Document Document Title
US08155057B2 Wireless local network reconnecting system and method
A wireless local network reconnecting system and method is provided. The method detects a connection-lost signal generated when a network node of the wireless local network group lost connection. A reconnecting coordinate is calculated according to the connection-lost signal and transmitted to the connection-lost network node through an external communication network. Afterwards, the method guides the connection-lost network node to move to the reconnecting coordinate and reconnect with the wireless local network group wirelessly. Since the external communication network is used to connect with the connection-lost network node, the connection-lost network node is able to reconnect with the wireless local network group through the proposed method.
US08155056B2 Method and apparatus for controlling traffic congestion in a wireless communication network
In a wireless communication system, a method and apparatus for controlling traffic congestion includes determining that the traffic congestion at a plurality of geographical locations in the wireless communication network is above a predetermined threshold value. At least one geographical location of the plurality of geographical location is identified, wherein the identification of the at least one geographical location is based on the determination of the traffic congestion in the plurality of geographical location. At least one network node of a plurality of network nodes located in proximity of the identified geographical location is selected and assigned a first level of priority during congestion control.
US08155053B2 Method and apparatus for data security and automatic repeat request implementation in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for implementing data security and automatic repeat request (ARQ) in a wireless communication system are disclosed. Cipher entities are included in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and an access gateway (aGW), and outer ARQ, (or radio link control (RLC)), entities are included in the WTRU and an evolved Node-B (eNode-B). Each cipher entity is located on top of an outer ARQ entity. The cipher entities cipher and decipher a data block by using a generic sequence number (SN) assigned to the data block. The outer ARQ entities may segment the ciphered data block to multiple packet data units (PDUs), may concatenate multiple ciphered data blocks to a PDU, or may generate one PDU from one data block. The outer ARQ entities may segment or re-segment the PDU when a transmission failure occurs.
US08155052B2 Autonomous wireless networks
A wireless device is operable to use received signals to divide time into a succession of frames, each frame having plural consecutive timeslots, and into a succession of four or more superframes. A transmitter is operated only in a single timeslot in one frame. A receiver is operated in the other timeslots in the frame and for all timeslots of immediately preceding and following frames, and in no other frames. This allows devices to predict periods in which to hibernate or carry out intensive tasks. The device determines which timeslots of the first frame are occupied to provide local awareness information, and transmits it as a code on its transmit timeslot along with payload data. This allows other devices in a network to obtain information about their local environment and about the environment of their neighbors. Routing decisions are made on this basis.
US08155049B2 Method and device for user cooperative communication
A wireless network system and corresponding methodologies that operates in a user cooperative communication system is provided. In operation, the system either combines packets transmitted from a direct channel with packets transmitted from and a relay channel, or uses erroneously relayed packets to assist decoding a direct packet.
US08155035B2 Reception apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
A reception apparatus and method is disclosed wherein recovery of a lost packet can be performed simply and rapidly in response to the variation of the loss rate. A packet analysis section detects loss of a packet, and a retransmission processing section registers packet information including a sequence number for identification of a packet having been lost into a NACK list. When loss of a packet is detected by the packet analysis section, a NACK production section produces a NACK packet for requesting for retransmission of the non-arriving packet whose packet information is registered in the NACK list. A network inputting/outputting section transmits the NACK packet to a transmission apparatus. The invention can be applied to a reception apparatus which receives, for example, streaming data.
US08155034B2 Prioritized and piggy-backed ACK/NACK reports
A method (200) for a cellular system (100), with an RBS (120) which controls a cell (110) with User Equipments UE (130, 140). The RBS and the UEs exchange data which may comprise sequence numbers, and exchange reports on whether or not data has been received successfully, so that both the UE and the RBS can be the reporting party and the report receiving party. The reporting party sends a report (210) to the report receiving party on whether or not data has been received successfully, together with data to the report receiving party or to another party in the cell. The reporting party decides (220) the contents of the report using one of the following priority rules: Data with lower delay tolerance is given priority, Data detected as received in error is given priority, Data is given priority according to block sequence numbers.
US08155031B2 Wireless audio transceiver system and method using UWB wireless communication
There is provided a transceiving method of an audio signal using an UWB wireless communication scheme, including the steps of: extracting and analyzing the beacon frames to generate reserved transmission interval information previously reserved by the other UWB transmitters and/or adjacent wireless audio transmitters and information on audio source and channel; calculating an available transmission interval for each channel of audio sources by using the information on the audio source and channel of the other UWB transmitters; generating and transmitting a beacon frame based on the reserved transmission interval and the audio source and channel information; transmitting the audio signal at the reserved transmission interval by audio source and channel units; extracting and analyzing the beacon frame to generate audio source and channel information and reserved transmission interval information; and providing the audio source and channel information to the user.
US08155029B2 Method and arrangement for assuring prefix consistency among multiple mobile routers
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement in communication systems utilizing network mobility (NEMO). In moving networks comprising a plurality of mobile routers, MRs, it needs to be assured that two or more MRs sharing the same prefix, belong to the same moving network. The method according to the invention utilizes a local connectivity test to determine if a MR should be allowed a certain prefix. Unique shared secrets are agreed between the MRs and the home agent, HA. The MRs derive, based on their respective shared secrets, MR specific information, which are distributed among MRs in the moving network. A MR requesting a prefix from the HA, forwards the MR specific information to the HA. By comparing data generated using its stored shared secrets with data from the MR specific information, the HA can determine whether the MR requesting a certain prefix belongs to the same moving network as MRs already using that prefix.
US08155027B2 Dynamic system and method of establishing communication with objects
According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of dynamically creating a network of a plurality of nodes operable to communicate with objects in operating sectors comprises establishing a first communication link between a first node and a second node of the plurality of nodes. The first communication link is established upon determining that the first communication link between the respective ones of the plurality of nodes would not cross an existing communication link in the network of the plurality of nodes between two of the plurality of nodes or upon determining that the first communication link would be shorter than any existing communication link in the network of the nodes between two of the plurality of nodes that the first communication link would cross. The first communication link has a first communicative line of sight between the first node and the second node.
US08155024B2 System and method for managing network connectivity of a CPE using a CMTS
A system and method can manage network connectivity of a customer premises equipment (CPE) using a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The CMTS connects to the CPE via a cable modem, and connects to a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server via a network. The CMTS includes a connection unit that is operable to inform the CPE to request the DHCP server to get a new internet protocol (IP) address when the cable modem changes a radio frequency (RF) channel to different IP domains, and control the CPE to communicate with the CMTS according to the new IP address.
US08155019B2 Information processing apparatus, device information display method, and computer-readable storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain pieces of identification information sent from devices mutually connected via a network, a determination unit configured to determine, in a case where the pieces of identification information which are obtained by the obtaining unit and sent by using mutually different protocols are identical with each other, that the devices which send the pieces of identification information are identical with each other, and a display unit configured to integrate information related to the devices determined to be identical with each other by the determination unit and display the information on a display apparatus.
US08155017B2 Method and apparatus for locating a wireless user
A plurality of antennas transmit a first spread spectrum signal having an associated code. The first spread spectrum signal is received at the wireless user. For each received first spread spectrum signal, a second spread spectrum signal is transmitted having an associated code having a same phase as that received first spread spectrum signal. The second spread spectrum signals are received at the plurality of antennas. A distance measurement is determined between each antenna and the wireless user based on in part a received timing of the second signals. The wireless user's location is determined based on in part the distance determinations.
US08155012B2 System and method for adapting a piece of terminal equipment
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a communication system (17) is provided for generating and monitoring data over pre-existing conductors (2A-2D) between associated pieces of networked computer equipment (3A-3D). The system includes a communication device (16) attached to the electronic equipment that transmits information to a central module (15) by impressing a low frequency signal on the pre-existing data lines of the remotely located equipment. A receiver (6) in the central module (15) monitors the low frequency data on the data lines to determine the transmitted information of the electronic equipment. The communication device may also be powered by a low current power signal from the central module (15). The power signal to the communication device may also be fluctuated to provide useful information, such as status information, to the communication device. Relocation of the electronic equipment with attached communication device to another location on the network is detected immediately and may be used to update a database. This invention is particularly adapted to be used with an existing Ethernet communications link or equivalents thereof.
US08155009B2 Routing engine for telecommunications network
A system for automated installation of a communication line using an optimal route between a source location and a destination location is disclosed. The system includes a routing engine providing an automated design process for rendering the optimal route. The routing engine utilizes a routing algorithm to select the optimal route from a graph of capacity links defining a plurality of possible routes between the source and destination locations. If, at any time during the design process, the optimal route or capacity links defining the optimal route are detected as unavailable for any reason, the routing engine re-initiates the design process and thereafter selects a new optimal route based upon a new capacity graph built without the previously unavailable capacity link. Once designed, the available optimal route is provided to a command and control engine, which, in turn, manages the installation of the communication line using the optimal route. The command and control engine manages the process for assigning the optimal route in the provisioning system.
US08155005B2 Transporting QoS mapping information in a packet radio network
A method and a GGSN support node for sending data packets to a mobile station in a mobile communications system from an external communication system. The GGSN receives data packets from the external communication system in a first plurality of data flows which it maps to a second plurality of data flows in the mobile communications system. It establishes at least one filter for controlling the mapping and associates the filter with the mobile station. It also maps at least one of the data flows on the basis of the filter and configures the filter on the basis of information which preferably originates from the mobile station.
US08155004B2 Mobile network system for dynamically controlling communication path and method thereof
Disclosed is a mobile network system based on ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) routing algorithm, including: a destination node: a source node for transmitting a data packet to the destination node by following a communication path; and a mobile node for receiving the data packet from a plurality of intermediate nodes located on the communication path, checking hop count numbers for the plurality of intermediate nodes, and establishing a communication path with a first node having a least number of hops and a second node having a most number of hops. Therefore, an optimum changeable communication path is searched in consideration of mobility of the mobile node. In result, communication speed is increased and the lifespan of the network is extended.
US08154990B2 Less loss in-order delivery protocol for fibre connection architecture
Methods and apparatus for providing in-order delivery in Fibre Channel (FC) fabric are disclosed. A topological change between a first switch and a second switch is evaluated to determine whether the topological change may result in out-of-order delivery. If it is determined that the topological change may result in out-of-order delivery, a flush frame is sent to the second switch and stop-on-mark is performed on all interfaces of affected links. Upon receiving the flush frame, the second switch drains all virtual output queues (VOQs) and sends an acknowledgement frame to the first switch. The first switch resumes in-order-delivery in an affected link after receiving the acknowledgement frame or expiration of a lifetime time of a frame.
US08154989B1 Recovering a shared channel within a network from a deadlock state
A method of processing data within a controller for a network can include identifying frames within a data stream within the network (1110) and detecting a deadlock state according to a number of consecutive frames comprising at least one set control bit (1130). The method can include, responsive to detecting the deadlock state, adjusting the at least one control bit within a current frame (1135). Adjusting the at least one control bit clears the deadlock state and generates a modified frame. The modified frame can be output to at least one node within the network (1140).
US08154985B1 Domain transform compaction and recovery
Disclosed are exemplary apparatus, techniques, algorithms and methods for reducing the size of time domain data with minimal distortion. In general, the exemplary techniques use a digital channelizer to convert a time series in to a set of frequency bins. Frequency bins that have a power less than a predefined threshold are converted to zero. The frequency domain data is then compressed using a compression routine. The compressed frequency domain data may be stored or transmitted. Recovery of the time domain data involves reversing the compaction process. Since the digital channelizer produces perfect reconstruction of the time signals, little distortion of the time domain signals occurs.
US08154984B2 Method for generating mutually orthogonal signals having a controlled spectrum
A method for generating mutually orthogonal signals having a controlled spectrum, includes the generation of a plurality of mutually orthogonal, controlled-power discrete spectra s(i) having dimension Q, i designating spectrum number. The aforementioned spectra represent time signals in the spectral range and have a modulus μ that is constant in a spectral line designation set G and zero everywhere else. The method includes determining at least part of a complex Hadamard matrix H of order dR=w in the case of spectra of real signals and dR=2.w in the case of spectra of complex signals; determining the extension P of matrix H from G and dimension Q; and obtaining controlled-power spectra s(i)=μ.P(H[.][i]), wherein H[.][i] designates the ith column of matrix H. In addition, a plurality of mutually orthogonal time signals s(i) is also generated from the discrete complex signals.
US08154983B2 System and method for the placement of rank information in a physical uplink shared channel
A wireless communication network includes a plurality of base stations capable of wireless communication with a plurality of subscriber stations within a coverage area of the network. At least one of the plurality of base stations is capable of selecting up to four orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in a subframe of a physical uplink shared channel. The up to four OFDM symbols are selected starting from the bottom a resource grid of the of the physical uplink shared channel in a bottom-up manner. And one or more rank information (RI) coded bits are repeated in each of the selected up to four OFDM symbols.
US08154982B2 Apparatus and method for dynamically assigning orthogonal codes in a radio communication system
An apparatus. method, and system for dynamically assigning orthogonal codes to different information signals communicated between a Node B and user equipment in a cellular radio communication system in which a fixed number of codes are allocated between dedicated transport channels (DCHs) and high speed downlink shared channels (HS-DSCHs). A radio controller (RNC) allocates a minimum number of codes for HS-DSCH physical channels (HS-PDSCH codes) to the Node B. The Node B determines HS-PDSCH codes that are not currently being utilized and allocates HS-PDSCH codes from the unused codes without having to communicate with the RNC. When the additional HS-PDSCH codes are needed for DCH codes, the Node B reallocates the codes for DCH purposes without reducing the number of HS-PDSCH codes below the allocated minimum.
US08154980B2 Object lens driving apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
An objective lens driving apparatus includes an objective lens (13) collecting a light flux emitted from a light source on a optical disk (11), and a lens holder (14) holding the objective lens (13). The lens holder (14) includes a first bonding portion (14i) and a second bonding portion (14j) for holding the objective lens (13) by means of bonding. The objective lens (13) is fixed to the lens holder (14) by applying a first bonding adhesive (25) to the first bonding portion (14i) to thereby bond the objective lens (13) thereto, adjusting an inclination of an optical axis of the objective lens (13) while causing the first bonding adhesive (25) to deform, and applying a second bonding adhesive (26) to the second bonding portion (14j). The second bonding adhesive (26) has a larger Young's modulus after curing than the first bonding adhesive (25).
US08154976B2 Reflecting wavelength plate and optical pickup using reflecting wavelength plate
Disclosed is a reflecting wavelength plate that deflects and reflects a light path and adds a phase difference with respect to plural incident light having different wavelengths. The reflecting wavelength plate includes a substrate; a reflecting film laminated on the substrate; and a sub-wavelength concavo-convex structure that is laminated on the reflecting film and has a pitch less than or equal to the shortest wavelength of the plural incident light. The filling factor and the groove depth of the sub-wavelength concavo-convex structure are determined so as to add the phase difference obtained by (kπ)/8, where k is an integer, to the plural incident light having the different wavelengths.
US08154975B1 Servoing system for multiple spot registration for holographic replication system
The present techniques provide methods and systems for controlling the recording of micro-holograms using multiple counter-propagating light beams over multiple data tracks of a holographic disk. Imperfections in a holographic disk or movement of the disk during a recording process may cause signal beams to deviate from target data tracks. In some embodiments, a tracking beam is directed to a reference layer in the disk. Deviation of the reference beam from a target groove in the reference layer may be indicative of tracking errors. A detector may detect reflections of the tracking beam and generate an error signal in response to detected tracking errors. Servo-mechanical devices may actuate (e.g., radially, tangentially, or axially translate, rotate, and/or tilt) one or more optical components through which the counter-propagating light beams are emitted to compensate for tracking errors.
US08154974B2 Holographic data storing method and storing device
A holographic data storing method includes the steps of: encoding original data to generate holographic data according to a codeword to symbol relation; and recording a hologram corresponding to the holographic data onto a holographic storage medium. In the codeword to symbol relation, a plurality of sample symbols corresponds to a plurality of codewords. Each of the sample symbols corresponds to a pattern having N*N pixels. There are M bright pixels in the N*N pixels, wherein N and M are positive integers and M is smaller than N*N. A hamming distance of the sample symbols is greater than or equal to 4, and a two-dimensional run-length of the sample symbols is greater than or equal to 2.
US08154972B2 Systems and methods for hard disk drive data storage including reduced latency loop recovery
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is discussed that includes a summation circuit, a data detector circuit, an error feedback circuit, and an error calculation circuit. The summation circuit subtracts a low frequency offset feedback from an input signal to yield a processing output. The data detector circuit applies a data detection algorithm to a derivative of the processing output and provides an ideal output. The error feedback circuit includes a conditional subtraction circuit that conditionally subtracts an interim low frequency offset correction signal from a delayed version of the derivative of the processing output to yield an interim factor. The error calculation circuit generates an interim low frequency offset correction signal based at least in part on the interim factor and a derivative of the ideal output. In such embodiments, the low frequency offset feedback is derived from the interim low frequency offset correction signal.
US08154971B2 Optical recording medium, information recording method, and information reproducing method
According to one embodiment, an optical recording medium is provided in which interlayer crosstalk is low and in which stable and high-quality recording characteristics can be obtained. To this end, an optical recording medium comprises a first recording part which includes a first recording layer and a first light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side closer to a light receiving surface, and a second recording part which includes a second recording layer and a second light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side farther from the light receiving surface, the first recording part and the second recording part being stacked, wherein the thickness of the second light reflecting layer is larger than the thickness of the first light reflecting layer.
US08154967B2 Optical recording medium, recording/reproduction apparatus, recording method, and recording/reproduction method with adjustment data for multiple layers
An optical recording medium provided with one or a plurality of recording layers includes an adjustment data recording area for recording therein adjustment data used for adjusting focus or spherical aberration of laser light used for recording/reproduction, the adjustment data recording area being disposed at a predetermined position on each of the one or plurality of recording layers, and a determination information recording area for recording therein determination information indicating whether or not the adjustment data has been recorded in the adjustment data recording area in each of the one or plurality of recording layers.
US08154966B2 Apparatus, method and program for waveform equalization on a read signal obtained by reading the record data recorded on a recording medium
An information reproducing apparatus (1) is provided with: an offset adding device (19-1, 19-2) for adding an offset value (OFS) which can be set to be variable, to a read signal (RRF) read from a recording medium (100); a correcting device (18) for correcting waveform distortion occurring in a read signal corresponding to a long mark, of the read signal to which the offset value is added; and a waveform equalizing device (18) for performing a waveform equalization process on the read signal in which the waveform distortion is corrected.
US08154964B2 Data processing device, data processing method, program, program recording medium, data recording medium, and data structure
A data processing device and a data processing method, a program and a program recording medium, a data recording medium, and a data structure, all enable data multiplexed into multiplexed data to be specified according to metadata irrespective of the number of pieces of data. A Clip( ) being metadata about a program stream into which a plurality of elementary streams are multiplexed includes as many stream_id/private_stream_id sets as the number of elementary streams number_of_streams. The stream_id/private_stream_id sets each consist of a stream_id, defined for each attribute of data in the MPEG-2 System (ISO/IEC 13818-1), for identifying data, and a private_stream_id for identifying data whose attribute is not defined in the MPEG-2 System. And each of the elementary streams multiplexed into the program stream is specified on the basis of the stream_id and the private_stream_id included in the Clip( ). Embodiments are applicable to, e.g., game machines using a DVD.
US08154956B2 Marine acoustic source operation
Data is collected from the integral timing sensor of a marine acoustic source such as an airgun, typically used for seismic measurements. Artefacts in the firing data are used to monitor the firing pressure and optionally the correct functioning of the marine acoustic source.
US08154955B2 Obstacle detection apparatus and method of controlling obstacle detection apparatus
An obstacle detection apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor and a control part. The ultrasonic sensor detects a presence of an obstacle around a vehicle and a distance to the obstacle by transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected by the obstacle. The control part includes at least one of a rainfall amount determining portion and a noise determining portion. When the rainfall determining portion determines that a rainfall amount is greater than a predetermined amount or when the noise determining portion determines that noise is present, the control part outputs a command signal to the ultrasonic sensor so that the ultrasonic sensor decreases a directivity compared with a case where the rainfall determining portion determines that the rainfall amount is less than or equal to the predetermined amount or a case where the noise determining portion determines that noise is not present.
US08154954B1 Projectile for focusing a kinetic pulse array
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for finding and physically altering underground targets. Multiple projectiles are dispersed into the ground and determine their spatial orientation using seismic waves, and then operate as an array to locate and properly time kinetic pulses to focus seismic waves on the target.
US08154953B1 Remote controlled fish locating system
A fish locating system combines the functionality of a remote controlled miniature electric boat with an underwater sonar system. The watercraft is provided with a sonar transponder attached to an exterior deck. The sonar transponder wirelessly transmits sonar readings including bottom depth and terrain, schools of fish, underwater obstructions, water temperature, and the like, to the watercraft's wireless remote controller's display screen. The remote controller comprises a display screen that visually depicts the sonar scan in real-time. In use, a person can be on shore or on an anchored boat while performing underwater reconnaissance.
US08154947B2 Multi-column addressing mode memory system including an integrated circuit memory device
A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in a dual column addressing mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes an interface and column decoder to access a row of storage cells or a page in a memory bank. During a first mode of operation, a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address. During a second mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a second column address during a column cycle time interval. A second plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a third column address during the column cycle time interval. The first and second pluralities of storage cells are concurrently accessible from the interface.
US08154944B2 Semiconductor memory device
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor memory device which prevents the voltage of a select bit line from being reduced due to the action of coupling capacitance between the select bit line and a non-select bit line, reduces current consumption, and enables high speed reading of bit lines. The semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory banks, a plurality of second bit lines, a plurality of selector circuits, a voltage supply circuit. Each of the memory banks includes a plurality of first bit lines, a plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory banks which are installed between the first bit lines and the word lines. The voltage supply circuit holds non-select bit lines of the first bit lines at the GND level at all times.
US08154941B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and method of writing data therein
A device includes a memory cell array and a control circuit, the memory cell array including word-lines, bit-lines, and memory cells arranged at the intersections of the word-lines and the bit-lines, each memory cell including an electrically programmable antifuse element. The control circuit may perform, as a first step, applying a programming voltage to one of the word-lines while applying a ground voltage to bit-lines each connected to respective selected memory cells, and as a second step, after the first step, keeping one of the one word-lines at the programming voltage while concurrently reading the electrical states of the selected memory cells, and according to the read electrical states, applying the ground voltage again to a bit-line connected to an unprogrammed selected memory cell after the first step, and applying a voltage higher than the ground voltage to a bit-line connected to a programmed selected memory cell after the first step.
US08154936B2 Single-ended bit line based storage system
A single-ended bit line based storage system. The storage system includes a first set of storage cells, a second set of storage cells, a first set of reference storage cells, a second set of reference storage cells, and a differential sensing block. The memory core is split vertically in half vertically to form the first set of storage cells and the second set of storage cells. The first set of reference storage cells provides a discharge rate lower than the discharge rate of said first set and second set of storage cells for storing data. The second set of reference storage cells provides a discharge rate lower than the discharge rate of said first set and second set of storage cells for storing data. The differential sensing block is coupled to the first set of storage cells and the second set of storage cells for generating an output data signal on receiving a control signal.
US08154932B2 Increasing efficiency of memory accesses by selectively introducing a relative delay between the time that write addresses are provided to the memory and the time that write data is provided to the memory
Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
US08154926B2 Memory cell programming
One or more embodiments include programming, in parallel, a first cell to one of a first number of states and a second cell to one of a second number of states. Such embodiments include programming, separately, the first cell to one of a third number of states based, at least in part, on the one of the first number of states and the second cell to one of a fourth number of states based, at least in part, on the one of the second number of states.
US08154920B2 Method of reading data and method of inputting and outputting data in non-volatile memory device
A method of reading data in a non-volatile memory device based on the logic level of a selection bit of an address, determines an order of reading a first and second bits of data stored in one multi-level memory cell corresponding to the address based on the logic level of the selection bit, and senses and outputs the first and second bits of data according to the determined order of reading. The method of reading data in a non-volatile memory device and the method of inputting and outputting data in a non-volatile memory device may reduce the initial read time by selecting the order of reading the first and second bits of data stored in the multi-level memory cell and reading the data according the order based on the start address.
US08154917B2 Magnetic storage device
A magnetic storage device includes a plurality of MRAM memory cells connected to a data transfer line, a clamp transistor connected between the data transfer line and a reading signal line and configured to fixedly hold the potential of the data transfer line, and a reading circuit which is connected to the reading signal line and which reads the storage information of the memory cell. The reading circuit includes a hold switch connected between the reading signal line and a reading node N and configured to hold the potential of the node N, a capacitor connected between the node N and a ground end, a precharging switch connected between the node N and a power source and configured to charge the capacitor, and an inverter to which the potential of the node N is input to generate a digital signal.
US08154908B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device and data writing method therefor
A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes: a first wire and a second wire intersecting each other; a memory cell which is disposed at each intersection of the first wire and the second wire and electrically rewritable and in which a variable resistor for memorizing a resistance value as data in a nonvolatile manner and a rectifying device are connected in series; and a control circuit which applies a voltage necessary for writing of data to the first and second wires. The control circuit precharges a non-selected second wire up to a standby voltage larger than a reference voltage prior to a set operation for programming only a variable resistor connected to selected first and second wires by supplying the reference voltage to a non-selected first wire and the selected second wire, applying a program voltage necessary for programming of the selected variable resistor based on the reference voltage to the selected first wire and applying a control voltage which prevents the rectifying device from turning ON based on the program voltage to the non-selected second wire.
US08154903B2 Split path sensing circuit
A sensing circuit is disclosed. The sensing circuit includes a first path including a first resistive memory device and a second path including a reference resistive memory device. The first path is coupled to a first split path including a first load transistor and to a second split path including a second load transistor. The second path is coupled to a third split path including a third load transistor and to a fourth split path including a fourth load transistor.
US08154899B2 Portable power supply for laboratory equipment
A portable power supply for controlling laboratory experiments, the power supply includes input terminals that receive control signals and power terminals that supply power to laboratory devices. The power supply enables power levels of standard laboratory equipment to be automatically controlled.
US08154894B1 Multiple voltage DC to DC resonant converter
A resonant DC to DC converter circuit receiving an input voltage and capable of delivering multiple output voltages, while maintaining excellent cross-regulation with only one power transformer. The circuit of the invention uses trailing edge modulation, along with a new amplitude modulation arrangement which allows for the use of resonance with synchronous rectification and only a single power transformer. Thus, the circuit provides for DC to DC conversion, as well as an amplitude modulation arrangement.
US08154891B1 Methods and apparatus for selectable output DC/DC converter
Methods and apparatus for providing a DC/DC converter having a first configuration to output a first voltage level and a second configuration to output a second voltage level.
US08154890B2 Inverter apparatus with control and voltage-sag circuitry to quickly restart when recovering from a mini power failure
An inverter apparatus converts a DC power of a capacitor charged via a rectifier circuit connected to a first AC power system into an AC power, and supplies the AC power to a second AC power system. The inverter apparatus includes a discharge circuit, a control circuit, a trigger circuit, a first voltage-sag detection circuit, a control power circuit, and a second voltage-sag detection circuit. When the second voltage-sag detection circuit detects a voltage sag of the control power circuit below a threshold, the trigger circuit generates a discharge command signal for causing the discharge circuit to discharge a charge from the capacitor.
US08154883B2 Navigation tool socket for a handheld wireless communication device
A socket is configured to receive a trackball device in a receiving space formed therein. The socket has an exterior configured to fit within an installation recess in a printed circuit board. A biased electrical interconnector extends from an interior surface of the receiving space into the receiving space, the electrical interconnector oriented within the receiving space at a position that establishes biased electrical contact with a target electrical contact of the trackball device and biased electrical contact with a corresponding electrical contact on the printed circuit board when the socket is installed in an installation recess.
US08154878B2 Chip card holder
An exemplary chip card holder used in a portable electronic device for holding a chip card is provided. The chip card holder includes a body member, a card receiving space disposed on the body member, an elastic piece and a releasing piece. The elastic piece is disposed at one end of the card receiving space and is configured for elastically resisting against the chip card to provide a pushing force to the chip card. The releasing piece is releasably disposed at the other end of the card receiving space opposite to the elastic piece and being configured to hold and release the chip card. The chip card locking device has simple structure and is easy to operate to lock or unlock the chip card.
US08154874B2 Use of flexible circuits in a power module for forming connections to power devices
A power module includes a power switching device and a flexible circuit with first and second traces electrically connected to the switching device, the first and second traces serving as an input signal carrier and an output signal carrier for the switching device.
US08154868B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a cover, a body, and a sliding mechanism connecting the cover to the body. The sliding mechanism includes a slidable plate and at least one telescoping member. The cover is rotatably coupled to ends of the at least one telescoping member. Other ends of the at least one telescoping member are slidably coupled to the slidable plate. The slidable plate is slidably received in the body, and at least a part of the slidable plate is capable of sliding out of the body.
US08154867B2 High density switching platform with interbay connections arrangement
A high density switching platform arranges multiple circuit cards interconnected by a single backplane. A single backplane has three sets of circuit cards on one side. A shared ventilation chamber on the other side of the backplane draws ambient air through each of the three sets of circuit cards independently. The air flow also allows cooling of power modules that supply power to the circuit cards. The platform allows interconnection of its circuit cards with circuit cards in adjacent platforms.
US08154863B2 Data storage device assembly
A data storage device assembly includes a rack, a mounting member, and a handle. The rack has a data storage device mounted therein. The mounting member is secured on the rack. The mounting member defines a receiving room. A clamp is slidably received in the receiving room. The clamp includes two spaced elastic claws. The handle is pivotally mounted on the mounting member. The handle includes a clasp. The handle is rotatable on the mounting member between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the clamp is located in the receiving room, the two spaced elastic claws are restricted by edges of the receiving room, and the clasp is fastened between the two elastic claws. In the second position, the clamp is located out of the receiving room, and the clasp is not fastened between the two elastic claws.
US08154862B2 Open external hard drive enclosure
An open external hard drive enclosure has a body, a hard drive port, at least one computer port, a power input port and a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically connected with the hard drive port, the at least one computer port and the power input port. An open chamber is formed in the body, has an inner bottom, two opposite inner long sidewalls and an inner short sidewall, and matches a size of a hard drive. The hard drive port is formed on and extends toward the open chamber. A lever is pivotally mounted on the inner short sidewall and being adjacent to the hard drive port to push out, disengage and conveniently replace a hard drive received in the open chamber.
US08154861B2 Hard drive deck
A hard drive deck is described. A base portion comprises a first fastening portion, a second fastening portion and a support leg. The support leg has a positioning hole and the first fastening portion has a plurality of slots such that the base portion is fastened to a computer housing. A hard drive housing is secured on the base portion. The hard drive hosing comprises an insert opening and a third fastening portion, wherein the insert opening allows a hard disk drive to be plugged into. A L-shaped frame comprises a first screw hole and a second screw hole. The first screw hole and the second screw hole are located on two ends of the L-shaped frame. The second fastening portion and the third fastening portion are secured to the first screw hole and the second screw hole.
US08154860B2 Foot pad structure
A foot pad structure includes a retaining member and an elastic pad member. The retaining member is mounted to a receiving portion formed on a bottom of an electronic system and has a second through hole communicable with a first through hole formed in the receiving portion to thereby communicate with external environment via the first through hole. The elastic pad member internally defines an air chamber that communicates with the second through hole. The elastic pad member is retained between the retaining member and the receiving portion with a lower part thereof downward protruded beyond the receiving portion. When the elastic pad member is compressed, air in the air chamber is expelled into the external environment via the first and second through holes, allowing the elastic pad member to deform for the electronic system to stably position on a work surface without wobbling when the electronic system is operated.
US08154859B2 Cable management system for a movable display device
A support system for a display device comprise a track system that defines a display movement path for movement of the display device. A support member that is movably engaged with the track supports the movement of the display device along the movement path. A cable management system has a cable of predetermined length that electrically connects to the display device and a flexible cable carrier disposed in the track system carries the cable. The flexible cable carrier has a fixed end along a first cable movement path and a moving end along a second cable movement path that is distinct from the first cable movement path.
