| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08189514B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating bandwidth in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for requesting and allocating bandwidth in a broadband wireless communication system. The inventive method and apparatus includes a combination of techniques that allow a plurality of CPEs to communicate their bandwidth request messages to respective base stations. One technique includes a “polling” method whereby a base station polls CPEs individually or in groups and allocates bandwidth specifically for the purpose of allowing the CPEs to respond with bandwidth requests. The polling of the CPEs by the base station may be in response to a CPE setting a “poll-me bit” or, alternatively, it may be periodic. Another technique comprises “piggybacking” bandwidth requests on bandwidth already allocated to a CPE. In accordance with this technique, currently active CPEs request bandwidth using previously unused portions of uplink bandwidth that is already allocated to the CPE. The CPE is responsible for distributing the allocated uplink bandwidth in a manner that accommodates the services provided by the CPE. By using a combination of bandwidth allocation techniques, the present invention advantageously makes use of the efficiency benefits associated with each technique. |
| US08189512B2 |
Proxy mobile IP routing
A method and apparatus for routing communications traffic in a Proxy Mobile IP communications network. A Mobile Node is attached to a first Proxy Mobile Agent, and an optimized route is established between the Mobile Node and a Corresponding Node via the first Proxy Mobile Agent. When the Mobile Node subsequently attaches to a second Proxy Mobile Agent, a determination is made that the Mobile Node is no longer attached to the first Proxy Mobile Agent. As a result of the determination a request is sent from the first Proxy Mobile Agent to the Corresponding Node to cancel the route optimization. In one embodiment, packets from the Corresponding Node are bi-cast from the Proxy Mobile Agent to the Home Agent and the Mobile Node. The Proxy Mobile Agent determines that the Mobile Node is no longer attached to if packets are not returned from the Home Agent. |
| US08189508B2 |
Methods and apparatus for peer discovery assist
Methods and apparatus related to peer, network or service discovery in a mobile wireless system, such as an ad hoc peer-to-peer network, are described. Transmission of discovery information, such as upper layer discovery information, is divided into a number of portions to be transmitted separately over time. Transmission of the individual portions is structured to enable flexibility in the frequency of the peer discovery transmissions as well as the monitoring of such transmissions. Various embodiments facilitate rapid discovery and secure discovery, such as selective discovery by trusted peers. The structuring enables proxying of some transmissions by a third party, such as an assist node. The assist node receives discovery information portions being communicated at a first rate and retransmits the received discovery information portions at a second rate which is higher than the first rate. |
| US08189504B2 |
Physical layer header structure for decoding and synchronization
Systems, devices, processors, and methods are described which may be used for the reception of a wireless broadband signal at a user terminal from a gateway via a satellite. A wireless signal may include a series of physical layer frames, each frame including a physical layer header and payload. The received signal is digitized and processed using various novel physical layer headers and related techniques to synchronize the physical layer frames and recover data from physical layer headers for purposes of demodulation and decoding. |
| US08189503B2 |
Systems and methods for packaging and distributing information
A system (190) provides information to multiple subscribers (105-125). The system (190) receives requests for different types of information from the subscribers (105-125) and stores rules for delivering the requested information. The system (190) gathers information from multiple information sources (145-155), packages at least some of the gathered information into customized bundles according to the received requests and the stored rules, and delivers the customized bundles to the subscribers (105-125) according to the stored rules. |
| US08189502B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving control channels by restricting a set of the control channels in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a control channel in a base station for a wireless communication system. The base station transmits information including a number of channel elements constituting control channels, to a terminal; establishes a set of control channels that the terminal can receive, within the number of channel elements using an identifier (ID) of the terminal; and transmits control information to the terminal through a selected control channel among the control channels. The terminal is restricted to monitor only a proper number of control channels established without the need to monitor all control channels, thereby reducing reception complexity and avoiding unnecessary battery consumption. |
| US08189500B2 |
Communication terminal and communication system
A communication terminal having a control unit performs a station search for determining that a not-yet-connected station is included in connectable stations, and performs a trial connection to the not-yet-connected station for determining whether the not-yet-connected station is capable of accommodating packet data communication. The determination results of the trial connection for the packet data communication, or packetability, are stored in a memory in the control unit in association with a station ID of the not-yet-connected station. The stored packetability of the not-yet-connected station is used for notifying a user, from a presentation unit of the communication terminal, of the availability of the packet data communication for the improved usability of the packet data communication. |
| US08189498B2 |
Method and device for multi-user beamforming based on a frequency division duplex system
The present invention discloses an FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) system based multi-user beamforming method and device. The method comprises the steps of: when two or more user terminals are at respective AOAs (Angles of Arrival), determining a transmit weight of a downlink signal of each user terminal by using a null-widening algorithm, and storing the transmit weight in a network side; and, the network side grouping the user terminals based on AOA information reported by the user terminals, selecting a corresponding transmit weight for the downlink signal of each user terminal in each group based on the AOA information of the user terminals in the group, and transmitting the selected transmit weight after multiplying it by a downlink data stream of the user terminal corresponding to the transmit weight. The present invention can reduce the computation burden of the network side, enhance the efficiency of beamforming, and thus increase the capacity of the FDD system while ensuring the communication quality. |
| US08189497B2 |
Error detection and suppression in a TDMA-based network node
A network node (1) with a communication unit (2), which is provided for the implementation of a communication protocol for the purpose of communication with other network nodes via a communication medium (5), and with a bus monitor (3), which, mutually independently, each implement an access time schedule contained in a configuration data record, and which each make available, in accordance with the access time schedule, a release signal for a bus driver (4) provided in the network node (1), which evaluates these two signals and, in the event that the two release signals do not coincide, blocks the access of the network node (1) to the communication medium (5). |
| US08189495B2 |
Method for registering a communications device, and an associated communications device and registration unit
To register a communications device (UE1) in a communications network (CN), one or more temporary communications addresses (NI1, NI2) are negotiated between the communications device (UE1) and at least one registration unit (AV1) of the communications network (CN), the temporary communications addresses being valid only for a predeterminable utilization period (ZT1, ZT2). The temporary communications address (NI2) concerned is registered by the registration unit (AV1) for this utilization period (ZT2). |
| US08189492B2 |
Error recovery in an audio-video multipoint control component
Architecture for enabling a communications endpoint to quickly recover from a packet loss, reducing duration of a signal dropout. A communications component sends a downlink of dependency-structured signals, such as audio and/or video signals using compressed frames between key frames. A multipoint control component (MCC) is located between the communications component and multiple endpoints, and distributes the downlink to the multiple endpoints. A frame caching component caches a key frame of the downlink. If a key frame is lost at one of the endpoints, the endpoint sends a packet loss report to the frame caching component. The key frame is resent from the frame caching component to the endpoint in response to the key frame loss. In this way, the frame caching component can respond to specific frame loss situations on any of the endpoints, without interfering with the performance on the other endpoints. |
| US08189491B2 |
Apparatus and method of generating and maintaining non-orthogonal connection identifications (CIDs) for wireless peer-to-peer networks
Apparatus and method are provided for generating transmission connection identifiers (CIDs) in a non-orthogonal or pseudo-random manner identifying peer-to-peer connections in a wireless communication network. When a transmitter terminal intends to transmit to its peer receiver terminal, it just picks a transmission CID in a pseudo-random manner, without trying to avoid a similar transmission CID in a neighborhood. The method of generating this pseudo-random transmission CID may be agreed to between the transmitter and its intended receiver beforehand, for example, during the paging cycle. Also, the mapping between the transmission CID and a set of tone/symbols may not necessarily be orthogonal. In one embodiment, the transmission CID may also change over time in a pseudo-random fashion which is different between different transmitter/receiver pairs. With this property, two transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) pairs are not likely to use the same transmission CID for consecutive time intervals. |
| US08189490B2 |
Message analyzer and analysis method
A message analysis device serves for the analysis of messages transmitted via service access points on layers of an OSI reference model. The message analysis device comprises a storage device, for storing messages, a selection device, for reading a series of sequential messages and a display device, for the display of at least one first region and one second region. In the first region, a series of messages read by the selection device from the memory device can be displayed as a list. The selection device determines a characteristic feature of messages for at least one service access point, transmitted by the service access point, whereby the curve for the characteristic feature may be displayed on the display device in the second region. |
| US08189487B1 |
Determination of application latency in a network node
A method of operating a communication system to determine latent applications in a communication network comprises transferring a first packet comprising a first test code to a network node, receiving the first packet in the network node, and in response to the first test code, time stamping the first packet. The method further comprises, in the test server, determining a node latency of the network node based on the time stamps, and if the node latency is greater than a first threshold, then transferring a second packet comprising a second test code to the network node, and in the network node, receiving the second packet, and in response to the second test code, time stamping the second packet. The method further comprises, in the test server, determining an application latency of an application based the time stamps, and if the application latency is greater than a second threshold, then receiving application data associated with the application. |
| US08189485B2 |
Method for allocating and configuring tandem connection monitoring (TCM)
A method for allocating and configuring TCM in an embodiment of the present invention includes: configuring the domain that needs TCM in a network and the scope of the domain; determining the ODU service that needs TCM; and allocating TCM automatically according to the ODU service trail and the configured domain; and enabling or disabling the TCM of each level. The present invention enables the system to allocate TCM automatically. The TCM levels can be allocated easily in a centralized way, or for each node in a distributed way. The present invention ensures that the TCM level allocated for the service in the forward direction corresponds to that in the reverse direction. The method is perfectly applicable to the networks of more than six operators. The TCM levels are handled according to the allocated order, thus ensuring correct insertion of AIS and BDI and unique result of insertion. |
| US08189484B2 |
System for data archiving and system behavior prediction
An electronic data analysis, storage, and retrievable system includes a verification capability for verifying the integrity of the system's operational health. An operation monitoring mechanism continuously monitors the system's operation. A collection mechanism contains relevant system data. The system further includes a storage ability for archiving system data. A media verification mechanism verifies the integrity and authenticity of storage media. Finally, a data analysis mechanism analyzes and compares archived system information. |
| US08189483B2 |
Method for measuring sensitivity of data packet signal receiver
Methods for measuring the sensitivity of a data packet signal receiver are provided by varying the power level or modulation or both of a received data packet signal in a predetermined controlled sequence of data packet signals. |
| US08189482B2 |
Probing-based mechanism to reduce preemption perturbation caused by higher priority tunnel establishment in a computer network
In one embodiment, a routing node (e.g., a head-end node) determines a desire to route a selected tunnel (e.g., reroute), and computes a path for the selected tunnel. The routing node probes the path to discover information about tunnels that would be displaced by the selected tunnel if routed over the path (e.g., a number of tunnels), and correspondingly determines whether to establish the selected tunnel based on the information about the tunnels to be displaced. In another embodiment, intermediate nodes along the probed path of the selected tunnel may receive a probe (e.g., signaling message) requesting information about the tunnels that would be displaced by the selected tunnel. In response, each intermediate node inserts the information about the tunnels to be displaced at the intermediate node into the probe, and forwards the probe (e.g., toward the routing node initiating the probe). |
| US08189481B2 |
QoS-based routing for CE-based VPN
CE devices of the present invention are enabled to make more judicious routing decisions in CE-based VPNs. In determining a next-hop in a path from a source CE to a destination subnet, CE-to-CE costs are associated with each next-hop CE in a plurality of next-hop CEs. Each CE-to-CE cost is a cost of a path from the source CE to the associated next-hop CE. CE-to-subnet costs are associated with each of the next-hop CEs. Each CE-to-subnet cost is a cost of a path from the associated next-hop CE to the destination subnet. Total-costs are associated with each of the next-hop CEs. Each total-cost is a sum of a CE-to-CE cost associated with a next-hop CE and a CE-to-subnet cost associated with the same next-hop CE. The next-hop in the path is set to be a next-hop CE associated with an associated total-cost. |
| US08189480B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
In a communication apparatus performing data communication through a network having a relay apparatus which relays data, a data-path establishment unit establishes a data-communication path between the communication apparatus and an opposite end of the data-communication path, and a control-path establishment unit establishes a control-information path between the communication apparatus and an opposite end of the control-information path, where the control-information path is arranged for transmitting control information for controlling the data communication through the control-information path. In addition, an instruction transmission unit transmits an address-set instruction instructing the relay apparatus to search for a next-hop node in the data-communication path and store a MAC address of the next-hop node before the control-information path is established by the control-path establishment unit. |
| US08189477B2 |
Voice and data exchange over a packet based network with timing recovery
A signal processing system which discriminates between voice signals and data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier. The signal processing system includes a voice exchange, a data exchange and a call discriminator. The voice exchange is capable of exchanging voice signals between a switched circuit network and a packet based network. The signal processing system also includes a data exchange capable of exchanging data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier on the switched circuit network with unmodulated data signal packets on the packet based network. The data exchange is performed by demodulating data signals from the switched circuit network for transmission on the packet based network, and modulating data signal packets from the packet based network for transmission on the switched circuit network. The call discriminator is used to selectively enable the voice exchange and data exchange. |
| US08189475B2 |
Transmission of digital information in a frame switched data network
The invention relates to transmitting digital information between the network elements of a frame switched data network. In the present invention, it has surprisingly been discovered that the padding bits of the data field of a minimum sized Ethernet frame can be used for transmitting digital information between the elements of a data network. In that case the frame data field (109) of a minimum sized Ethernet frame contains an information unit (DIU), the size of which in bytes is smaller than the minimum size of a frame data field, as well as other digital information (DI) that is written in an area (107) of the frame data field that corresponds to the padding bits. The invention makes it possible to also utilize the data transmission capacity needed for transmitting the padding bits. |
| US08189474B2 |
Dynamic stack-based networks for resource constrained devices
A wireless sensor network provides a communication link between a plurality of nodes. Communication among the plurality of nodes is based one or more protocol components that are associated with a selected quality of service (QoS). A preamble byte can have bit values assigned based on application preferences, and the preamble byte used to select one or more protocol components from a component library. The preamble byte is combined with a data payload and transmitted to additional nodes based on the selected QoS. |
| US08189473B1 |
Dynamic overflow pool allocation
Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for dynamic overflow pool allocation are described. In embodiments, a new session registration request is monitored for and, upon receiving the new session registration request, it is determined whether an existing pool associated with a home agent has crossed below a minimal threshold. In various embodiments, if it is determined that the existing pool has crossed below a minimal threshold, an overflow is obtained. In various other embodiments, it is determined whether an existing home agent pool has crossed a maximum threshold and, if so, it is determined whether at least one session remains using the overflow pool. In various other embodiments, if no sessions remain using the overflow pool, the overflow pool is returned. |
| US08189472B2 |
Optimizing bandwidth utilization to a subscriber premises
Optimizing data rates for video services on a broadband network. Different data rates can be delivered to a subscriber premises depending on the size of the display screen connected to a set-top box, the type of content being requested, or whether there is real-time viewing. Therefore, the data rate can be optimized to maximize the number of video streams that can be delivered to any one subscriber without causing a perceived reduction in video picture quality. |
| US08189471B2 |
Method, system and optical network terminal for mapping a service flow into a service transmission channel
A method for mapping a service flow to a service transmission channel includes: configuring determined configuration parameters for a message characteristic into an Optical Network Terminal (ONT); the ONT ensures that the received service flow matches the configured message characteristic; mapping the service flow to a specified service transmission channel. A system and an ONT for mapping the service flow to the service transmission channel are also provided, and the system sets a general service flow mapping module in the ONT. Service flows may be mapped to different service transmission channels based on any predetermined message characteristic by the method, system, and ONT of this invention and it meets the demand of the subdivision service QoS. |
| US08189462B2 |
Method of adjusting PCS threshold and terminal apparatus for high density wireless network
Provided are a method of adjusting a PCS threshold in a wireless network, and a terminal apparatus for the wireless network. The method and the apparatus determines whether to adjust the PCS threshold to use a shared channel for transmitting data in a wireless network based on a congestion status of the shared channel, and adjusts the PCS threshold based on a packet loss measured for a predetermined period of time. |
| US08189457B2 |
Method and apparatus for data transmission in home networks
A multi-tone modem with components forming a transmit path and a receive path configured to couple to a wired communication medium for at least intermittent communication of frequency division multiplexed multi-tone modulated communication channels thereon. A Fourier transform component transforms received communication channels between a time domain and a frequency domain and vice-versa. Selected components on the receive path determine alignments between the received multiplexed communication channels in the time domain using alignment determinations made in both a time domain and frequency domain portions of the receive path. The Fourier transform component transforms a stream of digitized samples of the received multiplexed communication channels from the time to the frequency domain using the alignment determinations made by the selected components on the receive path. In another embodiment of the invention the multi-tone modem includes a scheduler which optimizes bandwidth allocation on the wired communication medium. |
| US08189455B1 |
Coding information for communication over an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)-based wireless link
In a wireless access network, a transmitter provides a pool of sequences having a reduced peak-to-average power ratio. Information to be transmitted is mapped to a selected at least one of the pool of sequences. The selected at least one sequence is transmitted over an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)-based wireless link of the wireless access network. |
| US08189453B2 |
Method of OFDM communication using superposition coding
Improvements are provided in an OFDM network that uses superposition coding. A broadcast signal and e.g. a unicast signal are each subjected to OFDM modulation including processing by an IDFT, combined, and transmitted using non-orthogonal transmission resources. In one approach, the respective signals are combined after instead of before the IDFT processing. In specific examples, a respective cyclic prefix is appended to each signal after the IDFT processing but before the respective signals are combined. In another approach, a broadcast pilot signal and e.g. a unicast pilot signal are transmitted concurrently with the broadcast and unicast information signals. The pilot signals are transmitted using the same time and subcarrier resources, but are made more distinguishable by combining each with a respective scrambling or spreading code. In specific examples, embodiments, the unicast pilot signal is used for estimating the data rate for transmission of further unicast information signals. |
| US08189451B2 |
Optical recording medium having auxiliary information and reference clock
An information recording medium is at least composed of a substrate having a microscopic pattern constituted by a continuous substrate of grooves formed with a groove portion and a land portion alternately, a recording layer formed on the microscopic pattern for recording information, and a light transmitting layer formed on the recording layer. The microscopic pattern is formed with satisfying a relation of P≦λ/NA, wherein P is a pitch of the land portion or the groove portion, λ is a wavelength of reproducing light for reproducing the recording layer, and NA is a numerical aperture of an objective lens. The land portion is formed with wobbling so as to be parallel with each other for both sidewalls of the land portion. An auxiliary information based on data used supplementally when recording the information and a reference clock based on a clock used for controlling a recording speed when recording the information is recorded alternately. Information is recorded in the recording layer corresponding to only a land portion by at least either one change of reflectivity difference and refractive index difference in the recording layer so as to be more than 5% for reflectivity and so as to be more than 0.4 for modulated amplitude of signal recording. |
| US08189449B2 |
Multilayer optical information medium and optical information processing apparatus therefor, program product and information medium including the same
A disclosed multilayer optical information medium includes three or more information layers. Address information indicating positions in each of the information layers is recorded in a helical manner. The information layers comprise at least one I to O layer in which values representing addresses in the address information increase from an inner perimeter section toward an outer perimeter section, and at least one O to I layer in which the values representing the addresses in the address information increase from the outer perimeter section toward the inner perimeter section. All of the I to O layers have substantially the same address information and all of the O to I layers have substantially the same address information. Layer specifying information specifying the information layer is attached to the address information. |
| US08189447B2 |
Optical disc drive and method of controlling the same
An optical disc drive for reading or writing information on a multilayer optical disc having three or more recording layers by irradiating the disc with a light beam includes an optical pickup for irradiating the disc with the light beam, a recording state detector for detecting data recording states at a start point of a focus jump, a transit point or transit points on a recording layer or recording layers to be passed through, and an expected landing point of a focal point of the light beam in a focus jump, and a controller for moving the optical pickup to a position where the recording states are the same at all of the start point, the transit point(s) on the recording layer(s) to be passed through, and the expected landing point if the recording states are different among those points, before starting the focus jump. |
| US08189446B2 |
Optical record carrier as well as an apparatus and method for reading/writing image data from/at a visually detectable pattern at an optical record carrier
A method is disclosed of reading an image data from an optical record carrier with a visually detectable pattern comprising a visually detectable pattern of pixels comprising at least one pattern element comprising an area of size s1 with a relatively low value v1 for an optical property and an area with size s2 with a relatively high value v2 for said optical property, wherein the data representative for a structure of the visually detectable pattern is embedded by variations in one or more of the parameters s1, v1, s2, v2 of the pattern elements. The method comprising the steps of scanning the visually detectable pattern and generating a detection signal representative for a visual property of the pattern as a function of position, retrieving the image data from the signal, retrieving an embedded data from the signal, generating an address data using said embedded data, storing image data values at addresses indicated by said address data. |
| US08189445B2 |
Optical disk reproducing apparatus
The present invention relates to an optical disk reproducing apparatus, and provides a technology capable of supporting even a situation in which a reproduction signal characteristic is changed due to a factor other than recording density of an optical disk by using PRML of different constrained length and capable of improving reading accuracy. The optical disk reproducing apparatus includes a PRML circuit of first constrained length (for example, 4) and a PRML circuit of second constrained length (for example, 5). Equalization error values obtained during calculation of equalization learning in respective circuits are compared with each other in a determination circuit. Switching control of a switch is performed so that an output of one of the PRML circuits having a smaller equalization error value is selected. |
| US08189440B2 |
Method and apparatus for vibration damping of a suspended media read/write head
A method of controlling a head for a recording medium includes determining that the head is in an inoperative state, and activating a damping arrangement in response to the determination that the head is inoperative. A movement of the head while the head is inoperative is sensed. The damping arrangement is used in response to the sensing step to exert a force upon the head to thereby damp the movement, a magnitude of the force being dependent upon a parameter of the movement. |
| US08189438B2 |
Control apparatus, control method, access apparatus, access method, program and write-once recording medium
A control apparatus is provided for controlling an access means for accessing a recording medium containing at least one area so that the access means accesses the at least one area. The apparatus comprises a means for determining whether or not at least one first recorded area storing data is included in the at least one area, and a means for controlling the access means. When it is determined that the at least one first recorded area is included in the at least one area, the control means controls the access means based on a result of accessing the at least one first recorded area. |
| US08189437B2 |
Optical disc playback device and control method thereof
An optical disc playback device is capable of being transitioned to a sleep mode in consideration of an optical disc status or an optical disc drive device status. An optical disc playback apparatus includes a main controller to transmit a sleep mode transition command to an optical disc drive device, and an optical disc drive device controller to check either a status of an optical disc or a status of the optical disc drive device when the sleep mode transition command is transmitted to the optical disc drive device, and to determine whether to perform transition to the sleep mode in response to the optical disc status or the optical disc drive device status. |
| US08189433B2 |
Optical disk drive device and additional recording method
Disclosed herein are an optical recording medium driving device and an additional recording method, which performs tracking servo control for moving an objective lens in a direction orthogonal to a tangential direction of a guide track so that a guide tracking error signal is decreased with respect to a guide track of a guide layer separation type recording medium, detects an additional recording start position subsequent to a recorded track if the recorded track is present in a recording layer of the optical recording medium, generates a tracking correction signal according to the reproduction tracking error signal upon tracking servo control of the recorded track just before the additional recording start position, and corrects tracking servo control according to the tracking correction signal upon additional recording start. |
| US08189432B2 |
Data storage system and linear tape
Disclosed herein are aspects of optical tape technology, tape manufacturing, and tape usage. Methods and systems of tape technology disclose optical tape media including: configurations, formulations, markings, and structure; optical tape manufacturing methods, systems, and apparatus methods and systems including: curing processes, coating methods, embossing, drums, testing, tracking alignment stamper strip; optical tape methods and systems including: pick up head adapted for the disclosed optical tape; and optical tape uses including optical storage media devices for multimedia applications. |
| US08189422B2 |
Semiconductor device and semiconductor system having the same
A semiconductor device according to example embodiments may be configured so that, when a read command for performing a read operation is input while a write operation is performed, and when a memory bank accessed by a write address during the write operation is the same as a memory bank accessed by a read address during the read operation, the semiconductor device may suspend the write operation automatically or in response to an internal signal until the read operation is finished and performs the write operation after the read operation is finished. |
| US08189421B2 |
Table lookup voltage compensation for memory cells
Systems and methods of regulating voltage at a memory cell are disclosed. An address for the memory cell is determined. Table lookups based on the address are performed. The table lookups yield voltage compensation parameters that can be used to set voltages on the terminals (e.g., source and drain) of the memory cell. |
| US08189419B2 |
Apparatus for nonvolatile multi-programmable electronic fuse system
Electronic fuse (e-fuse) systems with multiple reprogrammability are provided. In one aspect, a reprogrammable e-fuse system is provided that includes a first e-fuse string; a second e-fuse string; a selector connected to both the first e-fuse string and the second e-fuse string configured to alternately select an e-fuse from the first e-fuse string or the second e-fuse string to be programmed; and a comparator connected to both the first e-fuse string and the second e-fuse string configured to compare a voltage across the first e-fuse string to a voltage across the second e-fuse string to determine a programming state of the e-fuse system. |
| US08189418B2 |
Refresh signal generating circuit
A refresh signal generating circuit of a semiconductor memory device includes a flag signal generator which generates a flag signal in response to a refresh signal and a precharge signal, a clock enable signal buffer which generates first and second buffer enable signals based on an external clock enable signal in response to the flag signal, and a chip select signal buffer which generates an internal chip select signal based on an external chip select signal in response to the flag signal. |
| US08189413B2 |
Semiconductor memory device, test method thereof and semiconductor device
A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array having memory cells including a plurality of memory cells, and also comprises a first bit line, a first sense amplifier circuit and a control circuit. A signal is read out from a selected memory cell of the memory cell array through the first bit line. The first sense amplifier circuit has a single-ended configuration and includes an amplifying element amplifying a signal voltage of the first bit line so as to convert the signal voltage into an output current. The control circuit controls a test operation to measure a current flowing in the first sense amplifier circuit independently of currents flowing in other circuit portions. |
| US08189412B2 |
Storage device and method for controlling storage device
A storage device includes: a printed circuit board; a semiconductor memory package mounted on the printed circuit board via solder joints, the semiconductor memory package incorporating semiconductor memories; a sensor configured to measure a physical quantity relating to a state of the storage device; a database including a damage estimation model base to be used for estimating damage of the solder joints from the physical quantity measured by the sensor; a damage estimating module configured to calculate a damage estimation value of the solder joints from the physical quantity using the damage estimation model base; and a controller configured to control writing, reading, and erasure of electronic data to or from the semiconductor memories based on the damage estimation values calculated by the damage estimating module. |
| US08189409B2 |
Readout circuit for rewritable memories and readout method for same
In one embodiment, a readout circuit for rewritable memories comprises a control logic unit with an input for supplying a start signal and with several outputs for providing a respective control signal as a function of start signal, a first terminal for switchable connection to a first memory cell by means of a first switch, and a second terminal for switchable connection by means of a second switch to a second memory cell, and a readout unit coupled to the control logic unit, as well as to the first and second terminals, with an output for providing an output signal as a function of a state of the first and/or the second memory cell and as a function of the control signals, wherein the readout circuit is designed for self-terminating operation in a reading mode and in a test mode. A readout method for rewritable memories is additionally provided. |
| US08189404B2 |
Storage device and method for operating the same
A storage device includes a control unit, a first voltage supply unit for supplying a first working voltage to the control unit, N memory units, a second voltage supply unit for supplying a second working voltage to each memory unit, a logic gate, a first voltage detecting unit and a second voltage detecting unit. Once the first voltage detecting unit detects that the first working voltage of the control unit is abnormal, the logic gate outputs a first write protect signal to notify the control unit and control the memory units to enter a write protect mode. Once the second voltage detecting unit detects that the second working voltage of one or more memory units is abnormal, the logic gate outputs a second write protect signal to notify the control unit and control the one or more memory units to enter the write protect mode. |
| US08189403B2 |
High speed linear differential amplifier
A high speed linear differential amplifier (HSLDA) having automatic gain adjustment to maximize linearity regardless of manufacturing process, changes in temperature, or swing width change of the input signal. The HSLDA comprises a differential amplifier, and a control signal generator including a replica differential amplifier, a reference voltage generator, and a comparator. The comparator outputs a control signal that automatically adjusts the gain of the high speed linear differential amplifier and of the replica differential amplifier. The replica differential amplifier receives predetermined complementary voltages as input signals and outputs a replica output signal to the comparator. The reference voltage generator outputs a voltage to the comparator at which linearity of the output signal of the differential amplifier is maximized. The control signal equalizes the voltage level of the replica output signal and the reference voltage, and controls the gain of the differential amplifier. |
| US08189401B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and control method of the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, a first data latch circuit, a second data latch circuit, an arithmetic circuit, a counter circuit, and a controller. And controller compares the number (N) counted by the counter circuit with a reference number (M), and performs control to output flag information outside if N≧M. |
| US08189393B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device with incremental step pulse programming
A nonvolatile memory device includes a sense amplifier circuit sensing first data from a memory cell via a bit line and outputting the sensed first data, in response to a read command. A write driver circuit programs the memory cell and stores second data indicating a programming state of the memory cell, in response to a program command. A verification block outputs a result of a comparison between the first and second data in response to a first read command. The second data is updated based on the determination on the programming of the memory cell in response to a second read command applied following the first read command. |
| US08189392B2 |
Page buffer circuit
A page buffer circuit comprises a first sensing unit configured to sense a voltage of a bit line and change a voltage of a first sense node, a data conversion unit configured to sense a voltage level of the first sense node and change a voltage level of a second sense node or to couple the second sense node and the first sense node, and first and second latch units coupled in common to the second sense node. |
| US08189391B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor storage device including a control circuit
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device includes: a memory string including a plurality of memory cells connected in series; a first selection transistor having one end connected to one end of the memory string; a first wiring having one end connected to the other end of the first selection transistor; a second wiring connected to a gate of the first selection transistor. A control circuit is configured to boost voltages of the second wiring and the first wiring in the erase operation, while keeping the voltage of the first wiring greater than the voltage of the second wiring by a certain potential difference. The certain potential difference is a potential difference that causes a GIDL current. |
| US08189388B2 |
Fuse circuit and flash memory device having the same
A flash memory device includes a main cell array configured to have main memory cells for storing data and a redundancy cell array configured to have redundancy memory cells for repairing a failed memory cell of the main cell array. A page buffer circuit is configured to perform a program operation, a verifying operation and a read operation on the main cell array and the redundancy cell array. A repair circuit includes fuse circuits having fuse memory cells each of which is programmed in response to address information. The repair circuit is operated in response to a program state of the fuse memory cells and output a repair signal. A data input/output controller is configured to control input/output of data to/from the main memory cell or the redundancy memory cell in accordance with the repair signal outputted by the repair circuit. |
| US08189386B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and associated programming method using error checking and correction (ECC)
A programming method for a non-volatile memory device includes performing a programming operation to program memory cells, when the programmed memory cells are determined to include memory cells that failed to be programmed and when a current program loop is a maximum program loop, determining whether a number of the memory cells that failed to be programmed corresponds to a number of memory cells that can successfully undergo ECC (error checking and correction), when the number of the memory cells that failed to be programmed is less than the number of the memory cells that can successfully undergo ECC, reading data so as to determine whether a number of error bits of the memory cells that failed to be programmed can successfully undergo ECC, and, when the memory cells that failed to be programmed can successfully undergo ECC, ending a programming operation. |
| US08189385B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, method for manufacturing the same, and nonvolatile memory array
A floating gate made of polysilicon is provided on a semiconductor substrate through the medium of a gate insulator. A side-wall insulating film is provided on each side wall of the floating gate. A first impurity diffusion layer, which occupies a space within the semiconductor substrate, is provided separately apart from the floating gate by a predetermined distance. A second impurity diffusion layer, which occupies a space within the semiconductor substrate, overlaps with the floating gate. Electrons are injected into the floating gate by applying a high voltage to the second impurity diffusion layer in capacitive coupling with the floating gate. |
