最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08238338B2 Interior gateway protocol summarization preserving internet protocol reachability information
In one example embodiment, a system and method is illustrated that includes receiving connectivity data for at least one network device, the connectivity data describing a connection to the at least one network device within an area. The system and method further includes processing the connectivity data to obtain a routing update for distribution to another network device outside the area. Additionally, the system and method includes a routing summary in the routing update, the routing summary including an address prefix. Further, the system and method includes reachability information in the routing update, the reachability information including an address for the at least one network device.
US08238330B2 System and method for transmitting a telephone call over the internet
A method and system for transmitting a call in a client/server architecture. A client device initiates a telephone call and converts first analog voice signals associated with the telephone call to digital signals. The digital signals are then transmitted over the Internet to a first gateway server. The first gateway server processes the digital signals using a codec algorithm and transmits the processed digital signals over the Internet to a second gateway server. The second gateway server converts the processed digital signals to second analog voice signals and transmits the second analog voice signals over a public switched telephone network.
US08238326B2 Maintaining consistent network connections while moving through wireless networks
A proxy server provides an anchor point for access network changes in a wireless environment. One example embodiment uses the concept of proxy server in order to preserve a uniform connectivity to a gateway service node while roaming across different networks through a handover mechanism. In one embodiment, the client connects to a proxy server through one access network, and the proxy server manages and keeps track of the user session toward the gateway service node. The client then connects to any packet service network, including Internet, through the proxy. When the client moves from one network to another, it indicates the change to the proxy and proxy, using a handover mechanism, switches the access network while maintaining the user session toward the gateway service node. The handover mechanism involved is efficient, with minimal messaging overhead, and preserves the application layer IP address of the client. Therefore, the data connections do not suffer from interruptions due to roaming through different networks and the service is seamlessly continued.
US08238321B2 Techniques for accessing a wireless communication system with tune-away capability
To access a first communication system, a terminal determines a transmission time for an access probe, an expected response time from the system, and a protected time interval based on the transmission time and/or expected response time. The terminal determines a starting time for sending the access probe such that the protected time interval does not overlap a tune-away interval in which the terminal is to monitor anther frequency/air-interface. This starting time may be set initially to the end of a prior access probe plus a pseudo-random wait duration and may be advanced forward or moved backward in time, if needed, by a time duration selected such that the protected time interval does not overlap the tune-away interval.
US08238316B2 802.11 very high throughput preamble signaling field with legacy compatibility
In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus are disclosed that includes aspects of a controller configured to create a VHT frame that is arranged to include information relating to a modulation and a coding scheme with which a data portion of the VHT frame is modulated and encoded; and a transmitter configured to transmit the VHT frame to one or more STAs.
US08238315B2 Rapid local address assignment for wireless communication networks
An apparatus including a receiver, an address module, and a connection module. The receiver receives a first wireless signal from a wireless network. The address module determines a type of Internet Protocol address assignment employed by the wireless network based on an indicator in the first wireless signal. The connection module establishes a network-layer connection to the wireless network based on a first type of Internet Protocol address assignment when the address module determines that the indicator indicates the first type. The connection module also establishes a network-layer connection to the wireless network based on a second type of Internet Protocol address assignment when the address module determines that the indicator indicates the second type.
US08238314B2 Method and apparatus for providing a distributed forwarding plane for a mobility home agent
The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing a distributed forwarding plane for a mobility home agent. The invention provides a method for controlling routing of packets for a mobile node in a network comprising a network domain including a plurality of forwarding elements being controlled by a control element. A method includes computing a route from one of the forwarding elements toward the mobile node and propagating the computed route toward that one of the forwarding elements. The route is computed using location information associated with the mobile node and routing information associated with the network domain.
US08238309B1 Stateful home agent recovery protocol (SHARP)
A method and system for resilient mobile communications in a network when network elements are removed, upgraded or fail are provided. A mobile device communicates with an endpoint through foreign and home agents communicatively connected to the network. An active home agent stores communication information for the mobile node and multicasts the communication information to non-active home agents associated with the active home agent. When an active home agent is removed, upgraded or fails, the mobile device is able to maintain mobile communications with the endpoint through one or more non-active home agent. A non-active home agent having a high priority is transitioned to active status to maintain communication service between the mobile node and endpoint.
US08238305B2 Transmission restarting method and radio base station
In a transmission restarting method of restarting transmission of downlink user data to a mobile station (UE) in a discontinuous reception state; a radio base station (eNB) allocates a radio resource for downlink data transmission to the mobile station (UE), and notifies, to the mobile station (UE), the allocated radio resource for downlink data transmission; the radio base station (eNB) restarts transmission of downlink user data to the mobile station (UE) by using the allocated radio resource for downlink data transmission; and the radio base station (eNB) stops transmission of the downlink user data when a predetermined condition is detected.
US08238301B2 Method, system, and wireless frame structure for supporting different mode of multiple access
A method, system, and wireless frame structure for supporting different modes of multiple radio access. The described system comprises base stations and terminals. There is a group of base stations at the same location, which include at least two synchronized base stations on the same frequency band, supporting different multiple access techniques in downlink or uplink. The base stations in the described group transmit downlink frames in a negotiated downlink zone and receive uplink frames in a negotiated uplink zone respectively, and the zones of the base stations are not overlapped. Each terminal accesses to one of the base stations according to the downlink multiple access technique that it supports, and receives/transmits signals in the downlink zone/uplink zone allocated to the base station.
US08238300B2 Method of communication using frame
A device and method for communicating by a mobile communication terminal in communication with a base station. The method according to an embodiment includes exchanging a frame of data with the base station. The frame of data includes a) a plurality of first subframes each having a first number of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols, and b) a plurality of second subframes each having a second number of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols different from the first number.
US08238297B2 Method and system for dimensioning scheduling assignments in a communication system
A system and method for performing Scheduling Assignments (SAs) for User Equipments (UEs) at a base station of a communication system by accounting for the different operating conditions UEs may experience or for the different data rates or data packet sizes UEs may require. This reduces a total size of SAs by introducing compact SAs, in addition to full SAs. For compact SAs, the range for the resource allocation or for the spectral efficiency of the signal transmission is restricted or some fields that exist in the full SA are eliminated without adversely impacting scheduling flexibility or system throughput. By reducing the total size of SAs through the use of compact SAs, the corresponding control signaling overhead is reduced, which improves system throughput, improves scheduling flexibility, or improves coverage.
US08238296B2 Method and apparatus for scanning for an idle channel in a frequency environment
An idle channel scanning method and apparatus are provided. The method of scanning for an idle channel via a device communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices in the same frequency environment includes: allocating at least one of all frequency channels of the frequency environment to each peripheral device of the plurality of peripheral devices; requesting the plurality of peripheral devices a state of the frequency channels allocated to each peripheral device; and receiving information on the frequency channel state scanned by the plurality of peripheral devices in response to the request for the state of the frequency channels allocated.
US08238295B2 Demodulation of a subset of available link assignment blocks
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate assigning indices to link assignment blocks (LABs) communicated via a downlink. Indices in a first subset are allocated to shared LABs, which are decoded by a plurality of access terminals. Indices in a second subset are assigned to unshared LABs, which are each intended for a particular recipient access terminal. Assignment of an index for each unshared LAB can be based upon a hash of an identifier corresponding to an intended recipient access terminal and/or access terminal capabilities. Moreover, an access terminal can decode LABs based upon corresponding indices. LABs with indices in a first range can be identified as shared LABs and decoded. Further, the access terminal can determine a second range of indices corresponding to unshared LABs to decode; the second range of indices includes fewer than all indices corresponding to unshared LABs in a frame sent by a base station.
US08238293B2 Method of evaluating channel bandwidth utilization ratio, wireless communication system, apparatus for evaluating channel bandwidth utilization ratio and program thereof
An inputting unit 10 of a channel bandwidth utilization ratio evaluating server 1 inputs various traffic parameters and transmission parameters. A packet sending-out time computing section 21 obtains a packet sending-out channel time based upon a packet size and the transmission rate. Further, a probability computing section 22 obtains a channel bandwidth utilization ratio based upon the packet sending-out channel time, a cycle time of a packet, and a communication error ratio. Further, the channel bandwidth utilization ratio evaluating server 1 evaluates the obtained channel bandwidth utilization ratio. For example, the channel bandwidth utilization ratio evaluating server 1 determines whether or not receipt of a new call is permitted based upon the obtained channel bandwidth utilization ratio. Further, the channel bandwidth utilization ratio evaluating server 1 determines an optimum control based upon the obtained channel bandwidth utilization ratio.
US08238288B2 Duplicate detection method for ad hoc network
A duplicate detection method is disclosed for reducing redundant traffic in an ad hoc network. The duplicate detection method of the present invention includes receiving a first packet having a content identifier and a subcontent identifier, storing the content identifier and the subcontent identifier of the first packet, receiving a second packet, extracting a content identifier from the second packet, determining whether the content identifiers of the first and second packets are identical, extracting, when the content identifiers are identical, a subcontent identifier from the second packet, determining whether the subcontent identifiers of the first and second packets are identical, determining, when the subcontent identifiers of the first and second packets are identical, the second packet is a duplicate of the first packet.
US08238286B2 Radio base station and radio mobile station
The base station transmits a synchronization signal that contains a pattern of repeated SYNC's generated by dividing FFT size by N wherein the pattern of repeated SYNC's is inverted in polarity for each of the SYNC's according to a code outputted from a code generating circuit. CP length is M/N of FFT size, and the number of divisions (M+N) of a symbol of the synchronization signal is brought into agreement with the code length L of Barker code. The mobile station detects the synchronization signal by using a first matched filter that has as many taps as (FFT size/N) stages, and uses a pattern of SYNC's generated by dividing FFT size by N as a tap coefficient, and a second matched filter that has as many taps as (M+N) stages and uses Barker code as a tap coefficient.
US08238284B2 Cyclical obstruction communication system
Techniques for enabling broadband data rates at mobile terminals in a beyond-line-of-sight communication system are disclosed. Forward link time-diversity transmission methods and a time-diversity transmitter based upon blockage characteristics are provided. The transmitter optionally supports selective time-diversity and can operate at Ku-band or higher frequencies. A forward link time-diversity receiver and methods for receiving a forward link time-diversity signal are also disclosed. The forward link time-diversity receiver optionally provides low-jitter or low-delay characteristics. A return link transmitter and return link transmit methods which avoid blockages are also disclosed. The return link transmitter can include a signal presence detector and blockage prediction filter.
US08238279B2 Network controller wake on communications request
When there are no network devices currently associated with a wireless network controller, the network controller may reduce power consumption by placing itself in a standby mode. In the standby mode, the network controller may place some of its components into a non-operational low power state, while keeping enough components in an operational state to receive and decode received communications requests from devices that may wish to become associated with it. This may involve placing the transmit chain, and in some cases the applications processor, into the low power state. When a communications request is detected, the network controller may restore the transmit chain and if necessary the applications processor to an operational state, and transmit a response to the communications request.
US08238274B2 Device, system, and method of wireless beamforming calibration
Device, system, and method of wireless beamforming calibration. In some embodiments, a wireless communication device include a wireless communication unit to transmit a wireless beamforming calibration announcement packet to another wireless communication device, and to transmit a first null-data-packet after transmitting the announcement packet and prior to receiving a second null-data-packet from the other device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08238269B2 Method for balancing latency in a communications tree, corresponding device and storage means
A method is proposed for balancing a latency of transmission of data content in a communications tree in a synchronous communications network, the communications tree comprising a root node on which a junction terminal is connected, the communications tree comprising leaf nodes on which terminals are connected, the root node and the leaf nodes being interconnected by intermediate nodes, the nodes being interconnected by links. The method comprises determining, for each node of the communications tree, a maximum value of latency associated with each path going from said node up to leaf nodes in a direction opposite to the junction terminal, and applying to each link at a node, the link running from the node in the direction opposite to the junction terminal, a supplement of latency balancing that corresponds to a difference between a maximum value of latency of each link and a maximum value.
US08238262B2 Method for sending acknowledgement messages within a wireless communication network
The invention relates to a method for selecting a radio access point of a network, and a method for transmitting information on at least two radio access points of a network to a mobile terminal. Further the invention relates to an adapted mobile terminal and control entity for performing the methods, respectively. To minimize the transmission delays of acknowledgement messages sent from a mobile terminal to a control entity, the invention provides an access point selection mechanism that determines for a respective one of the at least two radio access points, a selection criterion associated to the respective radio access point. This selection criterion may be based on a transmission delay for sending acknowledgement messages via a respective access point to a control entity. Based on the determined selection criterion the mobile terminal selects one of the at least two radio access points, and sends an acknowledgement message to the control entity through the selected radio access point.
US08238257B2 Auto-selection of SGMII or SerDes pass-through modes
Methods and systems for operating a physical layer device (“PHY”) in an Ethernet network include methods and systems for detecting active link partners and for selecting a mode of operation based on detected active link partners, without user intervention. The PHY monitors fiber link media and copper link media for active link partners. The PHY selects a mode of operation according to detected active link partners. For example, a serial gigabit media independent (“SGMII”) mode of operation is selected when an active copper link partner is detected and an active fiber link partner is not detected. Similarly, a serialize/deserialize (“SerDes”) pass-through mode of operation is selected when an active fiber link partner is detected and an active copper link partner is not detected. The PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner when the SGMII mode of operation is selected. Conversely, the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner when the SerDes pass-through mode of operation is selected. The SGMII or SerDes pass-through mode of operation can be prioritized for when active copper and fiber link partners are detected. The prioritized mode can be user selectable or factory set. The invention optionally powers down circuitry associated with an unselected mode of operation.
US08238255B2 Recovering from failures without impact on data traffic in a shared bus architecture
Methods of detecting and recovering from communication failures within an operating network switching device that is switching packets in a communication network, and associated structures. The communication failures addressed involve communications between the packet processors and a host CPU over a shared communications bus, e.g., PCI bus. The affected packet processor(s)—which may be all or a subset of the packet processors of the network switch—may be recovered without affecting hardware packet forwarding through the affected packet processors. This maximizes the up time of the network switching device. Other packet processor(s), if any, of the network switching device, which are not affected by the communication failure, may continue their normal packet forwarding, i.e., hardware forwarding that does not involve communications with the host CPU as well as forwarding or other operations that do involve communications with the host CPU.
US08238254B2 Detection and display of packet changes in a network
The system and method send test packets into a network between a plurality of source and destination nodes. Each source node is also a destination node. The test packet contains an additional field (e.g., a field of particular interest to an application or user) that is subject to being modified as the test packet traverses the network (e.g., a DSCP marking). A determination is made if the additional field has changed; if so, the network node that changed the additional field is identified and displayed to a user in a matrix display of the source nodes and destination nodes. This allows a user to identify situations where changes in the additional field may indicate that the test packet is being routed in the network at a priority that is outside of a Service Level Agreement.
US08238253B2 System and method for monitoring interlayer devices and optimizing network performance
A method for monitoring and optimizing interlayer network performance including generating network performance information data indicative of network transmission characteristics from one of a data link layer device, physical layer device, network layer device, transport layer device, session layer device, presentation layer device, and application layer device; including the network performance information data in a data packet; communicating the network performance information data in the data packet from one of the data link layer device, physical layer device, network layer device, transport layer device, session layer device, presentation layer device, and application layer device to a data link layer device; and in response to receiving the network performance information data, optimizing network performance by performing a function by the data link layer device. A system for monitoring and optimizing interlayer network performance is also included.
US08238252B2 Routing engine for telecommunications network
A system for automated installation of a communication line using an optimal route between a source location and a destination location is disclosed. The system includes a routing engine providing an automated design process for rendering the optimal route. The routing engine utilizes a routing algorithm to select the optimal route from a graph of capacity links defining a plurality of possible routes between the source and destination locations. If, at any time during the design process, the optimal route or capacity links defining the optimal route are detected as unavailable for any reason, the routing engine re-initiates the design process and thereafter selects a new optimal route based upon a new capacity graph built without the previously unavailable capacity link. Once designed, the available optimal route is provided to a command and control engine, which, in turn, manages the installation of the communication line using the optimal route. The command and control engine manages the process for assigning the optimal route in the provisioning system.
US08238246B2 Filtering and route lookup in a switching device
Methods and devices for processing packets are provided. The processing device may Include an input interface for receiving data units containing header information of respective packets; a first module configurable to perform packet filtering based on the received data units; a second module configurable to perform traffic analysis based on the received data units; a third module configurable to perform load balancing based on the received data units; and a fourth module configurable to perform route lookups based on the received data units.
US08238243B2 System and method for network optimization by managing low priority data transfers
As more internet service providers have more customers with high-speed internet access accounts and these customers access more multi-media rich data (such as videos), the network infrastructure of internet service providers becomes saturated. Thus, internet service providers are facing pressure to upgrade their networks. However, high-speed digital networking equipment is expensive. Thus, internet service providers need to optimize the usage of their existing networks. To optimize the usage of existing networks, a system of delaying certain data requests is proposed. By delaying certain data requests, the various components in a network can shift data transfers from peak traffic times to lower traffic times. One useful application of delayed requests is the case in which a web client requests data ahead of schedule either through predictive methods or through subscriptions for desired data.
US08238241B2 Automatic detection and window virtualization for flow control
One or more flow control modules, implemented on various types of network topologies, provide a number of functionalities for controlling the flow of IP packets (such as TCP/IP packets) over a network connection. The flow control modules may be implemented within a sender and/or receiver or may be deployed into a network as a separate device without requiring significant additional resources.
US08238234B2 Switching between MIMO and receiver beam forming in a peer-to-peer network
Aspects describe different multiple antenna techniques that can be utilized in a peer-to-peer network based on a network congestion level. A MIMO scheme where a transmitter sends to a receiver multiple spatial streams at substantially the same time in the same traffic segment can be utilized when network congestion level is low. A receiver beam forming scheme where transmitter sends a single stream in a traffic segment and receiver uses multiple receive antennas to maximize signal to noise ratio can be utilized when network congestion level is high. The connection pair (transmitter and receiver) occupy more control resources in the MIMO scheme than the receiver beam forming scheme. The decision related to which technique to utilize can be made at about the same time as a communication is initiated. Further, if network conditions change during a communication, the antenna technique that is utilized can be switched to a different technique during the communication exchange.
US08238233B2 Maintaining network services across multiple physical interfaces
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a first processor to execute instructions, a subordinate processor coupled to the first processor, and multiple physical devices coupled to the subordinate processor. The physical devices may each correspond to a different network communication protocol, and may each include a physical unit to forward packets to the subordinate processor while the system is in a low power mode. The subordinate processor may remain enabled during the low power mode and may include media access control functionality for handling incoming packets of different physical devices. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08238227B2 Systems and methods for providing a MoCA improved performance for short burst packets
Systems and methods for reducing the latency and for increasing throughput for MoCA devices that are connected via a coax network are provided. One method according to the invention includes, in a network having a plurality of network modules, each of the plurality of network modules being connected to a coax backbone, communicating over the coax backbone between the plurality of network modules. The method further includes a requesting the use of short burst messages. The method further includes responding to the requesting by constructing a short burst message with a single channel equalization section and reducing the number of bits per hertz in the transmission constellation. The resulting messages can be received with an acceptable error rate while making more efficient use of the MoCA network.
US08238225B2 Method and system of managing control information
The present disclosure relates to the management of control information in a multi-user multi-input multi-output system with a base unit and two or more user units, where respective user unit sends an index representing a vector from a user codebook belonging to the user unit. The base unit co-schedules compatible user units to simultaneously share one time-frequency resource by selecting a precoding matrix from a base unit codebook based on the indices received from co-scheduled user units, according to a predefined function. The base unit transmits control information regarding selected precoding matrix to each co-scheduled user unit. The predefined function is known to each user unit and the control information to each user unit only contains information on the index from every other user unit.
US08238220B2 Pickup device
A pickup device comprising an irradiation optical system including an objective lens to focus a ray bundle on a track of a recording surface of an optical recording medium to form a light spot, and a detection optical system including a photo detector to receive return light reflected from the light spot via the objective lens and perform photoelectric conversion and controls said objective lens in position according to electrical signals produced through operations on outputs of said photo detector.
US08238217B2 Method and system for detection enhancement for optical data storage
The present techniques provide methods and systems for enhancing a data signal in reading optical discs, such as holographic data discs. The techniques involve adjusting the position of a detector, or multi-pixel detector, such that the reflection corresponding to a micro-hologram or micro-reflector is enhanced. For example, the detector position may be adjusted to a position where the surface reflection and the micro-hologram reflection constructively interfere, resulting in an amplified micro-hologram reflection signal. Other parameters such as disc reflectivity and detector pinhole size may be adjusted to increase signal enhancement. Furthermore, the detector position may be adjusted to a position where the phases of the surface reflection and the micro-hologram reflection result in a weaker cross term.
US08238215B2 Recording medium, and recording and reproducing apparatus
A recording medium includes: at least one recording layer on which information is recorded by multi-photon absorption; and a servo layer disposed in a laminated direction with respect to the recording layer and having a track for guiding a beam spot of laser light having a first wavelength and a beam spot of laser light having a second wavelength along a scanning trajectory, wherein the servo layer and the at least one recording layer constitute a set of layers, and a plurality of sets of layers is formed in the laminated direction.
US08238212B2 Method and apparatus for detecting specific signal pattern in a signal read from an optical disc
A signal pattern detecting apparatus, which is capable of detecting a physical mark in a read back signal being read from an optical disc, includes a matching signal generator, a signal comparing device, and a decision circuit. The matching signal generator is utilized for generating a matching signal, capable of being utilized to identify the physical mark, according to a reference clock and a wobble clock. The signal comparing device is electrically connected to the matching signal generator, and utilized for comparing the matching signal with a wobble data signal to generate a comparison signal. The decision circuit is electrically connected to the signal comparing device, and utilized for generating an indication signal according to the comparison signal and a threshold value. Both the wobble data signal and the wobble clock are derived from the read back signal.
US08238209B2 Optical disc apparatus, information recording method and information recording medium
When executing an replacement process on a multi-layer recording optical disc, alternate recording regions are successively used starting at the nearest spare area from an objective lens regardless of the layer where the replacement process is generated. Alternatively, in the spare area of each layer, a priority spare area is provided for executing an alternation with a higher priority by shifting the radial position from the other layer. Alternatively, arrangement is performed so that the radial position or the alternative recording start radial position of the spare area of each layer is not superposed on the upper or the lower layer spare area.
US08238205B2 Recording medium having a substrate containing microscopic pattern of parallel groove and land sections and recording/reproducing equipment therefor
An information recording medium 1 at least comprises a substrate 13 having a microscopic pattern 20, which is constituted by a shape of continuous substance of approximately parallel grooves formed with a groove section G and a land section L alternately, a recording layer 12 formed on the microscopic pattern 20 and a light transmission layer 11 formed on the recording layer. The microscopic pattern 20 is formed so as to satisfy a relation of P<λ
US08238204B2 Apparatus and method for managing key in library apparatus
In order to facilitate the management of the hardware key of a library apparatus employing the LTO system, a write function of a noncontact memory (CM: cartridge memory) contained in an LTO tape cartridge is implemented in a medium carrying mechanism part of the library apparatus, and during an insertion to a tape drive, the IDs unique to a library control part and to the medium carrying mechanism part are recorded in the non-contact memory and utilized as the hardware key of an encrypting apparatus. The hardware key written once is overwritten (erased) during an ejection, thereby preventing leakage of key information.
US08238202B2 Directional waveguide coupler for ABS reflected light
A waveguide structure for a TAMR head is disclosed wherein at least one detection waveguide is formed parallel to a main waveguide and located a gap distance therefrom. A light source transmits light into the main waveguide and towards an ABS/medium interface. A plasmon generator converts light from the waveguide into plasmon waves that are directed onto a magnetic medium. Back reflected light is captured by the main waveguide, partially diverted into a detection waveguide, and transmitted to a photo detector that measures light intensity (IB) which correlates closely to the plasmon wave intensity at the ABS/medium interface. A controller linked to the photo detector is employed to calculate IB as a function of ABS/medium spacing in a non-write condition and this relationship can be used to control and maintain a constant plasmon wave intensity at the ABS during a series of TAMR write processes with a plurality of media.
US08238197B2 Wireless exploration seismic system
Systems and methods are provided for acquiring seismic data using a wireless network and a number of individual data acquisition modules that are configured to collect seismic data and forward data to a central recording and control system. In one implementation, a number of remote modules (301) are arranged in lines. Base station modules (302) receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system (303). Radio links operating on multiple frequencies (F1-F12) are used by the modules (301). For improved data transfer rate, radio links from a remote module (301) leap past the nearest remote module to the next module closer to the base station.
US08238195B2 Method for 3-C 3-D wavefield decomposition
An apparatus and a method for processing of three components, 3-Dimensions seismic (3-C, 3-D) data acquired by down-hole receivers and surface seismic sources. Automatic velocity analysis is used to identify the velocities of dominant events in a VSP panel. Different wave-types (downgoing P, downgoing PS, upcoming PS and upcoming PP) are identified and sequentially removed.
US08238193B2 Circuit and method for recovering clock data in highly integrated semiconductor memory apparatus
Circuit and method for recovering clock data in highly integrated semiconductor memory apparatus includes a plurality of signal receiving units configured to receive signals through a plurality of input/output pads and transfer the signals according to a receiving reference clock, the signal receiving units being divided into groups, a plurality of phase detection units configured to detect phases of signals output from the groups of the signal receiving units, a plurality of phase detection control units configured to control the phase detection units so that the phase detection units sequentially detect the phases of the signals output from each of the groups of the signal receiving units and a notification unit configured to output signals output from the phase detection units.
US08238190B2 Clock-gated model transformation for asynchronous testing of logic targeted for free-running, data-gated logic
Asynchronous behavior of a circuit is modeled by modifying latches in a netlist to add an extra port to the latches, e.g., a single-port latch is transformed into a dual-port latch. Each input port has an enable line and a data input. The data input in the added port is a feedback line from the latch output, and the enable line in the added port is the logical NOR of all of the original enable lines. By adding this extra latch port in the higher-level model, it becomes possible to introduce assertion logic to ensure that one and only one latch port for a given latch is ever active during the same simulation cycle. The model can then be tested earlier in the design methodology prior to the availability of the post-synthesis netlist. The model can also be used in both simulation and formal or semi-formal verification.
US08238189B2 Common memory device for variable device width and scalable pre-fetch and page size
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for a common memory device for variable device width and scalable pre-fetch and page size. In some embodiments, a common memory device (such as a DRAM) can operate in any of a number of modes including, for example, a ×4 mode, a ×8 mode, and a ×16 mode. The page size provided by the DRAM may vary depending on the mode of the DRAM. In some embodiments, the amount of data pre-fetched by the DRAM also varies depending on the mode of the DRAM.
US08238187B2 Fast cyclic decoder circuit for FIFO/LIFO data buffer
Embodiments of systems and methods for improved first-in-first-out (FIFO), last-in-last out (LIFO) and full-cycle decoders are described herein. In the various embodiments of the system, a clock generator is operable to generate a clock signal having an active phase and an inactive phase. A set of monotonic flip-flops are operable to capture a set of incoming data addresses during the active cycle of the clock and to generate therefrom data corresponding to single bits in the addresses that have changed compared to the data addresses received by the set of monotonic flip-flops during an immediately preceding data capture cycle. A set of static flip-flops are operable to capture a set of incoming data addresses during the inactive phase of the clock cycle and to generate set output data therefrom. A decoder operable to process the set output data from the set of static flip-flops and to generate a set of old wordlines corresponding to a set of data addresses in the immediately preceding data capture cycle. Combinational is logic operable to receive the set of single changed bits and the set of old wordlines and to generate therefrom a set of new wordlines. Methods are also described herein for using the aforementioned system.
US08238186B2 Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device is capable of performing a stable high-speed operation while inputting/outputting data. The semiconductor memory device includes an inversion output circuit configured to output a clocking pattern in a clocking mode, and an inversion pin to which the inversion output circuit is connected.
US08238183B2 Semiconductor device and data processing system comprising semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a sense amplifier circuit amplifying a signal transmitted through the bit line, first/second data lines transmitting the signal amplified by the sense amplifier circuit, a read amplifier circuit driven by a first voltage and amplifying the signal; first/second switch circuits controlling connection between the above components, first/second voltage setting circuits setting the second/third data lines to a second voltage lower than the first voltage. A predetermined voltage obtained by adding the second voltage to a threshold voltage of a transistor in the second/third switch circuit is applied to the gate terminal thereof, and ends of the data lines are connected to the source and drain terminals thereof.
US08238182B2 Semiconductor device and data processing system comprising semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a sense amplifier circuit amplifying a signal transmitted through the bit line, first/second data lines transmitting the signal amplified by the sense amplifier circuit, a read amplifier circuit driven by a first voltage and amplifying the signal; first/second switch circuits controlling connection between the above components, first/second voltage setting circuits setting the second/third data lines to a second voltage lower than the first voltage. A predetermined voltage obtained by adding the second voltage to a threshold voltage of a transistor in the second/third switch circuit is applied to the gate terminal thereof, and ends of the data lines are connected to the source and drain terminals thereof.
US08238179B2 Device and method for generating test mode signal
A test mode signal generation device includes a pulse address generation unit configured to convert test address signals into pulse signals and generate pulse address signals, a pulse address split unit configured to generate converted test address signals in response to the pulse address signals, and a test mode signal generation unit configured to generate a test mode signal in response to the converted test address signals.
US08238177B2 Integrated circuit
Provided is an integrated circuit including: multiple memory cells; a redundant memory having a function of repairing a defective cell included in the multiple memory cells by placing a corresponding fuse among multiple fuses into a first state; a fuse data conversion circuit that generates first information of a first defective cell based on position information of the fuse placed into the first state corresponding to the first defective cell having been repaired; a repair data generation circuit that generates, upon detection of a second defective cell as a result of a test for the multiple memory cells, repair information for repairing the second defective cell according to the first information and second information of the second defective cell; and a fuse state change circuit that places a predetermined fuse among the multiple fuses into the first state according to the repair information generated by the repair data generation circuit.
US08238171B2 Apparatus and methods for a physical layout of simultaneously sub-accessible memory modules
A layout for simultaneously sub-accessible memory modules is disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory module includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of sectors, each sector being electrically isolated from the other sectors and having a multi-layer structure. At least one memory device is attached to each sector, the memory devices being organized into a plurality of memory ranks. A driver is attached to the printed circuit board and is operatively coupled to the memory ranks. The driver is adapted to be coupled to a memory interface of the computer system. Because the sectors are electrically-isolated from adjacent sectors, the memory ranks are either individually or simultaneously, or both individually and simultaneously accessible by the driver so that one or more memory devices on a particular sector may be accessed at one time. In an alternate embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a driver sector electrically isolated from the other sectors and having a multi-layer structure, the driver being attached to the driver sector.
US08238170B2 Non-volatile memory cell healing
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, modules, and systems for healing non-volatile memory cells. One method includes biasing a first select gate transistor coupled to a string of memory cells at a first voltage, biasing a second select gate transistor coupled to the string at a second voltage, applying a first healing voltage to a first edge word line in order to extract charge accumulated between the first select gate transistor and a first edge memory cell stack of the string, and applying a second healing voltage to a second edge word line in order to extract charge accumulated between the second select gate transistor and a second edge memory cell stack of the string.
US08238158B2 Programming of memory cells in a nonvolatile memory using an active transition control
An electrically programmable non-volatile memory array and associated circuitry, including programming circuitry that adaptively senses completed programming of a selected memory cell. A programming bit line driver is connected to the bit line, and a first transistor has its source/drain path connected in series with the memory cell, and its gate connected to the output of the current comparator. As the MOS transistor in the selected cell becomes programmed, its drain current drawn from the bit line driver decays, and a remainder current into the current comparator increases. Upon the remainder current exceeding the reference current, the comparator turns off the first transistor; a second transistor connected between the source and drain of the cell transistor is turned on. In another approach, a summed current controls the gates of the first and second transistors. Programming terminates, and over-programming is avoided.
US08238153B2 Program method of flash memory device
In a program method of a flash memory device where memory cells within a string are turned on to electrically connect channel regions, all of the channel regions within a second string are precharged uniformly by applying a ground voltage to a first bit line connected to a first string including to-be-programmed cells and a program-inhibited voltage to a second bit line connected to the second string including program-inhibited cells. If a program operation is executed, channel boosting occurs in the channel regions within the second string including the program-inhibited cells. Accordingly, a channel boosting potential can be increased and a program disturbance phenomenon, in which the threshold voltage of program-inhibited cells is changed, can be prevented.
US08238151B2 Transient heat assisted STTRAM cell for lower programming current
A memory cell including magnetic materials and heating materials, and methods of programming the memory cell are provided. The memory cell includes a free region, a pinned region, and a heating region configured to generate and transfer heat to the free region when a programming current is directed to the cell. The heat transferred from the heating region increases the temperature of the free region, which decreases the magnetization and the critical switching current density of the free region. In some embodiments, the heating region may also provide a current path to the free region, and the magnetization of the free region may be switched according to the spin polarity of the programming current, programming the memory cell to a high resistance state or a low resistance state.
