Document Document Title
US08111728B2 Semiconductor laser and manufacturing process thereof
A semiconductor laser has a semiconductor substrate, a lower cladding layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, an active layer disposed above the lower cladding layer, a first upper cladding layer disposed above the active layer, a second upper cladding layer disposed above the first upper cladding layer and having a mesa structure, a high-order mode filter layer formed on both side faces of the second upper cladding layer, continuously extending from the both side faces onto at least a part of a side region on both sides of the second upper cladding layer and having a band gap not exceeding a band gap of the active layer, and a block layer formed on the high-order mode filter layer and on a side region on both sides of the second upper cladding layer and including a layer having a band gap greater than a band gap of the active layer.
US08111725B2 Surface-emitting laser, surface-emitting laser array, optical scanning device, and image forming apparatus
A disclosed surface-emitting laser includes a substrate and multiple semiconductor layers stacked on the substrate. A normal of the principal plane of the substrate is inclined with respect to one of crystal orientations <1 0 0> toward one of crystal orientations <1 1 1>. The semiconductor layers include a resonator structure including an active layer; and a semiconductor multilayer mirror stacked on the resonator structure. The semiconductor multilayer mirror includes a confined structure where a current passage area is surrounded by an oxidized area including at least an oxide generated by oxidation of a part of a selective oxidation layer containing aluminum. A strain field caused by the oxidation is present at least in a part of the vicinity of the oxidized area. In the strain field, the amount of strain in a first axis direction is different from the amount of strain in a second axis direction.
US08111724B2 Temperature control device for optoelectronic devices
Current may be passed through an n-doped semiconductor region, a recessed metal semiconductor alloy portion, and a p-doped semiconductor region so that the diffusion of majority charge carriers in the doped semiconductor regions transfers heat from or into the semiconductor waveguide through Peltier-Seebeck effect. Further, a temperature control device may be configured to include a metal semiconductor alloy region located in proximity to an optoelectronic device, a first semiconductor region having a p-type doping, and a second semiconductor region having an n-type doping. The temperature of the optoelectronic device may thus be controlled to stabilize the performance of the optoelectronic device.
US08111722B1 Low-noise RF oscillation and optical comb generation based on nonlinear optical resonator
Techniques and devices based on optical resonators made of nonlinear optical materials and nonlinear wave mixing to generate RF or microwave oscillations and optical comb signals.
US08111718B1 Communication system and method that reduces interference
A method of operating a communication system is disclosed. The method comprises acquiring a first frequency band for a first device to wireles sly communicate a first data stream. The center frequency of the first frequency band is f1. A second frequency band for a second device to wirelessly communicate a second data stream is acquired. The center frequency of the second frequency band is f2. A third frequency band that is below the first frequency band and is available is found. The center frequency of the third frequency band is f3. A fourth frequency band that is above the first frequency band and is available is found. The center frequency of the fourth frequency band is f4. If a frequency determination factor of (f1−f3)/(f4−f1) is greater than one, the third frequency band is acquired for the second device.
US08111717B2 Flexible tributary interface
A system and method are provided for transporting Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) tributaries. The method accepts a plurality of PDH tributaries; generates a serial data stream of interleaved PDH tributaries; generates a serial control stream of signals for recovering the PDH tributaries; and, generates a clock signal for timing the data and control streams. The serial data stream of interleaved PDH tributaries is loaded into the payload of a data frame structure. Likewise, the serial control stream is loaded into the payload of a control frame structure. The data bytes of the serial data stream and the control bytes of the serial control stream are both transmitted at the same data rate. That is, there is a control byte generated for each data byte. Thus, the control bytes in the control frame structure are aligned with corresponding data bytes in the data frame structure.
US08111716B2 Method and apparatus for formatting data signals in a digital audio broadcasting system
A data unit for transmitting data in a digital broadcasting system includes a first payload field, and a first byte code field having a value indicating an offset of data in the first payload field with respect to an absent value. A method for formatting the data unit includes: providing data for a payload field for a data unit, wherein the data includes an absent byte value, determining an offset between an absent byte value and other data in the payload field, shifting the data in the payload field by the offset to produce shifted bytes, and inserting a byte code in the data unit, wherein the byte code indicates the offset. A transmitter for transmitting the data units, and a receiver for receiving the data units are also provided.
US08111714B2 Method and arrangement relating to admission control of broadband services
A broadband access node and method for controlling access by end users to services over communication channels. A resource admission control mechanism includes a first memory for storing information about a currently available transmission capacity on an uplink channel, a second memory for storing information about a currently available transmission capacity on a downlink subscriber line; and a third memory for storing information about a currently available maximum performance of the access node. A fourth memory stores service-related information regarding the capacity and performance service requirements of respective services. A processor calculates whether the service requirements of a requested service fulfill given conditions in relation to currently available uplink/downlink capacity and currently available performance capability of the access node. Requests that fulfill the given conditions are granted while requests that do not fulfill the conditions are rejected.
US08111711B2 Multi-channel ranging for a cable modem
In one example, a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) sends first bandwidth allocation messages to a first upstream transmit interface on a cable modem and send second bandwidth allocation messages to a second upstream transmit interface on the cable modem. The bandwidth allocation messages indicate transmit windows for the cable modem to range over the interfaces. The transmit windows included in the first bandwidth allocation messages are spaced based on receipt of ranging requests from the second upstream transmit interface, and the transmit windows included in the second bandwidth allocation messages are spaced based on receipt of ranging requests from the first upstream transmit interface.
US08111709B2 MIMO wireless communication system
A wireless communication method in a MIMO OFDMA system in which users in each of multiple adjacent cells are served by a base station of the cell, the base station having a transmission link to each user in the cell on a respective MIMO channel. The method involves the base station (BSA) of a first cell carrying out the following steps: receiving, from a base station (BSB) or user (B) of another cell, one or more requests for reduction of interference which it is causing to users in that other cell; identifying a rank deficient MIMO channel (HA) among its transmission links to users in the first cell to select a MIMO channel to be made the subject of zero forcing; and applying zero forcing to transmissions on the selected MIMO channel (HA) to reduce interference experienced by at least one user (B) in the other cell. A rank deficient MIMO channel is chosen to minimize the reduction of overall data capacity due to the zero forcing; it is found by examining eigenvalues of the channel matrix and calculating ratios thereof. In addition, correlation between the selected channel (HA) and the channel (HB) to the user (B) in the other cell is checked and if they are correlated by more than a threshold amount, another channel in the first cell is selected instead.
US08111707B2 Compression mechanisms for control plane—data plane processing architectures
Methods, apparatuses, and systems directed to efficient compression processing in system architectures including a control plane and a data plane. Particular implementations feature integration of compression operations and mode selection with a beltway mechanism that takes advantage of atomic locking mechanisms supported by certain classes of hardware processors to handle the tasks that require atomic access to data structures while also reducing the overhead associated with these atomic locking mechanisms.
US08111702B1 Configuring route properties for use in transport tree building
A mechanism is provided by which a transport tree identifier can be generated comprising both an opaque field, containing information that cannot be interpreted by core routers, and a non-opaque field, containing information that can be interpreted by core routers. The transport tree identifier is then used in the process of building a transport tree across a transport network. A transport network egress router can receive a request to join a multicast datastream from a downstream node outside of the transport network. The information contained in the join message that identifies the desired multicast datastream is encoded in the opaque field of the transport tree identifier. Information related to desired route properties is encoded in the non-opaque field, for interpretation by the core routers. The non-opaque field can also include an identifier of a root node core router for the transport tree. Route properties can be provided, for example, by selection and transmission from the customer itself, or route properties can be associated with a particular customer or associated with a port of an egress router coupled to the customer network.
US08111698B2 Method of performing a layer operation in a communications network
In an embodiment of the present invention, a scheduling operation is performed at a lower layer based on upper layer information. In another embodiment of the present invention, an action is performed at an upper layer based on received lower layer information. Also, a scheduling operation may be performed on at least one upper layer data packet at a lower layer based on a lower layer analysis of the upper layer data packet.
US08111689B2 System for uplink scheduling packet based data traffic in wireless system
A system for allocating bandwidth resources among various mobile stations which are wirelessly connected to a base station. The length of the data queue in each mobile station is determined and information regarding that length is placed in a field in the outgoing data packet. When it is received in the base station, this field is decoded and the queue length information used to allocate bandwidth resources among the mobile station connections. This allows a very quick response to data queue lengths and accordingly better service.
US08111687B2 Communication system and method
A method of establishing communication between a first and second terminal, the first terminal being arranged to communicate with a first communication system and the second terminal being arranged to communicate with a second communication system. The method comprises the steps of: a user of the second terminal selecting an identity to represent the second terminal in the first communication system and registering a network address of the second terminal at a first storage means; allocating to the second terminal a calling identifier from a set of available calling identifiers and mapping the network address to the calling identifier at the first storage means and mapping the identity to the calling identifier at a second storage means; a user of the first terminal initiating communication with the second terminal using the identity; the first terminal translating the identity to the calling identifier using the second storage means and transmitting a message to the first communication system to initiate communication with the second terminal using the calling identifier; responsive to receiving the message at a network node of the first communication system, the network node translating the calling identifier to the network address using the first storage means; and establishing a connection between the first terminal and the network node over the first communication system, and between the network node and the second terminal over the second communication system.
US08111685B2 Communication network with co-routed multi-channel traffic
Embodiments of the present invention route a wavelength division multiplexed signal across multiple communication paths using skew characteristics of at least some of the communication paths. The network is a wavelength division multiplexed optical transport network. The plurality of communication paths involves different signal and path attributes such as a plurality of carrier wavelengths, optical carrier groups, physical communication paths (different nodes, different fibers along a same path, or any combination of the foregoing), or any other differentiating factors between two paths.
US08111683B2 Base station and mobile station for OFDMA cellular system
In a cellular radio communication system, a base station or a mobile station has a TA (Time Alignment)-range-out detection function, so that when a TA-range-out state that is unable to compensate with a guard interval is detected, the transmission condition of an uplink signal at the mobile station is changed by the mobile station autonomously or by the base station and the mobile station cooperatively.
US08111679B2 Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus on the base station transmits beamformed multi-beam data to a wireless communication apparatus on the mobile station side using a multiple antennas. To obtain an expected directivity without gain reduction under the existence of phase variation in transmission circuits, the wireless communication apparatus on the base station is equipped with a code book that stores beamforming information, a precoder that reads the code book and performs processing to form a multi-beam pattern for the data, and a control unit that controls, based on feedback information, the reading of beamforming information from the code book for the compensation of phase variation.
US08111677B2 Systems and methods of combined bluetooth and WLAN signaling
Disclosed herein are systems and methods of combined Bluetooth and WLAN signaling. Such systems and methods may use a Bluetooth connection to signal WLAN capabilities and to exchange WLAN security keys. Once the file transfer has started, the actual data may be transmitted over the WLAN connection rather than over the Bluetooth connection. The WLAN connection may have a much higher throughput than the Bluetooth connection, and WLAN capability has increasingly become present inside Bluetooth enabled devices. The Bluetooth connection may be used as a control channel, while the WLAN connection may be used for data transfer.
US08111676B2 Loseless roaming via bridging between access ports
In a network comprising a wireless device, a first access point (AP) and a plurality of neighbor APs, a method is provided for reducing the chances of packet loss when the wireless device roams from the first AP to one of the neighbor APs. For example, when the first AP is transmitting a particular packet of a packet stream from to the wireless device, the wireless device begins to move away from the first AP toward at least one of the neighbor APs. The first AP maintains an acknowledgement counter for the particular packet which counts a number of times the particular packet has been transmitted by the first AP without receiving an acknowledgement (ACK) message from the wireless device confirming successful reception of the particular packet from the first AP. The first AP determines whether an ACK message was received for the particular packet, and if not, the first AP determines whether the number of times the particular packet has been sent is equal to a particular number of attempts. If the first AP determines that the number of times is equal to the particular number of attempts, then the first AP forwards the particular packet to the neighbor APs. Any of the neighbor APs which receive the particular packet, can then format the source address field of the particular packet with the MAC address of the first AP, and forward it to the wireless device.
US08111672B2 Method for data communication between a base station and a transponder
A method for wireless data communication between a base station and at least one transponder by a high-frequency electromagnetic carrier signal, onto which information packets are modulated, wherein each information packet has a header section, a middle section, and a terminating end section, wherein the middle section has a data field, which contains the data necessary for the data communication, wherein at least one additional control field is inserted into the data field by which the structure of the information packets can be variably adjusted within the region of the data field. The invention relates further to a transponder, a base station, and a data communication system.
US08111667B2 Wireless transceiver
In a MIMO wireless transceiver, priority control that judges priority of transmit data and a transmission mode table are provided to control an option as to which transmission system SDM or STBC is selected, coding rate and modulation method based on a transmission mode for a transmission destination that is determined by priority of transmission data and status of a communication matrix at the time of data transmission. With such arrangement, a wireless communication system composed of the MIMO wireless transceiver can control coding, MIMO signal processing and modulation methods according to priority of transmit data. More specifically, it is possible to ensure transmission of data having higher priority and improve throughput in total when a plurality of types of data are transmitted.
US08111665B2 Methods and devices for determining if a handover has to be executed for a terminal
A method for determining if a handover of a half-duplex terminal has to be executed from a first base station to a second base station, the half-duplex terminal not transferring and not receiving signals during a period of time, called an idle period. The first base station transfers to the half-duplex terminal a downlink signal in the cell of the first base station. The first base station receives a message in response to the downlink signal including information relative to quality measurements on the downlink signal transferred by the first and the second base stations. The first base station determines the round trip delay between the half-duplex terminal and the second base station. The first base station further transmits a handover notification message to the half-duplex terminal instructing the half-duplex terminal to execute a handover procedure from the first base station to the second base station.
US08111663B2 Methods and systems for variable rate broadcast with soft handoff
Embodiments described herein relate to providing variable rate broadcast services with soft handoff in wireless communications. In an embodiment, a plurality of access points (e.g., servicing various cells in a broadcast area) may transmit a broadcast content in accordance with a rate set. The rate set may include a plurality of distinct data rates each associated with a transmission format, configured to allow the broadcast packets transmitted by the access points to be incrementally combined (e.g., on a per-slot basis at a subscribing AT). The data rates and corresponding transmission formats in the rate set may be selected in relation to the supportable data rates of the cells in the broadcast area, as well as the requirements for supporting soft handoff in these cells.
US08111658B2 Method for packet-switching interface for code division switching in a terrestrial wireless system
An access radio port is provided that includes means for spreading a payload data signal, extracted from an ATM packet, with a uniquely assigned orthogonal code, means for transmitting the spread payload data signal to one of a group of mobile subscriber terminals located within a microport cell of a wireless terrestrial network, and means for releasing the uniquely assigned orthogonal code. In another aspect, a mobile subscriber terminal, configured to be located within a microport cell of a terrestrial wireless network that interfaces with an access radio port, is provided. The mobile subscriber terminal includes means for receiving an assignment of a unique orthogonal code, means for spreading a payload data signal by the unique orthogonal code, means for modulating and forwarding the spread payload data signal to the access radio port, and means for releasing the assignment of the unique orthogonal code.
US08111657B2 Optimising communication links
A method allocates transmission channels to transmit nodes in a wireless network, the network comprising receive nodes and respective transmit nodes. Each receive node receives a data signal from its respective transmit node and is subject to interference from other transmission from other transmit nodes. The method includes: (i) determining the communication link gain of a data signal transmitted via each of communication paths; (ii) for each of the receive nodes, forming a set of the transmit nodes from which the receive node can tolerate interfering transmissions, (iii) collecting the formed set of transmit nodes from step (ii) for each receive node, and using the formed sets to generate a preferred set of transmit node and receive node pairs; and (iv) allocating a communication channel to the transmit nodes contained in the preferred set.
US08111656B2 Method and apparatus for providing random access window configuration
An approach is provided for providing random access window configuration by estimating a processing time margin for processing random access preambles received in one or more random access channels. The estimated processing time margin is then used to offset the respective random access window configuration.
US08111655B2 System and method of base station performance enhancement using coordinated antenna array
In wireless system, a group of Basestations (BTSs) can be managed by a centralized network management identity or can be self-organized by communicating with each other via wireless air-interfaces or wired interfaces. One such example are Femtocell systems. When the BTSs are using the same frequency for transmitting and receiving with relatively large transmitting power and when they are closer to each other, performance of such a system and user throughput or QoS (Quality of Service) gets degraded due to the interference between the BTSs and among the users. Smart antenna technique can be used in a coordinated way among a group of BTSs, such as Femtocells, to avoid or reduce interference or manage how interference happens to achieve performance enhancement such as higher system throughput or better QoS to individual applications.
US08111649B1 Method and apparatus for enabling a host to influence how a packet is routed through a network
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for routing packets in a network. A router may receive a packet at an input port which originated from a source system and which is destined to a destination system. The packet may include a traffic-management field which enables the source system to influence how the packet is routed through the network without requiring the source system to explicitly specify nodes that the packet should traverse. The router can use the traffic-management field to select an output port from a set of output ports of the router that are associated with different paths to the destination system. Since the traffic-management field's value is set by the source system, it enables the source system to influence how the router selects the output port, thereby enabling the source system to influence how the packet is routed through the network.
US08111646B1 Communication system for dynamically combining power from a plurality of propagation channels in order to improve power levels of transmitted signals without affecting receiver and propagation segments
The present invention relates to a communication system and method that allows a transmitter segment (ground end of uplink segment) to dynamically combine power from plurality of propagation channels (transponders) in order to improve power levels of signals being transmitted, without affecting the receiver segment (user end of downlink segment) and the propagation segment (space segment), and without modifying the configuration of the propagation apparatus (satellite). Specifically, the transmitter segment generates mixtures of input signals by using Wavefront-Multiplexing and transmits the wavefront-multiplexed (WFM) signals through propagation channels to a receiver segment that coherently separates the mixtures of received WFM signals by using adaptive equalization and Wavefront-De-Multiplexing. The WFM signal mixtures allow an operator, or automated system, at the transmitter segment to dynamically allocate equivalent channel (transponder) powers according to continuously changing market demands by dynamically including change of relative input powers into ratios of the WFM signal mixtures being transmitted.
US08111644B2 Polling method and apparatus for long term evolution multimedia broadcast multicast services
A device for wirelessly communicating a service to user equipment is provided. The device includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to promote the transmitter polling to determine whether user equipment desire a service and responsive to receiving, via the receiver, at least one user equipment request for the service, the processor programmed to promote the transmitter providing a point-to-multipoint (PTM) broadcast of the service.
US08111637B2 Method, arrangement and device for precompensation of crosstalk in a DSL MIMO system
A method, an arrangement and a device for transmitting data via a plurality of channels. Additional data d are transmitted via at least one channel, and the transmission of the additional data d influences the transmission of the data in at least one of the further channels. The transmission of the data in the at least one of the further channels is influenced for example in such a way as to reduce interference, such as crosstalk, for instance, in the at least one of the further channels. The additional data d are advantageously transmitted during pauses in the user data transmission of the at least one channel.
US08111633B1 Multicast trees for virtual private local area network (LAN) service multicast
Principles of the invention are described for providing virtual private local area network service (VPLS) multicast instances across a public network by utilizing multicast trees. In particular, the VPLS multicast instances transport layer two (L2) multicast traffic, such as Ethernet packets, between customer networks via the public network. The principles described herein enable VPLS multicast instances to handle high bandwidth multicast traffic. The principles also reduce the state and the overhead of maintaining the state in the network by removing the need to perform snooping between routers within the network.
US08111632B2 Method for logical deployment, undeployment and monitoring of a target IP network
The method is applied to configure, reconfigure and monitor globally a plurality of network elements (NE1, . . . , NEi, . . . , NEj, . . . , NEN) connected to an IP Network (10) through multiple interfaces (A1, . . . , AN), with several Network Elements Controllers (NEC1, . . . , NECk, . . . , NECQ) connected to the same IP Network (10) through respective interfaces (B1, . . . , BQ). The IP Network (10) also provides a plurality of preconfigured IP functional interfaces (Cik) from each network element (NEi) to the at least one network elements controller (NECk). Each network element (NEi) has an IP networking layer (9) and runs/executes several network-related processes (P1, . . . , PL) managed and monitored by this method. The method also provides configuration and monitoring of IP interfaces (Dij) among network elements. The existing IP functional interfaces (Cik) are used to perform such managing and monitoring. To get these aims, the method performs high-level actions instead of atomic “get/set” operations. Neither the method neither requires explicit agents-manager paradigm nor depends on a particular communication protocol for network management.
US08111631B2 Systems and methods for automatic configuration of customer premises equipments
A system for automatically configuring a device which is compatible with the Technical Report TR-069 of the DSL Forum, said system comprising a first automatic configuration server compatible with the Technical Report TR-069 of the DSL Forum, which is adapted and arranged for communicating with said device and for automatically configuring at least part of the configurable parameters of said device, said device by means of the CPE WAN Management Protocol defined in Technical Report TR-069 of the DSL Forum, wherein said system further comprises a proxy server arranged between said device and said automatic configuration server.
US08111630B2 Content caching in the radio access network (RAN)
A system and method to intercept traffic at standard interface points as defined by Cellular/Wireless networks (GSM/GPRS, 3G/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, CDMA, WIMAX, LTE), emulate the respective protocols on either side of the interception point, extract user/application payloads within the intercepted packets, perform optimizations, and re-encapsulate with the same protocol, and deliver the content transparently is disclosed. The optimizations include but are not limited to Content Caching, prediction & pre-fetching of frequently used content, performance of content-aware transport optimizations (TCP, UDP, RTP etc.) for reducing back-haul bandwidth, and improvement of user experience. An additional embodiment of the current invention includes injecting opportunistic content (location based, profile based or advertisement content) based on the information derived while monitoring control plane protocols.
US08111625B2 Method for detecting a message interface fault in a communication device
In one aspect, a method for detecting the fault of a message interface in a communications device is provided, wherein the message interface comprises at least two layers which communicate with each other, a top layer accesses to the services of the lower layer and offers the services thereof to upper layers, for detecting a fault in the layers, at least one test application sends at least one test message for testing the information state of at least certain individual layers, thereby making it possible to control the information capabilities between the layers of the message interface.
US08111621B2 Method for configuring a telecommunication system
The invention relates to a method for configuring a telecommunication system comprising at least one sending entity and one receiving entity between which the same link transmits several transport channels with different qualities of service. The sending entity matches the rate between the different coded transport channels with separate qualities of service, and the different coded transport channels are then multiplexed. The matching rate specific to each coded transport channel is determined from at least one first parameter representative of the expected Eb/I ratio and a second parameter representative of the capacity of the physical channel.
US08111614B2 Remote redundant voice server system
During normal operation, a user terminal supported by an IP-PBX server establishes a call by resolving the name of the IP-PBX server using a DNS server. When the DNS server provides the address of the IP-PBX server, the IP-PBX server can be contacted. However, if the SIP controller learns that the IP-PBX is no longer operating, the information stored by the service provider environment may be used to build or configure an IP-Centrex server at a remote site which takes over for the failing IP-PBX server. The newly configured IP-Centrex server then registers itself with the SIP controller and either the SIP controller or the IP-Centrex server then informs the DNS server of the IP address of the IP-Centrex and tells the DNS server that the IP-Centrex server will respond to messages for the failed IP-PBX server. The newly configured IP-Centrex server then handles the messages and control flow previously handled by the IP-PBX server. When the IP-PBX server is repaired or replaced, the IP-PBX server informs the SIP controller that it is back online and either the SIP controller or the IP-PBX server then informs the DNS server that the IP-PBX server will again be handling the call requests for the IP-PBX server.
US08111613B2 In-layer ethernet p-cycle protection scheme
A method of implementing a p-cycle protection scheme for a communications network comprising a plurality of nodes and interconnecting communications links along which Ethernet traffic is forwarded in a connection-oriented manner. The method comprises for each said Ethernet node in the communications network determining a label associated with each connection-oriented Ethernet path along one or more links in said communications network for which an entry exists in a forwarding table of Ethernet switching apparatus located at said Ethernet node and mapping a plurality of said paths individually identified by said respective labels, to another path defining a p-cycle between logically adjacent nodes in said communications network, wherein each said p-cycle is provisioned in the same layer as said Ethernet traffic.
US08111612B2 Link-based recovery with demand granularity in mesh networks
A protected communication network utilizes a link-based recovery strategy that supports independent recovery paths for individual demands, where each link includes one or more lines and each line can support one or more demands. Failure of one or more—or even all—of the lines/ports of a link will typically result in the independent rerouting of the affected demands along one or more link-detour paths. The flexibility afforded by recovery at the granularity of a demand supports the computation of more-optimal link-detour paths and a corresponding increase in sharing of network resources between disjoint failures. The network also addresses the restricted case where all demands on a line/port are recovered along the same link-detour path.
US08111611B2 Bidirectional forwarding detection on multilink bundled interfaces
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, computer-storage media, mechanisms, and means associated with Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) on multilink bundled interfaces. A packet switching device communicates with another packet switching device through a multilink bundled interface configured for communicating over a plurality of bundled communication links. A separate BFD session is conducted over each link of the multiple bundled communication links, and in response to a BFD-detected failure condition, the use of the one or more links or the entire bundled interface is removed from service.
US08111607B2 Frequency division multiplexing system with selectable rate
An OFDM system uses a normal mode which has a symbol length T, a guard time TG and a set of N sub-carriers, which are orthogonal over the time T, and one or more fallback modes which have symbol lengths KT and guard times KTG where K is an integer greater than unity. The same set of N sub-carriers is used for the fallback modes as for the normal mode. Since the same set of sub-carriers is used, the overall bandwidth is substantially constant, so alias filtering does not need to be adaptive. The Fourier transform operations are the same as for the normal mode. Thus fallback modes are provided with little hardware cost. In the fallback modes the increased guard time provides better delay spread tolerance and the increased symbol length provides improved signal to noise performance, and thus increased range, at the cost of reduced data rate.
US08111599B2 Optical disc drive apparatus and optical disc reproduction method using the same
An optical disc drive apparatus (100) of the present invention rotates an optical disc (1) at a predetermined rotation speed using a motor (2). An optical pickup (3) irradiates the optical disc (1) with a laser beam (5) emitted from an internal semiconductor laser (4) included therein, and obtains a reproduction signal (7) based on a laser beam reflected from the optical disc (1). A laser driving unit (8) controls a driving current (9) of the semiconductor laser (4) to a predetermined level, and superimposes a high-frequency current (11) having a predetermined level on the driving current (9). In a high-speed reproduction mode, a control unit (12) sets the rotation speed of the optical disc (1) higher, the power of the laser beam (5) irradiating the optical disc (1) higher, and the level of the high-frequency current (11) lower than in a normal reproduction mode.
US08111598B2 Optical disk apparatus and emission control method
An optical disk apparatus according to the present invention includes a spindle motor that rotates an optical disk on whose information recording surface a plurality of addresses is recorded, an optical pickup that records/reproduces an information signal on/from the information recording surface of the optical disk rotated by the spindle motor, an strobe light-emitting unit that irradiates a label surface of the optical disk with light, and a control unit that causes the strobe light-emitting unit to emit light based on an address selected from the plurality of addresses as a reference address and a reference signal readable from the optical disk.
US08111594B2 Optical disk drive and optical pickup having aberration correction means
In an optical disk drive mounting a drive unit 20 having a control use circuit 21, and a pickup 1 having an aberration correction liquid crystal element 13 and a drive use circuit 2 which drives the aberration correction liquid crystal element, wherein the drive use circuit 2 stores astigmatic data for correcting a static astigmatism peculiarly provided in an optical system in the pickup 1 in an astigmatic data storage 6, and drives the aberration correction liquid crystal element 13 based on the astigmatic data. By storing the static astigmatic data peculiar to the pickup, inside the pickup, it is possible to transfer the stored astigmatic data to the optical disk drive side easily, and to correct the astigmatism by driving the aberration correction liquid crystal element based on the astigmatic data.
US08111593B2 Objective lens drive and optical pickup apparatus
An objective lens drive and an optical pickup apparatus are provided which can be reduced in size. Two tilt coils and two tracking coils are disposed so that among planes defined by the respective coils, a plane perpendicular to a winding direction thereof is parallel to a reference plane defined on a lens holder at a predetermined reference distance or less, and are disposed at such positions as to be symmetrical to each other about a center of gravity of the lens holder. A focus coil is disposed so that among planes defined by the focus coil, a plane perpendicular to a recording surface of an optical disk is parallel to the reference plane at a predetermined reference distance or less relative to the two tilt coils and the two tracking coils.
US08111588B2 Synchronization of a plurality of devices in a wireless sensor arrangement
Two or more wirelessly networked devices for control or data acquisition functions for real-time application are provided with a error corrected synchronization and data collection process. A single start device transmits a start message, followed by each stop device acknowledging that start message. If one or more stop devices fails to acknowledge the initial start message, one or more start messages are transmitted including an elapsed time since the initial start message. Each stop device receives the initial start message and any subsequent start messages, using the elapsed time in the start message to synchronize a local timer. Upon stop event detection, each stop device records its local timer value and subsequently transmits that value to a collection device or console.
US08111586B2 Electronic device and method providing improved management of multiple times from multiple time zones
An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes a time zone management function which enables multiple times from multiple time zones to be managed by the user. Responsive to a detection that the electronic device has been moved from one time zone to another, a dialog is initiated wherein the user is queried whether a current time on the electronic device should be changed and whether multiple times should be output on the display.
US08111584B1 Optical sensing arrangements
A method of detecting a submerged vessel in or near the wake of a ship in which a plurality of optical fiber sensors are trailed from said ship and in which at least one of said sensors which is located in the ship's wake comprises a magnetically-responsive optical fiber sensor.
US08111583B2 Method and apparatus for determining and indicating direction and type of sound
A method and apparatus for determining the direction of a sound source is disclosed. The method includes determining time differences of arrival of the sound at N locations and using the differences to determine the angular direction of the source. The apparatus indicates the angle of arrival and additionally indicates the type of the sound source.
US08111580B2 Multi-phase duty-cycle corrected clock signal generator and memory having same
Memories, multi-phase clock signal generators, and methods for generating multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals are disclosed. For example, one such clock signal generator includes a delay-locked loop having a first multi-tap adjustable delay line configured to delay a reference signal to provide a plurality of clock signals having different phases relative to the reference clock signal. A periodic signal generated by the delay-locked loop is provided to a second multi-tap adjustable delay line as an input clock signal. Clock signals from taps of the second multi-tap adjustable delay line are provided as the multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals.
US08111579B2 Circuits and methods for reducing minimum supply for register file cells
A register file employing a shared supply structure to improve the minimum supply voltage.
US08111569B2 Latch structure and bit line sense amplifier structure including the same
A latch structure includes a first inverter that includes a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor, and a second inverter that includes a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor, receives an output signal of the first inverter, and outputs an input signal to the first inverter. The sources of the first and second transistors of the same type are connected to a common straight source line.
US08111566B1 Optimal channel design for memory devices for providing a high-speed memory interface
A system is provided for high-speed communication between a memory controller and a plurality of memory devices. A memory controller, and a plurality of memory devices are provided. Additionally, at least one channel is included for providing electrical communication between the memory controller and the plurality of memory devices, an impedance of the channel being at least partially controlled using High Density Interconnect (HDI) technology.
US08111562B2 Semiconductor storage device and method of reading data therefrom
A semiconductor memory device comprises a first memory cell array having a first plane which is composed of a plurality of blocks each having a plurality of memory cells, a sense circuit which reads data the memory cells, a sequencer which receives control signals from outside, a first address register, and a second address register which receives an output address from the first address register and outputs an address signal in response to an address control signal from the sequencer. In reading from the memory cells, the sequencer reads a page n in accordance with the address stored in the second address register, then transfers an address stored in the first address register to the second address register concurrently with outputting data read from the page n to outside and reads data from an arbitrary page m in accordance with the address transferred to the second address register.
US08111561B2 Bulk bias voltage generating device and semiconductor memory apparatus including the same
A bulk bias voltage generating device is configured to generate a first bulk bias voltage in a deep power down mode and a second bulk bias voltage in a normal mode. The first bulk bias voltage comprises an internal voltage level, and the second bulk bias voltage comprises an external voltage level.
US08111556B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device and a method of operating the same. The nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array including memory cells for storing data, a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor outputs a temperature detection signal according to ambient temperatures while changing one or more pieces of reference voltage information, which are previously stored, when data is programmed into the memory cell array. The controller performs a verify operation of the program using a fast verify method and decides the number of steps which are comprised in step-shaped verify voltage pulse of the fast verify method according to the temperature detection signal.
US08111552B2 Offset non-volatile storage
A plurality of non-volatile storage elements on a common active layer are offset from neighbor non-volatile storage elements. This offsetting of non-volatile storage elements helps reduce interference from neighbor non-volatile storage elements. A method of manufacture is also described for fabricating the offset non-volatile storage elements.
US08111549B2 Dynamic wordline start voltage for nand programming
The present invention discloses a method of programming an MLC NAND flash memory device comprising: selecting a start value for a program voltage for a lower page; incrementing said program voltage to program said lower page; verifying a threshold voltage; determining said program voltage to achieve a desired value for said threshold voltage; applying an offset to said program voltage; and obtaining a start value for said program voltage for an upper page.