| US08189384B2 |
System and method to control one time programmable memory
A device includes a one-time-programmable memory including multiple random accessible input/output pins. Each random accessible I/O pin corresponds to a unique memory address in the one-time-programmable memory. The device also includes a multiplexing circuit with multiple inputs. Each of the multiple inputs is coupled to one of the multiple random accessible I/O pins. An output of the multiplexing circuit has a bit width that is less than the number of the multiple random accessible I/O pins. |
| US08189382B2 |
Read method for MLC
Memory devices adapted to process and generate analog data signals representative of data values of two or more bits of information facilitate increases in data transfer rates relative to devices processing and generating only binary data signals indicative of individual bits. Programming of such memory devices includes programming to a target threshold voltage range representative of the desired bit pattern. Reading such memory devices includes generating an analog data signal indicative of a threshold voltage of a target memory cell. Cell reads are performed multiple times and the read threshold voltages averaged to more closely approximate actual threshold voltage and to compensate for random noise. |
| US08189376B2 |
Integrated circuit having memory cells including gate material having high work function, and method of manufacturing same
An integrated circuit device (e.g., a logic or memory device) having a memory section including a plurality of memory cells, wherein each memory cell thereof includes at least one n-channel transistor having a gate, gate dielectric and first, second and body regions, wherein the gate of the at least one n-channel transistor of each memory cell includes one or more gate materials, disposed on or over the gate dielectric material. The one or more gate materials may include a semiconductor material having one or more acceptor-type doping species disposed therein. The integrated circuit device may further include a logic section including at least one n-channel transistor having a gate, gate dielectric and first, second and body regions, wherein the gate of the n-channel transistor of the logic section may include a gate semiconductor material disposed on or over the gate dielectric material. |
| US08189375B2 |
Methods of forming memory cells and methods of forming programmed memory cells
In some embodiments, a memory cell includes a transistor gate spaced from a channel region by gate dielectric; a source region on one side of the channel region; and a drain region on an opposing side of the channel region from the source region. The channel region has phase change material adjacent the drain region. In some embodiments, the phase change material may be adjacent both the source region and the drain region. Some embodiments include methods of programming a memory cell that has phase change material adjacent a drain region. An inversion layer is formed within the channel region adjacent the gate dielectric, with the inversion layer having a pinch-off region within the phase change material adjacent the drain region. Hot carriers (for instance, electrons) within the pinch-off region are utilized to change a phase within the phase change material. |
| US08189374B2 |
Memory device including an electrode having an outer portion with greater resistivity
A memory cell includes a first electrode having a first region and a second region, a second electrode and a phase change material. The phase change material is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode with the first region of the first electrode arranged closer to the phase change material than the second region. The first region of the first electrode includes an inner portion laterally surrounded by an outer portion. The outer portion has a greater resistivity than the inner portion. The second region of the first electrode has the same resistivity as the inner portion of the first region. |
| US08189370B2 |
Magnetic recording element, magnetic memory cell, and magnetic random access memory
A low-power consumption non-volatile memory employing an electric field write magnetic recording element is provided. A multiferroic layer 301 is provided adjacent to a magnetic recording layer 2002, and by applying an electric field to the multiferroic layer to control the dielectric state of the multiferroic, the magnetization direction of the magnetic recording layer is controlled and information is written. Reading is performed by electrically detecting the magnetization direction of the magnetic recording layer by way of a magnetoresistive effect. |
| US08189368B2 |
Cell structure for dual port SRAM
A multi-port SRAM cell includes cross-coupled inverters each including a pull-up transistor and at least a pair of pull down transistors. The SRAM cell includes first and second access ports coupled to first and second word line conductors, each access port including a first pass gate transistor coupled to the data storage node and a second pass gate transistor coupled to the data bar storage node, each pass gate transistor being coupled to a respective bit line conductor, wherein the pull down transistors of the first inverter are formed in a first active region, the pull down transistors of the second inverter are formed in a second active region, the pass gate transistors coupled to the data storage node are formed in a third active region and the pass gate transistors coupled to the data bar storage node are formed in a fourth active region. |
| US08189366B2 |
Method and apparatus providing a cross-point memory array using a variable resistance memory cell and capacitance
The invention relates to a method and apparatus providing a memory cell array in which each resistance memory cell is connected in series to a capacitive element. Access transistors are not necessary to perform read and write operations on the memory cell. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive element is a capacitor. |
| US08189361B2 |
Multi-chip assembly with optically coupled die
Disclosed are embodiments of a multi-chip assembly including optically coupled die. The multi-chip assembly may include two opposing substrates, and a number of die are mounted on each of the substrates. At least one die on one of the substrates is in optical communication with at least one opposing die on the other substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08189360B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes first and second element regions having a rectangular bent portion and a pair of straight line portions connected to both ends of the bent portions, respectively. The pair of straight line portions extends in an opposite direction each other along a first direction. A first element region is arranged in parallel with the second element region so that the first and second element regions are isolated by an element isolation region, and the first and second bent portions are arranged along a second direction in which the first direction intersects with the second direction at an acute angle. A select gate line connected to select transistors extends in the second direction. A plurality of word lines connected to the memory cells are arranged in parallel with the select gate line in an opposite side of the bent portions with respect to the select gate line. |
| US08189358B2 |
Semiconductor device having multiport memory
A semiconductor device enabling expansion of a noise margin. For example, in a memory area in which each memory cell MC is coupled to a word line WLA for a first port and a word line WLB for a second port, and a plurality of memory cells MC is disposed in a matrix shape, each word line is disposed in the order like WLA0, WLB0, WLB1, WLA1, WLA2, . . . . Further, a pitch d2 between WLA-WLA and between WLB-WLB is made smaller than a pitch d1 between WLA-WLB. As such, the word lines of an identical port are disposed at the pitch d2 on one of both sides of a certain word line as a criterion, while the word lines of different ports are disposed at the pitch d1 on the other. With the above configuration, for example, as compared with a case of alternately disposing WLA and WLB, interference between ports can be reduced even with a small area, and the noise margin can be expanded. |
| US08189353B2 |
Method for the operation and use of a converter
A method for the operation of a converter of a power-generating generator system that can be connected to an electrical AC network, and the use of the converter is provided.The converter is operated by a regulation device regulating the converter as an active audio frequency block. At least one audio frequency current of at least one specified audio frequency is detected. An AC current progression that is to be transmitted to the converter in the regulation device is determined, where at least one audio frequency current is at least partially impressed on the AC current progression. The AC current progression in the converter is generated. The AC current progression generated by the converter is then supplied to the AC network. |
| US08189351B2 |
Multi-input DC/DC converters with zero-current switching
A modular-based, zero-current-switched (ZCS), isolated full-bridge boost converter with multiple inputs is disclosed. Each converter module is used to match the connected input source and control the amount of power drawn from the source. The power from various sources are combined together and delivered to the load through a multiphase transformer. The input inductor of each boost-derived converter module keeps the input current constant and acts as a current source to drive the multiphase transformer through a phase-shifted-controlled full bridge converter. By connecting an auxiliary circuit across the full-bridge input in each module, the transformer leakage inductance and output capacitance of the switching devices are used to create resonant paths for facilitating zero-current-switching of all switching devices. |
| US08189341B2 |
Display apparatus and method for reducing electromagnetic interference thereof
A display apparatus including a circuit board and a surface grounded portion which is disposed on an end portion of the circuit board and formed of a conductive layer. The display apparatus may include a signal receiver mounted on the circuit board, the signal receiver receiving a signal. The display apparatus may include a signal processor mounted on the circuit board, the signal processor processing signals received by the signal receiver. |
| US08189330B2 |
Docking station for connecting to a notebook computer
A docking station for connecting a notebook computer includes a supporting frame, a connector for electrically connecting to the notebook computer, and a handle pivoted to the supporting frame. A first slot is formed on the handle, and the handle includes a pushing part for pushing the connector in a first direction. The docking station includes a first stopper, and one end of the first stopper is disposed inside the first slot of the handle. The first stopper does not stop the connector when the handle is located in a first position. The pushing part pushes the connector in the first direction so that the connector is connected to the notebook computer, and the first slot drives the first stopper in a second direction so that the first stopper stops a side of the connector when the handle rotates from a first position to a second position. |
| US08189327B2 |
Electronic device and retreating apparatus thereof
An electronic device and a retreating apparatus are disclosed. The retreating apparatus comprises at least one moving element, at least one first elastic element, an operating element, and at least one linking element. When the electronic device connects to an external device via connecting interfaces, the retreating apparatus disposed in the electronic device is capable of detaching the external device successfully from the electronic device by different working types. |
| US08189325B2 |
Switchgear
A switchgear case is partitioned into a high voltage bus bar chamber, which contains bus bars and cable heads, a high voltage device chamber containing circuit breakers and operation mechanisms and a low voltage control chamber containing a relay and measurement devices, etc. A rear wall of the case has a first suction port disposed at a lower part thereof, wherein the high voltage bus bar chamber, high voltage device chamber and the low voltage control chamber are communicated and air passing through the chambers is discharged from a first discharging port of the casing. The bus bars electrically connecting the high voltage devices in the high voltage device chamber and connecting bars connecting the adjoining bus bars and the cable heads are covered with solid insulators for solid-insulation. |
| US08189315B2 |
Surge arrester with low response surge voltage
A surge arrester includes two side electrodes extending into an interior space formed by means of at least one insulating body and a central electrode. The end-side distance between the side electrodes is greater than the distances between a respective side electrode and the central electrode. The distance between the side electrodes is less than the distance between the end regions of the central electrode and a base of the side electrodes. |
| US08189312B2 |
Circuit arrangement for detecting undervoltage in an energy source
A circuit arrangement (10) for detecting undervoltage in an energy source (12) includes a transistor switch (48) and at least one further switch element (30). The transistor switch (48) and the further switch element (30) are of low impedance in an operating state of the circuit arrangement (10). The transistor switch (48) blocks the further switch element (30) for interrupting the voltage supply if a supply voltage (U) of the energy source (12) is below a defined voltage value (Us). |
| US08189310B2 |
CMOS integrated circuit
A CMOS IC according to the invention includes a discharging circuit for preventing electrostatic breakdown from occurring. The discharging circuit includes a discharging NMOSFET Qe, which couples a gate terminal node Vgp continuous to the gate of an outputting PDMOS transistor Qo and the gate of a discharging NMOSFET Qe via a capacitor Ce, and connects the drain of the discharging NMOSFET Qe to a gate terminal node Vgp continuous to the gate terminal of the outputting PDMOS transistor Qo. The discharging circuit 300 also includes a pull-down resistor disposed between the gate of the discharging NMOSFET Qe and the ground for preventing the discharging NMOSFET Qe from operating in a steady state condition. The CMOS IC according to the invention makes the discharging NMOSFET Qe trigger to operate by the potential change at the node corresponding to the potential change of the power supply line, when a surge caused by static electricity and such is applied to the power supply line. |
| US08189308B2 |
Integrated circuit
An integrated circuit includes an input/output pad for signal exchange with an external circuit, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection unit coupled to the input/output pad and configured to form an ESD path between a first voltage line and a second voltage line, a first drive transistor coupled between the first voltage line and the input/output pad, a first driving control unit coupled to a gate of the first drive transistor and configured to control the first drive transistor, a first dummy drive transistor coupled between the first voltage line and the input/output pad, and a first auxiliary driving control unit configured to supply the first voltage to a gate of the first dummy drive transistor in a normal operation mode, and float the gate of the first dummy drive transistor in a non-operation mode in which no power is supplied. |
| US08189307B2 |
Composite type electric circuit breaker and method thereof
A composite electric circuit breaker, and method thereof, is configured to detect signals regarding arc faults, overcurrent, and earth leakage. Arcs and electric currents are detected by a current transformer and earth leakage is detected by a zero phase current transformer. A variation of electric current, the number of arcs which are generated per a unit time, a present electric current value, and electric current earth leakage are combined to judge whether arc faults occur to then interrupt an electric power supply. Temperature is measured on a printed circuit board, and if temperature rise occurs, the electric power supply is interrupted, and an interruption cause is displayed. Electric accidents and occurrence of fires are prevented simultaneously and more accurately. The interruption causes can be confirmed, analyzed and externally monitored through a network, to thus maximize efficiency of electric management. |
| US08189305B2 |
Auxiliary battery system
An auxiliary power system for an electrical load in a vehicle electrical system includes an auxiliary battery, a thermal transducer in physical contact with the auxiliary battery, a charger circuit for controlling the charging of the battery in response to at least a temperature of the auxiliary battery, and an output power delivery circuit for providing power to an electrical load during normal and emergency conditions. The auxiliary power system is housed in a thermally-conductive enclosure that is in thermal communication with the charger circuit and the power delivered circuit. The power delivery circuit selectively delivers power to the electrical output from both an electrical input terminal and from the battery based on the magnitude of a voltage available on the electrical input terminal. |
| US08189304B2 |
Magnetoresistive magnetic head having a cpp element using a heusler alloy layer and a high saturation magnetization layer
A magnetoresistive magnetic head according to one embodiment uses a current-perpendicular-to-plane magnetoresistive element having a laminate of a free layer, an intermediate layer, and a pinned layer, the pinned layer being substantially fixed to a magnetic field to be detected, wherein either the pinned layer or the free layer includes a Heusler alloy layer represented by a composition of X—Y—Z, wherein X is between about 45 at. % and about 55 at. % and is Co or Fe, Y accounts for between about 20 at. % and about 30 at. % and is one or more elements selected from V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, and Z is between about 20 at. % and about 35 at. % and is one or more elements selected from Al, Si, Ga, Ge, Sn, and Sb, the other layer including a high saturation magnetization material layer having higher saturation magnetization than that of the Heusler alloy, and where the direction of the current flowing perpendicular to plane being a direction in which an electron flows from the Heusler alloy layer into the high saturation magnetization material layer. Additional embodiments are also presented. |
| US08189303B2 |
Thin film magnetic head having a pair of magnetic layers whose magnetization is controlled by shield layers
A thin film magnetic head includes a magneto-resistance (MR) laminated body, a lower shield layer and an upper shield layer that face the first MR magnetic layer. The lower and upper shield layers respectively have first and second anti-parallel layers and first and second antiferromagnetic layers. An exchange coupling intensity relating to an antiferromagnetic coupling between the second anti-parallel layer and the second antiferromagnetic layer is greater in the peripheral area of a projection area than that of the projection area of the upper shield layer side end surface of the MR laminated body to the film surface's orthogonal direction. |
| US08189302B2 |
Magnetic field sensor with graphene sense layer and ferromagnetic biasing layer below the sense layer
A graphene magnetic field sensor has a ferromagnetic biasing layer located beneath and in close proximity to the graphene sense layer. The sensor includes a suitable substrate, the ferromagnetic biasing layer, the graphene sense layer, and an electrically insulating underlayer between the ferromagnetic biasing layer and the graphene sense layer. The underlayer may be a hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) layer, and the sensor may include a seed layer to facilitate the growth of the h-BN underlayer. The ferromagnetic biasing layer has perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with its magnetic moment oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the layer. The graphene magnetic field sensor based on the extraordinary magnetoresistance (EMR) effect may function as the magnetoresistive read head in a magnetic recording disk drive. |
| US08189300B1 |
Multi-layer capacitive transducer with mult-dimension operation
A capacitive transducer of multi-layer construction includes at least one rotor plate supported by flexible springs, A number of improvements are disclosed including a hollow rotor plate structure for reduced moving mass, buckling resistant features for the springs, improved spring anchor joint design for reduced creep and hysteresis, and material selection and matching for reduced thermal sensitivity. one embodiment allows measurement of force and/or displacement in multiple directions. |
| US08189298B1 |
Disk drive actuator having a C-shaped bobbin with wings adjacent longitudinal coil legs
A C-shaped bobbin includes a bobbin base member adjacent and attached to a first lateral leg of an actuator coil. A bobbin recess, adjacent the bobbin base member, separates first and second bobbin wings. The first and second bobbin wings define first and second wing lengths measured parallel to first and second longitudinal legs of the coil, respectively, and also define first and second wing widths measured normal to the first and second longitudinal legs, respectively. The bobbin recess defines a recess depth measured normal to the first lateral leg, and defines a recess width measured parallel to the first lateral leg. Each of the first and second wing lengths is less than the length of the longitudinal legs. The recess depth is at least half a base member width. The recess width is at least twice the first wing width and/or the second wing width. |
| US08189289B2 |
Electrically conductive spacer and disk drive including the electrically conductive spacer
A disk drive. The disk drive includes a motor, a hub coupled to a spindle shaft of the motor, at least two disks each having a center hole and being coupled to the hub, and a spacer having a center hole. The spacer is disposed around the hub such that the hub is disposed within the center hole of the spacer; and, the spacer is sandwiched between and in contact with the two disks to define spacing between the disks. The spacer includes at least two conductive rings and the conductive rings are secured between the two disks. The spacer also includes a damping sheet configured to absorb vibration between the conductive rings, and a conductive ring-shaped spring having a spring characteristic in a radial direction of the disks to make a diameter variable. Moreover, the conductive ring-shaped spring is in contact with both of the two conductive rings. |
| US08189286B1 |
Disk drive employing velocity insensitive servo burst pattern
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of servo sectors that define a plurality of servo tracks. The servo sectors comprise a plurality of servo bursts including a first servo burst, a second servo burst following the first servo burst and offset radially by approximately one half of a servo track from the first servo burst, a third servo burst following the second servo burst and offset radially by approximately one full servo track from the second servo burst, and a fourth servo burst following the third servo burst and offset radially by approximately one half of a servo track from the third servo burst. A PES is generated form the servo bursts that is substantially insensitive to a radial velocity of the head. |
| US08189283B2 |
Disk drive with state-information data buffer
A hard-disk drive (HDD) is described. During operation of the HDD, measured internal temperatures in the HDD may be stored in a first table, and state information specifying operational states of the HDD associated with ranges of internal temperatures may be stored in a second table. Note that a given operational state in the second table may be associated with a corresponding internal temperature in the first table. Furthermore, during operation of the HDD, the first table and/or the second table may be stored on: a rotatable medium in the HDD, a semiconductor memory in the HDD, or both. This stored table information may facilitate error detection and diagnosis. |
| US08189279B2 |
Two-dimensional adjusting structure and projection apparatus comprising the same
A two-dimensional adjusting structure and a projection apparatus comprising the two-dimensional adjusting structure are provided. The two-dimensional adjusting structure comprises a first base, a second base, and a first slide rod and a second slide rod which extend along a first axis and a second axis respectively. The first slide rod is fixed to the first base. The second slide rod is adapted to move along the first axis with respect to the first slide rod by fitting the first slide rod into a first slide hole of the second slide rod. The second base is adapted to move along the second axis with respect to the second slide rod by receiving the second slide rod within a second slide hole. Thereby, the second base is adapted to move with respect to the first base upon a plane along the first axis and the second axis to adjust the relative position of a second object and a first object disposed on the first base and the second base respectively. |
| US08189274B2 |
Imaging optical system
There is provided an imaging optical system installed in a mobile communications terminal and a personal digital assistant (PDA) or utilized in a surveillance camera and a digital camera. The imaging optical system including, sequentially from an object side in front of an image plane: a first lens having positive refractive power and two convex surfaces; a second lens having negative refractive power and two concave surfaces; a third lens having positive refractive power and a meniscus shape; and a fourth lens having a concave object-side surface. The fourth lens has a shape satisfying following condition 1: 10<|R8/F|<50 condition 1, where R8 is a radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the fourth lens, and F is an overall focal length of the imaging optical system. |
| US08189267B2 |
Electrowetting display device
The display device comprises a plurality of electrowetting elements. Each element comprises walls on a support plate for confining a first fluid to the space of the element. The walls of the electrowetting element cover a wall region of the support plate and the walls enclose a display region of the support plate. Each electrowetting element comprises an electrode arranged on the support plate, the electrodes of the electrowetting elements being coupled to reflective, strip-shaped signal lines, also arranged on the support plate. A first area of the signal lines is arranged in the wall region and a second area of the signal lines is arranged in the display region, where the first area is smaller than the second area. |
| US08189264B2 |
Projection optical system and image display device
A projection optical system, in which a plurality of light flux emitted from one conjugate plane enters another conjugate plane and an image formed on the one conjugate plane is projected on the other conjugate plane, includes: a first optical system including at least one lens; and a second optical system which includes at least two reflecting surfaces with optical power, a normal line of the other conjugate plane from a center of an image projected on the other conjugate plane has no intersection with any space of the first optical system, or the second optical system, or a space between the first optical system and the second optical system, and when a plane defined by a vertical direction of the image projected on the other conjugate plane and an extending direction of the normal line is set as a YZ plane, from the first optical system to the other conjugate plane an optical path intersects only once on the YZ plane. |
| US08189262B2 |
Optical sheet, and mounting method and optical module using the optical sheet
A three-dimensional optical sheet is arranged between optical elements and a substrate for optically connecting the optical elements and the substrate and includes a sheet section, convex lens sections, and reflecting sections. The sheet section has first and second main surfaces. The convex lens sections are provided on the first main surface for collecting light. The reflecting sections are provided on the second main surface and change the direction of light traveling along the second main surface such that the light enters the convex lens sections. |
| US08189261B2 |
Optical component and method for manufacturing the same
An optical component includes an antireflection film that is a multilayer film having alternately-laminated six or more layers including high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers; wherein a first layer of the antireflection film deposited closest to the substrate is a high refractive index layer; λ satisfies 480 nm≦λ≦530 nm where λ is the wavelength of light incident into the antireflection film; an optical thickness D1 of the first layer satisfies 0.02λ≦D1≦0.04λ; an optical thickness Dm of a layer of the antireflection film that is located fifth from an outermost layer deposited furthest from the substrate satisfies 0.19λ≦Dm≦0.75λ; a total physical thickness dt of the entire antireflection film satisfies 350 nm≦dt≦480 nm; and a total physical thickness da of the low refractive index layers satisfies 0.65 dt≦da≦0.80 dt. |
| US08189255B2 |
All solid state type reflection light control electrochromic element employing magnesium/titanium alloy and light control member
The present invention provides an all solid state type reflection light control electrochromic element and a light control member that uses this element, relates to an all solid state type reflection light control electrochromic element, which is a magnesium/titanium alloy reflection type light control element in which a multilayer thin film is formed on a transparent substrate, wherein at least a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a catalyst layer, and a reflection light control layer employing a magnesium/titanium alloy thin film are formed on the substrate; and a light control member which is incorporated with this reflection light control electrochromic element, and the present invention allows a reflection light control electrochromic element, which has a novel multilayer structure that is colorless when transparent and can be switched in a short time over a wide area, as well as a light control member incorporated with this element to be provided. |
| US08189250B2 |
Recording/playback apparatus, recording apparatus, playback apparatus, recording/playback method, recording method, and playback method
A recording/playback apparatus includes a light-generating and intensity-modulating section for generating signal light and reference light to be shined on a hologram recording medium and a phase modulating section for performing phase modulation on the signal light and the reference light on the basis of a pixel unit by using the first to nth phase modulation levels. For the phase modulation on the reference light, all pixels corresponding to the reference light are divided and set using random phase units, each having a predetermined pixel array pattern having at least two pixels, the number of pixels corresponding to each of the first to nth phase modulation levels in each random phase unit is common to the random phase units, and the array pattern of the pixels corresponding to the first to nth phase modulation levels is random for each random phase unit. |
| US08189248B2 |
Computer generated hologram, exposure apparatus and device fabrication method
A computer generated hologram includes a plurality of cells which form a light intensity distribution on a predetermined plane. The plurality of cells includes a plurality of first cells including isotropic media and anisotropic media, and a plurality of second cells including anisotropic media alone. The plurality of cells change a phase of incident light which impinges on each of the plurality of cells to form a phase distribution including N phases (N is the number of phases, N≧2) for each of a wavefront of a linearly polarized light component in a first direction and a wavefront of a linearly polarized light component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08189246B2 |
Image forming system and method for forming a color image on recording medium and for forming a transparent image overlapping the color image on a recording medium
An image forming system includes: an obtaining unit that obtains image information including a grey-level value of a pixel; a modifying unit that modifies the grey-level value of the pixel included in the image information obtained by the obtaining unit; a color image forming unit that forms on a recording medium a color image in accordance with information showing the color image including the grey-level value of the pixel modified by the modifying unit; and a transparent image forming unit that forms on the recording medium a transparent image overlapping the color image. |
| US08189244B2 |
Calibration system, calibrating method, and correction processing program
In a calibration system for conducting calibration by using a patch sheet produced on the basis of data to form measurement patches with respective different densities arranged in a predetermined direction and reference patches with a constant density arranged in the vicinity of the measurement patches for each color toner, the calibration system is provided with a correcting section to correct, on the basis of the calorimetric values of the reference patches, the calorimetric values of the measurement patches arranged in the vicinity of the reference patches. |
| US08189236B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer-readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a first edge extracting unit and a binarizing unit. The first edge extracting unit extracts an edge of chromatic components of a color image other than brightness components of the color image. The binarizing unit performs an enhancement process and a binarization process for pixels being extracted as the edge by the first edge extracting unit and performs the binarization process for pixels other than the pixels being extracted as the edge based on the brightness components. |
| US08189233B2 |
Density calculating apparatus, density setting apparatus, density calculating program storage medium, and density setting program storage medium
A density calculating apparatus includes: an image data acquisition section that acquires print image data representing a print image; a place designating section that designates a place on the print image; and a target color acquisition section that acquires a target color of a color of the place. The apparatus further includes: a color guess section that guesses a print color of the place to be printed by a printing system, by using a patch image produced based on a predetermined criterion; and a density calculation section that calculates the print densities of the color materials having the multiple colors by using the color guess section so that the target color is achieved at the place by the printing system based on the print image data. |
| US08189227B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer-readable recording medium storing image forming program
An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes plural image output units, plural output image data converting units disposed for the corresponding image output units for converting image data of a predetermined format into image data of a format for the corresponding image output units, a first memory unit which is used in common for storing image data in processes by the image output units and the output image data converting units, and a memory area adjusting unit which adjusts a memory area in the first memory unit for memory area obtaining requests from the image output units and the output image data converting units. |
| US08189222B2 |
Device system, source device, and transmission method
A system includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit an application and data related to the application from a source device to a destination device and a notifying unit configured to notify the source device of the number of times the application has been used in the destination device. |
| US08189219B2 |
Image processing system, information processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input identification information for identifying a user, an acquisition unit configured to acquire entry management information about an area for which a user identified based on the identification information has an entry authority, and a display unit configured to, in displaying a list of image processing apparatuses that can be sending destinations of data input by the image processing apparatus, display information indicating whether each of the image processing apparatuses is present in an area for which the user has an entry authority based on the entry management information. |
| US08189217B2 |
Image processing system configured to set a user authority level
An information processing apparatus transmits a job, share user information indicating users who are permitted to access a shared folder, and access permission information defining the users' user authority level to use data stored in the shared folder, which is set for the shared folder, collectively to an image processing apparatus. Receiving these information pieces, the image processing apparatus generates job access authority information defining the users' authority level to use the received job, based on the access permission information, and records the job, the share user information and the generated job access authority information in a memory, with their connections. |
| US08189215B2 |
Image reading device and associated method for job execution
An image reading device and associated method for job execution are provided. An interrupted job storage unit of the image reading device is configured to interrupt a first job and to store an interrupted job information that relates to the first job in the storage unit when a job setting initiation sheet that indicates an initiation of a second job is received while the first job is being executed. An interruption job confirmation unit is configured to set the second job as an in-execution job when the job setting initiation sheet is received. An interrupted job reading unit is configured to read the interrupted job information that relates to the first job from the storage unit and to set the first job as the in-execution job when a job setting termination sheet that indicates a termination of the second job is received. |
| US08189212B2 |
Printing control based on a selected printing mode by a user
A printing control apparatus is provided which can produce an appropriate copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by adding a monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern even if monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which a color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set. When the monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which the color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set, and if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern color is output with its color unchanged, the color is not converted into 100% black. Considering this, when a forced monochrome mode is selected, even if the user's setting for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is color, the color is changed to monochrome (black) before output. If the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting is for color, the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting is changed to the monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting so that the printing processing is performed in the monochrome mode using the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting. |
| US08189207B2 |
Apparatus and method for single color or color printing
A color image forming apparatus that automatically switches a printing mode between a single color printing mode and a color printing mode according to requested image data stores, when capturing of image data of a print job is started, the image data in an image memory unit, starts image formation of the image data in the color printing mode as an initial state, and maintains a color printing mode regardless of the image data until the number of printed copies reach a first number of copies for operation switching determination X1. When the number of printed copies reaches X1, the color image forming apparatus compares, in a comparing unit, the number of remaining pages of the print job and a second number of copies for operation switching determination X2 stored in a number-of-pages storing unit 36 and controls the printing mode on the basis of a result of the comparison and information concerning whether the remaining image data is color image data or single color image data. |
| US08189206B2 |
Print control apparatus, printing system, print control method, and computer-readable storage medium
A print control apparatus controls a color multifunction printer (MFP) having a print unit and a paper ejecting unit, and a post-press section including a nearline finisher having a feeding unit and a post processing unit and including a post-press server controlling the finisher. The print control apparatus performs control as follows: The print unit is controlled to print content included in a job together with a job ticket and to print information included in the job ticket on the upper surface thereof. The paper ejecting unit is controlled to eject the job ticket using a determined paper ejection method so as to be placed on top of the printed media on which the content has been printed, in a state in which the printed media are stacked. |
| US08189205B2 |
Surface inspection tool and surface inspection method
An object of the present invention is to provide a surface inspection tool in which a flat inspection range capable of measuring surface roughness of a wafer with patterns with high accuracy and in a nondestructive manner can be searched without visual search. In order to solve the object, in a surface inspection tool 110 which measures scattering light intensity of scattering light generated by irradiated irradiation light in association with a measurement coordinate on a wafer 200 with patterns and inspects the surface roughness of the wafer 200, the surface inspection tool includes a controller 250 which extracts measurement coordinate of the measured scattering light intensity that is equal to or more than a lower limit threshold L, sets an inspection range 406 of the surface roughness inspection in a partial layout 405a of a part of the whole layout 401 of the pattern corresponding to the periphery of the extracted measurement coordinate, and obtains the surface roughness in the inspection range 406. |
| US08189204B2 |
Surface wave enabled darkfield aperture
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a surface wave enabled darkfield aperture structure comprising an aperture layer, a aperture in the aperture layer and a plurality of grooves around the aperture. The aperture layer has a first and second surface. The plurality of grooves is in the first surface. A surface wave propagates along at least the first surface. The plurality of grooves is configured to generate a darkfield at the aperture by modifying the surface wave to cancel out direct transmission of a uniform incident light field received by the aperture. |
| US08189202B2 |
Interferometer for determining overlay errors
Systems are disclosed that include an interferometer configured to direct test light to an overlay test pad and subsequently combine it with reference light, the test and reference light being derived from a common source, one or more optics configured to direct at least a portion of the combined light to a multi-element detector so that different regions of the detector correspond to different illumination angles of the overlay test pad by the test light, the detector being configured to produce an interference signal based on the combined light, and an electronic processor in communication with the multi-element detector. The overlay test pad comprises a first patterned structure and a second patterned structure and the electronic processor is configured to determine information about the relative alignment between the first and second patterned structures based on the interference signal. |
| US08189201B2 |
Microscopy system, microscopy method, and a method of treating an aneurysm
A microscopy system and method allow observing a fluorescent substance accumulated in a tissue. The tissue can be observed at a same time both with visible light and with fluorescent light. It is possible to observe a series of previously recorded fluorescent light images in superposition with the visible light images. An end of the series of images may be automatically determined. A thermal protective filter may be inserted into a beam path of an illuminating system at such automatically determined end of the series. Further, the fluorescent light image may be analyzed for identifying a coherent fluorescent portion thereof. A representation of a periphery line of the coherent portion may be generated, and depths profile data may be obtained only from the coherent portion. An illuminating light beam for exciting the fluorescence may be modulated for improving a contrast of fluorescent images. |
| US08189198B2 |
