Document Document Title
US08165103B2 Method and arrangement for preamble detection
In a hardware accelerator for preamble detection of a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) in a CDMA based communication system, buffering means stores input samples received at an antenna at a first rate, addressing means read a predetermined consecutive number of the input samples in parallel at a second different rate. The hardware accelerator is further partitioned into a reusable unit providing code correlation, and a preamble detection dedicated unit providing signature code despreading. The reusable unit comprises means for correlating at least a subset of the previously read input samples with a predetermined code to provide a correlation output for a number of time lags. The preamble detection dedicated unit comprises means for preamble detection configured for providing Hadamard Transformation of the correlation output to enable preamble detection, and all means are arranged on a single hardware chip to enable high-speed data transmissions between the respective means.
US08165101B2 Automatic detection of hidden networks
It is determined whether a mobile user device is within transmission range of one or hidden networks. A list of known networks may be accessed, the list including broadcast and hidden networks. For the hidden networks, the network connection component may instruct a network interface to actively probe for the hidden networks. If the response is received for a communication corresponding to a particular network, then it may be considered that the mobile user interface is within transmission range of the hidden network. If auto-connection logic is activated, a preference order may be applied to select which of the detected broadcasts and/or hidden networks to connect. A user interface displays broadcast and hidden networks determined to be within transmission range of the mobile user device. The user device also displays hidden networks for which it has not yet been attempted to determine whether the hidden networks are in range.
US08165089B2 Handoff method between heterogeneous networks and system thereof
A method and system for performing handoff between a source system and a target system are provided. The target system has a different network access standard from that of the source system. An access terminal, connected to the source system, transmits a request message including an identifier of the access terminal to be identified in the target system, to the target system, via the source system, in order to access the target system. A session storage of the target system acquires the identifier of the access terminal from the access terminal via the source system. The session storage of the target system acquires session information of the access terminal from an old session storage to which the access terminal was connected before it accesses the source system, using the acquired identifier. After the session information is acquired, a gateway of the target system acquires context information related to a data service of the access terminal from a gateway of the source system. After handoff of the access terminal, the target system provides the data service to the access terminal using the session information and the data service-related information.
US08165082B2 Channel allocation notifying method, communication method, and communication apparatus
The number of communication channels necessary for communication with a terminal is calculated by using type and volume of data to be transmitted (Step S13). When calculated number of communication channels is one, a single communication channel is allocated based on quality information of a communication line to the terminal and, when calculated number of communication channels is more than one, then more than one communication channels are allocated based on the quality information (Step S14). Allocation information used for notifying of allocated communication channels is generated based on virtual channels, which are defined in advance as channel units having a combination of a plurality of consecutive communication channels, and the allocation information is transmitted to the terminal (Steps S15 and S16).
US08165078B2 System and method for controlling use of a network resource
A system includes a control source that is provided on a server and control logic that executes on a terminal. The control logic executes on a terminal to (i) identify a plurality of attributes on the terminal, the attributes including an identifier for each of a plurality of terminal assets that include one or more of a hardware fixture, firmware, or operating system; and (ii) generate signature data from the plurality of attributes. The control source is configured to make a determination from the signature data as to whether the terminal is known or unknown.
US08165075B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving feedback information in mobile telecommunication using multiple input multiple output
A method for transmitting feedback information in a mobile communication system using Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) is provided. The method includes, when knockdown precoding is used and Antenna Selection precoding is used, setting an index field for indicating a universal matrix of a precoding matrix of a first reverse feedback channel to a value indicating whether Antenna Selection Space Time Transmit Diversity (STTD) is present; when the knockdown precoding is used and the Antenna Selection precoding is used, writing antenna selection information in a vector bitmap field of the first reverse feedback channel; and when the knockdown precoding is used and the Antenna Selection precoding is used, estimating Channel Quality Information (CQI) according to the antenna selection information and writing the estimated CQI in a CQI field of a second reverse feedback channel.
US08165074B2 Techniques for handling service flows in wireless communication systems
A technique for handling service flows in a wireless communication system includes receiving a first packet over a first service flow. In this case, the first service flow has a first quality of service. Next, a packet classifier associated with the first packet is determined. A second service flow with a selected quality of service is then created when the packet classifier for the first packet corresponds to a selected classifier.
US08165073B2 Relay-station assignment/re-assignment and frequency re-use
A prospective relay station sends a report indicative of radio resource sets/preamble sequences used by its neighbors. Where the reported radio resource sets comprise less than all available radio resource sets, a radio resource set that is not indicated in the report is assigned; else where the reported radio resource sets comprise all available radio resource sets, a resource set indicated in the report is assigned. A message is sent to the prospective relay station indicates the assigned radio resource set and an identifier for use as an enabled relay station. The message may include signal strength and IDs. Apparatus, methods and computer programs are detailed for both a base station and the relay node. Radio resource set re-assignment, managed mode relay operations (where the base station schedules traffic among relays using the same radio resource set), and power control of relays and associated mobile stations are also described.
US08165072B2 Method for providing group paging and messaging
The present invention provides a method of providing a group paging message. One embodiment of the method includes providing a first message during a first portion of a predetermined time period. The first message includes information indicating a second portion of the predetermined time period during which at least one idle first mobile unit is to wake up and attempt to receive a second message from the base station(s). The embodiment of the method also includes providing a third message during a third portion of the predetermined time period. The third message includes information indicating the second portion of the predetermined time period during which at least one idle second mobile unit is to wake up and attempt to receive the second message. The third portion of the predetermined time period is different than the first portion.
US08165067B2 Apparatus and method of 3G mobile communication capable of implementing a multi-channel protocol
This invention discloses an apparatus and a method of 3G mobile communication capable of implementing a multi-channel protocol. The 3G mobile communication apparatus includes: an application layer, for providing applications to transmit voice data; a multi-channel processing layer, for simulating at least one physical communication port of the 3G mobile communication apparatus into virtual logical data channels by software according to priority of the data transmitted, and each virtual logical data channel is connected to the data processing layer, and a multi-channel protocol layer is provided for transmitting the data received by the 3G mobile communication apparatus to the data processing layer according to the priority of the data; and a 3G wireless communication module, which is a wireless communication interface, for connecting the bus interface and achieving a signal connection of the 3G mobile communication apparatus with a base station.
US08165066B2 Method and apparatus for performing buffer status reporting
A method for performing buffer status reporting (BSR) in a user equipment of a wireless communication system comprises forming a MAC PDU comprising a padding field with a size smaller than a first predefined value, selecting a first logic channel group from a plurality of logic channel groups of the user equipment according to priorities and data amounts of uplink buffers of the plurality of logic channel groups, carrying information about a data amount of an uplink buffer of the first logic channel group with a short-format BSR control element, and carrying the short-format BSR control element with the padding field of the MAC PDU for a network of the wireless communication system.
US08165061B2 Inter working function (IWF) as logical radio network controller (RNC) for hybrid coupling in an interworking between WLAN and a mobile communications network
There is provided a method of supporting an interworking between a wireless local area network (WLAN) and a mobile communications network. The interworking is facilitated by an interworking function (IWF) disposed on a WLAN side of the interworking. The method comprises the step of connecting the WLAN to the mobile communications network by employing the IWF as an auxiliary radio network controller for the mobile communications network, in particular, a drift radio network controller (DRNC) in a UMTS network.
US08165059B2 Multi-hop communication method, a multi-hop communication terminal and communication program
The degradation of the communication characteristics and the throughput of the entire network can be improved. The failures of sending and receiving are reduced and the transmission time is reduced. In a multi-hop communication method how the source terminal 11 transmits and receives the packets with destination terminal 12 through at least one relay terminal 13, the relay terminal 13 and/or the destination terminal 12 includes a table TBL of use channel candidates that is issued by the source terminal 11, and the relay terminal 13 and/or the destination terminal 12 selects a use channel for sending the data packets from the channel candidates registered in the table and sends the data packets.
US08165058B2 Protocol data units and header in multihop relay network
The invention provides a data structure embodied in a computer readable media. The data structure is a protocol data packet (PDU) communicated in a mobile multihop network between stations. The data structure includes a relay media access header, a payload and an optional cyclical redundancy checksum for the protocol data unit; and an indication whether the PDU is a relay media access protocol data unit or not.
US08165056B2 Method and apparatus for processing a plurality of network addresses in a mobile terminal
Provided is a method and apparatus for processing a plurality of network addresses in a mobile terminal. The method for processing a plurality of network addresses in the mobile terminal includes: storing combinations of an HoA (home address), a plurality of CoAs (care-of addresses) and a plurality of network interfaces of the mobile terminal, through which the mobile terminal may be connected to a plurality of networks; when the mobile terminal transmits packets to a target node, selecting a network interface combination for connecting the mobile terminal to the target node from among the combinations, and setting a corresponding path; and transmitting the packets through the set path.
US08165054B2 Multicast service provision in a mobile communication system having overlapping pool areas
A method and apparatus for establishing a user plane between a user plane entity and different access nodes assigned to different pool areas simultaneously for multicast or broadcast service provision. The method includes receiving at a respective access node assigned to the different pool areas simultaneously plural session start messages indicating different user plane entities of the different pool areas, selecting by the respective access node one user plane entity out of the indicated user plane entities indicated in the session start messages based on a selection rule common to all access nodes assigned to the different pool areas simultaneously, the selection rule ensuring that the access nodes assigned to different pool areas simultaneously select the same user plane entity out of one of the different pool areas, and establishing by the access nodes a respective user plane to the same selected user plane entity.
US08165050B2 System and method for use of a short beacon in a wireless communication network
A system and method for use of a short beacon in a wireless communication network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a short beacon comprising PHY information, wherein the short beacon excludes MAC information and transmitting the short beacon via the wireless network. In general, three types of short beacons are disclosed, a first type consisting only of a PHY preamble, a second type also including a PHY header, and a third type also including a MAC header. In addition, the scheme of common beacons and individual beacons is described. Common beacons are broadcast omni-directional at the beginning of each superframe with low data rate and individual beacons are unicast to individual devices directionally with high data rate. A common beacon contains information intended for all of the devices of the network. An individual beacon contains information intended for one particular device.
US08165049B2 Filtering of electronic information to be transferred to a terminal
The object of the invention is a system, a device, a terminal and a method for filtering electronic information to be transferred to the terminal through a telecommunication connection. The invention comprises attaching a specific filtering parameter (30-32) by the device transferring the electronic information to the electronic information for the purpose of filtering before the electronic information is transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection, and informing the terminal of said filtering parameter (30-32) before the electronic information is transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection. In the terminal, the steps comprise checking said informed filtering parameter (30-32) and allowing or preventing the receiving of the electronic information on the basis of said filtering parameter (30-32). In response to said allowing of the receiving, the electronic information is transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection, and in response to said preventing of the receiving, the electronic information is not transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection.
US08165048B2 Wireless communication system, terminal station, and wireless communication method
The invention includes a wireless communication system including a control station which transmits a wireless signal by one of a plurality of schemes, and a terminal station which receives the transmitted wireless signal using a plurality of directional antennas by one of a plurality of schemes. The control station repeatedly transmits a wireless signal while sequentially switching the plurality of schemes. The terminal station switches the plurality of schemes at a cycle different from the switching cycle of the control station, changes the directivity direction of the directional antenna every time the terminal station receives all wireless signals transmitted by the plurality of schemes, and detects the reception state of each of the wireless signals which have been transmitted by the plurality of schemes and received in the directivity directions of the directional antenna.
US08165043B2 Multiple instance spanning tree protocol
A multiple instance spanning tree protocol (MI-STP) creates a plurality of active topologies (i.e., loop-free paths) within a computer network. These active topologies may be established through the exchange and processing of multiple instance spanning tree bridge protocol data unit messages (MI-STP BPDUs) by the intermediate network devices within the network. The active topologies are preferably created independently of any virtual local area network (VLAN) designations defined within the network. Once the active topologies are defined, each VLAN designation is then mapped to a single active topology, although multiple VLAN designations are preferably mapped to the same active topology to provide load balancing.
US08165042B2 Network communication apparatus, method and program
The present invention filters packets and reduces traffic when communication is performed with a device on a network utilizing the IPv6 protocol. To achieve this, a printer driver operating in a personal computer correlates and stores the name of the communicating party and an address for which communication actually succeeded from among addresses that have undergone name resolution, and uses the stored address in communicating with the same communicating party from then onward.
US08165041B2 Peer to multi-peer routing
A collaboration system using peer-to-multi-peer distribution of messages representing changes to a shared workspace. Each peer determines a distribution mechanism for messages to each of the target peers sharing the workspace. The selected distribution mechanism may depend on capabilities of a home relay associated with a peer initiating a message. Further, messages to subsets of the target peers sharing the workspace may be distributed using a session for each subset on which each message is sent only one time. The subset of target peers associated with some of the sessions may be selected so that target peers for which communication attempts have failed are grouped in the same session. In some scenarios, the initiating peer may provide multiple routing paths for target peers in a session and the home relay server may appropriately forward the message to the target peers, using one of the routing paths.
US08165038B2 Network physical connection inference for IP tunnels
The physical connection corresponding to IP tunnels in a network are found by tracing through the device configuration and routing tables at the routers in the network to determine the outbound interface associated with each tunnel endpoint, and then inferring a likely return interface associated with the opposite tunnel endpoint. Having determined the physical devices at the source and destination of each tunnel, the physical path between these source and destination devices is traced from the source toward the destination until the path is terminated at the destination device, or at an interface to an external network. If the path ends at an external network, the path is traced from the destination device toward the source device until a corresponding interface to the external network is reached.
US08165037B2 Method for switching communication networks
A method for switching communication network used in a first electronic device which is able to access many kinds of communication networks is disclosed. If the first electronic device receives a switching instruction at a time when a communication link and a data transmission have been established between the first electronic device and a second electronic device via a first communication network. Firstly, the first electronic device obtains an identification number of a third electronic device for use in a second communication network. Then, the communication link is established between the first electronic device and the third electronic device via the second communication network according to the identification number. Finally, the data is transmitted using the communication link between the first electronic device and the third electronic device via the second communication network, and disconnects the original communication link via the first communication link.
US08165032B1 Dynamic configuration of liveliness detection
Techniques for dynamically establishing and configuring a liveliness detection session for a local repair connection of a connection. In one set of embodiments, a signaling message is received at a node configured to maintain a local repair connection for a connection. A configuration parameter is identified in the signaling message, where the configuration parameter pertains to a liveliness detection mechanism or protocol. A liveliness detection session is then established for the local repair connection based on the configuration parameter.
US08165024B2 Use of DPI to extract and forward application characteristics
Various exemplary embodiments are a method and related device and computer-readable medium including one or more of the following: receiving a packet sent from the source node to the destination node; associating the packet with an active flow by accessing information in the packet; performing deep packet inspection (DPI) to identify an application associated with the active flow; determining a classification for the packet based on characteristics of the identified application; associating, with the packet, information identifying the classification; forwarding the packet including the information identifying the classification towards the destination node; and performing processing on the packet at a downstream device by extracting the classification from the packet.
US08165019B2 Indirect measurement methodology to infer routing changes using statistics of flow arrival processes
Statistical methods are used to observe packet flow arrival processes and to infer routing changes from those observations. Packet flow arrivals are monitored using NetFlow or another packet flow monitoring arrangement. Packet flow arrivals are quantified by counting arrivals per unit time, or by measuring an inter-arrival time between flows. When a change in packet flow arrivals is determined to be statistically significant, a change in network routing protocol is reported.
US08165016B2 Method and apparatus for setting communication paths in a network
Two path setting sides are determined between a pair of nodes in a network, and two path setting messages are created. The two path setting messages each includes information on a path switch default direction, a wait-to-restore timer value, and a mode identifier identifying a revertive mode. Then the two different communication paths are concurrently set between the pair of nodes by transmitting concurrently the created two path setting messages between the pair of nodes. In the case of the revertive mode, a communication path set on a side identified by the path switch default direction is operated as a working path either in an initial state or when no faults have occurred during a time period indicated by the wait-to-restore timer value after recovery of the fault on the first side.
US08165011B2 Real-time network measurement
A method of operation within a device coupled to a network. A first set of data is received from the network. A first set of measurement information, for use in determining a quality of the network, is then identified from the first set of data. A second set of measurement information is generated based on the first set of measurement information. The second set of measurement information and a second set of data are transmitted via the network, concurrently.
US08165009B2 Adaptive scheduling of voice traffic in a multi-carrier communication environment
The present invention provides a technique for scheduling data, and in particular, scheduling real-time or voice data for transmissions during a transmit time interval in a multi-carrier communication environment. For each transmit time interval, channel condition indicia for multiple users is determined, and an iterative scheduling process is then implemented based in part on the channel condition indicia. The iterative scheduling initially preassigns select tones for each of the remaining users that have not been permanently assigned tones for the given transmit time interval. Next, the remaining user having the least favorable channel conditions is selected as an active user. The newly selected active user is then permanently assigned the select tones that were initially pre-assigned to that particular user. The permanently assigned tones are removed from consideration, and the process is repeated until all the remaining users are permanently assigned unique tones for scheduling.
US08165005B2 Optical recording method and optical recording apparatus
Disclosed is an optical recording method. The optical recording method includes irradiating an area where a recording mark is formed in a medium with a pulse train of laser light, and irradiating the area where the recording mark is formed with continuous-wave laser light that is continuously output.
US08165002B2 Optical pickup apparatus and objective lens
An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a laser diode; an objective lens made of synthetic resin arranged in an optical path of laser light between the laser diode and an optical disc so that the laser light from the laser diode is focused onto a signal recording layer through a protection layer of the optical disc; and an aberration correction element interposed in an optical path of the laser light between the laser diode and the objective lens, the aberration correction element configured to be operated so as to correct spherical aberration caused by moisture-absorption characteristics of the objective lens.
US08164999B2 Optical disc apparatus and method for determining information recording layer in optical disc
An optical disc device includes a laser diode which irradiates an optical disc having a plurality of layers with laser light, a photodetection section which detects laser light reflected by the optical disc, which comprising a pair of sub-photodetectors and a main photodetector provided between the pair of sub-photodetectors, a focus error signal generation circuit which generates a focus error signal from a photodetection signal output by the main photodetector, a tracking error generation circuit which generates a tracking error signal from the photodetection signal output by the main photodetector and a photodetection signal output by the pair of sub-photodetectors, and a layer determination signal processing circuit which generates a layer determination signal from the photodetection signal output by the pair of sub-photodetectors and determines in which of the layers a focus of the laser light is located, on the basis of the layer determination signal and focus error signal.
US08164998B2 Optical disc device
The optical disc apparatus of this invention includes: an optical pickup, which irradiates an optical disc with a light beam and generates a light detection signal based on the beam reflected from the disc; a search section, which controls the pickup before data is written on a storage area of the disc, thereby adjusting the beam spot location and searching a reference one of information layers stacked for a defective area in the storage area of the disc; a defect decision section for detecting an error based on the detection signal and determining a portion of the storage area, where the error has occurred, as the defective area; a defect size measuring section for measuring the size of the defective area in an area of the reference layer and generating a defect information list indicating there is the defective area in the area of the reference layer; and a recording range control section for managing, by reference to the list, the storage area such that no data will be written on a perpendicularly projected area defined by projecting the defective area of the reference layer perpendicularly to another information layer.
US08164996B2 Power adjustment method, information write method and information write medium
An evaluation method and print wire method which includes (a) fitting a modulation characteristic formula M,m=Msat (1−(Pws−Pasy)/(Pw,m−Pasy)) having a saturated modulation Msat, write start power Pws, and asymptotic power Pasy as parameters to a relation between a plurality of kinds of write power Pw,m and a modulation M,m which is obtained from a signal amplitude of a trial-written signal, and finding an index value of an error which occurs in the fitting step; and (b) evaluating whether or not the relation between the write power and the modulation is valid for write power adjustment by using the index value of the error and a predetermined value the print write method further including (c) setting the write power based upon the result of evaluating and executing a write power process with the set write power.
US08164994B2 Apparatus for generating tracking signal
A tracking signal generating apparatus includes a phase detector and a digital phase controller. The phase detector generates an up signal and a down signal which contain information regarding a phase difference between a plurality of square wave signals that have been generated from an optical signal. The digital phase controller generates an up limit signal or a down limit signal whose logic levels are controlled so that a phase difference between the up limit signal and the down limit signal is reduced.
US08164993B2 Method and apparatus for detecting land pre-pits
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for detecting land pre-pits. The method can adaptively adjust a threshold for detecting the land pre-pits in order to improve the correctness of detecting. The method for detecting land pre-pits can include extracting a land pre-pit data stream from a reading signal based on a land pre-pit threshold, the reading signal corresponding to land pre-pits of an optical medium, comparing the land pre-pit data stream with format information of the optical medium to obtain an error signal, and adjusting the land pre-pit threshold based on the error signal.
US08164989B2 Information recording method and information recording apparatus
A recording method for irradiating a multi-layered optical recording medium with a laser beam to record information thereon. The optical recording medium can form a first information recording layer that is the farthest from a light incident surface, a second information recording layer that is the second farthest from the light incident surface, and at least one third information recording layer that is located closer to the light incident surface than the second information recording layer is. The method is to record information on the second information recording layer when all the information recording layers other than the second information recording layer are either blank or have been completely recorded. This allows for realizing high-quality information recording in consideration of adherence of foreign matters or occurrence of scratches.
US08164988B2 All-optical magnetic recording system using circularly polarized light and bit-patterned media
A perpendicular magnetic recording system uses bit-patterned media (BPM) and circularly polarized light to switch the magnetization of the discrete magnetic bits by the inverse Faraday effect. Circularly polarized light generates an external rotating electric field in a plane orthogonal to the light propagation direction, which induces a magnetic field parallel to the light propagation direction in a magnetic material exposed to the electric field. The BPM is a generally planar substrate with discrete spaced-apart metal or metal alloy magnetic islands that are magnetizable in a perpendicular direction and are separated by nonmagnetic spaces of non-metallic material on the substrate. A near-field metal transducer is patterned into at least three tips, with the tips surrounding and defining a transducer active region. The circularly polarized light is incident on the tips, which produce a strong in-plane rotating electric field. A magnetic island exposed to the rotating electric field will experience an induced perpendicular magnetic field that switches the magnetization of the magnetic island.
US08164986B2 Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head and thermally-assisted magnetic recording method
A magnetic recording head capable of a satisfying thermally-assisted magnetic recording without depending on the use of a near-field light generator is provided. The head comprises a waveguide and a main magnetic pole having a main pole tip. Further, at least a portion of the main pole tip is embedded in a groove provided in the upper surface of the waveguide. Further, a second clad layer is provided on the first clad layer and on a rear side from the main pole tip. This configuration of the first and second clad layers suppresses the absorption of the light propagating through the waveguide by the main magnetic pole. Further, the configuration in which at least a portion of the main pole tip is embedded in the groove can cause the distance between the light spot center of the waveguide and the main magnetic pole to be sufficiently small.
US08164985B2 Time display device and time display method thereof
A time display device comprises a dial plate; a plurality of time indication portions set in the dial plate; and a plurality of groups of luminophors. Each of the groups of luminophors corresponds to a time indication portion, and comprises a first luminophor, a second luminophor, and a third luminophor. A clock unit provides current time information. A first switch unit electrifies/powers off the first luminophor. A second switch unit electrifies/powers off the second luminophor. A third switch unit electrifies/powers off the third luminophor. A hour hand controlling module obtains a hour value, and controls the first switch unit to electrify the first luminophor of the time indication portion corresponding to the obtained hour value. A minute hand controlling module obtains the current minute value, and controls the second switch and/or the third switch unit to electrify the corresponding luminophor.
US08164984B2 Time piece with LED light means
A timepiece with LED lights uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. Combined with a milky/frosted front sheet overlay, the light-medium surface can get perfect area illumination effects. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a guilt-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.
US08164983B2 Fish finder
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for focused ultrasonic acoustic imaging of objects within a body of water. Echo soundings are collected, produced by an ultrasonic transmitter and detected by an ultrasonic receiver. Spatial location information of the transmitter and receiver is collected and associated with each echo sounding. A focused signal spatial location is selected at a desired output location. One or more of the collected soundings are selected. An echo signal from each selected sounding is selected. The signal selection is determined by a calculation of which signal from the selected sounding scattered from an object at the selected focused signal spatial location. A focused echo signal is formed by combining the selected signals for the selected focused signal location. The focused signals are graphed, based on their respective selected focused signal spatial locations, producing a focused image.
US08164972B1 Address decoder
An address decoder that includes a plurality of predecoders configured to (i) receive and logically combine a clock signal and address signals and (ii) generate addresses and complementary addresses. At least one of the plurality of precoders includes a first logic gate configured to receive the clock signal and one of the address signals, and a second logic gate configured to receive the clock signal and an output of the first logic gate. The address decoder further includes a decoder configured to generate a decoder output based on the addresses and complementary addresses.
US08164965B2 Memory device and method having low-power, high write latency mode and high-power, low write latency mode and/or independently selectable write latency
A logic circuit operates write receivers in a dynamic random access memory device in either a low-power mode, high write latency mode or a high-power mode, low write latency mode. The logic circuit receives a first signal indicative of whether the high-power, low write latency mode has been enabled, a second signal indicative of whether a row of memory cells in the memory device is active, a third signal indicative of whether the memory device is being operated in a power down mode, and a fourth signal indicative of whether read transmitters in the memory device are active. The logic circuit maintains power to the write receivers whenever the high-power, low write latency mode has been enabled if a row of memory cells in the memory device is active, the memory device is not being operated in the power down mode, and the read transmitters in the memory device are not active.
US08164961B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which can electrically rewrite data and system therefor
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, latch circuits, and an arithmetic operation circuit. The memory cell stores data by a difference in threshold voltage. A read operation is performed twice or more on the memory cell under the same read conditions, and the latch circuits store a plurality of read data. The arithmetic operation circuit takes majority decision of the plurality of data stored in the latch circuits and decides data determined by the majority decision as data stored in the memory cell.
US08164959B2 Method and system for programming non-volatile memory cells based on programming of proximate memory cells
A multi-level non-volatile memory device programs cells in each row in a manner that takes into account the coupling from the programming of cells that are proximate the row to be programmed. In one example of the invention, after the row has been programmed, the proximate cells are verified by read, comparison, and, if necessary, reprogramming operations to compensate for charge added to proximate memory cells resulting from programming the row. In another example of the invention, a row of memory cells is programmed with charge levels that take into account the charge that will be added to the memory cells when proximate memory cells are subsequently programmed.
US08164954B2 Flash memory device and program method thereof
A nonvolatile memory device that includes first and second storage areas, and a control logic configured to control the first and second storage areas, wherein when a program operation of the first storage area is passed before a program operation of the second storage area is passed, the control logic completes the program operation of the first storage area and continues the program operation of the second storage area is provided.
US08164949B2 Reducing drift in chalcogenide devices
Chalcogenide materials conventionally used in chalcogenide memory devices and ovonic threshold switches may exhibit a tendency called drift, wherein threshold voltage or resistance changes with time. By providing a compensating material which exhibits an opposing tendency, the drift may be compensated. The compensating material may be mixed into a chalcogenide, may be layered with chalcogenide, may be provided with a heater, or may be provided as part of an electrode in some embodiments. Both chalcogenide and non-chalcogenide compensating materials may be used.
US08164946B2 Magnetic memory element, magnetic memory device, information recording/reproducing apparatus
A magnetic memory element includes a pair of electrodes, a junction layer, at least one carbon nanotube, and at least one nanowire. The at least one nanowire is made of a ferromagnetic material and extends through a hole of each the at least one carbon nanotube with both ends being electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, respectively. The junction layer is made of a non-magnetic material and disposed between one of the pair of electrodes and one end of each the at least one nanowire. The one of the pair of electrodes is made of a ferromagnetic material. Magnetization of the at least one nanowire is reversed by spin injection performed through the junction layer with the one of the pair of electrodes. When a DC bias current and a detection current having a frequency coinciding with a magnetic resonance frequency of the nanowire are applied in a superimposed manner, between the electrodes, within a range not reaching a critical current density of the magnetization reversal, the pair of electrodes have a voltage corresponding to a magnetization direction of the nanowire.
US08164942B2 High performance eDRAM sense amplifier
Embedded dynamic random access memory (eDRAM) sense amplifier circuitry in which a bit line connected to each of a first plurality of eDRAM cells is controlled by cell control lines tied to each of the cells. During a READ operation the eDRAM cell releases its charge indicating its digital state. The digital charge propagates through the eDRAM sense amplifier circuitry to a mid-rail amplifier inverter circuit which amplifies the charge and provides it to a latch circuit. The latch circuit, in turn, inverts the charge to correctly represent at its output the logical value stored in the eDRAM cell being read, and returns the charge through the eDRAM sense amplifier circuitry to replenish the eDRAM cell.
US08164940B2 Read/write structures for a three dimensional memory
Read/write structures for three-dimensional memories are disclosed. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional memory includes a plurality of data storage layers fabricated in parallel on top of one another to form a three-dimensional structure. Each data storage layer is able to store bits of data in the form of magnetic domains. The memory further includes a column of write elements that is operable to write a column of magnetic domains to the first data storage layer representing a column of bits. The first data storage layer is patterned into a plurality of magnetic conductors aligned transverse to the column of write elements. A control system may inject spin-polarized current pulses in the magnetic conductors to transfer the column of magnetic domains laterally within the first data storage layer. The control system may transfer of the column of magnetic domains perpendicularly from the first data storage layer to another data storage layer.
US08164936B2 Switched memory devices
A data storage system includes a plurality of memory devices for storing data. The plurality of memory devices is classified into a plurality of groups of memory devices. A control circuit is adapted to provide concurrent memory access operations to the plurality of memory devices. Each of a plurality of data channels is configured to provide a data path between the control circuit and one of the groups of memory devices. A plurality of switches is configured to connect and disconnect one of the memory devices in a select one of the groups of memory devices to one of the plurality of data channels and concurrently connect and disconnect another of the memory devices in the select group of memory devices to a different one of the plurality of data channels.
US08164935B2 Memory modules and methods for modifying memory subsystem performance
Methods and memory modules adapted for use in computer systems to generate different voltages for core supply (VDD) and input/output supply (VDDQ) inputs to memory components of the computer memory subsystem. The memory module includes a substrate with an edge connector, a memory component, and first and second voltage planes adapted to supply the core supply voltage and the input/output supply voltage to the memory component. The first voltage plane receives a system input voltage from the edge connector, and the second voltage plane is connected to the first voltage plane to receive a second voltage that is either higher or lower than the system input voltage. One of the first and second voltage planes is connected to the memory component to supply the core supply voltage thereto, and the other voltage plane supplies the input/output supply voltage to the memory component.
US08164934B2 Content addressable memory
An entry including multiple bits of unit cells each storing data bit is coupled to a match line. The match line is supplied with a charging current having a restricted current value smaller than a match line current flowing in a one-bit miss state in one entry, but larger than a match line current flowing in an all-bit match state in one entry. A precharge voltage level of a match line is restricted to a voltage level of half a power supply voltage or smaller. Power consumption in a search cycle of a content addressable memory can be reduced, and a search operation speed can be increased.
US08164933B2 Power source circuit
A semiconductor device is provided, which comprises a rectifier circuit configured to generate a first voltage from a first signal inputted from an input terminal, a comparing circuit configured to compare a reference voltage and the first voltage inputted from the rectifier circuit and to output a second signal to a switch, and a voltage generation circuit configured to generate a second voltage from the first signal inputted from the input terminal. The rectifier circuit includes a transistor including at least a control terminal, and the voltage generation circuit inputs the second voltage to the control terminal when the switch is turned on in accordance with the second signal.
US08164932B2 Power converter with automatic mode switching
A power converter is provided that has an alternating-current (AC) to direct-current (DC) switched-mode power converter circuit that converts alternating-current power into direct-current power for powering an attached electronic device. Power can be conserved by automatically placing the power converter circuit in a low-power standby mode of operation whenever the electronic device is detached from the power converter. A monitoring circuit can be powered by a capacitor or other energy storage element while the power converter is operating in the standby mode. If the monitoring circuit detects an output voltage change that is indicative of attachment of the electronic device or if the storage element needs to be replenished, the monitoring circuit can place the power converter circuit in an active mode of operation.
US08164929B2 Controlled contactless power transmission
An inductive coupled power transmission circuit has a rotating transformer, including an AC voltage supply for feeding an AC voltage via a series capacitor into the primary winding of said rotating transformer and a load being coupled to the secondary winding of said rotating transformer. The AC voltage supply includes a line rectifier for receiving AC voltage from a power line and generating a DC voltage. This is fed into a DC/DC converter for converting the DC voltage from the line rectifier into a controlled intermediate DC voltage. An AC generator generates an AC voltage from the intermediate DC voltage and feeds this via a matching transformer into the primary winding of the rotating transformer. A measuring circuit measures voltages and/or currents within the AC voltage supply and a function generator estimates voltage and/or current values at the load based on the measured values and controls the DC/DC converter and/or the AC generator based on the estimated values.
