circuit surface 6a of the semiconductor wafer 6 may face the dicing tape 9 side. A cutting position is recognized by recognizing a circuit pattern P in the circuit surface 6a from a rear surface 6b of the semiconductor wafer 6. At least the semiconductor wafer 6 and the adhesive layer 3 are cut in the thickness direction of the layered product 60. The dicing tape 9 is cured to peel off the dicing tape 9 and the adhesive layer 3. A projection electrode 4 of a semiconductor chip 26 is aligned with a wiring 12 of a wiring substrate 40. The wiring substrate 40 and the semiconductor chip 26 are bonded via an adhesive layer 23 so that the wiring 12 and the projection electrode 4 may be electrically connected to each other. |
| US08034655B2 |
Non-volatile resistive oxide memory cells, non-volatile resistive oxide memory arrays, and methods of forming non-volatile resistive oxide memory cells and memory arrays
A method of forming a non-volatile resistive oxide memory cell includes forming a first conductive electrode of the memory cell as part of a substrate. Insulative material is deposited over the first electrode. An opening is formed into the insulative material over the first electrode. The opening includes sidewalls and a base. The opening sidewalls and base are lined with a multi-resistive state layer comprising multi-resistive state metal oxide-comprising material which less than fills the opening. A second conductive electrode of the memory cell is formed within the opening laterally inward of the multi-resistive state layer lining the sidewalls and elevationally over the multi-resistive state layer lining the base. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated. |
| US08034653B2 |
Method and apparatus for breaking semiconductor substrate, method for breaking solar cell and method for fabrication of solar cell module
A method and apparatus for breaking a semiconductor substrate along a predetermined area over which a split groove is formed. The breaking apparatus includes a table for placing a portion of the semiconductor substrate inside the predetermined area and a breaking blade being operable to move downward from a position above the semiconductor substrate placed on the table to thereby compress a portion of the semiconductor substrate outside the predetermined area so that the semiconductor substrate is broken along the split groove. The predetermined area of the semiconductor substrate has at least a neighboring pair of sides intersecting at an angle of less than 180 degrees, and the breaking blade has a projection which, when the semiconductor substrate is broken, compresses a portion of the semiconductor substrate outside the one side so that the one side is compressed ahead of the other side. |
| US08034651B2 |
Light receiving device and method of manufacturing light receiving device
A light receiving device 1 includes a support substrate 12 provided thereon with a photodetector 11 including a photodetecting portion 111 and a base substrate 112 on which the photodetecting portion 111 is placed; and a transparent substrate 13 disposed so as to oppose the face of the support substrate 12 on which the photodetector 11 is provided. Between the support substrate 12 and the transparent substrate 13, a frame portion 14 is provided so as to surround the photodetector 11. The frame portion 14 is a photo-curing adhesive, and directly adhered to the transparent substrate 13 and the support substrate 12. Such structure provides a light receiving device capable of exhibiting the desired performance, and a method of manufacturing such light receiving device can also be provided. |
| US08034650B2 |
Fabrication method for a room temperature hydrogen sensor
A sensor for selectively determining the presence and measuring the amount of hydrogen in the vicinity of the sensor. The sensor comprises a MEMS device coated with a nanostructured thin film of indium oxide doped tin oxide with an over layer of nanostructured barium cerate with platinum catalyst nanoparticles. Initial exposure to a UV light source, at room temperature, causes burning of organic residues present on the sensor surface and provides a clean surface for sensing hydrogen at room temperature. A giant room temperature hydrogen sensitivity is observed after making the UV source off. The hydrogen sensor of the invention can be usefully employed for the detection of hydrogen in an environment susceptible to the incursion or generation of hydrogen and may be conveniently used at room temperature. |
| US08034649B2 |
Solid state imaging device, method of manufacturing the same, and imaging apparatus
A solid state imaging device having a light sensing section that performs photoelectric conversion of incident light includes: an insulating layer formed on a light receiving surface of the light sensing section; a layer having negative electric charges formed on the insulating layer; and a hole accumulation layer formed on the light receiving surface of the light sensing section. |
| US08034648B1 |
Epitaxial regrowth in a distributed feedback laser
Optimizing the regrowth over epitaxial layers during manufacture of a distributed feedback laser. In one example embodiment, a method for depositing an InP regrowth layer on an epitaxial base portion of a distributed feedback laser includes growing a first portion of the regrowth layer at an initial substrate temperature of approximately 580 degrees Celsius to a thickness between approximately 300 Angstroms and approximately 900 Angstroms, increasing the substrate temperature from the initial substrate temperature to an increased substrate temperature of approximately 660 degrees Celsius, growing a second portion of the regrowth layer at the increased substrate temperature, doping a first part of an uppermost layer of the regrowth layer at a concentration of approximately 8.00*10^17/cm3 at the increased substrate temperature, and doping a second part of the uppermost layer of the regrowth layer at a concentration between approximately 1.90*10^18/cm3 and approximately 2.00*10^18/cm3 at the increased substrate temperature. |
| US08034647B2 |
LED with substrate modifications for enhanced light extraction and method of making same
The surface morphology of an LED light emitting surface is changed by applying processes, such as a reactive ion etch (RIE) process to the light emitting surface. In one embodiment, the changed surface morphology takes the form of a moth-eye surface. The surface morphology created by the RIE process may be emulated using different combinations of non-RIE processes such as grit sanding and deposition of a roughened layer of material or particles followed by dry etching. |
| US08034646B2 |
Light emitting element, light emitting device and semiconductor device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor device, in particular, a light emitting element which can be easily manufactured with a wet method. One feature of the invention is a light emitting device including a transistor and a light emitting element. In the light emitting element, an organic layer, a light emitting layer, and a second electrode are sequentially formed over a first electrode, and the transistor is electrically connected to the light emitting element through a wiring. Here, the wiring contains aluminum, carbon, and titanium. The organic layer is formed by a wet method. The first electrode which is in contact with the organic layer is formed from indium tin oxide containing titanium oxide. |
| US08034644B2 |
Light emitting device