Active viewport detection assembly for substrate detection in a vapor detection system
An active viewport assembly for use in detecting substrates conveyed through a vapor deposition system includes a casing configured for mounting to a wall of a vapor deposition module. The casing further includes an enclosed chamber, an exterior side port, and an interior side port. A lens assembly is disposed within the chamber and extends through the interior side port. A heater element is configured on the lens assembly within the chamber. One of an active transmitter or an active signal receiver is configured with the exterior side port external of the chamber and is axially aligned with and spaced from the lens assembly. |
| US08189194B2 |
Direct illumination machine vision technique for processing semiconductor wafers
A vision system is provided to determine a positional relationship between a semiconductor wafer on a platen and an element on a processing machine, such as a printing screen, on a remote side of the semiconductor wafer from the platen. A source directs ultraviolet light through an aperture in the platen to illuminate the semiconductor wafer and cast a shadow onto the element adjacent an edge of the semiconductor wafer. A video camera produces an image using light received from the platen aperture, wherein some of that received light was reflected by the wafer. The edge of the semiconductor wafer in the image is well defined by a dark/light transition. |
| US08189191B2 |
Spectroscopic imaging microscopy
Disclosed herein are systems that include: (a) an objective lens system configured to collect light from a sample; (b) a first aperture positioned to allow a portion of the collected light received from the objective lens system to pass as input light; (c) a first lens positioned to transmit the input light received from the first aperture; (d) a dispersive element configured to spatially disperse the input light received from the first lens in a first plane; (e) a second lens positioned to transmit the spatially dispersed light; (f) a second aperture positioned to allow a portion of the spatially dispersed light received from the second lens to pass as detection light; and (g) a detector positioned to receive the detection light and configured to form at least one image of the sample. |
| US08189188B2 |
Methods for determining enantiomeric purity with varying chiral analyte concentration
A new strategy for the quantitative determination of enantiomeric purity that combines guest-host complexation, spectroscopy, and chemometric modeling. Spectral data for samples of known enantiomeric composition is subjected to a type of multivariate regression modeling known as partial least squares (“PLS-1”) regression. The PLS-1 regression produces a mathematical model that can be used to predict the enantiomeric composition of a set of samples of unknown enantiomeric purity. In this strategy, the concentration of the chiral compound does not have to be fixed or known. |
| US08189186B2 |
Signal enhancement using a switchable magnetic trap
A system for analyzing a sample including providing a microchannel flow channel; associating the sample with magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads; moving the sample with said magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in the microchannel flow channel; holding the sample with the magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel; and analyzing the sample obtaining an enhanced analysis signal. An apparatus for analysis of a sample includes magnetic particles connected to the sample, a microchip, a flow channel in the microchip, a source of carrier fluid connected to the flow channel for moving the sample in the flow channel, an electromagnet trap connected to the flow line for selectively magnetically trapping the sample and the magnetic particles, and an analyzer for analyzing the sample. |
| US08189185B2 |
Optical inspection method and optical inspection system
An optical semiconductor wafer inspection system and a method thereof are provided for voids and particles produced in a flattening process by classifying and inspecting defects such as scratches, a polishing or grinding technique used for semiconductor manufacturing. The present invention is an optical semiconductor wafer inspection system and a method thereof characterized by obliquely illuminating a scratch, void or particle produced on the surface of a polished or ground insulating film at substantially the same velocity of light, detecting scattered light at the time of oblique illumination from the surface of an inspection target at different angles and thereby classifying the scratch, void or particle. |
| US08189174B2 |
Lithographic apparatus provided with a swap bridge
A lithographic apparatus includes two stages that are each configured to hold a substrate, wherein each stage is provided with a short stroke module to move a table with a substrate and a long stroke module to move the short stroke module of that stage. The lithographic apparatus includes a swap bridge to couple the stages, and wherein, in use, in a first configuration, the stages are moveable with respect to each other, and wherein, in use, in a second configuration, the stages are coupled via the swap bridge to make a joint movement. |
| US08189172B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method
Systems and methods are provided for measuring aberration in a lithographic apparatus. A radiation beam is modulated using an array of individually controllable elements, and the modulated beam is projected using a projection system. A pattern is provided on the array of individually controllable elements to modulate the radiation beam, and the pattern comprises a repeating structure that is formed from a plurality of features that are dimensioned such that first order diffraction of the radiation beam substantially fills the pupil of the projection system. A sensor detects the projected radiation and measures interference in the radiation projected by the projection system. Aberration in the detected radiation beam is then measured. |
| US08189170B2 |
Optical element and exposure apparatus
An optical element is used for an exposure apparatus which is configured to illuminate a mask with an exposure light beam for transferring a pattern on the mask onto a substrate through a projection optical system and to interpose a given liquid in a space between a surface of the substrate and the projection optical system. The optical element includes a first anti-dissolution member provided on a surface of a transmissive optical element on the substrate's side of the projection optical system. |
| US08189165B2 |
Liquid-crystalline coating fluid and polarizing film
A liquid-crystalline coating fluid comprises: a lyotropic liquid crystal compound; a vinyl alcohol-based polymer; and a solvent, wherein 0.05 to 1.5 weight parts of vinyl alcohol-based polymer is contained with respect to 100 weight parts of the lyotropic liquid-crystal compound. |
| US08189159B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display, in which dim block caused by overlays is prevented at blue pixels having upside down inverted structures with respect to one another in a Z-type driving in which a signal is applied to data lines in zigzag. |
| US08189157B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and process for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device including: a pair of substrates with a liquid crystal layer therebetween, one of the substrates carrying scanning lines and signal lines with a first insulation film therebetween adjacent to the liquid crystal layer, switching devices at vicinities of intersections of the scanning lines and the signal lines, an intermediate film overlying an entire surface of a displaying area, first electrodes connected to electrodes of the switching devices via contact hole portions positioned in each region defined by the scanning lines and the signal lines, second electrodes and a second insulation film between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, the electrodes of the switching devices are covered with the intermediate film; channel regions of the switching devices are covered with the second insulation film; and the second electrodes are connected to a common line on an external periphery of the displaying area. |
| US08189156B2 |
Display panel comprising at least one scribe mark formed of thinnest conductive member
A liquid crystal display panel includes an active matrix substrate, a counter substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a sealant. The counter electrode is opposed to the active matrix substrate. The liquid crystal layer is provided between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate. The sealant, which surrounds the liquid crystal layer between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate, joins the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate and seals the liquid crystal layer. A portion of the surface on the liquid crystal layer side of the active matrix substrate which is located at the periphery of the liquid crystal display panel is flat. |
| US08189154B2 |
Liquid crystal display device wherein each pixel has first, second, third, and, fourth alignment azimuths that are different from each other
A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixels, each including first and second subpixels SP-A and SP-B. The reference alignment azimuths of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the first subpixel SP-A include only first and second reference alignment azimuths with no third or fourth one. The reference alignment azimuths of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the second subpixel SP-B include only the third and fourth reference alignment azimuths with no first or second one. In one vertical scanning period, the absolute value of an effective voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the first subpixel SP-A is greater than that of an effective voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the second subpixel SP-B. In another vertical scanning period, the absolute value of an effective voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the second subpixel SP-B is greater than that of an effective voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the first subpixel SP-A. |
| US08189150B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer is provided. The first substrate includes a plurality of first unit regions, and each of the first unit regions includes at least a pixel region. A plurality of first alignment patterns are disposed in each of the pixel regions, wherein a width of the first alignment patterns in at least one first unit region is different from a width of the first alignment patterns in other first unit regions adjacent to the at least one first unit region. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US08189149B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal panel has a first optical film (4) adhered to a viewing side of a liquid crystal cell (2) through a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3), and a second optical film (6) adhered to the reverse side of the liquid crystal cell (2) through a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5). A creep value (L1) of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3) is from 50 to 3000 μm. A creep value (L2) of the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5) is from 10 to 400 μm. The creep value (L1) of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3) is larger than the creep value (L2) of the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5). The creep value means the shift amount after one hour of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a thickness of 20 μm in a case where a tensile shearing force of 4.9 N is applied to an adhesive area of 10 mm2 at 23° C. |
| US08189147B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A negative C plate (31) is arranged to be between a polarizing plate (32) and a reflective liquid crystal panel (20). A retardation of the negative C plate (31) is set so that a combination of the negative C plate (31) and the liquid crystal panel (20) generates a phase difference of “nλ/4+λ/8 (n is 0, or a positive or negative integer)” for a one-way light path with respect to linearly-polarized light entering into the liquid crystal display device. This makes it possible to provide, at low cost, a liquid crystal display device whose viewing angle can be narrowed by arbitrarily setting a direction in which visibility is limited. |
| US08189146B2 |
Transflective type liquid crystal display device
A transflective liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a pixel electrode. The first substrate has a thin film transistor and the second substrate has a color filter and faces the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and the second substrates. The pixel electrode is disposed above the first substrate and electrically connected to the thin film transistor. The transflective liquid crystal display device further includes a pixel region. The pixel region is divided into a transmit part and a reflective part, and the reflective part includes a first region and a second region. The pixel electrode extends to the transmit part and only the second region of the reflective part. |
| US08189143B2 |
Display device
A liquid crystal display panel is divided into a plurality of regions and a plurality of regions extending in respective striped shapes. The plurality of regions and the plurality of regions are arranged so as to alternately align. A plurality of sub-pixels are assigned to a first group and a second group, three sub-pixels of the first group constitute a pixel, and three sub-pixels of the second group constitute a pixel. Each pair of regions adjacent to each other constitutes each set, and parallax barriers are formed in a portion on a black matrix between adjacent sets and portions on the black matrix on outer sides of the regions positioned at ends, respectively. |
| US08189135B2 |
LED back-light unit and liquid crystal display device using the same
An LED back-light unit and other devices using the LED back-light unit are discussed. According to one embodiment, an LED back-light unit includes a light guide portion that includes a light guide plate and a reflection plate coupled to the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate has a light input part and a first connection part, and wherein the reflection plate has a second connection part connected to the first connection part, and a light source including at least one light emitting diode, the light source emitting light toward the light guide portion. |
| US08189134B2 |
Durable display panel with impact resistance
Exemplary embodiments provide a durable anti-reflective display panel for an electronic display. The panel may be used with any flat panel display including but not limited to LCD, plasma, and organic LED displays. Embodiments may contain anti-reflective glass containing pyrolytic coatings and may be bonded together using an index-matched optical adhesive. Exemplary embodiments can resist impact from objects at high speeds and protect the electronic display from damage. Embodiments also resist shattering to protect any bystanders. |
| US08189133B2 |
Display module and method for fixing
A display module (12) adapted to be received in a module frame (27,34), the display module (12) comprising front and rear substrates (13,14). The rear substrate (14) of the display module (12) is extended in its principal plane to provide a ledge (26), which exposes the inner face (17) of the rear substrate (14) such that the display module (12) may be secured in the module frame (27,34) by a fixing between the inner face (17) of the rear substrate (14) and a face of the module frame (27,34). |
| US08189129B2 |
Backlighting system for a 2D/3D autostereoscopic multiview display
The backlight system of the invention creates illumination behind a liquid crystal or other transparent display. In one mode of operation it produces a series of precise, thin slanted lines with dark space in between which are used to make multiple perspective views, displayed simultaneously on the LCD, visible from a series of horizontally spaced viewing zones spaced in front of the display. In another mode of operation, it produces even diffuse illumination similar to that generated by conventional backlights, allowing the LCD to display conventional 2D images. |
| US08189125B2 |
Apparatus for audio, video and/or data recording and/or reproducing
An apparatus for audio, video and/or data recording and/or reproducing includes a cabinet. The cabinet is provided with a front and a side. In order to get the impression of a slim device the side is provided with an optically reflecting surface. |
| US08189121B2 |
Advertising apparatus
An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100. |
| US08189120B2 |
Non-programmable universal remote system and method
A TV detects the capabilities of connected components to respond to various function commands. Subsequently, when a non-programmable remote control is used to select a component and then generate a function command, the TV determines if the component can respond to the command and if not, the TV dynamically alters the commanded function or the selected component. |
| US08189116B2 |
Digital television transmitter and method of coding data in digital television transmitter
A pre-processor pre-processes enhanced data packets by coding the enhanced data packets for forward error correction (FEC) and expanding the FEC-coded data packets. A data formatter adds first null data into first place holders within each pre-processed enhanced data packet. A first multiplexer multiplexes the main data packets with the enhanced data packets having the first null data. A holder inserter inserts second null data into second place holders within an enhanced data packet outputted from the first multiplexer. A data interleaver replaces the second null data with parity data. A data generator generates at least one known data sequence. A symbol processor replaces the first null data included in an output of the data interleaver with the known data sequence(s). A non-systematic RS encoder generates the parity data by performing non-systematic RS-coding on an output of the symbol processor, and provides the parity data to the data interleaver. |
| US08189115B2 |
Image device to reverse play with minimal time delay and a method thereof
An image device capable of reverse play with minimal time delay, and a method thereof. The image device includes a buffer to store a greater number of pictures than constitute a single group of pictures (GOP), and a controller to operate the buffer to store decoded pictures. Accordingly, problems such as cutoff of pictures or time delays are minimized when performing reverse play. |
| US08189113B2 |
Image processing apparatus, video reception apparatus, and image processing method
According to one embodiment, a video display apparatus having a smoothing processing unit inputs luminance signals of pixels which form an image, acquires histogram data by counting the numbers of pixels for respective levels of the input luminance signals, sets a correction amount for a change amount of the levels of luminance signals based on the acquired histogram data, corrects the change amount of the levels of luminance signals near a pixel to be processed based on the correction amount, and corrects the level of the input luminance signal for the pixel to be processed using the corrected change amount of the levels of luminance signals. |
| US08189110B2 |
Equalization of noise characteristics of the components of a composite image without degrading subject image quality
A visible mismatch in noise characteristics between a portion of a background scene inserted in composite image by a matte generated from a blue screen and a second portion of the same background inserted by a garbage matte is significantly reduced by adding extracted noise characteristics from the foreground image to the portion of the background scene inserted by the garbage matte. The selective addition of foreground noise characteristics to portions of the background scene significantly enhances the realistic look of a composite image. |
| US08189108B2 |
Apparatus for providing multiple screens and method of dynamically configuring multiple screens
An apparatus for providing multiple screens and a method of dynamically configuring multiple screens are provided. The apparatus for providing multiple screens is capable of providing a plurality of contents on a single physical display device and reconstructing a form or connection relationship among screens existing on a system. The apparatus for providing multiple screens includes an operation module which generates at least one screen for displaying a service and a setting module which senses a change of set of the screen. |
| US08189106B2 |
Video data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and video data transmitting and receiving method
A video data transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a data transmitting module configured to be able to arrange video data in a first video format, into a valid data area of a first transmission format, and transmit the video data, and also to arrange video data in a second video format different from the first video format, into an effective valid data area within the valid data area of the first transmission format, and transmit the video data; and a data receiving module configured to receive the data transmitted in the first transmission format from the data transmitting module, and obtain the video data in the second video format within the valid data area. A receiver module seamlessly obtains the video data immediately after change of the video format of the video data from a transmitter module. |
| US08189099B2 |
Vibrating device and image equipment having the same
A vibrating device includes a dust-screening member shaped like a plate as a whole, a vibrating member arranged outside the dust-screening member and configured to produce, at the dust-screening member, vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to a surface of the dust-screening member, a counter member spaced apart from that surface of the dust-screening member, on which the vibrating member is arranged, a pushing member configured to push the dust-screening member onto the counter member, and a first support member arranged between the counter member and the dust-screening member, surrounding a center of the dust-screening member, and configured to support the dust-screening member when pushed by the pushing member. The first support member is pushed with a pressure of 2 N or less when the pushing member pushes the first support member. |
| US08189093B2 |
Drive unit and drive module
To provide a drive unit and a drive module which include a shape memory alloy as a drive source to move a driven member and are capable of the high-precision movement of the driven member to a reference position. A drive unit and a drive module can be provided by controlling, in the drive unit and the drive module which include the shape memory alloy as the drive source to move the driven member, the shape memory alloy so that the resistance of the shape memory alloy is equal to the resistance when the driven member is located at the reference position. |
| US08189091B2 |
Apparatus and method for electro-optical split image focusing
Provided are an electro-optical split image focusing apparatus and method through which an in-focus position of a photographed plane with respect to the image of a subject can be detected with accuracy and speed. The apparatus comprises at least one electro-optical element disposed along an optical axis between a subject and a photographed plane. The electro-optical element is characterized by a refractive index that varies with distance along a perpendicular to the optical axis when a voltage is applied. An image of the subject is transmitted toward the photographed plane through the electro-optical element. |
| US08189089B1 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing plenoptic camera artifacts
Methods and apparatus for reducing plenoptic camera artifacts. A first method is based on careful design of the optical system of the focused plenoptic camera to reduce artifacts that result in differences in depth in the microimages. A second method is computational; a focused plenoptic camera rendering algorithm is provided that corrects for artifacts resulting from differences in depth in the microimages. While both the artifact-reducing focused plenoptic camera design and the artifact-reducing rendering algorithm work by themselves to reduce artifacts, the two approaches may be combined. |
| US08189088B2 |
Lens apparatus and camera system
The interchangeable lens apparatus is attachable to a camera and selectively uses at least one of a plurality of accessories. The apparatus includes an aberration data memory configured to store optical aberration data for each of the plurality of accessories, an order data memory configured to store sending order data for determining a sending order of the optical aberration data to the camera, a determining means configured to determine particular optical aberration data, from the optical aberration data stored in the aberration data memory, to be sent to the camera based on information indicating which of the plurality of accessories have been selected for use and to determine the sending order of the particular aberration data based on the sending order data stored in the order data memory, and a transmitting means configured to send the particular optical aberration data, determined by the determining means, to the camera in the sending order determined by the determining means. |
| US08189087B2 |
Imaging device and photographed image display control method
Usually, reduced images of past photographed images are displayed with a live view image. When a still image is photographed, the photographed image (post-view image) is displayed, and then an animation that allows a user to intuitively recognize that the image has been successfully photographed and the photographed image has been saved is displayed. Accordingly, a user of an imaging device can intuitively recognize that a photographed image has been successfully saved, and photograph a next image without performing any special operation on a camera. |
| US08189085B2 |
Image sensing apparatus and its control method
A drive mode is switched after readout for one frame is completed, and the reset operation for the following frame is started. In this manner, the reset operation for the following frame will not be performed during the readout period for the preceding frame. Therefore, the accumulation period for the following frame can be made consistent in that frame. |
| US08189084B2 |
Solid state imaging device
A solid state imaging device 1 includes a photodetecting section 10, a signal readout section 20, a controlling section 30, and a correction processing section 40. In the photodetecting section 10, M×N pixel portions each including a photodiode which generates charges as much as an incident light intensity and a readout switch connected to the photodiode are two-dimensionally arrayed in M rows and N columns. Charges generated in each pixel portion Pm,n are input into an integration circuit Sn through a readout wiring LO,n, and a voltage value output corresponding to the charge amount from the integration circuit Sn is output to an output wiring Lout through a holding circuit Hn. In the correction processing section 40, correction processing is performed for frame data repeatedly output from the signal readout section 20, and frame data after being subjected to the correction processing is output. |
| US08189069B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus is provided that determines a correction gain factor at a high rate of speed to synthesize an image. The apparatus includes a long second middle luminance image detecting unit for detecting a pixel having a pixel value in a first middle luminance pixel value region derived from a long second exposure image, a short second middle luminance image detecting unit for detecting a pixel having a pixel value in a second middle luminance pixel value region derived from a shorter second exposure image; a correction gain factor calculating unit for designating, as a common pixel, the pixel detected by the long second middle luminance image detecting unit and the pixel detected by the short second middle luminance image detecting unit, each of the pixels at a common position, and for calculating a correction gain factor based on the pixel values of the common pixels. |
| US08189067B2 |
Determining the illuminant in a captured scene
A method for determining an illuminant in a scene includes, applying, to sampled outputs of a sensor array used to capture the scene, a plurality of color-correction profiles, wherein each color-correction profile corresponds to a particular illuminant, thereby forming a plurality of color-corrected sampled outputs. The method further includes identifying the illuminant in the scene as corresponding to the color-corrected sampled output having the least color variance. |
| US08189065B2 |
Methods and apparatus for full-resolution light-field capture and rendering
Method and apparatus for full-resolution light-field capture and rendering. A radiance camera is described in which the microlenses in a microlens array are focused on the image plane of the main lens instead of on the main lens, as in conventional plenoptic cameras. The microlens array may be located at distances greater than f from the photosensor, where f is the focal length of the microlenses. Radiance cameras in which the distance of the microlens array from the photosensor is adjustable, and in which other characteristics of the camera are adjustable, are described. Digital and film embodiments of the radiance camera are described. A full-resolution light-field rendering method may be applied to flats captured by a radiance camera to render higher-resolution output images than are possible with conventional plenoptic cameras and rendering methods. |
| US08189064B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging device includes a color filter having a predetermined color array and converts an optical image into image data of an electrical signal. A coordinate transforming unit transforms a first coordinate value of the imaging device into a second coordinate value in a state of the color array according to a color of the color filter corresponding to the first coordinate value. The imaging device reads out a pixel value of a pixel at the second coordinate value as a pixel value of a pixel at the first coordinate value by setting the first coordinate value as a coordinate transform destination and the second coordinate value as a coordinate transform source. |
| US08189062B2 |
Image pick-up module and method for assembling such an image pick-up module
An image pick-up module comprises an electronic image sensor, single-piece circuit board electrically bonded to the image sensor, and at least one cable electrically bonded and leading away from the circuit board. The circuit board has at least three sections, first and second section extending in relation to the other and obliquely or crosswise to the image sensor, and third section arranged between first and second section. The image sensor is arranged on the circuit board opposite the third section. In a method for assembling the image pick-up module, the circuit board has the form of a planar board blank comprising at least three sections folded along flexible connecting sections whereby the at least one cable is bonded to the board, and the board folds whereby a third section is located between first and second section, and the image sensor is bonded to the circuit board opposite the third section. |
| US08189059B2 |
Digital camera and digital camera system
In a collaborating work, it is to provide a digital camera in which camera information about each camera is displayed on a monitor of a master camera and a memory status of each memory card in use is also displayed and further, when monitoring a video from a slave camera, a size of a display screen can be manually set and in a digital camera system at collaborating work, a first digital camera is provided with camera information about each digital camera, a total memory capacity, a total sum of shot-taken frame numbers, a total remaining memory capacity or a display device indicating a total sum of remaining frame numbers. Camera information is information that is required to be set when instructing a shooting work or a storage work or to specify a second digital camera. |
| US08189056B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, angle-of-view adjusting method and recording medium
In a digital camera 1, a storing means stores feature quantities of a subject area in an image, and a search point setting means sets a plurality of search points in the subject area. Next, an updating means updates coordinates of the set plurality of search points using random numbers. Then, a weight setting means compares feature quantities of the updated search points with the stored feature quantities, and sets a weight for each search point based on similarity. Next, a sorting means sorts the search points depend on those weight, and a variance acquiring means calculates the variance of the sorted search points. Then, an angle-of-view adjusting means determines the amount of adjustment for the angle-of-view based on the calculated variance. |
| US08189054B2 |
Motion estimation method, device, and system for image processing
A motion estimation method is provided for processing successive images in an image sequence, with a motion vector being associated with each of the processed images. For a current image, motion vectors associated with images that precede the current image in the sequence are selected. Candidate motion vectors are generated from the motion vectors that are selected. A motion vector is elected from among the candidate motion vectors. Information that associates the elected motion vector with the current image is stored in memory. At least one of candidate motion vectors is an acceleration vector generated from the acceleration between first and second motion vectors averaged relative to a first and second images, with the first and second images being distinct and preceding the current image in the image sequence. A motion vector averaged relative to a given image is obtained from selected motion vectors associated with images preceding the given image. |
| US08189053B2 |
Camera based interaction and instruction
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for instructing persons using computer based programs and/or remote instructors. One or more video cameras obtain images of the student or other participant. In addition images are analyzed by a computer to determine the locations or motions of one or more points on the student. This location data is fed to computer program which compares the motions to known desired movements, or alternatively provides such movement data to an instructor, typically located remotely, who can aid in analyzing student performance. The invention preferably is used with a substantially life-size display, such as a projection display can provide, in order to make the information displayed a realistic partner or instructor for the student. In addition, other applications are disclosed to sports training, dance, and remote dating. |
| US08189051B2 |
Moving object detection apparatus and method by using optical flow analysis
Disclosed is a moving object detection apparatus and method by using optical flow analysis. The apparatus includes four modules of image capturing, image aligning, pixel matching, and moving object detection. Plural images are successively inputted under a camera. Based on neighboring images, frame relationship on the neighboring images is estimated. With the frame relationship, a set of warping parameter is further estimated. Based on the wrapping parameter, the background areas of the neighboring images are aligned to obtain an aligned previous image. After the alignment, a corresponding motion vector for each pixel on the neighboring images is traced. The location in the scene of the moving object can be correctly determined by analyzing all the information generated from the optical flow. |
| US08189046B2 |
Computer-based communication systems and arrangements associated therewith for indicating user status
A communication system for multiple users whereby an automatic indication of away status is prompted immediately upon a user's departure from the vicinity of a computer or other medium. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished, in an instant messaging environment, via a video camera arrangement whereby, upon there being a detection of a user's absence from the immediate vicinity, an automatic prompt is made to indicate away status for the user. |
| US08189044B2 |
Method for optical inspection of a matt surface and apparatus for applying this method
In a method and apparatus for the optical inspection of a matt surface of an object, the surface having a random texture, for example a tile (11) to find cracks (12), in a first step digital images of the surface are created by an image sensor (K) whereby the surface is illuminated from different directions by light sources (B). In a second step sub-images of the regions of interest are created from the images. In a third step the cracks are detected in the sub-images by digital image processing, generating abnormality sub-charts showing the putative cracks. In a fourth step for each region of interest a joint abnormality chart is generated by fusion of the sub-charts and in a fifth step the cracks are detected in each of the joint abnormality charts of each region of interest. |
| US08189040B2 |
Recipe generation system and method
There is provided a recipe generation apparatus and method for reducing the time required to reflect an optimal value and changed value in an input file by automatically reflecting a value obtained by optimizing an input file for recipe generation in the input file for recipe generation. This invention eliminates the inconvenience of manually reflecting changes in an input file for recipe generation by automatically reflecting changed values in the input file for recipe generation after editing a provisionally generated off-line recipe and achieves a reduction in processing time. This invention also provides a method for automatically generating an off-line recipe and a file for recipe generation from a recipe of a scanning electron microscope (see FIG. 3). |
| US08189039B2 |
Autostereoscopic display device
A drive method and apparatus is provided for a 2D/3D autostereoscopic display with a switchable lens array having an electrically switchable refractive index, between an array of row electrode lines and an array of column electrode lines to control the switching of the lens elements. The drive signals comprise: a row select voltage waveform (Rsw), —a column select voltage waveform (Csw), —and a common row and column de-select voltage waveform (Vbase). The waveforms each comprise a substantially square wave voltage waveform, each waveform having the same period. The three waveforms are time staggered with respect to each other with a phase shift of 2/3 or 4/3 between each waveform and each other waveform. This arrangement provides polarity inversion voltage waveforms when switching voltages are applied to the lens elements, and with maximized RMS voltage. |
| US08189038B2 |
Stereographic projection apparatus with passive eyewear utilizing a continuously variable polarizing element
An apparatus and method for stereoscopic 3D image projection and viewing using a single projection source, polarization modulation, and passive eyewear. This approach is applicable to frame sequential video created using existing 3D graphics APIs, as well as other video signal formats, and is compatible with existing digital light processor (DLP) technology for both front and rear projection systems. An alternating polarizer is used to modulate the projected image, and an electronic control circuit is described which can stabilize the alternating polarizer in both frequency and phase lock with a DLP visual signal (as an alternate embodiment, a frequency lock with a fixed phase offset may be employed). A preferred embodiment enables an existing DLP projection system to be enhanced with 3D capability, while an alternate embodiment allows this capability to be integrated into the design of new DLP based projection systems. |
| US08189032B2 |
Tactile signal transfer arrangement
A signal transfer arrangement is provided for conveying a signal from a first location to a second location. The signal transfer arrangement includes an articulated support structure rotatably mounted on a base located on a support surface. The support structure has a mobile collection device for receiving an input signal from at least one input emission device at the first location positioned on the support surface without contact between the collection device and the emission device, and transferring the input signal to the second location. |
| US08189030B2 |
Permission-based content filtering for video recordings
Computer-readable media having corresponding apparatus and methods embodies instructions executable by a computer to perform a method comprising: receiving a request to stream a video recording; selecting one of a plurality of user types based on the request; selecting one of a plurality of content filters for the video recording based on the selected user type, wherein at least one of the content filters identifies one or more portions of the video recording to be omitted; and streaming the video recording, except for the one or more portions of the video recording to be omitted. |
| US08189021B2 |
Thermal head manufacturing method, thermal head, and printer
A thermal head manufacturing method comprises a concave portion forming step of forming a concave portion on one surface of a supporting substrate, a bonding step of bonding a thin plate glass to the one surface of the supporting substrate where the concave portion has been formed in a manner that hermetically seals the concave portion and forms a hollow portion, a heating step of heating the supporting substrate and the thin plate glass which have been bonded together in the bonding step to thereby soften the thin plate glass and expand gas trapped inside the hollow portion, and a heating resistor forming step of forming a heating resistor on the thin plate glass so as to be opposed to the hollow portion. During the heating step, the thin glass plate undergoes plastic deformation, due to expansion of the gas inside the hollow portion, and rises toward an opposite side from the hollow portion, and a leveling step is carried out to level the outer surface of the plastically deformed thin glass plate. |
| US08189015B2 |
Allocating memory on a spatial light modulator
The present invention provides a various methods, systems and devices for controlling light modulating elements and/or spatial light modulators. In some embodiments of the present invention, a recursive feedback method is used to control light modulating elements and/or spatial light modulators. |
| US08189014B1 |
Generating a screen layout for a BIOS display
A system and machine-implemented method for generating a screen layout for a BIOS display on a computing system, via accessing a screen layout definition, wherein the screen layout definition identifies which of a plurality of stored images are to be included in a screen layout, defines an order for overlaying the identified images, and defines a position for placing each identified image within the screen layout; and processing the screen layout definition to generate the screen layout, using the order for overlaying the identified images and the position for placing each identified image as defined in the screen layout definition, for the BIOS display. |
| US08189013B2 |
Video signal processing device and method of processing gradation
Disclosed is a video signal processing device and a method of processing gradation capable of improving the contrast ratio and the user satisfaction of a plasma display device. The video signal processing device includes a position detecting unit for detecting positions of pixels to be displayed in a frame, a sub region detecting unit for detecting a central region including a reference point formed of at least one pixel in the frame and sub regions surrounding the central region, and a compensating unit for differently compensating brightness of pixels positioned in the sub regions and brightness of pixels positioned in the central unit. |
| US08188997B2 |
Accelerated ray tracing using shallow bounding volume hierarchies
Methods, systems, devices, and computer program code (software) products enable acceleration of ray tracing by using acceleration data structures with high arity to enable processing of nodes using streaming SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) instructions with reduced memory requirements. |
| US08188992B2 |
Method and apparatus for driving plasma display panel
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for driving a plasma display panel that can be driven at a low voltage and prevent undesired discharge from being generated under high temperature environment. |
| US08188990B2 |
Display method and system for stimulating the blinking of the eyes of a user by subliminal modification of display parameters
In a method for displaying visual information (9) on a display surface (3, 13, 20, 21), a display parameter (P) is modified, at trigger intervals, in at least one region of the display surface (3, 13) for a subliminal period of time. The display parameter (P) is preferably selected from the brightness, color, illumination, contrast, focus, frequency or connection/disconnection of the display. By said measure, a viewer of the display surface (3) is prompted to perform a blinking movement which leads to the moistening of the eye with tear fluid and thereby prevents eye irritation without the viewer consciously perceiving the externally controlled blinking. |
