| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08243804B2 |
Hierarchical motion estimation for images with varying horizontal and/or vertical dimensions
A method for implementing motion estimation comprising the steps of (A) performing a motion estimation search on one or more blocks of sub-sampled images to generate a first plurality of motion vector scores, (B) applying a first adjustable bias to any one or more of said first plurality of motion vector scores with a lowest sum of absolute differences score, (C) selecting a motion vector with a lowest adjusted score in response to applying the first adjustable bias, (D) performing a motion estimation search on one or more blocks of non-sub-sampled images to generate a second plurality of motion vector scores with the selected motion vector with the lowest adjusted score, (E) applying a second adjustable bias to any one or more of the second plurality of motion vector scores with the lowest sum of absolute differences score and (F) selecting a final motion vector for each target block position. |
| US08243800B2 |
Method of filtering a pixel using horizontal and vertical filtering coefficients
In one embodiment, four horizontal successive pixels are first filtered based on a determined horizontal filtering coefficient. Two pixels of the four horizontal successive pixels are in a first block and two pixels of the four horizontal successive pixels are in a second block. Then four vertical successive pixels are filtered based on a determined vertical filtering coefficient. Two pixels of the four vertical successive pixels are in the first block and two pixels of the four vertical successive pixels are in a third block. |
| US08243799B2 |
Method of obtaining filtered values in a horizontal and vertical direction
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining at least three horizontally successive reference pixel values including a pixel to be filtered, and applying first weight factors to at least each of the three horizontally successive reference pixel values. The first weight factors are different according to pixel position. A first filtered value is obtained by summing at least the three weighted horizontally successive pixel values. The method further includes obtaining at least three vertically successive reference pixel values including a pixel to be filtered, and applying second weight factors to at least each of the three vertically successive reference pixel values. The second weight factors are different according to pixel position. A second filtered value is obtained by summing at least the three weighted vertically successive pixel values. |
| US08243798B2 |
Methods and apparatus for scalable video bitstreams
In some embodiments, a method includes generating a first image data frame, a first error image data frame and a second error image data frame based at least in part on a bitstream. The method further includes upscaling or de-quantizing the first image data frame to provide a first predicted image data frame, generating a second image data frame based at least in part on the first predicted image data frame and the first error image data frame, upscaling or de-quantizing the second image data frame to provide a second predicted image data frame, and generating a third image data frame based at least in part on the second predicted image data frame and the second error image data frame. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a storage medium having stored instructions that when executed by a machine result in the method. |
| US08243789B2 |
Methods and systems for rate-adaptive transmission of video
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for: authorizing the transmission of audiovisual data based on an iterative changing bit budget, where the bit budget may be based on a value of a total size of the set of Network Abstraction Layer units and a value of an initial size of the group of frames; and determining a bit budget remainder and an adjusted bit budget remainder. |
| US08243786B2 |
Apparatus for removing a blocking phenomenon using properties of two blocks
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a decoder configured to obtain a coded block pattern of first and second blocks. The coded block pattern may be one of a plurality of coded block patterns, the plurality of coded block patterns may include an intra-coded block, and the second block may be adjacent to the first block. The decoder is configured to determine whether the first block and the second block have non-zero transform coefficient information if the block type of the first block and the second block is not intra-coded block. A non-zero filter strength value is determined by the decoder based on the obtained coded block pattern of the first and second block and the determination of whether the first block and second blocks have non-zero transform coefficient information, and the blocking phenomenon is removed by the decoder according to the filter strength value. |
| US08243785B2 |
Method and apparatus for motion dependent coding
The gravity centered coding shall be improved with respect to false contour effect disturbances on plasma display panels for example. Therefore, there is provided a GCC code (gravity center coding) and a motion amplitude of a picture or a part of a picture. Furthermore, there is provided at least one sub-set code of the GCC code. The video data are coded with the GCC code or the at least one sub-set code depending on the motion amplitude. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of coding levels if the motion increases. A further improvement can be obtained by using texture information for selecting the GCC code. |
| US08243781B2 |
Apparatus and method for signal quality measurement on GFSK signals
The present invention discloses an effective apparatus and method to measure the received signal quality for a GFSK modulated signal with (or without) an unknown modulation index. The signal quality measurements are based on the decoded (unknown or known) bits and the trellis of the frequency discriminator output. This trellis is pre-calibrated with a reference Rx. The transmitted modulation index is also accurately estimated in this invention. |
| US08243780B2 |
Test device and method of detecting an imbalance in a power level of a digital channel
The present invention provides a test device and a method enabling automatic detection of an imbalance in a power level of a digital channel. The test device includes an attenuator, a tuner, a demodulator, and an evaluation unit. According to the method, a plurality of channels are attenuated at a plurality of attenuation levels, by means of the attenuator. A digital channel is selected from the plurality of channels, by means of the tuner. A modulation error ratio (MER) of the digital channel is measured at the plurality of attenuation levels, by means of the demodulator. A variation of the MER of the digital channel with attenuation level is then evaluated, by means of the evaluation unit, to detect an imbalance in a power level of the digital channel. |
| US08243776B2 |
Communication device, noise removing method, and program
A communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication antenna that receives a transmission signal where a spectrum spread signal subjected to a spectrum spread is modulated; an intermediate frequency converting unit that converts the transmission signal received by the communication antenna into an intermediate frequency signal having a predetermined frequency; an analog to digital converting unit that discretizes the intermediate frequency signal and outputs a discretization signal; a noise removing unit that detects a noise other than a normal thermal noise included in the discretization signal and removes the detected noise from the discretization signal; and a demodulating unit that demodulates the spectrum spread signal, based on the discretization signal that is output from the noise removing unit. |
| US08243775B2 |
ID-cell index search algorithm and carrier frequency offset estimation
Techniques for initial wireless network synchronization by a mobile station are provided. For certain embodiments, the techniques may involve a joint search for the cell identification (ID-cell index) and the coarse carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation. For certain embodiments, the techniques may be based on hard correlation and binary differential despreading that substantially simplifies computational complexity compare to known techniques that independently search for the ID-cell index and perform CFO estimation. |
| US08243773B2 |
Clear-channel system and related applications
A wireless spread-spectrum communication system for transmitting data includes a plurality of end point transmitters and at least one receiver. The end point transmitters transmit data via a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum signal where the transmitting signal is sent without the benefit of frequency stabilization. The receiver is responsive to the frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals and includes a correlator and a signal processor. The correlator samples at least a first portion of a preamble of the signal and correlates the portion of the preamble with a known preamble pattern to determine a probability of correlation. The signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to the signal in response to the probability of correlation to track a narrowband frequency of the signal based on at least a second portion of the preamble and to decode data encoded within the signal subsequent to the preamble. |
| US08243770B2 |
Quantum photonic imagers and methods of fabrication thereof
Emissive quantum photonic imagers comprised of a spatial array of digitally addressable multicolor pixels. Each pixel is a vertical stack of multiple semiconductor laser diodes, each of which can generate laser light of a different color. Within each multicolor pixel, the light generated from the stack of diodes is emitted perpendicular to the plane of the imager device via a plurality of vertical waveguides that are coupled to the optical confinement regions of each of the multiple laser diodes comprising the imager device. Each of the laser diodes comprising a single pixel is individually addressable, enabling each pixel to simultaneously emit any combination of the colors associated with the laser diodes at any required on/off duty cycle for each color. Each individual multicolor pixel can simultaneously emit the required colors and brightness values by controlling the on/off duty cycles of their respective laser diodes. |
| US08243768B2 |
Semiconductor diffraction grating device and semiconductor laser
A semiconductor diffraction grating device includes a semiconductor substrate having a principal surface, a semiconductor core layer and a semiconductor cladding layer provided on the principal surface, and a chirped grating structure provided between the semiconductor core layer and the semiconductor cladding layer. The chirped grating structure includes a first region, a second region, and a third region arranged in that order in a predetermined axis direction, the first, second, and third regions including a plurality of projections constituting a chirped grating. The plurality of projections are provided at placement positions arranged with a predetermined pitch in the predetermined axis direction. The coupling coefficient κ of the chirped grating monotonically increases in the predetermined axis direction to a predetermined value in the first region, remains flat in the second region, and monotonically decreases in the predetermined axis direction from the predetermined value in the third region. |
| US08243760B2 |
Scheduler using a plurality of slow timers
There is disclosed a scheduler for a traffic generator and a method of scheduling traffic. A working memory may stores N respective timer values for N count-down timers, where N is an integer greater than one. An arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) may update each timer value in rotation every N cycles of a clock. A temporal interpolator may delay output data from the ALU by a selectable delay period of 1 to N cycles of the clock. |
| US08243756B2 |
Methods, computer program products and apparatus providing improved quantization
Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention describe methods, computer program products and apparatus that provide improved quantization, as may be useful within the context of a communication system (e.g., a wireless communication system) that has a relay node. In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, a method includes: receiving a transmission having source data from an information source; determining an estimate of the source data using a quantization technique based on maximizing data throughput; and transmitting a message including the determined estimate towards an information destination. |
| US08243755B2 |
DMB package and mobile terminal for receiving DMB data and method of receiving DMB data
Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for receiving and playing Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) data using a DMB package and a mobile terminal. The DMB package is separable from the mobile terminal and can be interfaced with the mobile terminal. The apparatus includes DMB package for receiving DMB data, converting data formats of the received DMB data into multimedia data formats which can be reproduced by the typical mobile terminal, and transmitting the DMB data converted into the mobile terminal reproducible data formats to the mobile terminal. Accordingly, even a mobile terminal, which does not have a function of receiving and reproducing DMB data, can reproduce the DMB data. |
| US08243744B2 |
Priority sorting
Sort elements, such as queues processed in a network processor, are provided with relative priorities relative to each other. A set of relative priorities is used to specify priority order of the sort elements. The priority order may be specified by addressing code in a jump table. Duplicate code in the jump table having multiple entrance points allows for reduction of the size of the jump table. The relative priorities may be applied to a lookup table, hash or other function in order to address the jump table. |
| US08243743B2 |
In-band signaling for point-multipoint packet protection switching
A method and system provide in-band protection switch signaling in a communication system arranged as a point-to-multipoint tree. The point-to-multipoint tree includes a root node communicatively coupled to a plurality of leaf nodes through both a working link and a protection link. Data is transferred through a current link of the point-to-multipoint tree. The current link is either the working link or the protection link. A fault is detected in the current link in the point-to-multipoint tree. Each leaf node in the point-to-multipoint tree is notified of the fault using the current link. Upon receiving the notification, the root node and each leaf node switch to the other link of the working link and the protection link. |
| US08243742B2 |
System and method for enforcement of service level agreements and policies across geographical domains
A service access gateway is described that provides enforcement of service level agreements across geographically remote domains. Each domain can comprise an access tier and a network tier that can be scaled by adding or removing server nodes. At the network tier level, a master node can be selected in each domain in order to maintain budget state information for the domain. Additionally, a global master can be elected in order to maintain the state information across multiple domains such that the service level agreements can be enforced in a synchronized manner. A geographical configuration service can also be implemented to generate alarms in cases where service level agreements across the multiple sites are not identical. |
| US08243738B2 |
Or relating to call control
Described herein is a method of controlling call admission for packet switched networks, each network including at least two local area networks (50, 60) and a connecting network (70). The method comprises transmitting a burst 5 of trial data of the same size as the packet to be transmitted from a first node (52, 54) in a first local area network (50) to a second node (62, 64) in a second local area network (60) via the connecting network (70). The connecting network (70) comprises a plurality of routing nodes (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) for muting the burst of trial data of the same size as the packet to be transmitted from a first node (52, 54) in a first local area network (50) to second node (62, 64) in a second local area network (60) via the connecting network (70). The connecting network (70) comprises a plurality of routing nodes (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) for routing the burst of trial data to the second node in the second local area network along a particular path. The burst of trial data is reflected by the second node in the second local area network (60) back through the connecting network (70) to the first node in the first local area network (50). A comparison is carried out between the transmitted burst of trial data and the reflected burst of trial data to determine an estimate of packet loss rate of the path, and if the packet loss rate is acceptable a transmission of a continuous stream of data is initiated. |
| US08243735B2 |
System for forwarding packets with hierarchically structured variable-length identifiers using an exact-match lookup engine
One embodiment provides a system for forwarding packets with hierarchically structured variable-length identifiers (HSVLIs), wherein the computer includes a processor. During operation, the system converts an HSVLI into a number of fixed-length addresses, wherein the HSVLI indicates a piece of content and is hierarchically structured, and comprises contiguous components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level. In addition, the length of a respective HSVLI is not fixed. The system further performs an effective longest-prefix-match lookup by performing multiple exact-match lookups based at least on the fixed-length addresses. |
| US08243734B1 |
System and method for providing deterministic routing in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a packet that is part of a flow, and identifying parameters within the packet for mapping the packet to a selected endpoint amongst a plurality of endpoints. The method further includes generating a first binding table that reflects the packet being associated with the selected endpoint, and identifying that the selected endpoint has changed state. An update message is communicated to a peer network element, the update message directing the peer network element to rebuild a peer binding table to reflect the changed state. In more specific embodiments, the binding tables include matching entries for the selected endpoint and the flow. One of the parameters can be a Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) parameter within the packet. |
| US08243729B2 |
Multiple chassis stacking using front end ports
A stacked chassis comprising multiple physical switch/router chassis operates without any special stacking hardware or stacking channels. Instead, a stacking LAG is installed between front-end switch ports on the stacked chassis. The chassis controllers negotiate a master, which controls operation of all chassis in the stack. A stacked-chassis-wide port numbering scheme is used to distribute information to all line cards in the system. Each line card processes the information to distill physical-chassis significant information for operation of that chassis in the stack. |
| US08243727B2 |
Methods for synchronizing applicative clock signals in a synchronous communications network, corresponding emitter and receiver devices, computer-readable storage means
A method for transmitting information is proposed, enabling a synchronization of applicative clocks signals between a transmission device and at least one reception device connected to a communications network. For each stream of a source application, the transmission device: writes to a buffer memory associated with the stream, at the rate of a source applicative clock, pieces of applicative data of the stream coming from the source application, transmits, via the network, pieces of applicative data of the stream at the rate of the network clock. For at least one stream of the source application, the transmission device performs the following steps upon detection of a clock adjustment event: determining a piece of time offset information between a starting instant of a current network cycle and an instant of writing one of the pieces of applicative data of the stream, called a reference piece of data, to the buffer memory associated with the stream; determining a piece of information on position of the reference piece of data from among the pieces of applicative data of this stream to be transmitted via the network during a determined network cycle; transmission on the communications network of the information on time offset and position during the same network cycle as the one in which the reference piece of data is transmitted. |
| US08243723B2 |
System and method for instant VoIP messaging
There is provided an instant voice messaging system (and method) for delivering instant messages over a packet-switched network, the system comprising: a client connected to the network, the client selecting one or more recipients, generating an instant voice message therefor, and transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor over the network; and a server connected to the network, the server receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipients over the network, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant voice message. |
| US08243719B1 |
Systems and methods for call scheduling
A calendar may be provided to a user via a computing device and may provide a schedule of availability of one or more advisors for a call with the user. The user may schedule a call with a particular advisor or an advisor having expertise in a particular subject area, such as life insurance, annuities, savings accounts, credit cards, financial and retirement planning, etc. When the user requests a call with an advisor in a particular subject area, the calendar may show a composite of availabilities of the various advisors having expertise in a particular subject area or are associated with a particular subject area group. The user may schedule a call, modify or cancel an existing scheduled call, and provide information pertaining to a call request or scheduled call, for example, via the user computing device. |
| US08243718B2 |
Communications system and gateway
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, in a communication gateway, of forwarding a call establishment request from a caller of a first network to a subscriber of a second network, comprising: receiving from a caller a call establishment request intended for a subscriber; obtaining the identities of the caller and the subscriber, the identities being in a format of the first network; converting the extracted subscriber identity into a format of the second network; determining whether to forward the call establishment request to the subscriber; and where it is so determined, converting the call establishment request into a format suitable for the second network, and forwarding the converted call establishment request to the subscriber using the converted identity. |
| US08243716B2 |
System and method for preventing spam over internet telephony
A method for preventing Spam over Internet Telephony (SPIT), includes: a terminal receives a call request of a calling user; the terminal sets an identifier of the calling user into a SPIT reporting request upon receipt of the call request; and sends the SPIT reporting request to a server in response to an instruction of a called user that the call request is the SPIT. |
| US08243711B2 |
Method for generating and registering identification in wireless sensor network
A method for generating and registering an identification in a wireless sensor network. The method includes generating an identification of a first layer node; transmitting the identification of the first layer node to a second layer node; detecting whether the identification of the first layer node is duplicated, using the second layer node; if the identification of the first layer node is not duplicated, transmitting a determination message from the second layer node to the first layer node; and determining the identification of the first layer node as a determined identification. The method further includes: if the second layer node does not have a determined identification, re-transmitting the identification of the first layer node after a predetermined period of time has lapsed. Therefore, an automatically identification allocating method using a hierarchical structure can be adopted to enable a distributed management. |
| US08243710B1 |
Method and apparatus performing express forwarding
A method, apparatus and computer program product for the express forwarding are presented. A timer (NAV) is maintained at each respective node of a wireless LAN. A frame is designated as a TSQ frame to be express forwarded from a first node to a second node. A duration field of the frame is incremented by a first predetermined time increment (DT0) before the TSQ frame is forwarded and the TSQ frame is forwarded by the first node to the second node. A response is received from the second node wherein non-forwarding neighboring nodes each set their NAV according to a value equal to the duration field of the response. The second node attempts transmission of the TSQ frame when acknowledgement of receipt of the TSQ frame is complete. |
| US08243700B2 |
Apparatus and method for acquiring remote name in a Bluetooth system
An apparatus and method for acquiring a remote name in a Bluetooth system are provided. The method for acquiring a remote name in a Bluetooth system includes performing an inquiry request to adjacent Bluetooth devices; sorting Bluetooth devices found during the inquiry request in order of Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI); reducing a page timeout during a remote name acquisition; and acquiring a remote name according to the sorted RSSI. |
| US08243697B2 |
Apparatus and method of transmitting data block on uplink frequencies
A method and apparatus of generating a data block for a plurality of uplink frequencies is provided. The apparatus determines a size of a data field of the data block so that each data block matches a minimum of a first amount of data and second amount of data. The first amount of data is allowed to be transmitted by a first grant on a first uplink frequency and the second amount of data is allowed to be transmitted by a second grant on a second uplink frequency. The apparatus generates at least one data block so that the amount of data in the generated data blocks is less than multiple times the minimum of the first amount of data and the second amount of data. |
| US08243696B2 |
Joint processing downlink coordinated multi-point reference signal support
This invention concerns multiplexing in Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) in Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) wireless telephony. Joint processing down link coordinated multi-point reference signaling includes combining resource signal types at a user equipment, determining conflicts between resource signals of plural user equipment, puncturing resource signals of other cell upon determining conflicts between resource signals of plural user equipment and transmitting non-punctured combined resource signals from a user equipment. |
| US08243693B2 |
Apparatus and method for broadcast pilot transmission in a wireless communication network
A base station that communicates with subscriber stations in an OFDM wireless network. The base station transmits broadcast data and unicast data to the subscriber stations from a plurality of antennas using multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques. The base station transmits a first broadcast pilot signal from a first antenna orthogonally to at least one of: i) a first unicast pilot signal transmitted from the first antenna; ii) a second unicast pilot signal transmitted from a second antenna; iii) a second broadcast pilot signal transmitted from the second antenna; and iv) superimposed broadcast data traffic and unicast data traffic transmitted from the first and second antennas. The base station uses orthogonal subcarriers or orthogonal time slots. |
| US08243692B2 |
Accelerated allocation of neighbor signals to candidates in cellular communications devices
A method in a wireless communications device for allocating neighbor signals to a candidate set based on signal allocation criteria includes dynamically changing the signal allocation criteria based on at least one of a number of signals in an active signal set and on a signal quality of a strongest of signal in the active signal set. In one embodiment the signal allocation criteria is the length of an IIR filter. |
| US08243691B2 |
Communication control method, communication system, communication control apparatus and wireless base station
A communication control method for a communication system stores location information indicating an interference region by neighboring wireless base stations, a first weighting factor for one wireless base station to direct its beam to the interference region, and a second weighting factor for the other wireless base station to direct its beam, correspondingly to one another in an interference table The system judges whether a terminal is located in the interference region by obtaining weighting factors adopted by each of the neighboring wireless base stations while the one wireless base station communicates with the terminal, compares the weighting factors to the first and second weighting factors stored in the interference table, and controls beam generation of the other wireless base station to prevent its interference when the terminal is located in the interference region. |
| US08243689B2 |
Handover method and apparatus for providing mobile IPTV service over heterogeneous wireless communication networks
Disclosed herein is a handover method and apparatus for providing mobile Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service over wireless communication networks. The handover method includes checking whether the strength of a signal received from a first base station of a serving first wireless network falls within a predetermined first threshold range; if the strength of the signal falls within the range, checking whether the strength of a signal received from at least one base station of a second wireless network is higher than a second threshold value required for handover; estimating the velocity and direction of a Mobile Node (MN) using location information received from a satellite; predicting a handover target base station using the estimated velocity and estimated location information; and, if the predicted target base station is one of base stations having the second threshold value, performing handover to the target base station. |
| US08243684B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and communication control method
An objective of the present invention is to provide a radio communication apparatus and a communication control method capable of executing processing including a handover appropriate for a communication quality of a radio link while suppressing an increase in development cost, when a handover controller is provided between a mobility manager and a link controller. An MIH function unit sets a communication quality threshold of a radio link in a radio link controller, the communication quality threshold being associated with a service quality requirement value notified by the mobility manager. The MIH function unit also notifies a mobility manager that the service quality requirement value corresponding to the communication quality threshold is satisfied, when being notified by the link controller that the communication quality of the radio link reaches the communication quality threshold. |
| US08243683B2 |
Method and apparatus for state/mode transitioning
A method and network element to control use of a transition indication message by a user equipment, the method including an inhibit transition indication in a configuration message; and sending the configuration message with the inhibit transition indication to the user equipment. Also, a method and user equipment for sending a transition indication, the method setting a timer according to an inhibit transition indication received from a network element; detecting that a data transfer is complete; and sending the transition indication upon detecting that the timer is not running. |
| US08243681B2 |
Methods and apparatus for broadcast optimization in mobile IP
Methods and apparatus for supporting broadcast traffic in Mobile IP are disclosed. When a Mobile Node registers via a Foreign Agent supporting Mobile IP, the Foreign Agent receives a registration request from a Mobile Node and sends the registration request to a Home Agent. A registration reply received from the Home Agent has a network mask extension including a network mask associated with the home address of the Mobile Node. The Foreign Agent then sends the registration reply to the Mobile Node. Alternatively, the Mobile Node may register via a collocated care-of address, in which case the registration reply is received directly from the Home Agent. Once the Mobile Node has obtained its network mask, it may send packets such as broadcast packets, as well as roam to its Home Agent. Additionally, in accordance with various embodiments, the Foreign Agent duplicates broadcast packets for transmission to Mobile Nodes, rather than receiving the duplicated packets from the Home Agent. In this manner, broadcast traffic in a Mobile IP environment is optimized. |
| US08243678B2 |
Hierarchical pilot structure in wireless communication systems
A method for communicating control channel information in a wireless communication system, including transmitting a super-frame having a time-frequency resource region containing an allocation control channel and multiple pilot elements, at least some of which are associated with the allocation control channel, and indicating, in a configuration information control channel of the super-frame, a characteristic of the pilots elements associated with the allocation control channel. |
| US08243675B2 |
Method and system for setting up a bearer
Method and system for setting up a bearer are disclosed. The bearer setup method includes these steps: a packet data network gateway (PGW) obtains first quality of service (QoS) information and a first bearer identifier (ID), and sets up a bearer between the PGW and a radio access network (RAN) according to the first QoS information, where the bearer is associated with the first bearer ID; the RAN sets up a radio bearer (RB) with a user equipment (UE) according to second QoS information associated with the first QoS information, where the RB is associated with a second bearer ID associated with the first bearer ID. According to the technical solution of the present invention, when the UE is connected to a serving gateway (SGW) through a serving general packet radio service support node (SGSN), the SGSN and the SGW set up a bearer between the UE and the PGW. Thus, resources of each network entity in a network are fully utilized. |
| US08243673B2 |
Radio communication apparatus, radio communication system, and radio communication method
Overhead of signaling for retransmission control using a multiple codeword is decreased and throughput is improved. A radio communication apparatus performs data transmission by using the multiple codeword, and includes a reception device having a MIMO demodulation section 15 for demodulating data transmitted by the multiple codeword and an ACK/NACK generation section 21 for generating an ACK/NACK signal corresponding to the demodulation result of the demodulated data of respective codewords. The ACK/NACK generation section 21 allocates less resource to a signal corresponding to a low-order code word having a lower quality, and allocates more resource to a signal for a high-order codeword having a higher quality, thereby generating the ACK/NACK signal. |
| US08243672B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving signals in consideration of time alignment timer and user equipment for the same
A method for transmitting and receiving signals in consideration of a time alignment timer and user equipment (UE) for the same are provided. In this method, a UE performs initial transmission or retransmission of an uplink signal using wireless resources corresponding to an uplink grant signal received from a base station only when a time alignment timer of the UE is running. The UE does not transmit a HARQ feedback signal for a downlink signal received from the base station to the base station when the time alignment timer of the UE is not running. |
| US08243671B2 |
Distributed channel assignment
Disclosed, in example embodiment herein, is an apparatus comprising an interface and channel selection logic coupled to the interface. The channel selection logic is operable to receive data representative of neighboring wireless devices to a wireless device occupying a channel for a plurality of channels via the interface. The channel selection logic is responsive to receiving the data representative of neighboring wireless devices occupying the plurality of channels to generate a graph for each of the plurality of channels, wherein vertices of the graph represent the wireless device and neighboring wireless devices occupying the channel and edges of the graph represent wireless devices with overlapping coverage areas. The channel selection logic selects the channel for the wireless device whose graph has the smallest radius. |
| US08243670B2 |
User grouping method for inter-cell interference coordination in mobile telecommunication
A user grouping method for inter-cell interference coordination technology in mobile telecommunication systems using the handover information and measured data that were defined in existing mobile telecommunication systems to group cell users into cell center users and cell edge users. This method includes: (1) user equipment measuring the average signal strength of the serving cell and neighboring cells; (2) user equipment determining if it should reply with the average signal strength information it measures and if it should initiate the inter-cell interference coordination measuring and response system; (3) serving cell then groups the user equipment as cell center user or cell edge user according to the average signal strength information reported by the user equipment; (4) serving cell allocates a frequency subchannel from cell center subband or cell edge subband according to the grouping result. |
| US08243666B2 |
Method and unit for efficient reporting of scheduling information in a wireless telecommunications system
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement in a wireless communication system for efficient reporting of scheduling information processed in a unit of said system. The method comprises the steps of adaptively selecting a buffer status report format that is most efficient for the momentary buffer content for indicating the buffer fill levels of the scheduler, and encoding said buffer fill levels such as to minimize the number of bits needed to encode the information. |
| US08243661B2 |
Establishing user accounts for RFID-based telecommunications routing
Methods, systems, and products are provided for establishing RFID-based telecommunications routing for a user including identifying a plurality of telephony devices available to a user, identifying the location of the plurality of telephony devices available to the user, receiving from a user routing preferences, receiving an identification of an RFID tag for the user, and associating with the user the identified telephony devices available to a user, the locations of the plurality of devices available to the user, the routing preferences, and the identification of the RFID tag. |
| US08243659B2 |
DVB low bit rate services
The invention is directed to efficient transfer of low bit rate services in a communication system. A synchronization symbol which has known characteristics may be included as a first symbol of digital broadcast frames. The synchronization symbol, which can be decoded without having to resort to trial and error methods, contains parameters for the rest of the signal. Low bit rate services are allocated to time slots following the pilot symbol used for synchronization allowing for fast access times with maximum power saving capabilities. A user terminal wakes up just before the synchronization symbol and received the data allocated for the low bit rate services. The user terminal may power off for the remaining time slots which are allocated for higher bit services to conserve power. |
| US08243656B1 |
Efficient access identifier utilization in wireless access systems
What is disclosed is a wireless access system. The wireless access system includes a wireless access control system configured to maintain an available pool of Media Access Control Identifiers (MAC IDs) for subsequent use by a base station, remove a portion of the MAC IDs from the available pool, and use the portion of the MAC IDs for wireless communications between a wireless transceiver of the base station and a plurality of user devices. The wireless access control system is configured to determine that the available pool of the MAC IDs is insufficient, and in response, select a set of the user devices based on at least wireless signal strength. The wireless transceiver of the base station is configured to instruct the selected set of the user devices to not use the base station for the wireless communication, and in response, the wireless access control system is configured to return ones of the MAC IDs used by the selected set of the user devices to the available pool. |
| US08243652B2 |
Radio frame control apparatus, radio frame control method, and radio communication apparatus
A radio frame control apparatus for controlling a radio frame of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access system, having a placement information generation section generating first placement information including a radio resource amount assigned to each terminal station based on a received radio resource request, a pseudo placement information generation section generating pseudo placement information including a temporal radio resource amount assigned to pseudo communication, a radio resource assignment section generating second placement information by inserting the pseudo placement information into the first placement information. |
| US08243651B2 |
Aggregate rate modem
Systems, devices, processors, and methods are described for the transmission and reception of broadband signals between a gateway and subscriber terminals via satellite. In one set of embodiments, a wireless signal is generated and transmitted including a series of frames including a physical layer header and payload. A sub-channel identifier may be included in the physical layer header to identify the sub-channel for the payload, and allow for various novel filtering techniques at the subscriber terminal. The frames may be generated to be of substantially equal duration. Novel subscriber terminal configurations are described to leverage this formatting. |
| US08243649B2 |
Method for transmitting packets in relay networks
A method transmits an L bit packet in a relay network including a source node, a relay node and a destination node. The source node partitions the packet into first fragment of βL bits and a second fragment of (1−β) bits. The first fragment is transmitted from the source node to the relay node at a first data rate during a first phase. The second fragment is transmitted from the source node to the destination node at a second data rate during a second phase while the first fragment is retransmitted from the relay node to the destination node at a third data rate. |
| US08243647B2 |
Radio access control apparatus, mobile station and method
A radio access network apparatus includes: a discontinuous reception management unit configured to manage a reception state (a discontinuous reception state or a continuous reception state) for each of one or more mobile stations; a determination and announcement unit configured to determine and announce a correspondence relationship between a discontinuous reception channel and a shared data channel for each mobile station; and a scheduling unit configured to perform scheduling of a downlink shared data channel, wherein, when a paging signal to the mobile station in the discontinuous reception state occurs, the radio access network apparatus transmits the paging signal to the mobile station using the shared data channel determined based on the correspondence relationship. |
| US08243644B2 |
Method and system for a multicast service initiation in a communication system
Method and a system for multicast service notification in cellular telephone system to enable the cellular telephone systems to provide both multicast and point-to-point services are disclosed. Several embodiments describe the signaling interaction between an access network and subscriber stations belonging to a multicast group to allow the access network to properly notify the subscriber stations of a the multicast service. Such a signaling further allows the subscriber stations to recognize the multicast service notification to participate in the multicast service. |
| US08243643B2 |
Active multicast information protocol
In the disclosed active multicast information protocol, a first edge router of a network receives a data packet from a source, wherein the data packet comprises data to be sent to receivers of a multicast group. The first edge router may rout the data packet to a first core router within the network. The first edge router also generates a message in response to receiving the data packet. This message is transmitted to the first core router within a network. The message includes an address of the source, but the message lacks data to be transmitted to the receivers of the multicast group. Another edge router stores the first multicast group and source addresses in an entry of a look-up table (LUT) in response to the edge router receiving a first message directly or indirectly from the first edge router. |
| US08243641B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving signal in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a signal in a wireless communication system are provided in which, when a relay request message is received from a transmitter, a first receiver transmits a relay response message including a relay possible information to the transmitter, the relay possible information including information indicating whether the first receiver can perform a relay function, and relays a signal between the transmitter and a second receiver, when a relay confirm message is received from the transmitter after transmitting the relay response message. Herein, the first receiver is different from the second receiver. |
| US08243635B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit including plural memory banks, a wireless communication unit for executing the wireless communication process, a communication quality information storage unit for storing the communication quality information indicating the communication quality of the wireless communication unit in the case where one of the plural memory banks is used, a memory bank selection unit for selecting the memory bank based on the communication quality information stored in the communication quality information storage unit in the case where the wireless communication process is executed by the wireless communication unit, and a memory bank switching unit for switching to the memory bank selected by the memory bank selection unit. |
| US08243632B1 |
Use of dual asymmetric wireless links to provide bi-directional high data rate wireless communication