US08238150B2 Information storage element and method of writing/reading information into/from information storage element
An information storage element includes a strip-shaped ferromagnetic material layer; a first electrode disposed at a first end of the ferromagnetic material layer; and a second electrode disposed at a second end of the ferromagnetic material layer, wherein a current-induced domain wall motion is caused by applying a current between the first electrode and the second electrode, in the ferromagnetic material layer, a magnetization state is written into a magnetization region as information or a magnetization state is read from a magnetization region as information, a magnetization direction in each magnetization region is parallel to a direction of the thickness of the ferromagnetic material layer, and at the time of writing information or reading information, a temperature distribution that monotonically decreases from the second end of the ferromagnetic material layer to the first end thereof is generated in the ferromagnetic material layer.
US08238149B2 Methods and apparatus for reducing defect bits in phase change memory
Phase change memory devices and methods for operating described herein are based on the discovery that, following an initial high current operation applied to a phase change memory cell to establish the high resistance reset state, the current-voltage (I-V) behavior of the memory cell under different bias voltages can be used to detect if the memory cell is a defect cell having poor data retention characteristics.
US08238147B2 Multi-level phase change memory device, program method thereof, and method and system including the same
In a program method for a multi-level phase change memory device, multi-level data to be programmed in a selected memory cell is received, and a program signal is applied to the selected memory cell according to the received multi-level data. Herein, a rising time of the program signal is set to be longer than a falling time of the program signal.
US08238145B2 Shared transistor in a spin-torque transfer magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) cell
A spin-torque transfer memory random access memory (STTMRAM) cell is disclosed comprising a selected magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) identified to be programmed; a first transistor having a first port, a second port and a gate, the first port of the first transistor coupled to the selected MTJ; a first neighboring MTJ coupled to the selected MTJ through the second port of the first transistor; a second transistor having a first port, a second port, and a gate, the first port of the second transistor coupled to the selected MTJ; a second neighboring MTJ coupled to the selected MTJ through the second port of the second transistor; a first bit/source line coupled to the second end of the selected MTJ; and a second bit/source line coupled to the second end of the first neighboring MTJ and the second end of the second neighboring MTJ.
US08238143B2 Magnetic tunnel junction device and fabrication
A magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) device and fabrication method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes an MTJ device. The MTJ device includes a barrier layer, a free layer, and a magnesium (Mg) capping layer. The free layer is positioned between the barrier layer and the magnesium (Mg) capping layer.
US08238138B2 Semiconductor memory device and its operation method
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor memory device including: a bit line and a sense line; a data storage element having a data storage state changing in accordance with a voltage applied to the bit line; a first switch for controlling connection of the sense line to the bit line; a data latch circuit having a second data holding node and a first data holding node connected to the sense line; and a second switch for controlling connection of the second data holding node of the data latch circuit to the bit line.
US08238134B2 Memory module and memory system
In a memory module including a plurality of DRAM chips which transmit/receive a system data signal with a predetermined data width and at a transfer rate and which transmit/receive an internal data signal having a larger data width and a lower transfer rate as compared with the system data signal, the transfer rate of the system data signal is restricted. Current consumption in DRAMs constituting the memory module is large, hindering speed increases. For this memory module, a plurality of DRAM chips are stacked on an IO chip. Each DRAM chip is connected to the IO chip by a through electrode, and includes a constitution for mutually converting the system data signal and the internal data signal in each DRAM chip by the IO chip. Therefore, wiring between the DRAM chips can be shortened, and DLL having a large current consumption may be disposed only on the IO chip.
US08238132B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells arranged in arrays; a plurality of bit lines formed correspondingly to a column arrangement of the memory cells; a plurality of word lines formed correspondingly to a row arrangement of the memory cells; a plate line having one of a configuration in which the first electrodes of the respective memory cells are included in the plate line and a configuration in which the first electrodes are connected to the plate line; a column switch used to connect a selected bit line and a data access line; and a pre-charge portion that performs a pre-charge operation to pre-charge a non-selected bit line not selected by the column switch to potential of the plate line.
US08238131B2 Method of changing an operation mode of a frequency converter based on temperature conditions, and a frequency converter having a changeable mode of operation based on temperature conditions
A method in connection with a frequency converter and a frequency converter, the frequency converter being arranged for periodic recurrent use. The method comprises steps for generating and storing in a memory an average heating of a power semiconductor of the frequency converter, caused by one loading period, determining a temperature limit from the generated heating and the highest allowed temperature of the power semiconductor, determining the temperature of the power semiconductor in the frequency converter, and changing the operation mode of the frequency converter when the temperature of the power semiconductor exceeds the temperature limit when transferring to a loading period.
US08238130B2 Low-mass, bi-directional DC-AC interface unit
A DC-AC converter includes a DC-DC converter providing bi-directional conversion between a first DC power signal and a second DC power signal, the first DC power signal being on a first DC bus and the second DC power signal being on a second DC bus. The DC-AC converter also includes an inverter providing bi-directional DC-AC conversion between a third DC power signal and a first AC power signals the third DC power signal being on the second DC bus and the first AC power signal being on a first AC bus.
US08238124B2 Dual-mode constant load control circuits and associated methods
Dual-mode AC/DC power converters and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the AC/DC converter includes a primary winding, a switching transistor coupled to the primary winding, the switching transistor configured to carry a drain-source current, and a feedback voltage port configured to carry a feedback voltage. The feedback voltage port is coupled to the switching transistor to switch off the switching transistor when the drain-source current reaches a peak current limit. The peak current limit increases with increasing feedback voltage if and only if the feedback voltage satisfies an ordered relationship with a threshold.
US08238122B2 DC/DC converter
The present invention relates to a DC/DC converter (1) with primary side (11) consisting of a resonant converter, which DC/DC converter (1) comprises a first and a second transformer (T1, T2), connected in series on the primary side (11) and on the secondary side (12) of the DC/DC converter. The secondary side (12) comprises an autotransformer (Tcd) consisting of a first and a second winding (Tcda, Tcdb) connected to a common center tap (Tcdc), where the first winding (Tcda) of the autotransformer (Tcd) is connected to the secondary winding (T1b) of the first transformer (T1), forming a first output connection point (P1), the second winding (Tcdb) of the autotransformer (Tcd) is connected to the secondary winding (T2b) of the second transformer (T2), forming a second output connection point (P2).
US08238121B2 DC/DC converter
The present invention relates to a DC/DC converter (1) with primary side (11) consisting of a resonant converter, which DC/DC converter (1) comprises a first and a second transformer (T1, T2), connected in series on the primary side (11) and on the secondary side (12) of the DC/DC converter. The secondary side (12) comprises an autotransformer (Tcd) consisting of a first and a second winding (Tcda, Tcdb) connected to a common center tap (Tcdc), where the first winding (Tcda) of the autotransformer (Tcd) is connected to the secondary winding (T1b) of the first transformer (T1), forming a first output connection point (P1), the second winding (Tcdb) of the autotransformer (Tcd) is connected to the secondary winding (T2b) of the second transformer (T2), forming a second output connection point (P2), and the center tap (Tcdc) of the autotransformer (Tcd) is connected to the positive output (21) of the secondary side (12). The secondary side (12) also comprises a first and a second rectifying switching device (S1, S2), where the first rectifying switching device (S1) is connected between the first output connection point (P1) and the negative output (22) of the secondary side (12), and the second rectifying switching device (S2) is connected between the second output connection point (P2) and the negative output (22) of the secondary side (12). The present invention also relates to a DC/DC converter system comprising at least two inventive DC/DC converters (1).
US08238120B2 Electronic device with a mobile switch
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a main body; a switch; and a movement support portion. A component is detachably installed in a component installation portion of the main body. The switch includes a base and a movable portion. The switch becomes an ON state when the movable portion is moved relatively closer to the base. The movement support portion supports the switch so as to permit reciprocal movement of the switch along a direction in which the movable portion is moved closer to the base, and is moved to one of directions of the reciprocal movement by a predetermined ON operation. While the component is installed in the component installation portion, the switch becomes the ON state when the switch is sandwiched between the component and the movement support portion, and when the movable portion is moved relatively closer to the base.
US08238119B2 Electronic device
According to one embodiment, a USB port for connecting a note PC to an external device includes a rib structure that faces an opening formed in a side wall of the housing of the note PC and receives a gasket. The rib structure includes a frame member surrounding the gasket, and a plurality of ribs. The frame member has a cutout formed in a portion thereof remote from the side wall. When the gasket is pressed and elastically deformed by the receptacle of a connector, the deformed portion of the gasket escapes through the cutout.
US08238118B2 Electronic device having retractable hanger
An electronic device having retractable hanger includes a housing, a display panel, and a hanging mechanism. The display panel is mounted on the housing. The hanging mechanism is arranged in the housing. The hanging mechanism includes a base, a hanger, a movable member, and at least one resilient member. The base is secured in the housing. The hanger slides relative to the base and defines a hanging hole, a groove with corners, and protrusions by each corner. The movable member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably connected to the base and the second end slides in the groove of the hanger.
US08238117B2 Rack mounted access/security expansion control panel
The invention provides, in one aspect, an access control system that comprises an access control panel coupled to an access control expansion box. The access control panel includes one or more access control boards disposed within a first rack-mount enclosure, each control board providing at least an interface for monitoring and/or controlling access to one or more building entry points or zones via associated sensors and/or intrusion prevention devices, collectively, “security devices.” The access control expansion box includes a plurality of input/output (I/O) boards disposed within a second rack-mount enclosure. The I/O boards provide an interface for at least (i) sending signals received from one or more additional security devices to the control boards, and/or (ii) sending signals received from the control boards to one or more of the additional security devices.
US08238115B2 Computer motherboard
A computer motherboard includes a printed circuit board which includes a central processing unit (CPU) socket and a group of memory slots. The group of memory slots includes an in-line type memory slot and a surface mounted device (SMD) type memory slot. The in-line type memory slot includes a number of plated through holes. The SMD type memory slot is set between the in-line type memory slot and the CPU socket. The through holes of the in-line type memory slot are connected to the CPU socket through traces, pads of the SMD type memory slot are connected to corresponding through holes of the in-line type memory slot having the same pin definition.
US08238114B2 Printed wiring board and method for manufacturing same
A printed wiring board includes multiple conductive layers having conductive circuits, multiple resin insulation layers having openings and including the uppermost resin insulation layer positioned as the outermost layer of the resin insulation layers, multiple via conductors formed in the openings, respectively, and connecting the conductive circuits in the conductive layers, and multiple component-loading pads formed of a copper foil and positioned to load an electronic component. The resin insulation layers and the conductive layers are alternately laminated, and the component-loading pads are formed on the uppermost resin insulation layer.
US08238108B2 Power semiconductor module system
A power semiconductor module system. One embodiment provides a power semiconductor module and a mounting adapter. The mounting adapter and the power semiconductor module can be latched to one another in two different latching stages such that a contact element of the power semiconductor module makes electrical contact with a contact element of the mounting adapter assigned to the contact element in a second one of the latching stages but not in a first one of the latching stages.
US08238107B2 Cap for MEMS package
A cap for a MEMS package includes a main body having a bottom surface, a top surface, a plurality of accommodations recessed from the bottom surface towards the top surface, and a plurality of slots recessed from the top surface towards the bottom surface in a way that the top surface is defined into a plurality of regions corresponding to the accommodations respectively. After completion of the MEMS package, the package can be cut along the slots into a plurality of MEMS package units, such that the cutting work can be done quickly and the cutting burrs can be minimized.
US08238105B2 Heat sink and electronic device using the same
An electronic device includes a chassis, a circuit board installed in the chassis, a memory card coupled to the circuit board, and a heat sink for cooling the memory card. The heat sink includes a first cooling plate, a second cooling plate, and a connection member connected between corresponding sides of the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate. A conducting member extends from the connection member, and contacts the chassis.
US08238100B2 Centrifugal fan and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a centrifugal fan includes an impeller and a fan casing containing the impeller. An intake port configured to draw air and a first outlet port and a second outlet port configured to expel the air are provided in the fan casing. The first outlet port is open in a direction different from a direction in which the intake port is open. The second outlet port is open in a direction same as the direction in which the intake port is open in a position apart from the impeller.
US08238099B2 Enclosed operating area for disk drive testing systems
A disk drive testing system includes one or more test racks, and one or more test slots housed by the one or more test racks, each test slot being configured to receive and support a disk drive transporter carrying a disk drive for testing. The disk drive testing system also includes a transfer station for supplying disk drives to be tested. The one or more test racks and the transfer station at least partially define an operating area. The disk drive testing system can also include automated machinery that is disposed within the operating area and is configured to transfer disk drives between the transfer station and the one or more test slots, and a cover at least partially enclosing the operating area, thereby at least partially inhibiting air exchange between the operating area and an environment surrounding the test racks.
US08238097B2 Computer system
A computer system includes a chassis, a motherboard secured in the chassis, and a mounting bracket. A first socket and a second socket is disposed on the motherboard. The mounting bracket is secured to the chassis and located above the motherboard. A first riser card is coupled to the first socket, and a second riser card is coupled to the second socket. The computer system further includes a positioning member attached to the second riser card. The positioning member has two opposite side plates. One of the side plates is secured to the second riser card, and the other side plate is secured to the mounting bracket and aligned with the first riser card in a same plane.
US08238088B2 Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a main housing, a keyboard attached to the main housing, a hinge attached to a display housing, and a reinforcing member in the main housing. The reinforcing member includes a fixing portion to which the hinge is attached and a supporting portion including a surface facing the keyboard. The keyboard is placed on the supporting portion.
US08238085B2 Detachable portable computing device
A detachable portable computing device is provided. The computing device comprises a display device and a main body. The main body comprises a base and a detachable member. The base is rotatably connected to the display device. The detachable member is detachably connected to the base. The computing device also includes a latching mechanism configured for detachably connecting the detachable member to the base. The latching mechanism comprises a first locking member, a second locking member, and an actuating mechanism. The first locking member is securely connected to one of the base and the detachable member. The second locking member is movably connected to the other one of the base and the detachable member. The second locking member is slidable between a first position and a second position where the second locking member engages and disengages the first locking member.
US08238083B2 Slide mechanism for slide-type portable electronic device
A slide mechanism includes a main plate, a slide plate, an elastic member, and two connecting members. The main plate includes two rail portions and two guide rails. Each rail portion defines a guiding slot. Each guide rail is received in one of the guiding slot and defines a slide groove. The elastic member is secured on the main plate and the slide plate. The two connecting members are secured to the slide plate and each connecting member is slideably received in one of the guiding slots.
US08238080B2 Scalable, redundant power distribution for storage racks
Disclosed is a power distribution module that is capable of providing power to rack mounted equipment modules in electronic equipment mounting racks. The power distribution module may comprise a series of individual modules that can be placed at strategic locations through the electronic equipment mounting rack to meet the specific power requirements of the rack mounted equipment modules, which may vary depending upon the type of module. In this manner, the expense of supplying power of a particular amount to a specific location can be reduced. In addition, power distribution modules are disclosed that are prefabricated in different versions to meet the power requirements of the design of the electronic equipment mounting rack.
US08238076B2 Bulk capacitor and method
A bulk capacitor includes a first electrode formed of a metal foil and a semi-conductive porous ceramic body formed on the metal foil. A dielectric layer is formed on the porous ceramic body for example by oxidation. A conductive medium is deposited on the porous ceramic body filling the pores of the porous ceramic body and forming a second electrode. The capacitor can then be encapsulated with various layers and can include conventional electrical terminations. A method of manufacturing a bulk capacitor includes forming a conductive porous ceramic body on a first electrode formed of a metal foil, oxidizing to form a dielectric layer and filling the porous body with a conductive medium to form a second electrode. A thin semi-conductive ceramic layer can also be disposed between the metal foil and the porous ceramic body.
US08238072B2 Bipolar electrostatic chuck
A bipolar electrostatic chuck which has excellent dielectric breakdown strength and provides excellent attracting performance. The bipolar electrostatic chuck eliminates difficulty in dismounting a sample from a sample attracting plane as much as possible after application of a voltage to electrodes is finished. The bipolar electrostatic chuck is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode in an insulator and permits a surface of the insulator to be the sample attracting plane. The insulator has the first electrode, an interelectrode insulating layer and the second electrode in this order from the sample attracting plane in the depth direction. The second electrode has a region not overlapping with the first electrode in a normal line direction of the sample attracting plane.
US08238070B2 Electrical fire prevention from over-temperature conditions
An electrical device including a heat sensing interrupter to enable a load to be selectively coupled to or disconnected from a power source in accordance with a level of a sensed temperature includes a relay assembly operable between a closed state when the sensed temperature is below a predetermined limit temperature, thereby enabling the coupling of the load to the power source, and an open state when the sensed temperature is above the predetermined limit temperature, thereby electrically disconnecting the load from the power source. The device further includes a sensor assembly including a light source operatively associated with a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to be sensitive to specific levels of the sensed temperature and the light source is configured to emit light along a plurality of optical paths at any one of a plurality of wavelengths sensitive to temperature. The light sensor is further configured to sense temperature at any one of a plurality of operating points on the electrical device and trigger the relay assembly between the closed state and the open state.
US08238068B2 Electrical over-stress detection circuit
In an embodiment, an electrical over-stress (EOS) circuit includes a detection circuit coupled between first and second supply terminals and configured to detect a perturbation in a supply voltage potential between the first and second supply terminals or between a supply voltage potential and a pad voltage of a bond pad. The EOS circuit further includes an alert generation circuit configured to store data indicating an EOS event in response to detecting the perturbation.
US08238067B2 Electrostatic discharge circuit and method
A method and integrated circuit renders a shunt structure non-conductive during a power up event or noise event for and in addition, during an electrostatic discharge event, keeps the shunt structure conductive for a period of time to discharge electrostatic energy through the shunt structure. In one example, a shunt structure, such as a transistor, is interposed between a power node and a ground node. Circuitry is operative during a power up event or noise event, to render the shunt structure non-conductive for a period of time during the power up event or during the noise event (when power is applied). Second circuit is operative, during an electrostatic discharge event, to keep the shunt structure conductive for a period of time to discharge electrostatic energy through the shunt structure. In one example, a plurality of resistor/capacitors (RC) circuits are utilized wherein the RC circuits have different time constants. In addition, an ESD feedback circuit is employed in conjunction with control logic to suitably control the ESD control logic during an ESD event. Circuitry is also used during a power up event to render the shunt structure non-conductive.
US08238066B2 Current sensor for earth leakage module
A current sensor assembly used for detecting ground faults, which includes an enclosure surrounding the current sensor for focusing the magnetic flux produced by conductors passing through the current sensor assembly away from the conductors, thereby reducing load-shift error and producing more accurate current readings for ground-fault sensing. The enclosure has two half members that are secured together to form a toroid-shaped shell that surrounds a toroidal core of the current sensor. A secondary winding and an optional test winding is wound around the toroidal core, and the ends of these windings exit one or more apertures formed in the enclosure. The half members have rounded profiles where the flat surfaces transition into different planes so that the magnetic flux does not encounter any sharp edges or transitions inside the enclosure as the flux flows away from the conductors.
US08238065B2 Power cutoff device automatically operated upon occurrence of spark on electric wire
The present invention provides a power cutoff device automatically operated upon the occurrence of a spark on an electric wire. The power cutoff device of the present invention automatically cuts off power supply to an earth leakage breaker or an electronic switch according to a control signal transmitted by detecting an electromagnetic wave due to an electric spark generated on an electric wire by an abnormal state such as a connection failure of an electrical device, thus preventing a disaster such as an electrical fire caused by the electric spark (flame). According to the present invention, since the power cutoff device provides an intrinsic function of the earth leakage breaker that operates in a state of an overload or electric leakage and the earth leakage breaker is operated by detecting the electric spark generated on the electric wire, it is possible to effectively prevent a disaster such as an electrical fire caused by the electric spark.
US08238064B2 Magnetic head and magnetic recording apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide an accumulation element with high resolving power and high output suitable for magnetic recording and reproducing at high recording density. According to one embodiment, a plurality of spin injection parts and are provided to increase the total amount of spin electrons. The spin accumulation element is composed of a non-magnetic conductor, a first magnetic conductor, a second magnetic conductor, and a third magnetic conductor, each of which are in contact with the non-magnetic conductor through the tunneling junction. An output voltage due to the spin accumulation effect is detected as a potential difference between the non-magnetic conductor and the third magnetic conductor. The first magnetic conductor of the first spin injection part is fixed by a first antiferromagnetic conductor and the second magnetic conductor of the second spin injection part is fixed by a second antiferromagnetic conductor so that their directions of magnetization are anti-parallel to each other.
US08238061B2 Printed circuit cable assembly with stiffener portions and flexible portions
A printed circuit cable assembly (PCCA) for a hard disk drive (HDD) is disclosed. The PCCA includes a stiffener portion having an elongated shape that includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The PCCA also includes a flexible portion extending from the elongated stiffener portion, wherein the PCCA is configured to be mountable on a headstack of the HDD such that an entire footprint of the IC chip overlays a metallic portion of the headstack of the HDD.
US08238057B2 Magnetic head, head assembly and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus and method for manufacturing magnetic head
The present invention relates to a magnetic head and particularly to improvement of its recording element. The recording element includes a first magnetic film, a second magnetic film, a coil film, and an insulating film. The first magnetic film has a first pole portion. The second magnetic film has a second pole portion opposed to the first pole portion with a magnetic gap film therebetween and is joined to the first magnetic film at a back gap portion that is located in a rearward position with respect to a medium facing surface. The coil film extends around the back gap portion, and the insulating film encloses the coil film. Moreover, the second magnetic film entirely covers the insulating film.
US08238053B2 Robot hand and library device
A robot hand includes: a drive source; a baseboard; a housing that is capable of advancing and retreating on the baseboard by means of the drive source; a pair of hands that are provided to grasp an object and held by the housing; an operation body that is provided to be capable of being pushed by the object and is held by the housing; and a close mechanism that changes a state of the hands from a non-grasping state where the hands release the object into a grasping state where the hands grasp the object, in response to pushing of the operation body, and that is held by the housing.
US08238051B2 Real time monitoring inconsistent operations in a hard disk drive
Real time monitoring inconsistent operations in a hard disk drive, wherein the hard disk drive comprises a magnetic disk, a controller and a channel clock. A timing signal from the channel clock is measured in real time in the controller. Time intervals between sector identifier marks of the magnetic disk are detected using the timing signal from the channel clock during reading and writing operations of the hard disk drive in the controller. An inconsistency in the drive operations is detected in the controller based on changes in the time intervals between the sector identifier marks is detected during operation of the hard disk drive. The detection of the inconsistency in the drive operations is responded to.
US08238049B2 Lens drive device
A lens drive device formed in a substantially quadrangular shape may include a movable body holding a lens, a fixed body movably holding the movable body, and a drive mechanism for driving the movable body in the optical axis direction. The drive mechanism may include first drive magnets respectively disposed on four side faces of the lens drive device, a second drive magnet for restraining inclination which is disposed on at least one of four corners of the lens drive device, and a drive coil which is wound around in a substantially octagonal shape. Magnetic flux passing through the drive coil at one of the four corners of the lens drive device is different from magnetic fluxes passing through the drive coil at the other three corners, or magnetic fluxes passing through the drive coil at two corners adjacent to each other of the four corners of the lens drive device are different from magnetic fluxes passing through the drive coil at the other two corners.
US08238048B2 Camera module
An exemplary camera module includes a barrel, a holder, and an resilient member. The holder is loosely threadedly coupled to the barrel. The holder has a central axis. The resilient member is positioned between the barrel and the holder. The resilient member is configured for exerting a first elastic force to the barrel and a second elastic force to the holder so that the barrel is fixed with the holder. The first and second elastic forces are in a direction parallel to the central axis of the holder.
US08238047B2 Lens holder
A lens holder for receiving a lens barrel includes a base portion and a barrel portion. The base portion defines a first circular chamber and a second chamber communicating with the first chamber. The first chamber has a diameter equal to an outer diameter of the lens barrel. The second chamber receives an image sensor. The barrel portion extends coaxially from the base portion. The sidewall of the barrel portion defines a number of through slots extending along a direction parallel to the central axis of the barrel portion.
US08238039B2 Variable power optical system, optical apparatus equipped with the variable power optical system, and method for manufacturing variable power optical system
A variable power optical system ZL is constructed of, in order from the object side, a first lens unit G1 having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit G2 having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit G3 having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit G4 having a positive refractive power. During variation in power from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, a space between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 increases, a space between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 decreases, and a space between the third lens unit G3 and the fourth lens unit G4 varies, and a part of the third lens unit G3 is configured to move in directions perpendicular to the optical axis.
US08238037B2 Image pickup apparatus having zoom lens
In an image pickup apparatus including an image sensor and a zoom lens configured to form an image on the image sensor, the zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a subsequent lens group including one or more lens units. In the zoom lens, during zooming, the first lens unit is stationary, the third lens unit moves along a locus convex towards the object side, and three or more lens units including the third lens unit and the image sensor move. An optical total length of the zoom lens is longer at a telephoto end than at a wide-angle end.
US08238035B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus equipped with same
A zoom lens according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens unit having a positive refracting power, a second lens unit having a negative refracting power, a third lens unit having a negative refracting power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refracting power, wherein during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens unit, the second lens unit, the third lens unit, and the fourth lens unit move in such a way that they are located closer the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, the distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is larger at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, the distance between the second lens unit and the third lens unit is larger at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end, and the distance between the third lens unit and the fourth lens unit is smaller at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end. The zoom lens satisfies a predetermined condition.
US08238031B2 Eye piece and tunable chromatic dispersion compensator using the same
In an example embodiment, lightwave device for use in a dispersion compensator, includes a light coupler configured to direct light toward a grating structure. The light coupler includes a first strip including a first material and a second strip attached to the first strip. The second strip includes a second material, and the second material has an expansion coefficient different than the first material. The first and second strips form a deformable reflector. A thermoelectric unit is coupled to the light coupler and is configured to adjust a shape of the deformable reflector based on a temperature of the thermoelectric unit. A support member is connected to the light coupler and is configured to position the deformable reflector so to receive light for transmission to the grating structure. Another embodiment provides a dispersion compensator using the lightwave device.
US08238027B2 Security element provided in the form of a multilayered film body
A security element in the form of a multi-layer film body with a security element and a process for the production of such a security element. The film body has a replication lacquer layer and a thin-film layer for producing a viewing angle-dependent color shift effect by interference. A first relief structure is shaped in a first region in the interface between the replication lacquer layer and the thin-film layer. That relief structure suppresses the production of the color shift effect by the thin-film layer so that the color shift effect is not present in the first region in which the first relief structure is provided and the color shift effect produced by the thin-film layer is present in a second region of the security element, in which the first relief structure is not provided.
US08238024B2 Arrangement for two-or three-dimensional display
An arrangement for the display of images with selectable three-dimensionally visible or two-dimensional modes, including an illuminating device a filter array to impart a structure to the light a diffusing layer, and a transmissive image display device, with a variable distance a between the filter array and the diffusing layer, so that in a first position, the structure imparted by the filter array is essentially cancelled due to the light diffusion effect of the diffusing layer, and a two-dimensional image is shown, and the structure imparted by the filter array is essentially not cancelled, so that the image display device shows a three-dimensional image.
US08238022B2 Display method and device using photonic crystal characteristics
A display method and device using photonic crystal characteristics are disclosed. In the display method using photonic crystal characteristics in accordance with the present invention, when a plurality of particles having electric charges are dispersed in a solvent, an electric field is applied to control inter-particle distance.
US08238021B2 Display devices having micro-reflectors and color filters
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a brightness enhancement structure comprising micro-reflectors. The process comprises forming an array of micro-structures by embossing; and depositing a metal layer over the surface of the micro-structures. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a display device comprising micro-reflectors. The present invention further relates to a display device comprising micro-reflectors and color filters.
US08238015B2 Thermal control of optical filter with local silicon frame
A method comprising generating an optical beam with a laser, filtering the optical beam to select a desired wavelength with an etalon positioned in a path of the optical beam, heating the etalon to an operational temperature using a heater, monitoring the operational temperature of the etalon with a resistive thermal device disposed in or on a thermally conductive frame bonded to the etalon, and applying feedback control of the heater based on the monitoring to select the desired wavelength.
US08238013B2 Projection apparatus using micromirror device
A projection apparatus comprising a micromirror device for reflecting and modulating a light emitted from a light source to project a display an image on a display screen. The projection apparatus further includes a projection optical system comprises an adjustable aperture for adjusting an aperture ratio to control an amount of output light reflected from the micromirror device to the image display screen.
US08238009B2 Drive signal generator and optical scanning device provided with drive signal generator, and image display device
A drive signal generator includes: a first storage part which stores data related to a primary processing signal acquired by subjecting a linearly changing saw-tooth signal to the low-pass filter processing; a parameter decision part which decides a parameter for the notch filter processing; a filter part which generates a secondary processing signal by subjecting the primary processing signal read from the first storage unit to the notch filter processing using the decided parameter decided by the parameter decision part; a second storage part which stores data related to the secondary processing signal generated by the filter unit; and a drive signal generation part which reads the data related to the secondary processing signal with a clock having a predetermined frequency and generates the drive signal by subjecting the data related to the secondary processing signal to analog conversion.
US08238008B2 Laser transmitter and method
A laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light outward while raising and lowering the beam. The beam may define a conical surface of varying inclination. The transmitter includes a laser source that directs a beam generally vertically, and a beam diverting element. The beam diverting element is positioned in the path of the beam, intercepting the beam and redirecting it. The beam emerges from the transmitter as a non-vertical beam that is raised and lowered. The diverting element may include a pair of mirrors configured as a pentaprism, with one of the mirrors pivotable. Alternatively, the diverting element may include a plurality of micro mirrors. Also, the diverting element may include a conical reflector and an annular lens which is cyclically raised and lowered. The beam may be raised and lowered cyclically according to a predetermined schedule, or it may be raised and lowered non-cyclically.
US08238004B2 Color signal processing apparatus, color signal processing method, color conversion apparatus, and computer-readable medium for mapping colors of an input color signal to colors of an output device color space
A color signal processing apparatus includes a total amount calculating unit, a limit value calculating unit and a correcting unit. The total amount calculating unit calculates a total amount value of an input color signal in an output device color space which has, as color components, colors of coloring materials used in an output device. The limit value calculating unit calculates a limit value for limiting a total amount of a color signal, in accordance with the calculated total amount value. The correcting unit corrects the input color signal in the output device color space so that the total amount value of the input color signal becomes the calculated limit value or less.
US08238001B2 Patch codes using a proximity array
Patches are generated from the overprinting of one or more separations to encode four or more values per patch each color representing a numerical value. In a calibration step, all possible color overprint combinations are printed multiple times on a calibration sheet. The sheet is scanned and each overprinted patch is entered in to a proximity array, which is a volume data structure representing three dimensional (3D) color space). After all calibration colors are entered, the proximity array is repeatedly dilated. Later, sheets that need to be identified are printed with a code number encoded as one or more patch codes. The sheet is scanned and the patch code colors are looked up in the proximity array to determine which original colors were printed. The identified colors are converted the code number. Patch codes are further augmented with error detection and optionally error correction bits to further increase robustness.
US08237999B2 Automatic document feeder and image reading device
There is provided an automatic document feeder, comprising: a document tray; an output tray; a first rotating body that ejects the document to the output tray; a second rotating body that ejects the document to the output tray; a reversing mechanism that reverses a carrying direction of the document which passed the reading portion to carry again the document to the reading portion; a sinking mechanism that sinks the document into a position between a bottom of a document already stacked on the output tray and a surface of the output tray; and a switching mechanism configured to switch between a first motion of carrying the document to the first rotating body and a second motion of carrying the document to the second rotating body, in accordance with whether the reversing mechanism is activated.
US08237992B2 Apparatus for image processing of ground pattern
In order to prevent illegal copying more effectively in an image forming apparatus, when a specified ground pattern for preventing copying is detected in input image data, the detected ground pattern is emphasized in the image data. Alternatively, information for detecting the specified ground pattern is stored in a storage device, in order to detect the ground pattern with the stored information. When the ground pattern is not detected, a ground region in the image data is analyzed further to determine whether a different ground pattern exits or not. When a ground pattern is detected, information for detecting the ground pattern is stored in the storing device.
US08237988B2 Image-forming device
An image-forming device includes an image-forming unit, a sensor, a calculating unit, and an extracting unit. The image-forming unit forms a plurality of marks on an object. The sensor detects a light reflected on the object, the reflected light including a plurality of waveforms. The calculating unit calculates a first value of each waveform in a predetermined evaluation index, a second value of a basic waveform corresponding to an ideal mark in the predetermined evaluation index, and a matching rate of each waveform with the basic waveform based on both each first value and the second value. The extracting unit extracts, from the plurality of waveforms, waveforms whose matching rates satisfy a predetermined condition.