| US08188989B2 |
Control knob with multiple degrees of freedom and force feedback
The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob. Detent forces can be provided for the knob by overlapping and adjusting ranges of closely-spaced detents in the rotary degree of freedom of the knob. |
| US08188987B2 |
Display and imaging apparatus and object detecting method
A displaying and imaging apparatus includes a displaying and imaging panel, a generating unit for generating a difference image between a reflection light using image and a shadow image obtained from the displaying and imaging panel, and an image processing unit for obtaining information of at least one of position, shape, and size of the adjacent object on the basis of the difference image. The generating unit generates, on the basis of a plurality of images obtained at timings different from each other, which are one of the reflection light using image or the shadow image, one interpolation image corresponding to the one of images obtained at a timing different from those of the plurality of images, and generates the difference image by the difference between the interpolation image and the other one of the reflection light using image and the shadow image. |
| US08188983B2 |
Touch panel, and electro-optic apparatus and electronic device having the touch panel
A touch panel includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate; an annular seal material that adheres peripheries of the first substrate and the second substrate to each other so as to set a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate; first seal portions that adhere corner portions of the first substrate and the second substrate through the seal material; and second seal portions that are in connection with the first seal portions and adhere side portions of the first substrate and the second substrate through the seal material. Each of the first seal portions has a thickness which is smaller than each of the second seal portions so that the substrate gap is set to be small. |
| US08188982B2 |
Touch screen display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A touch screen display apparatus includes a first substrate including a pixel electrode and a lower sensor electrode, a second substrate facing the first substrate and including a common electrode and an upper sensor electrode facing the lower sensor electrode, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates, a first alignment layer disposed on the pixel electrode and the common electrode, a second alignment layer disposed on the lower sensor electrode, and a third alignment layer disposed on the upper sensor electrode. The second or third alignment layers aligns the liquid crystal layer in a different direction from a direction the first alignment layer aligns the liquid crystal layer. When pressure is applied onto a point on the first or second substrate, a distance and a capacitance between the lower sensor electrode and the upper sensor electrode at the point are changed to detect a position of the point. |
| US08188979B2 |
Display device and voltage adjusting method therefor
A display device includes: a plurality of sensing data lines; a plurality of sensing units that output sensing signals through the plurality of sensing data lines; a signal selector that selects one sensing signal among the plurality of sensing signals; an automatic voltage adjusting unit that, when one sensing signal is selected by the signal selector, performs a controlling operation so as to allow a magnitude of the selected sensing signal to be in a predetermined range; and a voltage generator that adjusts the magnitude of the voltage applied to the sensing data lines based on a control signal output from the automatic voltage adjusting unit. According to the voltage adjusting operation, the sensing signal output through the sensing data line is always in an appropriate range. As a result, the touch determining operation on the sensing units can be accurately performed, so that it is possible to improve reliability of the sensing units. |
| US08188976B2 |
Mobile terminal device and program used in mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device provided with a plurality of keys includes: a touch pad and a touch detection interface which detect a user touching a key; a press detection interface which detects the user pressing the key; a display unit which sequentially displays characters, as candidate characters, assigned to the key pressed by the user, when the press detection interface detects the user pressing the key; and a controller which converts the candidate character displayed on the display unit to a finalized character, when an untouched time period during the user does not touch the pressed key reaches a predetermined judging time after the press detection interface detects the user pressing the key. |
| US08188971B2 |
Medical image interpreting apparatus and cursor-moving method
In the medical image interpreting apparatus having a pointing device for moving a cursor, medical image, interpretation report, and cursor are displayed on a display screen, and initial movement information and information on the destination of movement of the cursor are linked and stored, via the pointing device when the cursor begins to move, said initial movement information relevant to the initial movement is retrieved to obtain the linked information on the destination of movement and the cursor is moved to the destination of movement indicated in the obtained information on the destination of movement. Due to this, just by slightly moving the cursor, the cursor jumps to the desired destination of movement, therefore, it becomes possible to omit an operation of the pointing device in between. Due to this, the operation load of the pointing device is reduced, thus preventing an operator's thought in creating an interpretation report from being destructed, and the enhancement in interpreting efficiency and the reduction of interpretation mistakes are achieved. |
| US08188967B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display has a liquid crystal panel, a gate chip on film (COF) disposed at a side of a side surface of the liquid crystal panel, side-edge-type backlights having a light emitting diode disposed on left and right side surfaces of the liquid crystal panel, and a cover and a frame that hold the liquid crystal panel and the backlights, the frame has an opening disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the gate COF into which the gate COF is inserted, and a lid for covering the gate COF inserted in the opening is connected to the frame in such a manner that the lid is capable of being opened and closed. |
| US08188961B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for decaying residual image thereof
By way of enabling a reset signal while turning off a liquid crystal display, a method for decaying residual image of the liquid crystal display is capable of setting the corresponding gate signal of each of a plurality of gate lines of the liquid crystal display based on the enabled reset signal. Accordingly, enhanced discharging processes on all the storage units of the liquid crystal display for fast decaying residual image can be performed via the data switches of the liquid crystal display turned on by the gate signals being set. The reset operation for performing discharging processes in response to the reset signal can be carried out based on a reset circuit for setting all the gate signals to become high-level signals, or based on a charging/discharging module for furnishing a high-level voltage directly to all the gate lines. |
| US08188959B2 |
Liquid crystal display exhibiting less flicker and method for driving same
An exemplary liquid crystal display includes a frame buffer (41), a frame rate conversion circuit (42), a data divider (43), and a data driver (44). The frame buffer is configured for doubling a frame rate of inputted signals. The frame rate conversion circuit is configured for reducing a bit number of signals. The frame rate conversion circuit includes a first and a second look up table. The first look up table converts a gray level of one of the sub-frames into a higher gray level corresponding to signals with the lower bit number. The second look up table is configured for converting a gray level of the other sub-frame into a lower gray level corresponding to signals with the lower bit number. The data divider is configured for transmitting the signals to the data driver in several buses. The data driver drives the liquid crystal display to display images. |
| US08188955B2 |
Source driving circuit with output buffer
A source driving circuit adapted to drive a display panel is provided herein. The source driving circuit includes a first output buffer and a second output buffer responsible for enhancing signals with different polarities respectively. As for the first output buffer, the first output buffer includes a first differential input stage, a first output stage and a second output stage. The first output stage includes a first level adjustment circuit and a first self-bias providing circuit. The first level adjustment circuit provides a first level voltage according to input signals received by the first differential input stage, such that the second output stage thereby provides a first charge current and a second charge current to output a first output signal based on the first level voltage. The first self-bias providing circuit provides a first biased voltage associated with one input signal to control the first level adjustment circuit to operate. |
| US08188952B1 |
System and method for reducing LCD flicker
The present invention relates to a method and a system of reducing flicker in a liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD produces a display based on a video signal. A gamma curve of the LCD includes multiple gamma reference voltages corresponding to multiple gray scale values of the video signal. The method (and a system implementing the method) includes determining the gamma curve of the LCD for producing a predetermined luminance performance, driving the LCD by a test pattern having one of the multiple gray scale values, measuring a flicker of the LCD driven by the test pattern, and adjusting a gamma reference voltage in the gamma curve based on the flicker measurement to minimize the flicker of the LCD where the gamma reference voltage corresponds to the gray scale value in the gamma curve. |
| US08188951B2 |
Chip on glass type display device
A display device includes a display panel including a display region and first and second non-display regions disposed at a periphery of the display region, a first drive integrated circuit including a first signal input terminal, a second drive integrated circuit including a second signal input terminal, the first and second drive integrated circuits disposed in the first non-display region, a circuit board generating and outputting a driving signal and disposed in the second non-display region, a first signal line interconnecting the first signal input terminal and the second signal input terminal, and a second signal line extending from the circuit board and connected to the first signal line at a central position of the first signal line. |
| US08188948B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting device according to one or more embodiments includes a gate line, a data line intersecting the gate line, a switching thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, a driving thin film transistor connected to the switching thin film transistor, and a light emitting diode (LED) connected to the driving thin film transistor. The switching thin film transistor includes a control electrode connected to the gate line, a crystalline semiconductor overlapping the control electrode, and an input electrode and an output electrode are spaced apart from each other on the crystalline semiconductor, wherein the control electrode and the gate line are respectively disposed under and on the crystalline semiconductor and include different materials. |
| US08188942B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a substrate, a display unit that is positioned on the substrate and includes a plurality of subpixels, signal lines on the substrate, a pad unit positioned at either edge of the substrate, and a dummy pad unit positioned at both sides of the pad unit outside the pad unit on the signal lines. The signal lines include scan lines, power supply lines, and ground lines which are connected to the plurality of subpixels. The pad unit includes a driver supplying driving signals to the signal lines. The dummy pad unit is connected to the signal lines. |
| US08188937B1 |
Body mounting type display system
In a body mounting type display system, at least a signal corresponding to display data is outputted to a computer side output transmission circuit through a bus line of a computer, and the data corresponding to the signal is written in a buffer memory of the computer side output transmission circuit by the computer. The data written in the buffer memory is read and sent, and the data is received at a body side output transmission circuit, which is restored to a signal corresponding to the signal outputted through the bus line. An image output interface connected to the body side output transmission circuit produces a signal for actuating a display device worn by a user based on the display data of the restored signal. Thus, there is provided the body mounting type display system suitable for providing information to the user who can work with hand free condition. |
| US08188932B2 |
Phased array antenna with lattice transformation
Structure and method for an aperture plate for use in a phased array antenna is disclosed. The aperture plate includes a plurality of waveguide transitions, each with a radiating end, a coupling end and a body portion extending from the radiating end to the coupling end. The waveguide transitions are spaced apart from each other wherein at least a pair of waveguide transitions are spaced apart closer to each other at the radiating end than at the coupling end. The method of manufacturing an aperture plate for a phased array antenna includes sizing a plurality of waveguide transitions based upon certain operating requirements, determining a radiating lattice spacing and configuration based upon the operating requirements, determining a coupling lattice spacing and configuration based upon antenna electronics packaging, optimizing an aperture plate thickness to achieve the radiating lattice and the coupling lattice spacing and configuration, and forming the aperture plate. |
| US08188928B2 |
Antenna module and design method thereof
An antenna module is provided. The antenna module includes an antenna and an EBG element. The EBG element includes an EBG ground layer, a plurality of reflective units and a plurality of connection posts. The reflective units are arranged in a matrix, a gap is formed between the nearby reflective units, and the reflective units are corresponding to the antenna. Each connection post connects the reflective unit to the EBG ground layer. |
| US08188925B2 |
Bent monopole antenna with shared segments
A bent monopole antenna with shared segments is capable of tri-band communication. In an example embodiment, an antenna assembly includes a substrate, a first bent monopole, a second bent monopole, and a third bent monopole. The first, second, and third bent monopoles are disposed on the substrate. The first bent monopole includes a feedline segment and a first segment. The second bent monopole includes the feedline segment and the first segment. The third bent monopole includes the feedline segment and a second segment. The first, second, and third bent monopoles share the feedline segment, while the first and second bent monopoles also share the first segment. A T-junction is formed by the feedline segment, the first segment, and the second segment. In an example implementation, the first segment has a first width, and the second segment has a second width, with the first width being greater than the second width. |
| US08188924B2 |
RF powder and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an RF powder having a characteristic to be used as a powder (powdery substance) which is composed of a large quantity of particles and has a collective form, wherein each of a large quantity of particles composing the powder is smaller in size as compared with a current IC tag chip and is used as a device having a function substantially equivalent to the IC tag chip, use form thereof is not individual device use but powder use, treatment is easy, a manufacturing cost is very low in respect of a unit cost of each particle, and a practical use is very high, and a method for manufacturing the same. An RF powder 11 is used in a powder form, wherein each particle 11a in the powder has an integrated circuit 13 formed on a substrate 12, an insulating layer 14 formed on the integrated circuit, and an antenna element 15 formed on the insulating layer. |
| US08188923B2 |
Method of multi-transmitter and multi-path AOA-TDOA location comprising a sub-method for synchronizing and equalizing the receiving stations
Method and system for locating one or more transmitters in the potential presence of obstacles in a network comprising a first receiving station A and a second receiving station B that is asynchronous with A. The method includes the identification of a reference transmitter through an estimation of its direction of arrival AOA-TDOA pair (θref, Δτref) on the basis of the knowledge of the positions of the reference transmitter and of stations A and B, an estimation of the direction of arrival of the transmitter or transmitters and of the reflectors (or estimation of the AOA) on station A, and the correction of the errors of asynchronism between station A and station B by using the reference transmitter and the location of the various transmitters on the basis of each pair (AOAi, TDOAi). |
| US08188918B2 |
Antenna system having a steerable radiation pattern based on geographic location
An antenna system (10) for receiving satellite signals in a vehicle exhibits a radiation pattern (11). The antenna system (10) includes a plurality of parasitic elements (18) which are electrically connectable together using linking switches (20). The geometry of the radiation pattern (11) changes as the linking switches (20) are activated and deactivated. Control of the linking switches (20), and thus the geometry of the radiation pattern (11), is based on the geographic location of the antenna system (10). Thus, the radiation pattern (10) can be steered based on geographic location to enhance signal reception. The geographic location may be obtained automatically via a GPS receiver (30) or manually via a user. |
| US08188915B2 |
System and/or method for reducing ambiguities in received SPS Signals
Systems, apparatuses, and/or methods are provided for resolving ambiguities associated with signals received from space vehicles (SVs) in a satellite navigation system. For example, certain methods include receiving a first SV signal from a first satellite positioning system (SPS), and reducing a bit edge ambiguity of a data signal modulating a second SV signal received from a second SPS based, at least in part, on information in the received first SV signal. |
| US08188914B2 |
Wireless communication device and associated method including control of positioning-system receiver and shared oscillator
The wireless communication device includes a wireless communication transceiver to generate an oscillator control signal and an activation signal, a positioning-system receiver (e.g. a GPS receiver) to process received positioning signals, and a shared oscillator (e.g. a temperature compensated and voltage controlled crystal oscillator TCVCXO) responsive to the oscillator control signal and to generate a reference frequency signal for the wireless communication transceiver and the positioning-system receiver. The positioning-system receiver may control processing of the received positioning signals based upon the activation signal to reduce a noise contribution (e.g. phase noise) due to frequency control of the shared oscillator based upon the oscillator control signal. The activation signal may indicate that the oscillator control signal is being varied to provide frequency control or adjustment of the shared oscillator. |
| US08188912B1 |
Altitude constrained GPS
A method of improving accuracy of position coordinates of a positioning device is provided. The method comprises: (A) obtaining a 3D reference solution for reference position coordinates of an positioning device by using a plurality of available radio signals emanating from an integer N number of available radio sources at time t; wherein 3D solution includes a reference 3D altitude of said positioning device at Epoch (t); (B) obtaining a barometric altitude of the positioning device at each Epoch; (C) if a trigger event occurs at Epoch (t+1), generating an updated altitude of the positioning device at Epoch (t+1) by using the reference 3D altitude obtained at Epoch (t) and by using the barometric altitude obtained at Epoch (t) and obtained at Epoch (t+1); and (D) using a position estimator to obtain 3D solution for position coordinates of the positioning device at Epoch (t+1) with improved accuracy by utilizing the updated altitude of the positioning device. |
| US08188908B2 |
System and method for measurement of distance to a tag by a modulated backscatter RFID reader
Distance to a modulated backscatter tag is measured with a RFID reader that measures changes in phase with frequency of modulated backscattered RF signals. Measured distances are linked to a specific tag. The effects of other sources of reflected and interfering signals are mitigated. The techniques eliminate the need for high RF bandwidth used in time-of-flight methods, and may be used with linear, limiting or other types of amplifiers in the reader receiver. Unambiguous distance to a tag may be found using the derivative of phase with RF frequency of the modulated signal backscattered by a tag. The distance to a tag can be measured with an accuracy on the order of a centimeter. The techniques utilize the characteristics of cooperative backscatter tags (transponders, labels, etc.). New readers implement the techniques which may use unmodified tags. |
| US08188907B2 |
Aircraft collision avoidance alarm
The present invention provides an aircraft collision alarm system and method. The method includes the steps of collecting aircraft position information for aircraft in a given area and digitally encoding this aircraft position information. This aircraft position information is then transmitted on an audio sub-carrier over the voice communications channel of a VOR to the aircraft. The aircraft receives and processes the digitally encoded information and alerts the pilot if a collision alarm situation is present. |
| US08188902B2 |
Ternary search SAR ADC
Traditionally, successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) using binary search algorithms have consumed power by performing unnecessary switching of a capacitive digital-to-analog converter (CDAC) when a CDAC voltage is relatively close to a sampling analog input signal. Here, a SAR ADC is provided that reduces the number of switching events. To accomplish this, a multi-stage comparator is provided that generates multiple output signals for SAR logic. Based on these outputs, the SAR logic can more efficiently switch its CDAC using a ternary search algorithm to reduce power consumption and improve efficiency. |
| US08188901B1 |
Superconductor analog to digital converter
Superconductor analog-to-digital converters (ADC) offer high sensitivity and large dynamic range. One approach to increasing the dynamic range further is with a subranging architecture, whereby the output of a coarse ADC is converted back to analog and subtracted from the input signal, and the residue signal fed to a fine ADC for generation of additional significant bits. This also requires a high-gain broadband linear amplifier, which is not generally available within superconductor technology. In a preferred embodiment, a distributed digital fluxon amplifier is presented, which also integrates the functions of integration, filtering, and flux subtraction. A subranging ADC design provides two ADCs connected with the fluxon amplifier and subtractor circuitry that would provide a dynamic range extension by about 30-35 dB. |
| US08188899B2 |
Un-buffered segmented R-DAC with switch current reduction
An resistor string digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that includes elements to compensate for resistor ladder loading, and/or to provide compensation for loading such as via switch current cancellation. The approach reduces output voltage sensitivity to switch resistances while also reducing INL and DNL errors. Additional resistor loops are optionally disposed at the top and bottom of one or more further segments to provide Nth order resistive current cancellation. |
| US08188897B2 |
Analog to digital converter
An analog to digital converter includes a dielectric substrate, an analog input wire, and digital output wires, with a metal insulator extending over the digital output wires. The analog input wire can be in proximity to the dielectric substrate and can generate heat when an electric current flows through the analog input wire. The digital output wires can also be in proximity to the dielectric substrate. The metal insulator can have a phase transition temperature above which the metal insulator is electrically conductive to short circuit at least one of the digital output wires in contact with a metal insulator portion above the phase transition temperature. The digital output wires can be arranged at predetermined distances from the analog input wire such that output wires have varying short circuit thresholds. |
| US08188895B2 |
Digital signal coding method and apparatus, digital signal decoding apparatus, digital signal arithmetic coding method and digital signal arithmetic decoding method
In a bit stream syntax containing compressed video slice data for compressed video data of a slice structure, a slice header for compressed video slice data has attached thereto a slice start code, a register reset flag indicating whether a register value, which designates a status of a codeword occurring in an arithmetic coding process, should be reset in the next transmission unit, an initial register value which indicates a register value to be used to start arithmetic coding/decoding to build/decompose the next transmission unit, only when the register reset flag indicates that the register should not be reset. |
| US08188892B2 |
Moving vehicle system and method of detecting position of moving vehicle
A detection head has an array including a plurality of coils. Magnetic marks are arranged in a travel route at a pitch equal to the array length. By interaction between the magnetic marks and the coils, a position of a moving vehicle is determined based on the magnetic marks. |
| US08188888B2 |
Method and traffic control system for controlling traffic flows including hazardous material or abnormal load transportation units
Disclosed are a method and a traffic routing system for controlling traffic flows in which hazardous or special material is transported through safety-critical traffic zones such as tunnels, bridges or locks. In the method and traffic routing system, safety-relevant data is read with the help of a signal transmitter disposed on the transported hazardous or special material and is transmitted to a central computer unit when said vehicle passes reading devices located in the safety-critical traffic zone. The central computer unit determines a safety risk in the safety-critical traffic zone on the basis of the safety-relevant data of all transported hazardous or special material located in the safety-critical traffic zone and sets traffic routing signals. |
| US08188886B2 |
Method and system for controlling path redundancy in the acquisition of utility meter data
A method and system by which certain radio transmitters are assigned to certain reception nodes for the purpose of transmitting metering data derived from a plurality of utility meters to a system management computer. The reception nodes are configured to receive and process data transmissions only from those transmitters with data paths assigned to particular reception nodes, and to ignore data transmissions from non-listed transmitters, thereby assuring that on a continuous basis, a majority of the transmitters will utilize only one data path. Lists may be formed for the transmitters and reception nodes in the system management computer and transmitted to the reception nodes. The status of data transmissions through the repeaters may also be uploaded to the system management computer for analysis of data update rates and data path redundancy. |
| US08188884B2 |
Forward throw antenna utility meter
Systems and methods are provided for a utility meter assembly comprising: a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, wherein the meter components include a transceiver operative for signal communications over a network; a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on the front of the faceplate; an exterior cover configured to enclose the meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; and an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is beyond the front of the faceplate and toward the front of the utility meter assembly. The internal dipole antenna is typically situated away from the meter components, so as to minimize interference by the meter components. The internal dipole antenna is typically tuned for optimal matching impedance in an 850 MHz or 1900 MHz receiving band, so that the desired receiving band Standing Wave Ration (SWR) is achieved, and also a specified minimum radiated power threshold is maintained. |
| US08188883B2 |
Utility meter with communication system displays
A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure commodity consumption and provide consumption data. A memory in the meter is configured to store meter data including the consumption data. The memory includes a plurality of memory segments, each of the plurality of memory segments protected by a different password. The meter further comprises a receiver configured to receive a memory request and an associated password from a source external to the utility meter. A controller in the meter is configured to grant or deny the memory request depending upon the associated password received from the source external to the utility meter. |
| US08188882B2 |
Depth measurement by distributed sensors
A downhole device, position verifiable string includes a downhole device; a string in operable communication with downhole device; and a plurality of sensor units each sensing at least one of acceleration and strain in the string and spaced from each other along the string from downhole device to a remote location of the drill string and method. |
| US08188877B2 |
Audible or visual content with athletic training information
An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position, or visually. For example, if the user does not wish to interrupt the audible content, the user may elect to view athletic information visually on a display. |
| US08188876B1 |
Integrated battery level indicator, method and circuit for a trolling motor controller
The integrated batter level indicator method and circuit of the present application provides an LED bar graph display proportional to a range of variable throttle control that provides range of speed indication, direction indication, as well as a battery level indicator. The bar graph display is configured to switch between speed or battery mode, preferably switching to battery mode when a user turns the throttle to an off position, while indicating direction of the motor at all times when the motor is in use. The integrated battery level indicator and circuit displays an amount of battery power remaining in the battery by comparing the input signal to a high and low reference level such that as the input varies between the high and low reference levels, the battery voltage is displayed on the indicator. The indicator and circuit of the present application further includes the bar graph display being integrated into the controller head cover of the controller head assembly such that a user can easily view the indicator and even be reminded of the battery level charge without having to think about it or search for it. |
| US08188874B2 |
Air sampling system having inline flow control switch
A sampling system for quantifying the amount of contaminants in a controlled environment within a facility. The system has an air sampling devices each associated with a respective flow switch module, both within the controlled environment, and a first and second controller located outside the controlled environment. The first controller is in flow communication with the air sampling devices. The first controller is also in flow communication with the flow switch modules and controls a vacuum source to draw a predetermined volume of air through the at least one air sampling device via the at least one flow switch module at a desired flow rate. The flow switch module detects when the actual flow rate falls below or above a predetermined value, and generates an alarm. |
| US08188870B2 |
System for monitoring an alertness of an operator of a powered system
A system is presented for monitoring an alertness of an operator of a powered system which operates based on a profile. The monitoring system includes a controller to initiate a query to the operator during an operation of the powered system. The query is used to prompt the operator for information related to the operation of the powered system along the profile. The controller compares a response to the query with a correct answer of the query to determine the alertness of the operator. |
| US08188867B2 |
Transponder inlay for a personal document and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a transponder inlay (11) for manufacturing a layered structure (40) for a personal document with a substrate layer (12) for arranging a transponder unit (15) that includes an antenna coil (13) and a chip module (14) and which is situated on a contact surface (17) of the substrate layer, wherein the chip module (14) is accommodated in a window opening (30) formed in the substrate layer (12) in such a way that a chip carrier (23) of the chip module rests with its circumferential edge on a compressed peripheral shoulder (24) of the window opening (30); the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the transponder inlay. In addition, the present invention relates to a layered structure for a personal document, which is provided with such a transponder inlay, and an identification document having such a layered structure. |
| US08188864B2 |
Device and method for inspecting equipment
An equipment inspecting device for inspecting at least one piece of equipment positioned in an office from among a plurality of offices included in the equipment inspection target recognizes office information for indicating a position of an office, and searches office equipment information for indicating a previous state of at least one piece of equipment positioned in the office by using the office information. The equipment inspecting device transmits the searched office equipment information to the equipment information collecting device so that an equipment information collecting device for collecting at least one piece of equipment information corresponding to at least one piece of equipment may generate update information for indicating a state change of at least one piece of equipment. Also, the equipment inspecting device receives the update information from the equipment information collecting device, and updates office equipment information by using the update information. |
| US08188863B2 |
Detecting loading and unloading of material
An apparatus and techniques for detecting the loading and unloading of materials on a mobile structure are disclosed. The techniques can be used to detect when material is on a support structure of the mobile structure and to detect when the material is off the support structure of the mobile structure. |
| US08188861B2 |
Intelligent observation and identification database system
An intelligent video/audio observation and identification database system may define a security zone or group of zones. The system may identify vehicles and individuals entering or exiting the zone through image recognition of the vehicle or individual as compared to prerecorded information stored in a database. The system may alert security personnel as to warrants or other information discovered pertaining to the recognized vehicle or individual resulting from a database search. The system may compare images of a suspect vehicle, such as an undercarriage image, to standard vehicle images stored in the database and alert security personnel as to potential vehicle overloading or foreign objects detected, such as potential bombs. The system may track individuals or vehicles within a zone or between zones. The system may further learn the standard times and locations of vehicles or individuals tracked by the system and alert security personnel upon deviation from standard activity. |
| US08188857B2 |
Authentication system and method thereof for wireless networks
An authentication system for a wireless network is disclosed. The authentication system includes a card, a card reader, an end-user device, and a wireless access device. The card reader is coupled to the wireless access device. The card records a data, and the card reader reads the data recorded in the card. The wireless access device receives the data read by the card reader and performs authentication between the wireless access device and the end-user device according to the data. |
| US08188850B2 |
System for enhancing perception of a motor vehicle's mark emblem
A system is provided for causing audible sounds, and/or visible actions, and/or motion to occur by a vehicle's mark emblem. The system may cause such actions to be initiated manually or automatically as a result of vehicle operation or operator action. Controls are provided to prevent the audible sound, visible action, or motion to occur if the vehicle speed is above a legal speed limit. Such may be controls set by the vehicle operator. In addition, when operated from a position remote from the vehicle, the audible sound associated with the mark emblem will be limited to a volume that will prevent persons from becoming startled when they are in proximity to the vehicle. |
| US08188849B2 |
Method and device for displaying, in a motor vehicle, the value of a parameter
To display a temperature value in a passenger compartment (5), it is proposed to use a luminous pointer that is moved along a row of modules (7a, 7b . . . ) that are on or off. Values (9a, 9b . . . ) of this temperature are also marked on the panel (3), along this row. Depending on the temperature to be displayed, the pointer will be moved with a single module on for a first type of temperature values and two adjacent luminous modules on for a second type of temperature values that are intermediate between two successive values of the first type. |
| US08188847B2 |
Information transmission and processing systems and methods for freight carriers
Methods and systems for remotely monitoring trailer or trailers attached to a vehicle is provided. The method includes associating an identification tag or ABS ECU that is configured to broadcast a trailer identification signal with a trailer. The method further includes receiving the trailer identification signal on-board the vehicle, associating the trailer identification signal with the vehicle, transmitting the trailer identification signal to a remote processor and receiving the trailer identification signal at the remote processor. The system comprises a mobile data terminal capable of generating and responding to telematic events comprising at least one processor, a graphical user interface, an input device, a memory and a set of executable instructions which may include a plurality of modules, such as a vehicle location module capable of receiving a GPS signal and transmitting the GPS signal to a remote processor for determining a location of a transportation unit. |
| US08188846B2 |
System and method for displaying information to vehicle operator
A display system for displaying information to a vehicle operator comprises one or more projectors positioned in an operator cab of a vehicle. The projector is configured to project a heads up display of a plurality of data sets on a windscreen of the vehicle. Projected data sets are positioned in the heads up display and/or moved within the heads up display based on assessed relative priority levels of the data sets. Thus, for example, a data set with a higher assessed relative priority level may be positioned in a location of greater operator viewing prominence. If the priority level drops, the data set may be moved to a position of lower operator prominence. Respective heads up displays may be projected on more than two separate windscreens of the vehicle, either simultaneously or at alternate times, and possibly depending on an operational mode of the vehicle. |
| US08188844B2 |
Reconfigurable tactile interface utilizing active material actuation
A reconfigurable tactile human-machine interface adapted for facilitating selection and manipulation by a user, presenting a first geometric shape, orientation, position, or characteristic, and including at least one active material element configured to cause the interface to achieve a second geometric shape, orientation, position or otherwise characteristic when activated or deactivated, and preferably further including at least one sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and interface and configured to selectively cause the element to be activated upon receipt of sensory input. |
| US08188841B2 |
Method of remote powering and detecting multiple UWB passive tags in an RFID system
A new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tracking, powering apparatus/system and method using coded Ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling is introduced. The proposed hardware and techniques disclosed herein utilize a plurality of passive UWB transponders in a field of an RFID-radar system. The radar system itself enables multiple passive tags to be remotely powered (activated) at about the same time frame via predetermined frequency UWB pulsed formats. Once such tags are in an activated state, an UWB radar transmits specific “interrogating codes” to put predetermined tags in an awakened status. Such predetermined tags can then communicate by a unique “response code” so as to be detected by an UWB system using radar methods. |
| US08188838B2 |
Sliding key fob
A sliding key fob includes a housing formed of a first housing member and a second housing member. A transmitter is disposed within the housing. A transmitter sends a first actuating signal when the first housing member is slidably moved in a first direction relative to the second housing member. The transmitter sends a second actuating signal when the first housing member is slidably moved in a second direction relative to the second housing member. |
| US08188837B2 |
Method of finding a key to a mobile vehicle
A method of finding a key to a mobile vehicle includes receiving a call, at a call center, indicating that the key is lost and requesting, via the call center, a telematics unit on-board the mobile vehicle to establish communication with a remote access key fob that is associated with the key, the remote access key fob having an alarm integrated therewith. The method further includes requesting, via the call center, the telematics unit to activate the alarm of the remote access key fob and activating, via the telematics unit, the alarm of the remote access key fob. |
| US08188836B2 |
Apparatus for switching high frequency signals
A high frequency signal switching apparatus includes a bias unit which transmits a bias power source; a control signal transmitter, which provides a control signal received from outside; and a switching unit, so that the input signal input through the input terminal by switching one or more diodes according to the control signal driven by the bias power source is output selectively on the output terminal. |
| US08188833B2 |
Variable resistance element and manufacturing method of the same
A variable resistance element capable of increasing stability of a resistance changing operation and reducing a current necessary for changing, to a low resistance state for the first time, the variable resistance element in an initial state immediately after manufacture. The variable resistance element includes: a first electrode (101); a memory cell hole (150) formed above the first electrode (101); a first variable resistance layer (201) covering a bottom of the memory cell hole (150) and an upper surface of the first electrode (101); a second variable resistance layer (202) formed on the first variable resistance layer (201); and a second electrode (102) formed on the memory cell hole (150), in which a thickness of the first variable resistance layer (201) at the bottom of the memory cell hole (150) gradually decreases toward an edge area of the memory cell hole (150) and has a local minimum value around the edge area of the memory cell hole (150). Furthermore, an oxygen concentration in the first variable resistance layer (201) is higher than an oxygen concentration in the second variable resistance layer (202). |
| US08188831B2 |
Thermal overload relay