US08164926B2 Control circuit for a switched-mode power supply with regulation based on the secondary-side current flow time period
A control circuit for a primary controlled switched-mode power supply that has a primary-side switch and a transmitter. It also relates to an associated switched-mode power supply. The control circuit can be connected to a control input of the primary-side switch so that the primary-side switch is controlled based on a secondary-side current flow time period in which a current flows through the secondary-side winding of the transmitter in order to regulate the output voltage. The secondary-side current flow time period can be used as a control parameter instead of the actual output voltage in order to then control the primary-side switch. Because the secondary-side current flow time period can be determined indirectly on the primary side, no direct feedback is necessary between the output voltage on the secondary side and the control circuit on the primary side.
US08164917B2 Base plate for use in a multi-chip module
A base mechanism for use in a multi-chip module (MCM) is described. This base mechanism includes a substrate having top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface includes first electrical connectors that convey power, and through-substrate vias (TSVs) between the top and bottom surfaces are electrically coupled to these electrical connectors. Furthermore, a bridge chip is rigidly mechanically coupled to the top surface. This bridge chip includes proximity communication connectors that communicate information via proximity communication with one or more island chips in the MCM. Additionally, spacers are rigidly mechanically coupled to the top surface of the substrate. In conjunction with the bridge chip, the spacers define cavities on the top surface, which include second electrical connectors. These second electrical connectors are electrically coupled to the TSVs, and communicate additional information with and convey power to the one or more island chips.
US08164909B2 Al/AlN joint material, base plate for power module, power module, and manufacturing method of Al/AlN joint material
A base plate for a power module includes: a metal plate, a ceramic base plate joined to the metal plate, and a release agent provided in a joint surface between the metal plate and the ceramic base plate. A remaining amount of the release agent is less than 5 as an amount of boron measured by fluorescence X-ray analysis, and a crystal grain straining region in the joint surface is equal to or less than 40%, or an amount of crystal grain straining in the joint surface is equal to or less than 0.03%.
US08164905B2 Heat sink assembly
An exemplary heat sink assembly includes a heat sink and a clip resiliently clamping the heat sink on a printed circuit board. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of first fins and two central second fins extending upwardly from the base. The clip includes a locating portion fixed between the second fins of the heat sink, a pair of elastic portions extending outwardly from opposite ends of the locating portion and oriented towards substantially opposite directions, and two hooks extending outwardly from ends of the operating members, respectively. An acute included angle is formed between each elastic portion and the locating portion of the clip in an original relaxed position, and the acute included angles become approximately right angles when the clip is preassembled in the heat sink with the elastic portions abutting the second fins.
US08164903B2 Clamping part for pressing power components against a cooling surface
The present invention relates to a clamping member for pressing power components (9) against cooling surfaces of the cooling flanges (7) of a housing, particularly for receiving an electronic circuit. The clamping member comprises a housing frame (13) having at least one receiving chamber for the cooling flange (7) and the power semiconductor (9) to be contacted with the cooling flange (7), the receiving chamber being surrounded by the frame walls (14a, 14b, 15) of the housing frame. A pressure element (17) is disposed between a frame wall (14a, 14b) and the power component (9) disposed opposite thereof, or the cooling flange (7) disposed opposite thereof. A separating gap, into which an expanding element (18) can be introduced on one side non-positively and/or positively such that the power component (9) is pressed against the cooling flange (7), is provided between the pressure element (17) and the frame wall (14a, 14b).
US08164902B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus, such as a blade server or the like, has a cooling system for efficiently cooling a plurality of heat generating semiconductor devices, such as a CPU, mounted on blades which is freely put on and taken off. The cooling system includes a thermosiphon which transfers heat from devices having relatively high heat generation, such as CPU or the like, to the outside of the apparatus, heat pipes which transfer heat of devices having relatively low heat generation to the thermosiphon, a thermal highway which is thermally coupled to the thermosiphon by the mounting of blades into a housing and collects and transfers the heat from the thermosiphon and the heat pipes, and a condenser which transfers the heat collected and transferred by the thermal highway outside a housing.
US08164901B2 High efficiency heat removal system for rack mounted computer equipment
An efficient method of heat removal from rack mounted computer equipment, network gear and other electronic equipment, consisting of solid heat conducting components in direct contact with the heat generating sources. In particular, this invention is primarily focused on the ability to efficiently and effectively cool computer equipment in standard computer rack cabinets.This invention utilizes a design that retains the general existing form factor of the rack mounted computer equipment, but uses direct contact heat transfer to a metal heat transfer conduit (Copper, Aluminum or other metal or efficient heat conducting material) contained within the computer equipment chassis. Furthermore, it is thermally coupled to an external rack mounted solid-to-fluid heat exchanger as an efficient method of heat transfer and removal. This is much more efficient than air as heat transfer medium which it the common method of heat removal from existing standardized rack mounted computer equipment.This invention covers the design of the heat transfer components within the chassis of rack mounted computer server and the heat transfer system components external to the server within rack enclosure, as well as the external cooling system components necessary to connect to existing fluid based heat transfer and removal systems and processes.
US08164899B2 Dust-and-water proof casing
In order to seal an internal space of a casing having an upper and lower casing members, a continuous groove with a semicircular cross-section is formed around a dust-and-water proof area of the lower casing member, and a continuous elongated protrusion is formed on the portion of the upper casing member corresponding to the groove, so that the protrusion is inserted in the groove when two casing members are engaged. Spherical sealing members each having the same diameter as the groove width are arrayed continuously in the groove without gaps therebetween. The width of the elongated protrusion is configured to be smaller than the groove width, so that the spherical sealing members compressed when the casing members are fitted are deformed to enter a space defined between the elongated protrusion and the groove, to thereby form a dust-and-water proof structure. Inserting the spherical sealing members in the groove is easy.
US08164894B2 Hardware holding device for computer
A hardware holding device includes a chassis, a bracket, a fastening structure and a hardware component. The bracket is fixed in the chassis. The fastening structure includes two levers each having a latch perpendicularly extending from one end of the corresponding lever, and two elastic members correspondingly arranged on the levers. The levers are rotatably mounted on the surface of the bracket. The elastic members are resiliently compressed between the surface of the bracket and the levers to keep the latches of the levers extended through the bracket and inside of the bracket thereby clasping and fixing a hardware component in the bracket.
US08164890B2 Sliding and tilting mechanism and portable electronic device using the same
A portable electronic device is disclosed including a first part, a second part, and a sliding and tilting mechanism. The sliding and tilting mechanism includes a lower board fixed to the second part, an upper board fixed to the first part, an intermediate board positioned between the lower board and the upper board. The sliding and tilting mechanism further includes two elastic assemblies and a tilting assembly, and tilts the intermediate board and the upper board relative to the lower board after the upper board slides over a predetermined distance along the intermediate board.
US08164888B2 Computer
A computer having a mounting structure can be easily mounted to a wall. A bracket of the computer can receive a computer enclosure of the computer and easily mount a display and the computer enclosure of the computer to the wall.
US08164886B1 Ruggedized display enclosure
A ruggedized display enclosure is described that houses an electronic display while withstanding severe shock and vibration, as well as environmental drip, such as for example conditions encountered in military environments. The ruggedized display enclosure has a cover structure to house the electronic display, but also allows the electronic display to be seen through the cover structure, so that the electronic display is usable when inside the enclosure. A damping material is arranged on outer areas of such an electronic display, between the electronic display and the cover structure. The damping material is arranged to allow the electronic display to be suspended with respect to the cover structure, thereby protecting the electronic display against conditions of shock and vibration.
US08164885B2 Electronic device with detachable cover
An electronic device with a detachable cover comprises a main body, a cover connected to the main body, and a spring. The main body forms an opening, wherein a flange extends inwardly from an upper edge of the opening, and a first locking portion protrudes from an edge of the main body. And the cover comprises a base plate, a sliding member, and a rotating member. The base plate is received in the opening and is supported by the flange comprising an protruding tab engaging the edge of the main body and a first recess. The sliding member is slidably connected to the base plate, and comprises a second locking portion with a second recess and a first engagement member. The rotating member rotatably connected to the base plate, and comprises a second engagement member. The spring comprises a base portion and two deflected spring arms.
US08164884B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor with improved moisture resistance properties and method of manufacturing the same
In a solid electrolytic capacitor including a porous valve-acting metal, an anode conductor has a large number of pores having openings on the surface thereof according to the porosity of the valve-acting metal. A solid electrolyte layer is formed on the surface of the anode conductor so as to be filled in at least a portion of each of the pores and to close the openings thereof. Further, a cathode conductor is formed on the solid electrolyte layer. Preferably, the solid electrolyte layer has a two-layer structure with two layers having different particle sizes.
US08164882B2 Capacitor
A pressure regulating valve is provided on a terminal plate of a capacitor. This pressure regulating valve includes a gas permeable sheet, a valve body made of silicone rubber, a packing, and a cap. The gas permeable sheet that prevents permeation of electrolyte is provided so as to close a hole created in the terminal plate. The packing is interposed between the valve body and the gas permeable sheet, and is made of an elastic material with moisture permeation resistance higher than that of silicone rubber. The cap is fixed onto the terminal plate and covers the valve body and the packing such that the valve body and the packing are retained in a compressed state with respect to the terminal plate. The valve body and the packing are provided away from the gas permeable sheet.
US08164877B2 Coaxial in-line assembly
A fine arrestor having a body with a bore there through, an inner conductor within the bore, an inner conductor capacitor within the bore coupled between a surge portion of the inner conductor and a protected portion of the inner conductor, and an inner conductor inductor within the bore coupled electrically in parallel with the inner conductor capacitor. A first shorting portion coupled between the surge portion of the inner conductor and the body and a second shorting portion coupled between the protected portion of the inner conductor and the body, for conducting a surge to ground. Also, other coaxial in-line assemblies may be formed incorporating the inner conductor cavity for isolation of enclosed electrical components.
US08164876B2 Transient voltage protection circuit and system incorporating the same
A transient voltage protection circuit that protects a load from transient voltages is disclosed. The circuit includes a series combination of a thyristor surge protection device (TSPD), a resistor and a transorb coupled for coupling in parallel with the load, and a fuse coupled between an AC input and the series combination. The TSPD and the transorb are configured to enter a transient mode upon application of a transient voltage to the circuit to shunt current from the load and provide an AC output voltage to the load less than the transient voltage without opening the fuse.
US08164873B2 Integrator and circuit-breaker having an integrator
An integrator and a circuit-breaker are disclosed, the integrator being in the form of a passive symmetrical low-pass filter having an integration capacitor. In order to make it possible to temporally integrate an electrical signal in an improved manner, it is proposed in at least one embodiment that provision be made of a differential amplifier having two amplifying elements each having an input, that the two amplifying elements be coupled to one another in order to generate a differential signal, that the inputs of the two amplifying elements be connected to one another via the integration capacitor, and that each amplifying element be positively fed back to its input via a feedback loop in such a manner that the two amplifying elements together form a negative input resistance in parallel with the integration capacitor.
US08164871B2 Circuit for protecting an integrated circuit against elctrostatic discharges in CMOS technology
The integrated circuit may include at least one electronic protection circuit for protecting against at least one electrostatic discharge and being able to discharge the overvoltage current generated by the electrostatic discharge. The electronic protection circuit includes a controlled short-circuiting switch embodied in CMOS technology including a CMOS technology TRIAC or a CMOS technology thyristor arranged in anti-parallel with a CMOS technology diode, and a triggering circuit for controlling the short-circuiting switch.
US08164870B2 ESD protection for high-voltage-tolerance open-drain output pad
A high-voltage NMOS transistor for ESD protection is coupled between a high-voltage I/O pad and a low-voltage terminal, and has a parasitic component between its source and drain. A trigger has an input coupled to the high-voltage I/O pad and an output coupled to the parasitic component. When the voltage on the high-voltage I/O pad raises above a threshold value, the trigger applies a voltage to trigger the parasitic component, so as to release an ESD current from the high-voltage I/O pad to the low-voltage terminal through the high-voltage NMOS transistor.
US08164867B2 Method for protection of energy storage source, and in particular motor vehicle battery
A method for protection of an energy storage source (2), in particular a battery of a motor vehicle, against possible overloading caused by prolonged application of an electric voltage to the energy storage source, this voltage being generated at least partially by a rotary electric machine (1) such as an alternator or an alternator-starter, the method comprising the following steps: permitting measurement of a charge level of the energy storage source, this charge level being represented for example by a voltage measured at the terminals of the energy storage source or a PWM signal, while the rotary electric machine is functioning in a predetermined functioning mode, and electric excitation is being applied to it; comparing a value (SENSE) of this measurement with a reference value (Max_SP); if the value measured for the energy storage source is greater than the reference value, interrupting the excitation applied to the rotary electric machine.
US08164862B2 Seed layer for TMR or CPP-GMR sensor
A composite seed layer that reduces the shield to shield distance in a read head while improving Hex (exchange coupling field) and Hex/Hc (Hc=coercivity) is disclosed and has a SM/A/SM/B configuration in which the SM layers are soft magnetic layers, the A (amorphous) layer is made of at least one of Co, Fe, Ni, and includes one or more amorphous elements, and the B layer is a buffer layer that contacts the AFM (anti-ferromagnetic) layer in the spin valve. The SM/A/SM stack together with the S1 (bottom) shield forms an effective shield such that the buffer layer serves as the effective seed layer while maintaining a blocking temperature of 260° C. in the AFM layer. The lower SM layer may be omitted. Examples of the amorphous layer are CoFeB, CoFeZr, CoFeNb, CoFeHf, CoFeNiZr, CoFeNiHf, and CoFeNiNbZr while the buffer layer may be Cu, Ru, Cr, Al, or NiFeCr.
US08164860B1 Servo write robust and good altitude performance ABS
A head slider for a disk drive storage device. In general, the head slider should fly at the target height above the disk without crashing onto the hard disk. The head slider has an outside flange that encloses a plateau and an inside flange that encloses a plateau. The two plateaus may have the same surface area or the outside plateau may have a greater surface area. Because of the design of the outside flange, the likelihood that the head slider will crash on the hard disk is reduced.
US08164854B2 Magnetic recording head with spin oscillation device and magnetic recording apparatus including the magnetic recording head
A magnetic recording head includes a recording magnetic pole, and a spin oscillation device including a first magnetic layer having at least one magnetic material layer, a second magnetic layer having at least one magnetic material layer, and a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are antiferromagnetically coupled and/or magnetostatically coupled to each other. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are laminated in a direction generally parallel to a medium facing surface and generally parallel to a side surface of the recording magnetic pole intersecting with the medium facing surface.
US08164853B2 Perpendicular magnetic write head with side shield saturation magnetic flux density increasing away from magnetic pole
A perpendicular magnetic write head is provided with a magnetic pole and a pair of side shields disposed on both sides of the magnetic pole in a cross track direction with side gaps in between. Each of the pair of side shields is configured in such a manner that a saturation magnetic flux density thereof increases as a distance from the magnetic pole in the cross track direction increases. Such a configuration allows unwanted divergence component of magnetic flux in a recording magnetic field to be captured while avoiding any excessive capturing of the recording magnetic field, and while preventing any intensity reduction of the recording magnetic field in its entirety. As a result, the recording magnetic field is maintained to have an adequate intensity and spreading of the recording magnetic field is suppressed, so that the recording capabilities are improved.
US08164847B2 Fall detection device, magnetic disk device, and portable electronic apparatus
By detecting that a differentiation value of the absolute value of acceleration is lower than a negative threshold value DAth1 in a negative direction from a first stage (S1: Stationary state) where the differentiation value of the absolute value of acceleration is approximately 0, it is considered that the stage is in a second stage (S2: Fall start state). When the absolute value of acceleration after that has become lower from a threshold value Ath1, it is considered that the fall detection device has entered a third stage (S3: Low gravity state). When the low gravity state has continued for a given time T3, it is considered that the stage is in a fourth stage (S4: Falling state), and a fall detection signal is output. Thus, the processing load when the determination is performed by software is reduced and the prediction of a fall can be performed.
US08164846B1 Hybrid defect detection for recording channels
Methods, systems and computer program products for performing hybrid defect detection are disclosed. A hybrid defect detection mechanism may be used to detect various classes of defects (e.g., long and shallow defects, and short and deep defects) while reducing the probability of a miss or false alarm. In some implementations, the hybrid defect detection mechanism may utilize a defect detector that includes one or more defect sub-detectors. Each defect sub-detector may be associated with an individual threshold and sliding window length to enhance the hybrid defect detection process that maximizes the detection of a specific type or class of defects.
US08164845B1 Method and apparatus for asymmetry correction in magnetic recording channels
A circuit for compensating asymmetry in a waveform of an input signal using a piecewise approximation of a saturation curve, the circuit including a first circuit configured to output a first compensation for a first section of the saturation curve using a first function and a second circuit configured to output a second compensation for a second section of the saturation curve using a second function. The second function is different than the first function. The first compensation and the second compensation provide the piecewise approximation of a region of the saturation curve. The region includes at least the first second and the second section.
US08164844B2 Optical filter and lighting apparatus
An optical filter and a lighting device using the same wherein the suppression of the melatonin secretion by the reception of light in the nighttime is prevented and the color of light is maintained. The optical filter has a mean transmissivity of a light beam in a wavelength range of about 480˜550 nm is about 30% or less. The optical filter is formed by at least molding a transparent resin and a resin composition material containing an orange color series florescent dye material, and, for 100 weight part of the transparent resin, the resin composition material containing about 0.005˜0.2 weight part of the orange color series florescent dye material is molded. This can prevent the suppression of the melatonin secretion in the nighttime. The color of light is maintained desirable. The optical filter may be applied to a lighting apparatus.
US08164843B2 Lens module with protrusions on outer surface of barrel and camera module having same
An exemplary camera module includes a barrel, a holder, and an image sensor assembly. The barrel forms an external thread on an outer surface thereof. At least one protrusion is formed along a circumferential direction on the outer surface thereof. The at least one protrusion and the external thread are arranged in an order written from an object side to an image side. An internal thread is formed on an inner wall of the holder to threadedly engage with the external thread of the barrel. The at least one protrusion contacts the inner wall of the holder but are slidable relative to the inner wall of the holder. The image sensor assembly includes an image sensor. The image sensor is received in the holder.
US08164842B2 Lens driving device, camera, and camera-equipped cellular phone
A lens driving device 1 is provided, in which a spring 11 includes an outer ring portion 11b that is fixed to a body 5, an inner ring portion 11a that is fixed to a lens support 7, and an arm portion 11c that connects the outer ring portion 11b and the inner ring portion 11a, and the lens support 7 is moved in an optical axis direction of a lens by way of an electromagnetic force that is generated by applying electric current to a coil 15 from a terminal member 6, the terminal member 6 including a superimposed portion 6a that is superimposed on the outer ring portion of 11b of the spring 11, and a power supply terminal 6b that protrudes from the superimposed portion 6a, and the terminal member 6 disposing the superimposed portion 6a between the outer ring portion 11b of the spring and the body 5.
US08164841B2 Camera module
According to one embodiment, a camera module includes an insulating substrate having an imaging device, solder balls, a cylindrical lens holder, a shield, and a mounting board. The solder balls are formed on a rear face of the substrate. The lens holder is fixed on the substrate and includes an upper larger-diameter portion and a lower smaller-diameter portion. The shield includes a cylindrical side portion fitted onto the small-diameter portion and fixed on the rear face of the large-diameter portion and a plate-shaped bottom portion in contact with the rear face of the substrate and having an opening. The mounting board is on an upper surface of which the plate-shaped bottom portion is mounted to come in contact with the upper surface and the insulating substrate or the imaging device is connected with the upper surface by the plurality of solder balls.
US08164834B2 Objective lens for endoscope and endoscope
In an objective lens for an endoscope, the full angle of view exceeds 120 degrees, and a most-object-side surface of the objective lens is spherical. Further, the following condition formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied: 0.7<θ8/θ10<0.8  (1); and 5
US08164830B2 Screen assembly for simulator
A screen assembly for a projectile-based simulator is comprised of front, right and left fabric panels that form a hitting bay with a front projector impact screen. Each fabric panel can be raised and lowered with respective roller assemblies that operate unison so that the fabric panels are simultaneously raised and lowered. Zippers are provided between each of the fabric panels that are configured to cause adjacent fabric panels to engage as the panels are lowered and to disengage as the panels are raised to allow the panels to wind upon respective roller assemblies.
US08164825B2 High-power white LEDs and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting apparatus has a radiation source for emitting short wavelength radiation. A down conversion material receives and down converts at least some of the short wavelength radiation emitted by the radiation source and back transfers a portion of the received and down converted radiation. An optic device adjacent the down conversion material at least partially surrounds the radiation source. The optic device is configured to extract at least some of the back transferred radiation. A sealant substantially seals a space between the radiation source and the optic device.
US08164821B2 Microelectromechanical device with thermal expansion balancing layer or stiffening layer
An interferometric modulating device is provided with a thermal expansion balancing layer on a side of the movable flexible layer opposite the movable reflector such that when temperature changes the distance between the movable reflector and the optical stack does not change significantly, thereby leading to stable color. Additionally, an interferometric modulating device is provided with a stiffening layer between the movable flexible layer and the movable reflector and at least one hollow void exists on the surface where the movable reflector and the stiffening layer contact each other so that the movable reflector is more rigid to bending, thereby reducing the temperature sensitivity of the movable reflector.
US08164820B2 Display device
A display device includes a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, a first layer of material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a second layer of material disposed on the first layer of material, and a light source unit emitting blue light incident to the first electrode toward the second electrode. At least one color converting member receives the blue light and generate light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the blue light. The second layer of material is positioned on the second electrode and is movable along with the second electrode by an attraction force between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08164819B2 Photonic technique for generating arbitrary waveforms
In a radio frequency (RF)-photonic arbitrary waveform generator (AWG), an optical carrier signal is phase-modulated using an arbitrary waveform optical phase generator (AWPOG), which may include, e.g., sequential optical phase modulators. The phase-modulated optical signal is combined with a version of the optical carrier signal to yield an optical waveform, whose amplitude varies with a phase shift introduced by the AWPOG to the optical carrier signal. By manipulating electrical inputs to the AWPOG which control the phase shift, the optical waveform can be arbitrary shaped. The optical waveform may then be converted to an electrical waveform having a radio frequency.
US08164805B2 Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus therewith
An image reading apparatus includes: a lamp shining light on a target original document to be read; a lamp operating circuit for turning on the lamp; an image sensor receiving light shone from the lamp to the original document and reflected from the original document, for generating image data; a control section outputting a lamp control signal for controlling turning-on and -off of the lamp to the lamp operating circuit; and a lamp control circuit, separate from the control section, outputting a lamp control signal for controlling turning-on and -off of the lamp and, when a main power switch of the apparatus is turned on, permitting the lamp to be turned on before the control section is activated.
US08164804B2 Image reading apparatus, image reading unit thereof, and reference member thereof for shading correction
An image reading apparatus which is capable of performing accurate shading correction with simple arrangement while preventing a reference member from being scratched and preventing paper powder and the like dust from being deposited on the reference member. The image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit in which a contact glass guides an original on an image reading location. The contact glass is held by a glass holding member. A line image sensor reads the image on the original conveyed on the image reading location, through the contact glass. The image reading unit further includes a reference member whose image is readable by the image sensor, and a moving mechanism to move the image sensor so as to enable the image sensor to alternatively read the original and a reference surface of the reference member.
US08164802B2 Device, system, and method for scanning paper media
A system for scanning paper media is disclosed and may include at least one microprocessor. The system may also include a scanner connected to the microprocessor. The scanner may simultaneously scan two or more printed pages using computed tomography and send a three-dimensional data set to the microprocessor that represents the printed pages.
US08164800B2 Method and device for engraving printing cylinders
In a method or machine for engraving printing cylinders for packaging, pattern, or wallpaper printing and equipped with at least two engraving members, each engraving member engraving elements to be printed into the printing cylinder and, for an areal engraving, executes a feed movement parallel to a longitudinal axis of the printing cylinder. To shorten engraving time, a print image or layout for the printing cylinder is subdivided into at least two circumferential engraving strips, one engraving member being associated with each engraving strip. At least one strip boundary is automatically placed between said engraving strips in at least one white space remaining unengraved between at least some of the elements to be printed.
US08164798B2 Image processing apparatus and method for printing and plate making, and recording medium having image processing program recorded therein for printing and plate making
A neighboring vector, which is a boundary portion between two overlapping objects, is extracted. To calculate luminance levels of the objects on both sides of the neighboring vector, a predetermined number of coordinate points (sample points) in the vicinity of the neighboring vector are extracted at least from the image side. A rendering process is performed on an area including all the extracted sample points to acquire color values at the sample points. The luminance level of the image is calculated based on the acquired color values, and the luminance levels of the objects on both sides of the neighboring vector are compared to each other to determine the position (direction) in which to generate a trap graphic.
US08164796B2 Semi automatic punch hole removal
Systems and methods are described that facilitate removing punch hole artifacts in electronic document images. When a document with punch holes is scanned, the punch holes appear as unwanted dark spots in the margin. To remove these artifacts, a blanking regions having background color pixels are placed over the punch hole artifacts and the electronic document image is stored with the blanking regions in place. A user interface is provided to permit a user to enter blanking region parameters, including x,y coordinates, diameter, reference edge from which the coordinates are measured, etc. Default settings can be stored and recalled for common punch hole patterns, which may vary between offices and the like.
US08164794B2 Image-forming apparatus and method for adjusting total amount of toner in trap
The present invention provides an image-forming apparatus capable of reducing the amount of toner at a position at which the trapping is carried out. The apparatus has an image-deformation processing unit where input image data is processed to deform the image shape or the trapping or overprinting is carried out on the respective color plates. The apparatus determines whether or not the trapping should be carried out to the target pixels on the boundary between color plates in the adjacent different objects, determines the color plate having the trap color, obtains the amount of toner of the trap color, determines based on the amount of toner of the trap color and the target pixels whether or not the total amount of toner of the trap exceeds the limit value, and reduces the total amount of toner if the total amount of toner of the trap exceeds the limit value.
US08164793B2 Image processing apparatus and method
In a multipass printing that performs a plurality of printing scans over a unit area of a print medium by using a leading head and a follower head, the multivalued image data for the leading head is distributed according to the print volume information for up to the preceding printing scan. Then, the multivalued image data for the leading head is subjected to the grayscale level reduction operation to generate binary data. Based on the binary data, the print volume information is updated, after which the multivalued image data for the follower head is distributed according to the print volume information. This causes a plurality of printing scans or a plurality of print heads, that print the same unit area, to have a correlation among them, with the result that dots on a plurality of planes when overlapped have an excellent scattering characteristic.
US08164792B2 Printing device, printing method, and program
A printing device includes a controlling section that converts visible information, expressed using biaxial orthogonal coordinate data, into polar coordinate data, and binarizes the polar coordinate data to generate binarized polar coordinate data. Next, the controlling section performs landing position correction on the binarized polar coordinate data, and generates ink discharge data in which displacements of landing positions of ink drops, caused by the order in which the ink drops are discharged from discharge nozzles, are corrected.
US08164788B2 Cluster-based printer model for tone reproduction curve estimation
What is disclosed is a system and method for efficiently and accurately estimating the complete TRC for a color marking device equipped with a multi-center cluster halftone screen which has a similar halftone tiling geometry and a similar growth specified by a corresponding single-center cluster halftone screen. The present method introduces a cluster-based printer model which establishes a relationship between a color output of a single-center cluster halftone screen and a color output of a multi-center cluster halftone screen. The present cluster-based printer model determines the complete TRC for the multi-center cluster halftone screen using the measurements for the single-center cluster halftone screen. Results of halftone dot linearization with different printing devices demonstrates that high accuracy can be achieved using the reduced measurements from the single-center cluster halftone screen. The present method finds its uses in characterization processes for a wide variety of color marking devices known in the arts.
US08164784B2 Apparatus and method for setting printing options using preview image
An apparatus and method are provided for setting a printing option using a preview image. Setting the printing option includes an image preview unit displaying a preview image corresponding to printing data and enabling the preview image to be manipulated for setting a printing setting, a control unit controlling printing of the preview image according to the printing setting of the manipulated preview image, and a printing option setting unit setting a printing option, wherein the control unit applies the printing setting of the preview image to the printing option of the printing option setting unit.
US08164779B2 Data communication apparatus and method
A document transmission apparatus reduces troublesome labor of an operator when transmitting document data, inputted from a scanner or the like, by various transmission methods such as electronic mail, facsimile, remote printing and file transfer. An address book containing a receiver and a plurality of transmission methods for transmitting document data to the receiver is generated. Upon transmission instruction, an appropriate transmission method is selected by the receiver, then document data is converted into data of an appropriate data format, and the converted data is transmitted. Further, a notice of transmission indicating that the document data has been transmitted is transmitted to the receiver of the document data by a method different from the transmission method of the document data. Thus, the document data can be reliably delivered to the receiver.
US08164777B2 Method and apparatus for modeling print jobs
A system and method for modeling print jobs provides a central server that is accessible to remotely located print shops. The remote print shops are able to communicate with the central server to forward print job parameters and to receive the output from a modeling program to enable the print shop to run “what-if” scenarios to maximize print shop efficiency. The central server is also provided with various other print shop tools to assist with print shop design and organization.
US08164776B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium storing image processing program
An image processing apparatus includes a reading unit, a printing unit, a control unit configured to control a reading job for causing the reading unit to execute reading processing and a printing job for causing the printing unit to execute print processing, and a setting unit configured to perform setting as to whether to permit execution of a second job while a first job is in execution, wherein the first job is one of the reading job and the printing job, and the second job is the other of the reading job and the printing job. The control unit controls the reading job and the printing job based on the setting performed by the setting unit.
US08164775B2 Apparatus and method for automated ticket and boarding
An automated ticketing and boarding (ATB) device may replace both legacy boarding pass printers and gate readers, without reconfiguring existing departure control systems (DCSs). The replacement ATB device may create a virtual magnetic stripe in memory from the formatted flight and/or passenger information received from the DCS, and may extract portions of the virtual magnetic stripe to form a boarding pass with an optical machine-readable symbol instead of a magnetic stripe transparently to the DCS.
US08164774B2 Output system and device for information reproduction
An output system comprising an information reproduction device and an electronic device is provided. In the system, the electronic device comprises a first connection interface through which a command signal is transmitted and a reproduced signal is inputted, a command output unit to transmit the command signal for instructing execution of a reproduction process in response to occurrence of a predetermined event, and an output control unit to output reproduced information which is reproduced by the information reproduction device and corresponds to the reproduced signal. The information reproduction device comprises a second connection interface to interface the information reproduction device with the first connection interface, a storage unit storing information to be subjected to the reproduction process, a reproduction unit to execute the reproduction process, and a reproduction signal output unit to cause the reproduction unit to execute the reproduction process and to transmit the reproduced signal.
US08164772B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
What is disclosed is an image forming apparatus which is able to execute an auxiliary program combined to a prescribe control program that transforms a piece of received information to an image data wherein the image forming apparatus comprising: a memory section for containing said auxiliary program; a received information judging section for judging whether the received information is said auxiliary program or a piece of image information, by analyzing said received information; and an auxiliary program managing section for detecting from said memory section an auxiliary program necessary for the received information to be processed, based on the image information, when said received information is the image information.
US08164767B2 Print driver with processed print data management capability
A print driver is configured to store, retrieve and re-print processed print data that has been generated by the print driver. Processed print data may be stored locally or remotely and may be stored in a secure manner. The print driver may also be configured to save user settings data that indicates one or more user settings used by the print driver to process the print data and generate the processed print data. The print driver also allows processed print data to be retrieved and re-transmitted to printing devices. The print driver generates a graphical user interface that allows users to store, retrieve and print processed print data.
US08164765B2 Information processing apparatus, controlling method, and control program for the same
A program causes a computer to function as a specification unit configured to, with respect to data to be output that is stored in a predetermined output storage area, specify an order of outputting the data to be output, a state switching unit configured to switch the output storage area between an outputting state and a non-outputting state, and a sending unit configured to, in a case where the output storage area is in the outputting state, send a print job produced based on the data to be outputted stored in the output storage area to an image forming apparatus capable of processing the print job, in accordance with the order specified by the specification unit.