US08111546B2 Optical ovonic threshold switch
A method and device for accomplishing transformation of a switching material from a resistive state to a conductive state. The method utilizes a non-electrical source of energy to effect the switching transformation. The switching material may be a chalcogenide switching material, where the non-electrical source of energy initiates switching by liberating lone pair electrons from bound states of chalcogen atoms. The liberated lone pair electrons form a conductive filament having the characteristics of a solid state plasma to permit high current densities to pass through the switching material. The device includes a switching material with electrical contacts and may be interconnected with other elements in a circuit to regulate electrical communication therebetween.
US08111544B2 Programming MRAM cells using probability write
A method of writing a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) cell includes providing a writing pulse to write a value to the MRAM cell; and verifying a status of the MRAM cell immediately after the step of providing the first writing pulse. In the event of a write failure, the value is rewritten into the MRAM cell.
US08111538B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells which are set into low-resistance states/high-resistance states according to “0” data/“1” data. An allocation of the “0” data/“1” data and the low-resistance state/high-resistance state is switched when a power source is turned on.
US08111529B2 Over current protection circuit and power converter using the same
An over current protection circuit and a power converter using the same. The over current protection circuit includes a soft start cell and an operational amplifier. The soft start cell outputs a soft start signal according to a direct current (DC) level, and the soft start signal increases progressively to the DC level in a soft start interval. The operational amplifier outputs an over current signal to a feedback control circuit according to the soft start signal and an inductance current of a switching converter so that a duty cycle of a driving signal from the feedback control circuit increases progressively in the soft start interval.
US08111525B2 Tool-less vertical PCBA insulator and support/shipping brace
A brace for a circuit board vertically mounted on a motherboard includes a first attachment member capable of attaching to an edge of the circuit board distal from the motherboard; a second attachment member capable of attaching to a side edge of the motherboard; and a rigid support connecting the first attachment member and the second attachment member. The rigid support is shaped such that the circuit board is held substantially perpendicular to the motherboard when the brace is attached. An interference minimization device for minimizing the interference of a circuit board vertically mounted on a motherboard includes an attachment member capable of attaching to the circuit board at an end distal from the motherboard; a mating wall that is substantially parallel to the circuit board and abuts the circuit board when the interference minimization device is attached to the circuit board; and a tapered wall that widens from the distal end of the circuit board towards the motherboard.
US08111523B2 Wiring board with switching function and method of manufacturing the same
A wiring board for use in mounting an electronic component includes a switch element portion interposed in a signal transmission line including a wiring layer linked to an electrode terminal of the electronic component. The switch element portion has such a structure as to change the shape thereof depending on a temperature, and to disconnect the signal transmission line when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. A conductor layer which constitutes a portion of the signal transmission line is formed at the bottom of a cavity formed in an electronic component mounting surface side of the wiring board. One end of the switch element portion is fixedly connected to the wiring layer, and another end thereof is in contact with the conductor layer when the temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.
US08111520B2 Semiconductor module
A semiconductor module can include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a semiconductor package inserted into an inner space of the PCB. The semiconductor package may be electrically connected to the PCB. The PCB may thus surround the semiconductor package so that cracks may not be generated in the outer terminals.
US08111519B2 Hybrid structure of multi-layer substrates and manufacture method thereof
A hybrid structure of multi-layer substrates comprises a first multi-layer substrate and a second multi-layer substrate. The first multi-layer substrate stacks up first metal layers, first dielectric layers alternately and has VIAs. A border district of a first metal layer connects with a border district of the corresponding first dielectric layer. The border districts are separated from adjacent first metal layers and adjacent first dielectric layers. The second multi-layer substrate stacks up second metal layers and second dielectric layers alternately. A border district of a second metal layer connects with a border district of the corresponding second dielectric layer. The border districts are separated from adjacent second metal layers and adjacent second dielectric layers. The VIAs are located at the border districts of the first dielectric layers and each VIA has electric conductor therein to connect one first metal layer with one second metal layer.
US08111515B2 Methods and apparatuses for transferring heat from stacked microfeature devices
Methods and apparatuses for transferring heat from stacked microfeature devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a microfeature device assembly comprises a support member having terminals and a first microelectronic die having first external contacts carried by the support member. The first external contacts are operatively coupled to the terminals on the support member. The assembly also includes a second microelectronic die having integrated circuitry and second external contacts electrically coupled to the first external contacts. The first die is between the support member and the second die. The assembly can further include a heat transfer unit between the first die and the second die. The heat transfer unit includes a first heat transfer portion, a second heat transfer portion, and a gap between the first and second heat transfer portions such that the first external contacts and the second external contacts are aligned with the gap.
US08111514B2 Removable hard drive module for a computer with improved thermal performance
A removable hard drive magazine for a computer with improved thermal performance has been developed. The invention includes a hot pluggable magazine module for organizing multiple hard drives in a computer that includes multiple of hard drives and a sleeve with a plurality of rail slots in the side of the sleeve. A slide rail is attached to the side of each hard drive, where the slide rail is inserted into a rail slot of the sleeve so that the slide rail is exposed externally to the sleeve and is in contact with a thermally conductive elastomeric coupler. A hard drive receptacle that is mounted in the computer is included. The receptacle includes guide slots that mate with the exposed slide rails of the hard drives. A heat sink is mounted on the receptacle that receives heat transferred from the plurality of hard drives through the thermally conductive elastomeric coupler. Finally, a backplane located in rear of the hard drive receptacle, where the backplane attaches the module to the computer.
US08111512B2 Handheld electronic device
A handheld electronic device including a first body, a second body, a linkage mechanism, and a stand is provided. The second body is slidingly disposed on the first body. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the first body and the second body. The linkage mechanism has a driven end and a drive end, wherein the driven end is driven by the first body and the second body. The stand is slidingly disposed between the first body and the second body and is driven by the drive end of the linkage mechanism. When the second body moves away the first body along an operation direction, the drive end drives the stand to move along the operation direction and the stand is exposed by the first body. The handheld electronic device then achieves a standing function through the stand.
US08111511B2 Electronic device physical security component
A portable electronic device comprises a physical security component configured to be in a retracted position and an extended position relative to a housing of the portable electronic device, the physical security component having at least two differently shaped openings enabling at least two different types of locking devices to be coupled to the at least two differently shaped openings.
US08111503B2 Gas-insulated switchgear
A gas-insulated switchgear allowing reduction in layout dimension in a direction of axis lines of circuit breakers and also reduction in layout dimension in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the axis lines of the circuit breakers, thereby allowing reduction in installation area. Between two main buses disposed in parallel, first, second and third circuit breakers are disposed as being aligned so that each axis line is orthogonal to a direction of axis lines of the main buses. A branch line drawn from a portion between the first and second circuit breakers and a branch line drawn from a portion between the second and third circuit breakers are connected to respective cable heads. The centers of the cable heads are configured so as to be positioned on a straight line orthogonal to the direction of the axis lines of the main buses.
US08111502B2 Arrangement adapted for a subsea application
An arrangement related to subsea electric power distributing AC-system and adapted for a subsea application. The arrangement is enclosed in a watertight casing. The casing exposes a main power input connection, adapted for watertight co-ordination with a first subsea cable and a main power output connection, adapted for a watertight co-ordination with a second subsea cable. The second subsea cable is adapted for a power supply to an AC-current and AC-voltage adapted device. The arrangement includes interconnected: a voltage regulator connected to the first cable, and a NO-load switching unit connected to the second cable, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted, in a first operative mode, to regulate the output AC-voltage from the voltage regulator towards and to zero, or at least almost to zero, and in a second subsequent operative mode, to bring the NO-load switching unit from an ON-position to an OFF-position or vice versa.
US08111501B2 Capacitor
A method of forming a capacitor includes forming a cylindrical lower electrode structure having an internal support structure on a substrate, forming a dielectric layer on the cylindrical lower electrode structure and the support structure, and forming an upper electrode on the dielectric layer.
US08111490B2 Method and device for protection of a switching device controlled by a control unit
Method for protection of a switching device controlled by a control unit, through which an electric drive can be disengaged during the period of an overvoltage surge caused by a load dump in the electrical system of a vehicle, in which the drive current rises to a maximum value in a first slot within the duration of the overvoltage surge and drops in the second slot connected to the first time slot, with the following process steps: recognition of a load dump by recording a limit voltage value in the electrical system by the control unit, disengagement of the electric drive in the event of a load dump at a switching time stipulated by the control unit, which lies after the first time slot.
US08111487B2 Electromagnetic heads, flexures, gimbals and actuators formed on and from a wafer substrate
Devices for reading or writing electromagnetic information include a wafer substrate piece disposed between an electromagnetic transducer and an electrostrictive or piezoelectric actuator. The substrate piece is shaped as a rigid body adjoining the transducer and as a flexible element connecting the body and the actuator. To fabricate, at least one electrostrictive layer and many transducers are formed on opposite sides of a wafer that is then cut into rows containing plural transducers. The rows are processed from directions generally normal to the wafer surface upon which the transducers were formed, by removing material to form a head, flexures and a media-facing surface on the head. Conductive leads are formed on a back surface of flexures connecting the transducer with drive electronics. The flexures are aligned with forces arising from interaction with the media surface and from seeking various tracks, reducing torque and dynamic instabilities and increasing actuator access time.
US08111484B2 Actuator latch mechanism and hard disk including the same
An actuator latch mechanism of a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a latch lever and a magnetic latch carried by the latch lever. The latch lever is mounted to a base of the HDD so as to be rotatable and prevents an actuator arm from rotating from a position, at which a read/write head carried by the actuator arm is parked, to a read/write position at which the read/write head is located over a recording surface of a disk. A bobbin on which a VCM coil is provided extends from a rear end of the actuator arm. A permanent magnet of the VCM is fixed to the base as juxtaposed with the bobbin. The magnetic latch is carried by an arm of the latch lever and interacts with the (magnetic field generated by) the permanent magnet of the VCM to generate a net force which cause the latch lever to latch the actuator arm in place when current is not being supplied to the VCM coil, and interacts with both the (magnetic field generated by) the permanent magnet of the VCM and (the electromagnetic field generated by) the VCM coil when current is supplied to the VCM coil to produce a net force that causes the latch lever to release the actuator arm.
US08111482B2 Head assembly, head suspension assembly, and disk device provided with head assembly
According to one embodiment, a slider of a head includes a trailing step portion which protrudes from a facing surface of the slider, is situated on the downstream side of a negative-pressure cavity with respect to an airflow, and has a top surface, a trailing pad which protrudes from the top surface, and an adjustment recess which is formed in the top surface on the upstream side of the trailing pad with respect to the airflow and is shallower than the negative-pressure cavity. The adjustment recess defines a first step portion, which extends across a first direction and hangs from the top surface toward a bottom of the adjustment recess, and a second step portion, which extends across the first direction, is spaced in the first direction from the first step portion, and rises from the bottom of the adjustment recess toward the top surface.
US08111481B2 High capacity disk drive using thin foil disks at elevated rotational speeds
A data storage device uses a foil disk platter with significantly reduced inertia and weight as compared to the thick aluminum or glass disk platter in a typical hard disk drive. The reduced rotating inertia of the foil disk enables faster spin-up performance which can be used to reduce decrease the power consumed by the unit. In portable appliances that use disk drive storage devices battery life can be extended significantly and the unit can be made thinner and lighter. Certain parameters of the foil disk substrate may be determined, to provide improved control of disk flutter, from a range parameter defined by RANGE = ρ ⁢ ⁢ R 2 Et 2 where ρ=foil disk substrate mass density, R=foil disk substrate radius, E=Young's modulus of foil disk substrate, and t=foil disk substrate thickness. RANGE has dimensional units of s2/in2, and the magnitude of RANGE may be between 10−6 and 3(10−4).
US08111463B2 Methods of forming sheeting with composite images that float and sheeting with composite images that float
Microlens sheetings with different types of composite images are disclosed, in which the composite image floats above, in, or below the sheeting, or some combination. One type of composite image may be viewable to the unaided eye or an observer and another type of composite image is viewable only to the aided eye of an observer. Methods for providing such an imaged sheeting are also disclosed.
US08111461B2 Array of light-diffusing sub-grating
The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising, on its surface, a light-diffusing array comprising at least 10 juxtaposed sub-gratings of parallel lines of features, said features being separated by domains with a refractive index differing from that of the features, each sub-grating comprising at least 20 repeated successive identical features equally spaced apart with a period p, said period varying non-monotonically from one edge of the sub-grating array to the other. This substrate redirects the light without iridescence in a daylighting application.
US08111457B2 Method of manufacturing screen and screen
A method of manufacturing a screen having a screen substrate provided with a plurality of three-dimensional shape units disposed two-dimensionally on a front side of the screen substrate, includes: forming a first film by applying a first film forming material to be an antireflection film to at least part of surfaces of the three-dimensional shape units among the screen substrate; and forming a second film by applying a second film forming material to be a reflecting film with a predetermined incident angle to the screen substrate, the reflecting film on at least part of the antireflection film.
US08111453B2 Submarine optical repeater
A submarine optical repeater that shares optical pump power in multiple gain stages such that approximately the same wavelengths of optical pump is provided to each of the gain stages. Also, tilt control mechanism may adjust gain dependency on wavelength by adjusting the amount of optical pump power delivered to the optical gain stages. Residual optical pump power from both forward and backward Raman amplification may be used to power corresponding optically pumped amplifiers.
US08111450B1 Rhomb beam splitter in optical communication
Rhomb beam splitters are used to implement various optical demodulators, in particular PSK and DPSK demodulators. The parallel beam-splitting and reflective surfaces of the rhomb structure produce reflection and transmission beams that exit the beam splitter parallel to one another and with a relative phase shift determined by the distance between the surfaces. These features afford the advantages of low cost, compactness, easily tunable, and temperature-insensitive optical structures for constructing a variety of optical demodulators.
US08111448B2 Electrophoretic display device
An electrophoretic display device includes pixel electrodes, a transparent electrode, and an electrophoretic ink layer including cavities. Each cavity is arranged between one of the pixel electrodes and the transparent electrode, and each cavity comprises suspension fluid, charged particles, and neutral particles, the charged particles and neutral particles being dispersed in the suspension fluid. The neutral particles are dispersed in the center of the cavities and substantially stationary, and the charged particles are capable of moving through the suspension fluid. Application of an electric field to a pixel electrode and the transparent electrode causes a migration of the charged particles of a cavity connected to the pixel electrode and a corresponding color becomes viewable.
US08111442B2 Reflection type display apparatus
A display apparatus using electroplating on an electrode for modulating light includes a layer formed on the electrode. The layer has an insulator with a gap therein, and conductive fine particles are dispersed in the gap.
US08111441B2 Treatment of crystals for the prevention of optical damage
Method for treating a nominally pure crystal having non-linear optical properties. The nominally pure crystal contain foreign atoms at a residual concentration of less than 20 ppm so as to provide specific absorption of incident light. The method includes determining, based on testing on a specifically doped reference crystal of same type as the nominally pure crystal, a threshold value. The threshold value is defined by a temperature at which a migration of ions in the nominally pure crystal to the surface of the nominally pure crystal ceases. The foreign atoms are transformed to a higher valance state by a thermally-supported oxidation process including heating the nominally pure crystal at a heating rate that increases by less than 3 ° C. per minute to a maximum temperature above the threshold value and below a Curie temperature of the nominally pure crystal. An electrical voltage is applied so as to eliminate electrons released during the oxidation process from the nominally pure crystal.
US08111437B2 Image processing device, image processing method, and program for performing direct printing which considers color matching processing based on a profile describing the input color characteristics of an image device and the output color characteristics of an image output device
An image processing method is provided for an image processing device which processes images of printing data input from a computer device and an image input device via a predetermined communication line or a network. Printing instruction information of the printing data is analyzed, and determination is made as to whether a request for color matching processing based on a profile describing input color characteristics of an image input device and output color characteristics of an image output device is included in the printing instruction information. In the case that a request for the color matching processing is included in the printing instruction information, color matching processing is requested to be performed by the computer device on the network.
US08111436B2 Image-forming method and image-forming apparatus
An image-forming method of recording an image of plural pixels by a recording means using an image-forming material not completely permeating into a recording medium and capable of forming an image with a thickness is provided. An image-forming material which is scarcely absorbed by a recording medium and which can be cured with keeping a certain thickness after formation of an image is used, and the existing thickness calculated in the step of existing thickness-calculating step is brought close to the intended thickness set in the intended thickness-setting step by the step of determining an application amount for each color. In the case of increasing a color (e.g., black) less influencing the color balance, the thickness is reduced and, in the case of decreasing a color (e.g., black) less influencing the color balance, the thickness is increased.
US08111434B2 Optical device of scanner
The invention relates to a scanner's optical device, receive the light coming from the image of an object to be scanned, comprising: several reflective mirrors, a light-focusing module, and a charge coupled device. The reflective mirrors provide reflection and directional change for the light and, by appropriately arranging several reflective mirrors, the light of the object to be scanned directionally changed to a predetermined route. With at least one curving mirror, the light-focusing module focus the light of the predetermined route and then directionally change it, and a raster is then provided in the light route of the curving mirror for filtering out unnecessary light. The charge coupled device may receive the light coming from the light-focusing module and convert it into electronic signals. The said light-focusing module replaces the prior lens set for executing a scanning job.
US08111433B2 Image reading device capably scanning an image formed on a document in consideration of deterioration of the reference member
An image reading device includes a reference member, a reading unit, a first reference value setting unit, a detecting unit, a second reference value setting unit, a determining unit, and a pixel value setting unit. The reading unit obtains image data and reference data. The first reference value setting unit sets a first reference value based on the reference data. The detecting unit detects a usage state of the reading unit. The second reference value setting unit sets a second reference value in accordance with the usage state. If the determining unit determines that the first reference value is in a predetermined condition, the pixel value setting unit sets a pixel value based on the image data and the first reference value; otherwise, the pixel value setting unit sets the pixel value based on the image data and the second reference value.
US08111432B2 Infrared watermarking of photographic images by matched differential black strategies
A system and method for infrared watermarking using gray component replacement and other color removal schemes is shown. This method includes providing a substrate and implementing two infrared absorption strategies, one with low infrared absorption and the other with high infrared absorption. These two strategies are then combined in order to form two gamuts with substantially similar shapes. This combination can be made by blending the gamuts at areas where one of the strategies do not meet or implementing the intersection of the two gamuts. A watermark is then printed along with an image. The resultant image with watermark is void of artifacts while still having a consistent watermark signal.
US08111422B2 Information processing apparatus and method of generating print data and non-transitory computer readable medium in which a program is stored for causing a computer to perform a method of generating print data
An information processing apparatus that includes a first graphics processing unit for converting graphics data output from an application to first print information, and a conversion unit for converting the first print information to a second print information configured to be processed by a second type printer driver that is not a first type printer driver. The information processing apparatus further includes a setting unit, a recommendation unit, and a generation unit. The setting unit sets print setting information per an instruction received through a setting window when the second type printer driver is called for printing, for which a conversion processing by the conversion unit is required. The recommendation unit recommends the first type printer driver when the second type printer driver is called for printing. The generation unit generates print data in accordance with the first type printer driver and the print setting information.
US08111419B2 Rasterizing device for DL object management
A rasterizing device is provided with a first storage area capable of storing a downloaded DL object, and a rasterizer that creates bit-mapped data in band units by rasterizing data. With respect to a predetermined band in which a predetermined DL object is to be included, the rasterizer performs following processes: (1) the rasterizer downloads the predetermined DL object and stores it in the first storage area in a case where the predetermined DL object has not been stored in the first storage area, wherein the predetermined DL object is not downloaded in a case where the predetermined DL object has been stored in the first storage area; (2) the rasterizer rasterizes the predetermined DL object stored in the first storage area; and (3) the rasterizer deletes the predetermined DL object from the first storage area in a case where bit-mapped data of the predetermined DL object for the predetermined band is created and the predetermined DL object is not to be included in a band after the predetermined band, wherein the predetermined DL object is not deleted from the first storage area in a case where the predetermined DL object is to be included in the band after the predetermined band.
US08111417B2 Method and apparatus for modeling print jobs
A system and method for modeling print jobs provides a central server that is accessible to remotely located print shops. The remote print shops are able to communicate with the central server to forward print job parameters and to receive the output from a modeling program to enable the print shop to run “what-if” scenarios to maximize print shop efficiency. The central server is also provided with various other print shop tools to assist with print shop design and organization.
US08111416B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program for processing a predetermined code image
In printing an electronic document on a paper, an MFP prints a code image created by encoding a paper ID including a local ID issued to the paper and stores paper information with the paper ID. The MFP determines a type of data format, creates a paper ID in the data format, and prints a code image created by encoding the paper ID. In copying a printed paper, the MFP decodes the code image printed on the paper to acquire the paper ID and retrieves paper information associated with the paper ID according to the data format. The MFP specifies the electronic document as a print source from retrieved paper information and performs printing using the electronic document.
US08111411B2 Information processing apparatus, method, and computer program
This invention allows to print without installing a driver program for every printer and easily coping with a change in printer control command specifications. To accomplish this, an information processing apparatus for generating a printer command to control a printer generates a command by using a command configuration XML file representing a printer command configuration in which a part that changes due to an external factor such as a user interface is described by a reserved word, thereby coping with a printer model and user environment.
US08111408B2 Mobile phone for interacting with underlying substrate
A mobile phone device configured for overlaying part of a substrate. The substrate contains a printed hyperlink and coded data identifying a plurality of positions on the substrate. The device includes: a mobile telephone transceiver; an optical sensor for reading the coded data; a processor for generating interaction data using the read coded data; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying information based on the interaction data. The displayed information includes a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink. User interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes display of hyperlinked information on the screen.
US08111406B2 Surface position detecting apparatus, surface position detecting method, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A surface position detecting apparatus which detects position information of a predetermined surface in an object, comprising a first optical system which projects light from an oblique direction to the predetermined surface; a second optical system which receive the light from the object; a detecting system which receives the light from the second optical system and which detects the position information of the predetermined surface in a direction intersecting the predetermined surface based on the light; and a phase difference imparting system which is arranged in an optical path of at least one of the first and second optical systems and which imparts a phase difference between different portions from each other of light traveling via a surface other than the predetermined surface in the object, in the light from the second optical system.
US08111405B2 Automatic scan and mark apparatus
An automatic scan and mark apparatus has a machine tool, a location detection module, a laser detector, an ink jet and a control computer. The machine tool has a movable module and a stage. The stage mounts and holds a specimen having a scraped surface. The control computer controls the location detection module to determine a position of the movable module, controls the laser detector to detect a surface morphology of the scraped surface in a measurement range, and activates the ink jet to eject inks on high points of the scraped surface of the specimen. Thus, the surface morphology is built automatically and high points are screened out and marked by colored ink. Manufacturer may easily redo scraping of determined high points based on the marked location on the specimen without burdensome measurement.
US08111396B2 Spectrometric measurement system and method for compensating for veiling glare
The present solution is directed to a measuring system and a method for determining spectrometric measurement results with high accuracy. The spectrometric measuring system, comprises a radiation source, an entrance slit, a dispersion element, and a detector with detector elements arranged in a linear or matrix-shaped manner in one or more planes. The detector has an even distribution of at least two different wavelength-selective filters on its detector elements. While detectors from photography and video applications are used for this purpose, use of the invention is not limited to the visible spectral region. Further, color filters on the pixels may be omitted or modified in the manufacturing process. It is also possible to use other types of detectors in which the wavelength-selective filters and associated detectors are arranged one behind each other in a plurality of planes in which complete color information is available to each individual picture point.
US08111395B2 Spectrometric investigation of heterogeneity
In one general aspect, a spectroscopic apparatus is disclosed for investigating heterogeneity of a sample area. The apparatus includes an image acquisition system operative to acquire images of a plurality of sub-areas in the sample area and a sub-area selection interface operative to receive a selection designating one of the sub-areas for which an image has been obtained. A spectrometer has a field of view and is operative to acquire a spectrum of at least part of one of the sub-areas in its field of view, and a positioning mechanism is responsive to the sub-area selection interface and operative to position the field of view of the spectrometer relative to the sample area based on a received selection.
US08111388B2 Luminous flux depreciation notification system for light fixtures incorporating light emitting diode sources
A LED light fixture and a luminous flux monitoring system for a light fixture. The light fixture includes a housing defining an interior space including an interior surface and a transmissive panel. A light source is coupled to the interior surface. The system includes a light sensor coupled to the interior surface and aligned to receive light from the transmissive panel, light source, and/or interior surface. The light sensor is configured to measure luminous flux in the interior space. A controller is coupled to the light source and the light sensor. The controller is configured to determine if a light sensor measurement of luminous flux in the interior space is more or less than a reference value of the luminous flux. If the measurement of luminous flux is less than the reference value, the controller is configured to activate an end-of-life indicator. The reference value equals (total flux−internal ambient flux)×depreciation factor.
US08111385B2 Quantum dot-mediated optical fiber information retrieval systems and methods of use
The present disclosure relates to a non-invasive and real-time diagnostic analysis concept for an operational single mode optical fiber communication system and methods of using said system. The system comprises an optical fiber capable of being diagnosed non-invasively comprising an optical fiber for conveying a light beam that comprises an optical fiber comprising a first end for receiving the light beam and a second end opposed thereto, a core comprising an inner wall, and a cladding surrounding the core, the optical fiber further comprising at least one uncladded portion comprising a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in a medium, and wherein the quantum dots become activated by evanescent wave coupling resulting from total internal reflection of the light beam contacting the inner wall of the optical fiber core and wherein the activation results in emittance of light from the quantum dots.
US08111384B2 Method for measuring thermo-optically induced material phase-change response in a multiple layer thin film structure using visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy
A method and device for facilitating measurement of thermo-optically induced material phase change response in a thin planar or a grating film stack is disclosed. The method may include using small-spot visible and ultraviolet spectra (ellipsometric or reflectance) for measuring a material phase change response. The device may include a measurement system platform, at least one electrical resistor, at least one external electric probe, and ohmic contact circuitry.
US08111381B2 Positioning apparatus, exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
A positioning apparatus includes a stage movable on a base, an actuator which drives the stage and a driver which supplies current to the actuator. The apparatus further includes a current supply path having a plurality of parallel paths connecting the driver and the actuator. The current supply path includes a plurality of forward electrical wires and a plurality of backward electrical wires. The apparatus also includes a detector which detects a break of the current supply path based on a current of at least one of the plurality of parallel paths. The detector detects a break of the current supply path based on a total current of at least one of the plurality of forward electrical wires and at least one of the plurality of backward electrical wires.
US08111380B2 Write-pattern determination for maskless lithography
A method for generating a write pattern to be used in a maskless-lithography process is described. During the method, a computer system determines a one-to-one correspondence between pixels in the write pattern and at least a subset of elements in a spatial-light modulator used in the maskless-lithography process. Furthermore, the computer system generates the write pattern. Note that the write pattern includes features corresponding to at least the subset of elements in the spatial-light modulator, and the generating is in accordance with a characteristic dimension of an element in the spatial-light modulator and a target pattern that is to be printed on a semiconductor wafer during the maskless-lithography process.
US08111375B2 Exposure apparatus and method for manufacturing device
An exposure apparatus wherein an image of a pattern is projected onto a substrate via a projection optical system to expose the substrate, includes: a substrate moving device that is movable while holding the substrate above the projection optical system; and a liquid immersion unit that fills at least a portion of the space between the projection optical system and the substrate with a liquid, wherein the image of the pattern is projected onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the liquid.
US08111374B2 Analysis method, exposure method, and device manufacturing method
An analysis method includes a developing process (SA60), which develops the substrate, a first measuring process (SA50), which measures the abnormalities of the pre-development substrate, a second measuring process (SA70), which measures the abnormalities of the post-development substrate, and an analyzing process (SA80), which analyzes the exposure defects of a substrate exposed via a liquid based on the measurements results of the first measuring process (SA50) and the measurement results of the second measuring process (SA70).
US08111373B2 Exposure apparatus and device fabrication method
An exposure apparatus is provided which can supply and collect a liquid in a prescribed state, and that can suppress degradation of a pattern image projected onto a substrate. The exposure apparatus is provided with a nozzle member (70) having a supply outlet (12) that supplies a liquid (LQ) and a collection inlet (22) that collects a liquid (LQ), and a vibration isolating mechanism (60) that supports the nozzle member (70) and vibrationally isolates the nozzle member (70) from a lower side step part (7) of a main column (1).
US08111366B2 Liquid crystal display and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display includes; a first substrate, a plurality of pixels arranged substantially in a matrix-shape on the first substrate; a plurality of gate lines disposed on the first substrate and which transmit gate signals to the pixels, and a plurality of data lines which intersect the gate lines and which transmit data voltages to the pixels, wherein at least two adjacent gate lines are electrically connected to each other.
US08111365B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes an active area which is composed of pixels arrayed in a matrix, and a light-shield area surrounding the active area. The liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including pixel electrodes disposed in the respective pixels, a second substrate including color filters disposed in the respective pixels, and a counter-electrode which is disposed to cover the color filters and extends from the active area to at least a part of the light-shield area, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pixel electrode and the color filter of the pixel, which is disposed at an end portion of the active area, extend into the light-shield area beyond a boundary between the active area and the light-shield area.
US08111349B2 Image display device
An image display device of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display panel, a resin frame for attaching the liquid crystal display panel to a front cabinet and a circuit board that are arranged inside a casing. The resin frame is provided with a grounding clamp arranged between the circuit board and the liquid crystal display panel. The grounding clamp establishes electrical connection between a ground pattern formed on the circuit board and a metal plate arranged on the rear surface of the liquid crystal display panel.
US08111337B2 Liquid crystal projector
An LCD projector has LCD panels, each including polarization plates one on the light incidence side and another on the light emitting side of each LCD panel. The LCD panel is provided with a highly transparent auxiliary polarization plate between the LCD panel and the polarization plate on the light emitting side. The LCD panel is further provided with an optically anisotropic transparent substrate for supporting the highly transparent auxiliary polarization plate. The transparent substrate is arranged such that one of its anisotropic optical axes is inclined at an angle not more than 0.5 degrees with respect to the face of the auxiliary polarization plate when the face is parallel to the direction of light propagation. This arrangement ensures longer lives of the polarization plates on the light emitting sides while suppressing color irregularity on a black screen and degradation of picture contrast of the LCD projector.
US08111333B2 Video bit-stream gamma-correction method and a multipoint control unit
A video bit-stream gamma characteristic correction method and a multipoint control unit in video communication field resolve the gamma distortion problem of video image in the existing multimedia communication. In the method, the receiving end carries out correction once through carrying the gamma characteristic parameter of the transmission end in the video bit-stream; or the multipoint control unit and the receiving end correct gamma distortion of the video image in multiple steps. A multipoint processor (200) of the multipoint control unit includes a gamma characteristic parameter storing module (201), which stores gamma characteristic parameter of the video image transmission end; and a gamma characteristic correction module (202), which is connected to the gamma characteristic parameter storing module and corrects the gamma characteristic of the video image according to the gamma characteristic parameter of the video image transmission end.
US08111331B2 Image resizer and resizing method
An apparatus embodiment is operative to scale video and includes an input buffer coupled to a real time source of video data and configured to hold a number of lines of video, a horizontal resizer coupled to the input buffer to resize lines of image data, outputting horizontally scaled line(s) to an intermediate buffer configured to store a number of lines. The apparatus has a vertical resizer coupled to the intermediate buffer configured to output vertically and horizontally resized lines of image data. At any given time, some of the lines in the input buffer are scheduled using the DMA controller for replacement via DMA by lines generated by the source of video data, and some or all of the remaining lines in the input buffer are available for processing by the horizontal resizer. A sufficient number of lines are available in the intermediate buffer, such that in operation, the intermediate buffer need not introduce latency.
US08111323B2 Digital camera
A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
US08111322B2 Imaging apparatus with interchangeable lens apparatus, the lens apparatus having a memory for storing optical performance data of the lens apparatus
An optical apparatus including an imaging apparatus and a lens apparatus each having a communicating portion performing communications is disclosed. The optical apparatus is provided with: an imaging optical unit; a memory in which information of an optical performance of the imaging optical unit is stored; an image pickup device imaging a subject image from the imaging optical unit; an imaging controller changing an information size of image information from the image pickup device; and a lens controller connected to the imaging controller through the communicating portions and performing communications with the imaging controller. The lens controller takes out the information of the optical performance from the memory in response to an instruction from the imaging controller, and transmits the information to the imaging controller through the communicating portions. The imaging controller changes the information size of the image information in accordance with the information of the optical performance from the lens controller.
US08111321B2 Imaging device and method for its image processing, with face region and focus degree information
An imaging device, such as a camera, may be provided with a focus-shift structure configured to shift a focal position; a solid-state image sensing element configured to convert an optical image of a photographing subject to image data; and an image processing unit including a face region detecting unit and a photographing subject frequency information capturing unit. The detecting unit may be configured to detect a face region from the image data and obtain face region information indicating the detected face region, and wherein the information capturing unit is configured to capture focus degree information indicating a degree of focus for each detected face region. Plural image data, the face region information, and the focus degree information may be stored in the imaging device as a single file.
US08111319B2 Imaging system using enhanced spherical aberration and specifically sized FIR filters
A class of imaging systems in which the imaging optics, the sensor array and the image processing are related by three parameters: W040 the amount of third order spherical aberration, U the undersampling factor defined as the ratio of the Nyquist frequency of the sensor array divided by the diffraction-limited frequency of the imaging optics, and N the number of rows in the FIR implementation of the image processing. In one aspect, W040 is between approximately 2 and 8 waves, U is between approximately 0.05 and 0.30, and N satisfies an equation that defines the acceptable range of N as a function solely of W040 and U.