A thermal overload relay includes a main bimetal for detection of an overload current, a shifter associated with the main bimetal, a release lever working according to a displacement of the shifter, a contact reversing mechanism for changing-over contacts by reversing action caused by rotation of the release lever, and a manipulation structure for manipulating the release lever and the contact reversing mechanism. The manipulation structure includes a reset bar for returning the contact reversing mechanism to an initial state. The reset bar is arranged to change-over between a manual reset state in which the reset bar can be pushed-in and an automatic reset state in which the reset bar is pushed-in and turned from the manual reset state and held in that state. |
| US08188830B2 |
Transformer and switching power supply unit
The transformer includes: a magnetic core having two base-plates and four legs; a first conductive member as a first winding, having four through-holes through which the four legs pass, respectively; and one or more second conductive members as a second winding, each having four through-holes through which the four legs pass, respectively. The first and second windings are wound around the four legs. Closed magnetic paths are formed inside the magnetic core from the four legs to the two base-plates due to currents flowing through the first or the second winding. A couple of magnetic fluxes each generated inside each of a couple of legs arranged along one diagonal line are both directed in a first direction, while another couple of magnetic fluxes each generated inside each of another couple of legs arranged along another diagonal line are both directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08188826B2 |
Coil unit and electronic apparatus using the same
A coil unit includes a coil formed by winding a coil wire, a wiring substrate, and a magnetic substance for receiving magnetic lines of force generated by the coil. The wiring substrate includes a connection terminal connected to both ends of the coil, an external connection terminal, and a wiring pattern for connecting the connection terminal and the external connection terminal. No circuit element other than the coil is mounted on the wiring substrate. |
| US08188822B2 |
Cooling system for large power transformers
A cooling system includes a housing having a compartment and an oil inlet. A transformer unit is disposed in the compartment and includes a plurality of large power transformers. A heat-dissipating unit is disposed in the compartment and includes a fluid inlet port member, a fluid outlet port member, a heat conductor, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes. The heat conductor is in thermal contact with the heat exchange pipes. The heat exchange pipes are arranged along a first direction. Each of the heat exchange pipes extends along a plane that is not parallel to the first direction. A cooling oil is introduced into the compartment through the oil inlet such that the transformer unit, the heat conductor, and the heat exchange pipes are immersed in the cooling oil. |
| US08188820B2 |
Shaft encoder, device comprising such an encoder and method of manufacturing such an encoder
Displacement encoder for a moving shaft, comprising a sleeve intended to be fitted onto the shaft and at least one permanent magnet forming at least one polarized magnetic mark. An elastomer layer lies between the permanent magnet and the sleeve. This elastomer layer is adhesively bonded to the permanent magnet and to the sleeve. The invention also relates to a device for a moving shaft comprising such an encoder and to the method of manufacturing the encoder. |
| US08188818B2 |
Relay
A relay comprises: a solenoid; a hermetically sealed chamber mounted at a lower end thereof with a cylinder into which a center portion of the spool is inserted, mounted at an upper end thereof with a pair of stationary terminals each provided at a stationary contact point and filled therein with insulating gas to be coupled at an upper portion of the spool; an insulation member insulating the chamber and the stationary terminals; a movable unit including a shaft, a conductive movable terminal, and a pair of movable contact points; a restoring spring to pull the shaft toward the lower surface of the cylinder; and an insulated sliding guide to guide the movable unit that is moved by the solenoid and the restoring spring. |
| US08188812B2 |
Elastic wave device and ladder filter device
An elastic wave device includes a first elastic wave resonator and a second elastic wave resonator that are connected in series to each other, and a resistor is connected in parallel with the first elastic wave resonator while no resistors are connected in parallel with the second elastic wave resonator. |
| US08188811B2 |
Filtering circuit with coupled acoustic resonators
A filter with coupled resonator having a substrate; an acoustic mirror intended to support acoustic resonators, and to isolate these resonators from the substrate; a first structure with an upper resonator and a lower resonator coupled to one another through at least one layer of acoustic coupling; a second structure with an upper resonator and a lower resonator coupled to one another through at least one layer of acoustic coupling; the lower resonators of the first and second structure having the same electrodes. The first and second structures are connected via a fifth resonator for which electrodes and the piezoelectric layer of the lower resonators are of the first and second structure. |
| US08188806B2 |
Tuner and transformer formed by printed circuit board thereof
A tuner and a transformer formed by printed circuit board thereof are provided. The transformer includes a first winding and a second winding. In which, the first winding forms a first inductor and the second winding forms a second inductor. The transformer is formed by the first and the second inductors, wherein the first winding and the second winding are formed by conducting wires of a printed circuit board. |
| US08188805B2 |
Triplate line-to-waveguide transducer having spacer dimensions which are larger than waveguide dimensions
A ground conductor (1) has a through hole provided through an area thereof for connection with a waveguide (6), with dimensions substantially equal to cavity dimensions of the waveguide (6), and a metallic spacer (7a) is provided as a holding element for a film substrate (4), with an even thickness to a dielectric substrate (2a), the metallic spacer (7a) having dimensions E1 and E2 of cavity walls thereof changed in accordance with a desirable frequency, and cooperating with another metallic spacer (7b) having substantially equal dimensions to the metallic spacer (7a), to sandwich the film substrate (4) in between, and in addition, an upper ground conductor (5) is arranged on the other metallic spacer (7b), and a quadrate resonant patch pattern (8) is formed at an end of the strip line conductor (3) formed to the film subs ate (4), on an area corresponding to a transducer end of the waveguide (6), while a combination of the quadrate resonant patch pattern (8) and the waveguide (6) is arranged such that the quadrate resonant patch pattern (8) has a center position thereof coincident with a center position of the cavity dimensions of the waveguide (6). |
| US08188803B2 |
Apparatus and method for digital up converting in a mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for digital up converting in a mobile communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a Selectable Input Logic (SIL), a Scalable Clock Distribution Logic (SCDL), a filter logic, and a mixer logic. The SIL performs decimation at a decimation rate. The SCDL controls a clock frequency. The filter logic performs channel filtering for the decimated signal, and performs interpolation at an interpolation rate variable. The mixer logic up-converts the signal provided from the filter logic. |
| US08188799B2 |
Microelectromechanical system device and method of manufacturing the microelectromechanical system device
Provided is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) that includes a first structure and second structure. The first structure and second structure may each include a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate of each structure may have first and second surfaces that face each other. The first substrate may include a via etching hole pattern penetrating the first surface and the second surface and a first non-via etching hole pattern penetrating the first surface. The second substrate of each structure may have third and fourth surfaces that face each other. The second substrate may include a second non-via etching hole pattern penetrating the third surface in a position corresponding to the via etching hole pattern of the first substrate. In the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate may be bonded together. |
| US08188794B2 |
Method and system for providing automatic gate bias for field effect transistors
The present invention provides a feedback gate bias circuit for use in radio frequency amplifiers to more effectively control operation of LDFET, GaNFET, GaAsFET, and JFET type transistors used in such circuits. The invention provides a transistor gate bias circuit that senses drain current and automatically adjusts or biases the gate voltage to maintain drain current independently of temperature, time, input drive, frequency, as well as from device to device variations. The invention provides additional circuits to provide temperature compensation, RF power monitoring and drain current control, RF output power leveler, high power gain block, and optional digital control of various functions. |
| US08188791B2 |
Programmable gain amplifier and transconductance compensation system
A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) system comprises selectable parallel transconductors in a front end, independently selectable serial amplification circuits in a back end. The back end is configured to receive an output of the front end and may include a plurality of current or voltage mode amplifiers in series. The PGA system also includes control circuitry to select a gain configuration for the PGA by selecting selectable components in the front and back ends. The PGA system may additionally include control circuitry configured to change the transconductance of one or more of the front end transconductors such that the gain configurations of the PGA are independent of variations such as those due to temperature and fabrication. The PGA system may be used between a signal receiver and an analog to digital converter. |
| US08188790B1 |
Gated class H amplifier/line driver system and method
Amplifier circuitry (10) includes a driver amplifier (11) and an integrator amplifier (AH) producing an output signal (VAH) that controls a pass transistor (Q2) coupled to a pump capacitor (CH). Input circuitry (16) controls the direction of ramping of the output signal during a first interval to boost a supply voltage (V12) of the driver amplifier via the pump capacitor, and also controls the direction of ramping to recharge the pump capacitor following a second interval. In one embodiment, pump capacitor recharging circuitry (Q75,R76,ICCH) completes the recharging of the pump capacitor following the second interval after it has been partially recharged by the integrator amplifier. |
| US08188789B2 |
Apparatus for improving performance at low power region in a Doherty amplifier
A method and apparatus improve the performance of a carrier amplifier in a Doherty amplifier. The Doherty amplifier includes a power divider, a carrier amplifier, at least one peaking amplifier, offset lines, and a Doherty circuit. The power divider provides a power signal to each of the carrier amplifier and the at least one peaking amplifier. The carrier amplifier amplifies power of a signal inputted from the power divider. The at least one peaking amplifier amplifies power of a signal inputted from the power divider. The offset lines control a load impedance when the at least one peaking amplifier does not operate. When the at least one peaking amplifier does not operate, the Doherty circuit generates the load impedance of the carrier amplifier that is larger than twice a load impedance at the maximum output power of the carrier amplifier. |
| US08188787B2 |
Peak detector for detecting peaks in a modulated signal
A demodulator for demodulating a modulated signal has a peak detector (206) with an input (100) coupled to receive the modulated signal and an output (207) to supply a peak detector output signal. The peak detector has a charge storer (314) coupled to the peak detector output so that the peak detector output signal is provided by a voltage across the charge storer (314) and a comparator (313) having a first comparator input coupled to the peak detector input to receive the modulated signal and a second comparator input coupled to the peak detector output to receive the peak detector output signal. The comparator (313) provides a comparison signal representing a comparison between the voltage of the modulated signal and the peak detector output signal. A charging controller (315, 316 and 318) charges the charge storer (314) so as to increase the output voltage when the comparator (313) provides a first signal indicating that the voltage of the modulated signal is higher than the voltage of the peak detector output signal and discharges the charge storer (314) so as to decrease the output voltage when the comparator (313) provides a second signal indicating that the voltage of the modulated signal is lower than the voltage of the peak detector output signal. |
| US08188782B1 |
Clock system and method for compensating timing information of clock system
A clock system includes a clock signal generating circuit and a controlling circuit. The clock signal generating circuit is used for generating a primary clock signal and a reference clock signal both derived from an oscillating signal of the clock signal generating circuit. The controlling circuit is coupled to the clock signal generating circuit and used for receiving the primary clock signal under a normal mode and compensating timing information generated from the primary clock signal according to the reference clock signal when the clock system exits a power saving mode. The primary clock signal is de-activated when the clock system enters the power saving mode and is activated when the clock system exits the power saving mode. The clock system can keep a continue clock for system to use when the primary clock signal is gated or power saving mode is entered. |
| US08188781B1 |
Memory interface phase-shift circuitry to support multiple frequency ranges
The present invention provides a phase shift circuit that supports multiple frequency ranges. The phase shift circuit receives a plurality of control bits and causes a phase shift in a received signal, the phase shift corresponding to a number of time steps, the number depending on the control bits, and the time step is selected from a plurality of different time steps based on a frequency range associated with the received signal. |
| US08188779B2 |
Duty control buffer circuit and duty correction circuit
The circuit includes a duty control buffer and a duty control voltage generator that receives outputs of the duty control buffer, detects a duty error, and generates control signals. The duty control buffer includes a differential stage including unbalanced first and second differential pairs each differentially receiving input signals, a load element pair connected between output pairs of the first and second differential pairs and a power supply, and a current source stage that supplies respective driving currents to the first and second differential pairs. |
| US08188773B1 |
Voltage-controlled dual-slope square and triangular waveform generator
The voltage-controlled dual-slope square and triangular waveform generator is an electronic circuit that includes a plus-type second-generation current conveyor operably connected to a single operational amplifier. At the input stage to the operational amplifier, two metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors are configured as switches. Three resistors and a grounded capacitor are included in the electronic circuit, thereby maintaining a low component count. The leading and trailing slopes of the waveform are independently adjustable by selection of the voltages V1 and V2 that are selectively connectable to the y-input of the CCII+ via switching action of the MOS transistors. The frequency of the waveform is adjustable via the voltage divider ratio between the output and noninverting input of the operational amplifier. The simple and elegant nature of the circuit design provides a low-cost waveform generator that can be adjusted both for frequency and for independent leading edge and trailing edge slopes. |
| US08188772B2 |
Waveform generation circuit
A waveform generation circuit includes: a waveform generation block configured to generate a waveform signal corresponding to a driving control signal; and a control signal generation block configured to generate a driving control signal for compensating the waveform signal for an environmental factor reflected into the waveform generation circuit. |
| US08188770B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting driver output current and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect of the embodiment, a driver outputs a driver current to a reception LSI, and a receiver included in the reception LSI receives an analog voltage signal corresponding to a value of the driver current as a receiver input. An A/D converter converts the voltage signal of the receiver input to a digital value, and transmits the digital value to a driver current controller in a transmission LSI. The driver current controller adjusts a number of PMOS driving stages in the driver or a number of NMOS driving stages in the driver, to make the digital value of the voltage signal of the receiver input belong to a predetermined range.teh |
| US08188769B2 |
Method and apparatus for propagation delay and EMI control
An output switch driving capability booster which may effectively reduce a propagation delay in an output switch with an independently controllable output transition change rate. A delay controller coupled to the output switch may be used to control the propagation delay. The delay controller may have a switch which may be switched on and off approximately simultaneously with the output switch, and a resistance device which may be adjusted to reduce the propagation delay. |
| US08188768B2 |
Low power consumption low kick-back noise comparator circuit for analog-to-digital converter
The present invention is directed for a comparator circuit used in an analog-to-digital converter, and more particularly, for a low power consumption low kick-back noise comparator circuit for an analog-to-digital converter, which can significantly reduce kick-back noise generated in a signal input stage due to a signal regeneration method employed in a signal comparing operation and can efficiently reduce power consumption. |
| US08188767B2 |
Logic circuit and method of logic circuit design
A complementary logic circuit contains a first logic input, a second logic input, a first dedicated logic terminal, a second dedicated logic terminal, a high-voltage terminal configured for connection to a high constant voltage a low-voltage terminal configured for connection to a low constant voltage, a p-type transistor, and an n-type transistor. The p-type transistor has an outer diffusion connection, a gate connection, an inner diffusion connection, and a bulk connection. The n-type transistor has an outer diffusion connection, a gate connection, an inner diffusion connection, and a bulk connection. The first dedicated logic terminal is connected to the outer diffusion connection of the p-type transistor, the second dedicated logic terminal is connected to the outer diffusion connection of the n-type transistor, the inner diffusion connection of the p-type transistor and the inner diffusion connection of the n-type transistor is connected to form a common diffusion logic terminal, the high-voltage terminal is connected to the bulk connection of the p-type transistor, and the low-voltage terminal is connected to the bulk connection of the n-type transistor. |
| US08188766B1 |
Self-contained systems including scalable and programmable divider architectures and methods for generating a frequency adjustable clock signal
The present systems and methods extend the frequency range of a clock signal generated with a phase-locked loop (PLL). The PLL receives a reference signal from a reference signal divider and a feedback signal from a feedback signal divider. The PLL generates an output signal that is forwarded to a programmable divider. The programmable divider includes control logic, core logic, and post-processing logic. The control logic synchronizes signals distributed throughout the system to prevent metastability. The core logic generates a divide-by-N waveform that is forwarded to the post-processing logic. The post-processing logic generates a half duty cycle clock signal responsive to the divide-by-N waveform. |
| US08188765B2 |
Circuit and method for asynchronous pipeline processing with variable request signal delay
Disclosed are embodiments of an asynchronous pipeline circuit. In each stage of the circuit, a variable delay line is incorporated into the request signal path. A tap encoder monitors data entering the stage to detect any state changes occurring in specific data bits. Based on the results of this monitoring (i.e., based on which of the specific data bits, if any, exhibit state changes), the tap encoder enables a specific tap in the variable delay line and, thereby, automatically adjusts the delay of a request signal transmitted along the request signal path. Using a variable request signal delay allows data from a transmitting stage to be captured by a receiving stage prior to the expiration of the maximum possible processing time associated with the transmitting stage, thereby minimizing overall processing time. Also disclosed are embodiments of methods for asynchronous pipeline processing with variable request signal delay and for incorporating variable request signal delay into an asynchronous pipeline circuit design. |
| US08188764B2 |
Efficient electrical hibernate entry and recovery
Systems and methods for operating of one or more devices before, during, and/or after a power-save mode are provided. The system may include a transmitter device that configures the differential signal lines to low-impedance and a predetermined low-voltage during the power-save mode (such as connecting the differential signal lines to ground). The system may also include a receiver device that senses a wake-up signal, determines the type of wake-up signal, and wakes-up according to the type of wake-up signal. |
| US08188755B2 |
Electrostatic MEMS driver with on-chip capacitance measurement for autofocus applications
A driver and capacitance measuring circuit includes a voltage source that selectively generates an output voltage at a first node during a driver mode to alter a capacitance of a device that is connected to the first node and that has a variable capacitance. A current source selectively provides one of a charging and discharging current at the first node during a measurement mode. A capacitance calculating circuit samples a voltage at the first node during the measurement node, determines a voltage change rate of the first node during the measurement mode and calculates the capacitance of the device based on the voltage change rate and a value of the one of the charging and discharging current. |
| US08188754B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing capacitance value and converting it into digital format
A capacitive sensing system are configured to sense a capacitance value and convert the sensed capacitance value to a digital format. The capacitive sensing system provides good selectivity and immunity to noise and interference, which can be further enhanced by enabling spread spectrum excitation. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system utilizes a sinusoidal excitation signal that results in low electromagnetic emissions, limited to narrow frequency band. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system is configured to operate in a spread spectrum mode, in which the majority of the excitation signal power is carried in the assigned bandwidth. The excitation frequency and the bandwidth of the spread spectrum excitation signal are programmable in a wide range, which allows for avoiding frequency conflicts in the operating environment. |
| US08188753B2 |
Analog computation
Some general aspects of the invention relate to a circuit and to a method for analog computation, for example, using switched capacitor integrated circuits. In some examples, a circuit includes a first group of capacitors and a second group of capacitors that may store charges during circuit operation. The first and/or the second group of capacitors may include multiple disjoint subsets of capacitors. An input circuit is provided for receiving a set of input signals and for inducing a charge on each of some or all capacitors in the first group of capacitors according to a corresponding input signal. Switches, for example, transistors controlled by a sequence of clock signals, are used to couple different sets of capacitors. Different configurations of the switches are used to form different sets of the capacitors among which charge can redistribute. |
| US08188752B2 |
Yield improvement for Josephson junction test device formation
An apparatus for measuring component performance including a feed line having an input port and an output port, a first resonator connected to the feed line, a first Josephson junction device connected to the first resonator and to ground, and a second resonator connected to the feed line and to ground. |
| US08188751B2 |
Method and measuring instrument for measuring water content
For measuring the water content of a web in the wire section of a paper machine, at least one radiofrequency-operated resonator sensor forms an electric near field, in which a web affects the resonance frequency of each resonator sensor. The water content of the web is measured as a function of the resonance frequency of each resonator sensor in a measuring unit. |
| US08188749B2 |
Removing effects of near surface geology from surface-to-borehole electromagnetic data
A method that involves developing an electromagnetic property model of a near surface area and using this electromagnetic property model and electromagnetic data acquired using one or more electromagnetic transmitters located above the near surface area and one or more electromagnetic receivers located within a wellbore to determine one or more electromagnetic properties of a subsurface area. Also an electromagnetic data acquisition system that includes one or more electromagnetic transmitters capable of being operated on the earth's surface, one or more first electromagnetic receivers capable of being operated within a wellbore and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters, and one or more second electromagnetic receivers capable of being located on the earth's surface near the one or more electromagnetic transmitters and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters. Related embodiments are also described. |
| US08188746B2 |
Tracking the positional relationship between a boring tool and at least one buried lines
An arrangement is described for tracking a positional relationship between a boring tool and at least one in-ground line. A first transmitter generates a magnetic locating field from one of the boring tool or at least an underground length of the line. A receiver is carried by the boring tool if the field is generated from the line, or connected to the line if the field is generated from the boring tool, for detecting an intensity of the magnetic locating field indicative of the positional relationship between the boring tool and the line. A second transmitter is carried by the boring tool for producing a locating signal. A portable locator uses the locating signal to determine a position of the boring tool and indicates the detected intensity of the magnetic locating field. |
| US08188745B2 |
Precise location and orientation of a concealed dipole transmitter
A method for determining the location of an underground sonde transmitter is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes measuring a set of complex electromagnetic field magnitude and phase strengths at one or more of positions while traversing a target sonde path at any angle using one or more electromagnetic coil sensors, modeling a set of expected complex electromagnetic strengths of a hypothetical sonde at the one or more of positions for one or more of the electromagnetic coil sensors, the set of expected electromagnetic field values corresponding to a model for the target sonde, and estimating parameters related to the target sonde based on the residual error between the measured set of complex electromagnetic field values and the modeled set of expected complex electromagnetic field strengths, wherein a final estimated parameter set is determined after the residual error has converged to a minimum tolerance. |
| US08188744B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting or transmitting magnetic field using detachable magnetic resonator
An apparatus for detecting a magnetic field includes a coil type magnetic resonator having a resonant frequency with respect to a magnetic field varying at a particular frequency and a loop antenna inductively coupled to the coil type magnetic resonator. |
| US08188739B2 |
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A method for obtaining the most appropriate amplitude of signal suppression pulse, which suppresses unnecessary signals from the substance not subjected to measurement, highly accurately, swiftly and stably, and an MRI apparatus that enables the optimization are provided.A pulse amplitude adjusting means equipped in the MRI apparatus acquires signals while changing the amplitude of signal suppression pulse and calculates signal absolute values and phase values, and computes reference signals, which are polarized signal absolute values, based on the changes in signal phase values. This reference signals are subjected to polynomial fitting. A value which makes this fitting curve is 0 or closes to 0 is set as the optimal pulse amplitude. |
| US08188738B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and receiving-path switching method
In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, an event generating substrate included in a sequence control unit generates an event code to make an instruction for switching a receiving path during a scan based on scanning conditions that are set in advance of the scan. When the event code is generated, a radio-frequency switch-matrix substrate of a gantry unit switches the receiving path that connects a receiving coil and a receiving circuit. |
| US08188734B1 |
555 timer-based phase-to-voltage converter
The 555 timer-based phase-to-voltage converter is a circuit that can be used for phase-to-voltage conversion for phase angles in the range between 0 and 2π. A first input signal triggers the 555 timer. A second input signal resets the 555 timer, and thus an output signal having a pulse width proportional to the phase difference between the first and second input signals is formed at the output of the 555 timer. A low pass filter may be placed at the output to pass a DC voltage having a magnitude proportional to the phase difference between the first and second input signals for phase angles between 0 and 2π. |
| US08188732B2 |
Arrangement and method for influencing magnetic particles in a region of action using distinguishable magnetization of the two magnetic particles
An arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting and/or locating magnetic particles in a region of action include a driver generating a magnetic drive field so that magnetization of the magnetic particles changes. The magnetic particles include first and second magnetic particles. The arrangement further include a receiver having a first receiving probe providing a first signal and a second receiving probe providing a second signal. A detector determines signal features arising from the first particle in the first signal and in the second signal. |
| US08188729B2 |
Rolling bearing with a rotation sensor
In a magnetic sensor 7, a tubular duct 9a for output cables 12 is formed integrally with a sensor housing 9, provided with an opening 14 having a uniform width from a proximal end to a distal end of the duct 9a on a side face thereof. The output cables 12 are mounted through the duct 9a from this opening 14, and then a slidable lid 15 is mounted to close the opening 14. Thus damage to the output cables 12 connected to the magnetic sensor 7 is prevented and, at the same time, drawing the output cables 12 outside the sensor housing 9 is made easier. |
| US08188728B2 |
Method and device for determining the relative position of two elements that are mobile with respect to one another
Described herein are a method and a device for determining the relative position of two elements that are mobile with respect to one another, in which connected to a first element is a source of a field of forces and connected to a second element is a meter, designed to measure the field of forces and to supply, instant by instant and as a function of the measurement made, a response identifying the relative position of the first element with respect to the second element at that instant, the meter being provided with at least three field sensors arranged in respective distinct points of the second element, and the response being obtained by comparing with one another the outputs corresponding to that instant. |
| US08188725B2 |
Voltage regulator and method for voltage regulation
A voltage regulator (10) comprises a first transistor (13) which couples an input terminal (11) of the voltage regulator (10) to an output terminal (12) of the voltage regulator (10) and a second transistor (16). The first and the second transistors (13, 16) form a current mirror structure. Further on, the voltage regulator (10) comprises a control node (17) which is coupled to the input terminal (11) of the voltage regulator (10) via the second transistor (16) and which is coupled to the output terminal (12) of the voltage regulator (10) via a feedback circuit (28). Furthermore, the voltage regulator (10) comprises an amplifier (22) with an input terminal (23) which is coupled to the control node (17) and an output terminal (24) which is coupled to a control terminal (21) of the second transistor (16). |
| US08188724B2 |
Method and apparatus to reduce maximum power from a power supply with transition region regulation
Techniques are disclosed to regulate the output power of a power supply. An example feedback circuit for use in a power supply regulator includes a voltage regulation circuit coupled to sense an output voltage of the power supply regulator. The voltage regulation circuit is coupled to generate a first regulation signal to regulate an output of the power supply regulator if an output current of the power supply is less than a first transition current. A current regulation circuit is coupled to sense an output current of the power supply regulator. The current regulation circuit is coupled to generate a second regulation signal to regulate the output of the power supply regulator if the output voltage of the power supply is less than a second transition voltage. A transition region regulation circuit is coupled to sense the output voltage and the output current of the power supply regulator. The transition region regulation circuit is coupled to generate a third regulation signal to regulate the output of the power supply regulator if the output current of the power supply is between the first transition current and a second transition current. The feedback circuit is coupled to generate a feedback signal output in response to the first, second and third regulation signals. |
| US08188722B2 |
DC gain improvement of a digitally controlled DC-DC converter by LSB tuning
An easy LSB tuning method is proposed for a digitally controlled DC-DC converter to increase the DC gain of the digitally controlled DC-DC converter under conditions of no-limit-cycle and a finite bit number to reduce steady-state error of the digitally controlled DC-DC converter. The LSB of one or more of the coefficients in the denominator of the discrete-time domain transfer function of the digital compensator in the digitally controlled DC-DC converter is so tuned that the sum of all coefficients in the denominator of the discrete-time domain transfer function becomes zero. Therefore, the influence of round-off effect on the coefficients of the digital compensator is mitigated. |
| US08188720B2 |
Multi-phase DC-DC converter control
A system and method of controlling a multi-phase DC-DC converter having a first phase-leg and a second phase-leg using a single current sensor and a controller is provided. The single current sensor senses an amount of current flowing through the direct current link. Based on the amount of current sensed, the controller controls current flowing through the first phase-leg as well as current flowing through the second phase-leg. |
| US08188714B2 |
Carrying case
A system for maintaining a large number of Handheld Electronic Devices is implemented as a carrying case having circuitry configured to connect to the Handheld Electronic Devices to enable the HEDs to be charged and synchronized. The carrying case has a central area configured to hold the circuitry for charging and synchronizing the HEDs, and a pair of divider structures on either side of the central area to hold the HEDs in a protective manner while stored in the carrying case. A grounded protective coating is applied to the interior of the carrying case to dissipate electromagnetic radiation generated by the circuitry and/or HEDs within the carrying case. |
| US08188710B2 |
Motored vehicle and method of controlling voltage conversion device for rapidly charging a power storage device
In charging first and second power storage devices from a charging station, an inverter ECU controls first and second inverters to convert AC power received at first and second neutral points into DC power and output the DC power to a power supply system. A converter ECU converts in voltage the electric power received from the first and second inverters to be charged and outputs the converted electric power to the first and second power storage devices, and for low temperature, controls first and second converters to allow the first and second power storage devices to communicate electric power therebetween. |
| US08188707B2 |
Methods and systems for a wall mounted universal power supply
Methods and Systems for charging portable equipment having divergent power requirements and exhibiting different structural features are provided by devices having adapters to accommodate the portable equipment in the form of a wall mounted universal power supply. Adapters are configured in plate formats that fit into cradles capable of charging cell phones, video cameras, and wireless routers. |
| US08188701B2 |
Power regenerative converter
There are provided a smoothing capacitor (71) for storing an induced electromotive force generated by a three-phase induction motor (5), a regenerative transistor (81 to 86) for switching a terminal voltage of the smoothing capacitor to carry out a power regenerating operation over a three-phase AC power supply (3), a line voltage detecting portion (6) for detecting a line voltage of the three-phase AC power supply, a fundamental waveform generating portion (10) for generating, from a signal output from the line voltage detecting portion, a fundamental waveform defined to be a line voltage waveform of the three-phase AC power supply in which a source voltage distortion component is not mixed, a base driving signal creating portion (7) for creating a base driving signal to be used for an ON/OFF control of the regenerative transistor based on a signal output from the fundamental waveform generating portion, and a base driving signal output portion (9) for outputting the base driving signal. |
| US08188700B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving sensorless motor
An apparatus and a method for driving a sensorless motor are described and shown in the specification and drawings, where the method includes steps as follows. First, a control signal is acquired, where the control signal has information of a predetermined rotational speed. Next, energy is supplied and progressively increased to the sensorless motor, so as to rotate a rotor of the sensorless motor. Then, a position of the rotor is detected. Finally, the energy is gradually regulated so that the sensorless motor is maintained at the predetermined rotational speed. |
| US08188696B2 |
Motor drive circuit and a method for driving a motor
A motor drive circuit includes an H-bridge circuit, voltage difference detection circuit, calibration circuit, back electromotive voltage detection circuit, control circuit, and calibration value acquisition circuit. The H-bridge circuit is connected to a DC motor. The voltage difference detection circuit outputs terminal voltage according to voltage difference occurring between both terminals of the DC motor. The calibration circuit outputs calibration voltage according to the resistance component. The back electromotive voltage detection circuit outputs voltage according to the difference between the terminal voltage and the calibration voltage, as detection voltage indicating back electromotive voltage. The control circuit drives the H-bridge circuit by pulse width modulation. The calibration circuit calibrates voltage drop occurring at the ON resistance of the low-side transistor using a calibration value that corresponds to the ratio between the resistance component and the ON resistance of the low-side transistor, and outputs calibration voltage which corresponds to the resistance component. |
| US08188691B1 |
Decoy apparatus
The present disclosure is an apparatus for controlling movement of a decoy. The apparatus for controlling movement of a decoy may include a motor and a housing. The motor may cause movement of a decoy coupled to the motor to simulate movement of an animal. The apparatus for controlling movement of a decoy may include a shaft which couples to the motor and the decoy whereby the motor may cause axial rotation of the decoy. |
| US08188687B2 |
Light emitting device for AC power operation
Disclosed is an improved light-emitting device for an AC power operation. A conventional light emitting device employs an AC light-emitting diode having arrays of light emitting cells connected in reverse parallel. The arrays in the prior art alternately repeat on/off in response to a phase change of an AC power source, resulting in short light emission time during a ½ cycle and the occurrence of a flicker effect. An AC light-emitting device according to the present invention employs a variety of means by which light emission time is prolonged during a ½ cycle in response to a phase change of an AC power source and a flicker effect can be reduced. For example, the means may be switching blocks respectively connected to nodes between the light emitting cells, switching blocks connected to a plurality of arrays, or a delay phosphor. Further, there is provided an AC light-emitting device, wherein a plurality of arrays having the different numbers of light emitting cells are employed to increase light emission time and to reduce a flicker effect. |
| US08188677B2 |
Multi-function duty cycle modifier
A system and method modify phase delays of a periodic, phase modulated mains voltage to generate at least two independent items of information during each cycle of the periodic input signal. The independent items of information can be generated by, for example, independently modifying leading edge and trailing edge phase delays of each half cycle phase modulated mains voltage. Modifying phase delays for the leading and trailing edges of each half cycle of the phase modulated mains voltage can generate up to four independent items of data. The items of data can be converted into independent control signals to, for example, control drive currents to respective output devices such as light sources to provide multiple items of information per cycle. |
| US08188675B2 |
Method for operating an illumination system with sequential color filtering and a high pressure discharge lamp
The present invention relates to a method for operating an illumination system, which illumination system has a high pressure discharge lamp driven with a commutating lamp current (IL), and a color filter system for filtering the light of the high pressure discharge lamp in a plurality of sequential color segments (A, B, D, E, G, H). The invention further relates to an illumination system for embodying the inventive method, and to a computer program product which can be loaded into an inventive illumination system in order to configure said illumination system in accordance with the inventive method. According to the invention, prior to a commutation in an intermediate phase (ZP), the lamp current (IL) passes through an intermediate phase pulse (DP), during which the light of the illumination system is suppressed. When a change occurs in the course of the lamp current preceding the intermediate phase (ZP), the intermediate phase pulse (DP) occurring in the intermediate phase is adapted in such a way that the change is at least partially compensated in the effect thereof on the electrode temperature at the time of the commutation. |
| US08188674B2 |