To provide high-data-rate wireless communication in both directions between a pair of nodes, the present invention provides for operating at least two asymmetric wireless connections in parallel but in reverse directions between the nodes. One of the asymmetric wireless connections will provide a high-data-rate forward link in one direction between the nodes, while the other asymmetric wireless connection will concurrently provide a high-data-rate forward link in the other direction between the nodes. The lower-data-rate reverse links provided by the asymmetric wireless connections can then be used to carry overhead control data or can be used to supplement the primary high-data-rate communication provided by the forward links. Preferably, 1xEV-DO will be used for both asymmetric wireless data links, but other asymmetric air interface protocols could be used instead. |
| US08243630B2 |
Application-level routing protocol for multiparty audio-video conferencing
Systems and methods are described for implementing an application-level routing protocol for multiparty audio-video conferencing. In one implementation, application-level per-stream routing techniques separately control audio data and video data between conference members hosted on a network. Different audio application-level multicast (ALM) trees are generated by each member, are dynamically updated according to shortest-path-first selection of data delivery paths, and are used to send audio data to the other members of the videoconference. Likewise, different video ALM trees are generated by each member, are dynamically updated according to broadest-path-first selection of data delivery paths, and are used to send video data to the other members of the videoconference. Separate audio and video ALM trees for each member can utilize IP multicast in segments of the network in which IP multicast is enabled. |
| US08243622B2 |
Wireless communication system for interconnecting ad-hoc network and infrastructure network, and wireless terminal and communication method therefor
A wireless communication system for interconnecting an ad-hoc network and an IS network, and a wireless terminal and communication method therefor are disclosed. The communication method includes transmitting a discovery signal including terminal information of the wireless terminal to a radio network, receiving a response signal including information for network access from a base station or another wireless terminal, which has received the discovery signal, selecting an operation mode for access to a network through the base station or the other wireless terminal, based on the response signal, communicating with the base station and accessing the IS network when the selected operation mode corresponds to a first mode and accessing a network, to which the other wireless terminal belongs, through a licensed frequency band of the IS network when the selected operation mode corresponds to a second mode. Accordingly, it is possible to support communication through an existing infrastructure and support communication of an ad-hoc network scheme, through use of a licensed frequency band assigned to the provider of an existing IS network. |
| US08243620B2 |
Method for setting the operation of a routing node of an asynchronous wireless communication network, network node and communication network implementing the method
To reduce energy consumption in a duty-cycled asynchronous wireless communication network values of operation parameters, i.e. duration of the awake interval and duration of the sleep interval, of routing nodes of the network are determined and set. The network is partitioned into clusters so that each cluster comprises one cluster-head node. The energy consumption of a cluster is a function of the probability of busy channel when nodes of the cluster attempt transmission, the probability of communication collision during transmission, the duration of the awake interval and the duration of the sleep interval of its cluster-head node. Reduction of the energy consumption is carried out under predetermined values of the probability of busy channel and of the probability of communication collision and under predetermined constraint for the probability of successful transfer of data packets within the cluster and for the average delay of transfer of data packets within the cluster. |
| US08243619B2 |
Smart mechanism for multi-client bidirectional optical channel protection scheme
Methods and apparatus for efficiently allowing protection switch information to be communicated on bidirectional lines are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for communicating protection switch information from a first network element to a second network element across bidirectional links that include at least one working line and a protection line involves obtaining a generic framing procedure GFP frame at the first network element. The GFP frame has a payload area with a client payload field. The method also includes defining a command field associated with the GFP frame that is in the payload area but not in the client payload field, and storing protection switch information in the command field. |
| US08243614B2 |
Hardware efficient monitoring of input/output signals
A communication device comprises first and second circuits to implement a plurality of ports via which the communicative device is operable to communicate over a plurality of communication channels. For each of the plurality of ports, the communication device comprises: command hardware that includes a first transmitter to transmit data over a respective one of the plurality of channels and a first receiver to receive data from the respective one of the plurality of channels; and monitor hardware that includes a second receiver coupled to the first transmitter and a third receiver coupled to the respective one of the plurality of channels. The first circuit comprises the command hardware for a first subset of the plurality of ports. The second circuit comprises the monitor hardware for the first subset of the plurality of ports and the command hardware for a second subset of the plurality of ports. |
| US08243613B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating velocity of mobile station using channel quality indicator in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for estimating a velocity of a Mobile Station (MS) in a mobile communication system are provided, in which a Base Station (BS) receives a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) measured by the MS, calculates a decision metric by calculating variations in the CQI for a predetermined time period, and estimates the velocity of the MS based on the decision metric, referring to a velocity table in which decision metrics are mapped to mobile velocities. |
| US08243609B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring a status of nodes of a communication network
A method and apparatus for monitoring the operability status of nodes of a communication network determines first node status data at a first node by causing it to diagnose its own status and the status of at least one second node, and to send the first node status data to at least one second node. The first node receives second node status data from at least one second node, and determines node status evaluation data at the first node based on the determined first node status data and the received second node status data. |
| US08243608B2 |
Metro Ethernet connectivity fault management acceleration
A network element disposed at an edge of a connectivity fault management (CFM) domain includes a switch fabric, a central processor (CP) card, and a line card in communication with the CP card through the switch fabric. The line card includes an Ethernet interface for transmitting and receiving Ethernet CFM frames over a network and circuitry configured to generate new continuity check messages (CCMs) periodically, to process CCMs received on each connection supported by the line card, and to detect a loss of continuity for any of the connections supported by the line card. The line card maintains a list of supported connections. A generate timer and an age counter are associated with each connection in the list. The line card generates a CCM for a given connection when the generate timer expires and detects a loss of continuity for the given connection when its age counter exceeds a threshold. |
| US08243603B2 |
Method and system for improving a wireless communication route
A system and method for improving a current wireless communication route, between a source node and a destination node in an on-demand wireless communication network, enables the current communication route to be improved even when the current route has not failed. The method includes analyzing at a local node a packet transmission from the source node, the packet transmission comprising a current route metric (step 705). The local node then determines that it can provide an improved wireless communication route, between the source node and the destination node, having a better route metric than the current route metric (step 710). A route improvement message is then transmitted from the local node to the source node (step 740). |
| US08243600B2 |
System and method for allocating resources in a non-transparent multi-hop relay network
A method for allocating resources in a wireless network includes establishing one or more links. The method also includes the following iterative steps: allocating a first number of slots to the relay links; dividing the first number of slots among the relay links; determining a representative relay data rate indicative of a data rate provided by one of the relay links for one of the multi-hop access links; allocating the second number of slots to the multi-hop access links; dividing the second number of slots among the multi-hop access links; determining the effective multi-hop data rate based on the minimum of the representative relay link data rate and the multi-hop data rate; allocating the third number of slots to the single-hop access links; dividing the third number of slots among the single-hop access links; and upon the single-hop data rate being approximately equal to the effective multi-hop data rate, provisioning the first, second and third number of slots. |
| US08243596B2 |
Distributing intelligence across networks
Methods and apparatus relating to distribution of intelligence across a network are described. In one embodiment, one or more content processors may be provided at the edge of a computer network (e.g., prior to a point where data is aggregated or routed by the network). Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08243595B2 |
Prioritization of network traffic sent to a processor by using packet importance
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for prioritizing network packets, includes: comparing a packet with at least one copy rule; and if the packet matches the copy rule, then buffering the packet in a queue. The method further includes: processing the packet after buffering the packet in the queue. |
| US08243594B1 |
Coordinated control of multiple parallel links or link aggregations
A packet switch contains a link state group manager that forms supergroups from multiple link aggregations. The link state group manager collects state information for the link aggregations in a supergroup, and uses state criteria to determine whether the link aggregations are allowed to be up, as a supergroup, for data traffic. This allows a supergroup of links to only come up when it meets a minimum performance criteria, with traffic routed around the supergroup when the supergroup cannot meet the minimum performance criteria, even if some link aggregations in the group are functional. |
| US08243593B2 |
Mechanism for identifying and penalizing misbehaving flows in a network
A mechanism is disclosed for identifying and penalizing misbehaving flows in a network. In one implementation, a set of behavioral statistics are maintained for each flow. These behavioral statistics are updated as information packets belonging to a flow are processed. Based upon these behavioral statistics, a determination is made as to whether a flow is exhibiting undesirable behavior. If so, a penalty is imposed on the flow. In one implementation, this penalty causes packets belonging to the flow to have a higher probability of being dropped than packets belonging to other flows that do not exhibit undesirable behavior. In one implementation, in addition to penalizing the flow, this penalty also has the effect of correcting the flow's behavior such that the flow exhibits less undesirable behavior after the penalty than before. By correcting the flow's behavior, the penalty makes it possible for the flow to become a non-misbehaving flow. |
| US08243592B2 |
Methods and systems for automatically rerouting data in a data network
Methods and systems are provided for automatically rerouting data. In accordance with a disclosed example method, congestion is identified in a logical circuit. The logical circuit comprises at least a first communication path in a first local access and transport area, a second communication path in an inter-exchange carrier, and a third communication path in a second local access and transport area. The example method also involves determining that the congestion is isolated to the second communication path in the inter-exchange carrier. Data associated with the logical circuit is rerouted without manual intervention using an alternate communication path to bypass the inter-exchange carrier. The rerouting comprises routing the data through the first local access and transport area, the alternate communication path, and the second local access and transport area. |
| US08243584B2 |
Method and system for rehoming a digital subscriber line access multiplexer
A method and system are provided for rehoming a digital subscriber line access multiplexer between a first data port and a second data port on a data switch. The method includes establishing a physical loop-back circuit between the second data port and a temporary input port of the data switch, establishing an extension permanent virtual circuit between the temporary input port and the first data port, removing a permanent virtual circuit between a data switch servicing a network service provider and the first data port, establishing a permanent virtual circuit between the data switch servicing the network service provider and the second data port, and routing data between the network service provider and the digital subscriber line access multiplexer via the permanent virtual circuit between the data switch servicing the network service provider and the second data port, the physical loop-back circuit, and the extension permanent virtual circuit. |
| US08243580B2 |
Dynamic allocation of cyclic extension in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system may provide a dynamically calculated cyclic extension, the length of which may be based at least in part on a delay spread due to an experienced environmental condition. The length of the cyclic extension may be calculated by determining a channel impulse response, and then computing the energy distribution of the channel impulse response. The length of the cyclic extension may then be set according to the energy distribution of the channel impulse response. |
| US08243575B2 |
Optical head
A thin-type optical head, smaller in optic mounting spaces comprising to the conventional one, in an optic system enabling with BD including a 2-layers BD, DVD an CD, comprises a light source, for emit a light beam therefrom; an optical branch element for penetrating a predetermined amount of lights, therethrough, of an incident light beam thereon, and to reflecting remaining amount of lights thereupon; a light focusing element for focusing the light beam upon an optical information recording medium; a photo detector for receiving the light beam reflecting upon the optical information recording medium; and an optical path converter element for converting an angle of an optical path, on which the light beam propagates, wherein the optical path converter element is disposed on an optical path of the light beam between the optical branch element and the photo detector, or between the optical branch element and the light source, and has an incident surface, upon which the light beam enters, and an emission surface, from which the light beams emits, so that the light beam reflects at least two (2) times within the optical path converter element, during time when passing through between the incident surface and the emission surface. |
| US08243572B2 |
Disk controller and storage system
Proposed is a disk controller capable of notifying that a hard disk drive needs to be replaced even when the power of such hard disk drive is turned off. When a controller is to control the supply of electrical power to a disk in the respective disk units, the controller turns off a green LED and turns on a red LED when a disk in a disk group becomes a replacement target disk, turns off the power of the replacement target disk by opening a power switch corresponding to the respective replacement target disks, turns on the disk power source by closing the power switch when the replacement target disk is replaced with a new disk, and recognizes information concerning the new disk. |
| US08243571B2 |
Reproduced signal evaluating method, information recording medium, reproducing device, and recording device
A reproduction signal evaluation method according to the present invention relates to adjustment of an edge portion between a shortest mark and a shortest space in a data sequence including marks and spaces in combination that is recordable on an information recording medium. In a pattern including a shortest mark and a shortest space adjacent before or after the shortest mark, a shift amount of an edge of the shortest mark is obtained from a differential metric calculated regarding one of a first pattern in which a space adjacent to the shortest mark and not adjacent to the shortest space is longer than the shortest space; and a second pattern in which a mark adjacent to the shortest space and not adjacent to the shortest mark is longer than the shortest mark. |
| US08243566B2 |
Correcting temperature characteristic of optical pickup of an optical disk recording/reproducing apparatus
There is a need to provide correction of a temperature characteristic of an optical pickup of an optical disk recording/reproducing apparatus, in which items of the optical pickup including spherical aberration may be improved in temperature characteristic. To achieve the need, an optical disk drive is characterized by correcting a spherical aberration correction element when variation of a signal from the control circuit to the driver and/or a tracking or focusing error signal supplied to the controller has a value equal to or more than a predetermined value. |
| US08243565B2 |
Optical disk apparatus with an improved track jump performance
An optical disk device for recording or reproducing an optical disk has: an objective lens for irradiating a laser beam to the optical disk; an actuator for moving the objective lens in the radial direction of the optical disk; and a spindle motor for rotating the optical disk. After the laser beam irradiated to the optical disk passed through a PID portion of the optical disk, the actuator moves the objective lens in the radial direction of the optical disk at a timing corresponding to a rotational speed. Between signals to drive the actuator, an output time of a deceleration signal is set to a predetermined ratio of a time during which an acceleration signal is outputted. While the deceleration signal is outputted, a light spot passes through the PID portion. |
| US08243564B2 |
Misjudgment correction circuit and optical disk drive
Disclosed herein is a misjudgment correction circuit, including, an edge detection section configured to detect, in a binarized full addition signal obtained by adding first and second signals of the same or opposite polarity, edges at which the logic value of the binarized signal changes, a push-pull signal acquisition section configured to acquire a binarized push-pull signal obtained by subtracting the second signal from the first signal, a majority decision calculation section configured to acquire, in chronologic order, a plurality of logic values of the push-pull signal between the two adjacent edges so as to determine, by a majority decision, the more numerous of the two logic values, and a wave correction section configured to correct the push-pull signal between the edges to the more numerous logic value determined by the majority decision calculation section. |
| US08243562B2 |
Digital broadcast recorder and method for recording digital broadcast
A method for recording a digital broadcast, and a digital broadcast recording using the method, includes: recording start location data of a plurality of programs recorded during a recording mode of the digital broadcast; and indicating start locations of the individual programs using the start location data during an edition mode of the recorded digital broadcast. |
| US08243559B2 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head comprising near-field optical device with propagation edge
There is provided a near-field-light (NFL) generating optical system in which the point where near-field (NF) light is generated can be provided sufficiently close to the end surface of a magnetic pole that generates write field. The optical system comprises: a waveguide through which a light for exciting surface plasmon propagates; and a NF-optical device configured to be coupled with the light in a surface plasmon mode. The NF-optical device comprises: a contact-to-waveguide surface having a contact to the waveguide; and a propagation edge provided on the side opposite to the contact-to-waveguide surface, extending to the NFL-generating end surface of the device, and configured to propagate thereon the surface plasmon excited by the light. In this optical system, the point, where NF-light is generated, of the NFL-generating end surface is reliably located on the side opposite to the waveguide. |
| US08243556B2 |
Display plate for solar cell apparatus and method of producing display plate for solar cell apparatus
A display plate for a solar cell device provided with a solar cell on the bottom surface side includes a light transmission substrate, a light transmission reflecting plate that is disposed on the bottom surface side of the light transmission substrate, and a decorative member that is disposed on the top surface side of the display plate. The light transmission substrate is provided with a reflecting surface on the bottom surface side or on the top and bottom surface sides of the light transmission substrate. The reflecting surface of the light transmission substrate is made of a prism reflecting surface. |
| US08243552B2 |
Ultrasound emission deratization method and device
An ultrasound emission deratization device is described, comprising generation means (A, B, D) of a first ultrasound frequency (P1) and a second ultrasound frequency (P2) which are alternated, with a predetermined mean emission time for each of the two, and randomly variable time range pauses between a minimum and a maximum between one and the other. |
| US08243548B2 |
Extracting SV shear data from P-wave seismic data
A system and method of processing seismic data obtained using a surface-based receiver configured to measure vertical movement of the Earth includes retrieving seismic data from a storage device, the seismic data comprising P-P data and shear mode data. The P-P data and shear mode data were both received at a surface-based receiver configured to measure vertical movement of the Earth to generate the seismic data. The system and method further include processing the seismic data to extract the shear mode data and generating a shear mode image based on the extracted shear mode data. |
| US08243546B2 |
Systems and methods for peak power and/or EMI reduction
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and circuits for power management and/or EMI reduction. As one example, a method for memory system access is disclosed that includes providing a first bank of memory; providing a second bank of memory; receiving a memory access request that includes assertion of a reference memory clock; accessing the first bank of memory using a first sub memory clock asserted relative to the reference memory clock; delaying a phase offset; and accessing the second bank of memory using a second sub memory clock asserted the phase offset after assertion of the first sub memory clock. |
| US08243545B2 |
Card controller controlling semiconductor memory including memory cell having charge accumulation layer and control gate
A card controller includes an arithmetic processing device. The controller writes data to a semiconductor memory having a first memory block and a second memory block each including a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells each configured to hold at least 2 bits, data in the first memory block and data in the second memory block being each erased at a time. The arithmetic processing device writes the data to the memory cells in the first memory block using an upper bit and a lower bit of the at least 2 bits and writes the data to the memory cells in the second memory block using only the lower bit of the at least 2 bits. |
| US08243541B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for improving reduced power operations in embedded memory arrays
Methods and apparatuses are presented for improving reduced power operations in embedded memory arrays. Some embodiments may include a microprocessor, the microprocessor including at least one execution unit, a memory coupled to the execution unit, the memory including, a memory cell comprising a memory cell bus, a power circuit selectively coupling the memory cell bus to a first power plane and a second power plane, where the memory cell bus is coupled to the second power plane when the power circuit is substantially off, and a bit line pre-charge circuit coupled to the power circuit, where the power circuit selectively couples the first power plane to the pre-charge circuit for a predetermined period of time. |
| US08243537B2 |
Semiconductor memory
A semiconductor storage device includes a memory cell array that stores data and includes a plurality of memory cells two dimensionally arrayed on row and column lines extending along row and column directions, at least one of the memory cells assigned to a redundant memory cell having a larger area size than the other memory cells, the plurality of memory cells and at least one of the redundant memory cells arrayed on at least one of the row lines. |
| US08243535B2 |
Semiconductor memory device comprising variable delay circuit
A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell configured to output data to a pair of bitlines, a variable delay circuit configured to receive a sense amplifier enable signal, adjust a delay of the sense amplifier enable signal by changing a slope of a delay based on a variable external power supply voltage, and output a delayed sense amplifier enable signal, and a bitline sense amplifier configured to amplify a voltage difference between the pair of bitlines in response to the delayed sense amplifier enable signal and output the amplified voltage difference to a pair of input/output lines. |
| US08243534B2 |
Semiconductor memory device, memory module including the same, and data processing system
To provide a semiconductor device including a skew detecting circuit activated in a write leveling mode, and an ODT control circuit that activates a terminating resistance circuit connected to a data strobe terminal by using an ODT signal. The ODT control circuit selects a first resistance mode when a dynamic ODT is in an unused state in the write leveling mode, and selects a second resistance mode when the dynamic ODT is in a used state in the write leveling mode. With this configuration, a resistance in a used state of the dynamic ODT and that in an unused state of the dynamic ODT can be reproduced in an actual write operation. Consequently, a more accurate write leveling operation can be performed. |
| US08243533B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
A semiconductor memory device allows a read command to be inputted thereto after a passage of a relatively short time period from a point in time where a write command has been inputted thereto. A method of operating the semiconductor memory device includes inputting a write command, inputting a read command in a preset period of time after the write command has been inputted, loading read data of a memory cell onto a data bus in response to the read command; and loading write data from outside of the semiconductor memory device onto the data bus in response to the write command. |
| US08243531B2 |
Reference potential generating circuit of semiconductor memory
There is provided a reference potential generating circuit of a semiconductor memory, including: a first MOS transistor group that includes a plurality of first MOS transistors that are connected in series; a second MOS transistor that is connected in series to the first MOS transistor group; a third MOS transistor that is connected in parallel to the circuit in which the first MOS transistor group and the second MOS transistor are connected in series, has a gate connected to a connection point of the first MOS transistor group and the second MOS transistor, and corrects a reference potential from a connection point of the first MOS transistors; and a fourth MOS transistor that is connected to the gate of the third MOS transistor, and decreases the potential of the gate of the third MOS transistor when a permission signal to supply power to the semiconductor memory is input. |
| US08243527B2 |
Non-volatile field programmable gate array
A non-volatile memory device includes a first metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device coupled to a bit line and a word line and a second CMOS device coupled to the first CMOS device. The second CMOS device is also coupled to a complementary bit line and a complementary word line. The first and second CMOS devices are complementary to one another. An output node is coupled between the first CMOS device and the second CMOS device. A method of programming a non-volatile field programmable gate array (NV-FPGA) includes coupling an information handling system to the FPGA, performing a block erase of a plurality of memory cells in the FPGA, verifying that the block erase is successful, programming an upper page of the FPGA, verifying that the upper page programming is successful, programming a lower page of the FPGA and verifying that the lower page programming is successful. |
| US08243523B2 |
Sensing operations in a memory device
Methods for sensing, method for programming, memory devices, and memory systems are disclosed. In one such method for sensing, a counting circuit generates a count output and a translated count output. The count output is converted into a time varying voltage that biases a word line coupled to memory cells being sensed. Target data for each memory cell is stored in a data cache associated with that particular memory cell. When it is detected that a memory cell has turned on, the translated count output associated with the count output that is indicative of the voltage level that turned on the memory cell is compared to the target data. The comparison determines the state of the memory cell. |
| US08243521B2 |
Method for kink compensation in a memory
This disclosure concerns memory kink compensation. One method embodiment includes applying a number of sequentially incrementing programming pulses to a memory cell, with the sequential programming pulses incrementing by a first programming pulse step voltage magnitude. A seeding voltage is applied after applying the number of sequentially incrementing programming pulses. A next programming pulse is applied after applying the seeding voltage, with the next programming pulse being adjusted relative to a preceding one of the sequentially incrementing programming pulses by a second programming pulse step voltage magnitude. The second programming pulse step voltage magnitude can be less than the first programming pulse step voltage magnitude. |
| US08243519B2 |
Writing method of a nonvolatile memory device
A method of performing a writing operation of a nonvolatile memory device is provided. The method includes performing a first band program using trim information from a first band register of multiple band registers, which include at least a default band register; and performing a second band program using trim information from a second band register or trim information from the default band register after performing the first band program. The second band register is selected while the first band program is being performed. |
| US08243516B2 |
Interface for NAND-type flash memory
A NAND-type flash memory device is described. In some embodiments, the memory device includes NAND-type flash memory cells, and a synchronous NAND interface. The synchronous NAND interface includes a standard NAND flash interface pin arrangement and a clock (CLK) pin. The synchronous NAND interface is configured to interface with a NOR-compatible memory interface. |
| US08243515B2 |
Read compensation circuits and apparatus using same
A read compensation circuit is provided. The read compensation circuit corrects a read error occurring in an erased cell based on a pattern of programmed cells adjacent to the erased cell. The read compensation circuit also transmit program state information of a memory cell stored in a page buffer to another page buffer through a bit line, thereby allowing page buffers to easily detect and correct errors occurring in memory cells. |
| US08243506B2 |
Phase change memory structures and methods
Methods, devices, and systems associated with phase change memory structures are described herein. One method of forming a phase change memory structure includes forming an insulator material on a first conductive element and on a dielectric material of a phase change memory cell, forming a heater self-aligned with the first conductive element, forming a phase change material on the heater and at least a portion of the insulator material formed on the dielectric material, and forming a second conductive element of the phase change memory cell on the phase change material. |
| US08243505B2 |
Phase change memory device having write driving control signal corresponding to set/reset write time
A phase change memory device includes a phase change resistance cell configured to sense a crystallization state that changes in response to a current so that data corresponding to the crystallization state can be stored in the phase change resistance cell. A write driving control signal generating unit outputs a write enable signal and a precharge enable signal in response to a write control signal that corresponds to a heating period and a quenching period of the write data. A write driving unit is configured to supply a driving voltage corresponding to the write data to the phase change resistance cell in response to the write enable signal and the precharge enable signal. |
| US08243503B2 |
Magnetic storage element responsive to spin polarized current
The present invention relates to a memory cell including a first reference layer having a first magnetization with a first magnetization direction and a second reference layer having a second magnetization with a second magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to the first magnetization direction. A storage layer is disposed between the first reference layer and second reference layer and has a third magnetization direction about 45° from the first magnetization direction and about 135° from the second magnetization direction when the memory cell is in a first data state, and a fourth magnetization direction opposite the third magnetization direction when the memory cell is in a second data state. |
| US08243500B2 |
Semiconductor memory and system
A semiconductor memory has a short transistor coupling complementary storage nodes of a latch circuit of a memory cell. A transfer transistor and the short transistor have a diffusion layer in common coupled to one of the storage nodes. The short transistor and a driver transistor have a diffusion layer in common coupled to the other storage node. The transfer transistor, the short transistor, and the driver transistor are continuously disposed via the diffusion layers in common, and thereby, variation of characteristics of the transfer transistor can be prevented. Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent that current supplying ability of the transfer transistor changes depending on a layout in the memory cell, and that an operation margin of the memory cell deteriorates. |
| US08243493B2 |
Resistance change memory device
A resistance change memory device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a cell array so formed on the substrate as to have resistance-change memory cells three-dimensionally stacked and arranged; and a sense amplifier array formed on the substrate under the cell array, wherein the cell array includes first and second cell array blocks arranged in a bit line direction, and first and second bit lines are selected from the first and second cell array blocks, respectively, to constitute a pair and coupled to differential input nodes in the sense amplifier array. |
| US08243486B2 |
Semiconductor device
The invention provides a semiconductor device having, in each of stacked chip dies, not only vias the number of which corresponds to the number of signals input to and output from a single chip die but also vias the number of which corresponds to the number of signals input to and output from the stacked chip dies, and switches for controlling the input and output to and from the vias. The conduction and non-conduction of the switches are controlled by means of ROMs, whereby signals from the plurality of chip dies stacked can be output in parallel. This eliminates the need of increasing the data transfer speed of each chip die in accordance with the transfer speed of the system. |
| US08243485B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and chip selection method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus having a plurality of stacked chips includes: a plurality of latch units, each of which is disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of chips and is configured to latch a clock signal and a frequency-divided signal at mutually different points of time to generate an chip identification signal of the corresponding one of the plurality of chips; and a plurality of chip selection signal generating units, each of which is disposed in the corresponding one of the plurality of chips and is configured to compare the chip identification signal of the corresponding one of the plurality of chips with a chip selection identification signal to generate a chip selection signal of the corresponding one of the plurality of chips, wherein the chip selection signal is configured to enable the corresponding one of the plurality of chips when the chip identification signal matches the chip selection identification signal. |
| US08243481B2 |
Power transformer and power converter incorporating same
Techniques for using multiple 18-pulse rectifier circuits in parallel are described herein. In particular, each rectifier circuit may include an autotransformer having 15 inductors coupled in series, joined by 15 nodes interposed between pairs of the inductors. The inductors may be represented as a hexagon in which alternating sides of the hexagon have two and three inductors, respectively. Each rectifier circuit may also include three inputs for three-phase AC power coupled to alternating vertices of the hexagonal representation and nine outputs for AC power coupled between each node that is not a vertex of the hexagonal representation and a respective diode bridge. Outputs of the diode bridges for the rectifier circuits may be coupled to a DC bus. In addition, a means for reducing circulating current between the parallel rectifier circuits and for promoting load sharing between the parallel rectifier circuits is also provided. |
| US08243478B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting maximum output power of a power converter
An example power converter includes an energy transfer element, a switch, a controller, and a current offset circuit. The controller switches the switch between an ON state and an OFF state to regulate the output of the power converter and is adapted to terminate the ON state of the switch in response to a switch current flowing through the switch reaching a switch current threshold. The current offset circuit is coupled to the input to be directly powered from an input voltage of the power supply. The current offset circuit generates an offset current to flow through the switch only during the ON state of the switch in response to a magnitude of the input voltage. The input current of the power converter is adjusted in response to the offset current. |
| US08243476B2 |
HEMT/GaN half-bridge circuit
A half-bridge circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an input voltage terminal operable to receive an input voltage, a first bi-directional switch, a second bi-directional switch connected in series with the first bi-directional switch, wherein the first and second bi-directional switches are connected to the input voltage terminal such that the input voltage is provided across the first and second bi-directional switches and a controller operable to turn the first and second bi-directional switches ON and OFF such that a desired voltage is provided at an midpoint node positioned between the first bi-directional switch and the second bi-directional switch. The first bi-directional switch and the second bi-directional switch are high electron mobility transistors structured to allow for conduction in two directions when ON and to prevent conduction in any direction when OFF. |
| US08243475B2 |
Resonance converting apparatus and synchronous rectification circuit
Provided is a resonance converting apparatus. The resonance converting apparatus preferably includes a resonant circuit, a bridge-type converter, and a synchronous rectification circuit. In which the resonant circuit has a transformer. The bridge-type converter connects with a primary side of the transformer, and operates open or close according to a switching signal. The synchronous rectification circuit further includes a pair of rectification transistors and driving circuits. The driving circuits correspondingly connect with channels to the rectification transistors, and respectively examine the current passing through the rectification transistors. A sensing signal is then generated. In accordance with the switching signal and the sensing signal, a driving signal is generated for driving the rectification transistor. Consequently the apparatus can raise the efficiency of the resonance converting apparatus. |
| US08243469B2 |
Ferrite inductors integrated within input/output cable port assembly of an electronics rack
An input/output cable port assembly and electromagnetic interference (EMI) attenuation method are provided. The port assembly includes a cable port structure for an electronics rack with an opening for input/output cables to pass therethrough, and a first and a second partition. The first and second partitions couple to the cable port structure and reside within the opening. The first partition includes at least one ferrite inductor portion and the second partition includes at least one second ferrite inductor portion. The partitions are configured to be disposed adjacent to each other as adjoining partitions within the cable port structure, and when disposed as adjoining partitions, the first and second ferrite inductor portions mate and define a ferrite inductor with a central opening for input/output cable(s) of the electronics rack to pass. The ferrite inductor attenuates electromagnetic interference resulting from transient or steady state currents on the cable(s) passing therethrough. |
| US08243465B2 |
Semiconductor device with additional power supply paths
A semiconductor device reduces the impedance of a wiring for supplying the circuit excluding a data output circuit with a power source voltage or a ground voltage and of speedup of data signal transmission in the data output circuit. Additional substrates 2a, 2b are on the upper surface of semiconductor chip 1. First additional wiring layer for power source 10d and first additional wiring layer for ground 10s formed on respective additional substrates 2a, 2b form prescribed conductive areas on semiconductor chip 1. First power source wiring 40C1d or first ground wiring 40C1s are interconnected through additional wiring layers 10d and 10s. Second power source wiring 40C2d and second ground wiring 40C2s, which is extended in the same direction as with DQ system signal wiring 40CDQ, forms a feedback current path. Second power source wiring 40C2d and second ground wiring 40C2s are disposed adjacent to DQ system signal wiring 40CDQ. |
| US08243464B2 |
Printed circuit board structure
Disclosed is a printed circuit board structure which is manufactured by providing a core board, forming an inner circuit layer on the core board surface, forming a bonding pad on the inner circuit, forming a ring-shaped anti-etching layer on the bonding pad, forming an anti-soldering insulation layer on the ring-shaped anti-etching layer and the bonding pad, and forming an opening to expose a part of the bonding pad, wherein the radius of the opening is shorter than the radius of the ring-shaped anti-etching layer, and the bonding pad surface is free of concave. The described structure may prevent the solder extending along the bottom void of the anti-soldering insulation layer to other regions. |
| US08243457B2 |
Electronic component mounting structure, electronic device and manufacturing method of an electronic device
An electronic component mounting structure includes: a casing provided with an accommodating portion, an insertion opening formed at outside of the accommodating portion, and a threaded hole to which a screw is fastened; an electronic component including a contact terminal having elasticity; a printed circuit board having a conductor layer electrically connectable to the contact terminal; and a fixing plate provided with a fitting portion configured to fit into the insertion opening, and a screw insertion hole through which the screw is inserted, and configured to fix the printed circuit board. In the accommodating portion, the fixing plate is disposed on the printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is disposed on the electronic component. The fixing plate is fixed to the casing by the screw inserted through the screw insertion hole in a state where the fitting portion is fitted into the insertion opening. |
| US08243454B2 |
Electronic control unit
In an electronic control unit, a semiconductor device that is installed to a circuit board includes a semiconductor chip, multiple leads and a resin body. The semiconductor chip is electrically connected to the circuit board through the leads and is molded in the resin body. A case receives the semiconductor device. A heat releasing gel contacts the semiconductor device, and conducts heat generated from the semiconductor device to a first cover of the case located on one side of the semiconductor device, which is opposite from the circuit board. A groove portion as a movement limiting means is placed at a location between the circuit board and the first cover. Therefore, movement of the heat releasing gel is limited, and heat can be released to a side of the case through the heat releasing gel with high efficiency. |
| US08243450B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a circuit board in the housing, a first back plate on the circuit board, a second back plate on the circuit board, and a connecting portion connecting the first back plate with the second back plate. |
| US08243449B2 |
Heat-transporting device and electronic apparatus