Methods of making a light emitter are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a method comprises fabricating a line of first leads, the line of first leads comprising a plurality connected individual first leads; fabricating a line of second leads, the line of second leads comprising a plurality of connected individual second leads; physically connecting the line of first leads to the line of second leads, wherein a first individual first lead is adjacent a first individual second lead; attaching a light emitting device to the first individual first lead; electrically connecting the light emitting device to the first individual second lead; encapsulating a portion of the individual first lead and a portion of the individual second lead as a single unit; and separating the encapsulated first individual lead and the second individual lead from the first line of leads and the second line of leads. |
| US08034642B2 |
Method for pretreating electrochemical capacitor negative electrode, method for manufacturing the electrochemical capacitor negative electrode, and method for manufacturing electrochemical capacitor using the method for manufacturing the electrochemical capacitor negative electrode
A negative electrode of an electrochemical capacitor includes an electrode layer using a material capable of reversibly absorbing and releasing a lithium ion. A method for pretreating the negative electrode includes forming a lithium layer on a substrate by a gas phase method or a liquid phase method, and transferring the lithium layer onto a surface of the electrode layer of the negative electrode. |
| US08034641B2 |
Method for inspection of defects on a substrate
A method for inspection of defects on a substrate includes positioning a probe of a scanning probe microscopy (SPM) over and spaced apart from a substrate, includes scanning the substrate by changing a relative position of the probe with respect to the substrate on a plane spaced apart from and parallel to the substrate, and includes measuring a value of an induced current generated via the probe in at least two different regions of the substrate. The value of the induced current is variable according to at least a shape and a material of the substrate. The method further includes determining whether a defect exists by comparing the values of the induced currents measured in the at least two different regions of the substrate. |
| US08034640B2 |
Apparatus and method to inspect defect of semiconductor device
An apparatus and method to inspect a defect of a semiconductor device. The amount of secondary electrons generated due to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) may depend on the topology of a pattern of a semiconductor substrate. The amount of secondary electrons emitted from a recess of an under layer is far smaller than that of secondary electrons emitted from a projection of a top layer. Since the recess is darker than the projection, a ratio of a value of a secondary electron signal of the under layer to a value of a secondary electron signal of the top layer may be increased in order to improve a pattern image used to inspect a defect in the under layer. To do this, a plurality of conditions under which electron beams (e-beams) are irradiated may be set, at least two may be selected out of the set conditions, and the pattern may be scanned under the selected conditions. Thus, secondary electron signals may be generated according to the respective conditions and converted into image data so that various pattern images may be displayed on a monitor. Scan information on the pattern images may be automatically stored in a computer storage along with positional information on a predetermined portion of the semiconductor substrate. When calculation conditions are input to a computer, each of scan information on the pattern images may be calculated to generate a new integrated pattern image. |
| US08034637B2 |
Techniques for coupling in semiconductor devices
Techniques for exchange coupling of magnetic layers in semiconductor devices are provided. In one aspect, a semiconductor device is provided. The device comprises at least two magnetic layers, and a spacer layer formed between the magnetic layers, the spacer layer being configured to provide ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the layers, the magnetic layers experiencing anti-ferromagnetic dipole coupling, such that a net coupling of the magnetic layers is anti-ferromagnetic in a zero applied magnetic field. The semiconductor device may comprise magnetic random access memory (MRAM). In another aspect, a method for coupling magnetic layers in a semiconductor device comprising at least two magnetic layers and a spacer layer therebetween, the method comprises the following step. Ferromagnetic exchange coupling is provided of the magnetic layers, the magnetic layers experiencing anti-ferromagnetic dipole coupling, such that a net coupling of the magnetic layers is anti-ferromagnetic in a zero applied magnetic field. |
| US08034634B2 |
Ultra-sensitive magnetoreduction measurement system and ultra-sensitive, wash-free assay using the same
An ultra-sensitive, wash-free method for quantitatively determining the concentration of biomolecules in a sample solution is provided. The sensitivity of the method is 1 ppt or below. The method includes providing a reagent containing magnetic nanoparticles and measuring the ac magnetic susceptibility of the reagent. Then, a sample solution containing either multiple-active epitope biomolecules or single-active-epitope biomolecules is mixed with the reagent. The ac magnetic susceptibility of the reagent after the association with the biomolecules is measured. Thereafter, the difference in the ac magnetic susceptibility of the reagent before and after the association with the biomolecules is measured and the concentration of biomolecules in the sample solution is determined. |
| US08034628B2 |
Apparatus and method for trapping bead based reagents within microfluidic analysis systems
An on-chip packed reactor bed design is disclosed that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. Also disclosed is a method of treating a sample within a microfluidic analysis system, comprising; providing a main channel having a trapping zone; providing a slurry of a reagent treated packing material; inducing a flow of said packing material into said trapping zone through a flow channel connected to said trapping zone to load said trapping zone and form a packed bed of said packing material; and flowing a sample containing analytes through said packed bed, said reagent treating the sample. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors. |
| US08034627B2 |
Methods for detecting dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry
Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydrorxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay. |
| US08034626B2 |
Labels, their production process and their uses
The present invention relates to labels capable of forming a covalent or non-covalent bond with a target molecule, consisting of a dye to which there is bonded in a covalent manner by one or more carbons of its chemical structure: one or more [FUNC] group(s), and optionally one or more [SOL] group(s), said label having the general formula: [DYE] representing the dye; [FUNC] each independently representing an —X-A-Z group, in which: X is chosen from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, an NR1R2 group, R1 and R2 each being independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C1-C30, preferably C1-C18 and more preferentially C1-C5 alkyl group; A is chosen from the group consisting of an alkylene group or an alkylene-arylene group; Z is a reactive chemical function; [SOL] each independently representing an —X′-A′-Z′ group, in which: X′ is chosen from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, an NR1R2 group, R1 and R2 each being independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C1-C30, preferably C1-C18 and more preferentially C1-C5 alkyl group; A′ is chosen from the group consisting of an alkylene group or an alkylene-arylene group; Z′ is a polar or apolar group. |
| US08034625B2 |
Animal cell colony picking apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies is described. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit. |