US08237986B2 Image reading apparatus, multifunction printer apparatus, and image processing method
This invention is directed to a method capable of performing appropriate under color removal in image original reading. According to this method, under color removal of the original is performed as follows. A printing medium without any printed image is read by primary and complementary color readings. A brightness signal distribution is generated by converting, using a provisional table, each of image data generated by the reading methods. The lowest one of signal levels is selected from each of the distributions. In correspondence with each of the primary and complementary color readings, a conversion table is formed, which converts the image data to make a pixel value corresponding to the selected lowest one of the signal levels to a value representing white. Under color removal of the image data is performed using a corresponding conversion table in accordance with the reading method of the image original.
US08237983B2 Information input output method using dot pattern
A quadrangular or rectangular area on a medium surface of a printed material and the like is defined as a block. A straight line in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction nuclear along an edge of the block is defined as a reference grid line. A virtual grid point is placed at a predetermined interval on the reference grid line. A reference grid point dot is placed each on a virtual grid point on the horizontal reference grid lines. A straight line connecting the reference grid point dots and virtual grid points on a vertical line is defined as a grid line. An intersection point of grid lines is defined as a virtual grid point. A dot pattern is generated by arranging one or more information dots having a distance and a direction on the base of the virtual grid point. An optical reading means is used to scan the dot pattern into image information. Then, the dot pattern is converted into a numerical value, and the information corresponding to the numerical information is read from a storage means and output.
US08237979B2 System and method of utilizing tab attributes as job ticket attributes for printing
A system for utilizing tab attributes includes a communications component, a user interface component, a ticket generation component, and a job submissions component. The communications component operatively communicates at least one print document. The user interface component operatively communicates user data including tab data. The ticket generation component generates a ticket including at least one tab attribute. The ticket generation component communicates with the communications component and the user interface. The ticket generation component receives the user data from the user interface component and the ticket generation component receives the at least one print document from the communications component. The ticket is associated with the at least one print document. The ticket includes at least one tab attribute generated as a function of the received tab data. The job submission component submits a job to a printer and the job includes the ticket and the at least one print document. The system is at least partially implemented by an operative set of processor executable instructions configured for execution by at least one processor.
US08237975B2 Document administration system, document administration apparatus, and recording medium
A document administration system includes document storing apparatuses and a server connected via a network. Each of the document storing apparatuses includes plural boxes for storing information. The server includes an output request receiving portion for receiving an output request on a document stored in one of the document storing apparatuses; and an output destination selecting portion for selecting one of the document storing apparatuses for outputting the document corresponding to the output request. A discriminating portion of the server discriminates whether the selected document storing apparatuses coincides with the document storing apparatuses in which the document is stored. If so, a controller of the server makes the selected document storing apparatus output the document. If not, the controller obtains the document from the document storing apparatus in which the document is stored and transmits the obtained document to the selected document storing apparatuses to output the document.
US08237973B2 Print plug-in isolation
In embodiments of print plug-in isolation, a print system input can be received at a print system, and the print system input can be redirected from the print system to an isolation module that isolates one or more print plug-ins from the print system. The print system input can be processed at the isolation module with the one or more print plug-ins to generate print plug-in output, and the print plug-in output can then be communicated back to the print system from the isolation module.
US08237972B1 Print preview in a tab
Methods and systems for printing of a document using tabs. An indication of a print command is received to print a first instance of a document displayed in a first tab on a browser. A second tab is displayed with a second instance of the document upon receiving the indication of the print command, wherein the second tab with the second instance of the document is visible, and the first instance of the document displayed in the first tab is hidden by the second tab displaying the second instance of the document. A print option area is displayed relative to the second instance of the document in the second tab. A final print indication is received from the print option area.
US08237969B2 Finisher and image forming system
Disclosed is a finisher to perform finishing processing on a paper ejected from an image forming apparatus, including: a control section to switch an adjustment amount to be used in the finishing processing based on information of paper grain of the paper.
US08237966B2 Printing device and computer-readable record medium storing program for printing device
A printing device comprises a communication unit which executes communication with a mail server on a network, a connection unit to which a portable storage medium can be connected, a printing unit which executes printing, and a control unit which executes a mail acquisition process of acquiring an e-mail including a body and an attached file from the mail server via the communication unit, printing the body with the printing unit, and storing the attached file in a portable storage medium connected to the connection unit.
US08237963B2 Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus includes: a reading unit which reads original document data from a read target original document having plural pages, on a page-by-page basis; a transmission unit which transmits original document data read by the reading unit; an acquisition unit which wirelessly acquires identification information capable of identifying a set of pages to be transmitted by the transmission unit in one communication, from a wireless tag attached to each page of the read target original document; an identification unit which identifies whether a combination of pages of the read target original document corresponds to a combination of pages of a specific set original document based on the identification information; and a transmission controller which controls the transmission unit to transmit the original document data from the read target original document based on a result of the identification unit.
US08237962B2 Throughput estimate based upon document complexity analysis
A method receives a print job and analyzes the complexity of the print job to generate complexity factors. The method performs raster image processing (RIP) on the print job and records the time taken to perform the raster image processing of each page of the print job. This generates “RIP times.” In addition, the method records the size of each page of the print job to generate “page sizes.” Then the method prints the print job and records the time it took to process the print job. Then the method determines how each of the complexity factors, the RIP times, and the page sizes contributed to the time it took to process the print job. This generates “complexity factor time values.” The method prints a report of the complexity factor time values detailing how each of the complexity factors contributed to the time it took to process the print job.
US08237961B2 Virtual device management method and management apparatus
A management apparatus (102) for managing a plurality of actual devices (104-106) and virtual devices (603, 703), each virtual device providing an operation constructed by combining the functions of the plurality of actual devices detects (503, S1104) a change of an optional function of the actual devices. The apparatus changes (502, S1108), in correspondence with the detected change of the optional function, the attribute of the first virtual device including an actual device of which the optional function has been changed. When the second virtual device which has the same attribute as the changed attribute of the first virtual device is determined, the apparatus changes (508, S1115) the configuration of the second virtual device so as to use the actual device. The apparatus inquires (507, S1114) of a user whether or not to reconstruct the second virtual device so as to use the actual device.
US08237960B2 Transmission of image data format conversion software along with image data
An image processing apparatus that allows accumulated image data and print control data to be transferred to another image processing apparatus and that may improve user convenience. The image processing apparatus is communicatively connected to another image processing apparatus. A storage unit stores input image data in a first format. A reception unit receives from the another image processing apparatus information indicating a format of image data capable of being analyzed by the another image processing apparatus. An identification unit identifies, based on the information received by the reception unit, software for converting the image data from the first format to another format of image data capable of being analyzed by the another image processing apparatus. A transmission unit transmits the image data stored in the storage unit and the software identified at the identification unit and information indicating a location where the image data is stored in said storage unit to the another image processing apparatus.
US08237958B2 Path detecting server, client apparatus, path detecting system, path detecting method, and computer program product
A client transmits a request, which requests a print processing path, to a path detecting server, and in response receives path information indicating a print processing path from the path detecting server. The client transmits the path information and PDL data to an apparatus subsequent to the client on the print processing path indicated in the path information. The path detecting server receives the request from the client and finds a print processing path referring to information of printers and print servers stored in an apparatus information database. A path detecting server transmits to the client path information indicating the print processing path.
US08237955B2 Deciding priority image forming means based on search log information
This invention makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of causing an information processing apparatus to install a driver desired by a user by selecting an appropriate PDL and presenting device information to the information processing apparatus, and increasing the convenience for the user, a control method for the apparatus, and a program. To accomplish this, image forming unit-specific log information associated with a plurality of image forming units of the image forming apparatus is stored in a storage device. On the basis of the log information, a priority image forming unit is decided from the plurality of image forming units. Identification information containing an identifier of the decided image forming unit is transmitted in response to an information request transmitted from the information processing apparatus.
US08237949B2 System and method for combining at a single location selection of image finishing operations of multiple devices
A system and method for combining at a single location selection of image finishing operations of multiple devices. The system comprises a first memory for storing imaging finishing operations of the source device; a second memory for storing imaging finishing operations of the destination device; a display; and a system processor, coupled to the first memory, the second memory and the display, for producing a representation of both imaging finishing operations of the source device and imaging finishing operations of the destination device, and causing that representation to be presented by the display. The method comprises retrieving from a first memory information regarding imaging finishing operations of the source device; retrieving from a second memory information regarding imaging finishing operations of the destination device; and producing a representation of both imaging finishing operations of the source device and imaging finishing operations of the destination device, and causing that representation to be presented by a display. The system and method may be particularly adapted for pull printing of an image by a printer in communication with a host computer.
US08237938B2 Method and apparatus to create color conversion profiles
Disclosed are an image forming apparatus and an image forming method thereof. The image forming method includes: selecting at least one among plural scanning profiles needed for color management at a scanning operation of a document and plural printing profiles needed for the color management at a printing operation of the document according to a user's input; and generating a printing image based on the selected scanning and printing profiles and a preset scanning or printing profile.
US08237935B2 Method and system for automatically inspecting parts and for automatically generating calibration data for use in inspecting parts
A method and system for automatically inspecting parts and for automatically generating calibration data for use in inspecting parts are provided. The system includes a support for supporting a part to be inspected and/or a calibration device along a measurement axis. The system further includes a head apparatus including a plurality of radiation plane generators for directing an array of planes of radiation at the part and/or device so that the part and/or device occludes each of the planes of radiation to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part and/or device. The head apparatus further includes a plurality of radiation plane receivers or cameras such as line scan cameras. Each of the cameras measures the amount of radiation present in an adjacent pair of unobstructed planar portions created from the same plane of radiation to obtain at least one measurement signal. The system still further includes a stage subsystem including a stage movable along a stage axis substantially parallel to the measurement axis and coupled to the head apparatus to move therewith for translating the head apparatus relative to the part and/or device along the stage axis so that the planes of radiation scan the part and/or device supported by the support substantially perpendicular to the stage and measurement axes. The system may further include one or more mechanisms for reducing radiation cross talk between neighboring cameras.
US08237934B1 Center marking nest for method of precision locating
A system and methods for precision marking are disclosed. A spring-loaded mechanical marking tool comprising an optical retro-reflector is operable to interface with a metrology system to expedite determination of a desired feature location. The tool simplifies user operation of metrology targeting devices, and reduces or eliminates process non-conformance, potential surface damage and miss-location.
US08237924B2 Long optical path gas monitor
A long optical path gas monitor is open-typed or close-typed. The monitor includes an optical generation part and a signal processing part. Said optical generation part comprises an emitter, a receiver and multi-group concave mirrors or prisms used to form enough optical path between the emitter and the receiver. Said signal processing part includes an optical fiber (21), a spectrometer (22), a scanner (23), an optoelectronic detector (24) and a computer (25), which are connected sequentially. The input end of the optical fiber (21) is connected to the receiver.
US08237923B2 Bio-sample image pickup device
A bio-sample image pickup device includes a light source module, a carrier, an image pickup unit, a first filter set, and a second filter set. The carrier carries the light source module and the bio-sample, and moves between a first position and a second position. The first filter set between the light source module and the image pickup unit for filtering the light emitted by the light source module, and the image pickup unit picks up the image of the bio-sample through the first filter set in the first position. The second filter set in the second position filters the light emitted by the light source module for allowing an operator to see the bio-sample in the second position through the second filter.
US08237922B2 Laser beam analysis apparatus
An apparatus that enables real time measurement of the spatial profile, circularity, centroid, astigmatism and M2 values of a laser beam generated by a high power laser beam. The apparatus employs the optics used in a process application, including a focus lens and cover glass. An attenuation module includes a pair of high reflecting mirror plates disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to one another at a common angle of incidence to the laser beam. A beam dump is positioned out of a path of travel of the laser beam and in receiving relation to light reflected by the first and second mirrors. A camera detects spots of light that pass through the first and second mirrors. A high power attenuator formed by a highly reflective mirror pair is positioned between the source and the attenuation module. A second embodiment includes a single mirror plate having highly reflective surfaces.
US08237918B2 Optical system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
An optical system, such as an illumination device or a projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, is disclosed. The optical system can include a polarization compensator which has at least one polarization-modifying partial element. The optical system can also include a manipulator by which the position of the at least one partial element can be altered. At least one operating mode of the optical system can be set in which the intensity, over a region which belongs to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and which can be illuminated with light from the light source, does not exceed 20% of the maximum intensity in the plane, and the manipulator is arranged in the region.
US08237917B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus projects a pattern of an original illuminated by an illumination system onto a substrate, by a projection optical system, to expose the substrate. A light-shielding member defines a position at which light falls on an image plane of the projection optical system. An illuminance sensor measures an illuminance on the image plane, and a controller detects a position, on the image plane, of the illuminance sensor. The controller detects the position of the illuminance sensor based on a peak of the output from the illuminance sensor and a position of the light shielding member obtained while moving the light-shielding member, so that a position at which light falls on the image plane moves along the image plane.
US08237916B2 Movable body drive system, pattern formation apparatus, exposure apparatus and exposure method, and device manufacturing method
A stage device is equipped with a first scale which is placed with a Y-axis direction serving as its longitudinal direction and in which a first grating whose periodic direction is in an X-axis direction is formed and a second scale which is placed with the X-axis direction serving as its longitudinal direction and in which a second grating whose periodic direction is orthogonal to the periodic direction of the first grating is formed, the first scale and the second scale being placed on a plane which a wafer stage faces. Further, on the upper surface of the wafer stage, a plurality of X heads placed at different positions in the X-axis direction and a plurality of Y heads placed at different positions in the Y-axis direction are arranged. An encoder system that has these heads measures positional information of the stage within an XY plane, based on an output of the X head facing the first scale and an output of the Y head facing the second scale.
US08237915B2 Method for improving an optical imaging property of a projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A method is disclosed for improving an optical imaging property, for example spherical aberration or the focal length, of a projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus. First, an immersion liquid is introduced into an interspace between a photosensitive surface and an end face of the projection objective. Then an imaging property of the projection objective is determined, for example using an interferometer or a CCD sensor arranged in an image plane of the projection objective. This imaging property is compared with a target imaging property. Finally, the temperature of the immersion liquid is changed until the determined imaging property is as close as possible to the target imaging property.
US08237914B2 Process, apparatus, and device for determining intra-field correction to correct overlay errors between overlapping patterns
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam, a support for a patterning device, a substrate table for a substrate, a projection system, and a control system. The patterning device is capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam. The projection system is configured to project the patterned radiation beam as an image onto a target portion of the substrate along a scan path. The scan path is defined by a trajectory in a scanning direction of an exposure field of the lithographic apparatus. The control system is coupled to the support, the substrate table and the projection system for controlling an action of the support, the substrate table and the projection system, respectively. The control system is configured to correct a local distortion of the image in a region along the scan path by a temporal adjustment of the image in that region, hereby reducing the intra-field overlay errors.
US08237913B2 Lithographic apparatus and method
A lithographic method is provided that includes using an illumination system to provide a beam of radiation having an illumination mode, using a patterning device to impart the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section, and projecting the patterned radiation beam onto a substrate. The illumination mode is adjusted after the radiation beam has been projected onto the substrate. The adjustment is arranged to reduce the effect of optical aberrations due to lens heating on the projected pattern during projection of the pattern onto a subsequent substrate.
US08237906B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: a pair of substrates disposed to face each other; an inner sealing material surrounding a non-display region between the pair of substrates; an outer sealing material surrounding the inner sealing material; liquid crystal filled between the inner sealing material and the outer sealing material; and a display region formed in a region where the liquid crystal is filled, and first columnar spacers fixed on any one of the pair of substrates are formed in the forming region of the inner sealing material, the first columnar spacers being formed so as to avoid positions overlapped with intersecting portions of the gate signal lines and the drain signal lines.
US08237901B2 Liquid crystal display device with retardation plates
A liquid crystal display device includes an OCB mode liquid crystal display panel, and an optical compensation element which is disposed outside of the liquid crystal display layer. The optical compensation element includes a polarizer plate, a first retardation plate which is disposed between the polarizer plate and the liquid crystal layer, and a second retardation plate which is disposed between the polarizer plate and the first retardation plate and has a biaxial refractive index anisotropy. The optical compensation element compensates a difference of a polarization state that differs between azimuth directions of light passing through the liquid crystal layer and compensates a shift of the polarization state of light, which passes through the retardation plate, from an azimuth direction of an absorption axis of the polarizer plate.
US08237899B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device having a high contrast ratio and no coloring during black display, over a wide viewing angle range. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a reverse wavelength dispersion-type biaxial retardation film having R0(B)/R0(G) and Rth(B)/Rth(G) not greater than 0.965 and R0(R)/R0(G) and Rth(R)/Rth(G) not smaller than 1.015; and a vertical alignment liquid crystal cell that has a blue, a green, and a red color filter layer and that satisfies Rth_LC(B)/Rth_LC(G)≦1.000 and Rth_LC(R)/Rth_LC(G)≧1.000. R0(B), R0(G) and R0(R) denote the in-plane retardations of the retardation film at wavelengths 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm. Rth(B), Rth(G) and Rth(R), and Rth_LC(B), Rth_LC(G) and Rth_LC(R) respectively denote the thickness-direction retardations of the retardation film and the liquid crystal cell at wavelengths 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm.
US08237894B2 Color filter and liquid crystal display device
A color filter includes a red filter segment, a green filter segment and a blue filter segment, on a substrate, wherein when a pseudo-white LED is used, an area of a triangle defined by three chromaticity points of the red, green and blue filter segments expressed as (xR, yR), (xG, yG) and (xB, yB) on the x-y chromaticity diagram occupies 72% or more of an area standard triangle defined by defined by 3 points of red (0.67, 0.33), green (0.21, 0.71) and blue (0.14, 0.08), and the color filter has a color temperature of 6000K or more. Each of the red, green and blue filter segments has a thickness of 3.3 μm or less. A liquid crystal display device includes such color filter and the pseudo-white LED.
US08237885B2 Liquid crystal display with narrow angular range of incident light and method of making the display
A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel in the pixel electrode and common electrodes formed within a pixel comprise repeating structures. The angular range of light incident from the light source is narrower along a direction of the repeating structures than along an orthogonal direction.
US08237883B2 Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device including a frame for accommodating light emitting diode substrates, the frame including: a first surface opposed to the light emitting diode substrates; a second surface that erects from the first surface around the light emitting diode substrates; and a third surface on an opposite side to the first surface; a connector attached to each of the light emitting diode substrates; a circuit board disposed on the third surface of the frame; and at least one cable for electrically connecting the connector with the circuit board. The at least one cable extends from the connector in a direction approaching the circuit board on the first surface so as to detour around the light emitting diode substrates, passes through the frame from the first surface to the third surface, and is electrically connected to the circuit board on the third surface.
US08237882B2 Liquid crystal display device with guide panel including fixing rib
A liquid crystal display device includes a cover bottom, a reflection sheet over the cover bottom, lamps over the reflection sheet, a diffuser plate over the lamps, a plurality of optical sheets over the diffuser plate, a guide panel of a rectangular shape surrounding edges of the diffuser plate and the plurality of optical sheets, the guide panel including fixing ribs at an inner surface thereof, a liquid crystal panel over the plurality of optical sheets and including first and second substrates and a liquid crystal layer therebetween, a top cover covering edge portions of a front surface of the liquid crystal panel and combined with the guide panel and the cover bottom, wherein the fixing ribs contact edges of the diffuser plate such that a force is applied to the diffuser plate.
US08237879B2 Pixel structure, liquid crystal display and operation method thereof
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display containing a plurality of liquid crystals, a switching element, a plurality of alignment layers and a plurality of electrodes. The switching element comprises a gate, a drain and a source, and the drain/source forms a directional top portion. The gate and the source/drain form a lateral electric field. The alignment layer is disposed on the switching element and corresponds with the directional top portion. The plurality of liquid crystals are operated by the lateral electric field and located above the electrodes and the alignment layers. The alignment direction of plurality liquid crystals is following the directional top portion due to the enhancement of liquid crystal phase transition. Enhancement of the lateral electric field between the plurality of electrodes is helpful to reduce liquid crystal phase transition time.
US08237873B2 Method for creating blending ramps for complex projector image overlaps
Three or more projectors project their respective images to form a composite image. In some cases all three projected images overlap. In order to compensate for distortions in this overlap, blending values are assigned to the projector pixels that contribute to the overlap regions. Pixels that contribute to the overlap of two projectors are assigned a blending value associated with this projector pair. Pixels that contribute to the overlap of three projectors are assigned a blending value that is the greater of the two blending values associated with the two projector pairs, after such blending value has been scaled.
US08237872B2 Projection type display apparatus
A projection type display apparatus is capable of significantly reducing operational noise of a color wheel. The projection type display apparatus includes a color wheel, a color wheel assembly in which the color wheel is installed, and a noise damping section which changes air flow caused by a rotation of the color wheel so as to reduce the noise.
US08237871B2 System and method for an internet television remote control
A handheld electronic apparatus for communicatively coupling a user and a display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the handheld electronic apparatus includes a user interface configured to accept an user input, the user interface further includes a first interface configured to accept the user input via a keypad, and a second interface configured to accept the user input via a touchpad. The handheld electronic apparatus also includes a processor configured to generate a signal by processing the user input, and a transmitter adapted to transmit the signal generated by the processor to the display device.
US08237868B2 Systems and methods for adaptive spatio-temporal filtering for image and video upscaling, denoising and sharpening
A method for adaptive spatio-temporal filtering is disclosed. Local motion vectors between a current video frame and other nearby video frames are determined. Local motion-aligned temporal confidence parameters are determined. Local spatial orientation parameters are determined. The local motion vectors, the local motion-aligned temporal confidence parameters, and the local spatial orientation parameters are used to adaptively determine spatio-temporal kernel weights. The spatio-temporal kernel weights are used to perform spatio-temporal filtering on input video data.
US08237853B2 Image sensing apparatus and control method therefor
An image sensing apparatus that carries out image sensing continuously and inputs a plurality of images, having a digital signal processing circuit that detects, at each input image, from image data thereof, an object that satisfies a preset condition, a first exposure value determination unit that calculates a first exposure value from the image data, a second exposure value determination unit that calculates a second exposure value based on the detected object, and a selection unit that selects either the first exposure value, the second exposure value, a currently set exposure value, or an exposure value calculated based on a luminance of an area referenced when calculating a currently set exposure value as an exposure value to be used for a next image sensing based on object detection results obtained by the digital signal processing circuit.
US08237840B2 High speed image selecting method and digital camera having high speed image selecting function
In a digital camera operation method, photographic images are taken with the camera and a corresponding compressed high resolution image and also a corresponding lower resolution image is stored for each. A fast display mode of the camera sequentially displays individual lower resolution display images, using the data of one of the lower resolution images. A normal display mode displays high resolution display images by expanding and displaying one of the compressed high resolution images. When changing from the fast display mode to the normal display mode, the lower resolution display image currently displayed can be replaced with the corresponding high resolution display image.
US08237835B1 Confocal imaging device using spatially modulated illumination with electronic rolling shutter detection
A digital imaging device comprising a light source, a pixel array detector having a rolling shutter functionality, a spatial light modulator configured to produce one or more modulation patterns during a frame exposure of the pixel array detector, and at least one timing signal configured to control a spatial-temporal relationship between a rolling shutter of the pixel array detector and the one or more modulation patterns provided by the spatial light modulator.
US08237834B2 Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus having light-preventing partitions
A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate and a plurality of pixel portions arranged over the substrate, each of the pixel portions includes a photoelectric conversion portion provided over the substrate and a color filter provided over the photoelectric conversion portion, and the solid-state imaging device includes partitions for preventing light that is incident on the color filter of each pixel portion from entering adjacent pixel portions.
US08237833B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are an image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor comprises: a readout circuitry, an interconnection, a contact plug, and an image sensing device. The readout circuitry is formed in a first substrate. The interconnection is electrically connected to the readout circuitry over the first substrate. The contact plug is formed over the interconnection, and includes an insulating layer at regions in an upper side thereof. The image sensing device is formed over the contact plug.
US08237832B2 Image sensor with focusing interconnections
An image sensor includes a photosensitive region formed in a substrate of an integrated circuit. The substrate has a first layer of metal formed over the surface of the substrate so the first layer of metal defines a first aperture that has a first aperture width through with the incident light passes before illuminating the photosensitive region. The first aperture width is equal to or less than the width of the photosensitive region below the first aperture. The substrate also has a second layer of metal formed over the first layer of metal. The second aperture has a second aperture width that is wider than the first aperture width. The first and second apertures focus the incident light onto the photosensitive region.
US08237831B2 Four-channel color filter array interpolation
A method of forming a full-color output image from a color filter array image having a plurality of color pixels having at least two different color responses and panchromatic pixels, comprising capturing a color filter array image using an image sensor including panchromatic pixels and color pixels having at least two different color responses, the pixels being arranged in a repeating pattern having a square minimal repeating unit having at least three rows and three columns, the color pixels being arranged along one of the diagonals of the minimal repeating unit, and all other pixels being panchromatic pixels; computing an interpolated panchromatic image from the color filter array image; computing an interpolated color image from the color filter array image; and forming the full color output image from the interpolated panchromatic image and the interpolated color image.
US08237825B2 Pixel replacement using five nearest neighbors
An image processing system is provided for replacing a value of a defective pixel located along a center row of a region in an image. The region includes a center row, a previous row located above the center row and a subsequent row located below the center row. The image processing system includes a buffer for storing values of pixels located in the previous row and the center row. The image processing system also includes a selector for selecting a plurality of pixel values located in the previous row and the center row that are adjacent to the location of the defective pixel, without selecting a pixel value on the subsequent row. The image processing system further includes a calculator for determining a replacement value for the defective pixel from values of the selected pixels located in the previous row and the center row.
US08237823B2 Method and apparatus for canceling chromatic aberration
Provided are a method and apparatus for canceling chromatic aberration. In the method, only chrominance signals are filtered using an asymmetrical mask according to the characteristics of chromatic aberration occurring from among a luminance/chrominance coordinates system. Accordingly, it is possible to cancel chromatic aberration regardless of the characteristics of a lens and prevent the resolution of the original image from degrading.
US08237822B2 Image processing method and apparatus for reducing noise in an image
An image processing method and apparatus may effectively reduce noise in an image which represents an object photographed by a photographing apparatus. The method may include extracting a first low-frequency component and a first high-frequency component from first image data, and applying a noise reduction filter to the first low-frequency component and to the first high-frequency component to obtain a second low-frequency component and a second high-frequency component, respectively. The method may also include obtaining edge data from the second low-frequency component, and amplifying a portion of the second high-frequency component that corresponds to the edge data to obtain a third high-frequency component. The method may further include combining the second low-frequency component with the third high-frequency component to obtain second image data, and controlling the second image data representing the photographed object to be output to at least one of a storage medium and a display unit.
US08237816B2 Digital camera with virtual memory
A digital camera captures successive first and second images using an image sensor to produce image data, and processes the image data of the successive first and second images. The processing of the second image overlaps processing of the first image in time. The processing of the two images includes mapping locations in a virtual memory space to locations in the memory pages in a physical memory space of the digital camera, and storing information corresponding to the mapped locations in a page table. The digital camera performs operations on the image data of the first and second images stored at specified locations in the virtual memory space, and while performing those operations allocates and de-allocates memory pages in the physical memory space to virtual memory pages in the virtual memory space and updates the page table accordingly.
US08237813B2 Multiple exposure high dynamic range image capture
Techniques for creating a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image within a consumer grade digital camera from a series of images of a scene captured at different exposure levels, and displaying the HDR image on the camera's built-in display, are provided. The approach employs mixing images of the series to incorporate both scene shadow and highlight details, and the removing of “ghost” image artifacts appearing in the mixed HDR image resulting from movement in the scene over the time the series images are captured. The low computational resource utilization of the present invention's image mixing and ghost removal processing operations, along with the present invention's ability to commence image mixing and ghost removal prior to the acquisition of all series images, can significantly reduce the time required to generate and display a tone mapped HDR image.
US08237812B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and imaging control program
Imaging signal obtained through exposure for divided exposure times is A/D converted to digital imaging signal. Dark current component is subtracted from the digital imaging signal. The result of subtraction is accumulated and stored in a first memory. Next, exposure for divided exposure times is performed with the imaging device shielded from light. The obtained imaging signal is A/D converted to digital imaging signal. Dark current component is subtracted from the digital imaging signal. The result of subtraction is accumulated and stored sequentially in a second memory. The digital imaging signal stored in the second memory is subtracted from the digital imaging signal stored in the first memory. Then the result of subtraction is output. The word length allocated to one pixel in the first and second memories is longer than the word length of one A/D converted pixel.
US08237810B2 Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus includes a reader, a plurality of matrix modules, a selector, and a controller. The reader is configured for reading data of each pixel of a binarized image. The plurality of matrix modules is configured for performing filtering operations to the data based on a control signal, the plurality of matrix modules serially connected, and a first one of the series being connected to the reader. The selector is configured for selecting one of the plurality of matrix modules based on the control signal and outputting filtered results from the selected one of the plurality of matrix modules. The controller is configured for generating the control signal. An image processing method is also provided.
US08237806B2 Photographic system
A camera device capable of taking a commemorative image of an operator serving as a subject which includes a background image by a remote operation from an operation terminal held by the operator through a communication network, includes: a section that calculates a photographic target area based on position information of a camera section and state information of the camera section which includes at least one of a pan angle, a tilt angle, and a zoom magnification; a section that determines whether or not the operation terminal is located within the photographic target area based on terminal position information received from the operation terminal through the communication network and information indicating the calculated photographic target area; and a section that permits high-image quality photographing and enabling transmission of a video image subjected to high-image quality processing to the operation terminal through the communication network when it is determined that the operation terminal is located within the photographic target area.
US08237802B2 Method and apparatus for determining shaken image by using auto focusing
A method and apparatus for determining a shaken image by using auto focusing. The method includes calculating a maximum AF value of a preview image and a maximum AF value of a captured image that is down-sampled according to the preview image and comparing the maximum AF value of the preview with the maximum AF value of the captured image to determine whether the captured image is shaken or not.
US08237796B2 Monitor for automobile
A monitor used in an automobile includes an image sensing module, a visual field adjustor, and a display. The image sensing module includes a lens module and an image sensor secured on an emitting light path of the lens module. The visual field adjustor includes a prism made from transparent materials and movably installed in an incident light path of the lens module. When the automobile reverses, the image sensing module cooperates with the visual field adjustor to capture optical image signals, and the display uses the optical image signals to create an image and displays the image.
US08237795B2 Driving assistance device
The driving assistance device is adapted to have the first guide marker occupy a first position to ensure that the roadside occupies the first position in superimposed relationship with the first guide marker, at the time of making a judgment that an angle of the vehicle to the roadside is equal to a predetermined value, after the vehicle is moved toward the space in reverse gear with one maximum steering angle, and to have the second guide marker occupy a second position to ensure that the roadside occupies the second position in superimposed relationship with the second guide marker, at the time of making a judgment that the second guide marker is superimposed on the roadside, after the automotive vehicle is moved toward the space straight in reverse gear and the vehicle is parked, after the vehicle is moved toward the space in reverse gear with the other maximum steering angle.
US08237793B2 Monitoring system
A monitoring system applies to a long distance transmission. A number of data acquisition devices records still images and video as signals and converts the video signals into voltage signals suitable for transmission. A monitoring host connected to the number of data acquisition devices via a network cable for long distance transmission processes the voltage signals to show the video.
US08237791B2 Visualizing camera feeds on a map
Feeds from cameras are better visualized by superimposing images based on the feeds onto map based on a two- or three-dimensional virtual map. For example, a traffic camera feed can be aligned with a roadway included in the map. Multiple videos can be aligned with roadways in the map and can also be aligned in time.
US08237789B2 Automatic inspection device for stents, and method of automatic inspection
A device for automatic illumination and inspection of tubular probes, in particular stents, is proposed, with rotatable means for holding the probes that are to be inspected, with an electronic camera and associated lens, with a computer-based electronic imaging system, and with means for illuminating the probe that is to be inspected. The probe surfaces are illuminated by means of a combination of dark field illumination and transillumination.
US08237787B2 Ball with camera and trajectory control for reconnaissance or recreation
A ball that provides normalized images of a ground-based target subject captured over the course of the arc of its airborne trajectory. The improvements include a processing unit that compiles multiple images into a smooth continuous fly-by video of the target subject, a processing unit that stitches multiple images captured at a single moment in the ball's trajectory into a panoramic image and further normalizes and compiles multiple panoramic images into a smooth, continuous fly-through video, and an embedded motion sensor to initiate operations when the ball is pitched, and an embedded impact sensor to shut down operations for power conservation, and a mass which forces the camera into a repeated spinning or precessing orbit around the core of the ball, and a wireless transmission of surveillance imagery captured by the ball, and ground-based transmission of the target subject's location for subsequent image capture, and means for capturing multiple images of varying viewpoints including a camera aperture connected to a branching collection of fused fiber optic bundles. Also disclosed are means for directing the ball along a controllable trajectory to move toward a ground-based target subject.
