Document | Document Title |
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US08238346B2 |
Queuing architectures for orthogonal requirements in quality of service (QoS)
A node in a mobile ad-hoc network or other network classifies packets (a) in accordance with a first set of priority levels based on urgency and (b) within each priority level of the first set, in accordance with a second set of priority levels based on importance. The node: (a) queues packets classified at highest priority levels of the first and/or second sets in high-priority output queues; (b) queues packets classified at medium priority levels of the first set in medium-priority output queue(s); and (3) queues packets classified at low priority levels of the first and/or second set in low-priority output queue(s). Using an output priority scheduler, the node serves the packets in order of the priorities of the output queues. In such manner, orthogonal aspects of DiffServ and MLPP can be resolved in a MANET or other network. |
US08238343B2 |
Method and apparatus of performing tunnel signaling over IP tunneling path
An apparatus and method for performing tunnel signaling over an IP tunneling path are provided. The method includes transmitting an end-to-end signaling flow through an end-to-end path connected to the IP tunneling path, generating a tunnel signaling flow corresponding to the end-to-end signaling flow, and transmitting the generated tunnel signaling flow through the IP tunneling path, wherein the end-to-end signaling flow and the tunnel signaling flow respectively include a binding data object storing binding information for an end-to-end session associated with the end-to-end signaling flow or a tunnel session associated with the tunnel signaling flow. |
US08238334B2 |
Optimal path selection for accessing networked applications
An efficient and user-friendly application service access method utilizing network dynamic conditions and application traffic requirements. This method allows applications to register their servers' location information and traffic requirements with the network and provides an optimal connection to application service without specifying an application server location for an end user and based on network conditions and application requirements. |
US08238331B2 |
Communication system and telephone exchange apparatus
According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a Network Address Translator (NAT) rooter and a telephone exchange apparatus. The NAT router comprises a transfer module configured to transfer a communication packet brought from the global network to the telephone exchange apparatus. The telephone exchange apparatus comprises a memory configured to store a map table in which a terminal ID specifying the terminal, and an address and a port number specifying the network are correlated with each other, and a controller configured to refer to the map table, and notify the terminal connected to the global network of an address and a port number of the telephone exchange apparatus's own apparatus as an address and a port number of the communication partner, and bring the communication path between the terminals into the apparatus. |
US08238327B2 |
Apparatus and methods for subscriber and enterprise assignments and resource sharing
Methods and apparatus for subscriber and enterprise assignments and resource sharing are disclosed. A disclosed method includes managing resources for a communication service having a communication location. The disclosed method comprising associating a group identifier with a sub-group type, and associating a subscriber with the group identifier, wherein the sub-group type is used to determine at least one super-group usable to route an outdial call from the communication location if the outdial call is associated with the subscriber, and wherein the super-group comprises at least one of a circuit group or a voice over internet protocol communication path. |
US08238325B2 |
Packet communication network and packet communication method
Full-mesh WDM transmission units, each of which includes n number of interfaces and is capable of establishing a bidirectional full-mesh communication between all of the interfaces using wavelength paths based on a wavelength division multiplexing technique, are connected in a multistage tree-shaped structure by internetwork connection units through edge-packet transfer units connected to the respective interfaces. Therefore, it is possible to hold a direct communication between user terminals connected to the edge-packet transfer units of the same full-mesh WDM transmission unit, and to realize scalability by a multistage connection configuration. |
US08238323B2 |
OFDMA cellular network and method for mitigating interference
Embodiments of an OFDMA cellular network and method for mitigating interference are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the scheduler assigns a common group ID to mobile stations based on interference levels of a common interference source and allocates bandwidth within a selected zone of an OFDMA uplink subframe to the mobile stations assigned the common group ID for uplink communications within the uplink subframe. In some joint-scheduling embodiments, a neighbor base station that is identified as the common interference source may refrain from assigning bandwidth within the selected zone to at least some of its associated mobile stations that have identified the serving base station as an interference source. |
US08238317B2 |
Method and apparatus for routing packet
Disclosed is a packet routing method in an ad-hoc network. The method includes periodically calculating a link stability with respect to each neighbor node by means of the number of beacon frames lost within an update period for each neighbor node, updating the calculated link stability in the neighbor node table; identifying a neighbor node which is closer to a destination node of a received packet than the node when the node itself does not correspond to the destination node; and transmitting the received packet to the identified neighbor node when the identified link stability of the neighbor node is greater than or equal to a threshold value. |
US08238310B2 |
System and method for relaying multicast broadcast service
A system and method for relaying Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) are provided. The system for relaying MBS includes a base station; and a plurality of relay stations, wherein the relay stations forms multi-hop relay network, and wherein the base station selects a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) level among a plurality of MCS levels based on channel condition between the base station and the respective relay stations. The MBS relay system of the present invention provides improved data throughput and stable broadcast services. |
US08238308B2 |
Method of communicating in wireless network
The present invention relates to a handover method that a current coordinator transfers a coordinating function of controlling a network to a different device configuring the network. The present invention relates to a method of selecting an optimal device as a coordinator in selecting the different device using priority information decided by a prescribed evaluation reference. And, the present invention relates to a method of simplifying a procedure in a manner of transmitting relevant information together with a handover request message. In a wireless network including a coordinator, a secondary coordinator is decided in advance. If the coordinator is suddenly unable to perform a function, the present invention relates to a method of enabling the function of the coordinator to be performed by the decided secondary coordinator. Thus, a process for transferring the coordinating function without the handover process is called a recovery process. The present invention relates to the recovery method and a method of deciding a secondary coordinator to perform a recovery. In the method of deciding the secondary coordinator, a method of deciding a more proper coordinator using information on coordinator priority is provided. |
US08238307B2 |
Method and device for canceling the interference among signals received by multiple mobile stations
A Macro-Diversity HandOver (MDHO) solution based on multi-User MIMO is provided. Multiple base stations (BSs) serve the MDHO zone. By jointly precoding the modulated signals to be sent, the multiple BSs send the precoded signals to the multiple mobile stations (MSs) over the same time-frequency resources. The signal to be sent is transmitted to the multiple MSs in the MDHO zone. Due to the adoption of the precoding technique, each MS makes no or small interference to other MSs. Since the multiple BSs that serve one MDHO zone serve multiple MSs over the same time-frequency resources, the system capacity in the MDHO zone is greatly improved. |
US08238303B2 |
Method and apparatus of allocating subcarriers in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system
The present invention provides a method of generating mutually orthogonal reference signals for different user terminals in and OFDM system that span different but overlapping subcarriers. The subcarriers allocated to the user terminals are divided into a plurality of non-overlapping subcarrier blocks. Each user terminal is then allocated one or more subcarrier blocks. For each subcarrier block, a user terminal is assigned a reference signal comprising a base reference sequence and a linear phase rotation. To ensure mutual orthogonality among all user terminals, user terminals allocated the same subcarrier block use the same base reference sequence with different linear phase rotations. |
US08238302B2 |
Method of determining a size of a data packet advantageous for transmitting and restransmitting the data packet
A method of determining a transport block size (TBS) allocated to a data packet transmitted via a wireless channel is provided. The TBS is determined according to the number of resource blocks (resource block number) NRB allocated to the data packet and a modulation coding scheme (MCS) level. A part or all of the TBSs allocated to a specific resource block number is determined to have the same value as a part or all of the TBSs allocated to another resource block number. |
US08238294B2 |
System and method for reserving resources in a mobile network environment using multiple interfaces
A system and method for reserving resources for a Mobile Node (MN) having a plurality of wireless network interfaces in a mobile network under a multi-homed environment are provided, wherein the MN transmits query messages requesting a path be setup to a plurality of Access Routers (ARs) accessible through the wireless network interfaces, a Crossover Router Node (CRN), shared by a plurality of paths running to a CN via the ARs, selects an optimal path from among the plurality of paths using the path information set in the query messages propagated through the plurality of paths, the CRN transmits the resource reserve message through the selected optimal path, and the routers existing in the optimal path reserve resources according to the resource reserve message. |
US08238292B2 |
Cooperative transceiving between wireless interface devices of a host device with shared modules
A circuit includes a first wireless interface circuit that transceives packetized data between a host module and a first external device in accordance with a first wireless communication protocol, wherein the first wireless protocol carries wireless telephony data for communication with a wireless telephony network. A second wireless interface circuit transceives packetized data between the host module and a second external device in accordance with a second wireless communication protocol. The second wireless interface circuit includes at least one module that is shared with first wireless interface circuit. The first wireless interface circuit and the second wireless interface circuit operate in accordance with a wireless interface schedule that includes a first time interval where the first wireless interface device and the second wireless interface device contemporaneously use the at least one module. |
US08238291B2 |
Communications terminal, server, playback control method and program
A communications terminal is provided, which includes a reading device which reads in access information recorded on a prescribed recording medium, the access information being necessary for acquiring content which can be played back by a playback device from a prescribed server via a network; and a playback control device which controls the playback device and the reading device. The playback control device controls receiving the content and metadata from the server, and playing back the content according to the metadata, if the content corresponding to the read access information is not stored in the storage device when the reading device reads in the access information; and the playback control device controls playing back the content stored in the storage device according to the metadata stored in the storage device in association with the content, if the content corresponding to the read access information is stored in the storage device. |
US08238290B2 |
Compressing data in a wireless multi-hop network
A first node receives aggregated compressed data and unaggregated data from a second node in a wireless multi-hop network. The first node compresses its own collected data based on the received unaggregated data. The first node aggregates its own compressed data with the aggregated compressed data received from the second node. The first node forwards an unaggregated version of its own collected data along with aggregated compressed data to a next hop in the wireless multi-hop network. |
US08238283B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting messages in portable terminal
A method and apparatus adapted to a portable terminal for generating a multicast group and multicasting messages using the multicast group are provided. The method includes inputting a number to be used as a multicast number, searching in a phone book for phone numbers matching with the input number, selecting at least two phone numbers matching with the input number, and generating a multicast group. Portable terminal users can more easily and efficiently send the message to recipients. |
US08238280B2 |
Methods and systems for transmission scheduling during sleep mode in WIMAX networks
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure allow data for a second connection to be exchanged while the second connection is in a low power state that overlaps with a listening interval of a first connection. |
US08238278B2 |
Hardware-based beacon processing
Hardware-based beacon processing. A hardware-centric medium access control (MAC) device includes a packet receiver and a beacon processor. The packet receiver receives a plurality of packets comprising at least one beacon packet. The beacon processor receives packets of the plurality of packets and filters out unwanted packets of the plurality of packets without requiring the use of other components of the hardware-centric MAC device and without requiring the use of a microprocessor. |
US08238277B2 |
Parametric compression of rank-1 analog feedback
Channel state information in a closed-loop, multiple-input, multiple-output wireless networks is fed back from each mobile station to a base station by first determining a transmit covariance matrix R, and applying a singular value decomposition (SVD) R=UΣVH, where U, V are left and right singular vector matrices, Σ is a diagonal matrix with singular values. The matrix V includes column vectors V. A beamforming vector vmax=[1 exp(jΦ)exp(j2Φ) . . . exp(jΦ)]/√{square root over (N)}] is approximated by the column vector V having a maximum magnitude, where Φ is a real number. Then, only the angle Φ is fed back using a phase modulation mapping of the components exp(jΦ) onto the associated subcarrier. |
US08238273B2 |
Communication system, communication method, transmitter, and receiver
The present method groups a transmission data stream, taking a combination of data bits to be transmitted from a part or all of the plurality of transmission antennas at the same time as one group; and performs transmission processing, including at least either of bit repetition processing or retransmission processing by the unit of the group (bit combination). As a result, in MIMO communication, etc., it is possible to suppress deterioration of reception characteristic due to vanishing of correlation among bits transmitted at the same time. |
US08238272B2 |
Frequency division multiplex transmission signal receiving apparatus
A frequency division multiplex transmission signal receiving apparatus for receiving a frequency division multiplex transmission signal using a plurality of carries includes: an estimation section estimating a transfer function of a received signal after the received signal has been transformed into a frequency domain signal; a demodulation section demodulating the received signal according to the transfer function estimated by the estimation section; a plurality of variation detecting sections performing variation detection using a plurality of different variation detection methods, based on the transfer function estimated by the estimation section; a reliability determining section determining reliability based on a result of a combination of variation detection results of the plurality of variation detecting sections; and a correction section performing error correction of the demodulated signal from the demodulation section, the demodulated signal being subjected to an application of a reliability determination result of the reliability determining section. |
US08238271B2 |
Radio measurement procedure in wireless communication system
There is provided a radio measurement procedure for station statistics measurements in wireless communication network. In the method, the requesting station transmits to a requested station a request message for triggered RSNA station statistics measurements including a group identity field which indicates the requested RSNA statistics group and a triggered reporting field for RSNA counters which is used to specify trigger conditions comprising reporting triggers and RSNA statistics thresholds for the corresponding reporting triggers. And, the requesting station receives from the requested station a RSNA statistics measurements report message including measured RSNA statistics for the reporting triggers specified in the triggered reporting field for the RSNA counters when the measured RSNA statistics exceeds the corresponding RSNA statistics thresholds specified in the triggered reporting field for the RSNA counters. |
US08238268B1 |
Channel scanning
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for channel scanning. In one aspect, a method includes, while maintaining an association with a first access point on a first channel during first, second, and third consecutive time slices: (i) monitoring, by a client device, a single second channel during the first time slice and the third time slice, and (ii) monitoring, by the client device, the first channel during the second time slice; receiving a beacon from a second access point during the first time slice or the third time slice; and determining a property of the client device or the second access point using the beacon, without using the beacon to determine whether to establish an association with the second access point. |
US08238267B2 |
Voice service in evolved packet system
Methods and apparatus to manage voice service in evolved packet systems are disclosed. An example method in a UE in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) includes receiving a first Non Access Stratum (NAS) protocol response message with network provided Voice over IP Multimedia (IM) Core Network (CN) Subsystem (VoIMS) indicators, wherein the UE has a voice services indicator related to a UE usage setting and responsive to at least one of the voice services indicator related to a UE usage setting or the network provided VoIMS indicators, causing the UE to disable evolved universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRAN) cell reselection. |
US08238266B2 |
Communication device and method for controlling communication device
A communication device includes a recognition unit configured to recognize a service provided by a network, a generation unit configured to generate a packet to be transmitted to an external device that provides the service recognized by the recognition unit based on a priority set to the packet according to the recognized service when the service is recognized by the recognition unit, and a connection unit configured to establish a connection with the external device using the packet generated by the generation unit. |
US08238265B2 |
Auto-binding SDP RSVP LSP tunnel
The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing automatic binding of Virtual Private Routed Network (VPRN) over MPLS SDP RSVP LSP tunnels in a provider-managed IP/MPLS network. |
US08238260B2 |
Implicit DRX cycle length adjustment control in LTE—active mode
A method for controlling discontinuous reception in a wireless transmit/receive unit includes defining a plurality of DRX levels, wherein each DRX level includes a respective DRX cycle length and transitioning between DRX levels based on a set of criteria. The transitioning may be triggered by implicit rules. |
US08238259B2 |
Method for building ad hoc network
Before software for a routing protocol in a second wireless terminal receives a routing packet between a first wireless terminal and the second wireless terminal that are both included in an ad hoc network, stability determining software determines whether or not a link between the first wireless terminal, which is the source of the routing packet, and the second wireless terminal is stable. When the link is determined to be stable, the software for the routing protocol in the second wireless terminal processes the routing packet. This allows building of a route using only a stable link between adjacent nodes. |
US08238258B2 |
System and method of managing network performance
Disclosed is a system and method of managing network performance. The method includes receiving input data identifying a customer. The method also includes determining a plurality of network elements related to the customer, where the customer receives video content over a private video distribution network that includes the plurality of network elements related to the customer and at least one network device not related to the customer. The method also includes receiving performance data of each of the plurality of network elements related to the customer. |
US08238251B2 |
Designing minimum total cost networks using iterative rounding approximation methods
Minimum cost networks, such as fiber optic networks used in telecommunications, are obtained by defining available network elements having cost, required pairs, connectivity and penalty cost values and selecting from these available elements using an iterative rounding approximation method that constructs an LP relaxation incorporating the element parameters, finds an optimal basic solution, applies a selection criterion to pairs and edges in the optimal basic solution, and constructs a residual LP relaxation with selected pairs and edges. By fixing selected pairs and edges values to 1 in the residual LP, successive iterations of the method provide a design which is a 3-approximation solution to the minimum cost design problem. |
US08238249B2 |
Method for generating a congestion flag based on measured system load
A radio base station generates a congestion status flag, based on measured resource usage in its cell, and based on performance of sessions in the cell. The flag may be a one bit, or a small number of bits, indicating whether the base station is congested. The flag can be sent to neighboring radio base stations, for use in determining whether to perform handovers to that radio base station. The flag generated in a radio base station, and the flags generated in neighboring radio base stations, can also be sent to user equipment in a cell. |
US08238245B2 |
Planning routes and allocating identifiers to routes in a managed frame-forwarding network
A method is provided of planning routes and allocating route identifiers in a managed frame-forwarding network. The network comprises a plurality of nodes interconnected by links, with each node being arranged to forward data frames according to a combination of an identifier and a network address carried by a received data frame and forwarding instructions stored at the node. A first step of the method identifies a sub-set of nodes which are core nodes of the network. The remaining nodes are termed outlying nodes. A spanning tree is then built off each of the identified core nodes, with the spanning tree stopping one link short of any other core node. Each spanning tree defines a loop-free path between a core node at the root of the spanning tree and a set of outlying nodes. Connections are planned between roots of the spanning trees and a different identifier is allocated to each planned connection between a pair of spanning trees. |
US08238244B2 |
Packet deconstruction/reconstruction and link-control
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for packet processing. One method embodiment for packet flow control includes deconstructing a transport layer packet into a number of link-control layer packets, wherein each of the link-control layer packets has an associated sequence number, communicating the number of link-control layer packets via a common physical connection for a plurality of peripheral devices, and limiting a number of outstanding link-control layer packets during the communication. |
US08238240B2 |
System and method for routing internet traffic over internet links
An apparatus and method for Internet Protocol (IP) transit including a platform for routing IP traffic in real time from at least one network user to a plurality of internet links. Embodiments further include assigning different ranks to different internet links based on network monitoring. In one embodiment, a system for routing internet traffic includes an internet route optimizer to generate routing instructions for incoming data packets using a ranked list of the internet links, wherein the internet route optimizer generates the ranked list of the internet links using: (a) financial costs of routing data packets over the internet links, (b) a delay associated with routing packets over the internet links and (c) a type of data of the incoming data packets. |
US08238236B2 |
Method for reporting reception result of packets in mobile communication system
Disclosed is a method for configuring a bitmap in a mobile communication system employing a block ACK scheme, which faithfully performs its intrinsic function of acknowledging a reception result, and yet can reduce transmission delay and the overall system load due to retransmission in the case where packet loss is relatively less important than transmission delay time, such as in the case of voice communication. To this end, a recipient compares a PER of a received packet signal with a threshold value. If the PER is higher than the threshold value, the recipient operates in the block ACK scheme, and if the PER is lower than the threshold value, the recipient determines a bitmap configuration scheme on the assumption that an erroneous frame has been successfully received. Also, using the determined bitmap configuration scheme, the recipient transmits a reception result for each received packet. |
US08238231B2 |
Quality-driven optimization of sensor stream processing
A system and method to perform data quality driven optimization of data are described. In one embodiment, a method is presented to iteratively test configurations of a data processing path until a configuration that processes data to predefined quality requirements is identified. In one embodiment, a system is presented. The system includes a data quality initialization module, a primary data stream processing module and an optimization module that is incorporated in a memory chip on a computer processor. |
US08238229B2 |
Method and device for loop withdrawal in a MPLS network
A loop withdrawal method in multi-protocol label switching is disclosed. When detecting a rewinding event of colored thread, a node judges whether an upstream interface of the colored thread is in a stalled status, and if yes, prohibits distribution of a colored thread rewinding message via the upstream interface of the colored thread; otherwise, the node continues to distribute the colored thread rewinding message and transmit label mapping via the upstream interface. When detecting a withdrawal event of the colored thread, the node removes colored thread information of the upstream interface of the colored thread, judges whether the node has received another colored thread for a same service, and if yes, extends a new colored thread via a downstream interface of the colored thread; otherwise, the node continues to distribute a colored thread withdrawal message via the downstream interface of the colored thread. |
US08238226B2 |
OFDM communication apparatus
An OFDM communication apparatus includes a determining section determine a number of known signals for transmission path estimation to be inserted in a transmit signal based on channel quality with respect to a communicating party, and a generating section performs inverse Fourier transform processing on an information signal and the number of known signals for transmission path estimation determined by the determining section and generates a transmit signal for the communicating party. The apparatus achieves both an improvement in demodulated signal error rate characteristics and an improvement in information signal transmission efficiency. |
US08238224B2 |
Optical recording medium for writing data using multiple pulses
An optical recording medium including a plurality of recording layers to record/reproduce information using light with a predetermined wavelength, the information being recorded on one of the recording layers using a mark and a space, wherein a channel clock period T is provided for recording the mark on one of the recording layers. A plurality of pulses, including a last pulse arranged at an end of the pulses, are used to record the mark with length 3T, the mark being recorded with a condition that a width of the last pulse is minimum OT and maximum 1.10T, in which a first subsequent level lower than a peak power level of the last pulse is arranged next to the last pulse, and a second subsequent level lower than the peak power level but higher than the first subsequent level is arranged next to the first subsequent level. |
US08238222B2 |
Optical disk device
Proposed is an optical disk device capable of appropriately performing focus control. In an optical disk device, an objective lens is moved in the thickness direction of an optical disk by controlling an actuator and a time interval in which each of the recording layers was detected is measured while moving the objective lens, a first time interval from the first detection of the recording layer to the second detection of the recording layer is compared with a second time interval from the second detection of the recording layer to the third detection of the recording layer, and a focal position of the objective lens is determined based on the comparative result. |
US08238214B2 |
Optical recording medium and method for reproducing the same
An optical recording medium which includes three or more information layers and has a higher stack density of information layers than before in the direction of thickness while reducing crosstalk during reproduction, and a method for reading the optical recording medium are provided. The optical recording medium has a three-layer structure which includes a substrate, a first information layer, a first spacer layer, a second information layer, a second spacer layer, a third information layer, and a cover layer thinner than the substrate, with these layers being stacked in that order over the substrate, wherein the following Equation (I) is satisfied: (R2×R3×R2)/R1≦0.0032 Equation (I) where R1 is the reflectivity of the first information layer, R2 is the reflectivity of the second information layer, and R3 is the reflectivity of the third information layer, and the first spacer layer and the second spacer layer are equal to each other in thickness. |
US08238211B2 |
Information processing device and method, information providing system, information processing system, and program storing medium
A recording apparatus records music on a recording medium. The recording apparatus may access a music piece purchasing data base and select music to be recorded on the recording medium from the music piece purchasing data base. A total playing time of the selected music is calculated. Further, a remaining recording time of the recording medium is calculated, the remaining recording time being the recording capacity of the recording media before the selected music is recorded on the recording medium. Then, it is judged whether or not the total playing time of the selected music is greater than the remaining recording time. A warning is issued when it is judged that the total playing time is greater than the remaining recording time. |
US08238208B2 |
Device and method for detecting disc defect
A method for detecting a typical defect area on a disc track includes the following steps. Firstly, a source signal is provided. Then, first and second signals are generated according to the source signal. The first and second signals are held at the peak level of the source signal and respectively decreased at first and second drop rates. Then, first and second threshold values are subtracted from the first and second signals to generate first and second slice signals, respectively. Afterwards, the source signal is compared with either the first slice signal or the second slice signal. When the first slice signal is larger than the source signal, a typical defect signal is changed from a first level to a second level. Whereas, the typical defect signal is changed from the second level to the first level when the second slice signal is smaller than the source signal. |
US08238207B2 |
Device and method for reproducing digital signal and device and method for recording digital signal
A technique capable of realizing a power saving in a device for reproducing/recording digital signals by properly controlling a frequency of a clock. The device for reproducing/recording digital signals (device for reproducing an optical disk) includes: a difference comparing circuit for comparing a first parameter (demodulating block counter) updated each time a process for one correcting block is done in a demodulating circuit with a second parameter (error correcting block counter) updated each time a process of one correcting block is done in an error correcting circuit; and a circuit (clock controlling circuit etc.) for switching a frequency of a master clock (MCLK) depending on a comparison result of the difference comparing circuit. Thereby, the frequency of the clock can be switched both of when the demodulation for one correcting block is ended and when the correcting process for one correcting block is ended by using the switched master clock. |
US08238203B2 |
Music data transfer method, information processing apparatus and information recording/playback system
One embodiment of invention is useful when updating data of a database which is configured to take in data through a network, has a part to be updated, and takes in information of media stored in a local storage, and characterized by that a result of retrieval is outputted with additional information of an updated date/time of information updated by connecting to a network, and the output result is informed. |
US08238200B2 |
Timepiece with multiplication table display and method of teaching multiplication tables
A timepiece with a multiplication table display is provided. Preferably, the timepiece has a programmable display, such as a liquid crystal display or the like, allowing the display to display the present time to the user, as is conventionally known, as well as providing methods of performing and teaching multiplication. A first multiplier is selected by the user, and the first multiplier is displayed in a central region of the display. A second multiplier is then selected by the user, and the user may use the display of the timepiece to calculate a particular product, or may be graphically shown how the product is calculated. |
US08238191B2 |
Dual port PLD embedded memory block to support read-before-write in one clock cycle
A method for a read-before-write functionality for a memory within a programmable logic device (PLD) is provided. The method begins when a read operation and a write operation are initiated through two different ports of a memory simultaneously to access the same address in the memory. In order to prevent the write operation from proceeding prior to the read operation, a read-before-write control logic is provided to the control block of the port that supports the write operation. Thus, the write operation is paused until the control block of the port that supports the write operation receives a signal from a read sense amplifier indicating that the read operation is complete. The read sense amplifier is capable of detecting the completion of a read operation by monitoring the voltage difference of the read bitline. When this voltage difference reaches a threshold value, the read sense amplifier triggers a write wordline signal. The enabling of the write wordline signal causes, the data to be written to the memory. |
US08238184B2 |
Sense amplifier with a sensing transmission transistor and a reference transmission transistor operating in saturation regions and data sensing method thereof
A data sensing method for sensing storage data stored in a memory cell includes the steps of: biasing a sensing node and a reference node to a first voltage in response to a first control signal; discharging the sensing node and the reference node via the memory cell and a reference memory cell, respectively; enabling a latch circuit to amplify a voltage difference between the sensing node and the reference node. |
US08238181B2 |
Semiconductor device, circuit of controlling signal lines and method of controlling signal lines
A semiconductor device includes first and second lines, and a switch between the first and second lines. The switch temporary and electrically connects the first and second lines to each other, when the first signal line is transitioned from a first level to a second level while the second signal line is transitioned from the second level to the first level. |
US08238180B2 |
Semiconductor memory apparatus
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a line calibration unit configured to selectively output one signal from the group of code signals for calibrating termination resistance values and test mode signals for testing a chip of the semiconductor memory apparatus to a common global line based on the level of a line calibration signal. |
US08238178B2 |
Redundancy circuits and operating methods thereof
A memory circuit includes a first group of memory arrays including a first memory array coupled with a first input/output (IO) interface and a second memory array coupled with a second IO interface. A second group of memory arrays include a third memory array coupled with a third IO interface and a fourth memory array coupled with a fourth TO interface. A plurality of redundancy bit lines include at least one first redundancy bit line that is configured for selectively repairing the first group of memory arrays, and at least one second redundancy bit line that is configured for selectively repairing the second group of memory arrays. |
US08238173B2 |
Using storage cells to perform computation
An in-memory processor includes a memory array which stores data and an activation unit to activate at least two cells in a column of the memory array at generally the same time thereby to generate a Boolean function output of the data of the at least two cells. Another embodiment shows a content addressable memory (CAM) unit without any in-cell comparator circuitry. |
US08238165B2 |
Word line drivers in non-volatile memory device and method having a shared power bank and processor-based systems using same
A word line driver system that utilizes a voltage selection circuit to supply one of several voltages to an output node coupled to a plurality of word line control circuits. Each word line control circuit is coupled to a respective word line in an array of non-volatile memory cells. The voltage selection circuit may include selectable low pass filters for filtering the supplied voltage supplied to the word lines in the array of memory cells without significantly increasing the overall die-size of the device. |
US08238162B2 |
System and method for detecting disturbed memory cells of a semiconductor memory device
A method of detecting a disturb condition of a memory cell includes application of multiple sets of conditions to the memory cell and determining whether the memory cell behaves as a programmed memory cell in response to the sets of conditions. A disturbed memory cell can be detected if the memory cell responds as a programmed memory cell in response to one of the sets of conditions, but responds as an erased memory cell in response to another of the sets of conditions. |
US08238157B1 |
Selective re-programming of analog memory cells
A method for data storage includes defining, in a memory that includes multiple analog memory cells, an erased state, a set of non-erased programming states and a partial subset of the non-erased programming states. Data is initially stored in a first group of the analog memory cells by programming each of at least some of the memory cells in the first group from the erased state to a respective non-erased programming state selected from the set of non-erased programming states. After initially storing the data, a second group of the analog memory cells, which potentially cause interference to the first group, is programmed. After programming the second group, the first group is selectively re-programmed with the data by repeating programming of only the memory cells in the first group whose respective programming states belong to the partial subset. |
US08238155B2 |
Multilevel memory cell operation
One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, and systems for operating non-volatile multilevel memory cells. One method embodiment includes programming a memory cell to one of a number of different threshold voltage (Vt) levels, each level corresponding to a program state. The method includes programming a reference cell to a Vt level at least as great as an uppermost Vt level of the number of different Vt levels, performing a read operation on the reference cell, and determining a number of read reference voltages used to determine a particular program state of the memory cell based on the read operation performed on the reference cell. |
US08238154B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory with charge storage layers and control gates
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes a memory cell array, bit lines, a first voltage generator, and a second voltage generator. The memory cell array includes memory cells. The bit lines each of which is connected electrically to one end of the current path of the corresponding one of the memory cells. The first voltage generator which is capable of supplying via a first output terminal to the bit lines a first voltage externally supplied or a third voltage which is obtained by stepping down a second voltage supplied and higher than the first voltage and which is as high as the first voltage. The second voltage generator which is capable of supplying a fourth voltage obtained by stepping down the second voltage to the bit lines via a second output terminal when the first voltage generator steps down the second voltage to generate the third voltage. |
US08238148B2 |
Semiconductor device having architecture for reducing area and semiconductor system including the same
A semiconductor device having an architecture for reducing an area is provided. The semiconductor device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, a plurality of registers each configured to store pre-fetch unit data, and a write driver circuit configured to write pre-fetch unit data sequentially output from the plurality of registers to the memory cell array during a write operation. The semiconductor device also includes a sense amplifier circuit configured to sense and amplify pre-fetch unit data sequentially output from the memory cell array and to sequentially store the amplified pre-fetch unit data in the plurality of registers, respectively, during a read operation. |
US08238144B2 |
Magnetic memory
A spin-transfer magnetic memory includes a magnetoresistive element having a pinned layer, a free layer and a tunnel insulating layer provided between the pinned layer and the free layer, a bit line connected to one terminal of the magnetoresistive element, a select transistor having a current path whose one terminal is connected to the other terminal of the magnetoresistive element, a source line connected to the other terminal of the current path of the select transistor, and a pulse generation circuit passing a microwave pulse current through the magnetoresistive element, and assisting a magnetization switching of the free layer in a write operation. |
US08238142B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
In a multipart SRAM memory cell of the present invention, an access transistor of a first port is disposed in a p-type well, and an access transistor of a second port is disposed in a p-type well. The gates of all of transistors disposed in a memory cell extend in the same direction. With the configuration, a semiconductor memory device having a low-power consumption type SRAM memory cell with an increased margin of variations in manufacturing, by which a bit line can be shortened in a multiport SRAM memory cell or an associative memory, can be obtained. |