| US08034623B2 |
Method for free radical initiated peptide sequencing
The present invention relates to a free radical initiator and a method for peptide sequencing using the same. Compared with diazo or peroxy functionalized precursors, the precursors using the present compounds are chemically more robust and can generate radical species by homolytic cleavage upon thermal activation, enabling sequencing of a wider variety of peptides. In addition, the present invention makes it feasible to sequence peptides carrying disulfide bonds. |
| US08034622B2 |
Selective detection of Hg2+ by calix[4]arenes
Provided herein are compounds, methods of making the compounds and methods for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ with the compounds, which are calix[4]arenes. In particular, compounds of Formula I, wherein the variables have the values described herein, may be added to a sample to be tested for Hg2+. The compound of Formula (I) fluoresces strongly in the absence of Hg2+ but is quenched upon binding of Hg2+ to form a complex. The decrease in fluorescence may be used to detect and quantify the amount of Hg2+ present in a sample. The disclosed compounds may also be used to selectively detect Hg2+ in samples containing other mono- or divalent metals. |
| US08034617B2 |
Cell culture in culture media free of components of animal origin
The present invention relates to a process for animal, preferably human, diploid anchorage-dependent cell culture, in the absence of exogenous components of primary animal origin, and to a cell culture medium substantially free of exogenous components of primary animal origin suitable for carrying out said process. In particular the invention concerns a cell culture medium which comprises at least one, more preferably several, exogenous animal-free growth factors. The present invention also relates to a process for cultivating animal, preferably human diploid anchorage-dependent cells in a medium according to the invention, involving the use of a trypsin substitute of non-animal origin for passaging cells. The invention further relates to a process for producing viruses, viral vaccines and the like. |
| US08034611B1 |
Sensor wand, and composting apparatus including same
A sensor wand is disclosed for use in a composting apparatus. The sensor wand includes an elongated body having two opposed ends and a central axis, multiple gas inlets positioned along the body for collecting gas samples, and multiple temperature sensors positioned along the body for measuring temperatures. One of the ends of the body is positioned on one side of the central axis, and the other end is positioned on an opposite side of the central axis. A described composting apparatus includes the sensor wand. |
| US08034608B2 |
Systems and methods of promoting endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a mammal
Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft. |
| US08034605B2 |
Microbial materials for degradation of oils and toxic chemicals
Provided is microbial materials for degradation of oils and toxic chemicals. The microbial material comprises (a) a microorganism and culture filtrate capable of degrading oil and toxic chemicals being at least one selected from the group consisting of Trichosporon loubieri Y1-A of deposit No. KCTC 10876BP, Trichosporon cutaneum, and white-rot fungi living upon the surface of wood, (b) rapeseed oils for producing more sophorolipid in surface of the said microorganism, (c) lipophilic powder being at least one selected from the group consisting of natural wax, synthetic wax, beeswax and waste candle, and (d) a microbial nutrient. This invention further comprises (e) the Bacillus subtilis of Deposit No. KCCM 10639 and the Bacillus subtilis of Deposit No. KCCM 10640. The microbial material can efficiently, rapidly degrade contaminants that are unreadily degradable, by increasing a contact area with the microorganism capable of degrading the unreadily degradable contaminants. |
| US08034604B2 |
High viscosity xanthan polymer preparations
Increasing the molecular length of xanthan polymer makes a higher viscosity xanthan composition. Xanthan with higher specific viscosity characteristics provides more viscosity at equivalent concentration in food, industrial and oilfield applications. Methods for increasing the viscosity of xanthan include inducing particular key genes and increasing copy number of particular key genes. |
| US08034603B2 |
Nucleic acid molecule
The invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of producing a triterpenoid hydrocarbon. The invention also relates to the encoded polypeptide, a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule, a recombinant non-human organism comprising the nucleic acid molecule, and to methods of producing a triterpenoid hydrocarbon or an intermediate of biofuel using the nucleic acid molecule, polypeptide or recombinant organism. |
| US08034600B2 |
Polypeptides having alpha-amylase and granular starch hydrolyzing activity
The present invention relates to a polypeptide having alpha-amylase activity obtained from a strain of Aspergillus niger. |
| US08034595B2 |
Nitrilases and methods for making and using them
The invention provides nitrilases and methods for making and using them, and in one aspect, provides methods for producing enantiomerically pure α-substituted carboxylic acids, such as, for example, α-amino acids and α-hydroxy acids. In one aspect, methods of the invention combine an aldehyde or ketone with a cyanide and ammonia or an ammonium salt or an amine, in the presence of a nitrilase or a polypeptide having nitrilase activity, to stereoselectively hydrolyze the amino nitrile or cyanohydrin intermediate under conditions sufficient to produce the carboxylic acid. |
| US08034593B2 |
Multimeric oxidoreductases
The present invention concerns multimeric oxidoreductase complexes which function in the enzymatic conversion of a carbon substrate, said complexes having a dehydrogenase subunit and a cytochrome C subunit. The invention further relates to polynucleotides coding for the multimeric complexes and methods of use thereof. |
| US08034588B2 |
Species-specific, genus-specific and universal DNA probes and amplification primers to rapidly detect and identify common bacterial and fungal pathogens and associated antibiotic resistance genes from clinical specimens for diagnosis in microbiology laboratories
Provided herein are methods and kits for the specific and ubiquitous detection of Streptococcus agalactiae. |
| US08034586B2 |
Method for making soluble arabinoxylans as co-product of fermentation of whole-grain cereals
The present invention provides a method for producing preparations comprising soluble arabinoxylans as co-products of ethanol production through fermentation of whole-grain cereals. The method results in preparations that are highly enriched in soluble arabinoxylans, which can be used as a food, beverage, or feed ingredients. |
| US08034585B2 |
Superagonistic anti-CD28 antibodies
The present invention relates to one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding a binding molecule specifically binding to a human CD28 molecule, comprising (a) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a VH region and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a VL region comprising CDRs in a human immunoglobulin framework, wherein (i) the CDRs of the VH region (CDR-H) comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 or 18 (CDR-H3), 4 or 20 (CDR-H2) and 6 or 22 (CDR-H1) or are encoded by the nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 or 17 (CDR-H3), 3 or 19 (CDR-H2) and 5 or 21 (CDR-H1); and (ii) the CDRs of the VL region (CDR-L) comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 8 or 24 (CDR-L3), 10 or 26 (CDR-L2) and 12 or 28 (CDR-L1) or are encoded by the nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 7 or 23 (CDR-L3), 9 or 25 (CDR-L2) and 11 or 27 (CDR-L1); and (b) a nucleic acid sequence encoding the constant region of a human IgG1 or IgG4 antibody. |