US08111315B2 Imaging device and imaging control method that detects and displays composition information
An imaging device including an image pickup device which converts an optical image of a photographic subject received through an imaging lens into an image signal; a displaying device which displays a through-the-lens image based on the image signal; a person detecting device which detects one or more persons from the image signal; a distance calculating device which calculates a distance between a plurality of the detected persons; and a composition assisting device which displays on the displaying device information as to whether the distance between the detected persons is proper or not based on the calculated distance between the detected persons. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an image with a proper composition in a case when there are a plurality of persons being the photographic subjects.
US08111314B2 Camera-enabled portable terminal and method for taking multi-image photograph using the same
The present invention relates to a camera-enabled portable terminal having a function for taking a multi-image photograph. The camera-enabled portable terminal includes a camera module for capturing one or more images of an object; a display unit for displaying a frame partitioned into a preset number of windows in the multi-image photographing mode, each window being in any of a blank status, a preview status, and a filled-out status; a video processing unit for processing the image taken by the camera module to be fit to one or more of the windows; and a control unit for controlling the camera module, video processing unit, and the display unit such that the frame is displayed on the display unit together with information on the status of the windows.
US08111313B2 Image sensor driving unit and imaging apparatus
An image sensor driving unit, comprising a first controller, a second controller and a third controller, is provided. The image sensor driving unit drives an image sensor to carry out the capture of an image. The capture is carried out by ordering pixels to generate signal charges and the charge-transfer channel to transfer the signal charges. The first controller orders the image sensor to carry out a rapid discharge operation before the charge-transfer channel transfers the signal charges. The second controller controls the first controller to order the image sensor to carry out the rapid discharge operation when light is made incident for capture after the first capture with the image sensor operating in continuous photographing mode. The third controller decreases the discharge number for capture after the first capture.
US08111305B2 Apparatus for photographing having multiple zoom devices and associated method
A photographing apparatus includes a first digital zoom device, a second digital zoom device capable of zooming at a higher magnification power than the first digital zoom device, a manipulation unit for performing manipulation of zoom, and a conversion unit for performing conversion between the first and second digital zoom devices when a predetermined magnification power is reached through the manipulation of the manipulation unit. A photographing method includes performing zoom manipulation, determining whether a magnification power according to the zoom manipulation reaches a predetermined reference magnification power to convert between a first digital zoom device and a second digital zoom device capable of zooming at a higher magnification power than the first digital zoom device, and converting the first digital zoom device and the second digital zoom device when the magnification power reaches the predetermined magnification.
US08111303B2 Album creating apparatus and method
An album creating apparatus is provided to insert a title appropriate for the timing at which the image stored in the album is captured. The album creating apparatus includes: an image acquiring section for acquiring a plurality of images in association with image capturing times; a reference time acquiring section for acquiring a reference time indicative of the time and date of a main event in an album; an image capturing timing specifying section for specifying an image capturing timing indicative of a period for the reference time acquired by the reference time acquiring section, which includes the image capturing time and dates of the plurality of images acquired by the image acquiring section; a title determining section for determining a title to be inserted into the album based on the image capturing timing specified by the image capturing timing specifying section; and an album creating section for creating the album by laying out the title determined by the title determining section and the plurality of images acquired by the image acquiring section.
US08111300B2 System and method to selectively combine video frame image data
Systems and methods to selectively combine video frame image data are disclosed. First image data corresponding to a first video frame and second image data corresponding to a second video frame are received from an image sensor. The second image data is adjusted by at least partially compensating for offsets between portions of the first image data with respect to corresponding portions of the second image data to produce adjusted second image data. Combined image data corresponding to a combined video frame is generated by performing a hierarchical combining operation on the first image data and the adjusted second image data.
US08111298B2 Imaging circuit and image pickup device
An imaging circuit includes a photoelectric conversion section and a transferring section. The photoelectric conversion section in which pixels each having a color filter attached thereto are arranged in an oblique direction in a lattice manner. The color filter is formed of: a GR line on which G and R pixels are alternately arranged in a horizontal direction; a GB line on which the G and B pixels are alternately arranged in a horizontal direction; and a G line on which only the G pixel is arranged in a horizontal direction, and having a combination of: the GR and G lines; and the GB and G lines being placed alternately in a vertical direction to arrange the G pixel at a position adjacent to the R and B pixels. The transferring section for transferring only an electrical signal associated with pixels included on the GR line and the GB line.
US08111296B2 Apparatus and method for generating panorama image and computer readable medium stored thereon computer executable instructions for performing the method
The present invention relates to apparatus and method for generating a panorama image, and a computer readable medium stored thereon computer executable instructions for performing the method.The apparatus for generating a panorama image according to the present invention comprises an input unit for receiving a plurality of input object images for panorama image generation; an edge detecting unit for outputting edge data of the input object images; a matching area output unit for outputting a matching area, namely, a standard area for pattern matching, within the edge data; a pattern matching unit for matching patterns of a plurality of the object images based on the matching area; and a stitching unit for generating a plurality of the object images into a panorama image based on the matched patterns.
US08111289B2 Method and apparatus for implementing multipurpose monitoring system
Method for the monitoring of an environment, by procuring, adjourning and storing in a memory, files representing the background space. Programs for processing data obtained from the observation of objects are defined and stored in a memory, for identifying the objects and for determining whether they are dangerous. Parameters, according to which the observation of the controlled space is effected, are determined and stored. Photographic observation of the controlled space or sections thereof, is performed according to the aforesaid observation parameters. The digital data representing these photographs are processed to determine whether possible dangerous objects have been detected, and if so, these objects are classified according to the stored danger parameters.
US08111286B2 Image processing apparatus, endoscope, and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a color image data generation section 54 that generates color image data from an image pickup signal of a red component, an image pickup signal of a green component, and an image pickup signal of a blue component which are output from an image pickup device 100; an infrared image data generation section 53 that generates infrared image data from an image pickup signal of an infrared component output from the image pickup device 100; and a high-contrast infrared image data generation section 55 that generates high-contrast infrared image data using the color image data and the infrared image data. Contrast of the high-contrast infrared image data is more enhanced than that of the infrared image data.
US08111285B2 Stereoscopic display apparatus and display method
A stereoscopic display apparatus and a display method are provided. The stereoscopic display apparatus includes a display panel, a dynamic-backlight module, a tracking panel, an optical lens array. The display has an updated region and a non-updated region during a frame period the display panel displays according a first synchro-signal. The dynamic-backlight module has a plurality of light-emitting regions and the light-emitting regions are turned-on according to a second synchro-signal. The first synchro-signal and the second synchro-signal are synchronal. During the frame period, parts of the light-emitting regions corresponding to the updated region are synchronally turned-on and parts of the light-emitting regions corresponding to the non-updated region are synchronally turned-off. A light provided by at least the part of the light-emitting regions turned-on passes through one silt set and the display panel such that one of the single-eye images is only displayed by the non-updated region.
US08111284B1 System and method for 3D space-dimension based image processing
An apparatus for 3D representation of image data, comprising: a structure identifier for identifying structures in motion within image data, and a skeleton insertion unit, which associates three-dimensional skeleton elements with the identified structures. The skeleton elements are able to move with the structures to provide a three-dimensional motion and structural understanding of said image data which can be projected back onto the input data. As well as individual elements, complex bodies can be modeled by complex skeletons having multiple elements. The skeleton elements themselves can be used to identify the complex objects.
US08111273B2 Thermal head, printer, and manufacturing method for thermal head
To achieve improvements in heating efficiency and strength against external load, provided is a thermal head (1), comprising: a supporting substrate (3) having a surface in which a concave portion (2) is formed; a heat storage layer (5) bonded onto the surface of the supporting substrate (3); a heating resistor provided in a region, which is opposed to the concave portion (2) of the supporting substrate (3), on the heat storage layer (5); and a protruding portion (2A), which is provided inside a hollow portion formed between the supporting substrate (3) and the heat storage layer (5) by the concave portion (2), and comes into contact with the heat storage layer (5) and limits deflection of the heat storage layer (5) when the heating resistor is pressurized by predetermined load or more.
US08111271B2 Gray scale drive sequences for pulse width modulated displays
Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating drive sequences for pulse width modulated displays are described. A pulse width modulated signal that includes a drive sequence of temporal segments that are activated and deactivated to produce a desired gray scale. The temporal segments can be non-binary, non-equally weighted. The drive sequence can also include at least two of the temporal segments are least significant bit segments and the other segments are higher order segments.
US08111270B2 Driving device inserted impulsive image, display apparatus having the driving device installed therein and method of driving the display apparatus
A driving device including a signal controller which receives input image data corresponding to a plurality of frame periods, outputs the input image data during a first sub-frame period of one frame period among the plurality of frame periods, and outputs impulsive data having gray-scales, which are lower than those of the input image data, during a second sub-frame period of the one frame period. The impulsive data in the frame periods in which still images are displayed comprise first gray-scales, and the impulsive data in the frame periods in which moving images are displayed comprise second gray-scales, the second gray-scale being different from the first gray-scales. A data driver converts the input image data to pixel voltages during the first sub-frame period, and converts the impulsive data to impulsive voltages during the second sub-frame period.
US08111269B2 Plant information display device
An object of the invention is to provide a plant information display device which deforms and displays drawing data without hiding all pieces of information necessary for plant monitoring and plant instrument operation while visibility is not lowered. The plant information display device according to an aspect of the invention includes an input unit; a region determination unit into which an interest region and a deformation condition in a plant are fed using the input unit, the region determination unit specifying a deformation target region based on the interest region and deformation condition supplied from the input unit; a region division unit which divides a drawing into plural regions based on the deformation target region specified by the region determination unit, the region division unit performing management while the deformation target region and a non-deformation target region are divided; a drawing distortion unit which separately deforms the deformation target region and non-deformation target region in a display region; a drawing output unit; and a display unit.
US08111267B2 Controlling image and mobile terminal
A method of displaying information on a mobile terminal. The method includes displaying an object on a screen of the mobile terminal, receiving at least two least two input signals corresponding to the displayed object, and animating the displayed object based on the at least two signals corresponding to the displayed object. In addition, the at least two input signals include a) first and second touching signals of the screen of the mobile terminal, b) touching and tilting signals of the mobile terminal, or c) a first proximity signal and a second proximity signal of the mobile terminal.
US08111261B1 Method and apparatus for noise
A method for creating an appearance of texture in a computer image having the steps of introducing information into a computer from which the image is produced for each point of the image in 3D geometric space. There is the step of computing a pseudo-random hash value at each vertex of a unit cube surrounding the point of the image using six + modules and seven L modules where the L module is implement as a look-up table having 64 6 bits entries. There is the step of mapping the lower six bits from last stage L modules of a plurality of stages of modules to a fixed set of 64 gradient vectors where the set is chosen such that a length of each component of every vector of the 64 vectors is a power of two. There is the step of based on the gradient vectors, combining with the computer the contribution from each vertex into a single interpolated result to produce the point of the image with noise interpolated texture that do not have visible grid artifacts. There is the step of after all points of the image are obtained, displaying the image on a display.
US08111260B2 Fast reconfiguration of graphics pipeline state
Techniques and technologies are provided for binding resources to particular slots associated with shaders in a graphics pipeline. Resource dependencies between resources being utilized by each shader can be determined, and, based on these resource dependencies, common resource/slot associations can be computed. Each common resource/slot association identifies a particular one of the resources to be associated with a particular one of the slots.
US08111259B1 Image processing apparatus having context memory controller
An apparatus for use in image processing is set forth that comprises a pixel processor, context memory, and a context memory controller. The pixel processor is adapted to execute a pixel processing operation on a target pixel using a context of the target pixel. The context memory is adapted to store context values associated with the target pixel. The context memory controller may be adapted to control communication of context values between the pixel processor and the context memory. Further, the context memory controller may be responsive to a context initialization signal or the like provided by the pixel processor to initialize the content of the context memory to a known state, even before the pixel processor has completed its image processing operations and/or immediately after completion of its image processing operations. In one embodiment, the pixel processor executes a JBIG coding operation on the target pixel.
US08111252B2 Determining apparatus and method for controlling the same
There is provided a method for controlling a determining apparatus including: a first pixel for displaying a first image; a second pixel for displaying a second image; a light shielding member that allows the first image to be viewed from a first direction and blocks the first image from a second direction, and allows the second image to be viewed from the second direction and blocks the second image from the first direction; a first sensor provided for the first pixel and detecting the quantity of light coming from the first direction; and a second sensor provided for the second pixel and detecting the quantity of light coming from the second direction. The method includes: storing at least one frame of the results of detection of the first and second sensors; and after obtaining the present results of detection of the first and second sensors, determining whether an object approaches from the first direction or the second direction from the result of comparison between the stored detection results of one frame and the results of detection of present one frame.
US08111251B2 Electro luminescence display device and method of testing the same
To increase the proportion of the perfects to the whole lot of final products and to reduce the cost for active matrix EL display devices by checking the operation of a TFT substrate before depositing an EL material. A capacitor for testing is connected to a drain terminal of a driving TFT in a pixel portion to observe charging and discharging of the capacitor. Whether the driving TFT is normal or not is judged by the observation, so that the rejects can be removed before the manufacturing process is completed.
US08111250B2 Remote status multifunction display for a transport vehicle
A display for a transport unit. The transport unit includes a trailer that defines a space with at least one zone, and a vehicle that is attachable to the trailer. The vehicle has a passenger compartment and a rear view mirror. A sensor is in communication with the transport unit and senses a parameter of the transport unit. The transport unit also includes a housing that is coupled to the trailer, and that has a display with a screen configured to display the parameter. A controller is attached to the trailer and is in communication with the space. The controller is in electrical communication with the sensor and the display, and the controller is programmed to selectively switch the display between a forward view mode and a mirror view mode based on a relationship between the vehicle and the trailer.
US08111246B2 Touch panel integrated flat display device
A touch panel integrated flat display device capable of improving reliability is disclosed.The touch panel integrated flat display device includes a display panel, a touch panel disposed on the display panel, and a flexible circuit board electrically connecting a drive PCB and the touch panel to supply a drive signal of the touch panel. In the touch panel integrated flat display device, a plurality of touch panel pads contacting a plurality of flexible circuit board pads are formed at a side of the touch panel, and each of the touch panel pads has at least two contact areas with each of the flexible circuit board pads.
US08111245B2 Touch panel and display device using the same
An exemplary touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate separated from the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate and a second conductive layer disposed on an upper surface of the second substrate. Each of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer includes a plurality of spaced carbon nanotube structures. A display device incorporates the touch panel and also includes a display element adjacent to the touch panel.
US08111236B2 Backlight driving device and display
A backlight driving device for driving a backlight that illuminates a display panel is disclosed. The backlight driving device includes: a luminance data input device into which luminance data indicated by a video signal is entered; a drive signal-generating device configured to create a drive signal; a power supply device configured to supply electric power to the backlight according to the drive signal so as to drive the backlight; a video signal decision device configured to make a decision as to whether each value of the luminance data entered into the luminance data input device is smaller than a given value; and a thinning-out device configured to thin out components of the drive signal when the video signal decision device has determined that the value of the luminance data is smaller than the given value and supply the thinned drive signal to the power supply device.
US08111232B2 LCD electrode arrangement
Systems, devices, and methods for reducing direct current bias and/or enabling a simplified manner of polarity inversion in liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a device may include a processor, a memory device, and a liquid crystal display having a pixel array including rows and columns of pixels. Each pixel of the pixel array may include a pixel electrode separated from a common electrode by a dielectric passivation layer, and may include a transistor to provide a data signal when the transistor is activated. The pixel array is configured such that a neutral amount of direct current bias is generated on the passivation layer when each row of pixels is activated. The common electrodes of certain pixels may be disposed above their respective pixel electrodes, while the common electrodes of certain other pixels may be disposed below their respective pixel electrodes.
US08111228B2 Method and device to optimize power consumption in liquid crystal display
Power consumption in liquid crystal displays is analyzed by including frequent polarity reversals and duty cycle control. A multi-step voltage profile is proposed to reduce the power consumption in multiplexed and non-multiplexed displays. The present invention relates to a method to optimize power consumption in Liquid Crystal Display, wherein said method comprises steps of applying multi-step waveform for selecting pre-determined address lines, maintaining ratio of step-width (Ts) and pulse width (T) between 0.02 to 0.25, and making final step duration (Tf) greater than or equal to twice the step width (Ts) to optimize power supply of the Liquid Crystal Display and apply a correction voltage if the distortion is significant and modifying the step sizes to reduce the supply voltage of the driver.
US08111224B2 Organic light emitting diode display and display panel and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting diode display, and a display panel and driving method thereof are provided. The organic light emitting diode display includes a plurality of data lines for transmitting data signals, a plurality of scan lines for transmitting selection signals, and a plurality of pixel circuits coupled to the data lines and the scan lines. The pixel circuits include at least four emitting elements for emitting light corresponding to amount of an applied current, a light emitting element driver for outputting a data current corresponding to at least one of the data signals, and a switching unit for respectively transmitting the data current to the four emitting elements. In the display, at least two emitting elements of the four light emitting elements are formed in different places.
US08111222B2 Method of improving the output uniformity of a display device
The output uniformity of a display device, such as a self light emitting display device, is improved by detecting the emitted brightness of pixels of the display device using an external detection system, controlling the pixel intensity to determine the non-uniformity of the driver circuits connected with the pixels, and generating a calibration factor for the pixels to modify the output of the driver circuits. Calibration can be performed for each pixel, or each group of pixels, such as each row and column of pixels.
US08111221B2 Display panel device and control method thereof
A display panel device includes a luminescence element and a capacitor. A driving transistor includes a gate that is connected to a first electrode of the capacitor. A first switch is connected to the first electrode of the capacitor for setting a reference voltage to the first electrode of the capacitor. A data line supplies a data voltage to a second electrode of the capacitor. A second switch is connected between the data line and the second electrode of the capacitor. A wiring is connected to a first electrode of the luminescence element and the second electrode of the capacitor for interconnecting a first power line and the first electrode of the luminescence element with the second electrode of the capacitor, the second switch, and the data line. A third switch is connected in series with the driver between the first electrode of the luminescence element and the first power line.
US08111219B2 Pixel, organic light emitting display using the same, and associated methods
A pixel including an OLED, the pixel including a first transistor coupled between a data line and a first node, the first transistor being turned on by a low signal on an i-th scan line, a second transistor coupled between a first power source and a fifth transistor, a third transistor coupled between the gate electrode of the second transistor and an electrode of the second transistor that is coupled to the fifth transistor, the third transistor being turned on by a low signal on an (i−1)-th scan line, a fourth transistor coupled between a first reference voltage and the first node, the fourth transistor being turned on by the low signal on the (i−1)-th scan line, a storage capacitor coupled between the first node and the second node, and a compensator controlling a voltage of the second node corresponding to degradation of the OLED.
US08111218B2 Pixel, organic light emitting display using the same, and driving method thereof
A pixel, an organic light emitting display using the pixel, and a driving method thereof may compensate for degradation of an organic light emitting diode. The pixel includes the organic light emitting diode and a drive transistor that supplies an electric current to the organic light emitting diode. A pixel circuit compensates a threshold voltage of the drive transistor. A compensator controls the voltage of the gate electrode of the drive transistor in order to compensate a degradation of the organic light emitting diode.
US08111215B2 Display device and electronic device
The luminance of light emitting elements varies when the characteristics thereof change due to changes in environment temperature and changes with time. It is an object of the present invention to suppress the effect of the change in current value of a light emitting element due to the changes of environment temperature and changes with time. The invention provides a display device provided with a compensation function for the changes in environment temperature and a compensation function for the change with time. The display device of the invention includes a light emitting element, a driving transistor connected to the light emitting element, and a monitoring light emitting element. By using this monitoring light emitting element, an effect of the change of current value of the light emitting element due to the change of environment temperature and change with time can be suppressed.
US08111214B2 Charge recovery for enhanced transistor drive
A control circuit for an electro luminescent display in which a flyback converter and an H-bridge are used to provide a high voltage alternating current to a capacitive load from a low voltage DC source. Each time the polarity of the capacitive load is reversed, the capacitive load discharges. This high voltage discharge is stored on a low voltage capacitor and subsequently used as an auxiliary power supply to power the switching elements of the control circuit.
US08111211B2 Plasma display comprising at least first and second groups of electrodes and driving method thereof
A plasma display includes a plurality of first electrodes divided into at least two groups. In the plasma display, first group cells corresponding to first electrodes of the first group are initialized, and light emitting cells are selected from the first group cells to be sustain-discharged. In addition, second group cells corresponding to the first electrodes of the second group are initialized, and light emitting cells are selected from the second group cells to be sustain-discharged.
US08111206B2 High electromagnetic transmission composite structure
The invention discloses a high electromagnetic transmission composite structure for reducing the transmission loss of an electromagnetic wave. The high electromagnetic transmission composite structure includes a first composite structure layer, a second composite structure layer, and a first buffer layer. The first composite structure layer has a first thickness and a first dielectric constant. The second composite structure layer has a second thickness and a second dielectric constant. The first buffer is disposed between the first composite structure layer and the second composite structure layer and has a third thickness and a third dielectric constant. The transmission loss of the electromagnetism wave can be adjusted by adjusting the first thickness, the first dielectric constant, the second thickness, the second dielectric constant, the third thickness, and the third dielectric constant.
US08111201B2 Wireless communication device and antenna
A wireless communication device includes: a case made of a first dielectric material; a cover made of a second dielectric material which covers an outer surface of the case; a wireless communication circuit which is housed in the case; an antenna element made of a conductive material and provided on the outer surface of the case between the case and the cover, the antenna element being electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit by a connection member that penetrates the case; and an adhesive layer which is disposed between the antenna element and the case to adhere the antenna element onto the case, the adhesive layer being made of a third dielectric material.
US08111199B2 Slotted ground-plane used as a slot antenna or used for a PIFA antenna
A wireless device includes a ground plane with at least two portions. On each of the at least two portions at least one connecting means is provided. The two connecting means are connected with an electric component for connecting the at least two portions of the ground plane. The ground plane is partially covered with an insulating material and the connecting means are given by a part of the ground plane which is not covered by any insulating material.
US08111198B2 Semiconductor device
An object of the present invention is to prevent electrical characteristics of circuit elements from being adversely affected by copper diffusion in a semiconductor device having an integrated circuit and an antenna formed over the same substrate, which uses copper plating for the antenna. Another object is to prevent a defect of a semiconductor device due to poor connection between an antenna and an integrated circuit in a semiconductor device having the integrated circuit and the antenna formed over the same substrate. In a semiconductor device having an integrated circuit 100 and an antenna 101 formed over one substrate 102, when a copper plating layer 108 is used for a conductor of the antenna 101, it is possible to prevent copper diffusion to circuit elements and decrease an adverse effect on electrical characteristics of circuit elements due to the copper diffusion because a base layer 107 of the antenna 101 uses a nitride film of a predetermined metal. Moreover, by the use of nickel nitride as a metal nitride for the base layer of the antenna, poor connection between the antenna and the integrated circuit can be decreased.
US08111197B2 Antenna apparatus
Disclosed is an antenna apparatus, including: a multi-layer substrate having at least two substrates in a stacking manner and having a first through hole; an amplifying circuit on one face of the multi-layer substrate; a ground pattern formed between two adjacent substrates of the multi-layer substrate; an antenna pattern formed on the other face of the multi-layer substrate; and a first comb electrode having comb teeth and a second comb electrode having comb teeth, both of which are formed around the antenna pattern on the other face of the multi-layer substrate. The first comb electrode is electrically connected to the antenna pattern. The second comb electrode is electrically connected to the ground pattern through the first through hole. The comb teeth of the first comb electrode and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode are spaced from one another at predetermined intervals in a staggered manner.
US08111196B2 Stacked patch antennas
According to various exemplary embodiments, an antenna assembly generally includes one or more antennas, such as a single multi-frequency antenna, first and second stacked patch antennas, etc. The antenna assembly may be operable for receiving signals having different frequencies (e.g., a frequency associated with a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS), a frequency associated with a global positioning system (GPS), etc.). The antenna assembly may generally include at least one antenna (e.g., a single multi-frequency antenna, first and second stacked patch antennas, etc.) having at least one feed point and tuned to at least one of a first frequency and a second frequency that is different than the first frequency. A low noise amplifier may be in communication with the at least one feed point for amplifying signals having the first frequency and signals having the second received from a signal output. A single communication link may be used for communicating an output signal of the antenna assembly.
US08111195B2 Multi frequency antenna with low profile and improved grounding element
A multi-frequency antenna (100) comprises a radiating patch (20) having a first radiating body operating in lower frequency band and a second radiating body operating in higher frequency band; a grounding patch (10) spaced apart from the radiating patch; a connecting element (30) electrically connecting the first radiating body, the second radiating body, and the grounding patch; a feeding line (5) comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor. The first radiating body comprises a first radiating element and a second radiating element extending from the first radiating element. The second radiating body comprises the first radiating element and a third radiating element extending from the first radiating element. The radiating patch also comprises a fourth radiating element extending from an end of the connecting element and a coupling element extending from the grounding patch. The inner conductor electrically connects to a joint of the fourth radiating element and the connecting element. The outer conductor electrically connects to the grounding patch.
US08111193B2 Distance estimation
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for estimating the distance between a transmitter and a receiver. A method comprising obtaining a signal from a receiver; determining whether the signal more likely propagated through a line-of-sight (LOS) radio channel or a non lme-of-sight (NLOS) radio channel; using a model including parameters selected according to the radio channel to estimate the distance between the receiver and a transmitter which sent the signal.
US08111191B2 Wideband antenna pattern
Embodiments of the invention include a method to control an antenna pattern of a wideband array antenna wherein a wideband array antenna unit comprising the wideband array antenna and transforming means is accomplished. Embodiments of the invention further include the corresponding wideband array antenna unit and transforming means arranged to control an antenna pattern of an antenna system. The separation between antenna elements in the wideband array antenna can be increased to above one half wavelength of a maximum frequency within a system bandwidth when the array antenna is arranged to operate with an instantaneously wideband waveform.
US08111190B2 Navigation apparatus and navigation-related information display method
A navigation apparatus and a navigation-related information display method acquire a plurality of orbit data from a plurality of GPS satellites, pinpoint the current geographical position of the apparatus according to the orbit data and distance data on the distances from the plurality of GPS satellites, display the acquiring progress level until completely acquiring a plurality of orbit data sufficient for pinpointing the current geographical position, count the remaining effective time of the plurality of orbit data acceptable for pinpointing the current geographical position and display the remaining effective time by means of a level mark that is provided with a gradation.
US08111189B2 Method and system for sharing an oscillator for processing cellular radio signals and GNSS radio data signals by deferring AFC corrections
A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) enabled mobile device comprising a crystal oscillator and an automatic frequency correction (AFC) circuit may be operable to share the crystal oscillator between processing of cellular radio signals and processing of GNSS data messages. The GNSS enabled mobile device may be operable to enforce an AFC correction when the crystal oscillator drifts beyond a specific frequency error. The AFC correction may be allowed during time intervals corresponding to GNSS words at which decoding of these words is not required. The GNSS enabled mobile device may be operable to disable the AFC correction during time intervals associated with decoding of words while the crystal oscillator may drift within the specific frequency error range. After the decoding of one or more of words is completed, the AFC correction may be allowed during the time intervals corresponding to these words.
US08111187B2 Surveillance system and method
A passive system is described for detecting radar emissions from vessels, receiving the radar emissions and analysing the data using a series of algorithms and software manipulation to extract radar signatures representative of the identity of the vessel. The data output is capable of comparison with a stored set of data enabling accurate identification of the vessel. The resulting output is displayed on a suitable display. A system having a library of vessel emission signatures can either be created within the operator's library through measurement made, or it can be supplied from a central database. The system is capable of installation on sea, land or air-based platforms.
US08111185B2 Universal remote control device
A universal remote control device (100) is provided which is able to operate different electronic devices such as television sets, recorders, set top boxes, and audio systems. The universal remote control device (100) is provided with a database (10) in which control data collected from a plurality of individual physical remote control units (2) is stored in a structured manner. To enable the memory storing the database (10) to be kept small, repetitious and/or redundant control data is omitted. In addition, the database structure uses a hierarchical structure and inheritance. The control data of a physical remote in memory may be stored, therefore, in part in a child physical remote and also in one or more parent or grandparent virtual remotes. Such a structure enables control information which is common to a number of remotes to be stored in just a single occurrence.
US08111183B2 Systems and methods for digital upconversion for digital signals
Systems and methods for digital upconversion of digital signals are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a digital frequency adjustment system and a digital to analog conversion system. In a feature of the embodiment, the digital frequency adjustment system consists of set of digital upconversion and upsample elements that shift upwards the frequency of baseband signals. In a further feature of the embodiment, a tree structure of sets of upsample and upconversion elements is used. In another embodiment, the system includes digital and analog frequency adjustment systems in which the frequencies of the input signals are partially upshifted within both the digital and analog domains. Methods for digital upconversion of digital signals are also provided.
US08111182B2 Digital to analog converter comprising mixer
In some embodiments, digital to analog converters are provided which comprise a plurality of cells. Each cell comprises a mixer and coupling circuitry to selectively couple a local oscillator signal to said mixer.
US08111181B2 Single-ended polar transmitting circuit with current salvaging and substantially constant bandwidth
An embodiment of the invention provides a single-ended polar transmitting circuit. The single-ended polar transmitting circuit comprises a DAC, a differential-to-single-ended converter, a GmC filter and a load. The GmC filter comprises two gain stages, two filters, two switching devices, a translinear loop and a current mirror. When a second clock signal is high, a first current is conducted through the load, a second switching device and a second gain stage. When a first clock signal is high, a second current is conducted through a first switching device and the second gain stage. The first gain stage has a transconductance Gm1 and the second gain stage has a transconductance Gm2. The bandwidth of the GmC filter is approximately equal to the square root of the quantity (Gm1*Gm2)/(C1*C2). The bandwidth of the GmC filter is substantially a constant value.
US08111180B2 Analog to digital conversion using irregular sampling
This disclosure relates to analog to digital conversion using irregular sampling.
US08111176B2 Method for encoding vectors
The present invention relates to a method for encoding a vector for transmission from a transmitter to a receiver, comprising a step of selecting a first vector in a predefined M-dimensional vector codebook, and at least one refinement step wherein an error vector between the random vector and the first vector is quantised by means of selecting a further vector from a further vector codebook with dimensionality reduced by one relative to the previous step, wherein the M-dimensional vector codebook and the further predefined vector codebook are known to both the transmitter and receiver.
US08111172B2 Navigation apparatus and computer program
A vehicle guidance device is configured such that, in a case where a vehicle is parked in an on-street parking zone, the vehicle guidance device specifies a parking meter from among the parking meters for the on-street parking zone in which the vehicle is parked, then provides guidance to the position where the specified parking meter is installed. In a case where an on-street parking zone is located in the vicinity of the vehicle's current position while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle guidance device provides guidance to the position of a parking meter for the on-street parking zone.
US08111171B2 Wellbore telemetry and noise cancellation systems and methods for the same
A method of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor.
US08111165B2 Active on-patient sensor, method and system
A sensor (which could be detachable) to sense a condition (including pressure from body weight or moisture from incontinence; applied by adhering to skin of a human body or by putting a diaper on the human body, for example), a signal processing circuit, a periodic or continuous transmitter, and a power supply (typically including a battery) are associated with a flexible substrate in low profile enabling disposition adjacent the human body. A transmitter antenna is on the substrate. Insulator film between battery contacts and a switch-and-transistor combination are two power-on techniques. A bedside monitor, a transceiver configured to receive signals from and transmit signals to the bedside monitor, and a computer connected with the transceiver can be included. Other features include: notification signaling; differently responsive antennas; unique identification; low battery detection; anti-collision transmission; patient protocol scheduling; local data transfer from the bedside monitor; and out-of-range transmission detection.
US08111157B2 Apparatus for detecting tampering with a latch mechanism
A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring and detecting movement of components of a shipping container latch. A latch monitor may embody an electromagnetic sensing unit and a nearby magnet or light emitter for measuring and characterizing the profile of a nearby electromagnetic field. The field profile is monitored to detect a change in the profile, log the change, and report any abnormal disturbance to the electromagnetic field, indicating a breach of the integrity of a latching mechanism on a shipping container. An alert of a breach event may be sent via a communication network to an authority for response. The invention can distinguish authorized, incidental, and tampering events, and also store and upload an electronic manifest for a shipping container.
US08111149B2 Measurement-based wireless device system level management
A method and apparatus for system level management to a wireless device using measurements. In various embodiments, a system level manager independent of the operating system of a wireless device may be configured to determine relevant metrics to obtain measurements, based at least in part on the quality of service needs and performance/resource consumption models of the wireless device. In various embodiments, the system level manager may be further configured to determine management actions to be taken by the operating system based at least in part on the measurements obtained.
US08111142B2 Non-contact ID tag writing apparatus for enabling high-speed data writing into a plurality of non-contact ID tags
A non-contact ID tag writing apparatus capable of applying high-speed writing to a non-contact ID tag is realized. With a plurality of antennas (221 to 223) arranged along the direction in which tags (11) are transported, one antenna applies writing to one of the tags while the tags pass through the coverage area of the antenna. The antennas apply the writing to the respective tags different from one another, whereby the writing can be applied to all the tags in a row.