A heat-transporting device includes a working fluid, a vessel, a vapor-phase flow path, and a liquid-phase flow path. The working fluid transports heat using a phase change. The vessel seals in the working fluid. The vapor-phase flow path includes a first mesh member and causes the working fluid in a vapor phase to circulate inside the vessel, the first mesh member including a through-hole larger than a mesh thereof. The liquid-phase flow path causes the working fluid in a liquid phase to circulate inside the vessel. |
| US08243444B2 |
Electronic equipment provided with grip mechanism
Electronic equipment includes a protruding member on a bottom surface of a first housing. Thus, when a user holds a notebook PC with one hand, a palm is brought into contact with the protruding member, whereby the hand is less likely to shift relative to the first housing. Consequently, the notebook PC can be held in a stable position. Further, the protruding member is attachable/detachable with respect to the first housing. Thus, it is possible to place the electronic equipment on a planar surface such as a desk surface in a stable position by removing the protruding member. |
| US08243442B2 |
Integrated button assembly
An integrated switch assembly is described, the integrated switch assembly including at least an actuator and a flexible membrane mechanically coupled to the actuator, the flexible membrane formed of a resilient, electrically conductive material. In the described embodiment, the flexible membrane is held at a first electrical potential. The integrated switch assembly also includes at least an electrical contact at a second electrical potential connected to an electrical circuit. The integrated switch assembly is engaged when the actuator applies a mechanical force to the flexible membrane causing the flexible membrane to deflect to a point of contact with the electrical contact causing the electrical potential of the electrical contact to change from the second potential to the first potential. The electrical circuit detects the change in potential of the electrical contact as a signal. |
| US08243441B2 |
Battery cover structure
A battery cover structure includes a main body, a cover and a connecting module. The main body includes at least one latching portion. The main body defines a cavity for receiving a battery. The cavity includes an end wall. A protruding portion extends from the wall, and a gap is formed between the protruding portion and the wall. The cover includes at least one engaging portion engaged with the at least one latching portion. The connecting module includes a sliding member, at least one elastic element and a shaft. The sliding member is slidably attached to the cover. The shaft includes a middle portion received in the gap of the main body. The sliding member and the cover are rotatably attached to the main body by the shaft. |
| US08243437B2 |
Electronic device with expansion card
An electronic device includes a chassis having a bottom wall. A motherboard is disposed on the bottom wall. A riser card is perpendicularly connected to the motherboard. An airflow duct is located on the bottom wall of the chassis. A securing member is mounted to the airflow duct. The securing member includes a supporting piece secured to the airflow duct, and a securing piece is pivotally mounted to the supporting piece. The securing piece is engaged with the supporting piece to clamp an expansion card between the supporting piece and the securing piece. |
| US08243430B2 |
Cradling device of portable type electronic apparatus
A cradling device of a portable electronic apparatus, which includes a first housing, and a second housing which is slid from the first housing and then is cradled with a slant on the first housing. The second housing can rotate relative to the first housing. The cradling device includes a first member provided in the first housing; a slidable second member capable of sliding, which is provided in the second housing and faces the first member; and at least one cradling module provided in the first housing and the first member, which rotates the first member together with the second member on a rotation axis and cradles the second housing after sliding movement of the slidable second member. |
| US08243429B2 |
Cold worked metal housing for a portable electronic device
A cold worked stainless steel bezel for a portable electronic device is provided. The bezel is secured flush to a housing to form part of the case of the portable electronic device. A brace that includes a slot for receiving a wall extending from the bezel is fixed to the housing. When the bezel engages the housing, the wall of the bezel is inserted in the slot of the brace and releasably held by a spring that engages both the brace and the wall. The bezel can be released by disengaging the spring, (e.g., using a special tool or a magnetic field). Because the bezel is manufactured from cold worked stainless steel, it is hard and resistant to impacts. Cold worked steel also facilitates manufacturing within design constraints and tolerances, and requires very little machining after manufacturing to comply with those constraints. The portable electronic device may include a personal media device, a mobile telephone, or any other suitable device or combination thereof. |
| US08243428B2 |
Display assembly
A display assembly includes a flat panel display and a stand. The flat panel display includes a display screen, a housing and an angular adjusting mechanism. The angular adjusting mechanism includes a rotation motor and a transmission unit coupled to the rotation motor. The stand is pivotably attached to the flat panel display. The stand includes a wheel. The wheel is disposed in the housing of the display. The wheel is configured to engage with the transmission unit. The rotation motor is capable of being controlled to actuate the transmission unit and the wheel, thereby driving the stand to laterally rotate relative to the flat panel display. |
| US08243422B2 |
Motor control center and subunit therefor
A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly. |
| US08243415B2 |
Ignition plug and ignition system
An ignition plug having a center electrode, an insulator holding the center electrode in an axial bore, and a ground electrode disposed in contact with a front end portion of the insulator and having a through-hole whose center coincides with the axis of the center electrode. A semiconductor layer in contact with the center electrode and the ground electrode is formed in a portion of the surface of the insulator. |
| US08243414B2 |
Electrostatic device for damping a mechanical vibration movement of a resonant moving object
An electrostatic device for damping a mechanical vibration movement of a moving object, the moving object being made of an electrically conductive material, the movement of the moving object having at least one parasitic vibration mode of frequency fp to be damped, the device comprising an electrode ELE forming, with the moving object, a gap of capacitance C voltage-biased with a DC voltage V0 by a biasing circuit, the biasing circuit comprising, electrically connected in series with the electrode ELE: a load resistance R; possibly an inductance L; a parasitic capacitance Cp, characterized in that the biasing circuit further includes an electronic compensating device DEC having an impedance Zeq, which comprises a capacitance component Ceq, a resistance component Req, and possibly an inductance component Leq. |
| US08243411B2 |
Electronic miniature circuit breaker with trip indication using the breaker tripping function as the feedback mechanism
A method for identifying a type of fault condition in a circuit breaker includes monitoring a branch circuit for a fault condition. In response to detecting the fault condition, interrupting current flow through the branch circuit. The type of fault condition is stored in a memory device from which it is retrieved in response to receiving a control signal. The type of fault condition is indicated based on the mechanical position of a circuit breaker handle as a function of time. |
| US08243405B2 |
Circuit, integrated circuit and method for dissipating heat from an inductive load
A circuit comprises an inductive load. The circuit further comprises an energy-absorbing component operably coupled to the inductive load and arranged to absorb energy generated by the inductive load. |
| US08243402B2 |
Plug tail systems
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including at least one first AC power conductor disposed between an upstream AC power element and a device box and at least one second AC power conductor disposed between the device box and a downstream AC power element. The at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor are routed into an interior portion of the device box and accessible via a front open face of the device box. The system includes a connector device including a connector housing having a plurality of connector contacts disposed therein. The plurality of connector contacts are coupled to termination structures configured to couple the at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor to corresponding contacts of the plurality of connector contacts. An electrical wiring device includes a device housing having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion includes at least one user-accessible control element disposed thereon. The at least one user-accessible control element is coupled to an electrical switch mechanism disposed in the device housing and coupled to a plurality of device contacts. The plurality of device contacts are accessible by way of a device connection arrangement formed in the rear portion of the device housing. The plurality of device contacts are configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts when the connector device is coupled to the device connection arrangement. |
| US08243401B2 |
Tunneling magnetoresistance read sensor with dual sense layers
A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) read sensor with a Co—Fe—B lower sense layer and a Co—Hf upper sense layer is disclosed. In order for the dual sense layers to exhibit a negative saturation magnetostriction (λS), their Fe contents are either substantially reduced or even eliminated, instead of adding a conventional Ni—Fe film as an additional sense layer. By optimizing compositions and thicknesses of the dual sense layers, the dual sense layers indeed exhibit a negative λS, while the TMR sensor exhibits a TMR coefficient (ΔRT/RJ) of greater than 80% at a junction resistance-area product (RJAJ) of less than 2 Ω-μm2. |
| US08243398B2 |
Hybrid trackwidth read element
A magneto-resistive (MR) device for reading at least one of a legacy data and a present data magnetically recorded on at least one legacy track and a least one present track, respectively, is provided. The device comprises first and second MR elements, and first, second, and third permanent magnets. The first MR read element is positioned between the first and the second permanent magnets to stabilize the first MR read element while reading the legacy data from the media. The second MR element is positioned adjacent to the second permanent magnet and configured to read the present data from the media. The third permanent magnet is positioned adjacent to the second MR element and opposite to the second permanent magnet. The second and the third permanent magnets cooperate with each other to stabilize the second MR read element while reading the present data from the media. |
| US08243396B2 |
Tape drive system
A tape drive system according to one embodiment includes a support for engaging a tape; and a head directly opposing the support such that a tape engaging the support is positioned between the head and the support, the head being for performing at least one of reading from a tape and writing to a tape, wherein, during an operation period when the head is reading from or writing to a tape, the head is positioned such that at least one of the following occurs: the head does not contact the tape for a majority of the operation period; the head does not contact the tape for at least a portion of the operation period; and the head engages the tape for at least a portion of the operation period, the head pressing the tape towards the support when engaging the tape. |
| US08243393B2 |
Disk drive flexure
A flexure includes a metal base and a wiring portion. The wiring portion is constituted of an insulating layer, a conductor group, and others. A tongue portion is formed to a main portion of the metal base. A slider including an attached electronic unit is disposed to the tongue portion. The conductor group includes conductors electrically connected to the slider and conductors electrically connected to the attached electronic unit. Island-shaped electrical circuit portions are formed on the metal base. The electrical circuit portions are electrically independent from the main portion of the metal base. The conductors for the attached electronic unit are electrically conductive with respect to the electrical circuit portions through conductor coupling portions piercing the insulating layer. The electrical circuit portions are connected to terminal portions of the attached electronic unit. |
| US08243391B2 |
Slider and suspension composite fiber solder joints
Systems and methods for a slider and suspension assembly are discussed. The slider and suspension assembly comprises a slider, a suspension, and composite fiber solder. The composite fiber solder is coupled to the suspension and coupled to the slider. The composite fiber solder comprises a fiber, wherein the fiber is configured to increase a fracture resistance of the composite fiber solder compared to a solder without the fiber. |
| US08243387B2 |
Magnetic head with plated magnetic film formed on PdNi alloy electrode film
The present invention relates to a perpendicular recording magnetic head. A perpendicular recording element includes a main magnetic pole film for emitting a perpendicular magnetic field and is supported by a slider. The main magnetic pole film includes an electrode film and a plated film, the electrode film is an alloy film of at least one element selected from the platinum group and Ni, and the plated film is a magnetic film grown on the electrode film. |
| US08243385B2 |
Magnetic head having first, second and third arrays of writers
A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a first array of writers interleaved with readers; a second array of writers interleaved with readers, the writers of the first array being generally aligned with the writers of the second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto, the readers of the first array being generally aligned with the readers of the second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto; and a third array of writers interleaved with readers, the third array being positioned between the first and second arrays, the writers of the third array being generally aligned with the readers of the first and second arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, the readers of the third array being generally aligned with the writers of the first and second arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto. Other embodiments are also presented. |
| US08243382B2 |
Method of generating a position error signal, method of writing a data track, and method and apparatus for testing a head
A method of generating a position error signal for a desired radial position of a read/write head relative to a data track of a disk is disclosed. The track has a plurality of servo bursts defining a plurality of servo nulls for the track, and are positioned such that they are at more than four different radial positions relative to the track, and define a predetermined locus having a known position relationship with the track. The method comprises determining a target null position on the null locus corresponding to the radial position of the head relative to the track; detecting the position of the servo null with the head; determining from the detected servo null position the position error of the head relative to the target null position; and, generating a position error signal. |
| US08243380B2 |
Electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter for a camera
A device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of a camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include an electromechanical solenoid that provides a mechanical force to move a cantilevered filter arm between a first position and a second position according to the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the electromechanical solenoid. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include an electrical switch for determining the position of the cantilevered filter arm during operation. |
| US08243377B2 |
Telescope
A telescope has a joint for universally bearing an optical assembly in relation to a housing. The joint is designed as an elastic spring joint. |
| US08243373B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
When the lens barrel is in the storage state, a part of a lens group and a group cylinder are inserted into an aperture of a diaphragm unit and a shutter blade of a shutter unit is closed for light shielding. With this arrangement, the cylinder length in the storage state is shortened, and the performance degradation of an image sensor and optical components provided on a front side of an image sensor can be prevented as well. |
| US08243365B2 |
Microscope
A microscope includes a main body, a transmitted light source, and a transmitted-light illumination optical system. The main body has a substantially C-shape when viewed from side, and is composed of a lower horizontal portion, an upper horizontal portion, and a brace portion. The brace portion connects between the lower horizontal portion and the upper horizontal portion on their rear side. The transmitted-light illumination optical system brings an illumination light from the transmitted light source to a specimen supported by the main body, and illuminates the specimen with the illumination light transmitted therethrough. The transmitted-light illumination optical system and the transmitted light source are removably attached to the lower horizontal portion of the main body. |
| US08243364B2 |
Reflective optical element and EUV lithography appliance
A reflective optical element and an EUV lithography appliance containing one such element are provided, the appliance displaying a low propensity to contamination. The reflective optical element has a protective layer system includes at least two layers. The optical characteristics of the protective layer system are between those of a spacer and an absorber, or correspond to those of a spacer. The selection of a material with the smallest possible imaginary part and a real part which is as close to 1 as possible in terms of the refractive index leads to a plateau-type reflectivity course according to the thickness of the protective layer system between two thicknesses d1 and d2. The thickness of the protective layer system is selected in such a way that it is less than d2. |
| US08243362B2 |
Quasicrystalline structures and uses thereof
This invention relates generally to the field of quasicrystalline structures. In preferred embodiments, the structure is heterostructure comprising dielectric materials arranged in two-dimensional space such that the overall structure is more rotationally symmetric than periodic structures. Symmetry may be five-fold or greater than six-fold. Such higher rotational symmetries provide stopgaps in nearly all directions. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of quasicrystalline structures for optical, mechanical, electrical and magnetic purposes. In some embodiments, the invention relates to manipulating, controlling, modulating and directing waves including electromagnetic, sound, spin, and surface waves, for a pre-selected range of wavelengths propagating in multiple directions. |
| US08243361B2 |
Electrophoretic display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An electrophoretic display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrophoretic display apparatus includes a driving substrate, an electrophoretic display panel disposed on the driving substrate, a controller disposed on the driving substrate, and a conductive element. The electrophoretic display panel comprises a peripheral region and a display region, and the display region is positioned between the controller and the peripheral region. The first conductive element is disposed in the peripheral region, and electrically connected the controller and the electrophoretic display panel. |
| US08243360B2 |
Device having a conductive light absorbing mask and method for fabricating same
A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements. |
| US08243359B2 |
Window blind with illuminated lamellae
The invention relates to a window blind (10) with at least one lamella (25) and at least one lighting element (20), wherein the lamella (25) comprises an illuminating body (30), the lighting element (20) injects an artificial light (21) into the illuminating body (30), the illuminating body (30) comprises a light guiding material, configured to transport the artificial light (21), the illuminating body (30) comprises a light extraction means (40), configured to receive and to deflect the artificial light (21) out of the illuminating body (30). The invention discloses, that the light extraction means (40) is embedded within the illuminating body (30), and the light extraction means (40) is controllable, in order to vary the degree of deflection of the artificial light (21). |
| US08243357B2 |
Fabrication of low defectivity electrochromic devices
Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition. |
| US08243354B2 |
Control apparatus and method of external modulator
A control apparatus for an external modulator that modulates light emitted from a light source based on an input signal, the control apparatus comprises: a low-frequency signal generating device that generates and outputs a low-frequency signal having a predetermined frequency; a signal superimposing device that superimposes a first modulation signal, which is the input signal on the low-frequency signal, to make a second modulation signal, and applies this second modulation signal to the external modulator; a low-frequency signal detecting device that detects the low-frequency signal component from an optical output of the external modulator, compares a phase of this detected low-frequency signal with a phase of a low-frequency signal output from the low-frequency signal generating device, and outputs a signal according to a phase difference; an operating point control device that controls based on an output signal of the low-frequency signal detecting device, so as to compensate for operating point drift of the external modulator; an optical power level detecting device that detects an average value of an optical output of the external modulator; and a variable gain amplifying device configured so as to set a gain based on a detection output of the optical power level detecting device, that amplifies an output of the low-frequency signal detecting device, and outputs this to the operating point control device, wherein gain of the variable gain amplifying device is set so that a closed-loop gain of a loop from an output side of the external modulator through the operating point control device and back to the external modulator, becomes constant. |
| US08243353B1 |
Holography-based device, system and method for coded aperture imaging
A system and related method for coded aperture sensing, comprising: passing at least one scene wavefront from a target scene through at least one original coded aperture mask onto a focal plane array, producing a diffracted projection of the target scene; and processing the diffracted projection into a representation of the target scene by correlating a function of the diffracted projection with a function of a known array pattern of the at least one original coded aperture mask and by using at least one reconstructing wavefront for holographic reconstructing. |
| US08243350B2 |
Apparatus with image reading units arranged in zigzag manner for obtaining digital data to generate one-line image data
In a color reading apparatus for successively reading respective red, green, and blue colors in each line while a document is continuously conveyed to a plurality of line sensor units arranged in a zigzag manner, the line sensor units are arranged with a distance equal to or shorter than a unit of line to prevent a color shift. When read data of the plurality of line sensor units in a conveying direction are to be combined, image data shifted by the number of lines corresponding to distances between the line sensor units in the conveying direction are set as first combination candidates. A color code and a line code are added to each of the data. Image data having the same color code and the same line code are combined. According to the image reading apparatus structured as described above, it is possible to obtain data capable of reproducing read data for each color on the same line without errors. |
| US08243345B2 |
Scan unit having EMI noise blocking unit and image forming apparatus having the scan unit
A scan unit having an electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise blocking unit and usable with an image forming apparatus includes a document plate supporting a document, a reading module which is disposed under the document plate, performs a reciprocating motion, and includes an image sensor that reads an image of the document and generates an image signal in response to the read image, a flexible flat cable (FFC) which is connected to the reading module and functions as a transfer path of power and the image signal, and an EMI noise blocking unit which blocks noise that occurs when the image signal of the reading module is transmitted. |
| US08243344B2 |
Media drive
Various embodiments and methods relating to a media drive are disclosed. |
| US08243341B2 |
Imaging device with adjustable imaging surface
An imaging device has an adjustable imaging surface that can be readily enlarged by a user from a first size to a second size and reduced by the user from the second size to the first size to meet imaging requirements. The imaging device thus permits imaging of larger documents than its desktop footprint would conventionally support. For example, when a user of such an imaging device has a full sheet document that requires flatbed scanning, the user can temporarily enlarge the imaging surface from half sheet size to full sheet size and scan the document. Once the user has scanned the document, the user can reduce the imaging surface from the full sheet size to the half sheet size to reduce the desktop footprint of the imaging device. |
| US08243340B2 |
Pre-processing of image data for enhanced compression
Embodiments herein provide for a pre-processing stage or mechanism for enhancing data compression of an image by splitting or separating the color channels for pixels into planar data sources. Typically, image data is displayed as an interleaved set of channel types for a color space such that each pixel within an image (such as a bitmap) has one component for each color channel. By separating the interleaved bitmap into a planar representation, each plane can be compressed independently and often times achieve higher compression ratios. This is especially true for channels that are expected to stay fairly constant throughout the bitmap most of the time. The utilization of the above embodiment can be further enhanced through manipulation of channel data or through converting the color space from one form to another. |
| US08243338B2 |
Providing privacy for electronic voting using encryption
In some embodiments, techniques for voting and visual cryptography may include various enhancements. |
| US08243330B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium for performing color material saving process
An apparatus includes an obtaining part for obtaining image data of a document and a processing part for performing a color material saving process on the image data. The image data includes an edge part and a non-edge part. The apparatus includes a determining part configured to determine whether the document includes a low line-screen ruling area. When the document is determined not to include the low line-screen ruling area, the processing part is configured to perform a first process so that an amount of color material reduced for forming the non-edge part is greater than an amount of color material reduced for forming the edge part. When the document is determined to include the low line-screen ruling area, the processing part is configured to perform a second process so that the amounts of color material reduced for forming the edge part and the non-edge parts are uniform. |
| US08243329B2 |
Printing control device, print data generation device, printing system and printing control program
A printing control device that specifies to a printing apparatus a coloring material volume set which is a combination of usage amounts of coloring materials when the printing apparatus executes printing by depositing a plurality of coloring materials onto a recording medium, including: a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data of pixels having an information area for storing an index associated with the coloring material volume set; a color conversion unit that acquires the coloring material volume set corresponding to the index stored in the pixel; and a printing control unit that executes printing by specifying to the printing apparatus the coloring material volume set acquired by the color conversion unit. |
| US08243327B2 |
Method for generating basic template utilized to form screening mask
Disclosed is a method for generating a basic template utilized to form a screening mask. The method includes adjusting lines per inch or minimum pattern (such as cluster size or density) of a testing template, printing the adjusted testing template by an outputting device, determining if the gray level of the printing result matches a specific gray level, and continuously adjusting the setting of the lines per inch or the minimum pattern when it does not match the specific gray level, otherwise selecting the adjusted testing template as a basic template. The basic template is optimized according to the printing ability of the outputting device, so the printing performance of the outputting device when using the screening mask formed from the basic template can also be optimized, and the minimum color points can be printed faithfully thereby avoiding dropping of the carbon powder. |
| US08243325B2 |
Method for prepress-time color match verification and correction
A method of matching color elements for objects within a print job prior to printing, includes for each page in the print job, identifying all objects and their associated object properties within the page; for each object, identifying, according to predetermined object property criteria, if the object is a candidate for a color matching task; for each of the identified candidates, filtering the object properties using a predetermined visual relevance metric, such that objects having less than the predetermined visual relevance metric are removed from consideration; defining each candidate object satisfying the predetermined visual relevance metric as a color matching object with respect to at least a second color matching object thus defining a color matching object group; for each such color matching object group, either alerting a user to a problem or resolving the problem by assigning common rendering across the color matching object group. |
| US08243321B2 |
Document processing apparatus and document processing method
A data acquisition unit that acquires data from a server, a generation unit that generates a first document that has been laid out by merging the data into a template that describes layout information, a rendering unit that renders the first document that has been laid out to obtain a document for output, and a document association unit that associates a document set, the first document that has been laid out and the document for output are comprised. The rendering unit renders a second document that has been laid out obtained by editing the first document that has been laid out to obtain a second document for output, and the document association unit associates the document set, the second document that has been laid out and the second document for output. |
| US08243318B2 |
Imaging apparatus having a document planar member with an input operating state
An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system. A controller is communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacent the scanner opening. A document planar member is positioned across the scanner opening. The document planar member is communicatively coupled to the controller. The document planar member has an input operating state wherein the document planar member receives at least one input from a user input object and supplies the at least one input to the controller for further processing. |
| US08243317B2 |
Hierarchical arrangement for spooling job data
A hierarchical spooling data structure includes a plurality of nodes. In accordance with certain aspects, the plurality of nodes include at least four nodes: a first node representing a fixed page of the job; a second node representing a fixed document of the job, the second node including a reference to the first node; a third node containing data representing a fixed sequence of documents of the job, the third node including a reference to the second node; and a fourth node containing data representing a root of the job, the fourth node including a reference to the third node. |
| US08243308B2 |
Image processing apparatus for setting image quality mode and processing image data based on supplemental information
A first image-data processing unit unifies characteristics of input image data so that the image data is usable in an image writing unit and an external device, stores characteristic-unified image data in a storing unit, and changes an attribute of supplemental information according to an image input condition. When converting target image data into image data with characteristics suitable for outputting to the image writing unit and an external interface unit, a second image-data processing unit makes the stored image data be reusable in the image writing unit and the external device by performing an image processing based on the supplemental information. |
| US08243306B2 |
Communication program, method of installing image processing apparatus control program and image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus and a host apparatus are connected to a network. Before the host apparatus uses the image processing apparatus for the first time, a communication program and information describing the image processing apparatus and its network address are transferred from the image processing apparatus to the host apparatus, and the host apparatus runs the communication program. On the basis of the transferred information, the communication program accesses a driver server through the network, downloads an image processing apparatus control program, installs the image processing apparatus control program in the host apparatus, and makes necessary settings. An up-to-date version of the control program for the image processing apparatus is thereby installed in the host apparatus without the need for input from the user. |
| US08243302B2 |
Image transmission apparatus and method
An improved image transmission apparatus capable of reducing the amount of work involved in the checking and transmission operations performed by the user at the time of image data transmission, the apparatus including an address accept unit that accepts input of a first address and a second address, a reader that reads an original document to obtain data pertaining thereto, a first transmission unit that sends original document data obtained by the reader to the first address, a receiving unit that receives a reply from the first address responding to the transmission by the first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit that sends the original document data to the second address when the receiving unit receives from the first address a reply indicating acceptability of the original document data. |
| US08243289B2 |
System and method for dynamic windowing
A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume is provided. The system receives image data from a sensor, where the image data including peaks corresponding to the intersection of laser lines with the feature. The system generates a dynamic window based on the entropy of the peaks. |
| US08243288B2 |
Object detection system and object detection method
Disclosed herein is an object detection system including, a light radiation section, a light sweeping block, a light reflection body, a reflected-light detection section, and a reflected-light analysis section. |
| US08243283B2 |
Diffuse optical imaging corrected for boundary effects
A method of optically imaging an object includes the determination of a source point and a destination point within the object. Planar boundaries are selected that approximate a geometrical shape of the object, and virtual sources are found using a reflection of the original source through the boundaries. Subsequent reflections of the added sources may be used to find higher order sources. Contributions to an optical transfer function from each of the added sources are added to determine a cumulative optical transfer function until a convergence limit is reached. The resulting optical transfer function is more accurate than the original in that it takes boundary phenomena into consideration. |
| US08243282B2 |
Interferometric shape measurement of different signs of curvature
A measurement method of the present invention is a measurement method for measuring a shape of a target T from an interference pattern generated by interference between a reflected light of the target and a reference spherical surface. The measurement method includes a first measurement step which positions the target T in a first region 30a at a light source side with respect to a focal position 20 of the reference spherical surface to measure the interference pattern, and a second measurement step which positions the target T in a second region 30b opposite to the first region with respect to the focal position 20 of the reference spherical surface to measure the interference pattern. |
| US08243281B2 |
Method and system for measuring a surface of an object
Methods and systems for measuring a surface of an object are provided, wherein portions of the surface of the object are interferometrically measured and data representing a shape of the surface of the object are obtained by stitching the measurement data corresponding to each portion together. For measuring the individual portions of the surface of the object a variable light shaping member is utilized preferably constructed by arranging two diffraction gratings in a beam path of measuring light and appropriately displacing the two diffraction gratings relative to each other depending on a target shape of a particular portion of the surface of the object. |
| US08243277B2 |
Surface plasmon apparatus
A surface plasmon apparatus includes a light source, a sensor unit for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) which includes a transparent sensor structure forming at least one wall of a cavity, the wall being defined by a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, wherein the inner surface is provided with a layer of a conductive material capable of supporting a surface plasmon, a flow structure in the cavity so as to form at least one compartment for sample between the flow structure and the inner wall of the cavity, a detector for detecting reflected light from the sensor unit, and a processing unit. |
| US08243275B2 |
Optical measurement apparatus and optical measurement method for a liquid or molten material
An apparatus for optical measurement of a liquid or molten material, which has: a transparent container which has a bottom face and is capable of containing a to-be-measured material therein, with the bottom face at least having a flat face and being transparent; and an optical device that irradiates a light to the bottom face of the container and that detects and measures a reflected light from the bottom face; and a method for optically measuring a liquid or molten material using the apparatus. |
| US08243272B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting normal levels of bacteria in water using a multiple angle light scattering (MALS) instrument
A particle detection system uses a camera to produce a picture based on the scattered light generated by a particle in a liquid medium, when a laser beam is incident on the particle. These pictures are then automatically analyzed through the use of a processing system (e.g., a computer). The processing system is configured to record the forward scattering intensity (e.g., amplitude) and the picture of the scattered light rays to generate a classification of the particle causing the scattering. Count rate and trends of the classified particles are monitored to detect a change that is representative of the overall health safety of the water or by knowing the levels of bacteria in process water, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) feed water, reject brine, and product water, the operator may better monitor the life and condition of the RO membrane. |
| US08243269B2 |
Raman spectral analysis of sub-surface tissues and fluids
Apparatus and methods for determining, in-vivo, characteristics of sub-surface tissues or fluids in the human or animal body are disclosed. Incident radiation is supplied at one or more entry regions on a surface, and light is collected from one or more collection regions spaced from the entry regions. Raman features are detected in the collected light and depth related information derived therefrom. |
| US08243268B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, optical constant obtaining method, and storage medium storing program executing same
In a method of obtaining an optical constant of each the films of a film-stacked structure formed on a substrate, a basic process obtains an optical constant of each of the films by successively providing the films one by one as a target film from bottom to top and obtaining an optical constant of the target film by using a previously obtained optical constant of a below-located film that is located below the target film and a re-obtaining process re-obtains the optical constant of each of the films by correcting the previously obtained optical constant of the below-located film and the optical constant of the target film obtained in the basic process. |
| US08243263B2 |
Optical inspection method and optical inspection apparatus
In the conventional contaminant particle/defect inspection method, if the illuminance of the illumination beam is held at not more than a predetermined upper limit value not to give thermal damage to the sample, the detection sensitivity and the inspection speed being in the tradeoff relation with each other, it is very difficult to improve one of the detection sensitivity and the inspection speed without sacrificing the other or improve both at the same time. The invention provides an improved optical inspection method and an improved optical inspection apparatus, in which a pulse laser is used as a light source, and a laser beam flux is split into a plurality of laser beam fluxes which are given different time delay to form a plurality of illumination spots. The scattered light signal from each illumination spot is isolated and detected by using a light emission start timing signal for each illumination spot. |
| US08243258B2 |
Lithographic apparatus having acoustic resonator
A lithographic apparatus may be provided with an acoustic resonator to dampen an acoustic vibration in the lithographic apparatus. The acoustic resonator may include a Helmholtz resonator. The helmholz resonator may be provided with an active element to provide active damping and/or altering a spring characteristic of the mass spring assembly formed by the resonator. The resonator may be provided at a slit in a shield between the patterning device stage and the projection system to suppress transfer of acoustical vibrations, caused by e.g. a movement of the patterning device stage, to the projection system. |
| US08243257B2 |
Position measurement system, exposure apparatus, position measuring method, exposure method and device manufacturing method, and tool and measuring method
A first grating is placed on the upper surface of wafer stage WST, and on the +Y side of the first grating, a calibration area is arranged where an auxiliary grating is formed. By performing a predetermined calibration process using the calibration area, such as calibration process related to position measurement of the wafer stage using a head and the like of an encoder, it becomes possible to perform position control of the wafer stage in the predetermined direction with good precision using the encoder after the calibration process. |
| US08243256B2 |
Measurement apparatus for measuring an aberration of an optical system, measurement method, exposure apparatus, and device fabrication method
The present invention provides a measurement apparatus which measures a wavefront aberration of a measurement target optical system, the apparatus including a fringe scanning unit configured to perform fringe scanning by changing a phase difference between test light and reference light, a determination unit configured to determine a nonlinear error representing a nonlinear change in feature amount, which is derived from an interference pattern between the test light and the reference light, with respect to predetermined control data by performing fringe scanning by the fringe scanning unit in accordance with the control data in a plurality of phase states, and a correction unit configured to correct, based on the nonlinear error determined by the determination unit, a wavefront aberration of the measurement target optical system calculated from the interference pattern between the test light and the reference light. |
| US08243254B2 |
Exposing method, exposure apparatus, and device fabricating method
An exposure apparatus comprises: a first detection apparatus, which detects the temperature of a liquid after the liquid contacts a prescribed object; and a processing apparatus that detects the relationship between the temperature of the liquid and the temperature of the object based on the detection result of the first detection apparatus. |
| US08243253B2 |
Lyophobic run-off path to collect liquid for an immersion lithography apparatus
An exposure apparatus for transferring an image to a device includes an optical assembly, an immersion fluid system, and a device stage assembly. The optical assembly is positioned so that there is a gap above the device. The immersion fluid system fills the gap with an immersion fluid. The device stage assembly includes a sloped region that facilitates movement of the immersion fluid that exits the gap away from the device. The device stage assembly can include a collection region and a recovery system that recovers immersion fluid from the collection region. |
| US08243250B2 |
Photographic lens unit and electronic apparatus using the same
A unit including lenses and a liquid crystal optical element located inside a lens barrel frame, an optical image-electric signal converting element located on a converting element holder, a driving mechanism relatively driving the holder to a board on a base of the barrel frame in directions perpendicular to an optical axis of the lenses, and a holder fixed to the barrel frame and holding the optical element by first and second facing portions of two retention members. The first facing portion includes a first surface and a second surface crossing the first surface, these surfaces contact with a first side and a second side crossing the first side of at least one transparent electrode plate of the optical element to position the optical element perpendicular to the optical axis. The second facing portion presses and positions the optical element on the first facing portion in an optical axis direction. |
| US08243245B2 |
BSC macrostructure for three-dimensional wiring and substrate having the BSC macrostructure