US08154855B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor that prevents leakage current from increasing. The method includes preparing a capacitor element including an anode body, which has an anode lead, and a cathode layer; preparing a lead terminal including an anode terminal, a cathode terminal, and a first insulative member which connects the anode terminal and cathode terminal; connecting the lead terminal and the capacitor element by bonding the anode terminal and the anode lead and bonding the cathode terminal and the cathode layer; and molding a package resin around the capacitor element.
US08154854B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor and method of manufacturing the same
A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a positive electrode foil made of metal, a dielectric oxide layer provided on a surface of the positive electrode foil, a separator provided on the dielectric oxide layer, a solid electrolyte layer made of conductive polymer impregnated in the separator, a negative electrode foil facing the dielectric oxide layer across the solid electrolyte layer, and a phosphate provided on the dielectric oxide layer. This solid electrolytic capacitor reduces a leakage current.
US08154852B2 Electric double layer capacitor
It is disclosed that an electric double layer capacitor includes a plurality of cells each including activated-carbon electrodes disposed on both sides of a separator; a plurality of packing members each disposed at an outer periphery of the cell, each of the plurality of cells and the plurality of packing members being stacked through a charge collector; and both end plates sandwiching the plurality of cells and the plurality of packing members through both collector electrodes, at least one of the end plates being formed with an inlet through which an electrolytic solution is injected. Moreover, the electric double layer capacitor is covered and sealed with an enclosing member. Moreover, the electric double layer capacitor includes an O-ring disposed in the inlet, or alternatively, an edge of the inlet is curved.
US08154849B2 Laminated electronic component
A laminate is prepared in which adjacent internal electrodes are electrically insulated from each other at an end surface at which the internal electrodes are exposed, a space between the adjacent internal electrodes, which is measured in the thickness direction of insulating layers, is about 10 μm or less, and a withdrawn distance of the adjacent internal electrodes from the end surface is about 1 μm or less. In an electroplating step, electroplating deposits deposited on the ends of the adjacent internal electrodes are grown so as to be connected to each other.
US08154847B2 Capacitor structure
A capacitor structure is disclosed. The capacitor structure includes at least a D1+ first-level array. The D1+ first-level array comprises three first D1+ conductive pieces and a second D1+ conductive piece. Two of the first D1+ conductive pieces are disposed in a first row of the D1+ first-level array, and the remaining first D1+ conductive piece and the second D1+ conductive piece are disposed in a second row of the D1+ first-level array from left to right. The adjacent first D1+ conductive pieces are connected to each other, and the first D1+ conductive pieces are not connected to the second D1+ conductive piece.
US08154845B1 Systems and methods for arc energy regulation and pulse delivery
An apparatus for interfering with locomotion of a target by conducting a current through the target. The apparatus includes, according to various aspects of the present invention, a transformer, a resistance in series with the secondary winding of the transformer, and a detector that detects the current through the resistance. The current provided through the target flows through the resistance. The detector operates to detect an amount of charge provided to the target.
US08154844B2 Wearable shield and self-defense device including multiple integrated components
A personal defense device that includes a shield member configured to be worn over at least a third of a length of a user's forearm, the forearm being bounded by the user's ipsilateral wrist and ipsilateral elbow, the length being measured from the wrist to the elbow, the shield member conforming closely to the outer surface counters of a forearm, and a portable source of electricity. The shield member includes an electrical shock bar configured to receive an electrical current from the electrical source and to deliver an electrical shock to a human or other animal.
US08154843B2 Dual power source pulse generator for a triggering system
An ablative plasma gun having a dual power source pulse generator is configured to generate a high voltage low current pulse and a low voltage high current pulse. A pair of electrodes are disposed and configured to receive the high voltage low current pulse, and to receive the low voltage high current pulse in response to the high voltage low current pulse.
US08154841B2 Current zero cross switching relay module using a voltage monitor
Assemblies, systems, and methods which prolong relay life by dynamically compensating the make and break contact timing between the contact points of the relay and a zero crossing point of the power supply's waveform are provided according to the present disclosure. The life cycle of the relay components are dramatically increased through the use of these assemblies, systems, and methods due to a decrease in arcing and other physically damaging phenomena between the contacts of the relay. The present disclosure also provides for assemblies, systems, and methods whereby a processor analyzes the inductive kickback effect in the relay load voltage signal and dynamically adjust the relay open time such that the inductive kickback effect is minimized. In exemplary embodiments, the systems/methods provided herein advantageously adjust the relay open time such that the relay switching time corresponds with current zero cross and do so without requiring complicated current monitoring components.
US08154838B2 PTC device, protective circuit module including the same, and secondary battery including the protective circuit module
A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) device, a Protective Circuit Module (PCM) including the PTC device, and a secondary battery including the Protective Circuit Module (PCM) are provided. A support portion is formed at one end of a conductive plate of the PTC device, a conductive layer disposed on the upper portion of the PTC main body is fixed to the Protective Circuit Module (PCM), and the support portion is fixed by a coated adhesive that is melted at a high temperature and then hardens when the high temperature is removed, thereby preventing the PTC device from swaying or twisting.
US08154835B2 Power and control unit for a low or medium voltage apparatus
A power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications operatively coupable to a low or medium voltage apparatus and to a protection relay having a trip circuit supervision. The power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications according to the invention comprises: a binary input which is operatively coupable with said protection relay; a control unit operatively coupled to said binary input and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus; a failure and continuity detection unit operatively coupled to said binary input and that can be enabled and disabled; an enabling unit operatively coupled to said failure and continuity detection unit and to said control unit and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus.
US08154834B2 Protection circuit with overdrive technique
The present invention relates to a protection circuit and method of protecting a semiconductor circuit against a temporary excessive voltage on a supply line, wherein a first trigger signal is generated in response to a detection of an excessive voltage on the supply line and a clamp element (M1) is activated by applying a boosted second trigger signal at a voltage higher than the first trigger signal to a control terminal of the clamp element (M1) in response to said first trigger signal, to thereby generate a low resistive path between said supply line and a lower reference potential. Thereby, the clamp element (M1) is activated with a higher voltage and can thus be made smaller in width. Because the clamp element is smaller, a remote trigger circuit can be sized tighter and faster.
US08154832B2 Leak detection and leak protection circuit
A leak detecting and leak protecting circuit comprises a rectification circuit comprising positive and negative power output ends, current limiting resistors, a diode, a silicon control comprising control poles, a switch capable of linking to a resetting button, and a tripping coil comprising a built-in iron core. The rectification circuit outputs DC power. The tripping coil, switch, and silicon control are connected in series and then are connected to the positive and negative power output ends of the DC power output from the rectification circuit. The control poles of the silicon control are capable of connection with a shielding layer of output wires through at least one of the current limiting resistors and a diode. And, when the switch is in a resetting state, the switch is closed, and, when the switch is in a tripped state, the switch is open.
US08154831B2 Leakage current detection interrupter with fire protection means
A leakage current detection interrupter with fire protection means comprising: (i) a movable assembly housing; (ii) two fixed contact holders each having a fixed contact point; (iii)) two movable contact holders each having a fixed end and a movable end with a movable contact point; (iv) a movable assembly that moves between a first position and a second position; (v) a resetting component; (vi) a resetting component spring; (vii) an electromagnetic tripping component, which, when energized, which is responsive to a fault condition, causes the movable assembly to be in the second position from the first position; (viii) an leakage current protection circuit assembled on a printed circuit board for detecting the fault condition; and (ix) a set of three electrical wires: a first wire, a second wire, and a third wire to an appliance, wherein the first wire and the second wire are protected by a plurality of protective shields.
US08154830B2 Apparatus for quench protection and stabilizing decay in a quasi-persistent superconducting magnet
A superconducting magnet assembly comprises a superconducting magnet which, under working conditions, generates a magnetic field in a working volume. The superconducting magnet is connected in parallel with a series combination of a superconducting fault current limiter and a resistor, and with a DC power source. Under working conditions, the magnet can be energized by the power source to generate a desired magnetic field in the working volume.
US08154828B2 Magnetoresistive effect element in CPP-type structure and magnetic disk device
An MR element in a CPP structure includes a spacer layer made of Cu, a magnetic pinned layer containing CoFe and a free layer containing CoFe that are laminated to sandwich the spacer layer. The free layer is located below the magnetic pinned layer. The free layer is oriented in a (001) crystal plane, the spacer layer is formed and oriented in a (001) crystal plane on the (001) crystal plane of the free layer. Therefore, in a low resistance area where an area resistivity (AR) of the MR element is, for example, lower than 0.3 Ω·μm2, an MR element that has a large variation of a resistance is obtained.
US08154824B2 Library device
A library device includes: cells each containing a storage medium in a first or a second manner; a medium drive accessing and containing the medium differently from a manner of placing the medium in at least one of the cells; and a medium-transferring unit including a housing section housing the medium, and moving the housing section between the cells and the medium drive to transfer the medium. The unit includes: a support member supporting the housing section pivotably between a first and a second postures meeting the first and second manners; a movement-controlling system moving the support member so that the housing section faces the cells and medium drive; a medium-transferring system transferring the medium; a biasing member biasing the housing section toward the first posture; and a posture-changing member interfering with and thereby pivoting the housing section from the first posture to the second posture resisting the biasing member.
US08154821B2 Magnetic head-positioning servo system, magnetic head test system and magnetic disk test system
A magnetic head-positioning servo system is provided to accurately test a magnetic disk with a track written in advance, by providing two fine actuators. The second fine actuator, to which a magnetic head is attached, is mounted on the first fine actuator. The second fine actuator has a larger generating displacement than a generating displacement of the first fine actuator, and lets the magnetic disk to follow the eccentricity of the track. In this way, the positioning accuracy can be increased.
US08154820B1 Harmonic sensor
A system comprising: a read/write head configured to generate signals in response to the read/write head being at a particular fly height over a storage medium during a read operation; a weighting function module configured to i) determine time domain samples in response to the signals generated by the read/write head, and ii) multiply each of the time domain samples by a corresponding coefficient of a window function to generate weighted samples; a first harmonic sensor module configured to estimate a magnitude of a first frequency in response to the weighted samples; and a head height control module configured to i) determine an estimated height of the read/write head over the storage medium in response to the magnitude of the first frequency, and ii) selectively adjust, during the read operation, the particular fly height of the read/write head over the storage medium based on the estimated height.
US08154817B2 Compensation for different transducer translation path geometries
Method and apparatus for compensating for differences in translation path geometries of transducers used to access a data storage medium. A compensation profile is generated in relation to radial error between a first translation path geometry of a first transducer and a different, second translation path geometry of a second transducer. A control circuit directs the first transducer to write data to a rotatable data storage medium in relation to the compensation profile to emulate the second translation path geometry. In some embodiments, the control circuit comprises a data signal clock generator, a motor rotation clock generator, and a transducer radial translation clock generator. A nearest pulse detector identifies a closest clock signal pulse to a once-per-revolution (OPR) rotational reference, and the control circuit adjusts a frequency of the associated clock signal coincident with the closest pulse.
US08154814B2 Method of refreshing data stored on a disk
According to one embodiment, a disk comprises an area which comprises a plurality of data tracks and is partitioned into a first segment and a plurality of second segments. A controller detects that a segment to be refreshed next is one of the plurality of second segments. The controller saves data stored in the one of the plurality of second segments into the first segment when a segment to be refreshed next is the one of the plurality of second segments.
US08154810B2 Optical assemblies for adjusting working distance and field of view in an imaging system
Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive a lens adapter; a set of base optics positioned in the proximal end of the base; and adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base and optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Embodiments of a process including forming a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive any one of a plurality of lens adapters; positioning a set of base optics in the proximal end of the base; and positioning adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base such that they are optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08154801B2 Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens group that has a positive refractive power and remains stationary in a direction of an optical axis; a second lens group that has a negative refractive power and is movable on the optical axis so as to perform a zoom operation; a third lens group that has a positive refractive power and remains stationary in the direction of the optical axis during zooming and focusing; a fourth lens group that has a positive refractive power and is movable on the optical axis so as to correct fluctuation in imaging position and correct change in imaging position caused by change in object distance; and a fifth lens group that has a positive refractive power and remains stationary in the direction of the optical axis.
US08154800B2 Multiple-view directional display
A multiple view directional display comprises a pixellated image display layer having a plurality of first pixels (P1) assigned to display a first image and a plurality of second pixels (P2) assigned to display a second image, and a parallax barrier aperture array (21) for directing light from the first pixels generally into a first viewing window (2) and for directing light from the second pixels generally into a second viewing window (3) not overlapping the first viewing window. The display further comprises first light directing means (31) for re-directing light emitted from a first lateral edge region (25) of each first pixel away from the second viewing window.
US08154798B2 Projection screen for displaying two-dimensional and three-dimensional motion pictures and method of use thereof
The present disclosure reveals a reflective, front-projection screen designed to faithfully and accurately display the images from state-of-the-art (SOTA) and next-generation 2D and 3D motion-picture projectors, such as those found in large-capacity public movie theaters, home theaters, offices, and for use with portable projection systems for consumer and commercial applications. In particular it discloses cinema-size light shaping 3D projection screens with front-surface microstructures and horizontal viewing angles in the range of 90 to 120 degrees.
US08154794B2 Imaging lens and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided an imaging lens including: a transparent substrate; an upper lens disposed on a top of the transparent substrate; and a lower lens disposed on a bottom of the transparent substrate to correspond to the upper lens, wherein one of the upper and lower lenses includes a lens element and a partition wall formed higher than the lens element to surround the lens element. Also, there is provided a method of manufacturing the same. In the imaging lens, the partition wall is replicated together with the lens element on one or both surfaces of the transparent substrate. The partition wall is formed higher than the lens element and has a flat top surface. Therefore, when another lens element is replicated on an opposite surface of the transparent substrate, the previously replicated lens element is prevented from deformation.
US08154789B2 Electronic paper display device and manufacturing method thereof
The electronic paper display device may include a first electrode; a dielectric layer that is disposed on the first electrode and has a plurality of cells defined by a barrier; a second electrode that faces the dielectric layer; and electronic balls that are disposed in the inside of the respective cells to display an image according to the electric fields applied to the first and second electrodes wherein a side of the barrier is formed in a recessed round shape.
US08154787B2 Electrochromic materials
Green electrochromic (EC) materials based on thiophene, and a green EC material based on pyrazine are disclosed. A first thiophene derivative (2,3-Di-thiophen-2-yl-thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine), which was previously investigated as a nonlinear optical material, is here disclosed for its use as an EC material and for its incorporation into an EC device. Synthesis of two new thiophene derivatives (2,5-di(thien-2-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene and 2,5-(2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene), and a new pyrazine derivative (2,3-dibenzyl-5,7-di(thien-2-yl) thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine) are also disclosed, since these materials are all able to selectively change state to appear a green color and can be polymerized to achieve a green EC polymer.
US08154783B2 Method and apparatus for controlling mirror motion in light scanning arrangements
A method and apparatus of driving a motor in a light scanning arrangement. The method includes the following steps: (1) driving a drive coil with a drive signal to oscillate a scan mirror and a light beam reflected from the scan mirror; (2) generating a feedback signal having zero crossings during oscillation of the scan mirror by a feedback coil in proximity to the drive coil; (3) integrating the feedback signal to generate an integrated feedback signal; and (4) processing the integrated feedback signal to generate a periodic drive signal that has the same time period as the feedback signal.
US08154778B2 Systems and methods for color correction processing and notification for digital image data generated from a document image
Systems and methods for generating color corrected digital image data from a document image according to personal preferences of an identified user of the digital image copy. A color correction profile is provided defining color correction parameters for a particular identified user. The digital image copy is generated in accordance with the color correction profile by replacing problematic colors with alternate presentations as defined by the color correction parameters. The alternate presentations may include corrections to compensate for colorblindness of an identified user. The document image may be logically segmented to identify objects associated with each of a plurality of segments of the document image such as text, graphics, photographic images, etc. The color correction profile may define different color correction parameters to be associated with each defined type of segment.
US08154771B2 Training a user on an accessiblity device
A user of an accessibility device is taught to properly use the device with a test image such that the accessibility device captures the entirety of or a large portion of a test image. In training the user, the device processes test image's information located within the device's field of view. Based on this processed information, the device indicates to the user if the device should be re-positioned such that a larger portion of the test image comes within the device's field of view.
US08154769B2 Systems and methods for generating and processing evolutionary documents
An evolutionary document system comprises: a multi-function printer, a recognition module, an evolutionary document processing module, a list of document identifiers and corresponding actions, and an evolutionary document creation module. The MFP includes software and control routines for processing and creating evolutionary documents. The recognition module is operable on the MFP and allows the MFP to determine an evolutionary document identification number from an image scanned by the MFP. The evolutionary document processing module is capable of matching an evolutionary document identification number to one or more steps or action stored in the list of document identifiers and corresponding actions. Once the actions have been identified, the evolutionary document processing module executes the actions. The present invention also includes an evolutionary document creation module for creating an evolutionary document including an identification code. The evolutionary document creation module also creates the actions associated with the evolutionary document and an entry in the list of document identifiers and corresponding actions. The present invention also includes a method for creating an evolutionary document, a method for processing an evolutionary document, and a method for printing an evolutionary document.
US08154765B2 Methods and algorithms for adjusting gloss levels in printers
A printer configured to adjust gloss appearance of images includes a marking engine configured to render an image on a substrate from input image data; and a controller configured to: (i) correlate a minimum luminance value to be used by the printer based on a gloss selection; (ii) determine a black point compensation function based on the correlated minimum luminance value; and (iii) adjust luminance values for input image data using the determined black point compensation function. A method to adjust gloss appearance of images is also provided.
US08154748B2 Digital broadcast reception apparatus and method of printing information contents in the apparatus
A digital television which allows a user to view a digital broadcast program designates print information to be printed when making a DTV printer print using program information of the digital broadcast program and the print information supplied together with the program information. The digital television determines whether the print information is a content A supplied from a broadcast station together with the program information or a content B supplied from a WEB server by downloading it from a supply source. If the print information is the content B, the digital television determines whether the print information can be downloaded from the supply source prior to the program broadcasting. A system is thus constructed which can determine whether the print information can be printed when the user reserves printing of the print information.
US08154746B2 Information communication system, sending device, receiving device, recording medium storing transmission control program, recording medium storing reception control program, data signal embodied in carrier wave, sending method, and receiving method
An information communication system having a sending device that sends electronic information via a communication section, a receiving device that receives the electronic information sent from the sending device via the communication section, the sending device which includes a ratio information maintaining section that maintains ratio information regarding an amount of electronic information assigned to each of plural communication sections at the time of sending the electronic information, a dividing section that divides the electronic information corresponding to the plural communication sections on the basis of the maintained ratio information, and a sending section that sends the divided electronic information to the receiving section, the receiving device comprising, a receiving section that receives the electronic information sent from the sending section via the plurality communication sections, and a restoring section that combines and restores the received electronic information to a state prior to being divided by the dividing section.
US08154745B2 Method and apparatus to generate XHTML contents
A method and apparatus to generate XHTML-Print data including: generating XHTML-Print extension data corresponding to an adornment image and an insertion image desired to be printed; and generating XHTML-Print printing data by adding the generated XHTML-Print extension data to XHTML-Print basic data prepared in advance.
US08154740B2 Image processing apparatus for concatenating a read document image, method of generating an index of a concatenated image, and computer-readable recording medium having index generation program recorded
An image processing apparatus includes a scanner for reading out documents, a first extraction unit for extracting text contained in document images, a second extraction unit for extracting at least one Web address from the text, a fetch unit for obtaining at least one Web page corresponding to the Web address, a first generation unit for generating a concatenated image by concatenating the document images with the Web page, and a second generation unit for generating an index indicating a corresponding relationship between the document images and the Web page in the concatenated image.
US08154739B2 Printer and image output apparatus
A printer includes a display displaying an image of predetermined image data selected from a plurality of image data sorted in order; a recording head recording the image of the image data on printing paper; and a plate-shaped operation tab rotatably attached to an attachment surface of a body. Based on a rotation operation to the operation tab detected by a rotary encoder, image data to be image-displayed on the display is switched according to the order of the image data. Consequently, it is possible to provide a printer which can be easily operated even by users not good at operating device when they want to display desired image data among the plural image data.
US08154728B2 Analytical equipment enclosure incorporating phase changing materials
Thermally controlled enclosures that can be used with gas analyzers are described. The enclosures incorporate one or more phase changing materials that buffer ambient and internal heat loads to reduce the power consumption demand of mechanical or electronic heating apparatus. Maintenance of gas analyzer equipment at a consistent temperature can be important to achieving stable and reproducible results. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US08154727B2 Hollow waveguide cavity ringdown spectroscopy
Laser light is confined in a hollow waveguide between two highly reflective mirrors. This waveguide cavity is used to conduct Cavity Ringdown Absorption Spectroscopy of loss mechanisms in the cavity including absorption or scattering by gases, liquid, solids, and/or optical elements.
US08154726B2 Optical analysis system and method for real time multivariate optical computing
An optical analysis system and method for determining information carried by light include a multivariate optical element disposed in the system to receive a source light from an illumination source; filtering the source light through a spectral element in the optical element analysis system; reflecting the filtered light through an inner region of a cavity in a first direction of a sample to be measured, the cavity defining a second region disposed about the inner region; focusing the reflected light proximate the sample; reflecting the focused light from the sample through the second region in a second direction of a beamsplitter, the light being reflected from the sample carrying data from the sample; splitting the sample carrying light with the beamsplitter into a first light and a second light; optically filtering the data of the first light with the multivariate optical element into an orthogonal component; directing the first light filtered by the multivariate optical element onto a first photodetector; directing the second light onto a second photodetector; and comparing the orthogonal component to information present in the second light to determine a property of the sample.
US08154725B2 Line scanning measurement system
A line scanning measurement system includes an illumination apparatus, a support, a telecentric optical element and a processor. The illumination apparatus is utilized for providing an extended polarized light beam. The support is utilized for mounting a sample, and the extended polarized light beam is directed at the sample. The telecentric optical element is utilized for directing a measurement light beam that has interacted with the sample toward a line scanning detector. The processor is utilized for obtaining the characteristic information of the sample in accordance with the signal measured by the line scanning detector.
US08154716B2 Waveguide-based sensor
A sensor for sensing a target chemical with high signal-to-noise ratio is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a sensing region that is optically coupled with an attenuation region. The sensing region receives optical stimulation that comprises light characterized by an excitation wavelength. In response to exposure to the target chemical, the sensing region fluoresces at a fluorescence wavelength. The attenuation region receives light from the fluorescing sensing region that includes light characterized by the fluorescence wavelength (i.e., signal) and light characterized by the excitation wavelength (i.e., noise). The attenuation region conveys the light to a detector that provides an electrical output signal based on the target chemical. While conveying the light, however, the attenuation region improves the signal-to-noise ratio by attenuating light characterized by the excitation wavelength more than light characterized by the fluorescence region.
US08154712B2 Insertion of laser path in multiple field of view reflective telescope
A multiple field of view reflective telescope is described herein which has a laser and associated components inserted therein. In addition, a method is described herein for using the multiple field of view reflective telescope to range an object (e.g., target) or to designate-highlight an object (e.g., target).
US08154704B2 Liquid crystal display and method for repairing the same
A method for repairing a liquid crystal display. The method includes preparing a liquid crystal panel including a signal pad part and a repair pad part connected to signal lines; testing a driving circuit connected to the signal pad part on the liquid crystal panel; opening signal links connecting the signal lines and the signal pad part, connected to the driving circuit, if the driving circuit is detected in a defect as a result of the test; and mounting a repair driving circuit to be connected to the repair signal pad part on the liquid crystal panel.
US08154703B2 Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate including a scanning line, a signal line crossing the scanning line, a switching element electrically connected to the scanning line and the signal line, and a pixel electrode formed on the scanning line, the signal line, and the switching element and electrically connected to the switching element, an opposite substrate including a common electrode with a through-hole and arranged opposite to the array substrate with a gap, a columnar spacer formed on either one of the array substrate and the opposite substrate and positioned away from the pixel electrode, the columnar spacer overlapping the through-hole and holding the gap between the array substrate and the opposite substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposite substrate.
US08154701B2 Liquid crystal display device with link lines connecting to tape carrier package
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates facing each other and attached to each other with a cell-gap therebetween, gate lines and data lines arranged horizontally and vertically on the first substrate, first lines formed on the first substrate, connected to the gate lines or the data lines, and each having a link bending point and bent at an angle, a TCP electrically attached to the first substrate, and second lines formed on the TCP and electrically connected to the first lines respectively. At least one link bending point is positioned at a region of the TCP.
US08154699B2 Liquid crystal display device
One of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode includes, on a protective film formed so as to cover the thin film transistor, a planar metal electrode formed so as to cover a rough surface formed in the reflective pixel part; and a planar transparent electrode formed in the reflective pixel part and the transparent pixel part so as to cover the metal electrode. Another one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode includes, on an insulating film formed so as to cover the one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, a plurality of linear electrodes provided in parallel with one another so as to overlap the one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode. The transparent electrode included in the one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is formed of a transparent conductive film which is formed through application.
US08154695B2 Liquid crystal display and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display (LCD) comprises a first substrate comprising a pixel electrode comprising one or more first domain-forming features and further comprising a first vertical alignment film disposed on the pixel electrode; a second substrate facing the first substrate and comprising a common electrode which comprises one or more second domain-forming features and further comprises a second vertical alignment film disposed on the common electrode; and a liquid crystal compound interposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the liquid crystal compound comprises liquid crystal molecules, ultraviolet (UV) hardening monomers and UV hardening initiators, and the liquid crystal molecules are pre-tilted to form an angle greater than 88 degrees but less than 90 degrees with respect to the first substrate when no driving power is applied to the pixel and common electrodes. Fast response time is provided in some embodiments.
US08154689B2 Light emitting element and liquid crystal display apparatus
A light-emitting element (1) includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes [3(R1, G11, . . . )] of two or more different colors, and a light-guiding member (4) for emitting, in the form of plane emission, light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting diodes [3(R1, G11, . . . )]. The plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged in a predetermined order along the light-guiding member (4). A scattering member (31) for scattering light is provided on that side surface of the light-guiding member (4) which faces in a width direction (i.e., a direction along the direction that the light-emitting diodes (3) are arranged). Thus obtained is a white light source, free from coloration attributed to the color of a light-emitting diode disposed next to a side edge surface, whose colors have been sufficiently mixed.
US08154687B2 Liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having light scattering patterns at an edge region of a light guide plate, capable of preventing a hot spot phenomenon occurring when an edge-type backlight unit is implemented with using light emitting means such as light emitting diodes (LED). The LCD device comprises: an LC panel; a light guide plate disposed below the LC panel, and having light scattering patterns formed in a plurality of groups with a constant gap therebetween at one or more edge regions on an upper surface thereof; and light emitting devices disposed at a side wall of the light guide plate, each light emitting device disposed to correspond to a region between the light scattering patterns, for emitting light.
US08154683B2 Illumination device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a method for easily manufacturing an illumination device in which a surface mount chip-type LED is used, and a wiring board is formed into a truncated conical or another shape. The method includes, in a flexible strip-like wiring board having a partial ring or a linear shape, providing a through-hole T for filling with solder paste S at a wiring end portion L to be connected with a terminal of an LED, temporarily fixing the LED with bond B onto the wiring board held in a plate-like state, filling the through-hole T with the solder paste S from a back surface of the wiring board, rounding the wiring board mounted with the LED into a truncated conical or cylindrical shape, and reflowing the wiring board in the rounded state to solder the LED.
US08154680B2 Electronic device display structures with controlled chassis reflections
A display may be based on a display unit that is mounted within a chassis. The display unit may be a liquid crystal display unit. A backlight may be used to illuminate the display unit. The backlight may include a light guide plate. Light from a light source may be launched into an edge of the light guide plate. Scattered light from the light guide plate may travel vertically along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the plane that contains the light guide plate. The scattered light may pass through the display unit and may serve as backlight for the display. The light guide plate may be mounted within a rectangular opening in the chassis. The edges of the rectangular opening and the edges of the light guide plate may be configured to reduce excessive reflections. These edges may have reflection-reducing coatings, non-planar surfaces, and other reflection-reducing configurations.
US08154679B2 Flat panel display and method thereof
A flat panel display includes a display panel, a mold frame receiving the display panel and a flexible printed circuit including a first portion disposed under the mold frame and a second portion extended from an end of the first portion and connected to the display panel. The first portion of the flexible printed circuit is attached to the mold frame. The mold frame includes a sidewall extending in a first direction, and a receiving plate extended from the sidewall in substantially a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The receiving plate of the mold frame is disposed between the display panel and the flexible printed circuit.
US08154677B2 Liquid crystal display device having a pixel region with two TFT elements and two pixel electrodes each having slits extending in two directions
(Object) To increase the ratio of the opening in each pixel in a liquid crystal display device.(Means for Achieving Object) In a liquid crystal display device having an active matrix type liquid crystal display panel: TFT elements in two pixels which are adjacent to each other with one scanning signal line in between respectively have a gate connected to the scanning signal line and either a source or drain connected to a different video signal line; and between two adjacent scanning signal lines, a pixel having a TFT element of which the gate is connected to one of the two scanning signal lines and a pixel having a TFT element of which the gate is connected to the other scanning signal line are aligned in the direction in which the video signal lines extend, and either the sources or the drains of the two TFT elements are connected different video signal lines.
US08154673B2 Touch panel and driving method thereof
A touch panel including a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, first conductive patterns, first electrodes, second conductive patterns, second electrodes, and spacers is provided. The first conductive patterns are disposed on the first transparent substrate, and extend along a first direction. The first electrodes are disposed at the two ends of the first conductive patterns in the first direction. The second conductive patterns are disposed on the second substrate, and extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second electrodes are disposed at the two ends of the second conductive patterns in the second direction. The abovementioned conductive patterns are located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the projections of the conductive patterns to the first transparent substrate are partially overlapped to form sensing blocks. The spacers are disposed between the first conductive patterns and the second conductive patterns to form a gap.
US08154672B2 Reflective liquid crystal display apparatus
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a reflective liquid crystal display apparatus which includes a polarization beam splitter having a polarization split film used as both a polarizer and an analyzer; a reflective liquid crystal display device; a quarter wave plate; and a projection optical system; where the absolute value of phase difference of diffracted light generated by the reflective liquid crystal display device in a black display state is reduced by the phase difference of the quarter wave plate, and thus the amount of stray light of the diffracted light guided from the polarizing beam splitter to the projection optical system decreases.
US08154671B2 Reflective liquid crystal display apparatus
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a reflective liquid crystal display apparatus which includes a polarization beam splitter having a polarization split film used as both a polarizer and an analyzer; a reflective liquid crystal display device; a quarter wave plate; and a projection optical system; where the absolute value of phase difference of diffracted light generated by the reflective liquid crystal display device in a black display state is reduced by the phase difference of the quarter wave plate, and thus the amount of stray light of the diffracted light guided from the polarizing beam splitter to the projection optical system decreases.
US08154670B2 Screen, especially for the seat of a motor vehicle
A video screen assembly for a vehicle seat is movable between an upper position and a lower position and includes a fitting and a pivoting arm. A belt drive connects the pivoting arm and the video screen such that a torque applied to move the pivoting arm results in a torque being transmitted to move the video screen by preferably a directly proportional angular amount. The video screen can be rotated to a storage position where the vide screen display is protected from cargo with in the vehicle.
US08154668B2 Television receiver
A television receiver includes a liquid crystal module, a control board, a jack holder, a cabinet and a plurality of spacers. The control board has a jack. The jack holder is mounted to the control board to hold the jack. The cabinet houses the liquid crystal module, the control board and the jack holder. The cabinet has an opening to which the jack holder is attached from inner side of the cabinet. The spacers are disposed between the jack holder and the cabinet at locations spaced apart where the jack holder and the cabinet overlap. The spacers maintain a gap between the jack holder and the cabinet.
