最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08218295B1 Universal meter mounting block, unitary lug, sliding lug cap and meter mounting enclosure therefor
A watt-hour revenue socket block comprises at least three rising legs to allow the meter socket to step up or recess down depending on the orientation of the meter socket block. A cooperating meter socket enclosure has raised and lowered sections on the back wall to receive the rising legs to allow stepping up or recessing down of the meter socket. The meter socket has integral cap tracks to allow the cap to be moved to a position over the center of the meter socket block and be retained in that position by a tab while inserting the conductor in the lay in channel.
US08218292B2 Dry powder stencil printing of solid electrolytic capacitor components
Solid electrolytic capacitors and related methods for forming such capacitors may variously involve forming at least one of a seed, grip, reference point and/or anode body by stencil printing of dry powder. In accordance with a method of forming anodic components for electrolytic capacitors, a stencil is positioned adjacent to a substrate, the stencil being formed to define a plurality of apertures therethrough. A plurality of printed powder portions are selectively printed on the substrate by placing dry powder into selected ones of the plurality of apertures defined in the stencil. The printed powder portions are then sintered to form respective anodic components for multiple respective electrolytic capacitors.
US08218288B2 Bipolar layered type electric double layer capacitor
There is provided a bipolar layered type electric double layer capacitor capable of suppressing upsizing of the capacitor unit and enhancing sealability of adjacent capacitor cells. The present invention relates to a bipolar layered type electric double layer capacitor including a multi-layered type body comprising a plurality of capacitor cells 4 stacked on one another, and one or more polarization substrates 2 each being interposed between the adjacent capacitor cells 4, two current collector metal end plates 6, 6 that are disposed on opposite surfaces of the multi-layered type body, respectively, two end plates 7, 7 between which the multi-layered type body and the two current collector metal end plates 6, 6 are interposed, packing members 5 that seal the capacitor cells 4 and have through-holes, and metal spacers 10 that are each formed with a thread groove on an inner circumferential surface thereof and inserted into the through-holes of the packing members 5, the metal spacers 10 each having opposite end portions into which fastening members 9 are respectively screwed to fasten the end plates 7, 7.
US08218278B2 Current differential relay device, signal processing method thereof and power transmission line protection system
A current differential relay device is described. The device has two transmission parts provided in parallel and communicating with an other end of a power transmission line through two transmission paths and transmitting and receiving a quantity data of electricity of each of the terminals to and from an other end in the form of the digital data obtained through analog/digital conversion. Two current differential operation parts are connected to each of the two transmission parts and perform a current differential operation independently for each of the transmission paths by using the digital data of the quantity data of electricity of the one end of the power transmission line and of the other end of the power transmission line. A signal generation part generates a trip signal from the current differential operation result of the two current differential operation parts.
US08218276B2 Transient voltage suppressor (TVS) with improved clamping voltage
This invention discloses an electronic device formed as an integrated circuit (IC) wherein the electronic device further includes a transient voltage suppressing (TVS) circuit for suppressing a transient voltage. The transient voltage suppressing (TVS) circuit includes a Zener diode connected between a ground terminal and a node for triggering a snapback circuit. In one embodiment, this node may be a Vcc terminal. The TVS device further includes a snapback circuit connected in parallel to the Zener diode for conducting a transient voltage current with a snapback current-voltage (I-V) characteristic upon turning on of the snapback circuit And, the TVS device further includes a snapback suppressing circuit connected in series with the snapback circuit for conducting a current with an I-V characteristic complementary to the snapback-IV characteristic for clamping a snapback voltage.
US08218271B2 TMR sensor with a multilayered reference layer
According to one embodiment, a method for forming at least a portion of a magnetic head includes forming a keeper layer, forming a reference layer, and forming an AFM coupling layer which is positioned between the keeper layer and the reference layer. In addition, forming the reference layer includes forming a layer of CoFe, depositing a layer of CoFeHf which is about 20 atomic % Hf, and depositing a layer of CoFeB such that the layers of CoFeHf and CoFeB are directly adjacent and a ratio of respective physical thicknesses of CoFeHf to CoFeB is less than about 0.66. Other embodiments are also included such as a magnetic head and additional methods for forming at least a portion of a magnetic head.
US08218268B1 Head gimbal assembly having a load beam aperature over conductive heating pads that are offset from head bonding pads
A novel head gimbal assembly (HGA) for use in a disk drive is disclosed. Each of a plurality of electrically conductive traces of a flexure of the HGA includes a connection region that is aligned with and connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of electrically conductive bonding pads of a head. Each of the plurality of electrically conductive traces further includes a heating pad that is offset from its connection region by an offset distance. A dielectric layer of the flexure includes a first opening over the heating pad, a support layer of the flexure includes a second opening over the heating pad, and a load beam of the HGA includes a third opening disposed over the heating pad. During assembly, light may be shined through the openings and onto the heating pad until solder located in the connection region that is offset from the heating pad melts.
US08218264B1 Magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording having a main pole and two shields
A magnetic head includes: a coil; a main pole; a first shield disposed backward of the main pole along a direction of travel of a recording medium; a first return path section connecting the first shield to the main pole; a second shield disposed forward of the main pole along the direction of travel of the recording medium; and a second return path section connecting the second shield to the main pole. An interface between the first return path section and the main pole has an end closest to a medium facing surface, and an interface between the second return path section and the main pole has an end closest to the medium facing surface, the latter being closer to the medium facing surface than the former. The second return path section includes a yoke layer located away from the medium facing surface and in contact with the main pole. The coil includes at least one coil element that passes between the second shield and the yoke layer.
US08218262B2 Method of manufacturing a limited use data storing device including structured data and primary and secondary read-support information
Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, methods of retrieving information from a data storage device previously deactivated by modification or degradation of at least a portion of the data storage device are disclosed.
US08218259B2 High-speed, low-power driver system
A reduced power driver is described. This reduced power driver comprises: an input current driver for transmitting a current signal that is a fraction of a DC current signal; a first resistor coupled at one end to a first voltage supply; a first current driver coupled to the input current driver and a first switch control; a second switch coupled a first current driver output, another end of the first resistor, and the output control; a dynamic booster coupled between the first voltage supply and the output control; and wherein the reduced power driver is operative for selectively adding an overshoot current to the output control so that power consumption is reduced, while synchronizing the DC current signal with the overshoot current.
US08218257B2 Disk drive with multiple level power reduction during write
A disk drive data storage system comprising at least one data storage disk and a sensor assembly proximate the data storage disk. The sensor assembly further comprises circuitry for writing data to the data storage disk and circuitry for reading data from the data storage disk. The system also comprises circuitry for controlling the circuitry for reading data during different time periods so that the circuitry for reading data consumes different levels of power while the circuitry for writing data is writing data to the data storage disk.
US08218251B2 Lens barrel having small unit for stably guiding focus lens, and image pickup apparatus
A lens barrel includes a drive ring having a hollow cylindrical shape and configured to rotate around an optical axis, and a lens holder configured to move in an optical axis direction relative to the drive ring, the lens holder including a body located inside of the drive ring and configured to hold a lens, and an arm extending to outside of the drive ring. The drive ring has a notch, and the arm of the lens holder is configured to enter the notch of the drive ring.
US08218248B2 Zoom lens and imaging optical device including the same
A zoom lens and an imaging optical device having the same. The zoom lens includes: in order from an object side, a first lens group having negative refractive power; a second lens group having positive refractive power; and a third lens group having positive refractive power. A light adjusting unit is disposed between the second and third lens groups. The first lens group includes a negative lens having an aspherical surface at least on an image side, and a positive lens having large curvature on the object side. The second lens group includes a front group on the object side, and a rear group. The front group includes a positive lens having an aspherical surface at the object side, the front group having positive refractive power as a whole. The rear group includes a doublet lens including positive and negative lenses. The rear group has negative refractive power as a whole. The front and rear groups are spaced apart from each other by an air gap.
US08218246B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus
The zoom lens with a wide angle of view, a high zoom ratio and high optical performance includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power. The second and fourth lens units are moved on an optical axis for zooming. The second lens unit is constituted by, in order from the object side to the image side, three negative lens elements and one positive lens element. The zoom lens satisfies 0.54<|f2|/√(fw·ft)<0.66, where f2 represents a focal length of the second lens unit, fw and ft represent focal lengths of the entire zoom lens at a wide-angle end and at a telephoto end, respectively.
US08218245B2 Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes, from an object side in the following order: a first lens group that has a positive refractive power; a second lens group that has a negative refractive power; a third lens group that has a positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group that has a positive refractive power, wherein: when magnification is changed from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, the lens groups each move so as to increase the distance between the first and second lens groups and to decrease the distance between the second and third lens groups and the distance between the third and fourth lens groups; and the following conditional expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 5.5
US08218242B2 Zoom lens and optical apparatus equipped with this zoom lens
A zoom lens of the present invention has a first lens group having negative refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power, and a third lens group having positive refractive power, which are disposed in order from an object, wherein the distances between each lens group are changed upon zooming, the second lens group has at least two positive lenses having an aspherical surface respectively, and when νd is an Abbe number at least one of the positive lenses having the aspherical surface satisfies a condition of the following expression: νd>70.
US08218239B2 Light-diffusing grating
The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising at its surface a grating of lines of at least 200 light-diffusing elements, said elements being separated by domains with a different refractive index from that of the elements, the distance d between centers of gravity of neighboring elements varying in a non-monotonic manner from one edge of the grating to the other, so that for any group of 50 successive elements, the distance d between the centers of gravity of neighboring elements of said group is at least once greater than and at least once less than the mean distance dm of distances d between centers of gravity of neighboring elements of said group, dm lying between 75 nm and 200 μm. This substrate is transparent in direct vision and redirects the light while diffusing it without iridescence in a daylighting application.
US08218235B2 Projection display surface providing artifact reduction
A projection display surface for reducing speckle artifacts from a projector having at least one narrow band light source having an incident visible wavelength band, wherein the incident visible wavelength band has an incident peak wavelength and an incident bandwidth, comprising: a substrate having a reflective layer that reflects incident light over at least the incident visible wavelength band; and a fluorescent agent distributed over the reflective layer, wherein the fluorescent agent absorbs a fraction of the light in the incident visible wavelength band and emits light in an emissive visible wavelength band having an emissive peak wavelength and an emissive bandwidth; wherein return light from the projection display surface produced when incident light in the incident visible wavelength band is incident on the projection display surface contains light in both the incident visible wavelength band and emissive visible wavelength band, thereby reducing speckle artifacts.
US08218234B2 Illumination device for a microscope
An illumination device for a microscope has a variable working distance (d, d′), at which an object is illuminated obliquely from two different directions. Light from a light source is split into at least two illumination beam paths. In order to adapt to the different working distances, the light is subjected to an angle change before splitting or, if after splitting, then respectively by the same amount in both beam paths. A deviating element with at least two reflective surfaces is arranged in one of the illumination beam paths to induce a change in an angle at which one of the illumination beam paths strikes the object, in the same sense as another illumination beam path. The reflective surfaces may be arranged so that the illumination beam paths strike essentially the same region of the optical axis even with different working distances.
US08218232B2 Optical resonator with structure to improve mode-particle interaction
An optical resonator includes a master resonator configured to resonate an electromagnetic wave, one structure or a pair of structures adjacent to each other, each of which is arranged at a position that overlaps one of resonance modes of the master resonator, is made up of a material in which a real part of a permittivity assumes a negative value, and an absolute value of the real part is larger than an absolute value of an imaginary part of the permittivity, and has a size which makes scattering that the electromagnetic wave suffers be Rayleigh scattering, and one or a plurality of particles, each of which is laid out near the structure by a distance smaller than the size of the structure.
US08218230B2 Flexible flat panel display
A flat panel display is provided. The flat panel display includes a display panel, a light source module and an optical film. The display panel has a light incident surface. The light source module including a light guide plate which has a light emergent surface is disposed parallel to the display panel. The light emergent surface is opposite to the light incident surface. A light emitted from the light source module is transmitted from the light emergent surface to the light incident surface. The optical film is disposed between the display panel and the light source module. The optical film has a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other. A plurality of platform-shaped optical structures are formed on the first surface while each of them has a flat top surface. A first transparent glue layer and a second transparent glue layer are respectively formed on the light incident surface and the light emergent surface. The flat top surfaces are glued to one of the first transparent glue layer and the second transparent glue layer while the second surfaces are glued to the other.
US08218229B2 Support structure for MEMS device and methods therefor
A microelectromechanical systems device having support structures formed of sacrificial material surrounded by a protective material. The microelectromechanical systems device includes a substrate having an electrode formed thereon. Another electrode is separated from the first electrode by a cavity and forms a movable layer, which is supported by support structures formed of a sacrificial material.
US08218228B2 Two-terminal variable capacitance MEMS device
A two-terminal, variable capacitance device is described that is constructed by connecting multiple MEMS devices having different actuation or “pull in” voltages in parallel.
US08218224B2 Laminated electrically tintable windows
A method of manufacturing electrically tintable window glass with a variety of sizes and functionalities is described. The method comprises: (a) providing a large format glass substrate; (b) fabricating a plurality of electrically tintable thin film devices on the large format glass substrate; (c) cutting the large format glass substrate into a plurality of electrically tintable pieces, each electrically tintable piece including one of the plurality of electrically tintable thin film devices; (d) providing a plurality of window glass pieces; (e) matching each one of the plurality of electrically tintable pieces with a corresponding one of the plurality of window glass pieces; and (f) laminating each of the matched electrically tintable pieces and window glass pieces. The lamination may result in the electrically tintable device either being sandwiched between the glass substrate and the window glass piece or on the surface of the laminated pieces. The electrically tintable device is an electrochromic device.
US08218222B2 Controllable light modulator
An individual, controllable light modulator is configured with a regular pixel structure, for realizing different types of modulation. The spatial light modulator can be realized transmissively and reflectively. The light modulator contains at least one addressable, transmissive layer with a pixel structure and at least one substrate layer with retro-reflecting elements, as well as modulation control means for controlling the modulation of the pixels. The modulation control means produce a number of macropixels from at least two adjacent pixels, to which a selected modulation characteristic is assigned. The retro-reflecting elements are disposed consecutively in such a manner in the substrate layer that, in each case, a retro-reflecting element covers two adjacent pixels of a macropixel of the addressable layer, in order to direct a light bundle, incident in each case on one pixel of a macropixel, sequentially, through further pixels of the macropixel to modulate the incident light bundle.
US08218221B1 Indium rich InGaN LED line monitor
A method of generating a photoluminescence map for an indium gallium nitride (InGaN) well can include presenting data on a pixel by pixel basis. The data can be generated as a function of emission wavelength, line width of emission, polarization of emission, and intensity of emission. The data can also be generated as a function of excitation polarization and polarization angle orientation with respect to film crystalline axes of the InGaN well. The data can also be generated as a function of multiple wavelengths of light to generate the photoluminescence map. The photoluminescence maps can be correlated to device internal quantum efficiency as measured in test devices. The resulting correlation maps can serve as line monitors of indium rich InGaN wafers used for green LEDs.
US08218220B1 Variable aperture optical device having a microshutter
In certain embodiments, a detection device includes a structure having an entrance that permits radiation to enter the structure and a radiation detector operable to detect radiation that enters the structure. The device also includes a microshutter array coupled to the structure and aligned with the entrance, the array comprising a plurality of microshutter cells operable to move between a first position in which that microshutter cell prevents radiation of a first wavelength from passing through a portion of the entrance and a second position in which that microshutter cell permits the radiation of the first wavelength to pass through the portion of the entrance. The device further includes an actuating device operable to define a first entrance pupil having a first f-number by moving a plurality of microshutter cells associated with the first f-number.
US08218218B2 Fatigue resistant MEMS apparatus and system
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a conductor with improved reliability. The conductor flexes with a moving member in the MEMS device, and the improved reliability is achieved through material selections that provides increased fatigue resistance, reduced crack propagation, and/or mechanisms for improved live at a given strain level. The conductor may include a single material, or may include layers of different materials.
US08218213B2 Narrow angle hologram device and method of manufacturing same
A method of manufacturing a master for producing a hologram device. A first master is produced with a compensating angle. The second master is produced from the first master with an index matching material to reduce the interference pattern caused by internal reflections within the holographic plate of the master. The hologram device has a relatively narrow angle of reconstruction to provide visibility from a nearly perpendicular light source such as the headlight of an on-coming vehicle.
US08218211B2 Holographic display with a variable beam deflection
A holographic display including a spatial light modulator, and including a position detection and tracking system, such that a viewer's eye positions are tracked, with variable beam deflection to the viewer's eye positions being performed using a microprism array which enables controllable deflection of optical beams.
US08218208B2 Image processing device and image processing method
An image processing device includes a determining unit that determines whether an intermediate parameter that is newly computed by an intermediate parameter computing unit or an intermediate parameter that is previously stored in an intermediate parameter storing unit is to be supplied to a color correcting unit depending upon an image forming condition. The color correcting unit performs color correction based on the intermediate parameter.
US08218203B2 Structure for holding optical component, and optical scanning device and image forming apparatus including the same
A structure for holding an optical component, includes: first and second flat plate portions provided in a state where the portions stand on a base plate, opposed to each other in a state where the flat plate portions are coupled to each other, and constituting first and second hierarchies, respectively; first and second positioning portions that are provided at the first flat plate portion, and that determine positions of directions of first and second coordinate axes of first, second, and third coordinate axes that intersect with each other; a third positioning portion that is provided at the second flat plate portion, and that determines a position of a direction of the third coordinate axis of the first, second, and third coordinate axes that intersect with each other; and a holding portion coupled to the first flat plate portion or the second flat plate portion, and holding the optical component.
US08218198B2 Color selection
A method of forming a color selection including selected color points. A first cluster in a color space is provided, the cluster being associated to a first color representation system. A second cluster in the color space is provided, the cluster being associated to a second color representation system, whereby the second cluster differs from the first cluster. A predetermined color point in the color space is provided. Included in the color selection are at least a first selected color point and a second selected color point, the first selected color point being the point of the first cluster which among all points of the first cluster is closest to the predetermined color point and the second selected color point being the point of the second cluster which among all points of the of the second cluster is closest to the predetermined color point.
US08218194B2 Medium transporting apparatus and image forming apparatus that employs the medium transporting apparatus
A medium transporting apparatus is incorporated in an apparatus, and includes a first transport path and a second transport path. The first transport path is defined in the body of the apparatus. The second transport path is disposed on a medium cassette. The medium cassette is movable in a direction in which the medium cassette is pulled out of the apparatus and in a direction in which the medium cassette is inserted into the apparatus, so that the second transport path is detachably coupled to the first transport path. When the medium cassette has been inserted completely into the apparatus, a guide member extends to cover a joint portion between the first transport path and the second transport path, thereby facilitating advancement of the medium from the second transport path to the first transport path.
US08218193B2 Image forming apparatus to resize image and method of resizing image
An image forming apparatus capable of resizing an image, and a method of resizing the image of the image forming apparatus. A scanning unit scans a document to generate an image. A storage unit stores a target file size to be applied during storing of the generated image before the document is scanned. An image processor resizes an initial file size of the image generated by the scanning unit so that the initial file size approaches the target file size. A controller stores the image having the resized file size in at least one of an external memory connected to the image forming apparatus and the storage unit installed in the image forming apparatus. As a result, a scanned image can be resized to a size desired by a user and then stored in the external memory before the scanned image is stored.
US08218187B2 Method and apparatus for automatic language switching for an imaging device
Recognizing a language format of an input data stream including reading a next data sample of the input data stream in a current state, selecting a next state in response to the next data sample, transitioning to the next state and repeatedly reading the next data sample and selecting the next state until the next state is an end state, and identifying the language format in response to the current state when the next state is an end state.
US08218178B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, recording medium storing image processing program, and computer data signal embedded in carrier wave
An image processing apparatus including; a determinant image management unit managing identification information in association with protecting information specifying processing allowance and a determinant image determining a spoofing; a reader reading an image containing the identification information in response to an action to process; an extraction unit extracting the identification information from the image; an acquisition unit acquiring the protecting information and the determinant image; a first determination unit determining allowance of the processing based on the protecting information; a second determination unit determining spoofing based on differential information between the determinant image and the read image; a third determination unit determining processing allowance of the read image based on results of determination by the first and second determination unit; and an image processor performing image processing according to the action to process the read image if the third determination unit determines that the processing is allowable.
US08218177B2 Resource management profiles
A resource management graphical user interface for a computer-controlled printing system in a networked environment enables an operator to create, modify, and apply resource management profiles to coordinate resource allocation within the printing system. The user interface displays a current resource management profile, which includes printing system resource allocations associated with specific tasks. A resource profile list includes at least one profile name, corresponding to a task type. Profiles associated with the task type are presented and controls are provided to enable the operator to set allocations for component resource usage. The operator is also presented with operational options, including deleting a profile, approving a profile, applying a profile to a print job or series of print jobs, saving a new profile, replacing an existing profile, and canceling a profile modification. The user interface transmits instructions to apply a profile to a printing system for processing of print jobs.
US08218173B2 Printing system, control method therefor, and program for providing end notifications related to merged jobs
In a printing system having a plurality of process apparatuses for executing processes from printing to bookbinding, each process apparatus receives, from an upstream process apparatus, a merged job obtained by merging a plurality of jobs. The process apparatus processes the merged job on the basis of job management information representing the process contents of the received merged job. The process apparatus then transmits, to a designated destination, the end notification of the process by a processing unit for each of the jobs in the merged job.
US08218169B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, job management system, and information processing program
An information processing apparatus which is capable of reducing a burden on both an administrator and users when a job accounting system is introduced, to thereby enable efficient execution of job management. A client computer 1010 has a printer driver 1015 installed therein for generating an output job to be output to a peripheral apparatus, and delivers the output job to the peripheral apparatus via a first port monitor 1017 preset to a port as the output destination of the printer driver 1015. A second port monitor 1016 receives the output job generated by the printer driver 1015 and delivers the output job to the peripheral apparatus and collects job information on the output job. The port as the output destination of the device driver is switched from the port monitored by the first port monitor 1017 to a port monitored by the second port monitor 1016 when a system in which the job information is acquired using the second port monitor is constructed.
US08218163B2 Operating apparatus, controlling operating apparatus, communication system, and managing communication system
A communication system, and a method of managing the communication system are provided, each of which allows an apparatus in the communication system is replaced in a timely manner when an error is detected in the apparatus.
US08218153B2 Apparatus and method for improving the measurement accuracy of digital 3D geometrical measurement systems
The resolution of an optical measurement system for measuring a surface of an object, wherein a measurement light strip is captured on a surface of an object by means of a matrix sensor with a resolution limited by quantization in a quantization direction, can be improved by calculating an effective mapping location in the quantization direction on the basis of the associated real mapping location and a further real mapping location adjacent to the associated real mapping location in a direction perpendicular to the quantization direction.
US08218144B2 Pathogen and particle detector system and method
A particle detector has a sample area of cross section no in excess of about 2 mm for containing environmental fluid, a light source on one side of the sample area for directing a collimated or nearly collimated beam of light through the sample air or water so that part of the light beam will be scattered by any particles present in the air or water while the remainder remains unscattered, and a beam diverting device on the opposite side of the sample area for diverting or blocking at least the unscattered portion of the beam of light and directing at least part of the scattered light onto a detector. The detector produces output pulses in which each pulse has a height proportional to particle size and a pulse height discriminator obtains the size distribution of airborne particles detected in the air or water sample at a given time from the detector output. The detector may also include a device for discriminating between biological agents and inorganic particles.
US08218140B2 Method and system for inspecting indirect bandgap semiconductor stucture
Methods (600) and systems (100) for inspecting an indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) are described. A light source (110) generates light (612) suitable for inducing photoluminescence in the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140). A short-pass filter unit (114) reduces long-wavelength light of the generated light above a specified emission peak. A collimator (112) collimates (616) the light. A large area of the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) is substantially uniformly and simultaneously illuminated (618) with the collimated, short-pass filtered light. An image capture device (130) captures (620) images of photoluminescence simultaneously induced by the substantially uniform, simultaneous illumination incident across the large area for the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure. The photoluminescence images are image processed (622) to quantify spatially resolved specified electronic properties of the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) using the spatial variation of the photoluminescence induced in the large area.
US08218139B2 Optical multipass cell for repeated passing of light through the same point
The present invention is a multipass unipoint optical cell used for the improved analysis of samples by transmission, reflection, Raman or fluorescence spectroscopy by the multiple reimaging of light through the same analysis point. The cell comprises two or more identical optical reimaging elements each consisting of two symmetrically opposing, identical, confocal, and coaxial parabolic reflective surfaces. These reimaging optical elements can be arranged around the common focal point, which thus becomes the analysis point, to form different multipass unipoint optical cell configurations, all the passes crossing in the analysis point where a sample is brought to interact with light, the effect of said interaction being enhanced in proportion to the number of passes.
US08218138B2 Apparatus and method for inspecting defects
A defect inspection apparatus and method includes utilizing an irradiation optical system that focuses a beam flux emitted from a laser light source and formed into a slit-shaped beam so as to irradiate the beam onto the surface of the substrate to be inspected, utilizing a detection optical system that detects light from the substrate that has been irradiated with the slit-shaped beam, and utilizing a signal processor that processes a signal output from the detection optical system. The irradiation optical system includes a cylindrical lens for focusing the beam that has been emitted from the laser light source onto the substrate to be inspected, as the slit-shaped beam, wherein the cylindrical lens is disposed so as to obtain a distance between an incidence surface or emitting surface thereof and the slit-shaped beam upon the substrate to be inspected to be equal to a focal distance of the cylindrical lens.
US08218136B2 Apparatus and method for recognizing home position of rotatable body
Provided are an apparatus and method for recognizing a home position of a rotatable body. The apparatus includes: a tray including a support surface on which the rotatable body can be seated; a rotatable body position alignment unit for controlling the position of the rotatable body so that the rotatable body is aligned to be in a predetermined position when the rotatable body is seated on the support surface of the tray; a motor including a motor shaft that rotates by power supply, and a turntable that can be coupled with the rotatable body and rotates the rotatable body; and an encoder that is connected to the motor shaft and generates signals for measuring a rotational angle and a rotational direction of the motor shaft.
US08218132B2 Particle measuring device and particle size measure device
Particles flowed through a micro-channel are imaged by imaging means. Particle speed measuring means determines the particle speed from the image data. Particle counting means counts the particles flowed for a predetermined time. Particle size measuring means measures the size of the particles. The measurements of the particles flowed at a predetermined timing are managed by data associating means. With this, the speed, number and size of particles flowed through a micro-channel can be determined at a time, and associated data can be obtained.
US08218128B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method incorporating a pressure shield
A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that has a movable article support configured to hold and move an article, a radiation control system configured to control a beam of radiation to be targeted onto the article, the article support, or both, the article to be moved relatively to the radiation control system by the movable article support for measurement, exposure, or both purposes, and a pressure shield that is mechanically uncoupled from the radiation control system to shield against pressure waves induced by the article support so as to help prevent displacement of the radiation control system caused by the pressure waves.
US08218127B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by forming a liquid immersion region on the substrate, and projecting a pattern image onto the substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid that forms the liquid immersion region. The exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system having a plurality of optical elements, by which a pattern image is projected onto a substrate via a liquid to expose the substrate and a liquid recovery system that recovers the liquid along with a gas and has a separator that separates the recovered liquid and the recovered gas.
US08218125B2 Immersion lithographic apparatus with a projection system having an isolated or movable part
A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed where at least part of a space between a projection system of the apparatus and a substrate is filled with a liquid by a liquid supply system. The projection system is separated into two separate physical parts. With substantially no direct connection between the two parts of the projection system, vibrations induced in a first of the two parts by coupling of forces through the liquid filling the space when the substrate moves relative to the liquid supply system affects substantially only the first part of the projection system and not the other second part.
US08218122B2 Method for forming wiring film, transistor and electronic device
A wiring film having excellent adhesion and barrier property and a low resistance value is formed. An oxygen gas is introduced into a vacuum chamber in which an object to be film formed is disposed; a sputtering target is sputtered in a vacuum ambience containing oxygen; and a first metallic film is formed on a surface of the object to be film formed. The first sputtering target includes copper as a major component and at least one kind of additive elements selected from an additive element group consisting of Mg, Al, Si, Be, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy. Thereafter, a second metallic film is formed on a surface of the first metallic film by sputtering the sputtering target in a state in which the introduction of the oxygen gas into a vacuum ambience is stopped, and then a wiring film is formed by etching the first and second metallic films.
US08218120B2 Array substrate for in-plane switching liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A fabricating method of an array substrate for an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes: forming a gate line and a common line on a substrate, the common line spaced apart from the gate line; forming a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel region; forming a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; forming a pixel electrode and a common electrode in the pixel region, each of the pixel electrode and the common electrode including an opaque metal layer; and irradiating ultraviolet rays onto the opaque metal layer to form a metal oxide layer on the opaque metal layer.
US08218112B2 Active matrix driving display device and image displaying method using the same
LCD device includes two substrates, a first and second color filters, two liquid crystal layers. The first color filters are formed on portions of the second substrate corresponding to border area The second color filters are formed on portions of the second substrate corresponding to the display area except the border area. A first liquid crystal layer between the first and the second substrate is comprised in border area, and a zero electric field is formed on the first liquid crystal layer so as to completely transmit light incident into the first liquid crystal layer therethrough. A borderline having various colors can be displayed by forming various patterns of color filters having various colors on portions of the second substrate corresponding to the border area under normally white mode, thereby producing picture frame effect while images are displayed on the screen.
US08218105B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method of liquid crystal display device
To sophisticate a portable electronic appliance without hindering reduction of the weight and the size, more specifically, to sophisticate a liquid crystal display apparatus installed in a portable electronic appliance without hindering the mechanical strength, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first plastic substrate, a light-emitting device which is disposed over the first plastic substrate, resin which covers the light-emitting device, an insulating film which is in contact with the resin, a semiconductor device which is in contact with the insulating film, a liquid crystal cell which is electrically connected to the semiconductor device, and a second plastic substrate, wherein the semiconductor device and the liquid crystal cell are disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate.
US08218104B2 Electronic device, liquid crystal display module, backlight unit, and front frame thereof
The invention provides an electronic device including a liquid crystal display module and a control circuit. The liquid display module includes a backlight unit and a liquid display panel. The backlight unit has a front frame which includes a plastic frame and a conductive line. The conductive line extends from the rear surface to the rear surface to the front surface of the plastic frame so as to form a contact on the front surface.
US08218102B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel receiving a light to display an image in response to a driving signal, a driving circuit board applying the driving signal to the display panel, a backlight unit disposed under the display panel to provide the light to the display panel, a bottom chassis including a first chassis member and a second chassis member to receive the backlight unit after coupling the first chassis member to the second chassis member, and a top chassis disposed on the display panel and coupled to the bottom chassis in accordance with an embodiment. The driving circuit board is mounted on a rear surface of the bottom chassis, and the first and second chassis members are overlapped with each other in a region in which the driving circuit board is positioned.
US08218100B2 Active matrix liquid crystal display device
An conductive coating serves as a light shield film and is kept at a give voltage. A metal interconnection is located in the same layer as a source line and connected to the drain of a thin-film transistor. An interlayer insulating film is constituted of at least lower and upper insulating layers and formed between the conductive coating and the source line. According to one aspect of the invention, an auxiliary capacitor is formed by the metal interconnection and the conductive coating serving as both electrodes and at least the lower insulating layer film serving as a dielectric. The auxiliary capacitor is formed in a region of the interlayer insulating film in which the upper insulating layer has been removed by etching. According to another aspect of the invention, the conductive coating has a portion that is in contact with the lower insulating layer in a region where the conductive coating coextends with the metal interconnection.
US08218095B2 Projector
A projector includes: a liquid crystal panel having liquid crystal encapsulated between a pair of substrates; a liquid-cooling device adapted to cool the liquid crystal panel with a cooling liquid; and a first translucent substrate made of an optical crystal material having thermal conductivity in a direction parallel to an optical axis higher than thermal conductivity in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis disposed on an outer surface of one of the pair of substrates, wherein the liquid-cooling device includes a liquid circulation pipe having a pipe shape through the cooling liquid, and disposed along at least one of side end sections in the first translucent substrate, and the liquid circulation pipe is coupled to the first translucent substrate in a manner of enabling heat transfer so that a flow direction of at least a part of the cooling liquid is orthogonal to the optical axis.