US08238140B2 |
Semiconductor memory and program
A memory wherein the bit reliability of the memory cells can be dynamically varied depending on the application or the memory status, the operation stability is ensured, and thereby a low power consumption and a high reliability are realized. Either a mode (a 1-bit/1-cell mode) in which one bit is composed of one memory cell or a mode (a 1-bit/n-cell mode) in which one bit is composed of n (n is two or more) connected memory cells is dynamically selected. When the 1-bit/n-cell mode is selected, the read/write stability of one bit is enhanced, the cell current during read is increased (read is speeded up), and a bit error, if occurs, is self-corrected. Especially, a pair of CMOS transistors and a control line for performing control so as to permit the CMOS transistors to conduct are added between the data holding nodes of n adjacent memory cells. With this, the word line (WL) is controlled, and thereby the operation stability is further improved. |
US08238135B2 |
MRAM utilizing free layer having fixed magnetization regions with larger damping coefficient than the switching region
A magnetic recording layer 10 of an MRAM has a first magnetization fixed region 11, a second magnetization fixed region 12 and a magnetization switching region 13. The magnetization switching region 13 has reversible magnetization and overlaps with a pinned layer. The first magnetization fixed region 11 is connected to a first boundary B1 of the magnetization switching region 13 and its magnetization direction is fixed to a first direction. The second magnetization fixed region 12 is connected to a second boundary B2 of the magnetization switching region 13 and its magnetization direction is fixed to a second direction. Both of the first direction and the second direction are toward the magnetization switching region 13 or away from the magnetization switching region 13. The damping coefficient α in at least a portion R1, R2 of the magnetization fixed regions 11 and 12 is larger than the damping coefficient α in the magnetization switching region 13. |
US08238133B2 |
Semiconductor device with a selection circuit selecting a specific pad
A semiconductor device includes a selection circuit for selecting a specific pad of a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor device is configured to produce a signal determined by a pin array by the selection circuit. |
US08238129B2 |
AC-DC converter circuit and power supply
An AC-DC converter, comprises: a first capacitor and a second capacitor; and a rectifier circuit connected to the first and second capacitor and operative to charge both the first and the second capacitor and to discharge the first capacitor independently of the second capacitor. The AC-DC converter circuit provides a rectified output voltage, and a duration of time that a current is drawn from the second capacitor is less than approximately 25% of a period of the rectified output voltage. |
US08238128B2 |
Power converter circuitry
A power converter circuitry for converting a DC voltage generated by a generator with varying output power in the mean voltage range into an alternating voltage for feeding into a grid, with several series-connected power converters, which are connected in parallel with said generator, as well as with a controllable bridging switch for each power converter, said bridging switch lying in a direct voltage intermediate circuit and bridging the respective power converter in the closed condition, is intended to be used for a photovoltaic generator. This is achieved in that a resistance chopper is connected between each power converter and the generator, no input diode being provided in the current path from the generator to the power converter, and that each bridging switch is connected in parallel with the resistance chopper in the direct voltage intermediate circuit. |
US08238127B1 |
Method and apparatus for supplying and switching power
A dimming power supply includes a power source, a full bridge rectifier with four nodes, a control switch and a controller. The first node is connected to the power source, the second is connected to a load output, and the third is connected to a reference voltage node. The control switch is connected between the fourth node and the reference voltage node. The controller is connected to a control input of the control switch. The controller is adapted to adjust a voltage or current through the load output. |
US08238123B2 |
Frequency limitation method with time hysteresis used in quasi-resonant control
A frequency limitation method used in quasi-resonant control of a switching regulator is disclosed. The switching frequency is limited through setting a minimum time limit, such as a minimum switching period or a minimum OFF time. The minimum time limit may be a first time limit or a second time limit. The minimum time limit is changed into another value if the minimum voltage point approaches the minimum time limit point, so as to eliminate the audible noise. |
US08238113B2 |
Electronic module with vertical connector between conductor patterns
The present invention generally relates to a new structure to be used with electronic modules such as printed circuit boards and semiconductor package substrates. Furthermore there are presented herein methods for manufacturing the same. According to an aspect of the invention, the aspect ratio of through holes is significantly improved. Aspect ratio measures a relationship of a through hole or a micro via conductor in the direction of height divided width. According to the aspect of the invention, the aspect ratio can be increased over that of the prior art solution by a factor of ten or more. |
US08238111B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a signal layer, a power layer, and a ground layer. The signal layer includes an analog audio input/output (I/O) port and an audio chip. The audio chip includes a main body, a first group of signal pins connected to the analog audio I/O port and a second group of signal pins connected to a control chip. The power layer and the ground layer each is divided into two unconnected parts, an audio part and a digital part, by a dividing groove. The two audio parts act as a whole reference plane for traces between the analog audio I/O port and the first group of signal pins of the audio chip. The two digital parts act as reference planes for traces between the control chip and the second group of signal pins of the audio chip. |
US08238110B2 |
Device to shield against interference from electrical appliances
The invention concerns an anti-interference advice for a housing (1) including at least two electrically conductive terminals (32, 33) distinctly positioned on an electronic card (30) and connected to processing means, a protective circuit (45) positioned relative to the two electrically conductive terminals (32, 33) in such a manner as to close the electrical circuit during the normal utilization position of the housing (1), the protective circuit (45), including means adapted for opening the electrical circuit closed in response to a deterioration in the protective circuit (45). |
US08238098B1 |
Nano machined materials using femtosecond pulse laser technologies to enhanced thermal and optical properties for increased surface area to enhanced heat dissipation and emissivity and electromagnetic radiation
Microprocessor, miniprocessor and heat sink surfaces having increased surface areas and increased heat dissipation are femtosecond pulsed laser machined. Nano structures formed and created on surfaces by the femtosecond pulsed laser machining provide increased surface areas which radiate heat by intensified IR radiation. |
US08238096B2 |
Mounting structure for electronic device
An mounting structure includes an enclosure, a bracket, a latching member, and an elastic member. The enclosure includes opposite first and second sidewalls. An insert hole is defined in each of the first and second sidewalls. A latching hole is defined in the first sidewall. The bracket to receive an electronic device includes opposite first and second sides. An insert extends from each of the first and second sides. The inserts can be inserted in the insert holes. The latching member is rotatably mounted to the bracket. The latching member includes a main body, and a latching pole extending from the main body. The elastic member can bias the latching member to rotate to a latching position in which the latching pole is inserted in the latching hole of the enclosure. |
US08238094B1 |
Cooling system for a data processing unit
A data processing unit includes a chassis configured to contain a line card. The chassis defines, at least in part, a portion of a first flow pathway and a portion of a second flow pathway. The chassis is configured such that a first portion of a gas can flow within the first flow pathway between an intake region and the first end portion of the line card such that the first portion of the gas flows across a first end portion of the line card in a first direction. The chassis is configured such that a second portion of the gas can flow within the second flow pathway between the intake region and a second end portion of the line card such that the second portion of the gas flows across the second end portion of the line card in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
US08238093B2 |
Computer system with duct
A computer system includes a chassis, a motherboard, a heat sink, a duct and a fan. The chassis includes a chassis bottom wall. The motherboard with a chip is secured to the chassis bottom wall. The heat sink is secured to the motherboard for cooling the chip. The duct includes a guiding portion and a latch portion located on the guiding portion. The latch portion is secured to the chassis bottom wall. The guiding portion is adjacent to the heat sink to direct airflow to the heat sink. The fan is secured on the latch portion of the duct. The guiding portion of the duct is positioned between the heat sink and the fan. |
US08238090B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a replaceable component; a battery that supplies power to the component and is removably attachable; an enclosure that includes a component housing opening in which the component is housed and a battery housing opening which is adjacent to the component housing opening and in which the battery is housed; and a lid that covers the component housing opening and forms a part of an outer surface of the enclosure. The lid includes a covering section which covers the component housed in the component housing opening and an extending section that extends toward the battery housing opening. The battery prevents a removableness of the lid from the component housing opening by covering the extending section when the battery is housed in the battery housing opening. |
US08238089B2 |
Portable terminal, display module thereof, and method for fabricating the display module
A display module for a portable terminal comprises: a display panel; an outer frame configured to wrap a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces of the display panel; an inner frame sandwiched between the display panel and the outer frame, and having a bottom surface supporting portion and a plurality of side surface supporting portions for supporting the bottom surface and the plurality of side surfaces of the display panel, respectively, wherein at least one of the plurality of side surface supporting portions is excluded; and a filling member filled into a gap between the display panel and the outer frame in which at least one of the plurality of side surface supporting portions is excluded. |
US08238087B2 |
Display module
A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include a single piece housing and a display module. The display module can include a protective top glass cover that is bonded to a plastic display frame and surrounded by a seal frame. The display module can also include a display panel and its associated circuitry suspended from the display frame below the protective glass cover. The display module is coupled to the single piece housing mounting clips in a manner that allows the display module to move relative to the single piece housing during an impact event. The plastic display frame can include inserts that provide structural support near openings in the single piece housing. |
US08238084B2 |
Notebook computer
A notebook computer includes an main body defining a receiving groove therein, an auxiliary keyboard slidably accommodated in the receiving groove and electrically connected to the input part, and a cover pivotally connected to one side of the opening and configured for covering the opening when the auxiliary is received in the receiving groove. The auxiliary keyboard includes a number of auxiliary numeric keys arranged in rows and columns for inputting the numbers. |
US08238082B2 |
Modular system for outdoor data center
A system for providing computing capacity includes a base module and two or more fin modules coupled to the base module. At least one of the fin modules includes one or more fins and two or more computer systems coupled to the fins. The fins form an enclosure for the computer systems to protect the at least one computer system from environmental conditions. The system can operate in an outdoor environment. |
US08238077B2 |
Dielectric ceramics and multilayer ceramic capacitor
A dielectric ceramic exhibiting a high dielectric constant is provided. The relative dielectric constant of the dielectric ceramic is stable with respect to temperature dependence and exhibits insulation resistance having a reduced voltage dependence. The dielectric ceramic of the invention can be used to form a multilayer ceramic capacitor that has a long life. |
US08238075B2 |
High voltage capacitors
A capacitor includes a ceramic capacitor body having opposite ends and comprised of a plurality of electrode layers and dielectric layers and first and second external terminals attached to the ceramic capacitor body. The internal active electrodes within the ceramic capacitor body are configured in an alternating manner. Internal electrode shields within the ceramic capacitor body are used to assist in providing resistance to arc-over. The shields may include a top internal electrode shield and an opposite bottom internal electrode shield wherein the top internal electrode shield and the opposite bottom internal electrode shield are on opposite sides of the plurality of internal active electrodes and each internal electrode shield extends inwardly to or beyond a corresponding external terminal to thereby provide shielding. Side shields are used. The capacitor provides improved resistance to arc-over, high voltage breakdown in air, and allows for small case size. To further increase voltage breakdown, a coating on the ceramic capacitor may be used. |
US08238074B2 |
Capacitive RF-MEMS device with integrated decoupling capacitor
The present invention provides a capacitive RF-MEMS device comprising a vertically integrated decoupling capacitor (14). The decoupling capacitor (14) therefore does not take extra area. Furthermore, the RF-MEMS according to the invention needs less interconnects, which also saves space and which reduces the series inductance/resistance in the RF path. |
US08238073B2 |
In-molded capacitive sensors
In a method for forming an in-molded capacitive sensing device a plastic film is provided, the plastic film comprising a first side and a second side. A capacitive sensor pattern is disposed on at least a portion of the second side, the capacitive sensor pattern including a region for facilitating electrical contact. A resin layer is printed over a portion of the capacitive sensor pattern such that access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained. A plastic layer is injection molded onto a portion of the resin layer such that the capacitive sensor pattern becomes in-molded between the plastic film and the plastic layer while access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained. |
US08238071B2 |
Elastic sheet structure and electronic device employing the same
An elastic sheet structure includes an elastic body and a conductive body. The elastic body is capable of elastic deformation, and the conductive body includes a main body, a first elastic arm, and a second elastic arm. The main body is installed into the elastic body; the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are connected at opposite sides of the main body and extend out from two opposite ends of the elastic body. The first elastic arm is capable of electrically connecting to ground to conduct away static electricity through the second elastic arm, the main body, and the first elastic arm. An electronic device employing the elastic sheet structure is also described. |
US08238063B2 |
Magnetoresistive sensor with synthetic antiferromagnetic cap or seed layers
A magnetic sensor assembly including first and second shields, and a sensor stack between the first and second shields. The sensor stack includes a seed layer adjacent the first shield, a cap layer adjacent the second shield, and a magnetic sensor between the seed layer and the cap layer, wherein at least one of the seed layer and the cap layer has a synthetic antiferromagnetic structure. |
US08238062B2 |
Magnetoresistive reader with demagnetization flux guide
In some embodiments, a magnetic reader comprises first and second shields extending from an air bearing surface (ABS), a magnetoresistive stack is located between the first and second shields, and a flux guide is separated from the magnetoresistive stack while connecting the first and second shields. The flux guide magnetically couples the distal end of the magnetoresistive stack to the first shield. |
US08238060B2 |
Magnetic recording head and magnetic recording apparatus
A magnetic recording head includes: a main magnetic pole; a laminated body; and a pair of electrodes. The laminated body includes a first magnetic layer having a coercivity lower than magnetic field applied by the main magnetic pole, a second magnetic layer having a coercivity lower than the magnetic field applied by the main magnetic pole, and an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The pair of electrodes are operable to pass a current through the laminated body. |
US08238058B2 |
Magnetic recording head, magnetic head assembly, and magnetic recording apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole, a shield, and a stacked structure body. The shield is provided to oppose the main magnetic pole. The stacked structure body is provided between the main magnetic pole and the shield. The stacked structure body includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer. The first magnetic layer has coercivity lower than a magnetic field applied from the main magnetic pole. A size of a film surface of the second magnetic layer is larger than a size of a film surface of the first magnetic layer. The intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer and is made of a nonmagnetic material. A current is configured to pass between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. |
US08238056B2 |
Perpendicular shield pole writer with tapered main pole and tapered non-magnetic top shaping layer
A PMR writer with a tapered main pole layer and tapered non-magnetic top-shaping layer is disclosed that minimizes trailing shield saturation. A second non-magnetic top shaping layer may be employed to reduce the effective TH size while the bulk of the trailing shield is thicker to allow a larger process window for back end processing. A sloped surface with one end at the ABS and a second end 0.05 to 0.3 microns from the ABS is formed at a 10 to 80 degree angle to the ABS and includes a sloped surface on the upper portion of the main pole layer and on the non-magnetic top shaping layer. An end is formed on the second non-magnetic top shaping layer at the second end of the sloped surface followed by forming a conformal write gap layer and then depositing the trailing shield on the write gap layer and along the ABS. |
US08238052B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring phase shift in a disk drive having bit-patterned media
According to one embodiment, a disk drive comprising a magnetic disk of bit-patterned type is provided. The disk drive has a reproduction module, a measurement module, and a recording module. The reproduction module outputs a reproduced signal corresponding to the phase-shift measuring bits provided on the magnetic disk. The measurement module determines that the phase shift corresponding to the phase-shift measuring bits is the phase shift of a write clock signal if the reproduced signal is determined to be indefinite on the basis of the quantization value of the reproduced signal. The recording module records data corresponding to the data recording bits, by using the write clock signal adjusted by the phase shift. |
US08238046B2 |
Lens module with electrostrictive member for driving lenes
An exemplary lens module includes a first lens, a second lens and an electrostrictive member. An optical axis of the second lens is aligned with that of the first lens. The electrostrictive member defines a through hole therein for facilitating light passing through, and is sandwiched between the first lens and the second lens. A thickness direction of the electrostrictive member is parallel to optical axes of the first lens and second lens. The electrostrictive member is capable of deforming in the thickness direction thereof when an electric current with an intensity is applied thereto, and capable of returning back to its undeformed state when the electric current is removed, whereby a space between the first and second lenses is adjusted, and at least one of the first lens and second lens is moved. |
US08238042B2 |
Reflective axicon systems and methods
A reflaxicon system comprising two or more reflaxicons, either, neither, or both of which can be formed of solid light transmitting material, is provided and described for use and implementation as objectives, relays, and beam expanders. Each reflaxicon features a central substantially cone shaped surface and a distal surface shaped like a truncated cone with both of said surfaces aligned with and symmetrically arranged around a central axis. In the system provided said central axes are aligned and form the optical axis of the system and further curvatures can be provided to any of said surfaces as well as to incident and exiting system surfaces to provide additional optical effects as required for different applications. Further, the conical surfaces forming the central reflectors can each or both be convex or concave, with ease of construction mitigating in favor of dual concave central reflectors as the preferred embodiment. |
US08238041B2 |
Lens barrel
The present invention provides a lens barrel that has a first barrel member and a second barrel member, and arranges the first barrel member on an outer circumference of the second barrel member to enable the first barrel member to move in an optical axis direction. The lens barrel includes a plurality of engaging members configured to be held by the first barrel member and engaged with an engagement groove formed in the second barrel member, and to move in the optical axis direction along the engagement groove when the second barrel member rotates, and an annular urging member provided in an outer circumferential portion of the first barrel member and configured to urge the plurality of engaging members to the engagement groove formed in the second barrel member. |
US08238040B2 |
Zoom optical system, optical apparatus equipped with zoom optical system and method for manufacturing zoom optical system
A zoom optical system including, in order from an object side: a first group having positive power; a second group having negative power; a third group having positive power; and a fourth group having positive power, at least a portion of lenses within said third group composing a movable group which moves in a direction having a component perpendicular to an optical axis, a distance between said first group and said second group, a distance between said second group and said third group and a distance between said third group and said fourth group being variable upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telescopic end state, thereby providing a zoom optical system capable of correcting a camera shake by the movable group with realizing high optical performance, a high zoom ratio, and a small f-number, an optical apparatus equipped therewith, and a method for manufacturing thereof. |
US08238038B2 |
High variable power zoom lens
Zoom lens for SLR digital cameras. The lens is at least 75 degrees wider in field angle at the wide-angle end, about 3 to 4 in f-stops at the wide-angle end and approximately 6 to 7 at the telephoto end, and about a 15:1 zoom range. Four groups of lens pieces exert positive, negative, positive, and positive refractivities from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end as a result of the 1st and 2nd lens groups being split more, the 2nd and 3rd lens groups coming closer to each other, and the 3rd and 4th lens groups also coming closer to each other. The 3rd lens group has the leading set of lens pieces closer to objects and the trailing set of lens pieces can be orthogonal to the optical axis to compensate for defocus in the imaging plane. The 2nd lens group is displaced closer to objects for focusing. |
US08238034B2 |
Varifocal lens and imaging apparatus including the same
Provided are a varifocal lens having a focal length that may be electrically controlled, and an imaging apparatus including focal length. Varifocal lens includes fluid sealed between two transparent flexible layers. An upper flexible layer is supported by support plate having opening having a lens shape, and vacuum is maintained on upper flexible layer. Portion of lower flexible layer, which faces opening having a lens shape, is fixed by a fixation plate, and a chamber having a predetermined space is formed below the lower flexible layer so as to surround a portion corresponding to the opening having the lens shape. Charged particles are positioned in the chamber. In the varifocal lens, when the charged particles are moved by an electrical field generated in the chamber to compress the lower flexible layer, a lens region of the upper flexible layer protrudes in an upper direction so as to obtain refractive power. |
US08238032B2 |
Variable focus point lens
A variable focal point lens includes a transparent tank, which comprises a transparent enclosure containing a transparent flexible membrane separating the inner volume of the transparent tank into an upper tank portion and a lower tank portion. The upper tank portion and the lower tank portion contain liquids having different indices of refraction. The transparent flexible membrane is electrostatically displaced to change the thicknesses of the first tank portion and the second tank portion in the path of the light, thereby shifting the focal point of the lens axially and/or laterally. The electrostatic displacement of the membrane may be effected by a fixed charge in the membrane and an array of enclosure-side conductive structures on the transparent enclosure, or an array of membrane-side conductive structures on the transparent membrane and an array of enclosure-side conductive structures. |
US08238029B2 |
Dichroic filter laser beam combining
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a dichroic optic having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the second side has an optical filter, wherein each of a light beam having a first wavelength, a second wavelength and a third wavelength enter, exit or reflect from the dichroic optic only from at least one of the first or second sides, wherein prior to incidence on the dichroic optic each of the light beams having the first, second and third wavelengths are non-collinear with each other, wherein the light beam having the first wavelength and the light beam having the second wavelength are substantially collinear within the dichroic optic, wherein the optical filter has a response capable of transmitting at least one of the light beam having the first wavelength and the light beam having the second wavelength, while reflecting the light beam having the third wavelength, and wherein the light beam having the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength are combined in a substantially collinear manner. |
US08238028B2 |
Erect equal-magnification lens array, scanning optical system, exposing optical system and image forming apparatus
An erect equal-magnification lens array according to the present invention includes: a first lens array plate including a first lens plate and a group of plural convex lenses arrayed on an emission surface of the first lens plate, an incident surface of the first lens plate being formed in a planar shape; a first aperture plate having plural apertures; a second lens array plate including a second lens plate and a group of plural convex lenses arrayed on both an incident surface and an emission surface of the second lens plate; a second aperture plate including plural apertures corresponding to plural projections of the plural convex lenses on the emission surface of the second lens plate; and a third lens array plate including a third lens plate and a group of plural convex lenses arrayed on an incident surface of the third lens plate. |
US08238026B1 |
Polarization-sensitive infrared image sensor including a plurality of optical fibers
A polarization-sensitive infrared image sensor (also termed a snapshot polarimeter) utilizing a 2-D array of polarizers to filter infrared light from a scene according to polarization, and a 2-D array of photodetectors (i.e. a focal plane array) to detect the filtered infrared light and generate polarization information which can be used to form a polarization-sensitive image of the scene. By forming each polarizer on an optical fiber in a fiber optic faceplate, the polarizers can be located facing a 2-D array of retarders to minimize diffraction effects of the infrared light. The optical fibers also guide the filtered infrared light to the photodetectors to reduce cross-talk in the polarization information. The polarizers can be formed as wire grid polarizers; and the retarders can be formed as subwavelength surface-relief gratings. |
US08238020B2 |
Electrophoretic display sheet productions process, electrophoretic display sheet, electrophoretic display device, and electronic apparatus
Provided is a method of producing an electrophoretic display sheet having a substrate and a microcapsule-containing layer disposed on one surface side of the substrate and including microcapsules and a binder holding the microcapsules, the microcapsules each composed of a shell and an electrophoretic dispersion liquid sealed in the shell and containing at least one type of electrophoretic particles. The method includes the step of forming the microcapsule-containing layer where the microcapsules are arranged in a single layer without overlapping in the thickness direction of the substrate by supplying a microcapsule dispersion containing the microcapsules and the binder onto the substrate and then pressurizing the microcapsule dispersion in the thickness direction of the substrate. |
US08238019B2 |
Projection apparatus with coherent light source
The present invention discloses a projection apparatus comprising: a light source for emitting illumination light; a mirror device comprising a plurality of mirrors for generating an image by reflecting the illumination light toward a projecting direction by means of a deflecting operation; and a projection optical system which is placed in the optical axis of reflection light in the projecting direction of the illumination light incident to the mirror device and which projects the reflection light, wherein the optical axis of the illumination light incident to the mirror device and the optical axis of the reflection light in the projecting direction forms an angle that is larger than the expansion angle α of the flux of the illumination light that satisfies NA=n*sin α, where NA is the numerical aperture of the flux of the illumination light, and n is the reflectance. |
US08238018B2 |
MEMS micromirror and micromirror array
A micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) micromirror array has an array of micromirrors on a support structure. Each micromirror is pivotally attached to the support structure by a resilient structure. The resilient structure defines a pivot axis. There is an array of electrostatic actuators for pivotally driving the array of micromirrors about the pivot axis. Each electrostatic actuator comprises a first part carried by the support structure, and a second part carried by the corresponding micromirror. An electrostatic sink is mounted to the support structure that shields at least one micromirror from spurious electrostatic actuation. |
US08238016B2 |
Photovoltachromic device and the application thereof
A photovoltachromic device includes a photoelectrode, a counter electrode electrically connected to the photoelectrode, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the photoelectrode and the counter electrode. The photoelectrode includes a first transparent electrode, an electron-transport layer disposed on the first transparent electrode, and a sensitizing layer disposed on the electron-transport layer. The counter electrode includes a second transparent electrode and an electrochromic layer disposed on the second transparent electrode. The second transparent electrode contacts both of the electrolyte layer and the electrochromic layer thereby accelerating the response times for coloring and bleaching the photovoltachromic device. |
US08238014B2 |
Method and circuit for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronic devices
Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more electrical input signals. The optical modulator may include optical modulator elements coupled in series and configured into groups. The number of optical modular elements and groups may configure the number of levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Unit drivers may be coupled to each of the groups. The electrical input signals may be synchronized before communicating them to the unit drivers utilizing flip-flops. Phase addition may be synchronized utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate, which may include one of: silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, polymers, or indium phosphide. The optical modulator may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer or one or more ring modulators. |
US08238006B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying three-dimensional images
The apparatus includes a light source unit and a volume diffractive element diffracting beams emitted from the light sources unit so that spots of the beams can be formed at different positions from each other in a propagating direction of the beams diffracted by the volume diffractive element to scan the beams in a first direction. |
US08238003B2 |
Image input apparatus and an image output apparatus configured for transferring at least one image file of an input image and a conversion file in different transfer steps
A transfer method for transferring data between a digital still camera and a printer in direct communication with each other. The digital still camera stores an image file of an input image and a conversion file including conversion information for carrying out color conversion in a preset color space common to both the digital still camera and the printer. The method includes a first transfer step of transferring from the digital still camera to the printer the conversion file and a second transfer step of transferring the image file from the digital still camera to the printer. The printer carries out color conversion of and outputs the image of the image file transferred in the second transfer step using the conversion information included in the conversion file transferred in the first transfer step. |
US08237998B2 |
Flexible system for feeding and processing multi-page documents
A system for processing documents having fastening devices includes a document transport system and a fastening device detecting station connected to the transport system that is adapted to detect a fastening device securing together pages of a document. The fastening device removing station is adapted to remove a fastening device securing together pages of a document. A scanning station is adapted to scan the pages of a document. A page flipping station is adapted to flip and position pages of a document to be scanned. A systems controller controls the transport system and the stations based on information provided by the fastening device detecting station for a document to be scanned, to cause such document to be processed by the fastening device removing before scanning of the document or by the page flipping station during scanning of the document to be scanned. |
US08237996B2 |
Image reading apparatus, controller, image forming apparatus and angular position controlling method
The image reading apparatus includes: an original placing unit on which an original is to be placed, and the original placing unit transmitting light applied onto an original surface of the original and light reflected by the original surface; a lighting unit having plural light-emitting elements arrayed in a line and lighting the original surface of the original placed on the original placing unit; an image signal generating unit receiving the light reflected by the original surface lit by the lighting unit and generating an image signal; a detecting unit detecting a position of the original surface; and a lighting-unit setting unit setting, by using a result of the detection by the detecting unit, the lighting unit at an angular position so that the image signal generating unit does not receive light emitted from an optical axis of the light-emitting elements and then reflected by the original surface. |
US08237994B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing program
An information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus has a facsimile function of transmitting data to an external apparatus and is capable of communicating with a terminal through a network. The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data; a detection unit which detects whether the data stored in the storage unit has a specific format; a transmission data generation unit which is configured to generate transmission data to be transmitted to an external apparatus based on the data; and a transmission unit which is configured to transmit the transmission data to the external apparatus using the facsimile function. |
US08237989B2 |
Method to improve a halftone by combining halftoning with algorithmic processing
The present invention is directed to a system and method for halftone screening. A system for halftone screening includes means adapted to receive image data having a number of tonal levels representative of a continuous tone image. The system further includes a memory including a LUT having a number of alternative halftone cell arrangements for each tonal level. Each cell of the LUT consists of a number of device dots describing a particular gray value. For each gray value, there are several alternative cells with different arrangements of the same number of device dots. The LUT is configured with the cells of different arrangements in rows. The rows increase in the number of device dots; hence, each column describes halftone cells of increasing tonal values. The system then communicates the image data having a tonal level to the LUT, and randomly selects a halftone cell arrangement to generate a halftone output. |
US08237985B2 |
Softproofing via modeling print engine rendering characteristics
A softproofing system and method render an input document for display on a monitor to faithfully represent projected output from a target print engine, where the displayed document representation rendering is modeled to include internal print engine specific enhancements or characteristics of the target print engine. The system and method identify the target print engine and print engine specific rendering characteristics from the specified content, such as an input file, which may be a raster image or an electronic file in a PDL format. Specific print engine characteristics may include halftone screen identification, error diffusion identification, halftone dot shape, write white, write black, anti-aliasing, line width compensation and specific tone reproduction curves. |
US08237978B2 |
Method computer program and device for generation of individualized print media copies
In a method or system for generation of media print copies of at least one media title, running data are generated in an editing computer, the running data being associated with a media page. The running data have reference information and are transferred to a job system. Job data of an individual job are generated from the running data and from customer-specific data that correspond to media categories of the media title. Individual page frame data are formed from the job data. Control information is attained from the job data and with the control information the page frame data are merged with page content data of pages filled with editorial information. |
US08237976B2 |
Image processing device and system, and computer readable medium therefor
An image processing device is configured to detect allocation areas from template data, specify a position of each detected allocation area on the template data with respect to a first standard, provide an area identification to each allocation area based on the specified position of each allocation area, acquire image data based on document sheets set thereon, extract document images from the acquired image data, specify a location of each extracted document image on the acquired image data with respect to a second standard, provide an image identification to each document image based on the specified location of each document image, identify an allocation area corresponding to each document image based on the image identifications and the area identifications, edit each document image to be allocated in the corresponding allocation area, generate composite data with the edited document images allocated in the respective allocation areas, and output the composite data. |
US08237974B2 |
Image processing apparatus having function for performing sync processing to transfer and store data of cache memory to non-volatile memory in accordance with predetermined condition
An image processing apparatus includes: an input section which inputs image data; a non-volatile memory section which memorizes various data including image data inputted by the input section; a cache memory; a control section which carries out an asynchronous operation which writes data to the cache memory in stead of writing to the memory section as well as carries out a sync processing which transfers and stores the data of the cache memory to the memory section based on a predetermined condition; and a detecting section which detects a preparation for carrying out a shut down operation of a power of the image processing apparatus. The control section carries out the sync processing in a case when the preparation operation is detected by the detecting section. |
US08237970B2 |
Rerouting of document processing jobs
Selective rerouting of document processing jobs is disclosed. A printer driver first converts electronic document data is into a device compatible format and assigned a unique document ID. The printer driver then determines a set of network devices, such as document processing devices, that are participating in the performance of received document processing jobs. The converted document data is then divided into portions and one or more portions are then sent to each of the participating network devices. One of the devices is then selected as the output device, whereupon the output device broadcasts/multicasts a request for processed data portions from each of the other network devices. The received portions are then recombined, and released for further processing in accordance with the received document processing job. |
US08237968B2 |
Parallelization in printing
Disclosed are various embodiments of various systems that facilitate the printing of documents. In one representative example, one arrangement includes a plurality of raster image processors, a plurality of frame brokers, and a first digital switch facilitating communication between the raster image processors and frame brokers. The arrangement also includes a plurality of printers and a second digital switch facilitating communication between the frame brokers and the printers. A central control system orchestrates a progression of frames of a plurality of documents through the raster image processors and the frame brokers to the printers. |
US08237964B2 |
Print job scheduling for processing print jobs based on user set delay criteria
A printing system capable of concurrently processing and scheduling a plurality of job streams and including at least one marking engine and multiple print media destination is controlled by a controller that includes a jobs scheduler for determining a schedule for processing queued print jobs using the plurality of concurrent job streams. The job scheduler determines the schedule using a method including: determining a utility function dependent at least upon user preference delay criteria, and the schedule of the queued print jobs; and optimizing the utility function respective to the schedule of queued print jobs. |
US08237957B2 |
Point-of-sale demonstration of computer peripherals