US08154665B2 Broadcast receiver
A broadcast receiver in which a digital broadcasting and an analog broadcasting can be received includes a judgment unit for judging that the analog broadcasting is terminated when a preset condition is met and a deletion unit for carrying out a deletion process for deleting a predetermined function for the analog broadcasting when the analog broadcasting is judged as being terminated by the judgment unit, and the deletion unit executes an analog channel deletion process to delete a channel data of the analog broadcasting in a channel map and an analog display control process function deletion process to delete a display control process function for showing an indication to select the predetermined function for the analog broadcasting in a display unit.
US08154664B2 Method and apparatus for DC restoration using feedback
A feedback circuit for restoration of DC in video signals is presented. A sample pulse representing the back porch of an incoming video signal is generated from the horizontal sync signal. The sample pulse triggers a sample and hold circuit to acquire the correct offset voltage in the output signal during this back porch period. The offset voltage feeds back through a summing node upstream of either the circuit causing the offset or an input amplifier thereby restoring the video signal to the desired DC voltage level with respect to ground.
US08154662B2 Television and method for providing auxiliary information
A method for outputting alert information. The method includes selecting broadcasting signals by a tuner of the television in response to channel selection signals from a microprocessor of the television; determining whether digital baseband signals being received from the tuner by the microprocessor; retrieving auxiliary data from memory of the television when the digital baseband signals are determined not being received from the tuner; and outputting alert information by an outputting means according to the retrieved auxiliary data from the memory.
US08154661B2 Video device, output switching method for video device, and cable discriminating method
A video device comprises: a video signal processor generating a standard definition video signal at least having a composite signal and a high definition component video signal; an outputting unit outputting the standard definition video signal or the high definition component video signal to a cable to be connected; a discriminating unit discriminating a kind of cable connected to the outputting unit; and a switch allowing the outputting unit to selectively output the standard definition video signal and the high definition component video signal on the basis of the discrimination result of the discriminating unit. When the discriminating unit determines that the cable connected to the outputting unit is a cable for a high definition signal, the switch allows the outputting unit to output the high definition component video signal.
US08154658B2 Television and method for adding datafiles therein
A television includes a device memory for storing a plurality of data files; an interface for connecting an external device to the television; and a detector used for detecting whether the external device is connected to the television and detecting whether the external device has files, and generating a file detected signal when the external device has files; a process module configured for detecting whether the files in the external device are the same as the files in the device memory, and outputting options for selection when the files in the external device is not the same as the files in the device memory; an input module for receiving operational inputs and generating optional selection signal when receiving the options from the process module; the process module is further configured for generating an add signal when detecting a voltage of the optional selection signal is high; an add module used for copying the files from the external device to the television based on the add signal.
US08154657B2 Method and related device for determining timing sequence of video and audio data for high density multimedia interface
A data processing method for a high density multimedia interface (HDMI) includes receiving video and audio data, sampling the receiving data according to a sample clock, outputting a sampling pattern according to the sampled receiving data and the sample clock, comparing the sampling pattern with a plurality of predetermined patterns, deciding the timing sequence of the receiving data when the sampling pattern and one of the plurality of predetermined patterns are the same, and outputting the video and audio data according to the correct timing sequence.
US08154656B2 Capture buffer control methodology for caption carriage switch
A system, method, and computer readable medium for avoiding underflow of a caption buffer in a digital video encoding device. The method receives a sequence of digital video frames, and captions that correspond to the digital video frames in the sequence. The method receives first captions in a first caption carriage, and encodes the first captions, and the corresponding digital video frames, in a compressed video format. The method detects a switch from the first caption carriage to a second caption carriage, and stores second captions in the capture buffer, where each second caption is received in the second caption carriage and corresponds to one of the digital video frames in the sequence. The method examines the capture buffer and the second captions to determine whether underflow of the capture buffer is present or absent. When underflow is absent, the method encodes the second captions, and the corresponding digital video frames, in the compressed video format.
US08154655B2 Processing high definition video data
Video data is processed. A first high definition program stream is received that includes a first high definition video stream component. A first standard definition program stream is derived from the high definition program stream. A second standard definition is received having been derived from the first standard definition program stream. A second high definition program stream is derived from the second standard definition program stream and the first high definition video stream component.
US08154652B2 Lens apparatus and shooting apparatus using same
A lens apparatus can be easily set even in cases where the lens body and demands are distant from each other upon shooting without a decrease in reliability. A lens body mounted on a camera body is provided with a command signal converting unit, a time-series position signal converting unit, a wireless communication unit, a communication condition monitoring unit and a communication process switch unit. A signal converting unit, to which a zoom demand and a focus demand are connected, is provided with a time-series command signal converting unit, a position signal converting unit and a wireless communication unit. The lens body and the signal converting unit are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other to eliminate the use of connection cables, thereby improving operationality while enabling highly reliable wireless communication.
US08154651B2 Image recording apparatus and control method thereof
Disclosed is an image recording apparatus capable of preventing maloperations when entering into sleep mode. The image recording apparatus comprises a display module, a detecting unit, a power supply unit, a first switch, a second switch and a control unit having an interrupt unit. The control unit controls the first switch in an on-state to supply power to the display module and the detecting unit and executes a corresponding operation. After an idle status of the image recording apparatus exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit disables the interrupt unit and controls the second switch in an on-state and the first switch in an off-state to supply power to the detecting unit via the second switch. After a default time, the control unit enables the interrupt unit, therefore, maloperations when entering into the sleep mode can be prevented.
US08154643B2 Image pick-up apparatus, an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, for displaying image data on an external display with appropriate color space conversion based on resolution of image data and external display
An image pick-up apparatus includes an image pick-up device, a storage media which stores an image picked up by the image pick up device, a color space converter which converts a color space of the image; a storage media reader which reads out the image from the storage media, an external display interface, a coefficient determiner which determines a coefficient for color conversion based on comparison between a resolution of the image read out by the storage media reader and a resolution of a display which is connected to the external display interface, and a display controller which outputs the image of which color is converted by the color space converter based on the coefficient for color conversion to the display.
US08154642B2 Apparatus and method for controlling image sensor output
An apparatus and method for controlling an image sensor output are discussed. When a certain number of valid pixels of an image sensor, such as a CCD, is selected, a corresponding timing parameter is calculated. Signal values output from charge wells respectively corresponding to unit cells of the image sensor are separated or merged and then output by using the calculated timing parameter. Therefore, an image of a user-defined number of valid pixels can be varied and output in various ways, and all electric charges that are photoelectrically converted by the maximum number of valid pixels of the image sensor can be efficiently used.
US08154635B2 Image sensor and digital gain compensation method thereof
An image sensor and digital gain compensation thereof. The image sensor includes a variable amplification device for amplifying an inputted analog image signal as a variable first gain value, an analog-to-digital conversion unit for converting the amplified analog image signal into a digital image signal, and a digital gain compensation device for comparing the first gain value with a reference gain value and compensating the digital image signal as a digital second gain value when the first gain value is less than the reference gain value.
US08154634B2 Image processing device that merges a plurality of images together, image shooting device provided therewith, and image processing method in which a plurality of images are merged together
A merged image is generated by merging together a first image obtained by shooting with a reduced exposure time, a second image obtained by shooting with an increased exposure time, and a third image obtained by filtering out a high-frequency component from the first image. Here, a merging ratio at which the second and third images are merged together is determined by use of differential values obtained from the second and third images. Also, a merging ratio at which the first image and the second and third images (a fourth image) are merged together is determined by use of edge intensity values obtained from an image based on the first image.
US08154631B2 Compensation of leakage current and residual signals for integrating detector based on direct X-ray conversion
The application describes an X-ray detector, which uses direct X-ray conversion (DiCo) combined with CMOS pixel circuits. DiCo materials have to be used with high voltage to achieve a high field strength. This makes the sensor prone to leakage currents, which falsify the measured charge result. Moreover, most direct conversion materials suffer from large residual signals that lead to temporal artifacts (ghost images) in an X-ray image sequence. A circuit is described, which senses the sensor's dark current including residual signals from previous exposures before the sensor is exposed (again) to X-ray, and freezes relevant circuit parameters at the end of the sensing phase in such way, that the dark current (leakage current and residual signal) can still be drained during exposure. Therefore, the charge pulses generated in the sensor due to X-ray exposure can be integrated without charges carried by the leakage current or residual signal, thus obtaining a more accurate estimate of the deposited X-ray energy.
US08154620B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An imaging apparatus includes: first and second light receiving elements that photoelectrically convert light, capable of being controlled independently from each other and arranged in a predetermined arrangement; imaging control means, for controlling the first and second light receiving elements; image signal processing means, for obtaining image signals based on the output of the first and/or second light receiving elements and for generating image data; photometry means, for measuring photometric values; imaging condition determining means, for determining imaging conditions including exposure and dynamic range, based on photometry results; judging means, for judging whether flash is to be emitted, based on the photometry results; imaging method selecting means, for selecting a first imaging method when flash is not emitted, and a second imaging method when flash is emitted; and control means, for driving the imaging element and the image signal processing means according to the selected imaging method.
US08154618B2 Imaging apparatus and method for setting the same
An imaging apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire a representative value of a luminance level in a main object area and a plurality of representative values of luminance levels in peripheral areas of the main object area in an image obtained by an imaging unit, a calculation unit configured to calculate a plurality of relative values between the respective plurality of representative values of luminance levels in the peripheral areas and the representative value of a luminance level in the main object area, which are acquired by the acquiring unit, a setting unit configured to set intensity of knee processing based on the plurality of relative values calculated by the calculation unit, and a knee processing unit configured to execute the knee processing on an image acquired by the imaging unit according to the intensity set by the setting unit.
US08154614B2 Image playback device and method and electronic camera with image playback function
An image playback device, which may be part of an electronic camera, reads out recorded information that has been recorded on a recording medium. A time period discriminator receives the recorded information read out by the image playback device and discriminates periods of time during which recorded information agrees with certain pre-set conditions. Moving-picture image information contained in the recorded information is played back and displayed in accordance with results of the discrimination.
US08154612B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for image processing, for color classification, and for skin color detection
Embodiments include a method of image processing including decomposing a reflectance spectrum for a test surface into a linear combination of reflectance spectra of a set of test targets. The coefficient vector calculated in this decomposition is used to predict a response of an imaging sensor to the test surface. A plurality of such predicted responses may be used for various applications involving color detection and/or classification, including human skin tone detection.
US08154611B2 Methods and systems for improving resolution of a digitally stabilized image
A method for increasing resolution of a focal plane array having a plurality of pixels dispersed across a total pixel area is described. The method includes providing an active pixel area for the focal plane array that is less than the total pixel area, acquiring image data utilizing the reduced active pixel area, and storing the image data in a portion of a memory, the memory having a capacity corresponding to the total pixel area of the focal plane array.
US08154609B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method as well as program
An information processing apparatus and method is disclosed wherein setting data to be used in image pickup can be set precisely to perform desired image pickup. The information processing apparatus may include a recording control section configured to control recording of image data obtained by image pickup and setting data used in the image pickup, and a reproduction section configured to reproduce the setting data. The information processing apparatus may further include an acceptance section configured to accept a variation amount to a value corresponding to the setting data inputted by a user, and a variation section configured to vary the setting data reproduced by the reproduction section based on the variation amount accepted by the acceptance section. The recording control section may control recording of the setting data varied by the variation section. The invention can be applied typically to a personal computer.
US08154602B2 Video quality estimation apparatus, method, and program
In estimating subjective video quality corresponding to main parameters which are input as an input frame rate representing the number of frames per unit time, an input coding bit rate representing the number of coding bits per unit time, and an input packet loss rate representing a packet loss occurrence probability of an audiovisual medium, a degradation model specifying unit specifies a degradation model representing the relationship between the packet loss rate and the degradation in reference subjective video quality on the basis of the input frame rate and input coding bit rate. A desired subjective video quality estimation value is calculated by correcting the reference subjective video quality on the basis of a video quality degradation ratio corresponding to the input packet loss rate calculated by using the degradation model.
US08154601B2 Television receiving system
A television receiving system has a plurality of setup-data including wireless settings, which can be selected by user's choice the optimum wireless setting for every position where the display is located. This configuration can create a stable signal-receiving environment no matter where the display is located.
US08154597B2 On-vehicle emergency call apparatus
An on-vehicle emergency call apparatus includes: a camera capturing an image of an interior of a vehicle; a capturing controller controlling the camera; and a transmitter transmitting an image capturing result obtained by the capturing camera to an emergency information center. The capturing controller controls the camera so as to capture images while switching alternately between an instant capturing shutter speed for capturing an instant image of a subject and a translocation capturing shutter speed for capturing a translocation image of the subject, in which instant capturing shutter speed and the translocation capturing shutter speed are different from each other. An image superimposer can superimpose the instant image and the translocation image to produce the image capturing result. An incident detector can detect an incident involving the vehicle whereupon the image superimposer superimposes the instant image and the translocation image to produce the image capturing result when the incident detector detects an incident involving the vehicle.
US08154595B2 Device and method for automatic detection of incorrect measurements by means of quality factors
What is disclosed is a device (1) for automatic detection of a possible incorrect measurement, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one reflected light illumination apparatus (14) and/or a transmitted light illumination apparatus (6) and at least one imaging optical system (9) and one detector (11) of a camera (10) for imaging structures (3) on a substrate (2), wherein a first program portion (17) is linked to the detector (11) of the camera (10), said detector being provided for determining the position and/or dimension of the structure (3) on the substrate (2), wherein the device (1) determines and records a plurality of measurement variables Mj, jε{1, . . . , L}, from which at least one variable G can be determined, wherein a second program portion (18) is linked to the detector (11) of the camera (10), said program portion calculating an analysis of the measurement variables Mj with regard to a possible incorrect measurement. Also disclosed is a method for automatic detection of a possible incorrect measurement wherein an analysis of the measurement variables Mj with regard to a possible incorrect measurement is calculated with a second program portion (18) which is linked to the detector (11) of the camera (10).
US08154589B2 Medical operation system for verifying and analyzing a medical operation
A medical operation system includes a controller for controlling a plurality of medical equipments, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data between each of the plurality of medical equipments and the controller in two-way communications, an information recorder which records, together with time information, information regarding the plurality of medical equipments transmitted and received by the communication unit, a signal processor which extracts predetermined information from the information recorded on the information recorder and processes the predetermined information to generate time-series data, and a display output unit for visualizing the time-series data output from the signal processor and outputting the visualized time-series data to a display.
US08154582B2 Display device with capture capabilities
An image capture and display device is described. The device includes a liquid crystal display panel, which can switch between two states, a display state and the capture state. Wherein at least a portion of the display and a switchable diffuser become transparent in the capture state. One or more image capture devices are located behind the display. Holes or windows are provided in the backlight for the image capture devices to capture images of the scene in front of the device when in the capture state.
US08154580B2 System and method for facilitating user communication from a location
A system and method for facilitating user communication from a location. The system comprises two or more cameras for capturing two or more videos at a first location, a control unit for streaming one or more of the videos captured to a first communication unit at the first location through a first network, and streaming one or more of the videos captured to a second communication unit located at a second location through a second network, a server for identifying a location data of the first location based on an identifier of the control unit, and a communication platform associated with the first location. The communication platform is accessible by the first and second communication units through the first and second networks respectively. The communication platform comprises a first display for displaying one or more of the videos captured, a second display for displaying the location data of the first location identified by the server, and one or more control interfaces for controlling the camera view of the one or more videos displayed in the first display, wherein controlling the camera view comprises switching the one or more videos displayed in the first display between videos captured by the two or more cameras.
US08154579B2 Method for processing the video telephone calling based on the mobile communication network
The present invention discloses a method for processing the video telephone calling based on the mobile communication network. A calling terminal initiates a video telephone calling to a called telephone terminal, and when said called terminal is ringing, the called user is entitled to determine whether to cut off the telephone calling; the called terminal receives a operating information that the called user can't proceed the video telephone, and sends a disconnecting message with a reason value that called party can't proceed the video telephone to a called party mobile switch; the called party mobile switch disconnects the communication between the called party mobile switch and the called terminal and transmits the disconnecting message to a calling party mobile switch; the calling party mobile switch disconnects the communication between the calling party mobile switch and the called party mobile switch and transmits the disconnecting message to the calling terminal; and the calling terminal disconnects the communication telephone between the calling terminal and the calling party mobile switch. The present invention expands the function of the mobile user terminal and is significant to the development of electronic commerce of the mobile video telephone user.
US08154574B2 Hand-held portable printer system and method
There is disclosed a hand-held portable printer having an internal antenna, convertible to an RFID printer capable to receiving RFID data from a scanner coupled to the printer. The printer preferably shares a common RFID reader/writer with an RFID scanner. The scanner has an external antenna which can be coupled to and preferably attached to the printer. The scanner preferably includes the RFID reader/writer. The internal antenna is close to but separate from the printer's print head and the internal antenna is movable as a unit with the print head.
US08154566B2 Active-matrix display apparatus driving method of the same and electronic instruments
Disclosed herein is an active-matrix display apparatus, wherein if any particular one of N light emitting sub-devices pertaining to any specific one of pixel circuits is defective, the particular light emitting sub-device is electrically disconnected from the specific pixel circuit and the magnitude of a driving current supplied to the (N−1) remaining light emitting sub-devices pertaining to the specific pixel circuit is adjusted so that the (N−1) remaining light emitting sub-devices receive a driving current from a device driving transistor with a magnitude suppressed to a value equal to ((N−1)/N) times the magnitude of a driving current which is supplied to a normal pixel circuit not including a defective light emitting sub-device.
US08154565B2 Apparatus and method for gamma correction
Apparatus and method for gamma correction are disclosed. An adjustable blending unit is utilized for adjustably blending a linear gamma function with a nonlinear gamma function, thereby resulting in an adjustable gamma curve. The nonlinear gamma function is adjustable by a blending parameter such that distance of the gamma curve to linear gamma curve may be changed.
US08154561B1 Dynamic display of a harmony rule list
Display of a harmony rule list is disclosed, including obtaining at least one base color and two or more color harmony rules; for each color harmony rule, computing a derived set of colors based on the at least one base color and the color harmony rule, resulting in two or more derived sets of colors; and simultaneously displaying the derived sets of colors for the two or more color harmony rules.
US08154558B2 Conversion table creating device, storage medium storing conversion table creating program, and conversion table creating method
A color data setting unit that sets a plurality of sets of fifth color data that are defined in a first color space in one to one correspondence with a plurality of fourth color data sets. An identifying unit identifies some of first reference points, that are in proximity to the fifth color data set for each of second reference points. A calculation unit calculates, for each of all the second reference points, color differences between the fifth color data set for the each second reference point and the some of the first reference points. A determining unit determines, for each of the first reference points, a single fifth color data set that has the smallest color difference among all the color differences that are calculated with respect to the each of the first reference points. A registering unit registers, at each of the first reference points, the fourth color data set that is set in correspondence with the single fifth color data sets.
US08154552B2 Looping motion space registration for real-time character animation
A method for generating a looping motion space for real-time character animation may include determining a plurality of motion clips to include in the looping motion space and determining a number of motion cycles performed by a character object depicted in each of the plurality of motion clips. A plurality of looping motion clips may be synthesized from the motion clips, where each of the looping motion clips depicts the character object performing an equal number of motion cycles. Additionally, a starting frame of each of the plurality of looping motion clips may be synchronized so that the motion cycles in each of the plurality of looping motion clips are in phase with one another. By rendering an animation sequence using multiple passes through the looping motion space, an animation of the character object performing the motion cycles may be extended for arbitrary length of time.
US08154546B2 Rational Z-buffer for decreasing a likelihood of Z-buffer collisions
A “Rational Z-Buffer” provides various techniques for reducing artifacts when rendering graphics using z-buffers. In particular, the Rational Z-Buffer reduces the likelihood of z-buffer collisions when using hardware or software z-buffer algorithms to render graphics by delaying homogenous division of pixels until after occlusion testing. Further, occlusion testing between any two pixels, p0 and p1, is accomplished by comparing rational depth values, r0={z0, w0} and r1={z1, w1}, for pixel p0 and p1 to determine which pixels are visible. Depth values are compared by determining whether the expression z0w1
US08154545B2 Method for producing technical drawings from 3D models with at least two colliding 3D bodies
The invention relates to a method and a computer-aided modelling system for creating a technical drawing from at least two modelled 3D bodies that collide with one another. In a first step, one or more of the regions of the 3D bodies that are affected by the collision are selected. In a second step, a group of colliding faces of the selected regions of the two or more 3D bodies are combined to form a respective collision group and a technical drawing of the two or more colliding modelled 3D bodies is produced. A 2D edge or its associated boundary of a face that belongs to a collision group is treated by masking the other faces that are associated with the same collision group.
US08154541B2 Display device, driving method thereof and electronic appliance
A display device is provided where fluctuation of current values of a light-emitting element caused by the ambient temperature change and degradation with time is suppressed. According to the invention, a monitoring element driven with a constant current is provided. After detecting a voltage in the monitoring element, the voltage is applied to a light-emitting element. That is, the monitoring element is driven with a constant current, and a voltage in the monitoring element is applied to the light-emitting element so that the light-emitting is driven with a constant voltage. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, an extrapolation power supply circuit samples voltages of the monitoring element, obtaining a mathematical formula of a change of the sampled voltages and generating a voltage based on the mathematical formula, which is supplied to the light-emitting element.
US08154539B2 Drive circuit, display apparatus using drive circuit, and evaluation method of drive circuit
For making outputs of a drive circuits accurate, the drive circuit is composed of a plurality of current signal generation circuits for outputting a current signal to each of a plurality of output units, a current signal output line to which outputs of the plurality of current signal generation circuits are commonly connected, a correction value output circuit for outputting a correction value obtained by evaluating the output of one or more specific circuits of the plurality of current signal generation circuits on a basis of current values output through the current signal output line, and a correction circuit for correcting an image signal supplied to the current signal generation circuits by means of the correction value.
US08154536B2 Electronic pen, and control device and method thereof
A control device is used in a method for controlling the pen based on an analog measuring signal from the force sensor by a processor comparing the analog measuring signal with a fixed reference signal and, based on the comparison, selectively initiating conversion of the analog measuring signal into a sequence of digital force values.
US08154534B2 Detection of an incident light distribution
A device for detecting an incident light distribution. The device has an array of light sensors, and a shadow casting element spaced above the light sensor array, with the shadow casting element between the incident light to be modeled and the sensor array. A processor interprets a cast shadow detected by the light sensor array thereby to derive information relating to the directional distribution of the incident light.
US08154529B2 Two-dimensional touch sensors
In a touch sensor, as well as providing touch position data, additional data is provided on the shape of the touch. This is achieved by having sampling nodes on a finer mesh than the size of the actuating object, typically a finger, so each finger touch activates a group of adjacent nodes on the sensor. In this way, each touch has a shape formed by the activated nodes. The shape allows the touch sensor to report an angle with each touch and data indicating how elongate the touch is, preferably both together as a vector in which the direction of the vector gives the angle and the magnitude of the vector gives the ellipticity. For each frame of data collected from the sensor array, the sensor outputs an (x, y) coordinate of touch position and a further (x, y) coordinate of a shape vector. This allows many novel gestures to be provided, such as single finger “drag and zoom” and single finger “drag and rotate”. It also allows for correction of systematic human error in the placement of finger touches on virtual keys.
US08154528B2 Matrix sensing apparatus
A matrix sensing apparatus with architecture having reduced quantity of required sensing lines is disclosed. The matrix sensing apparatus includes a plurality of driving lines, a plurality of sensing lines and a matrix sensing region. The matrix sensing region includes a plurality of sensing areas. Each sensing area includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a sensing unit for generating a sensing signal. The first transistor is coupled to the sensing unit and a corresponding sensing line. The second transistor is coupled to the first transistor, a first corresponding driving line and a second corresponding driving line. The first transistor together with the second transistor functions to control the signal connection between the sensing unit and the corresponding sensing line based on the driving signals of the first and second corresponding driving lines.
US08154527B2 User interface system
The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner.
US08154523B2 Electronic device, display and touch-sensitive user interface
Display devices and methods for operating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the display device has an electronic display having an active area for presenting visual content; a housing holding the electronic display and having an opening allowing a person to view a first portion of the active area; and a bezel about the opening, the bezel covering a second portion of the active area and providing a window through which at least a part of the second portion can be viewed. A sensor system senses when a person is close to touching the bezel or when a person is in touch with the bezel and generates a sensor signal; and a controller is operable to adjust the appearance of the active area in the part of the second portion when the controller determines that a person has touched the bezel or is close to touching the bezel.
US08154519B2 Ergonomic hand-held computer input and control device
A hand-held computer input and control device designed to be held in the palm of a relaxed free floating hand, wherein the device is balanced for use with the user's thumb, 1st and/or 2nd fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, a hand held structure having general radial symmetry, for use in multi-button three dimensional computer control applications, consisting of a mushroom like head with multiple buttons placed such that the thumb, first, or second fingers can easily control them, and a separate cylindrical body with two grooves and optional buttons positioned for grasping by the third and fourth fingers is provided.
US08154515B2 Mouse dongle storage
A computer mouse for use with a computing device, and a user input device assembly including a computer mouse and a communications dongle, are provided. The computer mouse may include a body having an outer casing, the outer casing having a battery compartment formed therein, and a battery door releasably secured to the outer casing in an orientation that covers the battery compartment. The battery door may include a mounting structure configured to releasably secure a communications dongle.
US08154511B2 Computerized interactor systems and methods for providing same
A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors. The detection field can be one-dimensional or multi-dimensional, and typically has different semantic meanings associated with different parts of the detection field.
US08154501B2 Data line drive circuit and method for driving data lines
A data line drive circuit includes a plurality of output circuits and a plurality of switch portions. The plurality of output circuits outputs voltages corresponding to grayscale voltages with respect to display data. The plurality of switch portions becomes an ON-state in response to a line output signal and connects the plurality of output circuits and a plurality of data lines, respectively. ON-resistance values of at least part of the plurality of switch portions vary in the ON-state.
US08154499B2 Electro-optical device, method for driving the same, and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of pixels, a scanning-line driving circuit, a block selecting circuit, a sampling circuit, and a control circuit. The scanning-line driving circuit selects the plurality of scanning lines in a predetermined order in each of a first and second field to which a frame is divided and applies a selection voltage. The block selecting circuit selects the blocks in either a right or left direction in a period during which the scanning line is selected. The sampling circuit samples a data signal corresponding to a gray scale level into each of the columns of data lines belonging to a block selected by the block selecting circuit. The control circuit controls the block selecting circuit to, select the blocks in one of the right direction and the left direction for each field.
US08154495B2 Multi-switch half source driving display device and method for liquid crystal display panel
The present invention discloses a method for improving the image quality of a MSHD (Multi-Switch Half source Driving) display panel and a device used the same. The method comprising following steps: First, using a polarity-line-inversion source driver to drive a plurality of pixels of a MSHD display panel, then a frame displaying in polarity-dot-inversion. The device comprises a polarity-line-inversion source driver and a MSHD display panel, wherein the polarity-line-inversion source driver drives a plurality of pixels of the MSHD display panel. The pixels of the MSHD display panel displays a frame in polarity-dot-inversion form.
US08154493B2 Liquid crystal display device, driving method of the same, and electronic device using the same
It is an object to provide a display module which can display a correct gray scale by a field sequential driving method and an electronic device including the display module. One frame period is divided into a plurality of lighting periods, and in each of the plurality of lighting periods, signals are supplied to a pixel a plurality of times, whereby the transmissivity of a liquid crystal element is changed over time. Accordingly, even with the use of a liquid crystal element with low response speed as a display element, a correct gray scale can be expressed. In addition, the transmissivity of the liquid crystal element is set at 0% or a backlight is controlled not to emit light in switching of lighting of a backlight or switching of lighting periods, whereby a more correct gray scale can be expressed.
US08154492B2 Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel including an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate, and a liquid crystal layer is provided. The active device array substrate has at least one pixel unit including two active devices, two first pixel electrodes, and two common lines. Each of the active devices has a gate, a source, and a drain. The gates are connected with one another, the sources are connected with one another, and the pixel electrodes are connected with the drains. A first signal source connected with one of the common lines is different from a second signal source connected with the other one of the common lines. The opposite substrate has a common electrode connected with the first signal source. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the active device array substrate and the opposite substrate.
US08154489B2 Liquid crystal module
A source circuit for generating, based on image data composed of RGB signals, drive voltages for a row of pixels arranged in a horizontal direction which is a main scanning direction on a liquid crystal panel 12a and applying the drive voltages to signal lines. The source circuit can interchange the drive voltages applied to the signal lines in accordance with an arrangement of a color filter by changing of setting of voltage to be supplied to the source circuit, and is electrically connected and integrally fixed to a glass substrate 31, and the setting of voltage to be supplied to the source circuit 20 is changed by changing wiring formed on the glass substrate 31.
US08154484B2 Organic light emitting display and driving method thereof with reduced power consumption
An organic light emitting display and a driving method thereof capable of reducing power consumption. A driving transistor controls a current through an organic light emitting diode of the display. A voltage controller supplies a first voltage to the anode of the OLED of at least one specific pixel and controls the cathode voltage of the OLED in correspondence to a second current through the OLED, such that the cathode voltage corresponds to the first voltage supplied to the OLED. Thus, the driving transistor can be driven in saturation mode with consistent current in spite of process variations, with a reduced power consumption.
US08154481B2 Method for managing display memory data of light emitting display
A memory managing method for display data of a light emitting display device, which uses field light-emitting of organic materials. A plurality of pixels are each provided with at least two sub-pixels to emit different color lights, wherein one field has at least first and second subfields divided and driven independently. At least two data signals corresponding to substantially the same color are time-divided and applied to a data line during the one field, and selecting signals are sequentially applied to a plurality of scan lines at the first and second subfields. The method includes a) dividing input data corresponding to a display image into data for the first and second subfields, b) arranging the data for the first and second subfields according to a sequence of light-emitting driving, and c) storing the arranged data as pixel-based data.
US08154480B2 Photoelectric conversion device and electronic device having the same
A plurality of transistors in which ratios of a channel length L to a channel width W, α=W/L, are different from each other is provided in parallel as output side transistors 105a to 105c in a current mirror circuit 101 which amplifies a photocurrent of a photoelectric conversion device and an internal resistor is connected to each of the output side transistors 105a to 105c in series. The sum of currents which flow through the plurality of transistors and the internal resistor is output, whereby a transistor with large amount of α can be driven in a linear range with low illuminance, and a transistor with small amount of α can be driven in a linear range with high illuminance, so that applicable illuminance range of the photoelectric conversion device can be widened.
US08154471B2 Antenna module
An antenna module is disclosed, including a housing, an antenna disposed through the housing, a first member fixed to the housing, and a fastener. The housing comprises a flexible cantilever having a nub engaged in a through hole of the antenna. The fastener is disposed through first member and fixed to the antenna.
US08154467B2 Antenna apparatus and wireless communication terminal
Disclosed is an antenna apparatus which can control directivity of a plurality of radiation elements using one parasitic element. The antenna apparatus includes two radiation elements arranged on a base parallel to each other, and a parasitic element disposed between the two radiation elements. Radiation directivity of the two radiation elements is controlled according to the length of the parasitic element. This configuration provides a small-sized antenna apparatus including a plurality of radiators with desired directivity.
US08154465B2 Portal antenna
A portal antenna (10) particularly suited for enabling low frequency RFID devices carried by animals to be read when animals are proceeding through a stock race or the like. The portal antenna includes a portal structure (11) through which an animal can pass and about which is wound at least one coil (18/19) of antenna conductor. At least one elongate radiator element (21) preferably projects to at least one side of the portal structure (11). Preferably the radiator(s) (21) is/are of ferrous/magnetically conductive metal. The radiator(s) can form a separate structure or be part of the wall structure of a stock race.