US08111139B2 Arrangement for monitoring a switching state of a switch
An arrangement for monitoring the switching state of a switch has a monitoring circuit that monitors a circuit containing a first switch. The monitoring circuit has RFID electronics and a second switch. An outlet of the RFID electronics is connected in series with an RFID antenna, and the second switch is connected to an input of the RFID electronics, such that the second switch opens or closes the monitoring circuit dependent on the switching state thereof. The first and second switches are coupled to each other so that the switching state of the second switch is controlled as a function of the switching state of the first switch, so the switching state of the second switch represents the switching state of the first switch. An RFID reading device is within range of the RFID antenna, and feeds a query signal via the RFID antenna into the monitoring circuit to determine the representative switching state of the first switch via the switching state of the second switch.
US08111138B2 Radio tag and system
Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag.
US08111136B2 USB fingerprint scanner with touch sensor
A fingerprint scanner is provided. The fingerprint scanner includes a control module for detecting and controlling the transmission of signals, an electrical connector coupled to the control module for connecting the fingerprint scanner to a periphery device, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) indicators coupled to the control module to indicate operation status of the fingerprint scanner, and a fingerprint scanning module. The fingerprint scanning module is coupled to the control module to detect fingerprints and sense touches, and send fingerprint signals and touch signals to the control module. The fingerprint scanning module includes a touch sensor for sensing different touches that represent different command signals.
US08111133B2 System for processing multiple signal frequencies and data formats for a barrier operator
A barrier operator is configured to learn and receive disparate wireless transmission signals to control movement of a barrier. The operator includes a receiver core circuit adapted to receive wireless transmission signals containing known and unknown formatted data words. A microcontroller is adapted to determine a fixed code portion of the unknown formatted data words. The microcontroller is also associated with a memory unit and connected to the receiver core circuit for storing in the memory unit the known formatted data words and the unknown formatted data words if the fixed code portion can be determined when the microcontroller is in a learn mode. The receiver core circuit may also scan only frequencies associated with learn codes, pre-selected frequencies, and incremental frequencies within a predetermined range of frequencies.
US08111132B2 Remote controlling
A method includes providing, to a user of a control device, an indication of a value currently representative of a preset sound signal source, and simultaneously providing an indication of a possible new value of the preset.
US08111124B2 Inductance element and method for manufacturing the same
An inductance element is not interfered by peripheral circuits when mounted on a wiring board by forming a closed magnetic path. The inductance element has a small reduction of an inductance value when a direct current is superimposed, and thus has excellent direct current superimposition characteristics. The temperature coefficient of the magnetic permeability of a ferrite sintered body which constitutes a magnetic core can be positive. The temperature coefficient of the magnetic permeability of a soft magnetic resin provided as an external covering to cover a coil and to fill a space between flange sections of the magnetic core is permitted to be −30 ppm/° C. or less.
US08111121B2 Actuator
The invention relates to an actuator comprising a leaf spring attached to a carrier in at least one point of attachment, means for providing a magnetic field and means for guiding the magnetic field so as to provide a magnetic flux loop. A movable part of the leaf spring is movable relative to the means for providing the magnetic field. The actuator further comprises a drive core attached to the movable part of the leaf spring, which is incorporated in the flux loop, for imparting the relative movement to the movable part. The drive core is so positioned that the magnetic properties of the flux loop are changed under the influence of said relative movement for gearing the magnetic force on the drive core and the spring force of the leaf spring to each other.
US08111119B2 Reed switch apparatus and method of using same
A reed switch apparatus utilizes one or more reed switches to communicate with one or more devices. In one configuration, the reed switch apparatus utilizes a single magnetic field to, simultaneously activate two or more reed switches. In another configuration, two or more reed switches, each acting independent of one another are simultaneously activated by a single magnetic field. Additionally, a method of controlling at least two devices includes exposing a reed switch apparatus to a single magnetic field. Yet another method includes activating a device via the use of a single reed switch mounted to a portion of a warehouse structure.
US08111117B2 Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnetic block formed by winding a coil around an iron core and a frame shaped card. One end portion of the frame-shaped card is engaged with a movable iron piece that is rotated by being attracted to and separated from a magnetic pole portion of the iron core based on excitation and non-excitation of the electromagnetic block. The electromagnetic relay also includes a contact mechanism portion configured to be driven by the other end portion of the frame-shaped card that makes a reciprocating movement so as to open/close contacts and a pair of protrusions protrusively provided on the same shaft center inside of the one end portion of the frame-shaped card. Both side edge portions of the movable iron piece are held by the one end portion of the card and the protrusions. An adjustment opening is provided between the pair of protrusions.
US08111114B2 MEMS filter with voltage tunable center frequency and bandwidth
A tunable MEMS filter is disclosed, having a substrate with first and second isolated substrate areas. First and second anchor points are coupled to the substrate. A base is coupled to the first and second anchor points by first and second coupling beams, respectively. A dielectric layer is coupled to the base. An input conductor is coupled to the at least one dielectric layer. An output conductor is coupled to the at least one dielectric layer.A method of tuning a center frequency and a bandwidth of a MEMS resonator filter is also disclosed. A first bias voltage is adjusted between a base layer and input and output conductor layers. A second bias voltage is adjusted between the base layer and isolated substrate areas. The center frequency and the bandwidth are determined until the adjustments to the bias voltages provide a desired center frequency and a desired bandwidth.
US08111113B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming thin film capacitor
A semiconductor device has a first coil structure formed over the substrate. A second coil structure is formed over the substrate adjacent to the first coil structure. A third coil structure is formed over the substrate adjacent to the second coil structure. The first and second coil structures are coupled by mutual inductance, and the second and third coil structures are coupled by mutual inductance. The first, second, and third coil structures each have a height greater than a skin current depth of the coil structure defined as a depth which current reduces to 1/(complex permittivity) of a surface current value. A thin film capacitor is formed within the semiconductor device by a first metal plate, dielectric layer over the first metal plate, and second and third electrically isolated metal plates opposite the first metal plate. The terminals are located on the same side of the capacitor.
US08111111B2 Device comprising a controlled matching stage
Device (5) comprising controlled matching stages (10) for matching second stages such as antenna stages (2) to first stages such as power amplifier stages (1) get a simple construction by providing the controlled matching stages (10) with deriving means (11) for deriving first signals and second signals from output signals of the first stages, with detecting means (12) for detecting phases between the first signals and the second signals, and with controlling means (13) for controlling adjustable impedance networks (14) in response to said detecting for said matching. The deriving means (11) comprise elements (21) such as passive elements such as inductors and capacitors, with the first signals being the output signals and the second signals being derived via the elements (21). The detecting means (12) comprise phase detectors (22-24) made of first and second limiters (22,23) for limiting the first and second signals and mixers (24) for mixing the limited first and second signals. The controlling means (13) comprise analog-to-digital converters (25) such as limiters and digital circuits (26) such as up-down counters.
US08111108B2 Micromechanical resonating devices and related methods
Micromechanical resonating devices, as well as related methods, are described herein. The resonating devices can include a micromechanical resonating structure, an actuation structure that actuates the resonating structure, and a detection structure that detects motion of the resonating structure.
US08111103B2 Amplifier circuit with overshoot suppression
An amplifier circuit with overshoot suppress scheme including an input amplifier, an output amplifier, and a diode is provided. A first and a second input ends of the output amplifier are coupled to a differential output pair of the input amplifier. A first end of the diode is coupled to an output end of the output amplifier. A second end of the diode is coupled to the first input end of the output amplifier. When the voltage difference between the output and the input ends of the output amplifier is greater then the barrier voltage of the diode, the diode is turned on, so that the output end of the output amplifier is coupled to the input end of the output amplifier. In the transient state, it rapidly smoothes the overshoot signal. In the steady state, the diode is cut off to maintain the normal operation of the operational amplifier.
US08111101B2 Time-alignment of two signals used for digital pre-distortion
A digital pre-distortion system which can provide the flexibility to model the highly non-linear distortion associated with High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers while through a novel implementation of a least squares estimation process allows an implementation well suited for an FPGA application where limited resources and in particular memory resources are available.
US08111100B1 Differential amplifier with improved zero-point calibration
The present invention covers novel approaches to the differential amplification of an input signal. Embodiments of the present invention have precise gain, swing to within micro-volts (μV) of ground, and have high CMRR without the need for precision resistors or tuned potentiometers. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited for the amplification of an instrumentation signal for delivery to an analog-to-digital converter. Examples of such signals include the product of a strain-gauge front end, a temperature sensor front end, and certain devices for bioelectronics detection. Embodiments of the present invention which are systems for amplification of a differential input signal can comprise a differential input stage transconducing a differential voltage input signal into a single-ended intermediate current signal using a follower transconductance amplifier, and a single-ended output stage comprising an amplifier producing an output voltage across a resistor network that forms a negative feedback network of the amplifier.
US08111095B2 Temperature compensation for internal inductor resistance
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator. The VCOs in the PLLs are centered using a control circuit to center the tuning capacitance range. A differential crystal oscillator is advantageously used as a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission is advantageously used throughout the receiver.
US08111094B2 Analog multiplexer circuits and methods
A sample and hold circuit is disclosed that provides longer hold times. An analog multiplexer circuit is also disclosed that exhibits low switch leakage. The analog multiplexer circuit comprises a shared node, a plurality of input circuits, a control input for selecting one or more of the plurality of input circuits, and an amplifier coupled to the shared node. Each input circuit comprises an input node, a primary input switch for selectively coupling an input to the input node, and a secondary input switch for selectively coupling the input node to the shared node, wherein the secondary input switch comprises one or more transistor switches. The parasitic drain and source diodes of one or more transistor switches in secondary input switch in a selected input circuit are coupled to a voltage that is distinct from an input signal of the selected input circuit. For input circuits not selected, the parasitic drain and source diodes of secondary input switch transistor switches are coupled to an output of the amplifier.
US08111088B2 Level shifter with balanced duty cycle
A level shifter and method are provided for balancing a duty cycle of a signal. An input circuit receives a differential logic signal with two complimentary logic levels. A level transition balancing circuit balances the rise and fall times of a level shifted version of each complimentary logic level during a transition from a first to a second of the logic levels and a level shift. A logic element stores and provides outputs of the level shifted versions of the logic levels. The level transition balancing circuit can include a capacitor in parallel with a transfer element for each input. The capacitor destabilizes inputs to the logic element and balances the transition using a capacitance and a level previously stored in the logic element.
US08111087B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes an n-channel spin FET including one of a magnetic tunnel junction and a magneto-semiconductor junction, the n-channel spin FET including a gate terminal to receive an input signal, a source terminal to receive a first power supply potential, and a drain terminal connected to an output terminal, a p-channel FET including a gate terminal to receive a clock signal, a source terminal to receive a second power supply potential, and a drain terminal connected to the output terminal, a subsequent circuit connected to the output terminal, and a control circuit which turns on the p-channel FET to start charging the output terminal, then turns off the p-channel FET to end the charging, and supplies the input signal to the gate terminal of the n-channel spin FET.
US08111083B1 Quantum processor
One embodiment of the invention includes a quantum processor system. The quantum processor system includes a first resonator having a first characteristic frequency and a second resonator having a second characteristic frequency greater than the first characteristic frequency. A qubit cell is coupled to each of the first resonator and the second resonator. The qubit cell has a frequency tunable over a range of frequencies including the first characteristic frequency and the second characteristic frequency. A classical control mechanism is configured to tune the frequency of the qubit cell as to transfer quantum information between the first resonator and the second resonator.
US08111082B2 Test apparatus
A test apparatus is configured such that two adjacent channels form a pair. Timing comparators determine the level of first output data fed from a DUT, respectively, timed in accordance with strobe signals, respectively. Clock envelope extractors extract envelopes of a clock, respectively. A clock recovery circuit recovers a strobe signal. A first main latch latches an output from the first timing comparator, timed by the first strobe signal. A first sub-latch latches the envelope of the clock, timed by the first strobe signal. An output from the sub-latch is supplied to a second main latch of the second channel. A signal dependent on the strobe signal is assigned an adjustable delay by a first delay circuit and is supplied to a clock terminal of the second main latch.
US08111079B2 Conductivity measuring apparatus and conductivity measuring method
A conductivity measuring apparatus includes a probe base having a pair of electrodes disposed on respective opposite surfaces of a portion of the probe base. Observing and grasping probes are supported by the probe base in a cantilever state and are arranged adjancent to and spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The grasping probe has a pair of electrodes disposed on respective opposite surfaces of a portion of the grasping probe confronting the portion of the probe base. A voltage apparatus applies a voltage between the pairs of electrodes on the probe base and the grasping probe to adjust the predetermined distance between the grasping and observing probes. A movement mechanism moves a sample base and the observing and grasping probes relative to each other to bring conductive tips of the observing and grasping probes into contact with respective contact points on a sample supported on the sample base. A measurement apparatus measures a conductivity between the contact points on the sample on the basis of a current flow generated between the conductive tips of the observing and grasping probes.
US08111078B1 Oxidizing power sensor for corrosion monitoring
A method based on the measurement of the oxidation power or the cathodic current density using a corrosion-resistant electrode (noble electrode) to derive the bounding corrosion rates of the corroding metal, which is either a stand-alone electrode or an actual component of an equipment, is disclosed. During the measurement, the potential of the noble electrode is controlled at the corrosion potential of the corroding metal. A modified version the sensor that provides a correction factor for the estimation of the corrosion rate according to the bounding corrosion rate is also disclosed. The correction factor is derived based on the cathodic currents measured for the noble electrode and for the corroding metal at a potential that is significantly lower than the corrosion potential, so that the measured cathodic current density from the corroding metal equals the true cathodic current density on the corroding metal.
US08111076B1 Method and apparatus for determination of plant canopy rehydration rate and magnitude of plant canopy water storage
This invention is concerned with a method for measuring the canopy rehydration pulse during the period of water application. During the rehydration process water leaks from the trunk xylem tubes into the sapwood extraxyllary region. A water content sensor in this region monitors the magnitude and timing of this leakage water thereby giving a measure of the magnitude and timing of the upward flow of water. The rehydration pulse is quantified by a sequence of measurements of sapwood water content: an initial measurement of water content just prior to water application, then measurement of water content during water application. The difference between the values obtained in the two measurements yields a measure of the leakage water in the extraxyllary region and, in turn, the magnitude and timing of the rehydration pulse. Determination of the onset and termination of the rehydration pulse is used to optimize the duration of water application.
US08111074B2 Method and apparatus to measure differential phase and frequency modulation distortions for audio equipment
A testing method or apparatus utilizes multiple frequencies applied to a device under test for measuring newly discovered frequency modulation effects. An embodiment may include a lower frequency signal with a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequency response, gain, and or phase. This dynamic test can reveal frequency modulation effects. Another embodiment may include the use of a multiple frequency signal to dynamically induce a time varying phase or frequency distortion for the device that has differential phase distortion. The device's output is then measured with an FM detector to measure a shift in one of the frequencies used in the test signal or to measure frequency modulation effects of any signals, including distortion products, from the device. Yet another embodiment of the invention may include biasing a device with a voltage to span the output voltage range of the device while measuring harmonic or intermodulation distortion or phase or frequency response at the various operating points.
US08111066B2 Device and method for measuring the mass of a magnetic material, and analysis apparatus including such device
The invention relates to a device for measuring the mass of a magnetic material (6) present in an analysis medium, that comprises: a modulator (24) of the phase of a high-frequency and/or low-frequency component of a magnetic field for exciting the analysis medium with a modulation signal having a value that is modified by a frequency fmod; and a demodulator (36) capable of demodulating the amplitude of an amplitude signal, measured in response to the excitation field, from the modulation signal, wherein said demodulator is connected to the output of a filter (34) and to the input of an estimation unit (44).
US08111055B2 Method for controlling a direct current chopper controller
A method of controlling a direct current (“DC”) chopper controller having a switch and a storage choke in which the choke has a current dependent on the switching of the switch on and off includes the following. A current variable derived from one of the time averaged value of the current of the choke and the peak value of the current of the choke is determined. A switching frequency for synchronizing the turning on and off the switch is calculated as a function of the current variable and on whether the current variable exceeds a current threshold. The switching frequency is determined to be a predetermined low frequency if the switching frequency is lower than the low frequency and is determined to be a predetermined high frequency if the switching frequency is greater than the high frequency. The switch is switched on and off in accordance with the switching frequency.
US08111053B2 DC-DC converter
The present invention provides a DC-DC converter including a first series circuit connected to both ends of a first switch and formed of a winding of a first transformer, a first reactor, a first diode, and a smoothing capacitor, a second diode connected to a connection point of a primary winding of the first transformer, the winding of the first transformer and the first switch, and to one end of the smoothing capacitor, a second series circuit connected to both ends of a second switch and formed of a winding of a second transformer, a second reactor, a third diode, and the smoothing capacitor, a fourth diode connected to a connection point of a primary winding of the second transformer, the winding of the second transformer and the second switch, and to the one end of the smoothing capacitor, a third reactor connected to both ends of a series circuit of a secondary winding of the first transformer and a secondary winding of the second transformer, and a control circuit which alternately turns on the first switch and the second switch every ½ cycle, turns off the first switch during an on-period of the second switch, and turns off the second switch during an on-period of the first switch.
US08111050B2 Power factor control systems and methods
A boost converter comprises an inductance that receives an input signal. A switch controls current supplied by the inductance to a load. A power factor control module comprises a mode control module that selects an operating mode of the boost converter and a switch control module that switches the switch at a frequency. The frequency is equal to a first frequency when the mode control module selects a continuous mode and equal to a second frequency when the mode control module selects a discontinuous mode. The first frequency is greater than the second frequency.
US08111048B2 Double fed synchronous generator motor
A double fed synchronous generator motor which is coupled to a reversible pump-turbine and operated while switched to a power generating operation mode or a pumping operation mode, is equipped with a controller for controlling the double fed synchronous generator motor so that power output from the double fed synchronous generator motor is coincident with an instruction value and the rotating speed is set between upper and lower limit values of the rotating speed by changing exciting current. In the power generating operation mode, the lower limit value of the rotating speed is varied by active power output from the double fed synchronous generator motor, and when the active power is small, the lower limit value of the rotating speed is set to a smaller value than that when the active power is large.
US08111046B2 Technique for conveying overload conditions from an AC adapter to a load powered by the adapter
A constant voltage/constant power AC adapter converts AC voltage to DC voltage to provide power to a plurality of loads. The adapter's output characteristic is approximately a constant voltage as long as the output current draw by the loads is less than a threshold (e.g., a safety threshold for the adapter). If, however, the power draw on the adapter is such that the output current exceeds the threshold, the adapter then decreases its output voltage to maintain the power draw at a safe level. One or more loads that draw power from the adapter may be adapted to detect a drop in the AC adapter's output voltage. When such a voltage drop is detected, that information tells the load that too much current is being drawn from the adapter and that the load should throttle back (e.g., reducing battery charge current, CPU clock frequency, display brightness, etc.).
US08111035B2 Charging system, charging device and battery pack
A charging system is provided with a secondary battery, a charging current supplier for supplying a charging current to the secondary battery, an internal resistance detector for detecting the resistance value of the internal resistance of the secondary battery, and a charge controller for increasing the charging current to be supplied to the secondary battery by the charging current supplier as the resistance value detected by the internal resistance detector decreases.
US08111033B2 Stepping motor control circuit and analog electronic timepiece
The present invention aims to prevent a nonrotation state from being brought about even when a drive allowance is changed by variations in a stepping motor or the like. A pulse down counter circuit outputs pulse down control signal for subjecting main drive pulse to control pulse down when time is counted for a predetermined time period. When a detecting signal exceeding a reference threshold voltage detected by a rotation detecting circuit is detected at a first detection section at start of a rotation detecting time period, a control circuit resets the pulse down counter circuit. Thereby, a main drive pulse generating circuit is not subjected to control pulse down by the pulse down counter circuit, and therefore, it is prevented that the main drive pulse is subjected to pulse down unnecessarily.
US08111032B2 Indicating instrument for vehicle
An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a step motor including a field winding, a pointer, a stopper device for stopping the pointer, which is rotating in a zero-reset direction, at a stopper position, a detecting device for detecting induced voltage of the field winding at each of detecting points, a control device for performing zero-reset control, whereby a drive signal is controlled to rotate the pointer in the zero-reset direction. In a state of abnormal detection in which the induced voltage larger than a predetermined set value is detected at a zero point; and the induced voltage equal to or smaller than the set value is detected at a next detecting point to the zero point, the control device assumes synchronization loss of the step motor and continues the zero-reset control until an assumptive electrical angle corresponding to a rotational position of the pointer reaches the zero point.
US08111022B2 Lighting system comprising interconnectable lighting modules
This invention relates to a lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of interconnectable polygonal lighting modules, wherein each lighting module has a plurality of connection members each including at least one electrical terminal. The connection members are arranged rotationally symmetrically at the lighting module. The lighting system further includes bridge members. Each bridge member has bridge terminals and is mountable at neighboring connection members of different lighting modules, to form a bridge providing an electric connection between connection terminals of the different connection members.
US08111020B2 Apparatus and method for driving backlight unit
The present invention is directed to a drive apparatus for a backlight unit (20) in which plural LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements are cascade-connected every three primary colors, which comprises a signal generating unit (44) for generating a signal having an arbitrary amplitude, an adjustment unit (50) for adjusting light emission quantities of groups of LED elements (30) on the basis of the signal which has been generated by the signal generating unit (44), a voltage applying unit (41) for applying a predetermined voltage every the groups of LED elements (30), light emission quantity detecting units (33) for detecting quantities of rays of light which have been emitted from the groups of LED elements (30), calorific value detecting units (32) for detecting calorific values emitted from the groups of LED elements in accordance with the voltage which has been applied to the voltage applying unit (41), and a control unit (50) for controlling the signal generating unit (44) on the basis of light emission quantities which have been detected by the light emission quantity detecting units (33) and calorific values which have been detected by the calorific value detecting units (32).
US08111017B2 Circuits and methods for controlling dimming of a light source
A controller for controlling dimming of a light source includes a detection pin, an input signal pin, and a monitoring pin. The detection pin is operable for monitoring a rectified voltage and for detecting whether the rectified voltage comes from a TRIAC dimmer or an on/off switch dimmer. The input signal pin is operable for receiving an input signal indicative of the rectified voltage and the controller controls dimming of the light source according to the input signal if the rectified voltage comes from a TRIAC dimmer. The monitoring pin is operable for receiving a monitoring signal indicating an operation of the on/off switch dimmer and the controller controls dimming of the light source according to the monitoring signal if the rectified voltage comes from an on/off switch dimmer.
US08110997B2 LED drive circuit
A LED drive circuit equipped with oscillator 18, up/down counter 20, and DAC 22 in order to drive multiple LEDs 10(1)-10(m) in a block. Up/down counter 20 carries out count-up/down operations in sync with clock CLK sent from oscillator 18 during the ramping up/down of pulse-lighting of the LEDs. DAC 22 converts counter count value DN into analog voltage signal VDAC and supplies it to the gate terminal of NMOS transistor 14 via low-pass filter 28 and buffer amplifier 24.
US08110994B2 Multi-zone closed loop daylight harvesting having at least one light sensor
A multi-zone daylight harvesting method and apparatus having a closed loop system utilizing a single light sensor is disclosed herein. This light control system includes an ambient light sensor connected to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone and converting the light signal to an digital one. A control device couples to receive a predetermined rate of change for each respective zone from a storage unit along with the converted digital signal. The control device connects each zone of a plurality of electrical loads to control the power supplied to the electrical load at the predetermined corresponding rate of change and responsive to the amount of ambient light detected.
US08110991B2 Phase and frequency control of a radio frequency generator from an external source
Controlling a phase and/or a frequency of a RF generator. The RF generator includes a power source, a sensor, and a sensor signal processing unit. The sensor signal processing unit is coupled to the power source and to the sensor. The sensor signal processing unit controls the phase and/or the frequency of a RF generator.
US08110988B2 Plasma lamp with dielectric waveguide
A dielectric waveguide integrated plasma lamp is disclosed for powering a small and bright bulb with a diameter of a few millimeters. The lamp is contained within a high dielectric constant material which guides the microwaves to the bulb, provides heat isolation to the drive circuit, contains the microwaves, provides structural stability and ease of manufacturing and allows efficient energy coupling to the bulb when used as a dielectric resonant oscillator.
US08110986B2 Dispersion-type electroluminescent element and method for manufacturing the same
A dispersion-type EL element formed on a thin or flexible transparent plastic film and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The dispersion-type electroluminescent element is a dispersion-type electroluminescent element with at least a transparent conductive layer, a phosphor layer, a dielectric layer, and a rear electrode layer sequentially formed on a transparent plastic film surface, in which a thickness of the transparent plastic film is less than 50 μm, and the transparent conductive layer is formed by applying compression processing to an applied layer formed by applying a transparent conductive layer forming application liquid mainly composed of conductive oxide particles and a binder on the transparent plastic film surface and then, curing the compressed layer.
US08110984B2 Organic light-emitting diode with transparent multilayer electrode
An organic light-emitting diode comprising a substrate, an organic light-emitting layer arranged between a first electrode and a transparent and semi-reflecting second electrode with a multilayer structure subdivided into: a first silver-based metallic layer in contact with the organic light-emitting layer, a second aluminum-based metallic layer, and a third dielectric layer, wherein the second metallic layer is inserted between the first metallic layer and the third dielectric layer of the transparent second electrode, the organic light-emitting layer comprises a doped sub-layer in contact with the first metallic layer of the transparent second electrode, and the thickness of the third dielectric layer is adjusted to limit the absorption by the first and second metallic layers of the light emitted by the diode.
US08110982B2 Organic light emitting diode display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting diode display device having a frit which can improve mechanical strength and adhesion between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The organic light emitting diode display device includes a lower substrate, an organic light emitting diode disposed on the lower substrate, an upper substrate to be coupled to the lower substrate, and a frit disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate to couple both the lower substrate and the upper substrate to each other where the frit has a plurality of pores.
US08110975B2 Field emission display device
A field emission device includes an insulating substrate, one or more grids located on the insulating substrate. Each grid includes a first, second, third and fourth electrode down-leads and an electron emitting unit. The first, second, third and fourth electrode down-leads are located on the periphery of the grid. The first and the second electrode down-leads are parallel to each other. The third and the fourth electrode down-leads are parallel to each other. The electron emitting unit includes a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one electron emitter. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode down-lead, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the third electrode down-lead. One end of the electron emitter is connected to the second electrode and an opposite end of the electron emitter is spaced from the first electrode by a predetermined distance.
US08110971B2 Light emitting element, light emitting device, image display device, method of driving light emitting element, and method of producing light emitting element
A light emitting element of the present invention includes an electrode substrate; a thin-film electrode; and an electron acceleration layer sandwiched between the electrode substrate and the thin-film electrode. In the electron acceleration layer, as a result of a voltage applied between the electrode substrate and the thin-film electrode, electrons are accelerated so as to be turned into hot electrons. The hot electrons excite surfaces of the silicon fine particles contained in the electron acceleration layer so that the surfaces of the silicon fine particles emit light. Such a light emitting element of the present invention is a novel light emitting element, which has not been achieved by the conventional techniques. That is, the light emitting element of the present invention is able to (i) be produced by using a silicon material, which is available at low price, through a simple production method, and (ii) efficiently emit light.
US08110969B2 Gas-discharge reflector lamp
The invention relates to the electrotechnical industry. Said invention makes it possible to reduce the production cost of, and improve the quality of, gas-discharge reflector lamps. The inventive gas-discharge reflector lamp comprises a light bulb and a burner arranged on current leads into the bulb. At least one half of the bulb's internal surface is coated with a reflective layer in such a way that a plane crossing the parallel edges thereof is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the burner. The bulb is embodied in the form of an ellipsoid. In the area delimited by the bulb neck and dome, the transversal edges of the reflecting layer are located on the cross-sections where the bulb neck and dome gradually transform into the ellipsoidal section, The plane passing through the longitudinal edges of the reflecting layer are located from the bulb axis at a distance H and falls in the range of 0.04-0.11 of the bulb maximum diameter D. The burner is positioned in such a way that, on the cross-section passing through the center of the bulb ellipsoid, the ratio between a distance I from the burner axis to the closest surface of the reflecting layer and a distance L from the burner axis to the edge of the reflecting layer located on the longitudinal section ranges from 0.56 to 0.68. A least one current lead is arranged between the burner and the reflecting layer on the longitudinal plane of symmetry.
US08110967B2 Spherical rotary piezoelectric motor
A spherical rotary piezoelectric motor comprises a spherical rotor, a hemispherical stator, and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators. The hemispherical stator comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface forms a hemispherical hollow portion which substantially corresponds to the spherical rotor so as to contain a portion of the spherical rotor. The plurality of piezoelectric actuators is arranged on the inner surface (or the outer surface) of the hemispherical stator respectively so as to drive the hemispherical stator. The hemispherical stator generates traveling waves with a resultant elliptical motion, so the spherical rotor can be rotated accordingly with at least one degree of freedom.
US08110962B2 MEMS component and method for production
A MEMS component includes a chip that has a rear side having a low roughness of less than one tenth of the wavelength at the center frequency of an acoustic wave propagating in the component. Metallic structures for scattering bulk acoustic waves are provided on the rear side of the chip and a material of the metallic structures is acoustically matched to a material of the chip.
US08110956B2 Small motor of quadrangular external shape
The side wall of a motor casing is formed into a quadrangular shape such that four flat side portions, and arcuate corner portions located at respective corners are continuously joined together. A field magnet having a quadrangular external shape is formed such that four flat side portions, and four arcuate corner portions located at respective corners are continuously joined together. The arcuate corner portions of the motor casing and the arcuate corner portions of the field magnet extend along respective circles having a center located at the center of a motor shaft, and the central angles of the arcuate corner portions fall within a range of 15° to 35° inclusive. The field magnet is press-fitted or bonded into the motor casing such that the corner portions of the field magnet come into close contact with the corner portions of the motor casing.
US08110953B2 Powered chuck-bearing group for a printing machine
A motorized chuck-bearing group for a printing machine, powered by a brushless motor, comprises a casing housing a stator coil and a rotor, controlled both in velocity and activation times by a control circuit comprising an encoder device, in which a shaft supports permanent magnets in a peripheral arrangement, the shaft being coupled, internally of the casing, to the encoder device and extending outside the casing such as to support a chuck which rotates an object to be printed.
US08110943B2 Energy-saving power socket with slave power supply
An energy-saving power socket with slave power supply, especially a power socket having plural receptacles, with power supply of part of the receptacles depending upon a working condition of a master receptacle of primary load that the slave receptacles are turned off when an electric appliance which takes electricity from the primary load receptacle stops working, primarily connects an end of an electronic control circuit to a manual switching device, an end of which is connected to the slave receptacles. When the control circuit operates, the slave receptacles will be guided to supply electricity, depending upon the working condition of the master receptacle. In addition, the control circuit does not consume electricity while not working.
US08110936B2 Power transmission apparatus for wind power generation and wind power generator using the same
The present invention provides a power transmission apparatus for wind power generation and a wind power generator using the same. The power transmission apparatus includes a first magnetic member which is provided around a rotating shaft of an impeller, and a second magnetic member which is provided around a rotor shaft of a generating unit. The second magnetic member is disposed at a position facing the first magnetic member such that similar poles of the first and second magnetic members face each other. Thus, when the impeller is rotated by wind, the rotor shaft of the generating unit is rotated by magnetic repulsive force between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member. Thereby, the rotating force of the impeller is transmitted to the generating unit.
US08110930B2 Die backside metallization and surface activated bonding for stacked die packages
Methods and apparatus to provide die backside metallization and/or surface activated bonding for stacked die packages are described. In one embodiment, an active metal layer of a first die may be coupled to an active metal layer of a second die through silicon vias and/or a die backside metallization layer of the second die. Other embodiments are also described.
US08110919B2 Thermal interface with non-tacky surface
A package includes a thermal interface member which includes a bulk layer and a surface layer that is disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the bulk layer. The surface layer is highly thermally conductive, has a melting point exceeding a solder reflow temperature, and has a maximum cross-sectional thickness of less than about 10 microns.
US08110918B2 Flexible substrate for a semiconductor package, method of manufacturing the same, and semiconductor package including flexible substrate
A flexible substrate used in a semiconductor package, a method of manufacturing the same, and a semiconductor package including the flexible substrate. A circuit pattern forming region is formed in an insulating substrate with a dented shape and a circuit pattern formed of a metallic material is formed in the circuit pattern forming region.
US08110917B2 Package substrate with a conductive connecting pin
A package substrate 310 incorporating a substrate provided with a conductor layer 5, a conductive connecting pin 100 arranged to establish the electrical connection with a motherboard and secured to the surface of the substrate, wherein a pad 16 for securing the conductive connecting pin is provided for the package substrate 310. The pad 16 is covered with an organic resin insulating layer 15 having an opening 18 through which the pad 16 is partially exposed to the outside. The conductive connecting pin 100 is secured to the pad exposed to the outside through the opening with a conductive adhesive agent 17 so that solution of the conductive connecting pin 100 from the substrate occurring, for example when mounting is performed is prevented.
US08110915B2 Open cavity leadless surface mountable package for high power RF applications
An RF semiconductor package includes a substrate having generally planar top and bottom surfaces. The substrate includes a metallic base region and one or more metallic signal terminal regions extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and an insulative material separating the metallic regions from one another. The bottom surface of an RF semiconductor die is surface-mounted to the base region at the top substrate surface. The RF semiconductor die has a terminal pad disposed at a top surface of the RF semiconductor die. The terminal pad is electrically connected to one of the signal terminal regions at the top substrate surface. A lid is attached to the top substrate surface so that the RF semiconductor die is enclosed by the lid to form an open-cavity around the RF semiconductor die. The base and signal terminal regions are configured for surface-mounting at the bottom substrate surface.