A BSC macrostructure for three-dimensional wiring includes a BSC (boundary scan cell) and an aperture electrode for electrode connection which is connected to the BSC. |
| US08243242B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, method for producing same, and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates, a plurality of gate lines arranged in parallel, a plurality of common lines arranged in parallel, a plurality of source lines arranged in such a manner that the direction of the source lines intersects the direction of the gate lines and the common lines, thin-film transistors arranged in the vicinity of intersections of the gate lines and source lines, lower electrodes arranged in respective regions separated by the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of source lines, the lower electrodes being connected to the common lines and composed of a transparent conductive material, upper electrodes arranged on surfaces of the respective lower electrodes with an insulating film provided between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, each of the upper electrodes having a plurality of slits arranged in parallel with one another, the gate lines, the common lines, the source lines, the thin-film transistors, the lower electrodes, and upper electrodes being arranged on one of the pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer arranged between the pair of substrates and driven by an electric field produced between the lower electrodes and the upper electrodes, and first conductive material layers arranged on surfaces of the common lines at intersections of the source lines and the common lines. |
| US08243241B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method therefor
A liquid crystal display device including first and second substrates with a liquid crystal layer therebetween. A first electrode is formed on the first substrate, and a second electrode is formed on the second substrate. The first electrode is divided into at least two regions such that at least two domains of different liquid crystal orientation directions are defined within a single pixel. A first of the at least two regions and a second of the at least two regions are located in a diagonal manner with respect to each other, and each include a slit pattern. A polymer, formed from a polymerizable compound that has been polymerized, is formed between the first and second substrates, wherein the amount of the polymerizable compound remaining in the liquid crystal layer after the polymerization is not more than 0.05 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal layer. |
| US08243240B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing that
An organic solvent includes a photo decomposition type polyimide acid which forms an alignment film of a liquid crystal display device by radiation of a polarized light. A viscosity of the photo decomposition type polyimide acid is not more than 35 mPa·s. |
| US08243235B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate including gate and data line on a first substrate to define first and second sub-pixel regions and a thin film transistor in each of the first and second sub-pixel regions; a color filter substrate including a color filter layer including first and second color filters corresponding to the first and second sub-pixel regions, respectively, a portion of the first color filter overlapping a portion of the second color filter over the data line; and a liquid crystal layer between the array substrate and the color filter substrate. |
| US08243234B2 |
Color filter substrate and fabricating method thereof, LCD panel and LCD device
A color filter substrate has a transparent substrate; a color filter layer, disposed on the transparent substrate; an inorganic layer, disposed in a predetermined spatial relationship with the color filter layer; and a patterned conductive layer, disposed with the inorganic layer, wherein the patterned conductive layer has a plurality of slits exposing a portion of the inorganic layer. |
| US08243233B2 |
Liquid-crystal electro-optical apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal device comprising: a pair of substrates having an electrode arrangement thereon; an orientation control means provided on at least one of said substrates; and a ferroelectric or antiferroelectric liquid crystal layer interposed between said substrates, said liquid crystal layer being uniaxially oriented by virtue of said orientation control means, wherein means for suppressing an orientation control effect of said orientation control means with respect to said liquid crystal layer is provided between said liquid crystal layer and said orientation control means. |
| US08243231B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus including the same
A backlight unit may be provided that includes a substrate, light sources, a light guide plate, at least one reflecting member, and an optical sheet. The light sources may be on the substrate. The light guide plate may include a light incident part having a light incident surface to which streaks of light respectively emitted from the light sources are laterally incident, and a light emitting part emitting the incident streaks of light upward. The reflecting member may be disposed on a lower surface of the light guide plate, and may reflect the incident light. The optical sheet may be disposed above the light guide plate. The reflecting member may include a first region having a first reflectance and a second region having a second reflectance. |
| US08243229B2 |
Display enclosure
A low profile display enclosure system for enclosing a display device for viewing that protects the display device from environmental effects and is configured to dissipate heat generated within the display enclosure. The substantially sealed display enclosure comprises a rigid bezel, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel, and a rear cover assembly that includes a heat sink portion. The thickness of the bezel is minimized to provide the enclosure with a low profile about the periphery of the display device enclosed therein. Thermal control devices may be mounted within the enclosure to modulate a temperature within the enclosure. |
| US08243223B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel; a backlight unit disposed under the liquid crystal panel and including a light source and an optical sheet, the optical sheet including a protrusion extending from two opposite sides; and a bottom frame under the backlight unit and including a counter part, the counter part including an opening such that the protrusion is inserted into the opening. |
| US08243220B2 |
Display device
It is an object to provide a highly reliable display device. It is a feature an IC is over a substrate and a material layer having the same height is thereover. An IC is provided on one side of the substrate, and a material layer having the same height as the IC is provided on at least another side. Further, an IC is provided on one side of the substrate, and material layers having the same height as the IC are provided on the other sides. Further, an IC is provided on one side of the substrate, and a material layer having the same height as the IC is provided at a corner of the substrate. |
| US08243215B2 |
Hood for vehicle seat headrest including a video system
A video system comprises a hood sized for fitting over a vehicle seat headrest, wherein the hood includes a display and a media player, a base portion attached to the hood, and a door pivotally attached to the base portion, wherein the display is mounted to the door and the media player is mounted to the door or mounted in the base portion. |
| US08243213B2 |
Monitor apparatus
A monitor apparatus includes a monitor main body and a monitor stand pivotably connected with the monitor main body. A pair of rolling members is attached to a base of the monitor main body. The monitor stand and the rolling members are seated on a same plane for supporting the monitor main body. The monitor main body is capable of rotating about an axis parallel or vertical to the plane. |
| US08243212B2 |
Display apparatus, display monitor and television receiver
When dividing one frame into a plurality of sub-frames to carry out image display, in a gradation range which is able to be displayed using only sub-frames other than the last sub-frame (for example, luminance ½ or less in the case of two-part division, and luminance ¾ or less in the case of four-part division), the luminance of the last sub-frame is set as the minimum luminance, and luminance display is carried out using the other sub-frames. |
| US08243206B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting channel between duplicate service channels at digital broadcasting receiver
A method and an apparatus for selecting a channel at a digital broadcasting receiver when duplicate channel services are found are provided. A method for generating a channel list at a digital broadcasting receiver includes scanning a plurality of broadcast channels, determining whether there exist one or more channels of the same broadcast service among the scanned broadcast channels, and linking the channels of the same broadcast service based on a priority. A method for selecting for a channel at a digital broadcasting receiver includes, when receiving weak broadcast signal while tuning to a first broadcast channel and receiving a broadcast signal, determining whether the first broadcast channel is linked to one or more other broadcast channels, selecting a second broadcast channel of a greater signal strength among the one or more other broadcast channels linked to the first broadcast channel, and tuning to the second broadcast channel and receiving the broadcast signal. |
| US08243205B2 |
Television receiving system
The present invention discloses a television receiving system comprising: a smart antenna having a receiving unit that electrically switches directions of receiving television broadcasting signals and a connecting portion that is detachably connected to the receiving unit; and a television receiver couple with the receiving unit though the connecting portion and having a holding portion that holds the receiving unit detached from the connecting portion on a rear surface of the television receiver where is opposite to a front surface displaying videos. |
| US08243199B2 |
Apparatus, method and program for enabling content displayed on a display screen to be switched
An information processing apparatus includes a content display control section switching contents to be displayed on a display screen, and a related information display control section displaying, during a switching period when a content displayed on the display screen is switched from one content to another content, related information related to the other content, wherein the related information display control section fades out the related information displayed on the display screen at the time of displaying the other content on the display screen. |
| US08243193B2 |
Camera module and portable electronic device using the module
A camera module includes a housing, a lens unit, and a rotating unit. The rotating unit rotatably connects to one end of the housing. The lens unit is mounted on the other end of the housing. The rotating unit includes a rotating platform and a reflector mounted thereon. When the rotating platform rotates, the reflector rotates accordingly. |
| US08243192B2 |
Electronic device having light source
An electronic device includes a body, a camera module, a light source, and a lens. The body includes an upper surface defining a blind hole and a primary recess communicated with the blind hole. The camera module is embedded in the upper surface of the body near the blind hole. The light source is received in the blind hole with has a light emitting surface. The light emitting surface faces the entrance of the blind hole. The lens is movably received in the recess. The lens is capable of partly sliding out from the recess to cover the light emitting surface of the light source. |
| US08243191B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging control method for focusing by determining a focusing position
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging optical system including a focus lens; an imaging element generates an image indicating an object image; a lens drive device which moves the focus lens along an optical axis direction of the imaging optical system; an evaluation value calculation device which calculates an evaluation value of a contrast for each of a plurality of evaluation value calculation areas while moving the focus lens; a point light source presence/absence determination device which determines a presence or absence of a point light source in a specific region of the image; an area selection device which selects a focusing determination area based on the presence or absence of the point light source; and a focusing control device which determines the focusing position of the focus lens based on the evaluation value in the focusing determination area and moves the focus lens to the focusing position. |
| US08243190B2 |
Solid state image pickup device and camera with focus detection using level shifting
A solid-state image pickup device wherein, in order to obtain an output of large amplitude from a low-contrast object without using a bottom detecting circuit to thereby increase a capturing rate, an accumulation end is determined when a maximum value signal in a photosensor array reaches a predetermined accumulation end level, and an amplifier circuit unit is provided for amplifying a signal, which is outputted from each of the pixels of the photosensor array, with reference to the maximum value signal of the photosensor array and for outputting the signal. |
| US08243188B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus of the invention comprises a camera body and a lens unit which can be mounted on and removed from the camera body. The focusing lens of the lens unit is moved along the optical axis. The position of the focusing lens on the optical axis is detected by a position detection section in response to a synchronization signal according to the photographic timing of the imaging device. A second transmission section transmits position data on the focusing lens detected by the position detection section to the camera body. |
| US08243177B2 |
Wafer-scale cluster image sensor chip and method with replicated gapless pixel line and signal readout circuit segments
A multi-pixel row wafer-scale cluster image sensor chip (WCISC) is proposed. Expressed in X-Y-Z coordinates with its pixel rows along X-axis, the WCISC converts areal image frame (IMFM) into areal image frame signal (AIFS). The WCISC includes multiple imaging pixel rows PXRW1, . . . , PXRWM. Each PXRWi has photoelectrical sensing elements spanning pixel row width PRWi and producing a pixel row image signal PRISi. Each PXRWi is offset from PXRW1 by distance XOFSTi and spaced from PXRWi−1 by distance SPi−1,I such that X- and Y-extremities of (PXRW1, . . . , PXRWM) define IMFM. The WCISC is so configured that any image pixel sweeping through IMFM will be sensed by at least one imaging pixel row. In the presence of Y-directional relative motion between WCISC and IMFM and an external electronic imaging controller (EEIC) interfacing with the WCISC, the EEIC can extract all PRISi from WCISC and reconstruct the AIFS. |
| US08243169B2 |
Apparatus and method for improved digital image playback
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for improving digital image playback by switching among a plurality of displayed playback images according to a control signal generated from a user input. The apparatus includes a playback image generating unit (in an embodiment, a digital signal processor), which generates a playback image by using image data included in an image file. A display unit displays the playback image generated by the playback image processor. A detecting unit determines the duration of the control signal generated from the user input, and the playback image generating unit adjusts a specified speed of switching among a plurality of playback images according to the input of the control signal and the specified speed of switching playback images is adjusted according to the detected duration. |
| US08243167B2 |
Image sensor having output of integral image
An image sensor having an output of an integral image is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel circuit, a line accumulator, and a volume accumulator. The pixel circuit includes a plurality of pixels for capturing pixel values of the pixels. The line accumulator is used for accumulating the pixel values of the pixels from a first pixel to a target pixel in a target pixel line of the image so as to obtain an accumulated line pixel value. The volume accumulator is used for adding the accumulated line pixel value output by the line accumulator to an integral pixel value of the pixel corresponding to the target pixel in a previous pixel line of the target pixel line, and using an adding result as the integral pixel value of the target pixel, so as to output the integral pixel value of the target pixel to form an integral image. |
| US08243165B2 |
Video camera with flicker prevention
A video camera includes an image sensor. The image sensor repeatedly outputs an object scene image produced on an imaging surface having a plurality of pixels lined up in a vertical direction. A driver repeatedly executes an exposing operation for exposing the imaging surface for each pixel lined up in a vertical direction. A CPU repeatedly detects a plurality of luminance values respectively corresponding to a plurality of flicker evaluation areas allocated to the imaging surface in a manner to be located at positions different from one another in a vertical direction, based on the object scene image outputted from the image sensor. Moreover, the CPU determines the presence or absence of a flicker based on the plurality of luminance values thus detected. |
| US08243160B2 |
Imaging processor
An imaging and processing device includes: an optical element; a single imager with a color filter array of a plurality of colors attached thereto for outputting a value according to an amount of light which has been guided by the optical element and transmitted through the color filter array, thereby enabling to obtain separate images of the plurality of colors for every frame time point; a first adder section for adding together values, associated with a first color of the plurality of colors, of different images obtained over a plurality of frame time points; a second adder section for adding together a plurality of values, associated with a second color of the plurality of colors other than the first color, of an image captured at a single frame time point; and an image restoring section for restoring an image including a plurality of colors at each frame time point from an image based on the first color which has been subjected to the addition by the first adder section, and an image based on the second color which has been subjected to the addition by the second adder section. |
| US08243157B2 |
Correction of optical aberrations
Digital images are computed using an approach for correcting lens aberration. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a digital imaging arrangement implements microlenses to direct light to photosensors that detect the light and generate data corresponding to the detected light. The generated data is used to compute an output image, where each output image pixel value corresponds to a selective weighting and summation of a subset of the detected photosensor values. The weighting is a function of characteristics of the imaging arrangement. In some applications, the weighting reduces the contribution of data from photosensors that contribute higher amounts of optical aberration to the corresponding output image pixel. |
| US08243156B2 |
Image-capturing apparatus and image-capturing control method
An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing unit configured to capture an image of a subject in order to obtain captured image data; a storage processor configured to perform a process for storing the captured image data obtained by the image-capturing unit; an operation unit configured to perform a self-timer image-capturing operation; a motion detector; and a controller configured to, when the self-timer image-capturing operation is performed using the operation unit, controlling, on the basis of detection information obtained by the motion detector, a shutter operation in which the captured image data obtained by the image-capturing unit is stored by the storage processor after a self-timer set time period passes. |
| US08243150B2 |
Noise reduction in an image processing method and image processing apparatus
An image processing method is disclosed. The image processing method uses a first still image and a second still image which are chronologically successive and outputs an image from which noise has been reduced. A motion of the second still image is compensated block by block. Reliability of addition of the first still image and the motion-compensated second still image is determined pixel by pixel and a weighting factor is set corresponding thereto. The first still image and the motion-compensated second still image are added or averaged with the weighting factor and a processed image is obtained. |
| US08243144B2 |
Light transport matrix from homography
Aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for obtaining a light transport between a projector and a camera. In embodiments, the light transport between the projector and the camera is represented as a matrix and is obtained assuming that the projector displays on a surface that is planar or at least substantially planar. The light transport matrix is obtained by finding a homography between the projector and the camera. Using the homography to correlate camera and projector pixels and using color values in a captured solid color image, the light transport matrix can be obtained. In embodiments, at least an approximation of an inverse light transport matrix can also be computed, which is useful for many applications, such as inferring unknown projector images. |
| US08243142B2 |
Mobile object image tracking apparatus and method
A mobile object image tracking apparatus includes at least one unit rotating about at least one axis, a camera sensor photographing a mobile object to acquire image data, a unit detecting a tracking error as a tracking error detection value, a unit detecting an angle of the rotary unit, a unit estimating the tracking error as a tracking error estimation value, a unit selecting the tracking error detection value when the mobile object falls within the field of view, and selecting the tracking error estimation value when the mobile object falls outside the field of view, a unit computing an angular velocity instruction value used to drive the rotating unit to track the mobile object, a unit detecting an angular velocity of the rotary unit, and a unit controlling the rotating unit to make zero a difference between the angular velocity instruction value and the angular velocity. |
| US08243141B2 |
Adjusting a content rendering system based on user occupancy
User occupancy is monitored within a space in which a video display of a content rendering system is viewable. The user occupancy can be monitored based on physical user attributes. At least one of audio rendering and video rendering by the content rendering system is adjusted based on the monitored user occupancy. |
| US08243138B2 |
Display system for shooting and displaying image around vehicle
An display system of an image around a vehicle includes: a shooting element; a controller including a processor and a memory; and a display device. The shooting element includes a bracket fixed to the vehicle, a camera in the bracket, a protrusion of the camera and a contact position sensor of the protrusion. The memory stores retrieved region information about a retrieved region defined by a display coordinate system and retrieved from the image. The display device displays the retrieved region. When the contact position of the protrusion is changed, the processor modifies the retrieved region information based on the contact positions before changing and after changing such that a region defined by a local coordinate system corresponding to the retrieved region after changing is equal to the region defined by the local coordinate system before changing. |
| US08243137B2 |
Device for opening a vehicle lock and for capturing an image on the exterior of the vehicle
A device that has the double function of opening a lock upon actuation of a handle, and as the need may arise, of capturing the exterior of the vehicle in an image via a camera. A hole is provided in the back wall of a support shell receiving the handle, and the housing of a module is mounted on the hole. The camera is supported in a pivoting and translatory manner in the module housing via a camera mount between a retracting position and an extending position. Furthermore, a drive and a gear are mounted on the module housing for a rotational-translatory displacement of the camera. |
| US08243135B2 |
Multiple-view processing in wide-angle video camera
A motion video camera that removes the need for mechanical pan, tilt, and zoom apparatus is disclosed. The video camera includes the following. A wide-angle optical system is configured to receive an optical image. An image sensor is coupled to the optical system and is configured to convert the optical image to an electronic image. An image processing circuit is coupled to the image sensor and is configured to receive the electronic image and to execute movement and zoom operations by correcting distortions in the electronic image introduced by the wide-angle optical system and image sensor. |
| US08243134B2 |
Optical reader capable of changing the incident angle of dark field illumination
An optical reader includes an imaging device and an photographing optical system for reading images of an object such as a semiconductor wafer. An LED light source is provided as a dark field illumination light source for illuminating the object at an angle of illumination that deviates from the optical axis of the photographing optical system. The LED light source is supported by a swing-type support member having both ends secured to a housing of the optical reader using screws and nuts. This allows the angle and position of the dark field illumination light source to be adjusted so as to provide a first angle of illumination for illuminating the object directly with the illuminating light from the dark field illumination light source, or a second angle of illumination for illuminating the object by reflection from a half mirror that is disposed in an illumination optical system. |
| US08243133B1 |
Scale-invariant, resolution-invariant iris imaging using reflection from the eye
An optical system includes an active focus element that maintains an image in focus over a range of object distances. The active focus element and aperture stop are positioned such that the image scale and the image spatial resolution are also invariant (or at least have a reduced sensitivity) with respect to object distance. |
| US08243129B2 |
Objective lens and endoscope apparatus
An objective lens includes, in order from an object side, a front group having negative refractive power, an aperture stop, and a rear group having positive refractive power, wherein the front group includes, in order from the object side, a first lens which is a negative meniscus lens with a convex surface turned to the object side and a second lens which is a negative lens with a concave surface turned to the object side; the rear group includes, in order from the object side, a positive third lens and a fourth lens made up of a positive lens and a negative lens cemented together, and the objective lens satisfies conditional expression (1) below: −0.8 |
| US08243125B2 |
Image display device
An image display device capable of detecting an object in a space where a 3D visualized image is formed without feeling the existence of a mechanism for position detection. The image display device includes: display unit (11) for displaying a 2D image (1); an optical panel (12) arranged in front of an image display plane (15a) of the display unit (11) and forming a 3D visualized image (2) based on the 2D image (1) in a forward space (3) spreading in front of the optical panel (12); recognition unit arranged behind the optical panel (12) for optically recognizing the an object (5) coming into the forward space (3) via the optical panel (12); and position detection elements (14) for detecting the coming position of the object (5) into the forward space (3) according to the recognition result by the recognition unit. |
| US08243114B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes a phase calculation portion, a pattern recognition portion, and a correction coefficient output portion. The phase calculation portion calculates a shift amount of the scanning lines as phase information and, from the phase information, outputs a first set of coefficients. The pattern recognition portion outputs a pattern concordance rate by performing pattern recognition on the group of pixels of interest and peripheral pixels thereof. The correction coefficient output portion outputs a second set of coefficients for correcting the first set of coefficients in accordance with the pattern concordance rate. An interpolation processing portion performs interpolation calculations by referring to the first set of coefficients, the second set of coefficients, and the pattern concordance rate. |
| US08243113B2 |
Ordinary-temperature-phosphorescent organic material, reversibly thermosensitive recording material, reversibly thermosensitive recording medium, and method of recording in reversibly thermosensitive recording medium
The present invention provides an organic material that is characterized by including a rigid matrix and a dye having a phosphorescence lifetime of 0.1 seconds or more in a rigid medium at 77 K and that exhibits such a strong and long-lived phosphorescence as to be recognizable with the naked eyes even at ordinary temperature: namely, an ordinary-temperature-phosphorescent organic material. |
| US08243110B2 |
Optical writing device and optical writing method
An optical writing device performs writing on an exposure region of a light writing display medium. The optical writing device includes an accommodation section, a light irradiation member, a voltage application member, a medium conveyance member and control means. The control means performs control for: applying voltage with the voltage application member to a first medium; the light irradiation member irradiating the light bearing image information and moving a first distance in the first direction over the first medium; the voltage application member applying voltage to a second medium; the light irradiation member irradiating the light for image erasure onto the second medium and moving a second distance in the second direction over the second medium; and, simultaneously the movement of the light irradiation member in the second direction, the medium conveyance member conveying the first medium. |
| US08243105B2 |
Display device, display device adjustment method, image display monitor, and television receiver
The display device of an embodiment of the present invention includes a display section which includes a pixel having a plurality of sub pixels and displays an image whose luminance is based on a luminance gradation of an inputted display signal, wherein the display section is arranged so that an integral value obtained by carrying out the following steps (a) to (d) is not more than 0.0202, the step (a) of measuring surface luminance of the display section and oblique luminance of the display section viewed at 60° from a front direction of the display section, the step (b) of standardizing the front luminance and the oblique luminance so as to calculate front standardized brightness x and oblique standardized brightness, the step (c) of determining n of x^(n/2.2) so that an integral value of a difference between x^(n/2.2) and the front standardized brightness x is equal to an integral value of a difference between the oblique standardized brightness and the front standardized brightness x, the step (d) of integrating an absolute value of a difference between x^(n/2.2) and the oblique standardized brightness, from minimum luminance to maximum luminance of the front standardized brightness x, so as to obtain an integral value. |
| US08243101B2 |
Image display processing apparatus, image display processing method, and recording medium
An image display processing apparatus includes an input-shape detector detecting a shape of a trajectory of a line drawn in the monitor screen; a center-point determiner determining, in a case where the shape of the trajectory of the line is formed of a circular line and an offshoot line extending from the circular line, a center point of a graphic object formed of the circular line; a ratio calculator calculating a distance ratio between a distance from the center point of the graphic object to the circular line and a distance from the center point of the graphic object to an end point of the offshoot line; and an enlargement-ratio changer changing the enlargement ratio of the image on the basis of the distance ratio. |
| US08243099B2 |
Method and system for haptic interaction in augmented reality
The present invention relates to a method and system for haptic interaction in augmented reality that can effectively remove noise from real images captured by an image capturing device and minimize discontinuity of force generated in the haptic interaction for the stable and smooth haptic interaction in the augmented reality. The augmented reality system comprising: a marker detecting unit that detects a markers in images; a marker position extracting unit that extracts the positions of the detected markers; a noise removing unit that removes noise from positional information of the markers; a visual rendering unit that augments virtual objects; a motion estimating unit that estimates the motion of the markers over a time; a collision detecting unit that detects collision between the virtual objects and an end point of the haptic device; and a haptic rendering unit that calculates reaction force to be provided through the haptic device. |
| US08243097B2 |
Electronic sighting compass
A portable electronic device provides a compass bearing display juxtaposed with or superimposed on a camera viewfinder display. The device includes an image sensor and an electronic compass. When the device is held with the image sensor pointed in a generally horizontal direction, the displayed viewfinder image from the image sensor is combined with a graphic indicating a compass bearing corresponding to the imaging axis of the image sensor. The display may be presented as a linear scale to indicate off-axis headings as well. |
| US08243096B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a plurality of stencil reference values for a corresponding plurality of pixels or pixel samples
Based on a driver programmable stencil reference value command, stencil reference value logic produces a plurality of stencil reference values for a corresponding plurality of pixels or pixel samples. At least one of the plurality of stencil reference values has a different value than at least one other of the plurality of stencil reference values. The driver programmable stencil reference value command may include a reference to instruction data or instruction data itself such that the graphics processing logic produces the plurality of stencil reference values based on the instruction data. Stencil logic performs a stencil test on the produced plurality of stencil reference values with respect to or without reference to a previously produced plurality of stencil values. Stencil logic performs stencil operations based on the result of the stencil test. |
| US08243095B2 |
Rendering apparatus and method
Provided is a rendering apparatus and method. After a rendering image is generated by forming a splat for each of points generated by projecting a model composed of a plurality of points, then a plurality of predetermined regions which extend over a boundary of the generated rendering image are selected for each splat forming the boundary of the rendering image, and a pixel value of each pixel included in each of the selected regions is corrected based on pixel values of the pixel and its surrounding pixels, thereby correcting the boundary of the rendering image to make the boundary appear to be more natural and thus improving the display quality of the rendering image. |
| US08243088B2 |
Two dimensional memory access controller
A data processing system may include a display, the display having a display surface, and logic to modify the address signals of a graphics processing unit (GPU) if the address signals do not fall within a two-dimensional range of authorized pixel locations corresponding to a subset of the display surface, and to propagate the address signals unmodified to a display memory otherwise. |
| US08243086B1 |
Variable length data compression using a geometry shading unit
A system and method uses the capabilities of a geometry shader unit within the multi-threaded graphics processor to offload data compression computations from a central processing unit (CPU), reduce the memory needed to store image data, and reduce the bandwidth needed to transfer image data between graphics processors and between a graphics processor and a system memory. The multi-threaded graphics processor is also configured to compress data for use in memory paging and when data is relocated to lie within an accessible memory aperture. The data is losslessly compressed using a geometry shading program to produce variable length compressed data. |
| US08243082B1 |
Method and system for accessing display configuration information in a multi-GPU system via an embedded controller
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for accessing display configuration information in a multi-GPU system, which includes the steps directing the display configuration information of a display device, coupled to a discrete GPU (dGPU), to a controller capable of accessing a display data bus, if the dGPU is unavailable, wherein the controller is capable of making the display configuration information available via a system interface, and validating the display configuration information prior to availing the dGPU or the display device as an option to be selected. |
| US08243078B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a computer simulation of an actor
A method for creating a computer simulation of an actor having a first foot, a second foot and a body including the steps of planting the first foot as a support foot along a space time-varying path. There is the step of stopping time regarding placement of the first foot. There is the step of changing posture of the first foot while the first foot is planted. There is the step of moving time into the future for the second foot as a lifted foot and changing posture for the lifted foot. An apparatus for creating a computer simulation of an actor having a first foot, a second foot and a body. A software program for creating a computer simulation of an actor having a first foot, a second foot and a body that performs the steps of planting the first foot as a support foot along a space time-varying path. |
| US08243077B2 |
Method for generating stroke-based font characters for a low-resolution display
A method and computer graphical user interface tool for generating and/or modifying character font data to be suitable for low-resolution display are provided. The method generally includes four steps. First, a set of characters to be displayed on a low-resolution display is received. Each character is formed with one or more strokes/glyphs, and all of the strokes/glyphs are represented by a set of basic strokes/glyphs, wherein each basic stroke/glyph is defined by key points and width values. Second, the received set of characters is projected on a low-resolution pixel matrix screen having two-dimensional coordinates and corresponding to the low-resolution display. Third, each stroke/glyph forming the set of characters is redefined, with key points and/or width values of the stroke/glyph are adjusted according to predefined rules, to thereby form a redefined set of characters. Fourth, the redefined set of characters are rendered according to predefined rendering criteria. |
| US08243075B2 |
Graphics processing unit accelerated dynamic radial tessellation
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture enable the creation and display of a radial tessellation. A single source image is selected and a radial tessellation creation feature is activated. A triangular sector of the source image is specified and transferred to a texture buffer of a graphics processing unit (GPU). A radial tessellation is created using the GPU by drawing the triangular sector on a destination image, repeatedly flipping and drawing the triangular sector along a leading edge of the triangular sector to create a closed polygon, and further flipping and drawing the triangular sector onto the destination image to create outer rings around the closed polygon and filling the destination image. |
| US08243074B1 |
Method and system for providing a personalized and dynamic financial caricature graphic
A dynamic financial caricature graphic whereby financial data associated with a user is obtained from one or more sources. The financial data associated with a user obtained from one or more sources is then aggregated and/or categorized/re-categorized to generate a personalized financial caricature graphic that is a visual representation of the user and the user's financial situation. The visual characteristics of the dynamic financial caricature graphic, such as size, weight, height, clothing, color, accessories, etc., are chosen based on the financial data associated with a user obtained from one or more sources and/or one or more criteria provided. The user's financial data is then monitored and the visual characteristics of the dynamic financial caricature graphic are changed and/or updated in accordance with changes in the financial data associated with the user obtained from the one or more sources. |
| US08243072B2 |
Method for rendering an object
The method is for rendering an object. An object to be rendered is identified. An outline of the object is defined. A front plate of the object is identified. A back plate that is shifted relative to the front plate is created. A beveled side extending between the front plate and the back plate is identified. A beveled contour of the beveled side from a series of segments of edges is created. A boundary line between visible and non-visible segments of surfaces is identified. |
| US08243068B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for determining and modifying saliency of a visual medium
A method, system and apparatus for determining and modifying saliency of a visual medium are provided. The method, system and apparatus may obtain saliency values for a visual medium based on a plurality of visual channels. The saliency values may be obtained based on at least one of computer-generated modeling, user-specified input and eye-tracking. The method, system and apparatus may aggregate the obtained saliency values and classify regions of the visual medium based on the aggregated saliency values. The visual channels may include one or more of absolute mean curvature, a gradient of mean curvature, a gradient of color intensity, color luminance, color opponency, color saturation, lighting and focus. When calculating mean curvature, the method, system and apparatus may calculate a change in mean curvature for a plurality of vertices around a region and displace the vertices in accordance with the calculated change in mean curvature to change a saliency of the region. |
| US08243065B2 |
Image presentation method and apparatus for 3D navigation and mobile device including the apparatus
Provided are a high-performance, real-time image presentation method and apparatus for a 3-dimensional (3D) navigation system that may be used in a mobile environment since a small amount of data and a simple algorithm are used, and a mobile device including the image presentation apparatus. The image presentation method includes: loading two-dimensional (2D) map data and pattern control map (PCM) data; analyzing the 2D map data; generating 3D image data on a region that is analyzed as requiring 3D images in the analyzing of the 2D map data, based on the PCM data; and displaying 3D images on a display based on the 2D map data and the 3D image data. |
| US08243062B2 |
Surface design tools
A method of designing a consumer-selected surface includes the steps of displaying a representation of a surface, displaying one or more patterns that may be applied to the representation of the surface, and receiving a selection from a user of a pattern selected from the one or more patterns. The method also includes the steps of allowing the user to locate on the selected pattern at a position on the representation of the surface, the position being independent of a size or shape of the selected pattern, and allowing the user to modify the positioned pattern by altering at least one characteristic thereof to develop a modified representation of the surface. Further, the method includes the steps of generating a three-dimensional view of a room that includes a rendering of the modified representation of the surface and providing the generated three-dimensional view to the user. |
| US08243058B2 |
Gate driving circuit and display device having the gate driving circuit
A gate driving circuit includes a plurality of stages connected to each other. An m-th stage (‘m’ is a natural number) of the stages includes a pull-up part, a pull-down part, a first holding part and a second holding part. The pull-up part outputs a high voltage of a clock signal as a high voltage of an m-th gate signal in response to a high voltage applied to a first output control part. The pull-down part pulls down the high voltage of the m-th gate signal to a first low voltage in response to a high voltage of an (m+1)-th gate signal. The first holding part holds a voltage applied to the first output control part as a second low voltage having a level lower than the first low voltage. The second holding part holds a low voltage of the m-th gate signal to the first low voltage. |
| US08243051B2 |
Ring-shaped wireless input device with scroll function
A ring-shaped wireless input device for providing an indication of a scroll direction includes a housing having a ring shape, a wheel rotatably installed on the housing, a first sensor unit, that has first and second sections alternatively disposed along a circumference of the wheel and rotated along with the wheel, and a wireless communication unit which is fixedly disposed in the housing, and includes a second sensor unit arranged with the first sensor unit, the communication unit sending a scroll signal indicating an arranged state of the first sensor with regard to the second sensor to the host device. |
| US08243048B2 |
Touchscreen for detecting multiple touches
A touchscreen system comprises a touch area. At least one transmitter is positioned proximate to outer edges of the touch area for transmitting first beams in a first direction. At least one beam splitter is positioned proximate to the outer edges of the touch area for splitting the first beams into at least second and third beams that travel through the touch area in at least second and third directions, respectively. The at least one beam splitter comprises a plurality of deflecting elements. Receivers are positioned proximate to the outer edges of the touch area for receiving the at least second and third beams. |
| US08243047B2 |
Calibrating apparatus and method