US08164764B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing system
When an instruction to execute an image processing from a user is accepted through an operation panel, a control section temporarily stores image data read from an original or externally received image data in an HDD, and then, outputs processing information related to the image processing based on the accepted execution instruction and the image data stored in the HDD from a communication section to a server apparatus as historical data. When an obtaining completion signal representative of the completion of obtaining of the historical data is obtained from the server apparatus through the communication section, the control section performs the image processing on the image data stored in the HDD according to the accepted execution instruction. Then, the control section erases the image data subjected to the processing from the HDD.
US08164763B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a printing unit which prints an image on paper, an exit path which connects an exit of the printing unit to an exit member which pushes the paper outside of the printing unit, a plurality of guide members which are arranged widthwise of the paper, each guide member having a first guide side which guides the paper coming out of the printing unit along the exit path, wherein each guide member is installed to be movable such that the first guide side rotates when the first guide side contacts the paper which comes out of the printing unit, and returns to its original position after the paper completely passes through the printing unit.
US08164761B2 Differential focus blade clearance probe and methods for using same
An apparatus and a method for ascertaining a gap between a stationary member and a rotating member are disclosed. At least a reference beam and a signal beam, which have different focal lengths or which diverge/converge at different rates, are fixed to the stationary member and proximate to each other. The beams are projected across a gap between the stationary member and the rotating member toward the rotating member. The reference and signal beams are reflected by the translating member when it intersects the reference and signal beam, and the reflected reference and signal pulses are obtained. One or more features of the reflected reference pulse and the reflected signal pulse, such as a rise time of the pulses, a fall time of the pulses, a width of the pulses and a delay between the reflected reference pulse and the reflected signal pulse, among other factors, are obtained. The width of the gap is obtained using at least one of these factors.
US08164756B2 System and method of fluid exposure and data acquisition
An apparatus has a data acquisition device, an environmental cell in a spatial registration relative to the data acquisition device, the environmental cell being configured to support a sample, and a fluid management system configured to initiate and discontinue exposure of the sample to a reaction fluid while the spatial registration is maintained. A method of performing data acquisition for a sample includes spatially registering the sample relative to a data acquisition device, at least partially exposing the sample to a reaction fluid while substantially maintaining the spatial registration of the sample relative to the data acquisition device, at least partially discontinuing exposing the sample to the reaction fluid while substantially maintaining the spatial registration of the sample relative to the data acquisition device, and acquiring data about the sample while substantially maintaining the spatial registration of the sample relative to the data acquisition device.
US08164754B2 Immersion exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion exposure apparatus including an optical element 11, a reflective surface 42, a water repellent coating layer 43 in which peeled areas 45 and 46 are formed, a light intensity sensor 4 which detects light intensity of first light and second light, and an arithmetic processing unit which calculates a reflectance of the optical element 11, wherein the first light enters the projection optical system 1, passes through the peeled area 46 to be reflected by the reflective surface 42, is reflected on a surface of the optical element 11, and passes through the peeled area 45 to be received by the light intensity sensor 4, and the second light enters the projection optical system 1 and passes through the peeled area 45 to be received by the light intensity sensor 4 without being reflected on the reflective surface 42 and the surface of the optical element 11.
US08164750B2 Method and apparatus for detecting colored foreign particles in quartz powder material
Colored foreign particles contained in quartz powder material are detected in a high precision with the specified detection apparatus even when the colored foreign particles are pale colored foreign particles such as iron-based refuse, organic refuse and carbon-based refuse.
US08164746B2 Illumination method and device for determining the presence of defects on the surface of a container collar
The invention relates to an illumination device for a control station for determining the presence of defects on the image of the surface(s) of the collar of a transparent or translucent container. The inventive device comprises at least one illumination system quasi-constantly illuminating each point of a surface encompassing the collar surface(s) according to the totality or parts of incidences included in at least one part of a 2π-steradian solid angle and means for blocking at least one part of light beams which illuminate outside of the surface(s) of the collar and can bring about stray reflections in the collar image.
US08164742B1 Photopolarimetric lidar dual-beam switching device and mueller matrix standoff detection system and method
An optomechanical switching device, a control system, and a graphical user interface for a photopolarimetric lidar standoff detection that employs differential-absorption Mueller matrix spectroscopy. An output train of alternate continuous-wave CO2 laser beams [ . . . L1:L2 . . . ] is directed onto a suspect chemical-biological (CB) aerosol plume or the land mass it contaminates (S) vis-à-vis the OSD, with L1 [L2] tuned on [detuned off] a resonant molecular absorption moiety of CB analyte. Both incident beams and their backscattered radiances from S are polarization-modulated synchronously so as to produce gated temporal voltage waveforms (scattergrams) recorded on a focus at the receiver end of a sensor (lidar) system. All 16 elements of the Mueller matrix (Mij) of S are measured via digital or analog filtration of constituent frequency components in these running scattergram data streams (phase-sensitive detection). A collective set of normalized elements {ΔMi,j} (ratio to M11) susceptible to analyte, probed on-then-off its molecular absorption band, form a unique detection domain that is scrutinized; i.e., any mapping onto this domain by incoming lidar data—by means of a trained neural network pattern recognition system for instance—cues a standoff detection event.
US08164739B2 Controlling fluctuations in pointing, positioning, size or divergence errors of a beam of light for optical apparatus
A system and method are used for controlling fluctuations in one or more of a beam pointing error, a beam positioning error, a beam size error or a beam divergence error of a beam of light in a lithography system. An optical apparatus may comprise a first beam control module having a first optics in an optical axis for optically isolating a laser pulse from a light source associated with an illuminator to provide the beam of light. These beam related errors may be selectively stabilized by either homogenizing selectively the spatial field and/or angular information of a given illumination profile for the beam of light and symmetrizing other one of the spatial field or angular information which is not being homogenized based on a first arrangement of the first optics or homogenizing and symmetrizing both of the spatial field and angular information based on a second arrangement of the first optics.
US08164735B2 Regulating device, exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
The present invention is a regulating device configured to regulate a temperature T2 of a first medium in accordance with a target temperature. The regulating device comprises a heat exchanger 16, a control valve 14, temperature sensors 2 and 4, temperature sensors 6 and 8, and a heat quantity control unit 30 and a temperature control unit 50 configured to calculate a target exchange heat quantity in the heat exchanger 16, calculate an exchange heat quantity in the heat exchanger 16, add a signal dependent upon a difference between the target exchange heat quantity and the exchange heat quantity to a signal dependent upon a difference between an output of the temperature sensor 4 and the target temperature, and control the control valve 14 so that a difference between the output of the temperature sensor 4 and the target temperature is reduced.
US08164732B2 Active device array substrate and liquid crystal display panel having particular vertically arranged gate lines
An active device array substrate, having at least a substrate, a first metal layer, an insulator layer, a second metal layer, a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of active devices, is provided. The substrate has a display area and a narrow frame area. The first metal layer disposed on the substrate includes a plurality of first gate lines arranged laterally. The insulator layer is disposed on the first metal layer. The second metal layer disposed above an insulator layer includes a plurality of data lines and second gate lines arranged vertically. The first gate lines and the data lines divide the display area into a plurality of pixel areas. The second gate line disposed between the pixel areas is electrically connected to the first gate line. Each pixel electrode is electrically connected to the data line and the first gate line via each active array device.
US08164731B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which can obviate cutting off of a peripheral region of the liquid crystal display device which is provided with an inspection circuit and can surely perform the inspection of an image display even when the peripheral region is narrowed. On a substrate of the liquid crystal display device, a pixel region which is comprised of a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of drain lines and a peripheral region which surrounds the pixel region are formed. A turn-on inspection terminal of the liquid crystal display device are formed on the peripheral region and a semiconductor chip for driving liquid crystal is formed on the inspection terminal. The semiconductor chip is electrically insulated from the inspection terminal.
US08164725B2 Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal device includes: a circuit substrate; a counter substrate disposed so as to be opposed to the circuit substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the circuit substrate and the counter substrate, the liquid crystal layer showing vertical alignment as an initial alignment state; a first alignment layer manufactured on a side of the counter substrate using a coating process, the side facing the liquid crystal layer, the first alignment layer having a vertical alignment function; and a second alignment layer manufactured on a side of the circuit substrate using a vacuum process, the side facing the liquid crystal layer, the second alignment layer generating a pretilt.
US08164722B2 Liquid-crystal display device with at least three optically-anisotropic layers having formulated in-plane retardations
A liquid-crystal display device comprising a liquid-crystal cell and at least three optically-anisotropic layers disposed on each side of the liquid crystal cell, wherein they are combined so that the Δnd value of the liquid-crystal cell and the optical characteristics of the optically-anisotropic layers can satisfy predetermined relationships, is disclosed.
US08164720B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel having a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer held in a sandwiched condition between the substrates, and a pixel electrode and common electrode disposed on the second substrate in order to drive the liquid crystal layer. A backlight is disposed on one face of the liquid crystal display panel, a first polarizer disposed on one face of the first substrate, at a side opposite to the second substrate, and a second polarizer disposed on one face of the second substrate, at a side opposite to the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer has a property of generating optically anisotropy from an optical isotropic state when a voltage is applied, and the liquid crystal display panel includes a transmission area and a reflection area in one pixel.
US08164718B2 Liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal display device having high visibility and high image quality by relieving color phase irregularity. A light-shielding layer is selectively provided so as to overlap with a contact hole for electrical connection to a source region or a drain region of a thin film transistor. Alternatively, by providing an opening portion of a colored layer (color filter) with an opening so as to overlap with a contact hole, uneven alignment of liquid crystal molecules does not influence display, and a liquid crystal display having high image quality can be provided.
US08164714B2 Diffractive display device, finder device and camera
There is provided a diffractive display device having small non-uniformity of luminance within a surface, and a finder device and a camera using the diffractive display device. The diffractive display device includes a pair of substrates 24a, 24b and an optical material layer 26 arranged between the pair of substrates 24a, 24b. First illuminating means 22a for entering light through the side surface of the pair of substrates 24a, 24b and second illuminating means 22b for entering light through the side surface of the pair of substrates 24a, 24b from a direction different from the light from the first illuminating means 22a are arranged. A first portion 30a of the optical material layer 26 diffracts the light from the first illuminating means 22a and emits it from a substrate surface, and a second portion 30b diffracts the light from the second illuminating means 22b and emits it from the substrate surface.
US08164712B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a backlight device, a liquid crystal panel and a light source unit. The light source unit includes a case having an opening surface, a fluorescent tube, an electric holder, and a cover member. The cover member includes a shield plate, a fixed groove and an overhanging portion, wherein the overhanging portion is provided at an edge of the fixed groove and on a side of the liquid crystal panel with respect to the fluorescent tube which includes a portion which extends through the fixed groove. A portion of the cover member includes a protrusion which is a separate member from the overhanging portion and which extends more toward the liquid crystal panel than a surface portion of the overhanging portion.
US08164711B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device which can make the surface brightness of an edge-light-type backlight uniform is provided. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight which radiates light to the liquid crystal display panel. The backlight includes a light guide plate which is arranged on a back side of the liquid crystal display panel, a light source arranged on an outer peripheral portion of a first main surface of the light guide plate which faces the liquid crystal display panel in an opposed manner, and a reflection sheet which is arranged on a back side of the light guide plate as viewed from the liquid crystal display panel. The light guide plate is made of a transparent resin having a refractive index of 1.53 or less. On a surface of the light guide plate opposite to the first main surface, a second main surface which is substantially parallel to the first main surface and a plurality of inclined surfaces which are inclined at a preset angle with respect to the second main surface are formed. An angle of the inclined surface positioned near a position at which light from the light source is incident and an angle of the inclined surface positioned remote from the position at which the light from the light source from the light source is incident differ from each other.
US08164709B2 Side type backlight module, liquid crystal display, and assembly methods thereof
A side type backlight module includes a light guide plate and a circuit board with at least one light emitting device thereon. The light guide plate has a first surface defining a light emitting surface, a second, opposite surface, and a light incident surface connecting the first and second surfaces. The circuit board is directly adhered to a part of the first or the second surface adjacent to the light incident surface. The light emitting device is thus disposed beside the light incident surface.
US08164706B2 Liquid crystal display device and board clip mountable on the liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device 100 provided by the present invention, at least a part of a circuit board 16 can be held on an outer side surface 30B of a frame 30 by a board clip 50 mounted on the outer side surface 30B of the frame 30. The board clip 50 includes a plate-like main body portion 52 located so as to face the outer side surface 30B of the frame 30, front-side engaging portions 54 and 55, and a pair of rear-side engaging portions 56 and 57. A bezel receiving portion 60 contactable with a part of a peripheral portion of a bezel 20 is formed in the vicinity of the front-side engaging portions 54 and 55.
US08164700B2 Thin film transistor array, method for manufacturing the same and active matrix display
One embodiment of the present invention is a thin film transistor array including an insulating substrate, a plurality of thin film transistors and a sealing layer. The sealing layer is stripe-shaped and covers a plurality of the thin film transistors. The sealing layer is formed over the insulating substrate.
US08164699B2 Display panel and method thereof
A display panel includes a first substrate having a first line and a second line and a second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate includes an electrostatic discharger that is electrically connected to the first line to discharge a static electricity inflowing into the display panel through the first line to an exterior. Also, the second substrate includes a common electrode through which an opening is formed by removing an area of the common electrode corresponding with the electrostatic discharger. Thus, the electrostatic discharger may be prevented from being shorted with the common electrode, thereby preventing a display quality of the display panel from being deteriorated.
US08164695B2 Flat panel display
A flat panel display. The flat panel display comprises a main body, a control pad and a hinge. The control pad is connected to the main body by a hinge, wherein the control pad rotates on the hinge between a first position and a second position.
US08164692B2 Gamma correction circuit, gamma correction method, and image processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a gamma correction circuit including a serial storage unit which serially stores first and second parameter information in a storage area, a first parallel storage unit which parallelly stores the first parameter information in the storage area, a second parallel storage unit, a gamma correction unit which receives a video signal and which performs gamma correction to the video signal based on the first or second parameter information, and a control unit which serially reads the first or second parameter information, parallelly stores the information in the first or second parallel storage units, parallelly reads the first or second parameter information, supplies the information to the gamma correction unit, and performs gamma correction to the video signal based on the first or second parameter information.
US08164690B2 Image display device for expanding and displaying part of an image
An image display device includes an MPEG decoder configured to generate image signals based on digital signals received by a tuner unit, an image segmenting unit configured to extract image signals included in a segment area being an arbitrary area portion from image signals outputted from the MPEG decoder, a display position adjusting unit configured to set a display area being an arbitrary area portion displaying the extracted image signals, an expansion display producing unit configured to allocate the extracted image signals to the display area to generate an expanded image, and a video synthesizing unit configured to synthesize image signals outputted from the expansion display producing unit and image signals outputted from the MPEG decoder.
US08164687B2 Color difference signal IP conversion method
An output of a conventional color-difference inter-field interpolating unit (10) and an output obtained by a color-difference 4:2:0 inter-field interpolating unit (11) and a color-difference intra-field line interpolating unit (12) as a progressive signal through inter-field interpolation by changing a 4:2:2 color-difference signal into a 4:2:0 color-difference signal are switched by a color-difference static image processing method selecting/mixing unit (14) in accordance with an output or the like of a detecting unit (13) for detecting a characteristic of an image signal. Thus, it is possible to realize color-difference signal IP conversion static image processing in which degradation of a correct 4:2:2 color-difference signal is suppressed and jaggy is reduced with respect to a 4:2:2 color-difference signal obtained through interpolation of a 4:2:0 signal.
US08164686B2 Surveillance television camera
A surveillance television camera including a camera base which is mounted on an installation surface and to which a surveillance television camera is mounted, a dome cover which is detachably attachable to the camera base and a locking device including a movable locking member mounted on the camera base and an elastic member biasing the movable locking member toward a joint surface of the movable locking member relative to the dome cover. The camera base has a joint surface relative to the dome cover. The dome cover has a fitting recess formed in the joint surface. When the joint surfaces of the camera base and the dome cover are joined together so that the dome cover is turned circumferentially thereby to be attached to the camera base, the movable locking member is fitted into the fitting recess of the dome cover by a biasing force of the elastic member.
US08164685B2 Image pickup apparatus which performs aperture value control for a multiple exposure image, and recording medium
An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image pickup unit for obtaining an image, the image pickup unit including an image pickup element and an image pickup optical system which includes an aperture stop and forms the image on the image pickup element, a synthesis instruction unit for providing an instruction to form a multiple exposure image by making registration of a plurality of images and synthesizing the plurality of images into one image, an aperture value control unit for controlling setting of an aperture value of an aperture stop when the synthesis instruction unit provides the instruction to form the multiple exposure image, and an image processing unit for forming the multiple exposure image by synthesizing, into one image, a plurality of images obtained by the image pickup unit with the aperture value set by the aperture value control unit.
US08164673B2 Filter switching device, photographing lens, and camera
A filter switching device includes: an optical filter unit that is disposed on an optical path of an object light that passes through an image pickup lens of a camera, and can be switched to any one of a plurality of spectral transmission characteristics; a spectral transmission characteristic switching unit that switches a spectral transmission characteristic of the optical filter unit to one of the plurality of spectral transmission characteristics; a filter spectral transmission characteristic information storage unit that stores filter spectral transmission characteristic information, which is information relating to each of the plurality of spectral transmission characteristics; and a filter spectral transmission characteristic information output unit that outputs filter spectral transmission characteristic information corresponding to the spectral transmission characteristic of the optical filter unit to the camera when the spectral transmission characteristic of the optical filter unit is switched.
US08164672B2 System and method for displaying an image stream
A system and method may display an image stream (200), where an original image stream may be divided into two or more subset images streams, each subset image stream being displayed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in each time slot (210A-240D) may be variably adjusted based on a predetermined criterion. The images may be collected from an ingestible capsule traversing the GI tract.
US08164671B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging apparatus body and reporting terminal
An imaging apparatus capable of assisting such shooting that a designated subject is accommodated in a predetermined reference range without user's continuing gazing at a display screen. Imaging apparatus 100 has: imaging optical system 310 that forms an optical image of a subject; solid-state image sensor 330 that converts the optical image into an electrical signal; video signal processing section 350 that carries out a predetermined processing for the electrical signal and generates image data; tracking processing section 390 that decides whether or not the designated subject is in a predetermined range within a trackable range, using the image data generated in video signal processing section 350; and reporting section 410 that reports a decision result in tracking processing section 390 by means of light.
US08164667B2 Image sensing device and image sensing method
An image sensing device and image sensing method is described, in which an interrupt circuit is disposed to interrupt a clock signal input to a logic circuit not associated with the reading of image data when the image data is read, so as to temporarily interrupt the operation of the logic circuit, thereby reducing the power noises caused by the current generated during the operation of the logic circuit.
US08164665B2 Method and apparatus for controlling pixel sensor elements
An imaging method and system that flexibly accesses light, sensor elements and processes imaging signals. The imaging system comprises an array of pixel sensor cells, an array controller and a readout control circuit.
US08164663B2 Analog bus driver and multiplexer
For a source-follower signal chain, the ohmic drop in the selection switch causes unacceptable voltage offset, non-linearity, and reduced small signal gain. For an op amp signal chain, the required bias current and the output noise rises rapidly with increasing the array format due to a rapid increase in the effective capacitance caused by the Miller effect boosting up the contribution of the bus capacitance. A new switched source-follower signal chain circuit overcomes limitations of existing op-amp based or source follower based circuits used in column multiplexers and data readout. This will improve performance of CMOS imagers, and focal plane read-out integrated circuits for detectors of infrared or ultraviolet light.
US08164657B2 Pixel or column fixed pattern noise mitigation using partial or full frame correction with uniform frame rates
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate mitigating pixel or column fixed pattern noise in a CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensor. For instance, pixel or column fixed pattern noise can be recognized by gating a pixel array without firing a transfer signal (TX). Inhibiting the transfer signal can cause zero input to be provided to pixels in the pixel array; thus, the sampled output from the pixels under such conditions can be a function of noise. Calibration and correction can thereafter be effectuated. Moreover, uniform frame rates for outputted frames can be yielded irrespective of use of a subset of read out frames for calibration. For example, frames employed for calibration can be replaced in a sequence of outputted frames by copies of stored frames. Further, signal levels can be balanced to account for differences in light integration time, which can result from blocking and unblocking firing of transfer signals.
US08164655B2 Systems and methods for concurrently playing multiple images from a storage medium
Methods for storing on a storage or memory medium, and retrieving, and displaying of multiple images in a registered manner, the images have been recorded concurrently. The images may comprise at least 2 video programs. A camera system for recording multiple concurrent images is also disclosed. Lenses and corresponding image sensors are calibrated to have calibrated and associated settings for recording multiple images that are substantially registered images. A registered image may be displayed on a single display. It may also be displayed on multiple displays. A camera for recording and displaying registered multiple images may be part of a mobile phone.
US08164654B2 Image storage apparatus, image storage method, and control program executed in image storage apparatus
An image storage apparatus which is capable of finding a desired image among a large number of images easily. Image quality of an image to be recorded on a storage medium 200 or 210 is determined by an operation unit 70. A system control circuit 50 stores a first image having an image quality determined by the operation unit 70 in a first folder on the storage medium 200 or 210, and stores a second image having an image quality determined by the operation unit 70 and different from the image quality of the first image in a second folder on the storage medium 200 or 210.
US08164651B2 Concentric exposure sequence for image sensor
A method for image capture includes providing an image sensor having at least one segmented row of pixels, wherein the at least one segmented row comprises at least first and second disjoint row subsets of pixels, wherein the reset and readout operations for each row subset are controllably independent of each other; timing the exposure interval of the first subset to be photographically centered with the exposure interval of the second subset; and combining the image data obtained from the first and second row subset exposures to form a row of pixel values.
US08164649B2 White balance adjusting device, imaging apparatus, and recording medium storing white balance adjusting program
A white balance adjusting device includes a dividing unit which divides an image to be processed into plural small areas, a calculating unit which calculates evaluation values of each small area based on color information of the image, a judging unit which judges whether to use the evaluation values of a small area of attention for white balance calculation based on a relationship between the evaluation values of the small area of attention and the evaluation values of small areas adjacent to the small area of attention among the evaluation values of the plural small areas, and a calculating unit which performs white balance calculation based on a judgment result of the judging unit. Therefore, color failure is suppressed and white balance adjustment can be performed properly.
US08164642B2 Image-capturing device with a destructive read-type image sensor
An image-capturing device includes: a destructive read-type image sensor that executes photoelectric conversion of a light flux from an optical system at a plurality of pixels, stores electrical charges resulting from the photoelectric conversion at the plurality of pixels, and outputs a signal corresponding to each of the stored electrical charges; a read unit that reads out the signal from the image sensor over a specific cycle; a display unit at which display is brought up based upon the signal read out by the read unit each time the read unit reads out the signal; a storage unit that individually stores signals read out by the read unit, each in correspondence to a read operation; an adding unit that adds up a plurality of signals obtained sequentially over time among the signals stored in the storage unit; and a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system based upon adding results provided by the adding unit.
US08164640B2 Camera control means to allow operating of a destined location of the information surface of a presentation and information system
The invention concerns a control device for controlling an information device arrangement. Control device includes camera means (CAM) and display means (VF) to allow operating of a destined location (21) of the information surface. Destined location is adapted for determination from the control information being in the image information (IMAGE) formed by the camera means (CAM). The control device is arranged at least to determine from the control information of the image information (IMAGE) data (x1, y1, hei, wid, gx, gy) in order to determine a continuous stream of locations pointed by the control device. System, method and program products are also targets of the present invention.
US08164636B1 Digital still camera with multiple frames combined into a single frame for digital anti-shake/anti-blur
A method of capturing a still frame is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a plurality of initial frames with a sensor in response to an optical signal and (B) generating the still frame by combining the initial frames using a noise reduction technique.
US08164634B2 Vibrating device and image equipment having the same
A vibrating device includes a drive unit configured to drive a vibrating member to produce vibration Z(x,y) at a dust-screening member, the vibration being expressed as follows: Z(x,y)=Wmn(x,y)·cos(γ)+Wnm(x,y)·sin(γ) where Z(x,y) is vibration at a given point P(x,y) on the dust-screening member, m and n are positive integers including 0, indicating the order of natural vibration corresponding to a vibrational mode, W mn ⁡ ( x , y ) = sin ⁡ ( n ⁢ ⁢ π · x + π 2 ) · sin ⁡ ( m ⁢ ⁢ π · y + π 2 ) , ⁢ W nm ⁡ ( x , y ) = sin ⁡ ( m ⁢ ⁢ π · x + π 2 ) · sin ⁡ ( n ⁢ ⁢ π · y + π 2 ) , and γ is +π/4 or ranges from −π/8 to −π/4. LP/LF is 0.5 or more, but less than 1, where LF is the length of the sides to which the vibrating member is arranged in a virtual rectangle having the same area as the surface of the dust-screening member and sides including the one side, and LB is the longitudinal length of the vibrating member of the sides parallel to the one side.
US08164628B2 Estimating distance to an object using a sequence of images recorded by a monocular camera
In a computerized system including a camera mounted in a moving vehicle. The camera acquires consecutively in real time image frames including images of an object within the field of view of the camera. Range to the object from the moving vehicle is determined in real time. A dimension, e.g. a width, is measured in the respective images of two or more image frames, thereby producing measurements of the dimension. The measurements are processed to produce a smoothed measurement of the dimension. The dimension is measured subsequently in one or more subsequent frames. The range from the vehicle to the object is calculated in real time based on the smoothed measurement and the subsequent measurements. The processing preferably includes calculating recursively the smoothed dimension using a Kalman filter.
US08164625B2 Device and method for visually recording two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects
A device for visually recording two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects, which comprises a camera for recording images of the two-dimensional or three-dimensional object and which is provided with, can be connected to or is connected to at least one evaluation unit for evaluating the recorded images. A single camera and at least one adjustable or pivotal mirror element are provided. According to the method for visually recording two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects while using a device of the aforementioned type, a camera and at least one adjustable mirror element are arranged relative to one another so that the objects to be recorded are situated in the coverage area of the at least one mirror element. The adjustable mirror element for recording the objects to be recorded is displaced or pivoted about one or two axes with an adjustable velocity. The camera records the objects projected in the at least one mirror element, and the recorded objects are routed from the camera to an evaluation unit for evaluation and are processed.
US08164620B2 Stereo projection optical system
A stereo projection optical system includes an image engine configured for providing light superimposed spatial information, a color selector positioned to receive a light output of the image engine, a transmission-type light modulator positioned to receive an emergent light of the color selector. The color selector is configured for selectively modifying the polarization of the light output according to the wavelength of the light output. The transmission-type light modulator alternates between a dark state and a bright state. From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the stereo projection optical system according to the present invention provides advantages in that its structure can be simplified with the reduction of its size by synthesizing lift and right image signals by displaying the stereoscopic image signal using a single projector.
US08164618B2 Implementation of MPCP MCU technology for the H.264 video standard
A method for generating a video output signal. The method may include receiving a plurality of input video signals from each of the participants. Each of the input video signals may have a plurality of input frames. Each of the input frames may have a source slice carrying an image. Each of the input frames may be encoded using the respective reference frame at an encoding time. The method may include a step for generating the video output signal for transmission to the participants. The video output signal may comprise a plurality of output frames. A first of the output frames generally has at least a first slice having (a) a first coded portion carrying the image from a first of the participants and (b) a first unencoded portion for the image from a second of the participants. A second of the output frames generally has at least a second slice having (a) a second coded portion carrying the image from the second participant and (b) a second unencoded portion for the image from the first participant. The frames of the video output signal are generated as soon as one of the frames of the video input signal are received.
US08164617B2 Combining views of a plurality of cameras for a video conferencing endpoint with a display wall
A telepresence apparatus, a method of operating a telepresence apparatus, and a tangible computer readable storage medium in a telepresence apparatus that is configured with instructions that when executed cause operating of the telepresence apparatus. The telepresence apparatus includes video cameras districted co-planar with a display wall and capturing camera views of a scene. The camera views from the video processor combined to form a video signal for transmission to one or more remote endpoints, the video signal corresponding to a synthetic view from a point that is substantially behind the wall and as if the wall was not there.
US08164613B2 Video communication system, terminal, and image converter
Image input device (57) of a mobile phone captures an image of the face of the speaker and stores the captured image data in image memory (53). Communication image generator (52) reads the image data stored in image memory (53) and converts the image data into illustration image data representing an illustration-like image of the speaker. Communication image generator (52) stores the illustration image data in image memory (53). Central controller (51) reads the illustration image data from image memory (53), and sends the illustration image data via wireless device (54) and antenna (59). A mobile phone of the party who the speaker is talking to receives the illustration image data, and displays an illustration-like image of the speaker based on the image data.
US08164610B2 Apparatus for writing an image on the target object to be managed
A surface-condition-information obtaining unit obtains information on a surface condition of a rewritable display medium on which information is reversely displayed visually. A write-laser output unit outputs a write laser to irradiate the rewritable display medium with the write laser, to perform a drawing on the rewritable display medium. A control unit performs a write process for displaying an image on the rewritable display medium by adjusting a laser output condition based on the information obtained by the surface-condition-information obtaining unit and controlling the write-laser output unit based on an adjustment of the laser output condition.
US08164609B2 Print head pulsing techniques for multicolor printers
In one aspect of the invention there is disclosed a multicolor thermal imaging system wherein different heating elements on a thermal print head can print on different color-forming layers of a multicolor thermal imaging member in a single pass. The line-printing time is divided into portions, each of which is divided into a plurality of subintervals. All of the pulses within the portions have the same energy. In one embodiment, every pulse has the same amplitude and duration. Different colors are selected for printing during the different portions by varying the fraction of subintervals that contain pulses. This technique allows multiple colors to be printed using a thermal print head with a single strobe signal line. Pulsing patterns may be chosen to reduce the coincidence of pulses provided to multiple print head elements, thereby reducing the peak power requirements of the print head.
US08164606B2 Exposure apparatus
In an exposure apparatus employing an over filled optical system, the light quantity distribution on a scanning plane is kept nearly constant for a plurality of scanning light quantities. It selects the light quantity of the light beam irradiated onto the photosensitive body from a plurality of levels, and sets the light quantity selected. According to the light quantity, it selects one of a plurality of correction current profiles, and supplies a light source with a current passing through the correction based on the correction current profile selected. Since the light quantity of the light beam irradiated onto the photosensitive body is corrected by the correction current, the light quantity of the light beam on the photosensitive body becomes nearly constant in the scanning direction.
US08164604B2 Flat panel display device and method of controlling picture quality of flat panel display device
A flat panel display device includes a display panel having at least one link pixel which has a non-defect area and a panel defect area and where adjacent pixels are linked to each other; a memory which stores a first compensation data for compensating the data which are to be displayed in the panel defect area, a second compensation data for compensating the data of a bordering part between the panel defect area and the non-defect area, and a third compensation data for compensating the data which are to be displayed in the link pixel. The first compensation data is adjusted through at spatial dispersion or temporal dispersion; the data that are to be displayed in a fixed area inclusive of the boundary are adjusted by dispersing the second compensation data to the fixed area inclusive of the boundary; the data that are to be displayed in the link pixel are adjusted to the third compensation data.
US08164603B2 Methods of measuring image-sticking of a display
A method of measuring image-sticking of a display is described. A display having N gray levels is provided. Next, an image-stick test frame having at least a first pattern having a low gray level and at least a second pattern having a high gray level is displayed on the display. After the image-stick test frame is displayed for a while, an image-stick region and a non-image-stick region are formed on the display. A measuring frame is then displayed on the display, wherein the non-image-stick region in the measuring frame has a standard gray level M. A plurality of middle gray levels is sequentially displayed on the image-stick region in the measuring frame. When the boundary between the non-image-stick region and the image-stick region in measuring frame is the lightest, the middle gray level is converted into an image-sticking level.
US08164594B2 Image processing device, image processing method, program, storage medium and integrated circuit
It is an object to easily, and using existing devices, perform shadow enhancement that achieves an increase in the feeling of depth of 2D video. The input image data are first converted into brightness information by a brightness information calculation portion. Then, based on that brightness information, the normal direction and the edge information in the pixel targeted for processing are estimated by a normal direction estimation portion. A corrected gradation derivation portion then performs correction processing such as the addition of shadow component on the input image based on the brightness information and the estimated normal direction and edge information to create a processed image that has a feeling of depth, and then an output portion converts this to a predetermined image format and outputs it. In this way, it is possible to easily increase the feeling of depth of a 2D image through the addition of shadow, for example, in accordance with the characteristics of the input image.