US08218092B1 Apparatus for receiving both analog and digital TV signals
A television receiver includes a tuner, a bandpass filter, an intermediate frequency amplifier and a demodulator. The tuner has an input to receive radio frequency signals and an output to provide modulated analog and digital television signals at an intermediate frequency. The bandpass filter and the intermediate frequency amplifier provide a singular signal path to filter and amplify both the modulated analog and digital television signals at the intermediate frequency. The demodulator has a singular input coupled to the output of the intermediate frequency amplifier and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs includes a first output to provide demodulated analog television signals in response to the output of the tuner providing modulated analog television signals at the intermediate frequency and a second output to provide demodulated digital television signals in response to the output of the tuner providing modulated digital television signals at the intermediate frequency.
US08218090B2 Integrated user interface and control in HDMI/CEC
A TV in a HDMI home network discovers other components that can source a common UI such as a cross-media bar (XMB). The XMB generated by each component is dynamically changed to include UI source icons representing components in the network discovered to have the capability to source the XMB, so that the user can select the component that is to source the UI and then, regardless of what remote control device in the system is used to enter XMB commands to its particular component, the component receiving the commands forwards the commands via CEC to the component that has been selected to source the XMB, avoiding distracting unintentional overlaying of multiple XMBs on top of each other.
US08218089B2 Video signal processing apparatus, video signal processing method, and program
A video signal processing apparatus includes: a gain inverse correction means for giving an inverse correction gain resulting in an inverse correction characteristic to a gain to a video signal subjected to automatic gain control and outputting the video signal; a texture component removing means for removing a texture component from the video signal output from the gain inverse correction means; a gain inverse-inverse correction means for giving an inverse-inverse correction gain to the video signal output from the texture component removing means; a texture component extracting means for extracting a texture component signal, utilizing the video signal output by the gain inverse correction means and the video signal output by the texture component removing means; and a signal synthesizing means for synthesizing a structure component signal based on the video signal output by the gain inverse-inverse correction means and the texture component signal to output a video signal.
US08218081B2 Video standard detector and operation method thereof
A video standard detector and operation method thereof are provided. The video standard detector includes a low pass filter (LPF) unit and a standard detector unit. The LPF filters a baseband signal. The feature detector detects vertical synchronization information of the baseband signal and horizontal synchronization information of the baseband signal using the output of the LPF, and determines the video standard corresponding to the baseband signal according to the vertical synchronization information and the horizontal synchronization information.
US08218077B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus for processing first image data into second image data having a higher quality includes the following elements. A determination unit determines whether broadcast image data is up-converted image data generated by up-converting different image data by increasing the number of pixels forming the different image data. A down-converter down-converts the broadcast image data into down-converted image data by decreasing the number of pixels forming the broadcast image data. A first image converter converts, if the broadcast image data is not the up-converted image data, the first image data into the second image data by using the down-converted image data and the broadcast image data as the first image data. A second image converter converts, if the broadcast image data is the up-converted image data, the first image data into the second image data by using the down-converted image data as the first image data.
US08218076B2 Image display apparatus, image signal processing apparatus, and image signal processing method
According to one embodiment, there is provided an image signal processing apparatus includes an interlace-to-progressive conversion circuit and a resolution enhancement circuit. The interlace-to-progressive conversion circuit outputs first signals by performing an interlace-to-progressive conversion process on image signals. The resolution enhancement circuit outputs second signals by performing a resolution enhancement process on the first signals. The resolution enhancement circuit performs the resolution enhancement process not on the first signals on which an interpolation process for dynamic images have been performed.
US08218073B1 Auto focus module for a webcam
A webcam includes an external housing; a lens system disposed in the external housing; and a lens cap disposed in the external housing and configured to at least partially surround the lens system, wherein a gap is formed between the lens system and the lens cap.
US08218066B2 Interchangeable lens, interchangeable lens system and camera system
An interchangeable lens (second interchangeable lens) is disclosed which allows a protruding amount from a mount reference surface of the interchangeable lens to be increased. The second interchangeable lens has a protruding portion protruding from a mount reference surface toward an image plane, has a larger protruding amount than the first interchangeable lens and has the same flange back as the first interchangeable lens. The first camera prevents mounting of the second interchangeable lens by the protruding portion of the second interchangeable lens contacting the first wall portion. The second camera includes a second wall portion provided at a position retreated from the protruding portion. The second camera includes a rotatable mirror member, and the rotation center of the mirror member is positioned on the opposite side of a finder optical system with respect to a plane including an in-plane direction of the mirror member.
US08218064B2 Image recognition device, focus adjustment device, image-capturing device, and image recognition method
An image recognition device includes; an image sensor that captures an image via an image forming optical system and outputs image information repeatedly; a detector that detects differences between reference image information related to a reference image and a plurality of sets of partial information included in the image information; a recognition circuit that includes a microprocessor and recognizes a set of partial information, for which a smallest difference value among a plurality of differences detected in correspondence to the plurality of sets of partial information is calculated, as information matching the reference image information if the smallest value is smaller than a threshold value; and a controller that includes a microprocessor and sets the threshold value in correspondence to a color indicated in the reference image information.
US08218063B2 Image capturing apparatus, image capturing method, and image capturing program
An image capturing apparatus previously captures a calibration image that serves as a reference when a distance to an object is calculated, and calculates, when an image of the object is captured using a monocular camera, the distance from the lens of the camera to the object using the calibration image and the distance from the lens of the camera to the calibration image. In this case, the image capturing apparatus measures the distance from the lens of the camera to one or more arbitrary points on the object, calculates the diffuse reflection coefficient of the object using the measured distance, the luminance on each of one or more arbitrary points, the distance to the calibration image, and the luminance, and calculates the distance to the object from the lens of the camera to the object using the calculated diffuse reflection coefficient.
US08218062B2 Photographing module
This invention provides a photographing module at least including an electrically controlled actuator, an elastic member, and a photo sensor. The electrically controlled actuator at least comprises a fixed element, a movable element, and an electrical unit and at least provides an axial displacement, wherein the movable element is connected to the lens unit and the electrical unit electrically communicates with the elastic member. The elastic member at least comprises a fixed portion, a movable portion, an elastic portion, and a pair of power supply terminals, wherein the fixed portion and the movable portion are respectively connected to the fixed element and the movable element. The photo sensor is positioned on an image side of the photographing module and connected to the fixed member. The various portions of the elastic member may have different thicknesses depending on desired stiffness of each portion, such that the elastic member is thinned so as to facilitate miniaturization of the photographing module.
US08218061B2 Apparatus, method, and manufacture for iterative auto-focus using depth-from-defocus
A camera with auto-focusing performs multiple iterations in which the distance from the camera to an object is estimated for the purpose of auto-focusing the camera. Each estimate is made using depth-from-defocus with at least two images used to make the estimate. When the two images are taken, the camera parameters are different. For example, the focus position, aperture, or zoom may be different between the two images. In each subsequent iteration, the previous estimate of distance from the camera to the object is used so that the parameter varied (focus position or zoom) is closer to that corresponding to the estimated distance from the camera to the object, so that the estimated distance is closer to the actual distance in each iteration.
US08218059B2 Digital camera
A digital camera of the invention includes: an image pickup device; a dust-proof filter including an area disposed so as to face an image pickup surface of the image pickup device with a predetermined distance; a piezoelectric device for vibration application for vibrating not only a surface of the dust-proof filter but also inside of the dust-proof filter; and a piezoelectric device for vibration absorption for absorbing a part of vibration of the dust-proof filter in a predetermined cycle. When a wavelength of vibration generated in the dust-proof filter by vibration of the piezoelectic device for vibration application is defined as λ, and an odd number as k, the piezoelectric device for vibration application and the piezoelectric device for vibration absorption are arranged separately from each other at positions on the dust-proof filter such that a distance between centers of the devices is expressed by k×λ/4.
US08218058B2 Drive control unit, drive control method and program thereof
A drive control unit of the present invention includes: a first external force detecting section for detecting that an external force is applied to a first moving object body movable back and forth in a single direction; and a second initialization processing section which when it is detected that the external force is applied to the first moving object body by the first external force detecting section, moves at least one of second moving object bodies movable back and forth in the single direction to a predetermined second initial position and when it is not detected that the external force is applied to the first moving object body, does not move the second moving object body.
US08218055B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus having a shooting optical system and an image sensor includes an image data producer producing image data; an imaging controller repeatedly outputting one picture unit of image data produced in a predetermined shooting time duration by the image data producer; an image data recorder recording the outputted image data; a position detector detecting a change in position of the imaging apparatus and calculating an amount of displacement of the imaging apparatus from a position at a time point of the imaging apparatus taken as a reference based on the detected change in position; a position recorder recording the amount of displacement and time data related to the amount of displacement; a display section displaying a relationship between a shooting time of each image data of the image data recorder and the amount of displacement recorded by the position recorder, during exposure or at the end of exposure; and an adding processor adding arbitrary image data of the image data recorder and producing an image.
US08218054B2 Image display system, image display apparatus, image providing apparatus and method thereof
An image display apparatus disclosed in the present application is made up of a detection precision calculating module, a detecting module, and an image providing module. The detection precision calculating module calculates a detection precision that satisfies a designated restrictive condition. Based on the calculated detection precision, the detecting module detects a projection of a designated object from each image based on the calculated detection precision, and calculates the number of projections of the designated object included in each image. The image providing module arranges the respective pieces of image information according to the number of detected projections of the object and provides a list of arranged images as a search result.
US08218049B2 Solid-state image sensing device, method for reading signal of solid-state image sensing device, and image pickup apparatus
An image sensor includes a pixel array having vertical signal lines, each interconnected to one of columns of the pixel array, and a column processor including a unit readout circuit provided for each of sets of a predetermined number of columns. The unit readout circuit includes input switches, each connected to a corresponding one of the vertical signal lines and being sequentially turned on and off, an input capacitor having one end commonly connected to the input switches, a reference switch for selectively providing a reference voltage to the input capacitor, an operational amplifier connected to the other end of the input capacitor, a reset switch for selectively providing a short-circuit between input and output ends of the operational amplifier, and a feedback circuit provided for each of the columns and including a feedback switch and a feedback capacitor connected in series between the two ends of the operational amplifier.
US08218048B2 Amplifying solid-state imaging device, and method for driving the same
By providing dummy pixels separately from effective pixels, the total number of pixel rows is equalized with the number of horizontal sync signals included in one frame interval (which is called an “HD number”). A period during which a reset signal for an electronic shuttering operation is being supplied to an arbitrary pixel row overlaps with a period during which another pixel row is selected to perform a readout operation thereon. Thus, it is possible to suppress a variation in reset potential among effective pixels.
US08218039B2 Electronic camera and control program of same
The invention relates to an electronic camera having self-detection function of foreign materials and a control program thereof. The electronic camera includes: an image sensor having an image pickup plane on an image plane of an optical system; a formation changing section changing a state of image formation of the optical system on the image pickup plane; and a control section driving and controlling the image sensor and formation changing section. The control section drives the formation changing section to set a plurality of states of image formation different from each other, and it drives the image sensor to obtain a plurality of images in each of the states and compares the plurality of images to find a part of the image which has not varied with a change in the state of image formation, and determines the found part as image of a foreign material.
US08218038B2 Multi-phase black level calibration method and system
Multi-phase black level calibration (BLC) methods and systems are generally disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an image sensor comprises a pixel sensor array, a timing generator, and a front-end processing block. The front-end processing block also includes a first summing junction, a first BLC block, and a second BLC block. According to a first timing signal from the timing generator, the first BLC block is configured to iteratively generate a first calibration signal in a first phase based on a first set of adjusted black level signals associated with a first set of black pixels, a changing accumulator step, and a predetermined condition associated with a first target black level. According to a second timing signal from the timing generator, the second BLC block is configured to generate a second calibration signal for a second summing junction to apply to an image signal associated with one or more active pixels in the frame in a second phase.
US08218036B2 Image sensing apparatus and control method therefor
An image sensing apparatus including an image sensor that performs photoelectric conversion and outputs an image signal, a subtraction circuit that subtracts a black image signal obtained from the image sensor when the image sensor is shielded from light from a subject image signal obtained from the image sensor when the image sensor is exposed, a setting unit that sets a shooting condition, and a control unit that controls a thinning rate during thinning readout from the image sensor of the black image signal in accordance with the shooting condition set by the setting unit.
US08218035B2 Image processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program
An image processing apparatus which corrects image data containing an image of a foreign substance, and outputs the corrected image data that has undergone correction as a visible image includes an image pixel count acquisition unit which acquires the number of pixels of the image, an output resolution acquisition unit which acquires information about the resolution of the image to be output to the output device, a foreign substance correction level setting unit which sets the degree of foreign substance correction on the basis of at least the number of pixels acquired by the image pixel count acquisition unit and the information about the resolution acquired by the output resolution acquisition unit, and a foreign substance correction unit which corrects the image of the foreign substance contained in the image data on the basis of the foreign substance correction level set by the foreign substance correction level setting unit.
US08218034B2 Method for automatically correcting frame faults in video assist frames of a video assist system
A method for automatically correcting frame faults in video assist frames of a video assist system in a video beam path branched off from a capture beam path of a motion-picture camera, a ground glass screen being arranged in said video beam path, is provided. The video assist system is calibrated by capturing at least one video assist frame of a single-colored, unstructured and uniformly illuminated, flat capture object for a predefined diaphragm aperture of the camera lens and storing it as a video assist calibration frame in a frame store, wherein the stored and inverted video assist calibration frame is superimposed on the video assist frames captured after the calibration.
US08218033B2 Sound corrector, sound recording device, sound reproducing device, and sound correcting method
Sound correction processing is performed for a sound signal obtained from a sound collecting portion. In particular, sound correction processing is performed after determining what is performed as the sound correction processing based on an image signal paired with a sound signal, the image signal obtained from an imaging portion, the sound signal, control data of the imaging portion, and the like.
US08218031B2 Information recording apparatus, imaging apparatus, information recording method, and program
An imaging apparatus includes: a captured image data generation unit generating captured image data by capturing a subject; a positional information acquisition unit acquiring positional information indicating a position at which the captured image data are generated; an area determination unit determining whether the position indicated by the acquired positional information is included in a positional information conversion area for converting the acquired positional information; a positional information conversion unit, when the area determination unit determines that the position indicated by the acquired positional information is included in the positional information conversion area, converting the acquired positional information into positional information indicating a position different from the position indicated by the acquired positional information; and a record control unit, when recording the generated captured image data, carrying out control to record the generated captured image data in association with the positional information converted by the positional information conversion unit.
US08218021B2 Image capture apparatus, method of controlling the same, and program
An apparatus includes an image capture unit which includes an image sensor in which pixels for photoelectrically converting an object image are two-dimensionally arrayed in correspondence with color filters of a plurality of colors, and generates an image signal, a reducing unit which reduces the image signal output from the image capture unit to generate a reduced image, an image processing unit which performs development processing for the reduced image to obtain a first developed image containing luminance components and color difference components and performs development for the image signal output from the image capture unit to obtain a second developed image containing luminance and color difference components, an enlargement unit which enlarges the first developed image to the same size as that of the second developed image, and a composition unit which performs composition of the second developed image and an enlarged image.
US08218020B2 Providing camera-based services using a portable communication device
Camera-based services are provided to a user of a portable communication device by recognizing text contained in an image. An image of an environment is captured using a camera within the portable communication device so as to obtain image data. The image data is processed such that text data is recognized and extracted from the image data. Data related to the text data is then output in a form recognizable by a user of the portable communication device. The text data can be processed on the portable communication device to obtain the data related to the text data. Alternatively, the processing is performed by a processing unit external to the portable communication device. Translated and audio versions of the text data are output to the user. One camera-based service provides price and product information related to a product described in an image captured by the camera.
US08218017B2 Image pickup apparatus and camera
At least some of the pixels on which color filters that give the largest weight to a brightness signal or color filters that have the highest transmittance among the plurality of color filters are provided are pixels for focus detection that are designed in such a way that the direction of incidence of light beams incident thereon is restricted, the pixels other than the pixels for focus detection are pixels for image picking-up that are designed in such a way that the degree of restriction placed on light beams incident thereon is smaller than that placed on light beams incident on the pixels for focus detection, the pixels for focus detection output at least a signal for ranging, the pixels for image picking-up output at least a signal for an image, and there are at least three pixels for focus detection in an area defined between a circle having its center at the center of any one of the pixels for focus detection and having a radius equal to 3.1 times the pixel pitch and a circle having its center at the center of the aforementioned any one of the pixels for focus detection and having a radius equal to 5.9 times the pixel pitch.
US08218008B2 Method of displaying shot image on car reverse video system
A method of displaying a shot image on a car reverse video system is described, which is applicable for adjusting an image displaying angle of the car reverse video system with a fixed lens according to a distance from an obstacle. Firstly, a scene image behind the car is shot through using the lens. Then, a distance detector is activated to detect a distance from the obstacle behind the car. If the distance from the obstacle is smaller than a preset distance, a scaling ratio is set according to a ratio of the preset distance to the distance from the obstacle. Finally, according to the scaling ratio and a distance between each pixel in the scene image and a reference point, all pixel pitches are adjusted, such that the scene image is deformed, and thus achieving an effect of switching a viewing angle of the scene image.
US08218007B2 Camera system for a vehicle and method for controlling a camera system
A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera unit mounted on the vehicle for viewing an area outside the vehicle. A image processing unit receives image data from the camera unit. A control unit receives vehicle operation data including vehicle speed data. A display unit is configured to transition between a screen image defined by a first viewing angle and a screen image defined by a second viewing angle. The first viewing angle and the second viewing angle extend substantially in a vertical plane, and the first viewing angle is greater than the second viewing angle. The display unit further displays supplemental information based on the vehicle operation data, the supplemental information includes vehicle speed information and information indicating a transition behavior of the display unit configured to transition between the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle. A method for controlling a camera system is also provided.
US08218006B2 Near-to-eye head display system and method
A near-to-eye (NTE) display allows an operator of an apparatus, such as a pilot of an aircraft, to see a conformal video presentation of the view outside the apparatus. Significant objects outside are converted into a conformal video view. An accelerator measures movement and rate of movement of the NTE display positioned on the operator's head, and if the movement and rate exceed a threshold, either ceases the continued display, removes, or deemphasizes the conformal image, for the period of the delay in order to eliminate any jerky or jittery motion of the displayed conformal image, which may be distracting, irritating, or headache inducing to the pilot.
US08218004B2 Displacement sensing system
A displacement sensing system is disclosed. Two image capturing devices are settled at to opposite ends of a coordinate axis of the planar area, respectively, for capturing images of the planar area and an object placed thereon. Four pre-established LUT databases and an interactive four-matrix lookup table process are implemented to determine actual coordinates of the object on in the planar area.
US08217995B2 Providing a collaborative immersive environment using a spherical camera and motion capture
Embodiments of the present invention provide a collaborative visualization system, which integrates motion capture and virtual reality, along with kinematics and computer-aided design (CAD), for the purpose of, for example, validating a simulation with a real-world video. A spherical camera captures real-world video at a first location. At a second location, one or more head-mounted display devices display the captured real-world video and also display a simulation corresponding to the real-world video. A motion capture system captures head rotation information for one or more users to thereby to control a pan, tilt, and zoom of the real-world video so that when a position of a user's head changes, the portion of the real-world video displayed in the head-mounted display changes accordingly. Upon user input, a computer program product selects between displaying the real-world video and the simulation in the head-mounted display.
US08217994B2 Stereo-projection control system
The invention relates to a DLP-projector for the active projection of stereoscopic images, with the projector comprising a DMD, at least a first driver circuit interacting with a memory (6) and controlling at least one DMD (4), and at least a first signal input (1) for the input of image data of at least a first image channel and a second image channel. In order to enable simplest possible construction of such a DLP-projector, there are provided: A second driver circuit interacting with a memory (6′); and a switching device (7), which is connected on one side with the two driver circuits and on the other side with at least the one DMD (4); with the first driver circuit processing image data of the first image channel and the second driver circuit processing image data of the second image channel; and the switching device directing to the DMD (4) alternately one or more images or frames from the first driver circuit and one or more images or frames from the second driver circuit.
US08217989B2 Method for photographing panoramic picture
A panoramic picture photographing method permits more accurate photographing of an image, particularly a panoramic image of a subject, without additional equipment, or separate devices and hardware. The method includes projecting an image, which is successively inputted in every predetermined unit of time, to an imaginary surface having a same focal distance in photographing each image constituting a panoramic picture to obtain a projected image; confirming movement of a corresponding photographing apparatus so that the projected image is compared with a previous image in real time by using a motion estimation technique, to which exposure correction has been applied; determining a photographing time point of each image by confirming the confirmed movement of the corresponding photographing apparatus according to a photographing direction has reached a predetermined critical value; and photographing each image at the photographing time point of each image according to a passive input or automatically.
US08217986B2 System and method for exchanging connection information for videoconferencing units using e-mails
A videoconferencing system includes a first videoconferencing unit coupled to a network and associated with a first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives a second e-mail address and automatically sends a request e-mail requesting connection information to the second e-mail address. A second videoconferencing unit is coupled to the network and is associated with the second e-mail address. The second videoconferencing unit receives the request e-mail and automatically returns a response e-mail including connection information to the first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives the response e-mail and automatically obtains the connection information from the response e-mail. Using the connection information, the first videoconferencing unit initiates a videoconference call with the second videoconference unit.
US08217985B2 Method and apparatus for a recipient to adjust a video stream
There is provided a method and apparatus for adjusting at least one parameter of a video stream being received on a recipient screen, the video stream being captured by a sender's video capturing apparatus. The method includes providing a control device to a recipient to adjust the at least one parameter of the video stream captured by the sender's video capturing apparatus; interfacing the control device with a secondary application; the recipient using the control device for adjustment of the at least one parameter of the video stream captured by the sender's video capturing apparatus; and the recipient receiving and viewing the video stream on the recipient screen. There is also provided a control device for adjusting at least one parameter of a video stream being received on a recipient screen, the video stream being captured by a sender's video capturing apparatus.
US08217980B2 Multi-beam optical scanning device and image forming apparatus using the same
A multi-beam optical scanning device includes a light source device, a deflector for deflecting a plurality of light beams from the light source device, and an imaging optical system for imaging a plurality of light beams deflected by the deflector upon a photosensitive drum, wherein a plurality of light beams, when they pass through an imaging optical element having a largest positive power in the sub-scan direction, pass through positions which are spaced apart from each other in the sub-scan direction, and wherein the photosensitive drum is so disposed that, when, among the plurality of light beams passing through the imaging optical element having a largest positive power in the sub-scan direction, a light beam which passes through a position furthermost in the sub-scan direction from a meridional of the imaging optical element having a largest positive power in the sub-scan direction is incident on the photosensitive drum, an incidence angle thereof in the sub-scan direction with respect to a surface normal of the photosensitive drum becomes smallest as compared with the other light beam or beams.
US08217979B2 Optical scanner for image forming apparatus
An optical scanner for an image forming apparatus has a housing having a wall surface provided with a through-hole, and an optical scanning unit, which is provided within the housing, scans light on an object to be scanned in order to form an image on the object to be scanned, and includes: a polygon motor; a polygon mirror that reflects the light while being rotated by a driving force of the polygon motor; a mirror member that reflects the light reflected by the polygon mirror, toward a target object; and a mirror holding member that is attached to the wall surface of the housing and holds the mirror member. The mirror holding member has a heat radiation part that is exposed to the outside of the housing through the through-hole.
US08217978B2 Optical scanning apparatus, an image formation apparatus, and a phase modulation method
An optical scanning apparatus, an image formation apparatus, and a phase modulation method are disclosed. The optical scanning apparatus includes a liquid crystal device for deflecting an optical beam irradiated by a semiconductor laser. The driving voltages for the liquid crystal device are controlled based on, e.g., the temperature of the liquid crystal device so that degradation of the diameter of a spot of the optical beam due to wavefront aberration is prevented.
US08217974B2 Customer replaceable unit with high voltage power supply
A customer replaceable unit installable in a printing apparatus comprises a component requiring high voltage electric power for operation, a low voltage power input, and that cooperates with the low voltage power input in order to transform low voltage electric power from the low voltage power input into high voltage electric power for use by the component. The customer replaceable unit may also include a low voltage signal input, and the high voltage power supply unit controls output of the high voltage electric power in response to signals received at the low voltage signal input. The signals received at the low voltage signal input are independent of a type of the component in the customer replaceable unit, and the high voltage power supply unit provides an appropriate high voltage for the type of the component, thereby allowing modification of the type of component without having to provide a different low voltage signal.
US08217970B2 Rapid image rendering on dual-modulator displays
Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.
US08217968B2 Image display device
An image display device 100 is an image display device capable of controlling the luminance of a backlight. The image display device 100 includes: a backlight luminance set value estimator which calculates the luminance set value of a backlight 101 based on an input image; and a signal corrector which corrects the transmittance of a liquid crystal in accordance with the luminance distribution of backlight emitted to the liquid crystal panel. The image display device 100 is characterized in that a signal corrector 107 corrects the transmittance of the liquid crystal while retaining the proportion of a gray-scale level value of each of RGB subpixels of the input image.
US08217967B2 Display, liquid crystal display, and data processing method for reducing interference due to noise
Disclosed herein is a display including, a digital signal processing circuit that processes pixel data, a digital-to-analog conversion circuit that converts pixel data that has been subjected to signal processing into an analog signal for driving a display device, and an error data addition circuit that is provided at a previous stage of the digital-to-analog conversion circuit and adds error data to all pixel data of a corresponding screen in sync with a vertical synchronization signal, the error data having one value per one screen.
US08217966B2 Systems and methods for viewing medical 3D imaging volumes
A method of automatically tracking the portions of a 3D medical imaging volume, such as the voxels, that have already been displayed according to use-defined display parameters, notating those portions, and providing the user with information indicating what portions of the imaging volume have been displayed at full resolution.
US08217960B2 Device and method for adjusting video luminance
A device and a method for adjusting video luminance of at least a color in a display wherein the color is appointed by the user. The device comprises: a color flag generating module for transforming a plurality of color signals into a plurality of color flags; a luminance adjustment value calculating module for calculating a luminance adjustment output value according to a plurality of luminance adjustment input values of different colors and the plurality of color flags; and a luminance output module for applying the luminance adjustment output value to a luminance input signal so as to generate a luminance output signal. Using the device and the method according to the present invention, the user can respectively adjust the luminance of different colors.
US08217959B2 Method and apparatus for color visualization of 3D image data with a dark background
A method and an apparatus are disclosed for color visualization of 3D image data of an object using a rendering technique, in particular for tomographic imaging image data. In at least one embodiment, the method calculates pixels of the object from the 3D image data by applying a transfer function, which assigns color values to the 3D image data, and provides said pixels as an image with a bright background. The image with a bright background is inverted to visualize it on a dark background, and the color values assigned to the 3D image data of the object are modified in accordance with a prescribed rule, by means of which the coloring of the image with a dark background obtained by inverting is at least approximately matched to the coloring of the non-inverted image with the original color values. The method of at least one embodiment and the associated apparatus of at least one embodiment allow a rendered display of the object on a dark background to be generated with the impression of having a relatively high contrast.
US08217957B1 System and method for digital image storage and representation
A system generates continuous texture environment based on mipmapped texture and photographic images such that each mipmapped image has a plurality of mipmap level representations of a particular texture or photographic image. The system can include a delta value dataset configured to store a plurality of delta values for the texture images and photographic images. The system further includes an absolute value dataset configured to store a plurality of absolute values for the photographic images to be displayed in the continuous texture environment. The system yet further includes an environment processor configured to generate the continuous texture environment. The environment processor includes a blending processor configured to blend the photographic imagery and texture images to remove discontinuities using the delta values.
US08217953B2 Anisotropic texture filtering with texture data prefetching
A circuit arrangement and method utilize texture data prefetching to prefetch texture data used by an anisotropic filtering algorithm. In particular, stride-based prefetching may be used to prefetch texture data for use in anisotropic filtering, where the value of the stride, or difference between successive accesses, is based upon a distance in a memory address space between sample points taken along the line of anisotropy used in an anisotropic filtering algorithm.
US08217950B2 Video processing across multiple graphics processing units
A processing unit, method, and graphics processing system are provided for processing a plurality of frames of graphics data. For instance, the processing unit can include a first plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs), a second plurality of GPUs, and a plurality of compositors. The first plurality of GPUs can be configured to process a first frame of graphics data. Likewise, the second plurality of GPUs can be configured to process a second frame of graphics data. Further, each compositor in the plurality of compositors can be coupled to a respective GPU from the first and second pluralities of GPUs, where the plurality of compositors is configured to sequentially pass the first and second frames of graphics data to a display module.
US08217948B2 Display interface system, display device and display system
A display interface system includes a display transmitter and a display receiver. The display transmitter transmits a control pattern having image type information about a type of an image to be displayed and selectively transmits image data according to the type of the image to be displayed. The display receiver receives the control pattern and selectively receives the image data based upon the image type information, reducing power consumption.
US08217946B2 Graphical display for physiological patient data
An intuitive graphical display as described herein can be rendered by a host device that obtains physiological patient data (such as blood glucose values) in real time or substantially real time. The graphical display includes a calibrated bar graph having a desired measurement range for the monitored parameter. The graphical display also includes a dynamic measurement value indicator that moves along the bar graph in a manner that tracks the current value of the monitored physiological characteristic. The graphical display may also incorporate easy-to-interpret display elements that allow the user to quickly determine whether the current value of the monitored physiological characteristic is within or outside a normal range, whether the monitored physiological characteristic is rising or falling, and the approximate rate of change of the monitored physiological characteristic.
US08217943B2 Displaying cellular analysis result data using a template
In accordance with the principles of the invention, methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums are provided for displaying cellular analysis result data including accessing cellular analysis result data, accessing data of at least one template, and displaying the cellular analysis result data and the data of at least one template by overlaying the cellular analysis result data and the data of the at least one template, wherein the cellular analysis result data is displayed using different display attributes from the displayed data of the at least one template.
US08217941B2 Apparatus and method for depth image-based representation of 3-dimensional object
A family of node structures for representing 3-dimensional objects using depth image are provided. These node structures can be adopted into MPEG-4 AFX for conventional polygonal 3D representations. Main formats of the family are DepthImage, PointTexture and OctreeImage. DepthImage represents an object by a union of its reference images and corresponding depth maps. PointTexture represents the object as a set of colored points parameterized by projection onto a regular 2D grid. OctreeImage converts the same data into hierarchical octree-structured voxel model, set of compact reference images and a tree of voxel-image correspondence indices. DepthImage and OctreeImage have animated versions, where reference images are replaced by videostreams. DIBR formats are very convenient for 3D model construction from 3D range-scanning and multiple source video data. MPEG-4 framework allows construction of a wide variety of representations from the main DIBR formats, providing flexible tools for effective work with 3D models. Compression of the DIBR formats is achieved by application of image (video) compression techniques to depth maps and reference images (videostreams).
US08217940B2 Directable lighting method and apparatus
A method for a computer system includes receiving a plurality of values for an illumination parameter associated with an illumination source for a scene, determining a plurality illumination contributions for a surface of an object within the scene, in response to the plurality of values, determining a plurality of texture maps associated with the surface of the object in response to the plurality of illumination contributions, wherein each of the plurality of texture maps is associated with each of the plurality of values for the illumination parameter, receiving a value for the illumination parameter at render time from a user, determining a texture map associated with the surface of the object, in response to the value for the illumination parameter and in response to the plurality of texture maps, rendering the surface of the object using the texture map to form an image, and displaying the image to the user.
US08217937B2 Isosurfacial three-dimensional imaging system and method
An isosurfacial three-dimensional imaging system and method uses scanning electron microscopy for surface imaging of an assumed opaque object providing a series of tilt images for generating a sinogram of the object and a voxel data set for generating a three-dimensional image of the object having exterior surfaces some of which may be obscured so as to provide exterior three-dimensional surface imaging of objects including hidden surfaces normally obscured from stereographic view.
US08217928B2 Electroluminescent subpixel compensated drive signal
An electroluminescent (EL) subpixel, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) subpixel, is compensated for aging effects such as threshold voltage Vth shift, EL voltage Voled shift, and OLED efficiency loss. The drive current of the subpixel is measured at one or more measurement reference gate voltages to form a status signal representing the characteristics of the drive transistor and EL emitter of the subpixel. Current measurements are taken in the linear region of drive transistor operation to improve signal-to-noise ratio in systems such as modern LTPS PMOS OLED displays, which have relatively small Voled shift over their lifetimes and thus relatively small current change due to channel-length modulation. Various sources of noise are also suppressed to further increase signal-to-noise ratio.