A demonstration system for a peripheral such as a printer connects an external, non-volatile memory to the printer in place of the host computer. One such peripheral uses a peripheral cable containing a controller or formatter that includes a computer interface for communications with the host computer and an interface for memory accesses. The peripheral cable connects to the computer interface for communications with the host computer. The demonstration system employs a controller or formatter of the same type as used in the peripheral cable and connects the interface for reading from the external memory. The controller can load both demonstration code and demonstration data from the external memory and direct the peripheral to perform a demonstration. |
US08237956B2 |
Cost recovery system and method for walk-up office equipment
A cost recovery system for a multi-functional photocopier device. The cost recovery system comprises a plurality of workstations interconnected by a communications network, as well as a controller adapted to control the operation of the photocopier device, the controller being connected to the network. The cost recovery system further comprises at least one broker unit operative to communicate with the controller via the network, the at least one broker unit being responsive to requests to reserve the photocopier device received from users at the workstations to authenticate the users and to establish temporary cost recovery relationships between the controller and the workstations. Accordingly, a user can reserve the photocopier device from any one of is the plurality of workstations and then walk up to the photocopier device and perform a job on the photocopier device on a basis of a specific cost recovery relationship established by the at least one broker unit between the controller and the respective workstation. |
US08237952B2 |
Method of setting default printer in a host device
A method and apparatus to set printer driver information. The method includes detecting identification information to identify printer setup information selected in an application program, detecting a printer driver information corresponding to the detected identification information, and setting and storing the selected printer setup information as printer setup information of the detected printer driver information. When the user selects the printer setup information in a specific application program, the printer setup information setup in a printer folder is set as the printer setup information selected by the user. Specifically, when the user selects the default printer in the specific application program, the default printer of the printer driver information is set as the default printer selected by the user, so that the setup information selected in the application program is maintained as the printer driver information even after the application program is terminated. |
US08237951B2 |
Intermediate stage emulation of firmware on connected host
A firmware controller is configured to enhance or modify the processing capabilities of an imaging device by creating custom firmware for a particular imaging job. The firmware controller does so by dynamically linking firmware processing stages resident on the imaging device with additional firmware processing stages stored at a host device to form a sequence of firmware processing stages. The firmware controller then controls execution of the custom firmware by passing the output of each stage to the input of the next stage in the sequence. The firmware processing stages resident at the imaging device and the additional firmware processing stages stored at the host share a commonly defined interface for inputting data and/or control signals to and outputting data and/or control signals from each stage, which allows the firmware stages to be combined in a variety of different sequences. |
US08237950B2 |
Image formation device and processing method thereof
An image formation device, having a storage unit capable of storing image data, includes a determination unit for determining the capability of another image formation device, and an editing unit for performing desired editing as to the image data to be stored in the storage unit. If the determination unit determines that the desired editing cannot be performed by another image formation device, the desired editing is performed by the editing unit and the image data subjected to the desired editing by the editing unit is transmitted to another image formation device. On the other hand, if the determination unit determines that the desired editing can be performed with another image formation device, the image data is transmitted to another image formation device without the editing unit performing the desired editing. |
US08237946B2 |
Methods and systems for imaging device accounting server redundancy
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and devices for maintaining imaging device (IDev) accounting data in the event that an imaging device's primary accounting server becomes unavailable. Some aspects relate to the use of a lightweight accounting backup server (LABS) that may reside on an imaging device, a networked computer or another computing device for the purpose of storing and communication accounting data when a primary accounting server fails. |
US08237945B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same and storage medium
An image processing apparatus which makes it possible not only to improve reusability of data in another apparatus, but also to increase the speed of data output. If a process is requested to be executed on the image data and the file data contains data usable by the image processing apparatus in addition to the image data, the apparatus executes the requested process using the usable data, whereas if the file data does not contain data usable by the image processing apparatus in addition to the image data, the apparatus executes the requested process using the image data. Further, the apparatus adds data generated during execution of the requested process using the image data to the file data, as data usable by the apparatus. |
US08237943B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method for the same
An image processing apparatus prints a mark-sensing sheet containing a plurality of entry fields. The image processing apparatus reads the mark-sensing sheet, determines a marked entry field entered by a user among the plurality of entry fields of the mark-sensing sheet, and stores information indicating the determined result. When the image processing apparatus rereads the mark-sensing sheet, the image processing apparatus compares the marked entry field entered by the user and information stored in a memory, thereby detecting the marked entry field that the user additionally enters for revision before rereading. |
US08237939B2 |
Apparatus and method for restricting file operations
An information processing apparatus determines whether a particular operation on a first file, for example, is restricted or not. The information processing apparatus also restricts the particular operation on a second file related to the first file if the particular operation on the first file is restricted. |
US08237932B2 |
Fiber optic gyroscope with auxiliary function
A fiber optic gyroscope includes first and second gyroscopes. The first gyroscope includes: a first light source for emitting two lights; a first optical fiber loop which includes a sensor coil structured such that an optical fiber is wound in a multilayer manner, through which the two lights travel in opposite directions, and which constitutes a laser resonant circuit with the first light source; and a first optical detector for detecting an angular velocity based on a beat frequency which is produced by the two lights. The second gyroscope includes: a second light source for emitting light; an optical distributor for dividing the light into two lights; a second optical fiber loop through which the two lights travel in opposite directions and enter both respective ends of the sensor coil; and a second optical detector for detecting an angular velocity based on a phase difference between the two lights. |
US08237931B2 |
Optoacoustic convolver
An optoacoustic convolver includes: a light source; a first acoustic waveguide filled with a light-transmissive first acoustic medium; a second acoustic waveguide filled with a light-transmissive second acoustic medium; an optical system whereby light emitted from the light source is split into a first light beam and a second light beam, the first light beam entering the first acoustic waveguide, and the second light beam entering the second acoustic waveguide, thereby generating interference light between the first light beam having passed through the first acoustic waveguide and the second light beam having passed through the second acoustic waveguide; a light-receiving section for receiving the interference light and outputting an electric signal based on an intensity of the received light; and a correlation determination section for determining whether the received signal is correlated with the reference signal by observing the electric signal output from the light-receiving section. |
US08237930B2 |
Oxygen sensor using principle of surface plasmon resonance and oxygen transmission rate measurement system including the same
Provided is an oxygen sensor using surface plasmon resonance, including: a laser diode emitting light; a polarizer converting the emitted light into polarized light; a prism receiving the polarized light from the polarizer and having a sensor substrate on one surface thereof so that the polarized light is reflected, the sensor substrate coated with oxygen-sensitive organic material; an oxygen concentration measurement chamber provided to enclose the sensor substrate so that oxygen whose concentration is to be measured is contained therein; a photodiode measuring an amount of light reflected from the prism; and a microcontroller unit controlling operation of the oxygen sensor and calculating the oxygen concentration. Further, the oxygen concentration is determined using the microcontroller unit having absolute concentrations corresponding to the amount of light measured using the photodiode, and the oxygen concentration is measured where an incidence angle of the polarized light incident on the sensor substrate is fixed. |
US08237925B2 |
Prism for inducing Brewster's angle transmission and fluorescence detection apparatus for improving signal-to noise ratio using thereof
The present invention relates to a prism for inducing Brewster's angle transmission and a fluorescence detection apparatus for enhancing a signal-to-noise ratio using thereof, and more specifically, to a prism for inducing Brewster's angle transmission and a fluorescence detection apparatus for enhancing a signal-to-noise ratio using thereof, in which evanescent waves are generated when light is cast onto fluorescence material applied on a sample surface at an angle greater than a critical angle, and the evanescent waves are used as excitation light of fluorescence to induce total internal reflection of the light so that the light may pass through the prism at a Brewster's angle. Therefore, effects of the re-reflected light on the sample surface are removed, and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved at the same time. In addition, the prism is miniaturized, and therefore, usage of the sample area and efficiency of the light amount are improved. |
US08237921B2 |
Optical time domain reflectometer and method for testing optical fiber using optical pulse
At the time of real-time measurement, when a measurement position is specified by a marker, a marker level acquiring section acquires a waveform level from waveform data stored in a waveform memory. A level comparing section determines whether the waveform level acquired by the marker level acquiring section falls within an effective measurement level range preset correspondingly with attenuator (ATT) values. When the level comparing section determines that the waveform level does not fall within the effective measurement level range, an ATT value change section changes the ATT values into new ATT values at which a waveform level falls within the corresponding effective measurement level range. A control section allows a measured optical fiber to be measured based on the new ATT value, so as to enable waveform measurement with a good S/N ratio of not less than a predetermined value based on a measurement waveform displayed on a screen of a display section. |
US08237920B2 |
In situ optical computation fluid analysis system and method
A multivariate optical element (MOE) calculation device is used in an apparatus for determining a property of petroleum in real time flowing in a pipe in petroleum field stream pipes or pipe line. Multiple apparatuses are provided for determining the amount of each of a plurality of properties. An internal reflectance element (IRE) can be used to determine the property of the petroleum from a surface of the petroleum flowing in a pipe. A cleaning apparatus can be provided to clean the surface of the IRE in the pipe and a turbulence generator can be provided in the pipe to insure homogeneity of the petroleum being analyzed prior to analysis. A bellows may be provided in the apparatus housing to compensate for pressure differentials between the housing and the flowing petroleum in the pipe. Various embodiments are disclosed. |
US08237919B2 |
Movable body drive method and movable body drive system, pattern formation method and apparatus, exposure method and apparatus, and device manufacturing method for continuous position measurement of movable body before and after switching between sensor heads
A controller uses two Z heads, which are positioned above a reflection surface installed on the ±X ends of the upper surface of a table, to measure the height and tilt of the table. According to the XY position of the table, the Z heads to be used are switched from ZsR and ZsL to ZsR′ and ZsL. On the switching of the heads, the controller applies a coordinate linkage method to set an initial value of the Z heads which are to be newly used. Accordingly, although the Z heads to be used are sequentially switched according to the XY position of the table, measurement results of the height and the tilt of the table are stored before and after the switching, and it becomes possible to drive the table with high precision. |
US08237912B2 |
Liquid filled lens element, lithographic apparatus comprising such an element and device manufacturing method
A lens element, for use in a projection system, includes a concave side. The lens element further includes a membrane and a nozzle, the membrane at least covering the concave side of the lens element. The nozzle is arranged for supplying and/or removing a liquid and/or a gas in between the concave side and the membrane. |
US08237911B2 |
Apparatus and methods for keeping immersion fluid adjacent to an optical assembly during wafer exchange in an immersion lithography machine
Apparatus and methods keep immersion liquid in a space adjacent to an optical assembly. An optical assembly projects an image onto a substrate supported adjacent to the optical assembly by a substrate table. An insertion member insertable into the space between the optical assembly and the substrate, the substrate table, or both, divides the immersion liquid into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion disposed between the optical assembly and the insertion member, and the second portion disposed between the insertion member and the substrate, the substrate table, or both. The insertion member keeps the optical assembly in contact with the first portion when the substrate is moved away from being disposed adjacent to the optical assembly. |
US08237910B2 |
Polarization independent liquid crystal-based etalon and devices using same
A liquid crystal etalon includes a chiral nematic material contained in a liquid crystal cell having alignment surfaces configured to bias the chiral nematic material toward a twisted liquid crystal configuration with a twist less than 360°. Electrodes are arranged to apply an operative electrical bias to the liquid crystal cell. Mirrors disposed about the chiral nematic material define a resonant optical cavity. At a first electrical bias the etalon is transmissive for light of a first wavelength via a selected liquid crystal twist angle and cavity thickness at which different non-equal eigenmodes reach resonance conditions simultaneously. In a projector embodiment, a projection system with a field sequential image projection light source is coupled with the liquid crystal etalon, the etalon electrodes are patterned into pixels defining a display area, and the projector is operated in a field sequential illumination mode. |
US08237909B2 |
Vehicular rearview mirror assembly including integrated backlighting for a liquid crystal display (LCD)
A vehicular rearview mirror assembly (600) includes an electrochromic (EC) glass element (303) and a printed circuit board (603) for mounting electrical components. A liquid crystal display (LCD) (615) is mounted to the printed circuit board (603), while a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (608) are also mounted to the same printed circuit board below the LCD (603) for providing backlighting. |
US08237904B2 |
Display panel with driving circuit and common electrode within sealant
A driving circuit and a common electrode are located within a sealant region of the first substrate, wherein the driving circuit includes switch devices and turn-line structures. The common electrode is located within the sealant region of the first substrate. The planar layer is located on the first substrate, wherein the thickness of the planar layer at the turn-line structure of the driving circuit is less than the thicknesses of other portions. The conductive layer is located on the planar layer. A second substrate having an electrode thereon is disposed opposite to the first substrate. A liquid crystal layer is located within the display region between the first substrate and the second substrate. A sealant is located within the sealant region between the first substrate and the second substrate, and conductive balls are distributed in the sealant. |
US08237900B2 |
Method for producing long obliquely stretched film
A long obliquely stretched film is obtained having an orientation axis in a direction with an angle θs of 10° or more and 85° or less from a width direction by grasping both side ends in the width direction of a longitudinally stretched film with an average retardation Re1 by grasping means; stretching the film under a condition that a long obliquely stretched film sample with an average retardation Re2 (Re2 is smaller than Re1) can be obtained and traveling speeds of the grasping means are substantially equal at the film both side ends through a preheating zone, a stretching zone and a fixing zone; releasing the both side ends of the film from the grasping means; and taking it up around a winding core. |
US08237898B2 |
Bi-axial retardation compensation film and vertically aligned liquid crystal display using the same
The present invention relates to a vertically aligned LCD (VA-LCD) employing a bi-axial retardation compensation film, in which an in-plain refractive index (nx, ny) and a thickness refractive index (nz) of the film is nx>ny>nz. The film has a reversed wavelength dispersion in which retardation is increased in proportion to the increase of a wavelength in the range of visible rays and has a normal wavelength dispersion in which an absolute value of the thickness retardation is decreased in proportion to the increase of a wavelength in the range of visible rays. The VA-LCD cell having a retardation compensation characteristic is comprised by arranging a bi-axial retardation compensation film between the vertically aligned panel and a upper and lower polarizing plate. The VA-LCD of the present invention improves contrast characteristics on a front surface and at a tilt angle and minimizes coloring in a black state according to the tilt angle. |
US08237896B2 |
Active matrix substrate, method for manufacture of active matrix substrate, liquid crystal display device, and electronic apparatus
An active matrix substrate (30) of the present invention includes (i) a plurality of TFT elements (2) provided on an insulating substrate (10), and (ii) pixel electrodes (7) electrically connected to the plurality of TFT elements (2), respectively. The pixel electrodes (7) has (i) a first transparent electrode layer (7a), (ii) a reflective electrode layer (7b) stacked on the first transparent electrode layer (7a), which reflective electrode layer (7b) has a smaller area than that of the first transparent electrode layer (7a), and (iii) a second transparent electrode layer (7c) stacked so as to cover at least the reflective electrode layer (7b). Hence, it is possible to realize a transflective liquid crystal display device which suppresses occurrence of a flicker, thereby having high display quality. |
US08237895B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
In a transflective liquid crystal display device including a transmission display portion and a reflection display portion, a dichroic ratio of a polarizing layer contained in a reflection region is increased to enhance display performance. The liquid crystal display device includes: the transmission display portion and the reflection display portion which are formed for each pixel; a reflective layer formed in the reflection display portion; a first substrate having a principal surface opposed to a liquid crystal layer; a second substrate opposed to the first substrate via the liquid crystal layer; and a polarizing layer formed above the reflective layer via an underlying layer thereof on the principal surface of the first substrate. The polarizing layer is made of chromonic liquid crystalline molecules, and an interface between the polarizing layer and the underlying layer has one of a siloxane structure and a silazane structure. |
US08237893B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal panel having a cell 15 and polarizing plates 11, 12; wherein a liquid crystal molecule is rotated in parallel to the cell 15, the polarizing plate 12 has a multiple polarizer layer formed thereon, the multiple player having a first polarizer layer having a higher polarization degree with respect to a light from a forward direction than a polarization degree with respect to a light from a oblique direction and a second polarizer layer having a higher polarization degree with respect to a light from a oblique direction than a polarization degree with respect to a light from a forward direction, and an average elastic constant of a splay elastic constant K1, a twist elastic constant K2, and a bend elastic constant K3 of liquid crystal material is equal to 10×10−12 N or larger and satisfies a relationship of K1/K2<=1.5. |
US08237892B1 |
Display device with a brightness enhancement structure
The present invention is directed to display devices with a brightness enhancement structure comprising display cells comprising partition walls, and brightness enhancement micro-structures. The present invention is also directed to processes for the manufacture of display devices. The processes enable fabricating a display device with the micro-structures aligned with the display cells of the display device. |
US08237891B2 |
Liquid crystal display, and projection type display using liquid crystal display layer
There is provided a micro lens array (11) in which a plurality of micro lenses (21) is disposed two-dimensionally on a substrate, wherein the focal distance f of the micro lens (21) and distance Ts from the main surface of the micro lens (21) to the substrate surface upon which light is incident meet the following X=Ts/√{square root over (2)}P, Y=f/√{square root over (2)}P where P is a pitch of the micro lenses (21) and (X, Y) is within an X-Y coordinate system surrounded by the following point sets (0.75, 1.00), (0.75, 1.25), (1.00, 1.75), (1.75, 2.50), (2.25, 2.50), (2.25, 2.00), (1.50, 1.25), (1.00, 1.00). The micro lens array can be used to improve the contrast of a liquid crystal display having an optical compensation element provided therein. |
US08237890B2 |
3D grid controllable liquid crystal lens and manufacturing method thereof
A 3D grid controllable liquid crystal lens is provided. In the 3D grid controllable liquid crystal lens, at least two layers of a plurality of active device arrays are stacked on a first substrate, and a plurality of liquid crystal layer are respectively disposed on the active device arrays. Then, a driving voltage applied on each active device array is suitably controlled to control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, so as to generate a refractive index distribution similar to gradient-index lens in the 3D grid controllable liquid crystal lens. Therefore, the 3D grid controllable liquid crystal lens has a focusing function for focusing/diverging the light, similar to a convex lens or a concave lens. A method for manufacturing the 3D grid controllable liquid crystal lens is also provided. |
US08237888B2 |
Illuminating device, display device, and method of manufacturing light modulation element
An illuminating device includes a light guide plate, a light source disposed on a side face of the light guide plate, and a light modulation element disposed on a surface or on inside of the light guide plate and joined to the light guide plate. The light modulation element has a pair of transparent substrates disposed apart from each other and opposed to each other, a pair of electrodes provided on surfaces of the pair of transparent substrates, and a light modulation layer provided in a gap between the pair of transparent substrates. The light modulation layer includes a first region and a second region both having optical anisotropy and having response speeds to an electric field different from each other. |
US08237881B2 |
Display panel, array substrate and manufacturing method thereof
An array substrate comprises data lines, gate lines, thin film transistors and pixel electrodes formed on a base substrate. Pixel units are defined by intersecting the data lines and the gate lines, the thin film transistors are formed at the intersections of the data lines and the gate lines, and the data lines extend across each of the pixel units in the middle of the pixel units. At least two thin film transistors for controlling a same pixel electrode are respectively formed on both sides of the data line in each pixel unit. |
US08237878B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a gate wiring, a first insulating substrate, an oxide active layer pattern, a data wiring, a floating electrode, and an upper gate electrode. The gate wiring includes a gate line formed on the first insulating substrate and a lower gate electrode extending from the gate line. The oxide active layer pattern is formed on the gate wiring. The data wiring includes a data line intersecting the gate line. The floating electrode generates a coupling capacitance by overlapping the gate wiring. The upper gate electrode is capacitively coupled to the lower gate electrode. |
US08237876B2 |
Tilted C-plate retarder compensator and display systems incorporating the same
A C-plate compensator is disclosed for compensating the residual A-plate and C-plate retardance of a reflective liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display or a transmissive liquid crystal (LC) display in a projection display system. The C-plate incorporates a form-birefringent coating, whose retardance magnitude can be adjusted by tilting with respect to the display panel (X-Y) plane. The tilted plate is rotated about the Z-axis by a prescribed amount from the slow axis of the display panel. Criteria are described for choosing the tilt and rotation angles such that the contrast of the display system produced by the compensated panel is optimized. |
US08237875B2 |
Television frame and mounting system
A flat panel television mounting device includes a picture-type frame having a notch back surrounding an open central area along with a glass pane sized for reception by the notch back and supported by the frame. A linen is provided and adhered to one side of the glass pane with a central portion of the linen removable from the glass pane leaving a border around the removed central portion for exposing a television screen when the glass pane is disposed thereagainst. |
US08237874B2 |
Display screen turning apparatus
This display screen turning apparatus includes a turntable mounted with a display body and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a base, rotatably holding the turntable, provided with a drawn projecting portion and a floating prevention member so mounted on the projecting portion of the base as to prevent the turntable from upward floating. The floating prevention member has a floating prevention portion provided above a region where the upper surface of the turntable is arranged, a mounting portion for mounting the floating prevention member on the projecting portion and a leg portion provided between the floating prevention portion and the mounting portion for maintaining the base and the floating prevention member at a prescribed interval by coming into contact with the base. |
US08237869B2 |
Multi-standard digital demodulator for TV signals broadcast over cable, satellite and terrestrial networks
A multi-standard single-chip receiver for digital demodulation of TV signals broadcasted over any of multiple digital television means, e.g., satellite, cable and terrestrial, is provided. The receiver can receive and demodulate a variety of different signal types received from one or more up-front tuners. A demodulator architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can be optimized to re-use common demodulation processing blocks for the different incoming signal types. |
US08237867B2 |
Dynamic gain adjustment method based on brightness and apparatus thereof
A dynamic gain adjustment method and apparatus based on brightness are provided. The dynamic gain adjustment method and apparatus amplify or attenuate high frequency components of an input video signal by dynamically varying a gain that is applied to a peaking algorithm block for picture quality improvement in a video processing device, such as a digital television, based on an average picture level (APL) of the input video signal. The gain can be dynamically adjusted when the APL of the input video signal is high or low, and thus saturation of the video signal during the operation of the peaking block can be prevented. |
US08237863B2 |
Adaptive gain and offset control in a digital video decoder
An adaptive gain and offset control for a digital video analog to digital converter is provided. A gain indicator and/or an offset indicator, which are used as inputs control signals to an analog-to-digital converter, are determined based on a detected maximum level and a detected blanking level from an input video signal. The gain and offset indicators may be determined independently from a minimum level of the video signal. |
US08237857B1 |
System and method for adjusting aspect ratios
The present invention provides a system and method for adjusting aspect ratios. In an embodiment, the present invention adjusts aspect ratios by (1) receiving a desired aspect ratio; (2) determining an adjustment factor based on the original aspect ratio and the desired aspect ratio; and (3) transforming the screen mechanically from the original aspect ratio to a new aspect ratio, where the new aspect ratio is based on the adjustment factor. |
US08237856B2 |
Timeshifting video recording camera
A video recording camera system configured to record video to a non-volatile memory configured as a circular video recording buffer. In an embodiment, the video recording camera system includes a non-volatile storage medium and a processor is configured to manage at least a portion of the non-volatile storage medium as a circular buffer, replacing recorded video data stored in a subset of memory addresses corresponding to an older recorded video frame with the data corresponding to a newer video frame. In further embodiments, clip files may be partitioned from the circular buffer to prevent logical portion of the recorded video from being overwritten upon reaching a capacity of the circular recorded video buffer. |
US08237855B2 |
Camera device capable of synchronously shooting images inside and outside a car
A camera device includes a case having a first camera and a second camera arranged therein. The case is assembled from a first and a second half-case. The first camera is used to shoot images of the driver inside a car and the second camera is used to shoot images of the road in front of the car. The camera device also includes a mounting mechanism that allows adjustment of the case of the camera device to different orientations. Therefore, when the camera device is installed in a car, the first and second cameras can be adjusted to a desired shooting angle and images inside and outside the car can be synchronously shot and be used in an accident to determine which party should be responsible for the accident. |
US08237854B2 |
Flash emission method and flash emission apparatus
According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, when a non-flash image that is taken without a flash emitted before main photographing and a flash image that is taken with the flash pre-emitted before the main photographing are obtained so that an amount of flash emission light for the main photographing (amount of main emission) based on the obtained non-flash image and flash image, a moving body in the angle of view is detected. If the detected moving body is a main object, the amount of main emission is calculated based on the image of the moving body. If the detected moving body is not the main object, the amount of main emission is calculated based on the image other than the moving body. |
US08237852B2 |
Camera body and camera system
A camera body includes an imaging unit operable to generate image data by capturing an object image, an acquisition unit operable to acquire optical data of the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens, a correction unit operable to correct the image data generated by the imaging unit based on the optical data acquired by the acquisition unit, a detection unit operable to detect state of mounting/demounting the interchangeable lens to/from the camera body, and a display unit operable to display an image based on the image data. After detecting that the interchangeable lens is completely mounted to the camera body, when the detection unit detects that the interchangeable lens is being demounted from the camera body, the display unit stops displaying the image based on the image data. When the detection unit subsequently detects that the interchangeable lens is completely demounted from the camera body, the correction unit stops correcting the image data and the display unit displays the image based on the image data. |
US08237850B2 |
Electronic camera that adjusts the distance from an optical lens to an imaging surface
An electronic camera includes an image sensor. The image sensor has an imaging surface irradiated with an optical image of an object scene through a focus lens and repeatedly generates an object scene image. A CPU executes an AF process for adjusting a distance from the focus lens to the imaging surface to a distance corresponding to a focal point, based on the object scene image generated by the image sensor. However, the CPU has a high-luminance excluding function for excluding from a target to be noticed of the AF process a partial image having a luminance exceeding “TH1” out of the object scene image generated by the image sensor. The CPU determines whether or not a partial image having a luminance exceeding “TH2” larger than “TH1” exists on the object scene image generated by the image sensor, and turns on the high-luminance excluding function when a determination result is affirmative and turns off the high-luminance excluding function when the determination result is negative. |
US08237845B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a focus lens
Provided are a method of controlling a focus lens to be moved to a target location by generating a normalized focus graph by use of relative values of a plurality of focus values obtained by using a plurality of filters each having different cut-off frequencies, and predicting a target position of the focus lens according to the normalized focus graph, an apparatus operating by using the method, and a recording medium for recording the method. According to the present invention, in terms of performing an auto-focusing function, by optimizing the motion line of the focus lens, wasteful power consumption can be prevented and a scanning time of the focus lens can be shortened. |
US08237842B2 |
Wide-angle lens and imaging apparatus equipped therewith
A wide-angle lens consists of, in order from an object, a front lens group GF consisting of a first front lens group GF1 that consists of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing an image, a second front lens group GF2 that consists of a negative lens L12 having a concave surface facing the image, and a third front lens group GF3 that has a convex surface facing the object and has positive refractive power; and a rear lens group GB consisting of a first rear lens group GB1 that consists of a cemented positive lens constructed by a negative lens L14 and a positive lens L15, and a second rear lens group GB2 having positive refractive power; thereby providing a wide-angle lens having a wide angle of view, well corrected aberrations, less ghost images capable of coping with wide luminance difference, and an imaging apparatus equipped therewith. |
US08237841B2 |
Compound-eye imaging device
A compound-eye imaging device comprises an imaging device body having 9 optical lenses and a solid-state imaging element for imaging unit images formed by the optical lenses. Assuming that the combination of each of the optical lenses with a corresponding divided area of the solid-state imaging element to image each of the corresponding unit images is an imaging unit, thereby forming multiple imaging units, the respective imaging units have randomly different optical imaging conditions. For example, the focal lengths of the 9 optical lenses are set to have random values in which the optical lenses are arranged to have random distances between adjacent ones thereof in a direction parallel to the major surface of the solid-state imaging element. This compound-eye imaging device substantially prevents unit images formed by respective imaging units from being the same, making it possible to easily increase the definition of a reconstructed image. |
US08237830B2 |
Video camera
Embodiments provide a video camera that can be configured to highly compress video data in a visually lossless manner. The camera can be configured to transform blue and red image data in a manner that enhances the compressibility of the data. The data can then be compressed and stored in this form. This allows a user to reconstruct the red and blue data to obtain the original raw data for a modified version of the original raw data that is visually lossless when demosacied. Additionally, the data can be processed in a manner in which the green image elements are demosaiced first and then the red and blue elements are reconstructed based on values of the demosaiced green image elements. |
US08237829B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and imaging apparatus
A frequency component comparing unit performs frequency component comparison for each of the image signals corresponding to the wavelength components subjected to resolution reconstruction. An image synthesizing unit performs image synthesis with an image signal that is selected according to a comparison result of the frequency component comparing unit as a component. The wavelength component that is subjected to frequency component comparison by frequency component comparing unit is selected according to the modulation transfer function characteristic of the optical system. |
US08237827B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus for correcting smear taking into consideration acquired location relationship
Provided are a digital photographing apparatus, and associated method and recording medium with method instructions, by which smear generation during moving picture photographing or moving picture display is effectively reduced. The digital photographing apparatus includes an imaging device having an effective area that generates first image data from incident light and an optical black area that is disposed outside the effective area and extends horizontally; a first smear correction unit that corrects the first image data generated by the effective area by using smear data generated by the optical black area, thereby acquiring second image data corresponding to a second frame image comprising less smear than a first frame image corresponding to the first image data; a unit corrects the second image data thereby acquiring third image data. |
US08237826B2 |
Image sensing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program
An image sensing apparatus includes an image sensor, an optical element disposed in front of the image sensor, and a foreign substance information generation unit that generates foreign substance information for a still image from a foreign substance image obtained by sensing a foreign substance that adheres to the optical element with the image sensor, and generates foreign substance information for a moving image by performing reduction processing on the foreign substance image in accordance with the driving method of the image sensor when shooting a moving image. |
US08237824B1 |
Fixed pattern noise and bad pixel calibration
A method of pixel correction is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) calibrating a per-pixel correction model of a sensor at a plurality of different illumination levels, (B) generating a plurality of pixel values from the sensor in response to an optical signal and (C) generating a plurality of corrected values by applying the per-pixel correction model to the pixel values. |
US08237821B2 |
Zoom lens and image capturing apparatus having a correction unit to correct distortion aberration of the image formed by the zoom lens and to output corrected image data
An image capturing apparatus includes a zoom lens, a solid-state image sensor which photoelectrically converts an image formed by the zoom lens, a processing unit which processes image data obtained by the solid-state image sensor, and a correction units which processes the image data from the processing unit to correct distortion aberration of the image formed by the zoom lens, and outputs the corrected image data. The lens arrangement of the zoom lens, and the length of the diagonal line of the image capturing area in correcting distortion aberration are appropriately set. |
US08237819B2 |
Image capture method with artistic template design
A method of operating a digital image capture device including storing a plurality of digital image template files, each of the digital image template files include features of a digital image template such as a number, location, and shape of openings in the digital image template. Image attribute requirements are also stored in association with each of the openings for screening images to be disposed in an opening. The templates are displayed to a user for selecting a template. Images are captured and stored and each of the images include image attribute data. Stored images are automatically searched to identify images that may be automatically digitally placed into openings in the digital template. The image attributes of found images are those which satisfy image attribute requirements of the openings. A file containing a digital image template together with the images digitally disposed therein is saved in the capture device for future use such as printing the file or transmitting the file over a network. |
US08237818B2 |
Camera
A camera includes an imaging unit that generates image data, an inserting-image setting unit that sets an inserting image to be inserted into an image of the image data, a first detecting unit that detects a main subject area in a subject image, a second detecting unit that detects a background area in the subject image based on the main subject area, an inserting-area selecting unit that selects an inserting area into which an inserting image is inserted from the background area, and a magnification determining unit that determines a magnification for enlargement or reduction of the inserting image in accordance with a size of the inserting area and a size of the inserting image, and thereby inserts an inserting image of an appropriate size. |
US08237809B2 |
Imaging camera processing unit and method
To allow much better user control of how a camera output image captures an original scene, the imaging camera unit (401), arranged to form part of a image-capturing camera system (400), includes a user-interface (420), allowing a user to specify at least one indication (gp) of a geometric position of an object (101) of his preference in a captured image (Io) received from an imaging sensor (406) via an input (403), a user-adaptable object segmentation unit (410), arranged to determine a set of pixels (sg) being part of the object (101), on the basis of the indication (gp), and a color composition monitor unit (412), arranged to determine at least one statistic (ST) on the basis of at least one color property of pixels in the set of pixels (sg). |
US08237808B2 |
Solid state imaging device and imaging apparatus adjusting the spatial positions of pixels after addition by controlling the ratio of weight values during addition