US08164591B2 Device, server, system and method to generate mutual photometric effects
The invention concerns a device for generating mutual photometric effects and a server for delivering photometric parameters for generating mutual photometric effects and a system including such a device and such a server. The device comprises a receiver for receiving and demultiplexing the visual data sets and photometric parameters respectively associated with the data sets, a module for defining the mutual photometric effects to be generated for these photometric parameters, a compositor and a rendering module for positioning the visual data sets in the common support space and applying the effects defined for the photometric parameters from at least one of the visual data sets to at least one other of the visual data sets so that at least one visual data set influences one other visual data set in the common support space.
US08164590B1 Methods and apparatus for determining high quality sampling data from low quality sampling data
A method for a computer system includes determining a plurality of illumination modes associated with a plurality of scene descriptors, wherein the plurality of scene descriptors includes a first scene descriptor and a second scene descriptor, determining a first plurality of weights, wherein each weight from the first plurality of weights is associated with an illumination mode from the plurality of illumination modes, determining illumination data associated with the first scene descriptor in response to the first plurality of weights and in response to the plurality of illumination modes, determining a second plurality of weights, wherein each weight from the second plurality of weights is associated with an illumination mode from the plurality of illumination modes, and determining illumination data associated with the second scene descriptor in response to the second plurality of weights and in response to the plurality of illumination modes.
US08164587B2 LCD power supply
An LCD (liquid crystal display) power supply includes an AC to DC converter circuit, a transformer, a DC to AC converter, and a feedback circuit. The AC to DC converter circuit couples an AC power supply to generate a DC signal. The DC to AC converter couples the DC signal to a primary side of the transformer and alternates polarities thereof so that an AC signal is generated on a secondary side of the transformer to supply for a load. The feedback circuit receives a first feedback signal indicative of power being supplied to the load and modulates the DC signal generated by the AC to DC converter circuit according to the first feedback signal.
US08164586B2 Thin film transistor array panel and liquid crystal display including the panel
A thin film transistor array panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; a gate line disposed on the substrate and extending in a first direction; a capacitive electrode separated from the gate line and elongated in a second direction; a data line intersecting the gate line; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line and including a drain electrode; a coupling electrode overlapping the capacitive electrode and connected to the drain electrode; and a pixel electrode including at least one first subpixel electrode connected to the drain electrode and a second subpixel electrode connected to the capacitive electrode and spaced apart from the at least first subpixel electrode by a gap that overlaps the capacitive electrode or the coupling electrode.
US08164582B2 Method and apparatus for calibrating targets on a touchscreen
A method for using a touch display system comprises defining local distortion zones within regions of a touchscreen. Each of the local distortion zones has an associated calibration touch point and a target. Coordinates of a user touch point are distorted within a first local distortion zone based on a location of the user touch point within the first local distortion zone.
US08164577B2 Input device, control method of input device, and program
Disclosed herein is an input device including, a target creating section a performing section, and a height information generating section wherein the target creating section generates the information on the target to which information the height information is added, and the performing section performs predetermined processing on a basis of the height information added to the information on the target.
US08164568B2 Computer mouse
A computer mouse includes a mouse body and a hood. The hood is adjustably attached to a top of the mouse body.
US08164566B2 Remote input device
An input device providing users with a pointing capability includes a sender portion and a receiver portion. The sender portion is adapted to be manipulated by a user to specify a target point within a target area. The sender portion projects a light beam including a pattern on to the target area. A receiver portion includes one or more sensor units located in or near the target area. At least some of the sensor units receive a portion of the light beam regardless of the location of the target point within the target area. A processing unit in the receiver portion analyzes the portions of the light beam received by one or more sensor units to determine an attribute of the target point. The attribute can be the location or relative motion of the target point. The receiver portion may be integrated with a display device.
US08164561B2 Driving method
A driving method for driving a display panel is provided. The display panel includes a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixel units electrically connected to the scan lines and the data lines. The driving method comprises enabling the pixel units controlled by the scan lines through different scanning sequences and inputs image data to the pixel units via the data lines in several consecutive frame times, wherein capacitance coupling effects between the pixel units are varied depending on the scanning sequences. Accordingly, the line mura caused by the capacitance coupling effect is restrained.
US08164560B2 Display device
A display device is provided which includes a common electrode drive circuit having the single channel constitution which can miniaturize a circuit scale without increasing elements compared to a conventional display device. A display device includes a plurality of pixels and a common electrode drive circuit. The common electrode drive circuit includes a plurality of basic circuits, wherein the basic circuit includes a first circuit which latches a first input signal at a point of time that a clock signal is changed to a first voltage level from a second voltage level; a second circuit which latches a second input signal at the point of time that the clock signal is changed to the first voltage level from the second voltage level; a first switching circuit which is turned on based on the first circuit and a second switching circuit which is turned on based on the second circuit.
US08164558B2 Driving method for driver integrated circuit
The present invention relates to a driving method for a driver IC, comprising: detecting a polarity of a gate line being driven; when the polarity changes, the driver integrated circuit drives the gate line with a first mode signal; when the polarity does not change, the driver integrated circuit drives the gate line with a second mode signal, a driving current of the first mode signal is greater than that of the second mode signal. In the present invention, the driver IC drives a gate line in different driving modes according to a condition that a polarity of the droved gate line changes. Since a driving current of the first mode signal is greater than that of the second mode signal, the present invention is enabled to minimize a difference between charging delays of pixel electrodes on gate lines, improving a dim line phenomenon.
US08164549B2 Electronic circuit for driving a driven element of an imaging apparatus, electronic device, method of driving electronic device, electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electronic circuit drives a driven element. The electronic circuit includes a signal line, a unit circuit connected to the signal line, and a voltage supply line. The unit circuit includes a transistor, a switch, and a capacitive element. The transistor includes a gate terminal, a first terminal, a second terminal connected to the voltage supply line, and a channel between the first and second terminals. The switch controls electrical connection between the gate terminal and one of the first and second terminals. A conductive state between the first and second terminals is controlled by a gate voltage applied to the gate terminal. During a first period, the switch is changed from an off state to an on state. During a second period, the switch is changed to an off state.
US08164545B2 Organic electro-luminescent display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic electroluminescence device which includes a power line formed on the same layer as source and drain electrodes of a thin film transistor (TFT) and formed on a substrate on which the TFT is formed, a first insulating layer formed on the TFT, a lower electrode that electrically connected to one of the source and drain electrodes of the TFT and disposed on the first insulating layer, a first auxiliary power line and a second auxiliary power line formed on the same layer as the lower electrode in the second insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on an edge portion of the lower electrode and not formed on the second auxiliary power line, wherein an opening that exposes a portion of the lower electrode is formed, an organic film formed on a substrate; and an upper electrode formed on the substrate.
US08164534B1 Conversion of an antenna to multiband using current probes
A multi-band antenna comprising a conductive structure and a plurality of current probes coupled around the conductive structure is disclosed. An existing antenna capable of generating H fields having a first signal line is converted into a multi-signal line antenna with increased frequency capabilities, by mounting a first current probe having a designated frequency range about a periphery of the existing antenna; coupling a second signal line to the first current probe; and performing at least one of transmitting and receiving via at least one of the first and second signal lines, wherein the mounting of the first current probe to the existing antenna improves a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the existing antenna and the second signal line operates as an independent signal line for signal reception/transmission within the designated frequency range.
US08164533B1 Horn antenna and system for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals in multiple frequency bands
A horn antenna includes smooth-walls with multiple slope discontinuities. The horn antenna may have more than an octave bandwidth with a 2.25:1 bandwidth ratio to cover the frequencies of 20 GHz, 30 GHz, and 45 GHz, or all the desired bands for military or other communications.
US08164532B1 Circular polarized compound loop antenna
Embodiments provide single-sided and multi-layered circular polarized, self-contained, compound loop antennas (circular polarized CPL). Embodiments of the CPL antennas produce circular polarized signals by using two electric field radiators physically oriented orthogonal to each other, and by ensuring that the two electric field radiators are positioned such that an electrical delay between the two electric field radiators results in the two electric field radiators emitting their respective electric fields out of phase. Ensuring the proper electrical delay between the two electric field radiators also maintains high efficiency of the antenna and it improves the axial ratio of the antenna.
US08164531B2 Antenna array with metamaterial lens
An antenna array comprises two or more antenna elements. Each of the two or more antenna elements is configured to scan within a field of view. Each of the two or more antenna elements is further configured to transmit or receive a signal. The antenna array also comprises a metamaterial lens coupled to the two or more antenna elements. The metamaterial lens is configured to distribute the signal according to a sinc-like distribution over an aperture of the antenna array.
US08164525B2 MIMO antenna and communication device using the same
A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna and an antenna system using the same are provided. The MIMO antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements in which a feeding unit is formed at one end, and another end is connected to a ground, and a connection unit which connects the antenna elements.
US08164518B2 Method and system for a GNSS receiver with self-assisted ephemeris extensions
A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS signals from visible GNSS satellites. Broadcast ephemeris is extracted from the received GNSS signals for generating ephemeris extension (future ephemeris) in the next several days for each of the visible GNSS satellites. The GNSS enabled mobile device uses the generated future ephemeris to determine a position fix even without fresh broadcast ephemeris completely received from the visible GNSS satellites. The generation of future ephemeris is scheduled according to the age of available ephemeris extensions and/or the time of visibility. Available ephemeris such as extracted broadcast ephemeris are integrated into an orbit model using the multi-step numerical integration methods and propagated to generate future ephemeris. The generated future ephemeris is reformatted into a desired orbit model and/or format of the GNSS enabled mobile device. A curve fitting polynomial of generated future ephemeris is stored instead of actual generated future ephemeris to conserve storage space.
US08164515B2 Methods and apparatus to locate a wireless device
Methods and apparatus to locate a wireless device are described. A disclosed example method includes transmitting a request location message from a first wireless station to a second wireless station to determine a geographic location of a third wireless station, receiving a response location message at the first wireless station from the second wireless station identifying the geographic location of the third wireless station, wherein the second wireless station stores the geographic location of the third wireless station, determining a path from the first wireless station to a range of the third wireless station based on the received geographic location of the third wireless station, moving along a portion of the path with the first wireless station to the range of the third wireless station, and transmitting an association message from the first wireless station to the third wireless station to communicably couple the first wireless station to the third wireless station.
US08164514B1 Method and apparatus for fusing referenced and self-contained displacement measurements for positioning and navigation
A system and associated methods for mutual-aiding and mutual-calibrating positioning and navigation that fuse self-contained and referenced displacement measurements to provide position, velocity, and attitude estimates. In one embodiment the system includes a dead-reckoning device, a radio signal receiver, and a computational device that performs integration with mutual aiding and mutual calibration, leading to a position, velocity, and attitude solution. In another embodiment the system further includes auxiliary sensors. In one embodiment the method that performs fusion of dead-reckoning and radio signal measurements includes dead-reckoning mechanization, estimation of radio signal parameters including signal strength, code phase, and carrier phase, coarse initialization of navigation states with code phase and signal strength measurements, refinement of navigation estimation using temporal carrier phase differences, and estimation of dead-reckoning and radio measurement error terms. In another embodiment the method also includes identification and estimation of non-line-of-sight multipath signals for mitigation and removal.
US08164513B2 Present position locating method
An evaluation point E of a present position candidate corresponding to each satellite set is calculated based on an a priori residual (APR) (APR value), a PDOP value, and the number of satellites of the target satellite set according to E=k1·f1(APR)+k2·f2(PDOP)+k3·f3(number of satellites). Evaluation coefficients k1 to k3 for respectively weighting evaluation functions f1 to f3 are determined based on an APR average value.
US08164511B2 Signal processing device, radar device, vehicle control device, and signal processing method
In order to prevent delays in output of detection results, even when a plurality of frequency modulation methods with different frequency change rates are used, an FM-CW radar device employing frequency modulation with two different frequency change rates, has distance/velocity detection unit for detecting the relative distance or relative velocity of a target object based on beat signals of transmission signals with the same frequency change rate and for detecting the relative distance or relative velocity using beat signals when the frequency change rates are different, and distance/velocity confirmation unit for adding evaluation values for relative distances or relative velocities detected in the detection processing, and for confirming the relative distance or relative velocity based on the evaluation value which has reached a criterion value. As a result, more data can be obtained in one detection cycle, and the same advantageous results as when executing a plurality of detection cycles can be obtained. Consequently, delay of output of detection results from the radar device to a vehicle control device can be prevented.
US08164507B2 Fusing multi-sensor data to provide estimates of structures
In particular embodiments, analyzing data includes receiving sensor data generated in response to sensing one or more structures. The structural features of the sensor data are identified. Each structural feature is represented by one or more vectors. A score matrix that describes a plurality of distances among the vectors is generated. Vector pairs are formed from at least some of the vectors according to the distances of the score matrix. A layout of the structures is generated from the vector pairs.
US08164503B2 Data converter system that avoids interleave images and distortion products
A data converter system provides an output signal having reduced spurious tones by confining an input signal to a specified frequency band and over-sampling so that the converted input signal “straddles” or “avoids” spurious tones. The spurious tones may then be filtered away, providing an output signal having a much cleaner spurious free dynamic range than a conventional data converter. For example, in one embodiment, an interleaved data converter system converts an input signal that is confined to the second Nyquist zone of one of the interleaved data converters into an interleaved signal, and then filters the interleaved signal with a filter having a pass-band that transmits the converted input frequencies and a stop-band that attenuates the spurious tones. The resulting output signal has a bandwidth that is the same as could be achieved using a single data converter, but is not impaired by interleave images or certain distortion products.
US08164499B1 Shared-array multiple-output digital-to-analog converter
In an exemplary decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) of a serializer/deserializer (SerDes) receiver, a single current mirror array is shared by multiple current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) functions. The DFE has an initial amplifier stage that applies an initial coefficient COEFF0 to an input data signal and a number of (e.g., five) additional amplifier stages that apply additional coefficients (e.g., COEFF1-COEFF5) to different delayed versions of the recovered output data stream. The outputs of the initial and multiple additional amplifier stages are summed to generate an equalized data signal that is applied to a clock-and-data recovery (CDR) circuit. Due to certain characteristics of the equalizer function, the multiple additional amplifier stages can be implemented using a single shared current mirror array, which save significant amounts of chip area compared to conventional implementations in which each additional amplifier stage has its own dedicated current mirror array.
US08164498B2 Proper frequency planning in a synthetic instrument RF system
A system and method for clocking in analog-to-digital (ADC) converter in a synthetic instrument unit is presented. A method begins by applying an input clock to an amplifier to produce an amplified clock. The amplified clock is filtered to produce a filtered clock. The ADC of this synthetic instrument unit is clocked with the filtered clock. The input frequency of the ADC corresponds to a second or higher order Nyquist zone that is above the sampling frequency of the ADC. The input data is carried by an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The filtered clock of ADC is switched off a clock path of the ADC when the ADC is not in use.
US08164495B2 Integrated non-linearity (INL) and differential non-linearity (DNL) correction techniques for digital-to-analog converters (DACS)
INL values are determined for a plurality of sub-segments of a DAC that is adapted to accept N bit digital input codes, and a first set of correction codes that can be used to reduce to a range of INL values (to thereby improve linearity of the DAC) are determined and stored. Additionally, DNL values are determined for the plurality of sub-segments for which INL values were determined, and a second set of correction codes that can be used to ensure that all values of DNL>−1 (to thereby ensure that the DAC is monotonic) are determined and stored. This can include using one or more extra bits of resolution to remap at least some of the 2^N possible digital input codes (that can be accepted by the DAC) to more than 2^N possible digital output codes, to ensure that all values of DNL>−1. Such stored first and second sets are thereafter used when performing digital to analog conversions.
US08164492B2 Apparatus and method for fast data encoding and decoding
An improved method for encoding and decoding data, such as in a base64 system, uses multiple look-up tables to perform the encoding function and to eliminate or reduce bit-shifting and the bit masks in encoding systems through use of pre-populated look-up tables. One example application is converting between media data that is typically quickly viewable on a media device and ASCII or similar data useful in data transfers, such as email. In specific embodiments, a series of pre-fetch encode and decode tables are constructed and indexed to fetch pre-calculated values to, for example, rapidly encode and decode any number of bit representations into any other bit representations.
US08164490B2 Data compression/decompression method and computer readable storage medium storing compression/decompression program
Repetitive portions are sequentially detected in compression target data, and it is determined whether the approximately corresponding position of each repetitive portion is under a word-repetition condition, which is a position corresponding to a multiple of a length of an instruction word, or whether the position is under a byte-repetition condition. When it is under a word-repetition condition, a word-repetition code including at least a value obtained by dividing an approximately corresponding position by an instruction word length and a value specifying a length of a corresponding portion is generated and output as compressed data. When it is a byte-repetition condition, a byte-repetition code including at least a value specifying an approximately corresponding position and a value specifying a length of a corresponding portion is generated and output as compressed data.
US08164489B2 Key scanning circuit
In a key scanning circuit, a key input unit has a parallel connection of a plurality of circuits having a series connection of resistors and switches between a power supply input terminal and a key scanning terminal. The resistors connected in parallel have different resistances. A current mirror has a first terminal connected to the key scanning terminal. A reference current source is connected between a second terminal of the current mirror and the power supply input terminal.
US08164487B1 System, module, and method for presenting messages to a pilot of an aircraft
A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting messages to a pilot of an aircraft are disclosed. The system comprises a source for providing message data, a message generating (“MG”) processor, and a presentation system. Message data received from a message data source includes data fields for providing message location on a flight plan and one or more modes of presentation. After receiving the message data, an MG processor generates a message presentation data set corresponding to the message data; the message presentation data set represents a message object shown at the message location on a flight plan and at least one presentation mode. Then, a presentation system receives the message presentation data set and presents the information contained in such data set to one or more units of the presentation system including a visual display unit and/or an aural alert unit.
US08164484B2 Detection and classification of running vehicles based on acoustic signatures
A method and apparatus for identifying running vehicles in an area to be monitored using acoustic signature recognition. The apparatus includes an input sensor for capturing an acoustic waveform produced by a vehicle source, and a processing system. The waveform is digitized and divided into frames. Each frame is filtered into a plurality of gammatone filtered signals. At least one spectral feature vector is computed for each frame. The vectors are integrated across a plurality of frames to create a spectro-temporal representation of the vehicle waveform. In a training mode, values from the spectro-temporal representation are used as inputs to a Nonlinear Hebbian learning function to extract acoustic signatures and synaptic weights. In an active mode, the synaptic weights and acoustic signatures are used as patterns in a supervised associative network to identify whether a vehicle is present in the area to be monitored. In response to a vehicle being present, the class of vehicle is identified. Results may be provided to a central computer.
US08164483B1 Portable electro-mechanical signal system
A portable signal system for use by crossing guards, roadway construction flaggers and the like. The signal system is positioned in or alongside a roadway and remotely controllable progressively from an idle or stop mode through a warning stage and ultimately to a traffic stop mode as the signal system frontal profile greatly expands in the face of oncoming motorists. In a warning stage, the signal system presents a flashing amber light array. Following an initial warning period, articulated arms journalled on said signal system and carrying stop signal signs including red lights are swiveled outwardly to stop mode confronting motorists in oncoming traffic. A motor driven gear disk operates through pivoted drive links to control laterally outward and inward movement of the articulated arms carrying the stop signs. The system may be manually moved by handles on wheels to its operational location and anchored in place.
US08164481B2 System and method for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with utility meters from a mobile device
A system and method for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with sensing and control devices, such as utility meters, from a mobile device. A system for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with utility meters from a mobile device includes a mobile device capable of acquiring a communication session with a meter unit connected to a utility meter, a vehicle in which the mobile device is located, and a plurality of meter units connected to a plurality of utility meters. The meter units are capable of receiving and executing commands to obtain data and perform actions on the utility meters. The actions include a peak consumption value reset of the utility meter. Each command message includes a token that enables the endpoint radio transceiver devices to determine the commanded one or more operations have been performed.
US08164479B2 Data communication protocol in an automatic meter reading system
Automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and methods in which readers communicate with endpoints interfaced to utility meters. In operation, the reader and the endpoint communicate with one another via radio frequency (RF) communication according to a communication protocol. Aspects of the invention are directed to packetization, command and control, and messaging arrangements.
US08164477B2 Joint channel coding and modulation for improved performance of telemetry systems
Jointly designed channel coding and modulation are used in an uplink telemetry system for transmitting a message signal from a bottomhole location to a surface location. A constant envelope quadrature-quadrature phase-shift keying may be used.
US08164474B2 Intelligent patching infastructure management system
A connection management system comprises a plurality of sockets 1, 2 for receiving complement plugs provided on ends of cables for effecting interconnections between said sockets. Each said socket 1, 2 has an input contact 1a, 2a and an output contact 1b, 2b being electrically connected upon inserting a plug A, B into the socket 1, 2 so as to transmit the logic state. Detection of a change of said logic state at said other of said input 1a, 2a and output 1b, 2b terminals is then indicative of the presence of a plug A, B therein. A signal is then provided to one of the input and output contacts of a socket 1, 2 and the other of said input and output contacts is then monitored for the presence of said signal in order to confirm the presence of a plug A, B in the socket 1, 2.
US08164472B2 System and method for monitoring a jump landing area
A jump safety system and method for monitoring a jump landing area is described. The system of examining a landing area associated with the jump includes a camera, a memory, a processor, an image processing module, and a light emitting output. The camera is positioned to generate a camera output that displays the landing area. The landing area has a declining slope angle that reduces a landing force in relation to the slope angle. The image processing module, which is controlled by the processor, determines a landing area clear status by analyzing the camera output and determining the landing area is clear of obstructions. A landing area obstruction status is determined by identifying that there is an obstruction in the landing area. The light emitting output communicates either the landing area clear status or the landing area obstruction status.
US08164458B2 Transportation security system and associated methods
A security system for monitoring at least one shipping container being transported by at least one cargo transport vehicle has a Container Security Device (CSD) configured to be removably coupled to the at least one freight shipping container wall thereby utilizing for monitoring a cargo inside the container and detection of intrusion violations accompanied with partial destruction of the container wall when in a coupled condition. The CSD including at least one anti-tamper sensor, a microcontroller and a communication device; where the microcontroller generates an alarm signal based on a signal from at least one anti-tamper sensor is subjected to an individual sensor processing procedure and then to an integrated sensor processing procedure, the integrated sensor processing procedure make determination of the overall container alert status based on the alarm signal from at least one sensor. The system also has a Network Operations Center (NOC), the NOC including a NOC communications facility configured to communicate with at least one telecommunication network, the NOC being configured to receive data from each of the plurality of the CSDs and including a data storage medium configured to store sensor data and contained an archive of the container events.
US08164456B2 Device for incrementally adjusting the position of an RFID tag
A device for incrementally adjusting the position of an RFID tag includes a base, and a lid releasably attachable to said base. The base includes a generally planar surface in which a plurality of locators are formed at regular intervals. A portion of the RFID tag is received by one of the plurality of locators for incrementally adjusting of the position of the RFID tag. The plurality of locators extend collinearly and are formed overlapping so that the position of the RFID tag is adjustable in increments less than the overall length of the RFID tag.
US08164447B2 Closing system having a force sensor
The invention relates to a closing system comprising at least one door provided with at least one displaceable closure element and a closure element receiving member. The at least one closing element of the door lock projects into the closing element receiving member when the closing system is in the closed state. The invention also relates to a keyless entry system for controlling the access of a chamber door, and to a method for controlling the closing state of the closing system comprising at least one door provided with a displaceable closing element and a closing element receiving member, whereby the at least one closing element of the door lock projects into closing element receiving member when the closing system is in the closed state, a force sensor and an evaluation unit. The closing system can be switched, in the closed state, from a first operational state to a second operational state.
US08164443B2 Group aware tracking of personal property within a bounded zone
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to personal articles tracking and provide a method, system and computer program product for group aware tracking within a bounded zone. In an embodiment of the invention, a group aware tracking method can include recording an association in a table in a computing system between individuals within a geographically bounded zone and at least one target object within the geographically bounded zone. The method also can include sensing an individual from amongst the individuals exiting the geographically bounded zone and further sensing a target object exiting the geographically bounded zone. The method yet further can include comparing the sensed individual with the further sensed target object to determine whether or not an association exists in the table and triggering an alarm when an association is determined not to exist in the table between the sensed individual and the further sensed target object.
US08164442B2 Interactive map for displaying remote user location and supplemental information
A method and system for displaying location data and supplemental information associated with a remote mobile device uses, e.g., a spherical display device to display a map of the world or a specific region. The system receives location data from a remote mobile device and displays the location indicated by the location data. The display system may be configured to display a route traveled by the mobile device being tracked by visually connecting multiple locations. The display system may also display supplemental information associated with the map, including points of interest in the area nearby a remote device and information provided by the remote device.
US08164437B2 Detection apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a range reduction detection apparatus that is able to detect blocking of its field of view. Detection of an event, due to movement or intrusion within the field of view, is arranged to start a timer, which will time-out thereby providing an indication of such blocking unless a subsequent event is detected within the time-period.
US08164434B2 Cooling-control technique for use in a computer system
A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan.
US08164430B2 Vehicle surrounding recognition support system for vehicle
A vehicle surrounding recognition support system for a vehicle includes a contact detection device detecting whether or not a driver of the vehicle touches a turn signal operating lever or moves his/her hand close to the turn signal operating lever, an object position detecting device detecting a position of an object existing around the vehicle, an object information identification device identifying information relating to the object in accordance with a result of detection of the object position detecting device, and a warning device warning the driver about the existence of the object in accordance with the information of the object, identified by the object information identification device, when the contact detection device detects that the driver touches the turn signal operating lever or moves his/her hand close to the turn signal operating lever.
US08164427B2 Method for optimization in RFID location recognition system using blueprint
A method for optimization in an RFID location recognition system is developed to use in a blueprint in which an optimum location for installing an RFID reader is determined for using a blueprint so as to improve location recognition. The method includes the steps of inputting a blueprint and dividing a location recognition unit space from the blueprint; establishing a building interior space analysis model and an interior radio propagation space analysis model and deriving a building spatial significance and a radio propagation spatial significance; analyzing correlation between a building space and a radio propagation space and deriving a correlation coefficient; and defining an objective function for determining a location of a RFID reader based on the building spatial significance, the radio propagation spatial significance, and the correlation coefficient between the building space and the radio propagation space and performing optimization.
US08164422B2 Radio-frequency tag communication device, and radio-frequency tag communication system
Radio-frequency tag communication system and radio-frequency tag communication device, which permit highly efficient coordinated operations of the communication devices while preventing overlapping of communication. The communication system includes a positional-relationship determining portion configured to determine relative positions of the plurality of radio-frequency tag communication devices, and a transmission control portion configured to control transmission of the transmitted signal from each of the plurality of radio-frequency tag communication devices, according to a result of determination of the relative positions by the positional-relationship determining portion, so that a sufficiently long time is provided for the mutually adjacent communication devices to transmit the transmitted signals. Namely, the present invention provides a radio-frequency tag communication system wherein the radio-frequency tag communication devices are operable in a coordinated fashion with high efficiency, while preventing overlapping of communication.
US08164420B2 Transient state information display in an RFID tag having a charge-induced pigment release medium
An RFID tag includes a sensor for determining a transient state or condition of a product to which the tag is associated, and a display. The tag may be passive, semi-passive, or active. In response to receipt at the tag of a read signal that includes a first value associated with the transient state or condition, a comparison is performed. The comparison compares the first value, with a second value generated by the sensor in response to receipt of the read signal. As a result of the comparison, an indication is provided on the display. The information displayed is a function of the comparison. In one embodiment, the display provides different color indications depending on the transient state or condition sensed. In an alternative embodiment, the RFID tag display includes an electrical or thermal charge-induced pigment release medium, e.g., an electronic ink, and the tag is used to communicate information about the state of a product to which the tag is associated.
US08164412B2 Thermal link and method for producing said link
The invention relates to a thermal link (1) for electrical appliances, comprising an insulating part (10) with electrical terminals (11) and contact springs (12) for providing electrical contact between said terminals (11), a fusible material insert (15) that acts as the thermal trip element and a transmission pin (13), which is displaceably mounted in the insulting part (10), one end of which engaging with the fusible material insert (15) and the other end with the contact springs (12). Said link is characterised in that the fusible material insert (15) is situated in a casing (141) that is configured as one piece with the heat transfer plate (14). The invention also relates to a method for producing a thermal link (1) comprising the following steps: the casing (141) for housing the fusible material insert (15) and the casings (144) that connect the heat transfer plate (14) to the insulating part (10) are drawn from the heat transfer plate (14); the fusible material insert (15) is inserted into the casing (141) and formed; the insulating part (10) is placed on the heat transfer plate (14) and connected in a positive fit to the graduated inner sections (107) of the inner cavities (108) by means of the casings (144).
US08164411B2 Fuse structure with power disconnection light indicating function
A fuse structure includes a casing, a fuse component and a light emitting element having pins. The casing includes a top plate, a containing space disposed below the top plate and two openings formed on the top plate. The fuse component includes two electrically conductive plates and a fuse filament, and each electrically conductive plate has a conducting portion protruded from an upper end of the electrically conductive plate, and the conducting portions are inserted into the two openings respectively. The top plate includes two compressing portions protruded from the bottom of the top plate and arranged alternately with the two conducting portions, such that an interval is formed between an external edge of each compressing portion and an internal edge of each corresponding conducting portion, and the pins of the light emitting element are clamped in the interval.
US08164409B2 Coil component
A coil component ensuring adhesive bonding between first and second cores. The coil component also includes an inductive component and a pair of terminal electrodes. The first core has a first adhesion surface. The second core is connected to the first core by an adhesive agent and has a second adhesion surface in confrontation with the first adhesion surface. At least one of the first adhesion surface and the second adhesion surface is formed of a glass surface layer to which the adhesive agent is applied. The inductive component is wound over the first core. The pair of terminal electrodes are provided at one of the first core and the second core. The inductive component has one end portion electrically connected to one of the terminal electrodes and has another end portion electrically connected to remaining one of the terminal electrodes.
US08164405B2 Low-profile multi-directional key switch structure
A low-profile multi-directional key switch structure is disclosed, which includes a magnetic element, a key cap for receiving at least a portion of the magnetic element therein, an elastic element centered near the key cap, and a protection pad disposed between the extension portion of the key cap and the elastic element. The key cap has an extension portion protruding outwardly. The elastic element includes a central region and a spiral structure connected with the central region. The spiral structure is extended from the central region outwardly, and the elastic element is centered near the key cap by the central region for limiting a movement of the key cap and the magnetic element to an original location of the elastic element. The protection pad covers a most portion of the spiral structure of the elastic element, and a receiving opening is disposed in a center of the protection pad for passing the magnetic element through.
US08164403B2 Disconnect mechanism in a power receptacle with ground-fault circuit interruption functions
A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.
US08164401B2 Tunable artificial dielectrics
Tuning devices and methods are disclosed. One of the devices comprises a metal structure connected with artificial dielectric elements, and variable capacitance devices. Each variable capacitance device is connected with a respective artificial dielectric element and with a control signal. Control of the variation of the capacitance allows the desired tuning. Another device comprises metallic structures connected with artificial dielectric elements and switches connected between the artificial dielectric elements. Turning ON and OFF the switches allows the capacitance between artificial dielectric elements to be varied and a signal guided by the metallic structures to be tuned.
US08164400B2 Distributed constant type filter device
A distributed constant type filter includes a substrate including a part made of a first dielectric material having a first relative dielectric constant and a different-material part made of a second dielectric material having a second relative dielectric constant different from the first relative dielectric constant. A filter pattern is formed on a top surface and a ground pattern is formed on a bottom surface of the substrate. Part of the filter pattern is formed on the different-material part.
US08164398B2 Resonator, filter and electronic device
A resonator includes a substrate, a lower electrode, a piezoelectric film provided on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode provided on the piezoelectric film. The lower electrode includes a first film provided on the substrate, and a second film that is provided on the first film and has a specific gravity greater than that of the first film. The piezoelectric film is provided on the second film. The upper electrode includes a third film provided on the piezoelectric film, and a fourth film provided on the third film, the third film having a specific gravity greater than that of the fourth film. The third film is thicker than the second film.
US08164397B2 Method, structure, and design structure for an impedance-optimized microstrip transmission line for multi-band and ultra-wide band applications
A method, structure, and design structure for an impedance-optimized microstrip transmission line for multi-band and ultra-wide band applications. A method includes: forming a plurality of openings in a ground plane associated with a signal line; forming a plurality of capacitance plates in the plurality of openings; and connecting the plurality of capacitance plates to the signal line with a plurality of posts extending between the signal line and the plurality of capacitance plates.
US08164395B2 Signal modulator
A signal modulator that can control transmission power if level adjustment of a continuous signal from an oscillator is executed is provided. A pulse generator of one example of a signal modulator includes an oscillator, a control signal generator, a multiplier, a filter, and a control section. The oscillator and the multiplier are active circuits formed of active elements. A continuous signal is output from the oscillator and is input to the multiplier and the multiplier intermittently operates by a control signal output from the control signal generator, whereby a pulse signal is generated and the power level is easily adjusted by a signal from the control section.