US08237786B2 System and method for dense-stochastic-sampling imaging
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to imaging technologies, and, in particular, to an imaging system that detects relatively weak signals, over time, and that uses the detected signals to determine the positions of signal emitters. Particular embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for imaging fluorophore-labeled samples in order to produce images of the sample at resolutions significantly greater than the diffraction-limited resolution associated with optical microscopy. Embodiments of the present invention employ overlapping-emitter-image disambiguation to allow data to be collected from densely arranged emitters, which significantly decreases the data-collection time for producing intermediate images as well as the number of intermediate images needed to computationally construct high-resolution final images. Additional embodiments of the present invention employ hierarchical image-processing techniques to further resolve and interpret disambiguated images.
US08237781B2 Moving device and electronic component mounting
An electronic component mounting apparatus includes two second linear-motion devices on each of which an image pickup device and a mounting head are placed so as to be movable in an X direction, a first linear-motion device for moving the second linear-motion devices in a Y direction independently of each other, in which the image pickup device is placed at such a position as to be contained within an X-directional width of the mounting head and moreover contained within a Y-directional total width of the mounting head and the second linear-motion device. Thus, since the image pickup region of the camera is contained within the moving region of the mounting head, there is no need for ensuring a moving distance taking into account only the camera's image pickup region, so that the moving-axis length of the second linear-motion devices can be reduced.
US08237778B2 Image output system, image generating device and method of generating image
A system includes a first specifying unit which specifies a first output information showing at least the viewpoint of a multi-viewpoint image, a second specifying unit which specifies a second output information showing an image area to be output as a single viewpoint image out of the multi-viewpoint images, and a recording unit which associates the second output information specified by the second specifying unit with the multi-viewpoint image and the first output information specified by the first specifying unit and records the second output information in a predetermined recording medium. A device which can output a multi-viewpoint image can output the multi-viewpoint image based on the first output information, and a device which cannot output a multi-viewpoint image but a single viewpoint image can output the single viewpoint image suitable for appreciation based on the second output information.
US08237776B2 Method and apparatus for generating stereoscopic images from a DVD disc
A system and method described herein provide stereoscopic video using standard DVD video data combined with enhancement data. In various embodiments, the enhancement data may be stored on the same DVD as the standard video, or provided via downloading and/or streaming to a stereoscopic DVD player. When stored on the DVD, the enhancement data is provided in various forms, including MPEG (-1 or -2) program Stream level; or the MPEG elementary stream level. In one embodiment, the enhancement data consists of a difference signal between left- and right-eye images taken on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
US08237773B2 Communication system and method, sending apparatus and method, receiving apparatus and method, and program
Disclosed herein is a communication system, including: a sending apparatus configured to transmit a Digital Visual Interface signal wherein pixel data formed from color data including red data, green data and blue data are disposed successively for the individually same color data through a Digital Visual Interface cable; and a receiving apparatus configured to receive the Digital Visual Interface signal transmitted from said sending apparatus through said Digital Visual Interface cable.
US08237765B2 Video conferencing device which performs multi-way conferencing
In various embodiments, a video conferencing device (e.g., an endpoint) may generate a video frame that includes video images of two or more video conferencing endpoints. The video frame may then be sent to a video conferencing device that may receive the video frame and separate the two or more video images into separate video images. In some embodiments, coordinate information sent along with the video frame (e.g., in metadata) may be used by the video conferencing endpoint to determine the locations of the video images in the video frame to facilitate separation of the video images. By transmitting and receiving video frames with multiple video images (from different video conferencing endpoints), multiple video conferencing endpoints can implement a multi-way video conference call without using an MCU.
US08237753B2 Display device with gradation conversion, and method thereof
A gradation conversion unit 23 performs, on an input image, gradation conversion in which a predetermined gain is applied to a gradation smaller than a boundary gradation CVth and a characteristic becomes a spline curve for a gradation larger than the boundary gradation. To determine a characteristic of the gradation conversion unit 23, an image analysis unit 22 obtains the boundary gradation CVth and a maximum gradation CVmax based on the input image, and determines a linear gain shift coefficient LGs so that the brightness decreasing rate of the maximum gradation CVmax when brightness control of a backlight 30 is performed becomes a limit value or less. In such a manner, power consumption of the backlight is reduced while suppressing deterioration in picture quality.
US08237752B2 Color calibrator of display device
A color calibrator of a display apparatus is disclosed. The color calibrator includes a color estimator for receiving a plurality of digital counts of initial colors of an image signal. The color estimator includes a first operator, a gray value electrical-optical converter, a mixed-color electrical-optical converter, an initial color electrical-optical converter, a plurality of linear transformers and a weighting operator. The gray value electrical-optical converter, the mixed-color electrical-optical converter and the initial color electrical-optical converter convert a gray value digital count, a mixed color digital count and an initial color digital count for generating a plurality conversion outputs according to a plurality of gray conversion curves, a plurality of mixed color conversion curves and a plurality of initial color converting curve. The weighting operator receives the conversion outputs and a plurality of weighting values to generate an analysis output signal.
US08237747B2 Method of converting signals for multi-primary color display
A method is described which converts a three primary color input signal (Cx, Cy, Cz) into N drive signals (P1, . . . , PN) to drive N>3 primary colors of a multi-primary color display (3). The method determines (1) a valid range (VS) wherein the N drive signals (P1, . . . , PN) have valid values by performing the steps of (i) defining 3 functions representing 3 of the drive signals (P1, P2, P3) as a function of the remaining N−3 drive signal(s) (P4, . . . , PN), and (ii) calculating (1) a common range in a space formed by the N−3 drive signal(s) (P4, . . . , PN) wherein each one of the 3 functions has valid values. The method selects (2) a point from the common range to determine the N drive signals (P1, . . . , PN).
US08237745B1 Label positioning technique to reduce crawling during zoom activities
A graphics or image rendering system, such as a map image rendering system, receives image data from an image database in the form of vector data that defines various features of the map, such as roads, boundaries, etc., in addition to text strings or symbols to be displayed with the features to provide, for example, labels for the features. The label positioning technique generally divides the displayed road feature into a number of road segments and then labels each road segment in a sequence based on an ordered set of labels and a position of each road segment.
US08237743B2 Modification of images from a user's album for spot-the-differences
A computer implemented system and method for generating a game, such as spot-the-difference are provided. The method includes receiving a user-selected original image and storing the image in memory. From the original image, the method includes automatically generating a pair of images which are visually identical except for a predetermined number of random localized modifications, and providing the pair of images to the user as a game which can be played by spotting differences between the pair of images as a result of the modifications.
US08237742B2 Simulation method and system
A simulation method and system. A computing system receives a first audio and/or video data stream. The first audio and/or video data stream includes data associated with a first person. The computing system monitors the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system identifies emotional attributes comprised by the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system generates a second audio and/or video data stream associated with the first audio and/or video data stream. The second audio and/or video data stream includes the data without the emotional attributes. The computing system stores the second audio and/or video data stream.
US08237738B1 Smooth rasterization of polygonal graphics primitives
A method and system for smooth rasterization of graphics primitives. The method includes receiving a graphics primitive for rasterization in a raster stage of a processor, rasterizing the graphics primitive by generating a plurality of fragments related to the graphics primitive, and determining a coverage value for each of the plurality of fragments. If one edge of the graphics primitive lies within a predetermined inter-pixel distance from a pixel center, the one edge is used to calculate the coverage value by using a distance to the pixel center. If two edges of the graphics primitive lie within the predetermined inter-pixel distance from the pixel center, a distance to the pixel center of each edge is used individually to calculate the coverage value. The resulting coverage values for the plurality of fragments are output to a subsequent stage of the processor for rendering.
US08237737B2 Method for clearing blur images of a monitor
A method for clearing blur images of a monitor is disclosed. An original image data is provided. The original image data is transformed from an RGB encoded format to a YUV encoded format. The transformation is compressed as the original image data with the YUV encoded format. The compressed original image data is written in a random access memory (RAM) using a predefined method. The compressed original image data is decompressed. The original image data is transformed from the YUV encoded format to the RGB encoded format. The original image data is outputted to a display device using a driving unit.
US08237734B2 Portable electronic device and light flickering method for light emitting element thereof
A portable electronic device and a light flickering method for light emitting elements thereof are both disclosed herein. The portable electronic device includes at least one light emitting element. The light flickering method comprises the following steps: setting personalized light flickering data with a user interface; storing the personalized light flickering data; generating a control signal in accordance with the personalized light flickering data; and generating a driving signal in accordance with the control signal and driving the light emitting elements with the driving signal.
US08237732B2 Color reproduction system, color reproduction device, color reproduction method, and computer-readable recording medium recorded with color reproduction program
In a color reproduction system for displaying an image subjected to color conversion processing by a server side system on a monitor device of a user side system, the server side system comprises a first storage unit for storing a multi-spectrum image, a second storage unit for storing color reproduction characteristic information, which is information relating to a color reproduction characteristic when the image is displayed on the monitor device, a server side communication unit for receiving the color reproduction requirement information transmitted from the user side communication unit via the network, and a color conversion processing unit for obtaining, from the second storage unit, color reproduction characteristic information corresponding to the color reproduction requirement information, and performing color conversion processing on the multi-spectrum image on the basis of the obtained color reproduction characteristic information.
US08237726B2 Register allocation for message sends in graphics processing pipelines
Message sends may be implemented in a graphics pipeline using biased graph coloring. Registers may be allocated by shaders for message sends using biased graph coloring.
US08237724B1 Loading an internal frame buffer from an external frame buffer
A method for storing a first frame into a system, wherein the system includes i) a first chip, ii) a display controller, and iii) a copy device, and wherein the first chip includes a first memory. The method includes: reading, using the display controller, a first frame from a second memory, wherein the second memory is external to the first chip; and while the first frame is being read from the second memory by the display controller, using the copy device to copy the first frame from the second memory to the first memory. Subsequent to the copy device copying the first frame from the second memory to the first memory, the first frame is stored in both the first memory and the second memory.
US08237723B2 Deferred deletion and cleanup for graphics resources
A method and an apparatus for maintaining separate information for graphics commands that have been sent to a graphics processing unit (GPU) and for graphics commands that have been processed by the GPU are described. The graphics commands may be associated with graphics resources. A manner to respond to a request for updating the graphics resources may be determined based on examining the separate information maintained for the graphics commands. The request may be received from a graphics API (application programming interface). Responding to the request may include at least one of notifying the graphics API regarding a status of the graphics resources and updating the graphics resources identified by the request.
US08237721B2 Information handling system and method for using main link data channels
A method of providing information for display includes receiving primary, secondary, and tertiary information for display at an information handling system. The tertiary information is communicated to a display interface after the primary and secondary information during a time period otherwise assigned to the communication of dummy information. This allows more information to be communicated via a communication channel.
US08237720B2 Shader-based finite state machine frame detection
Embodiments for shader-based finite state machine frame detection for implementing alternative graphical processing on an animation scenario are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, the embodiment includes assigning an identifier to each shader used to render animation scenarios. The embodiment also includes defining a finite state machine for a key frame in each of the animation scenarios, whereby each finite state machine representing a plurality of shaders that renders the key frame in each animation scenario. The embodiment further includes deriving a shader ID sequence for each finite state machine based on the identifier assigned to each shader. The embodiment additionally includes comparing an input shader ID sequence of a new frame of a new animation scenario to each derived shader ID sequences. Finally, the embodiment includes executing alternative graphics processing on the new animation scenario when the input shader ID sequence matches one of the derived shader ID sequences.
US08237719B1 Pose-structured animation interface
Animation software enables the creation and manipulation of animation in terms of relationships between poses, as opposed to discrete values of computer graphics variable knots. Poses are automatically associated with animation structures that define object pose or poses over a time interval, rather than at a single discrete time. Animation structures may define and manipulate animation data defined over time intervals as a unit, as opposed to a set of unrelated computer graphics variable knots. Animation structures may be used to block out the general form, timing, and rhythm of animations. Optional transition animation structures, pose anticipations, and pose reactions may be automatically or manually defined between adjacent pose hold durations. General parameters of an animation structure may be applied to create or modify the animation data associated with the animation structure. Operations on animation structures can be applied to all of the animation data included in these animation structures.
US08237715B2 Method and system for manipulating groups of data representations of a graphical display
A system is disclosed wherein a graphical representation of a profile may be adjusted to adjust one or more values of the profile. The profile may includes data values corresponding to respective time periods. The data values being represented by data representations in the graphical representation. A non-contiguous grouping of the data representations may be selected by an operator to adjust the data values of the profile corresponding to the non-contiguous grouping of data representations. A contiguous grouping of the data representations may be selected by an operator to adjust the data values of the profile corresponding to the non-contiguous grouping of data representations.
US08237709B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing triangles into triangle strips according to a variety of criteria
Methods and computing devices enable optimized triangle strip generation using forward looking game tree evaluation methods with node evaluation of strip options based on desired performance criteria. The evaluation of possible triangle paths is performed using metrics which may be weighted for each desirable criteria at each move depth. A recursive algorithm may be used to recursively descend through alternative triangle paths and accumulates a score for the path. The final score for each evaluated triangle path at a dead end or maximum depth of evaluation provides a basis for selecting the best alternative path from the base or root triangle for graphic processing. This evaluation or alternative triangle paths may be repeated to select each subsequent triangle for processing or may be repeated after a number of triangles within the selected path have been processed.
US08237707B2 Image generating apparatus, method of generating image, program, and recording medium
The present application generates an image in which a contour line is drawn about a tuned object A in a virtual three-dimensional space when a part of the tuned object A is overlapped by another tuned object B that is located at a position closer to a virtual screen. When a line width of the tuned object A is greater than a line width of the tuned object B, the line width of a part of the tuned object A that is overlapped with the tuned object B is set as the line width of the tuned object B. On the other hand, when the line width of the tuned object A is less than the line width of the tuned object B, the line width of the part of the tuned object A that is overlapped is set as the original line width of the tuned object A.
US08237706B2 Apparatus and method for simplifying three-dimensional mesh data
An apparatus and method for simplifying 3-Dimensional (3D) mesh data are disclosed. The method includes measuring discrete curvature at each point of received 3D mesh data, calculating an error based on distance-curvature error metrics including the discrete curvature, first sorting a low curvature one of the calculated error values in a heap in ascending order, selecting a minimum error among the calculated errors, determining if the minimum error is less than a threshold, contracting an edge if the selected minimum error is greater than the threshold, and recalculating an error of a surface neighboring to a surface on which the contracted edge belongs and re-sorting the calculated error values.
US08237703B2 Split-scene rendering of a three-dimensional model
A method for generating 3D visualization of a large-scale environment comprising the steps of: acquiring a 3D model of the large-scale environment; dividing the 3D model into a near-field part and a far-field part; rendering an array of images of the far-field part; creating a 3D visualization of the near-field part combined with the array of rendered images of the far-field part and displaying the combined rendered images.
US08237700B2 Synchronized phase-shifted pulse width modulation signal generation
A pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator generates multiple output PWM signals from an input PWM signal. The output PWM signals are synchronized to synchronization events. Each output PWM signal has a duty ratio substantially equal to the duty ratio of the input PWM signal, and each output PWM signal has a fixed phase-shift in relation to the other output PWM signals. The PWM signal generator samples an input PWM cycle to determine sample parameters representative of its duty ratio. The sample parameters are then used to generate a corresponding output PWM cycle for each of the output PWM signals. In response to a synchronization event, the PWM signal generator prematurely terminates the current PWM cycle and initiates the next PWM cycle while ensuring that the portion of the current output PWM cycle completed by the leading output PWM signal up to the point of the premature termination is replicated for the corresponding output PWM cycles of the other non-leading output PWM signals.
US08237699B2 Apparatus and method for data interface of flat panel display device
An apparatus and method for data interface of a flat panel display device, which is capable of transferring clocks in a state, in which the clocks are embedded in digital data, thereby reducing the number of transfer lines, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a transmitter unit built in a timing controller, to transmit transfer data with an embedding clock embedded between successive pieces of data, and a clock enable signal to indicate the embedding clock, and receiver units respectively built in a plurality of data integrated circuits connected to the timing controller, to separate and detect the embedding clock and the data from the transfer data, in response to the clock enable signal.
US08237697B2 Amplifier circuits in which compensation capacitors can be cross-connected so that the voltage level at an output node can be reset to about one-half a difference between a power voltage level and a common reference voltage level and methods of operating the same
A switch circuit includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switch arrangement that is operable to connect the first capacitor and the second capacitor in series between a first node that supplies a first voltage level and a second node that supplies a second voltage level, or to disconnect the first capacitor and the second capacitor from the first node and the second node, respectively, and to cross-connect the first capacitor and the second capacitor in response to a first control signal.
US08237696B2 Intelligent digital photo frame
A digital photo frame (DPF) includes a power source, a display panel, a light detector, a motion detector, a processing unit, and a power management unit. The light detector is configured to detect the ambient brightness. The motion detection unit is configured to detect whether anyone is around. The processing unit is connected to the light detector and the motion detector. If the motion detector detects someone is around the DPF and the light detector detects the ambient brightness is below a predetermined value, the processing unit controls the power management unit to provide power to the display panel.
US08237694B2 Method and circuit for controlling timings of display devices using a single data enable signal
In a first display period of a display device, a first count value is recorded at the rising edge of the data enable signal for controlling the length of a horizontal line. Next, a second count value is recorded at the falling edge of the data enable signal for identifying the time when the data enable signal switches from a high level to a low level. When entering a porch period following the first display period, the counter is cleared when the count value reaches the first count value. In a second display period following the porch period, the counter is cleared at the rising edge of the data enable signal, and the first count value is used for controlling the length of the horizontal line.
US08237689B2 Image encoding device, image processing device, image display device, image encoding method, and image processing method
An image encoding device includes a dynamic range generator for outputting dynamic range data Dd1 of block image data Dc1, an average value generator for outputting average value data De1 of the block image data Dc1, a number-of-pixel reducing unit 20 for decreasing number of pixels of the block image data by reduction-number of pixels to generate reduced-number-of-pixel block image data Dc1′, an encoding parameter generator 18 for generating encoding parameter pa1 specifying a quantization bit rate and the reduction-number of pixels in accordance with the dynamic range data Dd1, a quantization threshold generator 19 for generating a quantization threshold value tb1, and an image data quantizer 21 for generating quantized image data Df1 from the reduced-number-of-pixel block image data Dc1′ with use of the quantization threshold value tb1.
US08237686B2 Manipulator
A selecting operation and a setting operation for setup items shown on a display are performed with using a selection change switch that can in steps rotate to three positions indicated by marks and a dial switch that is stacked on the selection change switch. The display shows three setup items at three locations. In a case that the selection change switch is rotated and a tip portion of the selection change switch indicates a position, it is thought that the selection operation is performed to select a setup item shown at a location corresponding to the indicated position. Then, the setting operation for the selected setup item is performed by rotating the dial switch. When the selection change switch has pivoted toward near side or far side, a window to be shown at the foreground is changed on the display.
US08237682B2 System and process for selectable input with a touch screen
A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
US08237681B2 Selective input system and process based on tracking of motion parameters of an input object
A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
US08237677B2 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 conductive layer includes a transparent carbon nanotube structure, and the transparent carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of metallic carbon nanotubes. The bottom component includes a thin film transistor panel. The liquid crystal layer is located between the upper component and the lower component.
US08237673B2 Touch panel and display device using the same
A touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate, and a first conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate, and a second conductive layer disposed on an upper surface of the second substrate. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer both include a carbon nanotube layer. Each carbon nanotube layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The first substrate and the second substrate are flexible. Further, the present invention also relates to a display device. The display device includes a displaying unit and a touch panel.
US08237672B2 Touch panel and display device using the same
An exemplary touch panel includes a substrate, transparent conductive layers, a capacitive sensing circuit, and conductive wires. The transparent conductive layers are disposed on a surface of the substrate and spaced apart from each other. Each transparent conductive layer includes a carbon nanotube layer. The carbon nanotube layer includes carbon nanotubes. The conductive wires respectively electrically connect the transparent conductive layers to the capacitive sensing circuit. A display device using the touch panel is also provided.
US08237671B2 Touch panel and display device using the same
A touch panel includes a substrate, a transparent conductive layer, and at least two electrodes. The transparent conductive layer is formed on a surface of the substrate. The transparent conductive layer includes at least two carbon nanotube layers, and each carbon nanotube layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged along a same direction. The carbon nanotubes of adjacent carbon nanotube layers are arranged along different directions. The electrodes are electrically connected with the transparent conductive layer. Further, a display device using the touch panel is also included.
US08237670B2 Touch panel and display device using the same
A touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate, and two first-electrodes disposed on opposite ends of the first conductive layer. The second electrode plate separates from the first electrode plate and includes a second substrate, a second conductive layer disposed on an upper surface of the second substrate, and two second-electrodes disposed on opposite ends of the second conductive layer. At least one of the first-electrodes and the second-electrodes includes a carbon nanotube layer. Further, the present invention also relates to a display device. The display device includes a displaying unit and a touch panel.
US08237667B2 Phase compensation for multi-stimulus controller
Determining a compensated phase matrix for a multi-stimulus demodulation process is provided. A first drive line of a multi-stimulus sensing system is selected, and a stimulation signal is transmitted on the selected drive line. A channel gain resulting from the stimulation signal is measured from a received sense signal resulting from the stimulation signal. The measured channel gain is compared with a known channel gain to obtain an individual phase compensation for the selected drive line. A compensated phase matrix is formed of the individual phase compensation values for multiple drive lines.
US08237665B2 Interpreting ambiguous inputs on a touch-screen
A method for interpreting ambiguous click events in relation to click targets on a touch-screen display disposed at respective click target locations includes detecting a touch at a touch location and determining whether the touch location corresponds to a click target location. The method also includes searching for nearby click target locations in a predetermined click region and, upon locating a first click target location within the predetermined click region, associating the touch with the first click target location to identify a click event. A computing device for facilitating accurate touch input targeting with respect to a touch-screen display includes a display component, a touch detection component, a targeting component that associates a touch with a click target, and an event detection component that associates the touch with one of a right click event, a left click event, or a drag event.
US08237663B2 Handheld electronic device with text disambiguation
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special key of the keypad that enables a user to progressively select variants generally without changing the position of the user's hands on the device.
US08237661B2 Keyboard with multi-angle positioning support
A keyboard includes a main body and a support for adjusting the angle of the main body. The bottom of the main body defines slots, and furrows defined in opposite side walls of the slots. The support is accommodated in the main body, includes brackets received in the slots, two shafts, two driving portions, and two elastic pieces. The shafts slide relative to the main body. The driving portions are received in the shafts and are flexible relative to the shafts. One end of each elastic piece is fixed to the sidewall of each shaft, the other end resists one of the driving portions. When one of the shafts is moved, the shaft drives the elastic pieces to support the driving portions, one end of each driving portion is pushed out of the shaft to prop up the bracket.
US08237659B2 Word completion in a handheld electronic device
A method for enabling generation of text on a handheld electronic device which has a plurality of input members, at least some of which have a number of linguistic elements assigned thereto, and a memory having language objects stored therein. The method comprises enabling detection of a number of input member actuations corresponding with an ambiguous input, making at least one of a determination that the number of actuations exceeds a first threshold and a determination that a quantity of predicted language objects corresponding with the ambiguous input is less than a second threshold, generating prefix objects corresponding with the ambiguous input and predicted language objects corresponding with the ambiguous input, each predicted language object comprising a prefix object portion and a completion portion, and providing at a text input location an output comprising a prefix object and a completion portion of a first predicted language object.
US08237658B2 Handheld electronic device with text disambiguation employing advanced text case feature
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides an improved text case feature. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special key of the keypad that enables a user to progressively select variants generally without changing the position of the user's hands on the device. If a field into which text is being entered is determined to be a special input field, a disambiguated result can be sought first from a predetermined data source prior to seeking results from other data sources on the device.
US08237657B2 Methods and devices for removing unintentional movement in 3D pointing devices
Systems and methods according to the present invention describe 3D pointing devices and methods which detect movement of the 3D pointing device and remove unintentional movement from the output readings.
US08237652B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus and control method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus includes: an LCD panel which displays an image; a backlight unit which is formed of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and emits light to the LCD panel; a cooling fan which radiates heat generated from the backlight unit; a fan driver which drives the cooling fan; and a controller which selectively controls either the fan driver or the backlight unit to set a rotation speed of the cooling fan to be corresponded with a luminance value of the backlight unit.
US08237651B2 Temperature control method for display device and display device
A method of controlling the temperature of a display device which includes a display panel having a plurality of light emitting elements arrayed in a matrix form, and a plurality of driver ICs is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: generating temperature information of the driver IC by detecting an exothermic temperature caused by the consumption power of each of the driver ICs; and controlling a supply current to the light emitting elements by comparing the temperature information with temperature information added with weighted position information to perform weighting in such a manner that exothermic temperature detection data of the driver IC becomes larger for the driver IC corresponding to an upper area of the display panel by using a look-up table previously formed and stored.
US08237647B2 Driving method for liquid crystal display apparatus, liquid crystal display apparatus, and electronic device
A driving method for a liquid crystal display apparatus, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pixel electrode and a counter electrode, and that controls a transmitted light in the liquid crystal layer by dividing a single frame period into multiple subfield periods and applying an on/off binary data signal between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode in each subfield period. When a counter electrode potential applied to the counter electrode is used as a reference and a voltage higher than the reference is taken as a positive-polarity voltage and a voltage lower than the reference is taken as a negative-polarity voltage, the data signal is converted to the positive-polarity voltage and negative-polarity voltage alternately and cyclically every a cyclical period having subfield period or every several subfield periods. Further, the length of half the cyclical period is no less than 1.6 ms.
US08237644B2 Display device with LCOS valve of reduced size
The present invention relates to the architecture of a valve of liquid crystal elements with pixel memory for front or rear projector. The valve comprises elements arranged in rows and columns, each of the elements comprising a liquid crystal controlled by drive means so as to display video information relating to at least one image. According to the invention, one seeks to reduce the size of the drive means of the liquid crystals. Accordingly, capacitors and transistors of the drive means are shared in common between several elements of the valve. The video information intended to be displayed by each of the elements of the valve is coded as a common value shared by a group of at least two adjacent elements of the valve and a specific value before being transmitted to the valve.
US08237643B2 Transreflective display apparatus and driving method thereof
A driving method and a transreflective display apparatus are provided herein. In the driving method, a plurality of voltage-to-transparency curves are provided. An ambient light intensity of the display apparatus is detected for determining a display mode, wherein the display mode is either a transmissive mode or a reflective mode. Next, one of the voltage-to-transparency curves is selected according to the display mode and the ambient light intensity for driving the display apparatus. Therefore, by referring a proper voltage-to-transparency curve to drive the display apparatus, the display quality of the display apparatus can be enhanced.
US08237641B2 Light emitting device
A display device in which characteristic change of an organic light emitting layer due to deterioration or temperature change can be detected to keep the constant luminance of a light emitting element is provided. A monitor region is provided in addition to a pixel portion for display. A plurality of monitor elements is arranged in the monitor region. A switching circuit is provided so as to prevent a large amount of current from flowing in a shorted monitor element among the plurality of monitor elements. As a result, by monitoring potential change between electrodes of the monitor element, the voltage or the current that is supplied to a light emitting element in the pixel portion for display can be corrected in accordance with time degradation or temperature change.
US08237638B2 Multi-line addressing methods and apparatus
A method of driving an electro-optic display, the display having a plurality of pixels each addressable by a row electrode and a column electrode, the method including: receiving image data for display, the image data defining an image matrix; factorizing the image matrix into a product of at least first and second factor matrices, the first factor matrix defining row drive signals for the display, the second factor matrix defining column drive signals for the display; and driving the display row and column electrodes using the row and column drive signals respectively defined by the first and second factor matrices.
US08237637B2 Organic light emitting display and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display including a scan signal line forwarding a scan signal, a data line sending a data signal and a pixel coupled to the scan signal line and the data line, the organic light emitting diode display, wherein the pixel includes a first switching transistor transmitting a data signal from the data line in response to the scan signal of the scan signal line, a driving transistor, coupled to the first switching transistor, controlling driving current from a first power source line, a storage capacitor coupled between the driving transistor and the first power source line, an organic light emitting diode, coupled between the driving transistor and a second power source line, displaying an image with the driving current controlled by the driving transistor, an initial switching transistor, coupled between the storage capacitor and an initial power source line, initializing the storage capacitor, and a switching transistor for applying a reverse bias, coupled between the second power source line and the initial power source line, applying a reverse bias voltage to the organic light emitting diode.
US08237632B2 Display apparatus, method of driving display apparatus, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including a pixel array and a driver, the pixel array including rows of scanning lines, rows of feeding lines, columns of signal lines, and a matrix of pixels disposed at the crossings of the scanning lines and the signal lines, the driver including a write scanner for supplying a control signal successively to the scanning lines, a power supply scanner for switching each of the feeding lines between a high potential, a low potential, and an intermediate potential between the high potential and the low potential, and a signal selector for supplying a video signal, which alternately switches between a signal potential and a reference potential, to each of the signal lines.
US08237629B2 Method, circuit and program for driving plasma display panel
Disclosed is a method of driving a plasma display panel. In this method, one field corresponding to one image is divided into a plurality of sub-fields, and at least one second sub-field is arranged after a first sub-field. In the first sub-field, the method comprises a first step of forming wall charges with negative polarity near the scanning electrode and forming wall charges with positive polarity near the common electrode and the data electrode; a second step of adjusting an amount of the wall charges with negative polarity near the scanning electrode and an amount of the wall charges with positive polarity near the common electrode and the data electrode; a third step of generating a writing discharge in a selected display cell of the display cells; a fourth step of generating light emission for display; and a fifth step of erasing a part of the wall charges in the display cell which emits light in the fourth step. In the second sub-field, the method comprises the same steps as the third, fourth and fifth steps. A potential difference between a scanning electrode and a common electrode in each of the fifth steps in the first and second sub-fields is set to be smaller than a potential difference between a scanning electrode and a common electrode in each of the third steps in the first and second sub-fields.
US08237628B2 Vector image drawing circuit and method for vector image drawing
A vector image drawer comprises: an outline definer, a divider, an outline flag setter, a filler, and a continue flag setter. The outline definer defines outline data for indicating a start pixel and an end pixel of a filling along each scanning line of a drawing region. The divider divides the drawing region into an m×n matrix of drawing subregions. The outline flag setter sets an outline flag for indicating a presence of the outline data for each of the drawing subregions. The filler performs a fill processing for drawing subregions in a case where a continue flag is set for an adjacent drawing subregions and the outline flag is set for each of the drawing subregions. A continue flag setter sets the continue flag for each of the scanning line, whether a filling continues into an adjacent drawing subregion.
US08237619B2 Dual beam sector antenna array with low loss beam forming network
A low loss beam forming method and antenna structure are disclosed. The method and structure may preferably be used in forming two narrow beams within a cellular sector. This method allows an increase in the overall network capacity by using a three-column non-planar array and a compact, low-cost, low-loss 3-to-2 Beam-Forming Network (BFN). This structure produces two symmetrical beams with respect to the azimuth boresight. Radiation patterns of the two beams are designed to cover the entire azimuth coverage angle of a cellular sector with minimum beam-split loss and cross-over losses.
US08237616B2 Free-space waveguides, including an array of capacitively loaded conducting ring elements, for guiding a signal through free space
A “wireless cable” (also referred to as a “free-space waveguide”), which does not require a continuous body of conducting wire, is provided. Rather, a series of conducting rings, each loaded with a suitable capacitance element, is properly arranged in an empty medium. The distance between the conducting ring elements is of the order of half the wavelength of the signal to be carried, or less. Normally, the series of ring elements would operate as an antenna array, radiating the signal power away from the structure. However, under suitable design conditions, ideally all the signal power can be directed along an axis of the series of conducting ring elements. A signal source can be connected to the ring element at one end of the series, and a suitable electrical load be connected to the element at the opposite end to collect the guided signal power. Additional matching circuits may be provided to properly couple the source and load to the wireless cable.
US08237615B2 Antennaless wireless device capable of operation in multiple frequency regions
The present invention refers to an antennaless wireless handheld or portable device comprising: a user interface module, a processing module, a memory module, a communication module and a power management module. The communication module including a radiating system capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic wave signals in a first frequency region and in a second frequency region, wherein the highest frequency of the first frequency region is lower than the lowest frequency of the second frequency region. The radiating system comprising a radiating structure comprising or consisting of at least one ground plane layer capable of supporting at least one radiation mode, the at least one ground plane layer including at least one connection point; at least one radiation booster to couple electromagnetic energy from/to the at least one ground plane layer, the/each radiation booster including a connection point and at least one internal port, wherein the/each internal port is defined between the connection point of the/each radiation booster and one of the at least one connection point of the at least one ground plane layer.