US08217923B2 Data driver for display device, test method and probe card for data driver
A data driver of a display device includes: a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) outputting a drive signal for driving a signal line of a displaying unit; an amplifier amplifying the drive signal outputted by the DAC and outputting the drive signal to the signal line; a repair amplifier having an input and an output, wherein the signal line is separated by a breakage point into a connected data line connected to the amplifier and a disconnected data line not connected to the amplifier, and the input of the repair amplifier is connected to the connected data line and the output of the repair amplifier is connected to the disconnected data line; and a switch supplying the drive signal to the input of the repair amplifier for testing the repair amplifier. An output delay test for the repair amplifier can be performed under a condition similar to that of the amplifier.
US08217921B2 Flat panel display and driving method of the same
A flat panel display and a diving method of the same are provided. The flat panel display comprising a controller that comprises a processing unit for processing a digital signal corresponding to one frame to n number of digital sub-frame signals, a driver that receives the digital sub-frame signals from the controller to generate the n number of analog sub-frame signals and supplies the analog sun-frame signals to a display unit, and a display unit that receives the analog sub-frame signals to embody images, wherein an average of brightness corresponding to the n number of digital sub-frame signals is substantially equal to brightness of the digital signal corresponding to one frame, and the number of bits of digital sub-frame signals is smaller than that the number of bits of the digital signal.
US08217916B2 Display device with touch panel
The display device with a touch panel includes: a display panel; and a touch panel formed to be overlaid on the display panel, in which: the touch panel includes X electrodes and Y electrodes which intersect the X electrodes; the X electrodes and the Y electrodes include intersection portions at which the X electrodes and the Y electrodes intersect each other, and electrode portions each formed between the intersection portions; and either the electrode portions of the X electrode or the electrode portion of the Y electrodes are smaller in area than another thereof so that a capacitance of one line of the X electrodes and a capacitance of one line of the Y electrodes are equal to each other. The display device with a touch panel has a large S/N ratio and a high detection sensitivity.
US08217906B2 User interface, apparatus, method, and computer program for viewing of content on a screen
A user interface is disclosed, comprising a screen arranged to view content, wherein the screen is arranged to display a part of the content if there is not space for the entire content on the screen, and wherein the content is scrollable to enable the desired part of the content to be displayed; and a touch sensitive input area arranged to enable input of touch actions, wherein a first touch action is adapted to control scrolling of said content, wherein a speed relation determines a relation between a speed of scrolling and a speed of the touch action in a first direction on said touch sensitive input, and wherein the speed relation is determined by the position of the touch action on said touch sensitive area along a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. Further, an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for viewing of content on a screen are disclosed.
US08217905B2 Method and apparatus for touchscreen based user interface interaction
A method and apparatus for a touchscreen based user interface (UI) interaction that controls a volume through circular UI graphics and switches between different application images by dragging an indicator on a touchscreen of a terminal device. The method includes: displaying an application image on a touchscreen; sensing whether the touchscreen is touched on the displayed application image; if the touchscreen is touched, displaying a volume image to control an audio volume at a touch position; and changing a size of the volume image whenever the touchscreen is touched and controlling the audio volume to corresponding to the size of the volume region.
US08217903B2 Electronic device and tactile touch screen
An electronic device includes a base, a touch screen display, a shape memory alloy and operational components. The touch screen display is connected to the base and moveable relative to the base and includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device and connected to a controller for determining a touch event to the touch-sensitive input surface. The shape memory alloy is disposed between the base and the display device and is configured to change shape in response to conduction of an electric current to cause movement of the display device relative to the base. The operational components include a processor between the base and the touch screen display. The processor is operatively connected to the controller, the display device and the shape memory alloy for causing conduction of current through the shape memory alloy in response to the touch event, resulting in movement of the display relative to the base.
US08217901B2 Method, system, and computer peripheral for docking a handheld computer
In one embodiment, a computer peripheral, is provided with 1) a human input interface; 2) a first computer interface; 3) a data link to provide data connectivity between the human input interface and first computer interface; and 4) a docking port to substantially encase a handheld computer engaged with the first computer interface.
US08217900B1 Light beam operated peripheral data input device for use in and out of sunlight
The invention is a light operated peripheral standalone input device to be used in and out of sunlight where input is made by a light beam to the peripheral or other input device where the light beam is pointed at a position from distances near and to over a mile away and the function of that position is input. The invention allows for keyboard input and directional control and cursor positioning to dedicated board level microprocessor driven control systems, personal computers, wheelchair operation, control panels for operating equipment and for those who cannot use their arms and hands for normal computer input like partial quadriplegics or other disabled persons, and persons that need a non-contact input device that is operated from a distance in hazardous areas or underwater with a light beam.
US08217898B2 Keyboard and electronic equipment
A keyboard includes a plurality of key row holders each supporting a plurality of key elements constituting each of the plurality of key rows, a support shaft placed to be rotatable about an axial center and support the plurality of key row holders arranged to intersect the axial center, an engaging portion formed on a support surface of each of the plurality of key row holders for the support shaft, and an engaged portion formed spirally on a surface of the support shaft in a direction of the axial center so as to be engaged with the engaging portion of each of the plurality of key row holders, the engaged portion causing the plurality of key row holders to shift in the direction of the axial center by an engagement with the engaging portion upon rotation of the support shaft. The keyboard enables easy and accurate key pitch adjustment.
US08217894B2 DTV capable of receiving signal from 3D pointing device, and method of executing function and adjusting audio property of DTV employing 3D pointing device
A system and method for controlling a digital TV, the system including the DTV; and a 3D pointing device. The DTV includes a receiver to receive control signals from the 3D pointing device; and a control unit to select one of a plurality of functions provided by the DTV in response to a selection signal received from the 3D pointing device, each function having a corresponding execution profile, and execute the selected function in accordance with the corresponding execution profile and a motion parameter sensed by the 3D pointing device including a direction of movement and one of a distance and velocity corresponding to the direction of movement. The 3D pointing device includes a transmitter to transmit the control signals and motion parameter; and a sensor to sense within the 3D pointing device the motion of the 3D pointing device and generate the corresponding motion parameter.
US08217886B2 Liquid crystal displays capable of increasing charge time and methods of driving the same
An LCD device includes a plurality of first data lines, a plurality of second data lines, a plurality of display units, a source driver and a gate driver. Each of the second data lines is disposed between two corresponding first data lines, while each display unit is coupled to a corresponding first data line and a corresponding gate line or to a corresponding second data line and a corresponding gate line. The source driver is coupled to the plurality of first data lines and the plurality of second data lines for providing a plurality of data signals. Each of the data signals is outputted to a corresponding first data line during a first period in a write period, and outputted to a corresponding second data line during a second period in the write period.
US08217880B2 Method for driving liquid crystal display apparatus
In one embodiment of the present invention, when a still image is displayed, applied voltages respectively corresponding to a total of n (n being an integer of not less than 4) types of gradation 0 to (n−1) are outputted to pixels. When a moving image is displayed, an applied voltage corresponding to a predetermined gradation m (1≦m≦(n−2)) is applied to the pixels instead of applied voltages respectively corresponding to gradations of less than the predetermined gradation m. Overdrive driving is performed with respect to a total of n types of gradation.
US08217878B2 Display device and electronic equipment
A display device is disclosed. The display device includes: a pixel array unit and a driving unit which drives the pixel array unit. The pixel array unit includes rows of first scanning lines and second scanning lines, columns of signals, pixels in a matrix state arranged at portions where the scanning lines and the signal lines cross each other and power supply lines and ground lines supplying power to respective pixels. The driving unit includes a first scanner performing line-sequential scanning to pixels by each row by supplying a first control signal to each first scanning line sequentially, a second scanner supplying a second control signal to each second scanning line sequentially so as to correspond to the line-sequential scanning and a signal selector supplying a video signal to rows of signal lines so as to correspond to the line-sequential scanning.
US08217876B2 Liquid crystal display for reducing residual image phenomenon
A liquid crystal display includes a source driver, for generating a pixel data voltage, a gate driver, for generating a scanning signal voltage, and a plurality of pixel units. Each pixel unit includes a switch unit for delivering the pixel data voltage upon receiving the scanning signal voltage, a pixel electrode electrically coupled to the switch unit, a first electrode for supplying a first common voltage, a second electrode for supplying a second common voltage, a liquid crystal capacitor electrically coupled between the first electrode and the pixel electrode for driving liquid crystal layer in response to the pixel data voltage and the first common voltage, and a storage capacitor electrically coupled between the pixel electrode and the second electrode.
US08217868B2 Display device and method of driving the same
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an organic light emitting device is provided. By including a current leakage unit in each pixel and slowly decreasing an amount of a current flowing to the organic light emitting element, both normal luminance and black luminance can be displayed in a frame. Thus, for example, impulsive driving can be simply performed without a separate manipulation.
US08217865B2 Display apparatus and driving method for the same
A display apparatus includes a pixel array, a life control unit, a signal output unit, and a duty ratio transmission unit. The pixel array, including light-emitting elements constituting a screen, displays each frame of an image on the screen by emitting light having a luminance in accordance with a level of an image signal and continuously emits light from the screen within each frame for an amount of time specified by a duty ratio. The life control unit extends the life of the light-emitting elements by simultaneously adjusting the maximum permissible level of the image signal and the duty ratio. The signal output unit drives the screen to display an image by outputting an image signal adjusted within the maximum permissible level to the pixel array. The duty ratio transmission unit for enabling the screen to emit light for an amount of time specified transmitting an adjusted duty ratio to the pixel array.
US08217864B2 Display device
A display device in which the current load of wirings are distributed and display variations due to voltage drop are suppressed. An active matrix display device of the invention comprises a first current input terminal, a second current input terminal, and a plurality of current supply lines extending parallel to each other. Each current supply line is connected to a plurality of driving transistors in a line. One end of each current supply line is connected to the first current input terminal via a first wiring intersecting with the current supply lines, and the other end thereof is connected to the second current input terminal via a second wiring intersecting with the current supply lines. Accordingly, a current is supplied to each current supply line from both the first and the second current input terminals. The first and the second current input terminals are provided separately from each other.
US08217863B2 Light emitting display, display panel, and driving method thereof
A light emitting display for compensating for the threshold voltage of transistor or mobility and fully charging a data line. A transistor and first through third switches are formed on a pixel circuit of an organic EL display. The transistor supplies a driving current for emitting an organic EL element (OLED). The first switch diode-connects the transistor. A first storage unit stores a first voltage corresponding to a threshold voltage of the transistor. A second switch transmits a data current in response to a select signal. A second storage unit stores a second voltage corresponding to the data current. A third switch transmits the driving current to the OLED. A third voltage determined by coupling of the first and second storage units is applied to a transistor to supply the driving current to the OLED.
US08217862B2 Display apparatus, driving method for display apparatus and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus, including: a pixel array section having a plurality of pixels each including an electro-optical element, a writing transistor, a driving transistor, and a holding capacitor; a power supply scanning circuit; and a signal outputting circuit; wherein the power supply scanning circuit is operable to supply a second power supply potential to initialize the potential of a second electrode of the driving transistor and then change over the potential of a power supply line to a first power supply potential; and the signal outputting circuit is operable to output, when the writing transistor is in a conducting state, a first reference potential, supply, midway while a threshold value correction process is carried out, a second reference potential, output a third reference potential within a period within which the writing transistor remains in the conducting state, and output a image signal after the threshold correction process ends.
US08217860B2 Method and device for measuring panel current
A method of measuring a panel current in an active matrix organic electroluminescence display panel, wherein when a current flowing through a display panel when one or a plurality of pixels are caused to emit light is measured, a flow-in current flowing into the display panel from a side of a high voltage and a flow-out current flowing out from the display panel toward a side of a low voltage are simultaneously measured, and a value of a panel current is determined using both obtained measurement results.
US08217859B2 Plasma display device and driving method thereof with an initial driving waveform
A method of driving a plasma display device having a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to one another in a discharge cell, including applying a first waveform at least once to the first electrode, the first waveform including a gradual increase from a first voltage to a second voltage followed by a gradual decrease from a third voltage to a fourth voltage, and applying a second waveform at least once to the first electrode after the first waveform is applied to the first electrode, the second waveform including a gradual increase from a fifth voltage to a sixth voltage followed by a gradual decrease from a seventh voltage to an eighth voltage. The first and second waveforms may be applied to the first electrode after turning on the plasma display device and before a display operation is performed.
US08217852B2 Compact loaded-waveguide element for dual-band phased arrays
An array antenna is provided that operates at high-band and low-band, comprising a first array of high-band radiators and a second array of low-band radiators, each respective low-band radiator disposed so as to be interleaved between the high-band radiators so as to share an aperture with the high-band radiators. Each low-band radiator comprises a coaxial section, a dielectric section, a waveguide, and a planar section. The dielectric section is formed of a continuous piece of dielectric material and includes a hollow opening formed perpendicular to the coaxial section, and a plurality of step transitions, wherein at least one of the step transitions is disposed within and partially fills the waveguide operably coupled to the planar section. The planar section is oriented to the portion of high-band radiators such that the output of the respective low-band radiator is disposed between and within the spacing between adjacent high-band-radiators.
US08217851B2 Dual band antenna
A dual band antenna is provided. The dual band antenna includes a radiating element, a grounding element, and a connection element. The radiating element has a first radiating portion and a second radiating portion, wherein the second radiating portion extends from the first radiating portion in a first direction parallel to the grounding element. The connecting element extends in a second direction and is connected between the radiating element and the grounding element, wherein the connecting element has a first end connected to the radiating element and a second end connected to the grounding element with an including angle between 0° and 90°, and a configuration including the connecting element, the radiating element and the grounding element has a Z-like shape.
US08217850B1 Adjustable beamwidth aviation antenna with directional and omni-directional radiation modes
The present invention is an adjustable beamwidth, loaded monopole antenna array. The array may include four monopole antennas. Each of the antennas may include a generally symmetric, tapered radiating element and an inductive shorting wall element. The array may further include a capacitive top hat element which may be connected to each of the antennas. The array may further include a ground plane element which may be connected to each of the antennas. The array may further include a plurality of feed posts which may be connected to the antennas. Further, each feed post may be connected to a power feed line. Each radiating element may be variably phase-fed and/or uniformly phase-fed for allowing the antenna array to effect a directional beam and/or an omni-directional beam.
US08217849B2 Small profile antenna and RFID device having same
An antenna system for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag in one embodiment includes a base portion; at least one angled portion oriented to have a tangential angle of between about 1 degree and about 179 degrees from a plane of the base portion; and an antenna trace on the at least one angled portion. An antenna system for an RFID tag in another embodiment includes a base portion; at least one angled portion having at least two sections each oriented to have a tangential angle of between about 1 degree and about 179 degrees from a plane of the base portion, the two sections having different overall angles relative to the base portion; and an antenna trace on the at least one angled portion. Additional systems and methods are presented.
US08217847B2 Low loss, variable phase reflect array
There is disclosed reflect array including a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may support a first array of phasing elements and a second array of phasing element, where the elements of the first array have a first shape and the elements of the second array may have a second shape different from the first shape. The second surface may support a conductive layer.
US08217844B2 Antenna for receiving electric waves, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device with the antenna
An antenna for receiving electric waves, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device with the antenna are provided. The antenna includes a substrate, a grounding unit, a radiator, a coupling unit, and a signal transmission line. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other. The grounding unit is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The radiator is disposed on the second surface of the substrate and connected to the grounding unit. The coupling unit is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and partially overlaps the projection of the radiator. The signal transmission line includes a signal line and a ground line, the signal line being connected to the coupling unit while the ground line being connected to the grounding unit.
US08217841B2 Frequency tunable antenna
There is provided an antenna for tuning a resonant frequency. The antenna includes a first and a second arms connected to the antenna feeding portion at a common end thereof. The second arm has each of the plurality of branches including a switch for selecting a length of an electrical loop formed by the second arm and an end of a ground plane, each of the switches is connected to the ground plane. A first resonant frequency performed by the first arm is higher than a second resonant frequency by the second arm when each of the switches is open, and the first resonant frequency is lower than a third resonant frequency by the second arm when one of the switches is selected to connect the second arm and the ground plane so that the length of the electrical loop is maximum.
US08217840B2 Dual-band antenna assembly
A dual-band antenna assembly is positioned on a substrate, and includes an insulation body, a plane antenna and a microstrip antenna. The insulation body includes a plane surface paralleled to the substrate, and a side surface perpendicularly extending from edges of the plane surface to the substrate. The plane antenna includes a first feed portion and a first radiator. The first feed portion passes through the substrate to the plane surface of the insulation body. The first radiator is substantially positioned on a center of the plane surface of the insulation body, and electrically connected to the first feed portion. The microstrip antenna includes a second feed portion and a second radiator. The second radiator is a microstrip, electrically connected to the second feed portion and positioned on the side surface of the insulation body.
US08217839B1 Stripline antenna feed network
A stripline antenna feed network is described. The stripline antenna feed network may comprise a first stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters and one or more matched splitters; and a second stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters. A method of manufacturing a stripline antenna feed network may comprise operably coupling a first stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters and one or more matched splitters to a second stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters.
US08217838B2 System and method for using data phase to reduce position ambiguities
A geographic tracking system with minimal power and size required at the mobile terminal collects observation data at the mobile terminal and forwards the data to a processor, which calculates the position. The mobile terminal is configured to measure both code phase and data phase of a GPS satellite signal. The code phase and data phase information enables the processor to reduce the number of candidate points to be considered.
US08217836B1 Tactical relative navigation using orientation transfer and ranging
A navigation system/solution, suitable for use in a GPS-denied environment, may be implemented via a node, the node being mounted on-board a vehicle, such as a tactical aircraft. The system/solution allows for a single component of the node to obtain/determine a bearing measurement (via an orientation transfer scheme) and a range measurement (via a round trip timing scheme) based upon signals transmitted between the node and a second node, and further allows for the bearing and range measurements to be received and processed by a navigation processor of the node for determining a location of the node.
US08217831B2 System for determining relief on a granule filling surface in a petrochemical reactor
The invention relates to a system for determining relief on a granule filling surface in a petrochemical reactor, the filling direction in which the reactor is filled defining a vertical direction, the reactor having a central vertical axis, the system including a transmitter configured to be positioned above the filling surface in such a manner as to transmit a signal to various points of said surface. The system includes shift means for shifting the transmitter about the central axis of the reactor through an angle that is great than 60°.
US08217828B2 Systems and methods for generation of comprehensive airspace weather condition display from shared aircraft sensor data by a transmitting aircraft
Systems and methods communicate sensor data pertaining to detected weather between aircraft. An exemplary system has at least one sensor on a transmitting aircraft that is configured to detect weather and configured to output sensor data, and a transceiver that is configured to receive a query from a requesting aircraft for the sensor data and that is configured to transmit a signal with the sensor data for receipt by the requesting aircraft in response to receiving the query. Upon receipt by the requesting aircraft, the received sensor data of the transmitting aircraft may then be fused with sensor data of the requesting aircraft for a geographic region of interest to extend the effective sensor coverage and to resolve at least one of a location conflict and a severity conflict between the sensor data of the transmitting aircraft and the requesting aircraft.
US08217827B2 Radar method and apparatus suitable for use in multipath environments
A method and system for locating objects in a region having a high degree of multipath susceptibility comprises a plurality of transducers, each being a transmit or receive antenna, and being arranged about the region in known locations, to form a bistatic or multistatic radar, with some embodiments being MIMO systems. Signals transmitted by the transmit antenna(s) are received at each receive antenna and processed to form a set of channel impulse responses, or power delay profiles, representative of the region at a given time. A second set is formed at a different time, and the difference between the two sets is calculated, the difference containing information on movement within the region. The difference may be processed to localize the moving object(s) by graphical means, e.g. by generating an x-y image representative of the region, and accumulating at each pixel appropriate values of the profile difference selected according to the propagation delay between a transmit-receive antenna pair via a region point represented by the pixel.
US08217825B2 Remote controller to set operating mode using angles, method of setting operating mode thereof, and method of determining host device
A remote controller, a method of setting an operating mode thereof, and a method of determining a host device. The remote controller includes an angle detection unit to set a direction of an end of the remote controller to be a reference axis if a manipulation is input, and to detect a rotational angle between the reference axis and the front end axis of the remote controller if the remote controller rotates, and a controlling unit to control the remote controller to operate in an operating mode corresponding to the rotational angle.
US08217824B2 Analog-to-digital converter timing circuits
An analog-to-digital converter timing circuit disclosed herein uses a clock generation circuit that makes the analog-to-digital converter insensitive to input clock duty cycle. Minimum clock jitter is added to the clock signal while propagating through the disclosed circuit. A method and system are also disclosed to clock an interleaved pipelined ADC such that the operation is insensitive to input clock duty cycle and such that the clock jitter on the sampling clock edges is minimized.
US08217815B2 Sigma-delta modulator with shared operational amplifier and associated method
A Sigma-Delta modulator with a shared operational amplifier (op-amp) includes an integrated circuit, having two integrators sharing the op-amp, capable of integrating two input signals of the two integrators; a plurality of quantizers, coupled to the integrating circuit, for comparing outputting signals of the integrators with a predetermined signal and then generating digital outputting signals; a plurality of DACs, respectively coupled to the quantizers, for converting the digital outputting signals to analog feedback signals to the integrators; and a clock generator, for providing clock signals to the integrating circuit and the quantizers. Accordingly, layout area and power consumption of the modulator are reduced due to the shared op-amp.
US08217813B2 System and method for low-latency data compression/decompression
A compression technique includes storing respective fixed-size symbols for each of a plurality of words in a data block, e.g., a cache line, into a symbol portion of a compressed data block, e.g., a compressed cache line, where each of the symbols provides information about a corresponding one of the words in the data block. Up to a first plurality of data segments are stored in a data portion of the compressed data block, each data segment corresponds to a unique one of the symbols in the compressed data block and a unique one of the words in the cache line. Up to a second plurality of dictionary entries are stored in the data portion of the compressed cache line. The dictionary entries can correspond to multiple ones of the symbols.
US08217811B2 Bitcount determination for iterative signal coding
Methods and apparatus for iteratively encoding a portion of a signal are described in which the portion of the signal is quantised and an output bit count is estimated based on the sum of logarithms to base n of values of each sample in the plurality of quantised samples and the total number of samples. The output bit count corresponds to an estimate of the output bit count for the portion of the signal once encoded using a code, such as a Huffman code.
US08217809B2 Low power sensing via resistive sensor matrix
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to input devices. In one embodiment, an input device comprises a sensor matrix having first and second pluralities of conductors, a plurality of first resistors, a voltage-applying mechanism configured to apply a selected voltage to each second conductor of the plurality of second conductors, a plurality of sensors, a scanning sensing circuit, and a wake-up sensing circuit. Each first resistor is connected in series between a first voltage and a conductor of the plurality of first conductors. Each sensor includes a switch in series with a matrix resistor, and each sensor is connected to one of the plurality of first conductors and one of the plurality of second conductors. The scanning sensing circuit is connected to each of the plurality of first conductors, and the wake-up sensing circuit is connected to each of the plurality of second conductors.
US08217805B2 Address stripping in a meter reading wireless mesh network and associated system
A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having wireless meter reading nodes in communication with an access point. Each wireless meter reading node has an address associated therewith. The meter reading wireless mesh network is configured to define a given downstream route, from the access point to a given node via successive intermediate nodes, based upon addresses of the successive intermediate nodes and the given node. The respective address at each successive intermediate node is stripped while routing data along the given downstream route from the access point to the given node.
US08217794B2 Active RFID system for port logistics using multi-hop communication and communication method in the system
Provided are an active radio frequency identification (RFID) system for port logistics and a communication method in the RFID system in which the forms of commands and response messages in the current standard are not changed in order to maintain compatibility with the current standard and to support multi-hop communication and some fields that are not generally used are used so as to enable communication between a tag in a shadow area and a reader by multi-hop communication using other surrounding tags.
US08217791B2 Tracking unit
A tracking unit for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies or other property includes a housing containing a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phone transceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a theft, the microprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial the telephone number of a central monitoring station. The microprocessor obtains location data from the GPS receiver and transmits the location data, along with identification information, to the central monitoring station. The tracking unit also includes a separate, conventional RF beacon transmitter for allowing authorities to home-in on the tracking unit within a large building or other structure, either after the GPS signals are lost, or after the location of the tracking unit is localized to a specific building or area.
US08217787B2 Method and apparatus for multitouch text input
Text input may be entered on an electronic text input device by a user simultaneously contacting at least two of a plurality of discrete touch sensitive areas on a first surface of the device. A text character for input is determined, based on the touch sensitive areas which are detected as being simultaneously in contact with the user. The determined text character is locked by subsequent user action. A second surface of the device, such as that opposite the first surface, may include a display on which the determined text character and other information may be displayed.
US08217784B2 Battery-less emergency distress signal and position indication broadcasting methods and devices
A device for transmitting a distress signal is provided which includes: an impact surface; a power supply for generating electrical energy resulting from an impact force applied to the impact surface; and a transmitter powered by the power supply for transmitter the distress signal. The distress signal can be an RF signal, which can be polarized. The power supply can include one or more piezoelectric generators, at least one capacitor in which the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric generators is stored and/or an electronics component for regulating a generated voltage and for charging the capacitors. The device can also include a GPS receiver for receiving position data and providing such position data to the transmitter for inclusion into the distress signal.
US08217782B2 Industrial field device with reduced power consumption
A field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes two wire process control loop electrical connections. Digital communications monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrical connections and is configured to control power to the field device electrical circuitry in response to a digital signal on the two wire process control loop.
US08217779B2 Radio frequency identification device
An RFID device includes an analog block, a digital block, and a memory block. The analog block receives a radio frequency signal in order to output an operating command signal. The digital block outputs an address, an operating control signal, a temperature sensor activating signal, and a temperature compensating signal in response to the operating command signal. The memory block reads/writes data in a cell array having a plurality of nonvolatile ferroelectric capacitors. The memory block also has a temperature treating unit that sets a parameter value for temperature compensation in response to the temperature compensating signal, detects a temperature change state in an RFID tag in response to the temperature sensor activating signal, and compares the temperature change state with the parameter value. The parameter value is changed according to the comparison result and outputs a digital code value corresponding to the temperature change state.
US08217778B1 Brake light switch for engine brake systems
Brake light circuits for use with engine brakes for both positive switch and negative switch brake light circuits. The brake light circuits for the engine brakes do not function until the engine brake solenoids are energized. This ensures that only true brake indications are indicated. In the case of the positive switch, the circuit uses a relay in parallel with the existing brake light switch to active the brake lights whenever the engine brake solenoids are energized. In the case of the negative switch circuit, the original brake pedal switch is connected to ground. It is used to operate a brake light relay that sends positive power to the brake lights. A second relay is used to close the ground connection to activate the original engine brake relay. In both cases, diodes are used to prevent back feed through the bake solenoids or other components.
US08217777B2 Vehicle environmental service system
A vehicle environmental service system includes an in-vehicle information terminal mounted in a vehicle, a center server provided in a center, and a provider terminal managed by an affiliated service provider providing various services to users. The in-vehicle information terminal is capable of communicating with the provider terminal directly or through the center server. The in-vehicle information terminal or the center server has a point calculating unit for determining whether safety driving and/or ecological driving is being performed with respect to each of the users based on prescribed criteria and calculating the number of points to be awarded based on the result of the determination. The center server has a database for managing total number of points obtained by accumulating the number of points to be awarded with respect to each of the users. The provider terminal has a service providing unit for providing a prescribed service in exchange for a prescribed number of points in the database and an advertisement generating unit for generating advertisement information of the affiliated service provider. The in-vehicle information terminal has a unit enabling the in-vehicle information terminal to receive the advertisement information from the provider terminal directly or through the center server.
US08217776B2 Tire pressure sensor location identification
A sensor location identification system may include a plurality of front and rear sensors, a transmitter, and a receiver module. The plurality of front sensors may be connected to a plurality of front tires and may generate first wireless signals indicative of a rotational direction of a corresponding one of said plurality of front tires. The plurality of rear sensors may be connected to a plurality of rear tires and may generate second wireless signals indicative of a rotational direction of a corresponding one of the plurality of rear tires. The transmitter may transmit a location signal received by the plurality of rear sensors. The receiver module may receive the first and second wireless signals and may determine a location of each of the plurality of front and rear tires based on the first and second wireless signals. The second wireless signals may indicate receipt of the location signal.
US08217771B2 Method and system for determining deviation of dynamic location
A method and a system of determining the deviation of dynamic position are provided. The determining method includes the follow steps. First, a server receives a plurality of first position data from a first mobile device. Next, the server receives a plurality of second position data from a second mobile device. Then, the server transmits the first position data to the second mobile device. Thereon, the server transmits the second position data to the first mobile device. Later, the server determines whether the first mobile device and the second mobile device deviate from each other according to the first position data and the second position data.
US08217769B2 Actuating a tactile sensation in response to a sensed event
Systems and methods for actuating a tactile stimulation in response to detecting a specific event associated with exposure to a particular environmental or physiological condition are described herein. A tactile stimulation device, according to one of several implementations, comprises a sensing layer, an actuating layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer, which is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition, is configured to sense when a specific event associated with exposure to the particular condition occurs. The actuating layer is configured to provide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific event occurs. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layer with respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by the actuating layer. The sensing layer, actuating layer, and adhesive layer can be bonded together to form a relatively flat structure.
US08217768B2 Video reproduction apparatus and method for providing haptic effects
An apparatus and method for allowing a user to dynamically enjoy a video. A difference between image data is computed at every preset unit of time and a vibration corresponding to the computed difference is generated so that the user can sense a motion change of an object within the video. Upon video reproduction, scenes are displayed by applying the lighting effect of a strobe light or the like between the scenes to be reproduced. Upon video reproduction, more enjoyment and various haptic effects can be provided to the user.
US08217764B2 Subarea control system of electrical lighting separated by a demarcation repeater
A subarea control system of electrical lighting separated by a demarcation repeater 6 comprises: a bus power supply 5 connected to the electric supply 1; at least a demarcation repeater 6 connected to the bus power supply 5 via a bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2 to establish a contact with the uplink bus, while the demarcation repeater 6 need to be connected to the electric supply 1; a system controller 7 connected to the bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2 to form a transmission path 9 so as to broadcast the system instructions within the whole system; at least a subarea controller 8 connected to the bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2; at least a group of lamp controllers 3 respectively connected to the bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2 to receive the information instructions and to access the electric supply 1; the subarea controller 8 and the lamp controllers 3 form a subarea instruction transmission path 10 whose boundary is the demarcation repeater 6, and the subarea instructions are valid on the subarea instruction transmission path 10.
US08217763B2 Lighting device for floors
The invention relates to a lighting device, particularly a lighting tile (100, 100′) for paving e.g. a floor area (1), comprising a light emitting unit and an associated control unit. The control unit is adapted to detect the presence of a first nearby object (3) and to receive wireless signals from a second nearby object, for example from an RFID-tag (2) and/or an NFC-based device, carried by the first object (3). The lighting device may for instance be used in a method for guiding passengers through a public space like an airport.
US08217760B2 Applique nodes for performance and functionality enhancement in radio frequency identification systems
In an RFID system with existing reader and tags communicating with each other, appliqués derive information by listening to this communication to yield significant performance benefits, while not affecting the communication between the existing nodes. For example, an appliqué capable of receiving beamforming can estimate the angle of arrival of the signal emitted by a tag, thereby providing information that can be used to localize the tag. An appliqué may be connected to an existing reader by means of an existing port, such as to an antenna port or to an Ethernet port. The information from appliqués can be integrated with that obtained from existing nodes at either the appliqués, or further up the hierarchy in middleware.
US08217755B2 Vehicle with controlled door operation
Doors of a vehicle, such as a delivery vehicle, are controlled based on user inputs. A user may input a vehicle exit mode and stop the vehicle. When an exit mode has been input and the stopping of the vehicle has been sensed, an exit door of the vehicle is opened, with the door being selected based upon said exit mode.
US08217754B1 System, method and computer program product for remotely actuating a lock via a cellular communication link
A wireless lock actuating system allows user to remotely toggle an existing device between operating and non-operating modes. The system preferably includes a lock and a user interface that generates input signals upon receiving corresponding user inputs respectively. A communications network is communicatively linked to the user interface for transferring the input signals to a remote location, and a service provider is communicatively coupled to the user interface via the communications network. The service provider is responsive to the input signals by generating and transmitting instruction signals and inquiry signals upon receiving corresponding ones of the inputs signals respectively. A controller generates and transmits control signals to the lock upon receiving the instruction signals respectively. Thus, the lock is automatically toggled between locked and unlocked modes upon receiving the control signals from the controller respectively.