LED light emitting device and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to an LED light emitting device and a driving method, and discloses a technology that may improve a slew rate of a channel current flowing through an LED channel when driving with a pulse width modulation method. For this, the present invention includes an LED channel consisting of a plurality of LED elements that are consecutively and serially connected, a current control switch that is connected to the end of the LED channel and performs a switching operation, and an operational amplifier that controls the switching operation of the current control switch according to a pulse width modulation signal. The LED driver samples an output voltage at the operational amplifier when the pulse width modulation signal is in an on state, and maintains the output voltage of the operational amplifier when the pulse width modulation signal is in an off state. |
| US08188671B2 |
Power factor control for an LED bulb driver circuit
A light-emitting diode (LED) bulb has a shell and a base attached to the shell. An LED is within the shell. A driver circuit provides current to the LED. The driver circuit has a power factor control circuit that includes a tracking circuit configured to produce a tracking signal indicative of the voltage of the supply line. The power factor control circuit also includes a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) controller having an input pin and an output pin. The tracking circuit is connected to the input pin. Based on the signal at the input pin, the SMPS controller is configured to change a duty cycle of an output signal on the output pin. |
| US08188669B2 |
Decorative lamp for displaying snowing or water-flowing pattern
The present invention relates to a decorative lamp for displaying snowing and water-flowing pattern, comprising a rectification power supply, a controller and a lamp series section connected in sequence, wherein the lamp series section is composed of a plurality of LED strings connected in parallel or in series. The controller comprises an integrated circuit including a plurality of outputs and switch devices for controlling sequentially flashing of the LED strings. Each of the switch devices has two terminals electrically connected in series to a loop of the respective LED string. Each of the LED strings has respective terminal connected to a common terminal which is a direct current output terminal of the rectification power supply, the other terminal of the LED string is connected to the respective switch device. |
| US08188666B2 |
Control circuit for adjusting backlight
A control circuit for adjusting a backlight color is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the control circuit comprises an input device, a control unit, a backlight, and a plurality of pulse-width modulation units. The input device receives a plurality of external messages to generate a corresponding plurality of control signals. The control unit has a plurality of pins, implements a plurality of calculations based on the plurality of control signals, and generates a plurality of light-adjusting signals, each of which has a respective pulse width. The backlight has a plurality of light sources for a color mixing. Each of the pulse-width modulation units is correspondingly coupled to each of the pins and to each of the light sources, and adjusts a light of the each light source based on the respective pulse width. |
| US08188661B2 |
Plasma display panel capable of displaying a video having high brightness while requiring a low driving voltage
A plasma display panel (PDP), which is capable of performing a display with a high brightness and having a low power consumption, includes a front panel having display electrodes formed, a dielectric layer covering the display electrodes, and a protective layer formed on the dielectric layer. Further, the PDP includes rear panel having address electrodes formed along a direction intersecting the display electrodes, and barrier ribs. The front and rear panels form, therebetween, a discharge space portioned by the barrier ribs and filled with discharge gas. A protective layer is formed of a metal oxide of MgO and CaO, such that an X-ray diffraction analysis on a surface of the protective layer indicates that the metal oxide has a peak between a diffraction angle where a peak of MgO occurs and a diffraction angle where a peak of CaO occurs along an identical orientation of the MgO peak. |
| US08188660B2 |
Plasma display panel having improved brightness and bright room contrast
A plasma display panel including a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate having an inner surface facing the second substrate, at least one dark-colored visible ray absorbing layer on the inner surface of the first substrate, at least one discharge sustaining electrode pair on the visible ray absorbing layer, a first dielectric layer on the discharge sustaining electrode pair, an address electrode on the second substrate and disposed in a direction crossing the discharge sustaining electrode pair, a second dielectric layer on the address electrode, barrier ribs disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and defining a plurality of discharge cells, and a phosphor layer coated in the discharge cells. |
| US08188658B2 |
Two-filament lamp
Disclosed is a lamp, particularly for a vehicle headlight, comprising two spiral-wound filaments which are retained by three feeders within a bulb that is inserted into a base. The feeders are arranged on top of one another when the lamp is adequately oriented. A tail of the first spiral-wound filament is connected to a dimming cap, said tail being located at a distance from the base, while a tail of the second spiral-wound filament is connected to the central feeder, said tail being close to the base. The second filament tail that faces away and is located at a distance from the base is connected to the upper feeder. According to the invention, the lower feeder is connected to the dimming cap by means of an end, some sections of which are angled away from a longitudinal axis of the lamp. |
| US08188656B2 |
Photomultiplier tube
A photomultiplier tube including a casing having a glass substrate with a main surface made with an insulating material, dynodes having a 1st stage to an Nth stage which are arrayed to be spaced away sequentially from a first end side to a second end side on the main surface, a photocathode installed on the first end side to be spaced away from the 1st stage dynode to emit photoelectrons, and an anode part installed on the second end side to be spaced away from the Nth stage dynode, wherein a groove is formed between two adjacent dynodes on the main surface of the glass substrate, and the 1st stage to the Nth stage dynodes are fixed on raised parts adjacent to the grooves. |
| US08188652B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device in which a laser beam is used. The method includes forming an organic light emitting unit on a substrate; forming a sealing unit that seals the organic light emitting unit; forming an protective film which is opaque on the sealing unit to protect the organic light emitting unit or the sealing unit by blocking the transmission of the laser beam; forming an optical pattern on the opaque protective film using the laser beam; and forming a transparent film from the opaque protective film by oxidizing the opaque protective film. |
| US08188649B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device includes a substrate, a first electrode disposed on the substrate, an organic layer including an emission layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode including stacked layers of Yb and Ag on the organic layer. A method of fabricating the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device includes providing a substrate, forming a first electrode on the substrate, forming an organic layer including an emission layer on the first electrode, and forming a second electrode including stacked layers of Yb and Ag on the organic layer. |
| US08188648B2 |
System for displaying images and method for fabricating the same
Systems for displaying images and fabrication method thereof are provided. A representative system incorporates an electroluminescent device including light emitting units emitting lights with different luminescent intensities along light emitting paths thereof, formed overlying a substrate. And a compensation layer is disposed along the light emitting paths to adjust the different luminescent intensities for outputting substantially uniform light. |
| US08188640B2 |
Spark plug center electrode with reduced cover portion thickness
A method of producing a spark plug includes reducing the diameter of a center electrode while maintaining the heat dissipation property of the center electrode. A columnar member in which an outer skin member and a core member having a high thermal conductivity are clad, and which is columnarly extended, are configured by extrusion molding into a state where the thickness of the outer skin member is substantially uniform. A flange portion and a tip end portion are formed in the columnar member to obtain an electrode intermediate member. In a middle trunk portion of the electrode intermediate member, the thickness of the outer skin member is maintained. Then, the surface of the middle trunk portion is cut or polished to reduce the thickness, whereby the diameter of a center electrode is reduced while maintaining the outer diameter of the core member. |
| US08188639B2 |
Piezoelectric element and method for manufacturing the same
A piezoelectric element includes a substrate, and a lower electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode layer sequentially formed on the substrate. The substrate has a linear thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the piezoelectric layer, and the piezoelectric layer includes a polycrystalline body having an in-plane stress in a compressive direction. Thus, the piezoelectric element realizes the piezoelectric layer having a high orientation in a polarization axis direction, high proportionality of a displacement amount with respect to an applied voltage, and a large absolute value of the displacement amount. |
| US08188637B2 |
Laminated piezoelectric element with porous sections
A laminated piezoelectric element having a laminated structure in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of internal electrodes are alternately laminated is provided. This laminated structure has an opposing section wherein an internal electrode on an anode side and an internal electrode on a cathode side which are adjacent to each other in the laminating direction, oppose in the laminating direction, and an end-side non-opposing section situated in a position closer to end in the laminating direction than the opposing section. This end-side non-opposing section has a porous section having porosity larger than that of the internal electrodes. |
| US08188636B2 |
Energy generator systems with a voltage-controlled switch
A first energy generating system comprises a ferromagnetic generator coupled to a voltage controlled switch. The ferromagnetic generator includes a ferromagnetic element generating a magnetic field and positioned within a pulse generating coil and near an explosive charge. Detonation of the explosive charge decreases the magnetic field and induces a pulse of electric energy in the pulse generating coil. When the magnitude of the electric energy reaches a certain level, the voltage controlled switch closes. A second energy generating system comprises a flux compression generator coupled to a voltage controlled switch. The flux compression generator includes a inductance coil generating a magnetic field within a metallic armature that includes an explosive charge. Detonation of the explosive charge changes the magnetic field and induces a pulse of electric energy in the inductance coil. When the magnitude of the electric energy reaches a certain level, the voltage controlled switch closes. |
| US08188635B2 |
Surface acoustic wave resonator, surface acoustic wave oscillator, and electronic instrument
A SAW resonator which, using a quartz crystal substrate with Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, and 42.79°≦|105|≦49.57°, includes an IDT which excites a stop band upper end mode SAW, and grooves hollowed out of the substrate positioned between electrode fingers configuring the IDT, wherein, when the wavelength of the SAW is λ and the depth of the inter-electrode finger grooves is G, λ and G satisfy the relationship of 0.01λ≦G and wherein, when the line occupation rate of the IDT is η, the groove depth G and line occupation rate η satisfy the relationships of −2.0000×G/λ+0.7200≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775 provided that 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ, −3.5898×G/λ+0.7995≦η≦−2.5000+G/λ+0.7775 provided that 0.0500λ |
| US08188634B2 |
Electrostatic drive, method for operating a micromechanical component having an electrostatic drive, and method for manufacturing an electrostatic drive
An electrostatic drive having at least three intermediate frames, each two adjacent intermediate frames being connected to one another via at least one intermediate spring whose longitudinal directions lie on a first axis of rotation, and intermediate electrode fingers being situated on frame girders oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation of the intermediate frames, and having an outer frame that surrounds the intermediate frames and that is connected to the outermost intermediate frame via at least one outer spring whose longitudinal direction lies on a second axis of rotation that is oriented non-parallel to the first axis of rotation, and outer electrode fingers being situated on frame girders oriented parallel to the second axis of rotation of the outer frame and of the outermost intermediate frame of the at least three intermediate frames. In addition, a micromechanical component having this electrostatic drive, a method for operating such a micromechanical component, and methods for manufacturing the electrostatic drive and the micromechanical component are described. |
| US08188632B2 |
Miniature motor, and its manufacturing method
A type-A winding represented by a triangle of solid lines is connected to commutator segments such that its one end is connected to an arbitrary commutator segment and its other end is connected to a commutator segment adjacent to the arbitrary commutator segment. A type-B winding represented by a diamond of broken lines is connected to commutator segments such that its one end is connected to a commutator segment located radially opposite to a usual adjacent commutator segment. The type-A windings and the type-B windings are used in combination. One short circuit wire is used for every short circuit connection of radially opposed commutator segments. A total number of the short circuit wires is half (5) the number (10) of commutator segments. Thus, the number of electric wires hooked at every commutator segment can be reduced to two or less. Also, continuous winding by use of one or two wires is possible. |
| US08188629B2 |
Magnetic transmission assembly
A magnetic transmission assembly is adapted to integration with a motor or generator. The magnetic transmission assembly includes a rotor, a stator, and a magnetically conductive element. The rotor and the stator are sleeved coaxially and respectively have R and ST1 pole pairs. The magnetically conductive element is located between the rotor and the stator, and has steel pieces. When the magnetically conductive element is actuated, the magnetically conductive element selectively enables PN1 or PN2 steel pieces to be corresponding to the rotor and the stator. The steel pieces corresponding to the rotor and the stator interact with magnetic fields of the R and ST1 pole pairs to generate a predetermined variable-speed ratio. The magnetic transmission assembly can be integrated into the motor, so as to improve the drive power density. |
| US08188628B2 |
Method for mounting an angle measuring device on an electric motor
In order to connect an angle measuring device to a brushless direct-current motor, a coupling is used, the coupling halves (10, 28) of which are each attached to the rotor (46) of the motor and/or the rotor (42) of the angle measuring device. Instead of using a coupling that is rotationally symmetrical at arbitrary angular positions as in the prior art, a coupling is used in which the coupling halves (10, 28) can be connected to one another only in a finite number of relative angular positions. An adjustment must be made before the coupling halves (10, 28) are attached to the respective rotors (46, 52). This allows all subsequent adjustment to be omitted, for example, even for maintenance work. |
| US08188627B2 |
Temperature protection device for brushless DC motor
A temperature protection device for a brushless DC Motor, wherein a thermal fusing type protector is provided at a depression formed on a casing of the plastic-packaged brushless DC Motor. In this way, the thermal fusing type protector can be provided conveniently at a position where the casing temperature is highest after plastic packaging, and if the protector is fused due to high temperature, it can be replaced easily. |
| US08188622B1 |
Tunable resonant frequency kinetic energy harvester
An energy harvester comprising: a substrate; two magnets coupled to the substrate in close proximity to each other with like magnetic poles facing each other creating a flux gap; a coil coupled to the substrate and disposed within the flux gap, wherein the coil and the magnets are coupled to the substrate such that substrate acceleration causes relative elastic motion between the magnets and the coil thereby exposing the coil to a changing magnetic flux; and a resonant frequency tuner coupled to the substrate and configured to adjust the resonant frequency between the coil and the magnets. |
| US08188620B2 |
Adjustable solar cell network
A system including an array of solar cells having positive and negative rails. A plurality of intermediate nodes are positioned adjacent positive and negative rails of solar cells in the array of solar cells. A plurality of switches are positioned to couple positive nodes to positive rails, couple negative nodes to negative rails and couple positive and negative rails to intermediate nodes. |
| US08188616B2 |
DC-DC power converter and control method
A vehicle includes a high-voltage (HV) energy storage system (ESS), an HV power bus, a DC-DC power converter electrically connected to the HV power bus, an HV bus connector, a low voltage (LV) battery power bus, and a pair of LV bus connectors. The vehicle includes a vehicle module electrically connected to the HV and LV bus connectors, an LV power bus electrically connected to the DC-DC power converter and to the module, and a controller. The controller has an algorithm that controls the converter to power the module via one of the LV bus connectors during a transient LV condition. The converter and a method of controlling the same are also provided, with the method including determining the LV condition, powering the vehicle module via one of the LV bus connectors during the transient LV condition, and powering the module via the other LV connector otherwise. |
| US08188607B2 |
Layout structure for chip coupling
A layout structure disposed on the substrate of the liquid crystal display (LCD) for chip coupling is provided. The first and second orientations that are substantially perpendicular to the first orientation can be defined on the substrate. The layout structure includes a plurality of lines, which extend along the second orientation, and a plurality of conductive pads that are respectively disposed on the lines. The conductive pads are distributed along the first orientation and staggered along the second orientation. Each line can shift away from the adjacent conductive pad on the first orientation. Thus, the LCD chip has a better conductivity and a thinner dimension under the precision of the conventional machines. |
| US08188604B2 |
Semiconductor device incorporating preventative measures to reduce cracking in exposed electrode layer
A semiconductor device capable of preventing a crack from occurring in an electrode layer exposed through a through hole which is formed in a semiconductor substrate and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. In exemplary embodiments, a through via and an opening in a passivation film are disposed so that an opening diameter of the through via is larger than an opening diameter of the opening of the passivation film, and an opening edge of the through via is located outside an opening edge of the opening of the passivation film. In other embodiments, the through via and the opening of the passivation film are disposed so that the opening edge of the through via is disposed at a location which does not overlap with the opening edge (opening edge of a portion in contact with a pad electrode) of the opening of the passivation film. |
| US08188603B2 |
Post passivation interconnection schemes on top of IC chip
A new method is provided for the creation of interconnect lines. Fine line interconnects are provided in a first layer of dielectric overlying semiconductor circuits that have been created in or on the surface of a substrate. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric, a thick second layer of dielectric is created over the surface of the layer of passivation. Thick and wide interconnect lines are created in the thick second layer of dielectric. The first layer of dielectric may also be eliminated, creating the wide thick interconnect network on the surface of the layer of passivation that has been deposited over the surface of a substrate. |
| US08188600B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
The present invention provides a semiconductor device which is capable of enhancing adhesion at an interface between a wire-protection film and copper, suppressing dispersion of copper at the interface to avoid electromigration and stress-inducing voids, and having a highly reliable wire. An interlayer insulating film, and a first etching-stopper film are formed on a semiconductor substrate on which a semiconductor device is fabricated. A first alloy-wire covered with a first barrier metal film is formed on the first etching-stopper film by a damascene process. The first alloy-wire is covered at an upper surface thereof with a first wire-protection film. The first wire-protection film covering an upper surface of the first alloy-wire contains at least one metal among metals contained in the first alloy-wire. |
| US08188599B2 |
Semiconductor device, its manufacturing method, and sputtering target material for use in the method
A semiconductor device enables a barrier layer to fully acquire a barriering property against the diffusion of Cu from a wiring main body and the diffusion of Si from an insulating film, enhances the adhesiveness of the barrier layer and the insulating film and excels in reliability of operation over a long period of time. In this invention, a semiconductor device 1 provided on an insulating film 3 with a wiring includes the insulating film 3 containing silicon (Si), a wiring main body 8 formed of copper (Cu) in a groove-like opening 4 disposed in the insulating film 3, and a barrier layer 7 formed between the wiring main body 8 and the insulating film 3 and made of an oxide containing Cu and Si and Mn in such a manner that the atomic concentration of Cu decreases monotonously from the wiring main body 8 side toward the insulating film 3 side, the atomic concentration of Si decreases monotonously from the insulating film 3 side toward the wiring main body 8 side, and the atomic concentration of Mn is maximized in the region in which the atomic concentration of Cu and the atomic concentration of Si are approximately equal. |
| US08188597B2 |
Fixture to constrain laminate and method of assembly
A fixture assembly and method of forming a chip assembly is provided. The fixture assembly includes a first plate having an opening sized to accommodate a chip mounted on a laminate. The fixture assembly further includes a second plate mated to the first plate by at least one mechanical fastening mechanism. The fixture assembly further includes a space defined by facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate and confined by a raised stepped portion of at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The space is coincident with the opening. The space is sized and shaped such that the laminate is confined within the space and directly abuts the stepped portion and the facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate to be confined in X, Y and Z directions. |
| US08188596B2 |
Multi-chip module
A multi-chip module is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multichip module includes a first chip, a second chip and a common chip carrier is disclosed. The first chip and the second chip are mounted on the common chip carrier. The second chip is mounted on the chip carrier in a flip-chip orientation. The second chip is electrically connected to the first chip via the chip carrier. |
| US08188595B2 |
Two-phase cooling for light-emitting devices
System, method, and apparatus for two phase cooling in light-emitting devices are disclosed. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a light-emitting device and a two-phase cooling apparatus coupled to the light-emitting device. The coupling of the two-phase cooling apparatus and the light-emitting device is operatively configured such that thermal coupling between the light-emitting device and the two-phase cooling apparatus enables, when, in operation, heat generated from the light-emitting device to be absorbed by a substance of a first phase in the two-phase cooling apparatus to convert the substance to a second phase. |
| US08188594B2 |
Input/output package architectures
A high-speed I/O trace is part of an I/O package architecture for an integrated circuit package substrate. The integrated circuit package substrate includes an integrated heat spreader footprint on a die-side and the I/O trace to couple with an IC device to be disposed inside the IHS footprint. The I/O trace includes a pin-out terminal outside the IHS footprint to couple to an IC device to be disposed outside the IHS footprint. The high-speed I/O trace can sustain a data flow rate from a processor in a range from 5 gigabits per second (Gb/s) to 40 Gb/s. |
| US08188589B2 |
Substrate with pin, manufacturing method thereof, and semiconductor product
A semiconductor product is constructed of a wiring substrate in which pads for pin connection are formed, and a substrate with pins in which pins are disposed. The substrate with the pins is formed so that one end of the pin is exposed to one surface of a resin substrate formed by resin molding and the other end of the pin extends from the other surface of the resin substrate and one end of the pin is bonded to a pad of the wiring substrate through a conductive material. |
| US08188583B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
To improve the heat dissipation characteristics of a semiconductor device.The semiconductor device has a die pad, a heat dissipating plate in the form of a frame arranged between the die pad and a plurality of leads so as to surround the die pad, a plurality of members that connect the die pad and the inner edge of the heat dissipating plate, and a suspension lead linked to the outer extension of the heat dissipating plate, wherein a semiconductor chip the outer shape of which is larger than the die pad is mounted over the die pad and the members. The top surface of the die pad and the top surface of the members at the part in opposition to the back surface of the semiconductor chip are bonded to the back surface of the semiconductor chip in their entire surfaces with a silver paste. Heat in the semiconductor chip is conducted from the back surface of the semiconductor chip to the heat dissipating plate via the silver paste, the die pad, and the member, and dissipated to the outside of the semiconductor device therefrom via the lead. |
| US08188580B2 |
Semiconductor device, semiconductor element, and substrate
A semiconductor device, a semiconductor element, and a substrate are provided, which allow the semiconductor element to be provided with a reduced size when combined. The semiconductor device has a rectangular semiconductor element mounted on a substrate formed with an external input terminal, an external output terminal, and a plurality of wiring patterns connected to each of the external input terminal and the external output terminal. The semiconductor element includes a grayscale voltage generating unit for generating a plurality of grayscale voltages by dividing a reference voltage, a plurality of electrodes for the reference voltage formed in the neighborhood of the grayscale voltage generating unit; and an internal wiring for connecting the grayscale voltage generating unit and the reference voltage electrodes. The substrate includes a wiring pattern for the reference voltage for connecting the external input terminal and the reference voltage electrodes. |
| US08188578B2 |
Seal ring structure for integrated circuits
A seal ring structure disposed along a periphery of an integrated circuit. The seal ring is divided into at least a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is positioned facing and shielding an analog and/or RF circuit block from a noise. A deep N well is disposed in a P substrate and is positioned under the second portion. The deep N well reduces the substrate noise coupling. |
| US08188574B2 |
Pedestal guard ring having continuous M1 metal barrier connected to crack stop
A microelectronic element, e.g., a semiconductor chip having a silicon-on-insulator layer (“SOI layer”) separated from a bulk monocrystalline silicon layer by a buried oxide (BOX) layer in which a crack stop extends in first lateral directions at least generally parallel to the edges of the chip to define a ring-like barrier separating an active portion of the chip inside the barrier with a peripheral portion of the chip. The crack stop can include a first crack stop ring contacting a silicon portion of the chip above the BOX layer; the first crack stop ring may extend continuously in the first lateral directions to surround the active portion of the chip. A guard ring (“GR”) including a GR contact ring can extend downwardly through the SOI layer and the BOX layer to conductively contact the bulk monocrystalline silicon region, the GR contact ring extending at least generally parallel to the first crack stop ring to surround the active portion of the chip. A continuous metal ring extending continuously in the first lateral directions can surround the active portion of the chip, such metal ring connecting the GR contact ring with the first crack stop ring such that the metal line and the GR contact ring form a continuous seal preventing mobile ions from moving between the peripheral and active portions of the chip. |
| US08188566B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
The bottom side of an N type silicon substrate is connected to a power supply terminal, a second P type epitaxial layer is formed on all sides of the N type silicon substrate, and a device forming portion is provided on the second P type epitaxial layer. A first P type epitaxial layer and an interlayer insulating film are provided on the device forming portion and an N well and a P well are formed on the top surface of the first P type epitaxial layer. The second P type epitaxial layer is connected to a ground terminal via the first P type epitaxial layer, the P well, a p+ diffusion region, a via and a wire. Accordingly, a pn junction is formed at the interface between the second P type epitaxial layer and the N type silicon substrate. |
| US08188565B2 |
Semiconductor chip and shielding structure thereof
A semiconductor chip including a substrate, a metal interconnection structure and a circuit region is provided. The substrate has at least one dielectric ring on a substrate surface of the substrate. The metal interconnection structure is disposed on the substrate surface and has at least one guard ring, wherein the guard ring comprises a plurality of individual segments, and the individual segments are individually and electrically coupled to the ground contacts. The circuit region disposed on the substrate. A projection of the dielectric ring on the substrate surface surrounds a projection of the circuit region on the substrate surface, and the projection of the guard ring on the substrate surface surrounds that of the dielectric ring and that of the circuit region on the substrate surface. |
| US08188562B2 |
Multi-layer N-type stack for cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic devices and methods of making
Thin film photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include a transparent conductive oxide layer on the glass, a multi-layer n-type stack on the transparent conductive oxide layer, and a cadmium telluride layer on the multi-layer n-type stack. The multi-layer n-type stack generally includes a first layer and a second layer, where the first layer comprises cadmium and sulfur and the second layer comprises cadmium and oxygen. The multi-layer n-type stack can, in certain embodiments, include additional layers (e.g., a third layer, a fourth layer, etc.). Methods are also generally provided for manufacturing such thin film photovoltaic devices. |
| US08188561B2 |
Integral topside vacuum package
An integrated vacuum package having an added volume on a perimeter within the perimeter of a bonding seal between two wafers. The added volume of space may be an etching of material from the inside surface of the top wafer. This wafer may have vent holes that may be sealed to maintain a vacuum within the volume between the two wafers after the pump out of gas and air. The inside surface of the top wafer may have an anti-reflective pattern. Also, an anti-reflective pattern may be on the outside surface of the top wafer. The seal between the two wafers may be ring-like and have a spacer material. Also, it may have a malleable material such as solder to compensate for any flatness variation between the two facing surfaces of the wafers. |
| US08188558B2 |
ST-RAM magnetic element configurations to reduce switching current
In order to increase an efficiency of spin transfer and thereby reduce the required switching current, a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) magnetic element for a memory device includes either one or both of a free magnetic layer, which has an electronically reflective surface, and a permanent magnet layer, which has perpendicular anisotropy to bias the free magnetic layer. |
| US08188556B2 |
Semiconductor sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor sensor has a first semiconductor layer as a base, an insulating layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer. A recess is formed from a bottom surface of the first semiconductor layer up to a top surface of the insulating layer. The second semiconductor layer is covered with the insulating layer in an outer circumference of a top surface of the recess. A sensitive region of the second semiconductor layer is exposed in a region except the outer circumference of the top surface of the recess. |
| US08188554B2 |
Memory device having movable electrode and method of manufacturing the memory device
A memory device includes a bit line, a first word line, a bit line contact, an electrode, a second word line and a contact tip. The bit line may extend along a first direction. The first word line is formed over the bit line and extends in a second direction. The bit line contact is formed between adjacent first word lines. The bit line contact may have an upper face substantially higher than the first word lines. The electrode contacting with the bit line contact may include an elastic material bending by an electric field among the electrode, the first word line and the second word line. The second word line is disposed over the electrode and corresponds to at least one of the first word lines. The contact tip formed at a lateral portion of the electrode may protrude toward the first and the second word lines. |
| US08188550B2 |
Integrated circuit structure with electrical strap and its method of forming
A method of forming an IC is presented. The method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of transistors formed thereon. The transistors have gate stack, source and drain regions. An electrical strap is formed and in contact with at least a portion of at least one sidewall of the gate stack of a first transistor to provide a continuous electrical flowpath over a gate electrode of the first transistor and the source or drain region of a second transistor. |
| US08188544B2 |
Integrated circuit device and electronic instrument
An integrated circuit device includes a pad PDx and an electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx formed in a rectangular region and electrically connected with the pad PDx. The pad PDx is disposed in an upper layer of the electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx so that an arrangement direction of the pads is parallel to a long side direction of the region in which the electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx is formed, and the pad PDx overlaps part or the entirety of the electrostatic discharge protection element ESDx. |
| US08188543B2 |
Electronic device including a conductive structure extending through a buried insulating layer
An electronic device can include a substrate, a buried insulating layer overlying the substrate, and a semiconductor layer overlying the buried insulating layer, wherein the semiconductor layer is substantially monocrystalline. The electronic device can also include a conductive structure extending through the semiconductor layer and buried insulating layer and abutting the substrate, and an insulating spacer lying between the conductive structure and each of the semiconductor layer and the buried insulating layer. |
| US08188536B2 |
Memory device and manufacturing method and operating method thereof
A memory device including a substrate, a plurality of conductive layers, a composite dielectric layer and a plurality of gates are provided. Wherein, the conductive layers are disposed on the substrate. The composite dielectric layer is disposed on the substrate and covers the conductive layers. The composite dielectric layer includes a charge trapping layer. The gates are disposed on the composite dielectric layer and across the conductive layers. Wherein, the conductive layers can be used as local bit lines to reduce the resistance values and improve the performance of the memory device. |
| US08188529B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device comprises a memory cell region, a peripheral circuit region and a boundary region. In the memory cell region, a concave lower electrode and a foundation layer have a same uppermost surface positioned in a height of H above the plane-A. In the boundary region, one concave lower conductive region and a foundation layer have a same uppermost surface positioned in a height of H above the plane-A. |
| US08188527B2 |
Embedded capacitor in semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device with an embedded capacitor structure. A dielectric layer is disposed on a substrate, having a contact opening exposing the substrate and a trench opening above the contact opening. A first metal electrode layer is conformally disposed over the sidewalls and bottoms of the contact and trench openings. A second metal electrode layer is conformally disposed over the sidewalls and bottoms of the contact and trench openings. A capacitor dielectric layer is interposed between the first and second metal electrode layers. A method for fabricating the semiconductor device is also disclosed. |
| US08188524B2 |
CMOS image sensor with wide dynamic range
The present invention relates a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor capable of improving dynamic range by using an additional driver transistor. The CMOS image sensor according to the present invention has a pixel array which has a plurality of unit pixels each of which includes a photodiode and a fist transistor to act as a source follower buffer amplifier to amplify photogenerated charges accumulated in the photodiode. Also, the CMOS image sensor includes a second transistor for a buffer amplifier to amplify and output a gate input voltage in the unit pixel, wherein an output signal of the first transistor is applied to a gate of the second. |
| US08188519B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, drive method of solid-state imaging device, and imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging device that includes: a pixel array section configured by an array of a unit pixel, including an optoelectronic conversion section that subjects an incoming light to optoelectronic conversion and stores therein a signal charge, a transfer transistor that transfers the signal charge stored in the optoelectronic conversion section, a charge-voltage conversion section that converts the signal charge provided by the transfer transistor into a signal voltage, and a reset transistor that resets a potential of the charge-voltage conversion section; and voltage setting means for setting a voltage of a well of the charge-voltage conversion section to be negative. |
| US08188516B2 |
Creating integrated circuit capacitance from gate array structures
Techniques for using gate arrays to create capacitive structures within an integrated circuit are disclosed. Embodiments comprise placing a gate array of P-type field effect transistors (P-fets) and N-type field effect transistors (N-fets) in an integrated circuit design, coupling drains and sources for one or more P-fets and gates for one or more N-fets to a power supply ground, and coupling gates for the one or more P-fets and the drains and sources for one or more N-fets to a positive voltage of the power supply. In some embodiments, source-to-drain leakage current for capacitive apparatuses of P-fets and N-fets are minimized by biasing one or more P-fets and one or more N-fets to the positive voltage and the ground, respectively. In other embodiments, the capacitive structures may be implemented using fusible elements to isolate the capacitive structures in case of shorts. |
| US08188510B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light-emitting device having high light extraction efficiency is provided. The semiconductor light-emitting device includes a light transmissive substrate; a nitride semiconductor layer of a first conduction type formed on or above a top face side of the light transmissive substrate; an active layer made of nitride semiconductor formed on a top face of the nitride semiconductor layer of the first conduction type; a nitride semiconductor layer of a second conduction type formed on a top face of the active layer; a dielectric layer formed on a bottom face of the light transmissive substrate and having a refractive index lower than that of the light transmissive substrate; and a metal layer formed on a bottom face of the dielectric layer. And an interface between the light transmissive substrate and the dielectric layer is a uneven face, and an interface between the dielectric layer and the metal layer is a flat face. |
| US08188508B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device with a contact formed on a textured surface
A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The semiconductor structure includes an n-contact region and a p-contact region. A cross section of the n-contact region comprises a plurality of first regions wherein portions of the light emitting layer and p-type region are removed to expose the n-type region. The plurality of first regions are separated by a plurality of second regions wherein the light emitting layer and p-type region remain in the device. The device further includes a first metal contact formed over the semiconductor structure in the p-contact region and a second metal contact formed over the semiconductor structure in the n-contact region. The second metal contact is in electrical contact with at least one of the second regions in the n-contact region. |
| US08188505B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device comprises a substrate, an epitaxial structure formed on the substrate including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a light-emitting layer formed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. A trench is formed in the epitaxial structure to expose a part of side surface of the epitaxial structure and a part of surface of the first semiconductor layer, so that a first conductive structure is formed on the part of surface of the first semiconductor layer in the trench, and a second conductive structure is formed on the second semiconductor layer. The first conductive structure includes a first electrode and a first pad electrically contacted with each other. The second conductive structure includes a second electrode and a second pad electrically contacted with each other. Furthermore, the area of at least one of the first pad and the second pad is between 1.5×104μm2 and 6.2×104 μm2. |
| US08188502B2 |
Light emitting device with phosphor wavelength conversion
A light emitting device comprises an excitation source (20), one or more light emitting diode(s) operable to generate excitation light of a first wavelength range (λ1) and a light emitting surface (14) having a phosphor material (26) which absorbs at least a part of the excitation light and emits light of a second wavelength range (λ2), wherein light (32) emitted by the device comprises combined light of the first and second wavelength ranges emitted by the light emitting surface. The device is characterized by the light emitting surface having one or more window areas (28) which does not include a phosphor material and which are substantially transparent to light of the first and second wavelengths. The light emitting surface can comprise a transparent substrate (14) having a pattern of phosphor material on a surface thereof with the one or more window areas evenly distributed over the light emitting surface. |
| US08188501B2 |
Optical device to emit polarized light