A calibrating apparatus for an image processing apparatus is disclosed. The calibrating apparatus comprises a first operating module and a second operating module. The first operating module determines a third indicating point and a fourth indicating point according to a first indicating point, a second indicating point, and a specific point, and determines a calibration point (i.e. the predetermined position of a sensor) according to a first line through the first indicating point and third indicating point and a second line through the second indicating point and fourth indicating point. The second operating module forms reference lines according to reference points and the calibration point, forms reference angles according to the reference lines and a parallel line, generates reference coordinates of the reference points in an image and generates a calibration function according to the reference coordinates of the reference points and the reference angles. |
| US08243045B2 |
Touch-sensitive display device and method
The present disclosure generally relates to a touch-sensitive LED display device with a number of shared circuits having measurement circuitry electrically coupled to display circuitry. A processor receives signals from the measurement circuitry and may compare the signals to determine a location of the touch on the touch screen. |
| US08243044B2 |
Methods and systems for changing the appearance of a position sensor with a light effect
Systems and methods for detecting a position of an object in a sensing region are disclosed. One system includes a position sensor having an opaque capacitive proximity sensor, a light source, and a light conductor coupled to the light source and at least partially disposed over the opaque sensor, the light conductor configured to transmit at least a portion of the light from the light source to generate driven light effects in the sensing region. The system further includes a processor configured to control production of the light, and a display configured to illustrate a digital representation based on the position. A method includes the steps of sensing a position of an object in the sensing region based on a conductive property of the object, controlling light produced by a light source, and generating driven light effects in the sensing region using at least a portion of the light. |
| US08243039B2 |
Steering wheel input/interactive surface
The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel directions indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas. |
| US08243038B2 |
Method for adjusting the user interface of a device
A method adjusting a user interface experience for a device that includes providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device 10 that manipulates the volume of fluid to deform a particular region of the surface into a tactilely distinguishable formation retrieving a user preference between a first type, location, and/or timing and a second embodiment, location, and/or timing through the user interface, and manipulating the volume of fluid to deform a particular region of the surface into a tactilely distinguishable formation of one of the first and second type, location, and/or timing is disclosed. |
| US08243037B2 |
System and a method for processing a signal from an electric device
The present invention relates to a system for processing a signal from an electric device, e.g. a touch sensitive key. The system comprises a reference value for the signal, wherein said reference value is continuously updated, and an arithmetic unit for determining a difference value between the signal and the reference value, so that difference value corresponds with a change of the signal. The system comprises further a spectrum of the possible difference values, wherein said spectrum is subdivided into ranges corresponding with possible causations for the change of the signal in said system. Additionally, the system comprises a comparing unit for associating the difference value with the corresponding range of the spectrum and for identifying, if the difference value results from a disturbance or from a relevant change in the electric device. Further, the present invention relates to a corresponding method. |
| US08243036B2 |
Display apparatus and touch detection method for the same
An exemplary display apparatus includes a plurality of pixel units, a plurality of gate lines, a readout line and a plurality of touch control units. The gate lines are for deciding whether to enable the pixel units. Each of the touch control units is electrically coupled to the readout line and a corresponding one of the gate lines and includes a switching element. When one of the touch control units is touched, the switching element of the touched touch control unit is turn on, and thereby a waveform on the gate line corresponding to the touched touch control unit is coupled to the readout line and a position of the touched touch control unit is determined according to a timing sequence of a waveform on the readout line. The present invention also provides a touch detection method adapted to be implemented on the above-mentioned display apparatus. |
| US08243032B2 |
Touch panel, display device and touch panel manufacturing method
A touch panel includes an insulating substrate, a transparent touch electrode provided on the insulating substrate, and a frame portion connected to a periphery of the touch electrode. The touch panel detects a touched position on the touch electrode based on an electric signal through the frame portion. The frame portion is provided between the insulating substrate and the touch electrode. |
| US08243030B2 |
Touch panel and display device using the same
A touch panel includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a capacitive sensing member. The first conductive layer includes a plurality of first conductive lines. The second conductive layer separated from the first conductive layer includes a plurality of second conductive lines. One of the plurality of conductive lines is located above the other plurality of conductive lines. The capacitive sensing member is connected to the first conductive lines. At least one of the first and second pluralities of conductive lines includes carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube wires each include a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Further, a display device using the above-described touch panel is also included. |
| US08243025B2 |
Tactile user interface
A virtual user interface including: a display screen; a masking means for concealing at least part of said screen and revealing at least one preselected display area; at least one user-actuated control; and control means responsive to said user-actuated control for displaying information on said display area operatively associated with said user-actuated control. |
| US08243024B2 |
Optoelectronic device for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects
The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object fixed relative to a frame of the device; a second object mounted in spaced relation to the first object and adapted for movement relative thereto; and a plurality of measuring cells for determining movement or displacement of the second object relative to the first object. Each measuring cell comprises a light-emitting element and a detector for detecting light from the light-emitting element. The invention provides a light shield for the optoelectronic device, the light shield comprising a plurality of channels which together define a non-planar or three-dimensional array of light beam paths between the first and second objects of the optoelectronic device. |
| US08243016B2 |
Optical pointing device with integrated optical components and related electronic apparatus
According to the claimed invention, an optical pointing device includes a cover having a transparent part, and a sensing component installed inside the cover. The sensing component includes a light emitting module for emitting light, and a light sensing module for sensing light transmitted from the transparent part. The optical pointing device further includes a light guiding component installed between the sensing component and the cover. The light guiding component includes a reflecting part for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting module to the transparent part, and a condensing part integrated with the reflecting part monolithically for condensing light transmitted from the transparent part to the light sensing module. The light emitted from the light emitting module is reflected to the transparent part by the reflecting part and then reflected back to the transparent part and the condensing part by a shelter disposed above the cover. |
| US08243015B2 |
Virtual data entry device
A virtual data entry device including an illuminator generating a generally planar beam of light and an impingement sensor assembly operative to sense at least one location of impingement of the planar beam of light by at least one object, the impingement sensor assembly including at least one optical element arranged to receive light from the planar beam reflected by the at least one object, the at least one optical element having optical power in a first direction such that it focuses light at at least one focus line location, which the at least one focus line location is a function of the location of the at least one object relative to the at least one optical element and a multi-element detector arranged to receive light passing through the at least one optical element, wherein the distribution of the light detected by the multi-element detector among multiple elements thereof indicates the location of the at least one object. |
| US08243014B2 |
Method and system for reducing power consumption in a display
A method and system for reducing power consumption in a display includes driving a display comprising a plurality of display elements characterized by a display state. In a first mode of operation, the display state of substantially all the display elements is periodically re-set so as to display a first series of image frames. Upon changing to a second mode of operation, a second mode of operations comprises re-setting the display state of only a portion of the display elements so as to display a second series of image frames at a display element resolution which is less than said display element resolution used to display said first series of image frames. |
| US08243013B1 |
Driving bistable displays
The disclosure relates to waveforms, circuits and methods for driving bistable displays. |
| US08243011B2 |
Display device
The present invention provides a display device. The display device includes: a backlight unit that is divided into a plurality of blocks and driven for each of the divided blocks and includes a plurality of optical assemblies; a display panel positioned on the top of the backlight unit; a controller that outputs a local dimming value for each of blocks corresponding to the blocks of the backlight unit depending on an image displayed in the display panel; and a BLU driver that controls the brightness of the blocks of the backlight unit by using the local dimming value for each block, wherein the optical assembly includes a substrate; a plurality of light sources that are positioned on the substrate and emit light; and a light guide plate including a light input unit including an incident surface into which light is inputted through the side from the light source and a light emitting unit emitting the inputted light to the top, and wherein at least some portions of two adjacent optical assemblies among the plurality of optical assemblies are superimposed on each other, and the BLU driver receives the local dimming value for each block and outputs a plurality of driving signals and each of the driving signals controls the brightness of two or more blocks among the blocks of the backlight unit. |
| US08243009B2 |
Separately-excited inverter circuit and liquid crystal television
The separately-excited inverter circuit for performing the protecting operation upon the rise in the output voltage caused by the contact failure includes a switching circuit 26b which applies the AC to a primary coil of a pressure-rising transformer 26e, a control circuit C1 which starts a switch control of the switching circuit 26b upon an input of a command signal to set an oscillation state ON from a transmission line for the command signal to command to set the oscillation state ON and OFF, an output voltage monitor circuit 51 which allows a comparator 51a to compare an output voltage of the separately-excited inverter circuit with a predetermined voltage, and to output a predetermined reference voltage when the output voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage, and a thyristor circuit 52 which is turned ON to set the transmission line of the command signal into an oscillation OFF state upon the input of the reference voltage to the gate to stop a switch control of the control circuit C1. The output voltage monitor circuit 51 outputs the reference voltage to make a time width sufficient to turn the thyristor circuit 52 ON using a hysteresis of the comparator 51a. |
| US08243005B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving lamp of liquid crystal display device
A driving apparatus and method are presented to drive lamps that irradiate a liquid crystal display panel of a liquid crystal display device. A picture implementing period, during which a picture is implemented by the liquid crystal display device, and a shorter, scanning period before the picture implementing period are established. An output power supplied to the lamps to set a reference brightness is determined. A lamp driver changes a duty ratio and/or an amplitude of an AC signal supplied to the lamps to establish the reference brightness during the scanning period. The duty ratio/amplitude of the AC signal is adjusted dependent on the characteristics of the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal display. |
| US08243004B2 |
Apparatus and method for preparing, storing, transmitting and displaying images
An imaging and display apparatus for passive displays evaluates the illumination of an input scene and incorporates data representative of such input scene within a transfer media. The transfer media may be a broadcast or transmission of image data, illumination data and gamma information that can be received by a display system, which includes a passive display illuminated by incident light, to display images while adjusting the incident light and/or gamma based on the received data. The transfer media may be a storage medium storing image data, illumination data and gamma information for delivery to a passive display system. The data controls the optical characteristics of the illumination source for the passive display and the gamma and tends to minimize energy requirements, to maximize contrast or shades of gray in the displayed image, and to optimize light source operation for color fidelity. The data provided the media and/or display as a video signal, modulated video signal, s-video signal, digital signal, or other signal that can be used by a passive display system to display images. |
| US08242998B2 |
Liquid crystal display with infrared detection layer and remote control display system with same
An exemplary liquid crystal display includes a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, a color filter substrate opposite to the TFT substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the TFT substrate. The color filter substrate includes a plurality of color units and a first infrared detection layer arranged between the color units. The first infrared detection layer is configured to detect infrared light beams irradiating thereon and determine an irradiated position thereof. A remote control display system employing the liquid crystal display is also provided. |
| US08242995B2 |
Light emitting display device and method for driving the same
A light emitting display device and a method for driving the same are disclosed. Each pixel of the light emitting display device includes: a light emitting element that emits light in response to a drive current based on a gray-scale current on the associated data line; a first switching element that supplies the drive current to the light emitting element; a first voltage line that supplies a first voltage to a source electrode of the first switching element; a second switching element connected with the first switching element that forms a current mirror with the first switching element; a second voltage line that supplies a second voltage of the second switching element; and a voltage supply circuit that divides the first voltage from the first voltage line and the second voltage from the second voltage line and supplies the resulting voltage to a source electrode of the second switching element. |
| US08242993B2 |
Method of driving a display device
A display device includes a display panel, a timing controller, a data driver and a scan driver. The display panel includes pixels respectively electrically connected to scan lines and data lines. The timing controller calculates the statistic numbers of pixels whose gray level variations between previous and current frames cross the gray-scale level of the gray point according to scan-line-signal refresh times and high-low gray-scale lookup tables, and thus selects one of the scan-line-signal refresh times and one of the lookup tables corresponding to the lowest statistic number. The scan driver outputs scan line signals to the pixels according to the selected scan-line-signal refresh time. The data driver generates pixel data according to the selected lookup table. |
| US08242992B2 |
Driving apparatus and driving method thereof
A driving apparatus and a driving method thereof are provided. The driving apparatus includes a digital to analog converter and a signal amplifier. The digital to analog converter is used for receiving a digital data and converting the digital data to an analog signal. The signal amplifier is coupled to the digital to analog converter. The signal amplifier is used for receiving the analog signal to generate a driving signal. The signal amplifier also dynamically changes the driving ability of the driving signal according to at least one bit of the digital data. |
| US08242989B2 |
Organic light emitting display and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display includes a plurality of pixels arranged at intersecting points of data lines, scan lines and light emitting control lines; a sensing unit extracting a signal corresponding to a degradation level of organic light emitting diodes provided in each of the pixels; a storage unit storing the signal obtained from the sensing unit, calculating degradation level information of the organic light emitting diodes using the stored signal and storing the calculated information; a conversion unit for converting an input data (Data) into a correction data (Data′) using the degradation level information stored in the storage unit; and a data driver for receiving the correction data (Data′) outputted from the conversion unit and generating data signals to be supplied to the circuits. |
| US08242988B2 |
Device substrate, light emitting device and driving method of light emitting device
A light emitting device comprising a light emitting element and a first transistor and a second transistor controlling current to be supplied to the light emitting element in a pixel; the first transistor is normally-on; the second transistor is normally-off; a channel length of the first transistor is longer than a channel width thereof; a channel length of the second transistor is equal to or shorter than a channel length thereof; gate electrodes of the first transistor and the second transistor are connected to each other; the first transistor and the second transistor have the same polarity; and the light emitting element, the first transistor and the second transistor are all connected in series. |
| US08242981B2 |
Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same
A pixel is provided including an OLED having anode and cathode electrodes. A second transistor controls current supplied from a first power supply to a second power supply via the OLED. A first transistor is coupled between a gate electrode of the second transistor and a data line and is configured to turn on when a scan signal is supplied to a scan line. A first capacitor is coupled between the first power supply and the gate electrode. A second capacitor is coupled between the anode electrode and the gate electrode. A fourth transistor is coupled between the second capacitor and the anode electrode and is configured to turn on when a control signal is supplied to a control line. A third transistor is coupled between the second transistor and the anode electrode and is configured to turn off when a signal is supplied to a light emitting control line. |
| US08242979B2 |
Display device
The invention provides a portable information terminal, such as a notebook PC, including light-emitting elements entirely having longer lives (a double-sided display panel having longer lives) and allowing lower power consumption with a double-sided display panel having a first screen on one surface of a substrate in the portable information terminal, such as a notebook PC, and a second screen on the other surface of the substrate on the opposite side of the first screen. In this case, light emission intensities and aperture ratios of the first and second screens may be differentiated for different applications of the first and second screens. One of the first screen and second screen may implement multi-color display, and the other may implement monochrome display. The double-sided display panel may be used in a lid of a portable information terminal, such as a notebook PC, and a touch-panel function may be provided thereto. Thus, a portable terminal such as PC can be manipulated easily even with the lid closed. Therefore, the portable terminal can be used easily even on the move. |
| US08242976B2 |
Display driving device, which performs scan driving of a display panel
In a display driving device which performs scan driving of a PDP or similar, to enable rapid scan operation, reduction of the chip size, and lowering of costs, as well as elimination of coupling problems. The display driving device is provided with a pull-up switching element Nu connected to a first driving voltage (VDH) supply line and common to all bits; diodes D1 to DN for each bit, connected between the pull-up switching element Nu and driving voltage output terminals for each bit; pull-down switching elements Nd1 to NdN for each bit, connected between a second driving voltage (GND) supply line and the driving voltage output terminals for each bit; and resistance elements R1 to RN for each bit, connected between the first driving voltage supply line and the pull-down switching elements Nd1 to NdN. |
| US08242971B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
In a multi-window display device, the following has been merely performed: before data for plural screens is inputted to a display, video signals themselves are subjected to signal processing, and the processed video signals are inputted to the display, whereby display is performed. Therefore, a circuit for performing signal processing, for example, an IC has a complicated structure since video signals for plural screens are stored in a memory. There is provided a pixel structure in which: signal lines for plural screens are arranged; and one of the signal lines is selected to supply a video signal to a display element. For example, in the case of performing display of two screens, there is provided a pixel structure in which: two signal lines, which are inputted with respective video signals for a first screen and a second screen, are arranged; and one of the signal lines is selected to supply a video signal from the selected signal line to a display element. |
| US08242970B2 |
Antenna apparatus
An antenna apparatus is disclosed. The antenna apparatus includes a board and a line antenna. The board includes: a base part having dielectric layers and a conductive layer disposed between the dielectric layers; multiple metal plates arranged on one surface of the base part while being spaced apart at even intervals so as to provide a band-gap surface; and a connection part via which the conductive layer is electrically connectable with the multiple metal plates. The line antenna is located on a band-gap surface side of the board, is arranged along the band gap surface, and is configured to receive and transmit the electromagnetic wave within an operating frequency band. The connection part includes a first adjustment circuit that is configured to individually adjust an impedance between the conductive layer and each of the plurality of metal plates. |
| US08242969B2 |
Connection for antennas operating above a ground plane
An antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes a ground plane, an antenna, a feed cable, a cable connector, and an antenna connector. The ground plane has a first ground side and a second ground side. The antenna operates on the first ground side of the ground plane. The feed cable has a center conductor that is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the antenna. The cable connector couples the feed cable with the second ground side of the ground plane. The center conductor of the feed cable is electrically isolated from the ground plane and electrically coupled with the antenna connector. The antenna connector electrically couples the center conductor with the antenna. The antenna connector is connected to the center conductor and the feed cable is substantially parallel to the ground plane from the antenna connector to the cable connector. |
| US08242961B2 |
UWB antenna and portable wireless communication device using the same
A UWB antenna mounted on a baseboard includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a radiating unit, two connecting portions, a mircostrip line, and a grounding unit. The radiating unit includes two radiating bodies positioned on the first surface and the second surface separately. The mircostrip line and the grounding unit are positioned on the first surface and the second surface separately, and connected to the two radiating bodies via the two connecting portions. Projections of the two radiating bodies on the baseboard are symmetrical, and take the connecting portion as an axis. |
| US08242957B2 |
Method and system for dynamic tracking utilizing leaky wave antennas
Methods and systems for dynamic tracking utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include configuring a transmitting angle of a plurality of leaky wave antennas in a wireless device at a desired starting angle. A RF signal strength may be measured at the sweeping transmitting angles for each of the leaky wave antennas, and a location of one or more objects may be tracked from the measured RF signal strength and a corresponding angle of reception of the LWAs. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The LWAs may be situated along a plurality of axes in the wireless device. The LWAs may comprise microstrip or coplanar waveguides, where a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in integrated circuits, integrated circuit packages, and/or printed circuit boards. |
| US08242955B2 |
Outlier detection by cross-comparison of different position solution types
Embodiments provided herein recite methods and systems for an accuracy estimator for a position fix. In one embodiment, a solution receiver for receiving a code solution and at least one additional solution from a different solution technique is utilized. In addition, a table of metric values comprising an associated accuracy estimate for at least one characteristic of each of the code solution and the at least one additional solution is also utilized. A comparator compares the code solution and the at least one additional solution with the table of metric values. In addition, a solution orderer orders the at least one additional solution above or below the code solution dependent on whether the at least one additional solution is within a pre-defined offset distance threshold. If the at least one additional solution is outside of the distance threshold, the code solution is chosen as the final solution. |
| US08242954B2 |
Method and device of satellite navigation system'S integrity control
This disclosure relates to the field of space and can be used for radio navigation determinations using man-made satellites of the Earth, in particular, for monitoring the integrity of a system without participation of ground control segment facilities and monitoring stations allocated globally. The apparatus includes: enhancement of responsiveness of a user's notification about navigation signal uncertainty; reduction of costs for solving the problem of the system integrity monitoring due to absence of ground control and monitoring complexes allocated globally; exclusion of complementary radio links; improvement of system integrity monitoring certainty; growth of reliability. |
| US08242953B2 |
Distance dependent error mitigation in real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning
A method for mitigating atmospheric errors in code and carrier phase measurements based on signals received from a plurality of satellites in a global navigation satellite system is disclosed. A residual tropospheric delay and a plurality of residual ionospheric delays are modeled as states in a Kalman filter. The state update functions of the Kalman filter include at least one baseline distance dependant factor, wherein the baseline distance is the distance between a reference receiver and a mobile receiver. A plurality of ambiguity values are modeled as states in the Kalman filter. The state update function of the Kalman filter for the ambiguity states includes a dynamic noise factor. An estimated position of mobile receiver is updated in accordance with the residual tropospheric delay, the plurality of residual ionospheric delays and/or the plurality of ambiguity values. |
| US08242949B2 |
Multipath SAR imaging
Disclosed is a method for removing the distortions produced by multipath Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging. Conventional SAR systems assume that the returned signal consists of only direct scatterings; in practice however, the returned signal consists of multiple scattering events. Multiple or multipath scattering occurs when part of the surface reflects energy to at least one other part of the surface before the signal is scattered back to the receiver. Multipath scattering distorts the SAR image by superimposing blurring artifacts that diminish the resolution of the radar image. We exploit the phase change introduced by the “half Nyquist” frequency points of Fourier space to remove the effects of multiple scattering. The reflectivity function of the scene is recovered while retaining the resolving power of single scattering SAR. |
| US08242948B1 |
High fidelity simulation of synthetic aperture radar
Methods and systems for generating a raster file in a raster file format for use in a Digital Radar Landmass Simulator (DRLMS). A file in the raster file format defines synthetic aperture radar (SAR) scenery for use in generating a runtime database. The raster file contains a plurality of texture elements (texels) that define the SAR scenery. Each texel may have a material identifier, which identifies a material composition of a respective surface region of the SAR scenery; a surface height identifier, which identifies a surface height with respect to a bare earth elevation (BEE) value of the respective surface region; and a BEE identifier, which identifies a BEE of the respective surface region. A method for determining surface height identifiers based on digital surface model (DSM) elevation data is also provided. |
| US08242944B2 |
Digital-to-analog converter circuit including adder drive circuit and display
A digital-to-analog conversion circuit includes a gradation voltage generation circuit, a most-significant-bits decoder circuit, a least-significant-bits decoder circuit and a calculation circuit. The gradation voltage generation circuit generates multiple main voltages corresponding to most significant bits of the inputted data, and multiple sub voltages corresponding to least significant bits of the inputted data. The most-significant-bits decoder circuit selects one of the main voltages in accordance with the most significant bits, and the least-significant-bits decoder circuit selects one of the sub voltages in accordance with the least significant bits. The calculator circuit performs calculation processing by use of a first main voltage selected by the most-significant-bits decoder circuit, a first sub voltage selected by the least-significant-bits decoder circuit, and a reference voltage. |
| US08242935B2 |
Notification systems and methods where a notified PCD causes implementation of a task(s) based upon failure to receive a notification
Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative system, among others, can be summarized as follows. A host computer system, or base station, is designed to monitor travel data corresponding to a mobile thing and to initiate a notification communication to a personal communications device (PCD) indicating travel status of the mobile thing (MT) to a remote computer system. The remote computer system, within or associated with the PCD, is designed to detect a failure to receive the notification communication and to cause one or more tasks to be performed based upon the notification communication failure. |
| US08242933B2 |
Wireless traffic light controller
A one-person remote control system for overriding pre-established control sequences of a traffic light, which control system is compatible with plug-in communications connectors conventionally provided with traffic light controllers. The remote control system comprises a stationary signal transfer unit which has a signal receiver and a plug-in connector for communicating with the traffic light controller, and a mobile control unit disposed to receive manual commands from the person providing overriding control, and a transmitter for transmitting manual overriding command signals to the stationary signal transfer unit. |
| US08242931B2 |
Mobile meter reading for locating stolen utility meters
A method, collection device, and automatic meter reading (AMR) system for locating stolen utility meters use a set of identifiers, such as transponder serial numbers, to build a route of utility meters that have been reported as having been stolen. When each mobile collection device's daily routes are prepared, the route of stolen utility meters is added to the other routes for which the mobile collection device is ordinarily tasked with collecting meter read data. As the mobile collection device traverses its daily routes, it collects meter read data for the stolen utility meters along with the meter read data for its other routes. The route of stolen utility meters is unloaded from the mobile collection device along with the other daily routes when the read process is finished. The route of stolen utility meters may contain information that may assist the utility company in locating the stolen utility meters. |
| US08242928B2 |
Reliable downhole data transmission system
A downhole signal transmission system provides electric radiofrequency signals that are coupled to electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids through electrical insulators. A plurality of signal repeaters are tuned to the frequencies of the radiofrequency signals, and a plurality of transmission lines terminated by resonance circuits are also provided such that the terminating resonance circuits resonate on the frequencies of the electric radiofrequency signals. The plurality of signal repeaters and plurality of transmission elements are arranged to be redundant such that a failure of one or more of the signal repeaters or a failure of one or more of the transmission elements does not substantially affect the operation of the data transmission system. The signal repeaters and transmission elements also are arranged such that a failure of any of the signal repeaters or a failure of any of the transmission elements is communicated to the surface. During operation, the signal repeaters receive and transmit radiofrequency signals and the transmission elements transport radiofrequency signals between the repeaters. The downhole pipe section in which the downhole data transmission system is implemented includes rotary connections and a tubular pipe section arranged to transport radiofrequency signals over transmission elements wherein the inner cross section of the pipe section is approximately circular and the transmission elements take up approximately less than 5% of the cross sectional area around the periphery of the pipe. |
| US08242926B2 |
Energy-saving status indicator
The embodiments described herein present methods and apparatus for an energy-saving status indicator. A method includes receiving a configuration of a first power consumption state for a status indicator light in a network device. The method then activates the first power consumption state using the configuration. After detecting a condition, the method activates a second power consumption state for the status indicator light. The transition from the first power state to the second power state may be from a low power state to a normal operating state or from a normal operating state to a low power state in various embodiments. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08242924B2 |
Laptop computer with hardware security protection
A laptop computer with hardware security protection includes a lid near the image capture module. The lid can move to shield the image capture module to avoid the image captured by the image capture module transmitting to another computer. Therefore, the hardware security protection is achieved by the real lid to prevent the hacker attacking and increase the security protection. |
| US08242922B2 |
Electronic reminder device
A reminder device includes a controller, a switch, and an annunciator. When a user closes the switch, the controller turns on the annunciator for a fixed period of time. The annunciator may be a light source such as a flashing LED or an audio indicator. The signal from the annunciator communicates to a user that a particular task, such as taking a pill or locking a car door, has been completed and need not be further verified. |
| US08242920B1 |
Method and apparatus for leak detection
A leak detector is disclosed. The optical leak detector may include a sensor module for transmitting and receiving signals corresponding to the surface level of a monitored fluid and include leak detection logic for detecting a leak signature. The leak detection logic may be configured to determine if fluid contained in a tank is in a non-full state outside of a normal state and activate an alarm. |
| US08242912B2 |
Method and device for determining of an order of conveyed objects
The invention relates to a method for determining of at least an order of objects O1,O2 transported by a conveyor 1 along a conveyor path 2, wherein each of the objects O1,O2 carries an assigned transponder T1,T2 having a characterizing code.At least a first radio frequency identification reader R1—having at least a first reader-antenna A1 for generating a first reading field F1—is arranged with respect to the conveyor 1 and built for identifying the transponders T1,T2 of the transported objects O1,O2 passing along or through the first reading field F1. The following steps are performed: reading out the codes of the transponders T1,T2 by the first reader R1 and generating detection-signals as long as the respective transponder T1,T2 is detectable by the first reader R1, saving the detection-signals linked with a time information, deriving a mean first point of time for each detected transponder T1,T2 from the saved detection-signals and the time information linked therewith by an assessment method—wherein the first points of time indicate an estimated discrete point of time for each transponder of passing the first reader R1—and determining the order of the objects O1,O2 on the conveyor 1 according to the first points of time of each transponder T1,T2. |
| US08242910B2 |
Security system for preventing unauthorized removal of merchandise
A security tag assembly and security system associated therewith to prevent the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area, such as a retail establishment. The security tag assembly comprises a base and at least one attachment member removably connected in an operative position on the merchandise being protected. A locking assembly including a locking member is structured to restrict detachment of the attachment member and is forcibly disposed out of movement restricting relation to said connector member when the base and the attachment member are separated. A detachment assembly and a data registering processor may include a two-way communication link which facilitates processing of the merchandise data disposed on the security tag assembly, such that the purchasing of the merchandise and the removal of the security tag assembly can be effectively accomplished without jeopardizing the security of the merchandise being sold. |
| US08242908B2 |
Methods and systems of a multiple radio frequency network node RFID tag
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that may include memory storage for the RFID tag, the memory storage may include one time programmable (OTP) memory and many time programmable (MTP) memory and the storage of the information may be within the OTP and MTP memory. |
| US08242905B2 |
System and method for adjusting a security level and signaling alarms in controlled areas
A system including at least one sensor capable of indicating the physiological presence an individual proximate thereto, an access control unit associated with the sensor that provides physiological access to a secure area and control circuits coupled to the at least one sensor, and the unit and responsive thereto to adjust a security level and alarm state in a selected region of the secure area. |
| US08242902B2 |
Urgent message transmission system and method
Disclosed is an urgent message transmission system. In the system, when a disaster warning message is received from a network provider, an originating terminal transmits the received disaster warning message to a preset urgent message recipient according to a user's request. Further, a terminating terminal having received an urgent message from the originating terminal transmits the received urgent message to a preset urgent message recipient according to a user's request. Accordingly, when an urgent message is received from a provider or a specific user, it is possible to quickly transfer the contents of the received urgent message to other users without recreating a separate urgent message. |
| US08242899B2 |
Supplemental alert generation device for retrofit applications
A battery-powered supplemental alert generator is disclosed that is adapted to be mounted in close proximity to, such as within 3 or 4 feet of, a conventional smoke, heat and/or fire detector/alert device. The supplemental alert generator operates in a relatively low power mode while listening for the nearby detector/alert device to generate a standard audible alert signal. Upon detecting that a monitored sound level has reached a particular threshold, the supplemental alert generator enters into a higher power analysis mode in which it analyzes the detected signal to assess whether it is an audible alert signal. If an audible alert signal is detected, the supplemental alert generator generates one or more supplemental alert signals, such as a 520 Hz audible square wave signal. The supplemental alert generator may be used to retrofit a house, hotel, or other building to comply with new standards or to otherwise increase the effectiveness of the existing detection/alert system. |
| US08242896B2 |
Vehicle exterior rearview mirror system with a highly viewable display indicator for the driver
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly that includes a mirror reflective element fixedly attached to a mirror back plate attached to a mirror actuator. The mirror back plate includes a display indicator, fixedly secured thereto, having a light source that is activatable to emit light. The display indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle and the light source is activated responsive to sensing by the blind spot detection system of an object in a blind spot at a side of the vehicle at which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted. During daytime operation of the vehicle and when the light source is activated and with the exterior mirror assembly mounted at a side of the vehicle, the display indicator, as viewed by the driver of the vehicle, is operable to have a luminance of at least about 5,000 nits. |
| US08242895B2 |
Method and system for forming surrounding seamless bird-view image
A method and system for forming a surrounding seamless bird-view image by processing a plurality of surrounding images associated with a carrier captured by different imaging devices is provided in the present invention. During the process, the surrounding images are converted into corresponding bird-images respectively and then an overlapping area corresponding to each two adjacent bird-view images is determined. After that, distances between the pixel in the overlapping area and the boundary of the overlapping area in each adjacent bird-view image is calculated so as to determine a weighting value for each corresponding pixel in each adjacent bird-view image thereby forming an overlapping image, wherein each pixel in the overlapping image is determined according to the weighting value and information of the corresponding pixel in each adjacent image. After determining the overlapping image for each two adjacent bird-view image, it is capable of forming the surrounding seamless bird-view image. |
| US08242893B1 |
Filter assembly with RFID
A filter assembly that includes a filter housing having a radio frequency identification reader and a blocker; and a filter cartridge insertable into the filter housing having a radio frequency identification tag that the radio frequency reader on the housing can read to determine if the filter cartridge is of the proper type. When the proper filter cartridge is inserted in the filter housing and the tag is matched by the radio frequency identification reader, the blocker will allow the cartridge to go in. When the radio frequency identification reader does not match the tag on the filter cartridge, the blocker will prevent the filter cartridge from being fully inserted into the housing. |
| US08242891B2 |
Estimating method, estimating system and program
To estimate a tag read status of a passive RFID system in an actual operation environment. A method for estimating, by simulation, a tag read status of an RFID system comprises the steps of calculating the power supply activation status of each of one or more tags having IDs within a range in which the tag moves; and analyzing the operation of a collision avoidance protocol provided in the RFID system. The tag has a state parameter representative of the state of the tag. For a command signal in conformance with the collision avoidance protocol, the operation and state parameter of the tag are changed in accordance with the power supply activation status when the command signal is being processed in the tag. |
| US08242888B2 |
Systems and methods to determine motion parameters using RFID tags
Systems and methods to determine motion parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes determining a motion parameter of the RFID tag based on detecting a Doppler frequency shift in a radio frequency signal received from the RFID tag. |
| US08242887B2 |
Endpoint classification and command processing
Packet formats and related infrastructure for improved messaging and processing of commands in an AMR system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for identifying the features of an endpoint based on data encoded in a standard meter reading is provided. In this regard, the method includes receiving a standard meter reading having an endpoint type and subtype classification, wherein the subtype classification corresponds to a feature of the endpoint that may be re-configured. Once received, the standard metering reading is decoded. Then, the method identifies the classification of the endpoint with regard to type and subtype and determines whether the endpoint is capable of implementing a particular command. |