US08217753B2 Electronics antitheft authorizing unit
Locked electronic device, e.g., a device which produces a video output, such as a game console or TV. The device is shipped in a locked state, and cannot be used as a game console or a TV until it is unlocked. The unlocking is carried out by a code. The code is provided separately from the device, and only once authorized sale is detected.
US08217742B2 Dual independent push button rotary knob assembly
The present invention includes a knob assembly which provides rotational movement and translational travel along an axis of dual and independent rotary knobs. The present invention controls electronics within a housing, without requiring protrusion into the housing. Having no protrusions into the housing avoids exposure of the electronics within the housing to environmental contaminants or electromagnetic interference. The components of the dual independent push button rotary knob assembly may operate without need for O-rings, gaskets, or any other applied sealants to prevent containments from entering the housing. Assembly of the knob assembly is simplified, because the rotary knob assembly may be installed and replaced without any tools and without need to access the interior of the housing. Furthermore, if any part of the assembly is damaged, the rotary knob assembly, in part or whole, may be replaced without compromising any seal provided to the exterior surfaces of the housing.
US08217739B2 Micro switch
A micro switch is disclosed and includes a bracket, at least one conductive terminal assembly, a push rod and an electro-magnet. The conductive terminal assembly has a first terminal, an elastically conductive plate, a spring and a second terminal. A first end of the spring is hooked on the first terminal, and a second end thereof is hooked on the elastically conductive plate. The push rod is slidably installed on the bracket, and has a recess, a sliding inclined surface and a top flat surface. The push rod can be slid to cause the spring to slide into the recess and onto the top flat surface. Thus, the spring can actuate the elastically conductive plate to pivotally rotate and abut against the second terminal. Thus, the structure of the micro switch is simplified and the installation thereof is easier.
US08217733B2 Information processing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An information processing apparatus having a non-contact IC portion which performs radio communication with a reader/writer is provided. The non-contact IC portion includes: capacitors connected so that capacitance can be changed between multiple stages; a coil connected to the capacitors; and a switching portion which turns on/off connection of the capacitors so that a resonance frequency expressed based on capacitance of the capacitors and inductance of the coil is set within a given effective resonance frequency range.
US08217730B1 High power waveguide cluster circulator
A waveguide circulator includes a waveguide junction made from a thermally conductive material and having three ports, and a ferrite cluster housed within the waveguide junction so as to be in communication with the ports. The ferrite cluster includes a plurality of ferrite segments extending from a central point of the ferrite cluster. Each ferrite segment is spaced apart from an adjacent ferrite segments by a gap. Thermal spacers made of a thermally conductive material are disposed in the gaps. Each thermal spacer is thermally coupled to the adjacent ferrite segments and the waveguide junction so as to conduct heat away from the adjacent ferrite segments to the waveguide junction. The ferrite cluster can also be used with other junction circulators including stripline junction circulators designed for high peak power applications.
US08217727B1 Slew rate edge enhancer
A slew rate enhancing system is disclosed. The slew rate enhancing system includes a first switch and a second switch each having a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminals of the first and second switches receive a first signal of a differential signal pair. The control terminals of the first and second switches receive a second signal of the differential signal pair. A first output is connected to the second terminals of the first and second switches.
US08217725B2 Electrical circuit and ring oscillator circuit including even-number inverters
An electrical circuit includes a first path including even-number inverters connected in series from a first node serving as an input side to a second node serving as an output side, a second path including even-number inverters connected in series from the second node serving as an input side to the first node serving as an output side, a latch circuit providing a connection between the first node and the second node such that a logical value of the first node and a logical value of the second node are opposite to each other, and one or more control signal paths to supply one or more control signals to the latch circuit to provide and sever a connection between the latch circuit and a power supply.
US08217723B2 Low noise amplifier circuit
Low noise amplifier circuit. The low noise amplifier circuit includes an amplifier that amplifies an input to provide an output. The amplifier is coupled to an input terminal. The circuit also includes a device in a cascode connection with the amplifier. The circuit further includes a tuning circuit coupled to the device to phase shift the output. Further, the circuit includes a feedback circuit that is responsive to a phase-shifted output to enhance gain of the amplifier. The feedback circuit is coupled to the tuning circuit and the amplifier.
US08217722B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier comprises: an amplifying transistor for amplifying an input signal; a reference voltage generating circuit which generates a reference voltage; a bias circuit generating a bias voltage based on the reference voltage and supplying the bias voltage to the amplifying transistor; and a booster elevating an enable voltage input from outside and outputting the enable voltage. The reference voltage generating circuit is turned ON/OFF in correspondence with an output voltage of the booster. The booster includes: an enable terminal to which the enable voltage is applied; a power source terminal connected to a power source; a transistor having a control electrode connected to the enable terminal, a first electrode connected to the power source terminal, and a second electrode that is grounded; and a FET resistor connected between the first electrode of the transistor and the power source terminal. A gate electrode of the FET resistor is open.
US08217721B1 Slew rate enhancing circuit
A slew rate enhancing circuit is disclosed. A current mirror circuit generates a mirrored current according to a current source, and the mirrored current is adaptively provided for an amplifier. A switch circuit is electrically coupled with the current source and the current mirror circuit. The switch circuit includes a first branch and a second branch that are coupled in parallel, wherein passage of the first branch and passage of the second branch are respectively controlled by a first switch and a second switch according to the non-inverting input voltage and the inverting input voltage.
US08217719B2 Variable gain RF amplifier
A variable gain amplifier having an input node, a variable current source including a control input coupled to the input node, first and second branches coupled in parallel between a first supply terminal and the variable current source, the first and second branches defining a differential pair arranged to be controlled by first and second differential gain signals and having first and second output terminals, one of the output terminals including an output node of the variable gain amplifier; and a potential divider having a middle node coupled to the first and second output terminals, wherein the middle node is also coupled to the input node by a capacitor.
US08217718B2 Highly efficient class-D amplifier
A simplistic low cost circuit that generates the necessary drive voltage for use in a source follower totem pole power switching circuit is described where the simplified gate drive circuit may have a dual charge pump and a complementary pair of low-power switching Mosfets.
US08217717B1 Linear detector with added diode feedback loop
A linear diode detector having an increased dynamic range and an improved sensitivity level is described. The linear diode detector includes a signal input that receives a sample of output power from a power amplifier (PA). A detector output provides a voltage signal that is usable by power control circuitry to maintain a constant output power for the PA. A rectifier diode has an anode communicatively coupled to the signal input, and a cathode that is communicatively coupled to the detector output. A low pass filter is communicatively coupled to the detector output to filter out high frequency components of a rectified sample of output power. The anode of a feedback diode is communicatively coupled to the detector output, and the cathode of the feedback diode is communicatively coupled to the anode of the rectifier diode in order to feedback a portion of the voltage signal to increase detection sensitivity.
US08217714B2 Microcomputer including remote controlled light-receiving device with power supply switch
A power consumption of a light-receiving device is reduced while a power consumption of a microcomputer that controls the light-receiving device is reduced as well. The microcomputer is structured to include a drive circuit, a sampling/detection circuit, a timer, a system clock generation circuit, a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. The CPU stops providing the light-receiving device with a power supply by turning off a P channel type MOS transistor with the drive circuit and sets the microcomputer in a standby state for a predetermined period of time. When the microcomputer is released from the standby state, the CPU starts providing the light receiving device with the power supply by turning the P channel type MOS transistor on with the drive circuit.
US08217713B1 High precision current reference using offset PTAT correction
A device for providing a high precision current reference comprising a PTAT generator circuit for supplying a voltage, a high precision current reference offset generator circuit for generating a high precision current offset to compensate for variation in a resistance component due to variation in temperature, and a current adding circuit for aggregating the current from the PTAT generator circuit and the current from the high precision current reference offset generator circuit. In one embodiment, a high precision current reference generated is substantially independent of temperature. On-chip resistors may be used to design a high precision current reference. Accordingly, high precision current reference generated maintains high precision with zero temperature co-efficient using on-chip resistors that are substantially cheaper than off-chip resistors.
US08217711B2 Charge pump with self-timing and method
With conventional charge pumps, significant noise is present due at least in part to large changes in the supply current. To combat this problem, a charge pump is provided that includes a number of stages. These stages are coupled to receive periodic alternating voltages having a phase shift with respect to each other so that the changes in the supply current are reduced, which reduces noise.
US08217710B2 Fuse for use in high-integrated semiconductor device
The invention relates to a semiconductor device comprising a fuse that is implemented as a bar type pattern that forms a straight line instead of a pattern that is difficult to secure a manufacturing margin. A fuse block including a plurality of fuses comprises a plurality of first connection parts, each including a blowing area, a plurality of second connection parts, wherein the plurality of the second connection parts and the plurality of the corresponding first connection parts respectively form part of the fuse, and a common connection unit configured to electrically connect the plurality of the first connection parts and the plurality of the second connection parts.
US08217699B2 Apparatus for generating a plurality of signals
An apparatus for generating a plurality of signals is provided. The apparatus provided includes a first signal generation unit, including an input receiving a reference signal, and a plurality of outputs providing a first plurality of output signals being generated based on the reference signal, wherein any two of the output signals have a different phase. The apparatus provided further includes a second signal generation unit, including at least two inputs receiving at least two signals selected from the first plurality of output signals generated by the first signal generation unit, and a plurality of outputs providing a second plurality of output signals generated by interpolating the respective phases of the received at least two signals selected from the first plurality of output signals. The apparatus provided further includes a selection unit, including a first plurality of inputs receiving the first plurality of output signals generated by the first signal generation unit, a second plurality of inputs receiving the second plurality of output signals generated by the second signal generation unit, and a plurality of outputs providing the plurality of signals wherein each of the signals is selected from the first plurality of output signals generated by the first signal generation unit and the second plurality of output signals generated by the second signal generation unit, wherein any two signals of the plurality of signals have a different phase.
US08217697B2 Fault tolerant redundant clock circuit
A clock generation circuit, includes, in part, a comparator, a logic unit, and a switching circuit. The switching circuit generates a signal that is applied to the comparator. If the input voltage level of the signal applied to the comparator is greater than a first reference voltage, the comparator asserts its first output signals. If the input voltage level of the signal applied to the comparator is less than a second reference voltage, the comparator asserts its second output signal. The output signals of the comparator form a first pair of feedback signals applied to the switching circuit. The logic unit responds to the output signals of the comparator to generate a second pair of oscillating feedback signals that are also applied to the switching circuit. The switching circuit varies a capacitor voltage in response to a reference current and in response to the two pairs of feedback signals it receives.
US08217690B2 Frequency synthesizer
A frequency synthesizer comprises a VCO group; a phase comparator; and a loop filter. Each VCO includes a varactor and a capacitor bank including a plurality of weighted capacitance elements, and a plurality of switches turned ON and OFF based on a control signal. Also provided a temperature compensation including a varactor correction potential generation circuit, a correction potential generation circuit for parasitic capacitance of the capacitor bank, a variable gain amplifier in which weighting processing, based on a control signal of the capacitor bank, is performed on an output potential of the correction potential generation circuit, and an adder circuit that adds the output voltage of the correction potential generation circuit of the varactor and output voltage of the variable gain amplifier, and the varactor of the VCO is controlled by output (correction potential) of the adder circuit.
US08217684B2 Fast and accurate current driver with zero standby current and features for boost and temperature compensation for MRAM write circuit
Systems and methods for realizing current drivers without current or voltage feedback for devices that require accurate current drive with zero standby current has been disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention this current driver is applied for write circuits for MRAMs. A fast and accurate reference current is generated by diode voltage divided by resistor without any feedback. The diode current is not fed back from the reference current. The diode current is generated from a regulated voltage. Temperature compensation of the write current is inherently built in the diode current reference. Fine-tuning of the temperature coefficient is achieved by mixing poly and diffusion resistors. A switch inserted in the current driver can turn on the driver fast and without a need for standby current. Leading boost in the current driver can fast charge the large coupling capacitance of word and bit lines and speed up write timing.
US08217683B2 Phase-detector for detecting phase difference of [PI]2N
A basic symmetric Π/2 phase-detector receives four control signals that control a differential current at the detector's output. Each respective control signal is a linear combination of a respective pair of signals chosen from a first input signal, its logic complement, a second input signal and the logic complement of the latter. Operation is based on time-averaging the differential current, the result being zero at a phase difference of Π/2. By means of adding one or more additional current sources to the output, controlled by one or more of the control signals, the basic operation is skewed. The time-averaged output current is now made zero only at a value of the phase difference different from Π/2. In an embodiment with uniform current sources and resistors, the modified detector is configured for a phase difference of Π/2N .
US08217682B1 Output driver and operation thereof
Embodiments of an integrated circuit driver, a method for operating integrated circuit driver, and predrivers are described. In one embodiment of the integrated circuit driver, a bias control circuit provides a bias signal for a first mode and a second mode. The bias signal has a first voltage level associated with operation in the first mode and a second voltage level associated with operation in the second mode. An output driver circuit receives the bias signal. In the first mode, the output driver circuit operates as a supply referenced driver, and in the second mode, the output driver circuit operates as a ground referenced driver.
US08217681B2 Configurable input port of an electronic computer of a motor vehicle
An input port (2) of an electronic computer (4) of a motor vehicle includes: i) a plurality of pull-up loads (230a), each pull-up load being coupled to a power supply line (21) and to an input line (20) and including at least one transistor (231a) forming a current mirror with a first current reference module (232a), and ii) a plurality of pull-down loads (230b), each pull-down load being coupled to a ground line (22) and to the input line (20) and including at least one transistor (231b) forming a current mirror with a second current reference module (232b). Each pull-up load and each pull-down load includes a switch (233a, 233b) and the input port is configurable by ordering the closure or opening of each switch. An input circuit (3) including at least one input port and an electronic computer of a motor vehicle including the input circuit are described.
US08217676B2 Organic light emitting display device and mother substrate of the same
An organic light emitting display device may include a plurality of pixels, a plurality of scan lines for selectively applying a scan signal to the pixels, a plurality of data lines crossing the scan lines for applying a data signal to the respective pixels, a scan driver for applying a scan signal to the scan lines, and at least one first testing unit electrically connected to the scan driver, wherein at least one output line of the first testing unit is electrically connected to the scan driver, and at least one other output line of the first testing unit is electrically disconnected and in an electrically open state.
US08217673B2 Method and circuit for testing integrated circuit
A test controller switches the operation of output stages in an integrated circuit between a normal operation mode and a test mode. The output stages are respectively connected to switch elements. A level shifter generates a switch signal for controlling activation and deactivation of the switch elements in accordance with the normal operation mode and the test mode.
US08217672B2 Test apparatus, test method, and manufacturing method
An apparatus includes: a strip line cell 100 having a first conductor board that has the width larger than the width of RFID tag T1 that receives a predetermined radio wave signal and reacts, to which first conductor board an electric signal that corresponds to the radio wave signal is supplied from outside, and a second conductor board opposed to the first conductor board, wherein the RFID tag T1 is arranged on other side with the opposite side opposed to the second conductor board, of the first conductor board that transmits the radio wave signal with an output according to an electric power that the electric signal possesses; a reader writer 20 that supplies the electric signal to the first conductor board of the strip line cell 100; and a computer 30 that confirms presence of reaction in the RFID tag T1.
US08217670B2 Label-free sensor
The invention provides a label-free sensor that includes a substrate, a first electrode formed on the substrate, a second electrode formed on the substrate and spaced away from the first electrode, and a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate and being in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The semiconductor layer has a plurality of probe groups bonded to the semiconductor layer by functionalization, for sensing a coupling-specific substance having bonding specificity with the probe groups. The semiconductor layer is bonded with the probe groups, and the detection of detected object is performed in an instant, quick, rapid, and sensitive manner by measuring variation in electric current, avoiding the use of fluorescent reading equipment for reading fluorescent signals.
US08217668B2 Method for evaluation of the ground reinforcement effect using 4-D electrical resistivity monitoring
Disclosed is a method of evaluating a ground reinforcement effect using 4-D electrical resistivity monitoring, wherein the ground reinforcement is made up on an underground cavity through cement mortar grouting, the method including: (a) installing a survey line for measuring electrical resistivity in a ground reinforcement zone; (b) measuring the electrical resistivity of the ground reinforcement zone through the survey line before grouting mortar, and imaging three-dimensional electrical resistivity distribution in the ground reinforcement zone by applying a three-dimensional electrical resistivity inversion to the measured results; (c) measuring the electrical resistivity of the ground reinforcement zone through the survey line while or after grouting the mortar, and imaging the three-dimensional electrical resistivity distribution in the ground reinforcement zone by applying the three-dimensional electrical resistivity inversion to the measured results; and (d) calculating a change ratio of the electrical resistivity measured while or after the grouting in (c) to the electrical resistivity measured before the grouting in (b), and evaluating the ground reinforcement effect by imaging the three-dimensional electrical resistivity distribution in the ground reinforcement zone on the basis of the change ratio.
US08217665B2 Radio-frequency ion channel probe
A patch-clamp system employs a high-frequency characterization of cell wall membranes. Changes in the frequency response of a tank circuit incorporating the cell wall membrane impedance provides highly sensitive and highly time-resolved measurements of ion channel activity.
US08217664B2 Generating a time delayed event
A time period of an event is determined by charging a known value capacitor from a constant current source during the event. The resultant voltage on the capacitor is proportional to the event time period and may be calculated from the resultant voltage and known capacitance value. Capacitance is measured by charging a capacitor from a constant current source during a known time period. The resultant voltage on the capacitor is proportional to the capacitance thereof and may be calculated from the resultant voltage and known time period. A long time period event may be measured by charging a first capacitor at the start of the event and a second capacitor at the end of the event, while counting clock times there between. Delay of an event is done by charging voltages on first and second capacitors at beginning and end of event, while comparing voltages thereon with a reference voltage.
US08217663B2 Method for determining the layer thickness of a TBC coating of at least one blade of a non-positive-displacement machine, a corresponding TBC layer thickness measuring device for carrying out the method and use of the method and the TBC layer thickness measuring device
A method determines the layer thickness of a TBC coating of at least one blade of a non-positive-displacement machine. To this end, at least one electromagnetic wave is emitted to the surface of the at least one blade, the at least one electromagnetic wave is then at least partially reflected by the at least one blade, and the reflected portion of the at least one electromagnetic wave is received and subsequently processed. In addition, the at least one electromagnetic wave is emitted with a frequency matched to the layer thickness of the TBC coating, and the phase of the at least one electromagnetic wave is compared with the phase of the at least one received electromagnetic wave. The at least one emitted electromagnetic wave undergoes a phase change during reflection and the layer thickness of the TBC coating is determined by the phase comparison.
US08217661B2 Apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable
An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable. The apparatus includes a sensor element, and at least one electronics unit, which, for measuring the process variable, supplies the sensor element with an electrical exciter signal, receives an electrical measurement signal from the sensor element and evaluates the measurement signal with respect to the process variable. An analog-digital converter is provided in the electronics unit. For measuring the process variable, the electronics unit supplies the sensor element with a first exciter signal and a second exciter signal, timewise one after the other, in such a manner, that the first exciter signal and the second exciter signal have a settable phase (φ)relative to one another.
US08217653B2 Multi-channel RF coil system with multi-channel RF coil transceiver detecting more than one frequency at the same time for magnetic resonance imaging systems and methods
An RF coil system for magnetic resonance applications includes a multi-channel RF coil transceiver and a multi-channel RF coil. The RF coil system is structured for reconfiguration between a plurality of operational modes.
US08217651B2 Amplified radiation damping for MR imaging and spectroscopy
An imaging system including an imaging apparatus having a plurality of coils, wherein an imaging target is at least partially disposed proximate the coils with at least one excitation source providing pulse sequences. A switch switchably connects the pulse sequences from the excitation source to the coils and switchably connecting to spatially encoded images from the coils during data acquisition. There is an amplified radiation damping feedback section providing amplified radiation damping feedback to the imaging target, wherein the amplified radiation damping feedback provides recovery of longitudinal magnetization subsequent to the data acquisition, and a receiver section for processing the spatially encoded images.
US08217649B2 System for use in MR imaging using tissue mechanical resonance
A system for use in MR imaging using tissue mechanical resonance includes an external wave generator for generating mechanical waves for transmission through patient anatomy. An RF pulse generator generates an RF pulse for exciting nuclei magnetic moments at specific spin frequencies in a particular selected anatomical region of interest. A motion encoding gradient generator generates a motion encoding gradient magnetic field within a time duration of a read-out gradient and synchronized with generation of the mechanical waves. A data processor processes data derived from radio frequency signals resulting from nuclei spin frequencies responsive to the motion encoding gradient magnetic field to detect the mechanical waves propagating through the patient anatomy.
US08217647B2 Measuring agglutination parameters
A method and system for measuring agglutination in a target-induced agglutination assay with one or more magnetic particles is performed in a reaction chamber. After the magnetic particles, which are capable of binding to a target are provided in the assay, an agglutination process is performed resulting in agglutinated particles. Further an alternating current magnetic field (HAC) is applied to the assay. The method further includes measuring an effect of the HAC on the one or more magnetic particles unattached to any surface. The measured effect is indicative of one or more agglutination parameters.
US08217645B2 Position detecting system and position detecting method using an evaluation function
A position detecting system including: a detected object disposed in a space; and an external device disposed outside the space, wherein the detected object includes a resonant circuit, and the external device includes at least two drive coils; at least two drive-signal input units; at least one sense coil; a signal adjustment unit that adjusts a phase or amplitude of a drive signal using an evaluation function for evaluating the phase or the amplitude, based on an intensity of the magnetic field; and a position deriving unit that derives a position of the detected object based on a magnetic field detected by the sense coil, wherein the evaluation function derives a solution by adding or multiplying a weight set according to a positional relation between each drive coil and each sense coil to or by an intensity of a magnetic field detected by the sense coils.
US08217635B2 LDO with distributed output device
In one implementation, an apparatus includes a first input terminal configured to receive a bias voltage, the bias voltage received from a low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO) error amplifier, and a second input terminal configured to receive a supply voltage; a first output terminal configured to supply a feedback voltage, the feedback voltage supplied to the LDO error amplifier, and a second output terminal configured to supply regulated power to an associated load; a regulating portion configured to regulate power supplied to the associated load; and a switching portion configured to enable or disable the load from receiving the regulated power.
US08217634B2 Current control systems with current feedbacks
A current control system includes a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The second switch is coupled in parallel with the first switch and operable for providing a feedback signal indicative of a current flowing through the first switch. The feedback signal is determined by a width-to-length ratio of the first switch and a width-to-length ratio of the second switch. In addition, the controller is coupled to the first and second switches and operable for adjusting the current according to the feedback signal.
US08217632B2 Synchronous driver circuit and integrated circuit for use therein
The present invention discloses a synchronous driver circuit, comprising: an inductor having one end coupled to an input voltage; a first power transistor having one end coupled to the other end of the inductor and another end supplying an output voltage; a second power transistor having one end coupled to the other end of the inductor and another end coupled to ground; a control circuit for controlling the operation of the first and second power transistors; a gate driver coupled to the control circuit and having an output controlling the gate of the first power transistor; and a bootstrap capacitor having one end coupled to a voltage node and the other end coupled to the other end of the inductor, the voltage across the bootstrap capacitor being provided as the operational voltage of the gate driver.
US08217630B2 Electric load damper for damping torsional oscillation
An electric load damper assembly includes a synchronous generator operable to provide a plurality of phases of electrical output in response to a mechanical input from a rotating shaft. An electric load damper includes a phase leg for each of the plurality of phases. Each phase leg includes a resistive load, a snubber and at least one solid state switch. The at least one solid state switch is in parallel with the snubber, and the at least one solid state switch and snubber are collectively in series with the resistive load. A controller is operable to receive a signal indicative of a rotational speed oscillation of the synchronous generator, and is operable to selectively reduce a torsional oscillation of the shaft by diverting electrical current from the synchronous generator through the resistive load of each of the plurality of phases in response to the signal exceeding a predefined threshold.
US08217625B2 Rechargeable battery assembly and power system using same
A rechargeable battery, battery set or battery pack having a circuit or a plurality of circuits for providing self-discharging thereof electrically connected in parallel are used to form rechargeable battery assemblies and electric power supply systems for use in electric and hybrid vehicles and the like.
US08217621B2 Frequency modulation type wireless power supply and charger system
A frequency modulation type wireless power supply and charger system includes a power supply base unit consisting of a first microprocessor, a power circuit, a power switch driver circuit, a first resonant circuit, a first coil, a detection module and a power input interface, and a wireless power supply and charge receiver unit consisting of a secondary coil, a second resonant circuit, a rectifier filter circuit, a detection and protection module, a second microprocessor, a temperature sensor, a charging module and a power output interface and adapted for receiving electrical power from the power supply base unit wirelessly for charging an external electronic device.
US08217619B2 Portable devices having multiple power interfaces
Portable devices having multiple power interfaces are described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, a portable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a processor, a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to perform one or more functions, a battery coupled to provide power to the processor and the memory, and a battery charging manager coupled to charge the battery using power derived from a plurality of power sources including a solar power source. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08217608B2 Electric power supply device
An electric power supply device capable of miniaturizing an FET and wiring and reducing the amount of heat generation even when a motor load goes into a lock state is provided. It is determined whether or not a lock current flows in a motor M1 by comparing various determination voltages with a voltage Vds between a drain and a source of a MOSFET (T1), and in the case of detecting that the lock current flows, an operation of turning off the MOSFET (T1) until a retry cycle to elapses after turning on the MOSFET (T1) for only energization time tb for which lock torque can be caused is repeatedly executed. Then, when a motor current ID becomes smaller than the lock current, control of returning the MOSFET (T1) to a normal operation is performed. Consequently, the lock current can be prevented from flowing continuously.
US08217604B2 Apparatus motor control method
A method for controlling a motor can suppress an influence of speed variation due to cogging of the motor. The method includes performing a preliminary drive process to output a first driving signal to the motor to move the mechanism, performing the preliminary drive process to output a second driving signal corresponding to a cogging period of the motor to the motor as well as output the first driving signal, to move the mechanism, determining parameters which include an output waveform and output timing of the second driving signal based on a speed of the mechanism in the preliminary drive process, and outputting the second driving signal according to the determined parameters to the motor as well as outputting the first driving signal to the motor in an actual drive process to perform predetermined processing by moving the mechanism.
US08217594B2 Light emitting device with variable volume
This invention provides a light emitting device with variable volume. The light emitting device includes a main body with variable volume, a sensor, a light emitting element, and a controller. The sensor is disposed in the main body for generating a volume measuring signal. The light emitting element is disposed in the main body. The controller is coupled with the light emitting element and the sensor. The controller controls brightness of the light emitting element according to the volume measuring signal.
US08217592B2 Light emitting diode driving device and driving method thereof
A light emitting diode driving device and driving method thereof are provided. The light emitting diode driving device includes a duty cycle setup unit, a current setup unit, a control unit, and a light emitting diode driving circuit. The duty cycle setup unit is used for outputting duty cycle setup signal. The current set up unit is used for outputting a current setup signal. The control unit is used for receiving the duty cycle setup signal and the current setup signal, and outputting a current control signal and a duty cycle control signal in response to the duty cycle setup signal and the current setup signal. The light emitting diode driving circuit is used for driving at least one light emitting diode in response to the current control signal and the duty cycle control signal.
US08217590B2 Window-mounted solar powered illumination device
A solar powered illuminating device comprises a shell and a lampshade, wherein said shell is capable of being hung on a transparent surface comprising a backlight surface and a light-receiving surface, wherein said light-receiving surface is abutted against said transparent surface, said shell further comprising: a solar panel, an illuminating module, a battery unit and a power control module. Said solar panel is arranged on the light-receiving surface for receiving solar energy and converting solar energy into electric energy; said illuminating module is arranged on the backlight surface; said battery unit is used for storing the electric energy and said power control module connects said solar panel and said battery unit, charges the battery unit, and controls the discharge of rechargeable batteries of said battery unit. The lampshade covers the backlight surface in a position corresponding to said illuminating module.
US08217588B2 Adaptive dimmable LED lamp
A low voltage LED Lamp produces variable illumination in response to industry standard lighting dimmers, through the use of an input voltage monitoring circuit which variably controls the current output of an integral driver in response to sensed changes in the input voltage. Input circuitry is employed to provide “ghost” loading in the case of high frequency voltage sources such as that provided by certain electronic ballasts requiring minimum loads to operate. Additionally, the capacitive nature of prior art LED driving circuits is altered, increasing power factor and further helping electronic ballasts run properly. A firmware algorithm adapts to the output voltage capability of the driving transformer, dynamically adjusting the illumination to achieve the best dimming curve suited to each transformer. The circuit employed drives high power LEDs, and the lamp is preferably adapted to fit common MR16 size fixtures. Illumination output equivalent to similar size halogen bulbs is achieved.
US08217585B2 Balancer board for backlight device
In a balancer board for a back light device, a plurality of shunt coils configured to transfer power from an inverter to a plurality of fluorescent tubes arrayed in a line are arrayed in a line in a direction which is the same as the direction in which the fluorescent tubes are arrayed, and respective patterns formed on front and rear surfaces of the balancer board so as to supply the power from the inverter to each of the plurality of shunt coils are formed such that the pattern formed on one surface is located apart from the pattern formed on the other surface with a predetermined distance left therebetween while mutually intersecting three-dimensionally in respective planes.
US08217584B2 Driving circuit for driving light emitting diodes and dimmer
A power supply unit provides a voltage, and a driving current to a series of light emitting diodes. A dimming unit adjusts a duty cycle of an original dimming signal to generate a dimming signal according to the driving current and an ideal current. A current sink coupled to the series of light emitting diodes adjusts a duty cycle of the driving current according to the dimming signal.
US08217581B2 Induction lamp with brightness adjustment capability
An induction lamp includes a brightness control module, an induction unit, a register, and an illuminating unit. The brightness control module, the induction unit, the register, and the illuminating unit are electrically connected to each other in that order. When the induction unit detects a control signal from a user, the induction unit sends a detecting signal to change an address of the register, and the brightness control module controls a brightness of the illuminating unit depending on the address of the register.
US08217580B2 Flashlight for alarm systems
A flashlight for alarm systems includes a light source containing at least one light emitting diode and a circuit which controls said light source. The circuit has a feed supply, a current converter, and flash control device. The current converter, the light source, and the flash control device are connected in series. The current converter includes a control unit, an inductor, an induction stop, and a resistor which are connected in series. The flash control device includes at least one switch for actuating the light source and a microprocessor for controlling the at least one switch.
US08217575B2 Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel (PDP) including: first and second opposing substrates; a discharge layer disposed between the substrates, having discharge cells; address electrodes disposed on the first substrate, extending in a first direction, across the discharge cells; and display electrodes disposed on the second substrate, extending across the discharge cells in a second direction. The discharge layer includes: a discharge enhancement layer disposed on the first substrate, having first spaces; and a barrier rib layer disposed on the discharge enhancement layer, having second spaces that are connected to the first spaces, so as to form the discharge cells. The discharge enhancement layer further includes a perimeter member disposed in a dummy area provided at the edges of an effective area of the PDP.
US08217574B2 Lamp with internal fuse system
Embodiments of a lamp having an internal fuse system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a lamp may include a transparent housing; a filament disposed in the housing, the filament having a main body disposed between a first end and a second end of the filament; a first conductor coupled to the filament at the first end of the filament; a first interceptor bar disposed in the housing and beneath the main body of the filament, wherein the first interceptor bar is coupled to the second end of the filament; a second conductor disposed proximate the first end of the filament and conductively coupled to the second end of the filament via the first interceptor bar, wherein the first interceptor bar is positioned such that an electrical short forms between the first and second conductors when the main body of the filament contacts the first interceptor bar.
US08217573B2 Organic EL element having forward tapered banks containing fluorine resin and manufacturing method thereof
An organic EL element having a functional layer with a uniform film thickness is provided. The organic EL element of the present invention contains a substrate; an anode electrode set on the substrate; an organic EL layer set on the anode electrode; a cathode electrode set on the organic EL layer; and a bank having a forward tapered shape, which define the organic EL layer. The bank contains a fluorine resin, the fluorine concentration at a top of the bank is higher than the fluorine concentration at a bottom surface of the bank, and a height of the top of the bank from the substrate is 0.8 to 1.2 μm.