US08110914B2 Wafer level package with removable chip protecting layer
A wafer level package includes a chip, a removable resin layer, a molding material, a dielectric layer, redistribution lines and a solder resist. The removable resin layer is formed to surround side surfaces and a lower surface of the chip. The molding material is formed on the lower surface of the removable resin layer. The dielectric layer is formed over the removable resin layer including the chip and having via holes to expose portions of the chip. The redistribution lines are formed on the dielectric layer including insides of the via holes to be connected to the chip. The solder resist layer is formed on the dielectric layer to expose portions of the redistribution lines.
US08110912B2 Semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a foil formed of an insulating material, where the foil includes at least one electrically conducting element, providing a chip having contact elements on a first face of the chip, and applying the foil over the contact elements of the chip.
US08110911B2 Semiconductor chip package with post electrodes
A first wiring pattern is formed on a surface of a first support plate; a semiconductor chip is disposed on the first wiring pattern; and electrode terminals of the semiconductor chip are electrically connected to the first wiring pattern at required positions. Post electrodes connected to a second wiring pattern of a wiring-added post electrode component integrally connected by a second support plate are collectively fixed and electrically connected to the first wiring pattern formed on the first support plate at predetermined positions. After sealing with resin, the first and second support plates are separated; a glass substrate is affixed on a front face side; and external electrodes connected to the second wiring pattern are formed on a back face side.
US08110910B2 Stack package
A stack package includes a first semiconductor chip possessing a first size and one or more second semiconductor chips possessing a second size greater than the first size. The first semiconductor chip has a first surface on which bonding pads are disposed, a second surface which faces away from the first surface, and first through-electrodes which pass through the first surface and the second surface. The one or more second semiconductor chips are stacked on the second surface of the first semiconductor chip and have second through-electrodes which are electrically connected to the first through-electrodes. A molding part abuts one or more side surfaces of the first semiconductor chip such that a total size including the first size and a size of the molding part is equal to or greater than the second size.
US08110907B2 Semiconductor device including first substrate having plurality of wires and a plurality of first electrodes and a second substrate including a semiconductor chip being mounted thereon, and second electrodes connected with first electrodes of first substrate
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip, a first substrate, and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a plurality of wires and a plurality of first electrodes, each first electrode being connected with each wire. The second substrate includes the semiconductor chip that is mounted thereon, and a plurality of second electrodes with, each second electrode being connected with the each first electrode of the first substrate. The widths of the wires of the first substrate are different depending on the lengths of the wires. By changing the widths of the wires depending on their lengths, it is possible to reduce variation in stiffness of the electrodes and vicinities of electrodes, whereby variation in ultrasonic bonding strength can be reduced.
US08110905B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with leadframe interposer and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a substrate; mounting a base integrated circuit on the substrate; forming a leadframe interposer, over the base integrated circuit, by: providing a metal sheet, mounting an integrated circuit die on the metal sheet, injecting a molded package body on the integrated circuit die and the metal sheet, and forming a ball pad, a bond finger, or a combination thereof from the metal sheet that is not protected by the molded package body; coupling a circuit package on the ball pad; and forming a component package on the substrate, the base integrated circuit, and the leadframe interposer.
US08110903B2 QFN package
An improved Quad Flat No-Lead package is described. The package is formed by encapsulating a die mounted on a leadframe with a moulding compound using a mould chase. The mould chase comprises a number of internal projections which form openings in the mould compound to expose regions of the leadframe. These exposed regions of the leadframe may then be used for soldering the package to a substrate. The arrangement of the openings may be designed such that each aperture is the same shape and size and/or that the apertures are arranged in multiple rows on the underside of the package.
US08110897B2 Semiconductor device with carbon-containing region
The semiconductor device of the present invention includes: a gate insulating film formed on a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film; and a channel doped layer of the first conductivity type formed in the semiconductor region beneath the gate electrode. The channel doped layer contains carbon as an impurity.
US08110893B2 Semiconductor device mounted with fuse memory
A fuse element utilizing a reaction between two layers by feeding current is manufactured. A fuse element including a first layer formed of an oxide or a nitride and a second layer that becomes high resistant by nitridation or oxidation, in which the first layer and the second layer are in contact with each other, is manufactured. For example, the fuse element is manufactured by using indium tin oxide for the first layer and aluminum for the second layer. By generating joule heat by applying voltage to the first layer and the second layer, oxygen in the indium tin oxide enters the aluminum, which changes the aluminum into aluminum oxide that presents an insulating property. The fuse element can be manufactured by a similar process as that of forming a TFT.
US08110877B2 Metal-insulator-semiconductor tunneling contacts having an insulative layer disposed between source/drain contacts and source/drain regions
A contact to a source or drain region. The contact has a conductive material, but that conductive material is separated from the source or drain region by an insulator.
US08110876B2 System for ESD protection with extra headroom in relatively low supply voltage integrated circuits
An ESD protection system providing extra headroom at an integrated circuit (IC) terminal pad. The system includes an ESD protection circuit having one or more first diodes coupled in series between the supply voltage and terminal pad, and a second diode coupled to ground. One or more third diodes are coupled in series between the terminal pad and second diode, and are configured to permit a voltage on the interconnection nodes between the one or more third diodes and second diode different from ground. The one or more third diodes include an n+ on an area of P-substrate. A deep N-well separates the area of P-substrate from a common area of P-substrate, which is coupled to ground. The allowable signal swing at the terminal pad is increased to greater than supply voltage plus 1.4 V. The ESD protection circuit is useful for, among other things, relatively low supply voltage ICs.
US08110875B2 Structure for charge dissipation during fabrication of integrated circuits and isolation thereof
A structure for dissipating charge during fabrication of an integrated circuit. The structure includes: a substrate contact in a semiconductor substrate; one or more wiring levels over the substrate; one or more electrically conductive charge dissipation structures extending from a top surface of an uppermost wiring level of the one or more wiring levels through each lower wiring level of the one or more wiring levels to and in electrical contact with the substrate contact; and circuit structures in the substrate and in the one or more wiring layers, the charge dissipation structures not electrically contacting any the circuit structures in any of the one or more wiring levels, the one or more charge dissipation structures dispersed between the circuit structures.
US08110874B2 Hybrid substrates and method of manufacture
A hybrid substrate circuit on a common substrate is disclosed. A first circuit formed in a first semiconductor material is isolated via a buried oxide layer from a second circuit formed in a second semiconductor material. The first and second circuits may include CMOS, HEMTs, P-HEMTs, HBTs, radio frequency circuits, MESFETs, and various pFETs and nFETs.
US08110873B2 High voltage transistor
A high voltage transistor that includes a substrate where an active region is defined, a first impurity region and a second impurity region in the active region and a third impurity region between the first and second impurity regions, and a first gate electrode on the active region between the first impurity region and the third impurity region and a second gate electrode on the active region between the second impurity region and the third impurity region.
US08110869B2 Planar SRFET using no additional masks and layout method
A semiconductor power device supported on a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type with a bottom layer functioning as a bottom electrode and an epitaxial layer overlying the bottom layer with a same conductivity type as the bottom layer. The semiconductor power device includes a plurality of FET cells and each cell further includes a body region of a second conductivity type extending from a top surface into the epitaxial layer. The body region encompasses a heavy body dopant region of second conductivity type. An insulated gate is disposed on the top surface of the epitaxial layer, overlapping a first portion of the body region. A barrier control layer is disposed on the top surface of the epitaxial layer next to the body region away from the insulated gate. A conductive layer overlies the top surface of the epitaxial layer covering a second portion of the body region and the heavy body dopant region extending over the barrier control layer forming a Schottky junction diode.
US08110868B2 Power semiconductor component with a low on-state resistance
A semiconductor component having a semiconductor body is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor component includes a drift zone of a first conductivity type, a drift control zone composed of a semiconductor material which is arranged adjacent to the drift zone at least in places, a dielectric which is arranged between the drift zone and the drift control zone at least in places. A quotient of the net dopant charge of the drift control zone, in an area adjacent to the accumulation dielectric and the drift zone, divided by the area of the dielectric arranged between the drift control zone and the drift zone is less than the breakdown charge of the semiconductor material in the drift control zone.
US08110867B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a device isolation insulating film which is buried in a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulation film which is provided on the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode which is provided on the gate insulation film, a source region and a drain region which are provided in the semiconductor substrate and spaced apart from each other in a manner to sandwich the gate electrode, both end portions of each of the source region and the drain region being offset from the device isolation insulating film in a channel width direction by a predetermined distance, and first and second gate electrode extension portions which are provided in a manner to cover both end portions of each of the source region and the drain region in a channel length direction.
US08110865B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer formed on the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed on the charge storage layer, and a control electrode formed on the second insulating film, the second insulating film including a lower silicon nitride film, a lower silicon oxide film formed on the lower silicon nitride film, an intermediate insulating film formed on the lower silicon oxide film and containing a metal element, the intermediate insulating film having a relative dielectric constant of greater than 7, an upper silicon oxide film formed on the intermediate insulating film, and an upper silicon nitride film formed on the upper silicon oxide film.
US08110863B2 TFT charge storage memory cell having high-mobility corrugated channel
A rewriteable nonvolatile memory cell having two bits per cell is described. The memory cell preferably operates by storing charge in a dielectric charge storage layer or in electrically isolated conductive nanocrystals by a channel hot electron injection method. In preferred embodiments the channel region has a corrugated shape, providing additional isolation between the two storage regions. The channel region is deposited and is preferably formed of polycrystalline germanium or silicon-germanium. The memory cell of the present invention can be formed in memory arrays; in preferred embodiments, multiple memory levels are formed stacked above a single substrate.
US08110862B2 Semiconductor structure including trench capacitor and trench resistor
A structure and a method for fabrication of the structure use a capacitor trench for a trench capacitor and a resistor trench for a trench resistor. The structure is typically a semiconductor structure. In a first instance, the capacitor trench has a linewidth dimension narrower than the resistor trench. The trench linewidth difference provides an efficient method for fabricating the trench capacitor and the trench resistor. In a second instance, the trench resistor comprises a conductor material at a periphery of the resistor trench and a resistor material at a central portion of the resistor trench.
US08110860B2 Imaging device
First diffusion region constituting a photodiode in each pixel stores carriers generated according to incident light. Second diffusion region is formed at a surface of the first diffusion region to cover a peripheral part of the first diffusion region. In the peripheral part of the first diffusion region, crystal defects tend to occur by a process of forming an isolation region and a gate electrode, so that dark current noise tends to occur. The second diffusion region functioning as a protection layer prevents crystal defects in a manufacturing process. The second diffusion region isn't formed on a center of the surface of the first diffusion region where crystal defects don't tend to occur. In the first diffusion region where the second diffusion region isn't formed, the thickness of a depletion layer increases, which improves light detection sensitivity. This improves detection sensitivity of the photodiode without increasing the dark current noise.
US08110853B2 Guard ring structures for high voltage CMOS/low voltage CMOS technology using LDMOS (lateral double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor) device fabrication
A semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a first transistor on the semiconductor substrate, and a guard ring on the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a top substrate surface which defines a reference direction perpendicular to the top substrate surface. The guard ring includes a semiconductor material doped with a doping polarity. A first doping profile of a first doped transistor region of the first transistor in the reference direction and a second doping profile of a first doped guard-ring region of the guard ring in the reference direction are essentially a same doping profile. The guard ring forms a closed loop around the first transistor.
US08110851B2 Nitride-based semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting device 100 includes a GaN substrate 10, of which the principal surface is an m-plane 12, a semiconductor multilayer structure 20 that has been formed on the m-plane 12 of the GaN-based substrate 10, and an electrode 30 arranged on the semiconductor multilayer structure 20. The electrode 30 includes an Mg layer 32, which contacts with the surface of a p-type semiconductor region in the semiconductor multilayer structure 20.
US08110848B2 Substrate for epitaxy and method of preparing the same
The substrate is used for opto-electric or electrical devices and comprises a layer of nitride grown by means of vapor phase epitaxy growth wherein both main surfaces of the nitride substrate are substantially consisting of non N-polar face and N-polar face respectively and the dislocation density of the substrate is 5×105/cm2 or less. Therefore, the template type substrate has a good dislocation density and a good value of FWHM of the X-ray rocking curve from (0002) plane less than 80, so that the resulting template type substrate is very useful for the epitaxy substrate from gaseous phase such as MOCVD, MBE and HVPE, resulting in possibility of making good opto-electric devices such as Laser Diode and large-output LED and good electric devices such as MOSFET.
US08110845B2 Light-emitting device containing a composite electroplated substrate
The application is related to a method of forming a substrate of a light-emitting diode by composite electroplating. The application illustrates a light-emitting diode comprising the following elements: a light-emitting epitaxy structure, a reflective layer disposed on the light-emitting epitaxy structure, a seed layer disposed on the reflective layer, a composite electroplating substrate disposed on the seed layer by composite electroplating, and a protection layer disposed on the composite electroplating substrate.
US08110844B2 Semiconductor substrate and light emitting device using the same
There are provided a semiconductor substrate configured to improve the light extraction efficiency of a light emitting device, and a light emitting device using the substrate. The light emitting device includes the substrate, a buffer layer, and a light emitting structure, and the buffer layer and the light emitting structure being sequentially stacked on the substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of lenses disposed on a top surface thereof, and the lenses have a horn shape and are configured such that the buffer layer grows both on the top surface of the substrate and lateral surfaces of the lenses.
US08110841B2 Nitride based light emitting device
A nitride based light emitting device is disclosed. More particularly, a nitride based light emitting device capable of improving light emitting efficiency and reliability thereof is disclosed. The nitride based light emitting device includes a first conductive semiconductor layer connected to a first electrode, a second conductive semiconductor layer connected to a second electrode, an active layer located between the first conductive semiconductor layer and the second conductive semiconductor layer and having a quantum well structure, a first insertion layer located in at least one of a boundary between the first conductive semiconductor layer and the active layer and a boundary between the second conductive semiconductor layer and the active layer, and a second insertion layer located adjacent to the first insertion.
US08110836B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor is provided with: a silicon substrate 2a of a first conductivity type, including a first surface S1a and a second surface S2a; a silicon layer 4a of a second conductivity type, arranged on the first surface S1a of the silicon substrate 2a, including a third surface S3a opposite a junction surface with the silicon substrate 2a; a first electrode 12a arranged on the second surface S2a; a second electrode 14a arranged on the third surface S3a; and an argon added area 6a formed in a semiconductor area formed of the silicon substrate 2a and the silicon layer 4a. The argon added area 6a includes an area indicating an argon concentration of a minimum of 1×1018 cm−3 and a maximum of 2×1020 cm−3.
US08110831B2 Display device having a polycrystal phosphor layer sandwiched between the first and second electrodes
A display device is provided with a pair of a first electrode and a second electrode at least one of which is transparent or translucent and a phosphor layer formed so as to be sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the phosphor layer has a polycrystal structure made of a first semiconductor substance in which a second semiconductor substance different from the first semiconductor substance is segregated on a grain boundary of the polycrystal structure, and the phosphor layer has a plurality of pixel regions that are selectively allowed to emit light in a predetermined range thereof and non-pixel regions that divide at least one portion of the pixel regions.
US08110829B2 Array substrate of liquid crystal display and method for fabricating the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) for a liquid crystal display device includes a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, an active region including a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer interposed within the first semiconductor layer, and an ohmic contact layer formed on the active region, wherein the source and drain electrodes are formed on the ohmic contact layer.
US08110826B2 Organic EL display device
An organic EL display device includes a pixel electrode which is disposed in each of first to third organic EL elements, a first light emission layer which includes a first dopant material having a first absorbance peak, the first light emission layer extending over the first to third organic EL elements and being disposed above the pixel electrode, a second light emission layer which includes a second dopant material having a second absorbance peak and is disposed above the first light emission layer, a third light emission layer which is disposed above the second light emission layer, a counter-electrode which is disposed above the third light emission layer, and a hole transport layer which is formed of a material having an absorbance bottom on a shorter wavelength side than the first absorbance peak and the second absorbance peak in absorbance spectrum characteristics of the hole transport layer.
US08110822B2 Thermal protect PCRAM structure and methods for making
A memory cell as described herein includes a conductive contact and a memory element comprising programmable resistance memory material overlying the conductive contact. An insulator element extends from the conductive contact into the memory element, the insulator element having proximal and distal ends and an inside surface defining an interior. The proximal end is adjacent the conductive contact. A bottom electrode contacts the conductive contact and extends upwardly within the interior from the proximal end. The memory element is within the interior extending downwardly from the distal end to contact a top surface of the bottom electrode at a first contact surface. A top electrode can be separated from the distal end of the insulator element by the memory element and contact the memory element at a second contact surface having a surface area greater than that of the first contact surface.
US08110821B2 Shielded container structure for the transport and storage of a radioactive source for medical use
A container for transporting a receptacle (2) containing a radioactive substance for medical use. includes a shielded body made up of a belt of side walls connected to a base element and defining a top opening, and a shielded closing lid attachable to the top opening by locking elements shaped so as to be activated by a translational movement of the lid in the top opening, this “locking movement” taking place along the axis of the opening and towards the opposing base element. The lid is further equipped with elements for deactivating the locking elements to enable it to be separated from the container body. In one advantageous embodiment, the lid has a plurality of retractable projecting studs designed to fit by a snap-action type phenomenon into at least one complementary housing formed in the opening of the container body during the locking movement.
US08110819B2 Computer peripherals sterilization system
A system and method including a wand-type ultraviolet (UV) light assembly positioned above a keyboard and other computer peripheral device(s) to be sanitized. The UV light assembly is preferably moved across the peripheral device surface to eliminate nearly all germs, bacteria, viruses, pathogens and other microorganisms that have accumulated on the surfaces of the keyboard and other peripherals. Desirably, the system operation is managed by a controller device which is in communication with a host computer. In addition, the system allows for the collection and analysis of system performance data. The invention provides an extremely effective, compact, virtually cost-free and environmentally-friendly solution to disinfecting surfaces of keyboards and other peripheral devices.
US08110814B2 Ion sources, systems and methods
Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed.
US08110813B2 Charged particle optical system comprising an electrostatic deflector
A charged particle optical system comprising a beamlet generator for generating a plurality of beamlets of charged particles and an electrostatic deflector for deflecting the beamlets. The electrostatic deflector comprises first and second electrodes adapted for connection to a voltage for generating an electric field between the electrodes for deflection of the beamlets, the electrodes being at least partially freestanding in an active area of the electrostatic deflector. The electrodes define at least one passing window for passage of at least a portion of the beamlets between the electrodes, the passing window having a length in a first direction and a width in a transverse direction. The system is adapted to arrange the beamlets in at least one row and to direct a single row of the beamlets through the passing window of the electrostatic deflector, the beamlets of the row extending in the first direction. A substantial part of the electrostatic deflector extends beyond the passing window in the first direction.
US08110810B2 Methods for increasing the sensitivity of gamma-ray imagers
Methods are presented that increase the position resolution and granularity of double sided segmented semiconductor detectors. These methods increase the imaging resolution capability of such detectors, either used as Compton cameras, or as position sensitive radiation detectors in imagers such as SPECT, PET, coded apertures, multi-pinhole imagers, or other spatial or temporal modulated imagers.
US08110806B2 Solid-state photomultiplier having improved timing resolution
A solid-state photomultiplier is provided for use in imaging detectors. The solid-state photomultiplier includes a plurality of microcells configured to detect impinging photons. Each of the plurality of microcells further includes a photodiode coupled to a common electrode through a quenching resistor and configured to convert the impinging photons into electrical signals, and an impedance device coupled in parallel with the quenching resistor so as to reduce overall quenching impedance at high frequency. Further, techniques are provided for implementing low impedance device with controllable value to the SSPM for optimized timing resolution.
US08110804B2 Through substrate optical imaging device and method
A through-substrate optical imaging device for through-imaging of translucent work objects, includes a radiation source outputting radiation that will be transmissive through the work object and an imaging system configured for capturing inspection information from the radiation source through the work object. The radiation source is configured such that the radiation impinges on the surface of the work object under various angles of incidence. A method for through-substrate optical imaging of a translucent work object includes irradiating the translucent work object by radiation from a radiation source; capturing inspection information from the radiation source through the translucent work object, the inspection information being captured by an imaging system; and irradiating the translucent work object. The translucent work object is irradiated by radiation which impinges on the surface of the translucent work object under one of various angles of incidence and orientations.
US08110803B2 Sighting system and method
This invention relates to optical sighting apparatus systems, and to methods for visualization and for identifying remote target surface areas without physical contact for the purpose of measurement and/or of treatment of the remote surface. An arrangement of projected light beams indicates the position and size of the target surface in relation to a measurement detector or treatment device, so that the device is accurately directed to the target. In a preferred arrangement separate laser beams form a light distribution indication or brightness pattern at the target and the device is sighted toward the pattern on the target surface area.
US08110799B2 Confocal secondary electron imaging
One embodiment relates to an apparatus using electrons for inspection or metrology of a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus includes an electron source, electron lenses, scan deflectors, an objective electron lens, a collection electron lens, a pin-hole filter, de-scan deflectors, and a detector. The collection electron lens is configured to focus the secondary electrons so as to form a secondary electron beam which is focused at a conjugate focal plane, and the pin-hole filter is positioned at the conjugate focal plane. The de-scan deflectors are configured to controllably deflect the secondary electrons so as to counteract an influence of the scan deflectors such that a center portion of the secondary electron beam passes through the filter and a remainder portion of the secondary electron beam is filtered out by the filter. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.
US08110791B2 Imaging device
An imaging device, particularly but not exclusively for use in a targeting sensor for missile seekers. The imaging device including at least one lens; a substantially planar sensor having a plurality of pixels; a light guiding arrangement for directing light received via said lenses toward said sensor; in which said light guiding arrangement includes a plurality of light guides.
US08110788B2 Method and device for detecting weak optical signals
An optical detection device is disclosed. The device comprises a photoelectric unit, configured to sense incoming photons and to produce electrical signals pertaining to at least a few of the photons within a plurality of temporally resolved time-windows; an analog-to-digital unit, configured to generate digital representation of the electrical signals; and a digital integrating unit, configured to integrate the digital representation over at least part of the temporally resolved time-windows to provide integrated data corresponding to the photons.
US08110787B1 Image sensor with a reflective waveguide
An image sensor having shield structures and methods of forming the same are provided. Generally, the image sensor includes: (i) substrate having at least one photosensitive element formed therein; (ii) a dielectric layer overlying the substrate and the photosensitive element; and (iii) an annular reflective waveguide disposed in the dielectric layer above the photosensitive element to reduce cross-talk between adjacent elements of the sensor while increasing sensitivity of the sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensor further includes a photoshield disposed in the dielectric above the photosensitive element and about the waveguide to further reduce the possibility of cross-talk. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08110785B2 Mechanical stepper motors for gun-fired projectiles, mortars and missiles
A projectile including: a body having an internal space; and a mechanical stepper motor disposed in the body. The mechanical stepper motor including: a shuttle having one of a plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; a body portion having the other of the plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the first spacing; and actuation means for engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the shuttle and body portion a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement.
US08110784B2 Projectile having one or more windows for transmitting power and/or data into/from the projectile interior
A projectile including: a casing; first and second windows provided on the casing for at least one of transmitting a first optical signal into an interior of the casing and transmitting a second optical signal from the interior of the casing; a receiving element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for at least one of converting the first optical signal into electrical energy and storing data provided in the first optical signal; and a transmitting element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for transmitting data provided in the second optical signal to outside the casing.
US08110782B2 Heated architectural panel system and method
Heated architectural panel temperature control systems and methods are provided for heating windows that are formed from heated architectural panels. The control system comprises the heated architectural panel that produces heat when connected to external AC power, a panel frame disposed around the panel periphery, and a temperature control circuit that is electrically connected to the window. The temperature control circuit, which may be disposed in the panel frame, controls the temperature of the panel by utilizing a Hall effect sensor and the panel temperature coefficient of resistance α. The panel may comprise insulated glass panels, laminated structures, or combinations thereof, where the window is disposed in an opening of a building.
US08110781B2 Golf club head cover with temperature controlling device
The present invention provides a golf club head cover which provides conventional protection to golf clubs and in addition provides a heating function for a hitting surface of the golf club in order to keep the temperature within a optimized range for hitting. The golf club head cover has a main housing having an opening side for inserting a top portion of the golf club and a heating side for disposing a temperature controlling device for heating. The temperature controlling device has a power source, a circuit board, and a heating plate which couples with the hitting surface of the top portion of the golf club to apply heat to control the temperature.
US08110780B2 Photoirradiation type heat treatment apparatus
To provide a photo-irradiation type heat treatment apparatus that eliminates the adverse influence of a light transmitting window on the temperature distribution of an article to be treated without losing the original function of a reflecting mirror a photo-irradiation type heat treatment apparatus in which heat treating of an article is performed by irradiating the article with light emitted from multiple filament lamps through a light transmitting window, by providing the apparatus with a reflecting mirror having an opening at its central area so that cooling air can pass therethrough and by providing an air permeable reflector so as to cover the opening in the reflecting mirror.
US08110774B2 Laser welding method and apparatus
A laser welding method includes providing a storage medium containing stored data about possible welding defects and associated repair welding parameters, welding a workpiece with a laser to produce weldings on the workpiece, monitoring the produced weldings for defective weldings, and, in response to detecting a defective welding from among the monitored weldings: comparing the defective welding with the stored data about possible welding defects; selecting repair welding parameters from among the associated repair welding parameters based on the comparison; and then performing a repair welding in a region of the detected defective welding in accordance with the selected repair welding parameters.
US08110773B2 Stud welding tool adjustment mechanisms
A heat adjustment mechanism for a stud welding tool comprises an adjustment knob comprising adjustment ribs, a solenoid sleeve that moveably engages the adjustment knob, and that receives a solenoid, wherein the solenoid is configured to engage a fastener, and the solenoid is connected to the solenoid sleeve by the fastener, a clutch comprising adjustment ribs that engage the adjustment ribs on the adjustment knob, and a clutch spring that exerts force on the clutch. A weld heat setting adjustment may be made by solenoid movement of from about 0.15 mm to about 0.30 mm.
US08110771B2 Vacuum insulating switch gear
A vacuum insulating switch gear formed by integrally molding with epoxy resin of a vacuum double-break three-position type switch including a movable contact, a fixed contact, and a vacuum container composed of an insulating cylinder for covering the movable contact and the fixed contact, a lower lid for closing a lower part of the insulating cylinder, and an upper lid for closing an upper part of the insulating cylinder and an operation rod side of the movable contact, and an earthing switch with a vacuum closed container, comprising a first silicone rubber layer coated on an upper edge corner portion of each insulating cylinder composing the vacuum containers of the switch and the earthing switch, a self fusing insulating tape layer wound around an outer surface of the first silicone rubber layer, a second silicone rubber layer coated on the self fusing insulating tape layer and an outer periphery of the each insulating cylinder, a ring easing shield installed at a position corresponding to a lower end corner portion of the each insulating cylinder after a vacuum deaeration process performed for the first and the second silicone rubber layers, and an epoxy resin portion for integrally molding the each vacuum container so as to cover the first silicone rubber layer, the self fusing insulating tape layer, the second silicone rubber layer, and the ring easing shield.
US08110770B2 Vacuum circuit breaker of tank type
A vacuum circuit breaker includes a movable-side conductor that is tubular and comprises an inside cavity. A movable side contact case includes a chamber which communicates with a space on a non-vacuum side of a bellows. The chamber is isolated from a space filled with insulating gas in a ground tank by a sealing device. The chamber communicates with an outside atmosphere through the inside cavity of the movable-side conductor.
US08110761B2 Switching device and communication apparatus and method related thereto
A switching device includes a stationary portion, a movable portion having a movable land portion, and a first beam portion and a second beam portion that couple the movable land portion and the stationary portion with each other. A first signal line extends over the movable land portion, the first beam portion, and the stationary portion, and has a movable contact portion on the movable land portion, a second signal line faces the movable contact portion, a first driving line extends over the movable land portion, the second beam portion, and the stationary portion, and has a movable driving electrode portion on the movable land portion, and a second driving line having a stationary driving electrode portion faces the movable driving electrode portion.
US08110756B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a housing and a positioning portion. The housing includes a first member secured to the housing and a second member secured to the first member. The positioning portion is configured to position the second member at a predetermined position relative to the first member when the second member is secured to the first member in an assembly process of the electronic device.
US08110749B2 Printed wiring board
Large-sized through holes are formed in a core layer of a printed wiring board. Large-sized vias are formed in the shape of a cylinder along the inward wall surfaces of the large-sized through holes located within a specific area. A filling material fills the inner space of the large-sized via. A small-sized through hole penetrates through the corresponding filling material along the longitudinal axis of the small-sized through hole. A small-sized via is formed in the shape of a cylinder along the inward wall surface of the small-sized through hole. The filling material and the core layer are uniformly distributed within the specific area in the in-plane direction of the core substrate. This results in suppression of uneven distribution of thermal stress in the core layer in the in-plane direction of the core layer.
US08110743B2 Electrical box cover with insect guard
An electrical box cover including a housing and a hood pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. The housing includes a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. The side wall includes a first opening defined by an edge. A guard having an opening formed therein is insertable over the first opening and securable to the side wall.
US08110740B2 Photoelectrode substrate of dye sensitizing solar cell, and method for producing same
In a dye sensitizing solar cell 1 wherein an electrolyte 4 is filled in a space between a photoelectrode substrate 2 and a counter electrode of a counter electrode substrate 3, a composite film 7 comprising metal portions 7a of titanium or the like and oxide portions 7b thereof is formed on a transparent electrode film 6 formed on the surface of a substrate member 5, and a porous semiconductor electrode film 8 adsorbing or carrying sensitizing dyes 8a thereon is formed on the composite film 7, the metal portions 7a of the composite film 7 contacting the porous semiconductor electrode film 8, and the oxide portions 7b of the composite film 7 contacting the electrolyte 4 without contacting the porous semiconductor electrode film 8.
US08110736B2 Thermoelectric element device and thermoelectric module
The present invention according to one preferred embodiment provides a thermoelectric element device comprising a first electrode including an electrode member, an elastic member that has electrically conductive and is provided on the electrode member, and a heat uniforming member that has electrically conductive and is provided on the elastic member; a thermoelectric element that is made of a thermoelectric material having thermoelectric effect and arranged on the first electrode so as to contact the heat uniforming member; and a second electrode arranged on the thermoelectric element.
US08110735B2 Effect setting device systems and methods
A first control may be for setting a patch including one or more types of effects to be provided by circuitry to an inputted music signal, the patch associated with multiple candidate keywords to be displayed by a display device. A second control may be for assigning a patch name including a candidate keyword from the multiple candidate keywords to the patch. A storage device may be for storing the patch name and the patch. The one or more types of effects may be provided to the inputted music signal based on the patch stored in the storage device.
US08110730B2 Keyless drum tuning device
A keyless drum tuning device includes a lug bracket attached to a shell of the musical drum. The keyless tuning device has a tensioning fastener that is removably connected to a tensioning counter-hoop or rim of the musical drum and passes through an opening in the lug bracket. The keyless drum tuning device includes an adjustment mechanism that is affixed to the tensioning fastener. The adjustment mechanism is contacts the lug bracket and is varied to modify the tension in the tension fastener.
US08110727B2 Wheat plants having increased resistance to imidazolinone herbicides
The present invention is directed to wheat plants having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. More particularly, the present invention includes wheat plants containing one or more IMI nucleic acids such as a Teal IMI cultivar. The nucleic acids are preferably located on or derived from different genomes. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these wheat plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these wheat plants.
US08110726B2 Polynucleotides encoding cellulose synthase from pinus radiata and methods of use for regulating polysaccharides of a plant
Novel plant polysaccharide synthesis genes and polypeptides encoded by such genes are provided. These genes and polynucleotide sequences are useful regulating polysaccharide synthesis and plant phenotype. Moreover, these genes are useful for expression profiling of plant polysaccharide synthesis genes. One aspect of the present invention therefore are polynucleotides encoding cellulose synthase from Pinus radiata and methods of using such a polynucleotide to regulate polysaccharides of a plant.
US08110725B2 Polynucleotides and polypeptides in plants
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties compared to a reference plant. Sequence information related to these polynucleotides and polypeptides can also be used in bioinformatic search methods and is also disclosed.
US08110723B2 Transcription factors
The invention provides polynucleotide sequences isolated from plants encoding transcription factors. Polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides are also provided. Products and methods of use are disclosed.
US08110721B2 Methods for maintaining genetic stability of inbred animal strains
The present invention provides novel methods of maintaining genetic stability of non-human animal inbred strains. In the methods, pedigree-tracked cryopreserved embryos derived from a foundation colony are produced and used to re-establish the foundation colony at appropriate intervals.
US08110718B2 Thin film delivery system and method of manufacture
A carrier delivered dressing is disclosed which has a conformable backing with a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a bottom face and removable carrier attached to the top face of the backing. A bond block material is positioned between the backing and the carrier. A cut line traverses both the carrier and the bond block material to form a tab.
US08110714B2 Polyacene compound and organic semiconductor thin film
The present invention provides an organic semiconductor material which exhibits a high mobility, and excellent solubility in solvents and oxidation resistance. The present invention also provides an organic semiconductor thin film exhibiting a high mobility, and an organic semiconductor device exhibiting excellent electronic characteristics. A transistor structure is formed by coating the silicon substrate with a thin film of pentacene compound substituted halogens at 6 and 13 positions and aliphatic hydrocarbons at 2, 3, 9 and 10 positions, wherein the substrate is patterned beforehand with gold to have a source and drain electrodes.