US08164391B2 Synchronization of multiple high frequency switching power converters in an integrated circuit
A phase locked loop is used to synchronize the switching frequency of a high frequency switching power converter to a clock signal. A switching power converter integrated circuit is a tile-based power management unit and includes an oscillator and multiple tiles of switching power converters. The oscillator generates a clock signal having a clock frequency. A first switching power converter includes a switch and a phase locked loop and switches at a first frequency. The switch has a gate that receives a gate signal. The phase locked loop synchronizes the first frequency to a first integer multiple of the clock frequency. A second switching power converter switches at a second frequency that is a second integer multiple of the clock frequency. The first frequency is synchronized to a multiple of the clock frequency when a second edge of the gate signal coincides with a first edge of the clock signal.
US08164390B1 Regulating an operating condition of an integrated circuit to compensate for a manufacturing variation
An integrated circuit has operational circuitry to perform an operation. An operational regulator regulates an operating condition of the operational circuitry. The operational regulator has a sample clock to generate a sample clock signal. The sample clock signal correlates to a manufacturing variation of the electronic circuitry. The operational regulator also includes a configurator to evaluate the sample clock signal and generate a configuration signal according to the evaluation. A controller is provided to receive the configuration signal and control an operating condition of the operational circuitry according to the configuration signal.
US08164384B2 Asymmetric multilevel outphasing architecture for RF amplifiers
A radio frequency (RF) circuit includes a power supply configured to generate a plurality of voltages, a plurality of power amplifiers, each having an RF output port and a power supply input port, a switch network having a plurality of input ports coupled to the power supply and a plurality of switch network output ports coupled to the power supply input ports of the plurality of power amplifiers, wherein the switch network is configured to output selected ones of the plurality of voltages from the plurality of switch network output ports, at least two of the switch network output port voltages capable of being different ones of the plurality of voltages, and an RF power combiner circuit having a plurality of input ports coupled to RF output ports of the plurality of power amplifiers and an output port at which is provided an output signal of the RF circuit.
US08164381B2 Open-loop line driver control method and apparatus
According to an embodiment, a circuit includes an amplifier and an open-loop control system. The amplifier has an output stage for amplifying a signal, a power supply for driving a supply voltage of the output stage to different voltage levels responsive to being modulated and a pulse width modulator for modulating the power supply responsive to a mask input. The open-loop control system includes a mask generator and a detector. The mask generator is configured to generate the mask input as a function of the envelope of the signal. The detector is configured to detect discontinuities in the mask input and compensate for the discontinuities.
US08164380B2 Discrete filter, sampling mixer and wireless device
A sampling filter of such circuitry as not requiring a high frequency REF signal even if the number of decimation is decreased. In the sampling filter, the rotate capacitor in each switched capacitor circuit including Cr (7a-7d) arranged in four parallel arrays operates in four phases of integration, discharge, reset and feedback different from each other at the same timing. Consequently, a control signal for driving the switched capacitor circuit is used commonly. As a result, the circuit scale of a DCU (104) is reduced and the frequency of the REF signal can be lowered to the frequency of an LO signal even in operation without decimation.
US08164378B2 Device and technique for transistor well biasing
A method includes receiving a set of voltages comprising at least a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage and biasing a well of a transistor based on the extreme voltage of the set of voltages. Biasing the well of the transistor can include concurrently providing a first signal and a second signal based on a comparison of the first voltage and the second voltage and selectively coupling the well of the transistor to a source of the extreme voltage of the set of voltages based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third voltage. An electronic device comprises a transistor and a power switching module. The power switching module includes a set of inputs, each input configured to receive a corresponding one of a set of voltages comprising at least a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage, and includes an output coupled to a well of the transistor, the output configured to provide the extreme voltage of the set of voltages.
US08164375B2 Delay line synchronizer apparatus and method
A synchronizer system and method that can be used with a conventional adjustable delay circuit to preserve a pseudo-synchronous phase relationship between clock signals of different clock domains when the time delay of the adjustable delay circuit from which one of the clock signals is output is changed.
US08164373B2 Drive strength control of phase rotators
A phase rotator includes a phase selector stage operative to receive a clock signal and output a first phase and a second phase of the clock signal, a slew rate control stage including a first pass gate circuit operative to control a slew rate of the first phase of the clock signal and a second pass gate circuit operative to control a slew rate of the second phase of the clock signal, and a phase blending stage operative to combine the first phase with the second phase of the clock signal and output a phase rotated signal.
US08164372B2 Semiconductor device having level shift circuit, control method thereof, and data processing system
To include a first level shift circuit that converts a first internal clock signal having an amplitude value of a first voltage into a second internal clock signal having an amplitude value of a second voltage, a second level shift circuit that converts a first internal data signal having the amplitude value of the first voltage into a second internal data signal having the amplitude value of the second voltage, a clock dividing circuit that generates third and fourth internal clock signals, which are complementary signals, based on the second internal clock signal, and an output circuit that outputs external data signals continuously from a data output terminal in synchronization with the third and fourth internal clock signals based on the second internal data signal. According to the present invention, because a level shift of a signal is performed before it is input to the output circuit, there occurs no skew in output data.
US08164367B1 Spread spectrum clock generation technique for imaging applications
A clock signal generator includes a phase-lock loop for generating an imaging clock signal having a frequency based on a reference clock signal. The imaging clock signal generator also includes a modulation circuit for determining a number of pixels in a horizontal line of an image to be generated based on the imaging clock signal. The modulation circuit generates a modulation signal based on the determined number of pixels and the clock signal generator spreads the frequency of the imaging clock signal across a frequency range based on the modulation signal. In this way, the clock signal generator reduces electromagnetic interference in the imaging clock signal. In further embodiments, the clock signal generator generates an adjustment signal for adjusting the frequency range based on the frequency of the reference clock signal and the frequency of the imaging clock signal.
US08164366B2 Locked loops, bias generators, charge pumps and methods for generating control voltages
Locked loops, bias generators, charge pumps and methods for generating control voltages are disclosed, such as a bias generator that generates bias voltages for use by a clock signal generator, such as a voltage controlled delay line, in a locked loop having a phase detector and a charge pump. The charge pump can either charge or discharge a capacitor as a function of a signal from the phase detector to generate a control voltage. The bias generator can receive the control voltage from the capacitor, and it generates bias voltages corresponding thereto. A portion of the bias generator can have a topography that is substantially the same as at least a portion of the topography of the charge pump. As a result, it can cause the charge pump to charge the capacitor at the same rate that it discharges the capacitor over a relatively wide range of control voltages. The charge pump and the bias generator can also include circuitry for limiting the charging of the capacitor when the control voltage is relatively low.
US08164364B2 Circuitry and method for preventing base-emitter junction reverse bias in comparator differential input transistor pair
A differential input circuit (1-1) includes first (Q0) and second (Q1) input transistors having control electrodes coupled to first (Vin+) and second (Vin−) input signals, respectively. A pass transistor (P3) is coupled between first electrodes of the first and second input transistors. First (N1) and second (N2) level shift transistors have control electrodes coupled to the first and second input signals, respectively. A voltage selector circuit (22) selects a voltage on a first electrode of one of the first and second level shift transistors according to which is at a higher voltage, and produces a corresponding control voltage (V19) on a control electrode of the pass transistor so as to limit a voltage difference between the first electrode and the control electrode of the first input transistor (Q0) when it is turned off in response to a large difference between the first and second input signals.
US08164362B2 Single-ended sense amplifier with sample-and-hold reference
A sense amplifier having a sampling circuit to sample the amplifier input signal; a reference node storing a reference signal corresponding to the input signal; and a timing circuit activating the sampling circuit for a predetermined interval, and admitting the reference signal to the reference node. The sense amplifier also can include a pump capacitor substantially maintaining a value of the reference signal; and a gain circuit coupled with the reference node and disposed to adaptively adjust gain of an output signal produced by the sense amplifier. The sense amplifier can be a single-ended sense amplifier.
US08164360B2 Semiconductor output circuit, external output signal generation method, and semiconductor device
A semiconductor output circuit, an external output signal generation method and a semiconductor device that suppress variation in an external output signal caused by a decrease in power supply voltage. An output section changes electric potential of an external output signal EB according to a change in electric potential of an internal input signal A from ground to VDD or from VDD to the ground. A differential section outputs an output signal corresponding to the external output signal EB and a predetermined reference signal VREF. The differential section functions as a voltage follower so that the electric potential of the external output signal EB will correspond to the predetermined reference signal VREF. As a result, variation in output voltage VOL at a low voltage side of the external output signal EB is suppressed.
US08164359B2 Threshold logic element having low leakage power and high performance
Embodiments of a threshold logic element are provided. Preferably, embodiments of the threshold logic element discussed herein have low leakage power and high performance characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, the threshold logic element is a threshold logic latch (TLL). The TLL is a dynamically operated current-mode threshold logic cell that provides fast and efficient implementation of digital logic functions. The TLL can be operated synchronously or asynchronously and is fully compatible with standard Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology.
US08164354B2 Proximity detection system
Proximity sensing arrangements utilize one or more sensing devices to detect and/or to discern objects that are or become proximate, or are expected to be proximate to a position of interest. For example, one or more capacitive sensors may be distributed to locations about a machine, e.g., attached to, incorporated with, or otherwise associated with a moving or otherwise operating component of the machine. Corresponding control electronics drive each capacitive sensor, using a corresponding excitation signal, as well as process information read from each capacitive sensor to make intelligent proximity related decisions.
US08164353B2 RF-biased capacitively-coupled electrostatic (RFB-CCE) probe arrangement for characterizing a film in a plasma processing chamber
A method for characterizing deposited film on a substrate within a processing chamber during processing is provided. The method includes determining voltage-current characteristic for a probe head when measuring capacitor is set at a first capacitance value. The method also includes applying RF train to the probe head when measuring capacitor is set at a capacitance value greater than first capacitance value. The method further includes providing an initial resistance value and an initial capacitance value for the deposited film. The method yet also includes employing initial resistance value, initial capacitance value, and voltage-current characteristic to generate simulated voltage-time curve. The method yet further includes determining measured voltage-time curve, which represents potential drop across the deposited film for one RF train. The method more over includes comparing the two curves. If the difference is less than predefined threshold, employ initial resistance value and initial capacitance for characterizing the deposited film.
US08164343B2 Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system
An automotive vehicle electrical system tester is provided for testing an electrical system having wiring which couple a load to a battery. The automotive vehicle electrical system tester is configured to measure an electrical parameter of the wiring and includes a first battery terminal connection configured to couple to a first terminal of the battery. A test connection is configured to couple to a wire of the electrical system which extends between the first terminal of the battery and the load. Test circuitry coupled to the first battery terminal connection and the test connection is configured to draw current from the battery along a path through the wire and to the test connection. The test circuitry measures an electrical parameter of the wire.
US08164342B2 System and method for cascade information handling system manufacture
Information handling system manufacture through a burn rake that burns images and tests information handling systems is managed with a cascade first-in-first-out manufacture by allowing a predetermined burn time for each information handling system at each burn location. The predetermined burn time includes a projected burn time, a burn variation buffer and a standard repair time buffer that ensures a complete burn for substantially all information handling systems. Increasing the number of systems having a complete burn supports first-in-first out loading and unloading of information handling systems at burn locations so that the burn manufacture process occurs in a consistent cascade that proceeds down the length of the burn rack from a first end to a second end.
US08164339B2 Apparatus and system for geosteering and formation evaluation utilizing improved antennas
An apparatus for measuring one or more earth formation properties during applications including formation evaluation and geosteering applications is provided. The apparatus includes: an elongated body; at least one recessed portion on a periphery of the elongated body; an electrically conductive coil forming a closed loop, at least a portion of the coil extending through the at least one recessed portion; and a u-shaped magnetically permeable and non-conductive material disposed between the coil and the at least one recessed portion, the u-shaped material partially surrounding the coil in the at least one recessed portion. A system for measuring one or more properties of an earth formation is also provided.
US08164338B2 Localization system for an earthmoving machine
The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an Earthmoving machine comprising a working part. Said localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.
US08164337B2 Assembly with a vibration-isolated cover
An inventive vibration-generating device comprises a cover and isolating device arranged between the cover and the assembly. The isolating device reduces the propagation of vibrations from the vibration-generating assembly to the outer casing of the cover and is hereby supported according to the embodiment so that they float in relation to the assembly and/or the cover.
US08164333B2 Magnetic resonance force detection apparatus and associated methods
A magnetic resonance force detection apparatus, comprising a sample carrier for carrying a sample to be tested, a magnetic field source and a support for supporting either the sample carrier or the magnetic field source. The magnetic field source is configured to expose the sample to a magnetic field by simultaneously providing a plurality of volumes in which the magnetic field is configured to cause the spins of one or more nuclei or electrons in the sample to flip, and wherein the flipping of spins exerts a force on the support. The apparatus also comprises a support displacement measuring sensor configured to measure the displacement of the support and generate a signal representative of the displacement of the support, and a processor configured to process the signal representative of the displacement of the support in order to determine a component of the displacement of the support caused by one or more of the plurality of volumes.
US08164332B2 Magnetoresistive sensor for determining an angle or a position
A magneto-resistive resistor for use in sensors for determining alignment of the sensor relative to a homogeneous magnetic field include an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) strip having a longitudinal extent and a first and second edge along the longitudinal extent. The first and second edge have a shape along the longitudinal extent such that the direction of current flowing through the strip varies continuously along the longitudinal extent of the strip. The shape of the first and second edges produce a resistance determining angle with respect to the homogeneous magnetic field, the angle varying throughout the length of the strip and filtering out harmonics. A sensor bridge comprising at least one AMR resistor pair, each resistor electrically connected to the other resistor, a positive input contact and a negative input, and an output voltage tap electrically connected between the resistors in each resistor pair.
US08164331B2 Magnetic field measurement method and magnetic sensor
The magnetic field measurement method has: a step of preparing a magnetic sensor which includes: a magneto-resistive effect element having a magnetization-free layer and a magnetization fixed layer, and having a longitudinal direction; and magnetic field application means, wherein the magnetization direction of the magnetization fixed layer is fixed in a direction which forms an angle equal to or less than 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction, and a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field application means forms an angle equal to or less than 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction; a step of saturating the magnetization of the magnetization-free layer by the magnetic field application means and magnetizing the magnetization-free layer in one direction in the longitudinal direction; and a step of measuring the strength of an external magnetic field by applying the external magnetic field to the magnetization-free layer in the other direction in the longitudinal direction.
US08164328B2 Eddy current system and method for crack detection
An eddy current system and method enables detection of sub-surface damage in a cylindrical object. The invention incorporates a dual frequency, orthogonally wound eddy current probe mounted on a stepper motor-controlled scanning system. The system is designed to inspect for outer surface damage from the interior of the cylindrical object.
US08164326B2 Non-contact sensor system and method for velocity determination
A non-contact sensor system is provided that comprises a first sensor element disposed within a first member having an axis Y, and a second member configured to rotate about the axis Y at a value X. The second member is configured to interface with the first member. The non-contact sensor system further comprises a second sensor element disposed on the second member proximate the first sensor element without physically contacting the first sensor element, and the first sensor element and the second sensor element are operatively coupled to facilitate sensing the value X. The non-contact sensor system may be configured to sense velocity, acceleration, and other values.
US08164325B2 Displacement sensor
An oscillator circuit outputs an oscillator signal with a frequency corresponding to an inductance of a displacement detector coil. An oscillation cycle measurement circuit measures a cycle of the oscillator signal output from the oscillator circuit, and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured cycle. A squaring circuit calculates and outputs a square of the signal output from the oscillation cycle measurement circuit. By the calculation and output of the square of the oscillator signal cycle, a square root component of the product of inductance and capacitance components is eliminated, so that the output signal changes linearly relative to the displacement of a displacement body. As a result, the linearity of the output signal relative to the displacement of the displacement body can be improved.
US08164323B2 Apparatus for monitoring discharge processes in a conductor of a medium-voltage or high-voltage system
An apparatus monitors discharge processes in a conductor of a medium-voltage system or a high-voltage system. The apparatus contains at least one transformer which is suitable for detecting a current flowing in the conductor. The at least one transformer is connected to a device for monitoring the discharge process. In order to be able to monitor even very short discharge processes in an energy-saving manner, a release and at least one storage circuit are arranged between the transformer and the monitoring device. When a threshold current flowing in the conductor is exceeded, the release switches the monitoring device from a passive mode that is not suitable for monitoring into an active mode that is suitable for monitoring. The storage circuit stores the discharge current to be monitored and/or recorded by the monitoring device.
US08164321B2 Current injector circuit for supplying a load transient in an integrated circuit
A current injector circuit comprises a clock modulating circuit, a first current injector, a feedback circuit, a first input modulating circuit and a second current injector. The clock modulating circuit receives a clock, a control signal, and an output. The first current injector has an input coupled to the clock modulating circuit, and an output coupled to a power supply terminal for providing a first current. The feedback circuit is coupled between the power supply terminal and another input of the clock modulating circuit. The feedback circuit is for providing the control signal for controlling the clock modulating circuit. The first current injector provides the first current in response to the clock modulating circuit. The first input modulating circuit receives an input signal, the control signal, and an output. The second current injector has an input coupled to the first input modulating circuit, and an output for providing a second current.
US08164294B2 Torquer apparatus
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification features a torquer apparatus that includes a rotor with magnetic poles such that, when radially projected on a concentric octahedron, the same symmetrical pattern is obtained on all faces of the octahedron, the polarity of the poles projected on two adjacent faces of the octahedron being opposite. A stator with at least twenty poles magnetized with coils and such that, when radially projected on a concentric icosahedron, the same symmetrical pattern is obtained on all faces of the icosahedron, the stator being-in nominal position-concentric with the rotor. Real-time measurements, or equivalent information, of the position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and real-time measurements, or equivalent information, of exported torque from the stator, or of the orientation of the rotor with respect to the stator can be obtained. A controller for controlling the current in the coils based on the measurements, or the equivalent information, such that the rotor is magnetically held in the nominal position, and that the desired torque is exported.
US08164291B2 Control apparatus for starting a direct current brushless motor and method thereof
An apparatus for starting a direct current brushless motor and a method thereof are provided. The direct current brushless motor comprises a plurality of windings. The control apparatus comprises a sense amplifier, a differential circuit, and a control circuit. The sense amplifier is configured to detect a first back electro-motive force of a non-electrified first winding. The differential circuit is configured to calculate a differential value of the first back electro-motive force. The control circuit is configured to provide a current to two of the windings and to switch the current to another two of the windings to start the direct current brushless motor.
US08164289B2 Brushless motor and control method of brushless motor
In a brushless motor having a stator including armature windings for a plurality of phases, and a rotor including a permanent magnet and being rotatably disposed inside or outside of the stator, an inter-phase induced voltage waveform between two different phases in the armature windings is a trapezoidal waveform formed by superimposing a fifth-order component and a seventh-order component on a first-order fundamental wave. A content rate X(=(α5+α7)/α1) of a total of voltage peak values α5 and α7 of the fifth-order component and the seventh-order component to a voltage peak value α1 of the first-order fundamental wave is preferably set to a range of 0.01≦X≦0.1, and more preferably to a range of 0.02≦X≦0.09.
US08164288B2 Motor control device and generator control device
To estimate a fluctuation component of the torque generated at the motor accurately, a motor control device (3) which controls a motor with a stator having armature winding and a rotor having a permanent magnet is provided to include a torque fluctuation component estimation unit for estimating a torque fluctuation component generated at the motor based on flux-linkage of the armature winding and an armature current that flows the armature winding. The torque fluctuation component estimation unit estimates the torque fluctuation component (Trp) based on an inner product (Fd·id+Fq·iq) of a flux-linkage vector which is a vectorial representation of the flux-linkage and a current vector which is a vectorial representation of the armature current.
US08164284B2 Electric power steering system
In an electric power steering system, an ECU 11 that controls the operation of the system includes three independent microcomputers 18u, 18v, 18w that perform phase current feedback control with respect to the corresponding phases, so that sinusoidal current is applied to each phase of the motor 12 as a non-connected motor. Also, each of the microcomputers 18u, 18v, 18w monitors a deviation of an actual current value from a phase current command value, with respect to each of two phases other than the corresponding phase, and determines that an abnormality occurs in the phase in question when the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When two of the microcomputers 18u, 18v, 18w determine that the abnormality occurs in the remaining one phase, the ECU 11 confirms the determination that the phase in question is in an abnormal condition.
US08164281B2 Luminaire system and method
A device comprising a solid state or mechanical switch coupled to a first connector and a second connector and at least one lighting device such as an LED light source wherein when power is applied to the first connector, the switch is operable to direct power to the lighting device and to a portion of the pins of the second connector. By constructing the connectors as similar, but with opposite genders, the connectors can be disposed on a circuit assembly to allow for daisy chaining a series of luminaire assemblies together. The connectors may be Ethernet connectors and the switch may be operable through control signals coupled to the Ethernet connector such that a smart power controller operating using power over Ethernet (POE) can operate to control the light sources.
US08164279B2 Method for controlling light source driving circuit
A method for controlling a light source driving circuit is provided. The method includes driving a plurality of serially-connected light sources, and measuring a working parameter of the light sources; shorting the light sources sequentially to find out at least a failed light source, when the working parameter is not measured; and remaining shorting the failed light source, and regulating a brightness of the light sources without having the failed light source according to a newest working parameter.
US08164277B2 LED system for producing light
The invention relates to a system comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes, LEDs. The LEDs may be controlled in various in various manners in order to obtain any of one or more objects of the system. Thus, LEDs may be controlled for by controlling at least two of the following parameters: the luminous intensity of each of the LEDs, the luminous flux of each of the LEDs, the colour spectrum of the light being emitted from each of the LEDs, the spatial radiation pattern of the light being emitted from each of the LEDs, the spatial radiation pattern of the system, the junction temperature of each of the LEDs, the temperature of the surroundings to the LED, the amperage of the electrical power being supplied each or sections of the LEDs, the voltage of the electrical power being applied the LEDs and pulsing applied to the electrical power being applied each or sections of the LEDs.
US08164276B2 LED drive device, LED drive method and lighting system
A drive circuit drives LED groups each of which has a plurality of LEDs connected in series. The drive circuit includes nMOSFETs which drive the LED groups, current regulating circuits which determine drain currents of the nMOSFETs, and subtracters which control the current regulating circuits to keep the sum of the current values of adjacent two nMOSFETs constant. The LEDs can be switched on/off efficiently even when there are differences between forward voltages of the LEDs.
US08164272B2 8-pin PFC and ballast control IC
The present invention relates to a fluorescent ballast control integrated circuit (IC) with power factor correction (PFC), and more particularly to a ballast control IC with a low pin count and improved programmability. The invention relates further to control methods performed by the IC.
US08164270B2 Discharge lamp lighting circuit
A discharge lamp lighting circuit is capable of preventing the discharge lamp from going out unexpectedly. The discharge lamp lighting circuit includes a DC-AC inverter which receives a power source voltage, boosts and converts the power source voltage into AC and supplies AC electric power to the discharge lamp 21. A control circuit sends a long cycle signal when the discharge lamp 21 is started. The cycle of the long cycle signal is longer than a frequency at the time of steady lighting. The control circuit sends a steady drive signal, which is a frequency at the time of steady lighting, to the DC-AC inverter 25. A cycle of the long cycle signal is set according to at least one of the power source voltage, the temperature of the discharge lamp lighting circuit or the extinguishing time.
US08164269B2 Discharge lamp lighting device and lighting fixture
One output power characteristic curve for supplying constant power is provided with respect to a raging voltage range of a discharge lamp, and in addition, a plurality of output power characteristic curves W1, W2 and W3 are provided with respect to a lamp voltage before the rating voltage range. There is provided minimum lamp voltage detecting means for detecting a minimum lamp voltage after a high intensity discharge lamp shifts to an arc discharge in an event where lamp power is supplied to a high intensity discharge lamp based on any initially set output power characteristic curve after the high intensity discharge lamp is started. As the minimum lamp voltage detected by the minimum lamp voltage detecting means is larger in a predetermined minimum lamp voltage range, any larger output power characteristic curve is reset from the plurality of output power characteristic curves W1, W2 and W3, and subsequent power control is performed.
US08164268B2 Lighting device implemented through utilizing insulating type piezoelectric transformer in driving light-emitting-diodes (LEDs)
A lighting device implemented through utilizing an insulating type piezoelectric transformer in driving light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), comprising at least said insulating type piezoelectric transformer connected to an LED module, a primary side of said insulating type piezoelectric transformer is used to receive a pulse voltage, and that is converted into an AC voltage in a piezoelectric voltage transformation way, and said AC voltage is output from a secondary side of said insulating type piezoelectric transformer to said LED module in proceeding with lighting function. Due to its various advantages of small leakage current, good insulation capability, high voltage endurance, low operation temperature, compact size, thin profile, high energy conversion efficiency, said insulating type piezoelectric transformer can be used to not only raise lighting efficiency, but also reduce overall size of said lighting device.
US08164267B2 Electro-optical device, matrix substrate, and electronic apparatus
To provide a wiring layout of electric power lines, which improves the aperture ratio of the pixel while forming pixels with the same pixel pitch. An electric-optical apparatus according to the present invention comprises multiple pixels (10) arranged in matrix including electro-optical devices driven by receiving electric power from an electric power supply circuit, wherein the aforementioned multiple pixels (10) make up multiple pixel groups formed of a series of pixels arrayed in at least one direction of the row direction and the column direction, and any of line forming regions (31, 32, 33, 34) is disposed between adjacent pixel groups of the aforementioned pixel groups, wherein the aforementioned line forming regions (31, 32, 33, 34) are formed with generally the same width.
US08164266B2 High pressure discharge lamp lighting apparatus
A high pressure discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a high pressure discharge lamp and a power supply apparatus, wherein in a steady state lighting operation, an alternating current of a steady state lighting frequency and alternating current of a low frequency are supplied by turns to the high pressure discharge lamp, and wherein in a small electric power lighting in which electric power to be applied is smaller than that of the steady state lighting, alternating current of a small electric power lighting frequency and direct current are supplied by turns to the high pressure discharge lamp.
US08164262B2 Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel including: a front panel including a glass front substrate, a display electrode formed on the substrate, a dielectric layer formed so as to cover the display electrode, and a protective layer formed on the dielectric layer; and a rear panel disposed facing the front panel so that a discharge space is formed, the rear panel including an address electrode formed in a direction intersecting the display electrode, a plurality of longitudinal barrier ribs arranged in parallel to the address electrode and a plurality of lateral barrier ribs combined with the longitudinal barrier ribs to form mesh-shaped barrier ribs. The protective layer is formed by forming a base film on the dielectric layer and attaching a plurality of aggregated particles obtained by aggregating a plurality of crystal particles made of metal oxide to the base film so as to be discretely distributed over a surface of the base film.
US08164261B2 Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel includes a front plate and a rear plate disposed so as to face the front plate. A discharge space is formed between the front plate and the rear plate. The front plate includes display electrodes and a dielectric layer formed to coat the display electrodes. The dielectric layer includes hollow fine particles which are hollowed out inside.
US08164260B2 Dielectric composition and plasma display panel including the same
A dielectric composition for plasma display panel and a plasma display panel including the same are disclosed. The dielectric composition includes about 38 to 68 parts by weight of Bi2O3, about 10 to 35 parts by weight of B2O3, about 1 to 17 parts by weight of SiO2, and about 1 to 15 parts by weight of Al2O3.
US08164258B2 Emissive device having a layer that relieves external forces on adjacent layer, process for producing the emissive device and an electronic apparatus including the emissive device
An emissive device includes a substrate; a plurality of first electrodes; pixel banks having a plurality of openings each corresponding to the position of a corresponding one of the first electrodes; organic function layers disposed in at least the openings; a second electrode disposed so as to cover the pixel banks and the organic function layers; a first inorganic layer disposed over the second electrode; a second inorganic layer disposed over the first inorganic layer; an organic buffer layer disposed over the second inorganic layer; and a gas barrier layer disposed over the organic buffer layer.
US08164256B2 Display apparatus using oxide semiconductor and production method thereof
A display apparatus includes a light-emitting layer, a pair of electrodes sandwiching the light-emitting layer, a transistor with an active layer for driving the light-emitting layer through the pair of the electrodes, and a matrix wiring portion having a scanning electrode line, a signal electrode line, and a first insulating layer. The active layer has an oxide which contains In and Zn and at least a part of which is amorphous, and further includes a second insulating layer containing hydrogen in an amount of less than 3×1021 atoms/cm3 disposed between the active layer and the first insulating layer.
US08164255B2 Inorganic light emitting display with field emission layer
An inorganic light emitting display including: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; a light emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an field emission layer disposed between the light emitting layer and the second electrode.
US08164252B2 Organic light emitting diode display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display apparatus, including a substrate, at least one thin film transistor (TFT) on the substrate, an insulating layer covering the at least one TFT and having a via hole and a groove, a first electrode on the insulating layer and electrically connected to the at least one TFT through the via hole, a pixel define layer on the first electrode and the groove, the pixel define layer having an opening that exposes the first electrode; an intermediate layer electrically connected to the first electrode through the opening, the intermediate layer including an organic emissive layer, and a second electrode on the intermediate layer. The organic emissive layer may be easily formed in the opening because a step between the organic emissive layer and the pixel define layer may be reduced as a portion of pixel define layer fills the groove.
US08164251B2 Aromatic amine derivatives and organic electroluminescence devices using the same
An aromatic amine derivative with a specified structure. An organic electroluminescence device which comprises one or more organic thin film layers having at least one light emitting layer sandwiched between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one of the organic thin film layers comprises the aromatic amine derivative singly or in combination. The organic EL device employing the aromatic amine derivative has sufficient lifetime, exhibits an enhanced efficiency of light emission, and emits highly pure blue light.
US08164241B2 Extension-type spark plug
An extension-type spark plug includes an upper terminal stud and a lower terminal stud axially spaced from one another in electrical communication with one another. An upper tubular insulator having a through cavity surrounds at least a portion of the upper terminal stud. A lower insulator constructed of a separate piece of material from the upper insulator has a through cavity surrounding at least a portion of the lower terminal stud. A spring member is disposed between the upper terminal stud and the lower terminal stud and biases the upper terminal stud and the lower member away from one another. The spring member allows the upper terminal stud to move axially under an externally applied force sufficient to overcome the bias imparted by the spring member and maintains electrical communication between said upper terminal stud and said lower terminal stud.
US08164239B2 Excimer lamps
To avoid a decline in the reflectivity of an ultraviolet reflection film caused by lighting for an extended period of time and providing a uniform illuminance an excimer lamp has a silica glass discharge vessel with electrodes on opposite sides of the discharge vessel, wherein excimer discharge is generated in the discharge space of the discharge vessel, wherein an ultraviolet reflection film made of silica particles and alumina particles is formed on a surface exposed to the discharge space and wherein the mean particle diameter of silica particles is at least 0.67 times as large as the mean particle diameter of the alumina particles. The alumina particles in the ultraviolet reflection film preferably constitute at least 5 wt % and more preferably at least 10 wt % of the sum of silica particles and alumina particles.
US08164232B2 Mechanical meta-materials
The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.
US08164231B2 Electret device comprising electret film formed on main surface of substrate and electrostatic operating apparatus
An electret device includes a substrate formed with a plurality of recess portions on a main surface thereof and an electret film so formed on the main surface of the substrate as to cover at least inner surfaces of the recess portions.
US08164222B2 Laptop and portable electronic device wireless power supply systems
The present invention provides wireless power supply systems intended primarily for use in powering and charging laptops and other portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the power supply system includes a laptop cradle that can be used in upright or reclined positions. The cradle may be generally J-shaped and may house the wireless power supply circuit with the channel defined in the cradle. The cradle may includes a plurality of primaries to provide the ability to supply power to more than one device and/or to permit flexibility in placement of devices on or in the cradle. The present invention may also provide handheld cradles sized to power handheld devices that can be separate, standalone power supply stations or they can receive power from the laptop cradle. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply station may be incorporated into an adjustable height desktop pedestal. In yet another embodiment, the power supply station may be incorporated into a flexible desktop mat. The power supply station may be incorporated into a power block having one or more magnets that draw the power block into alignment. In another alternative embodiment, the power supply station is incorporated directly into items of luggage.
US08164218B2 Power converters and associated methods of control
SIMO power converters and associated methods of control are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of converting a signal input signal into multiple output signals includes supplying power to a plurality of output terminals based on a signal input signal, detecting a voltage at individual output terminals, determining an arithmetic relationship between the detected voltages of the output terminals, and adjusting the power supplied to the plurality of output terminals based at least in part on the determined arithmetic relationship between the detected voltages of the output terminals.