US08217572B2 Display device with prism layer
It is an object to propose a display device in which reflection of external light on a reflective polarizing plate is prevented and also extraction efficiency of light from a light-emitting layer is improved. If the display device has a light-emitting layer provided over a reflective electrode, a transparent electrode provided over the light-emitting layer, a transparent substrate provided over the transparent electrode, a reflective polarizing plate provided over the transparent substrate, a quarter wave plate provided over the reflective polarizing plate, and a polarizing plate provided over the quarter wave plate, reflection of an outside image can be suppressed, and light emitted in the light-emitting layer can be extracted efficiently.
US08217567B2 Hot light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems
LED lighting systems operate their LED above a junction temperature of 85° C. and space apart from the LED, components of the LED lighting system that reduce an expected lifetime of the LED lighting system to less than 25,000 hours as a result of operating the LED above the junction temperature of 85° C. Accordingly, the LED itself may be driven hotter than is conventionally the case, without impacting its lifetime. By allowing the LED to operate hotter, reduced heat sinking may be needed for the LED itself, which can decrease the cost, size and/or complexity of the thermal management system for the LED lighting system and/or can allow a thermal budget for the LED lighting system to be used elsewhere. Related structures are also described.
US08217566B2 Electroluminescent device and method for producing an electroluminescent device
An electroluminescent device includes an inorganic luminescence diode chip having a radiation exit area, a plurality of contact webs provided to spread current and arranged on the radiation exit area, and a contact structure arranged outside the radiation exit area and electrically conductively connected to contact webs.
US08217565B2 Cold field emitter
A stable cold field electron emitter is produced by forming a coating on an emitter base material. The coating protects the emitter from the adsorption of residual gases and from the impact of ions, so that the cold field emitter exhibits short term and long term stability at relatively high pressures and reasonable angular electron emission.
US08217563B2 Spark plug for internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing the same
A spark plug having sufficient durability for an internal combustion engine can restrain a sharp increase in resistance of a resistor in spite of its reduced size. The spark plug comprises an insulator having an axial hole, a metallic shell provided on the outer circumference of the insulator, a center electrode inserted into a front end portion of the axial hole, a terminal electrode inserted into a rear end portion of the axial hole, and a ground electrode. A circular columnar resistor is disposed within the axial hole between the center electrode and the terminal electrode, thereby electrically connecting the center electrode and the terminal electrode. The resistor is composed of carbon black that serves as a conductive material, a glass powder, and ceramic particles. Each of the ceramic particles has a maximum particle size of 0.5 μm or less.
US08217562B2 Ignition plug
Provided is an ignition plug used for an internal-combustion engine. The ignition plug includes: a center electrode; an insulator disposed outside the center electrode; a metal housing disposed outside the insulator; a ground electrode having an end connected to the metal housing and the other end facing the center electrode; and an electrode tip fixed to one or more of the center electrode and the ground electrode. The electrode tip is made of an alloy of iridium Ir, hafnium Hf, and niobium Nb. Therefore, the ignition plug with the low-cost iridium can have high resistance to prevent an iridium element from oxidizing and vaporizing in high speed driving conditions.
US08217560B2 Corona ignition device and method for its manufacture
The invention relates to an ignition device for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine by means of a corona discharge, comprising an ignition electrode, an outer conductor which surrounds the ignition electrode and has a forward end and a rear end, and an electrical insulator which is arranged between the ignition electrode and the outer conductor, wherein the insulator and the ignition electrode project beyond the forward end of the outer conductor in longitudinal direction and the ignition electrode comprises a plurality of electrode branches which each start from a base point, wherein the insulator extends beyond the base points in longitudinal direction. According to the invention an end surface of the electrode branches is uncovered.
US08217559B2 Single chip multicolor package
An opto-electronic device package structure for multicolor light is disclosed. The package structure comprises a transparent carrier, a circuit layer on the transparent carrier, an opto-electronic device emitting the light of the first wavelength and is electrically connecting with the circuit layer on the transparent carrier, a first wavelength conversion structure on the lateral side of the opto-electronic device, a reflective layer on the first wavelength conversion structure, and a transparent material for package on the reflective layer and on the opto-electronic device.
US08217558B2 Apparatus for regulating the temperature of a light emitting diode
Apparatus for regulating the temperature of a light emitting diode (LED). The apparatus includes a heat sink, an LED mount, and an LED mounted on the LED mount. The LED mount is configured to change shape in response to a change in temperature. The change in shape alters the position of the LED relative to the heat sink, for adjusting heat transfer between the LED and the heat sink. The LED mount may include a laminated portion such as a bi-metallic strip.
US08217553B2 Reduced-voltage, linear motor systems and methods thereof
A linear motor system includes an element with a threaded passage, a threaded shaft, and a driving system. The threaded shaft has an axis of rotation which extends through and is at least partially engaged with at least a portion of the threaded passage. The driving system comprises at least two members operatively connected to the element. Each of the two members comprises two or more piezoelectric layers and electrodes which are coupled to opposing surfaces of each of the piezoelectric layers. The members are configured to expand and contract in a direction along the axis of rotation. The driving system is configured to subject the element to vibrations causing the threaded shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the direction along the axis of rotation through the element and apply an axial force in the direction along the axis of rotation.
US08217546B2 Electrical machine and permanent-magnet
An electrical machine including a permanent magnet and a coil is provided. The coil is arranged to interact with the permanent magnet via an air gap, which located between the two. Electrical power is generated in the coil when the permanent magnet or the coil is moved in their relative position to each other. The permanent magnet includes a surface, which is aligned to the coil and to the air gap so that that magnetic forces of the permanent magnet interact via the surface and the air gap with the coil by a magnetic flux density distribution. The permanent magnet also includes a base plane and a transition area. A first side of the surface is connected with the adjacent base plane via the transition area. The cross-section of the transition between the surface and the adjacent base plane is determined by a Bezier function.
US08217543B2 Electromagnetic clutch
An electromagnetic clutch includes a motor, a worm wheel rotatably driven by a motor, a rotor having an electromagnetic coil and rotatable about a same rotational axis as the worm wheel, an armature that is mounted to the worm wheel and is pulled into contact with the rotor upon application of electric power to the electromagnetic coil, so that the armature is rotated with the rotor, a cover member configured to cover the rotor and the armature, and a power supply mechanism disposed between the cover member and the rotor and connected to a power source for supplying power to the electromagnetic coil. The power supply mechanism includes a fixed frame body having a first power supply portion for receiving the power from the power source and fixed to the cover member, a rotary frame body having a second power supply portion in contact with the first power supply portion for supplying the power to the electromagnetic coil, the rotary frame body being fixed to the rotor and rotatably engaged with the fixed frame body; and a plate-like conducting member provided in the cover member, the conducting member coming into contact with a portion of the first power supply portion projecting from the fixed frame body.
US08217542B2 Electric motor
A noise suppression circuit uses a chip type ferrite bead as a major component of the noise suppression circuit. A motor using this circuit and the compact arrangement of the noise suppression circuit within the layout of an end cap of the motor is also disclosed. The preferred embodiment avoids soldering of the ferrite bead during assembly of the motor.
US08217540B2 Electric motor with cooling ventilator effect
The invention relates to an electric motor with a stator and an external rotor, comprised of a rotor bell and a rotor cover that acts as a fan wheel. The rotor bell has several apertures in its bell floor. The rotor cover has several exhaust ports. The rotor cover is shaped like a plate and consists of a plate base and an annular wall. The exhaust ports are preferably evenly distributed in the annular wall. The inside of the plate base of the rotor cover that faces the rotor bell has several radially extending interior blades that are fixedly connected to it.
US08217539B2 Electric motor having an encapsulated stator for a vehicle braking device
An electric motor comprising an annular stator core, a resin molding the stator core, a casing member housing the stator core, wherein the casing member has an opening, and the resin is filled into the opening.
US08217536B2 Magnetizing inrush current suppression device for transformer and control method of same
A first calculation part calculates the phase-to-phase steady-state magnetic flux of the three phases of the power supply. A second calculation part calculates the phase-to-phase residual magnetic flux of the three phases in the primary windings side of the transformer when the circuit breakers interrupt the transformer. A phase detection part detects a voltage phase at which polarity and magnitude of the calculated steady-state magnetic flux and residual magnetic flux coincide. Closing control part firstly causes only the circuit breakers of the two phases to close at the detected voltage phase, and then causes the circuit breaker of the remaining one phase to close.
US08217532B2 Real time clock driving circuit
A real time clock driving circuit for driving a real time clock includes a power source, a flash driving circuit, a switch circuit, and an electronic source. The flash driving circuit includes a booster, a charging capacitor, and a number of first resistor dividers. The anode of the charging capacitor and the first resistor dividers are coupled to an output of the booster. A node is defined between two of the first resistor dividers. The switch circuit includes a MOS transistor and a second resistor divider. The source of the MOS transistor is coupled to the node. The gate is coupled to the node via the second resistor divider. The drain is coupled to the power input of the real time clock. The power source is coupled to the input of the booster, the gate, and the power input of the real time clock.
US08217527B2 Midspan powering in a power over ethernet system
A midspan power sourcing equipment (PSE) for operation with power over Ethernet (PoE). The midspan PSE provides powering over wire pairs that are also used for data communication. To ensure compatibility with legacy Ethernet devices, the ports used for transmission of data are designed to present an increased level of inductance.
US08217526B2 Gearless vertical axis wind turbine with bearing support and power generation at perimeter
A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) includes air or water bearing supports. The VAWT may be configured to float. The VAWT may include a 360° rotor, having a precision machined noncorrosive bearing surface at its perimeter, with a system of wind capturing devices configured to collect kinetic energy of wind. The rotor may be supported by at least three air or water bearing supports positioned substantially at a perimeter of the rotor. Electrical generation components may be located substantially at the perimeter of the rotor.
US08217525B2 Wind assisted electric vehicle
A vehicle having an electric drive motor and a battery pack which provides power to the motor. The vehicle has panels that provide a wind tunnel when the vehicle is in motion, and a wind generator which is positioned inside or outside the wind tunnel to supply electricity to the power pack while the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is parked, the wind generator is repositioned to be above the vehicle where it is driven by a breeze around the vehicle to again supply power to the power pack. The power pack is charged while the vehicle is being driven or parked by wind power only. It does not have to be plugged in.
US08217522B2 Printed circuit board with coextensive electrical connectors and contact pad areas
A printed circuit board is disclosed having coextensive electrical connectors and contact pad areas. Areas of the contact pads where the traces and/or vias are located may be etched away to ensure electrical isolation between the traces, vias and contact pads.
US08217519B2 Electrical connection for multichip modules
A multi-chip package is provided. The multi-chip package includes: a first semiconductor chip including first circuitry, a first chip terminal in communication with the first circuitry, a first surface, and conductor means for transmitting at least one of a signal and power; a second semiconductor chip attached above the first surface of the first semiconductor chip, the second semiconductor chip including second circuitry and a second chip terminal in communication with the second circuitry; and an electrical connection connecting the second chip terminal of the second semiconductor chip to the conductor means of the first semiconductor chip; wherein the conductor means is dedicated to the second semiconductor chip and does not transmit either a signal or power to or from the remainder of the first semiconductor chip.
US08217516B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In this semiconductor device, the through-hole is formed in the substrate, and is located under the conductive pattern. The insulating layer is located at the bottom surface of the through-hole. The conductive pattern is located on one surface side of the substrate. The opening pattern is formed in the insulating layer which is located between the through-hole and the conductive pattern, where the distance r3 from the circumference of the opening pattern to the central axis of the through-hole is smaller than the distance r1 in the through-hole. By providing the opening pattern, the conductive pattern is exposed at the bottom surface of the through-hole. The bump is located on the back surface side of the substrate, and is formed integrally with the through-electrode.
US08217514B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with warpage control system and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system is provided including: providing a substrate; placing a patterned layer over the substrate for substantially removing crying warpage from the substrate, the patterned layer having an opening surrounded by other openings with the substrate exposed from the patterned layer within the other openings; mounting a semiconductor chip within the opening; and attaching a component directly over the other openings, the component having a horizontal length greater than horizontal lengths of the other openings.
US08217513B2 Remote plasma processing of interface surfaces
Embodiments related to the cleaning of interface surfaces in a semiconductor wafer fabrication process via remote plasma processing are disclosed herein. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a semiconductor processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a load lock coupled to the processing chamber via a transfer port, a wafer pedestal disposed in the load lock and configured to support a wafer in the load lock, a remote plasma source configured to provide a remote plasma to the load lock, and an ion filter disposed between the remote plasma source and the wafer pedestal.
US08217510B2 Semiconductor module system having stacked components with encapsulated through wire interconnects (TWI)
A semiconductor module system includes a module substrate and first and second semiconductor components stacked on the module substrate. The stacked semiconductor components include through wire interconnects that form an internal signal transmission system for the module system. Each through wire interconnect includes a via, a wire in the via and first and second contacts on the wire.
US08217507B1 Edge mount semiconductor package
A semiconductor package which is structured to allow for the edge mounting thereof in a vertical mount orientation. The semiconductor package comprises a flexible substrate or “flex circuit.” The flexible substrate includes a conductive pattern disposed on a first surface thereof, and a plurality of conductive pads or terminals disposed on a second surface thereof which is disposed in opposed relation to the first surface. Mounted to the first surface of the flexible substrate are one or more electronic components such as semiconductor dies. The semiconductor die(s) is/are electrically connected to the conductive pattern, and thereafter covered or encapsulated by a package body applied to a portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate. That portion of the flexible substrate including the conductive pads or terminals formed on the second surface thereof is thereafter folded and adhered to a portion of the package body through the use of a suitable adhesive.
US08217505B2 Packaged IC device comprising an embedded flex circuit on leadframe, and methods of making same
A device is disclosed which includes a flexible material including at least one conductive wiring trace, a first die including at least an integrated circuit, the first die being positioned above a portion of the flexible material, and an encapsulant material that covers the first die and at least a portion of the flexible material. A method is disclosed which includes positioning a first die above a portion of a flexible material, the first die including an integrated circuit and the flexible material including at least one conductive wiring trace, and forming an encapsulant material that covers the first die and at least a portion of the flexible material, wherein at least a portion of the flexible material extends beyond the encapsulant material.
US08217504B2 Article and panel comprising semiconductor chips, casting mold and methods of producing the same
A panel with a reconfigured wafer including semiconductor chips arranged in rows and columns on semiconductor device positions includes: at least one semiconductor chip having a front, a rear and edge sides provided per semiconductor device position. The reconfigured wafer includes: a front side that forms a coplanar area with the front sides of the at least one semiconductor chip and a plastic housing composition embedding the edge sides and the rear side of the at least one semiconductor chip. The reconfigured wafer includes, on a rear side of the wafer, structures configured to stabilize the panel. The structures are composed of the plastic housing composition and are formed as thickenings of the reconfigured wafer.
US08217501B2 Integrated circuit package system including honeycomb molding
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package system includes: providing a substrate with a top surface; configuring the top surface to include electrical contacts; attaching an integrated circuit to the top surface; and depositing a material to prevent warpage of the substrate on the top surface of the substrate and over the integrated circuit, the material patterned to have discrete hollow conduits that are over and larger than the electrical contacts.
US08217497B2 FIN differential MOS varactor diode
The embodiments of the invention provide a structure, method, etc. for a fin differential MOS varactor diode. More specifically, a differential varactor structure is provided comprising a substrate with an upper surface, a first vertical anode plate, and a second vertical anode plate electrically isolated from the first vertical anode plate. Moreover, a semiconductor fin comprising a cathode is between the first vertical anode plate and the second vertical anode plate, wherein the semiconductor fin, the first vertical anode plate, and the second vertical anode plate are each positioned over the substrate and perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate.
US08217495B2 High-frequency bridge suspended diode
A high-frequency metal-insulator-metal (MIM) type diode is constructed as a bridge suspended above a substrate to significantly reduce parasitic capacitances affecting the operation frequency of the diode thereby permitting improved high-frequency rectification, demodulation, or the like.
US08217487B2 Power semiconductor device
Disclosed is a power semiconductor device including a bootstrap circuit. The power semiconductor device includes a high voltage unit that provides a high voltage control signal so that a high voltage is output; a low voltage unit that provides a low voltage control signal so that a ground voltage is output, and is spaced apart from the high voltage unit; a charge enable unit that is electrically connected to the low voltage unit and charges a bootstrap capacitor for supplying power to the high voltage unit when the high voltage is output, when the ground voltage is output; and a high voltage cut-off unit that cuts off the high voltage when the high voltage is output so that the high voltage is not applied to the charge enable unit, and includes a first terminal electrically connected to the charge enable unit and a second terminal electrically connected to the high voltage unit.
US08217484B2 Image sensor and method of fabricating the same
The image sensor includes a substrate; a wiring structure formed on a front side of the substrate and including a plurality of wiring layers and a plurality of insulating films; a first well formed within the substrate and having a first conductivity type; and a first metal wiring layer directly contacting a backside of the substrate and configured to apply a first well bias to the first well.
US08217480B2 Barrier infrared detector
A superlattice-based infrared absorber and the matching electron-blocking and hole-blocking unipolar barriers, absorbers and barriers with graded band gaps, high-performance infrared detectors, and methods of manufacturing such devices are provided herein. The infrared absorber material is made from a superlattice (periodic structure) where each period consists of two or more layers of InAs, InSb, InSbAs, or InGaAs. The layer widths and alloy compositions are chosen to yield the desired energy band gap, absorption strength, and strain balance for the particular application. Furthermore, the periodicity of the superlattice can be “chirped” (varied) to create a material with a graded or varying energy band gap. The superlattice based barrier infrared detectors described and demonstrated herein have spectral ranges covering the entire 3-5 micron atmospheric transmission window, excellent dark current characteristics operating at least 150K, high yield, and have the potential for high-operability, high-uniformity focal plane arrays.
US08217474B2 Hermetic MEMS device and method for fabricating hermetic MEMS device and package structure of MEMS device
A hermetic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) package includes a CMOS MEMS chip and a second substrate. The CMOS MEMS Chip has a first substrate, a structural dielectric layer, a CMOS circuit and a MEMS structure. The structural dielectric layer is disposed on a first side of the first structural substrate. The structural dielectric layer has an interconnect structure for electrical interconnection and also has a protection structure layer. The first structural substrate has at least a hole. The hole is under the protection structure layer to form at least a chamber. The chamber is exposed to the environment in the second side of the first structural substrate. The chamber also comprises a MEMS structure. The second substrate is adhered to a second side of the first substrate over the chamber to form a hermetic space and the MEMS structure is within the space.
US08217472B2 Semiconductor device with isolation trench liner
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided herein, where the width effect is reduced in the resulting semiconductor device. The method involves providing a substrate having semiconductor material, forming an isolation trench in the semiconductor material, and lining the isolation trench with a liner material that substantially inhibits formation of high-k material thereon. The lined trench is then filled with an insulating material. Thereafter, a layer of high-k gate material is formed over at least a portion of the insulating material and over at least a portion of the semiconductor material. The liner material divides the layer of high-k gate material, which prevents the migration of oxygen over the active region of the semiconductor material.
US08217468B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and process of manufacturing the same
In device isolation trenches, a first device-isolation insulator film is formed to have recesses thereon and a second device-isolation insulator film is formed in the recesses. The uppermost portions at both ends of the first device-isolation insulator film are located higher than the uppermost portions at both ends of the second device-isolation insulator film.
US08217464B2 N-well/P-well strap structures
Embodiments of N-well or P-well strap structures are disclosed with lower space requirements achieved by forming the strap on both sides of one or more floating polysilicon gate fingers.
US08217459B2 Semiconductor device
A distance “a” from a first gate electrode of a first transistor of a high-frequency circuit to a first contact is greater than a distance “b” from a second electrode of a second transistor of a digital circuit to a second contact. The first contact is connected to a drain or source of the first transistor, and the second contact is connected to a drain or source of the second transistor.
US08217458B2 Non-aligned antenna effect protection circuit with single event transient hardness
The disclosure describes an antenna protection circuit for use in circuits where Single Event Transients from energetic particles is a concern. The antenna protection circuit may include at least three diodes, connected electrically in series and arranged such that at most all but one of the at least three diodes produce a transient current pulse from an energetic particle. During the transient current pulse event, the remaining diode remains reverse biased thereby sufficiently blocking the transient current pulse and an SET does not occur on the signal node. The antenna protection circuit may be constructed so that no unshorted parasitic p-n junction structure is associated with any of the diodes in the circuit, which would otherwise have to be explicitly included in the at least three diodes.
US08217456B1 Low capacitance hi-K dual work function metal gate body-contacted field effect transistor
Disclosed herein is a field effect transistor (FET), device including a FET, and a method of making the same. In embodiments of the disclosure, a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is provided. The SOI substrate includes a body having a first conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer of the SOI substrate, the body including a first body region connecting a second body region to a third body region; and a source and a drain, each having a second conductivity type, disposed on opposite sides of the first body region. A first gate electrode having a second work function is disposed above the first body region; and a second gate electrode having a first work function disposed above the second and third body regions. A first gate dielectric layer may be disposed vertically between the first body region and the first gate electrode, and a second gate dielectric layer may be disposed vertically between the second and third body regions and the second gate electrode. The first and second gate electrodes have different work functions.
US08217450B1 Double-gate semiconductor device with gate contacts formed adjacent sidewalls of a fin
A double-gate semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating layer, a fin and two gates. The insulating layer is formed on the substrate and the fin is formed on the insulating layer. A first gate is formed on the insulating layer and is adjacent a first sidewall of the fin. The second gate is formed on the insulating layer and is adjacent a second sidewall of the fin opposite the first sidewall. The first and second gates both include a conductive material and are electrically separated by the fin.
US08217446B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
Each of memory strings is provided with a first semiconductor layer having a pair of columnar portions extending in a perpendicular direction with respect to a substrate; a charge storage layer formed to surround a side surface of the columnar portions; and a first conductive layer formed to surround the charge storage layer. Each of the select transistors is provided with a second semiconductor layer extending upwardly from an upper surface of the columnar portions; a gate insulating layer formed to surround a side surface of the second semiconductor layer; and a second conductive layer formed to surround the gate insulating layer. An effective impurity concentration of the second semiconductor layer is less than or equal to an effective impurity concentration of the first semiconductor layer.
US08217441B2 Semiconductor constructions including gate arrays formed on partial SOI substrate
The invention includes methods for utilizing partial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology in combination with fin field effect transistor (finFET) technology to form transistors particularly suitable for utilization in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) arrays. The invention also includes DRAM arrays having low rates of refresh. Additionally, the invention includes semiconductor constructions containing transistors with horizontally-opposing source/drain regions and channel regions between the source/drain regions. The transistors can include gates that encircle at least three-fourths of at least portions of the channel regions, and in some aspects can include gates that encircle substantially an entirety of at least portions of the channel regions.
US08217439B2 DRAM unit cells, capacitors, methods of forming DRAM unit cells, and methods of forming capacitors
Some embodiments include methods of forming capacitors. A first capacitor storage node may be formed within a first opening in a first sacrificial material. A second sacrificial material may be formed over the first capacitor storage node and over the first sacrificial material, and a retaining structure may be formed over the second sacrificial material. A second opening may be formed through the retaining structure and the second sacrificial material, and a second capacitor storage node may be formed within the second opening and against the first storage node. The first and second sacrificial materials may be removed, and then capacitor dielectric material may be formed along the first and second storage nodes. Capacitor electrode material may then be formed along the capacitor dielectric material. Some embodiments include methods of forming DRAM unit cells, and some embodiments include DRAM unit cell constructions.
US08217432B2 Field effect transistor and electric circuit
The invention relates to a field effect transistor comprising at least one source electrode layer and at least one drain electrode layer arranged in the same plane, a semiconductor layer, an insulator layer and a gate electrode layer, wherein the gate electrode layer, as seen perpendicular to the plane of the at least one source electrode layer and the at least one drain electrode layer, only partly covers a channel arranged between the at least one source electrode layer and the at least one drain electrode layer.
US08217431B2 Solid-state image pickup device for preventing cross-talk between adjacent pixels and manufacturing method thereof
A solid-state image pickup device for preventing crosstalk between adjacent pixels by providing an overflow barrier at the deep potion of a substrate. A partial P type region is provided at the predetermined position of a lower layer region of the vertical transfer register and a channel stop region. This P type region adjusts potential in the lower layer region of the vertical transfer register and the channel stop region. Accordingly, since the potential in the lower layer region of the vertical transfer register and the channel stop region at both sides of the lower layer region is low, electric charges photoelectrically-converted by the sensor region are blocked by this potential barrier and cannot be diffused easily.
US08217429B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first well region 3a; a second well region 3b; a first active region 21a surrounded by an isolation region 2; a second active region 21b surrounded by the isolation regions 2 and 2B; a first MIS transistor MP2 of a second conductivity type formed on the first active region 21a; and including a source/drain region formed of a Si mixed crystal layer buried in a recess; a second MIS transistor MN2 of a first conductivity type formed on the second active region 21b; and an isolation MIS transistor DP2 of the second conductivity type formed on the first active region 21a. The source/drain region of the first MIS transistor is not in contact with the isolation region 2 located at an end of the first active region 21a in a gate length direction.
US08217424B2 Semiconductor device having stacked InGaP and GaAs layers, and method of making same
It is desired for semiconductor devices to reduce leakage currents. In a semiconductor device having a stacked structure including a GaAs layer and an InGaP layer, p-type impurity is doped to the GaAs layer. Consequently, the conduction band of the GaAs is raised to higher than the Fermi level. As a result, electron accumulation is suppressed and the gate leakage current can be reduced.
US08217420B2 Power semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a power semiconductor device includes an IGBT region, first and second electrodes, and a first conductivity-type second semiconductor layer. The region functions as an IGBT element. The first electrode is formed in a surface of a second conductivity-type collector layer opposite to a first conductivity-type first semiconductor layer in the region. The second electrode is connected onto a first conductivity-type emitter layer and a second conductivity-type base layer in a surface of the first conductivity-type base layer and insulated from a gate electrode in the region. The first conductivity-type second semiconductor layer extends from the surface of the first conductivity-type base layer to the first conductivity-type first semiconductor layer around the IGBT region, and connected to the first electrode.
US08217413B2 Package of light emitting diode and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a package of a light emitting diode. The package according to an embodiment includes a base layer, a light emitting diode chip on the base layer, a lead frame electrically connected to the light emitting diode chip, a reflective coating layer directly on the lead frame, and a molding material covering the light emitting diode chip in a predetermined shape.
US08217412B2 Solid state lighting component
An LED component comprising an array of LED chips mounted on a planar surface of a submount with the LED chips capable of emitting light in response to an electrical signal. The LED chips comprise respective groups emitting at different colors of light, with each of the groups interconnected in a series circuit. A lens is included over the LED chips. Other embodiments can comprise thermal spreading structures included integral to the submount and arranged to dissipate heat from the LED chips.
US08217409B2 Surface-textured encapsulations for use with light emitting diodes
Surface-textured encapsulations for use with light emitting diodes. In an aspect, a light emitting diode apparatus is provided that includes a light emitting diode, and an encapsulation formed upon the light emitting diode and having a surface texture configured to extract light. In an aspect, a method includes encapsulating a light emitting diode with an encapsulation having a surface texture configured to extract light. In an aspect, a light emitting diode lamp is provided that includes a package, at least one light emitting diode disposed within the package, and an encapsulation formed upon the at least one light emitting diode having a surface texture configured to extract light. In another aspect, a method includes determining one or more regions of an encapsulation, the encapsulation configured to cover a light emitting diode, and surface-texturing each region of the encapsulation with one or more geometric features that are configured to extract light.
US08217408B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a conductive substrate; a semiconductor light emitting layer which includes a first semiconductor layer formed on one surface of the conductive substrate and having a first conductivity type, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer and having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type; first light emitting spots which are alternately arranged around a periphery of the semiconductor light emitting layer and emitting light to an exterior from the semiconductor light emitting layer; second light emitting spots having surfaces intersecting with the first light emitting spots and emitting light at an amount smaller than an amount of light emitted via the first light emitting spots; and wirings arranged along the second light emitting spots and electrically short circuiting an area between the first light emitting layer and the surfaces of the conductive substrate.
US08217399B2 Photon tunneling light emitting diodes and methods
Embodiments described herein include LEDs that promote photon tunneling. One embodiment of an LED device can have a quantum well layer adapted to generate light having a wavelength, a p-doped alloy layer on a first side of the quantum well layer and an n-doped alloy layer on the other side of the quantum well layer. The device can also include an electrode electrically connected to the p-doped alloy layer and an electrode electrically connected to the n-doped alloy layer. According to one embodiment the thickness of the n-doped alloy layer is less than the wavelength of light generated by the quantum well layer to allow light generated by the quantum well layer to tunnel to the medium (e.g., air). In another embodiment, the entire layer structure can have a thickness that is less than the wavelength.
US08217398B2 Method for the formation of a gate oxide on a SiC substrate and SiC substrates and devices prepared thereby
Methods are provided for improving inversion layer mobility and providing low defect density in a semiconductor device based upon a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate. More specifically, embodiments of the present method provide for the formation of a gate oxide on a silicon carbide substrate comprising oxidizing the substrate with a gaseous mixture comprising oxygen at a temperature of at least about 1300° C. Semiconductor devices, such as MOSFETS, based upon a substrate treated according to the present method are expected to have inversion layer mobilities of at least about 12 cm2/Vs.
US08217391B2 Organic semiconductor transistor, method of producing the same, and electronic device
An organic semiconductor transistor has plural electrodes and an organic semiconductor layer containing at least one compound represented by the following Formula (I). In Formula (I), each R1 independently represents a straight-chain alkyl group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a straight-chain alkoxy group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a branched alkoxy group having from 3 to 20 carbon atom, and each R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a straight-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a straight-chain alkoxy group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a branched alkoxy group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms.
US08217390B2 Polymer charge transport material for optoelectronic devices
Polymers that enable the use of high work-function metals as a cathode in optoelectronic devices and optoelectronic devices incorporating the polymers as an electron transport layer.
US08217387B2 Polymer compound and light emitting device using the same
A polymer compound comprising a repeating unit of the following formula (1) and having a polystyrene-reduced number average molecular weight of 1×103 to 1×108: [wherein, Ar1 and Ar2 represent an arylene group, divalent heterocyclic group or divalent aromatic amine group. Z1 represents —CR1═CR2— or —C≡C—. Here, R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or the like. m and n represent 1 or 2. Rs and Rt represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group or alkoxy group.].
US08217386B2 Short channel vertical FETs
A vertical field effect transistor (FET) comprises a gate electrode and a first electrode layer having a dielectric layer interposed between these electrodes and a semiconducting active layer electrically coupled to the first electrode. The active layer and the dielectric layer sandwich at least a portion of the first electrode where at least one portion of the active layer is unshielded by the first electrode such that the unshielded portion is in direct physical contact with the dielectric layer. A second electrode layer is electrically coupled to the active layer where the second electrode is disposed on at least a portion of the unshielded portion of the active layer such that the second electrode can form electrostatic fields with the gate electrode upon biasing in unscreened regions near the first electrode.
US08217385B2 Organic memory device and fabrication method thereof
Disclosed herein are an organic memory device and a method for fabricating the device. The organic memory device may include a first electrode, a second electrode and an organic active layer wherein the organic active layer includes an upper organic material layer formed of an electrically conductive organic material containing heteroatoms and a lower organic material layer formed of an electrically non-conductive organic material containing heteroatoms. Because the organic memory device exhibits improved thermal stability and non-volatility, it may be well suited for use in nonvolatile large-capacity storage units. Flexible electrodes may be used in the organic memory device to fabricate flexible memory devices.
US08217383B2 High hole mobility p-channel Ge transistor structure on Si substrate
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for implementing a high hole mobility p-channel Germanium (“Ge”) transistor structure on a Silicon (“Si”) substrate. One exemplary apparatus may include a buffer layer including a GaAs nucleation layer, a first GaAs buffer layer, and a second GaAs buffer layer. The exemplary apparatus may further include a bottom barrier on the second GaAs buffer layer and having a band gap greater than 1.1 eV, a Ge active channel layer on the bottom barrier and having a valence band offset relative to the bottom barrier that is greater than 0.3 eV, and an AlAs top barrier on the Ge active channel layer wherein the AlAs top barrier has a band gap greater than 1.1 eV. Of course, many alternatives, variations and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US08217382B1 Optical-powered flexible photonic bandgap sensor device
An optical-powered device includes a flexible substrate, a photonic bandgap layer coupled thereto, a waveguide contained within the photonic bandgap layer, and a dendrimer region contained within the waveguide. The dendrimer region may comprise more than one dendrimers. The dendrimer region emission band is within the photonic bandgap of the photonic bandgap layer. Multiple photonic bandgap layers may be included, with one or more waveguides therein. Each waveguide may have a dendrimer region therein. Electronic circuitry may be contained within a portion of the photonic bandgap layer. A light-modulating layer may be directly coupled to the photonic bandgap layer. A portion of the photonic bandgap layer may have a sensing material embedded therein. A cover layer having one or more windows may be coupled to the photonic bandgap layer. Another layer, such as a buffer layer, may be disposed between the substrate layer and the photonic bandgap layer.