| US08242884B2 |
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. |
| US08242883B2 |
Reduced power electronic lock system
An electronic lock system including an electronic lock disposed in a door and a device external to the door disposed for wirelessly providing power to the electronic lock. |
| US08242880B2 |
Tongue operated magnetic sensor systems and methods
A method of tracking movement, position, or both of a tongue of a subject. The method includes positioning a tracer unit on the tongue of the subject in a non-obstructively manner; positioning a sensor system in proximity to the tongue carrying the tracer unit; calibrating the sensor system relative to the tracer unit; and detecting the position of the tracer unit. An assistive system/apparatus can track movement, position, or both of the tongue. The system/apparatus includes the tracer unit; the sensor system for detecting position of the tracer unit and adapted for non-obstructive placement proximal the sensor system; and a control system for transmitting to a processing system. |
| US08242879B2 |
System and method for prosthetic/orthotic device communication
A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system. |
| US08242875B2 |
Thin film type varistor and a method of manufacturing the same
A thin film type varistor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: a depositing a first zinc oxide thin film at a low temperature through a sputtering method; and a forming a zinc oxide thin film for a varistor by treating the first zinc oxide thin film with heat at a low temperature in an environment in which an inert gas and oxygen are injected. Accordingly, it is possible to lower a processing temperature and simplify a manufacturing process while maintaining a varistor characteristic so as to be applied to a highly integrated circuit. |
| US08242872B2 |
Transformer with effective high turn ratio
Embodiments of the invention provide a transformer comprising: a first coil element having a transverse axis along a transverse direction, the first coil element having p turns where p is greater than or equal to 1; and a second coil element having a transverse axis generally parallel to the transverse axis of the first coil element, the second coil element having n turns, where n is greater than or equal to 5p; wherein the first and second coil elements are arranged to provide electromagnetic coupling between the coil elements along a portion of a length of the second coil element in both a transverse direction parallel to the transverse axes and a lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction is a direction normal to the transverse axes. |
| US08242871B2 |
Transformer
The transformer includes a bobbin, a plurality of terminal electrode, a primary coil, a secondary coil, and a hook part. The bobbin includes a core portion extending in an axial direction, and terminal bases fixed at both ends of the core portion in the axial direction. The plurality of terminal electrode regions is provided on the terminal bases. Each terminal electrode region is provided with a wire connection part. The primary coil comprises a plurality of primary wires. The secondary coil comprises a plurality of secondary wires. The hook part is disposed between the core portion and one of the terminal electrode regions and configured to hook at least one of the primary wires and the secondary wires. |
| US08242866B2 |
Sealed cased magnetic switch
A sealed cased magnetic switch includes: a first contact pressure spring having one end supported by the movable contactor and applying an elastic force to the movable contactor to provide a contact pressure in a direction in which the movable contactor is brought into contact with the fixed electrode; a spring seat member supporting the other end of the first contact pressure spring and fixedly installed on the driving shaft; and a second contact pressure spring having a diameter larger than that of the first contact pressure spring and applying an elastic force at an outer position in a radial direction compared with the first contact pressure spring to the movable contactor in a direction in which the movable contactor is brought into contact with the fixed electrode. |
| US08242865B1 |
Planar RF electromechanical switch
A micromachined switch is provided including a base substrate, a bond pad on the base substrate, a cantilever arm connected to the bond pad, the cantilever arm having a conductive via from the bond pad, a first actuation electrode on the base substrate, and a second actuation electrode on the cantilever arm connected to the bond pad by way of the conductive via, positioned such that an actuation voltage applied between the first actuation electrode and the second actuation electrode will deform the cantilever arm, wherein the first actuation electrode is facing a side of the cantilever arm opposite the second actuation electrode. |
| US08242864B2 |
Trip mechanism for circuit breaker
Disclosed is a trip mechanism for a circuit breaker, capable of maintaining a constant characteristic of a normal trip operation in spite of changes in installation angles of the circuit breaker including a horizontal installation, a perpendicular installation and an inclination installation, the trip mechanism including, a coil configured to generate a magnetic absorption force due to a fault current on a circuit, a stationary core fixed to a lower portion of the coil within the coil, a movable core movable down to the stationary core within the coil by the magnetic absorption force generated from the coil, and a trip lever rotatably to connected to the movable core so as to be pulled by the movable core when the movable core is downwardly moved and configured to trigger the switching mechanism such that the movable contactor is moved to an open circuit position. |
| US08242850B2 |
Direct digital synthesizer for reference frequency generation
A direct digital frequency synthesizer having a multi-modulus divider, a numerically controlled oscillator and a programmable delay generator. The multi-modulus divider receives an input clock having an input pulse frequency fosc and outputs some integer fraction of those pulses at an instantaneous frequency fVp that is some integer fraction (1/P) of the input frequency. The multi-modulus divider selects between at least two ratios of P (1/P or 1/P+1) in response to a signal from the numerically controlled oscillator. The numerically controlled oscillator receives an accumulator increment (i.e., the number of divided pulse edges) required before an overflow occurs that causes the multi-modulus divider to change divider ratios in response to an overflow. The numerically controlled oscillator also outputs both the overflow signal and a delay signal to the delay generator. The delay signal contains phase-dithering noise that is induced by input from a pseudo-random noise generator. |
| US08242848B2 |
Oscillation frequency control circuit, and DC-DC converter and semiconductor device having the same
An oscillation frequency control circuit configured to control a frequency of a second clock signal of an oscillation circuit generating and outputting the second clock signal having a frequency in response to an input control signal is disclosed. The oscillation frequency control circuit includes a frequency difference detection circuit unit configured to detect a difference between a frequency of a predetermined first clock signal input externally and the frequency of the second clock signal, and generate and output a signal indicating a result of the detection; and a frequency control circuit unit configured to control the frequency of the second clock signal so that the frequency of the second clock signal continually changes back and forth between a predetermined lower limit value and a predetermined upper limit value in response to the output signal from the frequency difference detection circuit. |
| US08242847B1 |
Method and apparatus for improving amplifier linearity
Aspects of the disclosure provide an amplifier. The amplifier includes a first path configured to generate a first current that has a first polarity third-order coefficient corresponding to an input signal, a swing adjustor configured to adjust a swing of the input signal, and a second path configured to generate a second current based on the swing-adjusted input signal. The second current has a second polarity third-order coefficient corresponding to the swing-adjusted input signal. The first current and the second current are combined to drive a load, such that a third-order inter-modulation (IM3) in the combined current is reduced. In addition, in a power amplifier example, parameters of the amplifier, such as a ratio of the swing adjustor, biases of transistors, a number of additional paths, are adjusted based on a detected power of the input signal, such that the IM3 reduction is achieved across a wide input power range. |
| US08242846B2 |
Power amplifier
There is provided a power amplifier capable of improving harmonics characteristics of an output signal of an amplifier circuit by compensating a phase of the output signal. A power amplifier according to an aspect of the invention may include: an amplification section having a plurality of amplification units each amplifying a radio frequency (RF) signal according to a gain being controlled; a phase correction section performing phase correction by removing harmonic components of respective output signals from the plurality of amplification units of the amplification section; and a coupling section coupling the respective output signals phase-corrected by the phase correction section. |
| US08242840B2 |
Capacitive sensor
A capacitive sensor amplifier circuit comprising: a capacitive sensor; a bias voltage supply connected across the capacitive sensor via a bias resistor; an operational amplifier having an input connected to the capacitive sensor; and a feedback capacitor connected between the input and an output of the amplifier, the input and output being of the same sign. |
| US08242837B2 |
Analog circuit and semiconductor device
An object is to obtain a semiconductor device having a high sensitivity in detecting signals and a wide dynamic range, using a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor layer is used. An analog circuit is formed with the use of a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor which has a function as a channel formation layer, has a hydrogen concentration of 5×1019 atoms/cm3 or lower, and substantially functions as an insulator in the state where no electric field is generated. Thus, a semiconductor device having a high sensitivity in detecting signals and a wide dynamic range can be obtained. |
| US08242835B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first ground voltage pad, a second ground voltage pad, an internal voltage generation unit, and a division unit. The first ground voltage pad is configured to receive a first ground voltage. The second ground voltage pad is configured to receive a second ground voltage. The internal voltage generation unit includes a comparison unit configured to compare a reference voltage with a feedback voltage by using the first ground voltage, and a driving unit configured to drive an internal voltage terminal in response to an output signal of the comparison unit. The division unit is coupled between the internal voltage terminal and the second ground voltage pad, and configured to divide a voltage of the internal voltage pad and generate the feedback voltage supplied to the internal voltage generation unit. |
| US08242830B2 |
Power supply control circuit
A power supply control circuit comprises an output transistor 32 which controls supply of electric power to a load and a gate driving circuit which generates control signals “a” and “b” for controlling on/off of the output transistor based on an external input signal. A first discharge path includes a first depletion-type N-channel MOS transistor provided between a gate and a source of the output transistor and discharges a gate charge of the output transistor based on the control signals, when turning off the output transistor. A second discharge path includes a first depletion-type N-channel MOS transistor discharges more slowly than the first discharge path. A diode is coupled to the first depletion-type N-channel MOS transistor in series and detects that a gate voltage of the output transistor has fallen to a prescribed voltage level, and cuts off a first discharge path. |
| US08242828B1 |
Programmable delay circuit
A delay circuit is described having a variable capacitor and a triggering circuit. The variable capacitor and the triggering circuit may both include transistors. With both the variable capacitor and the triggering circuit dependent on the threshold voltage, the delay circuit may be less sensitive to process variations. The delay circuit may also include a capacitor, a first triggering circuit, a second triggering circuit, and a pull down circuit. The capacitor may discharge at a first rate, triggering the first triggering circuit which, in turn, activates the pull down circuit to pull down the capacitor at a second rate that is faster than the first rate. The second triggering circuit is triggered as the capacitor is pulled down, thereby reducing the effect of input signal noise on the output of the delay circuit. The discharging of the capacitor may be adjusted by a control input thereby making the delay of the delay circuit programmable. |
| US08242827B2 |
Differential latch, differential flip-flop, LSI, differential latch configuration method, and differential flip-flop configuration method
A differential latch comprising a data holding transistor, the differential latch comprising: a resetting transistor that is connected to a gate electrode of the data holding transistor and is controlled by a reset signal; and a switching transistor that is connected to the gate electrode of the data holding transistor and is controlled by a switch signal, being an inverted version of the reset signal. |
| US08242825B2 |
Method and apparatus for pulse width modulation
An integrated control circuit according to aspects of the present invention includes a capacitor to develop a first current during a first time duration in response to a charge current and to develop a second voltage during a second time duration in response to a discharge current. A comparator is also included and is coupled to the capacitor to indicate when the voltage on the capacitor reaches the second voltage. A control logic sets a duty ratio of a periodic output signal in response to the time it takes the capacitor to discharge from the first voltage to the second voltage. An oscillator is coupled to provide a timing signal to the control logic. In one aspect, the control logic includes an output that is coupled to the oscillator to change a frequency of the oscillator. |
| US08242824B1 |
Signal delay apparatus for providing exact delay amount, memory apparatus utilizing the signal delay apparatus, and signal delay method
A signal delay apparatus, including: a period digitalization circuit, for digitalizing a period of a reference clock signal to generate a digitalized reference period; a delay control signal generator, for generating a delay control signal according to the digitalized reference period, a reference frequency and a required delay indicating signal; and a delay circuit, for delaying an input signal to generate an output signal according to the required delay control signal. |
| US08242820B2 |
Phase locked loop and method for operating the same
A phase locked loop includes a phase lock unit configured to compare a phase of a reference clock with a phase of a feedback clock and to generate an internal clock based on the comparison; a delay lock unit configured to compare the reference clock with the internal clock, and to generate the feedback clock which is delayed in response to a control voltage based on the comparison; and a start voltage enable unit configured to receive an enable signal and to apply a start voltage as the control voltage in response to the enable signal. |
| US08242818B2 |
Phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer
Described is a frequency synthesizer having a wide output frequency range and small frequency tuning steps. In-band spurious components are maintained at low levels and phase noise is significantly reduced. The frequency synthesizer can be fabricated as an integrated circuit device having a small area and low power dissipation. The frequency synthesizer can be used in wideband frequency systems to reduce cost and size by replacing multiple frequency synthesizers each devoted to a portion of the overall system frequency range. |
| US08242812B2 |
Buffer circuit
A buffer circuit in accordance with an embodiment comprises output transistors connected between a first fixed voltage terminal and an output terminal, and gate control transistors connected between a second fixed voltage terminal and a gate of one of the output transistors or between two of gates of the output transistors. The output transistors are configured to turn on to change a voltage of the output terminal. The gate control transistors are configured to apply a gate voltage to the gates of the output transistors. A gate of each of the gate control transistors is applied with a certain voltage, such that when a source of each of the gate control transistors changes from a first potential to a second potential, a potential difference between the gate and the source attains a threshold voltage or greater, whereby each of the gate control transistors is turned on. |
| US08242811B2 |
High-bandwidth on-chip communication
Some embodiments of the present invention provide techniques and systems for high-bandwidth on-chip communication. During operation, the system receives an input voltage signal which is to be transmitted over a wire in a chip. The system then generates one or more modified voltage signals from the input voltage signal. Next, the system drives each of the voltage signals (i.e., the input voltage signal and the one or more modified voltage signals) through a respective capacitor. The system then combines the output signals from the capacitors to obtain a combined voltage signal. Next, the system transmits the combined voltage signal over the wire. The transmitted signals can then be received by a hysteresis receiver which is coupled to the wire through a coupling capacitor. |
| US08242808B2 |
Decoder circuit
A normally operable decoder circuit is obtained without entailing a delay in decoding operation, an increase in circuit area, and an increase in circuit design cost. An NMOS transistor in a high-voltage circuit portion is inserted between the output of a NAND gate and a node, and receives an input signal at the gate electrode thereof. A load current generating portion in the high-voltage circuit portion includes PMOS transistors coupled in series between a high power supply voltage and the node. One of the PMOS transistor receives a control signal at the gate electrode thereof. The other PMOS transistor receives a control signal at the gate electrode thereof. An inverter receives a signal obtained from the node as an input signal, and outputs the inverted signal thereof as an output signal. |
| US08242807B2 |
Scalable non-blocking switching network for programmable logic
A scalable non-blocking switching network (SN) having switches and intermediate (stages of) conductors that are used to connect a first plurality of conductors to other multiple sets of conductors in a generally unrestricted fashion within respective interconnect resources constraints. The SN can be applied in a wide range of applications, in tandem or hierarchically, to provide a large switch network used in network, routers, and programmable logic circuits. The SN is used to connect a first set of conductors, through the SN, to multiple sets of conductors in a given logic circuit hierarchy whereby the conductors in each of the multiple sets are equivalent or exchangeable, which in term, by construction, makes the first set of conductors equivalent when used in the next level of circuit hierarchy. The SN is scalable for large sized sets of conductors and can be used hierarchically to enable programmable interconnections among large sized circuits. |
| US08242804B2 |
Impedance control signal generation circuit and impedance control method of semiconductor circuit
An impedance control signal generation circuit includes an impedance control signal generation unit configured to generate an impedance control signal in response to a command, a storage unit configured to latch and output the impedance control signal in response to an update pulse signal, a control unit configured to determine whether the impedance control signal is within a predetermined range and generate an update enable signal according to a determination result, and a prohibition unit configured to control input of the update pulse signal to the storage unit in response to the update enable signal. |
| US08242803B2 |
HDMI and displayport dual mode transmitter
A method and apparatus is disclosed that is capable of transmitting video signals and/or audio signals using the HDMI interface standard or the DisplayPort interface standard. A dual mode transmitter is disclosed that is configurable to transmit to a first sink device, configured in accordance with a HDMI display interface, in a HDMI mode of operation and/or a second sink device, configured in accordance with a DisplayPort display interface, in a DisplayPort mode of operation. The dual mode transmitter is configured to receive a biasing current from the first sink device in the HDMI mode of operation or to internally provide the biasing current in DisplayPort mode of operation by selecting impedances from selectable impedance networks. The dual mode transmitter is configured to transmit the video signals and/or audio signals by biasing one or more transistors using the biasing current. |
| US08242801B2 |
Semiconductor body, circuit arrangement having the semiconductor body and method
An input circuit arrangement comprises an input, a comparator, and an evaluation circuit. The input is designed for coupling to a first terminal of an impedance and for feeding an input signal. The comparator is connected to the input of the input circuit arrangement and is designed for delivering an activation signal to an output as a function of a comparison of the input signal with an adjustable threshold. Furthermore, the evaluation circuit is connected to the input of the input circuit arrangement and for its activation to the output of the comparator and is designed for evaluating the value of the impedance that can be connected. |
| US08242799B2 |
System and method for phase error reduction in quantum systems
One embodiment of the invention includes a quantum system. The system includes a superconducting qubit that is controlled by a control parameter to manipulate a photon for performing quantum operations. The system also includes a quantum resonator system coupled to the superconducting qubit and which includes a first resonator and a second resonator having approximately equal resonator frequencies. The quantum resonator system can represent a first quantum logic state based on a first physical quantum state of the first and second resonators with respect to storage of the photon and a second quantum logic state based on a second physical quantum state of the first and second resonators with respect to storage of the photon. |
| US08242798B2 |
Signal testing system and method of a printed circuit board
A signal testing method of a printed circuit board (PCB) applies a robot arm and an oscilloscope to test the PCB. The method controls the robot arm to move to test points of electronic signals of the PCB. The method further controls the oscilloscope connected to the robot arm to measure the electronic signals. |
| US08242793B2 |
Electromagnetic profiling to validate electronic device authenticity
Counterfeit electronic devices are detected by comparing a thermal profile of the counterfeit device and an authentic device under predetermined operating conditions. A thermal profile for an authentic electronic device is recorded executing an instruction set over time, such as with static infrared images at predetermined times, video infrared images over a predetermined time period or temperature measurements made at predetermined locations of the electronic device. In one embodiment, a thermal profile indicates that a processor device has been used in the place of a field programmable grid array device. In an alternative embodiment, an electromagnetic profile is detected instead of or in addition to the thermal profile. The electromagnetic profile of an authentic device is used to create an expected profile for comparison with an electromagnetic profile of electronic devices under test. |
| US08242790B2 |
Method and system for detection of tampering related to reverse engineering
A sensor system for protecting products and technology from reverse engineering by detecting attempts to probe electronic circuitry includes a sensor electrically linked to electronic circuitry. The sensor detects interaction of probe devices with the electronic circuitry for the purpose of reverse engineering the electronic circuitry. The sensor includes an exciter and an impedance counter linked to the exciter. A count rate of the impedance counter is a function of the impedance of the electronic circuitry due to the fact that oscillation frequency generated by the exciter is also a function of the impedance of the electronic circuitry. The sensor also includes an impedance register storing the binary count value from the impedance counter, wherein after the impedance counter data is transferred into the impedance register, the data is referred to as impedance data. The sensor also includes a reference oscillator monitoring count rate of the impedance counter and a sensor evaluation system comparing the impedance value to threshold values to determine if a significant change has occurred. When changes have occurred this is indicative of abnormal behavior and may be indicative of tampering relating to the evaluation of the electronic circuit for the purpose of reverse engineering. |
| US08242789B2 |
Plasma system and measurement method
A plasma system (1) has a circuit including a DC source (6), a power supply line (9), an electrodes (2, 3), and a return line (18). A perturbation signal source (8) delivers a perturbation signal into the circuit in addition to DC voltage from the DC source (6). Acquisition (10) and analysis (11) systems measure response to the perturbation. The analysis system (11) measures variation in impedance of the circuit and phase between voltage and current in the circuit. It also uses a frequency domain reflectrometry technique to measure signal reflection modulus of a supply line of the circuit over a defined frequency range. |
| US08242787B2 |
Method for determining a status and/or condition of a LED/OLED device and diagnotic device
The present invention relates to a method for determining a status and/or condition of an LED/OLED device 10, comprising the steps of: applying at least one time varying signal 22 to the LED/OLED device, acquiring the response 24 to said at least one time varying signal, correlating said response with predetermined values 30, and determining the status/condition 32 on the basis of the correlation result. Further, the present invention relates to a device adapted to carry out the inventive method. |
| US08242786B2 |
Method and system for partial discharge testing of an insulation component
The disclosure relates to a method for partial discharge testing of an insulation component, wherein at least one X-ray pulse is applied to the insulation component, an AC voltage is applied to the insulation component and the partial discharge induced by the at least one X-ray pulse is measured, wherein the dose rate of the at least one X-ray pulse is at least about 10−2 Gray/s. The disclosure relates further to a system for partial discharge testing of an insulation component which includes a flash X-ray source for generating at least one X-ray pulse, an AC voltage source, a voltage sensor, a partial discharge sensor and a partial discharge detection device for evaluating the measured partial discharge. |
| US08242785B2 |
System and method for detecting anomalies along telecommunication lines
An anomaly detection system comprises an echo canceler and anomaly detection logic. The echo canceler has a plurality of taps respectively associated with a plurality of tap coefficients. The anomaly detection logic is configured to determine a difference between a new tap coefficient associated with one of the taps and a previous tap coefficient associated with the one tap. The anomaly detection logic is configured to perform a comparison between the difference and a threshold and to detect an anomaly along a telecommunication line based on the comparison. |
| US08242778B2 |
Fast electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) in the CW EPR mode using rapid-scan in the presence of rotating gradients and direct detection with transmit/receive and data processing in a digital signal processing platform
An electron paramagnetic resonance imaging system that includes means for continuously irradiating a sample with RF irradiation; means for imposing on the sample a sinusoidally varying magnetic field along with rotating gradients for spatial encoding; means for directly detecting signal data from the sample, without using field modulation, while irradiating the sample with RF radiation continuously, the means for directly detecting having means for sweeping the sinusoidally varying magnetic field; and means for transmitting, receiving and processing the signal data, using means including a digital signal processor. |
| US08242777B2 |
Calibration of an emission tomography subsystem
A method and a system are disclosed for calibrating an emission tomography subsystem in a combined MR (magnetic resonance) and emission tomography imaging system. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a phantom that is configured such that the phantom is visible on a MR image, providing an attenuation map of the phantom, wherein the attenuation map includes an attenuation of the phantom, obtaining the MR image of the phantom, obtaining a position of the phantom from the MR image, mapping the attenuation map with the position of the phantom, and calibrating the emission tomography subsystem using the attenuation map mapped with the position of the phantom. |
| US08242773B2 |
Vehicle switch
A holder is disposed in the case. The holder is mounted with an actuator that moves in the predetermined direction and a wiring board having a detector. A positioning mechanism between relevant components for detecting the positions of components is provided such as a wiring board and a holder, the position of magnet in particular. In this way, the magnet and the detector opposing to each other are positioned. As a result, when a vehicle switch is assembled, the variation in position of the magnet and detector is reduced. |
| US08242771B2 |
Current sensing inductor and a circuit thereof
An inductor design having a detection winding which is magnetically coupled to the existing winding and its induction voltage is used to cancel that of the existing winding. Having the induction voltage cancelled, the voltage across the existing winding represents a resistive voltage drop of the existing winding current. The detection winding is furthermore built with a non-inductive portion having a significantly higher DC resistance in proportion to that of the existing winding. This resistance proportion is insensitive against temperature variations when both the existing and the detection windings are built with the same material and subjected to the same environment. A reference current is fed through the detection winding to produce a reference resistive voltage drop which is used to cancel the resistive voltage drop across the existing winding. When a precise cancellation occurs, the existing winding current is known to be in exact proportion to the reference current. |
| US08242770B2 |
Voltage sensing device
A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without acquiring a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 are selected from n+1 voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and the selected voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 are connected to inspection input nodes NA and NB. Here, voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 and inspection input nodes NA and NB are connected in two types of patterns of different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection) under the control of control part 50, and digital data S30 for the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two types of connection patterns is input to sensed data processing part 40. With sensed data processing part 40, sensed voltage data S40 that represents the potential difference between voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is generated according to the difference in the two sensed voltage signals S20. |
| US08242768B2 |
System for testing power supply performance
A system for testing power supply performance includes a DC power supply, a test apparatus for testing the DC power supply, and a control circuit electrically coupled to the DC power supply and the test apparatus. The control circuit includes an A/D conversion circuit, and a voltage level conversion circuit. The A/D conversion circuit receives DC voltage signals from the power supply, and converts the received DC voltage signals to digital signals. The voltage level conversion circuit receives the digital signals, and converts the received digital signals to voltage level signals which can be identified by the test apparatus. The test apparatus receives the voltage level signals, and generates signal waveforms of the voltage signals according to the received voltage level signals. |
| US08242767B2 |
Detection of changes in an interval of time between optical or electrical signals
A method is disclosed for detecting changes in an interval of time (ΔT) between an optical or electrical signal and an optical or electrical reference signal using a photodetector. The method may be used to synchronize an optical or electrical signal with an optical or electrical reference signal. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving the optical signal and the optical reference signal by means of the photodetector, outputting an electrical response signal at an output of the photodetector, the electrical response signal having a frequency spectrum which depends on the interval of time (ΔT), filtering a selected harmonic from the frequency spectrum of the electrical response signal which has been output, and detecting changes in the interval of time (ΔT) from changes in the amplitude of the selected harmonic. |
| US08242765B2 |
Switching power supply device and semiconductor device used for the same
In a switching power supply device in which an operation reference voltage of a control circuit has an electric potential identical to that of a connection point between a switching element and a coil that is an energy conversion circuit, an output voltage detection circuit includes: a rectification circuit which converts an output voltage into a voltage signal rectified relative to the operation reference voltage terminal of the control circuit; and a voltage-to-current converter which is connected between an input terminal of a current detection circuit and the rectification circuit, and which converts the rectified voltage signal into a current signal. The current detection circuit is a sampling type which detects a current by sampling the current signal applied to the input terminal of the current detection circuit. |
| US08242762B2 |
Transient recovery circuit for switching devices
A transient recovery circuit for switching devices. The transient recovery circuit includes a detecting circuit for detecting a rapid transient in an output voltage of a switching device by detecting a rate of the output voltage transient; an auxiliary controlling circuit in a feedback loop of the switching device for correcting the output voltage by changing a bandwidth of the feedback loop if the rapid transient is detected; and an initializing circuit for initializing the feedback loop to expected operating points in a continuous conduction mode after correcting the output voltage. |
| US08242760B2 |
Constant-voltage circuit device
A constant-voltage circuit converts a voltage input to an input terminal and outputs a predetermined constant voltage from an output terminal. The constant-voltage circuit includes an output transistor to output an electrical current to the output terminal in response to a control signal, a reference voltage circuit to generate a predetermined reference voltage, a control circuit to adjust a voltage proportional to the output voltage output from the output terminal to the reference voltage output from the reference voltage circuit by controlling the output transistor and a soft start circuit including a capacitor for soft start that is charged at start-up and a current control unit to control an electrical current supplied to the reference voltage circuit. The current control unit adjusts the reference voltage to a voltage determined by the capacitor for soft start at the start-up until the reference voltage reaches a desired voltage. |
| US08242758B2 |
Converter and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to a converter and a driving method thereof. The converter includes a switch controller that controls switching operation of a master switch and a slave switch. The switch controller detects a center point of one switching operation period of the master switch by using an internal triangular wave having a period that is the same as that of the one switching operation period, and starts the switching operation of the slave switch at the detected point. The internal triangular wave signal has a waveform that varies within one period, and detects a crossing point of an average value of the internal triangular wave and the internal triangular wave as a center point of one switching operation period of the master switch. |
| US08242757B2 |
Constant power control apparatus and control method thereof
A constant power control apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided. The constant power control apparatus outputs output power to a load element. The constant power control apparatus includes a compensation and modification device, a constant power control device, and a power generation circuit. The compensation and modification device receives an expected output power voltage and a voltage feedback signal relating to the output power. The compensation and modification device transforms the expected output power voltage into a current reference value, and modifies the current reference value to generate a modified current reference value according to the voltage feedback signal. The constant power control device receives the modified current reference value and a current feedback signal relating to the output power, and generates a control signal for use in power modulation. The power generation circuit receives the control signal and outputs the output power. |
| US08242755B2 |
Switch control device and converter including the same
The present invention relates to a switch control device and a converter including the same. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the switch control device includes a PWM controller for forcing a power switch to turn on when the power switch is turned off during a predetermined period, a current sensor for determining whether a current flows through the power switch, and a conditional counter for determining that an input voltage is input to a power transmission element by using a sense result of the current sensor and a number of times that the PWM controller turns on the power switch by force. |
| US08242754B2 |
Resonant power converter with half bridge and full bridge operations and method for control thereof
A resonant power converter with half bridge and full bridge operations and a method for control thereof are provided. The resonant power converter includes a full bridge circuit, a control circuit and a PFC circuit. The full bridge circuit switches a power transformer in response to switching signals. The control circuit coupled to receive a feedback signal and an input signal generates switching signals. The feedback signal is correlated to the output of the power converter and the input signal is correlated to the input voltage of the full bridge circuit, where the full bridge circuit is operated as a full bridge switching when the input signal is lower than a threshold, and the full bridge circuit is operated as a half bridge switching when the input signal is higher than the threshold. The PFC circuit generates the input voltage of the full bridge circuit. |
| US08242750B2 |
Balancing power supply and demand
A method and apparatus to balance adapter power supply and computing device power demand. In one embodiment, power to/from battery pack(s) maybe controlled by adjusting the output voltage of the power adapter via the current input to the power adapter through a feedback pin to meet power demand of electrical loads. Another embodiment provides a way to adjust the activities of the electrical loads such that neither adapter power rating nor the electrical load power limit is exceeded while avoiding system shutdown. |
| US08242748B2 |
Trailer tow preserving battery charge circuit
A method and integrated circuit for preserving a battery's charge and protecting electrical devices is disclosed. A maximum and a minimum battery voltage value at the output port are stored in a memory. A steady state battery voltage at the output port is measured and stored in the memory. A processor compares the measured steady battery voltage value to the maximum and the minimum battery voltage values. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is greater than the maximum battery voltage value, an over voltage state is reported by the processor. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is less than the minimum battery voltage value, a low battery voltage state is reported by the processor. |
| US08242746B2 |
Method and device for measuring cell voltages in a plurality of series-connected accumulator cells
The invention relates to a method and a device for measuring cell voltages of accumulator cells in a plurality of series-connected accumulator cells in a battery pack or cell pack including an Li-Ion cell pack. The method and the device are characterized in that no unbalancing of the battery pack is caused by the measurements of the cell voltages on the individual accumulator cells. |
| US08242741B2 |
Systems, apparatus and devices for wireless charging of electronic devices
Disclosed are systems, apparatus and devices for wireless charging of electronic devices that include magnets in close proximity to primary and secondary inductive charging coils to move the coils within close proximity and within axial alignment to one another. The system includes a charging apparatus including a first coil having within close proximity a first magnet, the primary coil and magnet together capable of moving within the charging apparatus in accordance with magnetic attraction. A battery charging device includes a secondary coil having within close proximity a second magnet. The magnets can attract so that the coils are moved close together. In this way the respective coils are coupled so that inductive charging may be provided. An engagement structure of the charging apparatus can help to maintain the first coil in a particular orientation within the charging apparatus so that the alignment of the coils is optimized. |
| US08242740B2 |
Battery charger with charging status indicator in battery compartment
The battery charger has a case 1 that has a battery compartment 2 to load a plurality of rechargeable circular cylindrical batteries 3 arranged in parallel orientation in a detachable manner, a charging circuit 10 housed in the case 1 to charge the batteries loaded in the battery compartment 2, and a charging status indicator 4 that detects the charging status of batteries loaded in the battery compartment 2 and indicates the battery charging status by light illumination conditions. The indicator 4 is provided with light sources 6 disposed at the end of the battery compartment 2 that shine light from between adjacent parallel circular cylindrical batteries 3 in the lengthwise direction onto the battery surfaces. These battery charger light sources 6 shine light on the surfaces of adjacent circular cylindrical batteries 3 to indicate the charging status of the circular cylindrical batteries 3 loaded in the battery compartment 2. |
| US08242736B2 |
DC motor with directionally determined torque
A device and method for matching the rates of speed at which an electric motor that is drivingly connected to a worm gear raises and lowers a window in an automobile power window assembly. By axially displacing the motor's armature, and/or by varying the thread and tooth profiles of the worm and the gear, the amount of torque produced by the motor and transmitted through the worm gear can be altered. In order to compensate for the effect of gravity on the motor load and on the window's speed of ascent and descent, more torque is provided when the window is being raised and less torque is provided when the window is being lowered. |
| US08242731B2 |
Predictive pulse width modulation for an open delta H-bridge driven high efficiency ironless permanent magnet machine
Embodiments of the present method and system permit an effective method for determining the optimum selection of pulse width modulation polarity and type including determining machine parameters, inputting the machine parameters into a predicted duty cycle module, determining the optimum polarity of the pulse width modulation for a predicted duty cycle based on a pulse width modulation generation algorithm, and determining the optimum type of the pulse width modulation for a predicted duty cycle based on the pulse width modulation generation algorithm. |
| US08242728B2 |
Method for modernizing a technical system and an appropriate drive element
One embodiment relates to modernizing a technical system, in particular a producing system with the aim of obtaining economic and technical advantages. The technical system comprises at least one drive mechanism provided with at least one drive motor powered by a power element, a torque controller controlling the power element and a speed controller prescribing the nominal value of the torque (Msoll) for the torque controller. When the determination of the nominal value of the torque (Msoll) for the torque controller by the speed controller is deactivated, a standard drive element is available. The drive element comprises at least one speed controller, a torque controller and a power element. The nominal value of the torque (Msoll) of the torque controller of the drive motor is determined by a speed controller of the standard drive element. |
| US08242727B2 |
System and method for a high efficiency remote three phase fan commutation integration control in an information handling system
An information handling system includes a three phase brushless direct current motor and a motherboard which in turn includes a drive circuit. The three phase brushless direct current motor is configured to rotate a cooling fan in the information handling system based on a control signal. The drive circuit is connected to the three phase brushless direct current motor, and the drive circuit is configured to adjust the control signal sent to the three phase brushless direct current motor based on a back electromagnetic flux signal. |
| US08242726B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for the feedback of commutation energy in three-phase current drive systems with a current intermediate circuit converter