There is provided a solid-state imaging device, which includes: a comparator for sequentially comparing a predetermined level of an analog pixel signal obtained from a plurality of pixels with a reference signal which is gradually changed and used for converting the predetermined level into digital data; a counter for performing a count processing in parallel with a comparison processing for the predetermined level in the comparator, and holding a count value at a time of completing the comparison processing to obtain digital data indicative of a value obtained by adding the plurality of pixel signals; and an addition spatial position adjusting unit for controlling a selection operation for selecting spatial positions of the plurality of pixels to be processed in the comparator and a ratio of a weight value during the addition to adjust spatial positions of pixels after addition. |
US08237807B2 |
Image capturing device with touch screen for adjusting camera settings
Several methods for operating a built-in digital camera of a portable, handheld electronic device are described. In one embodiment, the device receives a user selection (e.g., tap, tap and hold, gesture) of a region displayed on the display screen (e.g., touch sensitive screen). A touch to focus mode may then be initiated in response to the user selection and exposure and focus parameters determined and adjusted. Then, an automatic scene detection mechanism can determine whether a scene has changed. If the scene has changed, then the touch to focus mode ends and a default automatic focus mode initiates. This mode sets a new exposure metering area and focus area prior to determining and adjusting exposure and focus parameters, respectively. |
US08237805B2 |
Image processing device that executes an image process of matching two images with each other, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a program that causes a computer to operate as the image processing device
An image processing device includes an image receiving section that receives two medical images, which are imaged at different imaging times, of a same examination object; a time difference acquiring section that acquires a difference between the imaging times of the two images; a global matching section and a local matching section that execute a matching process for the two medical images upon setting of a parameter value. The matching process causes the two images to match each other by moving and deforming one of the two images. The amount of the movement or the deformation necessary for matching is in an application range that is dependant on the parameter value. Also provided is a parameter setting section that sets a value corresponding to the difference between the imaging times acquired in the time difference acquiring section to the processing section as the parameter value. |
US08237804B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method thereof
Upon correcting blur of image capture data of an image capturing device by coded exposure processing, an exposure time and aperture value, which are set by a photometry unit of the image capturing device according to an object, are input, and the exposure time or aperture value is adjusted based on a ratio of shutter open periods in an opening and closing pattern of a shutter used in the coded exposure processing. Then, a gain adjustment value of the image capture data corresponding to a deficiency of an exposure amount by the adjusted exposure time or aperture value is set, image capture by an image capturing unit of the image capturing device is controlled based on the opening and closing pattern, exposure time, and aperture value. |
US08237801B2 |
Image processing system and communication method
An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that determine a processing to be performed on an image at a remote processing resource, capture an image, and transmit to the remote processing resource, in response to a triggering event, the image to be processed and associated information. |
US08237799B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus has an imaging section that creates video data from an optical image of a subject field; a feature acquiring section that acquires features of a main subject in the subject field; a feature holding section that holds the acquired features; a tracking processing section that performs a predetermined process for tracking the main subject using the created video data and the held features; and a controlling section that validates or invalidates an operation of the feature acquiring section, and the controlling section invalidates the operation of the feature acquiring section when the imaging apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition. |
US08237797B2 |
Three-dimensional image obtaining device and processing apparatus using the same
An optical flux is radiated, which is focused at a measurement point in a specimen space, and a transmitted light amount is measured. A minute light absorption amount is measured from a transmitted light signal and a reference signal. While three-dimensionally scanning, a three-dimensional map in which light absorption amounts are represented by voxels (volume cells) is obtained. On this three-dimensional map, deconvolution processing with a light intensity distribution image in the vicinity of the measurement point being a convolution kernel is performed, so as to obtain a three-dimensional image of a specimen that is almost transparent in a non-dyed state. |
US08237794B2 |
Method for detecting an optical structure
A method for detecting an optical structure from image sequences of an image recording system. An optical flow field is derived from the image sequences of the image recording system. The vectors of the optical flow field are broken down into components by projection onto a coordinate system of the image recorded by the image recording system. At least one component of the flow vectors is analyzed for a change of direction. The image elements containing a change of direction of a vector component are connected to form a curve. |
US08237790B2 |
System and method for positioning a portion of an object to be measured
A system and method for positioning a portion of an object to be measured includes installing a digital camera adjacent to a charge coupled device (CCD) lens of an image measuring machine, setting positioning parameters corresponding to different positions of the digital camera on a Z-axis of a world coordinate system, receiving an image of the object captured by the digital camera, and selecting corresponding positioning parameters according to a position of the digital camera. The method further includes selecting a point of the portion of the object in the image, calculating coordinates of the selected point in a plane of the CCD lens, and controlling the CCD lens to move to the calculated coordinates so as to position the CCD lens on the portion of the object. |
US08237784B2 |
Method of forming virtual endoscope image of uterus
A method of forming a virtual endoscope image of a uterus is disclosed. The virtual image showing an inner wall of a uterus is formed from a three-dimensional ultrasound uterus image obtained by hysterosalpingography with a solution. An inner wall of the uterus in the 3D virtual image is inspected and a virtual endoscope image of the uterus is formed by reflecting the inspection result on the 3D virtual uterus image. Also, the virtual endoscope images in every aspect are provided according to the positions of a view point or virtual light source. Thus, the inner wall of the uterus can be inspected more easily. |
US08237783B2 |
Image processing device for endoscope and endoscope apparatus
An image processing device for an endoscope includes an image processing section which performs signal processing for generating an image signal to be observed as an endoscope image, for a signal picked up with an image pickup device equipped in the endoscope, a tone correcting circuit section which corrects a tone for the image signal, and a switching section which switches an observation mode or a type for observing as an endoscope image, and changes a correction characteristic of a tone by the tone correcting circuit section in accordance with switching of the observation mode or the type. |
US08237782B2 |
Medical instrument with mechanism for removing contaminant on observation window
A medical instrument used by being introduced into a body and fixed thereto, includes a camera body provided with a fixing section to be fixed to a body wall in the body, an image pickup section incorporated in the camera body that picks up an image of an object to be examined in the body from an observation window formed in the camera body, a contamination removing section provided by being fixed to the camera body, a transparent cover member, an outer surface of which is in contact with the contamination removing section, movably disposed on the observation window and a drive section incorporated in the camera body that drives the cover member to make a sliding contact with the contamination removing section, and can thereby easily and reliably remove deposits stuck to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image even when deposits are being removed. |
US08237775B2 |
System and method for 3D space-dimension based image processing
An apparatus for 3D representation of image data, comprises: a structure identifier for identifying structures in motion within image data, and a skeleton insertion unit, which associates three-dimensional skeleton elements with the identified structures. The skeleton elements are able to move with the structures to provide a three-dimensional motion and structure understanding of said image data which can be projected back onto the input data. As well as individual elements, complex bodies can be modeled by complex skeletons having multiple elements. The skeleton elements themselves can be used to identify the complex objects. |
US08237774B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining improved panoramic images
A digital photographing apparatus capable of more precisely obtaining a panoramic image than conventional cameras, a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus, and a recording medium storing a program for executing the method. The method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus includes: obtaining a first image according to a user's signal; inverting the pixel values of a portion of the first image; obtaining a second image; and obtaining a third image by combining the first image and the second image. |
US08237769B2 |
System and method of videotelephony with detection of a visual token in the videotelephony image for electronic control of the field of view
A videotelephony system has an electronically controllable camera with a field of view, a visual token disposed within the field of view, and a camera controller. The camera controller is configured to detect the visual token and reconfigure the field of view relative to a detected position of the visual token. |
US08237768B2 |
Method and system for controlling multimedia communication quality in a handheld device
The invention provides a system and method for controlling multimedia communication quality in a handheld device. The handheld device receives and transmits multimedia data via a wireless network. First, the predetermined video coding parameters are used to code a video stream and transmit the coded video stream via the wireless network, and receive a multimedia data via the wireless network. Next, the quality of the wireless network is detected. When the quality is poor, the video coding parameters are changed. Finally, the quality of received multimedia data is detected. When the quality of received multimedia data is poor, the video coding parameters are changed. |
US08237766B2 |
Video telephony terminal and image transmission method thereof
A video telephony terminal and an image transmission method thereof are provided. During video communication, the video telephony terminal generates a still image having a desired pattern in a user-desired region and provides a terminal of another party with an image achieved by synthesizing the generated still image with an image captured by a built-in camera. Upon establishing video communication, a change to the desired pattern in the user-desired region of the camera-captured image can be made quickly, or a desired message can be inserted into the captured image and can be transmitted in real time. |
US08237764B1 |
Local video feedback for videoconferencing
A system and method enabling a local party to see how a remote party is viewing him/her during a videoconference is provided. This is accomplished by predicting and changing the local video to a similar video quality level as the video quality displayed with which the local video is displayed on a remote display. This process occurs without any input from the parties/user(s). Instead the prediction and changing of the local video occurs in an automatic fashion and continuously. |
US08237763B2 |
Light source apparatus, and optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
A disclosed light source apparatus includes a light source including multiple light emitting devices; an optical element configured to transmit light emitted from the light source; a tube configured to hold the optical element; and a tube holder configured to fix the tube by holding an end of the tube close to the light source or by holding the end of the tube on the light emission side away from the light source. A positional displacement preventing member is provided at the other end of the tube on a light emission side away from the light source in such a manner as to be slidable on the tube in the direction of an optical axis and prevent positional displacement of the tube in all directions perpendicular to the optical axis. |
US08237762B2 |
Exposure device for controlling light emitting elements
An exposure device includes a reference current generating unit generating a reference current for each image of respective colors, a photoelectric current generating unit generating a photoelectric current in response to a light amount of the light emitting element, a driving unit driving the light emitting element, a first controller, a drive voltage holding unit holding a drive voltage given to the driving unit, a second controller controlling the driving unit based on the drive voltage held, a comparison current generating unit generates a comparison current, a difference current generating unit generating a difference current, of each color, corresponding to a difference between the reference current of each color and the comparison current. The first controller compares a value obtained by adding the difference current of each color to the photoelectric current with the comparison current to control the driving unit so that the photoelectric current becomes the reference current. |
US08237760B2 |
Light-source driving device, optical scanning device, and counting method
A light-source driving device includes a high-frequency clock generating circuit that generates high-frequency clock signals of which phases are different from each other; an image-data generating circuit that generates a plurality of pieces of image data corresponding to light emitting units in accordance with image information; a write control circuit that generates a plurality of pieces of modulation data corresponding to the light emitting units based on the image data and adjusts output timing of the modulation data individually in units of time corresponding to a phase difference of the high-frequency clock signals; and a light-source driving circuit that drives the light emitting units based on a plurality of pieces of PWM data output from the write control circuit. |
US08237758B2 |
Image erasing apparatus
An image erasing apparatus includes: a scanner which detects a side of a sheet on which an image is formed using a thermally decolorable coloring agent; a heat roller which provides heat for the sheet having the image formed thereon; and a controller which causes a quantity of heat provided for the sheet from the heat roller when an image forming side detected by the scanner does not face the heat roller to be greater than a quantity of heat provided for the sheet from the heat roller when the image forming side faces the heat roller. |
US08237757B2 |
Image forming apparatus
There is provided a photoreceptor cleanerless image forming apparatus capable of decreasing color mixture or an exposure error due to reverse transfer toner an untransferred toner. An image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises four image forming units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d configured to be photoreceptor cleanerless in a 4-drum tandem manner. Each image forming unit includes a photoreceptor 103a, 103b, 103c, or 103d, a charger 105a, 105b, 105c, or 105d, an exposure apparatus 106a, 106b, 106c, or 106d, and a developing apparatus 109a, 109b, 109c, or 109d. When exposure intensities Iy, Ic, Im, and Ik are assumed for exposure sources of the exposure apparatuses in the image forming units which form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images, respectively, the exposure intensities are configured to satisfy conditions of Ik≧Ic≧Im≧Iy and Ik>Iy. This decreases an exposure error (image hysteresis) in an image formed on paper. |
US08237754B2 |
Display device and driving method that compensates for unused frame time
A novel method for driving a display having an array of pixels arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows includes the steps of defining a modulation period for a row of pixels, dividing the modulation period into a number of coequal time intervals equal to n times the number of rows in the array, receiving a multi-bit data word that indicates an intensity value, and updating the signal asserted on the pixel during a plurality of the time intervals such that the intensity value is displayed by the pixel. Note that n is an integer greater than zero. The method can be applied to all rows, which can be driven asynchronously. A display driver for performing the novel methods is also disclosed. The present invention facilitates driving the display at 100% bandwidth efficiency during each time interval in the modulation period. |
US08237751B2 |
Multi-primary conversion
A method converts an input pixel (IPi) defined by three values (ri, gi, bi) of input primaries (RI, GI, BI) into N drive values (DSi) for driving N sub-pixels (SPi) of a pixel (PIi) of a display device (DD). The N drive values (DSi) have a valid range (VR) wherein their values occur. The N sub-pixels (SPi) emit light defined by N display primaries (DPi) of which at least four are independent. M resulting display primaries (RDi) are used (10) wherein a group of ones of the N display primaries (DPi) which are combined into a combined display primary (CDi) are replaced by the combined display primary (CDi). A first multi-primary conversion (MPC1) is performed (11) on the input pixel (IPi) to obtain resulting drive values (DRi) for the M resulting display primaries (RDi). It is checked (12) whether the M resulting drive values (DRi) have values in the valid range (VR). If the resulting drive value (DRi) of at least one of the M resulting display primaries (RDi) has a value outside the valid range (VR) the method allocates (12) a fixed value (FVi) to the resulting drive value (DRi) outside the valid range (VR), and selects (13) K out of the N display primaries (DPi). The selection includes the ones of the N display primaries (DPi) which were combined into a combined display primary (CDi) but not the display primaries (DPi) associated with the resulting drive value (DRi) outside the valid range (VR). The integer K is larger than 3. Finally the method performs (14) a second multi-primary conversion under a constraint (CO2) for the ones of the N display primaries (DPi) being combined into a combined display primary (CDi) in the first multi-primary conversion (MPC1). |
US08237748B2 |
Display device and driving method facilitating uniform resource requirements during different intervals of a modulation period
A novel method for driving a display having an array of pixels arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows includes the steps of defining a modulation period for a row of pixels, dividing the modulation period into a number of coequal time intervals equal to n times the number of rows in the array, receiving a multi-bit data word that indicates an intensity value, and updating the signal asserted on the pixel during a plurality of the time intervals such that the intensity value is displayed by the pixel. Note that n is an integer greater than zero. The method can be applied to all rows, which can be driven asynchronously. A display driver for performing the novel methods is also disclosed. The present invention facilitates driving the display at 100% bandwidth efficiency during each time interval in the modulation period. |
US08237746B2 |
Pixel-level power optimization for OLED displays
A method enables power savings in an OLED display by reducing the size of the screen in an OLED display when the screen is not in use. For example, if the OLED display receives no input from the user for a predefined time period, the size of the screen is reduced in order to decrease the power consumption of the OLED display. |
US08237744B2 |
Method for changing scale in a navigation device
A method for operating a navigation device provides a driver with the option of being presented with an overview of the route lying ahead in addition to a detailed illustration of the current position along the route section, namely without any complicated interactions with the navigation device. This navigation device independently changes the scale of the display of the route on the display means in dependence on a manually selected operating mode. The advantage of this method can be seen in a semi-automated solution that always enables the driver to decide exactly which information should be displayed by his navigation device at which time. |
US08237741B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing apparatus that displays, on a display region having a first number of pixels, an image represented by gigantic image data that is recorded in a recording medium and has a second number of pixels that is significantly greater than the first number of pixels, including: a reproducing unit configured to read image data from the recording medium; an output unit configured to output the image data, which is read by the reproducing unit from the recording medium, in synchronization with a vertical synchronization signal; and a control unit configured to control the reproducing unit and the output unit. The control unit performs control to extract and read a region corresponding to the display region from the gigantic image data recorded in the recording medium. |
US08237730B1 |
Tone mapping for motion pictures
A method for rendering an image including objects defined by surfaces. A rendering application selects an object in a first image and determines a surface of the object. An initial set of illumination values is calculated and is separated into low and high spatial frequency components associated with the surface of the object. The rendering application independently adjusts the illumination values of the low and high spatial frequency components based lighting information in the first image, and generates a modified set of illumination values by combining the adjusted low and high spatial frequency components. The surface of the object is then rendered using the modified set of illumination values. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention provide techniques for rendering an object without introducing halo effects around the object. Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide for rendering a sequence of frames without introducing fluctuations in the low frequency components from across frame. |
US08237728B2 |
Methods, systems, and data structures for generating a rasterizer
Methods, systems and data structures produce a rasterizer. A graphical state is detected on a machine architecture. The graphical state is used for assembling a shell rasterizer. The machine architecture is used for selecting replacement logic that replaces portions of shell logic in the shell rasterizer. The machine architecture is used for selectively inserting memory management logic into portions of the shell logic to produce. |
US08237725B1 |
Vertex cache map mode for per-vertex state changes
A vertex cache within a graphics processor is configured to operate as a conventional round-robin streaming cache when per-vertex state changes are not used and is configured to operate as a random access storage buffer when per-vertex state changes are used. Batches of vertices that define primitives and state changes are output to parallel processing units for processing according to vertex shader program. In addition to allowing per-vertex state changes, the vertex cache is configured to store vertices for primitive topologies that use anchor points, such as triangle strips, line loops, and polygons. |
US08237722B2 |
Systems and method for visualization of fluids
Methods and systems for simulating and visualizing a flowing fluid when interacting with an intersecting object are provided. The simulating of falling fluid as a two-dimensional plan and rendering first and second depth buffers corresponding to current depth information for, respectively, a top surface and a bottom surface of an object is rendered. The values of first and second current simulation textures are rendered for the top and bottom surfaces of the object, where for a given frame each of the first and second current simulation texture values is set to either a corresponding value of the first and second current simulation texture values is set to either a corresponding value of each or second depth buffer or a corresponding, velocity-offset value of the previous frame's first or second simulation texture respectively. A visible fluid mesh is rendered in the two-dimensional plane based on the current simulation textures. |
US08237717B2 |
Vector image drawing device, method for vector image drawing, and computer readable recording medium
Where each of m and n are any natural number: a drawing region subdivider 5 for subdividing a drawing region into an m×n matrix of drawing subregions having m rows and n columns,; a target vector data selector 6 for discriminating, for each of the drawing subregions, vector data necessary for drawing the drawing subregion from vector data of an image; and a subdivisional drawer 7 for drawing, for each of the drawing subregions after the subdivision by the drawing region subdivider 5, an image based on a drawing subregion target vector data 23 discriminated by the target vector data selector 6 are provided as necessary for drawing the drawing subregion. Preferably, a curve vector data replacer 71 of the subdivisional drawer 7, for each of the drawing subregions, replaces curve vector data outside of the drawing subregion from vector data configuring a figure to be subdivisionally drawn with straight-line vector data and performs a fill processing. |
US08237713B2 |
Sending three-dimensional images over a network
A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example. |
US08237712B2 |
Manipulation of image content using various image representations
Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems and methods for displaying and updating image previews in the graphical user interface of an application program running on a computer. The image previews for a given master image within the application program constitute various image sizes and resolution of that master image, and are preferably compiled as image preview data sets in a database accessible by the application program. When the image previews are manipulated in the applications program by a user, for example by scrolling or magnifying them, an appropriate resolution for that image preview can be queried from the database and displayed. For example, while scrolling, a lower-resolution image preview data set might be used when compared to those image preview data sets used while the image previews are not scrolled, thus making them less computationally intensive to display and update. Likewise, while magnifying, an appropriate image preview data set can be queried from the database instead of, or in conjunction with, up- or downscaling the image preview. |
US08237711B2 |
Tracing of shader-generated ray groups using coupled intersection testing
For ray tracing scenes composed of primitives, systems and methods accelerate ray/primitive intersection identification by testing rays against elements of geometry acceleration data (GAD) in a parallelized intersection testing resource. Groups of rays can be described as shared attribute information and individual ray data for efficient ray data transfer between a host processor and the testing resource. The host processor also hosts shading and/or management processes controlling the testing resource and adapting the ray tracing, as necessary or desirable, to meet criteria, while reducing degradation of rendering quality. The GAD elements can be arranged in a graph, and rays can be collected into collections based on whether a ray intersects a given element. When a collection is deemed ready for further testing, it is tested for intersection with GAD elements connected, in the graph, to the given element. The graph can be hierarchical such that rays of a given collection are tested against children of the GAD element associated with the given collection. |
US08237708B2 |
Data structure representing a plenoptic function via compressible layered orthographic projections from multiple orientations
A novel layered orthographic representation of the light field, comprising a set of 3-D orientations, each orientation having an associated depth direction and two sampling directions, each such orientation being associated with a set of planar grids normal to the depth direction and containing grid points evenly sampled along the sampling directions, each grid containing orthographic samples of the light field intercepting that grid point in the direction of the associated depth direction. Information of the geometric structure is similarly stored in depth field format at these sample points. |
US08237695B2 |
Codec control
A method and system for a software driver of a graphics controller to work with a display codec. The software driver may be configured to work with different display codecs at different periods of time while using a default configuration. Other embodiments are also described. |
US08237693B2 |
Operational amplifier, drive circuit, and method for driving liquid crystal display device
The present invention enables rising and falling slew rates to be symmetrized and secures a drive current at the time of 2H inversion driving. An operational amplifier in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes: a first output transistor and a second output transistor connected in series between a first power supply and a second power supply; an output terminal connected to a node between the first output transistor and the second output transistor; a phase-compensating element provided either between the gate of the first output transistor and the output terminal or between the gate of the second output transistor and the output terminal; and a floating current source connected between the gate of the first output transistor and the gate of the second output transistor. |
US08237688B2 |
Contrast control apparatus and contrast control method and image display
A contrast control apparatus includes a statistic distribution unit and a characteristic judging unit. The statistic distribution unit receives an image data to have a brightness histogram distribution in statistic. The brightness histogram distribution has a plurality of statistic nodes, respectively corresponding to a plurality of gray levels in statistic. The characteristic judging unit at least receives the brightness histogram distribution to determine a brightness adjusting signal for the image data, so as to proportionally adjust a brightness of a display light source. In addition, the characteristic judging unit also outputs a contrast curve, and the contrast curve represents a plurality of adjusted nodes, respectively corresponding to the statistic nodes. As a result, the brightness of the statistic nodes is changed. |
US08237684B2 |
User input device with planar light guide illumination plate
A user input device to generate an optical navigation signal based on an edge-lit pattern. The user input device includes an optical element, a light source, a sensor array, and a navigation engine. The optical element includes a finger interface surface. At least a portion of the optical element exhibits total internal reflection (TIR). The light source provides light to the finger interface surface. The sensor array detects light reflected from the finger interface surface in response to contact between a finger and the finger interface surface. The contact between the finger and the finger interface surface disrupts the TIR and causes light to be reflected out of the optical element towards the sensor array. The navigation engine generates lateral movement information, which is indicative of lateral movement of the finger relative to the sensor array, in response to the detected light. |
US08237680B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate connected to the first electrode plated. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate, and a first conductive layer disposed on the first substrate. The second electrode includes a second substrate, and a second conductive layer disposed on the second substrate. The first or the second conductive layer includes at least one carbon nanotube composite layer. |
US08237679B2 |
Liquid crystal display screen
A liquid crystal display screen includes an upper component, a bottom component and a liquid crystal layer. The upper component includes a touch panel. The touch panel includes a first conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes a transparent carbon nanotube structure. The bottom component includes a thin film transistor panel. The thin film transistor panel includes a plurality of thin film transistors. Each of the plurality of thin film transistors includes a semiconducting layer, and the semiconducting layer includes a semiconducting carbon nanotube structure. The liquid crystal layer is located between the upper component and the lower component. |
US08237678B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting contact on or proximity to a touch screen
To provide an information processing apparatus and information processing method capable of correcting a contact or proximity position to be closer to a user-intended contact or proximity position with high accuracy. It includes a calculation unit 163 that 3-value processes the proximity value to detect a first region and a second region depending on the 3-value processed proximity value and then calculates positions of respective centroids of the first region and the second region to calculate a direction of a straight line connecting the respective centroids, a calculation unit 162 calculating a contact or proximity position between the operation object and the surface of the display unit based on the proximity value, and a calculation unit 165 calculating a pointed position different from the contact or proximity position based on the contact or proximity position and the direction of the straight line connecting the first centroid and the second centroid. |
US08237674B2 |
Touch panel and display device using the same
A touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate separated from the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first conductive layer located on a lower surface of the first substrate. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate and a second conductive layer located on an upper surface of the second substrate. At least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer includes at least two stacked carbon nanotube layers, each carbon nanotube layer comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes aligned in a single direction, and the carbon nanotubes in the two adjacent carbon nanotube layers arranged along different directions. A display device adopting the touch panel includes the touch panel and a display element. |
US08237662B2 |
Electronic device and keypad thereof
An electronic device includes a keypad, and a body having a touch screen. The keypad attached to the touch screen, includes an obverse surface and a reverse surface. A protrusion is protruded from the obverse surface and is configured to receive user input operation, an attaching member is mounted on the reverse surface and is configured to attach the keypad to the touch screen, a hollow portion is defined in the reserve surface corresponding to the protrusion, and a pressing member is mounted in the hollow portion and is configured for touching the touch screen when the protrusion is pressed. |
US08237656B2 |
Multi-axis motion-based remote control
Motion-based control of an electronic device uses an array of at least three reference elements forming a triangle. An image sensor (e.g., a video camera), which may be located on a user-manipulated device, captures an image of the array. The array image has a pattern formed by a nonparallel projection of the reference triangle onto the image sensor. The pattern carries information of the relative position between the image sensor and the reference element array, and changes as the relative position changes. The pattern is identified and used for generating position information, which may express a multidimensional position of the user-manipulated device with respect to three axes describing a translational position, and three rotational axes describing pitch, roll and yaw motions. The control system and method are particularly suitable for videogames. |
US08237655B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method and program
An information processing apparatus includes an imaging unit, an icon display control unit causing a display to display an operation icon, a pickup image display processing unit causing the display to sequentially display an input operation region image constituted by, among pixel regions constituting an image picked up by the imaging unit, a pixel region including at least a portion of a hand of a user, an icon management unit managing event issue definition information, which is a condition for determining that the operation icon has been operated by the user, for each operation icon, an operation determination unit determining whether the user has operated the operation icon based on the input operation region image displayed in the display and the event issue definition information, and a processing execution unit performing predetermined processing corresponding to the operation icon in accordance with a determination result by the operation determination unit. |
US08237653B2 |
Electrophoretic display device, method of driving electrophoretic device, and electronic apparatus
An electrophoretic display device includes a pair of substrates, an electrophoretic element that includes electrophoretic particles and that are held between the pair of substrates, and a display portion formed of a plurality of pixels. The display portion includes pixel electrodes, an opposite electrode, a first control line and a second control line. The opposite electrode is opposed to the plurality of pixel electrodes through the electrophoretic element. The first control line and the second control line are connected to each of the pixels. Each of the pixels includes a pixel switching element, a memory circuit, and a switch circuit. Switching of the switch circuit is performed by an output signal of the memory circuit to switch between a connected state where the pixel electrode is connected to the first control line and a connected state where the pixel electrode is connected to the second control line. |
US08237650B2 |
Double-gate liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display includes a first gate line, a second gate line, a data line, a first pixel unit, a second pixel unit, a gate driver, and a source driver. The first and second gate lines respectively transmit a first and a second gate driving signals provided by the gate driver, while the data line transmits a first and a second data. The first pixel unit displays images according to the first gate driving signal and the first data, while the second pixel unit displays images according to the second gate driving signal and the second data. The source driver includes a logic circuit and a multiplexer circuit. The logic circuit generates an odd/even select signal according to a scan sequence signal and an enable signal. The multiplexer circuit outputs one of the first and second data according to the odd/even select signal. |
US08237646B2 |
Display apparatus and method of driving the same
In a display apparatus having a plurality of pixel parts, each pixel part receives a data signal in response to a present gate signal and charges first and second pixel voltages having the same voltage level. A plurality of voltage controllers includes a level-down part to lower a voltage level of the second pixel voltage using a previous pixel voltage charged in a previous frame in response to a next gate signal and a level-up part to receive the lowered second pixel voltage in response to the next gate signal to boost up a voltage level of the first pixel voltage. |
US08237640B2 |
LED driver circuit having a bias current drawn from a load current
A LED driver circuit, including a LED module, a bias circuit, a first switch, an inductor, a regulator, a controller, a second switch, and a current-to-voltage converter, is used to provide a load current for the LED module, wherein the bias circuit is biased by a first bias current and the regulator is biased by a second bias current, and the first bias current and the second bias current are drawn from the load current. Besides, the controller can be implemented with a low voltage controller. |
US08237633B2 |
Electro-luminescent display with adjustable white point
The present invention provides an EL display adapted to receive a three-color input image signal, including three gamut-defining EL emitters for emitting red, green, and blue colored light and two additional EL emitters for emitting at least two additional colors of light, the chromaticity coordinates of the at least two additional colors of light lying inside the gamut and near the Plankian Locus; a structure for providing a display white point; and a controller responsive, to the provided display white point and the input image signal for providing first separate drive signals for the three gamut-defining EL emitters and second separate drive signals for the two additional EL emitters, wherein the respective luminance values corresponding to the second separate drive signals are each a function of the input image signal and the distances between the display white point and the pseudo-blackbody points of the two additional colors. |
US08237631B2 |
Display device and electronic equipment
The present invention provides a display device including a pixel array section, the pixel array section having pixels arranged in a matrix form, each of the pixels including: an electro-optical element; a write transistor; a holding capacitance; a drive transistor; and a switching transistor; a write scan line disposed for each of pixel rows of the pixel array section and adapted to convey a write signal to be applied to the gate electrode of the write transistor; and a correction scan line, wherein the wiring structure of the write scan line does not intersect with the wiring pattern connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor. |
US08237625B2 |
Multimedia control and distribution architecture
In one embodiment, a multimedia control and distribution architecture is provided. A media server/controller generates a plurality of graphics signals, each graphics signal including a separate user interface to be displayed on a particular device, such as a touch screen unit. A universal extender (UVX) coupled to the media server/controller converts and extends the graphics signals for transmission on a plurality of universal transmission pathways. Each of the plurality of devices receives a graphic signal passed thereto, displays graphics embodied in the graphics signals, and accept user input in response to the graphics signal. For example, the one or more touch screen units may accept a user touch and pass a location of the user touch back on a universal transmission pathway to the UVX, for transmission to the media server/controller. The media server/controller generates control commands and provides the control commands. |
US08237618B2 |
Slot-fed Yagi aerial
A slot-fed Yagi aerial includes: a cable, a reflector, an active dipole and directors, wherein, the reflector, the active dipole, etc. are provided on a support tube; the feeding section of the Yagi aerial is of a shielded slot structure in which the distance between the ends of the slot is approximately one half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal desired to be received; the two pieces of thin metal rods composing the half wavelength dipole are located at two external sides of the slot; the outer conductor of the cable is connected to one side of the slot, and the inner conductor of the cable is connected to the other side of the slot or the inner conductor of the cable isolated by a dielectric layer is wound around at the other side of the slot, so as to realize a direct connection feed or a coupling feed. The slot-fed Yagi aerial employs a half wavelength dipole composed of two pieces of thin metal rods, and its feeding section is of a shielded slot structure, and its feeding is realized by the slot. After simulation test and examination, the Yagi aerial according to the present invention can provide a better gain and front-to-rear ratio over a folded dipole in the case that they have same size, so that the production cost is saved and the occupation space of the aerial is reduced while the gain and the front-to-rear ratio is maintained. |
US08237617B1 |