US08217380B2 Polysilicon emitter BJT access device for PCRAM
A resistive non-volatile memory cell with a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) access device formed in conjunction with the entire memory cell. The memory cell includes a substrate acting as a collector, a semiconductor base layer acting as a base, and a semiconductor emitter layer acting as an emitter. Additionally, metal plugs and the phase change memory element are formed above the BJT access device while the emitter, metal plugs, and phase change memory element are contained within an insulating region. In one embodiment of the invention, a spacer layer is formed and the emitter layer is contained within the protective spacer layer. The spacer layer is contained within the insulating region.
US08217369B2 Luminescent glass element, producing method thereof and luminescing method thereof
The present invention relates to a luminescent glass element comprising a luminescent glass substrate, which a metal layer is positioned on a surface thereof. The metal layer is provided with a metal microstructure. The luminescent glass substrate has composite oxides represented as the following formula: aM2O.bY2O3.cSiO2.dPr2O3, wherein M represents alkali metal element, a, b, c and d are, by mol part, 25-60, 1-30, 20-70 and 0.001-10 respectively. The present invention also provides a producing method of the luminescent glass element and a luminescing method thereof. The metal layer is positioned on the luminescent glass substrate, thereby improving luminescence efficiency of the luminescent glass substrate. The luminescent glass element can be used in luminescent devices with ultrahigh brightness or high-speed operation.
US08217368B2 System and method for determining three-dimensional information from photoemission intensity data
A method and system for investigating properties of an object comprising: a transmitter, including a radiation source, the transmitter providing incident radiation having a plurality of predetermined polarization states; the incident radiation illuminating an object and thereby causing the object to emit photoemission; a receiver, receiving photoemission from the object when the object is illuminated by the incident radiation, the receiver including a detector, the detector providing photoemission intensity data; and signal processing circuitry, in electrical communication with the detector, the signal processing circuitry determining three-dimensional information relating to the object from the photoemission intensity data for each of the plurality of incident polarization states.
US08217364B2 Particle beam irradiation apparatus
A particle beam irradiation apparatus which can perform high-precision beam irradiation position is obtained. The apparatus is provided with inverse mapping means having an inverse mapping mathematical expression model for generating an command value for the scanning electromagnet and an command value for kinetic energy of the charged particle beam from a desired irradiation position coordinate of the charged particle beam in an irradiation subject so that irradiation to the irradiation subject is implemented on the basis of the command values concerned, and the scanning electromagnet and the kinetic energy of the charged particle beam are controlled on the basis of the command values generated from the desired irradiation position coordinate of the charged particle beam in the irradiation subject by using the inverse mapping mathematical expression model, thereby irradiating the irradiation subject with the charged particle beam while scanning the charged particle beam.
US08217363B2 Scanning electron microscope
A scanning electron microscope can discriminate secondary particles in a desired energy region by band-pass and detect the secondary particles with a high yield point. Even when a lens 23 is disposed on an electron source side of an objective lens 18, and a primary electron beam forms any optical system on the electron gun side of the lens, the lens operates the primary electron beam to be converged to a convergent point 24 that is a specific position. A detection ExB 16 that supplies a field that affects the locus of the secondary particles that are generated from a specimen 2 is disposed at the convergent point 24 of the primary electron beam so as to lead only the secondary particles in a specific energy range to a detection unit 13. Because a position to which the field that affects the locus of the secondary particles is supplied is the convergent point of the primary electron beam 19, it is possible to lead only the secondary particles of the desired energy to the detection unit without enlarging the aberration of the primary electron beam 19 and also to effectively conduct the band-pass discrimination of the energy. As a result, the signal electrons according to an observation object can be discriminated and detected.
US08217362B2 Identification and localization of radioisotopes using likelihood estimation
A radiation detection, localization, and identification system uses a searching algorithm to identify hypothetical solutions to Compton scatter data. Model based representations of the physical data collection yield the identity and location of radiation sources when correct associations of gamma ray energies and locations are made with detected data events. The system's detector is an array of radiation detectors networked to act as a single detection system. This network has wide area of view and high sensitivity to radiation sources since no collimation is required.
US08217359B1 Collimator with attachment mechanism and system
A self-aligning collimator for a radiation imaging device that is secured and aligned through the use of a plurality of small magnets. The collimator allows for the rapid exchange, removal, or addition of collimators for the radiation imaging device without the need for tools. The accompanying method discloses the use of magnets and accompanying magnetic fields to align and secure collimators in a radiation imaging assembly.
US08217356B2 Radiation detector including elongated elements
A detector includes a housing defining a cavity; a scintillator material disposed within the cavity and having a front face, a rear face, and a side face; a reflective material disposed between the housing and the side face of the scintillator material; and a tolerance ring disposed between the housing and the reflective material.
US08217351B2 Pattern inspection method and pattern inspection system
A pattern data examination method and system capable of accurately and speedily examining a circuit pattern without failing to extract pattern contour data are provided. While pattern comparison is ordinarily made by using a secondary electron image, a contour of a pattern element is extracted by using a backscattered electron image said to be suitable for observation and examination of a three dimensional configuration of a pattern element, and pattern inspection is executed by using the extracted contour of the pattern element. More specifically, pattern inspection is executed by comparing a contour of a pattern element with design data such as CAD data to measure a difference between the contour and the data, and by computing, for example, the size of the circuit pattern element from the contour of a pattern. From two or more backscattered electron images formed by detecting backscattered electrons at two or more different spatial positions, pattern contour data contained in the backscattered electron images may be obtained.
US08217350B2 Particle optical arrangement
A particle optical arrangement providing an electron microscopy system 3 and an ion beam processing system 7 comprises an objective lens 43 of the electron microscopy system having an annular electrode 59 being a component of the electron microscopy system arranged closest to a position 11 of an object to be examined. Between the annular electrode and a principal axis 9 of the ion beam processing system 7 a shielding electrode 81 is arranged.
US08217339B2 Adhering matter inspection equipment and method for inspecting adhering method
A technology for collecting a granular substance adhering to a baggage with high rate without touching the substance and inspecting whether a dangerous or specific sample material is adhered to the baggage. A method for simplifying or automating such an inspection is also provided. An adhering matter inspection equipment (1) is characterized in that the equipment comprises a collecting section (5) for collecting a sample material peeled off from an inspection object (25) whereupon the sample material is adhered by blowing compression gas through a capturing filter (52), and an inspecting section (2) for analyzing the sample material captured by the capturing filter (52), and further characterized in that the inspection equipment comprises a section (3) for delivering a baggage to the inspecting section (2), and a carrying section (4) for carrying the capturing filter (52) from the capturing section (5) to the inspecting section (2).
US08217338B2 Method and apparatus for chemical and biological sample separation
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for separating chemical and/or biological samples based on selective ion-molecular interactions in the gas phase. A chemical modifier is added to the drift gas that interacts selectively with a targeted molecule in at least one component of the sample in a drift tube. The component may be impurities and/or interferences in the sample whereby the chemical modifier enhances sample resolution by shifting the components drift times. In addition, reagents can be added to the sample prior to, during, or after ionization to form a complex with selected components in the sample. In addition, one or more internal and/or external standard can also be added to the sample as a calibration for the measurement.
US08217333B2 Flowmeter having at least two optical waveguides and one controlled electrical heating element for determining a flow direction
A flowmeter determines the flow direction of a fluid. The flowmeter has a measuring element, around which the fluid flows and which comprises at least one fiber-optic cable and at least two electrical heating elements that lie adjacent to the fiber-optic cable(s) by a respective heat stream emanating from the respective heating element and directed towards at least one fiber-optic cable, the directions of the heat streams being at least proportionately reversed. In addition, the values of the individual heat streams can be influenced to different extents, depending on the flow direction of the fluid. An electromagnetic wave that can be coupled into the fiber-optic cable(s) can also be influenced according to the temperature of the fiber-optic cable(s). Additionally, the flow meter has a control unit, which is used to feed electric energy to the two or more heating elements one after the other, and an evaluation unit, which is used to evaluate the temperature effect of the electromagnetic wave that emanates from the individual heat streams and to determine the flow directed of the fluid.
US08217330B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus
An apparatus includes a pixel region having disposed therein in a matrix form a plurality of conversion components, an amplifier transistor which amplifies a signal from the plurality of conversion components, a reset transistor which sets the potential of an input portion of the amplifier transistor to a reset potential, and a select transistor which is connected in series to the amplifier transistor and selects and reads the amplified signal, and well contact regions which are provided within the pixel region. Each of the well contact regions is neighboring to a drain region of the reset transistor, and the drain region of the reset transistor has a lower impurity concentration than the impurity concentration in the source and drain regions of the select transistor.
US08217327B2 Apparatus and method of obtaining depth image
An apparatus for obtaining a depth image. A first ray emission unit emits a first emission ray, a second ray emission unit emits a second emission ray, a receiving unit receives a first reflection ray associated with the first emission ray and a second reflection ray associated with the second emission ray, and a processing unit calculates a depth value corresponding to a first pixel, based on an electric charge provided from the first pixel of the receiving unit.
US08217322B2 Temperature responsive back bias control for integrated circuit
The present invention provides a thermostatic biasing controller for use with an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the thermostatic biasing controller includes a temperature sensing unit configured to determine an operating temperature of the integrated circuit. Additionally, the thermostatic biasing controller also includes a voltage controlling unit coupled to the temperature sensing unit and configured to provide a back-bias voltage corresponding to the operating temperature based on reducing a quiescent current of the integrated circuit.
US08217320B2 Thermal type flow sensor
A thermal type flow sensor measures a flow rate of a fluid by means of a heat resistive element having a temperature dependency. The sensor is comprised of: plural heat resistive elements used for a flow rate measurement; and a driver circuit for controlling a current applied to these heat resistive elements to cause their heating. The driver circuit is configured to sense a resistance change of a lower-temperature side heat resistive element among the plural heat resistive elements and to control the current to be applied to the plural heat resistive elements in accordance with a sensed value of the lower-resistance's variation.
US08217318B1 Submersible hand warmer
The invention is a submersible hand warmer apparatus for warming a diver's gloved hands. The apparatus includes a sleeve having a center portion with an elongate chamber with a right access port and a left access port; and right and left sleeve portions with elastic cuffs. The cuffs can be stretched allowing the diver's gloved hands access to the chamber, and then retract, forming a seal against the diver's arms. The chamber is sized for enough heat transfer fluid, such as water, so that the temperature of the diver's hands is raised to at least 54° F. upon immersion of his hands in the water. The apparatus also includes a heating component; an energy source, such as a battery; a housing which provides structural support; an insulation that slows the loss of heat to the cold ambient water; and a controller that controls the rate that energy is consumed.
US08217314B2 Cooking apparatus with divider
Disclosed herein is a cooking apparatus that is capable of partially heating a cooking chamber depending upon an amount of food to be cooked through a relatively simple mechanical structure without using an additional control unit. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber, a hot air supply unit to supply hot air into the cooking chamber, and a divider to divide the cooking chamber. The hot air supply unit includes a heater, a blowing fan to supply air heated by the heater into the cooking chamber, a fan cover having inlet holes and outlet holes, an opening and closing cover to partially open and close the inlet holes and the outlet holes of the fan cover, and interlocking units operating together with the attachment and detachment of the divider to move the opening and closing cover.
US08217310B2 Glow plug electrification control apparatus and glow plug electrification control system
A glow plug electrification control apparatus which can maintain the same heater temperature even when resistance varies among glow plugs to be used, and a glow plug electrification control system using the same. The apparatus (101) includes temperature-raising-period-resistance acquisition means for temperature-raising-period resistances Rg1(0.5), etc. of glow plugs (GP1-GPn) at predetermined timings during a temperature-raising period; maintaining-period electrification control means for maintaining the heater temperature Tg1(t), etc. at predetermined target temperatures Tm1, etc. after the temperature raising; and maintaining-period resistance acquisition means for acquiring maintaining-period resistances Rg1(t), etc. of the glow plugs GP1, etc. in a maintaining period.
US08217309B2 Glow plug with pressure sensing canister
A glow plug assembly includes an integrated, internal pressure sensor. In order to reduce loading on the center electrode, improve sensor responsiveness, and provide better thermal performance, the pressure sensor assembly is housed in a canister which forms a containment capsule and rigidly connects inside the glow plug shell near its seat area. The pressure sensor makes direct contact with the base end of the heater probe so that movements of the heater probe caused by fluctuations in gas pressure lead directly to changing force on the sensor stack.
US08217308B2 Heater-equipped seat
A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.
US08217290B2 Electrical switching apparatus, and charging assembly and charging handle therefor
A charging handle is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing having an exterior, an interior and a recess extending from the exterior toward the interior, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a charging assembly. A first end of the charging handle is coupled to the charging assembly within the interior of the housing. The second end includes a finger pull. An elongated body extends between the first and second ends and includes first and second sides, and inner and outer surfaces. The charging handle is movable among first and second positions. The finger pull is disposed on the outer surface of the elongated body at or about the second end of the charging handle, and is readily accessible from all of the second end and the first and second sides of the charging handle.
US08217286B2 Switch
A portable switch enables an operator to open and close an electrical conductive pathway, such as a circuit, from a remote location. The tool may comprise a handle assembly selectively attached to an associated object. The handle assembly has a first member, which has a first position and a second position. A base clamping assembly is selectively attached to an associated open point, such as, but not limited to, an underground switch. A cable has a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the base clamping system. The second end is connected to an insulating portion. The insulating portion may be interposed between the base clamping assembly and the handle assembly.
US08217280B2 Circuit board, electronic device and method for manufacturing the same
A circuit board includes a substrate, a circuit pattern and a through electrode. The circuit pattern is disposed on one side of the substrate in a thickness direction thereof. The through electrode is filled in a through-hole formed in the substrate with one end connected to the circuit pattern. The circuit pattern and the through electrode each have an area containing a noble metal component (e.g., Au component) and are connected to each other therethrough.
US08217277B2 Mounting panel arrangement
A mounting panel arrangement having a plurality of mounting panels for optoelectronic components. Two adjacent mounting panels (1, 2) are connected to one another, in a mechanically stable manner, a connection body (3). Each of the two mounting panels has a connection area (110, 210), each of which is associated with an attachment section (31, 32) of the connection body. For each connection area, a plug connection is formed between the connection area and the associated attachment section.
US08217276B2 Multilayer printed circuit board and method of manufacturing multilayer printed circuit board
A multilayer printed circuit board which can surely establish interlayer connection with low resistance. The multilayer printed circuit board comprises: a first substrate having a conductive pattern on one face and a non-penetration connection hole on the other face, for exposing the conductive pattern to outside; a second substrate having a conductive pattern formed on a face opposed to the other face of first substrate and a conductive bump on the conductive pattern integrally. The first substrate and the second substrate are integrated by engaging the bump of the second substrate with the connection hole of the first substrate and by intervening a conductive cement between the bumps and the conductive pattern exposed to outside from the connection holes.
US08217269B2 Electrical microfilament to circuit interface
Devices and methods for electrical interconnection for microelectronic circuits are disclosed. One method of electrical interconnection includes forming a bundle of microfilaments, wherein at least two of the microfilaments include electrically conductive portions extending along their lengths. The method can also include bonding the microfilaments to corresponding bond pads of a microelectronic circuit substrate to form electrical connections between the electrically conductive portions and the corresponding bond pads. A microelectronic circuit can include a bundle of microfilaments bonded to corresponding bond pads to make electrical connection between corresponding bonds pads and electrically-conductive portions of the microfilaments.
US08217261B2 Thin film sodium species barrier method and structure for cigs based thin film photovoltaic cell
A method for fabricating a thin film solar cell includes providing a soda lime glass substrate comprising a surface region and a concentration of sodium oxide of greater than about 10 wt % and treating the surface region with one or more cleaning process, using a deionized water rinse, to remove surface contaminants having a particles size of greater than three microns. The method also includes forming a barrier layer overlying the surface region, forming a first molybdenum layer in tensile configuration overlying the barrier layer, and forming a second molybdenum layer in compressive configuration using a second process overlying the first molybdenum layer. Additionally, the method includes patterning the first molybdenum layer and the second molybdenum layer to form a lower electrode layer and forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer. Moreover, the method includes forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic materials.
US08217253B1 Electric instrument music control device with multi-axis position sensors
An electric instrument music control device is provided having at least two multi-axis position sensors. One sensor is a reference multi-axis position sensor retained in a fixed position the reference multi-axis position sensor having at least one axis held in a fixed position. Another sensor is a moveable multi-axis position sensor rotatable about at least one axis corresponding to the at least one axis of the reference multi-axis position sensor, wherein the moveable multi-axis position sensor is in communication with the reference multi-axis position sensor. The device may include a processor that processes the differentiation between the angular position of the at least one axis of the reference multi-axis position sensor and the at least one axis of the moveable multi-axis position sensor, wherein the angular differentiation correlates to a music effect of an electric instrument.
US08217252B2 System and method for controlling play of digital audio equipment
An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.
US08217246B2 Sliding chord producing device for a guitar and method of use
The present invention is a sliding chord producing device and method of use for a user playing a guitar with a neck, a plurality of strings and a plurality of frets. The device has a generally tubular metal handle with two metal support rods that can be grasped by the user that are perpendicularly attached to the handle. There is also a vertical generally tubular metal slide and a diagonal generally tubular metal slide that are in movable contact with the neck, the strings and the frets that are perpendicularly attached to the handle by the support rods at a fixed angle forming the device. The device can also be made of glass.
US08217244B2 String-bridge interface system and method
A string-bridge interface system includes a plurality of string-bridge interface units to provide coupling between strings of a musical instrument and one or more sound bridges of the musical instrument, which are further coupled to the sound board of the musical instrument. Such coupling provided by the string-bridge interface units allows for reduced loading of the sound board and more direct routing of the strings.
US08217237B1 Soybean cultivar 06031715
A soybean cultivar designated 06031715 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 06031715, to the plants of soybean cultivar 06031715, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 06031715, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 06031715. 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. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 06031715. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 06031715, 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 cultivar 06031715 with another soybean cultivar.
US08217235B1 Soybean variety XBP37005
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP37005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP37005, cells from soybean variety XBP37005, plants of soybean XBP37005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP37005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP37005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP37005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP37005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP37005 are further provided.
US08217229B2 Carrot hybrid 07100375
The invention provides seed and plants of carrot hybrid 07100375 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of carrot hybrid 07100375 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a carrot plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another carrot plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the roots and gametes of such plants.
US08217223B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding WRINKLED1-like polypeptides and methods of use in plants
Isolated nucleic acids and proteins associated with lipid and sugar metabolism regulation are provided. In particular, lipid metabolism proteins (LMP) and encoding nucleic acids originating from Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus, Glycine max, Oryza sativa, and Triticum aestivum are provided. The nucleic acids and proteins are used in methods of producing transgenic plants and modulating levels of seed storage compounds. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches, or seed storage proteins. The nucleic acids and proteins also are used in methods of modulating the seed size, seed number, seed weight, root length, and leaf size of plants.
US08217222B2 Methods for identifying markers for early-stage human cancer, cancer progression and recurrence
A method is described to identify secreted proteins identified with stages of malignancy of cancer. The proteins are initially identified by trapping them with a fluorescent protein containing vector that can insert in any gene. The secreted proteins are initially identified by their fluorescence. Secreted proteins identifying tumors with specific degrees of malignancy are isolated to determine if they can serve as markers of cancer progression.
US08217220B2 Absorbent article comprising a thin film including an active agent
An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, sanitary napkin or incontinence device, wherein at least one part of the absorbent article carries a film having at least one monomolecular layer of a polymer having a functional group and an active agent, in particular to an absorbent article wherein the film is obtainable by layer-by-layer deposition of at least a first polymer having a first functional group and a second polymer having a second functional group capable of interacting with the first functional group. Moreover, the use of a film obtainable by the layer-by-layer deposition of at least one first polymer having a first functional group and a second polymer having a second functional group capable of interacting with the first functional group for releasing an active agent contained in the film upon wetting of the film by body fluids. Preferably the first polymer having a first functional group is a polycationic polymer and the second polymer having a second functional group is a polyanionic polymer.
US08217219B2 Anatomically conforming vaginal insert
A vaginal insert formed from a composition that, prior to introduction to the vagina, has the physical properties of a liquid, semi-soft gel, paste, foam, or viscous material so that it can be effectively delivered to the vaginal canal. After introduction into the vagina, the composition will expand and/or solidify into a semi-solid or solid structure to substantially fill the entire “H” shaped space of the vagina and a portion of the rugal folds along the length of the vaginal canal. Upon solidifying, the composition defines an insert that, in one embodiment, is suitable for use as a tampon and, in another embodiment, is suitable for use as an incontinence device.
US08217217B2 Absorbent article having a dehydration indicator
A wearable article comprising a dehydration indicator adapted to measure a urine ionic strength correlated to a specific gravity of the wearer's urine and provide a visible signal when the urine ionic strength reaches a value corresponding to a predetermined threshold of the specific gravity. The wearable article may be a disposable absorbent article. The dehydration indicator may also be comprised in an insert for use with a wearable article. The dehydration indicator may provide qualitative or quantitative information about the ionic strength of the wearer's urine.
US08217215B2 Process and plant for converting hazardous waste containing chromium VI into non-hazardous waste
The instant invention relates to a process and plant for the transformation of dangerous wastes containing chromium six as contaminant into non dangerous wastes that can be stored without special care and will be degraded in the environment without time limit. The process basically consists of milling, extracting chromium six in liquid phase and under controlled conditions of stirring, time and temperature, proceeding then, through reduction, to transform the chromium six in chromium three and then precipitating as chromium trioxide, through gasification. The solid resulting from the transformation process can be used as raw material for the manufacturing of firebricks or eventually for the manufacturing of bricks used in the building industry through a process not included in the instant description.
US08217213B2 Hydroalkylation of aromatic compounds using EMM-12
This disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a mono-cycloalkyl-substituted aromatic compound, said process comprising contacting a feedstock comprising an aromatic compound and hydrogen under hydroalkylation reaction conditions with a catalyst system comprising a molecular sieve and at least one metal with hydrogenation activity, wherein said molecular sieve has, in its as-synthesized form and in calcined form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including peaks having a d-spacing maximum in the range of 14.17 to 12.57 Angstroms, a d-spacing maximum in the range of 12.1 to 12.56 Angstroms.
US08217211B2 Process for producing liquid hydrocarbon by pyrolysis of biomass in presence of hydrogen from a carbon-free energy source
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing liquid hydrocarbons from biomass is provided. The method comprises pyrolizing the biomass with hydrogen (H2) to form bio-oil. The bio-oil comprises alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof. The H2 is formed from a carbon-free energy source.
US08217208B2 Isomerization of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Disclosed are processes for an isomerization reaction between (E)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and (Z)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene. Some of the disclosed processes include the step of contacting a feed stream with a heated surface, where the feed stream includes (E)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, (Z)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene or mixtures thereof. The resulting product stream includes (E)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and (Z)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, where the ratio of (E) isomer to (Z) isomer in the product stream is different than the ratio feed stream. The (E) and (Z) isomers in the product stream may be separated from one another.
US08217205B2 Method of making alcohols
Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.
US08217204B2 Catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation
This invention aims at providing a catalyst for producing an optically active aldehyde or an optically active ketone, which is an optically active carbonyl compound, by carrying out selective asymmetric hydrogenation of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound, particularly a catalyst which is insoluble in a reaction mixture for obtaining optically active citronellal which is useful as a flavor or fragrance, by carrying out selective asymmetric hydrogenation of citral, geranial or neral; and a method for producing a corresponding optically active carbonyl compound. The invention relates to a catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound, which comprises a powder of at least one metal selected from metals belonging to Group 8 to Group 10 of the Periodic Table, or a metal-supported substance in which at least one metal selected from metals belonging to Group 8 to Group 10 of the Periodic Table is supported on a support, an optically active cyclic nitrogen-containing compound and an acid.
US08217202B2 Single carbon precursor synthons
The chemistry of [13C]methyl phenyl sulfide is exploited to produce new isotopically labeled precursors that allow for the facile assembly of a wide range of labeled molecules from simple and relatively inexpensive starting materials. These compounds are applicable to a variety of research areas such as quantum computing, metabolism and materials science.
US08217201B2 Process for preparing quaternary alkammonium halides
Alkylammonium halides of the formula are described wherein the alkylammonium halide is prepared by reacting an alkylamine hydrohalide salt and its corresponding free amine with at least two equivalents of an epihalohydrin.
US08217192B2 Production method of (2E,6Z,8E)-N-isobutyl-2,6,8-decatrienamide (spilanthol), and food or drink, fragrance or cosmetic, or pharmaceutical comprising the same
A problem as an object of the invention is to provide a production method of spilanthol in a large scale without using expensive reagents. The present invention provides a production method of N-isobutyl-2,6,8-decatrienamide, wherein a column chromatography purification step is not required in all processes.
US08217191B2 Process for integrated co-production of hydrogen peroxide and epoxidized esters
A process for the integral production and reactive consumption of hydrogen peroxide combines oxidation of a high-boiling secondary alcohol to form hydrogen peroxide and the ketone analog, recycle of a hydrogenated ketone/alcohol stream to the oxidation step, and epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acid esters utilizing a gaseous hydrogen peroxide stream as it is produced. The epoxidized esters are known to have desirable characteristics for use as plasticizers and similar products.
US08217189B2 Chromenone potassium channel blockers and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds useful in the modulation of potassium channel activity in cells, in particular the activity of Kv1.3 channels found in T cells. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods for their preparation.
US08217188B2 2H-chromenes annelated at C5-C6 and methods of making and using thereof
Described herein are C5-C6 annelated naphthopyrans that possess at least one electron-withdrawing group. The compounds possess desirable properties such as increased fading kinetics. Also described herein are new methods for synthesizing 2H-chromenes annelated at C5-C6. The methods involve less stringent reaction conditions as well as provide increased reaction yields. The methods permit the synthesis of a wide variety of substituted naphthopyrans that can be temperature sensitive, which was not possible with previous synthetic routes.
US08217186B2 Process for preparing epsilon-caprolactone
The invention relates to a process for preparing ε-caprolactone from 6-hydroxycaproic ester in the gas phase in the presence of activated carbon as a catalyst and subsequent distillation.
US08217182B2 Process for producing cyclic N-hydroxy imide compounds
A cyclic polycarboxylic acid anhydride, a polycarboxylic acid, or a mixture of them is allowed to react with hydroxylamine or a salt thereof in an organic solvent under dewatering conditions to yield a corresponding cyclic N-hydroxyimide compound. The cyclic polycarboxylic acid anhydride can be, for example, succinic anhydride or glutaric anhydride. The polycarboxylic acid can be, for example, succinic acid, glutaric acid, or adipic acid. In this process, the reaction is preferably carried out using an organic solvent capable of undergoing azeotropy with water as all or part of a reaction solvent while removing water from the reaction system by azeotropy with the organic solvent. This process produces a cyclic N-hydroxyimide compound in a good yield from any of a cyclic polycarboxylic acid anhydride and a polycarboxylic acid.
US08217179B2 Preparation method of phenylcarboxamides
A preparation method of phenylcarboxamides of formula (I), the reaction scheme of which is as follows: wherein the groups are defined in the description. In this method, 3-halo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid esters (V) as the raw materials are hydrolyzed to obtain carboxylic acids of formula (IV) under a basic condition, and carboxylic acids (IV) are simultaneously acyl halogenated and oxidated to get acyl halide of formula (III), and then without the presence of a acid binging agent, acyl chlorides (III) are reacted with substituted anilines (II) to get phenylcarboxamides of formula (I) in high yield.
US08217176B2 Fused heterocyclic derivative and use thereof
The present invention provides a compound having a superior Smo inhibitory activity and lower toxicity, which is sufficiently satisfactory as a pharmaceutical product.The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein ring A is 5- to 7-membered ring optionally having substituent(s), where substituents are optionally bonded to each other to form a ring; X is O, S or NR1 (R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s)); R2 is carbamoyl optionally having substituent(s); and R3 is hydroxy optionally having substituent(s), or a salt thereof.
US08217175B2 Preparation of oxymorphone from oripavine
An improved method for the preparation of oxymorphone from oripavine is provided. Oripavine is oxidized to form 14-hydroxymorphinone after which the oxidation reaction is quenched to prevent the formation of 1-1′-dimer side products. The 14-hydroxymorphinone is then reduced, typically by catalytic hydrogenation to form oxymorphone. The inventive method disclosed is further applicable to the production of morphinan derivatives.
US08217166B2 Polyethylene glycolated superoxide dismutase mimetics
Compounds and methods for utilizing compounds comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to polyethylene glycol. Methods are also provided for preparing a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol, the methods comprising reacting an activated polyethylene glycol with a superoxide dismutase mimetic, or alternatively, reacting a superoxide dismutase mimetic with an activated polyethylene glycol. A method is also provided for preventing or treating a disease or disorder in which superoxide anions are implicated, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol. Methods of determining the safety and efficacy of the compounds ere also provided. Methods for determining the safety and efficacy can include methods in lab animals and humans.
US08217164B2 Use of a lactose-derived C-glycoside compound as an agent for activating and regulating cutaneous immunity
The present invention relates to novel lactose-derived compounds of general formula (I) and to their use as agents for stimulating the immune system of the skin and/or as immunoregulators, and for preparing a composition containing a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium, intended in particular to prevent and/or limit the appearance of cutaneous immune imbalances, in particular related to environmental stresses.
US08217161B2 Methods of inhibiting multiple cytochrome P450 genes with siRNA
The present invention relates to siRNAs that are targeted to RNAs encoding two or more enzymes of a subfamily of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, along with vectors, cells, and kits comprising the siRNAs. The invention further relates to methods of decreasing expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes in a non-human animal, animals in which expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes has been decreased, and methods of using such animals to study the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes.
US08217160B2 Solid support assay systems and methods utilizing non-standard bases
Solid support assays using non-standard bases are described. A capture oligonucleotide comprising a molecular recognition sequence is attached to a solid support and hybridized with a target. In some instances, the molecular recognition sequence includes one or more non-standard bases and hybridizes to a complementary tagging sequence of the target oligonucleotide. In other instances, incorporation of a non-standard base (e.g., via PCR or ligation) is used in the assay.
US08217158B2 Immunotoxin fusion proteins and means for expression thereof
The present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings provides novel recombinant DT-based immunotoxins, and, more specifically anti-T cell immunotoxin fusion proteins. Also provided are immunotoxins that can be expressed in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells. The invention also provides means for expression of the immunotoxin fusion protein. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08217157B2 Compositions and methods for treating and preventing heart tissue degeneration, and uses thereof
The present invention provides methods for promoting generation of heart tissue, and for treating and preventing heart tissue degeneration. Additionally, the present invention provides a therapeutic composition comprising a cyclin-associated agent, and a kit comprising the composition. The present invention further provides a heart tissue cell, a sidepopulation progenitor cell, and a stem cell in which cyclin is augmented. Also provided are cell lines comprising these cells, screening methods using the cell lines, and drugs identified by these methods. The present invention further provides in vitro systems for use in screening candidate drugs for at least one cardiotoxic effect and/or for synergy with cyclin in the treatment and prevention of heart tissue degeneration. Finally, the present invention provides use of a cyclin-associated agent in the generation of heart tissue, and use of a cyclin associated agent in the treatment or prevention of heart tissue degeneration.
US08217154B2 Activated sialic acid derivatives for protein derivatisation and conjugation
Derivatives of PSAs are synthesized, in which a reducing and/or non-reducing end terminal sialic acid unit is transformed into a N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) group. The derivatives may be reacted with substrates, for instance substrates containing amine or hydrazine groups, to form non-cross-linked/crosslinked polysialylated compounds. The substrates may, for instance, be therapeutically useful drugs, peptides or proteins or drug delivery systems.