US08237611B2 Method for processing combined navigation signals
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for processing multiple navigation signal components received from multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS'). In a particular implementation, a code phase in a first navigation signal component may be detected based, at least in part, on information in a second navigation signal component.
US08237608B2 Magnetron and radar apparatus
This disclosure is related to a magnetron including a cylindrical cathode having a center axis, an anode coaxially arranged with the cathode so as to be separated from the cathode via a predetermined space, and a pair of pole pieces provided to both ends of the cathode in the axial direction so as to oppose to each other and having opposing faces perpendicular to the axial direction. The pole piece has a first ridge of a ring shape that is formed on the opposing face and is coaxial with the cathode.
US08237604B2 Virtual beam forming in ultra wideband systems
Systems and methods include up-converting a UWB frequency pulse from a UWB radar unit to a V band frequency pulse; transmitting the V band frequency pulse via an active array antenna; receiving a V band echo pulse via the active array antenna; down-converting the V band echo pulse from the active array antenna to a UWB pulse; and feeding the UWB pulse to the UWB radar unit for processing by the UWB radar unit. A V band antenna system includes: an antenna board that defines an antenna plane being the plane of the board and comprising a plurality of antenna elements; a mother board providing a corporate combining feed to the antenna board; and a power management board to which the antenna board and mother board are mounted perpendicularly to the antenna plane, wherein the antenna elements provide a beam forming antenna for ultra wide band pulses at V band frequencies.
US08237602B2 Distributed and coordinated electronic warfare system
A distributed and coordinated electronic warfare system is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of autonomous, geographically-distributed, mobile units (e.g., soldiers, vehicles, etc.), each of which carries an electronic warfare module. Each electronic warfare module comprises: a telecommunications transceiver for enabling the electronic warfare modules and their users to communicate with each other, and a threat-detection receiver for detecting potentially hostile radio signals, such as those that are used to detonate IEDs; and a jamming transmitter for transmitting sequences of electromagnetic pulses to interfere with potentially hostile radio signals, and an electronic warfare controller for coordinating the efforts of the electronic warfare modules.
US08237599B2 Analog-to-digital converter in a motor control device
System and method for digitizing analog voltage signals. A first voltage signal may be received at a comparator. A ramp signal may be received at the comparator. The ramp signal may be generated by a ramp generator. An output signal may be generated by the comparator. The output signal may indicate whether the analog voltage signal or the ramp signal is greater. The output signal may be conveyed to logic circuitry by the comparator. Control information may be conveyed by the logic circuitry to the ramp generator. The ramp generator may generate the ramp signal based on the control information. The logic circuitry may determine a digital representation of the first voltage signal based on the output signal from the comparator and the control information.
US08237595B2 Method and apparatus for bandpass digital to analog converter
Systems and methods for providing a mechanism by which digital signals can be converted to analog signals with an efficient structure that reduces the number of filters required by providing a mechanism for cancelling images that would otherwise be generated. By adjusting three parameters in the system, a selection can be made as to whether to generate upper sidebands, lower sidebands and in which direction the envelope of the output from the system will be skewed.
US08237591B2 Car finder by cell phone
A system for locating a vehicle may include a hand-held device and a communication device on-board the vehicle. The hand-held device may include a screen, and may be adapted to import a map and display a present location of the hand-held device on the map. The communication device on-board the vehicle may be adapted to communicate a present location of the vehicle to the hand-held device. The hand-held device may be capable of displaying the location of the vehicle and the location of the hand-held device on the map at the same time.
US08237590B2 Apparatus and method for reducing failures in traffic signals
An apparatus and method for testing an independent monitoring circuit in an LED traffic signal is provided. The apparatus comprises: a proof test circuit embedded within the traffic signal; and a proof test device embedded within the traffic signal. The method comprises: via the proof test circuit, simulating a faulty traffic signal state; activating the independent monitoring circuit without switching the traffic signal into a high impedance state; energizing the proof test device; and via the proof test device, communicating externally the current state of the independent monitoring circuit.
US08237589B2 Adjusting system and method for traffic light
An adjusting system for traffic lights includes a number of image capture units, a processing unit, and a storage system. The number image capture units capture a number of car images. The storage system examines the number of car images to find license plates in each car image, counts the number of the cars, obtains the status of the traffic lights according to the number of the cars, and manages status of the traffic lights correspondingly.
US08237586B2 Method and system for recognizing statuses of electric appliances
A method and a system for recognizing the statuses of electric appliances are provided. In the present method, a loop is taking as a unit for recognition, and a power consumption factor sensor which is capable of measuring a single power consumption factor is used such that the current status of each electric appliance in the loop can be recognized by comparing the probability distribution of the power consumption factor. Since it is not needed to dispose an extra measuring device on each electric appliance, the cost of recognizing the statuses of the electric appliances is significantly reduced.
US08237584B2 Changing communication priorities for downhole LWD/MWD applications
In one aspect of the present invention, a method for tool string communication comprises the steps of providing a downhole tool string with at least two downhole LWD/MWD instruments in electrical communication with a downhole telemetry system. The instruments are capable of generating at least one data packet assigned a priority. The tool string is deployed in a wellbore and then the priority of the data packet is changed.
US08237583B2 Method and system for vital display systems
A method and system for a display system is provided. The system includes a screen surface that includes a plurality of luminous units, a controller communicatively coupled to the screen surface wherein the controller is configured to address at least one of the plurality of luminous units, and a luminous unit sensor having a field of view including at least a portion of the screen surface wherein the luminous unit sensor configured to receive an image of the luminous units in the field of view.
US08237581B2 Extended life LED fixture with central 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 central 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.
US08237580B2 In-vehicle image display apparatus
An in-vehicle image display apparatus, for use in a vehicle, which comprises a state detecting device that detects a state of surroundings of the vehicle; a display device that is provided at least in a window section of the vehicle and capable of displaying information over the window section; an image generating device that generates image data representing an image of the surroundings of the vehicle based on detection results from the state detecting device; and a display control device that makes the display device display the image represented by the image data generated by the image generating device. The image generating device includes a predicting and generating device that predicts and generates, with respect to an object to be detected about the vehicle, image data representing the object to be detected after a predetermined time period, based on the detection results from the state detecting device.
US08237579B2 Reference signal synchronized to clock signal
A system comprising a clock board comprising a clock generator, a first board comprising an indicator and coupled to said clock board. The clock generator generates a clock signal, and the first board is configured to receive said clock signal. The first board further comprises a clock synchronizing unit that synchronizes a reference signal with said clock signal and generates a blink cadence signal based on said reference signal. The blink cadence signal is configured to drive the indicator of said first board. A failure by said first board to receive said clock signal causes the clock synchronizing unit of said first board to maintain the reference signal and generate said blink cadence signal based on said reference signal.
US08237575B2 Method, apparatus, and systems for remotely monitoring the location and usage history of radioactive materials stored with a shielded container or overpack
A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.
US08237572B2 Self-powered RFID tag activated by a fluid and method for using such RFID tags
The present invention describes a RFID tag and a system and method involving a plurality of RFID tags. Each RFID tag is attached to an object (or to a structure or a person) on which the presence of a predefined fluid is monitored. In a first state, (absence of the monitored fluid), the tag is acting as a passive RFID tag, and the information it holds, (at least its identifier—ID), can be read with a proximity reader (a hand held or stationary/fixed reader). This operation is performed when the RFID tag is attached to the object (or person) to be monitored. At this stage a table associating tag ID, object name (or person name) and location (or any other information), may be built, and may be recorded so that information it contains is accessible by a control center. In a second state, whenever the monitored fluid appears on the tagged object, a fluid activated battery generates the electrical power which is used to power the RFID tag. The RFID tag then acts as an active RFID tag and starts to emit messages (an alert for instance) which can be received by a distant RFID reader. Alert messages include at least the tag ID but may comprise additional information like a name or a location.
US08237571B2 Alarm method and system based on voice events, and building method on behavior trajectory thereof
Disclosed are an alarm method and system based on voice events, and a building method on behavior trajectory thereof. The system comprises a signal sensor, a voice-event detector and notice and alarm element. In the method, voice signals are captured from a remote unit in an environment. The captured voice signals are classified into at least a voice event. As such, an emergent-event notice is automatically transmitted out if one of predefined emergent events is detected. In the building method on behavior trajectory, messages on voice events are continuously recorded. When the number of the recorded voice events reaches a threshold, a behavior trajectory is constructed, in which a behavior consists of two or more voice events or a single voice event.
US08237569B2 Product management system
When a product attached with an ID tag is placed inside a package body, there is a risk that communication with an ID tag using a reader/writer is blocked. Then, it is difficult to manage products in a distribution process of products, which leads to lose convenience of ID tags. One feature of the present invention is a product management system that includes a package body for packing a product attached with an ID tag, and a reader/writer. The ID tag includes a thin film integrated circuit portion and an antenna, the package body includes a resonance circuit portion having an antenna coil and a capacitor, and the resonance circuit portion can communicate with the reader/writer and the ID tag. Accordingly, the stability of communication between an ID tag attached to a product and an R/W can be secured, and management of products can be conducted simply and efficiently, even if a product is packed by a package body.
US08237568B2 System and method for providing secure identification solutions
The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking identification information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader.
US08237567B2 System and method for managing information of loading goods
The information managing system includes a first antenna for identifying a first tag included by transportation means, a second antenna for identifying a second tag included by goods, a reader for generating tag information which is identification results generated by respectively identifying the corresponding tags through the first antenna and the second antenna, and a control device for mapping information of the first tag and information of the second tag based on the tag information.
US08237562B1 Dealing with rogue RFID readers using tag identifiers
Rogue RFID readers are detected by listening to communication between rogue reader and a tag, capturing an identifier associated with the tag from the communication by the reader or by the tag, and checking the captured identifier to determine whether it is a result of a command from another legitimate reader. Audible or visible alerts may be issued, flags may be set, or messages transmitted to an administrator upon determining the operation of the rogue RFID reader. Based on the alert(s) affected tags or the rogue reader may be jammed or an effect of the illegal transmission by the rogue reader may be reversed or tags replaced.
US08237560B2 Real-time rectangular-wave transmitting metal detector platform with user selectable transmission and reception properties
A highly flexible real-time metal detector platform which has a detection capability for different targets and applications, where the operator is able to alter synchronous demodulation multiplication functions to select different types or mixtures of different types to be applied to different synchronous demodulators, and also different waveforms of the said synchronous demodulation multiplication functions; examples of the different types being time-domain, square-wave, sine-wave or receive signal weighted synchronous demodulation multiplication functions. The operator can alter the fundamental frequency of the repeating switched rectangular-wave voltage sequence, and an operator may alter the waveform of the repeating switched rectangular-wave voltage sequence and corresponding synchronous demodulation multiplication functions.
US08237559B2 Methods, device and system for sending and providing environmental data
The invention relates to a method for sending environmental data by means of a mobile terminal device, comprising the steps of detecting said environmental data, evaluating said environmental data, determining if said evaluated environmental data is to be sent, and sending said environmental data in case of an affirmative determination.
US08237558B2 Hand hygiene compliance system
A system and method of encouraging compliance of hand hygiene in an environment where users move from zone to zone and are required to perform hand hygiene between the zones. Users carry a wearable zone sensor which detects zones, detects hand hygiene actions, logs time of changing zones, and hand hygiene actions. The wearable sensor can be integral with a wearable hand hygiene product dispenser and/or can operate in cooperation with a fixed dispenser configured to transmit hand hygiene actions to the wearable zone sensor. The wearable zone sensors are configured to be useable anonymously or to be associated with a user identifier, and to interface with a central computer via a docking station or communication interface to transfer data for later analysis.
US08237557B1 Pickup truck tailgate safety light system
A safety light system is incorporated into the tailgate of a pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating assembly incorporated into the outer sheet metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a bed extension apparatus. The safety light can additionally include the features of a standard taillight, comprising brake lights and or turn signal indicators. Alternates include reflective tape and a pullout feature from other locations. A pullout section can also provide a step for accessing the bed.
US08237555B2 Hazardous vehicle alert system and method based on reaction time, distance and speed
A hazardous vehicle alert system comprising a control module, a special graphical user interface, a speed and distance detector, and an alarm module where the user sets alarm triggers based on reaction time until potential impact from the hazardous vehicle. The user can assess the landscape, traffic patterns, and specifics of the task at hand to determine the required reaction time to take evasive maneuvers from the threat of on-coming hazardous vehicles and create alarm triggers to yield this reaction time. A software package is used to drive the graphical user interface, control module, alarm module, and detector module. The system includes modes ranging from one to four pieces and a mode that can be installed in a vehicle.
US08237554B2 System and method for programming keys to vehicle to establish primary and secondary drivers
In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.
US08237553B2 Method for mounting electronic device and antenna in tire
The invention provides a monitoring device and tire combination wherein an antenna is mounted to the tire in a location spaced from the monitoring device. In one embodiment, the antenna may be mounted to the tire sidewall outside the body cords of the tire. The antenna may be mounted on the outer surface of the sidewall or embedded within the body of the sidewall. The antenna is connected to the monitoring device with a connector. The connector may be electrically coupled to the monitoring device or may be connected to the monitoring device with a plug and socket connection. When the antenna is outside the body cord, the connector may extend from the antenna through the bead filler, over the top of the turn up, or under the bead ring.
US08237552B2 Method and apparatus for controlling input/output interface
A method of controlling an input/output interface of a mobile terminal which receives a user command, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method including receiving the user command that selects a functional mode of the mobile terminal; perceiving the functional mode of the mobile terminal using the received user command; and controlling the input/output interface, which provides a sense of physical contact corresponding to the perceived functional mode, to be activated.
US08237549B2 RFID protection system, device, combination, and related methods
Embodiments of systems, combinations, devices and methods of enhanced Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) protection are provided. An embodiment of a combination of a separate RFID device and a separate RFID blocking device each adapted to be positioned separately into a container includes a separate RFID device adapted to be positioned in the container a separate RFID blocking device adapted to be positioned adjacent the separate RFID device and in the container so that when an unauthorized RFID interrogation device attempts to read the separate RFID device from within the container the separate RFID blocking device positioned adjacent the separate RFID device blocks the attempted read and so that when an authorized user desires to use the separate RFID device for an authorized read the authorized user selectively removes either the separate RFID device or the separate RFID blocking device and presents the separate RFID device for the authorized read.
US08237548B2 Structural health management device and associated system and method
A structural health management device, system and method are provided for facilitating the inspection of a structure, such as in accordance with a condition-based maintenance strategy. A structural health management device may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and at least one sense line communicably coupled to the RFID tag and configured to extend at least partially along a workpiece. The sense line may be formed of different materials depending upon the objective of the inspection. The RFID tag may include processing circuitry and an antenna configured to facilitate offboard communication. The processing circuitry may be configured to interrogate the at least one sense line to determine a change in continuity which is indicative of a change in the structural health of the workpiece. The structural health management device may therefore detect the onset of structural issues in a timely manner.
US08237546B2 Backscatter limited tags
Methods and apparatuses for secure communications of confidential information are provided. In an embodiment, a method of communicating with a population of radio frequency identification tags includes transmitting a first interrogation signal, receiving a response to the first interrogation signal from at least one RFID tag at a first received signal strength including at least a portion of a first identification code, and transmitting a second interrogation signal that includes a request for confidential information, a command to transmit a response to the second interrogation signal at a secure power level, and the first identification code. In another embodiment, a method for communicating with an RFID tag includes receiving an interrogation signal that includes a request for confidential information and transmitting a response to the interrogation signal at a secure power level. The response includes the confidential information.
US08237537B2 Corrosion-resistant high temperature pressure transducer employing a metal diaphragm
A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.
US08237535B2 Integral planar transformer and busbar
The primary and/or secondary coils of a relatively high power planar transformer are integrated together with a laminated busbar, thereby incorporating together the planar transformer and the busbar as a single component. A coil is cut out or otherwise formed in at least one busbar conductor, and when electrically connected, the busbar coils act as part of the primary and/or secondary circuit of the transformer. One or more coil lead frames are embedded in the laminated stack, and when electrically connected, form the primary and/or secondary circuit, respectively, of the transformer. Insulating material coils are also embedded within the laminated stack. The center leg of an E-shaped ferrite core passes through the center opening of each of the busbar coils, the coil lead frames, and the insulating material coils. The E-shaped core is located next to (i.e., with an opening) or closed with, an I-shaped or E-shaped core.
US08237533B2 Integrated or printed margarita shaped inductor
An integrated printed inductor has a set of open petal loops, connected together in series. For a given inductance value higher quality factor and higher frequency value result using an equal chip surface area. With the same fabrication cost and equal occupied area, higher quality factor values at higher frequency can be achieved. The innovative shape is such that secondary mutual coupling effects occur and contribute to increases of overall inductance values. Small current loops arranged as petals corresponding to inductance value LO are connected in series for the inductance value to add up to a higher value. The loops are connected along a circular path to minimize the total chip area occupied. A secondary loop in the center of the inductor results in a stronger magnetic flux and a higher inductance value, due to both self inductance of the secondary loop and mutual inductance of it with the petals.
US08237529B2 Low-loss ferrite and electronic device formed by such ferrite
Low-loss ferrite comprising 100% by mass of main components comprising 47.1-49.3% by mol of Fe2O3, 20-26% by mol of ZnO, and 6-14% by mol of CuO, the balance being NiO, and 0.1-2% by mass (as SnO2) of Sn and 0.05-2% by mass (as Mn3O4) of Mn, and having an average crystal grain size of 0.5-3 μm.
US08237526B2 Nondestructive capture of projectiles
Apparatus for inductive braking of a projectile are disclosed. Embodiments include a receiver that has a unidirectional conductor having a closed conductive pathway that encircles a passageway for a moving projectile. The unidirectional conductor permits current to flow through it in substantially only one direction around the passageway. As the projectile and its associated magnetic field move past the unidirectional conductor, the moving magnetic field induces a current flow through the closed conductive pathway, which in turn generates a magnetic field behind the projectile having the same polarity as the projectile's field. The two fields attract one another, which both exerts a braking force on the projectile and tends to align the two fields. Alignment of these fields centers the projectile away from the passageway wall. Because the unidirectional conductor permits current to flow in substantially only the direction that produces a field having the same polarity as the moving field, the opposite-polarity repulsive magnetic field that would otherwise be generated ahead of the projectile, which would otherwise deflect the projectile from its path, is suppressed. Methods of inductive braking are also disclosed.
US08237525B2 Device having a shape memory element
Conventional devices have a valve needle and a shape memory element which, by the application of a controllable magnetic field, executes a control stroke travel that operates the actuator, and having a coil that excites the magnetic field which is situated in a magnet housing which, at its end face, is bordered with respect to an actuating axis by a front wall in each case, the front walls having a through opening radially within the coil. It is a disadvantage that the magnetic field excited around the coil is conducted unfavorably, so that at most a slight magnetic field develops in the shape memory element. The shape memory element has a magnetic field flowing through it, in the direction of its longitudinal extension, if at all. Since the shape memory element has a high magnetic resistance and is developed to be very long in the axial direction, only a very weak magnetic field can be induced in the shape memory element. In response to the magnetic field that is weak at most, the shape memory element can generate only a very slight lift of the valve needle. In the device according to the present invention, a strong magnetic field is conducted through the shape memory elements, and in this way, a large control stroke travel is achieved. The shape memory element(s) is/are positioned generally only in the through opening(s).
US08237522B2 Magnetically actuated system
A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current.
US08237519B2 Filter design methods and filters based on metamaterial structures
Filter design techniques and filters based on metamaterial structures including an extended composite left and right handed (E-CRLH) metamaterial unit cell.
US08237515B2 Crystal oscillator temperature control and compensation
Crystal oscillator control and calibration is disclosed. Temperature and frequency control circuits included on a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a crystal oscillator are used to determine, for each of a plurality of set points in a range of sensed internal temperatures sensed by an internal temperature sensing circuit or device located adjacent to the oscillator in a thermally insulated region of the PCB, a corresponding compensation required to be applied to maintain a desired oscillator output frequency. The PCB is configured to use at least the determined compensation values and a sensed internal temperature to determine during operation of the PCB a compensation, if any, to be applied to maintain the desired oscillator output frequency.
US08237513B2 Phase locked loop with startup oscillator and primary oscillator
A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for a phase locked loop (PLL) includes a startup oscillator, the startup oscillator comprising a first plurality of inverters; a primary oscillator, the primary oscillator comprising a second plurality of inverters, wherein a number of the second plurality of inverters is fewer than the number of the first plurality of inverters; and a control module connected to the startup oscillator and the primary oscillator. A method of operating a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) in a phase locked loop (PLL), the VCO comprising a startup oscillator and a primary oscillator includes sending an enable signal to the startup oscillator; waiting a predetermined number of startup oscillator clock cycles; and when the predetermined number of startup oscillator clock cycles has elapsed, sending a disable signal to the startup oscillator, and sending an enable signal to the primary oscillator.
US08237510B2 Implementing phase locked loop (PLL) with enhanced locking capability with a wide range dynamic reference clock
A method and a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit for implementing enhanced locking capability with a wide range dynamic reference clock, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The PLL circuit includes a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) and a plurality of filter comparators receiving a differential filter VCO control voltage. The plurality of filter comparators comparing the differential filter VCO control voltage values, provides a respective gate enable signal responsive to the compared differential filter VCO control voltage values. A clock signal is applied to an up/down counter responsive to the respective gate enable signal and the wide range dynamic reference clock. The count values of the up/down counter are provided to the VCO to select a respective frequency range for the VCO.
US08237508B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier comprises: an amplifier transistor; a bias circuit supplying bias current to the amplifier transistor; and a collector voltage terminal connected to a collector of the amplifier transistor. The bias circuit includes: a reference voltage terminal into which a reference voltage is input; a power terminal connected to a power source; a transistor having a control terminal connected to the reference voltage terminal, a first terminal connected to the power terminal, and a second terminal that is grounded. The transistor supplies a bias current corresponding to the reference voltage to the amplifier transistor; a variable capacitor connected between the first terminal and a grounding point; and a logic circuit controlling capacitance of the variable capacitor.
US08237506B1 Doherty amplifier and method for operation thereof
An amplifier having a Doherty-type architecture and a method for operation thereof are provided. The amplifier comprises a main amplifier path comprising a main amplifier, an auxiliary amplifier path comprising an auxiliary amplifier, and an signal preparation unit configured to develop a main amplifier input signal for the main amplifier path and an auxiliary amplifier input signal for the auxiliary amplifier path based on an amplifier input that is to be amplified and a transition threshold associated with the amplifier input. By driving the main and auxiliary amplifiers as a function of the transition threshold, the gain of the Doherty-type amplifier may be increased.
US08237502B2 Amplifier with bias stabilizer
An amplifier with bias stabilizer includes first to forth transistors, an amplifier unit and a resistor. The first transistor and the second transistor are connected in series between first and second power supplies and generate a first current. The third transistor is connected in a current mirror configuration to the second transistor and generates a second current corresponding to the first current. The amplifier unit generates an output signal based on an input signal and includes a fourth transistor, the fourth transistor generating a control voltage according to the second current so as to control the first transistor. The resistor is connected in series to at least one of the first to fourth transistors.
US08237500B1 Signal correction circuit for reducing errors and distortions and its associated method of operation
A correction circuit and method that is used in a system that produces an initial signal and has downstream components that adds a distortion error to that initial signal. The distortion error is added to the initial signal by the downstream components in the system. This creates a distorted output signal. The distorted output signal is then subtracted from the initial signal to obtain an initial negative distortion error. The initial negative distortion error is subtracted from the initial signal to create an initial conditioned signal. The initial conditioned signal is supplied to the electronic component of the system in place of the initial signal. The result is a reduction in distortion and noise that loops and adapts to changing signal patterns.
US08237499B2 Feedforward controlled envelope modulator and feedforward control circuit thereof
The present disclosure illustrates a feedforward controlled envelope modulator and a feedforward control circuit thereof. The feedforward controlled envelope modulator comprises a linear amplifier circuit, a switching amplifier, and a feedforward control circuit. The linear amplifier circuit amplifies an input voltage signal, so as to output an output voltage signal to a load node. The switching amplifier receives a comparison signal, and outputs a switching current to the load node according to the comparison signal. The feedforward control circuit comprises a duplicate linear amplifier circuit and a hysteresis comparator. The duplicate linear amplifier circuit amplifies the input voltage signal, so as to output a reference voltage signal, wherein an amplifying gain of the duplicate linear amplifier circuit is identical to an amplifying gain of the linear amplifier circuit. The hysteresis comparator compares the output voltage signal and the reference voltage signal, so as to output the comparison signal.
US08237492B2 Method and system for a process sensor to compensate SOC parameters in the presence of IC process manufacturing variations
Certain aspects of a method and system for a process sensor to compensate SoC parameters in the presence of IC process manufacturing variations are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include determining an amount of process variation associated with at least one transistor within a single integrated circuit. The determined amount of process variation may be compensated by utilizing a process dependent current, a bandgap current, and a current associated with a present temperature of the transistor. The process dependent current, the bandgap current and the current associated with the present temperature of the transistor may be combined to generate an output current. A voltage generated across a variable resistor may be determined based on the generated output current.
US08237490B1 Continuous-time circuit and method for capacitance equalization based on electrically tunable voltage pre-distortion of a C-V characteristic
A capacitance compensation circuit includes a plurality of switches having a first node coupled to an input terminal, a plurality of capacitors each coupled to a respective second node of the plurality of switches, and an adjustment circuit for providing a plurality of adjustable bias levels to a plurality of switch control nodes to precisely compensate for linear and parabolic voltage dependent components of an input or other capacitor. Two such circuits can be used with a single input terminal to compensate for both increasing and decreasing voltage dependent characteristics of a target capacitor.
US08237489B2 Capacitance interface circuit
A capacitance interface circuit is provided. An external inductive capacitor is divided into a variable portion and an invariable portion. The capacitance of an internal adjustable capacitor is designed to be equal or close to the fixed capacitance of the external inductive capacitor. The internal adjustable capacitor is used for storing charges having a polarity opposite to that of the invariable portion of the external inductive capacitor in order to neutralize the effect of the invariable portion of the external inductive capacitor. Thus, a charge converter composed of a fully-differential amplifier and feedback capacitors needs only work on the variable portion of the external inductive capacitor, and accordingly the accuracy in subsequent data processing is increased.
US08237488B2 Continuous-time circuit and method for capacitance equalization based on electrically tunable voltage pre-distortion of a C-V characteristic
A capacitance compensation circuit includes a plurality of switches having a first node coupled to an input terminal, a plurality of capacitors each coupled to a respective second node of the plurality of switches, and an adjustment circuit for providing a plurality of adjustable bias levels to a plurality of switch control nodes to precisely compensate for linear and parabolic voltage dependent components of an input or other capacitor. Two such circuits can be used with a single input terminal to compensate for both increasing and decreasing voltage dependent characteristics of a target capacitor.
US08237484B2 Clock distribution circuit
A circuit includes a clock generator to provide a clock signal, and a clock distribution circuit coupled to the clock generator and a plurality of pairs of outputs. The clock distribution circuit includes a plurality of adjustment circuits to generate a plurality of pairs of clock signals in accordance with the clock signal. A respective adjustment circuit in the plurality of adjustment circuits is to provide a respective pair of clock signals in the plurality of pairs of clock signals to a respective pair of outputs in the plurality of pairs of outputs. The respective pair of clock signals includes a first clock signal and a second clock signal. The first clock signal is a complement of the second clock signal and duty-cycle and skew errors in the first clock signal and the second clock signal are less than corresponding pre-determined values.
US08237481B2 Low power programmable clock delay generator with integrated decode function
A programmable Local Clock Buffer has a single inverter between the clock input and the delayed clock output. A transistor switch modulates the single inverter stage between a clock signal transmit state and a non-transmitting state. A combination of delay select bits control the timing of the beginning and ending of the transmit state of the inverter relative to the clock input via the transistor switch.
US08237480B2 Clock generation circuit and integrated circuit
A clock generation circuit comprises: a first generation unit; a second generation unit; and a control unit that, using a plurality of third delay elements that respectively have a propagation delay time that correlates with the propagation delay time of a first delay element, and correlates with the propagation delay time of a second delay element, generates a control signal for controlling the third delay elements such that a total of propagation delay times of the plurality of third delay elements corresponds to a target value depending on a cycle of the external clock, and controls the propagation delay time of the first delay element, the propagation delay time of the second delay element, and the propagation delay times of the third delay elements using the control signal.
US08237479B2 Delay line calibration mechanism and related multi-clock signal generator
A delay line calibration mechanism includes a first delay line, a second delay line, a phase detector, and a controller. The first delay line receives a first pulse and a first delay selection signal, and delays the first pulse for a first delay period according to the first delay selection signal to output a first delayed pulse. The second delay line receives a second pulse and a second delay selection signal, and delays the second pulse for a second delay period according to the second delay selection signal to output a second delayed pulse. The phase detector generates a phase difference signal indicating the phase difference between the first delayed pulse and the second delayed pulse by comparing the first delayed pulse and the second delayed pulse. The controller generates the second delay selection signal, and generates the first delay selection signal according to the phase difference signal.
US08237473B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device having plural delay paths and controller capable of blocking signal transmission in delay path
A plurality of delay paths are connected in parallel between two synchronous operation circuits operating in synchronism with a clock signal CLK, and enable transmission of a signal. A delay detection unit detects the respective delay times of the plurality of delay paths, and a control unit selects one delay path from among the plurality of delay paths based on the detection results from the delay detection unit, and controls the blocking of signal transmission in the delay paths other than the selected one delay path.
US08237472B2 Frequency multiplier device and method thereof
The present invention provides a method for identifying a specific number of communicating points having relatively smallest accumulated path values from a plurality of transmitting points for a receiving point in a communication system. The method includes steps of: (a) defining a first coordination of each of the plurality of transmitting points and the receiving point on a complex plane; (b) transferring the first coordination of the receiving point to a second coordination thereof, in which the second coordination of the receiving point is near an origin of the complex plane; and (c) identifying the specific number of transmitting points having relatively smallest accumulated path values based on the second coordination of the receiving point.
US08237469B2 Semiconductor device and method of controlling the same
A pull-up circuit prevents generation of a leak current if a difference of potentials occurs between a power source voltage of a pull-up circuit (a bus-hold circuit) and an input terminal. A control terminal is provided in the bus-hold circuit. Inputs of the input terminal and the control terminal are input to a NOR gate, and an output of the NOR gate is input to a gate terminal of a first MOSFET that controls coupling between an input terminal and the power source voltage of the bus-hold circuit. A second MOSFET (“control” MOSFET) is provided as a switch that operates by an inverted output of the control terminal. By coupling the first MOSFET and the control MOSFET in series, the coupling between the input terminal and the power source voltage is controlled with a higher precision, thereby preventing generation of a leak current.
US08237468B2 Driver calibration methods and circuits
Described are amplifiers that facilitate high-speed communication with calibrated drive strength and termination impedance. Drivers and termination elements can be divided into a number N of parallel portions, one or more of which can be disabled and updated without interfering with signal (e.g., clock or data) transmission. Some embodiments identify inactive elements by examining incoming signals.
US08237467B2 Resistor-programmable device at low voltage
A resistor-programmable device generates pulses counted by a counter. The counter's output controls a drive signal generator, such as an adjustable current source. The drive signal generator generates a drive signal (such as a current), which leads to the creation of a sense signal (such as a voltage) using a resistance. The resistance can have one of a set of specified values or fall within one of a set of specified windows. The resistor-programmable device can convert the resistance value into a digital value, which can be used to set a sensor trip point threshold or some other parameter. The digital or parameter value is independent of changes in the resistance that are within a specified tolerance. For instance, the same parameter value could be selected even when the resistance varies within some tolerance (such as 1%) as the resistor-programmable device can determine the window in which the resistance falls.
US08237466B2 Device and method for enabling multi-value digital computation and control
Hardware and processes are provided for efficient interpretation of multi-value signals. The multi-value signals have a first voltage range with is used to indicate multiple numerical or logical values, and a second voltage range that is used to provide control functions. In one example, the multi-value circuitry is arranged as a set of rows and columns, which may be cascaded together. The control function can be implemented to cause portions of rows, columns, or cascaded connections to be powered off, thereby saving power and enabling more efficient operation.
US08237465B1 Omnibus logic element for packing or fracturing
Disclosed is a logic element (LE) that can provide a number of advantageous features. For example, the LE can be configured to implement register packing and/or a fracturable look up table.
US08237464B2 Integrated circuit and method for controlling data output impedance
An integrated circuit for controlling data output impedance includes an address decoder, a selection signal decoder, and a transfer control unit. The address decoder is configured to decode an address signal and generate a selection mode signal and a first adjustment mode signal. The selection signal decoder is configured to decode a selection signal and generate an enable signal and a disable signal. The transfer control unit is configured to transfer a pull-up signal and a pull-down signal as a selection pull-up signal and a selection pull-down signal.