Surface wave antenna mountable on existing conductive structures
What is disclosed is a surface wave antenna configured to install on an electrically conductive structure. The surface wave antenna includes a first portion comprising a conductive element and an attachment element, and a second portion comprising a conductive element and an attachment element. The conductive element of the first portion and the conductive element of the second portion are configured to each form a conductive longitudinal portion of a horn receive element, and the attachment elements are configured to conductively couple the conductive elements together to form the horn receive element. The surface wave antenna also includes a dipole element comprising a first transmit element and a second transmit element. The surface wave antenna also includes a mounting element comprising a first dielectric mount and a second dielectric mount. |
US08237614B2 |
Planar antenna, and communication device and card-type terminal using the antenna
There are provided a planar antenna that reduces interactions between an antenna section and a peripheral circuit section on each other's electric operations in an apparatus in which an antenna and a peripheral circuit are arranged together on a printed circuit board, and a communication device and a card-type terminal that use the planar antenna. The planar antenna has the antenna section and the peripheral circuit section which are arranged on the printed circuit board. The planar antenna includes: on one surface of the printed circuit board, a plate element that constitutes the antenna section, a microstrip line that is connected with the plate element and feeds electricity from a peripheral circuit to the plate element, and a peripheral circuit mounting area in which the peripheral circuit section is arranged; and, on the other surface of the printed circuit board, a first ground portion that constitutes a ground-side conductor of the peripheral circuit section, and a second ground portion that constitutes a ground-side conductor of the microstrip line. The second ground portion is arranged on the printed circuit board other than the first ground portion. The connection between the plate element and the microstrip line is located on the side of the second ground portion away from the first ground portion. |
US08237610B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for requesting/providing code phase related information associated with various satellite positioning systems in wireless communication networks
Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be used by one or more devices within in wireless communication network to request and/or provide code phase related information signals associated with various Satellite Positioning Systems (SPSs). |
US08237609B2 |
GNSS position coasting
Methods and apparatus are presented for determining a position of an antenna of a GNSS rover from observations of GNSS signals collected at the antenna over multiple epochs and from correction data for at least one of the epochs. A first-epoch rover position relative to a base location is determined for a first epoch using a single-differencing process based on one of (i) fixed carrier-phase ambiguities and (ii) a weighted average of carrier-phase ambiguity candidates which is converged to a predetermined threshold. A second-epoch rover position relative to a base location is determined for a second epoch using a single-differencing process. A second-epoch update of the first-epoch rover position relative to the base location is determined for the second epoch using a single-differenced delta phase process and the first-epoch rover position is combined with the second-epoch update to obtain a second-epoch delta phase rover position relative to a moving base location of the second epoch. The second-epoch delta phase rover position is selected as reliable if the second-epoch rover position is not based on one of (i) fixed carrier-phase ambiguities and (ii) a weighted average of carrier-phase ambiguity candidates which is converged to a predetermined threshold. |
US08237596B2 |
Apparatus and method for simplifying Digital-to-Analog Converter circuitry using gray code
For high resolution resistor string DACs, a resistor string is placed in an array of columns and rows, each resistor tap is connected to a switch network, and a decoder is used to select switches to be closed such that sub-DAC voltage comes from the resistor taps connected to the selected switches. The voltages from each row of the resistor string are fed into a multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer produces an output voltage. A method and apparatus are disclosed for implementing the reflective nature of Gray code to design a DAC such that all the switches in a column of the resistor string may be controlled with only one control signal, thereby reducing extra routing costs, surface area, and dynamic power consumed by the circuit. |
US08237593B2 |
Data input device
A character input device and its method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes: i) a base, ii) an input unit positioned at the base to allow each of first direction input and second direction input to be independently performed, the first direction input being performed by moving the input unit from a reference position to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions spaced and arranged radially from the reference position within a predetermined input area and the second direction input being performed by selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indication positions spaced and arranged radially in the input unit itself; a first sensing unit for sensing the movement of the input unit, iii) a second sensing unit for sensing the second direction input and iv) a control unit for extracting and running a first character or a second character from a memory unit, the first character being assigned to the first direction indication position in which the movement of the input unit is sensed, and the second character being assigned to the second direction indication position in which the second direction input is sensed, thereby making it possible to minimize a necessary space for inputting characters and accurately input each character according to a user's intention. |
US08237592B2 |
System and method for providing policy based radio frequency identification service
Disclosed is a system and method for providing a policy based radio frequency identification service. The system for providing the policy based radio frequency identification service includes a policy vocabulary managing device for generating and managing policy vocabulary based on a policy vocabulary writer's control input, a policy performing resource managing device for generating and managing resource information for performing a radio frequency identification service policy based on a resource designator's control input, a policy rule managing device for generating and managing a policy rule sentence based on a policy user's control input, and a policy rule performing device for performing a radio frequency identification service policy by using a policy rule sentence input based on a policy user's control input. |
US08237588B1 |
Ammunition stowage magazine
A stowage magazine is provided for securing a can of ammunition rounds. The magazine includes a frame having lateral sides that define a space for the can; a hinge mechanism connecting to the lateral sides; and a door connecting to the mechanism. The door provides and restricts access to the space in respective open and closed positions. The door is openable along an axial direction to provide an operational surface. The mechanism avoids lateral obstruction beyond the door's surface. |
US08237582B2 |
Extended life LED fixture with distributed controller and multi-chip LEDs
An LED fixture includes multiple LED drivers and a multi-chip LED package so that the lifetime of the fixture is a multiple of the lifetime of a conventional fixture that uses only a single LED driver. A distributed controller activates and deactivates the LED drivers so that different subsets of LEDs within the LED package are driven sequentially. An optional multi-chip LED driver concurrently drives multiple subsets of LEDs that were previously driven by the LED drivers. |
US08237576B2 |
Manhole security system
A manhole security system includes a barrier and an alarm. The barrier fits within a manhole opening and under a manhole cover. The barrier is also formed to substantially close the manhole opening to block access to the manhole if the cover is removed, and includes a basin to collect fluids that may otherwise drain into the manhole. The alarm of the system is positioned on the barrier and includes a monitoring device operable to directly or indirectly monitor the position of the manhole cover and/or to detect a volatile gas in the manhole. Upon the removal of a manhole cover and/or upon the detection of a volatile gas within the manhole, the alarm emits an audible alert and/or transmit a signal to a remote station indicating that the manhole cover has been removed an/or the presence of a volatile gas in the manhole. |
US08237574B2 |
Above-water monitoring of swimming pools
An above-water system provides automatic alerting for possible drowning victims in swimming pools or the like. One or more electro-optical sensors are placed above the pool surface. Sequences of images are digitized and analyzed electronically to determine whether there are humans within the image, and whether such humans are moving in a manner that would suggest drowning. Effects due to glint, refraction, and variations in light, are offset automatically by the system. If a potential drowning incident is detected, the system produces an alarm sound, and/or a warning display, so that an operator can determine whether action must be taken. |
US08237573B2 |
Alarm unit for monitoring or detection of an analyte
In one example embodiment, an alarm unit for monitoring or detecting presence of an analyte on an analyte sensor comprises a square plastic casing protecting the alarm electronics portion and including a signal processing means, a clip attachment means configured to be separated and attached from the casing and used to attach the unit to clothing. The clip attachment has enough clearance to be used with thick articles of clothing including diapers and has a set of teeth frictionally held against a rubber strip portion located on the casing back so as to also enable secure attachment to very thin articles of clothing. The alarm unit may further comprise a three-way switch located externally for easy alarm chime and alarm volume selection. Interdependent modes of operation may enable the signal processing means to control the alarm unit operation and features including low power indication, improper cable plug installment, three-way switch deactivation during Monitor mode, and a snooze/reset feature by which the alarm is disabled temporarily so that, as an example, a user can focus on running to the bathroom where the device is used to treat enuresis. |
US08237566B2 |
Multi-mode RFID tag architecture
A multi-mode RFID tag includes a power generating and signal detection module, a baseband processing module, a transmit section, a configurable coupling circuit, and an antenna section. In near field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to a coil or inductor in the configurable coupling circuit to transmit an outbound transmit signal using electromagnetic or inductive coupling to an RFID reader. In far field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to the antenna section, and the multi-mode RFID tag then utilizes a back-scattering RF technology to transmit the outbound transmit signal to RFID readers. |
US08237565B2 |
Intermodulation mitigation technique in an RFID system
When multiple readers for RF transponders have to be placed in close proximity, such as in adjacent lanes of a highway toll barrier, they can be set to operate at different frequencies. When signals from two adjacent ones of the readers interfere, the resulting signal includes interference terms whose frequencies equal the sum of the reader frequencies and the difference between the reader frequencies. To remove such interference terms while passing the desired terms, a tag includes a low-pass or other frequency-selective filter. |
US08237556B2 |
System for simultaneous release of safety belt latches
A system releases seat belts on school buses electronically via driver command or automatically by an inertia switch and electronic timer that then activate solenoids at each seat. This system operates on 12V direct current furnished by the load side of the bus's ignition switch. The system also has a level sensor that prohibits the system from energizing the solenoids when a bus equipped with the system does not have an upright position. The system provides a switch under each seat that notifies the driver when a child occupies it or a light at the dashboard. A second light flashes to notify the driver when the clip engages a buckle of each seat on a bus. The system allows for normal daily usage of seat belts and simultaneously releases the seat belts in an emergency. |
US08237550B2 |
Action using switched device that transmits data
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or other type of device that transmits data in response to a broadcast of energy, may have a switch. The switch may allow an operator to signal whether the device will transmit data when energized. The switch could also allow an operator to select a particular item of data, or a combination of items of data, to be transmitted. Receiving data reflected from the device may signify an action to be performed, or may signify the fact that some physical action (e.g., pressing, by a human finger) has occurred with respect to the device. Thus, device that transmit data when energized may be used to direct the operation of other devices (e.g., by turning such other devices on or off), to implement tactilely-sensitive displays, or as part of other applications. |
US08237545B2 |
Wireless transponder and image forming device
The present invention provides a wireless transponder comprising: a receiver unit that receives an electromagnetic input signal; an input converter unit that converts into an acoustic wave the electromagnetic input signal received by the receiver unit; a delay unit provided in a direction in which an acoustic wave generated by the input converter unit propagates; an output converter unit that converts into an electromagnetic output signal the acoustic wave which has propagated inside the delay unit; and a transmitter unit that transmits wirelessly the electromagnetic output signal generated by the output converter unit. |
US08237542B2 |
Key system
A key system includes a first authentication part configured to perform first authentication for determining whether or not a unique key code of a key is registered in the operation subject and to permit an operation subject to operate in a state in which a first group of functions is operative when the first authentication generates an affirmative result. A wireless signal receiver is configured to receive a medium code unique to a portable communicable data medium through wireless communication. A second authentication part is configured to perform second authentication for determining whether or not the medium code received by the wireless signal receiver is registered in the operation subject. A condition-imposing part is configured to limit operative functions of the operation subject to a second group of functions that is more limited than the first group of functions when at least either one of the first authentication and the second authentication generates a negative result. |
US08237540B2 |
Occupancy sensors programmed to determine loss of lamp life as lamp is used
Programmable occupancy sensors that control the on/off operation of a fluorescent lamp automatically determine loss of lamp life as the lamp is used. The programmable occupancy sensors can provide lamp life status and can automatically alert a user when a lamp is nearing its end of life and should be replaced. The occupancy sensors are also programmable to automatically improve lamp life and energy savings by selecting an optimal time delay from among a number of selectable time delays at which to operate the sensor. The selection is based on an occupancy pattern sensed by the sensor over a given period of time. The optimal time delay, which prevents the lamp from turning off immediately after last sensing occupancy, extends lamp life by limiting the number of lamp off/on transitions, which shortens lamp life, in view of overall energy usage and lamp usage. |
US08237538B2 |
Porous battery electrode for a rechargeable battery and method of making the electrode
A porous battery electrode for a rechargeable battery includes a monolithic porous structure having a porosity in the range of from about 74% to about 99% and comprising a conductive material. An active material layer is deposited on the monolithic porous structure. The pores of the monolithic porous structure have a size in the range of from about 0.2 micron to about 10 microns. A method of making the porous battery electrode is also described. |
US08237530B2 |
Coupled inductor with improved leakage inductance control
An M-winding coupled inductor includes a first end magnetic element, a second end magnetic element, M connecting magnetic elements, and M windings. M is an integer greater than one. Each connecting magnetic element is disposed between and connects the first and second end magnetic elements. Each winding is wound at least partially around a respective one of the M connecting magnetic elements. The coupled inductor further includes at least one top magnetic element adjacent to and extending at least partially over at least two of the M connecting magnetic elements to provide a magnetic flux path between the first and second end magnetic elements. The inductor may be included in an M-phase power supply, and the power supply may at least partially power a computer processor. |
US08237527B2 |
Bistable permanent magnetic actuator
A permanent magnetic actuator includes a flux inducing unit having a hollow space therein and formed by laminating a plurality of plates, a movable element disposed in the hollow space of the flux inducing unit to be reciprocated, permanent magnets installed at inner walls of the hollow space, and guide members located between the permanent magnets and the movable element and configured to guide reciprocating motion of the movable element. |
US08237524B2 |
Electromagnetic switching device
A first coil constitutes a first coil unit by placing an iron core plate between the first coil and an auxiliary yokes and engaging stopping parts provided in two holding members to an end surface in an axial direction of the auxiliary yoke. A second coil constitutes a second coil unit by forming magnetic path members by insertion to a resin member provided in a second bobbin unitarily, and fixing two terminals to the resin member. The first and the second coil units are united by connecting one terminal lead line of the first coil taken out from holding members to the first terminal, and connecting another terminal lead line to a surface of the magnetic path member. |
US08237523B2 |
Relay with snap action spring
The relay has a movable first contact, a second contact, and an actuating element operatively connected with an armature of the relay. The first contact is movable toward the second contact by the actuating element and dependent on a supply of current to the relay. A snap action spring connects the second contact to a housing of the relay. The second contact is positioned between two arrangements by the snap action spring. |
US08237520B2 |
Capacitor devices with a filter structure
A capacitor device is provided. The capacitor device includes at least one capacitor. The capacitor device also includes a first capacitor and a first filter coupling the first capacitor and a conductive region, wherein the first capacitor has a first resonance frequency and the first filter is configured to operate at a first frequency band covering the first resonance frequency. |
US08237516B2 |
Enhanced substrate using metamaterials
In enhancing signal quality through packages, meta-materials may be used. Meta-materials are designed to make the signal act in such a way as to make the shape of the signal behave as though the permittivity and permeability are different than the real permittivity and permeability of the insulator used. In an example embodiment, a substrate (10) is configured as a meta-material. The meta-material provides noise protection for a signal line (15) having a pre-determined length disposed on the meta-material. The substrate comprises a dielectric material (2, 4, 6) having a topside surface and an underside surface. A conductive material (30) is arranged into pre-determined shapes (35) having a collective length. Dielectric material envelops the conductive material and the conductive material is disposed at a first predetermined distance (55) from the topside surface and at a second predetermined distance from the underside surface. The collective length of the conductive material (30) is comparable to the pre-determined length of the signal line (15). |
US08237514B2 |
Quantum interference device, atomic oscillator, and magnetic sensor
A quantum interference device includes: gaseous alkali metal atoms; and a light source for causing a resonant light pair having different frequencies that keep a frequency difference equivalent to an energy difference between two ground states of the alkali metal atoms, the quantum interference device causing the alkali metal atoms and the resonant light pair to interact each other to cause an electromagnetically induced transparency phenomenon (EIT), wherein there are a plurality of the resonant light pairs, and center frequencies of the respective resonant light pairs are different from one another. |
US08237512B2 |
Digitally controlled oscillator and oscillation method for the same
According to an embodiment, a digitally controlled oscillator outputs an oscillation signal having an oscillation frequency according to an oscillator tuning word. The digitally controlled oscillator includes a control unit and an oscillator. The control unit divides the oscillator tuning word of N bits into upper (N−A) (A≧1 and N>A) bits and lower A bits, converts the upper (N−A) bits into a first code to perform Binary control of (N−A) bits and converts the lower A bits into a second code to perform Unary control of (2^(A+1)−2) bits, and outputs the conversion results, and the oscillator outputs oscillation signals having oscillation frequencies according to the first and second codes output from the control unit. |
US08237509B2 |
Amplifier with integrated filter
An amplifier with integrated filter (e.g., an LNA) is described. In one design, the amplifier may include a gain stage, a filter stage, and a buffer stage. The gain stage may provide signal amplification for an input signal. The filter stage may provide filtering for the input signal. The buffer stage may buffer a filtered signal from the filter stage. The amplifier may further include a second filter stage and a second buffer stage. The second filter stage may provide additional filtering for the input signal. The second buffer stage may buffer a second filtered signal from the second filter stage. All of the stages may be stacked and coupled between a supply voltage and circuit ground. The filter stage(s) may implement an elliptical lowpass filter. Each filter stage may include an inductor and a capacitor coupled in parallel and forming a resonator tank to attenuate interfering signals. |
US08237507B1 |
Method and system for transmitter linearization
Aspects of a method and system for transmitter linearization are provided. A signal may be amplified via one or more circuits comprising a first transistor having a first bias voltage applied to its gate via a resistor, and a second transistor having its source coupled to a first terminal of the resistor, its drain coupled to a second terminal of the resistor, and its gate coupled to a second bias voltage. The signal may be AC-coupled, via one or more capacitors, for example, to the gate of the first transistor. The first bias voltage and the second bias voltage may be such that the first transistor operates in the active region the second transistor operates in the subthreshold region. The effective channel width of the second transistor may be configurable during operation of the one or more circuits. |
US08237505B2 |
Signal amplification circuit
This invention provides a low-current consumption type signal amplification circuit, which limits the output voltage to fix a lower-limit (upper-limit) saturation voltage of the amplification circuit at a predetermined lower-limit (upper-limit) limiting voltage. The signal amplification circuit comprises a negative feedback amplification circuit, a lower-limit voltage limiting circuit and an upper-limit voltage limiting circuit. The lower-limit voltage limiting circuit increases a resistance between an output terminal of the negative feedback amplification circuit and a ground terminal when the output voltage of the negative feedback amplification circuit falls below the lower-limit limiting voltage. The upper-limit voltage limiting circuit increases a resistance between the output terminal of the negative feedback amplification circuit and a high-potential side of a power supply when the output voltage of the negative feedback amplification circuit rises above the upper-limit limiting voltage. |
US08237498B2 |
Doherty amplifier system and transmitter using the same
According to an embodiment, a Doherty amplifier system has a first Doherty amplifier and a second Doherty amplifier. The first Doherty amplifier operates in a SISO communication mode and in a MIMO communication mode. The first Doherty amplifier comprises a first carrier amplifier and a first peak amplifier. The second Doherty amplifier operates in the MIMO communication mode but not operates in the SISO communication mode. The second Doherty amplifier comprises a second carrier amplifier and a second peak amplifier. A distance between the first carrier amplifier and the second carrier amplifier is less than any of a distance between any of the first carrier amplifier and the second peak amplifier and any of the first peak amplifier and the second peak amplifier. In the SISO communication mode, heat generated by the first Doherty amplifier is conducted to the second Doherty amplifier to warm up the second Doherty amplifier. |
US08237497B2 |
Amplifier for processing differential input using amplifier circuits with different driving capabilities and/or different frequency compensation characteristics
An amplifier processes a differential input received at a differential input port. The amplifier includes a first amplifier circuit and a second amplifier circuit. The first amplifier circuit is disposed in a first signal path between a first input node and a first output node of the amplifier, and arranged to amplify a first input signal received at the first input node and accordingly generate a first amplified signal to the first output node. The second amplifier circuit is disposed in a second signal path between a second input node and a second output node of the amplifier, and arranged to amplify a second input signal received at the second input node and accordingly generate a second amplified signal to the second output node. A driving capability of the first amplifier circuit is different from a driving capability of the second amplifier circuit. |
US08237496B2 |
Switching amplifier with enhanced supply rejection and related method
Disclosed is a switching amplifier having an enhanced supply rejection. The switching amplifier comprises a digital modulator that provides a modulated signal. The switching amplifier further comprises a closed-loop analog driver that is coupled to the digital modulator. As disclosed, the closed-loop analog driver is configured to re-modulate a modulation signal that corresponds to the modulated signal. An output stage of the switching amplifier is driven by the re-modulated signal, thereby providing enhanced supply rejection. In one embodiment, the modulated signal is produced by a digital pulse-width modulator (PWM) circuit of a Class-D amplifier, and has a pulse rate substantially less than a clock rate of the digital PWM circuit. In one embodiment, the switching amplifier is implemented as an audio amplifier in a mobile communication device such as a cellular telephone. |
US08237495B2 |
High efficiency amplifier with reduced electromagnetic interference
Disclosed is a high efficiency amplifier operable to substantially reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). The high efficiency amplifier comprises an output stage to provide a high powered signal to a load. The high efficiency amplifier further comprises an overlap protection circuit to produce a timing non-overlap in a control signal for the output stage, and an edge control circuit to reduce a transient portion of the high powered signal to substantially reduce the EMI. The overlap protection circuit and the edge control circuit may be implemented with resistive source degeneration. Also disclosed is a related method. In one embodiment, the high efficiency amplifier and the related method may be incorporated into a cellular telephone or a mobile audio device. |
US08237493B2 |
Semiconductor device and power supply device using the same
A semiconductor device capable of reducing an inductance is provided. In the semiconductor device in which a rectification MOSFET, a commutation MOSFET, and a driving IC that drives these MOSFETs are mounted on one package, the rectification MOSFET, a metal plate, and the commutation MOSFET are laminated. A current of a main circuit flows from a back surface of the package to a front surface thereof. The metal plate is connected to an output terminal via a wiring in the package. Wire bondings are used for wirings for connecting the driving IC, the rectification MOSFET, and the commutation MOSFET, all terminals being placed on the same plane. For this reason, the inductance becomes small and also a power source loss and a spike voltage are reduced. |
US08237491B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type first transistor, a first conductive type second transistor, a first power supply pad arranged between the first transistor and the second transistor and supplying a first potential, a second conductive type third transistor, a second conductive type fourth transistor, a second power supply pad arranged between the third transistor and the fourth transistor and supplying a second potential, a first output pad arranged between the first transistor and the third transistor, and a second output pad arranged between the second transistor and the fourth transistor, in which a direction in which a line connecting the first power supply pad with the second power supply pad extends is perpendicular to a direction in which a line connecting the first output pad with the second output pad extends. |
US08237487B2 |
Level shift circuit and display device having the same
A level shift circuit includes a level shifter, the level shifter configured to receive input signals and generate level-shifted signals by level-shifting the input signals, an output buffer that includes a first sourcing circuit and a first sinking circuit, the first sourcing circuit and the first sinking circuit being connected in series between a first power and a second power, a first buffer coupled between the level shifter and the output buffer, the first buffer configured to buffer the level-shifted signals and provide a first driving signal to the first sourcing circuit, and a second buffer coupled between the level shifter and the output buffer, the second buffer configured to buffer the level-shifted signals and provide a second driving signal to the first sinking circuit. |
US08237485B2 |
System and method for multiple-phase clock generation
A system and method of clock generation to provide divided-by-2 clocks with prescribed phase shifts are disclosed. In a communication system with high-order harmonic mixing, the system requires LO signals with a set of prescribed phase shifts, such as 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°, or 0°, 60° and 120°. Often, the clock generation system involves a divide-by-2 divider to derive the clock signals with the prescribed phase shifts. In a conventional implementation of the divide-by-2 divider, the system is subject to phase uncertainty in the output signal. Accordingly, a system comprises multiple latch pairs and respective differential clocks are used to generate the clocks with the set of correct prescribed phase shifts. |
US08237478B2 |
DLL circuit having activation points
A delay locked loop (DLL) circuit includes a delay line configured to generate a delay clock signal by delaying a reference clock signal in response to a delay control signal, the delay line having two or more initial activation points, wherein the initial activation points are selected according to an initial value of the delay control signal; a delay compensating unit configured to generate a feedback clock signal by delaying the delay clock signal for a predetermined time; a phase detecting unit configured to generate a phase detection signal by comparing a phase of the reference clock signal to a phase of the feedback clock signal; and a delay control unit configured to generate the delay control signal in response to the phase detection signal. |
US08237476B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having delay lock loop with wide frequency range and delay cell current reduction scheme
A semiconductor memory device includes a delay lock loop (DLL) performing a locking operation at a wide frequency range and reducing current consumption. The semiconductor memory device includes a (DLL) having serially connected delay cells that receive and delay an external clock signal, wherein a predetermined number of delay cells of the serially connected delay cells that are to perform a delay operation are turned on in response to a threshold frequency recognition signal and first and second delay cell on signals, and for generating an internal clock signal; and a controller for generating the threshold frequency recognition signal and the first and second delay cell on signals, which reduce current consumption of each of the serially connected delay cells and increase a period of delay time thereof, if more delay cells are to be turned on when a delay cell indicating a threshold frequency is turned on. |
US08237461B2 |
Contactor, probe card, and method of mounting contactor
A contactor includes conductive parts for electrical connection with input/output terminals of an IC device; beam parts with the conductive part provided on their main surfaces; and a base part supporting the beam parts in a cantilever manner, the base part has a support region supporting the beam parts and mark formation regions at which first positioning marks are provided, and weakened parts relatively weaker in strength than other parts of the base part are provided between the support region and mark formation regions. |
US08237460B1 |
Pogo pin inserting device for testing semiconductor devices and method therefor
A pogo pin inserting device for testing a semiconductor device has a pin feeder for storing a plurality of pogo pins. A socket mounting device has a socket mounted thereon, wherein the plurality of pogo pins is loaded into the socket by the pin feeder. A magnetic field applying device applies a magnetic field to the socket to allow the plurality of pogo pins loaded onto the socket to be inserted into the socket in one of a forward or backward direction. An air blowing portion supplies the socket with air to eject backwardly inserted pogo pins from the socket. |
US08237453B2 |
Capacitive sensing pattern
A sensor electrode pattern configured to enable the detection of multiple input objects concurrently disposed in a sensing region of a mutual capacitance sensor including a plurality of first sensor electrodes oriented along a first axis, and a plurality of second sensor electrodes oriented along a second axis and configured to be capacitively coupled with the plurality of first sensor electrodes. At least one sensor electrode of the plurality of first sensor electrodes is disposed in a configuration forming multiple crossings with a line that is parallel to the second axis. At least two of the plurality of first sensor electrodes or at least two of the plurality of second sensor electrodes are interleaved with each other proximate to the sensing region of the mutual capacitance sensor. The pluralities of first sensor electrodes and second sensor electrodes include transmitter sensor electrodes or receiver sensor electrodes. |
US08237452B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the non-destructive detection of variations in a sample
Non-invasive THz spectroscopic apparatus and methods are provided for detecting and/or identifying constituents such as variations in a structural entity where chemical or biological entities can reside. Position dependent scattering of THz radiation is employed to image voids and defects in the internal structure of samples, enabling the determination of contamination, spoilage or readiness of products such as wine in sealed containers. |
US08237448B2 |
Battery testers with secondary functionality
An electronic vehicle tester includes a battery tester configured to measure a parameter of a battery of a vehicle. A tire tester is configured to receive a parameter of a tire of the vehicle. A wireless receiver can be configured to receive pressure information from a transmitter associated with a tire of a vehicle. |
US08237447B2 |
Apparatus for detecting state of storage device
An apparatus for detecting the state of a storage device prevents occurrence of a leakage current. A low-level detection unit is provided for each of blocks of a battery pack. Control units are connected to the blocks of the battery pack by way of first switches and are started upon receipt of power supply. The control units and measurement units are connected to the blocks by way of second switches. The control units activate the second switches after being started as a result of activation of the first switches, to thus receive power supply, and commence measurement of block voltages by means of the measurement units. The high-level detection unit supplies a read signal and a synchronous signal to the low-level detection units by way of the first switches. |
US08237446B2 |
High resolution resistivity earth imager
An imaging tool made includes a pad whose curvature is chosen based on the expected range of borehole radius and the pad size so as to maintain the maximum standoff below a desired value. The curvature may be adjusted using fasteners. |
US08237442B2 |
Magnetic resonance antenna
A magnetic resonance antenna has capacitive and inductive oscillating circuit antenna elements at least one radio-frequency switching element with which at least one of the oscillating circuit antenna elements that determine the resonant frequency of the magnetic resonance antenna, can be switched at radio frequency between a permeable state and an impermeable state to change the resonant frequency of the magnetic resonance antenna, so the antenna can be detuned simply, cost-effectively and efficiently. |
US08237440B2 |
Magnetic field generator suitable for unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance and method for making same
A unilateral NMR sensor comprising a ferromagnetic yoke; a permanent magnet arranged on the yoke; a pole piece on the magnet; the pole piece including an air-pole piece interface surface whose shape corresponds to an equipotential contour of magnetic scalar potential. An approach for designing single-sided magnets suitable for unilateral magnetic resonance (UMR) measurements is presented. The method uses metal pole pieces to shape the field from permanent magnets in a target region. The pole pieces are shaped according to solutions to Laplace's equation, and can be designed using a combination of analytical methods and numerical optimization. The design leads to analytical expressions for the pole piece shape and magnetic field. The method is developed in Cartesian, polar, and spherical coordinates, and the merits of each system are discussed. The effects of finite magnet size on the field quality are explored through simulation, and are found to have a substantial effect in many cases. A magnet is designed using our method to produce a static field with a constant gradient over a region 2 cm in diameter and 2 mm thick. This leads to a compact cylindrical magnet just over 11 cm in diameter, topped with a single metal pole piece. The design is validated through simulation. The simulated field is found to agree closely with that specified analytically through the design procedure. |
US08237434B2 |
Electromagnetic system for biosensors
An electromagnetic system for biosensors including two independent electromagnetic units separated in the region of pole shoes of the electromagnetic units positioned under a gap, a cartridge positioned in the gap providing a sample volume and a biosensor having a sensor surface located at one or more inner surfaces of the cartridge proximate to the pole shoes. |
US08237433B2 |
Magnetic field characterization of stresses and properties in materials
Described are methods for monitoring of stresses and other material properties. These methods use measurements of effective electrical properties, such as magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity, to infer the state of the test material, such as the stress, temperature, or overload condition. The sensors, which can be single element sensors or sensor arrays, can be used to periodically inspect selected locations, mounted to the test material, or scanned over the test material to generate two-dimensional images of the material properties. Magnetic field or eddy current based inductive and giant magnetoresistive sensors may be used on magnetizable and/or conducting materials, while capacitive sensors can be used for dielectric materials. Methods are also described for the use of state-sensitive layers to determine the state of materials of interest. These methods allow the weight of articles, such as aircraft, to be determined. |
US08237428B2 |
Method for detecting an electric potential-difference at a piezoelectric actuator unit, and a circuit system for implementing the method
A circuit system for detecting a time-variable amplitude via an electric potential-difference to be detected. A first potential-difference detection device for detecting the at least one electric potential-difference and for outputting a first potential-difference signal, and a second potential-difference detection device for detecting the at least one electric potential-difference and for outputting a second potential-difference signal are provided. The first potential-difference detection device has a higher time resolution than the second potential-difference detection device, while the second potential-difference detection device has a higher amplitude resolution than the first potential-difference detection device. |
US08237424B2 |
Regulated voltage system and method of protection therefor
A system comprises a voltage regulator operably coupled to an external component, a voltage regulator reset circuit and at least one functional element supplied with a voltage by the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator reset circuit is arranged to repetitively reset the voltage regulator upon disconnection of the external component. |
US08237423B2 |
Active droop current sharing
Point-of-load (POL) regulators may be configured as multiphase POL DC-to-DC (direct current to direct current) converters, operating in a multiphase configuration in order to boost the total current available to a system. Current balancing may be performed by utilizing an active low bandwidth current sharing algorithm that uses matched artificial line resistance (droop resistance) while maintaining multi-loop stability during both steady-state and dynamic transient states. The current sharing algorithm may be facilitated through digital communication between the devices, where the digital bus may be a single wire bus, a parallel bus or a clock-and-data bus. |
US08237420B2 |
Inrush current suppressing circuit and electronic device using the same
An inrush current suppressing circuit connected between a power supply and a working circuit of an electronic device includes a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit both connected between the power supply and the working circuit. The first power supply circuit suppresses inrush current and forwards power from the power supply to the working circuit when the electronic device is powered on. The second power supply circuit forwards power from the power supply to the working circuit when the power supply reaches a predetermined voltage. |
US08237419B2 |
Microcontroller operated current limited switching power supply for circuit protective devices
An AC to DC power supply for small heat sensitive electronic device. The power supply being dynamically controlled to operate symmetrically about the lowest point of the AC source voltage waveform for minimum excess heat production. |
US08237417B2 |
DC-DC converter, DC-DC converter control method, and electronic device
The DC-DC converter includes a control unit that controls a current stored in an inductance and an output voltage output from an output terminal electrically couplable to the inductance. The control unit assigns a first period and a second period to a given period when the output voltage is lower than a given value in response to a load electrically couplable to the output terminal. The first period is where a current is stored in the inductance in response to an input voltage and a reference voltage, and the second period is where the current stored in the inductance is supplied to the output terminal in response to the input voltage and the output voltage. |