| US08034578B2 |
PKP3 oncogene as a prognostic indicator for lung cancer
The present invention provides the method of predicting an non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis. |
| US08034576B2 |
Xanthurenic acid derivative pharmaceutical compositions and methods related thereto
The present invention relates to diuretic pharmaceutical compositions and methods and in particular to certain derivatives of the formula I: or a prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US08034569B2 |
Methods for molecular detection
This invention relates to methods for molecular detection, particularly to methods utilizing target-specific molecular probes. In exemplary embodiments, target-specific molecular probes include single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) aptamers. In general, the molecular probe may bind with relatively high specificity to a given target. In one aspect, a method for molecular detection comprises a molecular probe paired to a reporter molecule wherein the molecular probe impairs the amplification of the reporter molecule in the absence of the target molecule. |
| US08034568B2 |
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods and compositions
Methods and compositions are provided related to the amplification of target polynucleotide sequences as well as total RNA and total DNA amplification. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions also allow for the immobilization and capture of target polynucleotides with defined 3′ and or 5′ sequences to solid surfaces. The polynucleotides attached to the solid surfaces can be amplified or eluted for downstream processing. In some cases, nucleotides attached to solid surfaces can be used for high throughput sequencing of nucleotide sequences related to target DNA or target RNA. |
| US08034562B2 |
Method for obtaining plasmid-DNA by means of an aqueous biphasic system
The invention relates to a process for isolation of plasmid DNA from biomass by means of an aqueous 2-phase system having a polymer component and a salt component, characterized in that the resuspension of the biomass employed, the alkaline lysis of the biomass, the neutralization of the alkaline lysis batch and the separation of the plasmid DNA from the contaminants are carried out in a single reaction vessel (one-pot process) rendered possible in that the neutralization of the alkaline lysis batch is carried out in one and the same container by addition of potassium phosphate and one component of the aqueous 2-phase system is therefore already present. The second component of the aqueous 2-phase system is a PEG having a molecular weight of the mathematical average of about 600 g/mol to 1,000 g/mol. |
| US08034561B2 |
HIN-1, a tumor suppressor gene
The invention encompasses isolated DNAs encoding HIN-1 polypeptides, vectors containing such DNAs, cells containing the vectors, and isolated HIN-1 polypeptides. The invention also features methods of making and using HIN-1 polypeptides. |
| US08034560B2 |
MicroRNA-based methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-AML agents. |
| US08034558B2 |
Acridone derivatives as labels for fluorescence detection of target materials
Disclosed are new acridone dye derivatives having characteristic fluorescence lifetimes. Also disclosed are methods for labelling target biological materials employing the acridone dyes and use of the labelled materials in biological assays. The acridone derivatives have the following structure: in which Z1 and Z2 represent the atoms necessary to complete one ring, two fused ring, or three fused ring aromatic or heteroaromatic systems, each ring having five or six atoms selected from carbon atoms and optionally no more than two atoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur; R2, R3, R4 and R5 are selected from hydrogen, halogen, amide, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, mono- or di-nitro-substituted benzyl, amino, mono- or di-C1-C4 alkyl-substituted amino, sulphydryl, carbonyl, carboxyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, acrylate, vinyl, styryl, aryl, heteroaryl, C1-C20 alkyl, aralkyl, sulphonate, sulphonic acid, quaternary ammonium, the group -E-F and the group —(CH2—)nY; R1 is selected from hydrogen, mono- or di-nitro-substituted benzyl, C1-C20 alkyl, aralkyl, the group -E-F and the group —(CH2—)nY; where E is a spacer group, F is a target bonding group; Y is selected from sulphonate, sulphate, phosphonate, phosphate, quaternary ammonium and carboxyl; and n is an integer from 1 to 6. The invention also relates to a set of different fluorescent acridone dye derivatives, each dye having a different fluorescence lifetime, the set of dyes being particularly useful for multiparameter analysis. |
| US08034552B2 |
Virulent phages to detect Listeria monocytogenes in foodstuffs and in food processing plants
The present invention relates to virulent (lytic) Listeria monocytogenes phage from the Myoviridae family, preferably P100, alone or in combination with other virulent phages. P100 and the endolysin from P100 can be administered to food products, to the components that will be added to food products, and/or to the infrastructure of the food processing plants within which such food products are processed, or the containers or wraps in which such foods are stored and/or shipped, in order to reduce Listeria monocytogenes contamination. P100 can also be used in the present invention to identify Listeria monocytogenes bacteria present on (or within) foodstuffs, as well as those Listeria monocytogenes bacteria present in the equipment or the general environment of the food processing plants in which the foodstuffs are being processed and in animals infected with Listeria monocytogenes. The phage and the endolysin of the present invention can also be used to treat animals infected with Listeria monocytogenes. P100 will kill the bacteria that are within its host range with great efficiency and will propagate to high titer thereon. P100 can be combined with other lytic phage, and/or with other antimicrobial agents to reduce or eliminate Listeria. |
| US08034549B2 |
Detection of cancer by elevated levels of BCL-2
The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer, such as early or late stage ovarian cancer, in a subject by detecting Bcl-2 in a biological sample from the subject, preferably a urine or blood sample. Bcl-2 may be measured using an agent that detects or binds to Bcl-2 protein or an agent that detects or binds to encoding nucleic acids, such as antibodies specifically reactive with Bcl-2 protein or a portion thereof. The invention further relates to kits for carrying out the methods of the invention. The invention further relates to a device for the rapid detection of Bcl-2 in a bodily fluid and methods for rapidly measuring Bcl-2 in a bodily fluid. |
| US08034548B2 |
Methods and materials for assessing prostate cancer therapies
Using microarray-based profiling of isogenic prostate cancer xenograft models, we found that a modest (2-5 fold) increase in androgen receptor (AR) mRNA was the only expression change consistently associated with developing resistance to antiandrogen therapy. Increased levels of AR confer resistance to anti-androgens by amplifying signal output from low levels of residual ligand and altering the normal response to antagonists. This invention provides cell based assays for use in the examination of new therapeutic modalities and provides insight toward the design of novel antiandrogens. |
| US08034546B2 |
Use of methanofullerne derivatives as resist materials and method for forming a resist layer