US08217151B2 Pasteurisation process for microbial cells and microbial oil
An improved pasteurisation protocol for pasteurising microbial cells is disclosed. The protocol has three stages, a first heating stage, a second plateau stage at which the cells are held at a (maximum and) constant temperature, and a third cooling stage. Both the heating and the cooling stages are rapid, with the temperature of the cells passing through 40 to 80° C. in no more than 30 minutes in the heating stage. The heating rate is at least 0.5° C./minute and during cooling is at least −0.5° C./minute. The plateau maximum temperature is from 70 to 85° C. By plotting the pasteurisation protocol on a time (t, minutes) versus temperature (T, ° C.) graph, one obtains a trapezium having an area less than 13,000° C. minute. Not only does this result in a smaller energy input (and so a reduction in costs), but a better quality (and less oxidised) oil results having a peroxide value (POV) of less than 1.5 and an anisidine value (AnV) of less than 1.0.
US08217149B2 Anti-PD-L1 antibodies, compositions and articles of manufacture
The present application relates to anti-PD-L1 antibodies, nucleic acid encoding the same, therapeutic compositions thereof, and their use enhance T-cell function to upregulate cell-mediated immune responses and for the treatment of T cell dysfunctional disorders, including infection (e.g., acute and chronic) and tumor immunity.
US08217148B2 c-Met antibodies
Provided are monoclonal antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, and combinations of the foregoing, that bind to, and inhibit the activity of, c-Met, and that are effective in treating cancers and other diseases, disorders, or conditions where pathogenesis is mediated by c-Met.
US08217147B2 Identification and engineering of antibodies with variant Fc regions and methods of using same
The present invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly immunoglobulins (e.g., antibodies), comprising a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region, which variant Fc region binds FcγRIIIA and/or FcγRIIA with a greater affinity, relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with a disease, disorder, or infection. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder where an enhanced efficacy of effector cell function (e.g., ADCC) mediated by FcγR is desired, e.g., cancer, infectious disease, and in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic antibodies the effect of which is mediated by ADCC.
US08217142B2 Liquid phase peptide synthesis of KL-4 pulmonary surfactant
The invention relates to improved liquid phase processes for the preparation of the 21 residue protein component, (Lys-Leu4)4-Lys, of the pulmonary surfactant KL-4. These process are amenable to large scale synthesis and one process employs a method of saponifying an ester which reduces the inherent racemization of the α-carbon.
US08217141B2 Crystalline and amorphous forms of peptide
The present invention relates to the crystalline and amorphous structures of SEQ ID NO:1 (FLPS), methods of making the same and use in treatment of various diseases and conditions.
US08217134B2 Controlled release of biologically active compounds
The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters and polyester amides) derived from functionalized biologically active compounds that can provide site specific delivery of bioactive compounds upon biodegradation in a controlled manner.
US08217124B2 Ethylene polymerization in a high pressure reactor with improved initiator feeding
Process for the preparation of ethylene homopolymers or copolymers in a high pressure reactor with at least two spatially separated initiator injection points by polymerizing ethylene and optionally further monomers in the presence of at least two different mixtures of free-radical polymerization initiators at from 100° C. to 350° C. and pressures in the range of from 160 MPa to 350 MPa, wherein the process comprises the following steps: a) providing at least two different initiators as solution in a suitable solvent or in liquid state, b) mixing the initiators and optionally additional solvent in at least two static mixers and c) feeding each of the mixtures to a different initiator injection point of the high pressure reactor, and apparatus for feeding initiator mixtures to a high pressure reactor with at least two spatially separated initiator injection points.
US08217123B2 Stabilized polymeric thiol reagents
Disclosed are water soluble polymeric reagents comprising the structure POLY-[Y—S—W]x, where POLY is a water soluble polymer; Y is a hydrocarbon-based spacer group, x is 1 to 25, and S—W is a thiol, protected thiol, or thiol-reactive derivative. Preferably, the water soluble polymer is a PEG polymer. Also disclosed are conjugates of such polymeric reagents with pharmaceutically relevant molecules, and methods of their formation and use.
US08217121B2 Aromatic hydrogenated polymers containing fluorine
Aromatic hydrogenated polymers comprising perfluoropolyether (PFPE) chains bonded to the aromatic rings to form sequences randomly distributed in the polymer structure, having the formula (I): (T1-CF2O—Rf—CF2)n-T3 in which: n is an integer from 1 to 10; T1 is an aromatic group of the backbone of the hydrogenated polymer, or alternatively condensed aromatic groups; T3 may be equal to T1, or alternatively a functional group —COOH or —COF; Rf is a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain, in which the starting hydrogenated aromatic polymers are obtained by polycondensation, stepwise polyaddition or polyaddition of cyclic monomers in which the ring is formed by at least 3 atoms.
US08217119B2 Additives for halopolymers
Polymeric compositions comprising: 1) at least one thermoprocessable semicrystalline halo-polymer; 2) an additive in amounts between 0.01 and 10% by weight of 1) one or more (per)fluoropolyether polymers of formula: Q-O-[A-B]z-[A-B′]z′-A-Q′  (I) wherein: A=—(X)a—O-A′-(X′)b— wherein A′ is a perfluoropolyether chain; X, X′=—CF2—, —CF2CF2—, —CF(CF3)—; a, b=0 or 1; B derives from one or more olefins, of which at least one homopolymerizable by radical way, of formula: —[(CR1R2—CR3R4)j(CR5R6—CR7R8)j′]—  (Ia) wherein j=1-30, j′=0-29, with the proviso that 2<(j+j′)<30; R1-R8=halogen, H, C1-C6 (per)haloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 oxy(per)fluoroalkyl; B′=(Ia) but at least one of R1-R8 has a meaning different from that in B, and 2≦(j+j′)<30; z≧2; z′ is 0 or an integer; z, z′ are such that the number average molecular weight of (I) is between 500 and 500,000; Q, Q′=C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl; C1-C6 alkyl; or functional end group(s).
US08217117B2 Optical film
An optical film having at least one layer formed of a polyolefin based resin composition containing 8 to 30 wt % of a component (A) defined below and 92 to 70 wt % of a component (B) defined below, with the proviso that the total of the component (A) and the component (B) is 100 wt %: component (A): an olefin based polymer with which neither a crystal fusion peak having a crystal fusion heat of 30 J/g or more nor a crystallization peak having a crystallization heat of 30 J/g or more to be observed in the range of −50 to 200° C. is observed in a differential scanning calorimetry measurement according to JIS K 7122; and component (B): a propylene based polymer with which a crystal fusion peak having a crystal fusion heat larger than 30 J/g or a crystallization peak having a crystallization heat larger than 30 J/g to be observed in the range of −50 to 200° C. is observed in a differential scanning calorimetry measurement according to JIS K 7122.
US08217113B2 Crosslinkable compositions based on organosilicon compounds
Condensation crosslinkable compositions based on organosilicon compounds contain at least one heterocyclic compound A[CR12SiRa(OR2)3-a]x which contains at least one heteroatom from main groups 3 or 5 and is bonded to CR12 through one of these heteroatoms.
US08217105B2 Stabilized medium and high voltage insulation composition
The invention describes a composition comprising a) a polyethylene, b) a sulfur-containing phenolic antioxidant, c) a migrating antistatic agent, and d) an organic peroxide. The composition is useful for the preparation of a crosslinked polyethylene as cable insulation of medium and high voltage cables with improved water tree resistance.
US08217103B2 Silane-sulfide chain end modified elastomeric polymers
A chain end modified polymer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a silane-sulfide modifier A preferred class of modifiers includes compounds represented by the formula: (RO)x(R)ySi—R′—S—SiR3, wherein Si is silicon; S is sulfur; O is oxygen; x is an integer selected from 1, 2 and 3; y is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2; x+y=3; R is the same or different and is: (C1-C16) alkyl; and R′ is aryl, alkylaryl, or (C1-C16) alkyl. The invention further includes methods for making such chain end modified polymers, their use in preparing vulcanized elastomeric polymer compositions, and articles made from such compositions, including pneumatic tires, tire treads, belts, and the like. The subject compositions exhibit lower Tan δ at 60° C. values, while maintaining good processing characteristics, and a good balance of physical properties, including: abrasion resistance, tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break.
US08217102B2 Low odor styrenic polymer dispersions
A low odor aqueous styrene containing polymer dispersions comprising low level acetoacetoxy or acetoacetamide functional group in monomer or as non-polymeric additive with high boiling point organic amine is provided. The aqueous polymer dispersion is useful for preparing low odor coatings.
US08217097B2 Aqueous ink, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit and ink jet recording apparatus
The invention provides an aqueous ink comprising a polymer having hydroxyl groups and a pigment, which can provide images excellent in scratch resistance and highlighter resistance and can inhibit the seeping out phenomenon of the polymer and the deterioration of storage stability and ejection characteristics even when it is stored for a long period of time. The aqueous ink comprises a polymer having hydroxyl groups and a pigment, wherein a proportion of a content of a polymer that is not adsorbed on the pigment out of the polymer having hydroxyl groups to the content of the pigment in the ink is 2.0 mass % or more, and a content (mass %) of the polymer that is not adsorbed on the pigment out of the polymer having hydroxyl groups is 0.20 mass % or less based on the total mass of the ink.
US08217094B2 Monolith separation medium for chromatographic use and method of producing the same
A monolith separation medium comprising a skeletal phase and continuous pores forming a three-dimensional network structure, which has a functional group enabling the introduction of a new functional group on the surface of the skeletal phase. The skeletal phase has an average diameter of a submicron to micrometer size and is in a co-continuous structure of the non-particle-aggregation type. It is composed of an addition polymer of 1,3-bis(N,N′-diglycidylaminomethyl)cyclohexane as an epoxy compound with a bifunctional or higher amine compound, is rich in organic matters and is free from any aromatic-origin carbon atom. Thus, it is an organic polymer monolith separation medium of the non-particle-aggregation type.
US08217092B2 Multicomponent polyurethane/vinyl ester hybrid foam system and its use
A multicomponent polyurethane/vinyl ester hybrid foam system for forming a gradient foam with soft and rigid foam regions, with a polyol component (A), a polyisocyanate component (B), and a component (C), which contains a catalyst for the polymerization of the vinyl monomer, with the polyol component (A) containing, as vinyl monomer, a mixture of vinyl esters of at least one polymerizable hydroxyvinyl ester and at least one branched, at least trifunctional, polymerizable vinyl ester, and the polyisocyanate component (B) containing a thermally activatable free radical-forming agent as catalyst for the polymerization of the vinyl monomers, with the proviso that the proportion by weight of the vinyl ester mixture is greater than the proportion by weight of the at least one polyol as well as the proportion by weight of the at least one polyisocyanate.
US08217090B2 Elastomer porous material and method of producing the same
In the elastomer porous material of the invention, when cells in a first observation region of a first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF2, which indicates the remoteness from complete roundness and is represented by the following formula: SF ⁢ ⁢ 2 = P 2 4 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ A × 100 (wherein A represents the area of each cell, and P represents the perimeter length thereof), of 130 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the first observation region, and, when cells in a second observation region of a second cross section orthogonal to the first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF2, which indicates the remoteness from complete roundness and is represented by the same formula (wherein A represents the area of each cell, and P represents the perimeter length thereof), of 130 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the second observation region.
US08217081B2 Polymerizable biomedical composition
A polymerizable biomedical composition includes a quaternary ammonium group bonded at its quaternary sites to respective groups R1, R2, R3, and R4. R1 and R2 each include a vinyl moiety such that the composition is at least bi-functional with respect to polymerization.
US08217080B2 Anti-infective methods and systems for treating pathogen-induced disordered tissues
Compositions, methods and systems for treating disordered epithelial tissues, such as is caused by pathogens and/or by toxins produced thereby. The invention relates to the use of an anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent in a carrier, with vigorous agitation of the disordered epithelial tissue for topical treatment thereof under such conditions sufficient to achieve clinically discernable improvement of the disordered epithelial tissue. The preferred anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent comprises an organohalide, such as a quaternary ammonium halide compound, preferably benzalkonium chloride. The inventive compositions and methods may employ the use of an applicator adapted for use in promoting the penetration of the treatment composition and/or the vigorous agitation of the disordered tissue.
US08217078B1 Treatment of pain with topical diclofenac
The field involves compositions useful for pain relief, including diclofenac solution and gel formulations, in particular methods of use thereof, articles of manufacture and kits that provide novel preclinical, clinical and other information to users.
US08217072B2 Salinosporamides and methods for use thereof
The present invention is based on the discovery that certain fermentation products of the marine actinomycete strains CNB392 and CNB476 are effective inhibitors of hyperproliferative mammalian cells. The CNB392 and CNB476 strains lie within the family Micromonosporaceae, and the generic epithet Salinospora has been proposed for this obligate marine group. The reaction products produced by this strain are classified as salinosporamides, and are particularly advantageous in treating neoplastic disorders due to their low molecular weight, low IC50 values, high pharmaceutical potency, and selectivity for cancer cells over fungi.
US08217069B2 Nitrogenated fused ring derivative, pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and use of the same for medical purposes
[Purpose] The present invention provides compounds useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a sex hormone-dependent disease or the like.[Solution] The present invention provides nitrogen-containing fused ring derivatives represented by the following general formula (I) which has a GnRH antagonistic activity, prodrugs, salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, medicinal uses thereof and the like. In the formula (I), rings A and B are independently aryl or heteroaryl; RA and RB are independently halogen, cyano, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, —OW1, —SW1, —COW2, —NW3W4, —SO2NW3W4, aryl, etc.; RC is H or alkyl; E is oxygen atom, etc.; U is single bond or alkylene; and X is Y, —CO—Y, —SO2—Y, —S-(alkylene)-Y, —O-(alkylene)-Y, —SO2-(alkylene)-Y, etc.; Y is Z or amino, etc.; and Z is cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, etc.
US08217066B2 Compounds as lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonists
Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of lysophosphatidic receptor(s). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such antagonists, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating LPA-dependent or LPA-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08217064B2 Tetrasubstituted benzenes
Tetrasubstituted benzenes that act as modulators of gamma secretase and their use in the treatment of one or more symptoms of treating neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., Alzheimer's disease, are described.
US08217063B2 Lactam-substituted dicarboxylic acids and use thereof
The present application relates to novel lactam-substituted dicarboxylic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US08217061B2 Polymorphs of sorafenib tosylate and sorafenib hemi-tosylate, and processes for preparation thereof
Provided are sorafenib hemi-tosylate, polymorphs thereof, polymorphs of sorafenib tosylate, preparation thereof and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US08217060B2 Benzimidazole derivatives useful as TRP M8 receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to benzimidazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by TRP M8 (transient receptor potential M8 channel). More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of inflammatory pain, inflammatory hyperalgesia, inflammatory hypersensitivity condition, neuropathic pain, neuropathic cold allodynia, inflammatory somatic hyperalgesia, inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia, cardiovascular disease aggravated by cold, anxiety and depression.
US08217058B2 Substituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinones
The present invention relates to certain substituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinones. Specifically, the invention relates to geminally disubstituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinones having antimicrobial activity with improved pharmacokinetic profile. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the present invention, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of the present invention and the methods for treating or preventing microbial infections using the compounds of the present invention.
US08217056B2 Triazolothiadiazole inhibitor of c-Met protein kinase
The present invention relates to compound 1, which is useful in the inhibition of c-Met protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising Compound 1 and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative disorders.
US08217054B2 Use of polyols to obtain stable polymorphous forms of rifaximin
Polyols stabilize polymorphous form of rifaximin, in particular the β form. When polyols having at least two hydroxy groups are added to rifaximin powder, polymorph β is stable and remains stable in time independently from the environment humidity. In this invention a method to prepare formulations constituted by pure and stable polymorphous forms able to give a pharmaceutical product is described.
US08217053B2 Camptothecin derivatives with antitumor activity
Novel camptothecin derivatives having antitumor activity, the processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof as antitumor drugs and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08217052B2 Substituted tetrahydropyran spiro pyrrolidinone and piperidinone, preparation and therapeutic use thereof
The present disclosure relates to a series of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, m, n and p are as described herein. More specifically, the compounds of this invention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseases associated with the central nervous system. Additionally, methods of preparation of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides and intermediates therefore are disclosed.
US08217049B2 Use of type V phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in the equine
The use of type V phosphodiesterase inhibitors as a novel independent therapeutic modality in the treatment of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in equine is described. The type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor is injected into the horse intravenously as a stand-alone agent from about one-half hour to about seven (7) days prior to the onset of strenuous exercise.
US08217046B2 Cinnamoyl-piperazine derivatives and their use as PAR-1 antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): wherein: R1 represents: halogen, CN or NO2; R2 represents: hydrogen or halogen; n represents: 1 or 2; R3 represents: phenyl substituted by one or more halogens or C1-C6 alkyls; or a cyclohexyl; as well as the therapeutically-acceptable salts or solvates thereof. These compounds are useful as protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) antagonists, particularly in the treatment of thrombosis.
US08217043B2 Compounds and methods for their use
The present invention relates to novel compounds capable of modulating the stability and/or activity of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) by inhibiting the activity of at least one HIF hydroxylase enzyme.
US08217040B2 Use of triazine derivatives for the manufacture of a medicament having a cicatrising or angiogenic effect
The present patent application relates to the use of triazine derivatives as cicatrising or angiogenic agents.
US08217035B2 Pyrimidine derivatives used as PI-3-kinase inhibitors
Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase inhibitor compounds (I), their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and prodrugs thereof; compositions of the new compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and uses of the new compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, in the prophylaxis or treatment of proliferative diseases characterized by the abnormal activity of growth factors, protein serine/threonine kinases, and phospholipid kinases.
US08217034B2 Chemical compounds
The present invention features compounds that are prodrugs of HIIV integrase inhibitors and therefore are useful in the inhibition of HIV replication, the prevention and/or treatment of infection by HIV, and in the treatment of AIDS and/or ARC.
US08217033B2 Methods and compositions for the delivery of a therapeutic agent
The present invention provides a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent and an alkoxy-polyethylene glycol, for example, methoxy-polyethylene glycol, for administration of the therapeutic agent to the mammal. The compositions can be applied to a membrane, for example, a nasal membrane during intranasal administration. The invention also provides methods of administering such compositions to a mammal.
US08217031B2 Heteroaryl derivatives
The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula [1] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: In formula [1], one of X and Y is CH and the other is oxygen or sulfur; R is hydrogen, etc.; Z is hydrogen, etc.; Ar is phenyl, etc.; and n is 1 or 2 and or m is 1 or 2, excluding compounds where n is 2 and m is 2 simultaneously. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula [1] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. The composition is usable as an agent for the prevention or treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, obesity, stress urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder.
US08217030B2 Association of a sinus node if current inhibitor and a beta blocker
Association of a sinus node If current inhibitor and a β-blocker and also pharmaceutical compositions containing it.Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating angina pectoris, ischaemia, and heart failure.
US08217026B2 Substituted porphyrins
The present invention relates, in general, to a method of modulating physiological and pathological processes and, in particular, to a method of modulating cellular levels of oxidants and thereby processes in which such oxidants are a participant. The invention also relates to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such methods.
US08217023B2 19-nor-vitamin D analogs with 1,2- or 3,2-cyclopentene ring
19-nor-vitamin D analogs having an additional cyclopentene ring connecting carbon 1 and carbon 2, or connecting carbon 3 and carbon-2 of the A-ring of the analog, and pharmaceutical uses therefore, are described. These compounds exhibit selective in vitro activities, making them therapeutic agents for the treatment or prophylaxis of some types of cancers, particularly leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer or prostate cancer.
US08217021B2 Polymorphs of eltrombopag and eltrombopag salts and processes for preparation thereof
New polymorphs of Eltrombopag and Eltrombopag ethanolamine salt have been obtained and characterized. These polymorphs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are useful, for example, in treating conditions leading to thrombocytopenia.
US08217019B2 AIDS virus vaccines using Sendai virus vector
The present invention provides a vaccine containing a Sendai virus vector encoding a virus protein of an immunodeficiency virus. By intranasally administering a Sendai virus encoding a virus protein of an immunodeficiency virus to a macaque monkey, the present inventors have succeeded in efficiently inducing protective immunity against an immunodeficiency virus. As a result of intranasal inoculation of vaccine, expression of an antigen protein mediated by Sendai virus vector was detected in intranasal mucous membrane and local lymph nodes and antigen-specific cellular immune response was induced at a significant level. No pathological symptom by vaccination was observed. After vaccination, exposure of simian immunodeficiency virus was performed and the effect was examined. As a result, the amount of virus in plasma significantly decreased, compared with that of the control animal. The present invention provides a promising vaccine as an AIDS vaccine.
US08217015B2 Endosomolytic polymers
We describe pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers, delivery particles containing pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers. The described particles are capable of delivering polynucleotides to cells from the peripheral circulation with subsequent release from endosomes. The endosomolytic polymers are inactive outside the cell but disrupt membranes upon exposure to an acidified endosomal compartment.
US08217009B2 Allorestricted peptide-specific T cells
The present invention is directed to a T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing antigenic peptides derived from tumor-associated antigen FMNL1/KW13 and being capable of inducing peptide specific killing of a target cell. The present invention is further directed to one antigenic peptides derived from tumor-associated antigen FMNL1/KW13, to an antigen specific T cell, comprising said TCR, to a nucleic acid coding for said TCR and to the use of the antigen specific T cells for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of malignancies characterized by overexpression of FMNL1/KW13.
US08217007B1 Synthetic peptide amides
The invention relates to synthetic peptide amide ligands of the kappa opioid receptor and particularly to agonists of the kappa opioid receptor that exhibit low P450 CYP inhibition and low penetration into the brain. The synthetic peptide amides of the invention conform to the structure of formula I: Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of pain and inflammation associated with a variety of diseases and conditions. Such treatable pain includes visceral pain, neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia. Inflammation associated with conditions such as IBD and IBS, ocular and otic inflammation, other disorders and conditions such as pruritis, edema, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, ileus, tussis and glaucoma are treatable or preventable with the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
US08217005B2 Controlled release of phenolic opioids
A method of providing a patient with controlled release of a phenolic opioid using a prodrug capable, upon enzymatic activation, of releasing the phenolic opioid through intra-molecular cyclization leading to formation of a cyclic urea, carbamate or thiocarbamate.
US08217004B2 Sequestering agent for micronutrient fertilisers
According to the present invention, there is provided a method of sequestering micronutrients when used to provide the micronutrients to a plant, which comprises applying to an area of the plant or soil/substrate surrounding the plant an effective amount of a plant fertilizer composition comprising a surfactant, such as general formula (III), that is capable of forming coordinate bonds with micronutrients.
US08216992B2 Cleaner composition for formed metal articles
The present invention discloses an improved cleaning composition for cleaning metal surfaces such as aluminum and aluminum-containing alloys. The cleaning composition of the present invention comprises water and an ethoxylate of an alcohol having Formula R1—OH wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic having from 12 to 80 carbon atoms; an inorganic pH adjusting component; and at least one surfactant that is different than the ethoxylate set forth above. The cleaning composition of the present invention also has an average water-break-free percent reduction of less than 50% after 7 days aging of a working composition prepared from the cleaning composition. The present invention also provides a method of cleaning a metal surface with the cleaning composition of the invention.
US08216989B2 Cleaning composition for removing/preventing redeposition of protein soils
A composition is provided for removing protein soil and preventing redeposition of soils onto a surface. The composition includes between about 1% and about 90% by weight sugar, between about 1% and about 80% by weight alkalinity source and between about 15 and about 10% by weight surfactant composition. The sugar may be a saccharide or a non-saccharide based sugar. The composition is substantially free of phosphorus-containing compounds and includes less than about 0.05% by weight alkali earth metal.
US08216986B2 Low-phosphorous lubricant additive
A lubricant additive produced by the process comprising mixing a metal halide with an organophosphate, the metal halide participating as a reactant and reacting the metal halide and the organophosphate to produce a reaction mixture comprising the lubricant additive. Also disclosed is a lubricant produced by the process comprising forming a lubricant additive by reacting metal halide and organophosphate together to form a reaction mixture, the metal halide participating as a reactant, and adding at least a portion of the reaction mixture to a lubricant base.
US08216984B2 Dry lubricant for conveying containers
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
US08216981B2 Drilling fluid additive system
A drilling fluid additive system is provided and the system comprises: syrup solids which are heated and/or hydrolyzed and then admixed with a liquid medium, and the syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.
US08216979B2 Method of manufacturing superconducting thin film material, superconducting device and superconducting thin film material
A method of manufacturing a superconducting thin film material includes a vapor phase step of forming a superconducting layer by a vapor phase method and a liquid phase step of forming a superconducting layer by a liquid phase method so that the latter superconducting layer is in contact with the former superconducting layer. Preferably, the method further includes the step of forming an intermediate layer between the former superconducting layer and a metal substrate. The metal substrate is made of a metal, and preferably the intermediate layer is made of an oxide having a crystal structure of any of rock type, perovskite type and pyrochlore type, and the former superconducting layer and the latter superconducting layer both have an RE123 composition. Accordingly, the critical current value can be improved.
US08216976B2 Herbicidal compositions
The present invention provides an improved herbicidal composition including (a) an effective amount of an herbicidal cyclohexandione oxime compound or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; (b) one or more esters of a fatty acid; (c) a salt of dodecylbenzensulfonic acid; (d) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene plant oils and polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters; and (e) optionally another herbicide.
US08216966B2 Composite adsorbent from natural raw material and using the same to remove heavy metal from industrial waste water
An adsorbent composition and method of cleaning the industrial waste water using the composite is described. The method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water is done by mixing contaminated water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with an adsorbent composite comprising granules of a mixture of 50.363 wt % kaolin clay, a 4.477 wt % roasted date pits powder, a 5.54 wt % silica powder a 14.99 wt % magnesite powder and a 24.623 wt % water. After reacting the contaminated water and adsorbent composite together for a specific time the water is filtered and was found to contain reduced amount of heavy metals. The cleaned water can further be used for industrial cooling systems or watering gardens.
US08216965B2 Hazardous particle binder, coagulant and re-aerosolization inhibitor
A copolymer and water/ethanol solvent solution capable of binding with airborne contaminants or potential airborne contaminants, such as biological weapon agents or toxic particulates, coagulating as the solvent evaporates, and adhering the contaminants to a surface so as to inhibit the re-suspension of such contaminants. The solution uses a water or ethanol/water mixture for the solvent, and a copolymer having one of several functional group sets so as to have physical and chemical characteristics of high adhesion, low viscosity, low surface tension, negative electrostatic charge, substantially neutral pH, and a low pKa. Use of the copolymer solution prevents re-aerosolization and transport of unwanted, reactive species thus increasing health and safety for personnel charged with decontamination of contaminated buildings and areas.
US08216961B2 Nanoparticles including metal oxide having catalytic activity
Core-shell nanoparticles having a core material and a mesoporous silica shell, and a method for manufacturing the core-shell nanoparticles are provided.
US08216959B2 Photocatalyst-coated body, coating composition for the same, and process for producing photocatalyst-coated body
A photocatalyst-coated body includes a substrate with an organic material as a surface thereof, a photocatalyst layer with interstices between the particles in the layer and an intermediate layer provided between the substrate and the photocatalyst layer. The photocatalyst layer includes photocatalyst particles in a range of 1 part≦x<20 parts by mass, inorganic oxide particles in a range of 70 parts≦y<99 parts by mass, and a dried substance of a hydrolyzable silicone in a range of zero parts≦z<10 parts by mass, provided that a total amount of the photocatalyst particles, the inorganic oxide particles, and the dried substance of the hydrolyzable silicone is 100 parts by mass in terms of silica. The intermediate layer comprising a silicone-modified resin, wherein the silicone-modified resin includes silicon atom in an amount of 0.2% by mass or more and less than 16.5% by mass.
US08216958B2 Selective catalysts having silica supports for naphtha hydrodesulfurization
A method for hydrodesulfurizing FCC naphtha is described. More particularly, a Co/Mo metal hydrogenation component is loaded on a silica or modified silica support in the presence of organic ligand and sulfided to produce a catalyst which is then used for hydrodesulfurizing FCC naphtha. The silica support has a defined pore size distribution which minimizes olefin saturation.
US08216956B2 Layered electrocatalyst for oxidation of ammonia and ethanol
A layered electrocatalyst for oxidizing ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: a carbon support integrated with a conductive metal; at least one first metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the carbon support, wherein the at least one first metal plating layer is active to OH adsorption and inactive to a target species, and wherein the at least one first metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns; and at least one second metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the at least one first metal plating layer, wherein the at least one second metal plating layer is active to the target species, and wherein the at least one second metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns, forming a layered electrocatalyst.
US08216955B2 Synthesized hybrid rock composition, method, and article formed by the method
The invention relates to synthetic hybrid rock compositions, articles of manufacture and related processes employing mineral waste starting materials such as mine tailings, mine development rock, ash, slag, quarry fines, and slimes, to produce valuable articles of manufacture and products, which are characterized by superior physical and structural characteristics, including low porosity, low absorption, increased strength and durability, and retained plasticity. The resulting materials are compositionally and chemically distinct from conventional synthetic rock materials as demonstrated by scanning electron microprobe analysis, and are useful in a wide variety of applications, particularly with respect to commercial and residential construction.
US08216948B2 Exposure mask and method for forming semiconductor device using the same
Disclosed herein is a method for forming a semiconductor device that stacks an etched layer and a first hard mask layer on a semiconductor substrate, patterns the first hard mask layer in a high density region and a low density region, using a first exposure mask, forms a first spacer on a sidewall of the first hard mask layer in the high density region, forms a second spacer on a sidewall of the first hard mask layer in the low density region at the same time, etches an end with the first spacer connected thereto using a second exposure mask to thereby form a first spacer pattern, forms a planarized second hard mask layer that exposes the first spacer pattern and the second spacer, removes the first spacer pattern and the second spacer such that the second hard mask layer is left, and etches the etched layer using the second hard mask layer as an mask. This method makes it possible to easily form a micro pattern in the high density region and the low density region.
US08216947B2 Methods of forming fine patterns in integrated circuit devices
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit device includes forming first and second mask structures on respective first and second regions of a feature layer. Each of the first and second mask structures includes a dual mask pattern and an etch mask pattern thereon having an etch selectivity relative to the dual mask pattern. The etch mask patterns of the first and second mask structures are isotropically etched to remove the etch mask pattern from the first mask structure while maintaining at least a portion of the etch mask pattern on the second mask structure. Spacers are formed on opposing sidewalls of the first and second mask structures. The first mask structure is selectively removed from between the spacers in the first region using the portion of the etch mask pattern on the second mask structure as a mask to define a first mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers with a void therebetween in the first region, and a second mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers with the second mask structure therebetween in the second region. The feature layer may be patterned using the first mask pattern as a mask to define a first feature on the first region, and using the second mask pattern as a mask to define a second feature on the second region having a greater width than the first feature.
US08216946B2 Patterning method
A patterning method has a mask layer and undoped patterns sequentially formed on a target layer. A doping process is performed to surfaces of the undoped patterns to form doped patterns from the surfaces of the undoped patterns. A material is filled in the gaps between the doped patterns. A portion of the doped patterns are then removed to expose the top surfaces of the remaining undoped patterns. The material and the exposed undoped patterns are removed. A portion of the mask layer is removed using the remaining doped patterns as a mask to form a first pattern on the mask layer. A portion of the target layer is removed using the mask layer having the first pattern thereon as a mask so as to form on the target layer a second pattern complementary to the first pattern.
US08216944B2 Methods of forming patterns in semiconductor devices
Methods of forming patterns in semiconductor devices are provided including forming first patterns spaced apart from one another on an object structure. A first sacrificial layer is formed conformally on the first patterns and the object structure. A second pattern is formed on a sidewall of the first sacrificial layer, the second pattern having a height smaller than that of the first pattern from an upper surface of the object structure. The first patterns are selectively removed to form an opening that exposes the object structure. A third pattern is formed on a sidewall of the opening.
US08216943B2 Epitaxial growth method
Epitaxial growth methods and devices are described that include a textured surface on a substrate. Geometry of the textured surface provides a reduced lattice mismatch between an epitaxial material and the substrate. Devices formed by the methods described exhibit better interfacial adhesion and lower defect density than devices formed without texture. Silicon substrates are shown with gallium nitride epitaxial growth and devices such as LEDs are formed within the gallium nitride.