An optical device capable of emitting polarized light includes a light emitting means, two multi-layer optical films disposed above and below the light emitting means and two metal layers. The two metal layers cover the two multi-layer optical layers from the upper and lower sides respectively. Each of the two multi-layer optical films includes at least two films made from materials of different refractive indexes that are stacked in a staggered manner. The optical film formed by the multi-layer optical films and metal layers provides greater reflectance to S-polarized light (TE) and higher absorption to P-polarized light. Light generated by the light emitting means emits diagonally to the optical films and is reflected several times thereof to form S-polarized light (TE) to emit sideward. |
| US08188495B2 |
Gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor light emitting device
An object of the present invention is to provide a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor light emitting device having excellent light extraction efficiency and a high emission output in which a planar shape is a rectangular shape with vertical and longitudinal sides each having a different length.The present light emitting device comprises a substrate and a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, wherein a planar shape is a rectangular shape with vertical and longitudinal sides each having a different length, and a side surface of the gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor layer is not vertical to a principal surface of the substrate. |
| US08188485B2 |
Detection system having a light emitting diode
The invention relates to a light emitting diode having at least one (semi)conductive electroluminescent active layer which comprises at least two different electroluminescent functionalities, wherein the emission spectrum of the diode exhibits at least two intensity maxima. The invention further relates to a detector which comprises a light emitting diode which is capable of emitting light at least two mutually separate intensity maxima. |
| US08188478B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A display device includes a main body, a support stand, and a display portion. The display portion includes a pixel having a TFT and a capacitor. The capacitor includes a capacitor electrode on an insulating surface, an insulating film on the capacitor electrode, and a pixel electrode of the TFT on the insulating film. |
| US08188476B2 |
Organic EL display and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an organic EL display and a method of manufacturing the same capable of assuring excellent electric connection between an auxiliary wiring and a second electrode without using large-scale equipment. The organic EL display includes: a plurality of pixels each having, in order from a substrate side, a first electrode, an organic layer including a light emission layer, and a second electrode; an auxiliary wiring disposed in a periphery region of each of the plurality of pixels and conducted to the second electrode; and another auxiliary wiring disposed apart from the auxiliary wiring at least in a part of outer periphery of a formation region of the auxiliary wiring in a substrate surface. |
| US08188475B2 |
Top emission type organic electroluminescent device and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent device includes a first substrate including a plurality of pixel regions; a thin film transistor on the first substrate and in each pixel region; a second substrate facing the first substrate; an organic electroluminescent diode on the second substrate and connected to the thin film transistor; a seal pattern at edges of the first and second substrates; and an adhesive layer including a plurality of conductive balls, an inner space defined by the first substrate, the second substrate and the seal pattern filled with the adhesive layer. |
| US08188472B2 |
Thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same, and flat panel display having the same
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of manufacturing the TFT, and a flat panel display comprising the TFT are provided. The TFT includes a gate, a gate insulating layer that contacts the gate, a channel layer that contacts the gate insulating layer and faces the gate with the gate insulating layer therebetween, a source that contacts an end of the channel layer; and a drain that contacts an other end of the channel layer, wherein the channel layer is an amorphous oxide semiconductor layer, and each of the source and the drain is a conductive oxide layer comprising an oxide semiconductor layer having a conductive impurity in the oxide semiconductor layer. A low resistance metal layer can further be included on the source and drain. A driving circuit of a unit pixel of a flat panel display includes the TFT. |
| US08188467B2 |
Amorphous oxide and field effect transistor
In a field effect transistor, a channel layer of the field effect transistor is composed of an amorphous oxide including In, Zn, N and O, an atomic composition ratio of N to N and O (N/(N+O)) in the amorphous oxide is equal to or larger than 0.01 atomic percent and equal to or smaller than 3 atomic percent, and the amorphous oxide does not include Ga, or, in a case where the amorphous oxide includes Ga, the number of Ga atoms contained in the amorphous oxide is smaller than the number of N atoms. |
| US08188462B2 |
Spirobifluorene derivatives, their preparation and uses thereof
The invention concerns Spirobifluorene derivatives having the general formula (II) and the corresponding, radical anions that can be represented via the general formula (II): in which K, L, M and N, the same or different from each other, are independently: H or A-C═O, with the proviso that it is never K=L=M=N═H, wherein A is an aromatic group, possibly substituted with at least an R′ group selected in the group of the substituents commonly used in organic chemistry and/or at least one R group where R=aliphatic radical. The invention also concerns the method for preparing said derivatives and radical anions. Said compounds are applied in the field of components for molecular electronics, in particular systems for electroluminescence, molecular-based computational systems, OLEDs, molecular switching components, components for non-linear optics, field-effect transistors and semiconductors with negative differential resistance. |
| US08188454B2 |
Forming a phase change memory with an ovonic threshold switch
A phase change memory may include an ovonic threshold switch formed over an ovonic memory. In one embodiment, the switch includes a chalcogenide layer that overlaps an underlying electrode. Then, edge damage, due to etching the chalcogenide layer, may be isolated to reduce leakage current. |
| US08188450B2 |
Multiple beam charged particle optical system
The invention relates to a multiple be charged particle optical system, comprising an electrostatic lens structure with at least one electrode, provided with apertures, wherein the effective size of a lens field effected by said electrode at a said aperture is made ultimately small. The system may comprise a diverging charged particle beam part, in which the lens structure is included. The physical dimension of the lens is made ultimately small, in particular smaller than one mm, more in particular less than a few tens of microns. En further elaboration, a lens is combined with a current limiting aperture, aligned such relative to a lens of said structure, that a virtual aperture effected by said current limiting aperture in said lens is situated in an optimum position with respect to minimizing aberrations total. |
| US08188449B2 |
Charged particle beam drawing method and apparatus
A charged particle beam drawing apparatus for drawing patterns corresponding to figures in a drawing data, has a portion for dividing a drawing area on the workpiece into block frames, a portion for combining at least a first block frame and a second block frame into a virtual block frame, and a portion for transferring a data of the virtual block frame from an input data dividing module to a common memory of a first converter and a second converter. The first converter converts a data of a first figure included in the first block frame into a first drawing apparatus internal format data. The second converter converts a data of a second figure included in the second block frame into a second drawing apparatus internal format data. The first figure and the second figure are included in a cell extending over the first block frame and the second block frame. |
| US08188447B2 |
Field-by-field laser annealing and feed forward process control
A method includes dividing a semiconductor wafer into a plurality of dies areas, generating a map of the semiconductor wafer, scanning each of the plurality of die areas of the semiconductor wafer with a laser, and adjusting a parameter of the laser during the scanning based on a value of the die areas identified by the map of the semiconductor wafer. The map characterizing the die areas based on a first measurement of each individual die area. |
| US08188443B2 |
Focusing method of charged particle beam and astigmatism adjusting method of charged particle
A focusing method of a charged particle beam includes measuring a first set value to focus a beam on a position of a reference plane by using a lens coil, acquiring a first factor to change a set value of an electrostatic lens depending on a distance and a second factor to change a set value of the coil depending on a distance, measuring a level distribution of a target plane, correcting the first set value by using the second factor to correct a focal point position of the beam in the coil from the position of the reference plane to an intermediate level position of the level distribution of the target plane, and correcting a second set value of the lens depending on a level position of the target plane by using the first factor to correct a focal point position of the beam by the lens. |
| US08188442B2 |
Non-radioactive electron capture detector for GC
Electron capture detector for use with an effluent stream from a gas chromatograph includes a non-radioactive electron source means and an adjacent ionization chamber in which electron capture take place. The detector comprises two partial chambers, of which one contains the electron source, and the other contains connections for input and output of analysis gas as well as a collector electrode for detecting ions. The collector electrode and the electron source are each of cylindrical configurations, and are coaxially aligned but are spaced apart with respect to each other. The electron current to the collector electrode provides an indication of the presence of electronegative constituents in the gas passing into the second partial chamber. |
| US08188441B2 |
Ultraviolet intensity detecting method, fabricating display apparatus method and display apparatus using the same
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus is used for detecting an ultraviolet (UV) intensity. The display apparatus includes a lower-substrate, an upper-substrate and a processing unit. The lower-substrate includes a first, a second and a third photo sensors for detecting an intensity of the light in a first, a second and a third bands and converting the intensity of the light in the first, the second and the third bands into a first, a second and a third currents respectively, wherein the ranges of the second and the third bands are comprised within the range of the first band. The upper-substrate is disposed opposite to the lower-substrate. The processing unit is coupled to the first, the second and the third photo sensors, for receiving and processing the first, the second and the third currents so as to obtain the UV intensity. |
| US08188439B2 |
Gamma ray detector elements with variable light guide thickness
A gamma ray detector module that includes at least one crystal element arranged in a plane, a plurality of light sensors arranged to cover the at least one crystal element and to receive light emitted from the at least one crystal element, and a light guide arranged between the at least one crystal element and the light sensors, the light guide being optically connected to the at least one crystal element. Further, the light guide includes a narrow portion that positions at least one light sensor of the plurality of light sensors closer to the at least one crystal element than other light sensors of the plurality of light sensors. In addition, the light guide may include an angled recessed portion that positions another light sensor at an oblique tilt angle with respect to the plane of the at least one crystal element. |
| US08188436B2 |
Background signal suppression in pet spectrums
A method and a facility are disclosed for imaging a PET spectrum with a PET detector, especially a PE-MR tomograph, and evaluation of the PET spectrum. To improve the correction of the base line in PET and thereby to improve the energy resolution for the PET images, at least one embodiment of the facility includes: a sampling facility for sampling the output signal of the PET detector at a predetermined sampling rate; an edge discriminator for recognizing at least one edge of a PET pulse; a background signal discriminator for estimating a background signal under the PET pulse; and an integrator device for determining the energy of the PET pulse in the PET spectrum above of the background signal from the sample values of the sampling facility. |
| US08188435B2 |
Specific absorption rate measurement and energy-delivery device characterization using thermal phantom and image analysis
A system for use in characterizing an energy applicator includes a test fixture assembly. The test fixture assembly includes an interior area defined therein. The system also includes a thermally-sensitive medium disposed in the interior area of the test fixture assembly. The thermally-sensitive medium includes a cut-out portion defining a void in the thermally-sensitive medium. The cut-out portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the energy applicator therein. |
| US08188433B2 |
Physiological sensor having reduced sensitivity to interference
A physiological sensor having reduced sensitivity to interference includes a light source, a light detector in optical communication with the light source, and a sensor pad at least partially housing the light source and the light detector. The sensor pad is configured to be capacitively isolated from a patient. Moreover, the physiological sensor may be electrically connected to an amplifier having a signal ground and a monitor. |
| US08188432B1 |
Infrared camera packaging and alignment systems and methods
One or more embodiments of the invention provide for a lens package comprising a housing having a vacuum compatible interior space, a base coupled to the housing, a lens coupled to the housing, and an infrared detector within the housing for providing infrared images representative of infrared energy received through the lens. The housing, base, and lens are adapted to form an infrared detector vacuum package assembly. The housing may include a focal alignment feature that allows for focal adjustment of the lens relative to the infrared detector by applying pressure to at least a portion of the housing. |
| US08188422B1 |
Fabrication of three-dimensional ion optics assemblies by metallization of non-conductive substrates
A die assembly for creating a ring electrode including a cylindrically-shaped die base, two die walls and a die top sized to fit inside a cylindrical die housing. The die base and die top having a series of concentric elevations used as impressions to form on two ends of the ring electrode. A method of fabricating an LTCC ring electrode using the die assembly is also provided. |
| US08188420B2 |
High resolution optical encoder systems having a set of light detecting elements each comprising a pair of complementary detectors (as amended)
Disclosed are various embodiments of front-end analog circuitry for use in conjunction with optical encoders. Highly accurate analog output signals are provided by front-end analog circuitry in incremental or absolute motion encoders to interpolation circuitry, which is capable of providing high interpolation factor output signals having high timing accuracy. The disclosed interpolation circuits may be implemented using CMOS or BiCMOS processes without undue effort. |
| US08188415B2 |
Terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array
The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array includes a longitudinal support that may be constructed of discrete sections. The overall length of the array may be adjusted depending upon the necessary size of the array. A drive may be configured to rotate the longitudinal support in first and second directions about a first axis. Solar cell modules are positioned along the longitudinal support and may each include a rectangular case with a plurality of lenses that are positioned over corresponding receivers. Linkages may be connected to the solar cell modules and are axially movable along the longitudinal support to rotate the solar cell modules within second planes that each orthogonal to the first plane to further track the sun during the course of the day. The array may be configured to facilitate rotation about the first axis. The array may be constructed with a center of gravity of the array to extending through the longitudinal support. |
| US08188413B2 |
Terrestrial concentrator solar tracking photovoltaic array
A terrestrial concentrator solar tracking photovoltaic array that may include an elongated frame configured to mount concentrator solar cell modules in a longitudinally-extending and spaced-apart arrangement. The frame is able to rotate each of the concentrator solar cell modules along a first axis to simultaneously track the elevation of the sun during the course of a day. The frame is also able to rotate each concentrator solar cell array module along second axes that are substantially perpendicular to the first axis to track the azimuthal position of the sun during the course of the day. |
| US08188411B2 |
Projectile guidance system including a compact semi-active laser seeker with immersed filter stack and field lens
A compact SAL seeker for a projectile guidance system comprises an optical sub-assembly to focus incident electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) such that target bearing in object space is mapped to a spatial irradiance in image space and a detector sub-assembly to generate at least one guidance signal in response to the position of the centroid of the focused EMR. The optical sub-assembly includes an integrated filter stack of a primary optical element, a spreader, a filter and secondary optical element in which at least one and typically both of the spreader and filter are immersed within the optical media of the stack. The detector sub-assembly may include a field lens in which the detector is immersed. Immersion reduces the number of “air-to-glass” interfaces, hence improves optical throughput. The detector sub-assembly may be integrally formed with a mounting bracket adapted to mate with mounting features on the optical sub-assembly to provide a self-aligned seeker. |
| US08188408B2 |
Conveyorized oven and method for uniform cooking
A conveyorized oven that provides uniform cooking with control of the heater and/or the conveyor belt speed. The oven includes a controller that monitors power consumption of the heater and uses the power consumption to control the heater and/or the speed of the motor that drives the conveyor belt. The power consumption is monitored by counting the on time cycles of a switch that connects and disconnects the heater to a power main. Changes in the power consumption due to changes in loading are used by the controller to reduce recovery times of the oven temperature to a set temperature by controlling the heater and/or the motor. By using a stepper motor, there is no need for a gear box. |
| US08188407B2 |
Temperature control apparatus, processing apparatus, and temperature control method
Disclosed is an temperature control apparatus including: a resistance heater a resistance value of which changes dependently on a temperature thereof; a fixed resistance connected to the resistance heater in series; a signal generator to output a control signal which has two voltage levels of a first voltage and a second voltage; a switching section to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the first voltage, and not to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the second voltage; and a first voltage measuring instrument to measure a voltage value across the fixed resistance at the time when the current flows through the fixed resistance, wherein the signal generator controls the temperature of the resistance heater based on the measured voltage by the first voltage measuring instrument. |
| US08188406B2 |
Steering wheel planar heat generating element
The invention relates to a planar heat generating element for use on steering wheels of automotive vehicles and motorboats, and a problem of the invention is to adjust a temperature portion of a planar heat generating element which is attached to a steering wheel, so as to enhance the sensation of using the steering wheel by the user when he or she grips thereon.In the invention, since linear heaters (17) of a planar heat generating element (14) are provided so as to be turned repeatedly along a circumferential direction and such that the density of turns of the liner heaters (17) at an outermost circumferential portion of a ring portion (12) becomes sparse, the temperature of the outermost circumferential portion of the ring portion (12) with which the palms of the user are brought into contact when he or she grips the ring portion (12) can be made to be adjusted, and the heat generation of the planar heat generating element (14) can be adjusted so as to match the user's way of gripping, thereby the sensation of using the steering wheel felt by the user when he or she grips thereon being able to be enhanced. |
| US08188400B2 |
Wireless dongle
A wireless dongle includes a shell having a base board of which an appropriate portion is made of elastic materials to be acted as a switch section, a printed circuit board mounted in the shell and spaced from the base board of the shell, and an elastic member made of elastic materials. The printed circuit board defines a contact area facing toward the switch section of the shell. The elastic member is mounted between the switch section of the shell and the contact area of the printed circuit board, and further spaced from the contact area. The elastic member can be elastically pressed to contact the contact area of the printed circuit board by means of pressing the switch section of the shell against the elastic member so as to trigger an electrical signal. |
| US08188398B2 |
Press switch
A press switch is composed of a base, a light-emitting device, a housing, a movable seat, and a pressing element. Due to the flat surfaces of the base and the ribs of the movable seat, the area of contact between the base and the movable seat is reduced. In addition, due to the ribs of the movable seat and the flat surfaces of the housing, the area of contact between the movable seat and the housing is also reduced. These reduced areas of contact allow the pressing element to be pressed stably and smoothly. |
| US08188397B2 |
Sheet switch module
A sheet switch module (21) including a circuit board (22), at least one key switch (25) mounted on one surface of the circuit board (22), a light-guiding sheet unit (30) covering one surface of the key switch (25), at least one LED (26) mounted on the circuit board (22) to enter light into the light-guiding sheet unit (30), the light-guiding sheet unit (30) being formed by a plurality of light-guiding sheets (31,32) at least parts of which are overlapped, the key switch (25) being illuminated by the LED (26) by way of plurality of light-guiding sheets (31,32). |
| US08188391B2 |
Vibration switch and circuit using the same
A vibration switch is provided. The vibration switch includes a housing; a plurality of conductive members are received in the housing and spaced apart from each other; a biasing member is suspended in the housing; a plurality of wires electrically connected to the conductive members and the biasing member respectively; wherein, when the housing receives a vibration, the biasing member is deflected and contacts one of the conductive members, thereby making an electrical connection between the biasing member and the conductive member. A circuit using the vibration switch is also provided. |
| US08188378B2 |
Interposer and method for manufacturing interposer
An interposer having a support substrate, a first insulation layer made of an inorganic material and formed over the support substrate, and a second insulation layer formed over the first insulation layer. The first insulation layer has a first land, a second land and a first wiring electrically connecting the first land and the second land. The second insulation layer has a first pad positioned to load a first electronic component, a second pad positioned to load a second electronic component, a second wiring electrically connected to the second pad, a first via conductor electrically connecting the first land and the first pad, and a second via conductor electrically connecting the second land and the second wiring. The first wiring and second wiring electrically connect the first pad and the second pad, and the second wiring has a lower wiring resistance per unit length than the first wiring. |
| US08188377B2 |
Circuit board having electrically connecting structure and fabrication method thereof
A circuit board having an electrically connecting structure and a method for fabricating the same are provided. A circuit board body having inner-layer circuits is provided. A circuit layer is formed on at least an outermost surface of circuit board body, and including electrically connecting pads and circuits. The electrically connecting pads are partially electrically connected to the circuits, and are partially electrically connected to the inner-layer circuits via conductive vias. An insulating protective layer is disposed on the circuit board body and is formed with openings therein for exposing the electrically connecting pads. Conductive posts are formed on the electrically connecting pads. Standalone metal pads are formed on the insulating protective layer but are not used for electrical connection. The conductive posts and electrically connecting pads are absent from the insulating protective layer beneath the standalone metal pads, such that circuits can be formed under the insulating protective layer. |
| US08188375B2 |
Multilayer circuit board and method for manufacturing the same
A multilayer circuit board comprises core layers 101 and 102 made of a core material impregnated with resin, resin layers 111 and 112 interposed between the core layers 101 and 102, a wiring pattern 140 embedded in the resin layers 111 and 112. The core layers 101 and 102 have a thickness of 100 μm or smaller, whereby the entire board can significantly be thinned. Furthermore, the less strong resin layers 111 and 112 are interposed between the hard core layers 101 and 102, whereby the entire board has increased strength. |
| US08188371B2 |
Flex-rigid wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A flex-rigid wiring board includes a first rigid substrate, a second rigid substrate arranged at a distance from the first rigid substrate to provide a space between the first and second rigid substrates and a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first tip portion connected to the first rigid substrate, and a second tip portion connected to the second rigid substrate such that the first and second rigid substrates are connected to each other by way of the flexible substrate. At least one bending portion is formed between the first and second tip portions of the flexible substrate, each of the at least one bending portions is provided in the space between the first and second rigid substrates. |
| US08188370B2 |
Multilayer insulated electric wire and transformer using the same
A multilayer insulated electric wire, containing: a conductor; and extruded insulation layers; wherein an outermost layer (A) is composed of an extruded layer containing a thermoplastic polyester-series resin composition which contains 75 to 95 mass parts of a polyester resin other than a liquid crystal polyester, and 5 to 25 mass parts of a liquid crystal polyester, wherein an innermost layer (B) and at least one insulating layer (C) between the outermost and innermost layers each are composed of an extruded layer containing a thermoplastic polyester resin, in which an entirety or a part of the thermoplastic polyester resin is formed by allowing an aliphatic alcohol component and an acid component to cause polycondensation, and in which the number of carbon atoms of the aliphatic alcohol component is 2 to 5. |
| US08188367B2 |
Multilayer structure to form absorber layers for solar cells
A method of forming a doped Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer for solar cells by reacting a partially reacted precursor layer with a dopant structure. The precursor layer including Group IB, Group IIIA and Group VIA materials such as Cu, Ga, In and Se are deposited on a base and partially reacted. After the dopant structure is formed on the partially reacted precursor layer, the dopant structure and partially reacted precursor layer is fully reacted. The dopant structure includes a dopant material such as Na. |
| US08188362B2 |
Photophysicochemical cell
The present invention provides photophysicochemical cell which comprises, as the photoanode electrode (a) an electrode formed of a porous semiconductor material which, under ultraviolet irradiation condition, is photo-excited and functions as a porous electrically conductive material in an ultraviolet region, or (b) the porous semiconductor material capable of functioning as an ultraviolet-region electrically conductive material is selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, tin dioxide, tungsten oxide, and silicon carbide, and (c) the porous semiconductor material which constitutes the photoanode electrode capable of functioning as an ultraviolet-region electrically conductive material has large effective surface area of some hundreds times to thousands times the apparent surface area of the electrode. |
| US08188361B2 |
Photovoltaic electrochromic device
A photovoltaic electrochromic device includes a semi-transparent thin-film solar cell substrate, an electrochromic solution, and a transparent non-conductive substrate, wherein the electrochromic solution is located between the transparent non-conductive substrate and the semi-transparent thin-film solar cell substrate. The semi-transparent thin-film solar cell substrate includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of thin-film solar cells, wherein the anodes and the cathodes of the thin-film solar cells are also used as the anodes and the cathodes of the photovoltaic electrochromic device. Because a driving voltage of the electrochromic solution is low, the thickness of an intrinsic layer in each of the thin-film solar cells can be thinned, which increases the transmittance of the photovoltaic electrochromic device. Besides, the current output of the photovoltaic electrochromic device can be controlled by an additional output switch layout coupled with the thin-film solar cells. |
| US08188360B2 |
Thermoelectric conversion device
A thermoelectric conversion device includes a hot terminal substrate, a cold terminal substrate and a stacked structure. The stacked structure is disposed between the hot terminal substrate and the cold terminal substrate. The stacked structure includes thermoelectric conversion layers each including a thermoelectric couple layer, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, a first heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure and a second heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure. Each of the thermoelectric conversion layers is arranged in the stacked structure. The first conductive layer includes first conductive materials and is arranged on tops of P/N type thermoelectric conversion elements. The second conductive layer includes second conductive materials and is arranged on bottoms of the P/N type thermoelectric conversion elements. The first heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure is connected between two adjacent first conductive layers. The second heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure is connected between two adjacent second conductive layers. |
| US08188359B2 |
Thermoelectric generator assembly for field process devices
A thermoelectric generator assembly includes a thermoelectric generator with hot and cold junction flanges. The hot junction flange includes an adapter shaped for thermally coupling to a process vessel. The thermoelectric generator producing a thermoelectric power output. A heat sink thermally couples to ambient air and has a heat sink flange. A heat pipe assembly includes fluid in a circulation chamber. The circulation chamber has an evaporator flange mounted to the cold junction flange and a condenser flange mounted to the heat sink flange. At least a portion of the fluid transports heat from the evaporator flange to the condenser flange. When a heat pipe assembly on a cold junction flange is used with many of the types of heat flows that are available in process industries, more efficient thermoelectric power generation can be provided in the process industries. |
| US08188358B2 |
Percussion instrument
A percussion instrument that is formed of a housing, a compressible foam material connected to the housing, an electronic pick-up embedded within said compressible foam material and a compression plate. The housing includes a front opening and a cavity and a rear portion of the compressible foam material extends through the front opening of the housing and into the cavity of the housing. The electronic pick-up is spaced from the outer surface of the compressible foam material. The compression plate is positioned on the front face of the compressible foam material and is spaced from an outer edge of the front face. |
| US08188356B2 |
System to teach music notation and composition
Musical note tiles, a system for teaching music notation and composition, and associated methods are disclosed. The system includes manipulative musical note tiles. The note tiles are transparent and adapted for use on measure plaques, or like surfaces. The note tiles can adhere to a surface with static cling in one embodiment. Alternatively, the note tiles can adhere to a surface with magnetism. The note tiles are mathematically proportionate to each other as they are to the relative lengths of sound durations represented by note icons. The measure plaques are in complete mathematical congruence to the lengths of the note tiles. The note tiles can include transparent texture strips. The system also includes mounting platforms, staff extension plaques, grand staff brace labels, bridges, spacer tiles, pre-reading tiles, and symbol labels. |
| US08188354B2 |
Support device for a guitar or other musical instrument
A device for supporting a musical instrument such as a guitar, on a stand, having, a first engagement mechanism adapted to engage with and support the musical instrument, a first strap adapted to releaseably engage with the musical instrument and in engagement with the first engagement mechanism, and a mechanism for securely and releasably engaging the first engagement mechanism to the stand. |
| US08188351B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH174075
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH174075. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH174075, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH174075 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH174075. |
| US08188350B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHJBM
A novel maize variety designated PHJBM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHJBM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHJBM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHJBM or a locus conversion of PHJBM with another maize variety. |
| US08188349B1 |
Maize variety inbred PH13JF
A novel maize variety designated PH13JF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13JF with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13JF through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13JF or a locus conversion of PH13JF with another maize variety. |
| US08188344B2 |
Cotton variety FM 9180B2F
A novel cotton variety, designated as FM 9180B2F, is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 9180B2F with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 9180B2F and to plants of FM 9180B2F reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 9180B2F. |
| US08188343B1 |
Soybean variety XB48Q10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB48Q10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB48Q10, cells from soybean variety XB48Q10, plants of soybean XB48Q10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB48Q10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB48Q10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB48Q10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB48Q10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB48Q10 are further provided. |
| US08188342B2 |
Soybean cultivar 8235453
A soybean cultivar designated 8235453 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 8235453, to the plants of soybean 8235453, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 8235453, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 8235453 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 8235453, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 8235453, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 8235453 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08188337B2 |
Cloning of cytochrome p450 genes from Nicotiana
The present invention relates to p450 enzymes and nucleic acid sequences encoding p450 enzymes in Nicotiana, and methods of using those enzymes and nucleic acid sequences to alter plant phenotypes. |
| US08188331B2 |
See-through, reduced-pressure dressings and systems
A see-through dressing assembly is presented for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating a wound on a patient using reduced pressure that allows visual observation of the wound during treatment. The dressing assembly includes a bolster for providing a directed force when under reduced pressure, a sealing member for covering the bolster and providing a seal over the bolster and a patient's epidermis, and wherein the bolster and sealing member are formed from see-through materials sufficient to allow perception of color from a point external to the system. Other systems, dressings, and methods are presented. |
| US08188329B2 |
Method and device for burning-off precious metal-containing materials
A recycling furnace and method are provided for processing potentially explosive precious metal-containing materials having organic fractions that combust with great energy, the furnace including a switching facility for alternating operation of a burning-off chamber of the furnace between: (A) pyrolysis or carbonization under protective furnace gas in an atmosphere comprising maximally 6 wt-% oxygen, and (B) oxidative combustion of the organic fractions including carbon. The furnace has indirect heating and a control that determines the end of the pyrolysis or carbonization by a sensor and controls the switching facility to supply air or oxygen to the interior of the furnace. Steps (A) and (B) are carried out sequentially in the furnace chamber, wherein neither the batch is changed, nor the furnace is opened. After the end of step (A) is determined, step (B) proceeds right after the pyrolysis or carbonization by supplying air or oxygen. A dosing of liquid or liquefied substances during the pyrolysis is controlled by at least one parameter of post-combustion. Thermal post-combustion is used for two furnace chambers, one operated for pyrolysis or carbonization and the other operated as a combustion chamber. |
| US08188326B2 |
Process for producing adamantane
A method for producing adamantane by performing an isomerization reaction in two stages using endo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene and/or exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene as a starting material, wherein in a first-stage isomerization reaction from endo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane) to exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane), an HF catalyst alone or two catalysts of an HF catalyst and a BF3 catalyst are used in the absence of a solvent; and in a second-stage isomerization reaction from exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane) to adamantane (tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane), an HF catalyst and a BF3 catalyst are used in the absence of a solvent. |
| US08188323B2 |
Refrigerant compositions containing perfluoropolyethers
The present invention relates to compositions and processes of using perfluoropolyether to maintain or improve the oil return, lubrication, cooling capacity or energy efficiency of the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat transfer system. |
| US08188314B2 |
Benzyloxy anilide derivatives useful as potassium channel modulators
The present invention relates to benzyloxyanilide derivatives having the following structural formula: The compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders which are affected by activation or modulation of potassium ion channels. One such condition is seizure disorders. |
| US08188313B2 |
Analogs of alpha galactosylceramide and uses thereof
Compounds of formula wherein the variable are defined in the specification, are used in compositions which stimulate T cell responses. |
| US08188312B2 |
Acyclic sulfamide derivatives
The present invention is related to acyclic sulfamide derivatives, useful for the manufacture of a medicament for satiety induction and ingestion control, corporal fat modulation and lipidic metabolism regulation and for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The acyclic sulfamide derivatives are also useful for cosmetic use. |
| US08188311B2 |
L-threonine derivatives of high therapeutic index
The present invention is directed to a derivative comprised of an L-Threonine bonded to a medicament or drug having a hydroxy, amino, carboxy or acylating derivative thereon. The derivative has the same utility as the drug from which it is made, but it has enhanced therapeutic properties. In fact, the derivatives of the present invention enhance at least one or more therapeutic qualities, as defined herein. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing same. |
| US08188308B2 |
Crystal of glutathione and process for production thereof
Disclosed is a crystal of glutathione having an average width of 7 to 40 μm and an average particle diameter of 10 to 60 μm, preferably having an angle of repose of 53 degree or less, more preferably having a crude specific volume of 5.0 cm3/g or less, still more preferably in the form of an alpha-form crystal. Also disclosed is a tablet containing such a crystal of glutathione. Further disclosed is a process for producing such a crystal of glutathione. |
| US08188304B2 |
Process for the purification of lanthanide carboxylates
A process is described for the purification of lanthanide carboxylates which comprises a step in which the hydrocarbon solution deriving from the synthesis of lanthanide carboxylate, containing said carboxylate and impurities of the corresponding carboxylic acid and/or water, is treated with an aqueous solution of a base in order to obtain a pH of the aqueous phase ranging from 9.0 to 12.2 and/or a step in which the hydrocarbon solution containing lanthanide carboxylate is treated with a solid selected from Na2SO4, MgSO4, Mg(ClO4)2, molecular sieves 3 Å, molecular sieves 4 Å, molecular sieves 5 Å and molecular sieves 13 X. Analytical methods are also described, which allow the purity of the lanthanide carboxylates to be non-destructively measured. |
| US08188303B2 |
Anti-malarial compound isolated from Gomphostema niveum
The present invention provides an antimalarial compound 3-[2-(2-Hydroxymethyl-1,4a,5-trimethyl-7-oxo-1,2,3,4,4a,7 8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-ethyl]-5H-furan-2-one of the formula 1 given below or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, isolated from Gomphostema niveum and also provides a method for the extraction thereof as well as methods for the treatment of malaria using said compound. |
| US08188297B2 |
Indolium compound and optical recording material
An indolium compound is represented by formula (I): Ring A: a benzene or naphthalene ring. Ring B: 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic or aromatic ring. Z: alkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms, may be substituted with a halogen atom or interrupted by —O—, —CO—, —OCO—, or —COO—, a sulfonyl group having a hydrocarbyl group having -8 carbon atoms, a sulfinyl group having a hydrocarbyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms, an alkylamino group having an alkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms, a dialkylamino group having alkyl groups having 1-8 carbon atoms, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxyl group, or a halogen group. R1: group represented by formula (II) or (II′). R2: organic group having 1-30 carbon atoms or group represented by formula (II), (II′), or (III). Y: group represented by formula (III). n: integer 0-4; Anm−: m-valent anion, m is 1 or 2. p: coefficient for neutral charge. |
| US08188295B2 |
Method for producing difluoromethyl-substituted pyrazole compounds