The use as a resist material of a methanofullerene derivative having a plurality of open-ended addends, and to a method for forming a patterned resist layer on a substrate using the methanofullerene derivatives. The methanofullerene derivatives can be represented by the formal C2x(CR1R2)m where x is at least 10, m is at least 2, each addend represented by CR1R2 is the same or different, and wherein each R1 and R2 is each a monovalent organic group, or a divalent organic group which forms a ring structure by being joined to the fullerene shell, or where both R1 and R2 of an addend are divalent groups, they may be mutually joined to form a ring structure, save that at least two of R1 or two of R2 are monovalent, or a mixture of such derivatives. The use of any methanofullerene derivative which has been chemically amplified for formation of a patterned resist layer. The essential step of the method is forming a coating layer comprising the methanofullerene derivative on the substrate surface, the methanofullerene derivative being chemically amplified by including in the coating layer at least one additional component which increases the sensitivity of the exposed layer to actinic radiation which is subsequently used to pattern the layer. |
| US08034541B2 |
Process for producing a non-transparent microvoided self-supporting film
A process for producing a non-transparent microvoided self-supporting film comprising the steps of: i) mixing at least one linear polyester having together monomer units consisting essentially of terephthalate, isophthalate and aliphatic dimethylene with the molar ratio of isophthalate monomer units to terephthalate monomer units being at least 0.02 to provide a linear polyester matrix; at least one amorphous high polymer with a higher glass transition temperature than the glass transition temperature of said linear polyester matrix and/or at least one crystalline high polymer having a higher melting point than the glass transition temperature of said linear polyester matrix; and optionally at least one ingredient from the group of ingredients consisting of inorganic opacifying pigments, whitening agents, UV-absorbers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, flame retardants and colorants in a kneader or an extruder; ii) forming the mixture produced in step i) in a thick film followed by quenching; iii) longitudinally stretching the thick film at a stretching force of >4 N/mm2 to at least twice the initial length; and iv) transversely stretching the longitudinally stretched film from step (iii) to at least twice the initial width; the use of the non-transparent microvoided axially stretched film produced according to the above-described process as a synthetic paper; and the use of the non-transparent microvoided axially stretched film produced according to the above-described process image recording elements. |
| US08034540B2 |
System and method employing secondary back exposure of flexographic plate
A method of making a relief image on a flexographic print plate including imagewise exposing a mask including an imageable material disposed on a mask substrate to form an imaged mask having a mask image in the imageable material disposed on the mask substrate, the mask image including mask image areas each having a highlight value. The method further includes laminating the imaged mask to a front surface of a flexographic printing plate precursor, and exposing selected areas of the flexographic printing plate precursor to an imagewise addressable curing radiation via a back surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor based on the highlight values of corresponding mask image areas of the mask image. |
| US08034539B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method for producing device
An exposure system includes an exposure section for irradiating a formed resist film with exposing light through a mask with an immersion liquid provided on the resist film, and a drying section for drying a surface of the resist film after irradiation. |
| US08034538B2 |
Negative-working imageable elements
Negative-working imageable element can be used to prepared lithographic printing plates. These elements include a water-soluble contrast dye having a λmax in the range of from about 450 to about 750 nm and having an absorption that is lower than 10% with respect to the absorption of the radiation absorbing compound in the element at the wavelength used for exposure. The contrast dye is present in sufficient H-aggregation such that less than 40% of the entire absorption spectrum from the contrast dye is contributed by it in non-H-aggregated form. |
| US08034529B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and photosensitive element
A photosensitive resin composition comprising (a) a compound obtained by reacting a polybasic acid anhydride with the phenolic hydroxyl groups of a novolac-type phenol resin, and (b) a 1,2-quinonediazide compound. The photosensitive resin composition, which comprises component (b) composed of a 1,2-quinonediazide compound in combination with a component (a) obtained by reacting a polybasic acid anhydride with the phenolic hydroxyl groups of a novolac-type phenol resin, exhibits sufficiently high photosensitivity, image contrast, resolution and adhesiveness. |
| US08034527B2 |
Core-shell polymer nanoparticles and method for making emulsion aggregation particles using same
The method of making nano-sized particles for use in making emulsion aggregation toner particles, the nano-sized particles having a core portion and a shell portion, wherein the core portion of the nano-sized particles includes crystalline resin and the shell portion includes amorphous resin and is substantially to completely free of the crystalline resin. |
| US08034525B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming method is disclosed, which includes steps of cleaning toner remaining on a photoreceptor surface by a cleaning blade which is arranged on counter direction to rotation direction of the photoreceptor, supplying a fatty acid metal salt onto the photoreceptor surface after the cleaning, spreading the supplied fatty acid metal salt on the photoreceptor surface by using a spreading blade which is arranged on trail direction to rotation direction of the photoreceptor, charging the photoreceptor by a charging member, exposing the photoreceptor to form a latent image, developing the latent image by a developer to form a toner image on the photoreceptor, and transferring the toner image onto an image receiving member by a transfer roller facing to the photoreceptor through the image receiving material, in which the toner comprises a binder resin and a colorant, in which the toner has a glass transition point of from 20 to 45° C. and the binder resin contains 50% or more of vinyl polymer resin by weight based on the whole weight of the binder resin. |
| US08034523B2 |
Full color toner, and its use in electrophotography methods and apparatus
A full color toner containing a binder resin, a release agent and a colorant is provided, wherein the binder resin contains a polyester resin containing a hybrid resin containing one or more vinyl group polymer units and one or more polyester units, and wherein the content A of the hybrid resin and the content B of the release agent satisfy the following relationship: B/2≦A≦3B. |
| US08034522B2 |
Polyester toner resin compositions
Provided herein are polyester toner resins that may reduce or eliminate the use of Bis A, a common polyester toner resin material that may pose environmental and/or toxicity risks. In addition, the polyester toner resins according to some embodiments of the present invention may have desirable toner resin properties, such as hot offset resistance. |
| US08034520B2 |
Magenta toner for developing electrostatic image
Disclosed is a magenta toner, which contains magenta colorants composed of compound A represented by Formulas (1), (2) or (3) in an amount of mA and compound B selected from a group consisting of a mono-azo pigment, a naphthol pigment and rhodamine chelate pigment in an amount of mA, and a ratio of amount mA:mB is 90:10 to 55:45. are described in the specification. |