There is disclosed a method and a circuit arrangement for the feedback of commutation energy in three-phase current drive systems with a current intermediate circuit converter. Commutation energy is released at each commutation in the inverter. The commutation unit ensures that the released energy is directly fed back to the current intermediate circuit in two steps. In the first step, the commutation energy is fed into the commutation capacitor by a rectifier circuit (diode bridge and three triacs). In the second step, the commutation energy is fed directly from the commutation capacitor into the current intermediate circuit by means of three semiconductors (first RIGBT, second RIGBT, diode) so that the current of the intermediate circuit flows through the capacitor over a controlled period of time. |
| US08242725B2 |
Method for operating sensorless and brushless motors
A method of aligning a sensorless brushless polyphase DC motor including aligning a rotor to a known stopped position with respect to at least one coil during a shut-down of said motor wherein a voltage is applied to one or more coils in a timed sequence of voltage application steps; and, starting said rotor from said known stopped position, wherein a voltage is applied to one or more coils in a timed sequence of voltage application steps. |
| US08242723B2 |
Calculating airflow values for HVAC systems
A method of calculating a control parameter for a component in an HVAC system includes receiving a plurality of input signals, and calculating a value of the control parameter using a control parameter equation having a plurality of predetermined coefficients and a plurality of variables, each variable corresponding to one of the input signals. This equation is stored in and subsequently fetched from memory associated with a component of the HVAC system, such as a blower motor controller or a system controller. In some embodiments, the equation is stored in a device for interfacing a system controller with a blower motor assembly. |
| US08242722B2 |
Controller for rotating electrical machines
A controller for rotating electrical machines comprises a processing unit, to which a plurality of parameters are input, for generating a switching instruction to control a switching operation of a switching semiconductor device and outputting a signal corresponding to the switching instruction to a power converter. The processing unit includes at least a function to input thereto signals having been output from each of sensors such as a current sensor to detect current passed between the power converter and a winding of an armature, a temperature sensor to detect temperature of the winding of the armature, and a magnetic pole position sensor to detect magnetic pole position of a magnetic field system, and, based upon information on current, temperature, and rotation speed of the rotating electrical machines, having been obtained from those sensor signals, detects a magnetic flux that interlinks with the winding of the armature from a permanent magnet. |
| US08242719B2 |
Connection of an electric motor to a supply network
Method and arrangement for connecting an AC electric motor (M1, M2, . . . MN) to an AC electricity network (L) in a system which comprises a frequency converter (FC), with which the motor is started, and contactors (S11, S12, S21, S22, SN1, SN2), in which method the supply source is changed by means of the contactors from the frequency converter to a direct network supply, in which method the frequency converter is stopped before changing the supply source, and in which method in connection with changing the supply source the control of the contactors is started before stopping the frequency converter. |
| US08242718B2 |
System for controlling light in dependence of time-of-flight signal
A lighting system comprising a lamp arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having properties such as intensity, lour, lour temperature, direction and beam cone angle, a light control system arranged to adjust said light beam properties, an ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals, an ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive reflected ultrasonic signals, and a processing system arranged to derive a time-of-flight signal representing the time differences between said transmitted and received ultrasonic signals and to send control signals to said light control system in dependence of said time-of-flight signal. |
| US08242717B2 |
Light output device
A light output device comprises a substrate arrangement comprising a plurality of light source circuits integrated into the structure of the substrate arrangement. Each light source circuit comprises a light source device arrangement (4) having two terminals and a transistor circuit (7). Each light source circuit is supplied with power from an associated pair the power connections (10,11,14,15,20), and at least two light source circuits (4,7) share the same pair of power connections. A set of control connections (18) are provided for receiving external control signals for controlling the transistor circuits (7). A set of non-overlapping electrodes (10,11,14,15,18,20) provide the internal connections between the power connections, the light source device terminals and the transistor circuits, and each light source device is individually independently controllable. |
| US08242716B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A backlight driving circuit for a liquid crystal display device including a light emitting diode controlling portion for outputting a brightness control signal, a light emitting diode driving portion that amplifies an input voltage to produce the first driving voltage and that uses the brightness control signal to adjust a second driving voltage, a backlight unit including a plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels including a light emitting diode array supplied in common with the first and second driving voltages from the light emitting diode driving portion, a feedback voltage terminal on each of the plurality of channels that outputs a feedback voltage to the light emitting diode controlling portion, a detecting element on each of the plurality of channels that detects the feedback voltage, and a current set resistor disposed between the plurality of channels and a ground terminal of the light emitting diode driving portion. |
| US08242715B2 |
Electro-optical based lamp/fixture for continuous control of LED light beam position and focus
A lighting system comprising a plurality of light units, wherein said light units are arranged in at least two groups forming concentric polygons or circles, wherein the light beams of substantially each pair of adjacent light units overlap each other, wherein the light beams of the inner group are directed substantially parallel to each other, wherein the light beams of the light units in the outer group diverge from the light beams of the light units in the inner group, and wherein the light system comprises a light control means which is arranged to adjust the intensity of each one of said plurality of light units individually. |
| US08242711B2 |
Lighting systems
A power adaptor (20) for a lighting unit (50) having a solid state light source (50a,50b,50c) is disclosed. The power adaptor (20) comprises an input (22) for connection to a mains power supply, a power transfer module (40a,40b,40c,140a) that is coupled to the input (22) and provides an output suitable for driving the solid state light source (50a,50b,50c), and a controller (30) that receives a voltage signal from the input (22) and is able to deliver a control signal to the power transfer module (40a,40b,40c,140a) for reducing the power drawn from the input (22). The power adaptor (20) draws current from the input (22) as a function of the voltage at the input (22) in order that the power adaptor (20) appears as a variable resistor to the mains supply. |
| US08242706B2 |
Drive system for illumination device
A drive system for an illumination device includes a plurality of LEDs; an extra load; an illumination setting unit, for providing an illumination parameter such as a work cycle; a power supply unit, for providing a DC current; a microprocessor, for receiving the illumination parameter and generating a plurality of drive signals and a compensation signal according to the received illumination parameter; a plurality of first drive units, for driving the LEDs to receive the DC current in the high-level cycle for illumination; and a second drive unit, for receiving the compensation signal and outputting the DC current to the extra load according to the compensation signal. |
| US08242705B2 |
Frequency modulation method and device for high intensity discharge lamp
An electronic control gear for a HID lamp receives an input signal for operating the lamp and frequency modulates the input signal to generate a frequency modulated output signal that drives an arc of the lamp. The frequency modulation of the output signal sweeps continuously between a low frequency modulation and a high frequency modulation, the low frequency modulation being a frequency f1 in a range of 125 kHz to 150 kHz and the high frequency modulation being a frequency f2 in a range of 230 kHz to 300 kHz, where f2−f1 is at least 0.4*f1. A power amplifier changes an amplitude of the frequency modulated output signal during the low frequency modulations so that a current amplitude of the frequency modulated output signal is substantially constant, and a variable gain transformer adjusts a voltage of the frequency modulated output signal during starting of the lamp. |
| US08242703B2 |
Driving apparatus for light emitting diodes without employing electrolytic capacitor
A driving apparatus is provided and configured to suit driving at least a string of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The driving apparatus includes a flyback power factor correction (PFC) converter, a harmonics-filtering unit and a control unit. The flyback PFC converter works in an operation mode according to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal and receives an AC power so as to convert the AC power into a pulsating current. The harmonics-filtering unit is coupled to the flyback PFC converter and the string of LEDs, for receiving the pulsating current and filtering out the high-frequency harmonic components in the pulsating current so as to drive the string of LEDs. The control unit is coupled to the flyback PFC converter and the harmonics-filtering unit, for producing the PWM signal according to the AC power and the pulsating current, and reducing the peak-to-average ratio (PAR) of the pulsating current. |
| US08242700B2 |
Backlight unit
A backlight unit that realizes stabilization of lighting operation in the event of carrying out lighting operation at low luminance. The backlight unit is backlight unit (10) comprising a light source composed of multiple light emitting diode groups (4a, 4b, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) each including a given number of serially connected light emitting diodes (4,31); and lighting circuit (20, 40) for lighting the light source in accordance with a light control signal. The lighting circuit has at least multiple drive circuit portions (21a, 21b, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d) respectively connected to the multiple light emitting diode groups, and in accordance with a light control signal, allows all the light emitting diodes included in each of the multiple light emitting diode groups to emit light, or allows only light emitting diodes included in light emitting diode group(s) selected from among the multiple light emitting diode groups to emit light. |
| US08242688B2 |
Organic light emitting display including magnetic substance dispersed in filler and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the display includes i) a first substrate, ii) a second substrate facing the first substrate and iii) a display unit formed between the first and second substrates and including organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The display further includes i) a sealant formed between the first and second substrates so as to substantially surround the display unit, wherein the first and second substrates are bonded to each other via the sealant and ii) a filler formed at an inner side of the sealant to cover the display unit, and wherein a magnetic substance is dispersed in the filler. |
| US08242686B2 |
Organic light emitting display and fabricating method thereof
An organic light emitting display is formed with a plurality of display panels that are cut and separated from a mother substrate to form a unit display panel. Here, the substrate has a groove on its outer surface to improve the deformation strength of the cutting surface and to protect the strength of the panel from being degraded by improving the quality of the cutting cross-section. The organic light emitting display includes: a first substrate formed with a plurality of display panels partitioned by a cutting line and having a first groove on its outer surface corresponding to the cutting line; and a second substrate overlapped with an upper part of the first substrate and having a second groove on its outer surface corresponding to the cutting line, wherein the first and second grooves are formed with cutting positions lower than that of the outer surfaces of the respective substrates. |
| US08242682B2 |
Light emitting screen and method of fabricating the light emitting screen
A method of fabricating a light emitting screen 1 comprises steps of providing a resistance layer 6 having a plurality of apertures arranged in a lattice pattern and having light emitting members each arranged in each of the apertures, on a substrate 2 having an image display region 10 and a peripheral region 11 at an outer periphery of the image display region, such that the resistance layer extends from the image display region to the peripheral region, and such that the plurality of apertures are arranged in the image display region, providing a resistance adjusting layer having a resistance value larger than that of the resistance layer, on the resistance layer, to divide the image display region and the peripheral region into a plurality of segments, and forming a film of an electroconductive layer to cover the resistance layer and the light emitting member positioned in the segments. |
| US08242681B2 |
Display panel and image display apparatus
A display panel includes a vacuum vessel provided with a face plate, a rear plate having a first surface that opposes the face plate at an interval therefrom, a connecting member provided between the face plate and the rear plate and connecting the face plate and the rear plate, and a plurality of plate-like spacers provided between the face plate and the rear plate so that lengthwise directions thereof are parallel to each other. In addition, a plurality of linear fixing members are adhered to the vacuum vessel by a plurality of linear bonding members. The fixing members are adhered to the rear plate by the linear bonding members at mutually prescribed intervals and along the lengthwise direction of the plurality of spacers, with each of the plurality of linear fixing members provided with a plate-like member adhered to the rear plate and a plurality of protruding portions provided on a surface of the plate-like member on an opposite side from the rear plate. |
| US08242677B2 |
Combination organic light emitting diode panel and grounding unit
Provided is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel for lighting, including an organic layer emitting light by reaction in response to power supplied by a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a protection cap protecting the organic layer from external moisture and oxygen, a cover film attached to upper surfaces of the positive electrode and negative electrode, and serving as a ground for the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a conductive metal layer grounding the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the cover film. |
| US08242673B2 |
Spark plug
A spark plug has a center electrode, a ceramic insulator having an axial hole to support the center electrode therein, a metal shell holding the ceramic insulator, and a ground electrode, one end portion of which is fixedly connected with the metal shell, the other end portion of which is located apart from an outer circumferential surface of a top end portion of the center electrode for defining a spark discharge gap therebetween. The ceramic insulator is provided with recesses at an edge portion between a top end surface of the ceramic insulator and an inner circumferential surface of the axial hole. When defining first and second imaginary circles with the axis being their respective centers as circles passing through portions of the recesses whose radial distances from the axis are a maximum and a minimum respectively, a difference of diameters of the first and second imaginary circles is 0.08 mm or less. |
| US08242671B2 |
Metal body arc lamp
A short arc lamp comprises front and back subassemblies including mating weld rings, whereby the lamp can be assembled and sealed through welding of the weld rings. Each subassembly includes a number of self-aligning components to facilitate assembly and improve alignment accuracy. The metal body of the lamp can have a cooling projection portion, which can be received by a heat sink to remove heat from near the anode. A heat sink also can be formed as part of the metal body. The lamp reflector can be a drop-in reflector, or can be formed as part of the metal body through a process such as metal injection molding. A single strut can be used to position the cathode, which can be part of the sleeve or received by a portion of the sleeve. A trigger electrode can be used to simplify the power supply for the lamp. |
| US08242670B2 |
Electromagnetic wave blocking member for display apparatus
Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave blocking member for a display apparatus. The electromagnetic wave blocking member may include a transparent substrate, an electrode layer, and a transparent conductive layer. The electrode layer can include i) a grounding electrode corresponding to at least one frame area of the transparent substrate, and ii) an auxiliary electrode overlying the transparent substrate for connection with the grounding electrode and having a mesh or stripe pattern. The transparent conductive layer can be formed either on the electrode layer or between the transparent substrate and the electrode layer. In one example, the transparent conductive layer can include a series of a metal thin film alternating with a metal oxide thin film a plurality of times. |
| US08242668B2 |
Light source module having airflow channels in a heat dissipation element
A light source module including a planar light source, a heat dissipation medium, and a heat dissipation element are disclosed. The planar light source includes a light box, electrodes, and an insulation layer. The light box has a light emitting surface and a bottom surface opposite to the light emitting surface. The electrodes and the insulation layer are disposed on the bottom surface, and the insulation layer covers the electrodes. The heat dissipation medium is disposed on the insulation layer. The heat dissipation element includes conductive contact portions contacting the heat dissipation medium and a conductive connection portion connecting the conductive contact portions, wherein the orthographic projections of the conductive contact portions and the orthographic projections of the electrodes on the bottom surface are not overlapped by each other, and airflow channels are formed between the conductive contact portions, the conductive connection portion, and the heat dissipation medium. |
| US08242667B2 |
Fold and spiral CFL bulb safety cups, diffusion covers and shade assemblies
Screw-on or slip-on covers, in the form of transparent or translucent plastic sleeves for CFLs functioning as diffusers and cups for handling bulbs during installation, removal and as a safety receptacle for mercury-contaminated broken bulbs. The covers have interior surfaces contoured to the various sizes of CFL tube configurations, spiral or axially folded tubes, so that they are securely retained when screwed or slipped onto the tubes. The inventive covers may be used in any orientation, open end up, down or horizontal, so that they are equally useful for upright CFLs in lamps, horizontally oriented CFLs screwed into wall sockets, or downwardly oriented or angled CFLs screwed into horizontal or sloped ceiling fixtures. The inventive covers function as light diffusers and hide the tubes in more pleasing external shapes. Attractive sleeve colors, designs and surface textures are disclosed. Shades and shade frames may be secured to the inventive CFL covers. |
| US08242665B2 |
Flip-chip interconnection through chip vias
An acoustic assembly that includes an integrated circuit package having an electrically conductive via configured to pass from an active portion of the integrated circuit package through a bottom portion of the integrated circuit package. The bottom portion is a bottom side of a substrate of the integrated circuit package. An acoustic element is positioned on the bottom side of the substrate and the via is arranged to electrically couple the active portion of the integrated circuit package to the acoustic element. In one embodiment, the acoustic element is an acoustic stack and the integrated circuit package is an ASIC. The assembly microbeamformed transducer. |
| US08242662B2 |
Special thermo magnetic motor device
A special thermo magnetic motor which is an electromagnetic heat engine used for directly converting power between heat and electrical forms using magnetism. It is comprised of a unique combination of a base support, a heating system to heat the magnetic wafers to the Curie temperature; a magnet system with a base and shorting bar; a rotatable disk assembly with the magnetic wafers and a support shaft/transfer means; and an output to an output means to the using device. It provides significant benefits compared to prior art devices and is used for driving various other devices. |
| US08242660B2 |
AC generator
AC generators are disclosed. Example generators may include a tubular air core, with high magnetic permeability and with a first and second end, the air core having a plurality of eddy current reducing slits passing from a radially outer surface of the air core to a radially inner surface of the air core; and a continuous coil made of conducting wire having a plurality of loops wrapped around the air core, the coil positioned between the first end and the second end of the air core. |
| US08242653B2 |
Magnetic flux controllable rotating electric machine system
A rotor surface has magnetic salient poles and island-shaped magnetic poles alternately in circumferential direction, and the island-shaped magnetic pole is constituted so that a magnetic flux coming from an external source does not flow through. A magnetic excitation part magnetizes the island-shaped magnetic poles and the magnetic salient poles collectively in the same direction, and then control a flux amount flowing through an armature. The armature has armature coils that face the magnetic salient pole and the island-shaped magnetic pole simultaneously so that driving torque fluctuation or power generation voltage waveform distortion is controlled. The magnetic excitation part changes magnetization state of a field magnet irreversibly, or changes an excitation current to an excitation coil to control a flux flowing through the armature. |
| US08242649B2 |
Low-cost minimal-loss flywheel battery
A low-cost minimal-loss zero-maintenance flywheel battery, to store electric power from a DC power source by conversion to kinetic energy, and regenerate electric power as needed. Its vertical spin-axis rotor assembly is supported axially by repelling annular permanent magnets, and is centered by ceramic ball bearings which have axial preload that prevents vibration and augments axial rotor support. A regenerative multi-pole permanent-magnet motor, controlled by its 2-phase stator current, and connected by power and signal conductors to power interface electronics, is integrated within the flywheel assembly, in a vacuum enclosure supported by a self-leveling structure. Sinusoidal 2-phase stator currents are controlled by high-frequency pulse-width-modulated H-bridge power electronics that draw and regenerate controlled DC current with minimal ripple, responsive to respective 2-phase rotation angle sensors, the DC power voltage, and other settings. The electronics includes logic and over-voltage protection to prevent otherwise possible damaging current and voltage. |
| US08242647B2 |
Overload protection device for motor
An overload protection device includes a chassis, a motor, a pair of resilient members, and at least one of electrode. The motor is received in the chassis and includes a stator having a spiral groove defined on the stator and a pair of electrical conductive contacts attached on the stator, a rotor rotatably received in the stator at one end and protruding from the stator at another end. The resilient members are positioned between the chassis and two opposite ends of the motor. The at least one friction bump is attached on the inner side of the chassis and frictionally engaged in the spiral groove of the motor. The electrodes are separately attached on the inner side of the chassis and electrically coupled to electrical conductive contacts of the motor for supply power. |
| US08242641B2 |
Vibration motor
A vibration motor includes a first resilient member and a second resilient member providing resilient forces in opposite directions; a first vibrator and a second vibrator coupled to the first resilient member and the second resilient member respectively; a magnetic body coupled to the first vibrator to create a magnetic field; and a coil applying a current of a predetermined frequency band in the region where the magnetic field is created. |
| US08242640B2 |
Power system with light-controlled function and the control method thereof
A power system with light-controlled function and the control method thereof, which power system comprising a light sensor module, a first microprocessor, a wireless transmitter, at least one controlled socket, a wireless receiver and a second microprocessor. The light sensor module outputs a first electrical signal according to the brightness of light. The first microprocessor is coupled to the light sensor module and outputs a first control signal according to the first electrical signal. The wireless transmitter is coupled to the first microprocessor and transmits the first control signal to the wireless receiver. The second microprocessor is coupled to the wireless receiver and the aforementioned controlled socket so as to control the state of power supply in the above-said controlled socket according to the first control signal. |
| US08242636B2 |
Connection apparatus for parallel running generators
In an apparatus for connecting two generators to an electrical load, there are provided a first group of terminals that are adapted to be connected to a single remote controller provided independently and separately from the apparatus and provided with a start switch and a stop switch to be manipulated by an operator, a second group of terminals that are adapted to be connected to each remote control terminal of the generators, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the first and second group of terminals and starts/stops each of the generators by outputting signals to each of the generators through the second group of terminals in accordance with a start instruction signal and a stop instruction signal produced in response to the operator's manipulation of the start switch and stop switch and inputted through the first group of terminals, thereby enabling to start and stop generators to be run in parallel by using a single remote controller. |
| US08242632B2 |
Lifting magnet and method for emergency power supply
The invention relates to a lifting magnet (11), comprising an emergency power source (121) effective during a mains power failure, said emergency power source having a plurality of high-performance capacitors (12), preferably double-layer capacitors, and to a method for the emergency power supply of a lifting magnet comprising a mains voltage (10), a transmitter (32), a receiver (33) with a relay (311) and an emergency power source (121). According to the invention, the transmitter modulates a (high) frequency test signal (34) on the mains voltage, said test signal being received and evaluated by a receiver connected to the mains voltage, wherein the receiver has a relay, by means of which the emergency power source is connected to the mains voltage when the receiver does not receive the received test signal. |
| US08242630B2 |
Multiple power supply integration apparatus, multiple power supply integration system, and multiple power supply integration program
A multiple power supply integration apparatus measures electric power and stability of power supplies, outputs thereof having irregularity. Based on measured values of the electric power and the stability, certainty of entire supply of the electric power when a use allocation rate of the power supplies is changed is indexed as an evaluation value. The multiple power supply integration apparatus adjusts each converter according to a use allocation rate corresponding to a largest evaluation value, thereby adjusting a magnitude of the electric power supplied from each power supply to a common power line. |
| US08242628B2 |
Power supply device with low standby power consumption
A power device transforms input power into power for output, and includes an input unit, a power factor unit, a first electronic switch, an output unit, and a control signal port. The power factor unit includes a power factor correction circuit and a first detection circuit connected to an output end of the power factor unit and the power factor correction circuit. The first electronic switch is connected to the first detection circuit, and is under control of the control signal port. |
| US08242627B2 |
Electrically powered vehicle
A path for charging a main battery from an external power source is established by turning on a first relay and a second relay. This charging path is provided independently of an electric path between a motor generator for generating a vehicle driving force and the main battery established by turning on a third relay. Further, an auxiliary load system including an auxiliary battery is not connected to the above-mentioned electric path, but receives operating power through a power line between the second relay and a power converter so as to be operable even with the third relay turned off. |
| US08242626B1 |
Magneto-electric method and apparatus for remote powering on the hull of an underwater vehicle
A remote power delivery system includes an electrically-conductive plate disposed adjacent to a sensor system of an underwater vehicle's hull. At least one toroidal coil is disposed between the plate and the face of the sensor system exposed to water. An AC voltage is applied to the plate so that a time-harmonic voltage is induced in each toroidal coil. |
| US08242625B2 |
Aircraft power supply and method of operating the same
An aircraft power supply for providing DC power with improved power quality characteristics to the aircraft. According to one embodiment, the aircraft power supply includes an input filter, a step-down transformer, one or more rectifier networks, and an output filter with a voltage modulation attenuator to passively improve power quality characteristics. The voltage modulation attenuator may use a certain arrangement of inductors, capacitors and diodes to reduce voltage transients in the aircraft power supply. |
| US08242622B2 |
Method and system for communicating over neutral power lines
A method and system for communicating over neutral power lines is provided wherein the neutral power line is isolated from the ground line and other connections, such as with transformers, by using a plurality of ferrites. The ferrites are positioned between the connections to the neutral line and the outputs of a BPL modem. |
| US08242618B2 |
Wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator is provided in which a gear having a large diameter is not required in a yaw drive device (30) of a yaw system (10A). The yaw drive device (30) of the yaw system (10A), which revolves a nacelle (3) depending on the wind direction, includes a electric motor (31) which is fixedly provided on a nacelle base plate (12), with an output shaft (31a) substantially aligned with a pivot of the nacelle (3). The output shaft (31a) and a fixed-side support member (2b) provided in the vicinity of an upper end of the tower (2) are coupled by a coupling shaft (33) having couplings (32) provided at both ends thereof. |
| US08242612B2 |
Wiring board having piercing linear conductors and semiconductor device using the same
A wiring board includes a core substrate including an insulation base member; linear conductors configured to pierce from a first surface of the insulation base member to a second surface of the insulation base member; a ground wiring group including a first ground wiring formed on the first surface of the core substrate, and a belt-shaped second ground wiring formed on the second surface of the core substrate and electrically connected to the first ground wiring by way of a part of the linear conductors; and an electric power supply wiring group including a first electric power supply wiring formed on the first surface, and a second electric power supply wiring formed on the second surface and electrically connected to the first electric power supply wiring by way of a part of the plural linear conductors. |
| US08242611B2 |
Bonding metallurgy for three-dimensional interconnect
A method provides a first substrate with a conductive pad and disposes layers of Cu, TaN, and AlCu, respectively, forming a conductive stack on the conductive pad. The AlCu layer of the first substrate is bonded to a through substrate via (TSV) structure of a second substrate, wherein a conductive path is formed from the conductive pad of the first substrate to the TSV structure of the second substrate. |
| US08242610B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating semiconductor device
There is provided a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate on which at least one electrode pad is formed, a rewiring layer connected to the electrode pad, and an encapsulation part which encapsulates the semiconductor substrate, the electrode pad being formed of a first region including a connection part connected to the rewiring layer and a second region other than the first region, the device including: an insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, having an opening at which the first region in the electrode pad is exposed, and covering the second region of the electrode pad, wherein the rewiring layer is connected to the first region of the electrode pad exposed at the opening, and extends across the insulating film so as to cover the second region of the electrode pad from above. |
| US08242608B2 |
Universal bump array structure
A bump array structure for an integrated circuit is presented. An array of metal alloy bumps is disposed on a surface of the integrated circuit. The array of metal alloy bumps is configured to receive input from a multi-layer substrate package and transmit output to the multi-layer substrate package. The array defines a first portion of metal alloy bumps around the periphery of the surface of the integrated circuit configured to provide power and ground signals for the integrated circuit. The array further defines a second portion of metal alloy bumps providing power and ground for the integrated circuit, located between opposing sides of the periphery of the integrated circuit. Metal alloy bumps not contained in either the first or the second portion of the array are configured for input and output signals between the integrated circuit and the multi-level substrate package. |
| US08242605B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device having an LDMOSFET, a source electrode is at the back surface thereof. Therefore, to reduce electric resistance between a source contact region in the top surface and the source electrode at the back surface, a poly-silicon buried plug is provided which extends from the upper surface into a P+-type substrate through a P-type epitaxial layer, and is heavily doped with boron. Dislocation occurs in a mono-crystalline silicon region around the poly-silicon buried plug to induce a leakage failure. The semiconductor device has a silicon-based plug extending through the boundary surface between first and second semiconductor layers having different impurity concentrations. At least the inside of the plug is a poly-crystalline region. Of the surface of the poly-crystalline region, the portions located on both sides of the foregoing boundary surface in adjacent relation thereto are each covered with a solid-phase epitaxial region. |
| US08242601B2 |
Semiconductor chip with passivation layer comprising metal interconnect and contact pads
The invention provides a semiconductor chip comprising a semiconductor substrate comprising a MOS device, an interconnecting structure over said semiconductor substrate, and a metal bump over said MOS device, wherein said metal bump has more than 50 percent by weight of gold and has a height of between 8 and 50 microns. |
| US08242590B2 |
Silicon wafer for semiconductor with powersupply system on the backside of wafer
A battery mounted semiconductor device is provided. A battery mounted semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor silicon wafer, an electric power supply formed on a backside of the semiconductor silicon wafer and a circuit pattern formed on a front side of the semiconductor silicon wafer. |
| US08242589B2 |
Semiconductor device
In a test method of stacked LSIs connected by Through Silicon Vias, it is difficult to perform a failure diagnosis by using a conventional device test method to only one side of a silicon wafer, there is a possibility of yield degradation at a stacking time of LSIs, and a plurality of LSIs is connected to one Through Silicon Via so that it is necessary to select and remedy a defective Through Silicon Via taking into account all the device states. These problems cannot be solved by conventional test methods. Therefore, for a device test of a Through Silicon Via through a plurality of chips, a circuit that generates a time-series test pattern having both 0 and 1 values for a delay fault test is added to a circuit portion that transmits data to a Through Silicon Via in the stacked LSIs, and a circuit that receives the test pattern and compares the pattern received with a fixed pattern for a match to detect a defect of a Through Silicon Via is added to a circuit portion that receives data from a Through Silicon Via in the stacked LSIs. |
| US08242586B2 |
Integrated circuit chip with seal ring structure
An integrated circuit chip includes an analog and/or RF circuit block and a seal ring structure surrounding the analog and/or RF circuit block. The seal ring structure comprises a continuous outer seal ring and an inner seal ring, wherein the inner seal ring comprises a gap that is situated in front of the analog and/or RF circuit block. |
| US08242584B2 |
Structure and method to create stress trench
An integrated circuit (IC) chip is provided comprising at least one trench including a stress-inducing material which imparts a stress on a channel region of a device, such as a junction gate field-effect transistor (JFET) or a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). A related method is also disclosed. |
| US08242583B2 |
Semiconductor device having CMP dummy pattern
A semiconductor device including a CMP dummy pattern and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The warpage of a wafer can be prevented by forming the CMP dummy pattern in the same direction and/or at the same angle as a pattern of a cell region. Accordingly, overlay error caused by etching residues is reduced, thereby improving the yield of the semiconductor device. |
| US08242581B1 |
Mixed-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor varactors
Mixed gate varactors are provided. The mixed gate varactors may include a semiconductor region of a given doping type. A first terminal for the varactor may be formed from a gate structure on the semiconductor region. A second terminal for the varactor may be formed from a heavily doped region in the semiconductor region that has the same doping type as the given doping type. A third terminal for the varactor may be formed from a heavily doped region in the semiconductor region that has a different doping type than the given doping type. The gate structure may include multiple gate conductors on a gate insulator. The gate insulator may be a high-K dielectric. The gate conductors may be metals or other materials that have different work functions. A conductive layer such as a layer of polysilicon may electrically connect the first and second gate conductors. |
| US08242580B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a method which is capable of producing polycrystalline silicon resistors with a high ratio accuracy so that a precision resistor circuit may be designed. A semiconductor device has a structure in which an occupation area of a metal portion covering a low concentration impurity region constituting each of the polycrystalline silicon resistors is adjusted so that ratio accuracy may be further corrected after a resistance is corrected. |
| US08242569B2 |
Encapsulation, MEMS and method of selective encapsulation
An encapsulation of a sensitive component structure on a semiconductor substrate with a film covering the component structure is disclosed. A cavity for the component structure is provided in the film. A MEMS and a method for encapsulating a sensitive component structure is also disclosed. |
| US08242560B2 |
FinFET with thin gate dielectric layer
A semiconductor device is provided that in one embodiment includes at least one semiconductor fin structure atop a dielectric surface, the semiconductor fin structure including a channel region of a first conductivity type and source and drain regions of a second conductivity type, in which the source and drain regions are present at opposing ends of the semiconductor fin structure. A high-k gate dielectric layer having a thickness ranging from 1.0 nm to 5.0 nm is in direct contact with the channel of the semiconductor fin structure. At least one gate conductor layer is in direct contact with the high-k gate dielectric layer. A method of forming the aforementioned device is also provided. |
| US08242556B2 |
Vertical and trench type insulated gate MOS semiconductor device
A vertical and trench type insulated gate MOS semiconductor device is provided in which the surfaces of p-type channel regions and the surfaces of portions of an n-type semiconductor substrate alternate in the longitudinal direction of the trench between the trenches arranged in parallel, and an n+-type emitter region selectively formed on the surface of the p-type channel region is wide by the side of the trench and becomes narrow toward the center point between the trenches. This enables the device to achieve low on-resistance and enhanced turn-off capability. |
| US08242551B2 |
Metal-insulator-metal structure for system-on-chip technology
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor substrate, an isolation structure formed in the semiconductor substrate, a conductive layer formed over the isolation structure, and a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed over the isolation structure. The MIM capacitor has a crown shape that includes a top electrode, a first bottom electrode, and a dielectric disposed between the top electrode and the first bottom electrode, the first bottom electrode extending at least to a top surface of the conductive layer. |
| US08242543B2 |
Semiconductor wafer-to-wafer bonding for dissimilar semiconductor dies and/or wafers
A semiconductor manufacturing process for wafer-to-wafer stacking of a reconstituted wafer with a second wafer creates a stacked (3D) IC. The reconstituted wafer includes dies, die interconnects and mold compound. When stacked, the die interconnects of the reconstituted wafer correspond to die interconnects on the second wafer. Wafer-to-wafer stacking improves throughput of the manufacturing process. The reconstituted wafer may include dies of different sizes than those in the second wafer. Also, the dies of the reconstituted wafer may be singulated from a wafer having a different size than the second wafer. Thus, this wafer-to-wafer manufacturing process may combine dies and/or wafers of dissimilar sizes. |
| US08242542B2 |
Semiconductor switching device employing a quantum dot structure
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor island having at least one electrical dopant atom and encapsulated by dielectric materials including at least one dielectric material layer. At least two portions of the at least one dielectric material layer have a thickness less than 2 nm to enable quantum tunneling effects. A source-side conductive material portion and a drain-side conductive material portion abuts the two portions of the at least one dielectric material layer. A gate conductor is located on the at least one dielectric material layer between the source-side conductive material portion and the drain-side conductive material portion. The potential of the semiconductor island responds to the voltage at the gate conductor to enable or disable tunneling current through the two portions of the at least one dielectric material layer. Design structures for the semiconductor device are also provided. |
| US08242539B2 |
Field effect transistor with carrier transit layer in mesa having inclined sides
A field effect transistor comprises a carrier transit layer in a stacked layer structure provided with a plurality of nitride semiconductor layers, a gate electrode provided on the stacked layer structure and a source electrode and a drain electrode placing the gate electrode in between. The stacked layer structure has a step portion having a side surface exposing an end portion of the carrier transit layer at each side of the gate electrode, the source electrode and drain electrode, which are at least connected to the end portion of the carrier transit layer, are provided respectively on the side surface of the step portion, a part of the source electrode and drain electrode are provided respectively on a surface of an upper step of the step portion, a part of source electrode and drain electrode provided on the upper step of the step portion have, in carrier transit direction, a distance L of L≦10 μm from the side surface to each end portion of the electrodes at the gate electrode side, and in a range of the distance L [μm] from 1 to 10, a contact resistance Rc [Ωmm] of the source and drain electrodes at the distance L determined by TLM method is smaller than a line segment represented by (L, Rc)=(1,2) and (10, 5). |
| US08242534B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention improves the performance of a semiconductor device formed with a triac. A thyristor is formed between a back surface electrode and an electrode by p-type semiconductor regions, an n-type substrate region, p-type semiconductor regions and an n-type semiconductor region. A thyristor is formed therebetween by the p-type semiconductor regions, the n-type substrate region, the p-type semiconductor regions and an n-type semiconductor region. The two thyristors are opposite in the direction of currents flowing between the back surface electrode and the electrode. The p-type semiconductor region of a high impurity concentration is formed so as to be internally included in the p-type semiconductor region of a low impurity concentration. The p-type semiconductor region of a low impurity concentration is interposed between the p-type semiconductor region of a high impurity concentration and the n-type substrate region. |
| US08242529B2 |
Light emitting chip and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting chip includes a substrate, an epitaxial structure comprising a first semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer and a second semiconductor layer, a current conducting structure formed on a bottom side of the first semiconductor layer of the epitaxial structure, and heat conducting protrusions formed on a top side of the substrate. Each of the heat conducting protrusions includes a carbon nanotube layer vertically grown thereon. The heat conducting protrusions are embedded into the current conducting structure to thermally connect with the first semiconductor layer. A method for manufacturing the light emitting chip is also disclosed. |