US08216942B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprises forming a first film above a pattern forming material, patterning the first film to form a core material pattern, forming a second film above the pattern forming material so as to cover a side surface and an upper surface of the core material pattern, forming a third film above the second film as a protective material for the second film, etching the second and third films so that side wall sections including the second film and the third film are formed on both sides of the core material pattern and the second film and the third film of an area other than the side wall sections are removed, removing the core material pattern between the side wall sections, and transferring patterns corresponding to the side wall sections on the pattern forming material by using the side wall sections as a mask.
US08216939B2 Methods of forming openings
Some embodiments include methods of forming openings. For instance, a construction may have a material over a plurality of electrically conductive lines. A plurality of annular features may be formed over the material, with the annular features crossing the lines. A patterned mask may be formed over the annular features, with the patterned mask leaving segments of the annular features exposed through a window in the patterned mask. The exposed segments of the annular features may define a plurality of openings, and such openings may be transferred into the material to form openings extending to the electrically conductive lines.
US08216938B2 Method for forming semiconductor device
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a partition line pattern and a partition pad pattern connected to an end part of the partition line pattern over the semiconductor substrate. Spacer insulation layers are formed at sidewalls of the partition line pattern and the partition pad pattern. A gap-filling layer is formed between the spacer insulation layers. A first cutting mask pattern is formed to expose a connecting part between the partition line pattern and the partition pad pattern. The partition line pattern and the gap-filling layer adjacent to the spacer insulation layer are removed using the first cutting mask pattern as a mask. A second cutting mask pattern including a first pattern and a second pattern are formed. The spacer insulation layer is removed using the second cutting mask pattern as a mask to form a gate trench in the substrate.
US08216935B2 Methods of forming transistor gate constructions, methods of forming NAND transistor gate constructions, and methods forming DRAM transistor gate constructions
A method of forming a transistor gate construction includes forming a gate stack comprising a sacrificial material received over conductive gate material. The gate stack has lateral sidewalls having insulative material received there-against. The sacrificial material is removed from being received over the conductive gate material to form a void space between the insulative material over the conductive gate material. Elemental tungsten is selectively deposited within the void space over the conductive gate material and a transistor gate construction forming there-from is formed there-from, and which has a conductive gate electrode which includes the conductive gate material and the elemental tungsten. The transistor gate might be used in NAND, DRAM, or other integrated circuitry.
US08216929B2 Method of manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
In a method of manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate made of silicon carbide and having first and second opposing surfaces is prepared. The second surface of the semiconductor substrate is processed so that a surface roughness of the second surface is less than or equal to 10 nm and a value of (100%-reflectance-transmittance) at a wavelength of a laser light is greater than or equal to 80%. A metal layer is formed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate after the processing the second surface. The metal layer is irradiated with the laser light and thereby an ohmic electrode is formed on the second surface.
US08216927B2 Method of reducing contamination by providing a removable polymer protection film during microstructure processing
By providing a protective layer in an intermediate manufacturing stage, an increased surface protection with respect to particle contamination and surface corrosion may be achieved. In some illustrative embodiments, the protective layer may be used during an electrical test procedure, in which respective contact portions are contacted through the protective layer, thereby significantly reducing particle contamination during a respective measurement process.
US08216923B2 Integrated shadow mask/carrier for patterned ion implantation
An improved, lower cost method of processing substrates, such as to create solar cells is disclosed. In addition, a modified substrate carrier is disclosed. The carriers typically used to carry the substrates are modified so as to serve as shadow masks for a patterned implant. In some embodiments, various patterns can be created using the carriers such that different process steps can be performed on the substrate by changing the carrier or the position with the carrier. In addition, since the alignment of the substrate to the carrier is critical, the carrier may contain alignment features to insure that the substrate is positioned properly on the carrier. In some embodiments, gravity is used to hold the substrate on the carrier, and therefore, the ions are directed so that the ion beam travels upward toward the bottom side of the carrier.
US08216920B2 Silicon epitaxial wafer and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a method for manufacturing a silicon epitaxial wafer by growing an epitaxial layer by placing a silicon substrate on a susceptor. The method includes at least a step of forming a silicon oxide film entirely on the rear surface of the silicon substrate; a step of removing the silicon oxide film formed at least on an edge section of the silicon substrate; and a step of placing the silicon substrate on the susceptor with the silicon oxide film in between. An epitaxial layer is grown on the silicon substrate, while holding the silicon substrate by the susceptor with the silicon oxide film in between. Thus, the silicon epitaxial wafer by which generation of particles can be reduced in a device manufacturing process and a method for manufacturing such silicon epitaxial wafer are provided.
US08216919B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and substrate carrier structure
A substrate carrier structure includes a tray and a secondary electron absorbing material. The tray holds a semiconductor substrate having a first surface on which semiconductor device elements are formed. The secondary electron absorbing material is interposed between the tray and this first surface of the semiconductor substrate. When the semiconductor substrate is irradiated with charged particles to form lattice defects, the secondary electron absorbing material prevents unwanted trapping of secondary electrons emitted from the tray, and thereby reduces the variability of electrical characteristics of semiconductor device elements formed on the semiconductor substrate.
US08216911B2 Methods for etching doped oxides in the manufacture of microfeature devices
Methods for selectively etching doped oxides in the manufacture of microfeature devices are disclosed herein. An embodiment of one such method for etching material on a microfeature workpiece includes providing a microfeature workpiece including a doped oxide layer and a nitride layer adjacent to the doped oxide layer. The method include selectively etching the doped oxide layer with an etchant comprising DI:HF and an acid to provide a pH of the etchant such that the etchant includes (a) a selectivity of phosphosilicate glass (PSG) to nitride of greater than 250:1, and (b) an etch rate through PSG of greater than 9,000 Å/minute.
US08216909B2 Field effect transistor with air gap dielectric
A field effect transistor (FET) that includes a drain formed in a first plane, a source formed in the first plane, a channel formed in the first plane and between the drain and the source and a gate formed in the first plane. The gate is separated from at least a portion of the body by an air gap. The air gap is also in the first plane.
US08216907B2 Process to fabricate a metal high-K transistor having first and second silicon sidewalls for reduced parasitic capacitance
A method forms a metal high dielectric constant (MHK) transistor and includes: providing a MHK stack disposed on a substrate, the MHK stack including a first layer of high dielectric constant material, a second overlying layer, and a third overlying layer; selectively removing only the second and third layers, without removing the first layer, to form an upstanding portion of a MHK gate structure; forming a first sidewall layer on sidewalls of the upstanding portion of the MHK gate structure; forming a second sidewall layer on sidewalls of the first sidewall layer; removing a portion of the first layer to form exposed surfaces; forming an offset spacer layer over the second sidewall layer and over the first layer, and forming in the substrate extensions that underlie the first and second sidewall layers and that extend under a portion but not all of the upstanding portion of the MHK gate structure.
US08216902B2 Nanomesh SRAM cell
Nanowire-based devices are provided. In one aspect, a SRAM cell includes at least one pair of pass gates and at least one pair of inverters formed adjacent to one another on a wafer. Each pass gate includes one or more device layers each having a source region, a drain region and a plurality of nanowire channels connecting the source region and the drain region and a gate common to each of the pass gate device layers surrounding the nanowire channels. Each inverter includes a plurality of device layers each having a source region, a drain region and a plurality of nanowire channels connecting the source region and the drain region and a gate common to each of the inverter device layers surrounding the nanowire channels.
US08216901B2 Fabrication method of trenched metal-oxide-semiconductor device
A fabrication method of trenched metal-oxide-semiconductor device is provided. A pattern layer with a plurality of openings is formed on a semiconductor base, and then a spacer is formed on the sidewall of the opening to define the gate trench. After the gate electrode formed in the gate trench, a dielectric structure is formed on the gate electrode by filling dielectric material into the opening. Then, the pattern layer and the spacer are removed and a dielectric layer is formed on the dielectric structure. The portion of the dielectric layer on the sidewall of the dielectric structure defines the source regions. After the source regions are formed in the well, another dielectric layer is formed on the dielectric layer to define the heavily doped regions adjacent to the source regions.
US08216900B2 Nonvolatile memory device, method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device, and method of manufacturing flat panel display device provided with the nonvolatile memory device
Provided are a nonvolatile memory device, a method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device, and a method of manufacturing a flat panel display device provided therein with the nonvolatile memory device. According to an embodiment, an amorphous silicon layer is formed on a substrate, and then annealed by using an Excimer laser to form a crystallized silicon layer. A nitrogen plasma treatment is performed for the crystallized silicon layer to planarize an upper surface of the crystallized silicon layer. An ONO layer is formed on the nitrogen plasma-treated crystallized silicon layer. A metal layer is formed on the ONO layer. The metal layer, the ONO layer and the nitrogen plasma-treated crystallized silicon layer are patterned.
US08216899B2 Flash memory device and method manufacturing the same
According to the present disclosure, a flash memory device includes a semiconductor substrate that includes selection transistor regions and a memory cell region defined between the selection transistor region, first isolation layers formed in the selection transistor regions, and second isolation layers formed in the memory cell region. The second isolation layers have a lower height than the first isolation layers.
US08216898B2 Fabrication methods for electronic devices with via through holes and thin film transistor devices
Fabrication methods for electronic devices with via through holes and thin film transistor devices are presented. The fabrication method the electronic device includes providing a substrate, forming a patterned lower electrode on the substrate, and forming a photosensitive insulating layer on the substrate covering the patterned lower electrode. A patterned optical shielding layer is applied on the photosensitive insulating layer. Exposure procedure is performed curing the exposed photosensitive insulating layer. The optical shielding layer and the underlying photosensitive insulating layer are sequentially removed, thereby forming an opening. A patterned upper electrode is formed on the photosensitive insulating layer filling the opening to create a conductive via hole.
US08216892B2 Method for manufacturing crystalline semiconductor film
There is provided a method for manufacturing a crystalline semiconductor film. An insulating film is formed over a substrate; an amorphous semiconductor film is formed over the insulating film; a cap film is formed over the amorphous semiconductor film; the amorphous semiconductor film is scanned and irradiated with a continuous wave laser beam or a laser beam with a repetition rate of greater than or equal to 10 MHz, through the cap film; and the amorphous semiconductor film is melted and crystallized At this time, an energy distribution in a length direction and a width direction in a laser beam spot is a Gaussian distribution, and the amorphous semiconductor film is scanned with the laser beam so as to be irradiated with the laser beam for a period of greater than or equal to 5 microseconds and less than or equal to 100 microseconds per region.
US08216890B2 Lateral hyperabrupt junction varactor diode in an SOI substrate
A varactor diode includes a portion of a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a gate electrode located thereupon. A first electrode having a doping of a first conductivity type laterally abuts a doped semiconductor region having the first conductivity type, which laterally abuts a second electrode having a doping of a second conductivity type, which is the opposite of the first conductivity type. A hyperabrupt junction is formed between the second doped semiconductor region and the second electrode. The gate electrode controls the depletion of the first and second doped semiconductor regions, thereby varying the capacitance of the varactor diode. A design structure for the varactor diode is also provided.
US08216888B2 Eliminating poly uni-direction line-end shortening using second cut
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a substrate including a first active region and a second active region; forming a gate electrode layer over the substrate; and etching the gate electrode layer. The remaining portions of the gate electrode layer include a first gate strip and a second gate strip substantially parallel to each other; and a sacrificial strip unparallel to, and interconnecting, the first gate strip and the second gate strip. The sacrificial strip is between the first active region and the second active region. The method further includes forming a mask layer covering portions of the first gate strip and the second gate strip, wherein the sacrificial strip and portions of the first gate strip and the second gate strip are exposed through an opening in the mask layer; and etching the sacrificial strip and the portions of the first gate strip and the second gate strip through the opening.
US08216884B2 Production methods of electronic devices
A method of producing an electronic device having mounted thereon a microelectromechanical system element. The method includes forming a micromachine component and electronic component for operation of the micromachine component on a substrate to form the system element, and bonding to the substrate a lid covering an active surface of the substrate and provided with wiring patterns to define an operating space for the micromachine component and electrically connecting the electronic component and the wiring patterns of the lid at a bonded part of the substrate and the lid.
US08216882B2 Method of producing a microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor device
A device (20, 90) includes sensors (28, 30) that sense different physical stimuli. A pressure sensor (28) includes a reference element (44) and a sense element (52), and an inertial sensor (30) includes a movable element (54). Fabrication (110) entails forming (112) a first substrate structure (22, 92) having a cavity (36, 100), forming a second substrate structure (24) to include the sensors (28, 30), and coupling (128) the substrate structures so that the first sensor (28) is aligned with the cavity (36, 100) and the second sensor (30) is laterally spaced apart from the first sensor (28). Forming the second structure (24) includes forming (118) the sense element (52) from a material layer (124) of the second structure (24) and following coupling (128) of the substrate structures, concurrently forming (132) the reference element (44) and the movable element (54) in a wafer substrate (122) of the second structure (24).
US08216877B2 Phase-change memory and fabrication method thereof
A phase-change memory is provided. The phase-change memory comprises a substrate. A first electrode is formed on the substrate. A circular or linear phase-change layer is electrically connected to the first electrode. A second electrode formed on the phase-change layer and electrically connected to the phase-change layer, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises phase-change material.
US08216866B2 Method to manufacture semiconductor device with optical grating
A method to manufacture an optical device with enhanced high frequency performance is disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) forming semiconductor layers on a semiconductor substrate, (b) etching the semiconductor layers by using a mask to form a plurality of diffraction gratings, where the mask provides a plurality of periodic patterns each corresponding to respective gratings and having a specific pitch different from others, (c) forming an active layer on the etched semiconductor layers, (d) measuring a maximum optical gain of the active layer, (e) selecting one of diffraction gratings based on the measured optical gain, and (f) forming a current confinement structure aligned with the selected diffraction grating.
US08216862B2 Forming and training processes for resistance-change memory cell
During the manufacture of a set of non-volatile resistance-switching memory elements, a forming process is performed in which a voltage is applied over forming period until a conductive filament is formed in a resistance-switching layer. A heat source at a temperature of 50° C. to 150° C. is applied to expedite the forming process while reducing the required magnitude of the applied voltage. Manufacturing time and reliability are improved. After the forming process, an expedited training process can be performed in which a fixed number of cycles of voltage pulses are applied without verifying the memory elements. Subsequently, the memory elements are verified by determining their read current in an evaluation. Another fixed number of cycles of voltage pulses is applied without verifying the memory elements, if the memory elements do not pass the evaluation.
US08216860B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming an interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; depositing a first soft magnetic thin film on the interlayer insulating film through sputtering using a target containing at least one of Fe, Co, Ni, or alloys thereof, the target further containing at least one of Ti, Hf, or B, the sputtering being performed using an N2 reactive gas; forming a metal film on the first soft magnetic thin film; depositing a second soft magnetic thin film on the metal film through sputtering using the same or another target containing at least one of Fe, Co, Ni, or alloys thereof, the target further containing at least one of Ti, Hf, or B, the sputtering being performed using an N2 reactive gas; and patterning to form an inductor.
US08216856B2 Luminescent lanthanide labelling reagents and their use
The invention relates to a detectable molecule comprising a biospecific binding reactant attached to a luminescent lanthanide chelate comprising a lanthanide ion and a chelating ligand of the formula (I) wherein, R1A R1B are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, —COOH, —COO—, —CH2COOH, —CH2COO—, hydroxyl or OR2; R2 is selected from the group consisting of —CH3, —C(CH3)3, —C(CR4)3, wherein R4 is an alkyl with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, —CH2COOH, —CH2COO−, and appropriate hexose residues; R3 is a linker for coupling to a biospecific binding reactant selected from the group consisting of thiourea (—NH—CS—NH—), aminoacetamide (—NH—CO—CH2—NH—), amide (—NH—CO— and —CO—NH—), aliphatic thioether (—S—), disulfide (—S—S—) and 6-substituted-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine; and the lanthanide ion is selected from the group consisting of europium(III), terbium(III), dysprosium(III) and samarium(III). The invention also relates to corresponding lanthanide chelates. The invention further relates to the use of the detectable molecule of the invention.
US08216847B2 Means and method for predicting diabetes
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes, comprising determining a metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to have a predisposition for diabetes and comparing the metabolite to a reference to diagnose the, predisposition for diabetes. Moreover, the present invention encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising the data collection. The present invention also relates to a system comprising methods or devices for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. Additionally, diagnostic methods or devices comprising a metabolite and its use for manufacture of the diagnostic method or device for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes are provided, along with a method for identifying diabetes-related metabolites.
US08216845B2 Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof
A gaming system of the present invention comprising a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value.
US08216842B2 Enhancement of hybridoma fusion efficiencies through cell synchronization
The present invention provides methods of enhancing hybridoma fusion efficiencies through cell synchronization of the fusion partners, in order to aid in production of antibodies.
US08216838B2 Method for efficient production of monocyte-derived multipotent cell (MOMC)
It is to provide a practical method for producing efficiently a large amount of MOMC, which is a multipotent cell which is very suitable for cell transplantation for organ regeneration. It was found that by culturing peripheral blood monocytes in vitro on fibronectin in the presence of SDF-1, MOMC can be produced more efficiently, and the present invention has been completed. Specifically, it is a method for producing MOMC by culturing in vitro peripheral blood monocytes expressing CD14 on fibronectin, wherein the in vitro culture is performed in the presence of SDF-1.
US08216837B2 Method of producing lymphocytes
A method of producing lymphocytes characterized by comprising the step of culturing lymphocytes in the presence of a modified recombinant fibronectin fragment which has overlapping parts of the heparin-binding domain of fibronectin. This method makes it possible to achieve a high cell proliferation rate. The lymphocytes obtained thereby are appropriately usable in, for example, adoptive immunotherapy and, therefore, expected as highly useful in the clinical field. Moreover, a novel modified recombinant fibronectin fragment is provided.
US08216830B2 Culture apparatus
A culture apparatus includes a culture chamber in which culture is cultured, a shelf plate included in the culture chamber, on which the culture is placed, and shelf rests in a left-and-right pair configured to support the shelf plate and a plurality of shelf supports configured to support the shelf rests. The shelf rests each include one piece supporting the shelf plate and the other piece supported by the shelf supports. The shelf rests are in an L-shape in a cross-sectional manner whose angle between the one piece and the other piece is an acute angle. The one piece is in line contact with a lower face of the shelf plate at an end of the one piece extending obliquely upward from a side face of the culture chamber toward the inside of the culture chamber. The culture chamber is supplied with sterilizing gas to be sterilized.
US08216826B2 Fluid analyzing apparatus
A fluid analyzing apparatus. The fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously detects and analyzes a multiplex fluid sample with suitable analyzing elements. Meanwhile, the fluid analyzing apparatus may be disassembled to a first unit, a second unit and a third unit, such that the analyzing elements therein are easily disposed and replaced. The fluid analyzing apparatus analyzes and detects the multiplex fluid sample by allowing the multiplex fluid sample to sequentially or simultaneously flow through a plurality of target chambers. The fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously transports the multiplex fluid sample to the target chambers, thereby enhancing the speed and analysis thereof.
US08216821B2 Regulation of heterologous recombinant protein expression in methylotrophic and methanotrophic bacteria
Methylotrophic or methanotrophic bacteria such as Methylobacterium are transformed with a gene of interest, and expression of the gene is regulated by means of a cumate repressor protein and an operator sequence which is operatively linked to the gene of interest, and the addition of an external agent. Specifically, the cymR repressor and cmt operator from Pseudomonas putida may serve to regulate gene expression in methylotrophic or methanotrophic bacteria with the addition of cumate.
US08216819B2 Generation of oncolytic adenoviruses and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a method for the production of onolytic adenoviruses having increased potency and their therapeutic applications for cancer. Recombinant adenoviruses and methods to produce them are provided.
US08216816B2 Ethanol production in microorganisms
The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for engineering photoautotrophic organisms to convert carbon dioxide and light into fatty acid esters and other molecules, including biofuels. The molecules are then secreted by the organism into a growth medium.
US08216814B2 Microorganisms for the production of adipic acid and other compounds
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.
US08216813B2 Process for enzymatically preparing carboxylic esters
Process for enzymatically synthesizing carboxylic esters, characterized in that mixing and discharge of the water of reaction are effected by introducing a gas while achieving low effectiveness ratios EV.
US08216811B2 Methods for converting glucose to ascorbic acid
Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.
US08216809B2 Organic solvent pretreatment of biomass to enhance enzymatic saccharification
Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of elemental sulfur and optionally one or more alkylamine and/or one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.
US08216804B2 Orthogonal translation components for the in vivo incorporation of unnatural amino acids
The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli, or in a eukaryotic host such as a yeast cell. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal synthetases, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing unnatural amino acids, and translation systems.
US08216800B2 Substrates for detecting peptidase activity and methods using the substrates
An enzyme substrate of formula (I) detects peptidase activity: Methods of detecting peptidase activity of a microorganism may include incubating a biological sample with the enzyme substrate of formula (I), and detecting peptidase activity if a microorganism having peptidase activity is present in the biological sample. The enzyme substrate may be included in a reaction medium.
US08216796B2 Methods for treating and diagnosing fibrotic and fibroproliferative diseases
The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating fibrotic lung disease. In one embodiment the diagnostic method comprises determining the amount of circulating CXCL-12 in a patient relative to a control.
US08216794B2 Extracellular serine protease
The present invention provides a DNA encoding a novel extracellular serine protease termed Tumor Antigen Derived Gene-14 (TADG-14) which is overexpressed in ovarian, breast and colon carcinoma samples. Also provided are vector and host cells capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention, as well as the uses of the DNA and protein of the present invention. Also provided is a TADG-14 protein variant that has a potential role for detecting and targeting of ovarian carcinomas.
US08216781B2 Gene polymorphisms as predictors of tumor progression and their use in cancer therapy
The invention provides compositions and methods for determining the likelihood of successful treatment with a pyrimidine based antimetabolite chemotherapy drug and a platinum based chemotherapy drug, such as 5-FU/oxaliplatin. The methods comprise determining the genomic polymorphism present in a predetermined region of a gene of interest and correlating the polymorphism to the predictive response. Patients identified as responsive are then treated with the appropriate therapy.
US08216776B2 Dialysate of peritoneal dialysis and its preparation method
An aqueous solution of electrolytes, a sugar osmotic agent and a physiologically safe salt of a reductive sulfur oxy-acid. Alternatively, the dialysate comprises an aqueous solution of electrolytes, a salt of a reductive sulfur oxy-acid, and osmotic agents which contain an oncotic agent other than a sugar osmotic agent.
US08216775B2 Anti-reflection film forming material, and method for forming resist pattern using the same
The anti-reflection film forming material according to the present invention includes (a) a water soluble resin having a vinyl acetate constituent unit, and (b) a compound having a constituent unit represented by the following general formula. Wherein, R1 and R2 represent a direct bond or a methylene chain; R3 and R4 represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a group represented by —(CH2)n—O—R5—R6; and at least one of R3 and R4 is a group represented by —(CH2)n—O—R5—R6, wherein: R5 represents a direct bond or an alkylene chain having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may be interrupted with —O—; R6 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms in which a portion or all hydrogen atoms are substituted with a fluorine atom; and n represents an integer of 0 to 10. Wherein, the total number of carbon atoms present in R1 and R2 is 1 or 2.
US08216770B2 Resin composition comprising cardo resin, method for forming pattern using the resin composition and color filter using pattern formed by the method
Disclosed is a resin composition including a cardo resin. Exemplary resin compositions can include (a) a cardo resin having a structural unit represented by Formula 1, (b) a reactive unsaturated compound, (c) an initiator, and (d) a solvent, wherein each R1 and R2 is independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1-C5 alkyl group, R3 is a vinyl, acryl or methacryl group, Z represents the residue of an acid anhydride or dianhydride, X is —CO—, —SO2—, —C(CF3)2—, —Si(CH3)2—, —CH2—, —C(CH3)2—, —O—, (R4═H, Et, C2H4Cl, C2H4OH, CH2CH═CH2 or Ph), and k is integer from 1 to 40. Further disclosed is a color filter which includes a fine pattern formed using the composition. The color filter can exhibit superior resistance to heat and chemicals, improved developability, and good adhesiveness.
US08216769B2 Negative working, heat sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor
A heat-sensitive negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and a coating provided thereon, the coating including an image-recording layer which includes hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, a binder, and an infrared absorbing dye; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles have an average particle diameter, measured by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, of more than 10 nm and less than 40 nm; the amount of the IR-dye, without taking into account an optional counter ion, is more than 0.80 mg per m2 of the total surface of the thermoplastic polymer particles, measured by Hydrodynamic Fractionation; and the amount of hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles relative to the total weight of the ingredients of the imaging layer is at least 60%.
US08216767B2 Patterning process and chemical amplified photoresist with a photodegradable base
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate; forming a first material layer over the substrate; forming a second material layer over the first material layer, wherein the second material layer comprises a photodegradable base material; and exposing at least a portion of the second material layer.
US08216766B2 Polymer, polymer preparation method, resist composition and patterning process
A polymer having a rate of dissolution in an alkaline developer that increases under the action of acid is provided. The polymer is prepared by reacting a hydrogenated ROMP polymer with an O-alkylating agent in the presence of a base.
US08216764B2 Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester having a tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group containing an aliphatic monocyclic group and/or an aliphatic branched, tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, and the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) having a cation moiety represented by general formula (b′-1) shown below: wherein each of R1 and R2 independently represents a naphthyl group which may have a substituent; and R3 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group exclusive of a naphthyl group.
US08216761B2 Method of producing polymerized toner
Disclosed is a method for producing a polymerized toner. In the method, a mixture of colloidal silica as an aqueous dispersant and a polyvinylpyrrolidone is used during suspension polymerization. The amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone/colloidal silica aggregates having a diameter smaller than 100 nm is also limited to 1% by weight or less, based on the total weight of all aggregates. A polymerized toner produced by the method has a volume average particle diameter (dv) of 5 to 10 μm and a volume average particle diameter/number average particle diameter ratio (dv/dp) of 1.5 or less. The polymerized toner is consumed in a small amount during printing. According to the method, the formation of emulsion particles having a size smaller than 0.5 μm is inhibited.
US08216759B2 Electrophotographic carrier and use thereof
The present invention provides an electrophotographic carrier which includes a core particle, a first resin layer containing a charge-generating material for coating the core particle, and a second resin layer containing a hole-transporting material for coating the first resin layer. The invention also provides a two-component developer comprising said carrier, and an image-forming process and apparatus using said developer. According to the invention, high quality images can be formed, with excellent image density (especially when developing solid images) and less fogging.
US08216752B2 Organic photoreceptor and image forming apparatus
An objective is to provide an organic photoreceptor exhibiting high sensitivity, suitable for exposure to a semiconductor laser having an emission wavelength of 350-500 nm or a light emitting diode, with which generation of memory images as well as image defects caused by very small charge leakage is inhibited, and also to provide an image forming apparatus fitted with the organic photoreceptor. Also disclosed is an organic photoreceptor possessing a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer provided on a conductive support, wherein the charge generation layer contains particles made of a condensed polycyclic pigment, having an average major axis length of 500 nm or less, an average aspect ratio of 2.5-5.0, and an aspect ratio variation coefficient of 16% or less.
US08216745B2 Half-tone mask, half-tone mask blank and method for manufacturing half-tone mask
A halftone mask increasing the versatility of an etching stopper layer. The half tone mask (10) is provided with a transparent portion (TA) using a glass substrate (S), a first semi-transparent portion (HA) including a first semi-transparent layer (11) formed on the glass substrate, and a light shield portion (PA) including a first semi-transparent portion, a light shield layer (13) superimposed above the first semi-transparent layer, and an etching stopper layer (12) formed between the first semi-transparent layer and the light shield layer. The first semi-transparent layer and the light shield layer are each formed from Cr or at least one selected from the group consisting of an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride of Cr. The etching stopper layer includes a first element of at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, and Co and a second element of at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ti, Nb, Ta, Hf, and Zr.
US08216740B2 Fuel cell
A fuel cell including an MEA sealed by a multi-block copolymer gasket is disclosed. The self-assembling, nanophase-separated polymer exhibits higher corrosion resistance relative to typical silicone gaskets while providing a better seal of the MEA to the fuel cell housing than PTFE.
US08216739B2 Fuel cell with large exchange surface area
A support wafer made of silicon wafer comprising, on a first surface a porous silicon layer having protrusions, porous silicon pillars extending from the porous silicon layer to the second surface of the wafer, in front of each protrusion. Layers constituting a fuel cell can be formed on the support wafer.
US08216738B2 Deactivation of SOFC anode substrate for direct internal reforming
A SOFC includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, an anode electrode, and a hydrocarbon fuel inlet. The SOFC is configured for internal reforming of a hydrocarbon fuel at the anode electrode. The SOFC is configured to limit an interaction between the hydrocarbon fuel and the anode electrode adjacent to the hydrocarbon fuel inlet, or to limit an area of the anode electrode exposed to the hydrocarbon fuel adjacent to the hydrocarbon fuel inlet, or to provide a gradual introduction of the hydrocarbon fuel to the anode electrode.
US08216737B2 End plate for a fuel cell stack
The present invention relates to an end plate for a fuel cell stack, containing at least one channel (7) for the supply and/or removal of at least one reactant and/or a reaction product and/or a coolant, wherein at least a part at least of one pump (8) for delivering the reactants and/or reaction products and/or coolant and which is arranged in the course of the respective channel (7) is integrated into the end plate. The invention further relates to a fuel cell stack which contains such an end-plate.
US08216736B2 Fuel cell system using evaporative cooling method
The present invention provides a fuel cell system using evaporative cooling that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen as a fuel and air as an oxidant. The system includes a fuel cell stack including a cooling channel provided on a bipolar plate separately from an air channel and a hydrogen channel, an air inlet line connected to an inlet side of the cooling channel of the fuel cell stack, a water injection means provided at the inlet side of the cooling channel to inject water into air introduced to the cooling channel through the air inlet line, and an air compression means provided at the rear of the fuel cell stack and connected to a discharge line coupled to an outlet side of the cooling channel to provide a suction force to the cooling channel and to compress a mixture of air and water vapor sucked from the cooling channel. The present system provides advantages in that the configuration of the fuel cell system is simplified, lightweight, and downsized, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
US08216735B2 Thermal management system for high-temperature fuel cell
A thermal management system for high-temperature fuel cell mainly comprises a first mixer to introduce external fuel to a reformer, a reformer to adjust the gaseous fuel to a proper composition ratio and output the fuel to the anode input of the fuel cell, a second mixer to introduce external ambient air to the cathode input of the fuel cell, a cathode thermal cycle pipeline to deliver the high-temperature air from the cathode output of the fuel cell to pass through the second mixer and the reformer and also heat the second mixer and the reformer to recover the heat, an anode thermal cycle pipeline to introduce the water steam from the anode output of fuel cell, remaining fuel and thermal energy to the first mixer to mix with incoming fuel, and provide sufficient water-to-carbon ratio and the inlet temperature required for the reformer.
US08216733B2 Fuel cell system
Voltage rising detection unit detects a voltage rising condition of a fuel cell stack after the supply of reactant gas to the fuel cell stack is started. A control unit determines an internal state of the fuel cell stack on the basis of the detected voltage rising condition of the fuel cell stack, and then decides a subsequent operation of the fuel cell stack in accordance with the determination. This makes it possible to minimize deterioration of the fuel cell stack which is caused by generating power continuously in an unsuitable state.
US08216732B2 Fuel cell power generation system
An electric power generator is particularly suitable for providing back-up power to sites with multiple power requirements. This generator comprises a rack having multiple module bays; at least one power conversion module is mounted in one of the bays and is electrically coupled to a fuel cell stack also mounted in the rack or located remote from the rack. The power conversion module converts the voltage level and/or current type of some of the electricity produced by the stack such that the generator can simultaneously output electricity at multiple voltage levels and/or current types. The rack can be a standardized nineteen relay rack, making the generator relatively compact and compatible with sites configured accept such racks.
US08216731B2 Fuel cell system and fuel control method
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell and a supplying unit, which supplies reactive gases to the fuel cell. A control unit includes a power production effective area calculator calculates the areas of the electrodes available for power production as a power production effective area. A current density calculator which calculates a current density of the power production effective area calculated by the power production effective area calculator based on the total amount of power required by the fuel cell. A gas supply amount determiner determines the amount of reactive gas to be supplied to the fuel cell depending on the current density. A gas supply controller controls the supplying unit so as to supply the amount of reactive gas determined by the gas supply amount determiner to the fuel cell.
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