US08154463B2 Multilevel antennae
An apparatus including a wireless communications device has an internal antenna system located within the wireless communications device. The internal antenna system includes a passive antenna set comprising at least one antenna element having at least one multilevel structure, a feeding point to the at least one antenna element and a ground plane. The feeding point and a point on the ground plane define an input/output port for said passive antenna set. The passive antenna set provides a similar impedance level and radiation pattern at two or more frequency bands such that the passive antenna set is capable of both transmitting and receiving wireless signals on selected channels. The selected channels are selectable from a plurality of channels throughout an entire frequency range within each of said two or more frequency bands.
US08154462B2 Multilevel antennae
An apparatus including a wireless communications device has an internal antenna system located within the wireless communications device. The internal antenna system includes a passive antenna set comprising at least one antenna element having at least one multilevel structure, a feeding point to the at least one antenna element and a ground plane. The feeding point and a point on the ground plane define an input/output port for said passive antenna set. The passive antenna set provides a similar impedance level and radiation pattern at two or more frequency bands such that the passive antenna set is capable of both transmitting and receiving wireless signals on selected channels. The selected channels are selectable from a plurality of channels throughout an entire frequency range within each of said two or more frequency bands.
US08154461B2 Multi-directional panel antenna
A multi-directional panel antenna is provided for the reception of TV broadcast VHF and UHF signals. The panel antenna's circuit board has its current path substantially covers the surface of the circuit board so as to produce multi-directional reception patterns. An iron-core winding is configured at a feed-in terminal of the panel antenna for impedance matching and signal concentration. The panel antenna also uses air to reduce dielectric loss. A MMIC signal amplification device is provided for enhanced gain. Ceramic capacitors are provided to increase the reception wavelength of the panel antenna so that it falls within a lower section of the VHF band.
US08154459B2 Antenna device having multiple resonant frequencies and radio apparatus
An antenna device included in a radio apparatus having a printed board includes a ground conductor provided in the printed board, a first sub-element, a second sub-element and a short circuit element. The first sub-element is formed as an area having a first side and a second side crossing each other. The first side faces a side of the ground conductor. The first sub-element has a feed portion around a crossing of the first side and the second side. The second sub-element is formed to branch off from the first sub-element around an end of the second side being farther from the crossing, to be open-ended and to be directed at least partially in a direction opposite a direction from the crossing to an end of the first side opposite the crossing. The short circuit element short-circuits one of the first sub-element and the second sub-element with the ground conductor.
US08154457B2 Array antenna comprising means to establish galvanic contacts between its radiator elements while allowing for their thermal expansion
There is disclosed an apparatus comprising a plurality of three-dimensional radiator elements, each radiator element transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves. The radiator elements are arranged so that at least one pair of adjacent radiator elements are separated by a gap, which behaves like a waveguide inducing by a coupling effect electromagnetic interferences with the waves. The apparatus includes a portion to establish a galvanic contact between the adjacent radiator elements, so as to suppress the coupling effect, while allowing for the thermal expansion of the adjacent radiator elements.
US08154456B2 RF powder-containing base
The present invention provides an RF powder-containing base including functional components, wherein forged cards, documents, bills, or the like are hard to be produced with respect to sheet-like subjects with high proprietary nature, such as various kinds of cards, bills, and securities, and each of a large number of particles can memorize information such as an identification number or the like. An RF powder-containing base 10 contains an RF powder (particles 11, 12, and 13), in which each particle of the RF powder provides an integrated circuit 15 formed on a substrate 14, an insulating layer 16 formed on the integrated circuit, and an antenna element 17 formed on the insulating layer, wherein each of the particles of the RF powder contained in the base has sensitivity to an electromagnetic waves having any of a plurality of different frequencies.
US08154453B2 Positioning method, program thereof, and positioning device
A positioning method includes: executing a first correlation accumulation process on a received signal, a positioning signal spread-modulated with a spread code, and a replica code of the spread code while shifting a phase of the replica code in a first phase search range, setting a second phase search range narrower than the first range based on an accumulated correlation value at a first timing in the first correlation accumulation process, executing a second correlation accumulation process on the received signal and the replica code while shifting the phase of the replica code in the second phase search range, determining appropriateness of the second phase search range based on the accumulated correlation value at the first timing and an accumulated correlation value at a second timing in the first correlation accumulation process, and positioning using a result of the second correlation accumulation process, if the second phase search range is determined appropriate.
US08154452B2 Method and apparatus for phased array antenna field recalibration
A system and method for calibrating a modular phased array antenna after replacement of a component of the modular phased array antenna including a plurality of sub-arrays, each sub-array including a plurality of antenna elements. A complex correction coefficient is determined for correcting a phase and amplitude of one antenna element of the antenna elements in a first sub-array of the sub-arrays. This correction coefficient is then applied to a plurality of the antenna elements in the first sub-array. Therefore, automatic calibration of an entire sub-array of an electronically scanned antenna may be accomplished in the field without the requirement for special test equipment, and with a reduced time and energy requirement because calibration of each individual antenna element in the replaced sub-array is not required.
US08154451B2 Adaptive use of polarization as a means of increased wireless channel capacity
A mobile transceiver uses position and/or orientation knowledge to increase the capacity of a wireless link by transmitting over multiple electromagnetic polarizations. Sensors may include accelerometers, compasses, position sensors such as GPS receivers, and other means of determining the relative orientation of a mobile tranceiver to its base station. This information is used to properly shape transmitted signals and correlate received signals to increase the link capacity of the wireless link, either through channel multiplexing or increased link quality. This is particularly useful for mobile phones used on cellular networks utilizing high data volume on the allocated spectrum.
US08154450B2 Optimization for finding direction of arrival in smart antennas
A smart antenna system may exploit space diversity by employing an array of antennas whose radiation pattern can be aligned in a direction of arrival (DoA) of a specific signal to be decoded. Smart antennas can be installed on a base station side and/or on a user terminal side. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for computationally efficient and accurate searching of the DoA of a specific transmitted signal. The proposed methods utilize Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) coordinates to determine the DoA.
US08154444B1 Emergency beacon with encoded warning
A personal locator beacon (PLB) that is used to transmit a radio frequency emergency distress signal. The PLB contains a GPS receiver to determine the exact global positioning coordinates of the beacon. The transmitted distress signal contains a security message that is represented through at least one bit. This bit is embedded into the standard bit string that is transmitted and can warn of impending danger at the beacon location, such as a hostage situation. The beacon is triggered through different varieties of user interfaces that utilize assorted combinations of actuators and numeric keypads. Another bit can also be embedded into the standard bit stream to represent whether or not the beacon is used by the military.
US08154443B2 Method and system for GNSS coexistence
A system and method for operating a wireless transmitter and a global navigation satellite (“GNSS”) receiver coexistent in a mobile wireless device. A mobile wireless device includes a GNSS receiver and a wireless networking system. The wireless networking system includes a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter provides a first interference level signal to the GNSS receiver. The first interference level signal indicates a level of interference that the GNSS receiver can expect due to operation of the transmitter.
US08154438B1 Registration of latitude/longitude coordinates using range detection sensors and digital nautical charts
The present invention can find the exact location anywhere in the nautical world (latitude/longitude coordinates) by correlating or matching radar returns with maps produced by a digital nautical chart called a Chart Server, because each pixel location on the Chart Server maps can be traced back to a latitude/longitude coordinate. An obstacle avoidance module called a Chart Server provides digital nautical charts to create a map of the world. To determine the current world location of a vehicle, the invention combines the Chart Server maps with a radar return, which also appears to display prominent features such as coastlines, buoys, piers and the like. These return features from the radar are correlated or matched with features found in the Chart Server maps. The radar then reports its current location inside of its local map, which when translated to the Chart Server map, correlates to a latitude/longitude registration location.
US08154437B2 Traveling direction vector reliability determination method and traveling direction vector reliability determination device
There is provided a traveling direction vector reliability determination method in which reliability of a traveling direction vector of another vehicle is calculated so as to increase reliability of a collision prediction. The traveling direction vector reliability determination method determines the reliability of the traveling direction vector when the traveling direction vector is calculated based on position coordinate points of a target, which are calculated by a radar device. The method includes a traveling direction vector calculation step of calculating, based on a movement history of the position coordinate points, the traveling direction vector of the target; and a reliability calculation step of calculating, in a case where the position coordinate points include normally recognized coordinate points and estimated coordinate points, the reliability of the traveling direction vector, based on at least one of information about the normally recognized coordinate points and information about the estimated coordinate points.
US08154436B2 Object detection
An object is detected by generating a m-ary primary signal having an irregular sequence of states. Each transition results in the transmission of a pulse encoded according to the type of transition. Reflected pulses are processed with a delayed, reference version of the primary signal. The presence of an object at a range corresponding to the delay is determined from the extent to which the reflected pulses coincide with transitions in the reference signal. In one aspect, transitions between states of the primary signal occur at varying time offsets with respect to nominal regular clock pulses. In another aspect, the object-detection system is operated while inhibiting the transmission of pulses, and if a significant output is obtained, the parameters of the transmitted signal are altered.
US08154434B2 Pipelined A/D converter
Multiple stages sequentially convert respective input analog signals to partial digital data. Each stage includes: a partial A/D converter; a partial D/A converter; an adder that adds/subtracts the analog signal from the previous stage and an output from the partial D/A converter; and a gain amplifier that amplifies an output of the adder and supplies to the next stage. The pipelined A/D converter further includes: a correction value adding unit that adds a correction value to the output from the decoder unit; a correction value calculating unit that, based on the output from the correction value adding unit, calculates an error between the median of the output data and an ideal median at two points in the stage input/output characteristics, saves the calculated value as the correction value and supplies it to the correction value adding unit; and a control unit that controls the above units so as to perform the correction operation. Thereby, aliasing at decoding of the stage output is prevented, enabling an output range to be used effectively.
US08154432B2 Digital to analog converter (DAC) having high dynamic range
A system having: a digital pre-distortion circuit fed by a digital signal for distorting the digital signal; a digital to analog converter (DAC) core section coupled to an output of the calibration circuit for converting the distorted digital signal into a corresponding analog signal, the DAC core section performing the conversion in accordance with a control signal fed to the DAC core section; a power amplifier (PA) section coupled to an output of the DAC core section for amplifying power in the analog signal; and a calibration circuit coupled to the output of the power amplifier for producing, in response to the power in the power amplified analog signal, the control signal for the DAC core section.
US08154417B2 Compact self-contained condition monitoring device
The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for monitoring a device, such as a pump. The device may also include a fan, compressor, turbine or other rotating or reciprocating piece of machinery. In one embodiment, the method features sensing in a first device both a start-up vibration at a start-up time after the first device is affixed to a second device to be monitored and a subsequent vibration level at a subsequent time after the start-up time, and providing both a start-up vibration level signal containing information about the start-up vibration level of the second device, and a subsequent vibration level signal containing information about the subsequent vibration level of the second device; and monitoring in the first device the condition of operation of the second device based on a comparison of the start-up vibration level signal in relation to the subsequent vibration level signal. The apparatus may take the form of one or more modules and/or chipset for performing the steps and functionality of the aforementioned method.
US08154415B2 Detector
A detector comprises a detector base (1) and first and second detector elements (2 & 3) each having a respective electronic interface (2a, 3a). The detector base (1) has electronic interfaces (1a) to the electronic interface (2a, 3a) of each of the detector elements (2, 3), wherein at least one of the detector elements is constructed as a replaceable module (11).
US08154409B2 Systems for and methods of assigning priority to reader antennae
Method, systems, and articles of manufacture for assigning priority to antenna are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, reader antenna (151, 152, 153) identify the location of an object by detecting a tag or other identifier associated with each object. Sensors (121, 122, 123) can be provided to provide additional information regarding the environment of the objects to their surroundings. A priority order is assigned to the reader antenna based on the location and other characteristics of the objects and/or their environment. A polling sequence for reading the reader antennae is determined according to the priority order.
US08154408B2 Methods and systems for identifying stacked sets and locating and tracking stacked sets
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining when a set of RFID tags on a set of stacked objects belongs to a same defined subset of stacked objects (“set identification”). This method includes the steps of: (1) detecting the set of RFID tags on the set of stacked objects, said RFID tags comprising integrated devices capable of sending signals that can be received by a receptor device and interpreted to determine a motion state of each RFID tag and stacked object; (2) receiving said signals from the set of RFID tags; (3) interpreting said signals to determine the motion state of each RFID tag and stacked object within the set, wherein said signals indicate whether the motion state of each RFID tag and object is in a state of stationary, starting in motion, stopping in motion, or continuing in motion; (4) determining which RFID tags and objects are in a same motion state within a predetermined time of each other; and (5) identifying the RFID tags that are in the same motion state, within the predetermined time, as belonging to the same defined subset of stacked objects, wherein said motion state is used to determine when said set of stacked objects forms a new stack.
US08154407B2 RFID device time synchronization from a public source
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes an antenna linked to a receiving circuit, the antenna tuned to receive a radio frequency (RF) time-code signal from a public source, a controller circuit and an internal clock linked to the receiving circuit, a microcontroller linked to the receiving circuit, a memory linked to the microcontroller, and a battery linked to and powering the receiving circuit, controller circuit, internal clock, microcontroller and memory.
US08154403B1 System and method for associating items of a set
In one embodiment, a system for facilitating the location of a first item of a set of items includes a first wireless device associated with the first item of the set, the first wireless device including an output device and a receiver, and a second wireless device associated with a second item of the set, the second wireless device including an input device and a transmitter. The second wireless device in response to an input signal transmits a wireless signal to the first wireless device, which in response provides a first output signal that is either sufficiently visible or sufficiently audible so as to facilitate the location of the first item of the set.
US08154395B2 Child safety seat system
A portable child safety seat system has three lightweight, easily transferable modular components. The system utilizes one or more pressure sensor switches configured to be placed under the cushion of a vehicle's infant seat or cushions of multiple infant seats to detect the presence of a child in that seat. Electrical lines connect the pressure sensor switch to an interface unit which contains a back-up electrical power source, i.e. a rechargeable battery. The interface unit is in turn connected by electrical lines to a controller component which has a plug section for receiving electricity and a display section to indicate the presence of the child in the infant seat. When a child is in the infant seat and the vehicle's engine is running, the pressure sensing switch is closed and electricity is directed to light the display section of the controller. When the engine is not running, electricity is directed from the back-up battery to light the display section. An optional voltage sensing circuit is provided for use with certain types of vehicles.
US08154388B2 Synchronous-phase contactless demodulation method, and associated demodulator and reader
A method of demodulating signals of an electromagnetic field induced by a contactless transponder includes a step in which the signals from the transponder are detected at given times or frequency. The times or frequency of the detection are synchronized in phase with the electromagnetic field. An associated demodulator and reader are also disclosed.
US08154387B2 RFID tag
An electronic tag is configured to be responsive to a TTO or TTF protocol energizing signal from a reader, but to suspend transmission when receiving an RTF protocol communication signal from a reader. The tag typically includes a protocol detector 120 which is operable to detect receipt of an RTF protocol communication signal and to suspend transmission when the electronic tag receives an RTF protocol communication signal from a reader.
US08154386B2 RFID reader and RFID system
Provided are an RF reader and an RF system. The RF reader includes: a plurality of antennas; a path selector for selecting a transmit or receive path of an RF signal; an RF processor for processing the RF signal received through the transmit or receive path of the path selector; and a controller for controlling the path selector selecting a path.
US08154380B2 Sensor mount assemblies and sensor assemblies
Sensor mount assemblies and sensor assemblies are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a sensor mount assembly includes a busbar, a main body, a backing surface, and a first finger. The busbar has a first end and a second end. The main body is overmolded onto the busbar. The backing surface extends radially outwardly relative to the main body. The first finger extends axially from the backing surface, and the first finger has a first end, a second end, and a tooth. The first end of the first finger is disposed on the backing surface, and the tooth is formed on the second end of the first finger.
US08154370B2 Linear solenoid
A linear solenoid includes a plunger to slide in an axis direction, and a stator core. The plunger includes a magnetic base, and a nonmagnetic plating layer defined on the magnetic base. The stator core has a first blocker arranged between a first magnetic core and a second magnetic core. The second magnetic core has a second blocker distanced from the first blocker in the axis direction. Each of the blockers limits a magnetic reaction. The plunger directly slides on an inner circumference face of the stator core at only two sections corresponding to the first and second blockers.
US08154368B2 Compact superconducting magnet configuration with active shielding, wherein the shielding coil damps the field maximum of the main coil as well as associated magnetic resonance tomograph, NMR spectrometer and ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer
An actively shielded superconducting magnet configuration (M1; M2; M3; 14) for generating a homogeneous magnetic field B0 in a volume under investigation (4b) has a radially inner superconducting main field coil (1) which is disposed rotationally symmetrically about an axis (z axis) and a coaxial radially outer superconducting shielding coil (2) which is operated in an opposite direction. The magnet configuration consists of the main field coil, the shielding coil and a ferromagnetic field-shaping device (3; 18), wherein the ferromagnetic field-shaping device is disposed radially inside the main field coil. The main field coil consists of an unstructured solenoid coil or of several radially nested unstructured solenoid coils (15, 16) which are operated in the same direction. An extension Labs of the shielding coil in the axial direction is smaller than the extension Lhaupt of the main field coil in the axial direction. ⅆ 2 ⅆ z 2 ⁢ B H + A ⁡ ( z ) ⁢ ❘ z = 0 ⁢ ≤ 0 applies for the axial magnetic field profile BH+A(z) generated by the main field coil and the shielding coil during operation along the z-axis in the center at z=0 and ⅆ 2 ⅆ z 2 ⁢ B F ⁡ ( z ) ⁢ ❘ z = 0 ⁢ ≥ 0 applies for the axial magnetic field profile BF(z) generated by the ferromagnetic field-shaping device (3; 18) during operation along the z-axis in the center at z=0, wherein the z-axis is oriented in a positive direction of the B0-field. An actively shielded superconducting magnet configuration of considerably simplified structure is thereby provided with a homogeneous and particularly high magnetic field B0 in the volume under investigation.
US08154363B2 Band pass filter with tunable phase cancellation circuit
A phase cancellation circuit for a cavity filter including a sampler loop assembly arranged to receive an input signal, a variable loop assembly connected to the sampler loop assembly by a cable, wherein the variable loop assembly is arranged to transmit an output signal from cavity filter, wherein the sampler loop assembly samples a cancellation signal at an isolation frequency from the input signal and transmits the cancellation signal to the variable loop assembly via the cable, and, wherein the cable has a length equal to a multiple of a half-wavelength at the desired isolation frequency, wherein the cancellation signal undergoes a 180° phase shift by traveling through the cable, wherein the variable loop assembly combines the cancellation signal with the input signal to cancel the input signal at the isolation frequency due to the 180° phase shift for creating the output signal with a notch at the isolation frequency.
US08154362B2 Constant impedance filter
A method and apparatus to provide a bi-directional constant impedance filter. Embodiments include electric networks which give filter responses while presenting a constant impedance to a signal received at either an input or an output port for a plurality of frequencies.
US08154361B2 Communicating over coaxial cable networks
A method for communicating over a coaxial cable network is described. The method includes identifying at least one port in the coaxial cable network that provides high mutual isolation among nodes of the coaxial cable network when the port is terminated with an impedance that matches a characteristic impedance of coaxial cable in the coaxial cable network. The method also includes terminating the identified port with an impedance that is substantially mismatched with the characteristic impedance of the coaxial cable, and transmitting a signal from a first node in the network to a second node in the network.
US08154357B2 Modulation for amplitude-modulating a signal
Modulators for amplitude-modulating signals defined by phase information and envelope codes are provided with first transistors for receiving the phase information and second transistors for receiving the envelope codes. The first main electrode of one transistor is coupled to the second main electrode of the other transistor and the other second main electrode constitutes an output of the modulator. This modulator can be used in any kind of transistor environment and is simple and low cost. The doped areas of the coupled first and second main electrodes comprise an overlap to reduce cross-talk and to reduce silicon area. Polar transmitters are provided with this modulator and with a circuit for generating a phase/frequency code and the envelope code and with an oscillator for receiving the phase/frequency code and for generating the phase information. A phase shift between the phase information and the envelope code reduce aliases.
US08154356B2 Oscillator with capacitance array
An oscillator is provided which comprises an array of capacitances. At least some capacitances in the array have different capacitance values.
US08154354B2 Nonlinear pulse oscillator methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus for implementing stable self-starting and self-sustaining high-speed electrical nonlinear pulse (e.g., soliton, cnoidal wave, or quasi-soliton) oscillators. Chip-scale nonlinear pulse oscillator devices may be fabricated using III-V semiconductor materials (e.g., GaAs) to attain soliton pulse widths on the order of a few picoseconds or less (e.g., 1 to 2 picoseconds, corresponding to frequencies of approximately 300 GHz or greater). In one example, a nonlinear pulse oscillator is implemented as a closed loop structure that comprises a nonlinear transmission line and a distributed nonlinear amplifier arrangement configured to provide a self-adjusting gain as a function of an average voltage of the oscillator signal. In another example, a nonlinear oscillator employing a lumped nonlinear amplifier and a nonlinear transmission line in a closed loop arrangement may be used in combination with a two-port nonlinear transmission line that provides additional pulse compression for pulses circulating in the oscillator.
US08154353B2 Operating parameter monitor for an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit 2 is provided with one or more monitoring circuits 14, 16, 18, 20 in the form of ring oscillators 22. These ring oscillators 22 include a plurality of tri-state inverters 24, 26, 28 containing a current-limiting transistor 42 operating in a leakage mode. The leakage current through the transistor 42 is dependent upon an operating parameter of the integrated circuit 2 being monitored. Accordingly, the oscillation frequency Fosc of the ring oscillator 22 varies in dependence upon the operating parameter to be measured.
US08154349B2 Atomic clock regulated by a static field and two oscillating fields
An atomic clock including a mechanism applying both a static magnetic field and two oscillating magnetic fields, all mutually perpendicular, in a magnetic shield. The amplitudes and frequencies of the oscillating magnetic fields may be chosen so as to annihilate energy variations between sub-transition levels of excited atoms and to reinforce a clock output signal, and with low sensitivity to defects in regulation.
US08154346B2 Short circuits and power limit protection circuits
In one embodiment, a method includes: detecting one of a short-to-ground condition and a short-to-supply condition at an output node; selectively activating a feedback control transistor according to the detecting; detecting a first current passing through a first transistor using a second transistor sized to be smaller than the first transistor; mirroring the detected current using a plurality of transistors to form a feedback current; and providing the feedback current to a gate electrode of the first transistor according to the selectively activating the feedback control transistor.
US08154345B2 Apparatus and method for current sensing using a wire bond
An apparatus for sensing power amplifier current includes a system voltage source that is used to develop a reference voltage, a wire bond structure connected between the system voltage source and a power amplifier, where a sense voltage developed across the wire bond structure is indicative of a current flowing through the power amplifier, and a current source configured to compensate the reference voltage for changes in resistance of the wire bond structure due to a temperature coefficient of the wire bond structure.
US08154344B2 RF power amplifier
A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
US08154341B2 Power amplifying apparatus
A power amplifying apparatus includes a high-speed low pass filter which inputs an envelope signal included in a transmission signal therein, a low-speed low pass filter which inputs the envelope signal therein, a determination unit which inputs the envelope signal therein and determines rising or falling of the envelope signal, a selecting unit which selects one of the high-speed low pass filter and the low-speed low pass filter according to a determined result of the determination unit, and a voltage supply unit which generates a voltage based on a signal input according to a selection by the selecting unit and supplies the voltage to a power amplifier which inputs the transmission signal therein so as to amplify a power of the transmission signal.
US08154339B2 V-band high-power transmitter with integrated power combiner
A wireless communications system includes a first multiplexer distribution network fed by a radio frequency input; a plurality of multi-stage power amplifiers fed by the first multiplexer distribution network, wherein each one of the multi-stage power amplifiers includes: a pre-distortion linearizer fed from the first distribution network; a first combiner receiving input from the pre-distortion linearizer; a second combiner; a plurality of power amplifier cells fed by the first combiner and feeding the second combiner; and a second multiplexer distribution network, wherein the second multiplexer distribution network is fed by the second combiner and feeds a radio frequency output.
US08154338B2 Offset cancellation for differential circuits
An offset cancellation circuit for canceling an offset voltage in an amplifier is provided herein. The offset cancellation circuit includes a current source configured to provide an offset current, a switching stage comprising first and second switches, and a cascode stage. The cascode stage comprises a first cascode device configured to receive the offset current from the first switch and inject the offset current into a first differential end of the amplifier, and a second cascode device configured to receive the offset current from the second switch and inject the offset current into a second differential end of the amplifier. Offset voltages are common to many differential circuits as a result of mismatch. The injection of current by the offset cancellation circuit can reduce or eliminate an offset voltage, while the cascode stage can prevent parasitic capacitance associated with the offset cancellation circuit from creating further mismatch.
US08154334B2 System and method for pre-charging a bootstrap capacitor in a switching regulator with high pre-bias voltage
An apparatus comprises a voltage regulator including an high side switching transistor and a low side switching transistor. An high side drive controls operation of the high side switching transistor. A low side driver controls operation of the low side switching transistor. A bootstrap capacitor provides an operating voltage to the high side switching driver. The bootstrap capacitor is charged to a predetermined level responsive to a supply voltage. A low side driver drives the low side switching transistor according to a process that charges the bootstrap capacitor to the predetermined level. The process turns on the low side switching transistor for a first predetermined number of cycles and turns off the low side switching transistor for a second predetermined number of cycles. The process is repeated for a predetermined number of times during startup of the voltage regulator when a prebias load is applied to the voltage regulator.
US08154332B2 Current-controlled resistor
A current-controlled resistor comprises a first input terminal configured to receive an input signal and a second input terminal configured to receive a current control signal. The resistor comprises a first stage configured to receive the current control signal; the first stage includes first and second PN diodes having first terminals of a first type and second terminals of a second type. The first terminals of the first and second PN diodes are coupled each other and a second terminal of the first PN diode is coupled to the first input terminal. The resistor comprises a second stage configured to receive the current control signal; the second stage includes a third PN diode having first and second terminals of the first and second types, the second terminal of the third PN diode being coupled to the second terminal of the second PN diode.
US08154324B2 Half bridge driver input filter
A driver integrated circuit for driving at least one high voltage half bridge stage. The driver including a filter circuit for filtering a signal provided to the half bridge stage, a minimum pulse width of the signal being near a constant time of the filter, wherein the filter circuit prevents distortions introduced when the signal is at its minimum pulse width from being passed to the half bridge stage.
US08154323B2 Output driver operable over wide range of voltages
An output driver includes a pull-up circuit and a pull-down circuit coupled to an output terminal and a capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a gate terminal of a P-channel transistor of the pull-up circuit and a second terminal configured to receive a drive signal. The output driver further includes a drive circuit coupled to the first terminal of the capacitor and configured to transfer charge from a power supply node to the first terminal of the capacitor when the drive signal is at a signal ground voltage and to decouple the first terminal of the capacitor from the power supply node when the drive signal is at a voltage level greater than the signal ground voltage such that a voltage swing of a signal generated at the gate terminal of the P-channel transistor is constrained to be less than a voltage of the power supply node with respect to the signal ground voltage.
US08154321B2 Method and apparatus for time-differential comparison of an analog signal
A time-differential analog comparator is disclosed. An example apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes a source of a variable frequency signal having a frequency responsive to an analog input. A counting circuit is coupled to count cycles of the variable frequency signal. The counting circuit is coupled to count in a first direction for a first time interval and is coupled to count in a second direction opposite to the first direction for a second time interval that occurs after an end of the first time interval. An evaluation circuit is coupled to the counting circuit. The evaluation circuit is responsive to the count of the cycles of the variable frequency signal after an end of the second time interval.
US08154320B1 Voltage level shifter
A level shifting circuit includes a string of diodes and an active load across which the control voltage is applied. A resistor is coupled across the lowermost diode to develop a switch control voltage. At low control voltage, the diode string allows no current to be developed across the resistor. At higher control voltage, the diodes conduct and the active load takes up the difference between the control voltage and the diode string voltage. A switch responds to the resistor voltage, for switching a load On and OFF. A second active load takes up excess load supply voltage.
US08154319B2 Three-dimensional architecture for integration of CMOS circuits and nano-material in hybrid digital circuits
A hybrid CMOL stack enables more efficient design of CMOS logical circuits. The hybrid CMOL structure includes a first substrate having a CMOS device layer on the substrate, a first interconnect layer with interface pins over the CMOS device layer of the first substrate, a first array of nanowires connected to the interface pins of the first interconnect layer, a layer of nanowire junction material over the first array of nanowires, a second array of nanowires over the nanowire junction material, a second interconnect layer having interface pins disposed over the second array of nanowires, the interface pins being connected to the second array of nanowires, and a second substrate, the second substrate including a second CMOS device layer disposed over the second interconnect layer.
US08154316B2 Method and apparatus for indexing an adjustable test probe tip
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to adjustable test probe tips that are indexable. In one embodiment a mechanism is coupled to a probe tip so that the mechanism may be used to index the probe tip to a plurality of particular positions. A label portion may be provided to communicate to a user that the length of the exposed probe tip is less than a particular length, such as the maximum length an exposed probe tip may be for a particular application.
US08154311B2 Method and device for characterizing the linear properties of an electrical component
A method and device for determining the linear response of an electrical multi-port component has an “estimation procedure” in which an estimated admittance matrix is determined by applying voltages to the ports of the component and measuring the response of the component. The estimation procedure can e.g. consist of a conventional measurement of the admittance matrix. The method further has a “measurement procedure” in which several voltage patterns are applied to the port. The voltage patterns correspond to the eigenvectors of the estimated admittance matrix. For each applied voltage pattern, the response of the component is measured. This allows to measure the linear response of the component accurately even if the eigenvalues of the admittance matrix differ by several orders of magnitude.
US08154310B1 Capacitance sensor with sensor capacitance compensation
A capacitance sensing circuit may include a capacitive sensor configured to conduct a sensor current, a current source for supplying a compensation current to the capacitive sensor, and a current mirror that generates a mirror current based on a compensated sensor current, where the compensated sensor current represents a difference between the compensation current and the sensor current. A measurement circuit generates an output signal corresponding to the capacitance of the capacitive sensor.
US08154305B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for connection fault self-monitoring with DC bias current
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing connection fault self-monitoring with DC bias current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for obtaining measurements and detecting connectivity faults associated with a voltage mode sensor. The method can include coupling a DC bias current into a circuit. The circuit includes a voltage mode sensor, and the voltage mode sensor can output a time varying signal. The method can also include setting a nominal level of the DC bias current, monitoring a voltage associated with the DC bias current, and determining circuit connectivity status based at least in part on monitoring the voltage.
US08154300B2 Voltage measuring device and voltage measuring system
In a voltage measuring device, according to a setting of input terminals for setting the number of unit cells to be measured SEL1, SEL2, SEL3, a logic circuit turns on switches in a switching circuit connected to the unit cells to measure a voltage across each unit cell.
US08154299B2 Deterioration determination circuit, power supply apparatus, and deterioration determination method of secondary battery
Provided is a deterioration determination circuit configured by including: an SOC detection unit for detecting an SOC of a secondary battery; an internal resistance detection unit for detecting an internal resistance value of the secondary battery; a first determination unit for determining the status of deterioration of the secondary battery based on the internal resistance value detected by the internal resistance detection unit when the SOC detected by the SOC detection unit is within a range of a pre-set first range; a second determination unit for determining the status of deterioration of the secondary battery based on the internal resistance value detected by the internal resistance detection unit when the SOC detected by the SOC detection unit is within a range of a pre-set second range as a range of an SOC, in which a variation of the internal resistance of the second battery in relation to a variation of the SOC of the secondary battery is different from the first range; and a final determination unit for ultimately determining that the secondary battery is deteriorated when the first determination unit determines that the secondary battery is of the deteriorated status and the second determination unit additionally determines that the secondary battery is of the deteriorated status.
US08154297B2 System and method for predictive maintenance of a battery assembly using temporal signal processing
A technique of monitoring a battery assembly may include monitoring a parameter associated with the battery assembly to obtain a number of monitored parameter samples. A temporal sequence of monotonically increasing values may be generated from the monitored parameter samples. The temporal sequence may be analyzed for an indication of a trend in the monitored parameter toward one of an upper operational boundary or a lower operational boundary to predict a fault condition of the battery assembly.