US08164217B1 System and method for management of a DC and AC bus microgrid
Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a microgrid module. The microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a power management software module and a control software module installed on a microgrid computer. The power management software module receives business parameters such as prices from power contracts. The power management software module uses the parameters to create rules for applying to the operation of the microgrid module. The rules the power management software module creates are stored locally at the microgrid computer so that they can be quickly accessed by a control software module. The control software module uses the rules in combination with data collected from sensors installed in the physical circuitry layer of the microgrid module to control the operations of the microgrid module.
US08164215B2 System for contact less data and power transmission
A system for contactless data and power transmission between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component includes a first control unit, a second control unit, and a transducer with a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first control unit is adapted to generate an alternating voltage at a signal output port from a voltage present at a voltage input port, where the frequency of the alternating voltage is modulated depending on the data that is input at a data input port, and wherein the second control unit is adapted to demodulate the data and provide it at the data output port.
US08164212B2 Floating wind turbine with turbine anchor
The wind turbine 20 includes a wind driven turbine wheel 22 rotatable about a central axis 29 that has sail wings 30 that catch the wind and rotate the turbine wheel 22. An anchor 58 has its anchor line 56 attached to the turbine wheel at its axis of rotation 29 to prevent tilting the wind turbine in response to high wind conditions.
US08164210B2 Vertical axis wind turbine with angled braces
An improved wind turbine comprises: (i) a turbine rotor with a support platform; (ii) a rotatable vertical shaft extending from or through that platform; (iii) at least one bearing for the shaft; (iv) a plurality of horizontally disposed, box-shaped wind catchment vanes connected about the shaft; and (v) a plurality of angled braces affixed to the platform for reducing wind force leverage effects and bearing wear.
US08164201B2 Semiconductor device with front and back side resin layers having different thermal expansion coefficient and elasticity modulus
Disclosed are a semiconductor device wherein warping of a semiconductor chip due to a sudden temperature change can be prevented without increasing the thickness, and a semiconductor device assembly. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor chip, a front side resin layer formed on the front surface of the semiconductor chip by using a first resin material, and a back side resin layer formed on the back surface of the semiconductor chip by using a second resin material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the first resin material. The back side resin layer is formed thinner than the front side resin layer.
US08164200B2 Stack semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same
A stack semiconductor package includes a first insulation member having engagement projections and a second insulation member formed having engagement grooves into which the engagement projections are to be engaged. First conductive members are disposed in the first insulation member and have portions which are exposed on the engagement projections. Second conductive members are disposed in the second insulation member in such a way as to face the first conductive members and have portions which are exposed in the engagement grooves. A first semiconductor chip is disposed within the first insulation member and is electrically connected to the first conductive members. A second semiconductor chip is disposed in the second insulation member and is electrically connected to the second conductive members.
US08164195B2 Pad structure of semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus
A pad structure of a semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate upon which circuit patterns forming a device are disposed, a pad disposed on an uppermost part of the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of fixing parts, each disposed along opposing edge portions of the pad to fix the pad and the semiconductor substrate to each other.
US08164189B2 Multi-chip semiconductor device
An interposer has an opening in the central portion. A plurality of first electrode terminals are formed on the front surface near the opening of the interposer, a plurality of second electrode terminals are formed on the front surface of the peripheral portion thereof and corresponding ones of the plurality of first and second electrode terminals are electrically connected to one another via a plurality of wirings. A plurality of bump electrodes is formed on the front surface of a child chip. A plurality of bump electrodes containing a plurality of bump electrodes for connection with the exterior are formed on the front surface of a parent chip. The front surfaces of the parent chip and child chip are set to face each other with the interposer disposed therebetween and the bump electrodes are electrically connected to one another in the opening of the interposer.
US08164177B2 Electronic component module and method for production thereof
An electronic component module comprising at least one ceramic circuit carrier (2, 3) and a cooling device with at least one heat sink (4), a bonding region arranged between the ceramic circuit carrier (2, 3) and the cooling device adapted for bonding the circuit carrier (2, 3) to the cooling device (4). The bonding region (5, 7; 6, 8) comprises a bonding layer comprised of metal and a eutectic region (7, 8).
US08164175B2 Stackable semiconductor device assemblies
A semiconductor device assembly includes a substrate and a semiconductor die adjacent to a first surface of the substrate. The substrate also includes a second surface opposite from the first surface, an opening extending from the first surface and the second surface, contact pads on the first surface, and substrate pads on the second surface, adjacent to the opening. Bond pads of the semiconductor die are aligned with the opening through the substrate. Intermediate conductive elements, such as bond wires, extend from bond pads of the semiconductor die, through the opening, to substrate pads on the opposite, second surface of the substrate. An encapsulant, which fills the opening and covers the intermediate conductive elements, protrudes beyond a plane in which the second surface of the substrate is located. Another electronic device, such as another semiconductor device package, may communicate electrically with the die of the semiconductor device assembly through the contact pads on the first surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the other electronic device may be stacked with the semiconductor device assembly.
US08164172B2 Integrated circuit package in package system
An integrated circuit package in package system includes: a base integrated circuit package with a base lead substantially coplanar with a base die paddle and having a portion with a substantially planar base surface; an extended-lead integrated circuit package with an extended lead having a portion with a substantially planar lead-end surface; a package-stacking layer over the base integrated circuit package; and the extended-lead integrated circuit package over the base integrated circuit package including: an end portion of the extended lead, directly on the package-stacking layer, and the extended lead exposed by and extending away from the bottom of the side of an extended-lead encapsulation and bending downwards toward the direction of the package stacking layer with the substantially planar lead-end surface coplanar with the substantially planar base surface.
US08164171B2 System-in packages
System-in packages, or multichip modules, are described which can include multi-layer chips in a multi-layer polymer structure, on-chip metal bumps on the multi-layer chips, intra-chip metal bumps in the multi-layer polymer structure, and patterned metal layers in the multi-layer polymer structure. The multi-layer chips in the multi-layer polymer structure can be connected to each other or to an external circuit through the on-chip metal bumps, the intra-chip metal bumps and the patterned metal layers. The system-in packages can be connected to external circuits through solder bumps, meal bumps or wirebonded wires.
US08164168B2 Semiconductor package
A semiconductor package including a semiconductor chip; a base member on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; a plurality of leads formed on the base member, the leads including inner ends electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and outer ends; and an index for identifying locations of specific leads.
US08164167B2 Integrated circuit structure and a method of forming the same
An integrated circuit structure is disclosed. The integrated circuit structure includes a first package substrate including a radiating element, the radiating element having a radiating element connection extending from the radiating element. The integrated circuit structure further includes a first chip positioned adjacent to the radiating element connection, the first chip having a first chip connection on a surface of the first chip, wherein the first chip connection forms a capacitive coupling with the radiating element connection. A method of forming an integrated circuit structure is also disclosed.
US08164160B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to the present invention has a multilayer wiring structure laminating and disposing a plurality of with sandwiching an insulating film and includes: a copper wire having copper as a main component; an insulating film formed on the copper wire; an aluminum wire having aluminum as a main component and formed on the insulating film to be electrically connected to the copper wire via a via hole formed to penetrate through the insulating film; and a surface protective film formed on the aluminum wire; and the surface protective film formed with a pad opening exposing a portion of the aluminum wire as an electrode pad for electrical connection with an external portion.
US08164159B1 Semiconductor resonators with electromagnetic and environmental shielding and methods of forming same
A reference signal generator includes an integrated circuit substrate having a semiconductor resonator therein. The resonator includes an inductor extending adjacent a first surface of the integrated circuit substrate. A vertically-stacked composite of at least first and second electrically insulating dielectric layers is provided on the integrated circuit substrate. The vertically-stacked composite covers a portion of the first surface, which extends opposite the inductor. A first electrically conductive shielding layer is provided on a portion of the second electrically insulating dielectric layer extending opposite the inductor. The first electrically conductive shielding layer may encapsulate exposed portions of the first and second electrically insulating dielectric layers. The shielding layer may operate as an electromagnetic shield between the inductor and an external structure, such as an integrated circuit package, and also shield against environmental contamination (e.g., external moisture penetration).
US08164156B2 Fuse structure for high integrated semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a fuse having a blowing region at a center part for selectively connecting different two terminals; and a dummy contact positioned under the blowing region for forming empty space by being removed together with the blowing region in a blowing process.
US08164154B1 Low profile Schottky barrier diode for solar cells and solar panels and method of fabrication thereof
A low profile high power Schottky barrier bypass diode for solar cells and panels with the cathode and anode electrodes on the same side of the diode and a method of fabrication thereof are disclosed for generating a thin chip with both electrodes being on the same side of the chip. In an embodiment, a mesa isolation with a Zener diode over the annular region surrounding the central region of the mesa anode in the Epi of the substrate is formed. In an embodiment, a P-type Boron dopant layer is ion implanted in the annular region for the Zener Diode. This controls recovery from high voltage spikes from the diode rated voltage. A Schottky barrier contact for the anode and a contact for the cathode are simultaneously created on the same side of the chip.
US08164150B1 Quantum dot illumination devices and methods of use
The present disclosure relates to illumination devices and methods of generating light for extended periods of time without requiring an outside source of power, recharging, refueling or maintenance. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of quantum dots and a radioisotope, and may be used in numerous ways, for example, for the marking critical areas or paths, for the illumination of pathways in aircraft, ships, trains, buildings, and other facilities where these routes must be precisely delineated or identified for safety reasons, for the inclusion of signs or other indicia that must be illuminated at all times, as well as many military uses, such as for the demarcation of temporary airfields for fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters or for IFF (identification friend or foe).
US08164147B2 Magnetic random access memory
A magnetic random access memory includes a first bit line and a second bit line, a source line formed for a group having the first bit line and the second bit line, adjacent to the first bit line, and running in a first direction in which the first bit line and the second bit line run, a first magnetoresistive effect element connected to the first bit line, a second magnetoresistive effect element connected to the second bit line, a first transistor connected in series with the first magnetoresistive effect element, and a second transistor connected in series with the second magnetoresistive effect element. A first cell having the first magnetoresistive effect element and the first transistor and a second cell having the second magnetoresistive effect element and the second transistor are connected together to the source line.
US08164146B2 Substrate symmetrical silicide source/drain surrounding gate transistor
Field effect transistors described herein include first and second terminals vertically separated by a channel region. The first and second terminals comprise first and second silicide elements respectively. The first silicide element prevents the migration of carriers from the first terminal into the underlying semiconductor body or adjacent devices which can activate parasitic devices. The first silicide element is also capable of acting as a low resistance conductive line for interconnecting devices or elements. The second silicide element provides a low resistance contact between the second terminal and overlying elements.
US08164144B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer on an insulating layer, and a first partially depleted transistor and a first diode in the semiconductor layer. The first transistor has a first gate electrode above the semiconductor layer via an insulating film and a first source or drain of a first conductivity type in the semiconductor layer below both sides of the gate electrode. The first diode has a first impurity layer of a second conductivity type in a shallow portion of the semiconductor layer and a second impurity layer of the first conductivity type in a deep portion of the semiconductor layer. The first and second impurity layers are stacked in a depth direction of the semiconductor layer. The side surfaces of the first and second impurity layers contact the semiconductor layer just below the first gate electrode.
US08164143B2 Semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises: performing a thermal process to expanding a local doped region formed between gate patterns on a semiconductor substrate; and etching a central region of an expanded local doped region so that the expanded local doped region remains at the total area of sidewalls of floating bodies isolated from each other.
US08164139B2 MOSFET structure with guard ring
A trench Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) structure with guard ling, includes: a substrate including an epi layer region on the top thereof a plurality of source and body regions formed in the epi layer; a metal layer including a plurality of metal layer regions which are connected to respective source and body regions forming metal connections of the MOSFET; a plurality of metal contact plugs connected to respective metal layer regions; an insulating layer deposited on the epi layer formed underneath the metal layer with a plurality of metal contact holes therein for contacting respective source and body regions; and a guard ring wrapping around the trench gates with contact metal plug underneath the gate metal layer.
US08164137B2 Multiple-gate MOS transistor using Si substrate and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a multiple-gate MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) transistor and a method of manufacturing the same. The transistor includes a single crystalline active region having a channel region having an upper portion of a streamlined shape (∩) obtained by patterning an upper portion of a bulk silicon substrate with an embossed pattern, and having a thicker and wider area than the channel region; a nitride layer formed at both side surfaces of the single crystalline active region to expose an upper portion of the single crystalline active region at a predetermined height; and a gate electrode formed to be overlaid with the exposed upper portion of the single crystalline active region of the channel region.
US08164133B2 Vertical transistor and method of enabling a vertical transistor to generate an alternating current output
A vertical transistor includes a gate isolating layer flanking a stack of a source layer, a resilient active unit and a drain layer, and a gate layer formed on the gate isolating layer. The active unit includes an active layer formed between first and second barrier layers each having a thickness ranging from 4 nm to 40 nm. When an input voltage including a DC component and a ripple component is applied to the source layer, the active unit periodically vibrates as a result of the ripple component of the input voltage such that an induced AC current is generated based on a control voltage applied to the gate layer to flow to the drain layer. The induced AC current flowing to the drain layer serves as an AC output generated by the vertical transistor based on the input voltage. A method of enabling a vertical transistor to generate an AC output is also disclosed.
US08164130B2 Nonvolatile memory device comprising one switching device and one resistant material and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile memory device including one transistor and one resistant material and a method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate, a transistor formed on the substrate, and a data storage unit connected to a drain of the transistor. The data storage unit includes a data storage material layer having different resistance characteristics in different voltage ranges.
US08164128B2 Magnetic devices and techniques for formation thereof
Techniques for forming a magnetic device are provided. In one aspect, a magnetic device includes a magnetic tunnel junction and a dielectric layer formed over at least a portion of the magnetic tunnel junction. The dielectric layer is configured to have an underlayer proximate to the magnetic tunnel junction, and an overlayer on a side of the underlayer opposite the magnetic tunnel junction. The magnetic device further includes a via hole running substantially vertically through the dielectric layer and being self-aligned with the magnetic tunnel junction.
US08164127B2 Image sensor including a pixel cell having an epitaxial layer, system having the same, and method of forming a pixel cell
A pixel cell includes a substrate, an epitaxial layer, and a photo converting device in the epitaxial layer. The epitaxial layer has a doping concentration profile of embossing shape, and includes a plurality of layers that are stacked on the substrate. The photo converting device does not include a neutral region that has a constant potential in the vertical direction. Therefore, the image sensor including the pixel cell has high quantization efficiency, and a crosstalk between photo-converting devices is decreased.
US08164121B2 Charge coupled device with potential gradient region between two control gate regions
A six-phase charge coupled device (CCD) pixel includes a pixel pair, with each pixel having two adjacent control gates overlying corresponding variable potential wells, where voltages applied to the control gates enable charge to be accumulated into and transferred out of the wells. A clear window region overlies a fixed potential gradient region, decreasing in potential away from the control gates. This region enables a wide band of photons to be sensed by the photosensitive silicon of the CCD. The decreasing potential levels facilitate high charge transfer efficiency (i.e., high CTE) from pixel to pixel via the control or transfer gates. By applying particular voltages to the control gates, charge can be quickly and efficiently transferred between pixels. In addition, the window provides a self aligned mask for the implantation steps and thus prevents the formation of pockets (or wells) due to misalignments that decrease the charge transfer efficiency and causes non-uniformity problems as associated with prior art. Furthermore the window provides a flat region that can be covered with an anti-reflective (AR) coating layer, thus further increasing the quantum efficiency.
US08164118B2 Semiconductor device and its manufacturing method
An object of the present invention is to reduce on-state resistance and increases reliability in a semiconductor device having an electrode formed in a recessed structure. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a first insulating layer 103 is formed. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, a photolithography process is carried out to form a photoresist pattern 104. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, dry etching is applied to the first insulating layer 103. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1E, a laminated semiconductor structure is etched. Next, in this state, wet etching is applied to the first insulating layer 103 as illustrated in FIG. 1F. Next, in this state, an electrode material 105 is formed on the entire exposed surface as illustrated in FIG. 1G. Finally, as illustrated in 1H, the photoresist pattern 104 is removed.
US08164116B2 Semiconductor device with hetero semiconductor region and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor base; a hetero semiconductor region which is in contact with the semiconductor base and which has a band gap different from that of the semiconductor base; a first electrode connected to the hetero semiconductor region; and a second electrode forming an ohmic contact to the semiconductor base. The hetero semiconductor region includes a laminated hetero semiconductor region formed by laminating a plurality of semiconductor layers in which crystal alignment is discontinuous at a boundary between at least two layers.
US08164115B2 Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a first nitride semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a second nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and having a larger band gap energy than the first nitride semiconductor layer; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the second nitride semiconductor layer and including a p-type nitride semiconductor with at least a single-layer structure; a gate electrode formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed in regions located on both sides of the gate electrode, respectively. The third nitride semiconductor layer has a thickness greater in a portion below the gate electrode than in a portion below the side of the gate electrode.
US08164113B2 Electrostatic discharge structure for 3-dimensional integrated circuit through-silicon via device
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) structure for a 3-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) through-silicon via (TSV) device is provided. The ESD structure includes a substrate, a TSV device which is formed through the substrate and is equivalent to a resistance-inductance-capacitance (RLC) device, and at least one ESD device which is disposed in the substrate and electrically connected to one end of the TSV device. The ESD structure can protect the 3D IC TSV device.
US08164107B2 Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
The light emitting device, and corresponding method of manufacture, the light emitting device including a second electrode layer; a second conductive type semiconductor layer formed on the second electrode layer; an active layer formed on the second conductive type semiconductor layer; a first conductive type semiconductor layer formed with a first photonic crystal that includes a mask layer and an air gap formed on the active layer; and a first electrode layer formed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer.
US08164102B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device may include a first lead; a second lead; a first semiconductor light emitting element mounted on the first lead, being configured to emit a light having an optical emission spectrum no more than 400 nm from a light extraction surface of the first semiconductor light emitting element; a second semiconductor light emitting element mounted on the second lead, being configured to emit a light having a peak wavelength in no less than 550 nm; an ultraviolet absorbing layer configured to cover the light extraction surface of the first semiconductor light emitting element; and a sealing resin configured to cover the ultraviolet absorbing layer, first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element.
US08164099B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A display device with improved reliability and a manufacturing method of the same with improved yield. A display device according to the invention comprises a display area including a first electrode, an insulating layer covering an edge of the first electrode, a layer containing an organic compound, which is formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode and the insulating layer are doped with an impurity element of one conductivity.
US08164097B2 Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: forming a thin film transistor including a gate electrode, a drain electrode, a source electrode and a semiconductor on a substrate; forming a first passivation layer on the drain and the source electrodes; forming a transparent conductive layer on the first passivation layer; etching the transparent conductive layer using a photoresist as an etch mask to expose the portion of the first passivation layer and to form a pixel electrode connected the drain electrode; ashing the first passivation layer and the photoresist; and removing the photoresist.
US08164092B2 PIN structures including intrinsic gallium arsenide, devices incorporating the same, and related methods
Provided herein are PIN structures including a layer of amorphous n-type silicon, a layer of intrinsic GaAs disposed over the layer of amorphous n-type silicon, and a layer of amorphous p-type silicon disposed over the layer of intrinsic GaAs. The layer of intrinsic GaAs may be engineered by the disclosed methods to exhibit a variety of structural properties that enhance light absorption and charge carrier mobility, including oriented polycrystalline intrinsic GaAs, embedded particles of intrinsic GaAs, and textured surfaces. Also provided are devices incorporating the PIN structures, including photovoltaic devices.
US08164091B2 Multi-purpose poly edge test structure
Multi-purpose poly edge test structure. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a test structure. The test structure includes a doped silicon substrate, the doped silicon substrate being grounded, the doped silicon substrate including a first gate structure and a second gate structure, the first and second gate structures overlaying the doped silicon substrate. The test structure also includes a first conducting pad being electrically coupled to the first gate structure. The test structure also includes a second conducting pad being electrically coupled to the second gate structure.
US08164086B2 Phase-controlled field effect transistor device and method for manufacturing thereof
A phase controllable field effect transistor device is described. The device provides first and second scattering sites disposed at either side of a conducting channel region, the conducting region being gated such that on application of an appropriate signal to the gate, energies of the electrons in the channel region defined between the scattering centers may be modulated.
US08164083B2 Quantum dot optoelectronic devices with enhanced performance
An optoelectronic device is disclosed which includes a quantum dot layer including plurality of quantum dots which do not have capping layers. This optoelectronic device may be a quantum dot light-emitting device, which includes (1) a substrate which is transparent or translucent, (2) an anode electrical conducting layer which is transparent or translucent, and is located adjacent to the substrate, (3) a planarizing/hole injection layer which is located adjacent to the anode electrical conducting layer, (4) a quantum dot layer including the plurality of quantum dots which do not have capping layers, and (5) a cathode electrical conducting layer which is located adjacent to the quantum dot layer.
US08164082B2 Spin-bus for information transfer in quantum computing
A spin bus quantum computing architecture includes a spin bus formed of multiple strongly coupled and always on qubits that define a string of spin qubits. A plurality of information bearing qubits are disposed adjacent a qubit of the spin bus. Electrodes are formed to the information bearing qubits and the spin bus qubits to allow control of the establishment and breaking of coupling between qubits to allow control of the establishment and breaking of coupling between each information bearing qubit and the spin bus qubit adjacent to it. The spin bus architecture allows rapid and reliable long-range coupling of qubits.
US08164080B2 Diode structures and resistive random access memory devices having the same
A diode structure includes: a lower electrode and an insulating layer disposed on the lower electrode. The insulating layer includes aperture exposing a portion of the lower electrode. The diode structure further includes: a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is disposed in the aperture and having a depressed portion. The second layer is disposed in the depressed portion of the first layer. A resistive random access memory (RRAM) device includes the above-described diode structure.
US08164078B2 Beam irradiation device
A beam irradiation device includes a photodetector which receives servo light; a signal processing section which generates a position detection signal based on a detection signal from the photodetector; and a control section which controls the laser light source and the actuator for beam scanning based on the position detection signal. The signal processing section performs a sampling operation with respect to the detection signal from the photodetector at two consecutive sampling timings. The signal processing section includes an A/D converting section which converts a difference between two sampling values obtained by the sampling operation into a digital signal, and a computing section which computes the position detection signal based on the digital signal from the A/D converting section.
US08164076B2 Extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus and method of generating extreme ultraviolet light
An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus, which is to generate an extreme ultraviolet light by irradiating a target with a main pulse laser light after irradiating the target with a prepulse laser light, the extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus comprises: a prepulse laser light source generating a pre-plasma by irradiating the target with the prepulse laser light while a part of the target remains, the pre-plasma being generated at a different region from a target region, the different region being located on an incident side of the prepulse laser light; and a main pulse laser light source generating the extreme ultraviolet light by irradiating the pre-plasma with the main pulse laser light.
US08164062B2 Scintillator operation and control
A method for reducing scintillator afterglow. Methods for reducing afterglow include conditioning a scintillator by exposing it to high flux densities of ionizing radiation. One technique includes operating an x-ray tube at elevated amperage.
US08164060B2 System and method for a charged particle beam
System and method for charged particle beam. According an embodiment, the present invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus. The apparatus includes a charged particle source for generating a primary charged particle beam. The apparatus also includes at least one condenser lens for pre-focusing the primary charge particle beam. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a compound objective lens for forming the magnetic field and the electrostatic field to focus the primary charged particle beam onto a specimen in the charged particle beam path. The specimen includes a specimen surface. The compound objective lens includes a conical magnetic lens, an immersion magnetic lens, and an electrostatic lens, the conical magnetic lens including an upper pole piece, a shared pole piece being electrically insulated from the upper pole piece, and an excitation coil.
US08164057B2 Interface, a method for observing an object within a non-vacuum environment and a scanning electron microscope
An interface, a scanning electron microscope and a method for observing an object that is positioned in a non-vacuum environment. The method includes: passing at least one electron beam that is generated in a vacuum environment through at least one aperture out of an aperture array and through at least one ultra thin membrane that seals the at least one aperture; wherein the at least one electron beam is directed towards the object; wherein the at least one ultra thin membrane withstands a pressure difference between the vacuum environment and the non-vacuum environment; and detecting particles generated in response to an interaction between the at least one electron beam and the object.
US08164053B2 Mass analyzer and mass analyzing method
There has been a problem that both detection sensitivity and throughput cannot be improved simultaneously by a conventional MS/MS analysis method.A mass analyzer having an ion trap for ejecting ions in a specific mass range, a collisional dissociation part for causing ions ejected from the ion trap to be dissociated, a mass analyzing part for performing a mass analysis of ions ejected from the collisional dissociation part, and a control part including a list in which measurement conditions for each ion are stored selectively resonance-ejects ions introduced into and accumulated in the ion trap based on masses. A scanning operation is a repetition of an operation of ejecting specific precursor ions in a direction of the collisional dissociation part and an operation of ejecting nothing, and each ion can be measured under optimal measurement conditions by controlling an output voltage of each part with reference to list information, realizing a mass analyzer that can perform an MS/MS measurement with high throughput and high sensitivity.
US08164051B2 Internal standard material, resin composition, and measurement method
An internal standard material to be added to a specimen containing a material to be measured when measuring the content of the material to be measured by performing mass spectrometry on the specimen includes a hindered phenol compound.
US08164049B2 Radiation detecting apparatus, radiation image capturing system,and temperature compensating method
A radiation detecting apparatus includes a radiation conversion panel for detecting the radiation which has passed through the subject and converting the detected radiation into radiation image information, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the radiation conversion panel, and a sensitivity corrector for correcting at least one of a sensitivity, a dark current, a density step, and a residual image of the radiation conversion panel based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
US08164045B2 Optical system for controlling light propagation along a light path
An optical system and method for controlling light propagation along a light path. An optical element such as a lens is formed of a first light transmitting material and has a surface finish effective to scatter light impinging on the surface. Index matching material contacts to a portion of the surface so as to reduce or nullify the scattering effects of the surface finish within the portion. This allows the first optical element to have surfaces that have been generally prepared for scattering light and then later selectively negate the scattering effects of the surface finish by contacting portions of the surface with index matching material. As such, light in the optical element directed toward a surface or boundary within selected portion propagates into or out of the optical element. Light outside of the selected portion is scattered. Such an arrangement helps to reduce image degradation due to light outside of the light path being reflected about within the optical system.
US08164038B2 Light source direction detection device and method for detecting light source direction
A light source detection device includes first photo sensors disposed on a reference plane along a first direction and a control unit. Each first photo sensor has a first sensing surface for detecting a photo intensity of a light source to output a photo intensity signal. The first sensing surfaces are back to back or face to face. An included angle between a normal vector of one of the first sensing surfaces and a normal vector of the reference plane is equal to an included angle between a normal vector of another one of the first sensing surfaces and the normal vector of the reference plane. The normal vectors are coplanar. The control unit is adapted to receive the photo intensity signals and normalize the difference of the photo intensities of the light source sensed by the first photo sensors, so as to detect a position of the light source.
US08164033B2 Stage, substrate processing apparatus, plasma processing apparatus, control method for stage, control method for plasma processing apparatus, and storage media
A stage onto which is electrostatically attracted a substrate to be processed in a substrate processing apparatus, which enables the semiconductor device yield to be improved. A temperature measuring apparatus 200 measures a temperature of the substrate to be processed. A temperature control unit 400 carries out temperature adjustment on the substrate to be processed such as to become equal to a target temperature based on a preset parameter. A temperature control unit 400 controls the temperature of the substrate to be processed by controlling the temperature adjustment by the temperature control unit 400 based on a measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring apparatus 200.
US08164028B2 Resistance heater
A heater has a smooth heating surface and a recess formed on a second surface opposite to the heating surface. The recess is formed between opposite side walls in a lengthwise direction of the heater. Formation of the recess improves the electrical resistance of the heater and the opposite side walls reinforce the heater and prevent deformation of the heater when it is subjected to high temperatures in a semiconductor wafer processing device. The heater has substantially the same width along its lengthwise direction. This improves the control of heat pattern design, because the terminal end portions do not have an expanded shape.
US08164027B2 Laser processing system and laser processing method
A laser processing system and a laser processing method that can highly accurately and efficiently specify a focus position of a processing laser using visible lasers are provided. For that purpose, a laser processing system includes a processing laser oscillator, a condensing optical system including a condenser lens, two visible laser oscillators and, a movement adjusting unit that adjusts the condenser lens and the visible laser oscillators and to move forward and backward in synchronization with each other, an imaging unit that images spot lights of the visible lasers on a workpiece, an image processing unit that subjects an imaged video to image processing and displays an image after the processing, a calculating unit that calculates, in a state in which the respective visible lasers are focused on a focus position of the processing laser, center of gravity positions of spot lights of the respective visible lasers formed on the surface of the workpiece according to the movement of the condenser lens and calculates a distance between centers of gravity, and a control unit that controls the movement adjusting unit such that the distance between centers of gravity is adjusted to zero or substantially zero.
US08164021B1 Electrically assisted friction stir welding
An electrically assisted friction stir welding method and arrangement in which the required downward/pressing force typically exerted on a workpiece is substantially reduced. The method and apparatus involves the creation of a localized heated zone on a workpiece undergoing a welding operation. The localized heated zone is created using a resistive heating circuit running through the friction stir welding tool and the workpiece.
US08164020B2 Electrode and its use in a metal disintegrator
A graphite electrode and a holder for the electrode for use in a metal disintegrator, the electrode having a hollow columnar body with a skirt wall open at one end, the skirt wall having a plurality of holes extending between one end and an opposite end, the holes being adapted to conduct liquid coolant from said opposite end to said open end, the holder being proportioned to engage and support the electrode at its opposite end when the electrode is installed on a metal disintegrator, the electrode and holder being constructed and arranged to vent a portion of the volume of said liquid coolant through a space between a part being disintegrated and an interior surface of the skirt wall.
US08164019B2 Contact for a medium-voltage vacuum circuit-breaker with improved arc extinction, and an associated circuit-breaker or vacuum circuit-breaker, such as an AC generator disconnector circuit-breaker
A vacuum circuit-breaker wherein one contact body is made with two windings implanted concentric with one another and connected electrically in parallel. The second winding is in the form of an solid part with an annular ring. The circuit-breaker increases the axial magnetic field (AMF) and distributes it uniformly over the contact surface so that arc extinction is improved for high short-circuit currents, typically greater than 63 kA.
US08164017B2 Key structure and keyboard having such key structure
A key structure and a keyboard including multiple key structures are provided. The key structure includes a keycap, a base plate and a scissors-type support member between the keycap and the base plate. The scissors-type support member includes an inner frame having a convex part and an outer frame having a recess. The convex part is accommodated within the recess. By controlling relative positions between the convex part and the recess, the keycap is stably moved in the vertical direction.
US08163997B2 Electronic component, lead-wire and their production methods
A lead-wire includes a led-out electrode made of metal and a cap. The cap is put over an end of the led-out electrodes, and is made of metal harder than the metal forming the led-out electrodes. An electronic component includes a functional element and the lead-wire. The led-out electrodes is led out of the functional element.
US08163992B2 Electronic input device for use with steel pans and associated methods
A device for digitizing a series of notes to be played on a pan instrument includes a processor and software installed on the processor that has a code segment adapted to display a virtual keyboard on a display device. The keyboard has a plurality of pianistically arranged keys, each key having a note name corresponding to a pitch represented by the key imposed thereon. A code segment can receive a user selection of a pan instrument for which music is desired to be entered, retrieve a note range for the selected pan instrument, and electronically mask the virtual keyboard to exclude keys outside the retrieved note range. User input can be received for a series of notes to be encoded for playing on the selected pan instrument.
US08163989B2 Kinetic energy enhanced drumstick
The present invention is an energy enhanced drumstick which provides substantially more kinetic energy per strike and produces a more vibrant sound and desired quality of resonance from a drumstick, all while still maintaining the most desirable features of the traditional drumstick design. This kinetic energy enhanced drumstick is the hybrid structural product of using two or more distinct materials having markedly differing densities which are permanently joined together to form a single unified construct. This hybrid structural product yields a kinetic energy enhanced drumstick comprised of at least one primary material having a first density at its tip end, and has at least one secondary substance having a second density which is greater than the first density of the primary material adjacent the butt end of the drumstick.
US08163988B2 Snare tension device
The invention relates to a snare tension device for tensioning and releasing a snare wire. In the snare tension device a rotation movement of a rotation element is transferred to a pushing element by means of a transfer element.
US08163981B1 Soybean variety XB38Y09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB38Y09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB38Y09, to the plants of soybean XB38Y09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB38Y09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB38Y09 with another soybean plant, using XB38Y09 as either the male or the female parent.