| US08242528B2 |
Conversion LED
A conversion LED is provided. The conversion LED may include a primary light source which emits in the short-wave radiation range below 420 nm, and a luminophore placed in front of it consisting of the BAM system as a host lattice for at least partial conversion of the light source's radiation into longer-wave radiation, wherein the BAM luminophore is applied as a thin layer having a thickness of at most 50 μm directly on the surface of the light source, the BAM luminophore having the general stoichiometry (M1−r Mgr)O*k(Al2O3), where r=0.4 to 0.6 and M=EAeEu1−e, with EA=Ba, Sr, Ca, and e=0.52 to 0.8, and k=1.5 to 4.5. |
| US08242525B2 |
Silicate-based phosphors and LED lighting devices using the same
Disclosed herein is a group of phosphors of the formula M2(SiO4)1-x-y-z(TiO4)x(ZrO4)y(HfO4)z:A,S and light emitting devices which utilize these phosphors. |
| US08242524B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a sealing material for sealing the light emitting element, a first filler included in the sealing material, and a second filler included in the sealing material. The second filler includes a particle diameter smaller than that of the first filler. |
| US08242520B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure including a pair of first sub-pixels, a pair of second sub-pixels and an electrical tunable photonic crystal layer is provided. The pair of first sub-pixels are substantially identical in area, and the pair of second sub-pixels are substantially identical in area. The area of each second sub-pixel is twice the area of each first sub-pixel. In addition, the electrical tunable photonic crystal layer is disposed over the pair of first sub-pixels and the pair of second sub-pixels. |
| US08242517B2 |
Light-emitting diode die package and method for producing same
The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode die package having an LED die and an accommodating housing. The LED die has a first doped layer doped with a p- or n-type dopant and a second doped layer doped with a different dopant from that doped in the first doped layer. Each of the first and second doped layers has an electrode-forming surface formed with an electrode, on which an insulation layer is formed. The insulation layer is formed with exposure holes for exposing the electrodes corresponding thereto. Each of the exposure holes is formed inside with an electrically conductive linker. The accommodating housing has an open end through which an accommodating space is accessible. The LED die is positioned within the accommodating space in such a manner that the electrically conductive linker protrudes outwardly from the accommodating space. |
| US08242514B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting diode
A semiconductor LED and a method manufacturing the semiconductor LED are disclosed. The method can include: forming a light emitting structure, which includes an N-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a P-type semiconductor layer stacked together, on a substrate; processing a division groove in the shape of a dotted line from the direction of the substrate or from the direction of the light emitting structure; and dividing the substrate and the light emitting structure along the division groove by applying pressure to at least one of the substrate and the light emitting structure. Embodiments of the invention can prevent total reflection for light emitted through the sides, and as a result, the light emitting efficiency can be improved. |
| US08242511B2 |
Field effect transistor using diamond and process for producing the same
In a conventional diamond semiconductor element, because of high density of crystal defects, it is impossible to reflect the natural physical properties peculiar to a diamond, such as high thermal conductivity, high breakdown field strength, high-frequency characteristics and the like, in the transistor characteristics. By slightly shifting surface orientation of a diamond substrate in a [001] direction, a significant reduction in crystal defects peculiar to a diamond is possible. The equivalent effects are also provided by shifting surface orientation of a single-crystal diamond thin-film or channel slightly from a [001] direction. It is possible to obtain a significantly high transconductance gm as compared with that in a transistor produced using conventional surface orientation. |
| US08242501B2 |
Thin film transistor and electronic apparatus
A thin film transistor includes an insulating layer formed from an organic material, an oxide material, or a silicon based material, a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the insulating layer by using an electrically conductive oxide material, a self-organized film covering exposed surfaces of the insulating layer, the source electrode, and the drain electrode, and a semiconductor thin film disposed, on the insulating layer provided with the self-organized film, over from the source electrode to the drain electrode. |
| US08242500B2 |
Method of manufacturing heterojunction bipolar transistor and heterojunction bipolar transistor
Disclosed is a method of forming a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), comprising depositing a first stack comprising an polysilicon layer (16) and a sacrificial layer (18) on a mono-crystalline silicon substrate surface (10); patterning the first stack to form a trench (22) extending to the substrate; depositing a silicon layer (24) over the resultant structure; depositing a silicon-germanium-carbon layer (26) over the resultant structure; selectively removing the silicon-germanium-carbon layer (26) from the sidewalls of the trench (22); depositing a boron-doped silicon-germanium-carbon layer (28) over the resultant structure; depositing a further silicon-germanium-carbon layer (30) over the resultant structure; depositing a boron-doped further silicon layer (32) over the resultant structure; forming dielectric spacers (34) on the sidewalls of the trench (22); filling the trench (22) with an emitter material (36); exposing polysilicon regions (16) outside the side walls of the trench by selectively removing the sacrificial layer (18) of the first stack; implanting boron impurities into the exposed polysilicon regions (16) to define base implants; and exposing the resultant structure to a thermal budget for annealing the boron impurities. A HBT formed by this method is also disclosed. |
| US08242495B2 |
Digital X-ray detecting panel and method for manufacturing the same
A digital X-ray detecting panel includes a wavelength transforming layer and a photoelectric detecting plate. The wavelength transforming layer is configured for transforming X-ray into visible light. The photoelectric detecting plate is disposed under the wavelength transforming layer. The photoelectric detecting plate includes a substrate and a number of photoelectric detecting units disposed on the substrate and arranged in an array. Each of the photoelectric detecting units includes a thin film transistor and a photodiode electrically connected to the thin film transistor. The thin film transistor has an oxide semiconductor layer. The digital X-ray detecting panel can avoid a photocurrent in the thin film transistor, and thereby improving detecting accuracy of the digital X-ray detecting panel. A method for manufacturing the digital X-ray detecting panel is also provided. |
| US08242494B2 |
Method for manufacturing thin film transistor using multi-tone mask
An object is to manufacture a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor at low cost with high productivity in such a manner that a photolithography process is simplified by reducing the number of light-exposure masks. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a channel-etched inverted-staggered thin film transistor, an oxide semiconductor film and a conductive film are etched using a mask layer formed with the use of a multi-tone mask which is a light-exposure mask through which light is transmitted so as to have a plurality of intensities. In etching steps, a first etching step is performed by wet etching in which an etchant is used, and a second etching step is performed by dry etching in which an etching gas is used. |
| US08242487B2 |
Anode for an organic electronic device
There is provided an anode for an organic electronic device. The anode is a conducting inorganic material having an oxidized surface layer. The surface layer is non-conductive and hole-transporting. |
| US08242486B2 |
Semiconductor device with liquid repellant layer
An object is to provide technology for manufacturing a higher-reliability memory device and a semiconductor device that is equipped with the memory device at low cost. A semiconductor device of the present invention has a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer that is provided to be in contact with a side end portion of the first conductive layer, a second insulating layer that is provided over the first conductive layer and the first insulating layer, and a second conductive layer that is provided over the second insulating layer. The second insulating layer is formed of an insulating material, and wettability against a fluidized substance when the insulating material is fluidized, is higher for the first insulating layer than the first conductive layer. |
| US08242484B2 |
Vertical deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes
The invention is a vertical geometry light emitting diode capable of emitting light in the electromagnetic spectrum having a substrate, a lift-off layer, a strain relieved superlattice layer, a first doped layer, a multilayer quantum wells comprising alternating layers quantum wells and barrier layers, a second doped layer, a third doped layer and a metallic contact that is in a vertical geometry orientation. The different layers consist of a compound with the formula AlxlnyGa(1-x-y)N, wherein x is more than 0 and less than or equal to 1, y is from 0 to 1 and x+y is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1. The barrier layer on each surface of the quantum well has a band gap larger than a quantum well bandgap. The first and second doped layers have different conductivities. The contact layer has a different conductivity than the third doped layer. |
| US08242481B2 |
Nanowhiskers with PN junctions, doped nanowhiskers, and methods for preparing them
Nano-engineered structures are disclosed, incorporating nanowhiskers of high mobility conductivity and incorporating pn junctions. In one embodiment, a nanowhisker of a first semiconducting material has a first band gap, and an enclosure comprising at least one second material with a second band gap encloses said nanoelement along at least part of its length, the second material being doped to provide opposite conductivity type charge carriers in respective first and second regions along the length of the of the nanowhisker, whereby to create in the nanowhisker by transfer of charge carriers into the nanowhisker, corresponding first and second regions of opposite conductivity type charge carriers with a region depleted of free carriers therebetween. |
| US08242480B2 |
Engineering emission wavelengths in laser and light emitting devices
A light emitting device is provided that includes at least one first semiconductor material layers and at least one second semiconductor material layers. At least one near-direct band gap material layers are positioned between the at least one first semiconductor layers and the at least one second semiconductor material layers. The at least one first semiconductor layers and the at least one second material layers have a larger band gap than the at least one near-direct band gap material layers. The at least one near-direct band gap material layers have an energy difference between the direct and indirect band gaps of less than 0.5 eV. |
| US08242479B2 |
Nonvolatile memory apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile memory device includes via holes (12) formed at cross sections where first wires (11) cross second wires (14), respectively, and current control elements (13) each including a current control layer (13b), a first electrode layer (13a) and a second electrode layer (13c) such that the current control layer (13b) is sandwiched between the first electrode layer (13a) and the second electrode layer (13c), in which resistance variable elements (15) are provided inside the via holes (12), respectively, the first electrode layer (13a) is disposed so as to cover the via hole (12), the current control layer (13b) is disposed so as to cover the first electrode layer (13a), the second electrode layer (13c) is disposed on the current control layer (13b), a wire layer (14a) of the second wire is disposed on the second electrode layer (13c), and the second wires (14) each includes the current control layer (13b), the second electrode layer (13c) and the wire layer (14a) of the second wire. |
| US08242477B2 |
Bright field and dark field channels, used for automotive glass inspection systems
An inspection system for inspecting a sheet of glass comprises an illumination module, a collimating lens system, a telecentric imaging lens system and a Time Delay Integration line-scan camera. The illumination module has a low coherence light source emitting light. The collimating lens system has a focal point on the main axis thereof on which focal point its light source is located. The collimating lens system produces a collimated sheet of light from the emitted light. This collimated sheet of light passes through the sheet of glass. The telecentric imaging lens system concentrates the sheet of light passed through the sheet of glass on an image formation plane. |
| US08242475B1 |
UV liquid gel solidifying device for nail art
A UV liquid gel solidifying device includes a support member, a UV LED module, a top cover, and a base. The UV LED module is installed on the support member and emits light into a first chamber of the support member. The support member is disposed on the base, and the base has a third chamber defined there beneath. The top cover is assembled on the support member and has a slide cover slideably mounted thereto. When the slide cover moves toward a first direction, the first open end and the second open end are opened so that the user's fingernails can be put in the first chamber for treatment. When the slide cover is released to revert back to close the first open end and the second open end, the user's eyes can avoid from being directly exposed to the UV light. When the toenails are to be treated, the base can be conveniently disassembled from the support member, and the toenails to be treated are inserted into the first chamber for treatment. |
| US08242468B2 |
Ion implanter for photovoltaic cell fabrication
Ion implanters are especially suited to meet process dose and energy demands associated with fabricating photovoltaic devices by ion implantation followed by cleaving. |
| US08242463B2 |
Compensator for multiple surface imaging
A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention. |
| US08242459B2 |
Device for desorption and ionization
The current invention involves a desorption corona beam ionization source/device for analyzing samples under atmospheric pressure without sample pretreatment. It includes a gas source, a gas flow tube, a gas flow heater, a metal tube, a DC power supply and a sample support/holder for placing the samples. A visible corona beam is formed at a sharply pointed tip at the exit of the metal tube when a stream of inert gas flows through the metal tube that is applied with a high DC voltage. The gas is heated for desorbing the analyte from solid samples and the desorbed species are ionized by the energized particles embedded in the corona beam. The ions formed are then transferred through an adjacent inlet into a mass spectrometer or other devices capable of analyzing ions. Visibility of the corona beam in the current invention greatly facilitates pinpointing a sampling area on the analyte and also makes profiling of sample surfaces possible. |
| US08242456B1 |
Noncollimated 3D radioactive source localization technique
Various embodiments provide a non-collimated 3D localization technique to detect an unknown radioactive source in a medium material using a plurality of detectors. 3D position information (x, y, z), and strength of the unknown radioactive source(s) can be determined by a comparison or a data fit between the measured detector responses with a mapping of detector responses performed with known calibration radioactive source(s). The non-collimated 3D localization technique can be used to extract lateral and depth position of contaminations in soil, concrete, or metal, to aid in monitoring and localizing radiation for nonproliferation and prevent smuggling of nuclear materials, and/or to detect and localize radioactive source(s) in medical or non-medical purposes. |
| US08242455B2 |
Robust radiation detector comprising diamond
A radiation detector comprises a substrate of diamond material and at least one electrode formed at a surface of the substrate. The electrode comprises electrically conductive material deposited in a cavity in the surface of the substrate so that at least a portion of the material of the electrode is below the surface of the substrate. The cavity will typically be an elongate trench or channel in which electrically conductive material such as boron-doped diamond is deposited. In some embodiments, at least two electrodes are located adjacent to one another at the surface of the substrate. In other embodiments, the device has a plurality of electrodes, at least one of which is located at a first surface and at least one of which is located at an opposed second surface of the substrate. In the latter case, an electrode at one surface of the substrate can be connected to an electrode at the opposed surface of the substrate by means of a conductive via, which consists of a through-hole filled or coated with conductive material. Typically, the electrodes are arranged in an interdigitated configuration, each electrode having a plurality of elongate electrode elements. Each such electrode element extends parallel to at least one adjacent electrode element of another electrode. |
| US08242453B2 |
Imaging system for nuclear medicine
A imaging system for acquiring an image of a subject comprising a gantry (810) having a plurality of detection modules (812). Each detection module comprising a radiation detector and a collimator adjacent a radiation receiving face of the detector. The collimator comprises a plurality of spaced slats and a body adjacent the slats which defines at least one elongated slit extending in an axial direction (824). The slit is arranged such that radiation (822) passes through the slit and between the slats to the detector. The body is opaque to the radiation. The detection modules have a common focus (820) and do not move during acquisition of the image. |
| US08242450B2 |
Stimulated emission and enhanced detection of chemicals and chemical compounds
A method and apparatus for remotely detecting, locating, and identifying chemicals and chemical compounds through optically opaque materials. Electromagnetic radiation in the Terahertz range emitted from an antenna array is modulated to excite target molecules. The apparatus then stops the excitation energy and the molecules emit an electromagnetic signature detectable by the device at standoff distances. |
| US08242447B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting explosives using differential inverse hilbert spectroscopy facilitated by a high temperature superconducting quantum system
An apparatus and method designed for generating and detecting reflected Terahertz waves using high-transition temperature (Tc) superconducting quantum devices (Josephson junctions) is described and the spectral response of reflected Terahertz radiation is mathematically analyzed to positively identify explosives strapped on a human or animal subject. This embodiment is well-suited for high traffic physical locations currently under surveillance such as security check points and also venues demanding significantly less obtrusive surveillance such as revolving entry doors, moving walkways, and entry gates of an airplane. The apparatus and method detects explosives through clothing without raising privacy concerns. |
| US08242444B2 |
Ganged focus mechanism for an optical device
An optical device for viewing an image is provided. The optical device includes two optical channels, each optical channel including an image detector assembly and a complimentary objective lens assembly spaced by a respective distance from the image detector assembly. A focus mechanism is either directly or indirectly coupled to both image detector assemblies. The focus mechanism includes two threaded segments having an unequal thread pitch. Each image detector assembly includes a mating threaded segment that is threadedly coupled to a respective threaded segment of the focus mechanism such that rotation of the focus mechanism causes translation of both image detector assemblies at unequal rates by virtue of the unequal thread pitch of the threaded segments of the focus mechanism. |
| US08242443B2 |
Semiconductor device inspection apparatus
A semiconductor device inspection apparatus having a noise subtraction function includes an electron gun, a stage for holding a sample, a main detector for detecting a signal discharged from the sample, and at least one or more sub detector for detecting noise generated from the sample or apparatus so that there can be obtained an image in which the noise caused by discharge generated on the sample or in the apparatus is removed from the signal. The noise subtraction function subtracts the noise detected by the sub detector from the signal detected by the main detector to remove or reduce the noise from the signal. |
| US08242440B2 |
Method and apparatus for an ion transfer tube and mass spectrometer system using same
A method for analyzing a sample comprising the steps of: generating ions from the sample within an ionization chamber at substantially atmospheric pressure; entraining the ions in a background gas; transferring the background gas and entrained ions to an evacuated chamber of a mass spectrometer system using a single-piece capillary having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein a portion of the capillary adjacent to the outlet end comprises an inner diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of an adjoining portion of the capillary; and analyzing the ions using a mass analyzer of the mass spectrometer system. |
| US08242438B2 |
Correction of time of flight separation in hybrid mass spectrometers
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus which increases the efficiency with which ions are transported from a first ion trap to a second ion trap, and subsequently trapped in the second ion trap. In one aspect the invention, increased efficiency takes the form or enabling ions of both high and low mass to charge ratios to be trapped in the second ion trap at substantially the same time, or at least within a relatively small window of time. This can be achieved by minimizing the undesirable time-of-flight separation by the high and low mass to charge ratio ions as they are transported from a first ion trap to the second ion trap. This minimization can be realized by adjusting the potential energy applied to ion transfer optics disposed between the two ion traps. |
| US08242424B2 |
Single axis solar tracker
The invention relates to a single-axis solar tracker formed by a support structure (2) which is supported in a rotating assembly with respect to a vertical axis on a base (7), a bearing structure (3) for a solar panel being assembled on said support structure (2) by means of horizontal articulations (4), with the inclusion between said structures (2 and 3) of ties (5) which can be longitudinally regulated, by means of which the inclination of the bearing structure (3) for the solar panel can be relatively varied. |
| US08242422B2 |
Modular divert and attitude control system
There is disclosed a vehicle and methods for maneuvering the vehicle. The vehicle may include a plurality of multiple-impulse rocket motors, each of which comprises a plurality of independently ignitable solid fuel propellant charges, and a processor that generates at least one command to ignite at least one solid fuel propellant charge of at least one of the plurality of multiple-impulse rocket motors. |
| US08242420B2 |
Directional solidification of silicon by electric induction susceptor heating in a controlled environment
An apparatus and process are provided for directional solidification of silicon by electric induction susceptor heating in a controlled environment. A susceptor vessel is positioned between upper and lower susceptor induction heating systems and a surrounding induction coil system in the controlled environment. Alternating current selectively applied to induction coils associated with the upper and lower susceptor heating systems, and the induction coils making up the surrounding induction coil system, result in melting of the silicon charge in the vessel and subsequent directional solidification of the molten silicon. A fluid medium can be directed from below the vessel towards the bottom, and then up the exterior sides of the vessel to enhance the directional solidification process. |
| US08242419B2 |
Aquarium heater
An aquarium heater including a tubular plastic housing that houses a positive temperature coefficient element and two metal radiation fins and filled up with a thermal conductive filler, and a top cover capped on the tubular plastic housing to hold a power cable for transmitting electricity to the positive temperature coefficient element to generate heat. Because of the positive temperature coefficient element, no temperature control loop is necessary for controlling the temperature level. Further, the aquarium heater has a self-protection function because of the positive temperature coefficient element. |
| US08242415B2 |
Product warming apparatus
A product warming apparatus with at least one product holding container having a bottom surface. An enclosure includes at least one opening configured to receive the product holding container. A heat radiating plate is provided in thermal communication with and configured to receive heat from a heating element. The heat radiating plate includes a top surface disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the product holding container with the top surface of the heat radiating plate being spaced apart from the bottom surface of the product holding container to define a gap therebetween. A thermostatic controller is in thermal communication with the heat radiating plate for controlling a flow of heat to the heat radiating plate. |
| US08242414B2 |
Domestic appliance combination
A domestic appliance combination comprising at least a first domestic appliance and a second domestic appliance arranged thereabove is disclosed, these being connected to one another for installation into a common built-in housing, with the second domestic appliance being connected to the first domestic appliance by means of a clamp-connection. A method for connecting at least two domestic appliances one above the other is also disclosed, which comprises a step involving fastening the second domestic appliance by means of a clamp-connection. |
| US08242413B2 |
Method of controlling oven
A method of controlling an oven is provided. The oven includes a first heater, a second heater having a lower output than the first heater, at least one third heater, and at least one fan blowing a heat of the third heater to a cavity. The first heater operates for cooking food and then the second heater operates after the first heater stops. Then, the third heater and the fan continuously operate while the first heater and second heater operate. |
| US08242410B2 |
Welding methods and systems
A welding system is provided, in which two electrodes are directed at a joint between two work pieces and the electrodes are energized with DC pulse or AC welding waveforms at a controlled waveform phase angle. The systems include a synchronizing controller to synchronize the welding waveforms, and a work point allocation system provides one or more work point values to the welding machines to provide synergic control of the welding according to a user selected system work point value or parameter. The systems and methods further provide for synchronized work point value modulation for the opposite sides of a dual fillet weld. The system and method further provide a high energy heat source that directs intense heat at a portion of the weld joint to improve weld penetration. |
| US08242406B2 |
Method for the manufacture of a blisk
A method for manufacturing integrally bladed rotors by laser brazing a rotor disk (1) made of a nickel or titanium-base material to blades (3) made of titanium aluminide. A brazing metal similar to the blade material is used, which is introduced into the laser beam (4) as brazing power jet (5) and whose heat capacity, which is controlled by the melting temperature and the volume of the molten metal bath This provides for melting of the disk material and alloying with this material, but not for melting of the blade material, to which it is connected by adhesion. Such blisk features a low blade weight, reduced centrifugal effects and enhanced service life. |
| US08242404B2 |
Systems and methods for plasma jets
A plasma jet system includes a housing with a single opening. A plasma generator is coupled to ionize a fluid in the housing. An electromagnetic accelerator is coupled to generate an electric field that accelerates ionized fluid in the housing toward the opening. A controller can modulate the frequency of the electric field to cause the ionized fluid to form a plasma vortex flow through the opening. A magnetic field is applied normal to the direction of the plasma vortex flow to mitigate the momentum of the electrons. The electrons slowed by the magnetic field can be collected and conducted to a location where they are re-inserted into the plasma vortex flow to maintain charge neutrality. |
| US08242402B2 |
Gas-insulated switchgear device with optical current sensor
An exemplary gas-insulated switchgear device is disclosed which includes a current sensor and a voltage sensor located at a partition insulator. The current sensor can include a magneto-optical fiber on a flexible carrier strip and can be manufactured separately for being easily mounted to an assembled switchgear device. The current sensor can include an electro-optical fiber extending radially into the partition insulator and whose ends are embedded in recesses in the bus bar as well as in the metal embracing of the partition insulator for accurately integrating the voltage. |
| US08242401B2 |
Contact mating angle of an electrical switch
An electrical switch having a housing with a support member, a rocker arm pivotally coupled to the support member for movement about an axis A, a first terminal coupled to the housing, and a lever pivotally coupled to the housing for pivotal movement about an axis B. The rocker arm includes a first member located on a first side of the pivot axis A, a second member on a second side of the pivot axis A, and a first movable contact coupled to the first member. The lever is pivoted in a first direction to engage the first member on the rocker arm to move the first movable contact away from the first terminal contact to scrape debris from the first movable contact and the first terminal contact. The lever is pivoted in a second direction to engage the second member on the rocker arm to move the first movable contact into a sliding engagement with the first terminal contact. |
| US08242400B2 |
Data input device with enhanced tactile sensation
The invention relates to a data input device produced by means of a switch operated by a stem. A return spring enables the stem to return to a stable position. According to the invention, the device comprises a circular element that can be displaced roughly perpendicularly to the displacement of the stem, a cam attached to the stem, and elastic means holding the circular element pressed against the cam, the cam comprising a slope, a high point and a counter-slope on which the circular element bears in succession when the stem is operated from its stable position to a position in which the switch is operated. |
| US08242399B2 |
Operating mechanism with adjustment of contact force
An operating mechanism operates a multi-pole circuit breaker assembly. For each circuit breaker in the multi-pole circuit breaker assembly, the following elements are provided: a connection assembly for connection to an operating shaft of the circuit breaker, an actuator for changing between an ON and OFF state of the operating mechanism, a translation assembly for transferring a movement of the actuator to the connection assembly, and a compression spring exerting a force on the operating shaft in the ON state of the operating mechanism. The force exerted by the compression spring is adjustable by a force setting assembly in a continuous manner. |
| US08242398B2 |
Switch for ultrasonic surgical tool
A switch unit (40) is mountable to a distal end of a handpiece of an electrically-activatable surgical tool, such as an ultrasonically-vibratable surgical tool. The switch unit (40) has a generally bullet-shaped outer form with an axial bore (42) through which a waveguide of the tool extends. A resiliently deformable band (1) extends around the switch unit (40) above a polygonal-section contact zone (2), such that fingertip pressure on the band (1) may locally depress the band (1) towards a flat area (12) of the contact zone (2). Switch contacts (11) are mounted to an inner surface of the band (1) opposite a plated circuit (10) located on each flat area (12) so as to form a plurality of switches. A switch to activate the tool is thus easily accessible to a user's fingertip in any orientation of the handpiece in the user's hand. The switch contacts (11) may each comprise a body having an electrical resistance dependent on a pressure exerted thereon. A magnitude of a response from the tool may thus be controlled by the pressure exerted by the user's fingertip. |
| US08242394B2 |
Stationary contact assembly including first and second stationary contacts, and circuit interrupter and transfer switch employing the same
A circuit interrupter includes a movable contact assembly having a movable contact, a stationary contact assembly, and an operating mechanism. The stationary contact assembly includes a conductor, a first stationary contact disposed on the conductor, and a second stationary contact disposed on the same such conductor proximate the first stationary contact. The first stationary contact has a first contact surface disposed a first distance from the conductor. The second stationary contact has a second contact surface disposed a second distance from the conductor. The second distance is smaller than the first distance. The operating mechanism is structured to move the movable contact assembly and cause the movable contact to engage or disengage from at least the first contact surface of the first stationary contact. |
| US08242393B2 |
Pressure switch incorporated to electronic module of several equipment
A pressure switch is disclosed for use with electronic modules of several appliances having a machine control electronic module, using further its own printed circuit board for the task of controlling, the motor electric supply to a washing machine, for example, in addition to other appliances. A diaphragm with a plunger is connected to the pressure signal entrance and receives a spring subject to being tensioned by means of a sliding cup. After reaching the desired pressure level, a signal is sent through the entrance, following the displacement of diaphragm and plunger, and then touching and pressing a micro switch on the printed circuit board of the machine control module; the machine is then turned off through the printed circuit board. |
| US08242390B2 |
Dome switch array
An array of domes is constructed from a single sheet of conductive material. For example, several domes can be stamped at a preset distribution within a sheet of metal. The domes can be placed at any suitable position along the surface of the material, including for example at positions defined by the locations of contact pads on a circuit board. The conductive material can be electrically coupled to the circuit board at any suitable location, including for example along an edge of the piece of material. In some embodiments, the sheet of material can extend around the side walls of the circuit board, for example bent around the periphery of the circuit board. The sheet of material can be electrically coupled to the bottom of the circuit board, for example by soldering. This approach may provide a water resistant dome switch, whereby water can be prevented from leaking between the dome and the circuit board. |
| US08242385B2 |
Electronic circuit unit
An electronic circuit unit includes a multi-layer substrate in which high frequency circuits are provided on two different layers and a ground layer is formed between the two layers, and grounding lands connected to peripheral conductive members through connection bars formed on a plurality of layers of the multi-layer substrate. The grounding lands are connected to each other through a via hole and conducted to the ground layer, and the connection bars protruding radially outward from at least two grounding lands provided on different layers are arranged in different directions with respect to a circumferential direction such that the connection bars do not overlap each other along a thickness direction of the multi-layer substrate. |
| US08242384B2 |
Through hole-vias in multi-layer printed circuit boards
Example multi-layer printed circuit boards (‘PCBs’) are described as well as methods of making and using such PCBs that include layers of laminate; at least one via hole traversing the layers of laminate, and a via conductor contained within the via hole, the via conductor comprising a used portion and an unused portion, the via conductor comprising copper coated with a metal having a conductivity lower than the conductivity of copper. |
| US08242380B2 |
Printed circuit board substrate and method for constructing same
A printed circuit board (PCB) substrate and method for construction of the same. In one embodiment, a first dielectric material is associated with a first current return layer and a second dielectric material is associated with a second current return layer. A first signal path layer is embedded in the first dielectric material and a second signal path layer is embedded in the second dielectric material, wherein the first and second signal path layers are substantially parallel to each other in a stack-up arrangement. An adhesive layer is interposed between the first dielectric material and the second dielectric material. |
| US08242379B2 |
Multilayered printed wiring board with a multilayered core substrate
A multilayered printed wiring board includes a multilayered core substrate having multiple insulation layers and one or more stacked via structure formed through the multiple insulation layers, and a build-up structure formed over the multilayered core substrate and including multiple interlaminar insulation layers and multiple conductor circuits. The stacked via structure has multiple vias formed in the multiple insulation layers, respectively. Each of the interlaminar insulation layers includes a resin material without a core material. The multiple insulation layers in the multilayered core substrate have three or more insulation layers and each of the insulation layers in the multilayered core substrate includes a core material impregnated with a resin. |
| US08242378B2 |
Soldering method and related device for improved resistance to brittle fracture with an intermetallic compound region coupling a solder mass to an Ni layer which has a low concentration of P, wherein the amount of P in the underlying Ni layer is controlled as a function of the expected volume of the solder mass
A lead-free solder joint is formed between a tin-silver-copper solder alloy (SAC), SACX, or other commonly used Pb-free solder alloys, and a metallization layer of a substrate. Interaction of the SAC with the metallization layer forms an intermetallic compound (IMC) that binds the solder mass to the metallization layer. The IMC region is substantially free of any phosphorous-containing layers or regions. |
| US08242375B2 |
Conductive emissions protection
According to one non-limiting embodiment, a low conductive emission substrate includes a plurality of thin high dielectric strength insulating layers separated by a corresponding plurality of conductive layers, wherein one of the plurality of conductive layers is shorted to another one of the plurality of conductive layers. |
| US08242373B2 |
Flexible wiring board with characteristic impedance control circuit
A flexible wiring board is provided having a wiring structure which can reduce transmission loss by reducing impedance mismatching even if being folded in a three-dimensional manner. In a flexible wiring board 10 having a characteristic impedance control circuit 20, the flexible wiring board has a planar projection shape of a folded spot 20A in the characteristic impedance control circuit after folding in an arc state along a tangent. |
| US08242369B2 |
Electrical connector
By enabling two separate and independent solid or rigid tubing or conduits to be quickly and easily secured to a single connector for being mounted directly to a single elongated rigid or solid electrical tubing/conduit, an efficient, easily manufactured and easily assembled multiple conduit connector is realized. A multiple conduit connector is constructed for receiving two separate and independent rigid tubings or conduits and enables the two conduits/tubes to be securely affixed to one end of the connector while a single rigid metal tubing or conduit is secured to the opposed end. |
| US08242357B2 |
Method of producing submarine solid cable and submarine solid cable
The invention offers a submarine solid cable that can suppress the movement of the insulating oil when the cable is used and the production method thereof. The method of producing a submarine solid cable forms an insulating layer by lapping insulating tapes, each of which includes a resin film, over the outer circumference of a conductor and impregnates the insulating layer with medium-viscosity insulating oil. The insulating layer is formed by lapping insulating tapes, each of which includes a resin film, over the outer circumference of the conductor 1. The insulating layer is impregnated with an insulating oil having an at least medium viscosity. The resin film is swelled to narrow an impregnation path impregnated with the insulating oil. According to the production method, the impregnation path for the insulating oil is secured when the impregnation with the insulating oil is performed and the impregnation path is narrowed to suppress the movement of insulating oil when the cable is used. Thus, the cable can have excellent insulation properties. |
| US08242355B2 |
Photoelectric conversion element and solar cell
A photoelectric conversion element having a pair of electrodes, and a semiconductor layer comprising a semiconductor carrying a dye and an electrolyte layer is disclosed. The dye is represented by Formulas 1 or 2; in Formula 1, Ar1 and Ar2 are each an arylene or heterocyclic group, or a composite group of an arylene group and a heterocyclic group, each of which may have a substituent, Ar3 is an aryl or heterocyclic group or a composite group of an arylene group and a heterocyclic group, each of which may have a substituent, Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 may form a ring by bonding with each other, X1 and X2 are each a straight chain residue having an acidic group which may have a mono-valent substituent, and one to eight saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms are bonded to Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3; in the formula, Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 are each an arylene or heterocyclic group, or a composite group of an arylene group and a heterocyclic group, each of which may have a substituent, Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 may form a ring by bonding with together, at least two of X11, X12, X13 and X14 are each an alkyl or alkenyl group having an acidic group which may have a mono-valent substituent and the remainders are each a hydrogen atom, and one to eight saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms are bonded to Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15. |
| US08242354B2 |
Backside contact solar cell with formed polysilicon doped regions
A solar cell includes abutting P-type and N-type doped regions in a contiguous portion of a polysilicon layer. The polysilicon layer may be formed on a thin dielectric layer, which is formed on a backside of a solar cell substrate (e.g., silicon wafer). The polysilicon layer has a relatively large average grain size to reduce or eliminate recombination in a space charge region between the P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby increasing efficiency. |
| US08242353B2 |
Nanowire multijunction solar cell
A solar cell includes a substrate layer and a plurality of nanowires grown outwardly from the substrate layer, at least two of the nanowires including a plurality of sub-cells. The solar cell also includes one or more light guiding layers formed of a transparent, light scattering material and filling the area between the plurality of nanowires. |
| US08242349B2 |
Planar solar concentrator
A solar concentrator includes a plurality of separate panels positioned between opposed support rods. Tension elements extend between the support rods and mount the plurality of panels. |
| US08242346B2 |
Optical instrument pickup
An optoelectronic pickup for a musical instrument includes at least one light source which directs light to impinge a string of the musical instrument in at least one photoreceiver located to detect the reflected light, so as to generate an electrical signal that is responsive to string vibrations. A number of different filter approaches are disclosed that can control undesired effects of spurious light. The filter approaches may be structure-based, signal processing-based, and/or optics-based. |
| US08242343B2 |
Drum mount
A mount for mounting and affixing an object to a supporting structure, for example, a drum to a drum stand. The mount includes a hanger plate that mounts to the drum and a bracket that mounts to the drum stand. The hanger plate has a downwardly depending L-shaped flange that is received by a cavity in the bracket. Once inserted into the cavity, the weight of the drum translates through the flange to form a locking engagement of the drum to the drum stand such that the drum is supported substantially adjacent to the drum stand. |
| US08242341B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV599033
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV599033. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV599033, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV599033 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV599033 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV599033. |
| US08242340B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH776544
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH776544. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH776544, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH776544 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH776544. |
| US08242339B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH604406
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH604406. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH604406, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH604406 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH604406. |