US08154295B2 Method for determining electric field response to an electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface
A method for determining a component of electric field response to a time varying electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface involves measuring magnetic field gradient in at least two orthogonal directions in response to the induced electromagnetic field and determining an electric field response in a direction normal to the magnetic field gradient measurements.
US08154290B2 NMR solenoidal coil and NMR probe having specialized static magnetic field compensating arrangements
Solenoid coil arrangements for sending a high-frequency wave, receiving or sending and receiving in a measurement of an NMR signal, wherein the solenoid coil has at least two leader lines for connections to a resonance circuit. A static magnetic field compensating member is arranged outside of the leader lines and is at least one of: (a) arranged to extend a main solenoid coil in an axial direction, and not to generate a high-frequency magnetic field in a direction to cancel a high-frequency magnetic field generated by the main solenoid coil; (b) constituted by an insulant having a magnetic susceptibility of the same sign as a material of a main solenoid coil and is in an outer side in an axial direction of the main solenoid to contact with the main solenoid coil; and (c) constituted by ring-shaped members divided into a plurality of sections in a circumferential direction.
US08154286B2 Apparatus and method for decreasing bio-effects of magnetic fields
A magnetic field generator includes a power source and a coil connected to the power source to generate a time-varying magnetic field. Energy is applied to the coil so that the coil generates a time-varying magnetic field gradient with a magnitude of at least 1 milliTesla per meter and a rise-time of less than 10 microseconds. One or more of a capacitor, a multi-stage high-voltage switch, and/or a pulse-forming network may assist with the generation of the magnetic field gradient.
US08154283B2 Method and apparatus for automatically analyzing the characteristics of an elastomeric material included in a tire
A method and an apparatus for analyzing at least one material characteristic of a tire wherein nuclear magnetic resonance measuring is applied to a tread block of the tire by means of a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring system including a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor. The apparatus includes a magazine for storing at least one tire, a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring system including a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor, positioning means for moving the nuclear magnetic resonance sensor in at least one direction with respect to the tire, a driving means for driving the tire with respect to its rotational axis, a control unit for controlling the positioning means and the driving means, and a computer connected with the control unit and the nuclear magnetic resonance measuring system. It is possible to automatically analyze the material characteristics of a plurality of tires within a short time.
US08154281B2 Sensor system wherein spinning phases of the spinning current hall sensor are lengthened in residual offset adjustment
A system including a spinning current Hall sensor and a chopping circuit. The spinning current Hall sensor is configured to provide input signals and the chopping circuit is configured to receive the input signals. Spinning phases of the spinning current Hall sensor are lengthened in residual offset adjustment phases to obtain signals that correspond to the residual offset voltages of the spinning phases.
US08154280B2 Thin film lamination, thin film magnetic sensor using the thin film lamination and method for manufacturing the thin film lamination
Relating to a thin film lamination and a thin film magnetic sensor using the thin film lamination and a method for manufacturing the thin film lamination that realizes a thin film conducting layer having high electron mobility and sheet resistance as an InAsSb operating layer. A thin film lamination is provided which is characterized by having an AlxIn1−xSb mixed crystal layer formed on a substrate, and an InAsxSb1−x (0
US08154277B2 Method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of a metal layer provided on a metal object
A method and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of a metal layer. The metal layer has a resistivity (ρ1) that differs from the resistivity (ρ2) of the metal object. The apparatus includes a first device arranged to generate a magnetic field in close vicinity of the metal layer, and to generate a variation of the magnetic field so that a current is induced in the surface of the metal layer, a second device arranged to measure the changes of the magnetic field outside the metal layer due to the induced current during a time period that is longer than the time it takes for the current to propagate through the metal layer, and a computing unit to determine the thickness of the layer based on a mathematical relation between the thickness of the layer and the measured values of the changes of the magnetic field.
US08154274B2 Safety interlock
A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device includes a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded on the medical device.
US08154273B2 Detecting and handling coincidence in particle analysis
Methods and systems substantially eliminate data representative of coincident events from particle analyzer data. A fluid sample containing particles for analysis is prepared. Using an electrical or optical measurement device, signals are sensed. Each signal corresponds to events detected in a sub-sample of the fluid sample flowing through a measurement region in the particle analyzer. The existence of coincidence in the events is determined based on measuring a peak and first and second points of each of the signals. The first and second points have a signal value corresponding to a predetermined portion of the peak. Results data based upon the coincident events and non-coincident events is generated. The results data is then analyzed. In various examples, the method is applicable to a variety of particle types, and may be implemented on different types of particle analyzers including hematology analyzer and flow cytometers.
US08154271B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes load circuits and internal voltage generators for generating internal source voltages for driving the load circuits. Each of the internal voltage generators includes a reference voltage generating circuit for generating reference voltages, and regulator circuits for generating the internal source voltages with reference to the reference voltages. The regulator circuit is formed over an SOI substrate and includes a preamplifier circuit for detecting and amplifying a difference between each of the internal source voltages and each of the reference voltages, a main amplifier circuit for amplifying the output of the preamplifier circuit and generating a control signal, and a driver circuit for generating the internal source voltage in response to the control signal. An input stage of the main amplifier circuit is configured by MOS transistors coupling the gates and bodies of the MOS transistors.
US08154265B2 Enhanced efficiency low-dropout linear regulator and corresponding method
A low-dropout linear regulator includes an error amplifier which includes a cascaded arrangement of a differential amplifier and a gain stage. The gain stage includes a transistor driven by the differential amplifier to produce at a drive signal for an output stage of the regulator. The transistor is interposed over its source-drain line between a first resistive load included in a RC network creating a zero in the open loop gain of the regulator, and a second resistive load to produce a drive signal for the output stage of the regulator. The second resistive load is a non-linear compensation element to render current consumption linearly proportional to the load current to the regulator. The first resistive load is a non-linear element causing the frequency of said zero created by the RC network to decrease as the load current of the regulator decreases.
US08154264B2 Method and systems for conduction mode control
Methods for selecting between the two modes (states) of operation, continuous conduction and discontinuous conduction, are disclosed. Systems that are capable of selecting the operating mode and operating in the continuous conduction mode or the discontinuous conduction mode are also disclosed.
US08154262B2 Control system provided with power supply unit operating based on operation modes including standby mode
A power supply unit for supplying electric current of a supply voltage to a control unit in an electronic control system has switching regulator dropping an input voltage to an intermediate voltage, a first series regulator producing electric current of the supply voltage from the intermediate voltage, and a second series regulator producing electric current of the supply voltage lower than electric current produced in the first series regulator. During the standby mode of the control unit, an FET of the switching regulator is locked to the on state to accumulate electric charge in a capacitor of a smoothing circuit, while an output transistor of the first series regulator is locked to the off state. When a wake-up condition is satisfied in the control unit, the FET starts the switching operation, and the output transistor immediately starts the driving operation while using the charge supplied from the capacitor.
US08154261B2 Power converter with power switch operable in controlled current mode
A power converter and method of controlling a power switch therein to improve power conversion efficiency at low output current. In one embodiment, the power converter includes a first power switch coupled to a source of electrical power and a second power switch coupled to the first power switch and to an output terminal of the power converter. The power converter also includes a controller configured to alternately enable conduction of the first and the second power switches with a duty cycle in response to an output characteristic of the power converter. The controller is configured to control a level of current in the first power switch when the second power switch is substantially disabled to conduct.
US08154258B2 Backup energy storage module with voltage leveling
An energy storage module for providing backup power to electronic systems includes one or more capacitor banks, each including one or more capacitors for storing energy. The energy storage module also includes a first voltage regulator that may, during a normal mode of operation, provide a regulated direct current (DC) voltage to charge the one or more capacitors of each capacitor bank. In addition, each of the capacitor banks may include a voltage leveling circuit that may maintain a specific voltage on the capacitors. Further, the energy storage module includes an output circuit that may, during a backup mode of operation, provide an output voltage derived from an output of each of the one or more capacitor banks. The output circuit includes a control unit configured to regulate and combine the output of each of the one or more capacitor banks.
US08154257B2 Storage system including a plurality of battery modules
In a storage system provided with a plurality of storage modules, the rated power consumption can be reduced. The storage system is provided with a charge control unit. The charge control unit stops, when detecting that a predetermined number of a plurality of battery modules are during battery charging, the battery charging in the remaining battery modules.
US08154256B2 Battery thermal event detection system using an electrical conductor with a thermally interruptible insulator
A method and apparatus is provided for determining when a battery, or one or more batteries within a battery pack, undergoes an undesired thermal event such as thermal runaway. The system uses an insulated conductive member mounted in close proximity to, or in contact with, an external surface of the battery or batteries to be monitored. A voltage measuring system is coupled to the conductive core of the insulated conductive member, the voltage measuring system outputting a first signal when the temperature corresponding to the battery or batteries is within a prescribed temperature range and a second signal when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature that falls outside of the prescribed temperature range.
US08154250B2 Battery charging controller and battery module using the same
The present invention discloses a battery charging controller for achieving a balanced battery charge. The battery charging controller includes a voltage divider, a switch module and a balance circuit. A reference voltage generated by the voltage divide is used to determine which battery unit in a battery module has an insufficient voltage lower than the others, so that the balance circuit controls the switch module to allow a larger current to charge a lower-voltage battery than a higher-voltage battery, so as to result in substantially the same voltage for each fully charged battery of the battery module.
US08154249B2 Battery pack
An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.
US08154247B2 Portable telecommunications device
A portable telecommunications device comprises a charging interface for connection to an external power supply, a voltage and current ratio converter configured to convert an input voltage at the charging interface into an output voltage for charging a battery; and a controller configured to control the converter.
US08154245B2 Systems and methods for charging a chargeable USB device
Systems and methods are provided for charging a USB device. A USB connector may be used to couple the system to a USB port on the USB device, the USB connector including a bus voltage (Vbus) connector, a positive data (D+) connector, and a negative data (D−) connector. Charger circuitry may be used to receive a source voltage and convert the source voltage into the bus voltage (Vbus), wherein the bus voltage (Vbus) is used to charge the USB device. Presence detect circuitry may be used to compare a first voltage present on the D+ connector with a second voltage present on the D− connector in order to detect when the USB connector is coupled to the USB port of the USB device.
US08154243B2 Fuel cell potential measuring apparatus and manufacturing method therefor
A fuel cell potential measuring apparatus includes a first sheet member which is arranged on an anode side, and a second sheet member which is arranged on a cathode side. On the first sheet member, an anode potential-applying electrode and an anode potential-measuring electrode are disposed on an end portion thereof, whereas on the second sheet member, a cathode potential-applying electrode and a cathode potential-measuring electrode are disposed on an end portion thereof. Another end portion of the first sheet member and another end portion of the second sheet member are joined together mutually.
US08154242B2 Method of fully charging an electrical energy storage device using a lower voltage fuel cell system
A fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack and an EESD electrically coupled to a common high voltage bus line. The EESD has a higher voltage output than the fuel cell stack, and thus the stack is unable to fully charge the EESD, for example, at system shut-down. In order to allow the fuel cell stack to fully charge the EESD, the EESD is separated into a plurality of separate electrical storage banks having lower voltage potentials. A series of contactors are provided to electrically couple the storage banks in series during normal system operation, and separately charge the storage banks using the fuel cell stack so that they are fully charged. The series of contactors can also be configured so that the storage banks can be electrically coupled in series during normal operation of the system and be electrically coupled in parallel during charging at system shut-down.
US08154237B2 Sealed electric compressor
A sealed electric compressor having a normally-off type pressure switch and a fuse element. The pressure switch is placed in a sealed housing, connected parallel to a main winding of an electric motor, and, when the pressure of refrigerant in the sealed housing is abnormally high, activates to short-circuit the main winding. The fuse element is connected in series to the main winding and an auxiliary winding of the electric motor and interrupts conduction of electricity to the electric motor when an excess current that is produced when the pressure switch short-circuits the main winding flows.
US08154233B2 Sensorless method and related device for starting a three-phase brushless direct-current motor
A sensorless method for starting a three-phase brushless direct-current motor includes generating a start-up control signal, a start mode selection signal, and a control signal commutation period; switching to a start mode according to the start mode selection signal; implementing a position aligning procedure according to the start-up control signal and the control signal commutation period; detecting a zero crossing point of back electromotive forces during each control signal commutation period; outputting a sensorless mode selection signal while detecting the zero crossing points of the back electromotive forces during consecutive control signal commutation periods; switching to a sensorless mode according to the sensorless mode selection signal; and detecting a zero crossing point of back electromotive forces in the sensorless mode to determine a starting result of the three-phase brushless direct-current motor.
US08154226B2 Operating apparatus
An operating apparatus including a main body, a movable member, a drive unit having a drive source, and a control unit controlling the drive source to control the position of the movable member relative to the main body. The control unit including a position control system and an acceleration control system. The position control system including a position command portion, a first feedforward compensator outputting a first operation command to the drive source, a second feedforward compensator, a positional-information acquiring device obtaining information related to the position of the movable member, and a first feedback compensator outputting a second operation command to the drive source. The acceleration control system including an acceleration-information acquiring device obtaining information related to an acceleration of the main body, a third feedforward compensator, a second feedback compensator outputting a third operation command to the drive source.
US08154219B2 Method of scanning backlight driving lamps for an LCD
A control signal is provided for turning on and turning off a lamp of a backlight source. For a first duration when the liquid crystal is rotating, adjust a frequency of the control signal to turn on and turn off the lamp of the backlight source consecutively or adjust a duty cycle of the control signal to turn off and then turn on the lamp of the backlight source. Thus, the backlight source has a luminance value for the first duration, and the control signal turns on the lamp of the backlight source for a second duration when the liquid crystal is in the steady state.
US08154217B2 Driver circuit, method for operating and use of a current mirror of a driver circuit
A driver circuit, operating method, and use of a current mirror of a driver circuit is provided that includes at least one output transistor, a reference network with at least one reference transistor, a switching device, which is connected to the control input of the output transistor and to the control input of the reference transistor to form a switchable current mirror, a current source for providing a reference current for a reference current path, whereby the current source and the reference transistor are arranged in the reference current path, a load terminal, whereby the load terminal and the output transistor are arranged in a load current path, and at least one damping network, which is connected to or connectable to the reference current path. Wherein a connection of components of the at least one damping network and a connection of components of the reference network are substantially the same.
US08154214B2 Switching power supply for an illumination device with precision current control
A system and method for powering a light-emitting element in an illumination device includes a DC power supply with the light-emitting element coupled across a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal of the DC power supply. A switching element is coupled between the light-emitting element and the negative output terminal. An average current value across the light-emitting element is measured each time the switching element is turned on. A control circuit generates a PWM signal having a pulse width determined based on the calculated average current value and a predetermined target value, and applies the PWM signal to drive the switching element on and off in accordance with the determined pulse width, and a current is generated across the light-emitting element.
US08154212B2 Circuit for driving light sources and related method
A circuit for supplying a light source (L) such as a high flux (HF) LED with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming capability includes: a rectifier (10) for receiving an input bipolar PWM modulated signal (v) representative of a desired dimming level for the light source (L) and produce therefrom a rectified signal; a current regulator (14) to receive the rectified signal and produce therefrom a supply current for the light source (L); and a control module (16) sensitive to the input bipolar PWM modulated signal (v) to control the current regulator (14) to produce a PWM modulated supply current for the light source (L); and a capacitor (18) arranged between the rectifier (10) and the current regulator (14) to stabilize the rectified signal. The circuit typically includes ancillary circuitry (12), such as a microcontroller, connected to the capacitor to be supplied with the rectified signal as stabilized by the capacitor (18). The ancillary circuitry (12) is thus supplied irrespective of the dimming level associated with the input bipolar PWM modulated signal.
US08154210B2 Ion implantation ion source, system and method
An ion source is disclosed incorporating various aspects of the invention including i) a vaporizer, ii) a vaporizer valve, iii) a gas feed, iv) an ionization chamber, v) an electron gun, vi) a cooled mounting frame, and vii) an ion exit aperture. The ion source includes means for introducing gaseous feed material into the ionization chamber, means for vaporizing solid feed materials and introducing their vapors into the ionization chamber, means for ionizing the introduced gaseous feed materials within the ionization chamber, and means for extracting the ions thus produced from an ion exit aperture adjacent to the ionization region. In addition, means for accelerating and focusing the exiting ions are provided. The vaporizer, vaporizer valve, gas feed, ionization chamber, electron gun, cooled mounting frame, and ion exit aperture are all integrated into a single assembly in preferred embodiments of the novel ion source.
US08154209B2 Modulated multi-frequency processing method
A method is provided for operating a processing system having a space therein arranged to receive a gas and an electromagnetic field generating portion operable to generate an electromagnetic field within the space. The method includes providing a gas into the space, and operating the electromagnetic field generating portion with a driving potential to generate an electromagnetic field within the space to transform at least a portion of the gas into plasma. The driving potential as a function of time is based on a first potential function portion and a second potential function portion. The first potential function portion comprises a first continuous periodic portion having a first amplitude and a first frequency. The second potential function portion comprises a second periodic portion having an maximum amplitude portion, and minimum amplitude portion and a duty cycle. The maximum amplitude portion is a higher amplitude than the minimum amplitude portion. The duty cycle is the ratio of a duration of the maximum amplitude portion to the sum of the duration of the maximum amplitude portion and the duration of the minimum amplitude portion. The second periodic portion additionally has a second frequency during the maximum amplitude portion. An amplitude modulation of the second periodic portion is phase locked to the first continuous periodic portion.
US08154208B2 Method of supplying power to an automobile headlight lamp and headlight using that method
A method and headlight adapted to supply power to a dual-mode automobile headlight light source able to provide either main beam mode lighting or dipped beam mode lighting, wherein the light source is supplied with electrical power at a first voltage when it is in main beam mode and at a second voltage when it is in dipped beam mode, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage.
US08154207B2 Light apparatus control system for vehicle
A control unit determines whether a vehicle has entered an area under a covering object that covers the upper side of the vehicle. In the case where the control unit determines that the vehicle has entered the area under the covering object, the control unit turns on light apparatus when both of a measurement of an upper light intensity, which is measured with an upper light intensity sensor, and a measurement of a front light intensity, which is measured with a front light intensity sensor, require turning on of the light apparatus.
US08154205B2 Energy-saving LED street lamp and method for saving energy with the same
The present invention provides an energy-saving LED street lamp and a method of saving energy with said LED street lamp. A energy-saving LED street lamp comprises lamp body, power supply adapters, constant current actuating device, and LED lamps. said constant current actuating device is connected in series with the output end of the Power supply adapter, supplying power to said LED lamps. Said energy-saving lamp also comprises auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller; the signal output end of said auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller being connected with constant current actuating device. Said LED lamps compose a plurality of working module; each of the said working module is connected with an independent Power supply adapter. Said auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller has a plurality of routes of output signal, and each of the route of signal output end is connected with a constant current actuating device, and sequentially control the lighten and extinguish time of a working module. A method of saving energy with said LED street lamp is published, too. The working time each day of LED street lamp is divided into a plurality of working time period on the basis of the measure of light used, and then different quantities of working modules are turned on in different time period controlled by the auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller on the basis of the measure of light used.
US08154203B2 Plasma display rear panel and its manufacturing method
A plasma display member does not cause an erroneous discharge in a display region end portion and includes: a substrate (1); a substantially stripe-shaped address electrode (2) arranged on the substrate (1); a dielectric layer (3) covering the address electrode (2) and a grid-shaped partition arranged on the dielectric layer (3) and having main walls (4) substantially parallel to the address electrode (2) and auxiliary walls (5) intersecting the main partitions (4). The auxiliary wall (5) intersecting the main wall (4) located at the outermost position among the main walls (4) located at non-display regions (7) at the right and left of a display region (6) has a bottom width identical to the bottom width (L1) of the main wall (4) located at the outermost position among the main walls (4) located at the non-display regions (7) at the right and left of the display region (6) which is multiplied by 0.3 to 1.0.
US08154200B2 Encapsulation of organic devices
Presented an organic light-emitting device (OLED) that includes at least one active region, at least one organic layer, a first glass plate on which the at least one active region is applied, and a second glass plate. The active region is disposed between the first and the second glass plates. The first and second glass plates are at least partially transparent in the near infrared spectral range. The OLED further includes a bonding material that includes a solder glass and is disposed between the first and second glass plates. The bonding material forms at least one frame that surrounds the active region and mechanically connects the first glass plate with the second glass plate and seals the active region. The bonding material absorbs near infrared radiation. The OLED further includes spacer particles that have a mean diameter that maintains a height between the first and second glass plates.
US08154198B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to an OLED display and a manufacturing method thereof, and the OLED display according to the present invention includes a display substrate including an OLED, a sealing member disposed opposite to the display substrate and covering the OLED, and a sealant interposed between the display substrate and the sealing member and that seals them to each other, and the sealant has a curved inner surface and an angular outer surface in at least one of corner areas of the display substrate and the sealing member.
US08154193B2 Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescence device of the present invention adapts a new concept in its configuration to improve its efficiency in addition to obtain a high reliability and good yielding. The organic electroluminescent device having an electroluminescent film containing an organic material capable of causing an electroluminescence and being arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode, includes: a carrier generation layer, which is a floating electrode, is embodied in the electroluminescent film; an insulting film between the first electrode and the electroluminescent film, and an insulating film between the second electrode and the electroluminescent film, wherein the organic electroluminescent device is driven by an alternating current bias.
US08154188B2 Electron emitting device and image displaying apparatus using the same
An electron beam apparatus is provided having an electron emitting device which has a simple configuration, exhibits high electron emission efficiency, operates stably, and in which emitted electrons are effectively converged. The electron beam apparatus includes: an insulator having a notch on its surface; a gate positioned on the surface of the insulator; at least one cathode having a protruding portion protruding from an edge of the notch toward the gate, and positioned on the surface of the insulator so that the protruding portion is opposed to the gate; and an anode arranged to be opposed to the protruding portion via the gate, wherein the gate is formed on the surface of the insulator so that at least a part of a region opposed to the cathode is projected outward and recessed portions are provided in which ends of the gate are recessed and interpose the projected region.
US08154184B2 Electron beam apparatus and image display apparatus using the same
The present invention provides an electron beam apparatus provided with an electron-emitting device which has a simple structure, shows high electron-emitting efficiency and stably works. This electron beam apparatus has an insulating member and a gate formed on a substrate, a recess portion formed in the insulating member, a protruding portion that protrudes from an edge of the recess portion toward the gate and is provided on an end part of a cathode opposing to the gate, which is arranged on the side face of the insulating member; and makes an electric field converge on an end part in the width direction of the protruding portion to make an electron emitted therefrom.
US08154182B2 Light source device
A light source apparatus is capable of reliably enhancing the starting performance of a high pressure discharge lamp even during hot state just after extinguishing the high pressure discharge lamp by radiating a necessary and sufficient amount of a UV-light into a discharge bulb of the lamp using an UV-enhancer of a simple constitution without increasing the manufacturing cost is provided. An UV-enhancer for radiating a UV-light to a discharge bulb for enhancing the starting performance of a high pressure discharge lamp upon starting lighting includes a discharge tube connected in parallel to a lighting circuit of the lamp, and an external electrode of the discharge tube is formed as a metal holder that holds the outer periphery of the discharge tube so as to oppose the end face of an electrode seal portion of the lamp inserted through a bottom hole in a concave reflector and secures the electrode seal portion to an electrode lead protruding from the end face thereof.
US08154180B1 Light-emitting diode lamp
An LED lamp having a heat-dissipating mechanism has a top casing, a heat-conducting tube and a bottom casing. The top casing has a foundation board, a lamp holder and multiple fins. The foundation board has a first tube guide formed around and protruding downwardly from a perimeter of the foundation board and is made of a metal material. The lamp holder is hollow and centrally mounted through the top casing, and has a second tube guide formed on a bottom thereof. The fins are radially formed on a top of the foundation board and around the lamp holder. The heat-conducting tube is mounted against one side of the first tube guide and within the second tube guide. The bottom casing is securely combined with the top casing. Besides the fins, the heat-conducting tube enlarges the contact area with the top casing, thereby enhancing the heat-dissipating efficiency.
US08154176B2 System and method for resonance frequency tuning of resonant devices
Tunable vibration energy scavengers and methods of operating the same are disclosed. The disclosed energy scavengers comprise a beam with a main body, wherein the beam comprises at least one flap and means for changing a shape of the at least one flap, wherein the at least one flap is physically attached to the main body along a longitudinal side of the main body. The disclosed methods comprise tuning the shape of the at least one flap, thereby tuning the stiffness of the structure.
US08154175B2 Sensing device
A sensing device is disclosed that includes a bistable snap mechanism having a snap element operatively connected to an input element and an output element. The snap element has two discrete positions that provide the output element in one of first and second positions. A resistive sensing element includes a flexible member operatively connected to the output element and is configured to deflect in response to movement of the output element between the first and second positions. A resistor is mounted on the flexible member and is configured to provide a variable resistance based upon deflection of the flexible member.
US08154173B2 Mechanically amplified piezoelectric transducer
A piezoelectric transducer having a component therein for amplifying the deformation of the piezoelectric element so as to increase the available transducer stroke. This amplification of the piezoelectric element may be provided by a mechanical amplifier coupled to the piezoelectric element. The mechanical amplifier is configured to exert a preloading force on the piezoelectric element.
US08154172B2 Electronic circuit for highly efficient driving of piezoelectric loads
The invention relates to a circuit for highly efficient driving of piezoelectric loads, comprising a linear driving circuit portion connected to the load through an inductive-resistive connection whereto a voltage waveform is applied. Advantageously, the circuit comprises further respective circuit portions, structurally independent, connected in turn to the inductive-resistive connection through respective inductors to supply a considerable fraction of the overall current required by the load in the transient and steady state respectively.
US08154165B2 General purpose engine with axial gap type motor/generator
The present invention achieves an improvement in the power generation capacity of a general purpose engine provided for a power generation application while realizing reductions in the weight and size thereof. An optional external apparatus can be attached to one shaft part of a rotary shaft, and an axial gap type motor/generator constituted by power generating rotors (inner and outer rotors) and a stator is attached integrally to another shaft part of the rotary shaft.
US08154162B2 Motor and disk drive apparatus provided with a circuit board with wirings
A motor for holding a disk with a mounting opening in place includes a rotor unit including a rotor magnet rotatable about a central axis and a stator unit including a stator arranged opposite to the rotor magnet and a circuit board electrically connected to the stator. Wiring lines of the circuit board include output-side land portions electrically connected to first ends of coils of the stator, a connection-side land portion electrically connected to second ends of the coils forming a neutral point, a connection portion electrically connected to an external power source, output-side wiring portions arranged to electrically interconnect the output-side land portions and the connection portion, and a connection-side wiring portion arranged to electrically interconnect the connection-side land portion and the connection portion. Each of the output-side wiring portions has a width greater than a width of the connection-side wiring portion.
US08154158B2 Cooling an electrical machine
An electrical machine includes a stator and a rotor disposed in a housing of the electrical machine. The stator includes windings having a first set of end turns at a first end of the stator and having a second set of end turns at a second, opposing end of the stator. The stator has a substantially tubular shape and an interior lateral surface. The rotor extends through the interior of the stator. A flow inlet into a volume in the housing about the first end turns is located radially outside of the interior lateral surface of the stator. A flow outlet from the volume in the housing about the first end turns is located radially outside of the interior lateral surface. The inlet and the outlet are cooperatively arranged to communicate a flow of fluid substantially transverse across the first end of the stator.
US08154154B2 Automatic switch configuration
A system including an input and a controller. The input is configured to receive a switch signal from multiple different types of switches. The controller coupled to the input and can determine the type of the switch by an analysis of the switch signals received from the switch through the input.
US08154152B2 Method of controlling DC/DC converter, fuel cell vehicle for carrying out such method
A triangular-wave current flows through a reactor of a DC/DC converter for converting voltages between increased and reduced levels. Surges are reduced, which are developed in an output voltage serving as a control voltage when the triangular-wave current changes across a zero value at which the current direction is changed. When a primary current flowing through the reactor changes across 0 [A] (zero value) at which the direction is changed, within an adjustment range, a feedback coefficient by which to multiply the error between the control voltage and a target voltage is multiplied by k (k>1) so as to increase a feedback amount. Surges developed in the control voltage due to a dead time when the primary current changes across 0 [A] are reduced.
US08154151B2 Apparatus, method, and system for conveying electrical energy
An apparatus, system, and method, the apparatus includes an intelligent energy transfer system including a configurable switching system electrically coupleable to a vehicle. The vehicle includes one of an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The configurable switching system is configured to convey a first direct current (DC) energy from a first energy source to an energy storage system of the vehicle, receive a first alternating current (AC) energy conveyed to the vehicle, convey a second DC energy from the vehicle to a first DC powered load, and convey a second AC energy from the vehicle to a first AC powered load. Each of the first energy source, the first AC powered load, and the first DC powered load are located remotely from the vehicle.
US08154148B2 Device and method for emergency electricity supply on board an aircraft
A device and a method for emergency electricity supply on board an aircraft, able to supply a part of the aircraft's electrical power circuit. The device includes a synchronous machine with separate excitation, associated with a flywheel, and an auxiliary device to set the flywheel in rotation and to maintain rotation of the flywheel.
US08154147B2 System and method for controlling a power budget at a power source equipment using a PHY
A system and method for controlling the delivery of power to a powered device in a Power over Ethernet Broad Reach (PoE-BR) application. Cabling power loss in a PoE-BR application is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance in a broad reach cable can be used in increasing a power budget allocated to a power source equipment port.
US08154146B2 Generator, nacelle, and mounting method of a nacelle of a wind energy converter
An apparatus for wind energy conversion includes a nacelle having a main frame, the main frame having a lower part and an upper part joined to the lower part, the upper part having a first strap extending across the lower part; a stator disposed within the nacelle; a rotor disposed within the nacelle; a mounting surface attached to the main frame and defining a rotor space, the mounting surface having a first side-face that exposes the rotor space; and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and including a first end connected to the rotor. The rotor is cantilevered from the flange into the rotor space from the first side face.
US08154143B2 Wind energy converter comprising a superposition gear
A wind energy converter configured for transmitting power to an electric grid includes a variable ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator. A control system is configured to mechanically control a rotational speed of the generator so that, during a low voltage event, the wind energy converter can continue to operate and supply power to the grid.
US08154142B2 Communicating energy storages with different functions
An integrated system of communicating energy storage devices for supplying an alternate power source to operating systems for a wind turbine connected to an electrical grid, is provided. The integrated system includes at least one wind turbine with a rotor, the wind turbine being connected to an electrical grid. At least one operating system of the at least one wind turbine requires an alternate power source during a wind turbine operating condition. Further included are a plurality of energy storage devices capable of supplying the alternate power source. Communication of energy storage between at least two of energy storage devices is provided.
US08154141B2 Wind power installation and method of modifying the blade pitch in a wind power installation
The wind power installation comprises a rotor with at least one rotor blade, a generator, and a pitch control system for controlling the pitch of the rotor blades, said pitch control system comprising at least one AC motor (100) arranged to be fed by a converter (101). The pitch control system further comprises means (102) for bypassing said converter (101) so as to connect the AC motor (100) to receive power from an emergency AC power supply source.
US08154138B2 Municipal wastewater electrical power generation assembly and a method for generating electrical power
An electrical generating assembly 10 which may be selectively used in combination with and/or as part of a municipal wastewater treatment facility 12 and which allows the wastewater treatment facility 12 to generate electrical energy 48, 62, 13 as received wastewater 14 is cleaned according to a plurality of diverse energy generating strategies.
US08154137B1 Portable power source having detachably mounted accessory
A generator has a receiver adapted to receive an electrical accessory in a manner that allows the electrical accessory to be quickly removed when desired by a user. The receiver allows an electrical accessory, such as a parallel connection kit, transfer switch, or work light, to be securely mounted to the generator, but removed when desired without the need for any tools.