US08237416B2 |
More electric engine with regulated permanent magnet machines
A generator and associated power supply system has a prime mover for driving a shaft to rotate. A pair of permanent magnets is associated with the rotating shaft. A first stator winding is associated with a first of said permanent magnets, with a customer DC bus for providing a first relatively low voltage to the customer DC bus. A second of said permanent magnets is associated with a second stator winding, and an engine accessory DC bus. The engine accessory DC bus provides power to a motor controller and associated accessory motors associated with the prime mover. The engine accessory DC bus is provided with a second relatively high voltage from the second stator winding. |
US08237413B2 |
Method for battery charging management
A method for managing the charge of a battery having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell. A charging circuit applies a trickle charge current to the battery and, when the temperature of the battery is below a first threshold temperature, an overcharge current for keeping the battery within its nominal temperature range even if the battery is employed in a cold environment. And a related electronic system for a battery implementing the method and a battery employing such system. |
US08237412B2 |
Battery charger and method utilizing alternating DC charging current
A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers. |
US08237411B2 |
Battery cell monitoring and balancing circuit
A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided. |
US08237410B2 |
Handheld device with fast-charging capability
A handheld device with a fast-charging capability is adapted to be connected to a charger to obtain an electric power. The handheld device includes a battery, a charging circuit, a safety circuit, a control unit, and an input module. The charging circuit is electrically connected to the charger and transfers an electric power to the battery. The safety circuit is used for restricting an upper limit of the electric power transferred by the charging circuit. The input module is provided for a user to input an emergency charge command. Upon receiving the emergency charge command, the control unit instructs the safety circuit to lower the restriction on the charging circuit, so as to raise the upper limit of the electric power that can be obtained by the charging circuit, thereby accelerating the charging of the battery. |
US08237408B2 |
System and method of limiting degradation of the battery by prohibiting over-charge with measured temperatures
A battery charging apparatus and method adapted to reduce battery capacity as a function of increased temperature thereby permitting partial charges at temperatures in excess of manufacturer's recommendations. The method includes steps of reducing charging current and charging voltage as a function of battery temperature thereby averting chemical instability within the battery. The apparatus detects battery temperature and includes a controller that will control charger voltage and current as a function of temperature and determine a suitable charging capacity. |
US08237397B2 |
Solar energy controller
A solar energy includes a charging control unit to output a number of charge voltages, a switch control unit, and a comparing unit. The switch control unit receives a break control signal and a charging control signal from the charging control unit to switch the charging control unit to charge the rechargeable battery, and receives a voltage detecting signal from the charging control unit to output a detect voltage corresponding to a charge voltage of the rechargeable battery. The comparing unit receives the detect voltage and correspondingly outputs a selecting signal to the charging control unit. The charging control unit determines the charge voltage of the rechargeable battery according to the selecting signal, and outputs a corresponding charge voltage to charge the rechargeable battery. |
US08237395B2 |
Dual-speed single-phase AC motor
A dual-speed single-phase AC motor, including: a stator, including a stator core, and a coil winding, including a starting winding, a first main winding, and a second main winding, a rotor, and a starting circuit, including a rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit, a detecting circuit, a voltage comparison circuit, a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, and a third switching circuit. The number of poles of the starting winding is the same as that of the first main winding. The number of poles of the first main winding is less than that of the second main winding. |
US08237393B2 |
System for measuring fan rotational speed
A system is used to measure a fan rotational speed. The system includes a main controller, a first socket coupled to the linear fan, a second socket connected to the main controller, and an optical fiber amplifier connected to the main controller. A PWM (pulse width module) fan is coupled to the second socket, the PWM fan sends a first rotational speed signal, which represent a rotation speed of the PWM fan, to the main controller via the second socket. The optical fiber amplifier is capable of radiating light on fan blades of the linear fan, and sensing light reflected by the fan blades to count a rotational speed of the linear fan, and generating a second rotational speed signal which represents a rotational speed of the linear fan. The optical fiber amplifier sends the second rotational speed signal to the main controller. |
US08237392B2 |
Motor control apparatus and electric power steering apparatus
An angle calculation portion of a motor control apparatus determines an angle θ of a rotor, and an angular velocity calculation portion determines an angular velocity ωe of the rotor. A command current calculation portion determines command currents id* and iq* on dq axes, based on a steering torque T and a vehicle speed S. An open-loop control portion determines command voltages vd and vq on the dq axes based on the command currents id* and iq* and the angular velocity ωe, according to circuit equations of a motor. A dq-axis/three-phase conversion portion converts the command voltages vd and vq to command voltages of three phases. A three-phase voltage correction portion corrects the command voltage so that an actual time average value of a voltage applied to each phase is equal to a time average value of a voltage that is to be applied to the phase if the voltage is not decreased, in order to compensate for a decrease in the applied voltage. By performing the correction, it is possible to eliminate or suppress a decrease in control accuracy due to a wiring resistance and the like. |
US08237383B2 |
Wireless communication system for a roll-up door
A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module. |
US08237379B2 |
Circuits and methods for powering light sources
A controller for regulating a current through a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a first reference pin for receiving a first reference signal indicative of a target average level, and a dimming control pin for receiving a dimming signal. The controller regulates an average level of the current to the target average level. The current is regulated according to the first reference signal and a ramp signal if the dimming signal has a first level. The ramp signal is synchronized with the dimming signal. The current is cut off if the dimming signal has a second level. |
US08237372B2 |
Electronic device for driving light emitting diodes
The present invention relates to an electronic device for driving a light emitting diode, which includes a switch being adapted to switch a switch-mode power converter, and controlling means being adapted for controlling the switch in response to a sensing value indicative of a current of the switch-mode power converter and for controlling by the switch the output voltage of the switched power converter and a current through the light emitting diode. |
US08237368B2 |
Driving device and electronic apparatus using the same
A driving device includes a dimmer, a rectifying-filtering unit, a rectifying-dividing unit, a control unit, and a voltage transforming unit. The dimmer is used for receiving an alternating current (AC) voltage from a power supply, and generating a primary voltage for controlling the brightness of a luminous element. The rectifying-filtering unit is used for rectifying and filtering the primary voltage to generate a secondary voltage. The rectifying-dividing unit is used for rectifying and dividing the primary voltage to generate a detecting voltage. The control unit is used for receiving the secondary voltage, and generating a pulse voltage whose duty cycle is variable with the detecting voltage. The voltage transforming unit is used for transforming the secondary voltage to a driving voltage for driving the luminous element to emit light according to the pulse voltage. A related electronic apparatus is also provided. |
US08237364B2 |
Dielectric barrier discharge lamp configured as a double tube
The invention relates to a dielectric barrier discharge lamp in a coaxial double-tube arrangement, comprising an exterior electrode (6), and interior electrode (7), and an auxiliary electrode (8). The interior electrode (7) is designed as an electrically conductive layer placed inside the interior tube (3) of the double-tube arrangement. The auxiliary electrode (8) is designed, for example, as a metal tube or pipe and is also disposed inside the interior tube (3), specifically in direct contact with the layer. In this manner, the conductivity of the interior electrode (S) is improved. |
US08237363B2 |
Plasma display panel with MgO crystal protective layer
A plasma display panel includes a front panel including a substrate, a display electrode formed on the substrate, a dielectric layer formed so as to cover the display electrode, and a protective layer formed on the dielectric layer; and a rear panel disposed facing the front panel so that discharge space is formed, and including an address electrode formed in a direction intersecting the display electrode and a barrier rib for partitioning the discharge space. The protective layer is formed by forming a base film on the dielectric layer and attaching a plurality of aggregated particles of a plurality of crystal particles of metal oxide to the base film so that a plurality of aggregated particles are distributed over the entire surface, and the base film is made of MgO containing Al. |
US08237361B2 |
Display device with protective film having a low density silicon nitride film between high density silicon nitride films
There is provided a display capable of protecting a light-emitting device by a protective film having good sealing characteristics and sidewall step coverage and preventing deterioration of the light-emitting device, thereby maintaining good display characteristics. A display device 1 including an organic electroluminescence device 3 provided on a substrate 2 and protected by a protective film 4 is characterized in that the protective film 4 is composed of silicon nitride films 4a, 4b, and 4c formed in layers by a chemical vapor deposition method using an ammonia gas, the high-density silicon nitride film 4c is provided in a surface layer of the protective film 4, and the low-density silicon nitride film 4b having a lower density than that of the high-density silicon nitride film 4c is provided below it. |
US08237359B2 |
Display apparatus
There is provided a display apparatus configured by stacking a drive circuit substrate and a light-emitting substrate. Electrodes of the substrates are accurately aligned to be electrically connected to each other. A display apparatus is configured by stacking a drive circuit substrate having a drive circuit and a light-emitting substrate having a light-emitting unit including a pixel electrode to cause the drive circuit substrate and the light-emitting substrate to face each other, wherein on a stacked plane between the drive circuit substrate and the light-emitting substrate, an intermediate electrode connected to the light-emitting unit of the light-emitting substrate and a connection electrode connected to the drive circuit and the drive circuit substrate are electrically connected to each other, and the intermediate electrode is elongated in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode on the stacked plane. |
US08237356B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device including: a substrate; a sealing member; an organic light emitting device between the substrate and the sealing member and for displaying images; a selective light absorbing layer on a surface of the sealing member facing the organic light emitting device and including pigments for selectively absorbing light; and a black matrix layer on the selective light absorbing layer corresponding to non-emission areas of the organic light emitting device. |
US08237353B2 |
Organic EL display device
In a top emission type organic EL display device, brightness gradient in a screen is reduced while keeping a screen brightness. A reflection film is formed under a lower electrode and the light from an organic EL layer is emitted through an upper electrode. Light absorption of the upper electrode is larger on the side of a shorter wavelength. When a film thickness of the upper electrode is enlarged in order to reduce the brightness gradient in a screen, the film thicknesses of the upper electrodes for a red pixel and a green pixel are enlarged without enlarging the film thickness of the upper electrode for a blue pixel. This makes it possible to reduce the brightness gradient as well as to suppress the light absorption of the upper electrode. |
US08237349B2 |
Light-emitting device with antireflective film
An object of the present invention is to provide an antireflective film having an anti-reflection function with which reflection of external light which is incident on the antireflective film can be further reduced and a high-visibility display device having such an antireflective film. The tops of the plurality of pyramidal projections are evenly spaced and each side of the base of a pyramidal projection is in contact with one side of the base of an adjacent pyramidal projection. That is, one pyramidal projection is surrounded by other pyramidal projections, and the base of the pyramidal projection and the base of the adjacent pyramidal projection have a side in common. |
US08237348B2 |
Light-emitting device
Disclosed is a light-emitting device including a light-emitting element emitting primary light, and a light converter absorbing a part of the primary light emitted from the light-emitting element and emitting secondary light having a longer wavelength than the primary light. The light converter contains a green light-emitting phosphor and a red light-emitting phosphor. The green light-emitting phosphor is composed of at least one phosphor selected from a divalent europium-activated oxynitride phosphor substantially represented by the following formula: EuaSibAlcOdNe and a divalent europium-activated silicate phosphor substantially represented by the following formula: 2 (Ba1-f-gMIfEug)O.SiO2, while the red light-emitting phosphor is composed of at least one phosphor selected from tetravalent manganese-activated fluoro-tetravalent metalate phosphors substantially represented by the following formulae: MII2(MIII1-hMnh)F6 and/or MIV(MIII1-hMnh)F6. Consequently, the light-emitting device has excellent color gamut (NTSC ratio). |
US08237347B2 |
Field emission device having secondary electron enhancing electrode
A field emission device includes an insulative substrate, an electron pulling electrode, a secondary electron emission layer, a first dielectric layer, a cathode electrode, and an electron emission layer. The electron pulling electrode is located on a surface of the insulative substrate. The secondary electron emission layer is located on a surface of the electron pulling electrode. The cathode electrode is located apart from the electron pulling electrode by the first dielectric layer. The cathode electrode has a surface oriented to the electron pulling electrode and defines a first opening as an electron output portion. The electron emission layer is located on the surface of the cathode electrode and oriented to the electron pulling electrode. |
US08237345B2 |
Display apparatus with conductive frame
The display apparatus includes an airtight container having an insulating first substrate, an insulating second substrate which faces the first substrate, a conductive frame arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, a conductive layer which is provided between the conductive frame and the first substrate and which is airtightly bonded to the conductive frame, and an insulating layer which is provided between the conductive layer and the first substrate and which airtightly bonds between the conductive layer and the first substrate; a display unit provided inside the airtight container; wires connected to the display unit; and electrodes. The insulating layer insulates the wires from the conductive frame and the electrodes and has through-holes penetrating from the electrodes toward the conductive frame, and the conductive layer is connected to the electrodes through the through-holes. |
US08237342B2 |
Plasma jet ignition plug and manufacturing method thereof
A plasma jet ignition plug that reliably prevents current leakage with restraint on variation in the position of a ground electrode relative to an insulator and on overheat of the ground electrode, for stable generation of plasma. The plug includes an insulator having an axial bore extending in the direction of an axis CL1, a center electrode inserted in the axial bore, a metallic shell disposed externally of the outer circumference of the insulator, and a ground electrode fixed to the metallic shell, and has a cavity defined by the wall surface of the axial bore and the front end surface of the center electrode. Supports intervene between the insulator and the ground electrode. A space formed radially outward of the supports and a space formed radially inward of the support communicate with each other. |
US08237337B2 |
Holster-integrated piezoelectric energy source for handheld electronic device
A holster for a handheld electronic device. The holster has integrated therein one or more piezoelectric elements that provide an output voltage to the handheld electronic device upon insertion of device in the holster. The output voltage can be used to charge the battery of the device, to power, at least in part, the device, or both. The output voltage is generated by harvesting vibration energy at the piezoelectric elements upon the holster being subjected to acceleration caused by a user carrying the holster when walking, running, or during any other suitable activity. |
US08237334B2 |
Piezo actuator
A transducer mechanism has a stacked piezo electric actuators driving arms rotating in different directions and having a structure such that the arms remain generally parallel to each other. A flexible member may be attached to the arms to obtain an extended stroke in a direction perpendicular to the axis of movement of the actuators. |
US08237333B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and method for producing a piezoelectric actuator
A fully active piezoelectric stack has alternately successive piezoelectric layers and inner electrodes which pass through to the outer side of the stack and each have a first region, which does not adhere or adheres poorly and a second region which adheres well to the coating. The inner electrodes are provided for the purpose of using their first regions to alternately contact-connect a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode. The outer side of the fully active piezoelectric stack is coated with the coating at least in regions which are assigned the outer electrodes. The coating is then removed in regions which border the first regions of the inner electrodes and the two outer electrodes are applied to the remaining coating, with the result that the outer electrodes contact-connect the first regions of the inner electrodes and the coating is otherwise arranged between the inner electrodes and the outer electrodes. |
US08237332B2 |
Piezoelectric acoustic transducer and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a piezoelectric acoustic transducer and a method of fabricating the same. In the piezoelectric acoustic transducer, a piezoelectric portion is formed in a portion of a diaphragm, and a deformation layer is formed in another portion of the diaphragm. Deformation of the piezoelectric portion is transferred to the deformation layer, or deformation of the deformation layer is transferred to the piezoelectric layer so that the deformation layer vibrates with the piezoelectric layer. |
US08237329B2 |
Elastic wave device and electronic component
To provide an elastic wave device that is small sized and in which a frequency fluctuation due to a change with time hardly occurs, and an electronic component using the above elastic wave device. A trapping energy mode portion 2 provided in an elastic wave waveguide 10 made of an elastic body material excites a second elastic wave being an elastic wave in an energy trapping mode by a specific frequency component included in a first elastic wave being an elastic wave in a first or higher-order propagation mode propagated from a first propagation mode portion 4, and a cutoff portion 3 provided in a peripheral region of the trapping energy mode portion 2 has a cutoff frequency being a frequency higher than that of the second elastic wave. A second propagation mode portion mode-converts the second elastic wave leaked through the cutoff portion to a third elastic wave being the elastic wave in the propagation mode to propagate the third elastic wave. |
US08237327B2 |
Method for driving piezoelectric actuator, piezoelectric-actuator control circuit, and image-stabilization control circuit
Abnormal noise generated while driving a piezoelectric actuator is prevented. A pulse-generation circuit is capable of selectively generating a displacement pulse and a stationary pulse as a drive pulse for application to a piezoelectric element, the displacement pulse having a duty ratio for causing a lens to be displaced by a predetermined step width, and the stationary pulse having a duty ratio for causing the lens to remain stationary in a current position. The pulse-generation circuit controls the production of the drive pulse continuously for a plurality of times within the servo control cycle, causes the displacement pulse to be produced when the remainder of a required amount of displacement is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and causes the stationary pulse to be continuously produced until the initiation of the next servo control cycle when the remainder is less than the threshold value. |
US08237326B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device and surface acoustic wave oscillator
A surface acoustic wave device, includes: an interdigital transducer serving as an electrode pattern to excite a Rayleigh surface acoustic wave, the interdigital transducer including a comb-tooth-shaped electrode having a plurality of electrode fingers; a piezoelectric substrate on which the interdigital transducer is formed, the piezoelectric substrate being made of a quartz substrate that is cut out at a cut angle represented by an Euler angle representation (φ, θ, ψ) of (0°, 95°≦θ≦155°, 33°≦|ψ|≦46°); electrode finger grooves formed between the electrode fingers of the comb-tooth-shaped electrode; and electrode finger bases being quartz portions sandwiched between the electrode finger grooves and having upper surfaces on which the electrode fingers are positioned. The surface acoustic wave device provides an excitation in an upper limit mode of a stop band of the surface acoustic wave. |
US08237322B2 |
Squirrel-cage rotor for an electric motor and its production method
To provide a well balanced squirrel-cage rotor for an electric motor, quantities of braze used to bond various rotor components are different from each other so as to serve as balance weight in order to improve balance. |
US08237309B2 |
Arrangement having parallel-connected DC power supply units
An arrangement having DC power supply units connection parallel, wherein, the power supplies of the DC power supply units each generate a partial output current for supplying a load with a total output current. In accordance with the invention, an overload of power supply units when the power supply units are switched on and/or during their restart is largely avoided. |
US08237308B2 |
Dynamic electrical load management
In one embodiment, a method is used to provide dynamic electrical power management which may minimize the potential for overload conditions and may ensure that system performance limits are maintained. The method may dynamically limit the primary load system power draw in response to the net power draw of all other electrical power users on the aircraft which may ensure that the total power levels remain below critical limits. The method may also provide predictive controls to handle rapid load transients. Additionally, if vital functions are not being met, the method may shed other selected aircraft electrical loads which may ensure that adequate power is provided to the primary load system. |
US08237304B2 |
Multi-point tethering and stability system and control method for underwater current turbine
A method of controlling a tethered, underwater, water current-driven turbine, power-generating device. The device is comprised of dual turbines and dual rotor blades turned by fluid flow, each turbine including one or more generators driven by rotor blades. The device is connected by device tethers to a strut, which is moveable to control depth of the device. The strut is connected to the ocean floor by tripodal tethers: a main tether, a left side tether and a right side tether, which are strut control tethers. One or more winches are controlled to maintain operation of the device within set parameters by varying the tension on one or more of the strut control tethers. |
US08237301B2 |
Power generation stabilization control systems and methods
A stabilization system for a power generation system including non-conventional energy source coupled to a utility grid, the stabilization system comprising: a deadband limiter configured for detecting when a signal of the power generation system is outside of a signal range; a power shaper configured for providing a transient power generation adjustment signal in response to the signal being outside of the signal range; and a limit controller to configured to prevent the adjustment signal from causing the energy source of the power generation system to operate outside of at least one operating constraint. |
US08237299B2 |
Power generation systems, processes for generating energy at an industrial mine site, water heating systems, and processes of heating water
Power generation systems are provided that include a circular loop of conduit, a dehumidifier coupled to the conduit, a power turbine coupled to the turbine and a pump coupled to the conduit. Processes for generating energy at an industrial mine site are also provided. Water heating systems are provided that can include a dehumidifier associated with a conduit containing water, a holding tank coupled to the conduit and water heaters coupled to the holding tank. Processes of heating water are also provided. |
US08237298B2 |
Generator coupling for use with gas turbine engine
A generator coupling assembly includes an output housing, an output member rotationally supported by the output housing, a generator powered by the output member, and a clutch adapter. The generator includes a generator stator, a generator rotor rotatably supported within the generator stator, a shaft coupled to the generator rotor, and a clutch member arranged on the shaft. The clutch adapter is coupled to and radially retained by the output member, and includes a clutching structure configured for selective engagement with the clutch member to engage the clutch member and the clutch adapter for co-rotation. |
US08237296B2 |
Selective UV-Ozone dry etching of anti-stiction coatings for MEMS device fabrication
Organic anti-stiction coatings such as, for example, hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon based self-assembled organosilanes and siloxanes applied either in solvent or via chemical vapor deposition, are selectively etched using a UV-Ozone (UVO) dry etching technique in which the portions of the organic anti-stiction coating to be etched are exposed simultaneously to multiple wavelengths of ultraviolet light that excite and dissociate organic molecules from the anti-stiction coating and generate atomic oxygen from molecular oxygen and ozone so that the organic molecules react with atomic oxygen to form volatile products that are dissipated, resulting in removal of the exposed portions of the anti-stiction coating. A hybrid etching process using heat followed by UVO exposure may be used. A shadow mask (e.g., of glass or quartz), a protective material layer, or other mechanism may be used to selective expose the portions of the anti-stiction coating to be UVO etched. Such selective UVO etching may be used, for example, to expose wafer bond lines prior to wafer-to-wafer bonding in order to increase bond shear and adhesion strength, to expose bond pads in preparation for electrical or other connections, or for general removal of anti-stiction coating materials from metal or other material surfaces. One specific embodiment uses two wavelengths of ultraviolet light, one at around 184.9 nm and the other at around 253.7 nm. |
US08237283B2 |
Structure and method of reducing electromigration cracking and extrusion effects in semiconductor devices
A structure for reducing electromigration cracking and extrusion effects in semiconductor devices includes a first metal line formed in a first dielectric layer; a cap layer formed over the first metal line and first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer formed over the cap layer; and a void formed in the second dielectric layer, stopping on the cap layer, wherein the void is located in a manner so as to isolate structural damage due to electromigration effects of the first metal line, the effects including one or more of extrusions of metal material from the first metal line and cracks from delamination of the cap layer with respect to the first dielectric layer. |
US08237280B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention proposes a dummy metal fill structure which makes it possible to reduce variations in transistor characteristics as much as possible even if mask misalignment occurs, as well as to ensure the intended planarizing effect of the metal CMP process. The dummy metal fill formed above the gate electrode extends in the gate length direction with both ends thereof protruding from a region corresponding to the gate electrode. Even if a mask for forming a wiring layer is misaligned and the position of the dummy metal fill is misaligned from an intended position, the shape of the dummy metal fill within a region of the gate electrode is kept symmetric with respect to the center of the gate electrode. |
US08237277B2 |
Semiconductor device provided with tin diffusion inhibiting layer, and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device is disclosed wherein a tin diffusion inhibiting layer is provided above the land of a wiring line, and a solder ball is provided above the tin diffusion inhibiting layer. Thus, even when this semiconductor device is, for example, a power supply IC which deals with a high current, the presence of the tin diffusion inhibiting layer makes it possible to more inhibit the diffusion of tin in the solder ball into the wiring line. |
US08237271B2 |
Direct edge connection for multi-chip integrated circuits
The present invention allows for direct chip-to-chip connections using the shortest possible signal path. |
US08237266B2 |
Component stacking for integrated circuit electronic package
Component stacking for increasing packing density in integrated circuit packages. In one aspect of the invention, an integrated circuit package includes a substrate, and a plurality of discrete components connected to the substrate and approximately forming a component layer parallel to and aligned with a surface area of the substrate. An integrated circuit die is positioned adjacent to the component layer such that a face of the die is substantially parallel to the surface area of the substrate. The face of the die is aligned with at least a portion of the component layer, and terminals of the die are connected to the substrate. |
US08237261B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has: a radiator plate that is maintained at a predetermined potential; an SOI (Silicon On Insulator) chip mounted on the radiator plate; and thermal grease applied to an interface between the radiator plate and the SOI chip. The SOI chip has: a first silicon substrate forming a circuit element part; a second silicon substrate facing the radiator plate; and an insulating film formed between the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate. The first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate are electrically connected to each other. The thermal grease is conductive and electrically connects the second silicon substrate and the radiator plate. |
US08237258B2 |
Semiconductor module including a semiconductor device, a device mounting board, and a protecting layer therebetween
A semiconductor module includes a device mounting board and a semiconductor device mounted on the device mounting board. The device mounting board includes an insulating resin layer, a wiring layer provided on one main surface of the insulating resin layer, and bump electrodes, electrically connected to the wiring layer, which are protruded from the wiring layer toward the insulating resin layer. The semiconductor device has device electrodes which are disposed counter to a semiconductor substrate and the bump electrodes, respectively. The surface of a metallic layer provided on the device electrode lies on the same plane as the surface of a protective layer. |
US08237250B2 |
Advanced quad flat non-leaded package structure and manufacturing method thereof
The advanced quad flat non-leaded package structure includes a carrier, a chip, a plurality of wires, and a molding compound. The carrier includes a die pad and a plurality of leads. The leads include first leads disposed around the die pad, second leads disposed around the first leads and at least an embedded lead portion between the first leads and the second leads. The wires are disposed between the chip, the first leads and the embedded lead portion. The advanced quad flat non-leaded package structures designed with the embedded lead portion can provide better electrical connection. |
US08237248B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object is to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device having resistance to external stress and electrostatic discharge while achieving reduction in thickness and size. Another object is to prevent defective shapes and deterioration in characteristics due to external stress or electrostatic discharge in a manufacture process to manufacture a semiconductor device with a high yield. A first insulator and a second insulator facing each other, a semiconductor integrated circuit and an antenna provided between the first insulator and the second insulator facing each other, a conductive shield provided on one surface of the first insulator, and a conductive shield provided on one surface of the second insulator are provided. The conductive shield provided on one surface of the first insulator and the conductive shield provided on one surface of the second insulator are electrically connected. |
US08237245B2 |
Nitride semiconductor crystal, manufacturing method of the nitride semiconductor freestanding substrate and nitride semiconductor device
To provide a nitride semiconductor crystal, comprising: laminated homogeneous nitride semiconductor layers, with a thickness of 2 mm or more, wherein the laminated homogeneous nitride semiconductor layers are constituted so that a nitride semiconductor layer with low dopant concentration and a nitride semiconductor layer with high dopant concentration are alternately laminated by two cycles or more. |
US08237238B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor including a substrate, a deep well layer, multiple first sensing units, second sensing units and third sensing units is provided. The first, the second and the third sensing units are located between a first surface and the deep well layer. A ratio between an area of a part of the deep well layer under each first sensing unit and an area of each first sensing unit is a first area ratio. A ratio between an area of a part of the deep well layer under each second sensing unit and an area of each second sensing unit is a second area ratio. A ratio between an area of a part of the deep well layer under each third sensing unit and an area of each third sensing unit is a third area ratio. The first area ratio is greater than the second and the third area ratios. |
US08237236B2 |
InSb-based switching device
An InSb-based switching device, which operates at room temperature by using a magnetic field controlled avalanche process for applying to magneto-logic elements, is provided. A switching device of one embodiment includes a p-type semiconductor layer; an n-type semiconductor layer; and contact layers disposed on one of the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers, the p-type semiconductor layer being in contact with the n-type semiconductor layer such that a current can be applied through the contact layers to the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers to cause a current flow from one of the contact layers to the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers and from the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers to the other of the contact layers, whereby the current flow can be controlled by an intensity of a magnetic field applied to the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers substantially perpendicularly thereto. |
US08237232B2 |
Semiconductor device including a DC-DC converter having a metal plate
The electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device are enhanced. In the package of the semiconductor device, there are encapsulated first and second semiconductor chips with a power MOS-FET formed therein and a third semiconductor chip with a control circuit for controlling their operation formed therein. The bonding pads for source electrode of the first semiconductor chip on the high side are electrically connected to a die pad through a metal plate. The bonding pad for source electrode of the second semiconductor chip on the low side is electrically connected to lead wiring through a metal plate. The metal plate includes a first portion in contact with the bonding pad of the second semiconductor chip, a second portion extended from a short side of the first portion to the lead wiring, and a third portion extended from a long side of the first portion to the lead wiring. |
US08237231B2 |
Device with aluminum surface protection
A semiconductor structure with a metal gate structure includes a first type field-effect transistor having a first gate including: a high k dielectric material on a substrate, a first metal layer on the high k dielectric material layer and having a first work function, and a first aluminum layer on the first metal layer. The first aluminum layer includes an interfacial layer including aluminum, nitrogen and oxygen. The device also includes a second type field-effect transistor having a second gate including: the high k dielectric material on the substrate, a second metal layer on the high k dielectric material layer and having a second work function different from the first work function, and a second aluminum layer on the second metal layer. |
US08237225B2 |
Semiconductor device for electrostatic discharge protection
Provided is a semiconductor device for electrostatic discharge protection capable of protecting an inner circuit from both noises of an overcurrent noise of an ESD and an overcurrent noise of a latch-up test while achieving size reduction, by sharing a guard ring formed in a periphery of an ESD protection element with a cathode of a latch-up protection diode for protecting the inner circuit from the overcurrent noise of the latch-up test. |
US08237224B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a high voltage MOS and the semiconductor device manufactured by the method
The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device that includes a high voltage MOS transistor with high operating voltage under both high and low gate voltages with low-cost is disclosed. When manufacturing the high voltage MOS transistor, a portion of a gate insulation film is removed to form an opening that exposes an outside area of the active area, which is outside of the central area where a gate electrode will be formed. A shallow grade layer is formed by implanting impurities into an opening with an energy that does not permit penetration of impurity ions through the gate insulation film. |
US08237223B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including a substrate, an epitaxial layer, a first sinker, a transistor, a diode unit, a first buried layer, and a second buried layer is provided. When the semiconductor device is operated at the high voltage, the highly large substrate current due to the external load is avoided through the diode unit disposed in the semiconductor device of an embodiment consistent with the invention. Furthermore, according to the design of the semiconductor device, the issue of the narrow input voltage range is improved, and interference of the semiconductor device with the other semiconductor devices is prevented. |
US08237219B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes a first transistor including a first source/drain region and a first sidewall spacer, and a second transistor including a second source/drain region and a second sidewall spacer, the first sidewall spacer has a first width and the second sidewall spacer has a second width wider than the first width, and the first source/drain region has a first area and the second source/drain region has a second area larger than the first area. |
US08237212B2 |
Nonvolatile memory with a unified cell structure
A novel FLASH-based EEPROM cell, decoder, and layout scheme are disclosed to eliminate the area-consuming divided triple-well in cell array and allows byte-erase and byte-program for high P/E cycles. Furthermore, the process-compatible FLASH cell for EEPROM part can be integrated with FLASH and ROM parts so that a superior combo, monolithic, nonvolatile memory is achieved. Unlike all previous arts, the novel combo nonvolatile memory of the present invention of ROM, EEPROM and FLASH or combination of any two is made of one unified, fully compatible, highly-scalable BN+cell and unified process. In addition, its cell operation schemes have zero array overhead and zero disturbance during P/E operations. The novel combo nonvolatile memory is designed to meet the need in those markets requiring flexible write size in units of bytes, pages and blocks at a lower cost. |
US08237209B2 |
Capacitors integrated with metal gate formation
A semiconductor structure including a capacitor having increased capacitance and improved electrical performance is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a MIM capacitor over the substrate. The MIM capacitor includes a bottom plate, an insulating layer over the bottom plate, and a top plate over the insulating layer. The semiconductor structure further includes a MOS device including a gate dielectric over the substrate and a metal-containing gate electrode free from polysilicon on the gate dielectric, wherein the metal-containing gate electrode is formed of a same material and has a same thickness as the bottom plate. |
US08237207B2 |
Back side illumination image sensor and a process thereof
A process and structure of a back side illumination (BSI) image sensor are disclosed. An n-type doped region is formed in a substrate, and a transfer gate is formed on top of the semiconductor substrate. A p-type doped region is formed in the n-type doped region either using the transfer gate as a mask or is non-self aligned formed. |
US08237205B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a gate insulating film formed on a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film; an offset spacer formed on a side surface of the gate electrode; an inner sidewall formed on the side surface of the gate electrode with the offset spacer interposed therebetween, and having an L-shaped cross section; and an insulating film formed to cover the gate electrode, the offset spacer, the inner sidewall, and a part of the semiconductor region located laterally outward from the inner sidewall. The offset spacer includes an inner offset spacer formed on the side surface of the gate electrode and an outer offset spacer formed to cover the side surface of the gate electrode and the inner offset spacer. The outer offset spacer is in contact with a top end and outer side surface of the inner offset spacer. |
US08237200B2 |
Methods of arranging L-shaped cell blocks in semiconductor devices
Semiconductor devices are provided including a plurality of L-shaped cell blocks each including a cell array and a plurality of decoders disposed in horizontal and vertical directions of the cell array. The plurality of L-shaped cell blocks is oriented in a diagonal direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions. Related methods are also provided herein. |
US08237195B2 |
Power MOSFET having a strained channel in a semiconductor heterostructure on metal substrate