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 3-difluoromethyl-Substituted pyrazole compounds of the formula (I) in which R1 is H, halogen, nitro, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-haloalkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, hetaryl, cyano, —C(═O)—OR1a, —C(═O)—NR1bR1c, —C(═O)—SR1d or —C(═S)—SR1e; R2 is H, C1-C4-alkyl, benzyl or phenyl; R3 is H, halogen, C1-C8-alkoxy, C1-C8-haloalkoxy, C3-C8-cycloalkoxy, C2-C8-alkenyloxy, C1-C8-alkylthio, C1-C8-haloalkylthio, C3-C8-cyclo-alkylthio or C2-C8-alkenylthio; compounds of the formula (II.a) or (II.b), in which R1 and R3 each have one of the definitions given above; R4 is halogen, —OR4a, —SR4a, —O—SO2—R4a or an —NR4bR4c group; R5 and R6 are each C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-haloalkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, benzyl or phenyl, or, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, are a 3- to 8-membered heterocycle; Lewis acid adducts of compounds of the formula (II.b); the use of compounds of the formula (II.a) or (II.b) and of the Lewis acid adducts for preparing compounds of the formula (I) or (VI); and to a process for converting such compounds to the corresponding 3-difluoro-pyrazol-4-ylcarboxylic acids. |
| US08188291B2 |
Heteroaryl-substituted carboxamides and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to heteroaryl-substituted carboxamides of the formula I, in which Het, A, X, R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings indicated in the claims, which modulate the transcription of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. Specifically, the compounds of the formula I upregulate the expression of the enzyme endothelial NO synthase and can be applied in conditions in which an increased expression of said enzyme or an increased NO level or the normalization of a decreased NO level is desired. The invention further relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula I, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to the use of compounds of the formula I for the manufacture of a medicament for the stimulation of the expression of endothelial NO synthase or for the treatment of various diseases including cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension and cardiac insufficiency, for example. |
| US08188289B2 |
Conformationally restricted urea inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase
Inhibitors of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are provided that incorporate multiple pharmacophores and are useful in the treatment of diseases. |
| US08188288B2 |
2-adamantylurea derivatives as selective 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors
The present invention relates to 2-adamantylurea derivatives of formula I as selective inhibitors of the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and the use of such compounds for the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, lipid disorders, glaucoma, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, anxiety, depression, immune disorders, hypertension and other diseases and conditions. |
| US08188284B2 |
2-aminoquinolines
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as described herein, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods for their manufacture. These compounds are 5-HT5A receptor antagonists and are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, panic disorders, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, pain, memory disorders, dementia, disorders of eating behaviors, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, abuse of drugs, motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease, psychiatric disorders or gastrointestinal disorders. |
| US08188283B2 |
Modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators. |
| US08188269B1 |
Functionalized compositions for improved immobilization
The present invention relates to improved covalent coupling of two or more entities such as biomolecules, polymer compositions, organic/inorganic molecules/materials, and the like, including their combinations, through one or more novel reactive groups attached to linker groups of 2-1000 atoms length. The present invention also contemplates the use of bifunctional bridge molecules to link two or more entities, wherein the functional groups of the bridge molecules are the novel reactive groups of the present invention. |
| US08188267B2 |
Treatment of cellulose esters
Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by esterifying cellulose in a reaction medium comprising one or more ionic liquids. Cellulose esters prepared via the methods of the present invention can be contacted with at least one bleaching agent to produce bleached cellulose esters having a ΔE value of less than 30. |
| US08188265B2 |
Method for the isolation of mRNA from formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
Formalin fixation causes cross-linkage between nucleic acids and proteins and covalently modifies RNA. As a result, the molecules are rigid and may comprise subsequent RNA extraction. The invention provides a method for recovering RNA from formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, including a short additional step of incubation with proteinase K after the first digestion step that makes a significant enhancement of the quality and quantity of the extracted RNA and subsequently, an improvement in the detection of gene expression is achieved. The method of the invention has the advantage of minimizing the number of manipulations, eliminating the need for potentially toxic solvents, and increasing significantly the amount of RNA recovered, and therefore the sensibility, when compared with previous methods. |
| US08188262B2 |
Short interference ribonucleic acids for treating allergic diseases
Provided herein are compounds, methods and compositions for treating allergic diseases. In particular, an isolated double stranded short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) with a ribonucleotide sequence complementary to at least a portion of a target gene RNA such as an airway inflammation related-gene RNA, thereby resulting in the cleavage of the expressed target gene RNA via RNA interference mechanism, and is useful as a medicament for treating allergy by alleviating or minimizing airway inflammation of a subject. |
| US08188261B2 |
Stabilized immune modulatory RNA (SIMRA) compounds
The invention relates to the therapeutic use of novel stabilized oligoribonucleotides as immune modulatory agents for immune therapy applications. Specifically, the invention provides novel RNA-based oligoribonucleotides with improved nuclease and RNase stability and that have immune modulatory activity through TLR7 and/or TLR8. |
| US08188257B1 |
Direct quantification of ribosome inactivating protein
A method for detecting ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) activity in a sample is provided that involves contacting a sample that contains an RIP with an inventive substrate that is depurinated to form product. The product is hybridized to a template and cleaved by an apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease such that releasing the blocked 3′ end only in a sample that contains RIP activity. The 5′ end of the product serves as a primer for extension by a polymerase reaction. The newly synthesized strand complementary to the template is detected by RT-PCR processes. A kit is provided suitable for field or laboratory use. |
| US08188253B2 |
Penaeidin gene promoters in tiger shrimp and applications thereof
The present invention relates to new penaeidin gene promoters found in tiger shrimps and applications thereof. The promoters of the invention are useful for the development of transgenic shrimps and valuable for the shrimp culture industry. |
| US08188251B2 |
Transport agents for crossing the blood-brain barrier and into brain cancer cells, and methods of use thereof
The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a brain cancer cell and/or across the blood-brain barrier. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transport peptides derived from Neisseria outer membrane proteins, such as Laz. The invention also provides synthetic transit peptides comprised of the pentapeptide AAEAP (SEQ ID NO: 25). The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer, and specifically brain cancer, as well as other brain-related conditions. Further, the invention provides methods of imaging and diagnosing cancer, particularly brain cancer. |
| US08188250B2 |
Butanol dehydrogenase enzyme from the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans
From a bacterial strain isolated from an environmental sample, after enrichment in medium containing 1-butanol as the carbon source, a new enzyme with butanol dehydrogenase activity was identified. The enzyme can convert butyraldehyde to 1-butanol, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, as well as 2-butanone to 2-butanol and thus is useful for biosynthesis of butanol in recombinant microbial hosts producing these substrates. The encoding gene, named sadB, was isolated from the strain identified as an isolate of Achromobacter xylosoxidans. |
| US08188246B2 |
Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding high-level expressor factor VIII polypeptides and methods of use
Methods and compositions are provided that allow for high-level expression of a factor VIII polypeptide. More specifically, methods and compositions are provided comprising nucleic acid and amino acid sequences comprising a modified factor VIII that result in high-level expression of the polypeptide. The methods and compositions of the invention find use in the treatment of factor VIII deficiency including, for example, hemophilia A. |
| US08188242B2 |
Chromatography purification of antibodies
Methods, kits and apparatuses for chromatography purification of antibodies are provided. In some embodiments, antibodies are purified by mixed mode chromatography that does not comprise hydroxyapatite (HT) or fluorapatite (FT). The mixed mode chromatography step is then followed by a HT/FT chromatography step. |
| US08188234B2 |
1D05 PCSK9 antagonists
Antagonists of human proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (“PCSK9”) are disclosed. The disclosed antagonists are effective in the inhibition of PCSK9 function and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for use in the treatment of conditions associated with PCSK9 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antagonists, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antagonists. Methods of making PCSK9-specific antagonists as well as methods of using the antagonists for inhibiting or antagonizing PCSK9 function are also disclosed and form important additional aspects of the present disclosure. |
| US08188232B1 |
Compositions and methods for modulating lymphocyte activity
The invention derives from the identification of HVEM as the native ligand for BTLA. The invention provides compositions and methods for modulating BTLA-HVEM interactions and BTLA and HVEM activity, which are useful for modulating immune responses. Agonists and antagonists of the BTLA-HVEM interaction are provided, and methods of treating a variety of conditions through the modulation of immune responses are provided. |
| US08188231B2 |
Optimized FC variants
The present invention relates to optimized Fc variants, methods for their generation, Fc polypeptides comprising optimized Fc variants, and methods for using optimized Fc variants. |
| US08188226B2 |
High activity growth factor mutants
The application relates to novel biosynthetic growth factor mutants, derived from GDF-5, which exhibit improved biological activity. Mutations at positions 453 and 456 of human GDF-5 are disclosed, as well as use of these mutants in therapy of diseases associated with tissue degeneration/destruction. |
| US08188220B2 |
Methods and compositions related to targeting wounds, regenerating tissue, and tumors
Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting regenerating tissue, wounds, and tumors. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that selectively bind to and home to regenerating tissue, wound sites, and tumors in animals. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to regenerating tissue, wound sites, and tumors in animals. |
| US08188219B2 |
Bone morphogenic protein binding peptide
A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2. BBP increases the over-all osteogenic activity of rgBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis. |
| US08188217B2 |
Methods for the synthesis of dicarba bridges in organic compounds
The present invention relates to methods for forming dicarba bridges in organic compounds. This involves the use of a pair of complementary metathesisable groups on the organic compound, and subjecting the compound to cross-metathesis under microwave radiation conditions. In an alternative, the compounds contain a turn-inducing group between the pair of cross-metathesisable groups to facilitate the cross-metathesis. |
| US08188216B2 |
Combinatorial synthesis of libraries of macrocyclic compounds useful in drug discovery
A library of macrocyclic compounds of the formula (I) where part (A) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)y— bivalent radical or a covalent bond; where part (B) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)z— bivalent radical, or a covalent bond; where part (C) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)t- bivalent radical, or a covalent bond; and where part (T) is a -Y-L-Z- radical wherein Y is CH2 or CO, Z is NH or O and L is a bivalent radical. These compounds are useful for carrying out screening assays or as intermediates for the synthesis of other compounds of pharmaceutical interest. A process for their preparation of these compounds in a combinatorial manner, is also disclosed. |
| US08188215B2 |
Metal-binding compounds and uses therefor
The invention provides a method of reducing the damage done by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an animal. The invention also provides a method of reducing the concentration of a metal in an animal. These methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a metal-binding compound as further described in the application. The invention further provides a method of reducing the damage done by ROS to a cell, a tissue or an organ that has been removed from an animal. This method comprising contacting the cell, tissue or organ with a solution or medium containing an effective amount of a metal-binding compound of the invention. The invention further provides novel metal-binding compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the metal-binding compounds, and kits comprising a container holding a metal-binding compound of the invention. |
| US08188214B2 |
Brachyury polypeptides and methods for use
It is disclosed herein that Brachyury is expressed in human tumors, specifically in tumors of the small intestine, stomach, kidney, bladder, uterus, ovary, and testes, as well as in lung, colon and prostate carcinomas. Immunogenic Brachyury polypeptides are disclosed herein. These polypeptides can be used in diagnostic assays for Brachyury expression, as well as for inducing an immune response to Brachyury. Polynucleotides encoding the immunogenic Brachyury polypeptides, vectors including these polypeptides, host cells transformed with these vectors, and methods of using these polypeptides, polynucleotides, vectors, and host cells are provided. Methods of diagnosing a Brachyury-expressing cancer are also provided. Exemplary cancers include lung, colon, small intestine, stomach, kidney, bladder, uterus, ovary, and testes and prostate cancers. Methods of treating cancer are also disclosed. |
| US08188213B2 |
Purified polypeptide comprising or consisting of a C-terminus MSP1 antigen from Plasmodium falciparum carrying a Glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol group (GPI)
The present invention relates to a purified polypeptide comprising or consisting of a C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP1) antigen from Plasmodium falciparum carrying a Glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol group (GPI), an immunogenic composition and a vaccine against a Plasmodium infection comprising said purified polypeptide. |
| US08188212B2 |
Method of enhancing conductivity of conductive polymer product
A method of enhancing the conductivity of various conductive polymer products, such as a conductive polymer product obtained by polymerizing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene in an aqueous solution of polystyrenesulfonic acid. The method of enhancing the conductivity of a conductive polymer product includes placing a conductive polymer product, water, an organic solvent compatible with the conductive polymer product, and carbon dioxide gas in a pressure vessel; and applying heat and pressure to an interior of the pressure vessel to bring the carbon dioxide into a supercritical state. |
| US08188209B2 |
Polyimide resin and curable resin composition
A curable polyimide resin composition containing a polyimide resin obtainable from by a reaction of a reaction mixture containing a diisocyanate compound, a carbonate group-containing diol compound and an imide compound having two terminal hydroxyhydrocarbyl groups gives a cured insulation film having improved characteristics. |
| US08188208B2 |
Solid polyurethane elastomers which exhibit reduced dimensional shrinkage
This invention relates to solid elastomers which exhibit reduced dimensional shrinkage, and to a process for the production of these elastomers. These elastomers comprise the reaction product of a polyisocyanate component or prepolymer, with an isocyanate-reactive component comprising a high molecular weight component having an EO cap having less than 17% by wt., a chain extender and optionally, a crosslinker, in the presence of at least one catalysts. These solid elastomers are produced via the reaction injection molding process in a closed mold, preferably at an isocyanate index of about 70 to about 130. |
| US08188206B2 |
10-50 G/D high strength polyethylene fiber and preparation method thereof
A 10-50 g/d high strength polyethylene fiber and preparation method thereof are provided, which are in the high molecular material field. Said fiber is obtained by cross blend melt spinning method, and its strength is 10-50 g/d, its modulus is 400-2000 g/d. The material used by said cross blend melt spinning method is obtained by mixing low density polyethylene with molecular weight of 2/5-500,000 and super molecule weight polyethylene with molecular weight of 120-7000,000 in the proportion of 2-10:1. Flow modifier or diluent is not additionally added in the present invention, raw material consumption is low, extra high pressure is avoided, energy consumption and cost of production are low, technological process is simple, single line capacity is easily raised, and large scale industrial production can be realized. |
| US08188204B2 |
Polymers, compositions and methods for use for foams, laundry detergents, shower rinses and coagulants
The present invention relates to a polymeric material comprising units capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12; provided that said polymeric material has an average cationic charge density from about 2.75 or less units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. The polymeric material is a suds enhancer and a suds volume extender for hand dishwashing compositions and personal care products such as soaps, shaving cream foam, foaming shaving gel, foam dephiliatories and shampoos. The polymers are also effective as a soil release agent in fabric cleaning compositions. The polymers are also useful in agrochemical foam, fire-fighting foam, hard surface cleaner foam, and coagulant for titanium dioxide in paper making. |
| US08188202B2 |
Diene polymer and production process thereof
A polymer comprising a unit represented by the following formula (1); and a process for producing the polymer comprising the step of polymerizing a diene compound such as 9,9-diallylfluorene in the presence of a polymerization catalyst formed by contacting a nickel compound with an organoaluminum compound and/or a boron compound: |
| US08188198B2 |
Method for optimizing energy efficiency in a polymerization process
The present invention relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin comprising the steps of: (a) thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes thermal energy from said reaction, (b) thermally contacting said cooling fluid with a working fluid thereby recovering said thermal energy from said cooling fluid in said working fluid, and (c) thermally contacting the cooling fluid obtained in step (b) with the polymerization reaction thereby cooling said reaction, wherein the working fluid is phase converted thereby providing energy in the form of heat and/or electricity and/or mechanical power back to the polyolefin production process. Said invention also relates to a polymerization process for producing olefin polymers in a reactor, and also relates to a process for energy optimization of energy consumption in a polymerization process and to a polymerization unit. |
| US08188193B2 |
Method for post-crosslinking of the surface of water-absorbing polymer particles
A process for thermally surface postcrosslinking water-absorbing polymer particles in a fluidized bed generated by means of a carrier gas, wherein the surface postcrosslinker is supplied to the fluidized bed in gaseous form. |
| US08188190B2 |
Method of improving the bubble stability of a blown film of a thermoplastic resin
A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics. |
| US08188189B2 |
Resin composition
A resin composition, comprising (a) 50 to 99% by weight of a crystalline polypropylene resin, and (b) 1 to 50% by weight of a propylene copolymer comprising 50 to 85% by mol of a propylene unit and 15 to 50% by mol of a C8-12 α-olefin unit, the propylene copolymer having (1) no meting point in a range of −100 to 200° C., or a melting point of 50° C. or lower in that temperature range, (2) an isotactic selectivity of 90% or higher, (3) a molecular weight distribution of 3 or smaller, and (4) an intrinsic viscosity of 0.1 to 10 dl/g. |
| US08188187B2 |
Microgel-containing thermoplastic elastomer composition
The present invention relates to a composition comprising thermoplastic materials and crosslinked microgels which are not crosslinked by high-energy radiation, processes for its preparation, its use for the production of thermoplastically processable shaped articles and shaped articles produced from the composition. |
| US08188184B2 |
Additive and vehicle for inks, paints, coatings and adhesives
An environmentally safe additive and vehicle system are provided for water-based and oil-based printing inks, paints, coatings and adhesives which can be rapidly transferred, dispersed, dispensed, spread, dried and cured. The low cost, stable additive and vehicle system enhance multiple color, high speed printing with sharp, highly defined images and superior quality, and can be used on many different types of substrates, such as paper, paperboard, cardboard, clay coated board, foil, plastic, glass, metal, wood and composites. The additive may be formed by the reaction product of a photoinitiator, such as an UV-activated polyelectrolyte, and a monomer, such as an acrylate or a methacrylate in an aqueous solution. In other embodiments, the additive is formed from a carboxylic acid or anhydride and alkylalkanolamine monomer or a dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or methacrylate monomer in an aqueous solution. |
| US08188179B2 |
Ink-jet recording pigment ink
An ink-jet recording pigment ink comprises water, a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent and a copolymer; the copolymer being obtained by copolymerizing a silicone type macromer having a vinyl group, represented by the following Formula (1), a vinyl monomer having a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, represented by the following Formula (2), and a monomer having an anionic functional group. |
| US08188177B2 |
Golf ball
The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball with superior abrasion resistance and resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball of the present invention comprises a core and a cover that covers the core. The cover contains a polyurethane resin and an organically modified layered silicate, and an interlayer distance of the organically modified layered silicate measured by X-ray diffraction is in a range from 2.5 nm to 15 nm. |
| US08188175B2 |
Wood substitute material and its use
The invention relates to a wood substitute material for wood-encased pencils, comprising the following ingredients: 15-3.0% by weight of at least one polymeric binder, 50-80% by weight of at least one organic filler, 0-20% by weight of at least one inorganic filler, 0.5-5% by weight of at least one adhesion promoter, 1-30% by weight of at least one wax, 0-10% by weight of at least one color pigment, and 0-10% by weight of at least one additive, the at least one adhesion promoter forming a chemical bond between the at least one polymeric binder and the at least one organic filler, a ratio of the at least one adhesion promoter and the at least one wax in the range from 1:2 to 1:6 being formed, and the sum of organic and inorganic filler being not more than 80% by weight. |
| US08188172B2 |
Polyester compositions, method of manufacture, and uses thereof
A composition is described, comprising: (a) from 20 to 80 wt % of a polyester; (b) from 5 to 35 wt % of a flame retardant phosphinate of the formula (I) [(R1)(R2)(PO)—O]−mMm+ (I), a flame retardant diphosphinate of the formula (II) [(O—POR1)(R3)(POR2—O)]2−nMxm+ (II), and/or a flame retardant polymer derived from the flame retardant phosphinate of the formula (I) or the flame retardant diphosphinate of the formula (II), wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different and are H, C1-C6-alkyl, linear or branched, or C6-C10-aryl; R3 is C1-C10-alkylene, linear or branched, C6-C10-arylene, -alkylarylene or -arylalkylene; M is an alkaline earth metal, alkali metal, Al, Ti, Zn, Fe, or boron; m is 1, 2, 3 or 4; n is 1, 2, or 3; and x is 1 or 2; (c) from 1 to 25 wt % of a melamine polyphosphate, melamine cyanurate, melamine pyrophosphate, and/or melamine phosphate; (d) from more than 0 to 25 wt % of a polyetherimide; and (e) optionally, an additive. |
| US08188169B2 |
Polyoxymethylene compositions and articles made from these
Polyoxymethylene compositions that include 90 to 99.9 weight percent of at least one polyacetal polymer and 0.1 to 10 wt % of at least one polysaccharide substantially free of acidic material selected from the group consisting of amylopectin from maize and soluble starch where the weight percent of the polymer and the polysaccharide are based on their combined weight. Articles made from these compositions. |
| US08188167B2 |
Polyalkylene glycol chain-containing thiol polymer, thiol-modified monomer, mixture thereof, and admixture for cement
To provide a polyalkylene glycol chain-containing thiol polymer which is excellent in various performances, particularly significantly excellent in cement dispersibility, and useful in various applications such as an admixture for cement; a thiol-modified monomer or a mixture thereof, which can produce such a polymer; production methods of the polymer and the monomer; and a dispersant and an admixture for cement, each including the polymer. The polyalkylene glycol chain-containing thiol polymer of the present invention is a polyalkylene glycol chain-containing thiol polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a polyalkylene glycol chain and a polymer segment bonded to at least one end of the polyalkylene glycol chain with a sulfur atom-containing group therebetween, the polymer segment includes a constitutional unit derived from an unsaturated monomer component, and the unsaturated monomer component includes an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer and an unsaturated polyalkylene glycol monomer. |
| US08188161B1 |
Anaerobic cure systems for anaerobic curable compositions, and anaerobic curable compositions containing same
The present invention relates to new cure accelerator systems for anaerobic curable compositions. These anaerobic cure accelerator systems include the combination of a cationic initiator and a reducing agent, plus either (a) an aromatic nitrogen-containing compound and a thiol or (b) acetyl phenyl hydrazine. |
| US08188148B2 |
Substituted 1,3-diphenylpropane derivatives, preparations and uses thereof
The present invention concerns substituted 1,3-diphenylpropane derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and the therapeutic uses thereof, particularly in the field of human and animal health. |
| US08188147B2 |
Therapeutic methods employing nitric oxide precursors
Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules are used in the analysis of human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to a human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from mRNA, it is possible to type a human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I with regard to the human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) associated with bone marrow transplants. |
| US08188144B2 |
In vitro preservation of living animal cells and compounds suitable for use in the preservation of living animal cells
The invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I) or salts thereof. The invention is also directed to use of the compounds of formula (I) in the in vitro preservation of living animal cells. The living cells can be isolated cells, such as stem cells, or groups of cells such as tissue or an organ. |
| US08188142B2 |
Polymers from propenyl ether monomers
The compounds shown below. R is —O—, —O—(CH2)n—O—, or —(O—CH2—CH2)n—O—; and n is a positive integer. Heating an allyl ether compound in the presence of Fe(CO)5 and a base to form the below propenyl ether monomer. Polymerizing the below propenyl ether monomer. |
| US08188141B2 |
Isomigrastatin analogs in the treatment of cancer
The present invention provides compounds having formula (I): (I) wherein n, R1-R5, Ra-Rb, Q, Y1 and Y2 are as defined herein; and additionally provides methods for the synthesis thereof, compositions thereof, and methods for the use thereof in the treatment of various disorders including cancer, metastasis and disorders involving increased angiogenesis. |
| US08188138B2 |
Sulphonylpyrrole hydrochloride salts as histone deacetylases inhibitors
Compounds of a certain formula I, in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meanings indicated in the description, as well as salts thereof are novel effective HDAC inhibitors. |
| US08188137B2 |
HCV protease inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US08188136B2 |
Crystalline modification of fipronil
The present invention relates to a crystalline modification of fipronil, to process for the preparation of the same, to pesticidal and parasiticidal mixtures and compositions comprising said crystalline modification and to their use for combating pests and parasites. |
| US08188133B2 |
Imidazole derivatives, preparation and user thereof as medicine
The invention concerns novel imidazole derivatives of general formula (I), wherein Z′ and Z represent different variable groups. Said products have an antitumoral activity. The invention also concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing said products and their use for preparing antitumoral medicine. |
| US08188130B1 |
Anti-cancer hydantoin compounds and methods
The present invention relates to methods of either treating or preventing cancer and novel compositions relevant to that treatment and prevention. More particularly, this invention relates to compounds which share features with (Z)-5-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)imidazolidine-2,4-dione and (Z)-5-(4-S-ethylbenzylidene)imidazolidine-2,4-dione and anti-cancer uses for those compounds. Embodiments of the present invention include methods that have anti-cancer effects including anti-metastatic, anti-growth, and anti-invasive activities. |
| US08188125B2 |
Human protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors and methods of use
The present disclosure relates to compounds effective as human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTP-β) inhibitors thereby regulating angiogenesis. The present disclosure further relates to compositions comprising one or more human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTP-β) inhibitors, and to methods for regulating angiogenesis. |
| US08188122B2 |
Insecticidal aryl pyrrolidines
The present invention provides novel aryl pyrrolidines having an excellent insecticidal action as insecticides. Aryl pyrrolidines represented by the formula (I) and use thereof as insecticide. |
| US08188114B2 |
Pyrrolo[2,3-C]pyridine derivatives and processes for the preparation thereof
The present invention provides novel pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for the preparation thereof, and compositions comprising the same. The pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof of the present invention have excellent proton pump inhibition effects and possess the ability to attain a reversible proton pump inhibitory effect. |
| US08188111B2 |
Amide and carbamate derivatives of alkyl substituted N-[4-(4-amino-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyI]methanesulfonamides and methods
Amide and carbamate derivatives of N-[4-(4-amino-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]methanesulfonamides with an ethyl, methyl, or n-propyl substituent at the 2-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, methods of making the compounds, and methods of use of these compounds in modulating the immune system, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases, are disclosed. |
| US08188110B2 |
Morphinan compounds
This disclosure relates to novel morphinan compounds and their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising a compound of this disclosure and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering a σ1 receptor agonist that also has NMDA antagonist activity. |
| US08188109B2 |
Benzoquinolizinium salt derivatives as anticancer agents
13-substituted 5,6-dihydrodibenzo[a,g]quinolizinium salt compounds of the general formula (I): processes for the preparation of said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and the use of said compounds for the manufacture of medicaments suitable for the treatment of cancerous diseases. |
| US08188107B2 |
Analgesic combination of oxycodone and N-[3-(formylamino)-4-oxo-6-phenoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-7-yl] methanesulfonamide
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising two analgesic compounds and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof consisting of N-[3 -(formylamino)-4-oxo-6-phenoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-7-yl] methanesulfonamide and/or at least one a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a-dose oxycodone and/or at least one a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the two analgesic compounds in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient. Also disclosed is a method of effectively treating pain in humans or other mammals, comprising orally administering to the patient a an oral dosage form comprising two analgesic compounds consisting of N-[3-(formylamino)-4-oxo-6 -phenoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-7-yl] methanesulfonamide and/or at least one a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and oxycodone and/or at least one a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof such that the two analgesic compounds in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient. |
| US08188103B2 |
Substituted 2-alkyl quinazolinone derivatives as PARP inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as PARP inhibitors as well as pharmaceutical compositions including compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R3, L, X, Y and Z have defined meanings. |
| US08188101B2 |
Dihydropyridopyrimidines for the treatment of AB-related pathologies
Dihydropyridopyrimidine compounds of formula (Ia) and therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2 and Z are as defined in the specification; processes for making them and methods for using them in the treatment of Aβ-related pathologies. |
| US08188099B2 |
Method of decreasing hepatotoxic side effects using A2B adenosine receptor antagonists
The invention is related to a method of decreasing hepatotoxic side effects using an A2B adenosine receptor antagonist and utility in the treatment of liver damage caused by undergoing hepatotoxic treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for use in the method. |
| US08188097B2 |
Pyrazolo[1,5-A]pyrimidine compounds
The present invention relates to a novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compound of the formula [I]: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and an optionally substituted aryl group etc. Q is single bond, a methylene group or a group of the formula: —N(RQ)—, RQ is an alkyl group, Ring A is a substituted pyrazole ring fused to the adjacent pyrimidine ring having the following formula (A), (B) or (C), R3 and R4 are the same or different and a hydrogen atom, a cyano group etc. E is one of the following groups (i) to (v): R00 is an alkyl group, Q1 is a single bond etc., Q2 is a single bond or an alkylene group, one of R5 and R6 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and the other is an alkyl group etc., one of R50 and R60 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and the other is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group etc., R51 is an alkyl group or an optionally substituted arylsulfonyl group, R61 is an alkylamino group or an azido group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08188095B2 |
Gyrase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds which inhibit bacterial gyrase and/or Topo IV and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds. These compounds, and compositions thereof, are useful in treating bacterial infection. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to methods for treating bacterial infections in mammals. |
| US08188090B2 |
Naphthylacetic acids
The invention is concerned with the compounds of formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein X, Q and R1-R3 are defined in the detailed description and claims. The invention is also concerned with the compounds of formula Z: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1-R3 are defined in the detailed description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I and Z as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I and Z are antagonists or partial agonists at the CRTH2 receptor and may be useful in treating diseases and disorders associated with that receptor such as asthma. |
| US08188088B2 |
Ethenyl carboxamide derivatives useful as microbiocides
Compounds of the formula (I), which are suitable for use as microbiocides, and in which A is A1, or A is A2, or A is A3, or A is A4 and B is a phenyl, naphthyl or quinolinyl group. |
| US08188086B2 |
Specific salt, anhydrous and crystalline form of a dihydropteridione derivative
The present invention relates to a specific salt of a dihydropteridione derivative, namely the trihydrochloride salt of the compound N-[trans-4-[4-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1-piperazinyl]cyclohexyl]-4-[[(7R)-7-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-methyl-8-(1-methylethyl)-6-oxo-2-pteridinyl]amino]-3-methoxy-benzamide, to its crystallization in the form of an hydrate with water, to a process for the manufacture thereof, and to the use thereof in a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US08188081B2 |
Methods of treating inflammation using prokineticin 1 receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to prokineticin 1 receptor antagonists and methods of using the same to modulate intestine epithelial functions and to treat inflammation in the intestine in a mammal. |
| US08188080B2 |
VHR protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, compositions and methods of use
Disclosed herein are Vaccinia H1-related (VHR) protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors that provide a method for treating cancer. |
| US08188079B2 |
3-amino-5-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-[1,4]oxazines
The present invention relates to 3-Amino-5-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-[1,4]oxazines of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. |
| US08188073B2 |
Benzoxazines and related nitrogen-containing heterobicyclic compounds useful as mineralocorticoid receptor modulating agents
The present invention relates to a compound, useful as a mineralocorticoid receptor-modulating agent, of the following formula [I]: wherein Ring A is a benzene ring optionally having a substituent(s) other than R1 etc, R1 is a group of the formula: RaSO2NH— etc, Ra is an alkyl group etc, R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, an optionally substituted alkyl group etc, X is an oxygen atom etc, Y is a group of the formula: —C(═O)— etc, Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group, Q is a single bond, an alkylene group etc, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08188069B2 |
Azepine derivatives as gamma-secretase inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and methods for their use are described. |
| US08188064B2 |
Vitamin D analogs for obesity prevention and treatment
Methods for treating and preventing obesity, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, inhibiting increased SCD-1 gene transcription, and/or reducing body fat in a subject include administering at least one analog of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 or a pharmaceutical composition that includes such an analog to a subject in need thereof. The analog may be a 19-nor vitamin D analog such as a compound of formula IA, a compound of formula IB, or a mixture thereof where the variables R1, R2, and R3 have the values described herein. |
| US08188063B2 |
Use of adenosine A2A modulators to treat spinal cord injury
The present invention is a method for treatment or prevention of injury to nerve cells. The method can use at least one A2A receptor modulator to prevent injury to or enhance the healing of the injured cells. |
| US08188061B2 |
RNAi modulation of APOB and uses thereof
The invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the expression of apolipoprotein B, and more particularly to the downregulation of apolipoprotein B by chemically modified oligonucleotides. |
| US08188053B2 |
Anti-inflammatory peptides
The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method of ameliorating an inflammatory skin condition. Thus, the present invention provides a peptide that includes the amino acid sequence KMIKP (SEQ ID NO: 20), wherein the peptide includes no more than 70 amino acids and wherein the peptide is capable of inhibiting allergen induced Langerhans cell migration, and wherein the peptide is not that depicted in SEQ ID NO. 19. The present invention also relates to the use of a peptide that includes the amino acid sequence KMIKP (SEQ ID NO: 20), wherein the peptide includes no more than 100 amino acids, and wherein the peptide is capable of inhibiting allergen induced Langerhans cell migration, in the manufacture of a topical medicament for the treatment of an inflammatory skin condition. |
| US08188052B2 |
Method for the treatment and prevention of ocular disorders
Provided herein are methods for treatment of ocular diseases. The methods comprise administering a compound of general Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and Ak are as defined in the specification. |
| US08188046B2 |
Amyloid beta peptides and methods of use
The application describes several mutant amyloid beta peptides and specific regions which are useful in the therapeutic and diagnostic of neurological diseases. The application further describes methods of using these mutant peptides as treatment and reagents for diagnosis of diseases. The application further describes diagnostic kits and pharmaceutical compositions for use in therapy to treat neurological diseases including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease and various forms of mild cognitive impairments. |
| US08188045B2 |
Kallikrein inhibitors and anti-thrombolytic agents and uses thereof
Methods, kits and compositions are described that include a non-naturally occurring kallikrein inhibitor and an anti-thrombolytic agent, e.g., an anti-fibrinolytic agent, for preventing or reducing blood loss and/or ischemia, e.g., ischemia associated with perioperative blood loss and cerebral ischemia, the onset of systemic inflammatory response, and/or reperfusion injury, e.g., reperfusion injury associated with cerebral ischemia or a focal brain ischemia, e.g., in patients subjected to invasive surgical procedures, especially procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. |
| US08188041B2 |
Inhibitors of the interaction between HMGB polypeptides and toll-like receptor 2 as anti-inflammatory agents
The invention features a method of treating an inflammatory condition in an individual, comprising administering an agent inhibits the interaction between a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and a high mobility group B (HMGB) polypeptide to the individual. The invention also features methods for identifying agents that inhibit the interaction between TLR2 and HMGB. |
| US08188036B2 |
Genes encoding novel proteins with pesticidal activity against coleopterans
The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding δ-endotoxins having pesticidal activity against pests of the order Coleoptera. The invention further provides mutagenized nucleic acids that have been modified to encode endotoxins having improved pesticidal activity and/or altered pest specificity. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, expression cassettes, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the invention. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests. |