| US08034518B2 |
Photoreceptor
An electrophotographic imaging member includes a substrate, a photo generating layer, and an optional overcoating layer, wherein the photo generating layer includes a cyclic triphenylamine derivative material. |
| US08034514B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition for volume phase hologram recording and optical information recording medium using the same
The present invention relates to a volume phase hologram recording material excellent in transparency, sensitivity, low curing shrinkage, and transparency, a volume phase hologram recording medium, and a volume phase hologram. A photosensitive resin composition for volume phase hologram recording contains a low-molecular-weight solvent-soluble aromatic copolymer (A) having a structural unit of a divinyl aromatic compound and a structural unit of a monovinyl aromatic compound, a photoradical polymerizable compound (B) which is copolymerizable with the soluble aromatic copolymer (A), and a photopolymerization initiator (C) as essential components. The photosensitive resin composition further contains, one kind or more of a polymer binder (D) and a plasticizer (E), and the soluble aromatic copolymer (A) is incorporated in an amount of 5 to 60% by weight. |
| US08034510B2 |
Gas diffusion layer in a fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a gas channel-forming member that forms a channel for supplying a reactant gas to a plane of an electrode. A basic structure of the gas channel-forming member is a corrugated plate portion in which ridge portions and trough portions continuously alternate with each other. In the gas channel-forming member, a plurality of corrugated plate portions are interconnected. Specifically, two adjacent corrugated plate portions are interconnected so that the trough portions of one of the two connect to the ridge portions of the other corrugated plate portion. The gas channel-forming member is disposed so that the direction of alignment of the connection planes S formed by the interconnection between the trough portions and the ridge portions is parallel to the plane of the electrode. This structure improves the diffusion efficiency of the reactant gas in the gas channel. |
| US08034507B2 |
Direct-methanol fuel cell
According to one embodiment, a direct-methanol fuel cell includes an anode into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced as fuel, a cathode into which an oxidizing agent is introduced, an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode, an anode separator which is disposed on the anode side and includes a fuel passage formed on a surface facing the anode, and a cathode separator which is disposed in the cathode side and includes an oxidizing gas passage formed on a surface facing the cathode. At least the cathode separator is provided with a coating film including a macromolecular polymer having a water-repellent functional group and an ionic functional group, the coating film being formed on at least an inside surface of the oxidizing gas passage. |
| US08034506B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel gas flow field is formed on a surface of a rectangular first metal separator. The fuel gas flow field includes flow grooves extending in the direction of gravity. An outlet buffer is provided at a lower end of the fuel gas flow field. The outlet buffer includes an inclined surface inclined toward a fuel gas discharge passage. The fuel gas discharge passage is positioned below the outlet buffer. Outlet channel grooves are formed by ridges provided between the fuel gas discharge passage and the outlet buffer. Lower ends of the ridges are arranged in a zigzag pattern. |
| US08034501B2 |
Passive cooling system for fuel cell stack
A passive cooling system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The passive cooling system includes a plurality of cooling plates, each installed between every few unit cells, each having flow channels for flowing a primary coolant on at least one surface, and each comprising an inlet hole through which the primary coolant enters and an outlet hole through which the primary coolant that has passed the flow channels leaves; and a heat exchanger installed on a primary coolant flow line connected from the outlet holes to the inlet holes of the cooling plates to change a vapor state primary coolant to a liquid state primary coolant by cooling the primary coolant, wherein a path through which the primary coolant passes is a closed circuit, and the flow of the primary coolant is achieved by natural convection caused by vaporization of the primary coolant. |
| US08034489B2 |
Silane compound, organic electrolyte solution using the silane compound, and lithium battery using the organic electrolyte solution
Organic electrolyte solutions and lithium batteries using the same are provided. The organic electrolyte solutions use a silane compound that prevents crack formation caused by volumetric changes in the anode active material during battery charging/discharging. This improves charge/discharge characteristics, thereby also improving stability, reliability, and charge/discharge efficiency of the battery. |
| US08034488B2 |
Battery grid
A grid network for a battery plate is provided. The grid network includes a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements, each grid wire element having opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes. Each node includes the juncture of one of the opposed ends of a plurality of the grid wire elements to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. At least one of the grid wire elements has a first transverse cross-section intermediate its opposed ends that is a different shape than a second transverse cross-section at least one of the grid wire element's opposed ends. |
| US08034485B2 |
Metal oxide negative electrodes for lithium-ion electrochemical cells and batteries
Provided are negative electrode compositions for lithium-ion electrochemical cells that include metal oxides and polymeric binders. Also provided are electrochemical cells and battery packs that include electrodes made with these compositions. |
| US08034484B2 |
Electrochemical device and electrode active material for electrochemical device
An electrochemical device of the present invention comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode includes a compound having a structure represented by the general formula (1): It is thereby possible to obtain a lightweight and high energy-density electrochemical device having an excellent cycle characteristic. |
| US08034483B2 |
Anode and lithium-ion secondary battery
An anode for lithium-ion secondary battery is provided as one capable of ensuring sufficient safety (suppression of dendrites) while achieving a higher capacity (higher density of the electrode), and permitting formation of a lithium-ion secondary battery with excellent high-rate discharge performance. An anode for lithium-ion secondary battery has a current collector, and an active material-containing layer formed on the current collector, the active material-containing layer is comprised of an outermost layer disposed on the farthest side from the current collector, and a lower layer composed of at least one layer disposed between the outermost layer and the current collector, and a degree of flexion of the outermost layer is smaller than that of the lower layer. |
| US08034480B2 |
High rate capability design of lithium ion secondary battery
A lithium ion secondary battery includes LiFePO4 as a major component of the positive electrode active material. In order to implement the high rate capability with 10 C/1 C rate larger than 80%, the invention designs a positive electrode on a current collector with a ratio (A/t) of coating area to coating thickness greater than 1.2×106 (mm) and uses more than one tab on the current collector. The design of the invention can be applied to other active materials with low conductivity as the positive electrode for lithium ion battery. |