A field effect transistor device having a strained semiconductor channel region overlying a heterostructure-semiconductor on a metal substrate includes a first semiconductor layer overlying a first metal layer. The first semiconductor layer has a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material in a relaxed heterostructure and is heavily doped. A second semiconductor layer overlies the first semiconductor layer and has a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material in a relaxed heterostructure. The second semiconductor layer is more lightly doped than the first semiconductor layer. A trench extends into the second semiconductor layer and a channel region has a strained layer of the first semiconductor material adjacent a trench sidewall. The strained channel region provides enhanced carrier mobility and improves performance of the field effect transistor. |
US08237193B2 |
Lateral transient voltage suppressor for low-voltage applications
A lateral transient voltage suppressor for low-voltage applications. The suppressor includes an N-type heavily doped substrate and at least two clamp diode structures horizontally arranged in the N-type heavily doped substrate. Each clamp diode structure further includes a clamp well arranged in the N-type heavily doped substrate and having a first heavily doped area and a second heavily doped area. The first and second heavily doped areas respectively belong to opposite conductivity types. There is a plurality of deep isolation trenches arranged in the N-type heavily doped substrate and having a depth greater than depth of the clamp well. The deep isolation trenches can separate each clamp well. The present invention avoids the huge leakage current to be suitable for low-voltage application. |
US08237191B2 |
Heterojunction bipolar transistors and methods of manufacture
Semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture semiconductors are provided which relate to heterojunction bipolar transistors. The method includes forming two devices connected by metal wires on a same wiring level. The metal wire of a first of the two devices is formed by selectively forming a metal cap layer on copper wiring structures. |
US08237188B2 |
Light source
Light sources are disclosed herein. One embodiment comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. At least one first electrically conductive layer is affixed to the first surface of the substrate and partially covering the first surface of the substrate. At least one second electrically conductive layer is affixed to the first surface of the substrate and partially covering the first surface of the substrate. A light emitter is affixed to the first surface of the substrate in an area not covered by either of the at least one first electrically conductive layer or the at least one second electrically conductive layer. The substrate may be thinner in the area where the light emitter is affixed than in the areas where the first and second electrically conductive layers are affixed. A heat sink may be attached to the second surface of the substrate. |
US08237183B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a support substrate; a metal layer provided on the support substrate; a semiconductor layer provided on the metal layer and including a light emitting layer; a contact layer containing a semiconductor, selectively provided between the semiconductor layer and the metal layer, and being in contact with the semiconductor layer and the metal layer; and an insulating film provided between the semiconductor layer and the metal layer at a position not overlapping the contact layer. |
US08237178B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a base and a light-emitting element that is disposed on the base. The light-emitting element is made up of a plurality of semiconductor layers including a light-emitting layer, and at the same time, is covered with a wavelength converting portion that includes a wavelength converting material. The light-emitting layer emits primary light, and the wavelength converting material absorbs part of the primary light and emits secondary light. The luminance of the primary light emitted from the edge portion of the light extraction surface of the light-emitting device is higher than the luminance of the primary light emitted from the inner region located inside the edge portion, and the ratio of the primary light and the secondary light that are emitted from a light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion is substantially uniform across the light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion. Thereby, a light color difference across the light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion that covers the light-emitting element can be reduced further, and it is possible to irradiate an irradiation surface with light of uniform color. |
US08237176B2 |
Light emitting device
The present invention provides a structure in which a pixel region 13 is surrounded by a first sealing material (having higher viscosity than a second sealing material) 16 including a spacer (filler, minute particles and/or the like) which maintains a gap between the two substrates, filled with a few drops of the transparent second sealing material 17a which is spread in the region; and sealed by using the first sealing material 16 and the second sealing material 17. |
US08237171B2 |
High voltage high package pressure semiconductor package
A hermetically sealed integrated circuit package that includes a cavity housing a semiconductor die, whereby the cavity is pressurized during assembly and when formed. The invention prevents the stress on a package created when the package is subject to high temperatures at atmospheric pressure and then cooled from reducing the performance of the die at high voltages. By packaging a die at a high pressure, such as up to 50 PSIG, in an atmosphere with an inert gas, and providing a large pressure in the completed package, the dies are significantly less likely to arc at higher voltages, allowing the realization of single die packages operable up to at least 1200 volts. Moreover, the present invention is configured to employ brazed elements compatible with Silicon Carbide dies which can be processed at higher temperatures. |
US08237170B2 |
Schottky diamond semiconductor device and manufacturing method for a Schottky electrode for diamond semiconductor device
To provide a Schottky electrode in a diamond semiconductor, which has a good adhesion properties to diamonds, has a contacting surface which does not become peeled due to an irregularity in an external mechanical pressure, does not cause a reduction in yield in a diode forming process and does not cause deterioration in current-voltage characteristics, and a method of manufacturing the Schottky electrode.A Schottky electrode which includes: scattered island-form pattern Pt-group alloy thin films which are formed on a diamond surface formed on a substrate, in which the Pt-group alloy includes 50 to 99.9 mass % of Pt and 0.1 to 50 mass % of Ru and/or Ir, or which includes electrodes in a scattered island pattern, including: scattered island-form pattern metal thin films which are formed on a diamond surface formed on a substrate and include one selected from Pt and Pd; and metal thin films which include one selected from Ru, Ir and Rh and are provided on all of the metal thin films which include one selected from Pt and Pd, and a method of manufacturing the Schottky electrode. |
US08237168B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device including a plurality of scan lines arranged in a first direction, a plurality of data lines arranged in a second direction, the plurality of data lines intersecting with the plurality of scan lines, and pixels respectively disposed at intersection portions of the scan and data lines, each pixel including at least one thin film transistor (TFT) and an organic light emitting diode, wherein the TFT is an oxide TFT, the oxide TFT including a first oxide semiconductor layer as an active layer, and a second oxide semiconductor layer is disposed between intersecting scan and data lines. |
US08237160B2 |
Probe pad on a corner stress relief region in a semiconductor chip
A semiconductor chip includes a corner stress relief (CSR) region. An enhanced structure connects sides of a seal ring structure to surround the CSR region. A device under test (DUT) structure is disposed on the CSR region. A set of probe pad structures is disposed on the CSR region. Two of the set of probe pad structures are electrically connect to the DUT structure. |
US08237158B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic electroluminescence device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The organic electroluminescence device is suitable for being configured on a substrate. The organic electroluminescence device includes a first electrode, a first doped carrier transporting layer, a light-emitting layer, a second doped carrier transporting layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode is configured on the substrate. The first doped carrier transporting layer is configured on the first electrode. The light-emitting layer is configured on the first doped carrier transporting layer. The second doped carrier transporting layer is configured on the light-emitting layer and has a first surface in contact with the light-emitting layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface is substantially a planar surface, and the second surface is a rough surface having a plurality of micro-protrusions. The second electrode is configured on the second surface. |
US08237157B2 |
Fluorocarbon electrode modification layer
An organic device including at least two electrodes; at least one organic active layer, wherein the organic active layer is disposed in between two electrodes; and an electrode modification layer, wherein the electrode modification layer is disposed in between two electrodes and in contact with one of the electrodes; and the electrode modification layer includes a fluorocarbon compound selected from the materials having a chemical structure of (CxFy)n, wherein the “x”, “y”, and “n” are integers, and wherein 1 |
US08237156B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are an organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display device includes a substrate; at least one thin film transistor including a gate electrode including a metal oxide layer and a metal layer, a semiconductor layer including source/drain regions and a channel layer; at least one capacitor including a first electrode formed on a layer on which the gate electrode is formed by using a material forming the gate electrode, and a second electrode formed on a layer on which the source/drain electrodes are formed by using a material used to form the source/drain electrodes; and at least one organic light emitting device including a pixel electrode formed on a layer on which the gate electrode is formed by using a material used to form the gate electrode and connected to the source/drain electrodes via a contact hole. |
US08237155B2 |
Selective nanotube formation and related devices
Nanotube electronic devices exhibit selective affinity to disparate nanotube types. According to an example embodiment, a semiconductor device exhibits a treated substrate that selectively interacts (e.g., chemically) with nanotubes of a first type, relative to nanotubes of a second type, the respective types including semiconducting-type and metallic-type nanotubes. The selective interaction is used to set device configuration characteristics based upon the nanotube type. This selective-interaction approach can be used to set the type, and/or characteristics of nanotubes in the device. |
US08237151B2 |
Diode-based devices and methods for making the same
In accordance with an embodiment, a diode comprises a substrate, a dielectric material including an opening that exposes a portion of the substrate, the opening having an aspect ratio of at least 1, a bottom diode material including a lower region disposed at least partly in the opening and an upper region extending above the opening, the bottom diode material comprising a semiconductor material that is lattice mismatched to the substrate, a top diode material proximate the upper region of the bottom diode material, and an active diode region between the top and bottom diode materials, the active diode region including a surface extending away from the top surface of the substrate. |
US08237141B2 |
Non-volatile memory device including phase-change material
A non-volatile memory device including a phase-change material, which has a low operating voltage and low power consumption, includes a lower electrode; a phase-change material layer formed on the lower electrode so as to be electrically connected to the lower electrode, wherein the phase-change material layer includes a phase-change material having a composition represented by InXSbYTeZ or, alternatively, with substitutions of silicon and/or tin for indium, arsenic and/or bismuth for antimony, and selenium for tellurium; and an upper electrode formed on the phase-change material layer so as to be electrically connected to the phase-change material layer. |
US08237139B2 |
Method for detecting substrate position of charged particle beam photolithography apparatus and charged particle beam photolithography apparatus
One aspect of the invention provides a substrate position detecting method for charged particle beam photolithography apparatus in order to be able to measure accurately and simply a substrate position on a stage. The substrate position detecting method for charged particle beam photolithography apparatus includes placing a substrate on a stage that can be moved in an X-direction and a Y-direction; measuring a position in the X-direction of the stage while moving the stage in the X-direction, and illuminating obliquely an upper surface of the substrate with a laser beam to receive light reflected from the substrate with a position sensing device; computing a barycentric position of the reflected light when the stage is moved in the X-direction; measuring a position in the Y-direction of the stage while moving the stage in the Y-direction, and illuminating obliquely the upper surface of the substrate with the laser beam to receive light reflected from the substrate with the position sensing device; computing a barycentric position of the reflected light when the stage is moved in the Y-direction; and computing the positions of the substrate from the position measurement results of the stage and the computed barycentric position. |
US08237138B2 |
Systems and method for optical scatter imaging of latent image plates
Computer-implemented systems and methods for processing image data of a process-free plate are provided according to the present disclosure. The systems and methods may, generally, include a data acquisition step/means for receiving image data using one or more channels of a imaging system, each channel functioning to image the same target region of a process-free plate using a different wavelength of light, and a data processing step/means for filtering the image data using at least one of: (i) self-filtering, (ii) Fourier shrinkage and (iii) Wavelet shrinkage. When the image data is received using a plurality of channels, the received image data may advantageously be combined so as to optimize contrast-to-noise performance. The disclosed systems and methods may advantageously perform the operations of image de-noising, contrast enhancement, and thresholding, and may further involve compensation techniques, e.g., for minimizing distortion and blurring effects. |
US08237137B2 |
Photoelectronic sensor system having auto-adjustment function
A photoelectronic sensor collectively adjusts the light emission intensity of plural light emitting elements and the light reception sensitivity of plural light receiving elements automatically or manually. In order to collectively adjust the light emission intensity of plural light emitting elements and the light reception sensitivity of single light receiving elements automatically, a photoelectronic sensor is configured such that constant current light emission signals are applied to the light emitting elements. Additionally, a light amount of the environment is measured by the light receiving elements and stored, and a reflection light amount from a body to be measured is stored. Furthermore, signal intensities indicating the respective light amounts are calculated, and optimal thresholds of light emission intensity and light reception sensitivity are provided automatically or manually, so that setting of sensor sensitivity is performed. |
US08237134B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhanced lifetime and performance of ion source in an ion implantation system
An ion implantation system and process, in which the performance and lifetime of the ion source of the ion implantation system are enhanced, by utilizing isotopically enriched dopant materials, or by utilizing dopant materials with supplemental gas(es) effective to provide such enhancement. |
US08237129B2 |
Microchannel plate devices with tunable resistive films
A microchannel plate for detecting neutrons includes a hydrogen-rich polymer substrate that defines a plurality of channels extending from a top surface of the substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate, where neutrons interact with the plurality of channels to generate at least one secondary electron. A top electrode is positioned on the top surface of the substrate and a bottom electrode is positioned on the bottom surface of the substrate. A resistive layer is formed over an outer surface of the plurality of channels that provides ohmic conduction with a resistivity that is substantially constant. An emissive layer is formed over the resistive layer. Neutron interaction products interact with the plurality of channels defined by the substrate and the emissive films to generate secondary electrons that cascade within the plurality of channels to provide an amplified signal related to the detection of neutrons. |
US08237126B2 |
X-ray imaging device and method for the manufacturing thereof
The present invention discloses an X-ray imaging device comprising an X-ray absorber that comprises a plurality of semiconductor layers. The plurality of semiconductor layers comprise a substrate having a backside; and at least one absorption layer adapted to absorb at least one X-ray photon impinging on the at least one absorption layer that is adapted to correspondingly generate in response to the at least one impinging X-ray photon at least one electron-hole pair; and a readout unit, wherein the readout unit is operatively coupled to the X-ray absorber such to enable readout of the at least one electron-hole pair. Additional and alternative embodiments are described and claimed. |
US08237125B2 |
Particle detection system
This invention provides a design to process a large range of detection beam current at low noise with a single detector. With such a design, the detection system can generate up to 1010 gain and maximum signal output at more than mini Ampere (mA) level. |
US08237124B2 |
Coded aperture masks for radiation-based medical imaging
This invention relates to a coded aperture mask for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging. The coded aperture mask consists of a sheet of radiation opaque mask material having a series of apertures extending therethrough. The thickness of mask material has an attenuation percentage of less than 75% and, in a preferred embodiment, about equal to 29%. The coded aperture mask also, in a preferred embodiment, has a lead attenuation tube and has a projection of the smallest hole occupying the same area as a single pixel of a detector. The invention extends to a diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging system which uses a 16 bit gamma camera as a radiation detector. |
US08237122B2 |
Optical scanning and imaging systems based on dual pulsed laser systems
The invention relates to scanning pulsed laser systems for optical imaging. Coherent dual scanning laser systems (CDSL) are disclosed and some applications thereof. Various alternatives for implementation are illustrated, including highly integrated configurations. In at least one embodiment a coherent dual scanning laser system (CDSL) includes two passively modelocked fiber oscillators. The oscillators are configured to operate at slightly different repetition rates, such that a difference δfr in repetition rates is small compared to the values fr1 and fr2 of the repetition rates of the oscillators. The CDSL system also includes a non-linear frequency conversion section optically connected to each oscillator. The section includes a non-linear optical element generating a frequency converted spectral output having a spectral bandwidth and a frequency comb comprising harmonics of the oscillator repetition rates. A CDSL may be arranged in an imaging system for one or more of optical imaging, microscopy, micro-spectroscopy and/or THz imaging. |
US08237119B2 |
Scanning type charged particle beam microscope and an image processing method using the same
Design data and sample characteristic information corresponding to individual areas on the design data are used to perform an image quality improvement operation to make appropriate improvements on image quality according to sample characteristic corresponding to the individual areas on the image, allowing a high speed area division on the image. Further, the use of a database that stores image information associated with the design data allows for an image quality improvement operation that automatically emphasizes portions of the image that greatly differ from past images of the similar design data. |
US08237116B2 |
GC-MS analysis apparatus
GC-MS analysis apparatus has an interface section between GC and MS sections, which is located with respect to the direction of an analyte flow downstream of the GC section and upstream of the MS section. The interface section comprises at least one membrane with at least one orifice capable of establishing a molecular flow condition in the analyte passing between the GC and MS sections through the membrane. The membrane is subjected to a pressure differential such that the pressure pa in a region located upstream of the membrane is higher than the pressure pb in a region located downstream of the membrane. |
US08237113B2 |
Preparation of a matrix layer for spectrometry
The invention relates to preparing a matrix layer on a sample support for mass spectrometric analysis. An aspect of the invention includes detecting a light signal that is attenuated, reflected or scattered by the matrix layer, and using the light signal to examine the matrix layer or to regulate the preparation of the matrix layer. |
US08237112B2 |
Method and apparatus for time-of-flight mass spectrometry
A method and apparatus for time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. The apparatus improves the ion focusing properties in an orthogonal direction and permits connection with an orthogonal-acceleration ion source for improvement of sensitivity. The apparatus comprises an ion source for emitting ions in a pulsed manner, an analyzer for realizing a helical trajectory, and a detector for detecting the ions. The analyzer is composed of plural laminated toroidal electric fields to realize the helical trajectory. |
US08237110B2 |
Ion mobility spectrometer detection method using dopants
Disclosed is an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) detection method using dopants. The ion mobility spectrometer comprises a sample feeding device, a drift tube and a gas passage system communicated therewith. The gas passage system comprises a pump, a filtering device, a gas inlet and a gas outlet provided on the drift tube for providing clean gas used as the drift gas and the sample carrier gas. The detection method comprises: providing a sampling substrate for sample collection; combining the dopants with the sampling substrate; collecting the sample using the sampling substrate combined with the dopants; and introducing the sampling substrate that has collected the sample into the sample feeding port of the ion mobility spectrometer for detection. With this method, it is unnecessary to provide an independent dopant gas passage, thereby simplifying the structure of the instrument and meanwhile, making it easier and more accurate to control the amount of the dopants required for detection. |
US08237104B2 |
Device for trapping particles
A device for trapping particles contained in a liquid (L) placed in a tank, characterized in that it comprises a substrate that is transparent at a working wavelength, a thin layer of material with non-linear optical properties that are reversible at the working wavelength and which is fixed to a first face of the transparent substrate to form all or part of at least one wall of the tank, a device for forming an optical trap which comprises a laser source which emits a laser beam and means for forming a waist of the laser beam, the laser beam being incident upon that face of the transparent substrate that lies on the opposite side to the first face and the waist of the laser beam being formed in the thin layer, an evanescent electromagnetic field forming at the surface of the thin layer. |
US08237103B1 |
Mechanical galvanometer tilt correction control
A mechanical galvanometer tilt control system includes two beam detection sensors that detect vertical displacement caused by the horizontal rotation of a galvanometer and the vertical rotation of a photoconductive drum. The galvanometer may be in communication with a mirror holder that holds a mirror. The mirror holder may be operable to horizontally rotate the mirror as the mirror reflects a light beam onto a photosensitive image forming surface of the photoconductive drum. The two beam detection sensors receive the reflected light beam as the galvanometer generates one or more forward-going and one or more reverse-going scanlines on the photosensitive image forming surface. The mechanical galvanometer tilt control system may further determine an amount of vertical correction required to correct for the vertical displacement caused by the rotation of the galvanometer and the rotation of the photoconductive drum. |
US08237102B1 |
Optical rectification detector with boost optical mode enhancement
Radiation detection systems and methods. In one approach, optical radiation can be detected by using the radiation to be detected as input to a high index contrast waveguide modulator that modulates a wavelength of light that falls within the detection band of a detector. In another approach, the optical radiation that is to be detected is combined with a high power CW boost mode signal in a waveguide, and the sum and/or difference frequencies are detected. In either approach, one can use grating couplers to couple the optical radiation of interest into a waveguide. |
US08237097B2 |
Focus detecting apparatus and imaging apparatus having center position detection of micro lenses in micro lens array
A focus detecting apparatus includes: a micro lens array having plural micro lenses; a photo-detector having detecting elements corresponding with the micro lenses and receiving light flux from an optical system via the micro lenses; a center detector detecting a center position of each micro lens; an image generator generating an image from the center position of each micro lens and photo-detector output; a contrast detector detecting contrast values of an image signal of the image; a calculator calculating an integrated value by accumulating contrast values for each of plural partial images from the image; and a focus detector detecting focus adjustment status by calculating an image shift amount caused from light fluxes passed through different pupil areas of the optical system based on output of the detecting elements corresponding to the partial images from which a maximum value is obtained among the integrated values calculated by the calculator. |
US08237092B2 |
Apparatus and method for heating substrate and coating and developing system
A substrate heating apparatus includes a top plate arranged above a hot plate so that a vertical space is formed between the hot plate and the top plate. The top plate has an evacuated internal chamber serving as a vacuum insulating layer that suppresses heat transfer from a first surface of the top plate facing the hot plate to a second surface of the top plate opposite to the first surface. When heating the substrate, a gas flow flowing through the space between the hot plate and the top plate is generated. |
US08237084B2 |
Laser microperforated fresh produce trays for modified/controlled atmosphere packaging
A system for laser microperforated fresh produce trays for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored such as by size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system tailors microperforated trays for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the trays using at least some of the following: a conveyor, a thickness measuring devise, a sensor mechanism, and a laser system including optics. |
US08237075B2 |
Vacuum circuit breaker and gas-insulated switchgear using the same
Provided is a vacuum circuit breaker whose insulation cylinder contained in a gas-insulated-switchgear housing contains a vacuum valve and which can be downsized while the cylinder's required mechanical strength is retained, and a gas-insulated switchgear using the same is also provided. The vacuum circuit breaker includes a plurality of insulation cases that are arranged parallel to each other in a container filled with an insulating gas, and each of the plurality of insulation cases includes a first insulation frame in which a section orthogonal to its longitudinal direction is in a substantial square-bracket shape, a second insulation frame in which a section orthogonal to its longitudinal direction is in a substantial square-bracket shape and which is arranged with a gap from the first insulation frame in a manner that open sides of the substantially square-bracket shaped frames oppose to each other, and a vacuum valve that contains attachable and detachable electrodes and is housed in each of the plurality of insulation cases. |
US08237073B2 |
Key structure of a keyboard
A key structure of a keyboard includes a cap having a cover and a key post protruded under the cover, a key base which has a base board, restraining posts and a guiding post protruded on the base board with being arranged and spaced to surround a receiving space thereamong, and a resilient dome with a recessed passageway mounted between the cover and the base board to receive the key post and the posts in the passageway. The key post includes a base pillar and guiding ribs arranged around the base pillar. A guiding channel is opened in an inside of the guiding post to communicate with the receiving space and passes through a top of the guiding post. The key post is movably inserted in the receiving space with one guiding rib being slidably inserted in the guiding channel and the other guiding ribs being resisted against the respective restraining posts. |
US08237071B2 |
Ultra-thin, electronically conductive slice for button use
An ultra-thin, electrically conductive slice for button use, which includes a non-metallic matrix and a metal mesh. The metal mesh is provided in the non-metallic matrix. A plurality of metal touch points are provided on the metal mesh and exposed out of a surface of the non-metallic matrix so as to enable the surface of the non-metallic matrix to form a dense, electrically conductive mesh. The non-metallic matrix is rubber or silica. The metal mesh is electrically conductive. |
US08237070B2 |
Set of circuit breakers with interlock means
A set of circuit breakers with interlock means, particularly a set of circuit breakers capable of realizing any mechanical interlock and unlock between two or more circuit breakers, wherein in the set of circuit breakers, each circuit breaker has an interlock means, said interlock means comprising a base plate 5, a driving lever (22; 23; 24), a control lever 8, two control arms 27, 28, three tension springs 10, 11, 12, and six cables 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, two cables connected to two ends of the driving lever of each circuit breaker are respectively connected to a control arm of the other two circuit breakers. |
US08237069B2 |
Control button having a single return spring for multiple buttons
A control device, such as a wireless remote control for a load control system, comprises a return spring that operates to return multiple buttons to respective idle positions resulting in lower cost and complexity of the remote control. Specifically, the remote control comprises a first button having an edge, and a second button having a flange positioned adjacent the edge of the first button, such that the edge of the first button rests on the flange of the second button. The return spring has a first end fixed in location with respect to the housing and a second end contacting the second button for returning to the second button to an idle position after an actuation of the second button. After an actuation of the first button, the return spring causes the flange of the second button to force the first button back to an idle position. |
US08237068B2 |
Projected capacitive touch-sensitive panel
A touch-sensitive panel is described herein that includes a first sensor layer and a second sensor layer and at least one shield electrode integrated into the first sensor layer and/or the second sensor layer. The at least one shield electrode is operable to cancel parasitic capacitance between at least one sense electrode in the first sensor layer and at least one sense electrode in the second sensor layer. The integrated shield electrode(s) in the first sensor layer and/or the second sensor layer can be used in place of an additional shield layer to combat parasitic capacitance in the touch-sensitive panel, thereby reducing the cost and materials necessary to manufacture the touch-sensitive panel. A touch-screen display that includes such a touch-sensitive panel and a method of operating such a touch-sensitive panel are also described. |
US08237061B2 |
Z-directed filter components for printed circuit boards
A Z-directed filter component for insertion into a printed circuit board while allowing electrical connection to internal conductive planes contained with the PCB. In one embodiment the Z-directed filter component is mounted within the thickness of the PCB allowing other components to be mounted over it. The filter may be T-filter or a Pi-filter within the body of the Z-directed component. The body may also contain one or more conductors and may include one or more surface channels or wells extending along at least a portion of the length of the body. Methods for mounting Z-directed components are also provided. |
US08237060B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer printed wiring board
A method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board having an electronic component housed therein includes forming a first conductor circuit on a first surface of a substrate. A first alignment mark is formed on the first surface of the substrate separate from the conductor circuit and forming a through bore in the substrate, the through bore extending from the first surface of the substrate to a second surface of the substrate. A seal member is disposed on the second surface of the substrate, the seal member sealing an opening on the second surface of the through bore to provide a sealed through bore. An electronic component is inserted in the sealed through bore using the first alignment mark on the first surface of the substrate. |
US08237058B2 |
Printed circuit board with low propagation skew between signal traces
A printed circuit board (PCB) is configured to minimize skew between two parallel signal trace portions. The PCB comprises a laminate layer, which includes a fiberglass weave and includes a plastic resin deposited on each face of the fiberglass weave to form a first face and second face of the laminate layer. The fiberglass weave comprises a first set of fiberglass bundles in a first orientation interwoven with a second set of fiberglass bundles in a second orientation. Moreover, the PCB comprises trace a layer that is coupled to the first face of the laminate layer, and includes two or more signal traces. Two parallel trace portions of the two or more signal traces are configured to have a matching orientation and separation distance to a neighboring fiberglass bundle of the fiberglass weave, thereby ensuring that the two parallel trace portions encounter matching dielectric constants from the laminate layer. |
US08237055B2 |
Circuit board
A circuit board includes an insulation layer, a signal layer disposed on one side of the insulation layer, and a ground plane and a power plane disposed on the insulation layer at a side opposite to the signal layer. The insulation layer forms a separating area arranged between the ground plane and the power plane. At least two signal traces parallel to each other are arranged on the signal layer at one side corresponding to one of the ground plane and the power plane. A width of the signal trace close to the separating area is wider than that of the signal trace away from the separating area. |
US08237053B2 |
Power supply apparatus for slidable structure
A power supply apparatus for a slidable structure which extends longitudinally, including: a pivotably-supported ring arm; a wiring harness having one end portion fixed to a tip portion of the ring arm and the other end portion fixed to a stationary structure; and an elastic member configured to bias the ring arm in a forward and upward direction. The ring arm is moved or rotated in a backward and downward direction while elastically deforming the elastic member due to tensile force of the wiring harness, when the slidable structure is moved forward toward its fully closed state. Also, the ring arm is moved or rotated in a forward and upward direction due to restoring force of the elastic member, when the slidable structure is moved backward toward its fully open state. |
US08237052B2 |
Network cabinet
A network cabinet is provided includes a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall includes a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover. |
US08237051B2 |
Flat wire extension cords and extension cord devices
A flat wire extension cord includes an elongated cord, a first connected attached to a first end of the elongated cord, and a second connected attached to an opposite end of the elongated cord. The elongated cord includes at least one electrifiable conductor for delivering electrical power, first and second insulating layers formed on opposing sides of the at least one electrifiable conductor, and first and second return conductors formed on the first and second insulating layers, respectively, such that said at least one electrifiable conductor is at least substantially entrapped by said first and second return conductors. The first connector is operable to connect the conductors of the elongated cord to a line side input, and the second connector is operable to connect the conductors of the elongated cord to a load. |
US08237050B2 |
Solar cell with organic material in the photovoltaic layer and method for the production thereof
Disclosed is a solar cell having at least one photovoltaic layer made of an organic material, in particular a polymer material, which absorbs light and in which electron-hole pairs can be produced, said solar cell having two opposite layer surfaces of which one is connected with at least one hole-receiving layer produced inside said photovoltaic layer and the other is connected with at least one electron-receiving layer produced inside said photovoltaic layer, as well as having electrode areas En and Ep, of which one said electrode area is electrically contacted to said hole-receiving layer and the other said electrode area is electrically connected to said electron receiving layer. |
US08237046B2 |
Dye-sensitized solar cell module
The present invention aims to improve the photoelectric current of a dye-sensitized solar cell module and produce a high power dye-sensitized solar cell. The present invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell module comprising at least two photoelectric conversion elements each comprising a transparent conductive layer, a porous photoelectric conversion layer adsorbing a dye, an electrolytic layer, a catalyst layer, and a conductive layer on a transparent substrate, wherein the respective photoelectric conversion elements are different in at least one among the layering order of the respective layers composing the photoelectric conversion elements; the type and composition of the materials for the respective layers; the particle diameter in the case the materials of the respective layers are granular; the thickness and width of the respective layers; the form of the respective layers; and the open circuit voltage of the photoelectric conversion elements, and thereby the aim is achieved. |
US08237040B2 |
Method and system of purposeful movement to a steady beat
A technique for combining music and choreographed movement improves physiological and cognitive processes through purposeful movement to a steady beat. Users perform examples of the technique by purposefully executing one or more movement instructions in time with one or more musical selections. The movement instructions require concentration on both the beat pattern of the music and on the movement pattern to execute the movement instruction successfully. |
US08237036B2 |
Weighted guitar strap
One example embodiment includes a guitar strap for helping to align a guitar in a correct playing position. The guitar strap includes a strip of material, where the strip of material includes a first end and a second end, and a first attachment, where the first attachment is connected to the first end of the strip of material and where the first attachment is configured to connect to the bottom (side furthest from the guitar neck) of a guitar. The guitar strap also includes a weight pocket, where the weight pocket is located near the first end of the strip of material. |
US08237035B1 |
Maize variety PHVNV
A novel maize variety designated PHVNV and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHVNV with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHVNV through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHVNV or a trait conversion of PHVNV with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHVNV, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHVNV and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
US08237026B1 |
Soybean variety XBP17001
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP17001 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP17001, cells from soybean variety XBP17001, plants of soybean XBP17001, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP17001. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP17001 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP17001, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP17001. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP17001 are further provided. |
US08237025B1 |
Soybean variety XB32V10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB32V10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB32V10, cells from soybean variety XB32V10, plants of soybean XB32V10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB32V10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB32V10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB32V10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB32V10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB32V10 are further provided. |
US08237020B2 |
Expression and use of novel pesticidal toxins
A novel pesticidal toxin that is highly active against a wide range of lepidopteran insect pests is disclosed. The DNA encoding the pesticidal toxin can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to express the pesticidal toxin. These recombinant organisms can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments. |
US08237019B2 |
Disease resistant plants
The present invention relates to a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, wherein the plant has an increased homoserine level as compared to a plant that is not resistant to the said pathogen, in particular organisms of the phylum Oomycota. The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, comprising increasing the endogenous homoserine level in the plant. |
US08237018B2 |
Promotes and methods thereof
A promoter, which may be used to transform a plant and/or express a gene substantially uniformly in substantially all organs and/or tissues of a plant, and which may include a constitutive expression promoter for transforming a monocot plant. A vector including a promoter, which may include a recombinant plant expression vector. A method of producing a target protein using a vector, and a method of producing a transformed cell and/or plant using a vector. A transformed plant, a transformed seed and a transformed cell are included, which may be formed by the method of producing the same using a vector. A PCR primer for a promoter is provided. |
US08237017B2 |
Stress-related microRNA molecules and uses thereof
Naturally occurring and synthetic novel stress-related miRNAs are provided which can be used to modify the stress tolerance of plants. |
US08237016B2 |
Methods and compositions for obtaining marker-free transgenic plants
The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying transgenic seed that contain a transgene of interest, but lack a marker gene. Use of an identification sequence that results in a detectable phenotype increases the efficiency of screening for seed and plants in which transgene sequences not linked to a gene of interest have segregated from the sequence encoding a gene of interest. |
US08237011B2 |