US08110711B2 Processes for production of 2-bromo-2,2-difluoroethanol and 2-(alkylcarbonyloxy)-1,1-difluoroethanesulfonic acid salt
Disclosed is a process for producing 2-bromo-2,2-difluoroethanol, which comprises reducing a bromodifluoroacetic acid derivative represented by the formula [1] by using an ate hydride complex as a reducing agent. 2-Bromo-2,2-difluoroethanol thus produced can be used as the starting material to carry out the esterification step, the sulfination step and the oxidation step in this order, thereby producing a 2-alkylcarbonyloxy-1,1-difluoroethanesulfonic acid salt, wherein A represents a substituted or unsubstituted linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, a heteroaryloxy group having 4 to 15 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.
US08110709B2 Stabilization of hydroformylation catalysts based on phosphoramide ligands
The present invention relates to a process for the hydroformylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds by reaction with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalytically active fluid which comprises a dissolved metal complex of a metal of transition group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements with at least one phosphoramidite compound as ligand, wherein the fluid is brought into contact with a base.
US08110701B2 Process for the preparation of functionalised benzocyclobutenes, and application in the synthesis of ivabradine and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid
Process for the preparation of compounds of formula (IV): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4, which may be identical or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched (C1-C6)alkyl group, a linear or branched (C1-C6)alkoxy group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a protected amine group, a protected hydroxyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group in which the alkoxy group is linear or branched (C1-C6), or a CF3 group, or R1═R4═H and R2 and R3 together with the carbon atoms carrying them form a 1,3-dioxolane group, R5 represents a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched (C1-C6)alkyl group, a linear or branched (C1-C6)hydroxyalkyl group in which the hydroxyl function is protected, or a CO2R7 group in which R7 is a linear or branched (C1-C6)alkyl group, R6 represents a cyano group or a CO2R8 group in which R8 is a linear or branched (C1-C6)-alkyl group. Application in the synthesis of ivabradine, addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid and hydrates thereof.
US08110694B2 Method for manufacturing dialkylaluminum monohalide
A method for manufacturing dialkylaluminum monohalide is provided by which dialkylaluminum monohalide substantially including no zinc component after recovering dialkylzinc from a reaction product obtained by a reaction of zinc halide and trialkylaluminum used as raw materials can be efficiently obtained on an industrial scale at a high yield. According to the method for manufacturing dialkylaluminum monohalide of the present invention, zinc halide is reacted with trialkylaluminum to produce dialkylzinc and dialkylaluminum monohalide, and after the dialkylzinc is separated from a reaction product by distillation, metal aluminum in which a molar ratio is 0.40 or more to zinc component, that is dissolved in the reaction product, and then the mixture is distilled to separate the dialkylaluminum monohalide which substantially includes no zinc component.
US08110674B2 Therapeutic compositions
Therapeutic sRNA agents and methods of making and using are enclosed.
US08110669B2 Apparatus and methods for detecting DNA in biological samples
Apparatus and methods are described for detecting target DNA in a biological sample using capture probes and electrically-assisted hybridization. The reaction cell is formed with an attachment surface of aluminum oxide for better thermal and physical properties, and the aluminum oxide surface is coated with anti-DIG antibody to provide a convenient attachment layer for the capture probes allowing their correct orientation, while the capture probes are formed with a DIG-label so that they attach to the surface of the cell through an anti-DIG/DIG linkage.
US08110662B2 Antibody directed to protein involved in maintaining differentiation of smooth muscle cells
A cDNA fragment participating in the maintenance of smooth muscle differentiation was isolated using a culture system of chicken gizzard smooth muscle cells, the differential display method and the subtracted hybridization method. Using the obtained cDNA sequence as a query, cDNA sequences of Helix Research Institute (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-118776) were retrieved, and thus, a novel gene “C-NT2RP3001495” was obtained. The protein encoded by this gene has two WW domains that participate in protein interactions in the N-terminal domain. Evidence suggests that this protein binds to other proteins, and thus regulates the intracellular signal transduction, gene expression, and so on, thereby participating in the maintenance of the differentiation of smooth muscle cells. This protein and compounds regulating the expression thereof are markedly useful in developing drugs for various diseases associated with abnormality in the maintenance of smooth muscle cell differentiation.
US08110656B2 Compositions and methods of a phosphatidic acid binding protein
TGD2 proteins of Arabidopsis are proposed to be a substrate binding component of a lipid transfer complex in the inner chloroplast envelope membrane. Loss of function of this protein or other components of this complex may disrupt the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-pathway of thylakoid lipid biosynthesis. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a minimal binding domain capable of specifically binding phosphatidic acid. Alternatively, the minimal binding domain may further comprise accessory binding domains that, in combination, create a complete TGD2 phosphatidic acid binding domain. Consequently, phosphatidic acid may be quantitatively detected from samples as described in the methods herein.
US08110653B2 Collections of repeat proteins comprising repeat modules
A collection of repeat proteins, each repeat protein comprising a repeat domain, which comprises a set of consecutive repeat modules, wherein each of the repeat modules is derived from one or more repeat units and wherein the repeat units comprise framework residues, which contribute to the folding topology of the repeat unit or contribute to an interaction with a neighboring repeat unit, and target interaction residues, which contribute to an interaction with a target substance, wherein the repeat proteins differ from other repeat proteins in the collection in at least one amino acid position of the repeat modules is described.
US08110650B2 Methods for making molding resins
Methods of making unsaturated polyester compositions are provided and include reacting: (i) plant and animal oil triglycerides, an alkyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid or mixtures thereof; (ii) a difunctional, or polyfunctional glycol or mixtures thereof; (iii) a difunctional or polyfunctional acid, their anhydrides or alkyl esters and mixtures thereof; (iv) a strained cycloolefin; (v) a component(s) that function as a compound capable of initiating polymerization at high temperature and which is stable at room temperature; and (vi) low profile additives, fillers and reinforcements.
US08110649B2 Polycarbonates comprising cyclic oligomers and having an improved flow behavior
The invention relates to polycarbonates that comprise defect structures and cyclic oligomers and have improved properties. The invention also relates to molded articles and extrudates made from said polycarbonates.
US08110644B2 Bimodal pipe resin and products made therefrom
Disclosed is a bimodal Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polyethylene, having a density of from 0.930 g/cc to 0.960 g/cc, and a molecular weight distribution of from 10 to 25, wherein an article formed therefrom has a PENT of at least 1500. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a tubular article including obtaining a bimodal polyethylene having a density of from 0.930 g/cc to 0.960 g/cc and a molecular weight distribution of from 10 to 25, and processing the polyethylene under conditions where a specific energy input (SEI) is less than 300 kW·h/ton, and wherein the article has a PENT of at least 1500. Further disclosed is a method for controlling the degradation of polyethylene including polymerizing ethylene monomer, recovering polyethylene, extruding the polyethylene, and controlling the degradation of polyethylene by measuring the SEI to the extruder and adjusting throughput and/or gear suction pressure keep SEI less than 300 kW·h/ton, and forming an article.
US08110640B2 Half-metallocene catalyst compositions and their polymer products
The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing half-metallocene compounds with a heteroatom-containing ligand bound to the transition metal. Methods for making these hybrid metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08110639B2 Transparent and flame retardant polysulfone compositions
A polysulfone having a first polyphenylene sulfone unit (i.e. PPSU unit) based on one biphenol group and one diphenyl sulfone group and a second sulfone unit (i.e. PSU-AF unit) based on one hexafluorobisphenol A group and one diphenylsulfone group. The polysulfone is transparent and has a total heat release and peak heat release of less than 65 kW·min/m2 and 65 kW/m2, respectively. Compositions containing the polysulfone and articles made by molding and/or extruding the polysulfone.
US08110625B2 Rubber composition
Provided is a rubber composition comprising an inorganic filler, a compound having at least one group A reacting with a rubber and two or more groups B adsorbing on the inorganic filler described above in the same molecule, a compound having the group A reacting with a rubber and an amino group in the same molecule or acrylate or methacrylate having a specific structure and further comprising, if necessary, a silane coupling agent. This makes it possible to provide a rubber composition which is excellent in the dispersibility of an inorganic filler, so that it does not elevate a viscosity of a non-vulcanized rubber and does not damage the processability and which does not bring about roughening on the surface of a rubber and is improved in a storage modulus.
US08110622B2 Aromatic polycarbonate resin composition and manufacturing process thereof
A resin composition consisting of: (1) 100 parts by weight of an aromatic polycarbonate resin; (2) 0.008 to 0.13 part by weight of an alkali metal salt of a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid having a fluoride ion content measured by ion chromatography of 0.2 to 1 ppm in terms of weight based on the weight of component B; and (3) 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of silicone having a Si—H group and a phenyl group. A process of manufacturing the resin composition and a method of preventing the melt dripping during combustion of the resin composition. The flame retardancy of the above aromatic polycarbonate resin composition comprising the fluorine-containing organic metal salt compound is improved.
US08110620B1 Uncured rubber composition, process for producing the same, and pneumatic tire
A process for producing an uncured rubber composition containing a rubber wet master batch obtained by using, as raw materials, at least a filler, a dispersing solvent, and a rubber latex liquid made mainly of a natural rubber latex, mainly comprising: a step (I) wherein at the time of dispersing the filler into the dispersing solvent, at least one portion of the rubber latex liquid is added thereto, thereby preparing a slurry containing the filler to which rubber latex particles adhere, a step (II) wherein the slurry is mixed with the rest of the rubber latex liquid, thereby preparing the rubber latex liquid containing the rubber-latex-particle-adhering filler.
US08110619B2 Tire compounds with improved tear, flex fatigue, and ozone resistance
A method of producing a tire including mixing in a non-productive phase at least one elastomer with a polyamide having a melting temperature of less than 180° C. The polyamide is allowed to heat to at least its melting temperature. During the productive phase, at least one curing agent is added to the elastomeric composition. The curing agent may be a sulfur containing curing agent and/or a non-sulfur containing curing agent. The elastomeric composition may optionally include a crystalline EPDM elastomer. The resulting compositions may then be formed into a tire component which may be built into a tire and cured.
US08110618B2 Process for production of sealing agent
A sealing agent stock solution 20 is prepared by preparing a mixed solution 14 by mixing a rubber latex, a resin emulsion and a surfactant, and a predetermined amount of water in a solution preparation vessel 12, followed by adding an anti-freeze agent 18 to the mixed solution 14. The sealing agent stock solution 20 is held (left standing still) at least over for 24 hr or more and preferably over for 48 hr or more without stirring in the solution preparation vessel 12, followed by filtering the sealing agent stock solution 20 with a filter member 26 made of a mesh filter having the mesh number from 50 to 400 mesh to remove latex aggregates 36 generated in the sealing agent stock solution 20, and thereby a sealing agent 10 that does not contain the latex aggregates 36 is produced.
US08110617B2 Aqueous ink composition and method of manufacturing the same
An aqueous ink composition comprising: a pigment, having a particle diameter as determined by the light scattering method of no less than 20 nm and no more than 200 nm; and a water dispersible polymer, having a styrene-equivalent number average molecular weight of as determined by gel permeation chromatography no less than 5000 and no more than 200000, having a surface tension of no less than 20 mN/m and no more than 40 mN/m, and wherein the abovementioned pigment is a polymer-coated pigment that is coated with the abovementioned water dispersible polymer, is provided. The water-dispersible polymer may be a copolymer of monomers, mainly comprising acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and an acrylate and/or methacrylate. With this ink composition, the printing quality can be improved.
US08110616B2 Aqeous inkjet recording ink
An aqueous inkjet recording ink including at least a resin (A), a pigment (B) dispersed with the resin (A), a resin emulsion (C), and an aqueous liquid medium (D), wherein the resin (A) includes hydrophobic structural units (a) and hydrophilic structural units (b), the hydrophobic structural units (a) include a hydrophobic structural unit (a1) in an amount of 40% by mass or more of the resin (A), the hydrophobic structural unit (a1) having an aromatic ring indirectly linked to an atom for forming the main chain of the resin (A), and a hydrophobic structural unit (a2) in an amount of 15% by mass or more of the resin (A), the hydrophobic structural unit (a2) being derived from a C1 to C4 alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, the hydrophilic structural units (b) include a structural unit (b1) derived from an acrylic acid or a methacrylic acid, and the content of the hydrophilic structural units (b) is 15% by mass or less in the resin (A).
US08110614B2 Adamantane derivative, method for producing the same, and resin composition containing adamantane derivative
Adamantane derivatives are provided including a phenolic hydroxyl group-containing adamantane derivative, a glycidyloxy group-containing adamantane derivative, and an adamantyl group-containing epoxy modified acrylate, which exhibit excellent transparency, light resistance, and heat resistance properties. Also provided are resin compositions containing the adamantane derivatives. Further provided are corresponding methods for producing the adamantane derivatives, as well as the resin compositions containing the same.
US08110613B2 Process for producing silicon compound having oxetanyl group
Provided is a method for efficiently producing a cationically curable condensed silicon compound. There was an unsolved problem that, in a condensation reaction, an oxetanyl group is subjected to ring-opening under an acidic condition, while gelation is easily caused under an alkaline condition. It was found that a silicon compound (C) having an oxetanyl group can be obtained without causing gelation even at a high concentration by the present method including a first step of separately subjecting a silicon compound (A) having four siloxane bond-forming groups and a silicon compound (B) having an oxetanyl group to alcohol exchange reaction with 1-propanol and a second step of subjecting silicon compounds (AP) and (BP) undergone the first step to hydrolytic copolycondensation under an alkaline condition at a specific ratio.
US08110611B2 Composition for image recording, image recording ink set, and recording apparatus
A composition for image recording includes a curable material that is curable by an external stimulus, and an oil absorbing material.
US08110610B2 Amine co-initiators for radiation curable compositions
A radiation curable composition comprising a curable compound, a photo-initiator and a co-initiator, characterized in that said co-initiator is a oligomer or polymer having a repeating unit, said repeating unit comprising at least two tertiary amines, and said polymer being prepared by the polycondensation of di- or oligofunctional Michael acceptors with mono- or oligofunctional aliphatic primary amines or with di- or oligofunctional aliphatic secondary amines or with a mixture thereof.
US08110606B2 Method of treating post-surgical acute pain
A method is provided for treating pain in patients recovering from post-surgical trauma by administering between about 13 to about 30 mg of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation over a period of at least 24 hours, wherein the daily total amount of diclofenac potassium administered is less than or equal to about 100 mg. The method is particularly useful in treating acute pain in bunionectomy patients.
US08110602B2 Compounds comprising heterocyclic-substituted piperidine for treating pain
The invention relates to Heterocyclic-Substituted Piperidine Compounds, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Heterocyclic-Substituted Piperidine Compound and methods to treat or prevent a condition, such as pain, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Heterocyclic-Substituted Piperidine Compound.
US08110600B2 Formulation and delivery method to enhance antioxidant potency of vitamin E
A formulation to deliver a full-spectrum of Vitamin E isomers for improved antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, dissolution and efficacy. The formulation includes dl-α-tocopheryl acetate or dl-α-tocopheryl succinate (synthetic Vitamin E), natural Vitamin E and mixed tocopherols, such as α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol, as well as four isomers (α, β, γ and δ) of tocotrienols. This formulation is designed to deliver at least 17-times the antioxidant capacity of synthetic Vitamin E (dl-α-tocopheryl acetate), and at least twice the antioxidant capacity of natural Vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol) as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. The potent antioxidant capacity of this formula affords protection against oxidative damage of cell membranes, heart disease, cancer and eye and skin disease.
US08110599B2 AMPelopsin unsaturated sodium salt preparation and applications thereof
The present application relates to a novel AMPelopsin unsaturated sodium salt compound (AMP-Na), a method for preparing the same and the applications thereof. The physicochemical properties of AMP-Na according to the present application are significantly altered compared to those of AMPelopsin (AMP). AMP-Na shows significantly reduced toxicity than AMP as evidenced by the in vivo acute toxicity studies. As demonstrated by pharmacological evaluation, AMP-Na exhibits synergistic action when administered in combination with clinically used anti-cancer drugs, therefore reducing their dosages without compromising their therapeutic effects.
US08110598B2 Heterocyclic compounds, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine
The present invention relates to novel substituted pyrrole compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their polymorphs, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing them. This invention particularly relates to novel substituted pyrrole compounds of the general formula (I), their analogs, their derivatives, their polymorphs, their tautomeric forms, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and their pharmaceutical compositions containing them. This invention also relates to the process for preparing such compounds, a composition containing such a compound and the use of such a compound and composition in medicine.
US08110595B2 Ureas and their use in the treatment of heart failure
Certain substituted urea derivatives selectively modulate the cardiac sarcomere, for example by potentiating cardiac myosin, and are useful in the treatment of systolic heart failure including congestive heart failure.
US08110592B2 Agrochemical formulations that can be dispersed in water containing polyalkoxytriglycerides as penetration enhances
The present invention relates to novel water-dispersible agrochemical formulations such as, for example, water-based suspension concentrates and water-dispersible granules of agrochemically active compounds comprising a penetrant from the class of the polyalkoxytriglycerides, to a process for preparing these formulations and to their use for applying the active compounds comprised therein.
US08110589B2 Ectoparasiticide composition and a method for exterminating extoparasites
An ectoparasiticide composition for animals including etoxazole as an active ingredient, a UV absorber and a phenol antioxidant, and a method for exterminating ectoparasites using the composition. The preferable blending ratio between etoxazole, a UV absorber and a phenol antioxidant in terms of mass ratio is 1: from 0.05 to 5: from 0.05 to 5.
US08110580B2 Thiophene pyrazolopyrimidine compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and the use of such compounds as corticotropin releasing factor 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonists in the treatment of psychiatric and neuroendocrine disorders, neurological diseases, and metabolic syndrome.
US08110575B2 Compounds
The present invention relates to new CGRP-antagonists of general formula I wherein U, V, X, Y, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined as in the description, the tautomers, the isomers, the diastereomers, the enantiomers, the hydrates, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof and the hydrates of the salts, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases, medicaments containing these compounds, their use and processes for preparing them.
US08110573B2 Pyrazole compounds that modulate the activity of CDK, GSK and aurora kinases
The invention provides a compound of the formula (I): or a salt, solvate, tautomer or N-oxide thereof, wherein M is selected from a group D1 and a group D2: and R′, E, A and X are as defined in the claims. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, processes for making the compounds and the use of the compounds in the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease state mediated by a CDK kinase, GSK-3 kinase or Aurora kinase.
US08110567B2 Phenyl-piperazine derivatives as serotonin reuptake inhibitors
The invention provides compounds represented by the general formula I wherein the substituents are defined in the application. The compounds are useful in the treatment of an affective disorder, including depression, anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder and panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
US08110565B2 Enhanced drug delivery in transdermal systems
A composition for transdermal administration resulting from an admixture includes: a therapeutically effective amount of a drug that includes a parent drug and a prodrug; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the parent drug and prodrug are individually present in an amount sufficient for a pharmacological effect. In a preferred embodiment, the admixture includes: a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active agent that includes a corresponding steroid and a steroid derivative; and a carrier for the pharmaceutically active agent. The steroid and the corresponding steroid derivative are present in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10 steroid:corresponding steroid derivative. In a preferred embodiment ratio is 6:1 to 1:6. In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding steroid derivative is a steroid ester. In another preferred embodiment, the carrier is a polymer that includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In another preferred embodiment, the parent drug is an ACE inhibitor such as ramipril and the prodrug is an ACE inhibitor prodrug such as ramipril ethyl and/or methyl ester.
US08110560B2 Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment via targeting of SMN2 splice site inhibitory sequences
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions capable of blocking the inhibitory effect of a newly-identified intronic inhibitory sequence element, named ISS-N1 (for “intronic splicing silencer”), located in the SMN2 gene. The compositions and methods of the instant invention include oligonucleotide reagents (e.g., oligoribonucleotides) that effectively target the SMN2 ISS-N1 site in the SMN2 pre-mRNA, thereby modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to include exon 7 in the processed transcript. The ISS-N1 blocking agents of the invention cause elevated expression of SMN protein, thus compensating for the loss of SMN protein expression commonly observed in subjects with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
US08110559B2 Hindered ester-based biodegradable linkers for oligonucleotide delivery
The invention provides hindered ester-based biodegradable linkers for the delivery of oligonucleotides in vivo, as well as method of making and using the same.
US08110555B2 7-hydroxy chromones as potent antioxidants
The present invention describes the identification and purification of 7-hydroxychromes that exhibit potent antioxidant activity. In one embodiment the present invention includes a method for providing an antioxidant to a host in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of a 7-hydroxychrome or a mixture of 7-hydroxychromones. The present invention includes methods that are effective in inhibiting free radical and oxidation caused damage through the simultaneous suppression of free radical generation and the suppression of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present invention also includes methods for preventing and treating ROS mediated diseases and conditions and diseases and conditions associated with other oxidative processes. The method for preventing and treating ROS mediated diseases and conditions and diseases and conditions associated with other oxidative processes is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprised of a 7-hydroxychrome or a mixture of 7-hydroxychromones and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Included in this invention is an improved method to isolate and purify 7-hydroxychromones from plant sources.
US08110553B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders
The present invention features compositions and related methods for treating IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders and conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia (including functional dyspepsia or nonulcer dyspepsia), gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudo-obstruction), and disorders and conditions associated with constipation, e.g., constipation associated with use of opiate pain killers, post-surgical constipation (post-operative ileus), and constipation associated with neuropathic disorders as well as other conditions and disorders using peptides and other agents that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor.
US08110535B2 Semi-aqueous stripping and cleaning formulation for metal substrate and methods for using same
The present invention relates to semi-aqueous formulations and the method using same, to remove bulk photoresists, post-etched and post-ashed residues, as well as contaminations. The formulation comprises: an alkanolamine, a water miscible organic co-solvent, a quarternary ammonium compound, a non-free acid functionality corrosion inhibitor, and remainder water. The pH is greater than 9.
US08110532B2 Antioxidant compositions
The invention relates to antioxidant compositions for lubricants and organic polymers comprising a first antioxidant comprising a reaction product of p-cresol, dicyclopentadiene and isobutylene; and a second antioxidant comprising a diarylamine. The first antioxidant preferably has the structure: wherein n is 0-50, and R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a straight or branched C1-C30 alkyl or alkylene group optionally substituted with one or more substituents, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C5-C12 aryl, or C6-C12 alkylaryl. The second antioxidant preferably has the formula: (R3)a—Ar1—NH—Ar2—(R4)b wherein Ar1 and Ar2 are independently aromatic hydrocarbon groups and R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen or hydrocarbyl groups having from 6 to about 100 carbon atoms and a and b are independently 0 to 3 but (a+b) is not greater than 4.
US08110530B2 Herbicidal composition
The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition having a synergistic herbicidal effect against weeds, said herbicidal composition including 3-[(5-difluoromethoxy-1-methyl-3-trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-yl)methylsulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethylisoxazole as a component A and a component B selected from the group consisting of quizalofop-P-ethyl, sethoxydim, pyrithiobac-sodium, bispyribac-sodium, pyrimisulfan, imazaquin, chlorimuron-ethyl, diuron, sulfentrazone, fluthiacet-methyl, sulcotrione, norflurazon, clomazone, bilanafos, asulam, flufenacet, dimethenamid-P, prosulfocarb, thiobencarb, 2,4-D, isoproturon, picolinafen, trifluralin and triallate.
US08110527B2 Alumina having a complex pore structure, and catalyst and process for selective hydrogenation of cracking gasoline
The present invention discloses an alumina support having multiple pore structure, wherein the alumina support has a specific surface area of from 40 to 160 m2/g and a total pore volume of from 0.3 to 1.2 cm3/g; a pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of less than 30 nm comprises 5 to 60% of the total pore volume; a pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of from 30 to 60 nm comprises 20 to 75% of the total pore volume; and a pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of larger than 60 nm comprises 20 to 60% of the total pore volume. The present invention further discloses a catalyst used for selective hydrogenation of a pyrolysis gasoline, comprising: (a) the alumina support according to the invention; and (b) 0.01 to 1.2 wt. % of metal palladium or palladium oxides, based on the weight of the alumina support.
US08110525B2 Method of preparing oil absorbing fibers
A method of preparing oil-absorbing fibers by: a) fully dissolving a dispersant and a deionized water in a reaction vessel, adding a methacrylate monomer and an initiator to a reactor and stirring to form a homogenous solution, transferring the homogenous solution into the reaction vessel, charging nitrogen gas, stirring, raising temperature to 70-80° C., allowing to react for 2-6 hours, raising temperature to 90-100° C., allowing to react for 2-4 hours, collecting a resultant product, washing, drying, and obtaining a white resin; b) drying the white resin, mixing with a swelling agent, and sealing the mixture at room temperature for 48-96 hours to yield a homogenous gel; c) grinding the gel completely, spinning by a plunger spinner, and coagulating with a coagulation bath to yield an as-spun oil-absorbing fiber; and d) drawing the as-spun oil-absorbing fiber with a draw ratio of 2-6 to yield oil-absorbing fibers.
US08110523B2 Highly attrition resistant and dry regenerable sorbents for carbon dioxide capture
Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a dry regenerable sorbent which comprises the steps of obtaining a slurry through formulation, mixing, comminuting and dispersion of the sorbent raw materials, forming the slurry by spray drying to produce sorbent particles, and calcining the sorbent particles. In the step of obtaining a slurry, there is used organic additives (dispersant, a flow control agent, and an organic binder) necessary to obtain a well-dispersed, stable and free-flowing slurry in which the raw materials are present below a sub-micron level (nanosize). The organic additives are removed and decomposed through the calcining. The use of the hydrophilic and high specific surface area support allows the dry regenerable sorbent to have a high reactivity. The solid active component is used instead of a liquid amine used in a conventional wet carbon dioxide capture technology. In addition, the sorbent can be re-used through continuous sorption and regeneration processes.
US08110522B2 Methods for promoting syngas-to-alcohol catalysts
The present invention provides methods of intercalating a catalyst promoter to form a catalyst composition suitable for converting syngas into alcohols, such as ethanol. Effective conditions for promoter intercalation are provided herein. This invention also provides novel compositions that can be characterized by interplanar spacings of the promoter within the catalyst composition.
US08110521B2 Synthesis methods of core-shell nanoparticles on a carbon support
The present invention features a method for preparing core-shell nanoparticles supported on carbon. In particular, the present invention features a method for preparing core-shell nanoparticles supported on carbon, including: dispersing core nanoparticle powder supported on carbon in ethanol; adding a metal precursor which forms a shell and hydroquinone thereto; and mixing and reducing the same. Preferably, the disclosed method for preparing core-shell nanoparticles supported on carbon enables coating of transition metal nanoparticles including platinum on the surface of core metal nanoparticles at a monolayer level. Prepared core-shell nanoparticles of the present invention may be useful as catalysts or electrode materials of fuel cells.
US08110515B2 Optical glass
A glass composition that simultaneously has a low temperature coefficient of refractive index and a good light transmittance, being suitable for use in environments of intense temperature change. There is provided an optical glass containing SiO2, B2O3 and La2O3, which has a temperature coefficient (20° to 40° C.) of relative refractive index (546.07 nm) of 10.0×10−6 (° C.−1) or below. Further, there is provided an optical glass mentioned above having a temperature coefficient (20° to 40° C.) of relative refractive index (546.07 nm) of 4.6×10−6 (° C.−1) or below. Still further, there is provided an optical glass mentioned above having an internal transmittance (τ;10 mm) at 400 nm of 80% or higher.
US08110514B2 Optical glass
An optical glass that is an oxide glass having a very high refractive index in spite of its low-dispersion property, having excellent glass stability and having less susceptibility to coloring.
US08110513B2 Glass composition and optical member and optical instrument using the same
A glass composition comprising: (A) TeO2 (50-95 mol %); (B) B2O3 (1-33 mol %); (C) ZnO (1-37 mol %); (D) Bi2O3 (1-18 mol %); (E) P2O5 (0-15 mol %); (F) R2O (0-13 mol %), where R represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, and K; (G) MO (0-13 mol %), where M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba; (H) TiO2 (0-13 mol %); (I) Nb2O5 (0-10 mol %); (J) Ta2O5 (0-13 mol %); (K) L2O3 (0-11 mol %), where L represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of yttrium and lanthanoids; and (L) the total amount of P2O5, R2O, MO, TiO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, and L2O3 described in (E) to (K), respectively, is 0-15 mol %.
US08110511B2 Methods and systems of transferring a substrate to minimize heat loss
A method of transferring one or more substrates between process modules or load lock stations while minimizing heat loss is provided. In some embodiments the method comprising the steps of: identifying a destination location D1 for a substrate S1 present at an initial processing location P1; if the destination location D1 is occupied with a substrate S2, maintaining the substrate S1 at the initial processing location P1; and if the destination location D1 is available, transferring the substrate S1 to the destination location D1. In accordance with additional embodiments, the method is carried out on a system for processing substrates which includes two or more process modules, a substrate handling robot, a load lock chamber, and a transverse substrate handler. The transverse substrate handler includes mobile transverse chambers configured to convey substrates to process modules, wherein each mobile transverse chamber is configured to maintain a specified gas condition during the conveyance of the substrates. The transverse substrate handler further includes a rail for supporting the mobile transverse chambers, wherein the rail is positioned adjacent to entry of the process modules, and drive systems for moving the mobile transverse chambers on the rail.
US08110510B1 Low temperature synthesis of nanowires in solution
Methods synthesizing nanowires in solution at low temperatures (e.g., about 400° C. or lower) are provided. In the present methods, the nanowires are synthesized by exposing nanowire precursors to metal nanocrystals in a nanowire growth solution comprising a solvent. The metal nanocrystals serve as seed particles that catalyze the growth of the semiconductor nanowires. The metal nanocrystals may be formed in situ in the growth solution from metal nanocrystal precursors. Alternatively, the nanowires may be pre-formed and added to the growth solution.
US08110509B2 Method of fabricating light emitting devices
A manufacturing apparatus is provided, which can improve a utilization efficiency of an evaporation material, reduce manufacturing costs of a light emitting device having an organic light emitting element, and shorten manufacturing time necessary to manufacture a light emitting device. According to the present invention, a multi-chamber manufacturing apparatus having plural film forming chambers includes a first film forming chamber for subjecting a first substrate to evaporation and a second film forming chamber for subjecting a second substrate to evaporation. In each film forming chamber, plural organic compound layers are laminated, thereby improving the throughput. Further, it is possible that the respective substrates in the plural film forming chambers are subjected to evaporation in the same manner in parallel, while another film forming chamber undergoes cleaning.
US08110508B2 Method of forming a bump structure using an etching composition for an under bump metallurgy layer
In an etching composition for an under-bump metallurgy (UBM) layer and a method of forming a bump structure, the etching composition includes about 40% by weight to about 90% by weight of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight of an aqueous basic solution including ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) or tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight of an alcohol compound, and about 2% by weight to 30% by weight of an ethylenediamine-based chelating agent. The etching composition may effectively etch the UBM layer including titanium or titanium tungsten and remove impurities. A method of forming a bump structure may employ such an etching composition.
US08110507B2 Method for patterning an active region in a semiconductor device using a space patterning process
Disclosed here in is a method for patterning an active region in a semiconductor device using a space patterning process that includes forming a partition pattern having partition pattern elements arranged in a square shape on a semiconductor substrate; forming a spacer on side walls of the partition pattern; removing the partition pattern; separating the spacer into first and second spacer portions to expose a portion of the semiconductor substrate; and etching the exposed portion of the semiconductor substrate to form a trench, wherein portions of the semiconductor substrate overlapped with the first and second spacer portions define an active region.
US08110505B2 Lead frame manufactured from low-priced material and not requiring strict process control, semiconductor package including the same, and method of manufacturing the lead frame and the semiconductor package
Provided are a lead frame, a semiconductor package, and a method of manufacturing the lead frame and the semiconductor package. The lead frame includes: a die pad on which a semiconductor chip is installable; a plurality of lead patterns formed around a circumference of the die pad; an insulating organic material filling etching spaces interposed between the die pad and the lead patterns and structurally supporting the die pad and the lead patterns; and a pre-plating layer formed on both upper and lower surfaces of the die pad and the lead patterns.
US08110502B2 Method of improving adhesion strength of low dielectric constant layers
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. In a specific embodiment, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a surface region. The surface region includes one or more layers overlying the semiconductor substrate. Additionally, the method includes forming a dielectric layer overlying the surface region and forming a diffusion barrier layer overlying the dielectric layer. Moreover, the method includes subjecting the diffusion barrier layer to a plasma environment to facilitate adhesion between the diffusion barrier layer and the dielectric layer at an interface region. Also, the method includes processing the semiconductor substrate while maintaining attachment between the dielectric layer and the diffusion barrier layer at the interface region. The subjecting the diffusion barrier layer to a plasma environment includes maintaining a thickness of the barrier diffusion layer.
US08110498B2 Method for passivating exposed copper surfaces in a metallization layer of a semiconductor device
When forming sophisticated metallization systems, surface integrity of an exposed metal surface, such as a copper-containing surface, may be enhanced by exposing the surface to a vapor of a passivation agent. Due to the corresponding interaction with the metal surface, enhanced integrity may be accomplished, while at the same time damage of exposed dielectric surface portions may be significantly reduced compared to conventional aggressive wet chemical cleaning processes that are typically used in conventional patterning regimes.