| US08034477B2 |
Chip battery
A chip battery includes an element body including a solid electrolyte layer, a positive electrode layer, and a negative electrode layer. Current collectors are provided on the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, respectively, of the element body using a conductive material, such as Pt. In addition, protective films are provided on both end surfaces of the element body and on the current collectors so that the current collectors are exposed near the respective ends in the longitudinal direction of the element body. Further, protective films are provided on the side surfaces of the element body to define a base body. Further, terminal electrodes are provided on the base body so as to be brought into surface contact with the exposed surfaces of the current collectors on both end sides in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lamination direction of the element body. |
| US08034476B2 |
Battery module, and middle or large-sized battery pack containing the same
Disclosed herein are a battery module constructed in a structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped secondary battery cells (‘battery cells’), which can be charged and discharged, are sequentially stacked on a lower plate, and an upper plate is coupled to the uppermost battery cell, wherein the plates are provided at the top and bottom and/or the right and left sides thereof with a sliding coupling structure, and the battery module is provided at the front thereof with grips, and a middle- or large-sized battery pack including a plurality of battery modules. |
| US08034469B1 |
Two-level layer system with pyrochlore phase and oxides
There is described a two-Level Layer System with Pyrochlore Phase and Oxides. Besides a good thermal insulation property, thermal insulation layer systems must also have a long lifetime of the thermal insulation layer. The layer system has a layer sequence of a metallic bonding layer, an inner ceramic layer and an outer ceramic layer, which are specially matched to one another. |
| US08034466B2 |
Light-emitting element and light-emitting device using the same
The present invention provides a light-emitting element that includes a pair of electrodes, and an organic compound that has a glass-transition temperature of 150° C. or more, preferably 160° C. or more and 300° C. or less, and a metal oxide that are provided between the pair of electrodes, or includes a pair of electrodes, and a compound having a spiro ring and a triphenylamine skeleton and a metal oxide that are provided between the pair of electrodes. It is a feature that the compound has a spiro ring and a triphenylamine skeleton is a benzidine derivative represented by a general formula (1) In the formula, R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. |
| US08034458B2 |
Multilayer film structure for increasing transmittance and method for manufacturing the same
A multilayer film structure for increasing transmittance includes a transparent substrate and a multifunctional film module. The multifunctional film module is formed on a front surface of the transparent substrate and composed of a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of metal layers. The dielectric layers and the metal layers are alternately stacked onto each other, and each metal layer is formed by mixing at least two metals. Each dielectric layer is a silicon carbide compound layer that is SiC, and each metal layer is formed by mixing Ag and Cu. |
| US08034457B2 |
Seal structure and associated method
A seal structure is provided for an energy storage device. The seal structure includes a sealing glass joining an ion-conducting first ceramic to an electrically insulating second ceramic. The sealing glass has a composition that includes about 48 weight percent silica, about 20 weight percent to about 25 weight percent boria, about 20 weight percent to about 24 weight percent alumina, and about 8 weight percent to about 12 weight percent sodium oxide based on the total weight of the sealing glass composition. A method for making the seal structure is provided. An article comprising the seal structure is also provided. |
| US08034456B2 |
Surface-treated metal material and metal surface treatment agent
The present invention provides a surface-treated metal material having a film formed on at least a portion of a surface of a metal material, the film containing at least polyurethane resin and silicon oxide, and a metal surface treatment agent used to obtain the surface-treated metal material. The polyurethane resin contains one or more of siloxane bond, dehydration-condensation bond of silanol group and different functional group, and silanol moiety, and urea bond. The sum of the siloxane bond, the dehydration-condensation bond of silanol group and different functional group, total amount of the silanol moiety, and the silicon oxide falls within a range of equal to or more than 1.6 wt % to equal to or less than 25 wt % for solids of the film. The ratio of the total amount of urea bond and urethane bond to the total amount of resin components falls within a range of equal to or more than 0.1 wt % to equal to or less than 10 wt %. |
| US08034452B2 |
Moisture barrier coatings
A barrier assembly having a flexible or rigid substrate overcoated with an all polymer multilayer stack. A multilayer on the substrate includes alternating diamond-like glass or carbon layers with polymer layers. Another multilayer includes alternating polymer layers using different types of polymers. The barrier layers can be used to mount, cover, encapsulate or form composite assemblies for protection of moisture or oxygen sensitive articles. |
| US08034449B1 |
Engineered plant biomass feedstock particles
A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers. The L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top surfaces characterized by some surface checking between longitudinally arrayed fibers. The feedstock particles are manufactured from a variety of plant biomass materials including wood, crop residues, plantation grasses, hemp, bagasse, and bamboo. |
| US08034444B2 |
Porous membranes and recording media comprising same
The present invention relates to a porous membrane obtainable by polymerizing at least one type of curable epoxyacrylate monomer that is soluble in a solvent wherein at least 50 wt % of said solvent is water. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these porous membranes are used. |
| US08034443B2 |
Plastic composite material and method for manufacturing said material
Plastic composite material made up of a polymer matrix with a concentration of a nanofiber material and with a concentration of graphite-based particles. The matrix additionally contains at least one inorganic filler in the form of silicate-based particles or in the form of glass particles. |
| US08034442B2 |
Fiber-reinforced prepreg and composite material obtained from the same
The present invention provides a prepreg made by impregnating a resin composition into a fiber reinforcing material, the resin composition comprising 50 to 60 parts by weight of an aromatic bismaleimide (A), 30 to 40 parts by weight of an alkenylphenol ether compound (B) expressed by a specific general formula, 5 to 15 parts by weight of an alkenyl aromatic comonomer (C), and 1 to 10% by weight of a thermoplastic resin (D) soluble in (B) or (C) based on the total amount of (A), (B) and (C), the aromatic bismaleimide (A) including 90% by weight or more of bismaleimide diphenylmethane, and a composite material having a glass transition temperature of 260 to 350° C. obtained by heat-curing the prepreg. The invention also provides a prepreg for obtaining a fiber-reinforced composite material excellent in solvent resistance, thermal oxidation resistance and the like while maintaining thermal resistance inherent in an aromatic bismaleimide resin used as a matrix resin and a fiber-reinforced composite material obtained from the prepreg. |