Coating compositions and coated substrates for articles of manufacture used in contact with human body surfaces
A composition of matter includes a flexible substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating comprises about 10-60 wt-% of a waxy compound and about 90-40 wt-% of a diluent. The coating forms a stable liquid mixture at a temperature between about 35° C. and about 100° C., has a liquefaction temperature of at least about 30° C., and has a contact angle with a flat surface of the substrate of less than about 35° when measured at a temperature of 60° C. |
US08237007B2 |
Wound dressing with controllable permeability
Wound dressings and methods of manufacturing wound dressings are provided. The wound dressings include portions that are converted from a moisture vapor permeable material to a material having reduced moisture vapor permeability. The conversion may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a solvent is used to dissolve a porous material to thereby form a non-porous film. In other embodiments, heat is applied to melt a porous material to thereby form a non-porous film. The heat may be applied using a heated gas or a heating element to directly or indirectly heat the material. |
US08237006B2 |
Thermal oxidizer with gasifier
A manufacturing apparatus for producing products results in solid waste and organic waste disposed in an air stream. The organic waste is subject to oxidation by a thermal oxidizer receiving the air stream from the manufacturing apparatus for oxidizing the organic waste. The thermal oxidizer includes a clean air outlet for venting the oxidized air stream to the atmosphere. A gasifier receives solid waste from the manufacturing apparatus for gasifying the solid waste and producing synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is introduced to the thermal oxidizer for providing additional thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer reducing the amount of fossil fuel required to provide thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer that is necessary for oxidizing the organic waste disposed in said air stream. |
US08236998B2 |
Polyacene compound and organic semiconductor thin film
The present invention provides an organic semiconductor material which exhibits a high mobility, and excellent solubility in solvents and oxidation resistance. The present invention also provides an organic semiconductor thin film exhibiting a high mobility, and an organic semiconductor device exhibiting excellent electronic characteristics. A transistor structure is formed by coating the silicon substrate with a thin film of pentacene compound substituted halogens at 6 and 13 positions and aliphatic hydrocarbons at 2, 3, 9 and 10 positions, wherein the substrate is patterned beforehand with gold to have a source and drain electrodes. |
US08236995B2 |
Process for producing product of hydrogenolysis of polyhydric alcohol
The present invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogenolysis product of a polyhydric alcohol with a high selectivity and high efficiency using a specific catalyst, as well as to a catalyst for hydrogenolysis of a polyhydric alcohol used in the process.The process for producing a hydrogenolysis product of a polyhydric alcohol includes bringing the polyhydric alcohol into contact with hydrogen in the presence of (A) a catalyst containing at least one metal component selected from among platinum, palladium, and ruthenium, and (B) a catalyst containing a rhenium component. The catalyst for hydrogenolysis of a polyhydric alcohol is used in the process. |
US08236993B2 |
Process and apparatus for the production of hydroxytyrosol containing extract from olives and solids containing residues of olive oil extraction
Hydroxytyrosol is extracted from olives and/or from the solid residues of olives after the extraction of olive oil, by carrying out acid hydrolysis at a temperature within the range of 110° C. to 140° C. and at a pH within the range of 1.0 to 6.0, and by purifying the obtained solution on a column containing acid activated anion exchange resins, and a column containing an adsorbent non-ionic resin; both columns being eluted with water to recover the hydroxytyrosol. |
US08236990B2 |
Triarylamine compounds, compositions and uses therefor
The present invention relates to triarylamine compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and electronic devices and applications comprising at least one layer containing at least one of the new compounds. The compounds can be used as monomers to create homopolymers or copolymers. |
US08236988B2 |
Preparation of 2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)aniline and other branched alkyl-substituted-anilines
Methods are provided for preparing branched alkyl-substituted-anilines, such as 2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)aniline. Such methods comprise combining aniline, an alkyl-substituted-1-alkene, such as 4-methyl-i-pentene, and an aluminum alkyl catalyst. |
US08236981B2 |
Method for manufacturing dialkylzinc and dialkylaluminum monohalide
A method for manufacturing dialkylzinc and dialkylaluminum monohalide that makes it possible to efficiently manufacture both dialkylzinc and dialkylaluminum monohalide of high purity and at a high yield on an industrial scale with a single reaction from zinc halide and trialkylaluminum as raw materials, while suppressing the production of precipitants in the reaction process and suppressing the adhesion of precipitates to the equipment and the admixture thereof into the product. The method for manufacturing dialkylzinc and dialkylaluminum monohalide by reacting zinc halide with trialkylaluminum, includes using trialkylaluminum with a hydride concentration of 0.01% by mass to 0.10% by mass, and separating dialkylzinc essentially not containing aluminum from reactants and then separating dialkylaluminum monohalide essentially not containing zinc. |
US08236980B2 |
Lithium salt
The principal object of the invention is to provide a lithium salt having excellent ion conductivity. The invention solves the problem by providing a lithium salt having a structure represented by the general formula (1): in which “M” represents B, Si, Ge, P, As or Sb; “X” represents the valence of “M”; “R1” represents —CmH2m— whereupon “m” is an integer of 1 to 4; “R2” represents —CkH2k+1 whereupon “k” is an integer of 1 to 8; and “n” represents 0 to 12. |
US08236979B2 |
Methods for synthesis of heteroleptic cyclopentadienyl transition metal precursors
Methods for forming heteroleptic amidinate or guanidinate cyclopentadienyl containing transition metal precursors through synthesis reactions. |
US08236978B2 |
Process for producing sphingomyelin and plasmalogen-form glycerophospholipid
Disclosed is a process for producing sphingomyelin and plasmalogen-form glycerophospholipid, which comprises the step (A) of extracting a total lipids from a chicken skin powder and drying the extract, the step (B) of subjecting the dried total lipids obtained in said step (A), to extraction treatment with a solvent mixture of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent and a water-soluble ketone solvent to separate an insoluble portion composed mainly of sphingomyelin and a soluble portion, the step (C) subjecting the insoluble portion composed mainly of sphingomyelin, obtained in said step (B), to extraction treatment with a solvent mixture of water and a water-soluble ketone solvent to remove a non-lipid component contained in the soluble portion, and the step (D) of drying the soluble portion obtained in said step (B), and subjecting the thus-obtained dried product to extraction treatment with a water-soluble ketone solvent to separate and recover an insoluble portion composed mainly of plasmalogen-form giycerophospholiuld.According to the above production process, high-purity sphingomyelin, in particular, human-form sphingomyelin and plasmalogen-form sphingomyelin can be produced from chicken skin at high yields with simple procedures. |
US08236976B2 |
Processes for highly enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of acyclic epoxy alcohols and allylic epoxy alcohols
The inventive subject matter relates to novel processes for making an epoxy alcohol from an aldehyde, comprising the steps of: (a) adding (i) an organozinc compound or (ii) divinylzinc compound and an diorganozinc compound to said aldehyde in the presence of a first catalyst to form an allylic alkoxide compound; and (b) epoxidizing said allylic alkoxide compound in the presence of an oxidant and a second catalyst. |
US08236974B2 |
Process for preparing glycidyl esters
Process for preparing glycidyl esters, wherein carbonate esters of the formula I are reacted in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst with elimination of carbon dioxide to form glycidyl esters of the formula II where R in the above formulae is an organic radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. |
US08236968B2 |
1,4-bis(2-thienylvinyl)benzol derivatives and their use
The present invention relates to novel 1,4-bis(2-thienylvinyl)benzene derivatives, to conjugated polymers, dendrimers, blends, mixtures and formulations comprising same, and to the use thereof in electronic devices, in particular in polymeric organic light-emitting diodes. |
US08236967B2 |
Diindenothiophene derivatives and use thereof
A diindenothiophene derivative of the following formula (1) is disclosed: wherein each of G1, G2, G3 and G4 is independently an unsubstituted or substituted C6-C40-aromatic group or a C1-C40-aliphatic group; A is an electron-withdrawing group; and D is an electron-donating group. The inventive diindenothiophene derivatives can be used in a dye-sensitized solar cell. |
US08236966B2 |
Salt forms of [R-(R*,R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-beta, alpha-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid
Novel salt forms of [R—(R*,R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-β,δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid characterized by their X-ray powder diffraction pattern and solid-state NMR spectra are described, as well as methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical composition of the same, which are useful as agents for treating hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and Alzheimer's Disease. |
US08236964B2 |
Thiazolidine derivatives as orexin receptor antagonists
The invention relates to novel thiazolidine derivatives of the formula (I) wherein A and R1 are as described in the description and their use as medicaments, especially as orexin receptor antagonists. |
US08236962B2 |
Metalloenzyme inhibitor compounds
The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes. |
US08236956B2 |
Cyclopamine analogues and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating smoothened-dependent pathway activation. The present invention provides analogs of cyclopamine that can be used to counteract the phenotypic effects of unwanted activation of a hedgehog pathway, such as resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, Ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function mutations. The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful in treating cancers. |
US08236953B2 |
Process for preparing piper azine derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of conditions or disorders which are mediated via the GPR38 receptor. |
US08236952B2 |
Preparations containing amino acids and orotic acid
The present invention describes compounds produced from an orotic acid molecule and an amino acid molecule. The compounds being in the form of amino acid orotate compounds bound by an amide linkage and produced by one of two disclosed methods; 1) reacting orotic acid or derivatives thereof with a thionyl halide, and then combining the acyl halide with an amino acid in the presence of dichloromethane and a DMAP catalyst; or 2) protecting the carboxylic acid of an amino acid and then combining the amino acid with a DCC activated orotic acid, followed by removal of the carboxylic acid protecting group. The resulting amino acid orotate amide has an enhanced stability in solution as compared to a related ester. In addition, specific benefits are conferred by the particular amino acid used to form the compounds in addition to, and separate from, the orotate substituent. |
US08236951B2 |
Thioxanthine derivatives as myeloperoxidase inhibitors
There is disclosed the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X and Y are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament, for the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases or conditions in which inhibition of the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) is beneficial. Certain novel compounds of formula (Ia) or (Ib) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed, together with processes for their preparation. The compounds of formulae (Ia) and (Ib) are MPO inhibitors and are thereby particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of neuroinflammatory disorders. |
US08236950B2 |
Anti-viral compounds
Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) or other viruses are disclosed. This invention is also directed to compositions comprising such compounds, co-formulation or co-administration of such compounds with other anti-viral or therapeutic agents, processes and intermediates for the syntheses of such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for the treatment of HCV or other viral infections. |
US08236948B2 |
5,6-dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-one compounds
The invention is directed to 5,6-dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-one compounds of Formula I wherein X is N, and A is and compounds used to synthesize the compounds of Formula I. |
US08236947B2 |
Quinoline derivatives and their use as 5-HT6 ligands
Disclosed are quinoline compounds having affinity for the 5-HT6 receptor and having the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n, m, p and A are defined herein, and salts thereof, compositions containing these compounds and salts and processes for making and using the same. |
US08236946B2 |
Process for the preparation of 17-0-vinyl-triflates as intermediates
Process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) as defined herein by (i) triflating a ketone of formula (II) as defined herein to form a triflate of formula (III) as defined herein and (ii) reacting the compound of the formula (III) to form a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. The triflating step is conducted in the presence of a base comprising a tertiary or heterocyclic amine such that the pKa of the conjugate acid at 25° C. is within the range 5.21 to 12. The base is selected from pyridine, 2,6-lutidine, N-methylmorpholine, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), trimethylamine, triethylamine, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), quinuclidine and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). |
US08236942B2 |
SiRNA targeting glucagon receptor (GCGR)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for GCGR. |
US08236941B2 |
Tetracycline repressor regulated oncolytic viruses
The present invention is directed oncolytic Herpes simplex-1 viruses whose replication is controlled using a tetracycline operator/repressor system. The invention also includes DNA sequences used in making the viruses and methods in which these viruses are used in the treatment of cancer patients with solid tumors. |
US08236938B2 |
High lysine maize compositions and methods for detection thereof
Disclosed herein are assays for detecting the presence of a lysine-increasing transgenic event based on the DNA sequence of the exogenous DNA construct inserted into the maize genome and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Also provided are transgenic plants having a novel exogenous DNA construct that expresses a dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase, the activity of which results in increased lysine in a plant or plant product. |
US08236931B2 |
Prevention of aggregation of immunoglobulin light or heavy chains
An inhibitor of the aggregation of immunoglobulin chains is provided. The inhibitor may comprise or consist of a polypeptide which comprises or consists of (a) an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the FR1 region of an immunoglobulin light chain variable domain, or part thereof which includes amino acid residue 12, (b) an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the immunoglobulin-binding domain of bacterial superantigen Protein L, or part thereof, and/or (c) an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the immunoglobulin-binding domain of streptococcal protein G, or part thereof, or a variant, fusion or derivative thereof, or a fusion of a variant or derivative thereof which retains the ability of the parent polypeptide to inhibit aggregation of immunoglobulin chains, or domains thereof. Other versions of the inhibitor are also provided. |
US08236930B2 |
Binding molecules to the human OX40 receptor
The present disclosure provides isolated binding molecules that bind to the human OX40R, nucleic acid molecules encoding an amino acid sequence of the binding molecules, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing the vectors, methods of making the binding molecules, pharmaceutical compositions containing the binding molecules, and methods of using the binding molecules or compositions. |
US08236926B2 |
Rapid glycopeptide optimization via neoglycosylation
The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions for generating vancomycin analogs. Specifically the invention relates to generating a vancomycin library through chemoselective ligation of a sugar moiety with a vancomycin aglycon. In particular, the present invention provides a library of vancomycin analogs, where the member of the library comprises at least one vancomycin analog selected from 2′-N-acyldecanoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside, 3′-N-acyldecanoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside, 4′-N-acyldecanoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside, 6′-N-acyldecanoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside, 2′-N-acylbiphenyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside, 3′-N-acylbiphenoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside, 4′-N-acylbiphenoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside and 6′-N-acylbiphenoyl-glucosyl vancomycin neoglycoside. |
US08236923B2 |
Fluorine-containing polymer and method of producing fluorine-containing polymer
A method of producing a fluorine-containing polymer, containing conducting an addition polymerization of a fluorine-containing compound having 2 or more terminal fluorine-containing vinyl groups each directly bonded to an oxygen atom per molecule, and a compound having 2 or more groups represented by —XH, where X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; and a fluorine-containing polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by formula (i): wherein Rf1 represents a perfluoroalkylene group; each of Rf2 and Rf3 independently represents a fluorine atom, a perfluoroalkyl group or a perfluoroalkoxy group; at least two among Rf1, Rf2 and Rf3 may bond to each other to form a ring structure; X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; and L represents a divalent organic group. |
US08236920B2 |
Polyarylene and process for producing the same
A dihalobiphenyl compound represented by the formula (1): wherein A represents an amino group substituted with one or two C1-C20 hydrocarbon groups or a C1-C20 alkoxy group, R1 represents a fluorine atom, a C1-C20 alkyl group, etc., X1 represents a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or an iodine atom, an k represents an integer of 0 to 3, and a polyarylene comprising a repeating unit represented by the formula (2): wherein A, R1 and k represent the same meanings as defined above. |
US08236917B2 |
Compound having silsesquioxane skeleton and its polymer
A compound represented by Formula (1) and a polymer obtained using the compound: wherein R1 is phenyl which may have substituents, Q1 is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl or phenyl in which optional hydrogen may be replaced by halogen or alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, Q2 is a group represented by Formula (2): <—Z0A1-Z1lA2-Z2mA3-Z3nA4p—Z4— (2) wherein the code < represents a bonding point with silicon, l, m, n and p are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and A1 to A4, Z0 to Z4 and Y1 are defined in the specification. |
US08236916B1 |
Polysilane compositions, methods for their synthesis and films formed therefrom
Polysilanes, inks containing the same, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The polysilane generally has the formula H-[(AHR)n(c-AmHpm-2)q]—H, where each instance of A is independently Si or Ge; R is H, -AaHa+1Ra, halogen, aryl or substituted aryl; (n+a)≧10 if q=0, q≧3 if n=0, and (n+q)≧6 if both n and q≠0; p is 1 or 2; and m is from 3 to 12. In one aspect, the method generally includes the steps of combining a silane compound of the formula AHaR14-a, the formula AkHgR1′h and/or the formula c-AmHpmR1rm with a catalyst of the formula R4xR5yMXz (or an immobilized derivative thereof) to form a poly(aryl)silane; then washing the poly(aryl)silane with an aqueous washing composition and contacting the poly(aryl)silane with an adsorbent to remove the metal M. In another aspect, the method includes the steps of halogenating a polyarylsilane to form a halopolysilane; and reducing the halopolysilane with a metal hydride to form the polysilane. The synthesis of semiconductor inks via dehydrocoupling of silanes and/or germanes allows for tuning of the ink properties (e.g., viscosity, boiling point, and surface tension) and for deposition of silicon films or islands by spincoating, inkjetting, dropcasting, etc., with or without the use of UV irradiation. |
US08236912B2 |
Gas-barrier film and environment-sensitive device
Provided is a gas-barrier film having a high barrier property when it is folded. The gas barrier film is characterized in that an organic layer comprises a resin obtained by curing a monomer as a polymerizing ingredient and the monomer has a structure of pentahydric alcohol or more polyhydric alcohol having a molecular weight of from 200 to 800 in which at least 5 hydroxyl groups are substituted with an aliphatic carbonyloxy group of the following general formula (1): wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; L represents a linking group having a chain length of at least 4 atoms; n indicates 0 or 1; provided that at least 3 hydroxyl groups of the polyhydric alcohol are substituted with the aliphatic carbonyloxy group of formula (1), when n =1. |
US08236909B2 |
Method for preparing polymer by precipitation polymerization
The present invention provides a method for preparing a polymer by precipitation polymerization, comprising the steps of mixing an antisolvent a), a monomer b), and a catalyst c), and while polymerizing the monomers, simultaneously precipitating a polymer formed by the monomers b) in a solid phase. |
US08236906B2 |
Polyamide-imide resin, process for production of polyamide resin, and curable resin composition
A process for production of a polyamide resin having a reactive double bond, the process including a step of reacting a carboxylic acid and a diisocyanate to produce a polyamide resin, wherein the carboxylic acid component includes a carboxylic acid with a reactive double bond. Also, a polyamideimide resin obtainable by reacting a diisocyanate with a diimidedicarboxylic acid and a reactive double bond-containing carboxylic acid, which has a reactive double bond. |
US08236894B2 |
Monovinylarene conjugated diene block copolymer compositions for shrinkable films
The present invention relates generally to monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers adapted for shrinkable film applications. In one embodiment, a block copolymer is provided wherein an oriented 2 mil film of the block copolymer oriented at 100° C. or less exhibits less than 10% shrinkage at 70° C., and at least 70% shrinkage at 100° C. |
US08236893B2 |
Polylactic acid based resin molded articles
The polylactic acid based resin molded article is a molded article formed from a polylactic acid based resin composition comprising a polylactic acid based resin (A), a polypropylene (B) having a crystallinity of 20% by weight or less and a modified ethylene-α-olefin copolymer (C1) or a modified polyolefin (C2), wherein a treatment for accelerating crystallization of the polylactic acid based resin (A) is applied thereto. In the polylactic acid based resin composition, the polypropylene (B) having a crystallinity of 20% by weight or less is blended in an amount of from 10 to 90 parts by weight based on 90 to 10 parts by weight of the polylactic acid based resin (A). In addition, the modified ethylene-α-olefin copolymer (C1) or the modified polyolefin (C2) is blended in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight in total of the polylactic acid based resin (A) and the polypropylene (B) having a crystallinity of 20% by weight or less. |
US08236890B2 |
Emulsions of silicone elastomer and silicone organic elastomer gels
Aqueous emulsions are disclosed of a gel or gel paste containing a silicone elastomer from the reaction an organohydrogensiloxane having at least two SiH containing cyclosiloxane rings in its molecule and a compound having at least two aliphatic unsaturated groups in its molecule. |
US08236888B2 |
Polyhedral-modified polymer
A macromolecule including a polymer and a polyhedral radical chemically bonded to a terminus of the polymer provides numerous processing and performance advantages. Further functionalization of this macromolecule also is described as being advantageous in certain circumstances. Methods of providing, functionalizing, and utilizing the macromolecule also are provided. |
US08236886B2 |
Adhesive compositions
Adhesive compositions suitable for use as tie-layer adhesives in multi-layer films and sheets are provided. The adhesive compositions contain an olefin polymer base resin, a modified polyolefin and a paraffinic liquid hydrocarbon. |
US08236883B2 |
Puncture-resistant bulletproof and leakproof safety tire and its preparation method, and a leakproof and hermetically-repairing macromolecular material utilized in the method
The present disclosure provides a safety tire having a puncture-resistant, bulletproof, and leakproof capability between about −45° C. to about 120° C. without any damaging process to the inside wall of the tire, but just by spray coating a layer of leakproof and hermetically-repairing macromolecular material with a thickness of about 2 mm to about 8 mm to the inside wall of the tire that does not have an inner tube. The present disclosure also provides the components of the leakproof and hermetically-repairing macromolecular material and the method to prepare the puncture-resistant bulletproof and leakproof safety tires. |
US08236881B2 |
DOPO flame retardant compositions
The present invention relates to flame retardant polymer compositions which comprise mixtures of phosphinic acid salts and dihydro-oxa-phospho-phenantrene derivatives. The compositions are especially useful for the manufacture of flame retardant compounds based on polycondensates like polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates. |
US08236877B2 |
Method of producing hybrid polymer-inorganic materials
Hybrid composite materials with multiscale morphologies are formed by doping polymer submicrometer spheres with semiconductor or metal (e.g. CdS or Ag, respectively) nanoparticles and using these doped microspheres as functional building blocks in production of hybrid periodically structured materials. The preparation of hybrid polymer particles include the following stages: (i) synthesis of monodisperse polymer microspheres, (ii) in-situ synthesis of the inorganic nanoparticles either on the surface, or in the bulk with polymer beads, and (iii) encapsulation of hybrid microspheres with a hydrophobic shell. |
US08236874B2 |
Compositions and method for improving the processing of polymer composites
A composition that employs a coupling agent with a fluoropolymer processing aid to address melt-processing issues related to the use of interfering components in melt-processable polymeric binders. |
US08236873B2 |
Method of manufacturing protein adsorption preventing eye lens material
An eye lens material preventing protein adsorption is manufactured by reacting in a reaction medium of either water, an organic solvent, or a water/organic solvent mixture an eye lens material having OH groups with a phosphorylcholine group-containing compound of formula (1), thereby forming an acetal bond according to formula (2) which covalently bonds the phosphorylcholine group-containing compound to a surface of the eye lens material. |
US08236870B2 |
Curable solid ink compositions
A curable solid ink composition including a curable component, a non-curable component including an ethoxylated octylphenol derivative, a photoinitiator, and a colorant. The curable solid ink composition has a viscosity in the range of less than 10 cPs at 90° C., a shrinkage value of less than 3%, and a superior curing rate compared to existing curable solid ink compositions. The ethoxylated octylphenol derivatives may be prepared by reacting an ethoxylated octylphenol, a linear alcohol, and diisocyanates or polyisocyanates. |
US08236866B2 |
High resilience foams
A high resilience (HR) polyurethane foam comprising the reaction product of (1) at least one polyisocyanate comprising at least about 5 weight percent of at least one methylene diphenyl diisocyanate isomer, derivative or a combination thereof and (2) an admixture of at least one natural oil based polyol and at least one additional polyol which is not a natural oil based polyol, wherein the admixture comprises at least about 10 weight percent natural oil based polyol and at least about 40 weight percent additional polyol having an equivalent weight of at least about 1700 Daltons; and the foam has a resiliency indicated by a ball rebound of at least 40 percent as measured according to the procedures of ASTM D 3574, Test H. |
US08236859B2 |
Use of 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane-1-one for improved skin contouring or against cellulite
A cosmetic or dermatological preparation which is suitable for application to skin and comprises 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane-1-one in a concentration which is effective for at least one of increasing skin moisture content, moisturizing skin, improving the surface structure of the skin, reducing cellulite, increasing the resilience and elasticity of skin, strengthening the connective tissue of skin, and reducing stretch marks on skin. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
US08236856B2 |
Delayed release formulation for reducing the frequency of urination and method of use thereof
Methods and compositions for reducing the frequency of urination are disclosed. One method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an analgesic agent formulated in a delayed-release formulation. Another method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising multiple active ingredients. Yet another method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a diuretic followed with another administration of an pharmaceutical composition comprising an analgesic agent. |
US08236849B2 |
Model for glutamate racemase inhibitors and glutamate racemase antibacterial agents
The increase in antibacterial resistance has created the demand for new antibiotics. The present invention relates to a more potent antibiotic that targets the enzyme glutamate racemase from known glutamate racemase inhibitors. Glutamate racemase catalyses the interconversion of L-glutamate to D-glutamate, making D-glutamate available, which is required for bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Knockout mutations have shown glutamate racemase to be necessary for bacterial cell survival and, before the present invention, no antibiotic on the market targeted this enzyme. The present invention relates to new, ligand based glutamate racemase inhibitors, developed using software to extract a pharmacophore model from a group of known glutamate racemase inhibitors. Forty-seven (47) known inhibitors were collected from the literature and several pharmacophore models were extracted therefrom. The functional groups common to all the known inhibitors were included in a pharmacophore model that described the requirements for glutamate racemase inhibition with 82% accuracy. Of these models, one was found to describe the requirements for glutamate racemase inhibition with 82% accuracy. The model was used to search databases of commercially available chemical compounds and 2-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethylamino)-4-oxo-4-p-tolylbutanoic acid and 2-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethylamino)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid were identified as showing antibacterial activity. These compounds were assayed against S. pneumoniae and were shown to have antibacterial activity against the non-virulent strain R6 and against a multidrug resistant strain. |
US08236846B2 |
Dual-acting antihypertensive agents
The invention is directed to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Y, Z, Q, W, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds. |
US08236843B2 |
Anti inflammatory compounds
Biphenyl compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates or prodrugs, their pharmaceutical compositions, their use and process of preparation are provided. Compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) are disclosed to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. |
US08236839B2 |
Dual-acting antihypertensive agents
The invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, R3, Z, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds. |
US08236838B2 |
Compounds, compositions and methods comprising isoxazole derivatives
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating a disease in an animal, which disease is responsive to inhibiting of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) polypeptide by administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound defined herein (including those compounds set forth in Tables 1-2 or encompassed by formulas I-II) or compositions thereof, thereby treating the disease. The present invention particularly, relates to a method of treating diarrhea and polycystic kidney disease. |
US08236831B2 |
Thiazole compound (as PPARδ) ligand and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and health food comprised thereof
The present invention relates to a thiazole compound as a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) activator or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition, a functional cosmetic composition, a health food, health beverages, a food additive and animal feeds containing the same. |
US08236829B2 |
Bicyclic derivatives as modulators of voltage gated ION channels
Bicyclic derivatives useful as ion channel antagonists are disclosed herein. The compositions thereof are useful for treating or relieving pain-related conditions. |
US08236828B2 |
Insecticidal compounds
A compound of formula (I) wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, G1, G2, R1, R2, R3, R4, Q1, Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or TV-oxide thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode or mollusc pests. |
US08236824B2 |
N-(pyrazole-3-yl)-benzamide derivatives as glucokinase activators
Novel heterocyclic compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Alk and D have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are activators of glucokinase and can be used for the prevention and/or treatment of Diabetes Typ 1 and 2, obesity, neuropathy and/or nephropathy. |
US08236813B2 |
Tricyclic pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives
A pyrazolopyrimidine compound represented by formula (1) that inhibits the function of HSP90 as a chaperone protein and that has antitumor activity, a medicament comprising a compound represented by formula (1), a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound represented by formula (1), and a method for treating cancer using a compound represented by formula (1). |
US08236812B2 |
Inhibitors of bruton's tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions. |
US08236811B2 |
Therapeutic use for treating of leukemia
The disclosure relates to methods of treating leukaemia, in particular myeloid leukaemia, comprising administering the compound N-[2-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-ylamino)-6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]-N′-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-urea or a hydrate, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof. |
US08236797B2 |
Bromo-phenyl substituted thiazolyl dihydropyrimidines
This invention relates to a bromo-phenyl substituted thiazolyl dihydropyrimidine, its preparation method and use as a medicament for treating and preventing hepatitis B infections. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the dihydropyrimidine, one or more antiviral agents and, optionally, an immunomodulator for treating and preventing HBV infections. |
US08236790B2 |
Benzothiadiazepine compounds, a process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen or halogen atom or an alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, cyano, nitro, amino, substituted or unsubstituted aminocarbonyl, aminosulphonyl, alkylsulphonylaminoalkyl, N-hydroxy-carboximidamide or benzyloxy group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl group, R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating or preventing conditions treatable by an AMPA receptor modulator and/or an NMDA receptor antagonist. |
US08236788B2 |
Azolylmethyloxiranes, use thereof for controlling plant pathogenic fungi, and agents containing the same
The present invention relates to azolylmethyloxiranes of the general formula I in which A or B is phenyl which is substituted by one CN and optionally by one to three of the following substituents: halogen, NO2, amino, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C1-C4-haloalkoxy, C1-C4-alkylamino, C1-C4-dialkylamino, thio or C1-C4-alkylthio, and the respective other substituent A or B is phenyl or 5-membered or 6-membered heteroaryl, these substituents optionally being substituted by one to three of the following substituents: halogen, CN, NO2, amino, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C1-C4-haloalkoxy, C1-C4-alkylamino, C1-C4-dialkylamino, thio or C1-C4-alkylthio, and to the plant-compatible acid addition salts or metal salts thereof, to the use of the compounds of the formula I for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and to compositions comprising these compounds. |
US08236787B2 |
Frequency modulated drug delivery (FMDD)
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a coordination complex, comprising a first biologically active moiety, a second biologically active moiety, and a metal, wherein the first biologically active moiety and second biologically active moiety are bound to the metal by covalent coordination bonds, and wherein the first biologically active moiety and second biologically active moiety are different. These complexes may enhance the pharmacodynamic properties of biologically active moieties. |
US08236786B2 |
Respiratory disease treatment
There is provided a pharmaceutical composition that is adapted for pulmonary administration by inhalation, which composition comprises a glitazone, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients, and wherein the glitazone content of the composition consists of at least 95% by weight of the 5R enantiomer and less than 5% by weight of the 5S enantiomer. There is also provided a use and kit. |
US08236785B2 |
Method of treating or preventing infertility in a female mammal and pharmaceutical kit for use in such method
The present invention relates to a method of treating infertility in a female mammal that involves controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The method includes administering to the female a combination of (i) an FSH substance in an amount effective to stimulate follicular development and (ii) a steroid in an effective amount to inhibit or suppress the secretion of luteinising hormone. The steroid can be substances represented by the following formula in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4 independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 15 carbon atoms; each of R5, R6, R7 is a hydroxyl group; no more than 3 of R1, R2, R3, R4 are hydrogen atoms; derivatives of the aforementioned steroid substances; or mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances or derivatives. |
US08236783B2 |
ROS-sensitive iron chelators and methods of using the same
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): along with compositions containing the same and methods of use thereof in treating oxidative stress. |
US08236782B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising prasugrel and cyclodextrin derivatives and methods of making and using the same
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising prasugrel and a cyclodextrin derivative, and methods of making and using the same. |
US08236781B2 |
Hydrogel of chitosan carboxyalkylamide, preparation thereof and cosmetic and dermatological use thereof
The present invention relates to a hydrogel of chitosan carboxyalkylamide, characterised in that it has a pH value close to that of the skin, comprised between 6.5 and 7.2, and in that the chitosan carboxy-alkylamide is constituted by 40 to 90 mole % of D-glucosamine N-carboxyalkylamide units of formula (I) where n represents an integer ranging from 1 to 8, from 60 to 10 mole % of protonated D-glucosamine units, and from 5 to 15 mole % of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units. The present invention also relates to a dehydration product of such a gel and the cosmetic and/or dermatological utilisation of the gel and the dehydration product. |
US08236780B2 |
Galactose—pronged polysaccharides in a formulation for antifibrotic therapies
Methods and compositions for reducing fibrosis are provided, wherein an admixture of at least a galactose-pronged polymer and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is obtained and administered, wherein the administration of a sufficient amount of the admixture is measured by a quantitative change in a fibrosis tissue marker. |
US08236775B2 |
Compositions and methods for siRNA inhibition of HIF-1 α
RNA interference using small interfering RNAs which target HIF-1 alpha mRNA inhibit expression of the HIF-1 alpha gene. As HIF-1 alpha is a transcriptional regulator of VEGF, expression of VEGF is also inhibited. Control of VEGF production through siRNA-mediated down-regulation of HIF-1 alpha can be used to inhibit angiogenesis, in particularly in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and many types of cancer. |
US08236771B2 |
Vectors and methods for long-term immune evasion to prolong transplant viability
Vector compositions and methods are provided for transfecting donor cell populations and tissues for grafts, for reducing expression of mismatched proteins, thereby reducing immunogenicity of the grafted cells and tissues in a recipient subject. |
US08236770B2 |
Serum-stable amphoteric liposomes
The invention relates to amphoteric liposomal formulations which are provided with great serum stability and are suitable for the intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides. |
US08236769B2 |
Agent for improving insulin resistance
To inhibit production of adipocytokines, in particular, adipocytokines that elicit insulin resistance and to prevent onset of pathosis caused by the insulin resistance, or improve the pathosis, the present invention provides an agent or a food or drink which contains 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4-methylergost-7-en-3-ol, or an organic solvent extract, a hot water extract or a squeezed liquid of a plant of the family Liliaceae or a fraction thereof which contains the compound as an active ingredient. |
US08236765B2 |
Ganglioside epitopes for treating guillain-barre syndrome
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in a subject that involves neutralizing specific pathogenic anti-glycolipid antibodies in the circulation of the subject. This can involve administering to the subject a molecular mimic of a ganglioside that serves as a specific competitive inhibitor for anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation. Also disclosed is an animal model of GBS having anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation. |
US08236764B2 |
Methods for treating a hemostasis related disorder using activated forms of Factor V
Methods for the treatment of coagulation disorders using Factor V/Va variants are provided. |
US08236761B2 |
C-Met receptor regulation by angiotensin IV (AT4) receptor ligands
The cell surface c-Met receptor, through which hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signals are mediated, has now been identified as the Angiotensin-IV receptor (AT(4)R) in processes that include HGF-regulated cell motility, angiogenesis, cancer metastasis, adipogenesis and others. Disclosed are angiotensin-like factor compositions and methods for using them to diagnose, prevent and/or treat conditions associated with c-Met dysregulation, including cancer, obesity and conditions associated with obesity, and other disorders, for example, by altering hepatocyte growth factor activity or c-Met receptor activity by administering an angiotensin-like factor that specifically binds to a cell surface c-Met receptor. |
US08236760B2 |
Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of short bowel syndrome
The present invention describes the methods of using incretin mimetics such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly exenatide, to treat short bowel syndrome and spastic or hyperactive esophageal motor disorders. |