US08110493B1 Pulsed PECVD method for modulating hydrogen content in hard mask
A method for forming a PECVD deposited amorphous carbon or ashable hard mask (AHM) in a trench or a via with less than 30% H content at a process temperature below 500° C., e.g., about 400° C. produces low H content hard masks with high selectivity and little or no hard mask on the sidewalls. The deposition method utilizes a pulsed precursor delivery with a plasma etch while the precursor flow is off.
US08110492B2 Method for connecting a die attach pad to a lead frame and product thereof
Disclosed in this specification is a semiconductor package with a die attach pad and a lead frame which are electrically and mechanically connected to one another through a conductive wire ribbon. Such a configuration reduces the package footprint and also permits different styles of die attach pads and lead frames to be interchanged, thus reducing production costs.
US08110490B2 Gate oxide leakage reduction
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising forming a gate oxide layer over a substrate subjecting the gate oxide layer to a first nitridation process, subjecting the gate oxide layer to a first anneal process after the first nitridation process, subjecting the gate oxide layer to a second nitridation process after the first anneal process, subjecting the gate oxide layer to a second anneal process after the second nitridation process, and forming a gate electrode over the gate oxide.
US08110487B2 Method of creating a strained channel region in a transistor by deep implantation of strain-inducing species below the channel region
By incorporating a carbon species below the channel region of a P-channel transistor prior to the formation of the gate electrode structure, an efficient strain-inducing mechanism may provided, thereby enhancing performance of P-channel transistors. The position and size of the strain-inducing region may be determined on the basis of an implantation mask and respective implantation parameters, thereby providing a high degree of compatibility with conventional techniques, since the strain-inducing region may be incorporated at an early manufacturing stage, directly to respective “large area” contact elements.
US08110484B1 Conductive nitride semiconductor substrate and method for producing the same
A method for producing a conductive nitride semiconductor substrate circuit includes the steps of forming, on an underlying substrate, a mask including dot or stripe masking portions having a width or diameter of 10 to 100 μm and arranged at a spacing of 250 to 10,000 μm; growing a nitride semiconductor crystal on the underlying substrate by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) at a growth temperature of 1,040° C. to 1,150° C. by supplying a group III source gas, a group V source gas, and a silicon-containing gas in a V/III ratio of 1 to 10; and removing the underlying substrate, thus forming a free-standing conductive nitride semiconductor crystal substrate having a resistivity r of 0.0015 Ωcm≦r≦0.01 Ωcm, a thickness of 100 μm or more, and a radius of bow curvature U of 3.5 m≦U≦8 m.
US08110481B2 Method of segmenting semiconductor wafer
To provide a method of segmenting a semiconductor wafer, which is capable of preventing chippings.A semiconductor wafer 1 is partitioned into a circumferential ring-shaped region 1a and a segmentation region placed in the inner side of the ring-shaped region 1a. The semiconductor wafer 1 included in the segmentation region is cut into the form of a lattice along a plurality of perpendicular cutting lines 4 and is segmented into a plurality of chips 2. On the other hand, the semiconductor wafer 1 included in the ring-shaped region 1a is cut along two partition lines 5 extending in parallel to the cutting lines 4 from the center O of the semiconductor wafer 1 and is partitioned into four independent regions.
US08110480B2 Method and structure for fabricating solar cells using a thick layer transfer process
A photovoltaic cell device, e.g., solar cell, solar panel, and method of manufacture. The device has an optically transparent substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface. A first thickness of material (e.g., semiconductor material, single crystal material) having a first surface region and a second surface region is included. In a preferred embodiment, the surface region is overlying the first surface of the optically transparent substrate. The device has an optical coupling material provided between the first surface region of the thickness of material and the first surface of the optically transparent material.
US08110479B2 Manufacturing method of SOI substrate provided with barrier layer
To provide a method for manufacturing a large-area semiconductor device, to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device with high efficiency, and to provide a highly-reliable semiconductor device in the case of using a large-area substrate including an impurity element. A plurality of single crystal semiconductor substrates are concurrently processed to manufacture an SOI substrate, so that an area of a semiconductor device can be increased and a semiconductor device can be manufactured with improved efficiency. In specific, a series of processes is performed using a tray with which a plurality of semiconductor substrates can be concurrently processed. Here, the tray is provided with at least one depression for holding single crystal semiconductor substrates. Further, deterioration of characteristics of a manufactured semiconductor element is prevented by providing an insulating layer serving as a barrier layer against an impurity element which may affect characteristics of the semiconductor element.
US08110467B2 Multiple Vt field-effect transistor devices
Multiple threshold voltage (Vt) field-effect transistor (FET) devices and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a FET device is provided including a source region; a drain region; at least one channel interconnecting the source and drain regions; and a gate, surrounding at least a portion of the channel, configured to have multiple threshold voltages due to the selective placement of at least one band edge metal throughout the gate.
US08110466B2 Cross OD FinFET patterning
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate; providing a first lithography mask, a second lithography mask, and a third lithography mask; forming a first mask layer over the semiconductor substrate, wherein a pattern of the first mask layer is defined using the first lithography mask; performing a first etch to the semiconductor substrate to define an active region using the first mask layer; forming a second mask layer having a plurality of mask strips over the semiconductor substrate and over the active region; forming a third mask layer over the second mask layer, wherein a middle portion of the plurality of mask strips is exposed through an opening in the third mask layer, and end portions of the plurality of mask strips are covered by the third mask layer; and performing a second etch to the semiconductor substrate through the opening.
US08110465B2 Field effect transistor having an asymmetric gate electrode
The gate electrode of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) comprises a source side gate electrode and a drain side gate electrode that abut each other near the middle of the channel. In one embodiment, the source side gate electrode comprises a silicon oxide based gate dielectric and the drain side gate electrode comprises a high-k gate dielectric. The source side gate electrode provides high carrier mobility, while the drain side gate electrode provides good short channel effect and reduced gate leakage. In another embodiment, the source gate electrode and drain gate electrode comprises different high-k gate dielectric stacks and different gate conductor materials, wherein the source side gate electrode has a first work function a quarter band gap away from a band gap edge and the drain side gate electrode has a second work function near the band gap edge.
US08110464B2 SOI protection for buried plate implant and DT bottle ETCH
An SOI layer has an initial trench extending therethrough, prior to deep trench etch. An oxidation step, such as thermal oxidation is performed to form a band of oxide on an inner periphery of the SOI layer to protect it during a subsequent RIE step for forming a deep trench. The initial trench may stop on BOX underlying the SOI. The band of oxide may also protect the SOI during buried plate implant or gas phase doping.
US08110462B2 Reduced finger end MOSFET breakdown voltage (BV) for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection
The present invention relates to electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry. Multiple techniques are presented to adjust one or more ends of one or more fingers of an ESD protection device so that the ends of the fingers have a reduced initial trigger or breakdown voltage as compared to other portions of the fingers, and in particular to central portions of the fingers. In this manner, most, if not all, of the adjusted ends of the fingers are likely to trigger or fire before any of the respective fingers completely enters a snapback region and begins to conduct ESD current. Consequently, the ESD current is more likely to be distributed among all or substantially all of the plurality of fingers rather than be concentrated within one or merely a few fingers. As a result, potential harm to the ESD protection device (e.g., from current crowding) is mitigated and the effectiveness of the device is improved.
US08110458B2 Fabrication of germanium nanowire transistors
In general, in one aspect, a method includes using the Germanium nanowire as building block for high performance logic, memory and low dimensional quantum effect devices. The Germanium nanowire channel and the SiGe anchoring regions are formed simultaneously through preferential Si oxidation of epitaxial Silicon Germanium epi layer. The placement of the germanium nanowires is accomplished using a Si fin as a template and the germanium nanowire is held on Si substrate through SiGe anchors created by masking the two ends of the fins. High dielectric constant gate oxide and work function metals wrap around the Germanium nanowire for gate-all-around electrostatic channel on/off control, while the Germanium nanowire provides high carrier mobility in the transistor channel region. The germanium nanowire transistors enable high performance, low voltage (low power consumption) operation of logic and memory devices.
US08110456B2 Method for making a self aligning memory device
A self aligning memory device, with a memory element switchable between electrical property states by the application of energy, includes a substrate and word lines, at least the sides of the word lines covered with a dielectric material which defines gaps. An access device within a substrate has a first terminal under a second gap and second terminals under first and third gaps. First and second source lines are in the first and third gaps and are electrically connected to the second terminals. A first electrode in the second gap is electrically connected to the first terminal. A memory element in the second gap is positioned over and electrically connected to the first electrode. A second electrode is positioned over and contacts the memory element. The first contact, the first electrode, the memory element and the second electrode are self aligning. A portion of the memory element may have a sub lithographically dimensioned width.
US08110449B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The HVIC includes a dielectric layer and an SOI active layer stacked on a silicon substrate, a transistor formed in the surface of the SOI active layer, and a trench isolation region formed around the transistor. The dielectric layer includes a first buried oxide film formed in the surface of the silicon substrate, a shield layer formed below the first buried oxide film opposite the element area, a second buried oxide film formed around the shield layer, and a third buried oxide film formed below the shield layer and the second buried oxide film. Therefore, the potential distribution curves PC within the dielectric layer are low in density and a high withstand voltage is achieved.
US08110448B2 Two terminal multi-channel ESD device and method therefor
In one embodiment, a two terminal multi-channel ESD device is configured to include a zener diode and a plurality of P-N diodes.
US08110447B2 Method of making and designing lead frames for semiconductor packages
A lead frame with patterned conductive runs on the top surface to accept a wire bonded or flip-chip or COL configuration is disclosed. The top pattern is completed and the bottom is etched away creating cavities. The cavities are filled with a pre-mold material that lend structural support of the lead frame. The top is then etch through the lead frame to the pre-mold, except with the top conductive runs exist. In this manner the conductive runs are completed and isolated from each other so that the placement of the runs is flexible. The chips are mounted and the encapsulated and the lead frames are singulated. The pattern on the top and the bottom may be defined by first plated the patterns desired.
US08110444B2 Prepreg, method for manufacturing prepreg, substrate, and semiconductor device
A prepreg which can meet a demand for thickness reduction is provided. The prepreg has first and second resin layers having different applications, functions, capabilities, or properties, and allows an amount of a resin composition in each of the first and second resin layers to be set appropriately depending on a circuit wiring portion to be embedded into the second resin layer. Further, a method for manufacturing the above prepreg, and a substrate and a semiconductor device having the prepreg are also provided. The prepreg according to the present invention includes a core layer including a sheet-shaped base member and having one surface and the other surface which is opposite to the one surface, the first resin layer provided on the one surface of the core layer and formed of a first resin composition, and the second resin layer provided on the other surface of the core layer and formed of a second resin composition, wherein at least one of a requirement that a thickness of the first resin layer is different from that of the second resin layer and a requirement that a constitution of the first resin composition is different from that of the second resin composition is satisfied.
US08110441B2 Method of electrically connecting a shielding layer to ground through a conductive via disposed in peripheral region around semiconductor die
A semiconductor device is made by mounting a plurality of semiconductor die to a substrate, depositing an encapsulant over the substrate and semiconductor die, forming a shielding layer over the semiconductor die, creating a channel in a peripheral region around the semiconductor die through the shielding layer, encapsulant and substrate at least to a ground plane within the substrate, depositing a conductive material in the channel, and removing a portion of the conductive material in the channel to create conductive vias in the channel which provide electrical connection between the shielding layer and ground plane. An interconnect structure is formed on the substrate and are electrically connected to the ground plane. Solder bumps are formed on a backside of the substrate opposite the semiconductor die. The shielding layer is connected to a ground point through the conductive via, ground plane, interconnect structure, and solder bumps of the substrate.
US08110436B2 Method for manufacturing field-effect transistor
A method for manufacturing a field-effect transistor is provided. The field-effect transistor includes on a substrate a source electrode, a drain electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer, an insulating layer and a gate electrode. The method includes, after forming the insulating layer on the oxide semiconductor layer, an annealing step of increasing the electrical conductivity of the oxide semiconductor layers by annealing in an atmosphere containing moisture. The steam pressure at the annealing step is higher than the saturated vapor pressure in the atmosphere at the annealing temperature.
US08110435B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed, which is capable of realizing an extension of a cleaning cycle for a processing chamber, the method comprising preheating a substrate; placing the preheated substrate onto a substrate-supporting unit provided in a susceptor while the preheated substrate is maintained at a predetermined height from an upper surface of the susceptor provided in a processing chamber; and forming a thin film on the preheated substrate, wherein a temperature of the preheated substrate is higher than a processing temperature for forming the thin film in the processing chamber.
US08110433B2 Method of fabricating an organic thin film transistor and method of surface treatment for gate insulating layer
A method of fabricating an organic thin film transistor is disclosed, which comprises steps of (S1) forming a gate electrode on a substrate; (S2) forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; (S3) providing a gas on the surface of the gate insulating layer to form hydrophobic molecules on the surface of the gate insulating layer; (S4) forming an organic semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode over the gate insulating layer having hydrophobic molecules thereon, wherein the gas of step (S3) is at least one selected from the group consisting of halogen-substituted hydrocarbon, un-substituted hydrocarbon, and the mixtures thereof. The method of the present invention utilizes gases comprising carbon or fluorine atom to perform surface treatment on the surface of the gate insulating layer, therefore the hydrophobic character of the surface of the gate insulating layer can be enhanced and the electrical properties of the OTFT can be improved. Also, a method of surface treatment for the gate insulating layer is disclosed.
US08110432B1 Gate-planarized thin film transistor substrates and related methods of fabrication
Thin film transistor substrates with conductor components in conjunction therewith, and related methods of fabrication.
US08110429B2 Bridge resistance random access memory device and method with a singular contact structure
A resistance random access memory in a bridge structure is disclosed that comprises a contact structure where first and second electrodes are located within the contact structure. The first electrode has a circumferential extending shape, such as an annular shape, surrounding an inner wall of the contact structure. The second electrode is located within an interior of the circumferential extending shape and separated from the first electrode by an insulating material. A resistance memory bridge is in contact with an edge surface of the first and second electrodes. The first electrode in the contact structure is connected to a transistor and the second electrode in the contact structure is connected to a bit line. A bit line is connected to the second electrode by a self-aligning process.
US08110427B2 Stacked-layered thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof
A stacked-layered thin film solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The stacked-layered thin film solar cell includes a front electrode layer, a stacked-layered light-absorbing structure, and a back electrode layer. The stacked-layered light-absorbing structure has a p-i-n-type layered structure and consists essentially of I-III-VI compounds, wherein the group III elements at least include indium (In) and aluminum (Al). The p-type layer of the stacked-layered light-absorbing structure is near the front electrode layer while the n-type layer is near the back electrode layer. The Al/In concentration ratio in the p-type layer is higher than that in the n-type layer.
US08110426B2 CMOS image sensor
A pixel of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes a plurality of photodiodes for sensing light to thereby generate photoelectric charges in different regions; a plurality of transfer transistors for transferring photoelectric charges of corresponding photodiodes in response to a first control signal; a floating diffusion region for receiving photoelectric charges transferred by the plurality of transfer transistors; a rest transistor connected between a power supply voltage and the floating diffusion region for resetting the floating diffusion region by controlling a voltage loaded on the floating diffusion region in response to a second control signal; a drive transistor connected between the power supply voltage and the floating diffusion region to serve as a source follower buffer amplifier; and a select transistor connected between the drive transistor and a pixel output terminal for performing an addressing operation in response to a third control signal.
US08110425B2 Laser liftoff structure and related methods
Light-emitting devices, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided.
US08110424B2 Surface treatment method of group III nitride semiconductor and manufacturing method of the group III nitride semiconductor
There is provided a surface treatment method of a group III nitride semiconductor including: providing a group III nitride semiconductor including a first surface having a group III polarity and a second surface opposing the first surface and having a nitrogen polarity; and irradiating a laser beam onto the second surface to change the nitrogen polarity of the second surface to the group III polarity.
US08110422B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor laser element
Starting point regions for cutting 8a, 8b extending along lines to cut 5a, 5b are initially formed in an object to be processed 1. The starting point regions for cutting 8b have modified regions 7b formed by irradiating the object 1 with laser light while locating a converging point within the object 1 and are formed in parts extending along the lines to cut 5b excluding portions 34b intersecting the lines to cut 5a. This makes the starting point regions for cutting 8b much less influential when cutting the object 1 from the starting point regions for cutting 8a acting as a start point, whereby bars with precise cleavage surfaces can reliably be obtained. Therefore, it is unnecessary to form a starting point region for cutting along the lines to cut 5b in each of a plurality of bars, whereby the productivity of semiconductor laser elements can be improved.
US08110420B2 Light emitting element array
A method of fabricating a light emitting diode array, comprising: providing a temporary substrate; forming a first light emitting stack and a second light emitting stack on the temporary substrate; forming a first insulating layer covering partial of the first light emitting stack; forming a wire on the first insulating layer and electrically connecting to the first light emitting stack and the second light emitting stack; forming a second insulating layer fully covering the first light emitting stack, the wire and partial of the second light emitting stack; forming a metal connecting layer on the second insulating layer and electrically connecting to the second light emitting stack; forming a conductive substrate on the metal connecting layer; removing the temporary substrate; and forming a first electrode connecting to the first light emitting stack.
US08110418B2 Organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent display device includes a substrate, gate and data lines on the substrate and crossing each other to define a pixel region, a switching element at each crossing point of the gate and data lines, a driving element coupled to the switching element, a field control electrode coupled to the driving element and overlapping a channel of the driving element, and an organic electroluminescent diode coupled to the driving element.
US08110417B2 Method of forming pattern on group III nitride semiconductor substrate and method of manufacturing group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device
There is provided a method of forming a pattern on a group III nitride semiconductor substrate. A method of forming a pattern on a group III nitride semiconductor substrate according to an aspect of the invention may include: irradiating a laser beam onto at least one first region for preventing etching in a group III nitride semiconductor substrate; and etching at least one second region exclusive of the first region using the first region irradiated with the laser beam as a mask.
US08110405B2 Fluorescent nanoscopy method
An analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents carried out with the aid of a fluorescent microscope which is modified for improved resolving power and called a nanoscope. The method is carried out with a microscope having an optical system for visualizing and projecting a sample image to a video camera which records and digitizes images of individual fluorescence molecules and nanoparticles at a low noise, a computer for recording and processing images, a sample holder arranged in front of an object lens, a fluorescent radiation exciting source and a set of replaceable suppression filters for separating the sample fluorescent light. Separately fluorescing visible molecules and nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules and nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule and nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules and nanoparticles. With this invention it is possible to obtain a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional image with a resolving power better than 20 nm and to record a color image by dyeing proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.
US08110400B2 Culture of mammalian pluripotent stem cells in the presence of hyaluronan induces differentiation into multi-lineage progenitor cells
A method for the differentiation of mammalian pluripotent stem (PS) cells into a mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population is provided which comprises culturing the pluripotent stem cells in the presence of Hyaluronan (HA). The mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population may be a population of mesenchymal stem cells. The mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population may form cells of the mesodermal lineage, suitably osteoblasts. Alternatively, the mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population may form cells of the endodermal lineage or of the ectodermal lineage, which may be neuronal progenitors.
US08110399B2 Stem cells of the islets of langerhans and their use in treating diabetes mellitus
Methods and compositions are described for the treatment of type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and other conditions using newly identified stem cells that are capable of differentiation into a variety of pancreatic islet cells, including insulin-producing beta cells, as well as hepatocytes. Nestin and ABCG2 have been identified as molecular markers for pancreatic stem cells, while cytokeratin-19 serves as a marker for a distinct class of islet ductal cells. Methods are described whereby nestin and/or ABCG2-positive stem cells can be isolated from pancreatic islets and cultured to obtain further stem cells or pseudo-islet like structures. Methods for ex vivo differentiation of the pancreatic stem cells are disclosed. Methods are described whereby pancreatic stem cells can be isolated, expanded, and transplanted into a patient in need thereof, either allogeneically, isogeneically or xenogenically, to provide replacement for lost or damaged insulin-secreting cells or other cells.
US08110398B2 Stable cell lines and methods for evaluating gastrointestinal absorption of chemicals
Nucleic acids and vectors for interfering with the expression of membrane efflux transport proteins in cells that express such proteins are provided. Also provided are cells and cell lines comprising such nucleic acids and vectors. Methods for screening chemicals and biomolecules for gastrointestinal absorption in animals, and kits for practicing such methods are also provided.
US08110397B2 Sample preparation apparatus
A reconfigurable sample preparation device includes a rotary plunger device having a hollow body and a coupling device, provided above one end of the rotary plunger, and accommodating a sample. The device also includes at least one sealed reagent module. When the rotary plunger is rotated on the coupling device, a film of the reagent module is pierced, mixing the sample with a substance from the reagent module.
US08110396B2 Thermocycling device with a thermal switch comprising a magnetic or metal thermoconducting liquid and a stimulating unit
The invention relates to a thermocycler module for heating and/or cooling of a thermocycling device comprising a thermal switch, a heating block and a heat sink. The thermal switch comprises a thermoconducting liquid, e.g. a magnetic fluid or a liquid metal, and a stimulating unit, e.g. a magnetic unit or a Lorentz-force unit, for moving the thermoconducting liquid. The movement of the thermoconducting liquid provides, in an on-state of the thermal switch, a thermal connection between the heating block and the heat sink.
US08110389B2 Family 6 cellulase with decreased inactivation by lignin
A modified Trichoderma reesei Family 6 (TrCel6A) cellulase enzyme comprising amino acid substitutions at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 129, 322, 363 and 410 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is provided. Genetic constructs and genetically modified microbes comprising nucleic sequences encoding the modified TrCel6a cellulase are also provided. The modified TrCel6A cellulase of the invention display at least a 15% decrease in inactivation by lignin relative to a parental TrCel6A cellulase from which the modified TrCel6A is derived. Such cellulases find use in a variety of applications in industry requiring enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in the presence of lignin, e.g., the hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic feedstocks for the production of fermentable sugars, sugar alcohols and fuel alcohols.
US08110386B2 Lipase powder, methods for producing the same and use thereof
A lipase powder which is a granulated substance containing a lipase and a solid content of animal milk, a lipase composition wherein said lipase powder is immersed or impregnated in fatty oil, and a method for producing the lipase powder which comprises the step of adding animal milk or cream derived from the animal milk to an aqueous solution containing a lipase, and the step of spray-drying, freeze-drying or solvent-precipitating the mixture thereof are provided. According to the present invention, a lipase powder of which lipase activity and stability are improved can be provided.
US08110380B2 Starch-based biodegradable material composition
A starch-based biodegradable material composition includes: an enzyme-hydrolyzed starch; and a biodegradable polyester selected from at least one of an aliphatic polyester of polybutylene succinate and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester. The enzyme-hydrolyzed starch is prepared by hydrolyzing a native starch using a starch-hydrolyzing enzyme. The starch-hydrolyzing enzyme has an activity unit ranging from 15000 to 40000.
US08110377B2 HGF β chain variants
The invention provides HGF/Met modulators comprising HGF having mutations in regions that affect HGF function, and antagonists that target said regions. The invention further provides methods of identifying, making and using these modulators.
US08110375B2 High throughput assay for cancer cell growth inhibition
A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.
US08110371B2 Identifying organ damage
The present invention provides methods for identifying whether or not a patient has, or is at risk of developing drug induced organ damage and methods of treating patients having drug induced organ damage. In particular, the invention relates to a method for identifying whether or not a patent has, or is at risk of developing paracetamol induced liver damage.
US08110369B2 Methods, kits, reagents and devices for detecting mesothelin and/or megakaryocyte potentiating factor in peritoneal fluids
Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and kits for detecting and quantifying in patient peritoneal fluid, such as spent peritoneal dialysis buffer, peptides having amino acid sequences related to megakaryocyte potentiating factor. The methods and kits can be used to monitor the biological status of the mesothelial lining of the peritoneal cavity in a patient, to predict development of a pathology of the mesothelium in an otherwise asymptomatic patient, and/or to assess the risk and suitability of a therapeutic method. In particular, the method can be used to assess negative effects of peritoneal dialysis on the biological integrity of the peritoneum, and thus to determine the time point when peritoneal dialysis treatment should be discontinued in favor of hemodialysis in a patient with kidney dysfunction, in order to avoid the development of peritoneal hypertrophy and other progressive mesothelial disorders such as encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.
US08110368B1 Synuclein gamma as a biomarker of obesity and obesity-related disorders
Disclosed is a method of identifying γ-synuclein expression, as a biomarker for adiposity and adiposity related disorders. Identification of γ-synuclein expression includes agonists and antagonists thereof which may be used in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of adiposity related disorders.
US08110366B2 Method for evaluating cell populations
The invention describes specific sialylated structures present on human stem cells and cell populations derived thereof. The invention is especially directed to methods to control the status of stem cells by observing changes in sialylation of the cells; and control of potential contaminations of biological materials; and reagents and methods used in connection with the cells in order to avoid alterations of the cell glycosylation by contaminating materials. The invention is further directed to novel stem cells, the glycosylation of which has been specifically altered.
US08110365B2 Compositions and methods for detecting and treating renal injury and inflammation
Renal injury and inflammation is diagnosed by detecting an elevation in GSK3b level or activity. Inflammation of bodily tissues such as renal tissue is inhibited by administration of GSK3b inhibitory compositions.
US08110360B2 Compositions and methods for the assembly of polynucleotides
The present invention provides compositions and methods for rapid assembly of one or more assembled polynucleotides from a plurality of component polynucleotides. The methods of the invention utilize circular nucleic acid vectors that comprise a DNA segment D flanked by an annealable linker sequence, annealable linker sequence pairs LA and LB, or annealable linker sequence/primer binding segment pairs LA and PB or PA and LB. Restriction endonuclease digestion of a plurality of vectors containing the DNA segments to be assembled generates a plurality of DNA fragments comprising the elements PA-D-LB, LA-D-LB, and LA-D-PB or D-LB, LA-D-LB, and LA-D. The sequences of annealable linker sequences LA and LB provide complementary termini to the DNA fragments, which are utilized in host cell mediated homologous recombination or together with primer binding segments PA and PB in a polymerase cycling assembly reaction for the ordered assembly of the various DNA segments into one or more assembled polynucleotides.
US08110359B2 PCR method for identifiying a serotype of Klebsiella pneumoniae by using cps region primers and application thereof
The present invention relates to a method of identifying a serotype of Klebsiella pneumoniae, in particular to a method using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets designed according to a fragment of a capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) region to identify a K57 or a NTUH-N1 serotype and its application. NTUH-N1 is a novel serotype which differs from the previously reported 77 serotypes. This PCR-based cps genotyping method not only solves the problems of insufficient specificity and sensitivity caused by conventional immune method, but can be applied in clinical diagnosis with the advantages of rapidity and low cost. In addition, the rate of unidentifiable strains can also be reduced by this method.
US08110358B2 Method of profiling gene expression in a subject having prostate cancer
The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.
US08110356B2 Method for generating hypermutable plants
Blockade of mismatch repair in a plant can lead to hypermutation and a new genotype and/or phenotype. One approach used to generate hypermutable plants is through the expression of dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair genes in transgenic plants or derived cells. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic plants, new cell lines and plant varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Moreover, methods to inhibit the expression and activity of endogenous plant MMR genes and their encoded products are also useful to generate hypermutable plants.
US08110354B2 Use of Shigella invaplex to transport functional proteins and transcriptionally active nucleic acids across mammalian cell membranes in vitro and in vivo
The in vivo and in vitro use of Invaplex to transport materials, including functional proteins and biologically active nucleic acids, across eukaryotic cell membranes. The eukaryotic cells include a variety of cell types, e.g. insect, reptile, fish, mammal and tumor cells. The suitable materials for transport include biochemicals such as reporter molecules, antibiotics, biopharmaceuticals and carbohydrates including polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, polynucleotides, such as DNA and RNA, and glycoproteins and proteins including antigens, enzymes, antibodies, receptors and hormones. In addition, Invaplex enhances the immune response to DNA vaccines and also can function by itself as a vaccine against shigellosis.
US08110352B2 Method of diagnosing and treating cancer using B-catenin splice variants
The invention relates to method of diagnosing and treating cancer, in particular β-catenin related cancers. The invention further relates to methods of identifying CTNNB1 related cancer CTNNB1 therapeutics.
US08110348B2 Methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia
Compositions and methods relating to the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and bipolar disorders are disclosed. Also provided are methods for screening therapeutic agents having efficacy for the treatment of such disorders.
US08110342B2 Method for forming an opening
A method for forming an opening is disclosed. First, a semiconductor substrate is provided, in which the semiconductor substrate includes at least one metal interconnects therein. A stacked film is formed on the semiconductor substrate, in which the stacked film includes at least one dielectric layer and one hard mask. The hard mask is used to form an opening in the stacked film without exposing the metal interconnects, and the hard mask is removed thereafter. A barrier layer is later deposited on the semiconductor substrate to cover a portion of the dielectric layer and the surface of the metal interconnects.
US08110336B2 Resin and chemically amplified resist composition comprising the same
A resin comprising a structural unit represented by the formula (I): wherein Q1 and Q2 represent a fluorine atom etc., U represents a C1-C20 divalent hydrocarbon group in which one or more —CH2— may be replaced by —O— etc., X1 represents —O—CO— etc., and A+ represents an organic counter ion.
US08110334B2 Radiation-sensitive composition
A radiation-sensitive composition containing a resist compound having a high sensitivity, a high resolution, a high etching resistance, and a low outgas which forms a resist pattern with a good shape is described. Further described is a method of forming a resist pattern using the radiation-sensitive composition. Still further described are a novel composition for forming a photoresist under coat film which is excellent in optical properties and etching resistance and contains substantially no sublimable substance and an under coat film formed by the composition. Still further described are a radiation-sensitive composition containing a solvent and a cyclic compound having a specific structure, for example, a cyclic compound (A) having a molecular weight of 700 to 5000 which is synthesized by the condensation reaction of a compound having 2 to 59 carbon atoms and 1 to 4 formyl groups (aldehyde compound (A1)) with a compound having 6 to 15 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 phenolic hydroxyl groups (phenol compound (A2)), and a cyclic compound for use in the radiation-sensitive composition.
US08110333B2 Resist composition containing novel sulfonium compound, pattern-forming method using the resist composition, and novel sulfonium compound
A resist composition includes (A) a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein each of R1 to R13 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, provided that at least one of R1 to R13 is a substituent containing an alcoholic hydroxyl group; Z represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; and X− represents an anion containing a proton acceptor functional group.
US08110329B2 Charge controlling agent and toner
A charge controlling agent is provided as a compound in which an amide group is introduced together with a sulfonic group or a derivative thereof. The charge controlling agent is characterized by including at least one compound represented by the chemical formula (2) in which an amide group is introduced together with at least one of a sulfonic group, a sulfonic acid ester, a sulfonic acid salt, and a sulfonic acid halide.
US08110321B2 Method of manufacture of damascene reticle
A method for manufacturing an optical projection reticle employs a damascene process. First feature recesses are etched into a projection reticle mask plate which is transmissive or transparent. Then feature recesses are tilled with a radiation transmissivity modifying material comprising a partially transmissive material and/or a radiation absorber for absorbing actinic radiation. Sacrificial materials may be added to the recess temporarily prior to filling the recess to provide gaps juxtaposed with the material filling the recess. Thereafter, the sacrificial materials are removed. Then the projection mask is planarized leaving feature recesses filled with transmissivity modifying material, and any gaps desired. The projection mask is planarized while retained in a fixture holding it in place during polishing with a polishing tool and a slurry.
US08110318B2 Solid oxide fuel cell with reforming chamber integrated within separator plates
A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assembly. The separator includes first to third plates. A fuel gas channel is formed between the first and third plates. The fuel gas channel forms a fuel gas pressure chamber over an electrode surface of an anode. The fuel gas pressure chamber is divided into an inner pressure chamber and an outer pressure chamber an arc-shaped wall. Reforming catalyst is provided in the outer pressure chamber.
US08110317B2 Polyelectrolyte, membrane electrode assembly, fuel cell, and method for producing polyelectrolyte
The present invention readily provides an electrolyte which is capable of suppressing elution of a radical-quenching material from the electrolyte and has high proton conductivity and excellent durability.The polyelectrolyte is obtainable by chemically bonding a proton-conducting polymer having protonic acid groups to a radical-quenching material having a radical-scavenging capability via moieties other than the protonic acid groups by heating at a temperature of 60° C. or more and 250° C. or less. The proton-conducting polymer is an aromatic polymer, polyether ketone or a polyether ether ketone, or phenol resin, has a sulfonic acid group, and has a hydrogen ion exchange capacity of 0.5 meq/g or more and 10 meq/g or less. The radical-quenching material has at least one methylol group in the molecule.
US08110315B2 Monopolar membrane-electrode assembly
A monopolar membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane with a plurality of cell regions, an anode supporting body and a cathode supporting body on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, respectively having a plurality of apertures corresponding to the cell regions, a plurality of anode and cathode current collectors, each including a current collecting portion to correspond to each aperture of the respective anode or cathode supporting body to collect current, a conducting portion connected to a side of the current collecting portion, and a connecting line that connects the conducting portion to an outside terminal, a plurality of anode and cathode electrodes respectively formed on the and the cathode current collecting portions, and a circuit unit connected to the connecting lines of the anode current collectors and the cathode current collectors, wherein the cells are connected in series or parallel, or electrically separated through the circuit unit.