US08154133B2 Semiconductor device having low dielectric constant film and manufacturing method thereof
A low dielectric constant film/wiring line stack structure made up of a stack of low dielectric constant films and wiring lines is provided in a region on the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate except for the peripheral part of this surface. The peripheral side surface of the low dielectric constant film/wiring line stack structure is covered with a sealing film. This provides a structure in which the low dielectric constant films do not easily come off. In this case, a lower protective film is provided on the lower surface of a silicon substrate to protect this lower surface against cracks.
US08154132B2 Semiconductor device comprising internal and external wiring
A semiconductor device of the invention include a rectangular semiconductor element mounted on a substrate formed with an external input terminal, an external output terminal, and a plurality of wiring patterns connected to each of the external input terminal and the external output terminal. The semiconductor element comprises, a plurality of first electrodes formed along a first edge of a surface thereof, a plurality of second electrodes formed along an edge opposite to the first edge of the surface, a plurality of third electrodes formed in the neighborhood of a functional block, and an internal wiring for connecting the first electrodes and the third electrodes. The substrate comprises, a first wiring pattern for connecting the external input terminal and the first electrodes, a second wiring pattern for connecting the external output terminal and the second electrodes, and a third wiring pattern for connecting the first electrodes and the third electrodes.
US08154126B2 Methods for wafer-level packaging of microelectronic devices and microelectronic devices formed by such methods
Methods for packaging microelectronic devices, microelectronic workpieces having packaged dies, and microelectronic devices re disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a microelectronic workpiece comprising a substrate having a device side and a backside. In one embodiment, the microelectronic workpiece further includes a plurality of dies formed on the device side of the substrate, a dielectric layer over the dies, and a plurality of bond-pads on the dielectric layer. The dies have integrated circuitry and a plurality of bond-pads electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry. The ball-pads are arranged in ball-pad arrays over corresponding dies on the substrate. The microelectronic workpiece of this embodiment further includes a protective layer over the backside of the substrate. The protective layer is formed on the backside of the substrate from a material that is in a flowable state and is then cured to a non-flowable state.
US08154122B2 Semiconductor package and methods of manufacturing the semiconductor package
A semiconductor package and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor package are provided. A semiconductor package according to the present general inventive concept may include a base substrate having one surface on which a connection terminal is formed and a first package substrate having a molding layer covering the base substrate. The molding layer faces a circumference of the connection terminal and includes a side surface having first and second surfaces having a circumference of a different size, respectively.
US08154117B2 High power integrated circuit device having bump pads
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a substrate having a semiconducting surface, a first array of devices on and in the semiconducting surface including first and second coacting current conducting nodes, a plurality of layers disposed on the substrate and including at a electrically conductive layers and dielectric layer, and a plurality of bump pads on or in the top surface of the dielectric layers. In the IC, the electrically conductive layers define electrical traces, where a first portion of the electrical traces contact a first portion of the bump pads exclusively to a portion of the first coacting current conducting nodes, where a second portion of the electrical traces contact a second portion of the bump pads exclusively to a portion of the second coacting current conducting nodes, and where the electrical traces are electrically isolated from one another by the dielectric layers.
US08154113B2 Interconnect and test assembly including an interconnect
An interconnect includes an elastic body, an electric conductor and a spacer. The elastic body has a first surface, a second surface, a first hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and a second hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The electric conductor is disposed in the first hole of the insulating body for contacting one of a plurality of balls of the first integrated circuit package and one of a plurality of conductor pads of the second integrated circuit package. The electric conductor includes an elastic body and electric conductor particles disbursed in the elastic body. The spacer is disposed in the second hole.
US08154112B2 Semiconductor memory apparatus
The semiconductor memory apparatus related to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wiring substrate arranged with a device mounting part and connection pads aligned along one exterior side of the wiring substrate, a plurality of semiconductor memory devices including electrode pads which are arranged along one external side of the wiring substrate, a semiconductor memory device group in which the plurality of semiconductor memory devices are stacked on the device mounting part of the wiring substrate so that pad arrangement sides all face in the same direction, and a controller device including the electrode pads arranged along at least one external side of the wiring substrate, wherein the electrode pads of the plurality of semiconductor memory devices and the electrode pads of the controller device are arranged parallel to an arrangement position of the connection pads of the wiring substrate.
US08154110B2 Double-faced electrode package and its manufacturing method
A dual-face package has an LSI chip sealed with a mold resin, and electrodes for external connections on both of the front face and the back face. The LSI chip is bonded onto the die pad of a leadframe whose outer lead portions are exposed as back-face electrodes at least the back face. The LSI chip and a plurality of inner lead portions of the leadframe are connected by wiring. At least some of the plurality of inner lead portions have front-face electrodes integrally formed by working a portion of the leadframe. Head faces of the front-face electrodes, or bump electrodes connected to the respective head faces of the front-face electrodes serve as electrodes for external connections to another substrate, element, or the like.
US08154104B2 Semiconductor device having a resistor and methods of forming the same
In a semiconductor device and a method of making the same, the semiconductor device comprises a substrate including a first region and a second region. At least one first gate structure is on the substrate in the first region, the at least one first gate structure including a first gate insulating layer and a first gate electrode layer on the first gate insulating layer. At least one isolating structure is in the substrate in the second region, a top surface of the isolating structure being lower in height than a top surface of the substrate. At least one resistor pattern is on the at least one isolating structure.
US08154098B2 Reverse image sensor module and method for manufacturing the same
A reverse image sensor module includes first and second semiconductor chips, and first and second insulation layers. The first semiconductor chip includes a first semiconductor chip body having a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, photodiodes disposed on the first surface, and a wiring layer disposed on the second surface and having wiring lines electrically connected to the photodiodes and bonding pads electrically connected to the wiring lines. The second semiconductor chip includes a second semiconductor chip body having a third surface facing the wiring layer, and through-electrodes electrically connected to the bonding pads and passing through the second semiconductor chip body. The first insulation layer is disposed on the wiring layer, and the second insulation layer is disposed on the third surface of the second semiconductor chip body facing the first insulation layer and is joined to the first insulation layer.
US08154094B2 Micromechanical component having a cap having a closure
A micromechanical component having a substrate, having a cavity and having a cap that bounds the cavity. The cap has an access opening to the cavity. The cap has a diaphragm for closing the access opening.
US08154091B2 Integrated electronic circuit including a thin film portion based on hafnium oxide
An integrated electronic circuit has a thin layer portion based on hafnium oxide. This portion additionally contains magnesium atoms, so that the portion is in the form of a hafnium-and-magnesium mixed oxide. Such a portion has a high dielectric constant and a very low leakage current. It is particularly suitable for forming a part of a gate insulation layer of a MOS transistor or a part of a MIM capacitor dielectric.
US08154085B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory has resistors including electrode layer formed on low resistance layer adjacent to mask film
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes memory cell transistors and resistors. Each memory cell transistor has source/drain diffusion layers provided in a semiconductor substrate, a first gate insulating film located between the source/drain diffusion layers, a floating gate electrode layer located on the first gate insulating film, a first inter-gate insulating film located on the floating gate electrode layer, a control gate electrode layer located on the first inter-gate insulating layer, and a first low-resistance layer located on the control gate electrode layer. Each resistor has a second gate insulating film located on the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode layer located on the second gate insulating film, a second inter-gate insulating film located on the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer located on the second inter-gate insulating film, a second low-resistance layer located on the second electrode layer, and a contact plug connected to the second low-resistance layer.
US08154079B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method of the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device, which can prevent an element breakdown by alleviating of electric field concentrations, and can also prevent reduction of gain, includes: a source electrode formed on a semiconductor layer; a drain electrode formed on the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode; an insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode; a field plate electrode formed on the insulating film; and a resistor for connecting the field plate electrode and the source electrode.
US08154077B2 Semiconductor device
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate via an insulating layer; a source region including an extension region, a drain region including an extension region, a first diffusion restraining layer configured to prevent a diffusion of the conductive impurity in the source region and including an impurity other than the conductive impurity, and a second diffusion restraining layer configured to prevent a diffusion of the impurity in the drain region and including the impurity other than the conductive impurity.
US08154075B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A split gate type nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having a FinFET structure includes a semiconductor substrate, parallel trenches on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and select and memory gate electrodes perpendicular to the trenches. While either the select or the memory gate electrodes are formed prior to the other gate electrodes, each remaining gate electrode is formed adjacent to a side wall of each of the gate electrodes. The semiconductor memory device includes source/drain regions each formed between each pair of the select gate electrodes and between each pair of the memory gate electrodes in protruding portions between each pair of the trenches. A difference between heights of the select gate electrodes and the memory gate electrodes is equal to or greater than a difference between heights of insulation layers formed on the bottom of each of the trenches and the source/drain regions.
US08154066B2 Titanium aluminum oxide films
A dielectric layer containing an insulating metal oxide film having multiple metal components and a method of fabricating such a dielectric layer produce a reliable dielectric layer for use in a variety of electronic devices. Embodiments include a titanium aluminum oxide film structured as one or more monolayers. Embodiments also include structures for capacitors, transistors, memory devices, and electronic systems with dielectric layers containing a titanium aluminum oxide film.
US08154065B2 Semiconductor memory devices including a vertical channel transistor having a buried bit line
Semiconductor memory devices include a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of semiconductor material pillars in a spaced relationship on the semiconductor substrate. Respective surrounding gate electrodes surround ones of the pillars. A first source/drain region is in the semiconductor substrate between adjacent ones of the pillars and a second source/drain region is in an upper portion of at least one of the adjacent pillars. A buried bit line is in the first source/drain region and electrically coupled to the first source/drain region and a storage node electrode is on the upper portion of the at least one of the adjacent pillars and electrically contacting with the second source/drain region.
US08154064B2 Semiconductor constructions
The invention includes semiconductor constructions, and also includes methods of forming pluralities of capacitor devices. An exemplary method of the invention includes forming conductive storage node material within openings in an insulative material to form conductive containers. A retaining structure lattice is formed in physical contact with at least some of the containers, and subsequently the insulative material is removed to expose outer surfaces of the containers. The retaining structure can alleviate toppling or other loss of structural integrity of the container structures. The electrically conductive containers correspond to first capacitor electrodes. After the outer sidewalls of the containers are exposed, dielectric material is formed within the containers and along the exposed outer sidewalls. Subsequently, a second capacitor electrode is formed over the dielectric material. The first and second capacitor electrodes, together with the dielectric material, form a plurality of capacitor devices.
US08154061B2 Bottom gate thin film transistor and active array substrate
A bottom gate thin film transistor and an active array substrate are provided. The bottom gate thin film transistor includes a gate, a gate insulation layer, a semiconductor layer, a plurality of sources and a plurality of drains. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the gate. The semiconductor layer is disposed on the gate insulation layer and located above the gate. An area ratio of the semiconductor layer and the gate is about 0.001 to 0.9. The sources are electrically connected with each other, and the drains are electrically connected with each other.
US08154060B2 Image sensor and sensor unit
This image sensor is so formed as to control at least either the potential of a portion of a transfer channel corresponding to a third electrode or the potential of another portion of the transfer channel corresponding to a fourth electrode to be lower than the potentials of portions of the transfer channel corresponding to a first electrode and a second electrode respectively in a signal charge transferring operation and a signal charge increasing operation.
US08154058B2 Bio-sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A bio-sensor includes a gate dielectric formed on a silicon semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode of a conductive diamond film formed on the gate dielectric, probe molecules bonded on the gate electrode for detecting biomolecules, and source/drain regions formed on the semiconductor substrate at the sides of the gate electrode. The gate electrode is a comb shape or a lattice shape.
US08154054B2 Semiconductor chip
In a semiconductor chip in which external connection pads are arranged in three or more rows in a staggered configuration at the peripheral portion thereof, a first pad which is arranged in the outermost row is used as a power supply pad or a ground pad for an internal core circuit. To the first pad, a second pad which is arranged in the second outermost row is connected with a metal in the same layer as a pad metal. The resistance of a power supply line to the internal core circuit has a value of the parallel resistance of a resistance from the first pad and a resistance from the second pad, which is by far lower than the resistance from the first pad. Therefore, it is possible to prevent circuit misoperation resulting from an IR drop in the power supply of the internal core circuit.
US08154052B2 Light emitting device grown on wavelength converting substrate
In some embodiments of the invention, a device includes a substrate and a semiconductor structure. The substrate includes a wavelength converting element comprising a wavelength converting material disposed in a transparent material, a seed layer comprising a material on which III-nitride material will nucleate, and a bonding layer disposed between the wavelength converting element and the seed layer. The semiconductor structure includes a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region, and is grown on the seed layer.
US08154049B2 ESD protection apparatus and electrical circuit including same
An ESD protection apparatus includes a substrate, a transistor structure arranged in the substrate, and a diode structure arranged in the substrate, a high-resistance electrical connection being provided between the transistor structure and the diode structure in the substrate.
US08154048B2 Diode with shortened reverse recovery time without reducing impurity concentration
In a pn junction diode having a conductivity modulating element provided on a first principal surface of a semiconductor substrate, when an impurity concentration of a p type impurity region is lowered to shorten a reverse recovery time, hole injection is suppressed, thereby causing a problem that a forward voltage value is increased at a certain current point. Moreover, introduction of a life time killer to shorten the reverse recovery time leads to a problem of increased leak current. On an n− type semiconductor layer that is a single crystal silicon layer, a p type polycrystalline silicon layer (p type polysilicon layer) is provided. Since the polysilicon layer has more grain boundaries than the single crystal silicon layer, an amount of holes injected into the n− type semiconductor layer from the p type polysilicon layer in forward voltage application can be suppressed. Moreover, a natural oxide film formed between the n− type semiconductor layer and the p type polysilicon layer in formation of the p type polysilicon layer can also reduce the amount of holes injected into the n− type semiconductor layer. Thus, a time to extract the holes in reverse voltage application, that is, a reverse recovery time can be shortened without using a life time killer.
US08154046B2 Semiconductor light emitting device including bonding layer and semiconductor light emitting device package
A light emitting device is provided. The light emitting device comprises: a conductive support substrate; a bonding layer on the conductive support substrate; a reflective layer on the bonding layer; and a light emitting structure layer on the reflective layer. The bonding layer comprises a solder bonding layer on the conductive support substrate and at least one of a diffusion barrier layer and an adhesion layer on the solder bonding layer, the solder bonding layer, the diffusion barrier layer, and the adhesion layer being formed of a metal or an alloy of which the Young's Modulus is 9 GPa to 200 GPa.
US08154045B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a lead frame, a semiconductor light-emitting element mounted on the top surface of the bonding region, and a case covering part of the lead frame. The bottom surface of the bonding region is exposed to the outside of the case. The lead frame includes a thin extension extending from the bonding region and having a top surface which is flush with the top surface of the bonding region. The thin extension has a bottom surface which is offset from the bottom surface of the bonding region toward the top surface of the bonding region.
US08154042B2 Light emitting device with trenches and a top contact
A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A bottom contact disposed on a bottom surface of the semiconductor structure is electrically connected to one of the n-type region and the p-type region. A top contact disposed on a top surface of the semiconductor structure is electrically connected to the other of the n-type region and the p-type region. A mirror is aligned with the top contact. The mirror includes a trench formed in the semiconductor structure and a reflective material disposed in the trench, wherein the trench extends through the light emitting layer.
US08154032B2 Electrooptical device, electronic apparatus, and method for producing electrooptical device
An electrooptical device having a plurality of light-emitting regions includes a substrate, a bank disposed in a region other than the light-emitting regions on the substrate so as to surround the light-emitting regions, and a functional layer disposed in openings surrounded by the bank. The bank includes an upper bank segment and a plurality of lower bank segments having a higher wettability than the upper bank segment. The number of the lower bank segments exposed is smaller in second regions of the openings than in first regions of the openings.
US08154025B2 Schottky barrier CMOS device and method
A CMOS device and method of fabrication are disclosed. The present invention utilizes Schottky barrier contacts for source and/or drain contact fabrication within the context of a CMOS device and CMOS integrated circuits, to eliminate the requirement for halo/pocket implants, shallow source/drain extensions to control short channel effects, well implant steps, and complex device isolation steps. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the parasitic bipolar gain associated with CMOS device operation, reduces manufacturing costs, tightens control of device performance parameters, and provides for superior device characteristics as compared to the prior art. The present invention, in one embodiment, uses a silicide exclusion mask process to form the dual silicide Schottky barrier source and/or drain contact for the complimentary PMOS and NMOS devices forming the CMOS device.
US08154023B2 Low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor
A low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor and method of manufacturing the same is provided. The low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor comprises a channel region. Among others, one feature of the method according to the present invention is the performance of a plasma treatment to adjust the threshold voltage of the low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor. Because the threshold voltage of the low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor can be adjusted through a plasma treatment, the manufacturing process is more flexible.
US08154019B2 Semiconductor apparatus and calibration method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus includes a reference voltage generation unit, a comparison voltage generation unit, and a calibration unit. The reference voltage generation unit is disposed in a reference die and configured to generate a reference voltage. The comparison voltage generation unit is disposed in a die stacked on the reference die and configured to generate a comparison voltage in response to a calibration control signal. The calibration unit is configured to compare a level of the reference voltage with a level of the comparison voltage and generate the calibration control signal.
US08154018B2 Semiconductor device, its manufacture method and template substrate
A semiconductor device includes a ZnO-containing substrate containing Li, a zinc silicate layer formed above the ZnO-containing substrate, and a semiconductor layer epitaxially grown relative to the ZnO-containing substrate via the zinc silicate layer.
US08154013B2 Organic thin-film transistors
A thin-film transistor comprises a semiconducting layer comprising a semiconducting material selected from Formula (I) or (II): wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 a, b, and n are as described herein. Semiconducting compositions of Formula (I) or (II) are also described.
US08154009B1 Light emitting structure including high-al content MQWH
A GaN/AlN superlattice is formed over a GaN/sapphire template structure, serving in part as a strain relief layer for growth of subsequent layers (e.g., deep UV light emitting diodes). The GaN/AlN superlattice mitigates the strain between a GaN/sapphire template and a multiple quantum well heterostructure active region, allowing the use of high Al mole fraction in the active region, and therefore emission in the deep UV wavelengths.
US08154007B2 Silicon-quantum-dot semiconductor near-infrared photodetector
A mesoporous silica having adjustable pores is obtained to form a template and thus a three-terminal metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) photodetector is obtained. A gate dielectric of a nano-structural silicon-base membrane is used as infrared light absorber in it. Thus, a semiconductor photodetector made of pure silicon having a quantum-dot structure is obtained with excellent near-infrared optoelectronic response.
US08154005B2 Non-volatile memory arrays comprising rail stacks with a shared diode component portion for diodes of electrically isolated pillars
An integrated circuit including vertically oriented diode structures between conductors and methods of fabricating the same are provided. Two-terminal devices such as passive element memory cells can include a diode steering element in series with an antifuse and/or other state change element. The devices are formed using pillar structures at the intersections of upper and lower sets of conductors. The height of the pillar structures are reduced by forming part of the diode for each pillar in a rail stack with one of the conductors. A diode in one embodiment can include a first diode component of a first conductivity type and a second diode component of a second conductivity type. A portion of one of the diode components is divided into first and second portions with one on the portions being formed in the rail stack where it is shared with other diodes formed using pillars at the rail stack.
US08154004B2 Hybrid MRAM array structure and operation
This invention relates to MRAM technology and new variations on MRAM array architecture to incorporate certain advantages from both cross-point and 1T-1MTJ architectures. The fast read-time and higher signal-to-noise ratio of the 1T-1MTJ architecture and the higher packing density of the cross-point architecture are both exploited by combining certain characteristics of these layouts. A single access transistor 16 is used to read the multiple MRAM cells in a segment of a column, which can be stacked vertically above one another in a plurality of MRAM array layers arranged in a “Z” axis direction.
US08154000B2 Arrangement for the continuous generation of liquid tin as emitter material in EUV radiation sources
The invention is directed to an arrangement for generating EUV radiation based on a hot plasma using liquid emitter material. The object of the invention is to find a novel possibility for generating EUV radiation which allows a continuous supply of liquid, particularly metal, emitter material (2) under a defined high pressure without having to interrupt the continuous supply of emitter material (2) when consumed emitter material (2) must be replenished. According to the invention, this object is met in that the emitter material supply unit (4) has at least a first pressure vessel (44) and a second pressure vessel (44′) between the reservoir vessel (41) and the injection device (5) for generating a high emitter material pressure for the injection unit (5), the pressure vessels (44, 44′) are acted upon by a high-pressure gas system (73) with a gas pressure (74) in the megapascal range, and the emitter material supply unit (4) has means for switching the high-pressure gas system (73) from one pressure vessel (44, 44′) to the other pressure vessel (44, 44′) and for correspondingly alternately switching the injection unit (5) to the constant emitter material pressure of the respective pressure vessel (44, 44′) being pressurized, wherein at least one of the pressure vessels (44, 44′) can be refilled during the continuous operation of droplet generation and plasma generation.
US08153997B2 Isotope production system and cyclotron
A cyclotron that includes a magnet yoke having a yoke body that surrounds an acceleration chamber. The cyclotron also includes a magnet assembly to produce magnetic fields to direct charged particles along a desired path. The magnet assembly is located in the acceleration chamber. The magnetic fields propagate through the acceleration chamber and within the magnet yoke, wherein a portion of the magnetic fields escapes outside of the magnet yoke as stray fields. The cyclotron also includes a vacuum pump that is coupled to the yoke body. The vacuum pump is configured to introduce a vacuum into the acceleration chamber. The magnet yoke is dimensioned such that the vacuum pump does not experience magnetic fields in excess of 75 Gauss.
US08153996B2 Pattern forming apparatus and pattern forming method
A pattern forming apparatus using lithography technique includes a stage configured to allow a target object to be placed thereon; a plurality of columns configured to form patterns on the target object by using a charged particle beam while moving relatively to the stage; a pattern forming rule setting unit configured to set a pattern forming rule depending on a position of broken one of the plurality of columns; a region setting unit configured to set regions so that unbroken ones of the plurality of columns respectively form a pattern in one of the regions; a plurality of control circuits each configured to control any one of the plurality of columns different from others of the plurality of columns controlled by others of the plurality of control circuits; and a pattern forming data processing unit configured to perform a converting process on pattern forming data for the regions set to output a corresponding data generated by the converting process to the control circuit of a corresponding one of the unbroken ones of the plurality of columns respectively.
US08153984B2 Security system with different size emissive particles
A security marker material comprising emissive particles selected from at least two groups with different size distributions and the size distributions satisfy the formula: [(x−z)2/(Sx2 +Sz2)]1/2 >1 wherein x and z are the volume-weighted mean equivalent-spherical diameters of the two particle distributions and Sx and Sz are the standard deviations of the same two distributions. The emissive materials are placed in or on an item. The emissive materials are excited with electromagnetic radiation in one or more specified spectral bands. The electromagnetic radiation is detected in one or more spectral bands from the emissive materials in an image-wise fashion. The attributes of the image are analyzed and characterized and are compared to authentication criteria to determine the authenticity of the marked item.
US08153983B1 Gadolinium halide scintillators
The present invention concerns scintillator compositions comprising gadolinium halide and a dopant. The gadolinium halide and dopant material (e.g., GdI3:Ce) has surprisingly good characteristics including high light output, high gamma-ray stopping efficiency, fast response, low cost, good proportionality, and minimal afterglow, thereby making the material useful for various applications including, for example, gamma-ray spectroscopy, medical imaging, nuclear and high energy physics research, diffraction, non-destructive testing, nuclear treaty verification and safeguards, and geological exploration. The timing resolution of the scintillators of the present invention also provides compositions suitable for use in imaging applications, such as positron emission tomography (e.g., time-of-flight PET) and CT imaging.
US08153981B2 Radiation detector assembly
A radiation detector assembly comprises a radiation scintillator detector for generating a light signal as a function of radiation detected. A light detector is operatively connectable with the radiation scintillator detector for receiving a light signal from the radiation scintillation detector and generating an electrical signal as a function of the light signal received. A housing for the light detector is electrically connectable with the light detector. At least one of the housing and the light detector is electrically connectable with a pole of a power supply whereby the housing and the light detector are at substantially the same electrical potential when electrically connected.
US08153975B2 Interfacing devices and systems
A system combining the output of a thermal detection and imaging device with a capture and display device, such as a cordless or portable telephone/camera, is used to manage thermal information and displays.
US08153973B2 Method for analyzing, labeling and certifying low radiocarbon food products
Methods, particularly computer-implemented methods, are provided for analyzing, labeling, reporting, and certifying the radiocarbon abundance levels of low radiocarbon food products, including relevant chemical components of final products as well as components of lots used in manufacturing, so that manufacturers, consumers or other users of these products can have high confidence in their stated radiocarbon content and a better understanding of their potential effectiveness in reducing genetic damage. Other embodiments employ an algorithm to calculate an overall value or grade or range indicative of the product's known or estimated ability to either reduce the radiocarbon level of, or to reduce genetic damage occurring in, newly formed chromosomal material in consumers of such products, the chromosomal material comprising DNA and histone proteins and remote access by consumers to the computer-implemented methods, for example, via the Internet.
US08153971B2 Camera with two visual imaging subsystems for determining parallax and for focusing an IR imaging subsystem
A camera has an infrared (“IR”) imaging subsystem that includes an IR detector. The camera also has a first and second visual imaging subsystem for generating a first visual image and a second visual image of an object in a scene. The first visual image and the second visual image have a parallax that is dependent on the distance to the object and based on a known parallax function. The camera also has a processor for determining the parallax between the first visual image and second visual images. The IR imaging subsystem may also include an IR optical element for focusing IR radiation on the IR detector. The IR optical element may be operable to focus the IR radiation on the IR detector based on the parallax between the first visual image and the second visual image.
US08153968B2 Laser atom probe methods
A laser atom probe situates a counter electrode between a specimen mount and a detector, and provides a laser having its beam aligned to illuminate the specimen through the aperture of the counter electrode. The detector, specimen mount, and/or the counter electrode may be charged to some boost voltage and then be pulsed to bring the specimen to ionization. The timing of the laser pulses may be used to determine ion departure and arrival times allowing determination of the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions, thus their identities. Automated alignment methods are described wherein the laser is automatically directed to areas of interest.
US08153964B2 Ultrasound ionization mass spectrometer
Methods and systems for ultrasound ionization mass spectrometry are provided. Analytes in a sample are ionized by subjecting them to ultrasound, facilitating their analysis by mass spectrometry. With these methods and systems, soft ionization of large analytes, including biological macromolecules and nanoparticles, can be achieved. Ionization efficiency can be improved by addition of chemicals such as, for example, organic solvents or acids to the sample.
US08153963B2 Mass spectrometer
This invention relates to mass spectrometers comprising a reaction cell and where mass spectra are collected both from unreacted ions and also from reaction product ions. In particular, although not exclusively, this invention finds use in tandem mass spectrometry where mass spectra are collected from precursor and fragment ions. The present invention provides an arrangement where ions may be sent to a reaction cell for fragmentation or other processing before onward transport to a mass analyser. Alternatively, ions may be passed directly to a mass analyser along a bypass path.
US08153960B2 Mass spectrometer
An ion guide or ion trap (1) is disclosed having an entrance electrode (2) and an exit electrode (3). The potential of the exit electrode (3) is periodically dropped for a relatively short period of time allowing some ions to escape from the ion guide or ion trap (1) via an aperture in the exit electrode (3). The period of time that the potential of the exit electrode (3) is dropped for is progressively increased and ions emerge from the ion guide or ion trap (1) in a mass to charge ratio dependent manner. The ion guide or ion trap (1) may be operated as a mass separator or low resolution mass analyser.
US08153955B2 Electric field sensor and method for fabricating the same
An electric field sensor is obtained by directly forming an electrooptical film of Fabry-Perot resonator structure on a polished surface at a tip of an optical fiber by an aerosol deposition method.
US08153954B2 Photoelectric conversion device and electronic device having the same
To output a digital signal corresponding to illuminance without being adversely affected by circuit delay. A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion element; a ramp-wave output circuit; a first comparator for comparing the ramp-wave signal and a first potential; a second comparator for comparing the ramp-wave signal and a second potential; a flip-flop circuit for generating a clock signal whose frequency is changed in accordance with the amount of photocurrent; a circuit for calculating a negative OR of the output signal of the first comparator and the output signal of the second comparator; a counter circuit for counting the pulse number of the clock signal; and a pulse output circuit for generating a period during which the pulse number is counted in the counter circuit. The pulse output circuit includes a switch for stopping the generation of the period during which the pulse number is counted.
US08153953B2 Light receiving circuit
A light receiving circuit includes: a transimpedance amplifier circuit which is connected to a light receiving element; a differential amplifier which operates by a predetermined current supplied by a current source to output a current corresponding to a differential signal between a signal outputted from the transimpedance amplifier circuit and a predetermined reference signal; a current mirror unit which outputs a current corresponding to the current outputted from the differential amplifier; and a conversion unit which converts the current outputted from the current mirror unit into voltage.
US08153952B2 Flame scanning device and method for its operation
A flame scanning device is provided for monitoring a flame. The device includes a radiation collection and transmission element for collecting flame radiation and transmitting it to detection elements, a flame sensor element for the detection of radiation and conversion of the detected radiation into electrical signals, and an evaluation unit for the conversion of the electrical signals into flame parameters. The flame sensor element can include at least two individual detectors each with an individual central detection wavelength and a width of observation window, respectively. The individual central detection wavelength and the width of observation window are not overlapping and are covering individual regions of interest of the spectrum of radiation.
US08153950B2 Obtaining sensing results and/or data in response to object detection
An encoder/sensor can obtain sensing results from objects in an encoding/sensing region; a trigger detector can respond to objects in a trigger detection region, providing respective trigger signals; and a relative motion component can cause relative motion of objects into the trigger detection region, from it into the encoding/sensing region, and within the encoding/sensing region. In response to an object's trigger signal, control circuitry can cause the encoder/sensor and/or the relative motion component to operate so that the encoder/sensor obtains sensing results indicating a time-varying waveform and processing circuitry can obtain data from the sensing results indicating a time-varying waveform. The time-varying waveform can include information resulting from the relative motion within the encoding/sensing region. The encoder/sensor and trigger detector can be implemented, for example, with discrete components or as sets of cells in a photosensing array on an integrated circuit.
US08153948B1 Systems for image acquisition
Image acquisition systems utilizing a pixilated transducer.
US08153941B2 Method of heating superposed components and heating apparatus therefor
A first plate material is set on a work stage. The first plate material includes first components commonly connected to a first connection member. A second plate material is subsequently set on the work stage. The second plate material includes second components commonly connected to a second connection member. The second components are superposed on the corresponding first components. The first components as well as the second components can be handled as a one-piece component. It leads to an improved productivity. Heat surfaces of a heat block contact the second components. The connection members are prevented from thermal expansion. The constant intervals are reliably maintained between the adjacent first components and the adjacent second components.
US08153929B2 Method for the laser welding of a composite material to a component, and laser-weldable composite material for such a method
The invention relates to a method for the laser welding of a composite material (V) to a component (11) in particular for the production of a solar collector element (E), wherein the composite material (V) comprises a strip-shaped substrate (1) composed of a metal having high reflectivity to laser radiation, said substrate having a first side (A) and a second side (B), wherein a dielectric coating (7) is situated at least on the first side (A), and wherein, in order to produce a weld seam, a laser beam (L) is projected at an acute orientation angle (μ) at least onto the first side (A) of the substrate (1) provided with the dielectric coating (7). In order to improve the energy efficiency of the laser radiation used, it is proposed that the dielectric coating (7) has a thickness (DB) in the range of 140 nm to 210 nm and the laser beam (L) is radiated in at an orientation angle (μ), in particular in focused fashion, in such a way that the radiated-in energy of the laser beam (L) is absorbed to the extent of at least 15 percent.
US08153927B2 High visibility plasma arc torch
An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.
US08153923B2 Method for producing a hole
There are a multiplicity of methods of making through-holes. In particular in the production of a multiplicity of film-cooling holes, as in gas turbine blades or combustion chamber elements, small time advantages are also important when making a hole. The method according to the invention, to make the hole close to the final contour in each case in sections in a top and a bottom region in order to then produce the final contour with other laser parameters, achieves time advantages.