| US08034440B2 |
Elastomeric film and laminates thereof
An elastomeric film includes a first layer co-extruded with a second layer. The first layer includes a single-site catalyzed ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer having a density of about 0.860 to about 0.900 grams per centimeter. The second layer includes a styrene copolymer selected from styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, or styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene-(ethylene/propylene). The first layer may optionally include filler particles. An extensible laminate including the elastomeric film is also disclosed. |
| US08034428B2 |
Reinforced sandwich structure
The present invention relates to a reinforced sandwich structure (10) comprising stacked in height direction thereof, at least one top layer (2) and at least one bottom layer (3) comprising a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom layer sandwich between them at least one core (1) of a foamed material, the sandwich structure being impregnated with a resin material. The at least one core material comprises at least one insert (9) which extends in height direction of the reinforced sandwich structure (10) over at least part of the height thereof and in at least one of the longitudinal and transversal direction thereof. The at least one top layer (2), the at least one bottom layer (3) and the at least one core material which comprise the at least one insert are connected to each other by means of reinforcing fibers, at least part of which extend in height direction of the sandwich structure. |
| US08034427B2 |
Friction material composition and friction material produced therewith
Disclosed is a friction material composition, comprising a fiber matrix, a binder, an organic filler, and an inorganic filler, wherein the fiber matrix contains at least two types of mineral fibers different in average fiber length from each other, and the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value among the average fiber lengths of the mineral fibers is 50 μm or more. Also disclosed is a friction material produced by pressure-molding the friction material composition while heating. Further disclosed is a friction material having an underlayer material interposed between a friction surface and a back metal, while the underlayer material is produced by pressure-molding the friction material composition while heating. |
| US08034423B2 |
Recording medium, method for manufacturing same, and inkjet recording method
A recording medium in which a base paper, a first layer including a binder, and a second layer including kaolin and at least one pigment selected from calcined kaolin, delaminated kaolin, and amorphous silica are laminated in that order. A total content of at least one pigment selected from the group of pigments is 10% or more of the total amount of pigments in the second layer. A Cobb water absorption degree within a contact time of 120 sec in a water absorption test at a surface of the first layer of the base paper provided with the first layer is than 2.0 g/m2 or less, and a water absorption amount within a contact time of 0.5 sec determined by a Bristow test at a surface of the second layer is from 2 mL/m2 to 8 mL/m2. |
| US08034420B2 |
Benzotriazole compound-containing composition and light-emitting device using the composition
Disclosed is a composition containing a compound having a benzotriazole ring structure and a phosphorescent compound. |
| US08034418B2 |
Method for forming thin film and apparatus therefor
A plurality of antenna elements, each of which has first and second linear conductors whose first ends are electrically interconnected are formed. The antenna elements are arranged in plane in such a way that the first and second linear conductors are alternated and separated from one another at regular intervals, thereby forming one or more array antennas which are disposed in a chamber. The second ends of the first linear conductors are connected to a high-frequency power supply, and the second ends of the second linear conductors are connected to ground. A plurality of substrates are parallel placed on both sides of the array antennas at distances approximate to the distances between the linear conductors. A film is formed by introducing an ingredient gas into the chamber. |
| US08034413B2 |
Method for manufacturing magnetic recording media
A method for manufacturing discrete track media and patterned media is disclosed which enables a magnetic recording layer having excellent magnetic characteristics to be obtained without imparting damage to a crystal orientation control layer which is at the surface when forming the magnetic recording layer. The method for manufacturing magnetic recording media comprises a process of forming a soft magnetic layer on a substrate; a process of forming a first crystal orientation control layer on the soft magnetic layer; a process of providing a depression in at least a portion of the first crystal orientation control layer; a process of performing heat treatment of the first crystal orientation control layer; and a process of forming a magnetic recording layer on the first crystal orientation control layer. |
| US08034410B2 |
Protective inserts to line holes in parts for semiconductor process equipment
Inserts are used to line openings in parts that form a semiconductor processing reactor. In some embodiments, the reactor parts delimit a reaction chamber. The reactor parts may be formed of graphite. A layer of silicon carbide is deposited on surfaces of the openings in the reactor parts and the inserts are placed in the openings. The inserts are provided with a hole, which can accept another reactor part such as a thermocouple. The insert protects the walls of the opening from abrasion caused by insertion of the other reactor part into the opening. |
| US08034409B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for fabricating three dimensional integrated circuits
The present invention pertains to methods, apparatuses, and systems for fabricating three-dimensional integrated circuits. One embodiment of the method comprises providing a wafer or other substrate having a plurality of through holes. In addition, the method includes supporting the wafer or other substrate with a wafer or other substrate holder mounted in a process chamber. The method further includes generating a pressure differential between the front side of the wafer or other substrate and the back side of the wafer or other substrate while the wafer or other substrate is supported on the wafer or other substrate holder so that the pressure differential causes fluid flow through the through holes. Also, the method includes establishing process conditions in the process chamber for at least one process to fabricate integrated circuits. Embodiments of a system and embodiments of an apparatus according to the present invention are also presented. |
| US08034408B2 |
One-dimensional metal and metal oxide nanostructures
Metal powder (such as tin, titanium, or tungsten powder) is heated in a flowing stream of an inert gas, such as argon, containing a small abundance of oxygen at a temperature to produce metal vapor. The metal reacts with the oxygen to form and deposit one-dimensional nanostructures of oxygen-containing metal on the metal powder (in the case of Ti and W) or on a suitable nearby substrate in the case of the lower melting tin. The metal oxides are not necessarily stoichiometric compounds. Water may be introduced into the flowing inert gas to increase or control the oxygen content. Sulfur vapor or a carbon source may be introduced to dope the nanostructures with sulfur or carbon. Reaction conditions may be modified to vary the shapes of the one-dimensional nanostructures. |