US08163979B2 Antifungal plant proteins and methods of their use
DNA constructions that provide for production of potent antifungal proteins in transgenic plants and transformed yeast cells are described. Methods of using the DNA constructs to produce transgenic plants that inhibit growth of plant pathogenic fungi are also disclosed. The use of transformed yeast cells containing the DNA constructs to produce the antifungal proteins and methods of isolating the antifungal proteins are also described.
US08163977B2 Extra-cellular matrix localized ferritin for iron uptake, storage, and stress tolerance
The present invention relates to environmental stress responsive protein ferritin (CaFer1) of chickpea. The invention discloses identification, isolation and cloning of ECM-localized ferritin (CaFer1) of chickpea and its multifunctional role in nutrient uptake, storage and stress tolerance. Comparative proteomic analysis of the chickpea extra-cellular (ECM) was performed to identify novel components of dehydration stress signaling. In addition, the present invention relates a method for producing environmental stress tolerant transgenic plants over-expressing the said CaFer1 gene. The present invention further provides dehydration stress tolerant transgenic plants overexpressing dehydration-responsive extra cellular matrix (ECM) protein ferritin (CaFer1).
US08163974B2 Biocompatible wound dressing
A multi-layer reduced pressure delivery apparatus is provided for applying reduced pressure tissue treatment to a tissue site. The multi-layer apparatus includes a tissue contact layer, a release layer, and a manifold layer. The tissue contact layer includes a scaffold adapted to contact the tissue site, the release layer includes a water-soluble polymer and a plurality of flow channels, and the manifold layer includes a distribution manifold. The release layer is positioned between the tissue contact layer and the manifold layer to allow easy release of the manifold layer from the tissue contact layer following the administration of reduced pressure tissue treatment.
US08163970B2 Method for adiabatic cooling type crystallization of organic compound and apparatus therefor
A method including carrying out adiabatic cooling and evaporation operation of a coolant in a crystallizer (20) for a mixture solution of a target organic compound containing the coolant; taking out crystal slurry produced by the operation from the crystallizer (20); pressurizing evaporated vapor to a pressure higher than the operation pressure in the crystallizer (20) by a compressor (30) and then introducing the vapor to an absorption condenser (10); cooling for condensation the mixture solution of organic compound and the evaporated vapor that has been pressurized while allowing them to contact each other in the absorption condenser (10); introducing the crystal slurry taken out of the crystallizer (20) to a purification means (70) for purification of the crystal; and introducing a clarified liquid in the purification means (70) to at least one of the crystallizer (20) and the absorption condenser (10).
US08163959B2 Method for the preparation of 4-fluoro-α-[2-methyl-1-oxopropyl]-γ-oxo-N-β-diphenylbenzenebutanamide and products therefrom
A method for the preparation of 4-fluoro-α-[2-methyl-1-oxopropyl]-γ-oxo-N-β-diphenylbenzenebutanamide also known as 2-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxo-1-phenylethyl]-4-methyl-3-oxo-pentanoic acid phenylamide of the formula I containing about 0.1% or less of α-[2-methyl-1-oxopropyl]-γ-oxo-N-β-diphenylbenzene butanamide, about 0.05% or less of difluoro-α-[2-methyl-1-oxopropyl]-γ-oxo-N-β-diphenylbenzene butanamide and about 0.1% or less of 3-[2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-oxo-1-phenyl-ethoxy]-4-methyl-pent-2-enoic acid phenylamide.
US08163955B2 Process for the synthesis of 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitrotoluene
An improved process is provided for the preparation of 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitrotoluene by amination of 2,6-dichloro-3,5-dinitrotoluene. The presence of water unexpectedly results in a highly pure product, free of glycol ether impurities. This product can be used to make highly pure 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene, which in turn can be used to make high molecular weight polybenzimidazoles for high strength fibers.
US08163954B2 Process and catalyst for oxidizing aromatic compounds
Catalytic compositions for conversion of substituted aromatic feed materials to oxidized products comprising aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives of the substituted aromatic feed materials comprise a combination comprising a palladium component, an antimony component and/or a bismuth component, and one or more Group 4, 5, 6 or 14 metal or metalloid components. A process for oxidizing substituted aromatic feed materials comprises contacting the feed material with oxygen in the presence of such a catalytic composition in a liquid reaction mixture.
US08163953B2 Compounds for lysosomal modulation and methods of use
Compounds useful for promoting lysosomal processes and thereby ameliorating the disruption of cellular and functional integrity induced by Aβ and other protein and glycoconjugate species are provided. Methods for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that involve protein accumulation and aggregation in the brain, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease, are also provided.
US08163952B2 RAR receptor agonist ligands and use thereof in human medicine and cosmetics
The invention relates to compounds corresponding to general formula (I) below: to the compositions containing same, to methods for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof in pharmaceutical compositions for use in human or veterinary medicine, or else in cosmetic compositions.
US08163951B2 Method for producing quaternary ammonium compounds
The present invention relates to a process for preparing quaternary ammonium compounds, which comprises reacting compounds comprising an sp3-hybridized nitrogen atom with a dialkyl sulfate or trialkyl phosphate and subjecting the resulting ammonium compound to an anion exchange.
US08163949B2 Method for electrochemical production of a crystalline porous metal organic skeleton material
A method of electrochemically preparing a crystalline, porous, metal-organic framework material comprising at least one at least bidentate organic compound coordinately bound to at least one metal ion, in a reaction medium comprising the at least one bidentate organic compound, wherein at least one metal ion is provided in the reaction medium by the oxidation of one anode comprising the corresponding metal.
US08163946B2 Methods and catalysts for making biodiesel from the transesterification and esterification of unrefined oils
A method of forming a biodiesel product and a heterogeneous catalyst system used to form said product that has a high tolerance for the presence of water and free fatty acids (FFA) in the oil feedstock is disclosed. This catalyst system may simultaneously catalyze both the esterification of FAA and the transesterification of triglycerides present in the oil feedstock. The catalyst system according to one aspect of the present disclosure represents a class of zinc and lanthanum oxide heterogeneous catalysts that include different ratios of zinc oxide to lanthanum oxides (Zn:La ratio) ranging from about 10:0 to 0:10. The Zn:La ratio in the catalyst is believed to have an effect on the number and reactivity of Lewis acid and base sites, as well as the transesterification of glycerides, the esterification of fatty acids, and the hydrolysis of glycerides and biodiesel.
US08163942B2 Salt of (2S, 3S)-3-[[(1S)-1-isobutoxymethyl-3-methylbutyl]carbamoyl]oxirane-2-carboxylic acid
The invention relates to purification of (2S,3S)-3-[[(1S)-1-isobutoxymethyl-3-methylbutyl]carbamoyl]oxirane-2-carboxylic acid [hereinafter, referred to as the carboxylic acid] using the salt of the carboxylic acid with an organic amine selected from the group consisting of piperazine, adamantane amines and others. The invention also relates to providing crystalline sodium salt of the carboxylic acid. The sodium salt is usable as a material for preparing medicaments and improved in storage stability, and has the following characteristics: DSC: exothermic peak observed at a temperature in the range of 170 to 175° C. with weight decrease; and characteristic absorption bands of infrared absorption spectrum (KBr tablet): 3255, 2950, 2860, 1670, 1630, 1550, 1460, 1435, 1395, 1365, 1310, 1260, 1110, 890 cm−1.
US08163938B2 Aminocyclohexyl ether compounds and uses thereof
Aminocyclohexyl ether compounds are disclosed. The compounds of the present invention may be incorporated in compositions and kits. The present invention also discloses uses for the compounds and compositions, including the treatment of arrhythmia.
US08163936B2 Treatment of CRTH2-mediated diseases and conditions
The present invention provides indole derivatives that antagonize prostaglandin D2, and that can be used to treat inflammatory diseases mediated by prostaglandin D2.
US08163933B2 Clean, high-yield preparation of S,S and R,S amino acid isosteres
The present invention provides compounds and methods that can be used to convert the intermediate halomethyl ketones (HMKs), e.g., chloromethyl ketones, to the corresponding S,S- and R,S-diastereomers. More particularly, the present invention provides: (1) reduction methods; (2) inversion methods; and (3) methods involving the epoxidation of alkenes. Using the various methods of the present invention, the R,S-epoxide and the intermediary compounds can be prepared reliably, in high yields and in high purity.
US08163932B2 Substituted indolealkanoic acids
Disclosed are substituted indolealkanoic acids useful in the treatment of chronic complications arising from diabetes mellitus. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treatment employing the compounds, as well as methods for their synthesis.
US08163931B2 Treatment of CRTH2-mediated diseases and conditions
The present invention provides indole derivatives that antagonize prostaglandin D2, and that can be used to treat inflammatory diseases mediated by prostaglandin D2.
US08163930B2 Process for preparing pyridinamines and novel polymorphs thereof
The present invention relates to an improved process for the synthesis and purification of 3-chloro-N-(3-chloro-5-tri-fluoromethyl-2-pyridyl)-a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-p-toluidine (fluazinam) and other pyridinamines, which implements methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as the reaction solvent. The process of the invention overcomes the drawbacks of prior art methods, by reducing the side reactions such as hydrolysis, eliminating the need for difficult and labor-intensive purification methods, and providing pure products in higher yields. The present invention relates to novel crystalline polymorphic forms fluazinam, and to mixtures of the polymorphs. The present invention also provides methods for preparing the novel polymorphs, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of using the polymorphs as pesticidal agents for combating noxious living organisms on agricultural and horticultural crops.
US08163923B2 Spiro substituted compounds as angiogenesis inhibitors
The present invention relates to spiro (tetracarbon) substituted compound of Formula I, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient, methods for the treatment of disease states associated with angiogenesis, such as cancers associated with protein tyrosine kinases, to their use as medicaments for use in the production of inhibition of tyrosine kinases reducing effects in warm-blooded animals such as humans.
US08163916B2 Azaadamantane ester and carbamate derivatives and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to compounds that are substituted azaadamantane ester and carbamate derivatives, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions.
US08163908B2 Sirtuin modulating compounds
Provided herein are novel sirtuin-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof. The sirtuin-modulating compounds may be used for increasing the lifespan of a cell, and treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, for example, diseases or disorders related to aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, and/or flushing as well as diseases or disorders that would benefit from increased mitochondrial activity. Also provided are compositions comprising a sirtuin-modulating compound in combination with another therapeutic agent.
US08163906B2 Dihydroquinone and dihydronaphthridine inhibitors of JNK
Compounds of formula I are effective modulators of JNK: wherein X is CR11 or N; Y is —C(O)R3, 5-membered heteroaryl, or 5-membered heterocyclyl; Z is phenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl, and is substituted with R1 and R2; R1 and R2 are each independently H, halo, CN, lower alkyl, or —Y1—Y2—Y3—R8, or R1 and R2 together form —O(CH2)nO—, where n is 1 or 2; Y1 is —O—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —C(O)NR9—, —NR9C(O)—, —S—, —SO2—, or a bond; Y2 is cycloalkylene, heterocycloalkylene, lower alkylene or a bond; Y3 is —O—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —C(O)NR9—, —NR9C(O)—, —SO2—, or a bond; R8 is H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, or —NR9R10, wherein R8 other than H is optionally substituted with lower alkyl, halo, —CF3, or —OH; R9 and R10 are each independently H or lower alkyl; R3 is OH, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, (lower alkoxy)-lower alkoxy, or —NR9R10; R4 is lower alkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heteroaryl, and is optionally substituted with lower alkyl, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, halo, nitro, amino, cyano, or halo-lower alkyl; R5 and R6 are each independently H, halo, cyano, lower alkyl, —CF3, lower alkoxy, —OCHF2, —NO2, or —NR9R10; R7 is H, F, Cl, methyl, or OH; R11 is H, lower alkyl, lower cycloalkyl, or phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08163905B2 Compounds and their uses 708
The present invention relates to pyrazinone derivatives of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as herein defined; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.
US08163893B2 Pseudotyped retroviral vectors and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding recombinant envelope proteins; and packaging cells comprising the nucleic acids, which packaging cells provide for encapsidation of recombinant retroviral vectors. The present invention provides producer cells that produce pseudotyped recombinant retroviral vectors. The present invention further provides methods of purifying pseudotyped recombinant retroviral vectors; and purified pseudotyped recombinant retroviral vectors. The present invention further provides methods of delivering a gene product to an individual. The methods generally involve introducing a subject recombinant retroviral vector into an individual.
US08163890B2 Production of recombinant proteins by autoproteolytic cleavage of a fusion protein
Disclosed is a method for the production of a heterologous polypeptide of interest with a homogenous N-terminus, using a fusion polypeptide comprising the polypeptide of interest and N-terminally thereto a polypeptide exhibiting autoproteolytic function, said method comprising the steps of a) binding of the fusion polypeptide in a soluble, autoproteolytically inactive form by an affinity chromatography system, b) refolding of the fusion polypeptide, thereby activating the autoproteolytic function of the fusion polypeptide and causing cleavage of the heterologous polypeptide of interest, and c) subsequently eluting the heterologous polypeptide of interest, wherein said steps are conducted on one affinity chromatography system.
US08163887B2 Use of immunoconjugates to enhance the efficacy of multi-stage cascade boosting vaccines
Humoral and cellular immune responses against tumor cells and infectious agents are induced in a mammal using a vaccine comprising immunoconjugates that comprise antibodies and anti-idiotype antibodies that mimic an epitope of an antigen that is associated with a tumor or an infectious agent. These immunoconjugates also comprise a peptide that contains an epitope of a tumor associated antigen or infectious agent antigen, a peptide that contains a minimal recognition unit of an anti-idiotype antibody, or a peptide that induces a strong major histocompatibility complex-restricted immune response. Antibodies and cytokines also may be used to amplify the immune cascade.
US08163885B2 Humanized antibodies against human interferon-alpha
The present invention provides humanized anti-human IFN-α monoclonal antibodies useful for therapeutic applications in humans. Preferred antibodies are humanized versions of murine antibodies ACO-1 and ACO-2, as well as variants thereof.
US08163884B2 Interleukin-21 receptor binding proteins
The present invention provides binding proteins and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R). The binding proteins can act as, e.g., antagonists of IL-21R activity, thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by IL-21R in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used, e.g., in diagnosing and/or treating IL-21R-associated disorders, e.g., inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.
US08163882B2 Polypeptide variants with altered effector function
The present invention concerns polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region. More particularly, the present invention concerns Fc region-containing polypeptides that have altered effector function as a consequence of one or more amino acid modifications in the Fc region thereof.
US08163880B2 Production of biologically active proteins
A fusion protein that is expressed in a recombinant protein body-like assembly (RPBLA) in host eukaryotic cells and organisms is disclosed. More particularly, a biologically active polypeptide fused to a protein sequence that mediates the induction of RPBLA formation is expressed and accumulated in host cells after transformation with an appropriate vector. The eukaryotic host cell does not produce protein bodies in the absence of the fusion protein. Methods for preparing and using the RPBLAs and the fusion protein are also disclosed, as are nucleic acid molecules that encode the fusion proteins.
US08163878B2 Tumor Endothelial Marker 5-α molecules and uses thereof
The present invention provides Tumor Endothelial Marker 5α (TEM5α) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing TEM5α polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with TEM5α polypeptides.
US08163875B2 Polymer conjugated glycosylated neublastin
The following class of molecule is disclosed: a dimer containing a first neublastin polypeptide and a second neublastin polypeptide, wherein: (a) at least one of the polypeptides is glycosylated; (b) at least one of the polypeptides is conjugated at its N-terminus to a water-soluble synthetic polymer; and (c) neither of the polypeptides is conjugated to a water-soluble synthetic polymer at a position other than the N-terminus. Such dimers possess the biological activity of wild-type neublastin while displaying enhanced serum half-life and enhanced potency relative to wild-type neublastin.
US08163873B2 Isolated microtubule-associated protein tau peptides and kit
A monoclonal antibody which forms an immunological complex with a phosphorylated epitope of an antigen belonging to human abnormally phosphorylated tau proteine. The tau protein can be obtained from a brain homogenate, itself isolated from the cerebral cortex of a patient having Alzheimer's disease.
US08163870B2 Channel forming peptides
The present invention provides a family of peptides based upon the M2GlyR sequence. These peptides are derivatives of the M2GlyR sequence and can be modified at their ends to include a plurality of polar amino acid residues to enhance their solubility. Particularly preferred derivatives include portions of the M2GlyR sequence which are palindromic to another portion of the peptide or to the M2GlyR sequence itself. Preferably these portions are at least 7 amino acid residues in length. Peptides embraced by the present invention are characterized by having greater effects on the transepithelial electrical resistance of cells at lower concentrations. Peptides of the present invention have been shown to increase Isc in MDCK epithelial cell monolayers with half maximal effects observed at or below 30 μM, a nearly 10-fold improvement over any peptide previously characterized in the M2GlyR family. Additionally, peptides of the invention have been shown to increase transepithelial electrical conductance and modulate the permeability of tight junctions in epithelial cells.
US08163867B2 Process for producing polycarbonates and a coordination complex used therefor
The complex of the present invention containing an onium salt and a central Lewis acidic metal has a high catalytic activity at a high temperature for the copolymerization of an epoxide and carbon dioxide to produce a high molecular weight poly-carbonate.
US08163866B2 Aromatic polyester resin composition
An aromatic polyester resin composition, including: a melt-kneaded product of 99-70 wt. parts of an aromatic polyester resin and 1-30 wt. parts (providing a total of 100 wt. parts together with the aromatic polyester resin) of a polyglycolic acid resin, wherein the aromatic polyester resin is an aromatic polyester resin polymerized with a germanium compound (catalyst), and the polyglycolic acid resin is a polyglycolic acid resin obtained by ring-opening polymerization of glycolide. As a result, gas generation during the melt-processing of a composition obtained by adding a relatively small amount of polyglycolic acid resin to an aromatic polyester resin is effectively suppressed to provide an aromatic polyester resin composition with a good gas-barrier property.
US08163865B2 Biocompatible amino acid anhydride polymers
Biocompatible amino acid anhydride polymers for use in tissue engineering, and methods for their preparation and use.
US08163864B2 Sulfonated polyarylene compounds, membrane material made therefrom, method for the production thereof and use
The invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and relates to sulfonated polyarylene compounds such as can be used for example in ion exchange membranes in fuel cells, as well as a method for the production thereof and the use thereof. The object of the present invention is to disclose hydrolytically and thermally resistant sulfonated polyarylene compounds with a defined degree and position of sulfonation, from which membrane materials with an improved resistance to hydrolysis can be produced. The object is attained through sulfonated polyarylene compounds according to at least one of the general formulas (I)-(IV).
US08163860B2 Norbornene copolymer and production method thereof
The invention relates to a norbornene copolymer having excellent properties such as transparency, heat resistance, low water absorption and electric insulating property, which copolymer comprises a monomer unit represented by formula (1) and formula (2) and having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 300,000 to 2,000,000. (In the formulae, R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.)
US08163857B2 Polyfluoroalkadiene mixture and method for producing the same
A mixture of polyfluoroalkadienes represented by the general formulae: CF3(CF2)nCF═CH(CF2)m+1CH═CH2 [Ia] and CF3(CF2)n+1CH═CF(CF2)mCH═CH2 [Ib], wherein n is an integer of 0 to 5, and m is an integer of 0 to 6, is obtained as a mixture fraction of products [Ia] and [Ib] by reacting a polyfluoroalkyl iodide represented by the general formula: CF3(CF2)n+1CH2(CF2)m+1(CH2CH2)I [II], with an organic basic compound. The polyfluoroalkadiene mixture is compounds having a perfluoroalkyl group in which the number of successive CF2 groups is 5 or less, and is effectively used as a copolymerizable monomer in the production of resinous or elastomeric fluorine-containing copolymers, which are used as active ingredients of surface-treating agents, such as water- and oil-repellents and mold-release agents.
US08163856B2 Method and system to add high shear to improve an ionic liquid catalyzed chemical reaction
In an embodiment, a method is disclosed to increase the activity of an ionic liquid catalyst comprising emulsifying the ionic liquid catalyst with one or more liquid components. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising introducing into a reaction zone a monomer feed and a reduced amount of ionic liquid catalyst and controlling an amount of shear present in the reaction zone to maintain a desired conversion reaction of the monomer. In an embodiment, a catalyzed reaction system is disclosed comprising a reactor configured to receive one or more liquid components and ionic liquid catalyst; a device coupled to the reactor for adding high shear to the liquid components and ionic liquid catalyst; and a controller coupled to the device for adding high shear and configured to control the amount of shear added to a catalyzed reaction zone to maintain a conversion reaction.
US08163851B2 Polymeric salts and poly-NHC-metal complexes
The invention provides a polymeric salt, wherein the monomer unit of the polymeric salt comprises two nitrogen containing heterocyclic groups joined by a rigid linker group. The nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic groups are disposed so as to enable a polymeric carbene formed by from the polymeric salt to complex with a metal atom. The invention also provides a polymeric metal complex which may be made from the polymeric salt, and which may be used in a Suzuki coupling reaction. The polymeric salt may be used as a heterogeneous organic catalyst for cyanation reaction.
US08163849B2 Process of producing polylactic acid
It is an object of the present invention to produce a polylactic acid having a high molecular weight such as a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of more than 100,000 from which only a stereocomplex crystal is grown even by repeating melting and crystallization. The present invention is a process of producing a polylactic acid, including the steps of: (i) obtaining a solid by kneading together poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D-lactic acid) at a temperature of 160 to 225° C. and crystallizing the kneaded product; and (ii) melt kneading the obtained solid.
US08163847B2 Capped poly(arylene ether) composition and process
A thermoset composition exhibiting reduced water absorption in the cured state includes an olefinically unsaturated monomer and a capped poly(arylene ether) prepared by the reaction of an uncapped poly(arylene ether) with an anhydride capping agent. The capped poly(arylene ether) is isolated and/or purified by methods that reduce the concentrations of polar impurities that contribute to water absorption by the cured composition.
US08163844B2 Methacrylic resin composition, resin modifier, and molded article
A methacrylic resin composition in which a star block copolymer (B) in the form of particles is dispersed in a matrix (A) composed of a methacrylic resin comprising not less than 50% by mass of a methyl methacrylate unit. The methacrylic resin composition is obtained by bulk-polymerizing or solution-polymerizing 100 parts by mass of a monomer mixture (A′) containing 50 to 100% by mass of methyl methacrylate and 0 to 50% by mass of other vinyl monomer copolymerizable with the methyl methacrylate, in the presence of 1 to 80 parts by mass of the star block copolymer (B) comprising a polymer block (a) composed of a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester unit and a polymer block (b) composed of a conjugated diene compound unit, until the polymerization conversion of the monomer reaches 70% by mass or more.
US08163842B2 Transparent composite material and process for producing the same
This invention relates to a method for producing a transparent composite material comprising a first step of subjecting a synthetic smectite having a number average particle diameter of from 10 to 300 nm and an aspect ratio of from 10 to 300 to organizing treatment with an organic quaternary ammonium salt and/or an organic quaternary phosphonium salt; a second step of mixing the synthetic smectite subjected to organizing treatment and a curable resin to prepare a resin composition containing the synthetic smectite in an amount of 10 to 40 mass %; a third step of curing the resin composition to obtain a cured product; and a forth step of removing the organic volatile components remaining in the cured product. According to the method, a transparent composite material which is flexible and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion can be obtained which is reduced in outgassing at high temperature under vacuum as in vapor deposition of a conductive thin film.
US08163841B2 Polyethylene naphthalate fibers and method for producing the same
Polyethylene naphthalate fibers that are characterized in that the fibers have a crystal volume of from 550 to 1,200 nm3 obtained by wide angle X-ray diffraction of the fiber and a degree of crystallization of from 30 to 60%. It is preferred that the fibers have a maximum peak diffraction angle of wide angle X-ray diffraction of from 25.5 to 27.0° and a melting point of from 285 to 315° C. The production method thereof is characterized in that a particular phosphorus compound is added to the polymer in a molten state, the spinning draft ratio after discharging from the spinneret is from 100 to 5,000, and the molten polymer immediately after discharging from the spinneret is allowed to pass through a heat-retaining spinning chimney at a temperature within ±50° C. of a temperature of the molten polymer, and is drawn.
US08163839B2 Pigment dispersants, their production process, and their use
A pigment dispersant contains (a) 5 to 30 wt % of aromatic and/or heterocyclic vinyl monomer units, (b) 10 to 30 wt % of monomer units having acid groups, (c) 40 to 80 wt % of (meth)acrylate ester monomer units, and (d) 5 to 30 wt % of monomer units having poly(C2-6-alkylene glycol) chains or mono(C1-22-alkyl)ether chains of said glycol, said poly(C2-6-alkylene glycol) chains or mono (C1-22-alkyl)ether chains having a number average molecular weight of from 150 to 1,500. A sum of the monomer units (a) to (d) amounts to 100 wt %. The pigment dispersant has an acid value of from 30 to 300 mgKOH/g, a number average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 30,000, and a content of organic compounds, boiling points of which are not higher than 250° C., of not higher than 0.2 wt %. Also disclosed are its production process, its aqueous solution and its dispersion.
US08163836B2 Adhesive composition and adhesive film
An adhesive composition which is reduced in gas generation upon heating (has low hygroscopicity), has high alkali resistance, has heat resistance of 200° C. or higher, and can be easily removed with a stripping liquid; and an adhesive film made with the adhesive composition. The adhesive composition is prepared using, at least as a major ingredient, an acrylic polymer produced from (a) styrene, (b) a (meth)acrylic ester monomer containing a cyclic skeleton, and (c) an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer. The adhesive film has an adhesive composition layer formed from this adhesive composition.
US08163834B2 Photoresponsive ionogel
A photoresponsive ionogel comprising a photo-responsive polymer polymerised within an ionic liquid matrix is described. This solid-state electrolyte material maintains its ionic liquid characteristics but these characteristics can be altered upon irradiation of the gel with light of a particular wavelength. By suitably configuring the ionogel through the incorporation of specific ions within the gel it is possible to cause dramatic changes in properties of the ionogel such as viscosity, conductivity, acidity, basicity and polarity using light as the stimulus.
US08163832B2 Aqueous emulsion and uses thereof
The invention is to provide: an aqueous emulsion which is excellent in emulsion polymerization stability when produced, and is excellent in mechanical stability, freezing stability, stability to long-term standing at high temperatures, water resistance adhesive property, and redispersibility; and a redispersible resin and adhesive where the aqueous emulsion is used. The invention relates to an aqueous emulsion comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (A) comprising a 1,2-diol component in a side chain and having an average degree of polymerization of 50 to 2,500 and a polymer (B) comprising at least one unsaturated monomer selected from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a diene-based monomer.
US08163829B2 Use of phosphoric acid to reduce the quantity of free dispersing agent in a method for concentrating calcium carbonate in water
The invention consists of the use of phosphoric acid, in a method for concentrating an aqueous dispersion or suspension of calcium carbonate in the presence of at least one acrylic dispersing agent, as an agent for reducing the quantity of free dispersing agent, i.e. the fraction of acrylic dispersing agent not adsorbed onto the surface of the particles of the calcium carbonate and present in the aqueous phase. It also pertains to the aqueous dispersions or suspensions of calcium carbonate, exhibiting a reduced quantity of free dispersing agent.
US08163823B2 Highly neutralized acid polymers and their use in golf balls
The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer which includes a polymer composition containing at least 50 wt % of an acid polymer and at least 0.5 wt % of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of alkylamines, alkanol amines, and fatty acid amines, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total polymeric weight of the polymer composition. At least 70% of the acid groups of the acid polymer are neutralized by a cation source or a metal salt thereof.
US08163821B2 Tire rubber composition and heavy-load tire
The present invention provides: a rubber composition for a tire that achieves both good fuel economy and abrasion resistance, and also achieves good degradation resistance and processability; and a heavy-load tire having a tread produced therefrom. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire, comprising a rubber component that contains a modified natural rubber having a phosphorus content of 200 ppm or less and a butadiene rubber, wherein the amount of the modified natural rubber is 60 to 95% by mass and the amount of the butadiene rubber is 5 to 40% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the rubber component.
US08163820B2 Process for producing aqueous pigment dispersions for ink-jet recording
A process is provided for producing aqueous pigment dispersions for ink-jet recording in which fine pigments are stably dispersed and such a state can be maintained for a long period of storing. Moreover, a process is provided for producing aqueous pigment dispersions for ink-jet recording in which the time required for production such as dispersing time is short, and the production efficiency is high. The process for producing aqueous pigment dispersions for ink-jet recording includes a first step of kneading (1) a styrene-acrylic type resin with a styrene type monomer unit of 50 to 90 mass %, and at least one unit selected from an acrylic monomer unit and methacrylic monomer unit, having an acid value of 50 to 300, (2) a pigment, (3) a basic compound, and (4) a humectant to produce a solid colored kneaded product, and a second step of dispersing the solid colored kneaded product in an aqueous medium comprising water or water and humectant.
US08163819B2 Adhesive compositions, micro-fluid ejection devices and methods for attaching micro-fluid ejection heads
Adhesive compositions, micro-fluid ejection devices, and methods for attaching micro-fluid ejection heads to devices. One such adhesive composition is provided for use in attaching a micro-fluid ejection head to a device, such as to reduce chip bowing and/or to decrease chip fragility upon curing of the adhesive. Such an exemplary composition may include one having from about 50.0 to about 95.0 percent by weight of at least one cross-linkable resin selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, siloxane resins, urethane resins, and functionalized olefin resins; from about 0.1 to about 25.0 percent by weight of at least one thermal curative agent; and from about 0.0 to about 30.0 percent by weight filler, and exhibit a relatively low shear modulus upon curing (e.g., less than about 10.0 MPa at 25° C.).
US08163817B2 Aqueous ink, ink set, image forming method and image forming apparatus
An aqueous ink to be used together with a pigment ink containing a pigment and a polymer, wherein the aqueous ink contains a reactive component for destabilizing the dispersion state of the pigment, the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 30 milliseconds is 41 mN/m or more, and the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds is from 28 mN/m or more to 38 mN/m or less as determined by a maximum bubble pressure method.
US08163815B2 Dental resin composition, method of manufacture, and method of use thereof
Disclosed herein are curable (meth)acrylate resins for dental compositions obtained by reacting an anhydride with an alcohol or an amine to obtain a carboxy ester or a carboxy amide and reacting the carboxy ester or carboxy amide with a (meth)acrylate monomer comprising an epoxide group or an oxetane group.
US08163814B2 Process of forming crosslinked copolymer film, crosslinked copolymer film formed thereby, and water purification membrane
Azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene monomers and synthesized and used in the preparation of various copolymers. Among these copolymers are those prepared from ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene, polyethylene glycol-substituted cyclooctene, and azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene. These copolymers are useful in the formation of crosslinked films that reduce fouling of water purification membranes.
US08163813B2 Photocurable composition and method for producing molded product with fine pattern
To provide a photocurable composition from which a cured product excellent in mold release characteristics and mechanical strength can be obtained, and a method for producing a molded product excellent in durability, with a fine pattern having a reverse pattern of a mold precisely transferred on its surface.A photocurable composition 20 comprising from 15 to 60 mass % of a compound (A) which is an aromatic compound having at least two rings or an alicyclic compound having at least two rings and which has two (meth)acryloyloxy groups, from 5 to 40 mass % of a compound (B) having a fluorine atom and having at least one carbon-carbon unsaturated double bond (excluding the compound (A)), from 10 to 55 mass % of a compound (C) having one (meth)acryloyloxy group (excluding the compound (B)) and from 1 to 12 mass % of a photopolymerization initiator (D) (provided that (A)+(B)+(C)+(D)=100 mass %) is used.
US08163812B2 Process for making thermally resistant mineral-filled polyacetal
The present invention relates to a method of making polyacetal compositions and molded articles of these, which comprise at least one mineral filler that has not been previously coated before being mixed into the compositions.
US08163811B2 Fire retardant elastic foam material
The present invention relates to an expandable and crosslinkable elastomeric material with improved fire retardant properties and low smoke generation, the manufacturing and use of the material. The material includes polychloroprene as a main polymeric ingredient and chloroparaffin and which is expanded to a final density of less than 200 kg/m3.
US08163810B2 Resinous composition comprising special visual effect additive and method
Disclosed is a method for substantially diminishing or essentially eliminating a visible knitline in an article derived from a resinous composition comprising at least one thermoplastic resin and at least one special visual effect additive, which comprises the steps of (i) including in the composition an effective amount of at least one chemical foaming agent, and (ii) forming the article in a process that produces a knitline, wherein the article exhibits a substantially diminished or essentially no visible knitline compared to a similar article prepared without chemical foaming agent. Also disclosed are resinous compositions related thereto. Articles made from the compositions are also disclosed.