US08153921B2 Method and system for real-time non-destructive testing of projection welds utilizing force sensor
A method for manufacturing a projection weld connection between at least two parts of a workpiece, where the workpiece remains blemish free, comprising automated real-time verification of the quality of the individual weld, without use of destructive testing by analysis of data from a force sensor is disclosed. Measurements of the quality of each weld can be calculated, and real-time measurements and calculations can be used to verification of the structural integrity of the projection in the workpiece before the welding current is applied in order to avoid further damage to the workpiece. The method may be implemented in a system comprising, among other features, a displacement sensor.
US08153919B2 Dome sheet unit and membrane switch having the same
A membrane switch can attach an elastically deformable dome to a board in a reliable manner such that the dome is not detached even if a fixing sheet is made thinner and smaller and therefore has a smaller footprint. This switch has: a dome (110) that is formed projecting toward the surface and that is dented opposite toward the back surface by elastic deformation; and a flexible fixing sheet (120) that has a back surface of an adhesive face pasted to the entire face of the surface of the dome (110). The fixing sheet (120) fixes the dome (110) in a predetermined position of a board (4) by means of a stretching part (122) which stretches radially outer to the dome (110), from an outer rim (112) of the dome (110), in a direction virtually orthogonal to a direction in which the dome (110) projects. A plurality of slits (130) formed in the fixing sheet (120) at predetermined intervals along the outer rim (112) of the dome (110), prevent a stretching part (122) of the fixing sheet (120), from joining with a dome covering part (121) which is a portion above the dome (110) that continues in the radial direction of the dome (110).
US08153907B2 Electromagnetic bandgap structure and printed circuit board
An electromagnetic bandgap structure and a printed circuit board that solve a mixed signal problem are disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic bandgap structure includes a first metal layer; a first dielectric layer, stacked in the first metal layer; a second metal layer, stacked in the first dielectric layer, and having a holed formed at a position of the second dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer, stacked in the second metal layer; a metal plate, stacked in the second dielectric layer; a first via, penetrating the hole formed in the second metal layer and connecting the first metal layer and the metal plate; a third dielectric layer, stacked in the metal plate and the second dielectric layer; a third metal layer, stacked in the third dielectric layer; and a second via, connecting the second metal layer to the third metal layer.
US08153906B2 Interconnection structure for improving signal integrity
The embodiment of the invention is about a novel interconnection structure which can be incorporated into a variety of connectors, as well as other types of interconnections in order to reduce crosstalk, to improve signal integrity and to achieve EM emission compliance. A 4-via (2 signal vias, 1 power via, and 1 ground via) interconnection structure was used for demonstrating the effect of the novel interconnection structure. The same concept can be applied to any multi-via and multi-layer interconnection structure such as PCB, IC packaging circuit, or die circuit. Vias that have an electrical property can be added adjacent to the basic 4-via interconnection structure to achieve a multi-via interconnection structure. For 1-via (1 signal via or 1 power via), 2-via (1 signal via and 1 ground via or 1 signal via and 1 power via) and 3-via (1 signal via, 1 ground via, and 1 power via) interconnection structure, the proposed interconnection structure based upon the same concept can be applied as well.
US08153901B2 Method for fabricating multilayer circuit board, circuit plate, and method for fabricating the circuit plate
A multilayer circuit board is fabricated by: preparing a film comprising a first protective film and a first interlayer adhesive; preparing a first circuit board having a first base and a conductive post protruding therefrom; stacking the first interlayer adhesive and the conductive post together; peeling off the first protective film; preparing a second circuit board including a conductive pad receiving the conductive post; and bonding the first circuit board and the second circuit board through the first interlayer adhesive so that the conductive post and the conductive pad face each other, wherein the first interlayer adhesive 104 at the top portion of the conductive post is selectively removed while peeling off the first protective film.
US08153900B2 Wiring substrate with lead pin and lead pin
A wiring substrate with a lead pin is formed by bonding lead pins to electrode pads formed on a wiring substrate through conductive materials. In the lead pin, a conic protrusion part whose side surface is formed in a concave surface is formed in the end face side opposed to the electrode pad of a head part formed in one end of a shaft part. The lead pin is bonded to the electrode pad in a state in which the conductive material extends to the back surface side of a head part beyond a flange part of the head part and reaches the shaft part of the lead pin.
US08153896B2 Electrical-wire support apparatus
An electrical-wire support structure (30) is disposed at a rotary connection portion of a device and connects first and second portions (11, 12) of the device. The second portion being rotatable about at least two rotational axes. The electrical-wire support structure includes frame members having a through-hole (36, 43) through which an electrical wire (51) may pass, and the through-hole (36, 43) is positioned on one of the rotational axes. An electrical wire (51) has first and second opposite ends. The first end is configured to be disposed on the first portion (11) and the second end is configured to be disposed on the second portion (12). The electrical wire is supported by such electrical-wire support structure such that the wire passes through the through-hole and at least one first bent portion (53) of approximately 180 degrees is formed on the electrical wire (51), and at least one second bent portion (54) of approximately 90 degrees is formed on the electrical wire (51) between the first bent portion (53) and each of the first and second opposite ends of the electrical wire (51).
US08153891B2 Solar cell and solar cell module
A solar cell according to the present invention includes: a photoelectric conversion part having a photoelectric converting function; and a collector electrode provided at a side of a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion part in a way that parts of the light-receiving surface are exposed. Interconnection tabs are connected at a side of a light-receiving surface of the collector electrode with an adhesive being interposed in between. The collector electrode contains a thermosetting first resin, an conductive material and a second resin for forming a sea-island structure between the second resin and the first resin. The collector electrode includes an internal region in the inside, a concentration ratio of the second resin to the first resin being higher in the internal region than in the surface region at the side of either the adhesive or the photoelectric conversion part.
US08153890B2 Low area screen printed metal contact structure and method
A solar cell comprises adjacent regions of oppositely doped semiconductor material forming a pn junction substantially parallel to front and rear surfaces of the solar cell. A surface of the semiconductor material has a plurality of depressions, with semiconductor material regions forming internal wall surface regions of the depressions being doped to the polarity of one of the semiconductor regions, with which they are in electrical communication. The wall surface regions of the depressions are isolated from the other oppositely doped semiconductor region and form contact points for a contact structure contacting the surface in which the depressions are formed. A dielectric layer is formed over the surface, the dielectric layer being thinner or non-existent in at least a portion of each depression, such that a screen printed metal contact structure formed over the dielectric layer and extending into the depressions makes contact with the semiconductor material in the depressions after sintering.
US08153884B2 Solar cell module
A solar cell module is provided that comprises: a solar cell; a connection electrode provided on each of a light-receiving surface and back surface of the solar cell; a conductive resin adhesive arranged on an upper surface of the connection electrode; and a wiring material electrically connected to the solar cell and connected with the connection electrode and the conductive resin adhesive, wherein the conductive resin adhesive changes color upon curing, and the conductive resin adhesive on the upper surface of the connection electrode provided on the light-receiving surface of the solar cell is arranged within a region corresponding to at least one of the connection electrode and the wiring material, on a projection plane parallel with the light-receiving surface and exposed on a light-receiving surface side.
US08153882B2 Time compression/expansion of selected audio segments in an audio file
A computer implemented method allows a user to adjust tracks in a musical arrangement. The method involves a user selecting a musical position of an audio track, which the user desires to adjust in time, either by compressing it or expanding it, by indicating with a pointing device, such as a mouse, the position in the time line of the audio track that the user wishes to alter. A first marker is then displayed at the selected musical position in the audio track. Boundary markers defining transients in the audio signal surrounding the selected musical position are then automatically generated by analysis of the audio signal, and are displayed on the audio track. The two boundary markers define an audio segment that is to be adjusted in tempo by the user moving the first marker along the time line.
US08153881B2 Disc jockey video game and controller
A disc jockey music-based video game with a controller for the same. The disc jockey music-based video game presents instructive cues for manipulation of the controller and evaluates game player's performance based on the player's compliance with the instructive cues. A display with visual indicators of instructive cues and visual indicators representing player performance may be provided. Additionally, other forms of game player feedback may be provided, for example music, simulated crowd response other forms of generally auditory cues.
US08153877B2 Locking mechanism for percussion musical instrument
A high hat cymbal has a magnetic clutch that engages the top cymbal and allows it to be controlled by a standard high hat foot pedal. When the drummer's foot is removed from the high hat foot pedal, the magnetic clutch strikes a mechanical arm, which causes the magnetic clutch to disengage without any action, required on the part of the drummer. The top cymbal can be re-engaged by the magnetic clutch so that the high hat foot pedal can now be operated again, simply by depressing the high hat foot pedal. A trip bar may be provided to provide for automatic disengagement of the clutch mechanism.
US08153874B2 Stringed musical instrument convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations
A stringed musical instrument that is convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations includes a body, a neck connected to the body at one of its ends, a fingerboard disposed on the neck, a plurality of movable frets spaced apart at positions along the fingerboard, a plurality of strings disposed above the frets, and, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one rod that extends through the frets, wherein the at least one rod is configured to function both as a spring and as a device for retaining the frets in the fingerboard. According to another aspect of the invention, at least one strip of material separates a metallic component of a fret adjustment device from another component of the instrument that is formed from metal, wherein the at least one strip of material is configured to provide permanent dry lubrication for the metallic component of the fret adjustment device. According to still another aspect of the invention, the fret adjustment device includes a plate member disposed in the body of the instrument and at least one cam rod extending beneath the plurality of frets, the plate member having at least one aperture disposed therein, wherein the at least one aperture of the plate member forms a passive connection with one end of the at least one cam rod.
US08153873B2 Intonated nut with locking mechanism for musical instruments and methods of use
The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism.
US08153871B1 Device for mounting a sensor on a musical instrument for amplification
A device for mounting a sensor on a musical instrument comprises at least a first sensor held by a first arm so that a user can place the first sensor at a desired first distance measured normal to the first string and can place the first sensor at a desired first position anywhere in a first range along the first string, the first range being at least seventy percent of a least distance between termination of a fingerboard and a bridge, where the user can change the first distance during normal playing and can also change the first position during normal playing, and where the first sensor stays at the first distance during normal playing unless changed by the user and the first sensor stays at the first position during normal playing unless changed by the user.
US08153870B2 Rice hybrid XL745
A rice hybrid designated XL745 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice hybrid XL745, to the plants of rice hybrid XL745 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the hybrid XL745 with itself or another rice plant. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the hybrid XL745 with another rice plant. This invention further relates to growing and producing blends of rice seeds comprised of seeds of rice hybrid XL745 with rice seed of one, two, three, four or more of another rice hybrid, rice variety or rice inbred.
US08153867B1 Maize variety inbred PH13CH
A novel maize variety designated PH13CH and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13CH with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13CH through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13CH or a locus conversion of PH13CH with another maize variety.
US08153858B2 Sale of fluorescent transgenic ornamental fish
Four zebrafish gene promoters, which are skin specific, muscle specific, skeletal muscle specific and ubiquitously expressed respectively, were isolated and ligated to the 5′ end of the EGFP gene. When the resulting chimeric gene constructs were introduced into zebrafish, the transgenic zebrafish emit green fluorescence under a blue light or ultraviolet light according to the specificity of the promoters used. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence patterns, e.g., skin fluorescence, muscle fluorescence, skeletal muscle-specific and/or ubiquitous fluorescence, are developed.
US08153857B2 Breathable absorbent articles and composites comprising a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer with thickening capabilities
The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer and an exudates thickener. In particular, the barrier layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.
US08153848B2 Homoallyl alcohols useful as fragrances
Branched, highly-substituted C9-C13 homoallyl alcohols of formula I, in which R1 and R2 are selected from H or Me and R3 is selected from H, Me and Et. The compounds are useful in fragrance applications in which a floral note is desired.
US08153841B2 Compounds and their salts specific to the PPAR receptors and the EGF receptors and their use in the medical field
The present invention relates to compounds comprising the general formula (I), in which R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, are selected from the group comprising —H or a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or together form an aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms; Y and Z, which may be identical or different, are selected from the group comprising —H, —OH, —COOH, —OR3, —CH(OR3)COOH, in which R3 is selected from H, phenyl, benzyl, —CF3 or —CF2CF3, vinyl, allyl and a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
US08153835B2 Fullerene derivatives
The present invention provides a fullerene derivative represented by the following formula (1):wherein in formula (1), R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group or a hydrogen atom, and wherein in formulae (2) and (3): W is a single bond, C1-C11, alkylene, C2-C12 alkenylene, or C2-C12 alkynylene, wherein any —CH2— in the alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene can be substituted with —O—, —S—, —COO—, or —OCO—; Z is an element belonging to group IVB; and R21 to R23 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C15 alkenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C15 alkynyl group.
US08153834B2 Surface modified inorganic particles
The present invention relates to particles, i.e., oxides of Si, Ti, Zn, Zr, Mn, Al and combinations thereof, where at least one particle has a surface covalently bonded to at least one fluorosilane group. The particle is first bonded to a divalent organic linking group which in turn is bonded to a perfluoroalkyl group. It has been discovered that incorporation of the aforementioned divalent organic linking group can improve the ability of the resulting hydrophobized inorganic particles to impart hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
US08153833B2 Composition and method for low temperature deposition of silicon-containing films such as films including silicon, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide and/or silicon-oxynitride
Silicon precursors for forming silicon-containing films in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, such as low dielectric constant (k) thin films, high k gate silicates, low temperature silicon epitaxial films, and films containing silicon nitride (Si3N4), siliconoxynitride (SiOxNy) and/or silicon dioxide (SiO2). The precursors of the invention are amenable to use in low temperature (e.g., <500° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes, for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures.
US08153832B2 Pentakis(dimethylamino) disilane precursor comprising compound and method for the preparation thereof
Pentakis(dimethylamino) disilane with general formula (1): Si2(NMe2)5Y, where Y is selected from the group comprising H, Cl or an amino group its preparation method and its use to manufacture gate dielectric films or etch-stop dielectric films of SiN or SiON.
US08153831B2 Organometallic compounds, processes for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof
This invention relates to organometallic compounds represented by the formula (L1)yM(L2)z-y wherein M is a Group 5 metal or a Group 6 metal, L1 is a substituted or unsubstituted anionic 6 electron donor ligand, L2 is the same or different and is (i) a substituted or unsubstituted anionic 2 electron donor ligand, (ii) a substituted or unsubstituted cationic 2 electron donor ligand, or (iii) a substituted or unsubstituted neutral 2 electron donor ligand; y is an integer of 1, and z is the valence of M; and wherein the sum of the oxidation number of M and the electric charges of L1 and L2 is equal to 0; a process for producing the organometallic compounds; and a method for depositing a metal and/or metal carbide/nitride layer, e.g., a tungsten, tungsten nitride, tungsten carbide, or tungsten carbonitride layer, on a substrate by the thermal or plasma enhanced dissociation of the organometallic precursor compounds, e.g., by CVD or ALD techniques. The metal and/or metal carbide layer is useful as a liner or barrier layer for conducting metals and high dielectric constant materials in integrated circuit manufacturing.
US08153829B2 Methods for the preparation of hexahydrofuro[2,3-B]furan-3-ol
Methods for the preparation of hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol and especially its enantiomer (3R,3aS,6aR) hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol, as well as certain novel intermediates for use in such methods are disclosed.
US08153823B2 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivative and process for producing thereof
Disclosed is a method for commercially producing 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives, which are useful as intermediates for agricultural chemicals, at low cost. Specifically disclosed is a method for introducing alkenyl groups into the 2-position of 3-aminothiophene derivatives by reacting 3-aminothiophene derivatives represented by the general formula (2) below or salts thereof with a ketone represented by the general formula (1) below without using a protecting group. Also specifically disclosed are 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives (3a) to (3d) which are useful as intermediates for agricultural chemicals,
US08153818B2 Triazolyl phenyl benzenesulfonamides
Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of the CCR2 or CCR9 receptor. Animal testing demonstrates that these compounds are useful for treating inflammation, a hallmark disease for CCR2 and CCR9. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of CCR2-mediated diseases, CCR9-mediated diseases, as controls in assays for the identification of CCR2 antagonists and as controls in assays for the identification of CCR9 antagonists.
US08153817B2 Synthesis of methyl nonactate derivatives
Methyl nonactate is converted into a variety of different triazoloamide antibacterial agents by a reaction scheme involving (1) inversion of the secondary alcohol of the methyl nonactate to produce the corresponding azidoester, (2) converting the azido ester to the corresponding azidoamide, and (3) converting the azido group of the azidoamide to a triazole to produce the corresponding triazoloamide.
US08153807B2 Inhibitors of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1
The present invention discloses novel compounds of Formula I: (I) having 11-HSD type 1 antagonist activity, as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula I, as well as methods of using the compounds and compositions to treat diabetes, hyperglycemia, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and other conditions associated with 11-HSD type 1 activity.
US08153806B2 Synthesis of 4-amino-thalidomide enantiomers
The invention provides new and useful analogs of 4-amino-thalidomide. These analogs include S(−)-4-amino-thalidomide and R(+)-4-amino-thalidomide. The invention also provides processes for making these analogs. Further, the invention provides methods for inhibiting angiogenesis and treating angiogenesis-associated diseases, including cancer and macular degeneration, by administering these compounds.
US08153805B2 Biaryl derivatives
The invention is concerned with novel biaryl derivatives of formula (I), wherein m, R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X3 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are antagonists of CCR-2 receptor, CCR-5 receptor and/or CCR-3 receptor and can be used as medicaments.
US08153804B2 Aryl pyridines and methods of their use
Aryl pyridines, compositions comprising them, and methods of their use for the treatment, prevention and management of a variety of diseases and disorders are disclosed.
US08153803B2 Compositions and methods for modulating sirtuin activity
The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of compounds that inhibit an activity of a sirtuin (e.g., compounds that inhibit or preferentially inhibit an activity of SIRT2) and are therefore believed useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with sirtuin activity. These diseases include, but are not limited to, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD).
US08153801B2 Process and intermediates for preparing integrase inhibitors
The invention provides synthetic processes and synthetic intermediates that can be used to prepare 4-oxoquinolone compounds having useful integrase inhibiting properties.
US08153789B2 Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines, processes, uses, intermediates and compositions
The invention provides novel imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, polymorphs, hydrates, tautomers, solvates and stereoisomers thereof.Compounds of formula (I) are useful for treating or preventing diseases associated with GABAA receptors modulation, anxiety, epilepsy, sleep disorders including insomnia, and for inducing sedation-hypnosis, anesthesia, sleep and muscle relaxation.The invention also provides synthetic procedures for preparing said compounds and certain intermediates, as well as intermediates themselves.
US08153787B2 Azacytosine derivatives useful as antiviral agents
The present invention provides 5-azacytosine derivatives with antiviral activity, specifically having viral replication inhibiting properties, more particularly in DNA viruses such as pox-, papilloma- and herpes viruses in humans. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such 5-azacytosine derivatives as active ingredients in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, which are useful for the treatment of subjects suffering from viral infections.
US08153784B2 Imaging of enzyme activity
This invention relates to biochemistry and magnetic resonance imaging.
US08153783B2 Polysaccharide based network and method for the production thereof
The production of polysaccharide networks, especially starch networks, having a high network density, high solidity, a low swelling degree, and exhibiting reduced water absorption and to the uses thereof, especially, in the filed of biodegradable plastics.
US08153779B2 Nucleotide with an alpha-phosphate mimetic
Described are modified mononucleotides and processes for their production. The nucleotides have a structure in which B is a purine or pyrimidine, S is a sugar unit, Y is an OH, a monophosphate, or a diphosphate, and Acc is an electron acceptor selected from the group consisting of (a) —CN and (b) —SO2—R′ in which R′ contains one amino-substituted alkyl or one optionally substituted aryl.
US08153773B2 Synthesis and use of anti-reverse phosphorothioate analogs of the messenger RNA cap
New RNA cap analogs are disclosed containing one or more phosphorothioates groups. The analogs also contain modifications at the 2′-O position of 7-methylguanosine that prevent them from being incorporated in the reverse orientation during in vitro synthesis of mRNA and that hence are “anti-reverse cap analogs” (ARCAs). The ARCA modification ensures that the S atom is precisely positioned within the active sites of cap-binding proteins in both the translational and decapping machinery. The new S-ARCA analogs are resistant to in vivo decapping enzymes. Some S-ARCAs have a higher affinity for eIF4E than the corresponding analogs not containing a phosphorothioate group. When mRNAs containing the various S-ARCAs are introduced into cultured cells, some are translated as much as five-fold more efficiently than mRNAs synthesized with the conventional analog m7GpppG.
US08153768B2 Calicheamicin derivative-carrier conjugates
Methods for preparing monomeric cytotoxic drug/carrier conjugates with a drug loading significantly higher than in previously reported procedures and with decreased aggregation and low conjugate fraction (LCF) are described. Cytotoxic drug derivative/antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described. Monomeric calicheamicin derivative/anti-CD22 antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described.
US08153767B2 Antibody against aflatoxins, support using the antibody, method of immunologically detecting aflatoxins and method of concentrating and purifying aflatoxins
It is intended to detect, concentrate and purify aflatoxins of all types which are possibly contained in a sample such as a food. It is also intended to detect the total amount or the individual amounts thereof at a high sensitivity. By using aflatoxin B2 or its derivative as a hapten compound, an antibody, which shows the same reactivity to individual aflatoxin analogs and is highly tolerant to organic solvents, is obtained. Then, a detection/concentration/purification means and an immunological detection means with the use of the above antibody are constructed. The detection means thus constructed achieves a high sensitivity and excellent quantification properties.
US08153762B2 Composition for palladium-mediated cleavage of peptides containing CXC, CXH or CHM sequences
The invention provides a process for amidating a desired peptide comprising cleaving a substrate polypeptide at a X1-cysteine sequence, wherein X1 is the amino acid at the peptide carboxyl-terminus and cysteine is the first amino acid of a palladium cleavage site comprising the sequence cysteine-X2-X3, wherein X2 is any amino acid, X3 is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of cysteine, histidine, or methionine, and wherein the carboxyl-terminus of the peptide is amidated upon cleavage at the X1-cysteine sequence.
US08153761B2 Microwave-assisted peptide synthesis
An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the accelerated synthesis of peptides by the solid phase method. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, a microwave source in communication with the cavity, a column in the cavity formed of a material that is transparent to microwave radiation, a solid phase peptide support resin in the column, respective filters for maintaining the solid phase support resin in the column, a first passageway for adding starting compositions to the column, a second passageway for removing compositions from the column, and a third passageway for circulating compositions from the column into the third passageway and back to the column.
US08153760B2 Rhinovirus vaccines
The present invention relates generally to peptide vaccines. More specifically, the present invention relates to vaccines against rhinoviruses and other related and non-related pathogenic animal viruses. In addition, the present invention relates generally to methods of designing and producing vaccines against viruses and, in certain embodiments, against rhinoviruses and other pathogenic viruses.
US08153758B2 Compositions containing, methods involving, and uses of non-natural amino acids and polypeptides
Disclosed herein are non-natural amino acids and polypeptides that include at least one non-natural amino acid, and methods for making such non-natural amino acids and polypeptides. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as a part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of possible functionalities, but typical have at least one aromatic amine group. Also disclosed herein are non-natural amino acid polypeptides that are further modified post-translationally, methods for effecting such modifications, and methods for purifying such polypeptides. Typically, the modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides include at least one alkylated amine group. Further disclosed are methods for using such non-natural amino acid polypeptides and modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides, including therapeutic, diagnostic, and other biotechnology uses.
US08153751B2 Multifunction urethane monomer, method of manufacturing the monomer and photosensitive resin composition including the monomer
Disclosed is a multifunctional urethane monomer prepared by reacting (a) an epoxy compound having two or more epoxy groups, (b) a diol compound having an acidic group and (c) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group and an isocyanate group with one another. The photosensitive resin composition comprising the multifunctional urethane monomer has low viscosity, superior sensitivity, excellent chemical resistance and heat-resistance and high development margin.
US08153749B2 Absorbent and a method of production thereof
Synthesis is for an organosilicic adsorbent, which can be used in different economic sectors (chemical and pharmaceutical industries, health service). The adsorbent represents the non-linear reaction product of polycondensation, a polyhydrate of 1,1,3,3-tetrahydroxy-1,3-dimethyldisiloxane having from 88 to 89 moles of water per one mole of 1,1,3,3-tetrahydroxy-1,3-dimethyldisiloxane.The adsorbent is produced by means of mixing 19-20 parts of alkaline solution of sodium dioximethylsiliconate (DOMS) with a density of 1.16-1.19 g/cm3 with 6 parts of sulfuric acid with a density of 1.195-1.205 g/cm3 at a temperature of between 0-5° C. followed by aging of the mixture, followed by addition of water, followed by mixing, followed by breaking up of the solid product resulting in a suspension, followed by the addition of more water to the suspension, then allowing the suspension to settle, followed by removal of the supernatant via decantation, followed by repetition of the settling and decanting steps until the DOMS is removed completely, whereupon the final product is washed with a solution of sulphuric acid until water wash has a pH of 4.0, then the final product is washed with purified water until water wash has a pH of 5.0-7.0 followed by drying.
US08153740B2 Ampholytic copolymer and use thereof
The present invention relates to an ampholytic copolymer, to polyelectrolyte complexes which comprise such an ampholytic copolymer, and to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which comprise at least one ampholytic copolymer or one polyelectrolyte complex.
US08153739B2 Antimicrobial polymers
The invention generally relates to novel polymers (SMAMPs) and their syntheses and use. The polymers exhibit promising properties of AMPs. In particularly, for example, a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) platform was developed that allows syntheses of SMAMPs that employ a minimum number of norbornene-based building blocks and/or enable easy and independent variation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in the monomer units and/or along the polymeric backbone to finetune and select desirable properties of the polymers.
US08153738B2 Fluoropolymer produced by aqueous polymerization using dispersed particulate of fluorinated ionomer
A process for making an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer particles by providing dispersed particulate of fluorinated ionomer in an aqueous polymerization medium and polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in the aqueous polymerization medium in the presence of the dispersed particulate of fluorinated ionomer and initiator to form the aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer.
US08153735B2 Continuous polymerization process
The invention provides a process for preparing polymers based on vinyl ester, ethylene and optionally further comonomers in the form of aqueous polymer dispersions thereof or of water-redispersible polymer powders by means of free-radically initiated continuous emulsion polymerization and optionally drying of the resulting polymer dispersions, characterized in that the emulsion polymerization is carried out in a cascade comprising at least one upstream heat exchanger and at least two downstream pressurized stirred tank reactors connected in series, such that the conversion on leaving the heat exchanger is at least 10% of the overall polymerization conversion.
US08153731B2 Comb (block) copolymers
The present invention relates to comb (block) copolymers obtainable by reacting I at least one (block) copolymer comprising polymerized, optionally substituted styrene and maleic anhydride units, which copolymer has been obtained by living, free-radical polymerization, with II at least one polyalkylene oxide monoamine comprising a primary amino end group at a reaction temperature of ≧150° C. and by subsequent salification of at least 25 mol % of the free carboxyl groups of the reaction product at a reaction temperature of <100° C. and optionally after addition of H2O and to the use of these comb copolymers as wetting agents and dispersants.
US08153729B2 Highly efficient agents for dispersion of nanoparticles in matrix materials
Dendritic macroinitiator compositions are provided comprising a compound of the general formula, Fx-[G-n]-I, where F is the chain end functional group of the dendrimer, x is the number of chain end functional groups, G is the dendrimer, n is the generation number of the dendrimer, and I is the initiating group. Hybrid dendritic-linear copolymers made from these macroinitators can act as highly efficient dispersing agents for a range of nanoparticles in matrix materials.
US08153724B2 Organosiloxane compositions
A moisture curable composition is capable of cure to an elastomeric body. The composition includes an extended polymer, a suitable cross-linking agent, a suitable condensation catalyst, an organic plasticizer, and one or more fillers. The extended polymer includes an organosiloxane containing polymer of a specific formula and an organic extender selected from linear or branched mono unsaturated hydrocarbons, wherein the organopolysiloxane polymer comprises from 5 to 20% by weight of the composition. The cross-linking agent includes at least two hydroxyl and/or hydrolysable groups reactive with the organopolysiloxane polymer. The organic plasticizer is selected from one or more of the group of natural drying oils, fatty acid(s), fatty acid esters, polyols, and organic phosphates.
US08153723B2 Process for producing conjugated diene polymer, conjugated diene polymer, and rubber composition
A process for simply and inexpensively producing a conjugated diene polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution and a high cis-bond content at a low cost is provided. The process comprises a polymerization step, wherein a conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 98.5 mass % or more and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) measured by gel permeation chromatography of 2.5 or less is obtained by carrying out a polymerization reaction in conjugated diene compounds using a catalyst composition containing a rare earth element-containing compound or a reaction product of the rare earth element-containing compound with a Lewis base, an aluminoxane and/or organoaluminum compound, and an iodine-containing compound.
US08153722B2 Curable polymer concrete mixture
A curable polymer mixture comprising 1.) at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group to at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, and/or at least one at least oligomeric addition product b) of at least one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at least one hydrolysable silane group to at least one oligomeric compound having at least three recurring units and at least one terminal hydroxyl group or terminal amino group and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond as coupling additive, 2.) a system which can be cured by radical polymerization, comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the components 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates, and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries.
US08153721B2 Process for the preparation of an aqueous polymer dispersion
Process for the preparation of finely divided aqueous polymer dispersions having a narrow particle size distribution.
US08153720B2 Resin composition
It is intended to provide a polymer alloy including a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, and a talc, which is excellent in a balance between tenacity (impact strength) and rigidity and in die wear resistance. The present invention provides a resin composition including 45 to 99 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a), 55 to 1 part(s) by weight of a polyphenylene ether resin (b), 1 to 20 part(s) by weight of a compatibilizer (c) with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of the components (a) and (b), and 20 to 200 parts by weight of a talc (d) having an average particle size of 25 to 100 μm or 20 to 200 parts by weight in total of a talc (d) having an average particle size of 25 to 100 μm and a fibrous filler (e) with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of the components (a) and (b).
US08153718B2 Heat-vulcanizable polyorganosiloxane compositions and electric wires/cables produced therefrom
Polyorganosiloxane compositions heat-vulcanizable into silicone elastomers are useful in the field of electric wire or cable production via vulcanization employing salt baths.
US08153709B2 Halogen-free prepreg and resin for preparing the same
A composition for preparing a halogen-free resin is provided, the composition including a halogen-free phosphorated epoxy, a urethane-modified copolyester, a curing agent, a filler, a surfactant, and a solvent. A halogen-free prepreg is also provided, including a glass fabric cloth and a halogen-free resin layer on the glass fabric. The halogen-free resin layer is made from the foregoing halogen-free resin.
US08153706B2 Polymeric colorants having pigment and dye components and corresponding ink compositions
a polymeric colorant includes a pigment having a polymer covalently attached thereto, a dye covalently attached to the polymer, and a dispersant covalently attached to at least one of the pigment, the polymer, and the dye, wherein the dye covalently attached to the polymer includes a reactant coupled to the dye and to the polymer.
US08153701B2 Extrusion of a foamable fluoropolymer
A process for making an extruded foamable composition is disclosed where the foamable composition includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The process makes a foamed product having uniform foam cell size at high speeds without loss of product quality.
US08153695B2 Methods for inhibiting post-surgical adhesions
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which post-surgical adhesions at a surgical site in a patient are inhibited. The method includes topically applying a liquid composition comprising a hydrophobic species, which has a melting point above normal body temperature, to tissue at the surgical site in an amount effective to inhibit the formation of adhesions during healing.
US08153690B2 Cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds and compositions for cholesterol management
The present invention relates to novel cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, Syndrome X, thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.
US08153689B2 Pleuromutilin derivatives for the treatment of diseases mediated by microbes
Disclosed are pleuromutilin derivatives of formula (I) and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by microbes.