US08110309B2 Secondary battery
The invention provides a secondary battery having positive electrode plates 14 and negative electrode plates, with insulating tapes 22A, 22B affixed to the cut end portions 14d, including an active material layer 14b portion thereof, of either the positive electrode plates 14 or the negative electrode plates, or both. These electrode plates are stacked or rolled alternately, with separators 23 interposed, into an electrode group that is sealed, together with electrolyte, inside a battery case. The insulating tapes 22A, 22B have an adhesive application area L2 and a nonadhesive application area L1, and are affixed in such a manner that the nonadhesive application area L1 is positioned centrally on the active material layer 14b of the electrode plate 14, and moreover so that part of the adhesive application area L2 is positioned on the active material layer 14b at the cut end portion 14d.
US08110308B2 Lithium secondary battery of improved low-temperature power property
Provided is a lithium secondary battery which has excellent low-temperature power output characteristics by the inclusion of a given amount of a lithium metal oxide and/or a lithium metal sulfide in an anode mix for a lithium secondary battery containing a carbon-based anode active material and is thereby capable of being used as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that must provide high-power output at low temperatures as well as at room temperature.
US08110303B2 Non-aqueous secondary battery and its control method
The invention provides a non-aqueous secondary battery having positive and negative electrodes and non-aqueous electrolyte containing lithium salt which has an energy capacity of 30 Wh or more, a volume energy density of 180 Wh/l or higher, which battery has a flat shape and is superior in heat radiation characteristic, used safely and particularly preferably used for a energy storage system. The invention also provides a control method of the secondary battery.
US08110301B2 Energy storage device and cell configuration therefor
An article is provided. The article may include an electrochemical cell. The cell may include a molten electrolyte, and at least one molten electrode. The cell may include a structure for separating an anode from a cathode, while enabling ionic communication between the anode and cathode. An energy storage device comprising the article is also provided. Methods related to the article and the energy storage device may be provided.
US08110300B2 Battery mounting system
A mounting system for a plurality of battery modules needed to form a battery pack includes a battery tray with a combination of fixed and detachable retainers that enable insertion/removal of individual battery modules from the battery pack, both during assembly of the battery pack and later in conjunction with service during its operation. The battery tray may be disposed on a base plate for added support, as well as integration of more than one battery tray and associated modules into a battery pack. A cover may be added to for additional support and protection of the battery modules. Where multiple battery trays are integrated on a base plate, the battery trays may be oriented on the base plate in different directions. The battery mounting system may be used in a motor vehicle or other applications that use a battery pack.
US08110297B2 Coated article supporting photocatalytic layer and UV-reflecting underlayer, and/or method of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to articles supporting photocatalytic layers that also include UV-reflecting underlayers, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the inclusion of a UV-reflecting underlayer surprisingly and unexpectedly results in the reduction of dosing time to enable quick activation of the photocatalytic coating. For example, dosing time may be reduced from a few hours to a few minutes or even seconds in certain example embodiments. The UV-reflecting underlayer may be a single-layer coating or a multi-layer stack.
US08110296B2 Multifunctional hard material coating
In a multi-functional hard material coating of a substrate wherein the hard material coating comprises a single phase crystalline structure including metastable mixed crystals of at least two hard material components which are not soluble in each other and comprise at least one metallic hard material and an ionic hard material whereby the advantages of metallic and ionic hard material components are combined.
US08110295B2 Fluorine extraction process for fluoro-refractory coatings and articles manufactured according to said process
A process for extracting fluorine from a fluoro-refractory coating includes the steps of providing an article having a fluoro-refractory coating; treating hydrothermally the fluoro-refractory coating at a temperature and for a period time sufficient to liberate a quantity of fluoride from the fluoro-refractory coating; and drying a hydrothermally treated article.
US08110292B2 High strength steel plate, steel pipe with excellent low temperature toughness, and method of production of same
The present invention provides high strength steel plate with excellent low temperature toughness, high strength steel pipe using this as a base metal, and methods of production of the same. The steel plate of the present invention contains Mo: 0.05 to 1.00% and B: 0.0003 to 0.0100%, has a Ceq of 0.30 to 0.53, has a Pcm of 0.10 to 0.20, and has a metal structure which has an area percentage of polygonal ferrite of 20 to 90% and has a balance of a hard phase comprised of one or both of bainite and martensite. To obtain this steel plate, strain-introducing rolling is performed with a start temperature of not more than Ar3+60° C., an end temperature of Ar3 or more, and a reduction ratio of 1.5 or more, then the plate is air-cooled and then acceleratedly cooled from Ar3−100° C. to Ar3−10° C. in temperature by 10° C./s or more.
US08110289B2 Sintered body, resin particles and method for producing the same
An adsorptive body is provided which is high in water permeation and gas permeation and can adsorb, concentrate, separate and remove components present in extremely small amounts in a liquid or gas without causing the dissolution of impurities. The present invention relates to a sintered body comprising a mixture of: thermoplastic resin particles having no functional groups with adsorbability; and resin particles having functional groups with adsorbability bonded through graft polymer chains at the surface.
US08110287B2 Irrigation, erosion control, root growth control, and clean-up techniques
The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.
US08110280B2 Adhesive composition having non-tacky microspheres and sheets made therefrom
An adhesive blend includes a pressure sensitive adhesive and non-tacky microspheres that function as a detackifier. The non-tacky microspheres are solid, elastomeric, non-crushable, and solvent insoluble. The non-tacky microspheres are a reaction product of at alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers having from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, multifunctional (meth)acrylate and or multifunctional vinyl crosslinker, initiator, and polymeric stabilizer. The blend can be coated onto a sheet to form a pad, such as an easel pad.
US08110276B2 Light diffusion sheet and backlight unit using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a light diffusion sheet having a favorable cost reduction capability due to excellent scratching preventive property of the front face, and having in addition thereto, a favorable directional light diffusion function, transmittivity of rays of light, and a thin film character; and a backlight unit capable of promoting performances such as luminance as well as price reduction, and thin and light modeling capability. The light diffusion sheet of the present invention has a light diffusion sheet including a transparent substrate layer, and a light diffusion layer overlaid on the front face side of the substrate layer, wherein the light diffusion layer has resin beads and a resin binder, characterized in that the light diffusion layer has protruding parts having a shape of a partial spherical body on the front face in a scattering manner. It is preferred that mean height of the protruding parts be 1 μm or greater and 10 μm or less, mean diameter of the protruding parts be 4 μm or greater and 18 μm or less, mean occupancy rate of the protruding parts be 2% or greater and 20% or less, and surface roughness (Ra) of the light diffusion layer be 1.5 μm or greater and 10 μm or less. As the beads, small monodisperse beads as a principal component, and large beads as a sub component may be included.
US08110274B2 Honeycomb structure, honeycomb structure aggregate, and honeycomb structure catalyst
A honeycomb structure is disclosed that includes plural through-holes separated by plural partition walls and provided in parallel along a longitudinal direction, wherein the thickness of each of the partition walls is less than or equal to about 0.25 mm, the length of each of the through-holes is equal to or greater than about 50-fold of a hydraulic diameter of each of the through-holes and less than or equal to about 350-fold of the hydraulic diameter of each of the through-holes, and an open area ratio (X) % of a cross section of the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the through-holes and a surface area per unit volume (Y (m2/L)) satisfy Y≧250×X+22500 (about 50≦X≦about 85).
US08110271B2 Adhesive sheet and release sheet
There is provided an adhesive sheet comprising an adhesive base sheet, an adhesive layer, and a release sheet laminated in sequence from the adhesive base sheet. The release sheet comprises a release agent layer and a release base material laminated in sequence from the adhesive layer. A release force between the release sheet and the adhesive layer is decreased by an external stimulus.
US08110267B2 Blood-flow tubing
An artificial or modified natural blood flow tubing has a helical-flow inducer to induce helical flow in such a fashion as to eliminate or reduce turbulence. One inducer is a tubular stent of expansible mesh having a helical vane.
US08110265B2 Pet container and compositions having enhanced mechanical properties and gas barrier properties
A container comprising a polyester composition with enhanced mechanical properties is provided. The polyester composition comprises a polyester and a creep control agent. In particular embodiments, the polyester composition comprises a polyester, a creep control agent, and a gas barrier additive. In particular embodiments, the creep control agents are molecules or polymers comprising dianhydrides, bis-lactams, bis-oxazoles, and epoxides.
US08110262B2 Polymer compositions containing a polymer processing aid and a hindered amine light stabilizer
The present invention provides polyolefin compositions containing a polyolefin resin, a hindered amine light stabilizer, and a polymer processing aid. Methods for preparing the polymer compositions, methods for using the compositions to produce articles of manufacture, and the articles produced from these polyolefin compositions are also provided.
US08110261B2 Oxygen absorbing plastic structure
Multilayer oxygen absorbing structure comprising at least two reactive oxygen scavenging layers arranged in sequence: a rapidly absorbing highly reactive oxygen-scavenging system, comprising an oxygen permeable matrix polymer and an oxygen scavenger, and a long life layer comprising high passive oxygen barrier matrix polymer, and an oxygen scavenger.
US08110260B2 Containers intended for moisture-sensitive products
A container for a moisture-sensitive product. The container has an openable container body defining an interior volume for holding the product. More specifically, a rigid container defining an interior volume for holding a moisture-sensitive product, and comprising at least an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner and outer layers being coextruded layers, the inner layer comprising a polymeric material and a desiccant material, the outer layer comprising a moisture-barrier material.
US08110258B2 Glazing unit with transparent filler
A glazing unit has a at least one self-supporting insert of light-transmissive insulation material in the form of honeycomb arrangement of cells sandwiched in a gap between a pair of glass lites. A granular, light-transmissive, thermally insulating filler, such as silica aerogel, substantially fills the cells.
US08110257B2 Ink-jet recording method, ink-jet recording apparatus and recorded matter
An ink-jet recording method including recording onto a recording medium a black image of composite black using a black ink and color inks, wherein the black ink includes water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a carbon black whose volume average particle diameter is 40 nm to 100 nm, and the color inks include a cyan ink, a magenta ink and a yellow ink, wherein the mass ratio (A/B) of a solid content A to a water-soluble organic solvent content B in the black ink is in the range of 1/8 to 1/15, and wherein the recording medium includes a support with a coating layer, and the amounts of purified water transferred to the recording medium at contact periods of 100 ms and 400 ms at a temperature of 23 C and a relative humidity of 50% are 2 ml/m2 to 35 ml/m2 and 3 ml/m2 to 40 ml/m2 respectively.
US08110251B2 Method for polymerizing a monomer solution within a cavity to generate a smooth polymer surface
In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for polymerizing a monomer solution within a cavity covered by a porous membrane to generate a smooth polymer surface. More specifically, the method can be used to provide a medical device or sensor with a smooth polymer surface.
US08110248B2 Fuel cell structure and method of manufacturing same
A fuel cell structure comprises a diffusion layer and/or a catalyst layer which are made of a carbonaceous porous material having a nano-size structure, such as carbon nanowall (CNW). A method of manufacturing the structure is also disclosed. The structure and method simplify the process of manufacturing a fuel cell electrode comprised of an electrode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The electrical conductivity of the catalyst layer is increased and the diffusion efficiency of the diffusion layer is improved, whereby the electricity generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved.
US08110247B2 Laser processing for heat-sensitive mesoscale deposition of oxygen-sensitive materials
A method of depositing various materials onto heat-sensitive targets, particularly oxygen-sensitive materials. Heat-sensitive targets are generally defined as targets that have thermal damage thresholds that are lower than the temperature required to process a deposited material. The invention uses precursor solutions and/or particle or colloidal suspensions, along with optional pre-deposition treatment and/or post-deposition treatment to lower the laser power required to drive the deposit to its final state. The present invention uses Maskless Mesoscale Material Deposition (M3D™) to perform direct deposition of material onto the target in a precise, highly localized fashion. Features with linewidths as small as 4 microns may be deposited, with little or no material waste. A laser is preferably used to heat the material to process it to obtain the desired state, for example by chemical decomposition, sintering, polymerization, and the like. This laser processing may be performed in an ambient environment with laser powers of less than 100 milliwatts. Cover gases and/or forming gases may be used during thermal processing to change the material properties, for example by preventing oxidation.
US08110244B2 Manufacturing method and apparatus of organic resin coated metal sheet
A manufacturing method and apparatus of an organic resin coated metal sheet is provided. Temperatures of edge portions of the metal sheet and a temperature of an approximately central portion of the metal sheet are respectively measured using a metal-sheet temperature measuring device arranged directly upstream of lamination rolls. Respectively measured temperature values are inputted to a heating temperature controller, and output values calculated by the heating temperature controllers are inputted to a metal sheet center portion heater and the metal sheet center portion heater, respectively, to control the heating of a widthwise approximately center portion and edge portion, respectively, to a first and second temperature, respectively, the second temperature being higher than the first. A resin film is extruded to pre-rolls and is sandwiched and pressure-bonding to the metal sheet between a pair of lamination rolls. Resin portions projecting from both edge portions are then removed.
US08110242B2 Methods of preparing hydrogel coatings
The present invention provides hydrogel coated, implantable medical devices and methods of coating hydrogels onto implantable medical devices. In one embodiment, a hydrogel coated medical device is formed by physically treating a surface of the medical device, chemically treating the surface, applying a hydrogel precursor and then crosslinking the hydrogel precursor to form a hydrogel coating on the surface of the medical device. The present invention may be particularly applicable for coating articulating surfaces on implantable medical devices such as artificial joints.
US08110240B2 Method for reducing acrylamide formation in thermally processed foods
A method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the peeling, cooking, and rejecting unit operations. For example, the peeling unit operation can be modified to provide a more fully peeled potato slice. The cooking unit operation can be modified by cooking to higher moisture and/or at lower hot oil temperatures to minimize the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation. The rejection unit operation can be modified to reject defects that result in high levels of acrylamide.
US08110239B2 Quick corn nixtamalization process
A process for the production of fresh masa, nixtamalized flour and derived products. The invention is a new process for production of corn masa (dough) to be used in the production of tortillas, fried or baked tortilla chips, tostadas, or corn chips. The new process produces masa directly from raw materials without the traditional cooking and steeping steps. It utilizes a series of processing steps including dry blending, hydrating, and working dough in an extruder having a unique screw configuration. The new process uses very little water and emits no waste water.
US08110235B2 Methods for reducing cholesterol in a milk product
Systems and methods according to the present invention yield milk products having reduced cholesterol. A method according to the present invention includes the steps of adding an edible oil to skim that was separated from whole milk; standardizing the particle size of the skim-and-oil mixture; combining the skim-and-oil mixture with homogenized cream that was separated from whole milk; and separating the oil from the reduced cholesterol cream and skim. A method according to the present invention may further include the steps of separating the reduced cholesterol cream and skim and then recombining them to form a reduced cholesterol milk product having desired properties.
US08110234B2 Mechanical deboning of poultry
An apparatus and a process for extracting poultry meat from crushed and dismembered poultry pieces is provided. The extracting method is based on mechanical separation utilizing heated water spray within a rotating drum assembly for removal and separation of meat from bone and collagen. The water is collected, pumped into a holding tank, and is flavored with natural poultry extract and antifoam agent for recycle within the process. The apparatus includes a hopper, an inclined rotating drum assembly having perforated walls and an internally located nozzle dispensing a water spray for separating meat from bones, a tank having at least one water jet for separating meat from bone fragments, a vibrating dewatering apparatus for separating meat from the water, and a re-circulation system for collection, reheating, and re-using the solution of water and poultry extract. The apparatus and process provides bone free poultry meat that retains the natural poultry flavor and has a low bacterial count because the process is performed in 170° F. water solution.
US08110232B2 Packaging of bananas
Packaging of bananas in containers having designed permeabilities to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. The containers preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. The containers enable storage and/or ripening of bananas under controlled conditions. Using the new containers, bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the bags in which they have been transported. In addition, bananas can be preserved in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.
US08110228B2 Composition for treatment of menopause
A method of using an herbal extract of the a mixture of: Herba Scutellaria barbata, Radix Sophora subprostratae, Radix Anemarrhena, Semen Glycine sojae, Radix Glycyrrhiza, Rhizoma Rhei, Fructus Tritici levis, Radix Astragali, Radix Rehmania, Fructus Ligustri lucidi, Semen Zyziphi spinosa, Plumula Nelumbinis, Poria cocas, Rhizoma Alismatis, Cortex Moutan radicis, Fructus Corni, Radix Achyranthis, Concha Ostrea, Radix Aspargi, Radix Pueraria, Radix Atractylodis macrocephala and Herba Epimedium, for the treatment of hot flashes associated with menopause is disclosed herein.
US08110218B2 Compositions and methods for less immunogenic protein-lipid complexes
The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing the immunogenicity and increasing the circulating half-life of therapeutic proteins such as Factor VIII. The compositions comprise lipidic structures such as liposomes, micelles and cochleates comprising a negatively charged lipid and polyethylene glycol derivatized phosphatidyl ethanolamine.
US08110214B2 Method and composition for enhancing milk production and milk component concentrations
A method of feeding a ruminant that entails providing a feed that comprises sugar alcohol and at least one additional feed component, where the feed is free of rumen-protected fatty acid or comprises less than 10 weight percent rumen-protected fatty acid, based on the total weight of the feed and further entails orally supplying the feed to the ruminant during a pre-partum period when the ruminant is pregnant, where the ruminant ingests the feed and sugar alcohol during the pre-partum period.
US08110212B2 Bioactive thermogelling polymer systems and methods of their use
Hydrogels comprising poly(N-alkylacrylamide), poly(alkyleneglyco)di-acrylate or methacrylate, cross-linking agent, a source of calcium ions, and water are described, as well as methods of their preparation and use.
US08110209B2 Intracutaneous injection
The delivery of biopharmaceutical and other therapeutic agents parenterally to an animal via a minimally invasive, low pain administration is provided. The agents are delivered to the patient via, e.g., the epidermal, dermal, or subcutaneous layer of the skin in a concentrated form of injectable paste of slurry.
US08110208B1 Hemostatic compositions for arresting blood flow from an open wound or surgical site
A hemostatic composition for stopping or decreasing blood flow from an open wound or medical or surgical procedure. Compositions of the invention comprise a mixture of a cationic polymer and a cation exchange material. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture: (1) a high molecular weight copolymer of diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and acrylamide [DADMAC copolymer], and (2) the hydrogen form of a crosslinked, sulfonated polystyrene (hydrogen resin). In an exemplified embodiment, a composition of the invention comprises the mixture of DADMAC copolymer and hydrogen resin provided in a dry powdered form. The compositions of the invention may be applied directly to a wound or treatment site, or they may be incorporated into a wound dressing, such as a bandage. The seal formed at a wound or treatment site treated with the present invention is adhesive and exhibits considerable toughness.
US08110207B2 Pigmentation-regulating compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): wherein X is selected from the group consisting of O or S and R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group with from 2 to 23 carbon atoms (C2 to C23), or a cyclic group, and which can contain substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkoxy, amino, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, alkylsulfonyl or halogen atoms, a method of obtaining them, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions containing them and the use thereof for treating, caring for and/or cleaning skin, hair and/or nails, preferably those conditions, disorders or pathologies of the skin, hair and/or nails which require regulating melanogenesis.
US08110202B2 Synthetic vaccine for tick control
This invention is related to the field of immunology of protein biotechnology and particularly to the construction of synthetic immunogens which result, where inoculated, in the production by cattle of an immune response capable of lesion to the ticks feeding on the inoculated bovines, reducing their number, their weight and their reproductive capacity to such an extent that the constructed immunogen can be used as an effective vaccine for tick control on bovines. The technical object of the invention consists of the design and construction of two synthetic immunogens constituted of a continuous and defined sequence with forty-three (43) amino acids, found in different positions in the sequence of protein Bm86, their polymerization with cysteine in the N-terminal and in the C-terminal, the medicamentous composition based on said peptide(s) and the synthetic vaccine obtained thereby.
US08110201B2 Fusion proteins of mycobacterium tuberculosis
The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.
US08110198B2 Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences relating to Staphylococcus epidermidis for diagnostics and therapeutics
The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.
US08110195B2 Antibody composition exhibiting cellular cytotoxicity due to glycosylation and containing ganglioside GM2 binding antibody
The present invention relates to a cell for the production of an antibody molecule such as an antibody binding to ganglioside GM2, a fragment of the antibody and a fusion protein having the Fc region of the antibody or the like, a method for producing an antibody composition using the cell, the antibody composition and use thereof.
US08110191B2 Anti-IL-17 antibodies
Anti-IL-17 antibodies are identified that are characterized as having a high affinity and slow off rate for human IL-17. The antibodies of the invention may be chimeric, humanized or fully human antibodies, immunoconjugates of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The antibodies of the invention are useful in particular for treating autoimmune, inflammatory, cell proliferative and developmental disorders.
US08110190B2 Anti-idiotypic antibodies neutralizing the inhibitory activity of an inhibitory antibody directed against the C1 domain of Factor VIII
The present invention is related to a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody directed against a Factor VIII inhibitor antibody binding to the C1 domain of Factor VIII, as well as to a cell line producing this monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody, to the use of this monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody as medicament, and more particularly to the use thereof for manufacturing a medicament intended for the treatment of haemophilia A.
US08110178B2 Dental-plaque detection system and dental-plaque detection method
A dental-plaque detection system and dental-plaque detection method which are excellent in the detection accuracy of dental plaques and also capable of improving the situation to stain sites other than dental plaques (such as interdental parts and gums) are provided. The dental-plaque detection system includes a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin; and a light-emitting apparatus, which outputs light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm to an object in the oral cavity where the dental-plaque staining agent is attached. The dental-plaque detection method includes attaching a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin onto an object in the oral cavity; and thereafter irradiating light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm onto the object.
US08110170B2 Conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite including a carbon nanotube and a conductive polymer filled therein, and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite where a conductive polymer is filled in a carbon nanotube is manufactured by introducing a monomer of the conductive polymer into the carbon nanotube using a supercritical fluid technique and polymerizing the monomer. The conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite is a novel nano-structure material which can overcome limitations that conventional materials may have, and thus can be applied to various applications such as sensors, electrode materials, nanoelectronic materials, etc.
US08110168B2 Negative active material for lithium secondary battery and negative electrode and lithium secondary battery comprising same
A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery of the present invention includes a negative active material including a plate-shaped carbon powder particle agglomerated in a primary structure in which the plate-shaped particle is oriented in a plane direction and laminated. Fine carbon powder particles are then agglomerated to form a secondary structure on the surface of the primary structure such that the resulting particles include fine pores formed on the surface.
US08110167B2 Nanowire synthesis from vapor and solid sources
Methods of the present invention can be used to synthesize nanowires with controllable compositions and/or with multiple elements. The methods can include coating solid powder granules, which comprise a first element, with a catalyst. The catalyst and the first element should form when heated a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or peritectic point. The granules, which have been coated with the catalyst, can then be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the eutectic or peritectic point. During heating, a vapor source comprising the second element is introduced. The vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the first element and to induce condensation of a product that comprises the first and second elements in the form of a nanowire.
US08110161B2 Alkylation process for increased conversion and reduced catalyst use
The invention relates to a process for the production of alkylated aromatic compounds comprising introducing olefin and aromatic compounds into at least first and second vertically spaced catalytic reaction zones in an alkylation unit under alkylation reaction conditions to provide an alkylated product, wherein the second catalytic reaction zone is positioned above the first catalytic reaction zone; wherein aromatic compound from each of the at least first and second catalytic reaction zones are contacted with a cooling means for re-condensing at least a portion of the aromatic compounds vaporized from the exothermic heat of reaction of the alkylation process; and wherein the olefin is introduced into the at least first and second catalytic reaction zones via respective first and second olefin feed streams at respective olefin feed rates such as to maintain olefin partial pressures at inlets to at least first and second catalytic reaction zones which vary by less than about ten percent. The invention additionally relates to an apparatus for practicing the alkylation process of the invention.
US08110157B2 Heated reaction chamber for processing a biochip and method for controlling said reaction chamber
The invention relates to a heated reaction chamber for processing a biochip and to a method for controlling said reaction chamber. The heated reaction chamber for processing a biochip comprises a chamber wall, constituted by a flexible circuit board (10), a circuit path (10.3) being configured on the flexible circuit board (10) and being used as the heating device. The use of a flexible circuit board as the wall of a reaction chamber allows for a low thermal capacity of the reaction chamber in the area of the heating device, thereby allowing the chamber to be heated up quickly.
US08110155B2 Vortex reactor and method of using it
A vortex reactor is provided. The vortex reactor includes a reaction chamber formed by a frustum-shaped portion, the narrower part of which is downwardly oriented. Proximate to the narrower part of the frustum-shaped portion, the vortex reactor includes apparatus for creating an axial gas flow and apparatus for creating a circumferential gas flow. The vortex reactor also includes a particulate solid inlet for feeding particulate solids to the reaction chamber. The vortex reactor may optionally include apparatus for generating plasma in the reaction chamber by providing a gliding arc electrical discharge in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of processing particulate solids using the vortex reactor of the invention. A reverse vortex plasma reactor (TSAPG) is also provided.
US08110150B2 Bulk polymerization reactors for producing drag reducer
A polymerization reactor for creating drag-reducing polymer having a reservoir and at least one heat exchanger plate in fluid communication with a coolant source, wherein each heat exchanger plate may be disposed on a lid. The heat exchanger plates are treated and/or covered to provide that the exchanger plates can be readily disengaged from the drag-reducing polymer. The polymerization reactors of the present invention permit large amounts of polymer to be formed in each reactor batch. Preferably, polymers are formed in the polymerization reactor by bulk polymerization. Methods for forming drag-reducing polymers are also disclosed.
US08110144B2 Process for sterilization of and cyanoacrylate adhesives compositions and devices
Disclosed are processes for sterilization of cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions, the compositions, comprising 2-cyanoacrylate ester monomers, so produced and a method for assaying the effectiveness of the sterilization process. The process comprises heating the adhesive composition to from about 70° C. to about 140° C. for an effective amount of time. The effectiveness of the process can be assayed by disposing bacterial spores in the cyanoacrylate monomer, exposing the composition to a dry heat sterilization process, transferring the cyanoacrylate composition to a sterile aldose solution, transferring and exposing the sample to a nutrient medium which supports germination and growth of viable spores, incubating the samples, and determining the presence or absence of growth.
US08110132B2 Process and machine for manufacturing lap siding and the product made thereby
A process for manufacturing an elongated panel formed of synthetic materials including a polymer resin matrix, a filler and a fiber reinforcement. The process includes depositing the curable composition on a conveyor belt, distributing and leveling the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compression apparatus in which the curable composition is partially cured as it is compressed to form the panel. The machine for manufacturing the composite panel includes a mixer for the polymer system, filler and fiber reinforcement, a distribution apparatus that distributes the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compacting apparatus. The process and machine may be used to form a composite siding board that includes a grain pattern on at least one side.
US08110131B1 Carpet reclamation system
A method an apparatus for reclaiming face fibers and polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride backing material from rolls and pieces of post-consumer carpet. The system includes a separator for separating the face fibers from the backing and for separating latex and carbon calcium powder from polypropylene backing. An extruder is provided for extruding the face fibers separated from the backing into extrusions, and a pelletizer pelletizes the extrusions. A roller opener opens the polypropylene backing into fibrous portions and also cleans such fibrous portions. Alternately, a granulator can be provided that chops and grinds the polypropylene or PVC backing into fragments after the separation of the face fibers from the backing. A heat source heats the PVC fragments, and also the polypropylene fragments (thereby separating the latex therefrom), and ultimately melts such fragments. Reclaimed fibers can be pelletized, made into extrusions, used in non-woven products and in other manners.
US08110130B2 Use of a rheological additive in the manufacture by vibrocompaction of a water and hydraulic binder based formulation, formulation obtained
The present invention consists in the use, in a process of manufacture of a composition with a water and hydraulic binder base, of a rheological additive characterised in that it is an emulsion of at least one non-cross-linked copolymer, consisting of: a) (meth)acrylic acid, b) alkyl(meth)acrylate having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, c) a monomer of formula R1—(R2O)m—R3, in which: R1 designates a radical containing a polymerisable unsaturated group, R2O designates an alkylene oxide group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, m is an integer between 20 and 30, preferentially between 23 and 27, and is very preferentially equal to 25, R3 designates a linear or branched alkyl chain having 28 to 33 carbon atoms, preferentially 30 to 33 carbon atoms, and very preferentially having 32 carbon atoms. The invention also concerns the formulations thus obtained.
US08110129B2 Method for obtaining para-type wholly aromatic polyamide particles
The invention pertains to a method for obtaining para-type wholly aromatic polyamide particles, comprising the steps: a) introducing an aramid polymer solution into a water-based coagulating liquid to obtain a hydrous shaped product; and b) subjecting the never-dried or partly-dried shaped product having a water content of 10 to 99% by weight to freeze-grinding. These aramid polymer particles can be used as a filler material.
US08110128B2 Method of manufacturing an anti-glare anti-reflection film
Disclosed is an anti-glare anti-reflection film having a low haze and reduced in unevenness and dazzle. The film contains a thermoplastic resin film and at least a hard coat layer and an anti-reflection layer provided on a first surface of the thermoplastic resin film. In the film, a first convexoconcave structure that can give an anti-glare property is provided on the first surface of the thermoplastic resin film or the surface of a layer provided on the first surface of the thermoplastic resin film, and a second convexoconcave structure that can give an anti-glare property is provided on a second surface which is the other surface of the thermoplastic resin film or the surface of a layer provided on the second surface of the thermoplastic resin film. The anti-glare anti-reflection film has an average film thickness of 20 to 70 μm.
US08110126B2 Electrically conductive fiber and brush
There is provided a conductive fiber containing a conductive substance, and having stable conductive performance with a small variation in its conductive performance. A conductive fiber contains carbon black as a main conductive component in a fiber-forming polymer, wherein the carbon black is composed of a mixture of at least two kinds of the following carbon blacks (A) and (B), which is obtained by mixing them at an A/B ratio (by weight) of 90/10 to 10/90: (A) a conductive carbon black having an average particle size of 20 to 70 nm and an oil absorption defined in JIS K 5101 of 100 to 600 ml/100g; and (B) a conductive carbon black in which the average article size ratio thereof to said conductive carbon black (A) is from 1.1 to 3, and the oil absorption ratio thereof to said conductive carbon black (A) is from 0.9 to 0.2.
US08110123B2 High-brightness yellow-orange yellow phosphor for warm white LED
A high-brightness yellow-orange yellow phosphor for use in warm white LED (light emitting diode), the high-brightness yellow-orange yellow phosphor comprises a substrate based on a rare-earth garnet and cerium for activating said substrate. The high-brightness yellow-orange yellow phosphor has the substances of Li+1, Mg+2 and N−3 contained therein so that the overall stoichiometric equation of the substrate is: Σ(Ln)3Al5−xLi(x+y)Mg(x+y)O12−3yN3y and, the high-brightness yellow-orange yellow phosphor radiates in a visible orange yellow band at λ=538˜569 nm when activated by a shortwave light from an InGaN semiconductor heterostructure.
US08110118B2 Method of manufacturing circuit board
An adhesive layer, an insulating layer and a copper foil are laminated together on both surfaces of a metallic base material by way of for example thermal press molding. In this case, openings (window holes) are formed in opposed positions on a portion of the adhesive layer. A circuit pattern is formed by etching on the copper foil in this state, followed by an external shape machining step of executing separation treatment reaching the metallic base material in predetermined positions including the openings. After that, a part of the insulating layer is cut off along the edge of the opening to obtain a circuit board with the end of the metallic base material exposed.
US08110101B2 Method and apparatus for imaging target components in a biological sample using permanent magnets
A system for enumeration of cells in fluids by image cytometry is described for assessment of target populations such as leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. A small, permanent magnet is inserted directly into the chamber containing the labeled sample. The magnets are coated with PDMS silicone rubber to provide a smooth and even surface which allows imaging on a single focal plane. The cells are illuminated and the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells are captured by a CCD camera. Image analysis performed with a novel algorithm provides a count of the cells on the surface that can be related to the target cell concentration of the original sample.
US08110097B2 Circulating water washing system toilet
A system in which human waste in toilet water is decomposed and the treated water is circulated as wash water includes a toilet bowl body portion, a soil water storage tank configured to store the soil water discharged from a toilet bowl temporarily, a pump configured to pump up and deliver the soil water in the soil water storage tank, a reaction treatment tower containing filter elements as a microorganism carrier and performing a biological treatment by dispersing the soil water fed from the pump from an upper portion of the tower to bring the same into contact with the filter element, a water storage tank under the reaction treatment tower and configured to receive and store water passed through the reaction treatment tower, and a pump configured to pump up the water in the water storage tank and deliver the same as the wash water.
US08110096B1 Septic system
A system and method includes an aeration subsystem that excites enzymes in the liquid waste passing through the septic system. The aeration subsystem includes a compressor section that compresses the liquid waste and an injector section that injects oxygen into the compressed liquid waste. The system further includes a driver subsystem for driving the compressor section and a control subsystem for activating and deactivating the driver subsystem.
US08110095B2 Oil sand processing apparatus control system and method
A control system for an oil sand processing apparatus and a method for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum, an oil sand feed mechanism, a drive mechanism for rotating the drum, a first drum support and a second drum support. The control system includes a first drum load sensor associated with the first drum support for sensing a first drum load, a second drum load sensor associated with the second drum support for sensing a second drum load and an oil sand feedrate sensor associated with the oil sand feed mechanism for sensing a feedrate of the oil sand feed mechanism. A controller is provided for controlling a rotation speed of the drum and a feedrate of the oil sand feed mechanism in response to input data from the first drum load sensor, the second drum load sensor and the oil sand feedrate sensor.