US08163809B2 Process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by Fisher Tropsch Synthesis reactions in a syngas treatment unit
The present invention provides a process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by FTS reactions in a syngas treatment unit by utilizing heat exchangers and optionally associated pipes that are substantially fabricated of a material selected from the group consisting of chromium containing alloys and carbon steel for heating up gas streams having a carbon monoxide partial pressure of less than or equal to one bar and obtained from a front end purification unit/cold box unit.
US08163807B2 Blending apparatus, blending method, phase inversion emulsifying method, and method for producing resin particle dispersion
A blending apparatus is provided, the blending apparatus including: an outer tube; and at least one inner tube disposed inside the outer tube, wherein a distal end, in a lengthwise direction, of the inner tube is located at an intermediate position, in a lengthwise direction, of the outer tube, and the inner tube has plural of through holes in a vicinity of the distal end thereof.
US08163801B2 Enzymatic production of peracids using perhydrolytic enzymes
A process is provided to produce a concentrated aqueous peracid solution in situ using at least one enzyme having perhydrolase activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (at a concentration of at least 500 mM) under neutral to acidic reaction conditions from suitable carboxylic acid esters (including glycerides) and/or amides substrates. The concentrated peracid solution produced is sufficient for use in a variety of disinfection and/or bleaching applications.
US08163797B2 Method of treating with stable pravastatin formulation
The present invention provides oral pravastatin formulations comprising a physical mixture of pravastatin and at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient, wherein the composition for at least 6 months after its preparation is stable and has a pH of greater than about 7 to less than 9, as well as methods for the preparation and use of these stable formulations.
US08163794B2 Crystalline form of a 3-phenoxymethylpyrrolidine compound
The invention provides a crystalline hydrochloride salt of (S)-3-[(S)-1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropyl]pyrrolidine. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline salt, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline salt, and methods of using the crystalline salt to treat diseases.
US08163793B2 Proline derivatives
The invention relates to a compound of formula (I) wherein A, R1-R6 are as defined in the description and in the claims. The compound of formula (I) can be used as a medicament.
US08163790B2 Metronidazole cocrystals and imipramine cocrystals
Cocrystals of metronidazole are described herein. Such cocrystals are a cocrystal of metronidazole with gentisic acid and a cocrystal of metronidazole with gallic acid. Cocrystals of imipramine hydrochloride are also described. Such cocrystals are a cocrystal of imipramine hydrochloride with (+)-camphoric acid, a cocrystal of imipramine hydrochloride with fumaric acid, and a cocrystal of imipramine hydrochloride with 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid.
US08163789B2 Selective and dual-action p53/MDM2/MDM4 antagonists
A fragment-based strategy, involving “multicomponent reaction chemistry” (MCR), can identify novel chemotypes that disrupt the p53/MDM2 or p53/MDM4 complex employs. This approach uses high resolution structural information to delineate the region of a first protein or a ligand that is nestled within the binding pocket of a second target protein. The identified region is imported into a database containing MCR scaffolds to generate a virtual library of compounds, which subsequently are docked into the binding pocket of the target protein. Results from docking then are used to select compounds for synthesis and screening. A complementary, NMR-based methodology allows for screening the ability of compounds, selected using MCR, to disrupt the p53/MDM2 or p53/MDM4 complex.
US08163788B2 Low-molecular inhibitors of cytohesin-family guanine nucleotide exchange factors
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and the use thereof, wherein the pharmaceutical composition contains compounds selected from a group of general formulas (5), (6), (7) and (8) and/or enantiomers, diastereomers or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The pharmaceutical composition is used for treating autoimmune and tumoral diseases and/or for immunosuppresion.
US08163786B2 Preparation of a lead-free primary explosive
Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing a cupric salt; providing water; providing a 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cupric salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture, heating the mixture, adding a reducing agent and stirring with continued heating. The method may also include providing cupric chloride, sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate and sodium ascorbate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. The method includes: providing cupric salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cupric salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture, heating the mixture, adding a reducing agent and stirring with continued heating. The method may also include providing cupric chloride, sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate and sodium ascorbate.
US08163783B2 Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors and methods of use
Provided herein are novel compounds that inhibit ribonucleotide reductase (RR) by binding to RRM2 and interfering with the activity of the RRM1/RRM2 holoenzyme. These inhibitors may be used to inhibit RR activity and to treat various conditions associated with RRM2 expression, such as for example certain cancer types, mitochondrial diseases, or degenerative diseases.
US08163782B2 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compositions
Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid derivative are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating or preventing a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated therewith.
US08163780B2 Nicotine receptor agonists in stem cell and progenitor cell recruitment
The present invention features methods for recruitment of bone marrow-derived stem cells (e.g., endothelial cell precursors, hematopoietic stem cells) by administration of nicotine or other nicotine receptor agonist. The methods of the invention can be used in, for example, treatment of conditions amenable to treatment by recruitment of bone marrow-derived stem cells (e.g., neutropenia).
US08163778B2 Pyridines as FBPase inhibitors for treatment of diabetes
Compounds of formula (I) as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof wherein the residues have the significance given in claim 1 and which can be used in the form of pharmaceutical compositions.
US08163777B2 Benzimidazolyl-pyridine compounds for inflammation and immune-related uses
The invention relates to compounds of formula (XVI): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof wherein Y2, Z, L1, R9, R10, m and u are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, immune disorders, and allergic disorders.
US08163766B2 Beta-secretase modulators and methods of use
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein A, B, R3, R4, R5, i and j are defined herein. The invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions including one or more compounds of Formula I, methods of use for these compounds, including treatment of AD and related diseases, by administering the compound(s) of Formula I, or compositions including them, to a subject. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formulas II and III, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of the invention.
US08163765B2 Substituted indolyl-alkyl-amino-derivatives as inhibitors of histone deacetylase
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (1) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X and Y have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US08163758B2 Phenyl substituted pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blockers possessing beta agonist activity
Provided is class of sodium channel blockers. One example of such a compound is shown by the following formula: The compounds are useful for promoting hydration of mucosal surfaces and treating a variety of disease conditions.
US08163754B2 Purine derivatives for use as adenosine A-2A receptor agonists
Compounds of formula I in free or salt form, wherein R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions mediated by activation of the adenosine A2A receptor, especially inflammatory or obstructive airways diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and a process for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08163753B2 2,3-dihydro-6-nitroimidazo (2,1-b) oxazole compounds for the treatment of tuberculosis
The present invention provides a 2,3-dihydro-6-nitroimidazo[2,1-b]oxazole compound represented by the following general formula: (1) in the above formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or C1-C6 alkyl group, n represents an integer of 0 to 6, R1 and —(CH2)nR2 may form a spiro ring represented by the formula (30) below, together with the adjacent carbon atom (in the formula below, RRR represents a piperidyl group which may have substituents on the piperidine ring), (30) and R2 represents a benzothiazolyloxy group, quinolyloxy group, pyridyloxy group or the like. The present compound has an excellent bactericidal action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and atypical acid-fast bacteria.
US08163748B2 s-Triazine compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and method of using the same
Novel s-triazine compounds are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, where microbial infection is either a direct cause or a related condition.
US08163741B2 Use of aryl-substituted polycyclic amines as medicaments
The invention relates to therapeutic use of aryl-substituted polycyclic amines of the formula I, especially bicyclic amines, and to the physiologically tolerated salts and physiologically functional derivatives thereof; where the symbols and radicals are explained in the description.
US08163739B2 2-arylthiazole-4-carboxamide derivatives, their preparation and use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to 2-arylthiazole-4-carboxamide derivatives of the formula (I), the use thereof as medicament for the treatment of various disorders, and processes for the preparation thereof
US08163736B2 Cytotoxic agents comprising new tomaymycin derivatives
The present invention is related to new tomaymycin derivatives, their process of preparation and their therapeutic uses.
US08163735B2 Sulfonamide compounds as cysteine protease inhibitors
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) that are inhibitors of cysteine proteases, in particular, cathepsins B, K, L, F, and S and are therefore useful in treating diseases mediated by these proteases. The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and processes for preparing them. Wherein R3 is -alkylene-SO2NR5R6.
US08163733B2 Sulfonylamino-derivatives as novel inhibitors of histone deacetylase
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, L, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US08163725B1 Gel compositions and methods of use
Improved topical gel compositions for the treatment of skin disorders are described. The gel compositions contain carbomer and methylparaben, and are substantially free of methylparaben crystalline particles after an extended period of storage.
US08163721B2 Management of breakthrough bleeding in extended hormonal contraceptive regimens
The present invention relates to a flexible extended use regimen for a hormonal contraceptive useful to manage bleeding problems associated with fixed extended use of hormonal contraceptives and to a pharmaceutical package containing the respective hormonal contraceptive.
US08163720B2 Pyrrolidinyl phenyl sulphonamides as modulators of ion channels
The present invention relates to phenyl sulfonamides useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders, including for example the treatment of pain.
US08163719B2 Regulators of the hedgehog pathway, compositions and uses related thereto
The present invention makes available, inter alia, methods and reagents for modulating smoothened-dependent pathway activation. In certain embodiments, the subject methods can be used to counteract the phenotypic effects of unwanted activation of a hedgehog pathway, such as resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function mutations.
US08163717B2 Dual chain synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs
The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having two peptide chains each branched from a branch moiety, such as trifunctional amino acid residues, the branch moieties separated by a first linker of from 3 to about 20 backbone atoms, which peptide chains bind a heparin-binding growth factor receptor and are covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain, preferably by a second linker, which may be a hydrophobic second linker. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as pharmaceutical agents, soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.
US08163716B1 Method of administering hyaluronan formulation for the amelioration of osteophytes
Disclosed is a method for the amelioration of osteophyte formation including administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exogenous hyaluronan formulation.
US08163710B2 Reduction of graft-versus-host disease by modulation of SHIP activity
Inhibition of dendritic cell function in solid organ grafts or allogeneic bone marrow transplants prior to or during engraftment by blocking SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) expression or function is taught as a method of abrogating immune rejection and thereby increasing the efficacy of engraftment of an allogeneic bone marrow transplant or solid organ allograft or xenograft. Also disclosed is a transgenic mouse having the genotype SHIP−/− which exhibits enhanced survival following mismatched allogeneic marrow grafts.
US08163708B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising anti-mirna antisense oligonucleotide
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising short single stranded oligonucleotides, of length of between 8 and 26 nucleobases which are complementary to human microRNAs selected from the group consisting of miR19b, miR21, miR122a, miR155 and miR375. The short oligonucleotides are particularly effective at alleviating miRNA repression in vivo. It is found that the incorporation of high affinity nucleotide analogues into the oligonucleotides results in highly effective anti-microRNA molecules which appear to function via the formation of almost irreversible duplexes with the miRNA target, rather than RNA cleavage based mechanisms, such as mechanisms associated with RNaseH or RISC.
US08163704B2 Glycoside derivatives and uses thereof
This invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I): wherein the variables are defined as herein above, which are useful for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the sodium D-glucose co-transporter (SGLT), e.g. diabetes. The invention also provides methods of treating such diseases and conditions, and compositions etc. for their treatment.
US08163701B2 Prodrugs of active agents
Disclosed herein are prodrugs of active agents which contain at least one amine, phenol, carboxylic acid, or thiol functionality. Also disclosed herein are methods of making prodrugs of active agents, pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of active agents and methods of using prodrugs of active agents and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08163700B2 Inhibitors of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) activity for regulating neural growth and regeneration
The present invention relates generally to products, compositions and methods useful for promoting neural repair and regeneration. The products and compositions of this invention include myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) derivatives that are inhibitors of endogenous MAG (e.g., mutant MAG proteins) and Nogo Receptor (NgR) binding inhibitors that are peptides derived from MAG, Nogo and OMgp that can bind to NgR and block NgR signaling. Peptides that can bind and activate NgR signaling are also provided. Inhibitory MAG derivatives and NgR binding inhibitors are useful for blocking the inhibition of neural regeneration mediated by proteins such as MAG, Nogo and/or OMgp in the nervous system. These inhibitors are also useful for treating neural degeneration associated with injuries, disorders or diseases.
US08163696B2 Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease using glucagon-like-peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogues
GLP-2 analogues are disclosed which comprise one of more substitutions as compared to [hGly2]GLP-2 and which improved biological activity in vivo and/or improved chemical stability, e.g., as assessed in in vitro stability assays. More particularly, preferred GLP-2 analogues disclosed herein comprise substitutions at one or more of positions 8, 16, 24 and/or 28 of the wild-type GLP-2 sequence, optionally in combination with further substitutions at position 2 (as mentioned in the introduction) and one or more of positions 3, 5, 7, 10 and 11, and/or a deletion of one or more of amino acids 31 to 33 and/or the addition of a N-terminal or C-terminal stabilizing peptide sequence. The analogues are particularly useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of stomach and bowel-related disorders and for ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy. Also disclosed are methods and kits for selecting a patient from populations suited for treatment with GLP-2 analogues.
US08163695B2 Formulations of human growth hormone comprising a non-naturally encoded amino acid
Formulations of modified human growth hormone polypeptides are provided.
US08163694B2 Method of treating diseases or abnormal conditions of periodontal or dental tissues with GDF5
The present invention concerns improved osteoinductive materials comprising matrix materials and morphogenetic proteins, wherein depending on the subject matter the proteins may be dimeric or monomeric proteins. The osteoinductive materials according to the present invention have improved properties. The invention further concerns methods for producing the respective improved osteoinductive materials.
US08163686B2 Delivery cartridge
A dishwasher detergent delivery cartridge comprises a plurality of unit dose elements of a dishwasher detergent composition, the composition being a substantially coherent mass and comprising at least 20 wt % of methyl glycine diacetic acid and/or a salt thereof and/or of glutamic diacetic acid and/or a salt thereof. Such compositions have been found to have excellent stability and/or performance in multi-dose applications.
US08163683B2 Pour point depressant for lubricant
There is provided a pour point depressant for lubricants that has an effect of lowering pour points of both solvent refined base oils and high viscosity index base oils. A pour point depressant for lubricants comprising: a mixture of an alkyl (meth)acrylate polymer (A) that is composed of an alkyl(meth)acrylate containing alkyl groups having an average carbon number (CA) of 12.5 to 13.8, and an alkyl(meth)acrylate polymer (B) that is composed of an alkyl(meth)acrylate containing alkyl groups having an average carbon number (CB) of 13.9 to 15.5.
US08163678B2 Enhanced oil recovery surfactant formulation and method of making the same
The present invention is directed to an enhanced oil recovery formulation which comprises: (a) an alkylaromatic sulfonate; (b) an isomerized olefin sulfonate (c) a solvent; (d) a passivator; and (e) a polymer.
US08163669B2 Fuel reformer catalyst and absorbent materials
Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials and methods for using the materials. The materials can be fabricated by spray processing. The use of the materials in AER can produce a H2 product gas having a high H2 content and a low level of carbon oxides.
US08163664B2 Fiberglass products for reducing the flammability of mattresses
Glass fiber products used to reduce the flammability of mattresses and upholstery are provided. In one embodiment, a veil formed of glass fibers, comfort enhancing fibers, and optionally a combination of synthetic fibers is positioned on the bottom of a mattress to provide fire resistance or prevention. The binder composition used to form the veil may include a binder with a low glass transition temperature and a flame retardant additive. In a second embodiment, a glass veil is utilized in a fire retarding composite formed of an encapsulating layer, a fire retarding veil, and a backing layer. Preferably, all of the fibers in the veil are glass fibers. The fire retarding composite is positioned on the mattress with the encapsulating layer against the cushioning material, the backing layer facing externally, and the veil sandwiched between the encapsulating layer and the backing layer. A fire retarding insulation product is also provided.
US08163657B2 Process for adjusting the size and shape of nanostructures
In accordance with the invention, a lateral dimension of a microscale device on a substrate is reduced or adjusted by the steps of providing the device with a soft or softened exposed surface; placing a guiding plate adjacent the soft or softened exposed surface; and pressing the guiding plate onto the exposed surface. Under pressure, the soft material flows laterally between the guiding plate and the substrate. Such pressure induced flow can reduce the lateral dimension of line spacing or the size of holes and increase the size of mesas. The same process also can repair defects such as line edge roughness and sloped sidewalls. This process will be referred to herein as pressed self-perfection by liquefaction or P-SPEL.
US08163652B2 Plasma processing method and plasma processing device
A plasma processing method using plasma includes steps of applying current to a coil and introducing gas into a processing chamber, applying a bias power that does not generate plasma, applying a source power to generate plasma so that a plasma density distribution is high above an outer circumference of a semiconductor wafer and low above a center of the semiconductor wafer, and forming a shape of a sheath layer having a positive ion space charge directly above the semiconductor wafer so as to be convex in an upper direction from the semiconductor wafer, thereby eliminating foreign particles trapped in a boundary of the sheath layer having a positive ion space charge directly above the semiconductor wafer, generating plasma for processing the semiconductor wafer under a condition different from the conditions of the previous steps.
US08163651B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor substrate by use of heterogeneous substrate and recycling heterogeneous substrate during fabrication thereof
The invention discloses a method of fabricating a first substrate and a method of recycling a second substrate during fabrication of the first substrate. The second substrate is heterogeneous for the first substrate. First, the fabricating method according to the invention is to prepare the second substrate. Subsequently, the fabricating method is to deposit a buffer layer on the second substrate. Then, the fabricating method is to deposit a semiconductor material layer on the buffer layer. The buffer layer assists the epitaxial growth of the semiconductor material layer, and serves as a lift-off layer. Finally, with an etching solution, the fabricating method is to only etch the lift-off layer to debond the second substrate away from the semiconductor material layer, where the semiconductor material layer serves as the first substrate.
US08163644B2 Template process for small pitch flip-chip interconnect hybridization
A process is disclosed for high density indium bumping of microchips by using an innovative template wafer upon which the bumps are initially fabricated. Once fabricated, these bumps are transferred to the microchip, after which can be hybridized to another microchip. Such a template wafer is reusable, and thus provides an economical way to fabricate indium bumps. Reusability also eliminates nonuniformities in bump shape and size in serial processing of separate microchips, which is not the case for other indium bump fabrication processes. Such a fabrication process provides a way to form relatively tall indium bumps and accomplishes this without the standard thick photoresist liftoff process. The described process can be suitable for bump pitches under 10 microns, and is only limited by the resolution of the photolithography equipment used.
US08163642B1 Package substrate with dual material build-up layers
Multi-layered, organic build-up semiconductor package substrates have build-up layers with layers of both fibrous organic dielectric material and non-fibrous organic dielectric material. Non-fibrous dielectric material layers are positioned below the signal metal layers and fibrous dielectric material layers are positioned below the power/ground plane metal layers. The package substrate combines in a single package substrate the advantages of rigidity, strength and relatively low CTE of a fibrous material with the capacity of a non-fibrous material to achieve fine resolution signal metal lines.
US08163637B2 Forming impurity regions in silicon carbide devices
First, a first layer made of Ni or an alloy including Ni may be formed on an upper surface of a semiconductor layer. Next, a second layer made of silicon oxide may be formed on an upper surface of the first layer. Next, a part, which corresponds to a semiconductor region, of the second layer may be removed. Next, second conductive type ion impurities may be injected from upper sides of the first and second layers to the semiconductor layer after the removing step.
US08163631B2 Methods for discretized processing and process sequence integration of regions of a substrate
The present invention provides methods and systems for discretized, combinatorial processing of regions of a substrate such as for the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of new materials, processes, and process sequence integration schemes used in integrated circuit fabrication. A substrate having an array of differentially processed regions thereon is processed by delivering materials to or modifying regions of the substrate.
US08163629B2 Metallization for chip scale packages in wafer level packaging
In one embodiment, a method for forming the semiconductor device includes forming a first trench from a front side of a substrate. The substrate has a front side and an opposite back side, and the first trench having sidewalls and a bottom surface. A insulator layer is formed over the sidewalls and the bottom surface. A first conductive layer is formed over a top portion of the sidewalls of the first trench. The substrate is separated along the first trench.
US08163627B2 Method of forming isolation layer of semiconductor device
A method of forming an isolation layer of a semiconductor device is disclosed herein, the method comprising the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate in which a tunnel insulating layer and a charge storage layer are formed on an active area and a trench is formed on an isolation area; forming a first insulating layer for filling a lower portion of the trench; forming a porous second insulating layer on the first insulating layer for filling a space between the charge storage layers; forming a third insulating layer on a side wall of the trench and the second insulating layer, the third insulating layer having a density higher than that of the second insulating layer; and forming a porous fourth insulating layer for filling the trench.
US08163623B2 Using a mesh to form a lower electrode in a capacitor
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which previously form sidewalls between lower electrodes to prevent bunkers and leaning phenomena during a sacrificial layer dip out process, thereby improving characteristic of the device, is provided. The method includes forming a mesh pattern defining a storage node region over a semiconductor substrate, forming a lower electrode over the semiconductor substrate and sidewalls of the mesh pattern, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate including the lower electrode, and forming an upper electrode over the dielectric layer.
US08163622B2 Method for angular doping of source and drain regions for odd and even NAND blocks
A method for creating NAND flash memory. Source implantations are performed at a first implantation angle to areas between stacked gate structures of a NAND string. Drain implantations are performed at a second implantation angle to areas between the stacked gate structures. The source implantation can include n-type and p-type materials implanted under different angles, and the drain implantation can include n-type and p-type materials implanted under different angles. Or, the source implantation can include multiple n-type implantations under different angles, and the drain implantation can include multiple n-type implantations under different angles.
US08163613B2 Methods of forming a plurality of capacitors
A method of forming a plurality of capacitors includes forming a plurality of individual capacitor electrodes using two masking steps. An earlier of the two masking steps is used to form an array of first openings over a plurality of storage node contacts. A later of the two masking steps is used to form an array of second openings received partially over and partially offset from the array of first openings. Overlapping portions of the first and second openings are received over the storage node contacts. After both of the two masking steps, conductive material of the individual capacitor electrodes is deposited into the overlapping portions of each of the first and second openings. The individual capacitor electrodes are incorporated into a plurality of capacitors. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08163612B2 Silicon germanium heterostructure barrier varactor
Methods and heterostructure barrier varactor (HBV) diodes optimized for application with frequency multipliers at providing outputs at submillimeter wave frequencies and above. The HBV diodes include a silicon-containing substrate, an electrode over the silicon-containing substrate, and one or more heterojunction quantum wells of alternating layers of Si and SiGe of one or more electrodes of the diode. Each SiGe quantum well preferably has a floating SiGe layer between adjacent SiGe gradients followed by adjacent Si layers, such that, a single homogeneous structure is provided characterized by having no distinct separations. The plurality of Si/SiGe heterojunction quantum wells may be symmetric or asymmetric.
US08163607B2 Semiconductor device and method of making the same
In a method of the present invention during a salicide process, before a second thermal process, a dopant is implanted at a place located in a region ranging from a NixSi layer at meddle height down to a front thereof, or before formation of the NixSi layer, located in a region ranging from a silicon layer at a depth ranging from a half of a predetermined thickness of a NiSi layer down to a depth where is a predetermined front of the NiSi layer. The dopant is allowed to be heated with the NixSi layer together during the second thermal process to form a Si/NiSi2/NiSi interface which may reduce SBH and improve series resistance to obtain a semiconductor device having an excellent performance.
US08163602B2 Ultraviolet energy curable tape and method of making a semiconductor chip using the tape
There is provided a UV energy curable tape comprising an adhesive material including a UV energy curable oligomer, a UV energy initiator, and a material which emits optical light when the tape composition is substantially fully cured. A semiconductor chip made using the tape is also provided.
US08163600B2 Bridge stack integrated circuit package-on-package system
A bridge stack integrated circuit package-on-package system is provided including forming a first integrated circuit package system having a first substrate, forming a second integrated circuit package system having a second substrate, and mounting a bridge integrated circuit package system on the first substrate and on the second substrate.
US08163599B2 Flip-chip mounting method, flip-chip mounting apparatus and tool protection sheet used in flip-chip mounting apparatus
A flip-chip mounting apparatus has a shield film (18) on the side of a pressurizing film (10b) of a tool protection sheet (10). When a semiconductor chip (1) is heated and pressurized via the tool protection sheet (10), the pressurizing film (10b) is released from a mold by a sheet fixing jig (9), and is expanded by a pressurizing/heating tool (11) to abut against an insulating resin film (5) protruding from the periphery of the semiconductor chip (1) and cure the insulating resin film (5) with an external pressure being applied.
US08163598B2 Clipless integrated heat spreader process and materials
In one or more embodiments, a method comprising applying thermo compression to a package assembly including a lid, a die, and a package substrate to assemble the package assembly is disclosed. The method may include assembling the package assembly without coupling a biasing mechanism to the lid. Heat may be applied to a bond head coupled with a pick and place tool. Heat may be applied to a bond stage coupled to a carrier for holding the package assembly during processing. An adhesive applied to the lid or package substrate may be allowed to at least partially cure. The method may further include, in an oven, reflowing a thermal interface material (TIM) coupled to the lid and the die, curing the TIM, and/or curing the adhesive, without using clips.
US08163592B2 Method of manufacturing thin film transistor, thin film transistor, and display unit
A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor capable of simplifying the steps is provided. The method of manufacturing a thin film transistor includes the steps of: forming a gate electrode and a gate insulating film sequentially on a substrate; forming an oxide semiconductor film in a shape including a planned channel formation region, a planned source electrode formation region, and a planned drain electrode formation region on the gate insulating film so that the whole oxide semiconductor film has the same carrier density as a carrier density of the planned channel formation region; forming a mask inhibiting heat transmission on the planned channel formation region; and heating the oxide semiconductor film in the air and thereby obtaining a higher carrier density of a region of the oxide semiconductor film not covered with the mask than the carrier density of the planned channel formation region.
US08163590B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are an image sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The image sensor includes a substrate including a pixel area and a logic circuit area; an interlayer dielectric layer on the substrate and having a trench in the pixel area; and an insulating layer microlens formed in the trench of the interlayer dielectric layer. According to the method, a substrate including a pixel area and a logic circuit area is prepared; an interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the substrate; a first microlens pattern is formed on the interlayer dielectric layer on the pixel area; and a second microlens pattern is formed by etching the interlayer dielectric layer on the pixel area using the first microlens pattern as an etch mask. During the etching, a second photoresist pattern, exposing the first microlens pattern, can be used to protect the interlayer dielectric layer on the logic circuit area.
US08163587B2 Methods of using a silicon nanoparticle fluid to control in situ a set of dopant diffusion profiles
A method of forming a multi-doped junction on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing the substrate doped with boron atoms, the substrate comprising a front substrate surface, and depositing an ink on the front substrate surface in an ink pattern, the ink comprising a set of nanoparticles and a set of solvents. The method further includes heating the substrate in a baking ambient to a first temperature of between about 200° C. and about 800° C. and for a first time period of between about 3 minutes and about 20 minutes in order to create a densified film ink pattern. The method also includes exposing the substrate to a dopant source in a diffusion furnace with a deposition ambient, the deposition ambient comprising POCl3, a carrier N2 gas, a main N2 gas, and a reactive O2 gas, wherein a ratio of the carrier N2 gas to the reactive O2 gas is between about 1:1 to about 1.5:1, at a second temperature of between about 700° C. and about 1000° C., and for a second time period of about 5 minutes to about 35 minutes. The method also includes heating the substrate in a drive-in ambient to a third temperature of between about 800° C. and about 1100° C.
US08163584B2 Method of minimizing beam bending of MEMS device by reducing the interfacial bonding strength between sacrificial layer and MEMS structure
The beam bending of a MEMS device is minimized by reducing interfacial strength between a sacrificial layer and a MEMS structure.
US08163580B2 Multiple die LED and lens optical system
A light emitting device includes a number of light emitting diode dies (LEDs) mounted on a shared submount and covered with a single lens element that includes a corresponding number of lens elements. The LEDs are separated from each other by a distance that is sufficient for lens element to include separate lens elements for each LED. The separation of the LEDs and lens elements may be configured to produce a desired amount of light on a target at a predefined distance. In one embodiment, the lens elements are approximately flat type lens elements, such as Fresnel, TIR, diffractive lens, photonic crystal type lenses, prism, or reflective lens.
US08163579B2 Method of manufacturing substrate for forming device, and method of manufacturing nitride-based semiconductor laser diode
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor laser diode. The method includes the steps of: preparing a GaN substrate having an a-plane or m-plane GaN layer formed thereon; forming a plurality of laser diode structures on the GaN layer; etching the GaN substrate such that a cutting reference line is formed in a groove shape along the crystal surface of the a-plane or m-plane, not a main plane; and cutting the GaN substrate along the cutting reference line so as to form a mirror surface of the semiconductor laser diode, the mirror surface coinciding with the crystal surface of the a-plane or m-plane, not the main plane.
US08163574B2 System and method for sensing voltage in medium-to-high voltage applications
A system and method for measuring voltage of a medium to high voltage line conductor is disclosed. The system includes an electrical insulator having a surface and an edge, the surface having an opening therein to allow passage of a line conductor therethrough in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface. The system also includes first and second electrodes positioned about the opening on the surface of the electrical insulator and spaced apart from one another to provide a common capacitive divider signal indicative of a voltage potential of the line conductor.
US08163569B2 Magnetic memory devices and methods of forming the same
Provided are a magnetic memory device and a method of forming the same. The method may include forming a pinning pattern on a substrate; forming a first interlayer insulating layer that exposes the pinning pattern on the substrate; forming a pinned layer, a tunneling barrier layer and a second magnetic conductive layer on the pinning pattern; and forming a pinned pattern, a tunnel barrier pattern and a second magnetic conductive pattern by performing a patterning process on the pinned layer, the tunnel barrier layer and the second magnetic conductive layer.
US08163565B2 Light curing fixative
The invention relates to a cell fixative that can be used in the preparation of slides for investigation by microscopy techniques. In particular the present invention provides a cell fixative that contains a light curable mounting medium.
US08163564B2 Computer connected to a smear preparing apparatus
A computer for receiving first and second sample attribute information regarding attributes of a sample, for determining parameter identification information for identifying a smear control parameter on the basis of the first sample attribute information, for generating first and second instruction to make a smear preparing apparatus prepare a smear of a sample, the first instruction including the parameter identification information, and the second instruction including the second sample attribute information, for transmitting the first and second instruction to the smear preparing apparatus is disclosed.
US08163562B2 Photon reducing agents for fluorescence assays
The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.
US08163553B2 Human trophoblast stem cells and use thereof
Existence of human trophoblast stem (hTS) cells has been suspected but unproved. The isolation of hTS cells is reported in the early stage of chorionic villi by expressions of FGF4, FGFR-2, Oct4, Thy-1, and stage-specific embryonic antigens distributed in different compartments of the cell. hTS cells are able to derive into specific cell phenotypes of the three primitive embryonic layers, produce chimeric reactions in mice, and retain a normal karyotype and telomere length. In hTS cells, Oct4 and fgfr-2 expressions can be knockdown by bFGF. These facts suggest that differentiation of the hTS cells play an important role in implantation and placentation. hTS cells could be apply to human cell differentiation and for gene and cell-based therapies.
US08163550B2 Enhancement of immune responses by 4-1BB-binding agents
This invention features methods of enhancing immune responses in mammalian subjects and in vitro methods of enhancing the response of a T cell. Also embodied by the invention are methods of receiving and preventing the induction of energy in T cells.
US08163549B2 Method of obtaining viable small tissue particles and use for tissue repair
The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.
US08163548B2 Recombinant bicistronic flaviviruses and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides recombinant bicistronic flaviviruses, particularly live attenuated recombinant bicistronic flavivirus, which comprise, in order from 5′ to 3′, a viral 5′UTR, an ORF encoding all viral proteins, an internal ribosome entry site, an exogenous nucleotide sequence that encodes an exogenous polypeptide, and a viral 3′UTR. Infection of a host cell with a recombinant flavivirus provides for expression of the exogenous nucleic acid in a host cell. Such recombinant flavivirus are useful for delivering a protein to a mammalian host; and for eliciting an immune response to the exogenous polypeptide.
US08163546B2 Mammalian cell-based immunoglobulin display libraries
Disclosed are mammalian cell surface display vectors for isolating and/or characterizing immunoglobulins and various uses thereof.
US08163545B2 Vaccine against pandemic strains of influenza viruses
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against avian or pandemic influenza. The compositions include adenovirus vectors comprising avian influenza antigens, recombinant adenovirus and immunogenic compositions comprising such recombinant vectors and adenovirus. Methods for eliciting an immune response against avian or pandemic influenza involving administering such adenovirus vectors or recombinant adenovirus are also provided.