US08153688B2 Esters of 2-phenylalkanenitriles and antifungal compositions containing them
Esters of 2-phenylalkanenitriles, such as 3-acetoxy-2-(2-chloro-5-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)propanenitrile and 3-acetoxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)propanenitrile, and compositions containing such esters, are useful as fungicides at very low concentrations.
US08153684B2 Use of equol for treating androgen mediated diseases
Equol (7-hydroxy-3(4′hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), the major metabolite of the phytoestrogen daidzein, specifically binds and blocks the hormonal action of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro and in vivo. Equol can bind circulating free DHT and sequester it from the androgen receptor, thus altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens. These data suggest a novel model to explain equol's biological properties. The significance of equol's ability to specifically bind and sequester DHT from the androgen receptor have important ramifications in health and disease and may indicate a broad and important usage for equol in the treatment and prevention of androgen-mediated pathologies. Thus, equol can specifically bind DHT and prevent DHT's biological actions in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
US08153683B2 Methods of treatment using a prodrug of an excitatory amino acid
This invention relates to synthetic excitatory amino acid prodrugs and processes for their preparation. The invention further relates to methods of using, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising, the compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders.
US08153671B2 Heterotetracyclic compounds as TPO mimetics
The invention provides a novel class of compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated TPO activity, particularly diseases or disorders that involve thrombocytopenia.
US08153667B2 Tricyclic aromatic and bis-phenyl sulfinyl derivatives
The present invention provides compounds of the structure: wherein the constituent members are defined herein, including pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating diseases therewith.
US08153666B2 Compounds having analgesic and/or immunostimulant activity
The compounds shown by their structural formulas in the specification have analgesic and or immunostimulant activity in mammals.
US08153664B2 Bicyclic and tricyclic derivatives as thrombin receptor antagonists
Heterocyclic-substituted tricyclics of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, isomer or racemic mixture wherein represents an optional double bond, the dotted line is optionally a bond or no bond, resulting in a double bond or a single bond, as permitted by the valency requirement and wherein E, A, G M, Het, B, X, R3, R10, R11, R32 and R33 are herein defined and the remaining substituents are as defined in the specification, are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing them and a method of treating diseases associated with thrombosis, atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure, and cancer by administering said compounds. Combination therapy with other cardiovascular agents is also claimed.
US08153663B2 3-amino-indazole or 3-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-indazole derivatives
This invention relates to novel indazole derivatives of formula I: wherein R1 to R7 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are FXR modulators and can be used as medicaments.
US08153658B2 Piperidine derivative or salt thereof
To provide a compound which can be used for treating diseases in which a calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) participates, particularly hyperparathyroidism. It was found that a novel piperidine derivative which is characterized in that one of a 3-position and a 4-position is substituted with an aminomethyl group substituted with an arylalkyl group or the like and the other position is substituted with aryl, heteroaryl or the like, or a salt thereof, has an excellent CaSR agonistic regulatory action, and also has excellent selectivity with a CYP2D6 inhibitory action having a possibility of causing drug interaction. Based on the above, this novel piperidine derivative is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases in which CaSR participates (hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, hypercalcemia, and the like).
US08153656B2 Beta- and gamma-amino-isoquinoline amide compounds and substituted benzamide compounds
Disclosed are beta and gamma-amino isoquinoline amide compounds and substituted benzamide compounds. In particular, the invention provides compounds that affect the function of kinases in a cell and that are useful as therapeutic agents or with therapeutic agents. The compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including eye diseases such as glaucoma, cardiovascular diseases, and diseases characterized by abnormal growth, such as cancers. The invention further provides compositions containing the beta or gamma-amino isoquinoline amide compounds or substituted benzamide compounds.
US08153653B2 Amido-tropane derivatives
The present invention relates to a compound of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, cycloalkyl, lower alkyl substituted by halogen or S-lower alkyl; or to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt, racemic mixture, or corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer thereof. The compounds of formula I are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT-1), and have a good selectivity to glycine transporter 2 (GlyT-2) inhibitors. The compounds can be used in the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
US08153646B2 Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors for cognitive and motor rehabilitation
The present invention provides methods of improving cognitive and motor deficits associated with central nervous system (CNS) disorder or condition in an animal. The methods comprise a general administration of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors and optionally training the animal under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance.
US08153638B2 Metabotropic glutamate-receptor-potentiating isoindolones
Compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and n are as defined in the description, processes for the preparing the compounds, new intermediates employed in the preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and uses of the compounds in therapy.
US08153630B2 Kinase inhibitors
Disclosed are protein kinase inhibitors of Formula Ia and Ib, compositions comprising such inhibitors, and methods of use, thereof. More particularly, these compounds and compositions are inhibitors of Aurora-A (Aurora-2) and Aurora-B (Aurora-1) protein kinase. Also disclosed are methods of using these compounds and compositions to prevent and treat diseases associated with protein kinases, especially diseases associated with Aurora-A or Aurora-B, such as cancer.
US08153628B2 Pyrazolyl substituted xanthines
The present invention provides compounds and pharmaceutical compositions that are substituted xanthines of formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein: Z is selected from the group consisting of oxazoyl, isoxazoyl, thiazolyl, and isothiazoyl; and Z1 is a 5-14 member substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl ring; which are selective antagonists of A2B adenosine receptors (ARs). These compounds and compositions are useful as pharmaceutical agents.
US08153626B2 Substituted diazepine sulfonamides as bombesin receptor subtype-3 modulators
Certain novel substituted diazepine sulfonamides are ligands of the human bombesin receptor and, in particular, are selective ligands of the human bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the modulation of BRS-3, such as obesity, and diabetes.
US08153623B2 Compounds
Compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treatment using the same.
US08153622B2 8-substituted benzoazepines as toll-like receptor modulators
Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation of signaling through the Toll-like receptors TLR7 and/or TLR8. The compositions and methods have use in the treatment of autoimmunity, inflammation allergy, asthma, graft rejection, graft versus host disease, infection, sepsis, cancer and immunodeficiency.
US08153618B2 Bridged polycyclic compound based compositions for topical applications for pets
A pharmaceutically active agent, a pharmaceutically active agent carrier and method of use thereof are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a composition. The composition may include one or more bridged polycyclic compounds. At least one of the bridged polycyclic compounds may include at least two cyclic groups, and at least two pharmaceutically active agents may be associated with the bridged polycyclic compound. In some embodiments, one or more bridged polycyclic compounds may be applied to an topical surface and/or an otic surface of an animal (e.g., canine, feline) such that an topical malady and/or otic malady may be inhibited and/or ameliorated.
US08153611B2 Use of sulfated oligosaccharides as slimming cosmetic ingredients
This invention relates to the use of a preparation comprising sulfated oligosaccharides which trap spermine or spermidine or both, as an active slimming ingredient in a cosmetic, pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical composition. One of the objectives of the invention is to supply a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition with a slimming effect.
US08153609B2 Purine nucleotide derivatives
This invention provides novel 8-carbyl substituted cAMPS and a novel procedures for the preparation of 8-Br-cAMP, a key starting material.
US08153605B2 Modulation of toll-like receptor 3 expression by antisense oligonucleotides
Antisense oligonucleotide compounds, compositions and methods are provided for down regulating the expression of TLR3. The compositions comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR3. The compositions may also comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR3 in combination with other therapeutic and/or prophylactic compounds and/or compositions. Methods of using these compounds and compositions for down-regulating TLR3 expression and for prevention or treatment of diseases wherein modulation of TLR3 expression would be beneficial are provided.
US08153599B1 Compounds with the biological activity of vasoactive intestinal peptide for the treatment of pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension
The present invention relates to peptides which are highly biologically and pharmacologically active as therapeutic drug for the treatment of diseases related to hypertension, especially in medical interventions involving dilatation and remodeling of arterial blood vessels, either in the pulmonary or in the systemic circulation. The peptides which can be used according to the invention for the treatment of said diseases comprise at least one specific highly conservative amino acid residue sequence which seem to play an important role in connection with pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension events. It could be shown that the known naturally occurring peptides “vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)” and “pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)”, having these specific sequences are potent drugs which can be successfully used for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH), and hypertension of the systemic circulation. Furthermore, the present invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions useful for treatment of PPH, SPH, and hypertension of the systemic circulation within said methods.
US08153590B2 Antidotes for factor Xa inhibitors and methods of using the same
The present invention relates antidotes to anticoagulants targeting factor Xa. The antidotes are factor Xa protein derivatives that bind to the factor Xa inhibitors thereby substantially neutralizing them but do not assemble into the prothrombinase complex. The derivatives describe herein lack or have reduced intrinsic coagulant activity. Disclosed herein are methods of stopping or preventing bleeding in a patient that is currently undergoing anticoagulant therapy with a factor Xa inhibitor.
US08153589B2 JNK3 as a target for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases
Provided herein are methods for treating a subject having or at risk for an angiogenesis-related disorder. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits JNK3 expression, or a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits JNK3 activity. Disorders that can be treated by these methods include cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, and other disorders resulting from excessive angiogenesis. The therapeutic agent may be a compound, small molecule, peptide, antibody, antisense nucleic acid, ribozyme, or the like. Methods of identifying a candidate agent that modulates JNK3 expression are also provided.
US08153586B2 FGF homologs compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to methods of using zFGF5 compositions to proliferate chondrocytes and their progenitors, and to induce deposition of cartilage. zFGF5 compositions are disclosed for treating disorders associated with chondrocytes, such as cartilage injuries and defects. In addition, methods for treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, are disclosed, and methods for using zFGF5 compositions to stimulate growth of cells associated with neurological injury and disease are disclosed.
US08153582B2 Personal-care articles having self-assembling peptides
A personal-care article, for receiving body exudates, having a self-assembling peptide is provided.
US08153581B2 Process for producing an injectable medicament preparation
The invention relates to a method for producing injectable medicament preparations containing a therapeutically and/or diagnostically effective substance which is comprised of an active agent, of a spacer molecule and of at least one protein-binding molecule. After being brought into contact with the body, said therapeutically and/or diagnostically effective substance covalently bonds to the body fluid constituents or tissue constituents via the protein-binding molecule, thus providing a form of transport of the active agent that an be hydrolytically or enzymatically cleaved, according to pH, in the body while releasing the active agent.
US08153576B2 Coated sodium percarbonate particles
Sodium percarbonate particles with a coating layer which comprises from 70 to 99.8% by weight of anhydrous sodium sulfate and from 0.2 to 20% by weight of a sodium borate, and whose proportion by weight is from 1 to 10% based on the mass of the sodium percarbonate particle, exhibit a high storage stability in detergent and cleaning composition formulations through a synergistic effect of sodium sulfate and sodium borate on the storage stability, and at the same time only have a small content of boron.
US08153575B1 Immobilized enzyme compositions for densified carbon dioxide dry cleaning
The present technology relates to compositions and processes for improved dry cleaning using densified carbon dioxide. The methods utilize a composition comprising densified carbon dioxide and a plurality of magnetic particles comprising a lipase wherein the lipase is immobilized on the surface of one or more of the plurality of magnetic particles.
US08153571B2 Composition for permanent or semipermanent tinting of keratin fibers with oil-in-glycol lamellar gel
The present invention has for object an oil-in-glycol lamellar gel, which comprises (a) at least one glycol, (b) at least one fatty alcohol, (c) at least one cationic surfactant, (d) at least one non-ionic surfactant and (e) at least one amino acid, for application as an addictive for permanent or semi-permanent keratin fiber color products, being the said lamellar gel able to improve dispersion of colorant agents in the color composition and the distribution, diffusion, interaction and maintenance of the colorant agents in the keratin fibers, which results in greater color vitality and retardation of the discoloring process.
US08153569B2 Lubricant base oil
Disclosed is lubricant base oil that is excellent in lubricity, sludge solubility, low viscosity, and low temperature characteristics and capable of realizing low volatility. The lubricant base oil contains as its main component a diester or triester synthesized from a divalent or trivalent carboxylic acid of 9 or less carbon atoms and a monovalent glycol ether such as an alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether of 3 to 25 carbon atoms and is useful as base oil for lubricating oil and grease. Di(hexyloxyethyl) adipate may be cited as an appropriate example of the diester.
US08153567B2 Mineral oils which comprise detergent additives and have improved cold flowability
The invention provides for the use of at least one oil-soluble polyoxyalkylene compound,this polyoxyalkylene compound being an oil-soluble ester, ether or ether/ester of alkoxylated polyols having at least three repeat alkoxy units derived from alkylene oxides having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms per OH group of the polyol which bears at least two aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 12 to 30 carbon atoms for improving the response behavior of mineral oil cold flow improvers in middle distillates which comprise at least one ashless, nitrogen-containing detergent additive which is an oil-soluble amphiphilic compound which comprises at least one alkyl or alkenyl radical which is bonded to a polar group, the alkyl or alkenyl radical comprising from 10 to 500 carbon atoms and the polar group comprising 2 or more nitrogen atoms.
US08153565B2 Lubricant composition for a final drive axle
A lubricant composition for a final drive axle oil comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity, one or more dispersants and one or more phosphorus compounds wherein the kinematic viscosity of the lubricant composition at 100° C. is greater than 10 mm2/s and wherein the amount by weight of the dispersant is greater than the amount by weight of the phosphorus compounds and any sulfur compounds which may optionally be present.
US08153564B2 Zirconium-based cross-linking composition for use with high pH polymer solutions
A cross-linking composition comprising (a) an aqueous liquid; (b) a pH buffer; (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer; and (d) a solution of a zirconium cross-linking agent comprising the product of contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and ethylene glycol wherein the mole ratio of alkanolamine to zirconium is 2:1 to 4:1 and the mole ratio of ethylene glycol to zirconium is 1:1 to 10:1. Optionally, water, hydroxyalkylated ethylenediamine, or both are added to the zirconium complex. The cross-linking composition of this invention is useful in oil field applications, for example, for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation and for plugging permeable zones or leaks in a subterranean formation.
US08153561B2 Limonene-containing herbicide compositions, herbicide concentrate formulations and methods for making and using same for organic production
Provided are methods, kits and compositions suitable for use in organic production for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant by administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition includes a wetting agent and an optional oil. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component, an emulsifying agent and optionally an added oil component in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5 and includes a wetting agent. All components of the compositions suitable for use in organic production contain components which are either natural products obtained by non-chemical means and/or are included on the Environmental Protection Agency's List of Inert Ingredients (List 4A and 4B).
US08153559B2 Certain plant growth regulators (PGRs) as safener to Glyphosate for application to Glyphosate-tolerant crops
When the Glyphosate-tolerant crops, known as Round-Up Ready crops, are sprayed with Glyphosate in the field, the crops may exhibit some extent of phototoxicity, although the weeds are killed, as intended. Use of safener additive in present invention as plant growth regulator (PGR), along with Glyphosate, will result in reduced phototoxicity to the crops and thus better crops growth, while the herbicidal activities of Glyphosate are not affected.
US08153555B2 Thermal transfer sheet
It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer sheet provided with a heat resistant slipping layer which reduces dye retransfer, has excellent heat resistance and slip properties, and prevents the defects of printed image from being generated due to wrinkles and the like during printing.A thermal transfer sheet comprising a base film, a color material layer on one surface of the base film, and a heat resistant slipping layer on the other surface of the base film, wherein the heat resistant slipping layer comprises a binder resin containing a cellulose acetate butyrate resin (A1) having a butyryl group content of 50% or more and a lubricant (B), the amount of the binder resin is 65 to 99% by weight of the total solid content of the heat resistant slipping layer, the amount of the cellulose acetate butyrate resin (A1) is 50 to 100% by weight of the binder resin, and the amount of the lubricant (B) is 1 to 30% by weight of the binder resin.
US08153551B2 Optical isomer separating filler
An optical isomer separating filler wherein a polysaccharide derivative is chemically bonded onto a support. This optical isomer separating filler is characterized in that the halogen content in the filler is 3.0 to 5.0%.
US08153544B2 Method for preparing non-metallocene catalysts
A method of preparing supported catalysts useful for olefin polymerization is described. The catalysts comprise a Group 4 metal complex that incorporates a tridentate dianionic ligand. An activator mixture is first made from a boron compound having Lewis acidity and an excess of an alumoxane. The activator mixture is then combined with a support and the Group 4 metal complex to give a supported catalyst. The method provides an active, supported catalyst capable of making high-molecular-weight polyolefins.
US08153543B2 Method for preparing composites of zeolite-fiber substrate
A method for preparing a composite of zeolite-fiber substrate includes the steps of reacting a fiber substrate or a zeolite with a linking compound to form an intermediate of linking compound-fiber substrate or zeolite-linking compound, and preparing the composite of zeolite-linking compound-fiber substrate by linking the intermediate of linking compound-fiber substrate to the fiber substrate or linking the intermediate of zeolite-linking compound to the zeolite, in which the linking is induced by sonication.
US08153542B2 Method for treating flue gas catalysts
A method for treating a catalyst base that comprises a contact area of porous material. A fluid, such as a flue gas stream, can be conducted along the contact area. A catalytically relevant substance is introduced into pores of the catalyst base using a transport fluid and remains on pore wall areas after removal of the transport fluid. The introduction is carried out such that an amount of the catalytically relevant substance relative to the surface remains on the pore wall areas as a function of location within the pore and decreases within the pore after exceeding a specific pore depth. A blocking fluid can first be introduced into pore regions beyond the specific pore depth, thus blocking these regions when transport fluid containing the catalytically relevant substance is introduced.
US08153541B2 Ceramic article
A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.
US08153539B2 Reinforcing fiber texture with multiple-satin weaving for a composite material part
A reinforcing fiber texture for a composite material part is made by multi-layer three-dimensional weaving with a satin type weave or a multiple satin type weave. The texture comprises at least three layers of weft yarns T interlaced by warp yarns C, each warp yarn taking hold in alternation of one weft yarn in n from a first layer of weft yarns and of one weft yarn in n of a second layer of weft yarns adjacent to the first, the number n being an integer not less than 3. The paths of the warp yarns are similar and they are offset in the warp direction.
US08153537B1 Method for fabricating semiconductor devices using stress engineering
There is provided a method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprising the formation of a first device in the first device region, the first device comprising first diffusion regions. A stressor layer covering the substrate in the first device region and the first device is subsequently formed, the stressor layer having a first stress value. A laser anneal to memorize at least a portion of the first stress value in the first device is carried out followed by an activation anneal after the laser anneal to activate dopants in the first diffusion regions.
US08153533B2 Methods and systems for preventing feature collapse during microelectronic topography fabrication
Methods for preventing feature collapse subsequent to etching a layer encasing the features include adding a non-aqueous liquid to a microelectronic topography having remnants of an aqueous liquid arranged upon its surface and subsequently exposing the topography to a pressurized chamber including a fluid at or greater than its saturated vapor pressure or critical pressure. The methods include flushing from the pressurized chamber liquid arranged upon the topography and, thereafter, venting the chamber in a manner sufficient to prevent liquid formation therein. The topography features may be submerged in a liquid while pressurizing the chamber. A process chamber used to prevent feature collapse includes a substrate holder for supporting a microelectronic topography, a vessel configured to contain the substrate holder, and a sealable region surrounding the substrate holder and the vessel. The chamber is configured to sequester wet chemistry supplied to the vessel from metallic surfaces of the sealable region.
US08153532B1 Bilayer dielectric interconnection process
The present invention improves the yield of integrated circuit manufacture by making the circuit more tolerant of varying thicknesses of the InterLayer Dielectric prior to metallization and interconnection. The sensitivity to the thickness of the ILD is reduced by first coating the devices with an etch stop layer, exposing the areas of the devices where interconnections will be made, selectively etching away the etch stop layer over the interconnection areas, adding the Interlayer Dielectric and then finally etching away the ILD to expose the contacts and continuing the processing through interconnection of the devices.
US08153526B2 High planarizing method for use in a gate last process
A method for performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) is provided. The method includes processing a semiconductor substrate to form a dummy gate structure on the substrate, to form a hard mask on the dummy gate structure, and to form a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer on the hard mask, performing a first CMP process with a first slurry to modify a non-planar topography of the ILD layer, performing a second CMP process with a second slurry to remove the hard mask, and performing a third CMP process with a third slurry to remove an interfacial layer that forms between the dummy gate and hard mask during semiconductor processing.
US08153520B1 Thinning tungsten layer after through silicon via filling
Methods of processing partially manufactured semiconductor substrates with one or more through silicon vias to partially remove a tungsten layer formed on the field region during filling the through silicon vias are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods produce substrates with reduced bowing than the bowing present after through silicon vias filling. Substrates with reduced bowing are easier to handle and may expedite subsequent processes.
US08153519B1 Method for fabricating semiconductor device using spacer patterning
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes depositing and stacking a hard mask layer and a sacrificial layer over an etch target layer forming a mask pattern with holes defined therein over the sacrificial layer, forming first pillars filling the holes; removing the mask pattern, forming second pillars by using the first pillars as an etch barrier and etching the sacrificial layer, forming spacers surrounding sidewalls of each second pillar, removing the second pillars, etching the hard mask layer by using the spacers as etch barriers to form a hard mask pattern, and forming a hole pattern by using the hard mask pattern as an etch barrier and etching the etch target layer.
US08153518B2 Method for fabricating metal interconnection of semiconductor device
In a method for fabricating a metal interconnection of a semiconductor device, a lower interconnection and a lower insulation layer are formed over a semiconductor substrate. An etch stop layer is formed over the lower insulation layer. An upper insulation layer is formed over the etch stop layer. A first via hole is formed to expose the etch stop layer corresponding to the lower interconnection. A second via hole exposing the lower interconnection is formed by a primary etching process that selectively removes the etch stop layer exposed by the first via hole. A chemical cleaning process is performed on the second via hole, wherein polymer is formed over the surface of the lower interconnection during the chemical cleaning process. The polymer is removed from the second via hole by a secondary etching process using vaporized gas.
US08153515B2 Methods of fabricating strain balanced nitride heterojunction transistors
A nitride based heterojunction transistor includes a substrate and a first Group III nitride layer, such as an AlGaN based layer, on the substrate. The first Group III-nitride based layer has an associated first strain. A second Group III-nitride based layer, such as a GaN based layer, is on the first Group III-nitride based layer. The second Group III-nitride based layer has a bandgap that is less than a bandgap of the first Group III-nitride based layer and has an associated second strain. The second strain has a magnitude that is greater than a magnitude of the first strain. A third Group III-nitride based layer, such as an AlGaN or AlN layer, is on the GaN layer. The third Group III-nitride based layer has a bandgap that is greater than the bandgap of the second Group III-nitride based layer and has an associated third strain. The third strain is of opposite strain type to the second strain. A source contact, a drain contact and a gate contact may be provided on the third Group III-nitride based layer. Nitride based heterojunction transistors having an AlGaN based bottom confinement layer, a GaN based channel layer on the bottom confinement layer and an AlGaN based barrier layer on the channel layer, the barrier layer having a higher concentration of aluminum than the bottom confinement layer, are also provided. Methods of fabricating such transistor are also provided.
US08153513B2 Method and system for continuous large-area scanning implantation process
A method for manufacturing doped substrates using a continuous large area scanning implantation process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a movable track member. The movable track member is provided in a chamber. The chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. In a specific embodiment, the movable track member can include one or more rollers, air bearings, belt member, and/or movable beam member to provide one or more substrates for a scanning process. The method may also include providing a first substrate. The first substrate includes a first plurality of tiles. The method maintains the first substrate including the first plurality of tiles in a vacuum. The method includes transferring the first substrate including the first plurality of tiles from the inlet port onto the movable track member. The first plurality of tiles are subjected to a scanning implant process. The method also includes maintaining a second substrate including a second plurality of tiles in the vacuum. The method includes transferring the second substrate including a second plurality of tiles from the inlet port onto the movable track member. The method includes subjecting the second plurality of tiles to an implant process using the scanning implant process.
US08153509B2 Method of fabricating light emitting diode using laser lift-off technique and laser lift-off apparatus having heater
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a light emitting diode using a laser lift-off apparatus. The method includes growing an epitaxial layer including a first conductive-type compound semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive-type compound semiconductor layer on a first substrate, bonding a second substrate, having a different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the first substrate, to the epitaxial layers at a first temperature of the first substrate higher than a room temperature, and separating the first substrate from the epitaxial layer by irradiating a laser beam through the first substrate at a second temperature of the first substrate higher than the room temperature but not more than the first temperature. Thus, during a laser lift-off process, focusing of the laser beam can be easily achieved and the epitaxial layers are prevented from cracking or fracture. The laser lift-off process is performed by a laser lift-off apparatus including a heater.
US08153508B2 Method for fabricating image sensor
A method for fabricating an image sensor is provided. In the image sensor fabrication method, an interconnection and a dielectric interlayer are formed on a semiconductor substrate including a readout circuit. An image sensing unit is formed on a carrier substrate of one side of a dielectric layer. The carrier substrate and the dielectric interlayer are bonded to each other. The dielectric layer and the carrier substrate are removed to leave the image sensing unit on the dielectric interlayer.
US08153505B2 Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure
A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US08153499B2 Method for fabrication of a semiconductor device and structure
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: providing a base wafer including a semiconductor substrate, metal layers and first alignment marks; transferring a monocrystalline layer on top of the metal layers, wherein the monocrystalline layer includes second alignment marks; and performing a lithography using at least one of the first alignment marks and at least one of the second alignment marks.
US08153495B2 Semiconductor device and LTPS-TFT within and method of making the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) formed on a substrate includes a polycrystalline film, a gate insulator, a hydrogen-supplying film and a gate electrode. The polycrystalline film is formed on the substrate. Two sides of the polycrystalline film serve as the source and the drain of the semiconductor device, and the central region of the polycrystalline layer serves as the channel. The gate insulator is formed on the polycrystalline film, then the polycrystalline film is ions implanted, and the hydrogen-supplying film is formed on the gate insulator. The gate electrode is formed on the hydrogen-supplying film above the channel. The hydrogen-supplying film supplies hydrogen to the polycrystalline film, especially to the channel, so as to transform the unsaturated bonds into hydrogen bonds in the channel for avoiding the unsaturated bonds to degrade the charge carrier efficiency of the channel.
US08153492B2 Self-aligned V-channel MOSFET
Forming a high-κ/metal gate field effect transistor using a gate last process in which the channel region has a curved profile thus increasing the effective channel length improves the short channel effect. During the high-κ/metal gate process, after the sacrificial materials between the sidewall spacers are removed, the exposed semiconductor substrate surface at the bottom of the gate trench cavity is etched to form a curved recess. Subsequent deposition of high-κ gate dielectric layer and gate electrode metal into the gate trench cavity completes the high-κ/metal gate field effect transistor having a curved channel region that has a longer effective channel length.
US08153491B2 Non-volatile memory semiconductor device having an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) top dielectric layer
A non-volatile memory (NVM) cell includes a silicon substrate having a main surface, a source region in a portion of the silicon substrate, a drain region in a portion of the silicon substrate, and a well region disposed in a portion of the silicon substrate between the source and drain regions. The cell includes a bottom oxide layer formed on the main surface of the substrate. The bottom oxide layer is disposed on a portion of the main surface proximate the well region. The cell includes a charge storage layer disposed above the bottom oxide layer, a dielectric tunneling layer disposed above the charge storage layer and a control gate formed above the dielectric tunneling layer. The dielectric tunneling layer includes a first oxide layer, a nitride layer and a second oxide layer. Erasing the NVM cell includes applying a positive gate voltage to inject holes from the gate.
US08153489B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with buried gates
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including forming a trench by etching a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate insulation layer over a surface of the trench, forming a gate conductive layer over the gate insulation layer, performing a first recess process by etching the gate conductive layer, forming a protection pattern over the gate insulation layer, and performing a second recess process by etching the gate conductive layer.
US08153487B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer provided on the first insulating film, a second insulating film comprising a plurality of insulating films provided on the charge storage layer and comprising a nitride film as an uppermost layer, and a single-layer control gate electrode provided on the second insulating film and comprising metal silicide.
US08153486B2 Method for fabricating capacitor
A method for fabricating a capacitor includes forming an etch stop layer, a first isolating insulation layer, and a floating layer over a substrate including storage node contact plugs to form a resulting substrate structure; etching the floating layer, the first isolating insulation layer, and the etch stop layer to form a plurality of open regions; forming a conductive layer over the substrate structure; forming a second isolating insulation layer over the conductive layer, the second isolating insulation layer filling upper portions of the open regions; etching portions of the remaining floating layer to form a floating pattern; performing a storage node isolation process in a manner that the floating pattern is exposed to form a plurality of storage nodes having sidewalls supported by the floating pattern; and removing the etched first isolating insulation layer.
US08153481B2 Semiconductor power device with passivation layers
A semiconductor power device comprises a semiconductor substrate. The substrate includes an N-type silicon region and N+ silicon region. An oxide layer overlies the N− type silicon region, the oxide layer formed using a Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor deposition (PECVD) method. First and second electrodes are coupled to the N− type silicon region and the N+ type silicon region, respectively. The oxide layer has a thickness 0.5 to 3 microns. The power device also includes a polymide layer having a thickness of 3 to 20 microns; a first field plate overlying the oxide layer; and second field plate overlying the polymide layer and the first field plate, wherein the second field plate overlaps the first field plate by 2 to 15 microns.
US08153479B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor package
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package comprises: preparing a photosensitive insulating material having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; bonding a semiconductor chip to the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material with a connecting terminal of the semiconductor chip facing the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material; exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material after the bonding the semi-conductor to the first surface of the photosensitive material; encapsulating the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material, and the semiconductor chip bonded to the first surface, with a resin to form a resin encapsulated portion after exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material; and developing the photosensitive insulating material, thereby forming a through-hole communicating with the connecting terminal of the semiconductor chip in the photosensitive insulating material after the exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material.
US08153475B1 Back-end processes for substrates re-use
A method for fabricating optical devices on a reusable handle substrate. The method includes providing a handle substrate having a surface region. The method also includes forming a plurality of optical device using at least an epitaxial growth process overlying the surface region and then releasing the handle substrate from the plurality of optical devices. The method reuses the handle substrate for another fabrication process.
US08153474B2 Modular low stress package technology
A method of manufacturing a protected package assembly: providing a protective modular package cover in accordance with a modular design; selectively applying an adhesive to the cross member of each subassembly receiving section of the protective modular package cover that will receive a subassembly to form an adhesive layer of the protective modular package cover; encapsulating the one or more subassemblies in the subassembly receiving sections on the selectively applied adhesive layer to generate a protected package assembly; and controlling application of a distributed downward clamping force applied to the top surfaces of the subassemblies received by the protective modular package cover and useful for mounting the protected package assembly to a core through activation of fastener elements and cross members of the subassembly receiving sections.
US08153473B2 Module having a stacked passive element and method of forming the same
A module having a discrete passive element and a semiconductor device, and method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the module includes a patterned leadframe, a discrete passive element mounted on an upper surface of the leadframe, and a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material formed on an upper surface of the discrete passive element. The module also includes a semiconductor device bonded to an upper surface of the thermally conductive, electrically insulating material.
US08153468B2 Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The light emitting device comprises a substrate, a gate electrode positioned on the substrate, a first insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the gate electrode, an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the first insulating layer so that a predetermined area thereof corresponds to the gate electrode, ohmic layers that positioned on a predetermined area of the amorphous silicon layer, the ohmic layers defining a source area and a drain area, a source electrode or a drain electrode electrically connected to any one of the ohmic layers and a cathode that is electrically connected to the other one of the ohmic layers, a second insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the source electrode or the drain electrode and the cathode, the second insulating layer comprising an opening exposing a portion of the cathode, an emitting layer positioned within the opening, and an anode positioned on the substrate comprising the emitting layer.
US08153466B2 Mask applied to a workpiece
A method of fabricating a workpiece is disclosed. A material defining apertures is applied to a workpiece. A species is introduced to the workpiece through the apertures and the material is removed. For example, the material may be evaporated, may form a volatile product with a gas, or may dissolve when exposed to a solvent. The species may be introduced using, for example, ion implantation or gaseous diffusion.