US08237463B1 Method for managing circuit reliability
Managing reliability of a circuit that includes a plurality of duplicate components, with less than all of the components being active at any time during circuit operation, where reliability is managed by operating, by the circuit, with a first set of components that includes a predefined number of components; selecting, without altering circuit performance and in accordance with a circuit reliability protocol, a second set of components with which to operate, including activating an inactive component and deactivating an active component of the first set of components; and operating, by the circuit, with the second set of components.
US08237462B2 Method for wafer-level testing of integrated circuits
A method for wafer level testing is provided which includes providing a wafer having an integrated circuit formed thereon, applying a signal to energize the integrated circuit, the signal including increasing steps or decreasing steps that range between a first level and a second level, and determining whether the integrated circuit complies with a test criteria after applying the signal.
US08237458B2 Electromigration testing and evaluation apparatus and methods
The present invention relates to electromigration testing and evaluation methods and apparatus for a device under test with an interconnect structure. The method comprises forcing the occurrence of a step resistance-increase of the interconnect structure due to electromigration in the first layer and subsequently subjecting the interconnect structure to at least three respective predetermined stress conditions while concurrently measuring a test quantity indicative of an electrical resistance of the interconnect structure. The method allows performing an electromigration test in much shorter time than known electromigration testing methods, without loss of information or accuracy. It is therefore possible to accelerate the optimization of the interconnect manufacturing process so that the conductor electromigration kinetics remains compatible with a required product lifetime. This allows reducing the time and cost for electromigration testing and thus fabricating integrated-circuit devices with a lower overall cost.
US08237457B2 Replacement-gate-compatible programmable electrical antifuse
After planarization of a gate level dielectric layer, a dummy structure is removed to form a recess. A first conductive material layer and an amorphous metal oxide are deposited into the recess area. A second conduct material layer fills the recess. After planarization, an electrical antifuse is formed within the filled recess area, which includes a first conductive material portion, an amorphous metal oxide portion, and a second conductive material portion. To program the electrical antifuse, current is passed between the two terminals in the pair of the conductive contacts to transform the amorphous metal oxide portion into a crystallized metal oxide portion, which has a lower resistance. A sensing circuit determines whether the metal oxide portion is in an amorphous state (high resistance state) or in a crystalline state (low resistance state).
US08237454B2 Measuring device and method for local measurement of at least one electrical property of the content of a container
Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, wherein at least three electrodes are disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, and wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth.
US08237451B2 Communicating with an implanted wireless sensor
The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.
US08237445B2 Octupole induction sensors for resistivity imaging in non-conductive muds
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for performing resistivity measurements of a borehole wall using a transverse octupole sensor. The sensor may be a resistivity sensor. Higher resolution is obtained with an octupole sensor than with lower-order-pole sensors. For the resistivity case, the ratio of dual-frequency measurements has reduced sensitivity to standoff.
US08237444B2 Electromagnetic logging apparatus and method
An apparatus for investigating a geological formation surrounding a borehole including a logging tool moveable through the borehole, an electromagnetic probe 1 including a pad 2 mounted on the logging tool for engagement with the borehole by a wall-engaging face of the pad, at least one transmitting antenna TxA, TxB mounted in the wall-engaging face, and a plurality of spaced receiving antennas RxA, RxB mounted in the wall-engaging face spaced in relation to the transmitting antenna TxA, TxB. At least one of the antennas RxA, RxB, TxA, TxB is an open-ended antenna forming a substantially pure electric dipole normal to the pad face and wherein the first transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned above the plurality of spaced receiving antennas and the second transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned below the plurality of spaced receiving antennas.
US08237443B2 Position sensor for a downhole completion device
The position of a movable downhole component such as a sleeve in a choke valve is monitored and determined using an array of sensors, preferably Hall Effect sensors that measure the strength of a magnetic field from a magnet that travels with the sleeve. The sensors measure the field strength and output a voltage related to the strength of the field that is detected. A plurality of sensors, with readings, transmits signals to a microprocessor to compute the magnet position directly. The sensors are in the tool body and are not mechanically coupled to the sleeve. The longitudinal position of the sleeve is directly computed using less than all available sensors to facilitate the speed of transmission of data and computation of actual position using known mathematical techniques.
US08237441B2 Method and apparatus for processing combined MR/emission tomography recordings
A method and an apparatus are disclosed for determining the effective count rate of photons in a combined MR/emission tomography recording. In at least one embodiment, the method includes capturing MR signals with an MR apparatus in an MR/emission tomography device for producing an MR recording of an examination object with a number of tissue types, each having a specific MR parameter; associating a number of emission tomography attenuation coefficients with the number of tissue types as a function of the MR parameter by way of an association unit, so that one emission tomography attenuation coefficient corresponds in each instance to at least one of the tissue types in the examination object; capturing photons in the examination object with an emission tomography apparatus in the MR/emission tomography device for producing an emission tomography recording; and weighting the emission tomography recording with the emission tomography attenuation coefficients by way of a correction apparatus for determining the effective count rate in the number of tissue types and for producing a corrected emission tomography recording.
US08237439B2 Composite pulse design method for large-tip-angle excitation in high field magnetic resonance imaging
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a static magnetic field source, a plurality of radio frequency magnetic field sources and a plurality of gradient magnetic field sources for generating a gradient magnetic field is provided. The static magnetic field source generates a static magnetic field for aligning a spin vector of an object in a direction of the magnetic field and plurality of radio frequency magnetic field sources generate a radio frequency magnetic field for rotating the spin vector by an angle. The apparatus further includes a processor for generating a plurality of radio frequency excitation pulses for the plurality of radio frequency magnetic field sources and a plurality of gradient excitation pulses for the plurality of gradient magnetic field sources. The second half of each of the plurality of radio frequency excitation pulses comprises a time-reversed first half of a respective one of the plurality of radio frequency excitation pulses and the second half of each of the plurality of gradient excitation comprises a time-reversed and sign-reversed first half of a respective one of the plurality of gradient excitation pulses. The average value of each of the plurality of gradient excitation pulses is zero.
US08237438B2 Very low noise magnetometer
Disclosed herein is a very low noise fundamental mode orthogonal fluxgate magnetometer. Also disclosed is a method of measuring a magnetic field, and an integrated magnetotelluric station that can measure X, Y, and Z components of a magnetic field.
US08237437B2 Two-axis magnetic field sensor with multiple pinning directions
A fabrication process and apparatus provide a high-performance magnetic field sensor (200) from two differential sensor configurations (201, 211) which require only two distinct pinning axes (206, 216) which are formed from a single reference layer (60) that is etched into high aspect ratio shapes (62, 63) with their long axes drawn with different orientations so that, upon treating the reference layers with a properly aligned saturating field (90) and then removing the saturating field, the high aspect ratio patterns provide a shape anisotropy that forces the magnetization of each patterned shape (62, 63) to relax along its respective desired axis. Upon heating and cooling, the ferromagnetic film is pinned in the different desired directions.
US08237435B2 Assembling structure of current detection apparatus
An assembling structure of a current detection apparatus includes: a bus bar; a sensor main body having a magnetism detection element which detects a magnetism generated from the bus bar; a housing having a sensor compartment which accommodates the sensor main body; a magnetism shield member mounted externally on the housing; a cover that holds the bus bar and the magnetism shield member by the at least part of the upper surface of the cover and the lower surface of the housing therebetween; a projecting portion formed on the cover, which projects upwards from the upper surface of the cover; a hole formed in the bus bar, through which the projecting portion of the cover is inserted; and a hole formed in the lower surface of the housing, which is adapted to fit on the projecting portion which passes through the hole in the bus bar.
US08237429B2 Method and device for measuring the pole orientation angle of a magnetic levitation vehicle on a magnetic levitation track
A method for measuring the pole position of a magnetic levitation vehicle on a magnetic levitation track. The pole orientation angle between the stator magnetic field of a track side stator and the magnetic reference axis of the magnetic levitation vehicle is determined by way of measured values from magnetic field sensors. The measured values for the stator magnetic field are measured using at least three magnetic field sensors, arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction, a field strength value is determined for each measured value from the magnetic field sensors for each magnetic field sensor position and the pole orientation angle determined from at least a subset of the measured values from the magnetic field sensors when the determined field strength values meet given minimum requirements and, if not, an error signal is generated.
US08237427B2 Wideband high impedance bridging module
A bridge module provides connection between first and second conductors of a line under test and a test instrument adapted for use with the bridge module. The bridge module provides monitoring and measurement of DSL communication signals between the telephone company DSL terminal (DSLAM) and the subscriber home DSL equipment across a wide range of frequencies. The bridge module can be used at any point in the communications link and can be used while the link is active. The bridge module provides a clickless connection to the active DSL communications link to avoid interruption in DSL service.
US08237425B1 Voltage regulator with high noise rejection
To improve noise rejection, a native (or undoped) NMOS transistor is used as a source follower in place of a conventional common source PMOS transistor in a voltage regulator circuit. The native transistor has a threshold voltage of approximately 0 volts which allows the maximum voltage output of the regulator to be higher by one threshold voltage of a conventional NMOS transistor than might be obtained from a voltage regulator that used a conventional NMOS transistor. Alternatively, a depletion transistor can be used to provide even higher output. In another illustrative embodiment, a conventional bandgap reference circuit is modified by replacing a common source transistor connected to the output of an op amp with a native MOS transistor connected as a source follower.
US08237418B1 Voltage regulator using front and back gate biasing voltages to output stage transistor
A replica biased voltage regulator circuit and method of load regulation are provided herein. According to one embodiment, the replica biased voltage regulator circuit includes an operational amplifier and a comparator, wherein outputs of the operational amplifier and comparator are respectively and simultaneously supplied to a front gate and a back gate of an output stage transistor included for regulating an output voltage generated by the replica biased voltage regulator circuit.
US08237409B2 Protection circuit module of secondary battery and secondary battery using the same
A protective circuit module of a secondary battery and a secondary battery using the same, the protection circuit module including a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device and a circuit board, wherein terminals of the PTC device are inserted into the circuit board to be coupled with connection terminals of the circuit board so that workability is improved and manufacturing costs are reduced. The secondary battery sensitively reacts to a temperature increase of the secondary battery by installing the PTC device on the upper or lower side of the circuit board, or extending one terminal of the PTC device to a bare cell of the secondary battery.
US08237407B2 Power supply modules having a uniform DC environment
A battery pack connection scheme is shown that provides an synchronized DC environment for every cell in the pack, such that every cell in the same or similar voltage level in the pack sees exactly the same voltage and current environment. In some embodiments, a pack is provided having a positive load connection terminal and multiple batteries connected in parallel to the terminal. The connections are made via respective conductive paths each including a high-power DC precision cable segment, each of the conductive paths having a resistance suitable to allow an average charge acceptance rate of the battery pack to be greater than a one-hour, or “C1”, charge rate. The precision cable segments preferably have matching impedances, or have matching DC resistances.
US08237405B2 Battery management system with signal transmission function
A battery management system can include a battery having a plurality of cells, a plurality of devices coupled to the battery, and a control unit coupled to a first device of the devices. The devices can assess the statuses of the cells. The control unit can communicate with a destination device of the devices via a default path and can communicate with the destination device via a backup path if an undesirable condition occurs in the default path.
US08237404B2 Adaptor, assembly of battery pack and adaptor, and electric tool with the same
When a battery pack having an output voltage of 14.4 V that is connectable to an electric tool in a sliding manner is used as a power supply source for the electric tool that is connectable to a battery pack in an insertion manner and has a rated voltage of 12 V, the electric tool and the battery pack are connected to each other with an adaptor interposed therebetween. The adaptor has an FET that is switched at a predetermined duty of a predetermined frequency. The battery pack and the electric tool are connected or disconnected to or from each other by the switching operation, thereby dropping the output voltage of the battery pack. The voltage from the battery pack is detected. When the detected voltage is out of a predetermined value range, it is judged that the overcurrent or overdischarge has occurred. Then, the FET is turned off to stop the electric tool.
US08237403B2 Storage battery, storage battery accommodation device, storage battery charging device, and usage amount payment settlement device for storage battery
A storage battery which can be replaced by simple operations within a very short time. The storage battery includes: a plate-shaped plug-in terminal provided to protrude at one side surface of a storage battery having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a clamping terminal made of a plurality of parallel plate-shaped members that can clamp the plate-shaped plug-in terminal, and that is provided to protrude at the other side surface of the storage battery, thereby facilitating the storage battery replacement operation. The plug-in terminals or clamping terminals are preferably provided side-by-side in pairs on the respective side. The storage battery preferably has a display device 7 to display data of a charged power amount, a consumed power amount, a remaining power amount, or a storage battery temperature; and a data output unit for outputting the data to a control device of the automobile.
US08237401B2 Recharging system and electronic device
A recharging system for a rechargeable battery in an electronic device includes a receiver and a power supply. The receiver is fixed to a surface of a casing of the electronic device. The receiver includes a receiving coil connected to the rechargeable battery. The receiving coil is a planar spiral coil substantially parallel to the surface of the casing of the electronic device. The power supply includes a base and a source coil attached to a surface of the base corresponding to the receiving coil, and the source coil is a planar spiral coil and capable of magnetically coupling to the receiving coil of the receiver.
US08237399B2 System and method for controlling charging process of an electronic device
A system and method of controlling charging process of an electronic device. The electronic device is installed with a battery and a protection circuit. The method includes setting a time interval to check a charging state of the electronic device, checking whether the battery is in an error state before a power supply charges the electronic device, and checking whether the electronic device is in an charging error state according to the time interval till the electronic device completes the charging process. When there is an abnormity, the method can output a message to a user and end the charging process using the protection circuit.
US08237391B2 Substrate processing apparatus with motors integral to chamber walls
In accordance to an aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a substrate transport apparatus is provided. The substrate transport apparatus includes a frame defining a chamber, at least one stator module embedded at least partly into a peripheral wall of the chamber, the at least one stator module defining an axis of rotation. The substrate transport apparatus further includes at least one rotor substantially concentrically disposed relative to the at least one stator module about the axis of rotation, the at least one rotor being configured to interface with the at least one stator module and being suspended by a respective one of the at least one stator module substantially without contact within the chamber. The substrate transport apparatus further includes at least one substrate transport arm connected to the at least one rotor and having at least one end effector configured to hold at least one substrate.
US08237390B2 Drive unit for legged robots and control method thereof
A drive unit comprising of a driving motor and of at least two flexible linking members, which twist on each other when a rotational shaft of the driving motor rotates and thus produce a pulling force on a motion element that is attached to or is a part of link of a legged robot's leg mechanism is disclosed. A control method to control the invented drive unit so that a passive, a passive-dynamic or an active walking modes and transition between the modes of a legged robot is achieved without any additional mechanical means is disclosed.
US08237389B2 Multi mode safety control module
A robotic assembly comprises: a mobile vehicle including mechanical components configured to operate the mobile vehicle in a manual mode of operation; a main power circuit for distributing a power signal to the electromechanical components and to external modules; an automation module connected to the mechanical components and operable to control and operate the mechanical components, and a power circuit configured to distribute power to the mechanical components and the external modules; a safety control module connected to the main power circuit, the automation module, and the mechanical components; a mode selector connected to the main power circuit; and emergency stop switches configured to prevent a flow of current to substantially all of the mechanical components and external modules in response to actuation of the emergency stop buttons.
US08237388B2 Manipulator and control method therefor
A manipulator has a working unit including an end effector and a posture axis for changing the orientation of the manipulator, a compound mechanism provided on the working unit, and a controller for actuating a gripper axis, a yaw axis, and a roll axis by respectively controlling movement positions of three motors. The controller includes a torque generation detector for detecting a timing at which torque is generated on the gripper axis. When the controller detects the timing at which a torque τg′ is generated on the gripper axis under operation of a given motor, the movement positions of the plural motors are shifted and set, corresponding to the directions at which interference torques are generated with respect to the yaw axis and the roll axis, and to predetermined positions of the same directions.
US08237380B2 Method of arranging light emitting diodes supplied by AC power with low loss and smooth illumination in a high expandable structure
A method of arranging light emitting diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. The method includes M virtual lateral lines and N virtual vertical lines, which form virtual intersection nodes at the intersections; disposing N-1 lateral LEDs in each virtual lateral line with one lateral LED placed between two adjacent virtual intersection nodes, connecting the positive terminal of one later LED to the positive terminal of one of the two adjacent lateral LEDs, and connecting the negative terminal of the one lateral LED to the negative terminal of the other adjacent lateral LED; disposing M-1 vertical LEDs in each virtual vertical line except for the first and last virtual vertical lines, connecting the positive and negative terminal of one vertical LED in the same way; and connecting the AC power to the first and last virtual vertical lines.
US08237377B2 Energy efficient lighting system and method
A light system and method includes a housing having an array of LEDs spaced to transmit light within a field of illumination. An EM sensor disposed within the housing is configured to detect EM radiation within the field of illumination. A processor is configured to generate an output in response to levels of EM radiation, such as visible light, infrared light, and/or radio frequency (RF) radiation detected by the EM sensor relative to a predetermined setpoint.
US08237373B2 Drive device for performing electric power conversion by using switching element
A drive device includes a primary-side rectifier circuit for rectifying a received alternating-current voltage, a first capacitor for smoothing the rectified voltage, a switching element coupled to a primary winding of a transformer, for converting the smoothed voltage into an alternating-current voltage by turning on and off to be supplied to the primary winding, a secondary-side rectifying-smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing an alternating-current voltage induced at a secondary winding of the transformer to be outputted to a load, a switching control circuit for turning on and off the switching element by supplying a drive voltage to a control electrode of the switching element, and a bias circuit for supplying a bias voltage to the control electrode of the switching element, based on a voltage induced at the primary winding.
US08237371B2 Differential driving circuit for powering a light source
A differential driving circuit for powering a light source is disclosed. The differential driving circuit includes a first set of switches and a second set of switches. A first current from a power source flows through the first set of switches to charge a first energy storage element when the first set of switches are turned on. A second current from the first energy storage element flows through the second set of switches to power the light source when the second set of switches are turned on. The differential driving circuit further includes a second energy storage element coupled to the light source in parallel and for providing a differential voltage to the light source.
US08237370B2 Lighting device for display device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device for a display device includes a plurality of light sources, a power source arranged to provide drive power for the light sources, a common electrode arranged to supply the drive power to the plurality of light sources, a plurality of holder electrodes arranged to hold the respective light sources and supply the drive power from the common electrode individually to the respective light sources, and a dielectric portion provided between the common electrode and each of the holder electrodes.
US08237357B2 Method for manufacturing organic electroluminescent device and organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device includes partition walls dividing a region into a first region, a second region and a third region, a first organic layer disposed in the first region, a second organic layer disposed in the second region, and a third organic layer disposed in the third region. The first region includes a plurality of effective pixels involved in light emission, continuously disposed along a first aligning axis. Each effective pixel includes an effective pixel electrode, a common electrode, and the first organic layer between the effective pixel electrode and the common electrode. The second region and the third region oppose each other with the first region therebetween, and the first region, the second region and the third region are aligned along the first aligning axis.
US08237354B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is provided. The OLED display includes: a substrate member; an OLED that includes a pixel electrode that is formed on the substrate member, an organic light emitting layer that is formed on the pixel electrode, and a transflective common electrode that is formed on the organic light emitting layer; an encapsulation thin film that is formed on the transflective common electrode; and a touch panel that includes a first touch conductive layer that is formed on the encapsulation thin film and that is formed with a transflective metal film, a glass substrate that is formed on the first touch conductive layer, and a second touch conductive layer that is formed on the glass substrate. In some embodiments, the transflective common electrode has reflectivity of less than 50%. Some of the external light is thus reflected again to the first touch conductive layer and back to the transflective common electrode and so on. During this cycling, destructive interference occurs and the cycled light eventually dissipates. Thus, unwanted reflected light is suppressed.
US08237352B2 Photoluminescent sheet
A photoluminescent sheet is disclosed. A photoluminescent sheet that includes a matrix resin layer, which is a thermosetting resin; a phosphor, which is included in the matrix resin layer and which converts the wavelength of light emitted from a blue LED; a curing agent, which is included in the matrix resin layer and which cures liquid thermosetting resin; and an additive, which is included in the matrix resin layer and which disperses the phosphor uniformly within the matrix resin layer, can implement white light from light having wavelengths corresponding to blue color.
US08237351B2 Organic light-emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display device includes a thin film transistor on a substrate, a protective layer and a planarization layer covering the thin film transistor, a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor, and a wall positioned on at least a portion of the pixel electrode. The planarization layer includes an aperture which exposes a portion of the pixel electrode. An organic layer is formed on the pixel electrode, and a common electrode is formed on the organic layer. An auxiliary electrode layer is formed to overlap the wall on the common electrode.
US08237346B2 Field emission display with antireflective layer
It is an object of the present invention to provide a PDP and an FED with excellent visibility and a high level of reliability that each have an antireflective function by which reflection of external light can be reduced. A plurality of adjacent pyramidal-shaped projections and an antireflective layer equipped with a covering film that covers the projections are provided. The reflection of light is prevented by the index of refraction of incident light from external being changed by a pyramid, which is a physical shape, projecting out toward an external side (atmosphere side) of a substrate that is to be used as a display screen as well as by the covering film used to cover the projections being formed of a material that has a higher index of refraction than the index of refraction of the pyramidal projection.
US08237344B2 Electron emission apparatus and method for making the same
An electron emission apparatus includes an insulating substrate, one or more grids located on the substrate, wherein the one or more grids includes: a first, second, third and fourth electrode that are located on the periphery of the gird, wherein the first and the second electrode are parallel to each other, and the third and fourth electrodes are parallel to each other; and one or more electron emission units located on the substrate. Each the electron unit includes at least one electron emitter, and the electron emitter includes a first end, a second end and a gap. At least one electron emission end is located in the gap.
US08237341B2 Spark ignition device with bridging ground electrode and method of construction thereof
A spark ignition device and method of construction is provided. The device includes a ceramic insulator and a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. The metal shell extends along a central axis between an upper terminal end and a lower fastening end. The fastening end has a pair of projections diametrically opposite one another extending axially to free ends. A center electrode assembly is received at least in part in the ceramic insulator. In addition, the device includes an elongate ground electrode having opposite sides extending along a length of the ground electrode between opposite ends. The ground electrode has opposite faces with a sparking surface attached to one of the faces, wherein the face with the sparking surface attached thereto is sunk axially into the free ends of the projections with at least a portion of the opposite sides being surrounded by the projections.
US08237340B2 Ignition plug and analysis system
There is provided an ignition plug whereby an electrical configuration for discharge and an electrical configuration for guiding and radiating microwaves are provided concomitantly, within dimensions permitting installation in an installation space for an ordinary ignition plug, and adapted to efficiently guide and transmit microwaves into a combustion chamber. The ignition plug comprises a center electrode and a ground electrode for spark discharge; a center wire and an outside conductor forming a coaxial electromagnetic wave transmission line; and a microwave radiation antenna that is electrically integrated with the center wire; the microwave radiation antenna having a profile that defines part of a sphere or arc including a plurality of locations substantially equidistant from the center electrode.
US08237339B2 LED illuminating device
An LED illuminating device includes a heat sink, a first substrate, a second substrate and a connector. The heat sink comprises a first end, a second end opposite to the first end along the axial direction of the heat sink. The first substrate mounted on the first end, the second substrate mounted on the second end, the second substrate has a size smaller than the first substrate. Heat generated by the first substrate is transferred to air and will not accumulate and be transferred to the second substrate. Additionally, because the first substrate and the second substrate are spaced by the heat sink, the heat radiation efficiency is improved.
US08237338B2 Ceramic, and piezoelectric/electrostriction element
A ceramic having a plurality of crystal grains that contain lithium and boron, the crystal grains are arranged in a planar direction, and the crystal grains have a mutually same crystal orientation with respect to the thickness direction, the ceramic having a portion defined by parallel sectional surfaces in a thickness direction, the portion being equally divided into a plurality of segments by parallel sectional surfaces in a planar direction, and when the amount of boron in each segment is compared, the thickness of a low boron concentration region, the low boron concentration region being a collection of segments displaying a boron amount of less than or equal to an average value for the maximum value and minimum value of the boron amount, is greater than or equal to 20% to less than or equal to 90% of the overall thickness of the portion.
US08237331B2 Vibratory actuator and drive unit including the same
The drive efficiency of a vibratory actuator is improved without increasing a weight of a driver element.An ultrasonic actuator (2) includes an actuator body (4) for generating longitudinal vibration and bending vibration, and driver elements (8), provided on a mounting surface (40a) which is one of side surfaces of the actuator body (4), for making an orbit motion according to the vibrations of the actuator body (4) to output driving force. In the driver element (8), a through hole (80) is provided.
US08237328B2 Foreign substance removing apparatus
A foreign substance removing apparatus that removes a foreign substance adhering on an optical member, comprising a piezoelectric element arranged at one end of the optical member, a transformer which generates a voltage to drive the piezoelectric element, the transformer including a primary-side wound wire and a secondary-side wound wire, the secondary-side wound wire being connected to the piezoelectric element, a first driving signal generation circuit which is connected to one end of the primary-side wound wire in the transformer, and generates a signal with a first frequency, and a second driving signal generation circuit which is connected to the other end of the primary-side wound wire in the transformer, and generates a signal with a second frequency.
US08237324B2 Bistable electroactive polymers
A bistable electroactive polymer transducer is provided for electrically actuated deformation of rigid electroactive polymer members. The polymers have glass transition temperatures (Tg) above ambient conditions and turn into rubbery elastomers above Tg and have high dielectric breakdown strength in the rubbery state. They can be electrically deformed to various rigid shapes with maximum strain greater than 100% and as high as 400%. The actuation is made bistable by cooling below Tg to preserve the deformation. The dielectric actuation mechanism includes a pair of compliant electrodes in contact with a dielectric elastomer which deforms when a voltage bias is applied between the pair of electrodes. In some of the configurations, the dielectric elastomer is also a shape memory polymer. The deformations of such bistable electroactive polymers can be repeated rapidly for numerous cycles.
US08237323B2 Rotor for an electrical machine comprising an intermediate sleeve interposed between at least one polar wheel and a shaft on which it is mounted
An electrical rotating machine rotor, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a central shaft, an annular core coaxial with the shaft and two polar wheels which are axially arranged on either side of the core, of the type wherein the shaft includes at least one drive section which is axially force-fitted into a fixing bore of at least one component of the rotor so as to secure in rotation at least one of the two polar wheels of the rotor to the shaft, an intermediate sleeve being radially interposed between each polar wheel and the central shaft, and on which sleeve is mounted said polar wheel. The invention also concerns a method for making such a rotor.
US08237321B2 Electrical machine, in particular a generator
The invention relates to an electrical machine (1, 2, 210) or its use as a wind power generator and a wind power installation having this electrical machine. The electrical machine has a primary part (3, 4, 222, 212, 213) and a secondary part (5, 6, 224), wherein a disc-like primary part (3, 4, 222, 212, 213) and a disc-like secondary part (5, 6, 224) are provided for forming a disc-shaped air gap, or wherein the electrical machine (1, 2, 210) has a cylindrical primary part (3, 4, 212, 213) and a cylindrical secondary part (5, 6, 224) for forming a cylindrical air gap, wherein a primary part, which can be used for a linear motor, is also used for forming the cylindrical primary part (3, 4, 222, 212, 213).
US08237320B2 Thermally matched composite sleeve
A sleeve about an electric machine rotor core and the plurality of permanent magnets has a fiber-reinforced composite layer about the rotor core and the plurality of permanent magnets. At least a portion of the sleeve about the rotor core and the permanent magnets has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially equal to the aggregate coefficient of thermal expansion of the rotor core and the plurality of permanent magnets.
US08237318B2 Motor positioning structure
A motor positioning structure is constructed by providing a plurality of positioning pins 28, 29 for positioning a circuit board 22 on a case 21 of a circuit main body 3 and also providing receiving holes 35, 36 for receiving the positioning pins 28, 29 in a frame 4 on the side of a stator in a motor main body 2.
US08237316B2 Stator for electromotor or generator
An electromotor or a generator for conveying gas and/or liquid media. The electromotor or the generator has a rotor with a rotor magnet. The rotor is surrounded by a stator. The stator has at least one stator groove limited by a stator tooth. At least a part of the stator groove serves as a medium passage opening.
US08237305B2 Auxiliary electrical power system for vehicular fuel economy improvement
Method and apparatus for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle of the type having a vehicle electrical system that includes a generator senses a vehicle voltage of the vehicle electrical system during determined intervals, and supplies an offset current from an external source of electrical energy to the vehicle electrical system in response to the sensing of a vehicle voltage of the vehicle electrical system. In this manner, the electrical power output of the generator, and its effect on fuel consumption, are reduced in response to supplying of the offset current. A source of electrical energy external to the electrical system of the motor vehicle is controlled by an electronic control unit coupled to the source of electrical energy. A power converter receives on and off commands from the electronic control unit in response to vehicle voltage measurements by the electronic control unit.
US08237297B2 System and method for providing alignment mark for high-k metal gate process
The alignment mark and method for making the same are described. In one embodiment, a semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a device region and an alignment region; a first shallow trench isolation (STI) feature in the alignment region and having a first depth D1; a second STI feature in the device region and having a second depth D2; an alignment mark with patterned features overlying the first STI in the alignment region; and a gate stack formed on an active region in the device region.
US08237295B2 Semiconductor device, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and manufacturing apparatus for semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor element, a first electrode, a ball part, a second electrode, and a wire. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first semiconductor element. The ball part is provided on the first electrode. The wire connects the ball part and the second electrode. A thickness of a turned-back portion at an end of the wire on a side opposite to the second electrode is smaller than a diameter of the wire.
US08237290B2 Assemblies and multi-chip modules including stacked semiconductor dice having centrally located, wire bonded bond pads
An assembly method that includes providing a first semiconductor device and positioning a second semiconductor device at least partially over the first semiconductor device is disclosed. Spacers space the active surface of the first semiconductor device substantially a predetermined distance apart from the back side of the second semiconductor device. Discrete conductive elements are extended between the active surface of the first semiconductor device and the substrate prior to positioning of the second semiconductor device. Intermediate portions of the discrete conductive elements pass through an aperture formed between the active surface of the first semiconductor device, the back side of the second semiconductor device, and two of the spacers positioned therebetween. Assemblies and packaged semiconductor devices that are formed in accordance with the method are also disclosed.
US08237289B2 System in package device
A system in package device according to an example of the present invention includes a package substrate, an external terminal which is arranged on one face side or the other face side of the package substrate, a first chip which is arranged on the other face side of the package substrate, a second chip which is arranged on the first chip, and bumps which are arranged between the first chip and the second chip. A signal to be input into the external terminal is input into the first chip via the second chip.
US08237286B2 Integrated circuit interconnect structure
An integrated circuit (IC) interconnect structure that includes a first via positioned in a dielectric and coupled to a high current device at one end, and a buffer metal segment positioned in a dielectric and coupled to the first via at an opposite end thereof. The buffer metal segment includes a plurality of electrically insulating inter-dielectric (ILD) pads forming an ILD cheesing pattern thereon, to direct current. The IC interconnect structure further includes a second via positioned in a dielectric formed over the buffer metal segment and coupled to the buffer metal segment at one end and a metal power line formed in a dielectric and coupled to the second via at an opposite end thereof. The use of the ILD pads on the buffer metal segment enables a more even distribution of current along the metal power line.
US08237285B2 Semiconductor device, through hole having expansion portion and thin insulating film
Semiconductor device includes semiconductor substrate, through hole having first opening and second opening, and including an expansion portion so that an opening area of first opening is greater than an opening area of lowermost portion of expansion portion, first insulating layer, and having an opening which communicates with through hole and has an area smaller than opening area of first opening, first wiring layer provided on first insulating layer, second insulating layer provided on expansion portion of through hole, and to cover first opening and an inner wall surface of through hole, second insulating layer having an opening communicating with opening of first insulating layer so as to expose first wiring layer through opening of first insulating layer, and second wiring layer provided on second insulating layer to extend from inside of through hole, and being connected to first wiring layer via openings of first and second insulating layers.
US08237279B2 Collar structure around solder balls that connect semiconductor die to semiconductor chip package substrate
In one embodiment, a collar structure includes a non-conductive layer that relieves stress around the perimeter of each of the solder balls that connect the semiconductor die to the semiconductor chip package substrate, and another non-conductive layer placed underneath to passivate the entire surface of the die.
US08237276B2 Bump structure and fabrication method thereof
There is provided a bump structure for a semiconductor device, comprising a metal post formed on and electrically connected to an electrode pad on a substrate, a solder post formed on the top surface of the metal post, said solder post having the same horizontal width as the metal post and the top surface of the solder post being substantially rounded, and an intermetallic compound layer disposed at the interface between the metal post and the solder post. An oxide layer formed on the solder post prevents solder post under reflow from being changed into a spherical shape. An intermetallic compound layer may be formed by an aging process at the interface between the metal post and the solder post. The bump structure can realize fine pitch semiconductor package without a short between neighboring bumps.
US08237275B2 Tungsten stiffener for flexible substrate assembly
A flexible semiconductor package is formed by interposing a flexible substrate between a tungsten stiffener and a die. A tungsten stiffener is bonded to a first surface of the flexible substrate prior to flip chip bonding or die attach of a die to a second surface of the flexible substrate. The tungsten stiffener is dimensioned so as to substantially overlap the die and provide a rigid and flat surface on which the die/flexible substrate bonding occurs. The flat and rigid characteristic of a tungsten stiffener optimizes the electrical and mechanical bond between the die and the flexible substrate as well as minimizing CTE mismatch.
US08237272B2 Conductive pillar structure for semiconductor substrate and method of manufacture
A semiconductor component formed on a semiconductor substrate is provided. The semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of devices on the first surface. A plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) in the semiconductor substrate extends from the first surface to the second surface. A protection layer overlies the devices on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of active conductive pillars on the protection layer have a first height. Each of the active conductive pillars is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of devices. A plurality of dummy conductive pillars on the protection layer have a second height. Each of the dummy conductive pillars is electrically isolated from the plurality of devices. The first height and the second height are substantially equal.
US08237270B2 Wiring board manufacturing method, semiconductor device manufacturing method and wiring board
A semiconductor device 100 has such a structure that a semiconductor chip 110 is flip-chip mounted on a wiring board 120. The wiring board 120 has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of wiring layers and a plurality of insulating layers are arranged, and has a structure in which insulating layers of a first layer 122, a second layer 124, a third layer 126 and a fourth layer 128 are provided. The first layer 122 has a first insulating layer 121 and a second insulating layer 123. A protruded portion 132 which is protruded in a radial direction (a circumferential direction) from an outer periphery at one surface side of a first electrode pad 130 is formed on a whole periphery over a boundary surface between the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 123.
US08237269B2 High Q transformer disposed at least partly in a non-semiconductor substrate
An assembly involves an integrated circuit die that is bonded, e.g., flip-chip bonded, to a non-semiconductor substrate by a plurality of low-resistance microbumps. In one novel aspect, at least a part of a novel high-frequency transformer is disposed in the non-semiconductor substrate where the non-semiconductor substrate is the substrate of a ball grid array (BGA) integrated circuit package. At least one of the low-resistance microbumps connects the part of the transformer in the substrate to a circuit in the integrated circuit die. At two gigahertz, the novel transformer has a coupling coefficient k of at least at least 0.4 and also has a transformer quality factor Q of at least ten. The novel transformer structure sees use in coupling differential outputs of a mixer to a single-ended input of a driver amplifier in a transmit chain of an RF transceiver within a cellular telephone.
US08237268B2 Module comprising a semiconductor chip
A module includes a semiconductor chip having at least a first terminal contact surface and a second terminal contact surface. A first bond element made of a material on the basis of Cu is attached to the first terminal contact surface, and a second bond element is attached to the second terminal contact surface. The second bond element is made of a material different from the material of the first bond element or is made of a type of bond element different from the type of the first bond element.
US08237263B2 Method and apparatus for cooling an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit, a method of operating the integrated circuit, and a method of fabricating the integrated circuit are disclosed. According to one of the broader forms of the invention, a method and apparatus involve an integrated circuit that includes a heat transfer structure having a chamber that has a fluid disposed therein and that extends between a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion. Heat is absorbed into the fluid from the heat generating portion, and the fluid changes from a first phase to a second phase different from the first phase when the heat is absorbed. Heat is released from the fluid to the heat absorbing portion, and the fluid changes from the second phase to the first phase when the heat is released.
US08237259B2 Embedded chip package
An electronic assembly is disclosed. One embodiment includes at least one semiconductor chip and a package structure embedding the semiconductor chip. The package structure includes at least one conducting line extending into an area of the package structure outside of the outline of the chip. The electronic assembly further includes a substrate embedding the package structure.
US08237257B2 Substrate structure with die embedded inside and dual build-up layers over both side surfaces and method of the same
The present invention discloses a structure of device package comprising a first substrate with a die metal pad, a first wiring circuit on top surface of said first substrate and a second wiring circuit on bottom surface of said first substrate. A die is disposed on the die metal pad. A second substrate has a die opening window for receiving the die, a third wiring circuit on top surface of the second substrate and a fourth wiring circuit on bottom surface of the second substrate. An adhesive material is filled into the gap between back side of the die and top surface of the first substrate and between the side wall of the die and the side wall of the die receiving through hole and the bottom side of the second substrate.
US08237253B2 Package structures
A package structure includes a substrate, a first die and at least one second die. The substrate includes a first pair of parallel edges and a second pair of parallel edges. The first die is mounted over the substrate. The first die includes a third pair of parallel edges and a fourth pair of parallel edges, wherein the third pair of parallel edges and the fourth pair of parallel edges are not parallel to the first pair of parallel edges and the second pair of parallel edges, respectively. The at least one second die is mounted over the first die.
US08237252B2 Semiconductor device and method of embedding thermally conductive layer in interconnect structure for heat dissipation
A semiconductor device is made by forming a first thermally conductive layer over a first surface of a semiconductor die. A second surface of the semiconductor die is mounted to a sacrificial carrier. An encapsulant is deposited over the first thermally conductive layer and sacrificial carrier. The encapsulant is planarized to expose the first thermally conductive layer. A first insulating layer is formed over the second surface of the semiconductor die and a first surface of the encapsulant. A portion of the first insulating layer over the second surface of the semiconductor die is removed. A second thermally conductive layer is formed over the second surface of the semiconductor die within the removed portion of the first insulating layer. An electrically conductive layer is formed within the insulating layer around the second thermally conductive layer. A heat sink can be mounted over the first thermally conductive layer.
US08237251B2 Semiconductor device including semiconductor chips with different thickness
In a stacked-type semiconductor device, a first semiconductor device and at least one second semiconductor device are stacked. The first semiconductor device includes a wiring board and a first semiconductor chip mounted on the wiring board. The second semiconductor device includes a wiring board and a second semiconductor chip mounted on the wiring board. The thickness of the second semiconductor chip of each second semiconductor device is thicker than the thickness of the first semiconductor chip.
US08237247B2 CMOS devices incorporating hybrid orientation technology (HOT) with embedded connectors
The present invention relates to complementary devices, such as n-FETs and p-FETs, which have hybrid channel orientations and are connected by conductive connectors that are embedded in a semiconductor substrate. Specifically, the semiconductor substrate has at least first and second device regions of different surface crystal orientations (i.e., hybrid orientations). An n-FET is formed at one of the first and second device regions, and a p-FET is formed at the other of the first and second device regions. The n-FET and the p-FET are electrically connected by a conductive connector that is located between the first and second device regions and embedded in the semiconductor substrate. Preferably, a dielectric spacer is first provided between the first and second device regions and recessed to form a gap therebetween. The conductive connector is then formed in the gap above the recessed dielectric spacer.
US08237246B2 Deep trench crackstops under contacts
Deep trenches formed beneath contact level in a semiconductor substrate function as crackstops, in a die area or in a scribe area of the wafer, and may be disposed in rows of increasing distance from a device which they are intended to protect, and may be located under a lattice work crackstop structure in an interconnect stack layer. The deep trenches may remain unfilled, or may be filled with a dielectric material or conductor. The deep trenches may have a depth into the substrate of approximately 1 micron to 100 microns, and a width of approximately 10 nm to 10 microns.
US08237244B2 Semiconductor device including a transistor and a capacitor having multiple insulating films
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate, applying a photoresist on the lower electrode, forming an opening in the photoresist spaced from the periphery of the lower electrode, forming a high-dielectric constant film of a high-k material having a dielectric constant of 10 or more, performing liftoff so that the high-dielectric-constant film remains on the lower electrode, and forming an upper electrode on the high-dielectric-constant film remaining after the liftoff.
US08237243B2 On-chip capacitors with a variable capacitance for a radiofrequency integrated circuit
On-chip capacitors with a variable capacitance, as well as design structures for a radio frequency integrated circuit, and method of fabricating and method of tuning on-chip capacitors. The on-chip capacitor includes first and second ports powered with opposite polarities, first and second electrodes, and first and second voltage-controlled units. Each of the first and second voltage-controlled units is switched between a first state in which the first and second electrodes are electrically isolated from the first and second ports and a second state. When the first voltage-controlled unit is switched to the second state, the first electrode is electrically connected with the first port. When the second voltage-controlled unit is switched to the second state the second electrode is electrically connected with the second port. The on-chip capacitor has a larger capacitance value when the first and second voltage-controlled units are in the second state.
US08237242B2 Capacitor, method of producing the same, semiconductor device, and liquid crystal display device
A capacitor includes a first electrode, a dielectric layer, and a second electrode that are sequentially stacked. The dielectric layer has a stacked layer structure including a predetermined number of hafnium oxide sublayers and predetermined number of tantalum oxide sublayers. The number, materials, and thicknesses of the sublayers are determined so that the thickness ratio has a range in which, in voltage-leakage current characteristics showing the relationship between the voltage between the first and second electrodes and the leakage current, a start voltage at which the slope of an increase in the current starts to discontinuously increase satisfies an electric field strength of 3 [MV/cm] or more when the ratio of the total thickness of the predetermined number of tantalum oxide sublayers to the total thickness of the dielectric layer is varied, and the thickness ratio is within the range such that the start voltage is within the range.
US08237241B2 Semiconductor device
A conventional semiconductor device has a problem that an on-current of a parasitic transistor flows through a surface portion of a semiconductor layer and thus a semiconductor element undergoes thermal breakdown. In a semiconductor device according to the present invention, a protection element is formed with use of an isolation region and N type buried layers. A PN junction region in the protection element is formed on a P type buried layer of the isolation region. The PN junction region has a junction breakdown voltage lower than that of a PN junction region of a semiconductor element to be protected. This structure allows an on-current of a parasitic transistor to flow into the protection element, and thereby the semiconductor element is protected. In addition, the on-current of the parasitic transistor flows through a deep portion of the epitaxial layer, and thereby the protection element is prevented from thermal breakdown.
US08237240B2 Isolation layer structure, method of forming the same and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including the same
An isolation layer structure includes first to fourth oxide layer patterns. The first and third oxide layer patterns are sequentially formed in a first trench defined by a first recessed top surface of a substrate and sidewalls of gate structures on the substrate in a first region. The first trench has a first width, and the first and third oxide layer patterns have no void therein. The second and fourth oxide layer patterns are sequentially formed in a second trench defined by a second recessed top surface of the substrate and sidewalls of gate structures on the substrate in a second region. The second trench has a second width larger than the first width, and the fourth oxide layer pattern has a void therein.
US08237239B2 Schottky diode device and method for fabricating the same
A Schottky diode device is provided, including a p-type semiconductor structure. An n drift region is disposed over the p-type semiconductor structure, wherein the n drift region comprises first and second n-type doping regions having different n-type doping concentrations, and the second n-type doping region is formed with a dopant concentration greater than that in the first n-type doping region. A plurality of isolation structures is disposed in the second n-type doping region of the n drift region, defining an anode region and a cathode region. A third n-type doping region is disposed in the second n-type doping region exposed by the cathode region. An anode electrode is disposed over the first n-type doping region in the anode region. A cathode electrode is disposed over the third n-type doping region in the cathode region.
US08237237B2 Solid-state imaging device, method for manufacturing solid-state imaging device, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a light-receiving portion, which serves as a pixel, and a waveguide, which is disposed at a location in accordance with the light-receiving portion and which includes a clad layer and a core layer embedded having a refractive index distribution in the wave-guiding direction.
US08237235B2 Metal-ceramic multilayer structure
A metal-ceramic multilayer structure is provided. The underlying layers of the metal/ceramic multilayer structure have sloped sidewalls such that cracking of the metal-ceramic multilayer structure may be reduced or eliminated. In an embodiment, a layer immediately underlying the metal-ceramic multilayer has sidewalls sloped less than 75 degrees. Subsequent layers underlying the layer immediately underlying the metal/ceramic layer have sidewalls sloped greater than 75 degrees. In this manner, less stress is applied to the overlying metal/ceramic layer, particularly in the corners, thereby reducing the cracking of the metal-ceramic multilayer. The metal/ceramic multilayer structure includes one or more alternating layers of a metal seed layer and a ceramic layer.
US08237234B2 Transistor gate electrode having conductor material layer
Various embodiments of the invention relate to a PMOS device having a transistor channel of silicon germanium material on a substrate, a gate dielectric having a dielectric constant greater than that of silicon dioxide on the channel, a gate electrode conductor material having a work function in a range between a valence energy band edge and a conductor energy band edge for silicon on the gate dielectric, and a gate electrode semiconductor material on the gate electrode conductor material.
US08237229B2 Method and apparatus for buried-channel semiconductor device
Methods and apparatus of integrating a buried-channel PMOS into a BiCMOS process. The apparatus comprises at least one bipolar transistor and at least one MOS device coupled to the at least one bipolar transistor, such that a gate of the at least one MOS device may be coupled to an emitter of the at least one bipolar transistor. The MOS device comprises a buried channel having mobility means, such as strained silicon for promoting hole mobility in the buried channel, and confinement means, such as a cap layer disposed proximate to the buried channel for limiting leakage of holes from the buried channel. The apparatus may be formed by exposing a substrate in a PMOS, forming a SiGe layer on the substrate, forming an oxide layer on the SiGe layer, masking the PMOS, and removing at least some of the oxide and at least some of the SiGe layer.
US08237227B2 Dummy gate structure for gate last process
A semiconductor device is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate having a first portion and a second portion, transistors formed in the first portion of the substrate, each transistor having a gate structure with a high-k dielectric and a metal gate, a device element formed in the second portion of the substrate, the device element being isolated by an isolation region, and a polishing stopper formed adjacent the isolation region and having a surface that is substantially planar with a surface of the gate structures of the transistors in the first region.
US08237222B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a method of manufacturing a high withstanding voltage MOSFET, a region to be doped with impurities and a region to be doped with no impurity are provided when ion implantation of the impurities is performed in the channel forming region, for controlling a threshold voltage. The region to be doped with no impurity is suitably patterned so that impurity concentration of the channel forming region near boundaries between a well region and a source region and between the well region and a drain region having the same conductivity type as the well region may be increased, to thereby induce a reverse short channel effect. By canceling a short channel effect with the reverse short channel effect induced by the above-mentioned method, the short channel effect of the high withstanding voltage MOSFET may be suppressed.
US08237221B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor layer, a trench formed by digging the semiconductor layer from the surface thereof, a gate insulating film formed on the inner surface of the trench, and a gate electrode made of silicon embedded in the trench through the gate insulating film. The gate electrode has a high-conductivity portion formed to cover the gate insulating film with a relatively high conductivity and a low-conductivity portion formed on a region inside the high-conductivity portion with a relatively low conductivity.
US08237220B2 Semiconductor device with vertical channel transistor
In a high speed vertical channel transistor, a pillar structure is formed over a substrate, a gate electrode surrounds an outer wall of a lower portion of the pillar structure; and a word line extends in a direction to partially contact an outer wall of the gate electrode. The word line shifts toward a side of the pillar structure resulting in increased transistor speed.
US08237218B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a first stack unit with a first selection transistor and a second selection transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate and a second stack unit with first insulating layers and first conductive layers stacked alternately on the upper surface of the first stack unit. The second stack unit includes a second insulating layer formed in contact with side walls of the first insulating layer and the first conductive layer, a charge storage layer formed in contact with the second insulating layer for storing electrical charges, a third insulating layer formed in contact with the charge storage layer, and a first semiconductor layer formed in contact with the third insulating layer so as to extend in a stacking direction, with one end connected to one diffusion layer of the first selection transistor and the other end connected to a diffusion layer of the second selection transistor.
US08237215B2 Silicon on insulator device and method for fabricating the same
An SOI device includes an SOI substrate having a structure in which a first buried oxide layer and a silicon layer are stacked in turn over a semiconductor substrate. A gate is formed over the silicon layer of the SOI substrate. A second buried oxide layer is formed at both sides of the gate in a lower portion of the silicon layer so that a lower end portion of the second buried oxide layer is in contact with the first buried oxide layer. A junction region is then formed in the portion of the silicon layer above the second buried oxide layer so that the lower end portion of the junction region is in contact with the second buried oxide layer.
US08237213B2 Memory arrays having substantially vertical, adjacent semiconductor structures and the formation thereof
Memory arrays and methods of their formation are disclosed. One such memory array has memory-cell strings are formed adjacent to separated substantially vertical, adjacent semiconductor structures, where the separated semiconductor structures couple the memory cells of the respective strings in series. For some embodiments, two dielectric pillars may be formed from a dielectric formed in a single opening, where each of the dielectric pillars has a pair of memory-cell strings adjacent thereto and where at least one memory cell of one of the strings on one of the pillars and at least one memory cell of one of the strings on the other pillar are commonly coupled to an access line.
US08237204B2 Method for passivating a field-effect transistor
The present invention relates to a method for passivating a semiconductor component having at least one chemosensitive electrode that is blinded by the application of a glass layer. The present invention also relates to a device for detecting at least one substance included in a fluid stream, including at least one semiconductor component acting as a measuring sensor as well as at least one semiconductor component acting as a reference element, the semiconductor components each having a chemosensitive electrode, and the chemosensitive electrode of the semiconductor component acting as the reference element being passivated. For the passivation, a glass layer may be applied at least to the chemosensitive electrode of the semiconductor component acting as reference element.
US08237202B2 Semiconductor devices including dehydrogenated interlayer dielectric layers
Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device include forming an NMOS transistor on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first interlayer dielectric layer on the NMOS transistor, and dehydrogenating the first interlayer dielectric layer. Dehydrogenating the first interlayer dielectric layer may change a stress of the first interlayer dielectric layer. In particular, the first interlayer dielectric layer may have a tensile stress of 200 MPa or more after dehydrogenization. Semiconductor devices including dehydrogenated interlayer dielectric layers are also provided.
US08237201B2 Layout methods of integrated circuits having unit MOS devices
A semiconductor structure includes an array of unit metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is provided. Each of the unit MOS devices includes an active region laid out in a row direction and a gate electrode laid out in a column direction. The semiconductor structure further includes a first unit MOS device in the array and a second unit MOS device in the array, wherein active regions of the first and the second unit MOS devices have different conductivity types.
US08237199B2 Cell array of semiconductor memory device and a method of forming the same
A cell array includes a semiconductor substrate including an active region comprising a first region, a second region, and a transition region, the second region being separated from the first region by the transition region, wherein a top surface of the second region is at a different level than a top surface of the first region. The cell array also includes a plurality of word lines crossing over the first region. The cell array also includes a selection line crossing over the active region, wherein at least a portion of the selection line is located over the transition region.
US08237197B2 Asymmetric channel MOSFET
A field effect transistor includes a partial SiGe channel, i.e., a channel including a SiGe channel portion, located underneath a gate electrode and a Si channel portion located underneath an edge of the gate electrode near the drain region. The SiGe channel portion can be located directly underneath a gate dielectric, or can be located underneath a Si channel layer located directly underneath a gate dielectric. The Si channel portion is located at the same depth as the SiGe channel portion, and contacts the drain region of the transistor. By providing a Si channel portion near the drain region, the GIDL current of the transistor is maintained at a level on par with the GIDL current of a transistor having a silicon channel only during an off state.
US08237196B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor layer of non-doped AlXGa1-XN (0≦X<1); a second semiconductor layer of non-doped or n-type AlYGa1-YN (0
US08237192B2 Light emitting diode chip with overvoltage protection
A light emitting diode chip includes a device for protection against overvoltages, e.g., an ESD protection device. The ESD protection device is integrated into a carrier, on which the semiconductor layer sequence of the light emitting diode chip is situated, and is based on a specific doping of specific regions of said carrier. By way of example, the ESD protection device is embodied as a Zener diode that is connected to the semiconductor layer sequence by means of an electrical conductor structure.
US08237190B2 Image sensor package and image sensing module using same
An exemplary image sensor package includes a base substrate, an image sensor, and a number of wires. The base substrate contains carbon nanotubes and alumina, and includes a number of base pads. The image sensor is mounted on the base substrate, and includes a sensing portion and a number of contacts. The wires electrically connect the base pads to the respective contacts.
US08237189B2 Heat-curable silicone resin-epoxy resin composition, and premolded package molded from same
A heat-curable silicone resin-epoxy resin composition that is ideal as a premolded package for a high-brightness LED or solar cell. The composition contains (A) a heat-curable silicone resin, (B) a combination of a triazine derivative epoxy resin and an acid anhydride, or a prepolymer obtained by reaction of them, (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) a curing accelerator. The composition exhibits excellent curability, and yields a uniform cured product that displays excellent retention of heat resistance and light resistance over long periods of time, and suffers minimal yellowing.
US08237187B2 Package structure for chip and method for forming the same
An embodiment of the invention provides a package structure for chip. The package structure for chip includes: a carrier substrate having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; a chip overlying the carrier substrate and having a first surface and an opposite second surface facing the upper surface, wherein the chip includes a first electrode and a second electrode; a first conducting structure overlying the carrier substrate and electrically connecting the first electrode; a second conducting structure overlying the carrier substrate and electrically connecting the second electrode; a first through-hole penetrating the upper surface and the lower surface of the carrier substrate and disposed next to the chip without overlapping the chip; a first conducting layer overlying a sidewall of the first through-hole and electrically connecting the first conducting electrode; and a third conducting structure overlying the carrier substrate and electrically connecting the second conducting structure.
US08237186B2 Electro-optical device
An object of the present invention is to realize a numerical aperture higher than that of a pixel having a conventional construction by using a pixel circuit having a novel construction in an electro-optical device. Therefore, it is utilized that the electric potential of a gate signal line in a row except for an i-th row is set to a constant electric potential in a period except for when a gate signal line (106) in the i-th row is selected. A gate signal line 111 in an (i−1)-th row is also used as an electric current supply line for an EL element (103) controlled by the gate signal line (106) in the i-th row. Thus, wiring number is reduced and high numerical aperture is realized.
US08237185B2 Semiconductor light emitting device with integrated ESD protection
Embodiments provide a semiconductor light emitting device which comprises a light emitting structure comprising a plurality of compound semiconductor layers, an insulation layer on an outer surface of the light emitting structure, an ohmic layer under the light emitting structure and on an outer surface of the insulation layer, a first electrode layer on the light emitting structure, and a tunnel barrier layer between the first electrode layer and the ohmic layer.
US08237184B2 Light-emitting semiconductor device
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a conductive substrate, a light-emitting structure layer, a metallic reflective layer, a transparent conductive layer, a first patterned dielectric layer, and a second patterned dielectric layer. The light-emitting structure layer, the transparent conductive layer, the metallic reflective layer, and the conductive substrate are sequentially arranged. The first patterned dielectric layer is between the light-emitting structure layer and the transparent conductive layer and includes first structure units separated from one another by a first space. The first portions are located in the first spaces respectively. The second patterned dielectric layer is between the transparent conductive layer and the metallic reflective layer and includes second structure units separated from one another by a second space. The second portions are located in the second spaces respectively. The first and the second portions are not overlapped.
US08237182B2 Organic adhesive light-emitting device with ohmic metal bulge
Organic adhesive light-emitting device with ohmic metal bulge. The organic adhesive light-emitting device includes a conductive substrate, a light-emitting stack layer, a metal layer formed over the conductive substrate, a reflective layer formed over the light-emitting stack layer, and an organic adhesive layer having an ohmic metal bulge and an adhesive material around the ohmic metal bulge. The adhesive material bonds the metal layer and the reflective layer together, while the ohmic metal bulge forms ohmic contacts with the metal layer and the reflective layer. The configuration can simplify a light-emitting diode.
US08237181B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a semiconductor light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a first thin insulating layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer. The active layer is formed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer. The first thin insulating layer is formed on the active layer. The second conductive type semiconductor layer is formed on the thin insulating layer.
US08237180B2 Light emitting element including center electrode and thin wire electrode extending from periphery of the center electrode
A light emitting element includes a semiconductor laminated structure including a first semiconductor layer of first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, and an active layer sandwiched between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a surface electrode including a center electrode disposed on one surface of the semiconductor laminated structure and a thin wire electrode extending from a periphery of the center electrode, and a contact part disposed on a part of another surface of the semiconductor laminated structure extruding a part located directly below the surface electrode, in parallel along the thin wire electrode, and including a plurality of first regions forming the shortest current pathway between the thin wire electrode and a second region allowing the plural first regions to be connected. The surface electrode has an arrangement that the shortest current pathway between the center electrode and the contact part is longer than the shortest current pathway between the thin wire electrode and the first region, and the shortest current pathway between an end part of the thin wire electrode and the contact part is not shorter than the shortest current pathway between the thin wire electrode and the first region.
US08237179B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device is provided which can prevent a change in gate voltage due to leakage or other causes and at the same time can prevent the aperture ratio from lowering. A capacitor storage is formed from a connection wiring line, an insulating film, and a capacitance wiring line. The connection wiring line is formed over a gate electrode and an active layer of a TFT of a pixel, and is connected to the active layer. The insulating film is formed on the connection wiring line. The capacitance wiring line is formed on the insulating film. This structure enables the capacitor storage to overlap the TFT, thereby increasing the capacity of the capacitor storage while keeping the aperture ratio from lowering. Accordingly, a change in gate voltage due to leakage or other causes can be avoided to prevent a change in luminance of an OLED and flickering of screen in analog driving.
US08237177B2 Fully silicon ALED-photodiode optical data link module
In a silicon-based light emitting diode-photodiode (LED-PD) arrangement, the LED is implemented as an avalanche LED (ALED) and the ALED and PD are integrated into a common integrated circuit. The ALED is formed around a cross-shaped PD and is separated from the PD by a deep trench region. In order to create current crowding close to the deep trench the ALED includes an NBL or PBL having a narrowing at its end.
US08237175B2 Optical devices featuring textured semiconductor layers
A semiconductor sensor, solar cell or emitter, or a precursor therefor, has a substrate and one or more textured semiconductor layers deposited onto the substrate. The textured layers enhance light extraction or absorption. Texturing in the region of multiple quantum wells greatly enhances internal quantum efficiency if the semiconductor is polar and the quantum wells are grown along the polar direction. Electroluminescence of LEDs of the invention is dichromatic, and results in variable color LEDs, including white LEDs, without the use of phosphor.
US08237174B2 LED structure
The present invention discloses an LED structure, wherein an N-type current spreading layer is interposed between N-type semiconductor layers to uniformly distribute current flowing through the N-type semiconductor layer. The N-type current spreading layer includes at least three sub-layers stacked in a sequence of from a lower band gap to a higher band gap, wherein the sub-layer having the lower band gap is near the substrate, and the sub-layer having the higher band gap is near the light emitting layer. Each sub-layer of the N-type current spreading layer is expressed by a general formula InxAlyGa(1-x-y)N, wherein 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, and 0≦x+y≦1.
US08237172B2 Semiconductor device having a silicon carbide substrate with an ohmic electrode layer in which a reaction layer is arranged in contact with the silicon carbide substrate
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a silicon carbide substrate (11) that has a principal surface and a back surface; a semiconductor layer (12), which has been formed on the principal surface of the silicon carbide substrate; and a back surface ohmic electrode layer (1d), which has been formed on the back surface of the silicon carbide substrate. The back surface ohmic electrode layer (1d) includes: a reaction layer (1da), which is located closer to the back surface of the silicon carbide substrate and which includes titanium, silicon and carbon; and a titanium nitride layer (1db), which is located more distant from the back surface of the silicon carbide substrate.
US08237165B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a method of manufacturing the same, the OLED display including a flexible substrate, a driving circuit unit on the flexible substrate, the driving circuit unit including a thin film transistor (TFT), an organic light emission element on the flexible substrate, the organic light emission element being connected to the driving circuit unit, an encapsulating thin film on the flexible substrate, the encapsulating thin film covering the organic light emission element and the driving circuit unit, a first protection film facing the encapsulating thin film, a second protection film facing the flexible substrate, a first sealant disposed between the encapsulating thin film and the first protection film, and a second sealant disposed between the flexible substrate and the second protection film.
US08237164B2 Semiconductor device including magnet
(OBJECT) The object is to provide a lightened semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof by pasting a layer to be peeled to various base materials.(MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM) In the present invention, a layer to be peeled is formed on a substrate, then a seal substrate provided with an etching stopper film is pasted with a binding material on the layer to be peeled, followed by removing only the seal substrate by etching or polishing. The remaining etching stopper film is functioned as a blocking film. In addition, a magnet sheet may be pasted as a pasting member.
US08237163B2 Array substrate for display device and method for fabricating the same
An array substrate for a display device and its fabrication method are disclosed. The array substrate for a display device includes: a gate wiring and a gate electrode connected to the wiring formed on a substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate electrode; an active layer and a barrier metal layer stacked with the gate insulating layer interposed therebetween on the gate electrode; a data wiring formed on the barrier metal layer and source and electrodes connected to the data wiring; a passivation film formed on the source and drain electrodes and the data wiring and having a contact hole exposing a portion of the drain electrode, the barrier metal layer and the active layer; and a pixel electrode formed on the passivation film and being in contact with the drain electrode and the barrier metal layer including the active layer.
US08237161B2 Amorphous boron carbide films for p-n junctions and method for fabricating same
Amorphous semiconductor films with enhanced charged carrier transport are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating and treating the film to produce the enhanced transport. Also disclosed are semiconductor p-n junctions fabricated with the films which demonstrate the enhanced transport. The films are amorphous and include boron, carbon, and hydrogen.
US08237152B2 White light emitting device based on polariton laser
A high-efficiency white-light-emitting device that includes a polariton light emitter that emits UV or blue light to a down-converting material that converts the polariton emissions to white light. The polariton light emitter includes an active region situated within a resonant optical cavity formed on a substrate. The down-converting material can comprise a luminophoric phosphor or other material. The polariton light and down-converting material can be arranged in a single apparatus to provide a white-light-emitting device that can be used for lighting and instrumentation. The device can also be configured for high-frequency modulation to provide optical signals for communications and control systems.
US08237147B2 Switching element and manufacturing method thereof
A switching element according to the present invention includes an ion-conducting layer, first electrode 11 and second electrode 12 placed in contact with the ion-conducting layer, and third electrode 15 placed in contact with the ion-conducting layer and to control electrical conductivity between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the shortest distance between any two of first, second, and third electrodes 11, 12, and 13 is defined by the film thickness of the ion-conducting layer.
US08237145B2 Nonvolatile memory device with recording layer having two portions of different nitrogen amounts
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory device includes a stacked body including a first layer, a second layer and a recording layer. The recording layer is provided between the first layer and the second layer. The recording layer is capable of reversibly changing between a first state and a second state having a resistance higher than a resistance in the first state by a current supplied via the first layer and the second layer. The recording layer includes a first portion and a second portion provided in a plane of a major surface of the recording layer. The second portion has a nitrogen amount higher than a nitrogen amount in the first portion.
US08237144B2 Polysilicon plug bipolar transistor for phase change memory
Memory devices and methods for manufacturing are described herein. A memory device described herein includes a plurality of memory cells. Memory cells in the plurality of memory cells comprise respective bipolar junction transistors and memory elements. The bipolar junction transistors are arranged in a common collector configuration and include an emitter comprising doped polysilicon having a first conductivity type, the emitter contacting a corresponding word line in a plurality of word lines to define a pn junction. The bipolar junction transistors include a portion of the corresponding word line underlying the emitter acting as a base, and a collector comprising a portion of the single-crystalline substrate underlying the base.
US08237136B2 Method and system for tilting a substrate during gas cluster ion beam processing
A method and system for treating a non-planar structure is described. The method includes forming a non-planar structure on a substrate. Additionally, the method includes generating a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) formed from a material source for treatment of the non-planar structure, tilting the substrate relative to the GCIB, and irradiating the non-planar structure with the GCIB. The system includes a substrate tilt actuator coupled to a substrate holder and configured to tilt the substrate holder relative to a GCIB.
US08237135B2 Enhanced low energy ion beam transport in ion implantation
An ion implantation method and system that incorporate beam neutralization to mitigate beam blowup, which can be particularly problematic in low-energy, high-current ion beams. The beam neutralization component can be located in the system where blowup is likely to occur. The neutralization component includes a varying energizing field generating component that generates plasma that neutralizes the ion beam and thereby mitigates beam blowup. The energizing field is generated with varying frequency and/or field strength in order to maintain the neutralizing plasma while mitigating the creation of plasma sheaths that reduce the effects of the neutralizing plasma.
US08237132B2 Method and apparatus for reducing down time of a lithography system
An apparatus includes a radiation source that emits a radiation beam that causes substantially all of a quantity of material to evaporate; and structure having first and second surface portions, a first operational mode wherein a greater quantity of a byproduct of the evaporation impinges on the first surface portion, and a second operational mode wherein a greater quantity of the byproduct impinges on the second surface portion. A different aspect involves emitting a radiation beam toward a quantity of material, the radiation beam causing substantially all of the quantity of material to evaporate; operating a structure having first and second surface portions in a first operational mode wherein a greater quantity of a byproduct of the evaporation impinges on the first surface portion; and thereafter operating the structure in a second operational mode wherein a greater quantity of the byproduct impinges on the second surface portion.
US08237131B2 System and method for carrying out fibre-type multiphoton microscopic imaging of a sample
A system for carrying out fibered multiphoton microscopic imagery of a sample (10) for use in endoscopy or fluorescence microscopy includes: a femtosecond pulsed laser (1, 2) for generating a multiphoton excitation laser radiation; an image guide (8) having a number of optical fibers and permitting the sample to be illuminated by a point-by-point scanning in a subsurface plane; pre-compensating elements (4) for pre-compensating for dispersion effects of the excitation pulses in the image guide (8), these elements being situated between the pulsed laser and the image guide (8); scanning elements for directing, in succession, the excitation laser beam in a fiber of the image guide, and; in particular, an optical head (9) for focussing the excitation laser beam exiting the image guide in the sample (10).
US08237130B1 Neutron scatter camera for improved neutron detection
An instrument that will directly image the fast fission neutrons from a special nuclear material source wherein the neutron detection efficiency is increased has been described. Instead of the previous technique that uses a time-of-flight (TOF) between 2 widely spaced fixed planes of detectors to measure scatter neutron kinetic energy, we now use the recoil proton energy deposited in the second of the 2 scatter planes which can now be repositioned much closer together. Allowing the 2 planes to be placed closer together has been shown to provide up to about a ˜170% improvement in detection efficiency without adding additional detectors and ancillary electronics. The distance between planes also may be dynamically changed using a suitable common technique such as a gear- or motor-drive to toggle between the various positions. The angular resolution of this new configuration is diminished but this loss of resolution may be acceptable for those applications where only modest directionality is sufficient to identify a threat.
US08237128B2 Apparatus, imaging device and method for counting X-ray photons
The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for counting X-ray photons (12, 14). The apparatus (10) comprises a sensor (16) adapted to convert a photon (12, 14) into a charge pulse, a processing element (18) adapted to convert the charge pulse (51) into an electrical pulse (53) and a first discriminator (20) adapted to compare the electrical pulse (53) against a first threshold (TH1) and to output an event (55) if the first threshold (TH1) is exceeded. A first counter (22) counts these events (55), unless counting is inhibited by a first gating element (24). The first gating element (24) is activated when the first discriminator (20) outputs the event (55), and it is deactivated, when the processing of a photon (12, 14) is found to be complete or about to be completed by a measurement or by the knowledge about the time that it takes to process a photon (12, 14) in the processing element (18). By activating and deactivating the first counter (22) pile-up events, i.e. pile-up of multiple electrical pulses (53), can be addressed. The invention also relates to a corresponding imaging device and a corresponding method.
US08237127B2 Electronic cassette
An electronic cassette has a casing that houses a radiation converter thereinside. The radiation converter detects radiation from a radiation source that has been transmitted through a subject, and converts the radiation into radiographic image information. Plural handles are disposed on the casing of the electronic cassette, so that a person can grip the plural handles and carry the electronic cassette. Thus, the person can grip and carry the electronic cassette while dispersing the weight of the electronic cassette, so carrying the electronic cassette becomes easy. Further, when the person loads the electronic cassette into a shooting table or the like, the person can grip either of the plural handles and load the electronic cassette. For this reason, handling of the electronic cassette becomes easy.
US08237123B2 Apparatus for preventing damage to retractor in rotating imaging system
A rotating imaging system has a rotating portion that is configured to rotate about a central axis. A tilt gauge has a housing mounted to the rotating portion and a gravity influenced flag with a free end configured to move separately with respect to the housing. The tilt gauge is configured to provide a visual indication of a rotational position of the rotating portion.
US08237121B2 Alternating row infrared filter for an image sensor
An image sensor includes near-infrared cut filters formed over an array of photosensitive elements in a predetermined pattern. The near-infrared cut filters may be formed over one half of a photosensitive element in a split pixel arrangement, over one half the photosensitive elements in the array, over every other photosensitive element in the array, and/or in a checkerboard pattern.
US08237120B1 Transverse focusing action in hyperbolic field detectors
A defect may be characterized using primary radiation directed from a primary electron source to a measurement location on the sample. An electron energy analyzer may capture secondary electrons emitted from the measurement location in a focusing direction by an electron energy analyzer. A transverse focusing device may focus electrons emitted from the measurement location in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the focusing direction.
US08237118B2 Partial ovoidal FAIMS electrode
A partial ovoidal FAIMS apparatus for separating ions is presented with inner and outer electrodes that have geometrically matched convex and concave partial ovoidal surfaces, respectively, that share at least one common defining axis and display a nearly constant displacement between the opposing surfaces. The ovoidal surfaces can be that of an egg shaped ovoid, an ellipse, or a sphere. The apparatus can have at least one ion inlet and an ion outlet where the outlet is on or as near as possible to a point on the defining axis in the outer electrode and the inlet or inlets are on, near, or symmetrically disposed about the defining axis of the ovoidal surfaces. Electrical contacts to the electrodes permit the application of an asymmetric waveform and a compensation voltage to at least one of the electrodes. The electrodes are positioned, stabilized, and insulated from each other by a base plate.
US08237117B2 Methods and interfaces for single and multidimensional separations for characterization and/or identification of molecules by mass spectrometry
The present invention relates a use of the electrocapture-based separation technology combined with mass spectrometrical fragmentation methods, e.g. sequence of polypeptides by collision-induce dissociation mass spectrometry, for the identification and/or characterization molecules of interest. It also relates the combination of the electrocapture-base separation technology with other liquid separation methods, as e.g. liquid chromatography, in order to achieve multi-dimensional separations prior mass spectrometrical analysis. In addition, it relates physical interfaces between electrocapture-based separations and different types mass spectrometers for on-line or off-line analysis, as well as the coupling of electrocapture-based separations, liquid chromatography and different types of mass spectrometrometers.
US08237109B2 Methods for fragmenting ions in a linear ion trap
Methods for fragmenting ions retained in an ion trap are described. In various embodiments, a non-steady-state pressure of a neutral collision gas of less than about 5×10−4 Torr and an excitation amplitude of less than about 500 mV (peak to ground) is used to fragment ions with greater than about 80% fragmentation efficiency. In various embodiments, duration of ion excitation is greater than about 25 ms.
US08237108B2 Mass spectral analysis of complex samples containing large molecules
The present invention provides, inter alia, methods of analyzing mass spectral data based on charge states of analyte ions. In some embodiments, the methods can be used for differential profiling of samples, such as comparing a sample comprising a given compound and a sample comprising metabolites of the same compound. The methods can also be used to identify and isolate biomarkers. Systems for performing the methods, as well as computer-readable media for performing the methods, are also described.
US08237106B2 Mass spectrometer
A mass spectrometer comprising a collision, fragmentation or reaction cell (4) is disclosed. The collision, fragmentation or reaction cell (4) is repeatedly switched back and forth between a high fragmentation mode of operation and a low fragmentation mode of operation. Mass spectral data sets are obtained in both modes of operation. A decimal mass filter is applied to one or both sets of data. In particular, fragment ions or metabolites related to a parent or precursor ion of interest are identified on the basis of having a decimal mass which is similar to that of the parent or precursor ion of interest.
US08237100B2 Image sensor including two image sensing devices in a pixel and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor comprises a readout circuitry, a first image sensing device, an interconnection, and a second image sensing device. The readout circuitry is disposed in a first substrate. The first image sensing device is disposed at one side of the readout circuitry of the first substrate. The interconnection is disposed over the first substrate and electrically connected to the readout circuitry. The second image sensing device is disposed over the interconnection.
US08237099B2 Method and system for optoelectronic detection and location of objects
Disclosed are methods and systems for optoelectronic detection and location of moving objects. The disclosed methods and systems capture one-dimensional images of a field of view through which objects may be moving, make measurements in those images, select from among those measurements those that are likely to correspond to objects in the field of view, make decisions responsive to various characteristics of the objects, and produce signals that indicate those decisions. The disclosed methods and systems provide excellent object discrimination, electronic setting of a reference point, no latency, high repeatability, and other advantages that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
US08237098B2 Dual-axis solar tracker
The invention relates to a two-axle solar tracker, consisting of a moving supporting system for solar panels, which maximizes the energy production of said panels and which is formed by a vertical axle and a horizontal axle in relation to which the system rotates in order to track the sun's path. The aforementioned axles are components of a structure supported at the center and supported peripherally on wheels positioned on a running track or surface. The structure rotates about a fixed central point supporting the vertical axle of the tracker. At least one board is positioned on the horizontal axle of the structure in order to receive the solar modules or panels and said board(s) can rotate about the horizontal axle so that the solar panels are maintained perpendicular to the sun's rays.
US08237095B2 Spot leading target laser guidance for engaging moving targets
A laser lead designator for guiding a laser guided weapon (LGW) to strike a moving target includes a laser source for providing a laser beam and a controller coupled to receive a position and a velocity of the moving target. The controller provides a control signal for pointing the laser beam a specified lead distance ahead of the position of the moving target to position a laser spot on a ground location ahead of the moving target. The lead distance compensates for an impact shortfall value that is a function of at least one shortfall parameter including a speed of the moving target so that the LGW shortfalls the laser spot on the moving target. The laser designator is separate from the LGW.
US08237094B2 Pulse modulation heating system and method
A pulse modulating heating system provides connection to a step heating system having a main heating controller configured for connection to a heat sensor and step heating relays connected to respective step heating element and for activating, during a heating cycle, a required quantity of mechanical relays and step heating elements to generate a required amount of heat. The pulse modulating heating system has inputs, one for each step heating relay, connectable to the main heating controller for detecting the relays activated during the cycle, i.e. the required quantity of relays. The pulse modulating system, based on the required quantity of step relays detected, activates a pulse heating element for a quantity of pulses relative to a maximum quantity of pulses for the cycle that is proportional to the required quantity of step relays relative the total number of step heating relays to generate the required amount of heat.
US08237093B2 Power supply device having function of heating
A power supply device having function of heating includes a body, a circuit board, and a heating plate. An accommodation space is defined in the body. The circuit board is disposed in the accommodation space. An input connector and an output connector are disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board receives an external power via the input connector, selectively transforms the external power into a first output power or a second output power, and outputs the first output power via the output connector. The heating plate is disposed on a bottom side of the body and electrically connected to the circuit board to receive the second output power to generate heat for increasing the temperature thereof. The thermal insulator is disposed between the circuit board and the heating plate for isolating heat transferred from the heating plate to the circuit board.
US08237091B2 Soldering iron with replaceable tip
A soldering iron (and a desoldering iron) with a replaceable tip, which is releasably securable on the forward heat-conducting end of a soldering (or desoldering) iron heat assembly. The tip has a tapered heat conducting core in a tip cap. The face of the core can have a depression for mating engagement with a protrusion of the heat-conducting end. Also, the face can lie in the rear plane of the tip cap. An assembly which allows for the easy removal and application of a replacement tip can include a sleeve with tightening bolt, a coil spring sleeve, or a slotted compressible sleeve. The tip can thus be replaced after it has worn out, and the heat assembly unit need not be replaced until it has burnt out. Methods of manufacturing and using the tip are also disclosed.
US08237090B2 Hair flat iron with light source
A hair styling appliance including a first arm pivotable with respect to a second arm. Each arm has a respective housing and heat plate, the heat plate at least partially defines a styling portion of each arm. The appliance also includes a light source positioned to illuminate a work area adjacent the styling portions.
US08237087B2 Welding system with torque motor wire drive
A welding system for welding with wire is disclosed that includes a torque motor in a wire feeder and a pull motor in a welding torch. A wire feed speed may be set by an operator at a power supply or on a wire feeder. Based upon calibration of the pull motor in the torch, upon startup of the welding operation, signals are provided to a pull motor and the torch in an open loop manner with respect to the speed of the pull motor, while the torque motor is driven to maintain a feed force on the welding wire to ensure that the pull motor has welding wire available for feeding. No other coordination is required between the torque motor and the pull motor.
US08237086B2 Removing material from defective opening in glass mold
Methods of removing material from a defective opening in a glass mold using a laser pulse, repairing a glass mold and a related glass mold for injection molded solder (IMS) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a glass mold including a plurality of solder filled openings; identifying a defective opening in the glass mold; removing material from the defective opening by applying a laser pulse to the defective opening; and repairing the defective opening by filling the defective opening with an amount of solder by: removing a redundant, non-defective solder portion from an opening in the glass mold by applying a laser pulse to the opening, and placing the redundant, non-defective solder portion in the defective opening.
US08237085B2 Beam homogenizer, laser irradiation apparatus, and laser irradiation method
An effect of interference is eliminated and intensity of a laser beam is homogenized. The beam homogenizer 100 includes reflecting mirrors 103 and 104 which are provided so that reflecting surfaces thereof face each other. The laser beam LB propagates through a space between the reflecting mirrors 103 and 104 while being reflected therebetween, so that intensity distribution of the laser beam LB is homogenized, but the laser beam LB also interferes. The first reflecting mirror 103 and the second reflecting mirror 104 are oscillated in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the laser beam LB is scanned, intensity distribution of the laser beam LB in an oscillation direction is temporally averaged.
US08237083B2 Method for boring bottle-like holes having a defined geometry by means of pulsed laser radiation
The present invention is a method and system for the drilling of holes in a workpiece within a diameter range of 20 μm to 500 μm by means of laser radiation. The invention utilizes the beam quality of a laser beam as well as: the polarization of the laser radiation; the parameters of the impulses of the laser used; and, the type and pressure of the process gas used. The method and system utilize means for focusing laser radiation, in particular the ratio of the beam diameter at the site of the focusing element and its focal distance, and wherein the focusing is done in coordination with the beam quality number and wave length and other factors. A first working gas supports the formation of the hole shape and accelerates the drilling process; and, a second working gas is utilized to improve the surface quality of the drilling walls.
US08237081B2 Manufacturing system having delivery media and GRIN lens
A manufacturing system is disclosed. The manufacturing system may have a laser source configured to generate a laser beam, and a delivery media operatively connected to the laser source. The manufacturing system may also have a gradient index lens located at a tip end of the delivery media to refract and focus the laser beam exiting the delivery media.
US08237079B2 Adjustable plasma spray gun
An adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus includes: a plasma spray gun body having a fore portion and an aft portion; and a first coupler configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion, the coupler including: a first portion having a first axial opening configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion; and a second portion having a second axial opening configured to removably attach to one of an electrode body or a second coupler.
US08237077B2 Electrode tube holding apparatus for electric discharge machine
An electrode tube holding apparatus is mounted to an electric discharge machine (EDM). The holding apparatus is slidable upward and downward along with the spindle of the EDM and maintained within the midsection of an electrode tube for reducing the deformation of the electrode tube during its movement.
US08237074B2 Switching device
A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is operatively connected to at least one of the input terminal and the output terminal for disconnecting the two switching contacts. An arc quenching chamber composed of a plurality of metal plates is arranged in the region of the switching. At least two of the metal plates abut one another at least over a region to attain high reliability and operational safety even after repeated disconnects.
US08237072B2 Pushbutton switch
A pushbutton switch includes a pushbutton for changing a switching mode of a tact switch provided on a switch holder fixedly disposed within a casing. The pushbutton includes a push operation portion disposed in a through hole provided in the casing and a collar that protrudes outwardly from the push operation portion and faces an inner face of the casing at the peripheral edge of the through hole. The pushbutton is connected to the switch holder and resiliently urged toward the side on which the collar gets closer to the inner face of the casing. Projections projecting toward the inner face of the casing are projectingly provided integrally at a plurality of positions spaced in the peripheral direction on an opposing face, of the collar of the pushbutton, that is opposed to the inner face of the casing. This prevents a freezing problem in the operation of a pushbutton.
US08237067B2 Checkweigher with independent scales
A checkweigher for the in-motion weighing of objects being transported along a conveyor line. A checkweigher of the present invention employs a plurality of scales each having its own set of weighing conveyor elements. For example, a first scale may be associated with a set of lighter weight chains to convey and weigh smaller objects, while a second scale may be associated with a set of heavier weight chains to convey and weigh larger objects. This design essentially allows the incorporation of a lightweight and heavyweight checkweigher within one common checkweigher frame. The problem of noise caused by one set of conveyor elements associated with one scale affecting the accuracy of the other scale(s) is eliminated by locating the conveying surfaces of the conveyor elements associated with the individual scales in different planes. Thus, objects transported by one weighing conveyor exert no load on the conveyor elements of the other weighing conveyor(s).
US08237066B2 Weighing apparatus employing load cells of different capacity
A weighing apparatus having a load receiving element and a plurality of load cells directly or indirectly associated with the load receiving element such that when an object to be weighed is placed on the load receiving element, the weight of the object is unevenly applied to the load cells. The weighing apparatus includes load cells of different capacity based on the uneven loading applied thereto.
US08237065B2 Twin-chip-mounting type diode
The present invention provides a diode that does not deteriorate its function even if it is used in an environment where the temperature change is considerable, such as in a terminal box for solar cell panel that is placed outdoors. A diode of twin-chip-mounting type in which each chip has a lead foot for being joined to a common terminal plate, wherein said lead feet are electrically connected with each other in a region of each lead foot from each chip to a portion wherein each lead foot is joined. The electrical connection of the lead feet is preferably formed by integral molding with each lead foot.
US08237064B2 Cover plate and kit of parts, including said plate, for wall mounting of an electrical apparatus
A cover plate for wall-mounting at least one electrical apparatus is described. The cover plate comprises: a base to be fixed to a mounting bracket; at least one decorative portion coupled to the base and provided with a window; at least one portion of electrically conductive metal material and/or at least one surface coated with electrically conductive metal material; and at least one electrically conductive grounding element comprising at least one fixing portion adapted to be interposed and clamped between the base and the decorative portion for fixing the grounding element.
US08237057B2 Wiring board and wiring board manufacturing method
A wiring board is provided that suppresses spreading of liquid droplets when liquid droplets are discharged using an ink-jet method. The wiring board has a plurality of layers and includes an ink-jet wiring pattern that is formed in a soluble porous membrane member of any single layer and that includes electrically conductive nanoparticles as a principal material, and a transferred wiring pattern that does not include electrically conductive nanoparticles as a principal material. One layer among the plurality of layers is an electrically insulative substrate. Another layer among the plurality of layers is a porous membrane treated member layer including a porous membrane member at one part of a region of the other layer. The ink-jet wiring pattern is formed in the porous membrane treated member layer. The transferred wiring pattern is formed in the substrate.
US08237056B2 Printed wiring board having a stiffener
To provide a novel multilayer printed wiring board in which a conductor on the outermost resin layer is positioned properly. Furthermore, to provide a novel multilayer printed wiring board in which productivity is enhanced when forming solder bumps on the pads for mounting a semiconductor element. In multilayer printed wiring board, multiple pads for connection with a semiconductor chip are formed on one surface, and on its opposite surface, external connection terminals for connection with another substrate are formed. The pads for connection with a semiconductor chip are formed in the central region of one surface, stiffener is formed in the peripheral region surrounding the pads for connection with a semiconductor chip, pads for connection with a semiconductor chip and stiffener are formed with the same material and are set to be the same height, and the actual area of the stiffener is determined according to the total area of the multiple pads for connection with a semiconductor chip.
US08237054B2 Communication wire
The present invention relates to an improved isolated core or insulated conductor with a low dielectric constant and reduced materials costs. Apparatuses and methods of manufacturing the improved isolated core or insulated conductor are also disclosed.
US08237047B2 Method of making a photovoltaic device or front substrate for use in same with scratch-resistant coating and resulting product
A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing siloxane(s) with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and siloxane containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like.
US08237044B2 Concentrating solar power generation unit, concentrating solar power generation apparatus, concetrating lens, concentrating lens structure, and method of manufacturing concentrating lens structure
A concentrating solar power generation unit (10) comprises a solar cell element (1), a mounting plate (3) on which is mounted the solar cell element (1), which is bonded to a receiver (2), a light shield (4) that covers the mounting plate (3), a frame (5) disposed perpendicularly from the ends on two facing sides of a light shield (4), a concentrating lens (7) that is disposed corresponding to the upper end of the frame (5) across from the light shield (4) and that concentrates sunlight (Ls) on a light receiving region of the solar cell element (1), and a translucent substrate (6) that fixes (fastens) the concentrating lens (7) and is mounted to the upper end of the frame (5).
US08237042B2 Electronic musical instruments
Methods and a system for providing electronic musical instruments are disclosed. Through novel combinations of sensor inputs and processing, they allow simulation of acoustic instruments including but not limited to a Trombone, Trumpet, and Saxophone. Sensor inputs are configured to trigger playback and transitioning of sound and control its various attributes alone, or in combination.
US08237039B2 Adjustable wing nut-less cymbal mount
An adjustable, spring-activated wing nut-less cymbal mount having a rotating stop arm that may be quickly opened and closed for easy mounting and dismounting of a cymbal and cymbal felts. The device is hand operated without tools and can be adjusted for cymbal play action, as well to better adapt to different weight cymbals. The device is self-contained to avoid misplacing parts during cymbal changeovers.
US08237034B1 Maize variety hybrid X90A804
A novel maize variety designated X90A804 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X90A804 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90A804 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90A804, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90A804. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90A804.
US08237031B1 Inbred maize variety PH17C1
A novel maize variety designated PH17C1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17C1 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17C1 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 PH17C1 or a locus conversion of PH17C1 with another maize variety.
US08237030B1 Maize variety hybrid 10028290
A novel maize variety designated 10028290 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10028290 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10028290 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10028290, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10028290. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10028290.
US08237029B1 Maize variety inbred PH11TJ
A novel maize variety designated PH11TJ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH11TJ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH11TJ 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 PH11TJ or a locus conversion of PH11TJ with another maize variety.
US08237028B1 Soybean variety XBP39005
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP39005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP39005, cells from soybean variety XBP39005, plants of soybean XBP39005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP39005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP39005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP39005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP39005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP39005 are further provided.
US08237023B1 Soybean variety RJS01002
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS01002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS01002, to the plants of soybean RJS01002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS01002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS01002 with another soybean plant, using RJS01002 as either the male or the female parent.
US08237013B2 Means and methods for controlling flowering in plants
Described are means and methods for controlling flowering in plants. In particular, described are nucleic acid molecules which, when expressed in sense orientation or in antisense orientation, respectively, in plants lead to a prevention of flowering. Moreover, a method for controlling flowering in plants is provided which comprises the inducible restoration of flowering in plants in which flowering is prevented.
US08237010B2 Method of manufacturing a dressing
A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.
US08237009B2 Custom patterned wound dressings having patterned fluid flow barriers and methods of manufacturing and using same
A custom fabricated (e.g. custom shaped and dimensioned) wound dressing that matches a corresponding, pre-mapped integumentary wound includes one or more liquid flow barriers composed for example of a hydrophobic and high viscosity liquid embedded in a layer of the dressing. One such embedded hydrophobic liquid barrier covers a skin section immediately adjacent to the wound opening so as to protect the skin section from harmful liquids such as exudates or water. In one embodiment, the skin protecting barrier is substantially comprised of a silicone oil having a viscosity in the range of about 100 cSt to 1000 cSt.
US08237004B2 Process for making products with low hydrogen halide
A process for making products with low hydrogen halide, comprising: a) stripping or distilling an effluent from a reactor into a first fraction having an amount of hydrogen halide, and a second fraction having a reduced amount of hydrogen halide; wherein the reactor comprises: an ionic liquid catalyst having a metal halide, and a hydrogen halide or an organic halide; and b) recovering one or more product streams, from the second fraction, having less than 25 wppm hydrogen halide. In one embodiment the ionic liquid catalyst has metal halide; and the recovering recovers propane, n-butane, and alkylate gasoline having less than 25 wppm hydrogen halide. In another embodiment the recovering uses a distillation column having poor corrosion resistance to hydrogen halide; and the distillation column does not exhibit corrosion. There is also provided an alkylate gasoline having less than 5 wppm hydrogen halide, a high RON, and low RVP.
US08237003B2 Metathesis catalyst and process for use thereof
This invention relates to a catalyst compound for the metathesis of olefins represented by the formula: wherein M is a Group 8 metal; X and X1 are anionic ligands; L is a neutral two electron donor; L1 is N, O, P, or S, preferably N or O; R is a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl or a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; G* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl, and a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl, and a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; and G is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 to C30 hydrocarbyls and C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyls. This invention also relates to process to make alphaolefins comprising contacting an olefin, such as ethylene, with a feed oil containing a triacylglyceride (typically a fatty acid ester (such as methyl oleate)) with the catalyst compound described above. The fatty acid ester may be a fatty acid methyl ester derived from biodiesel.
US08237001B2 Process for obtention of highly-lineal, adjustable-isomery monoalkylated aromatic compounds
The present invention refers to a procedure for obtaining a linear monoalkylaromatic compound, with adjustable 2-phenyl isomer content and an extremely low sulphonation color, in which a catalytic system is used based on highly stable and active solid catalysts and with a high selectivity for linear monoalkylaromatic compounds.
US08236999B2 Methods of deoxygenation and systems for fuel production
Presented are one or more aspects and/or one or more embodiments of catalysts, methods of preparation of catalyst, methods of deoxygenation, and methods of fuel production.
US08236996B2 Process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol
The invention provides 1,6-hexanediol having a proportion by weight of nitrogen of less than 5 ppm, and polymers obtained by reacting the 1,6-hexanediol with at least one reactive compound. The 1,6-hexanediol is obtained by distilling a mixture including 1,6-hexanediol and more than 500 ppm of at least one carboxylic acid, ester, or both, having a boiling point higher than that of the 1,6-hexanediol and being in contact with the 1,6-hexanediol at a temperature range greater than or equal to 100° C. for at least 5 minutes before, during, or before and during, the distillation, followed by collection of the 1,6-hexanediol. In certain embodiments of this invention, the 1,6-hexanediol has a proportion by weight of nitrogen of less than 3 ppm and less than 2 ppm.
US08236987B2 Selective estrogen receptor modulator compositions and methods for treatment of disease
The present disclosure concerns a new class of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). The disclosure also includes the identification of a previously unknown membrane associated estrogen receptor. Methods for making and using the disclosed SERMs are disclosed, including pharmaceutical formulations of the disclosed novel compounds in useful compositions.
US08236983B2 Composition and method for the treatment of diseases affected by apoptosis
The present invention includes methods of making and methods of using peptidomimetics compositions that mimic α-helical BH3 sequences in cells. The peptidomimetics can be used to mimic α-helical BH3 sequences and kill cancer cells.
US08236977B2 Recovery of desired co-products from fermentation stillage streams
Processes and methods of recovering desired products from fermentation stillage are presented, including processes and methods of recovering lipids and aqueous materials.
US08236975B2 Process for the conversion of a crude glycerol, crude mixtures of naturally derived multicomponent aliphatic hydrocarbons or esters thereof to a chlorohydrin
A process for converting a crude glycerol, crude mixtures of naturally derived multihydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbons or esters thereof to a chlorohydrin, by contacting the crude glycerol, crude mixtures of naturally derived multihydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbons or esters thereof starting material with a source of a superatmospheric partial pressure of hydrogen chloride for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature, and wherein such contracting step is carried out without substantial removal of water, to produce the desired chlorohydrin product; wherein the desired product or products can be made in high yield without substantial formation of undesired overchlorinated byproducts; wherein said crude glycerol, said ester of crude glycerol, or mixture thereof is derived from a renewable raw material. Chlorohydrins made by the process of the present invention are useful in preparing epoxides such as epichlorohydrins.
US08236971B2 Polycyclic ester containing cyano group and lactone skeleton
A polycyclic ester containing a cyano group and a lactone skeleton, represented by following Formula (1): wherein Ra represents, for example, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having one to six carbon atoms which may have a halogen atom; R1s each represent, for example, a halogen atom or an alkyl or haloalkyl group having one to six carbon atoms; “m” is the number of R1s; “n” is the number of cyano groups; and CH2═C(Ra)COO— group may have either of an endo conformation and an exo conformation. Accordingly, there is provided a novel polycyclic ester containing a cyano group and a lactone skeleton which is useful typically as a monomeric component for highly functional polymers. A polymer, for example, derived from this compound is highly soluble in an organic solvent while remaining stable typically to chemicals and exhibits improved hydrolyzability and/or improved solubility in water after hydrolysis.
US08236969B2 Method for preparing prostaglandin derivative
Disclosed is a method for preparing a prostaglandin derivative of formula (A): which comprises reacting an aldehyde represented by formula (1): with a 2-oxoalkyl phosphonate in a reaction solvent under the presence of alkali hydroxide as sole base. By carrying out the reaction using an alkali hydroxide as sole base in the reaction system, the desired prostaglandin derivative can be obtained by simple procedures and with high yield.
US08236965B2 Benzimidazole derivatives and their use as a medicament
A subject of the present application is new benzimidazole derivatives of formula in which A, Y, R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent different variable groups. These products have an antagonist activity of GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone). The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing said products and their use for the preparation of a medicament.
US08236963B2 Tricyclic spiro derivatives as CRTH2 modulators
The present invention is related to the use of spiro derivatives of Formula (I) for the treatment and/or prevention of allergic diseases, inflammatory dermatoses and other diseases with an inflammatory component. Specifically, the present invention is related to the use of spiro derivatives for the modulation of CRTH2 activity.
US08236961B2 Process for the preparation of keto compounds
A process for the preparation of 4-[1-oxo-4-[4-(hydroxydiphenylmethyl)-1-piperidinyl]butyl]-α,α-dimethylbenzeneacetic acid, useful as an intermediate for the preparation of fexofenadine, is provided.
US08236960B2 Synthesis of N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-N′-(4-(2-methylpropyloxy) phenylmethyl)carbamide and its tartrate salt and crystalline forms
Disclosed herein are methods for synthesizing N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl) -N′-(4-(2-methylpropyloxy)-phenylmethyl)carbamide. Also disclosed herein is the hemi-tartrate salt of N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-N′-(4-(2 -methylpropyloxy)-phenylmethyl)carbamide and methods for obtaining the salt. Further disclosed are various crystalline forms of N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-N′-(4-(2-methylpropyloxy)-phenylmethyl)carbamide and its hemi-tartrate salt including various polymorphs and solvates.
US08236959B2 Process for preparing isomers of carmoterol
A process for preparing a compound of formula (III) comprising condensing an oxiranyl compound of formula (I) with an amine of formula (II) or a salt thereof wherein: R1 is a group selected from alkyl, aryl, allyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heterocyclic, alkenyl, benzocycloalkyl, aralkyl, haloarylalkyl, heteroaralkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxyaralkyl, substituted silyl and benzyl; and R2 is hydrogen, optionally substituted silyl or optionally substituted benzyl. There is also described a process for preparing (R,R)-carmoterol from compound (III).
US08236957B2 Process for making morphinan-6α-ols
The present invention provides a process whereby morphinan-6-ones can be converted stereospecifically to the corresponding morphinan-6α-ols by catalytic hydrogenation under basic conditions.
US08236955B2 Melanocortin receptor agonists
The present invention relates to a compound having a good agonistic activity to melanocortin receptor, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or isomer thereof, and an agonistic composition for melanocortin receptor comprising the same as an active ingredient.
US08236954B2 Processes for preparing benzimidazole thiophenes
A process for preparing benzimidazole thiophenes including 5-{6-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl}-3-{(1R)-1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy}thiophene-2-carboxamide.
US08236949B2 Tetrazine-based bio-orthogonal coupling reagents and methods
Coupling reactions, suitable for use in organic or aqueous media, are performed by contacting a 1,2,4,5-tetrazine with a dienophile. The dienophile may be covalently bonded to a protein, and the coupling reaction may be performed in biological media such as those containing cells or cell lysates. The reactions may be performed in the presence of primary amines, thiols, acetylenes, azides, phosphines, and products of Staudinger and/or Sharpless-Huisgen reactions Novel 3-substituted cyclopropene compounds and trans-cyclooctenes are exemplary dienophiles for these reactions.
US08236945B2 Process for preparing disulfides and thiosulphinates and compounds prepared
Process for preparing a compound of the formula (I) R1-S(O)x—S(O)yR2 in which R1 represents a molecular hydrocarbon radical which can be substituted and/or interrupted by one or more atoms and/or by one or more groups containing one or more atoms, said atoms being selected from N, O, P, S, Si and X, where X represents a halogen; R2, independently of R1, represents a carbon-containing group or a molecular hydrocarbon radical which can be substituted and/or interrupted by one or more atoms and/or by one or more groups containing one or more atoms, said atoms being selected from N, O, P, S, Si and X, where X represents a halogen, and x and y are selected from 0 and 1 in such a way that the sum of x and y is not more than 1, characterized in that a compound of formula (II) R1-S(O)x—R3-Si(R4)(R5)(R6) in which R3 represents a hydrocarbon chain of two carbon atoms, which is optionally unsaturated and/or substituted, and R4, R5 and R6, which are identical or different, each represent, independently of one another, a hydrocarbon group, is reacted with a compound of formula (VII) R2-S(O)y—X in which X represents a halogen, intermediate compounds, and compounds prepared.
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