Document Document Title
US08310689B2 Document managing apparatus, document managing system, and document managing method
A disclosed device includes a document managing apparatus including an image data acquiring unit acquiring original data of original documents in a predetermined layout, a layout information storing unit storing IDs and layout information, an original document determining unit determining the IDs of the original documents, a partial area information storing unit storing partial area information for the original data respectively for the IDs, a partial area extracting unit, an arrangement information storing unit storing arrangement information on paper in association with the IDs respectively for the partial areas, a synthetic image data generating unit forming synthetic image data in conformity with the arrangement information and forming identification information into the synthetic image data, a data accumulating unit causing a data storing unit to store the identification information and the original data, and a printing unit that prints a synthetic document having the synthetic image data.
US08310676B2 Method and apparatus for detecting small biomolecules
An object of the present invention is to detect a small biomolecule in a sample using simple and inexpensive equipment. To achieve this, the small biomolecule in a sample S is detected optically. Specifically, the sample S containing an aptamer capable of interacting with the small biomolecule is irradiated with an excitation light Le and irradiated with a measurement light L2 for measuring the photothermal effect produced in the sample S by the irradiation with the excitation light Le. The photothermal effect induced in the sample S by the excitation light Le is measured from the phase change in the measurement light L2, and the presence or absence of the interaction between the biomolecule and the aptamer is assessed based on the temporal variation in the measurement signal.
US08310674B2 Volume phase grating spectrometers
A spectrometer is provided including a camera and an axial symmetric camera mount configured to receive the camera and to rotate. The spectrometer furthers include an input for providing optical radiation to a spectrometer system; a diffraction grating for dispersing the optical radiation along a prescribed plane; at least one lens for focusing wavelength-dispersed light onto at least one array of a detector of optical radiation, wherein the camera has at least one linear array of elements for detecting optical radiation; a mechanical housing, wherein the axial symmetric camera mount is configured to couple the camera to the mechanical housing; and a means for rotating the camera coupled to the mechanical housing about an axis. Related systems and methods are also provided.
US08310670B2 Method for removal of wax from porous stones in historical monuments
Disclosed embodiments include methods for cleaning wax, substantially equivalent impurities, and other contaminants from porous stones in historical monuments and artworks using nondestructive means. According to one embodiment the method for removal of contaminants from porous stones using laser comprises the following method steps: (a) identifying regions of a contaminant on the porous stone monument; (b) characterizing the contaminant on the porous stone monument; (c) exposing the contaminant on the porous stone monument to irradiation from a laser characterized by a wavelength, a pulse length, a repetition rate, and a laser energy fluence determined and optimized for a given contaminant-porous stone system and the laser characteristics; and (d) adaptively evaluating the cleaning results by quantifying the thickness of the remaining contaminant.
US08310666B2 Apparatus of inspecting defect in semiconductor and method of the same
When size of a defect on an increasingly miniaturized pattern is obtained by defect inspection apparatus in the related art, a value is inconveniently given, which is different from a measured value of the same defect by SEM. Thus, a dimension value of a defect detected by defect inspection apparatus needs to be accurately calculated to be approximated to a value measured by SEM. To this end, size of the defect detected by the defect inspection apparatus is corrected depending on feature quantity or type of the defect, thereby defect size can be accurately calculated.
US08310665B2 Inspecting method and inspecting apparatus for substrate surface
An inspecting method and apparatus for inspecting a substrate surface includes application of a light to the substrate surface, detection of scattered light or reflected light from the substrate surface due to the applied light at a plurality of positions to obtain a plurality of electrical signals, extraction of a signal in a mutually different frequency band from each of the plurality of electrical signals, and calculation of a value regarding a state of film of the substrate through an arithmetical operation process of a plurality of extracted signals in the frequency bands.
US08310664B2 Refractive index distribution measuring method and refractive index distribution measuring apparatus
The method includes first and second steps of placing an object in first and second media whose refractive indices are lower than that of the object, and of causing the reference light to enter the object to measure first and second transmitted wavefronts. When light rays entering a peripheral portion of the object and passing through a same point of the object are defined as first and second light rays, the method causes these light rays to proceed in directions mutually different to change an NA of the reference light such that the reference light after being transmitted through the object is brought closer to collimated light than that before entering the object. The method calculates an effective thickness of the object using geometric thicknesses thereof and calculates a refractive index distribution thereof using the first and second transmitted wavefronts and the effective thickness.
US08310663B2 Methods and systems for calibrating an adjustable lens
A system for calculating intrinsic properties and an entry pupil location of an adjustable camera lens is disclosed. The system includes a camera and a calibration target. Methods for calculating intrinsic properties and an entry pupil location of an adjustable camera lens are also disclosed.
US08310659B2 Method and apparatus for detecting and counting platelets individually and in aggregate clumps
A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into a sample container having an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, and an amount of colorant that platelets absorb and which fluoresces upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 2) imaging at least a portion of the sample disposed in the analysis chamber, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets illuminated by first wavelengths of light; 3) identifying the platelets using the image signals; and 4) enumerating individual platelets and clumped platelets within the sample using one or more of fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity.
US08310656B2 Mapping movements of a hand-held controller to the two-dimensional image plane of a display screen
A method for use in controlling a system includes tracking three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, mapping the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller onto a two-dimensional image plane of a screen of a display for the system, and displaying one or more images on the two-dimensional image plane of the screen based on the mapping of the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller. Some embodiments may include one or more sensors configured to track three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, and a processor configured to perform the above mentioned steps.
US08310654B2 Method for the detection of surroundings
A method for the detection of surroundings is performed using a source which emits pulsed signals. Signals backscattered from an object are detected by a sensor. When performing the method, a presence of the object is detected during coarse sampling. To determine a variable related to the detected object, operating parameters of the source are set for fine sampling.
US08310651B2 Lithographic apparatus, method and device manufacturing method
In an embodiment, a lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and a passive noise damper configured to dampen gas borne noise caused by movement of a movable part of the lithographic apparatus.
US08310650B2 Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device with scribing groove, heating sealant and aligning liquid crystal
It is an object to prevent disordered orientation of liquid crystal molecules which is due to division of substrates even when a liquid crystal dripping method is used, and to provide a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal is not adversely affected even when a sealant not cured and liquid crystal are in contact. In a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal dripping method, a scribe groove is provided for at least one of a pair of substrates with a diamond cutter or the like before the pair of substrates are attached under reduced pressure. After the scribing, the pair of substrates are attached under reduced pressure, heat treatment for curing the sealant and aligning the liquid crystal molecules is performed, and the substrates are divided by applying impact using a breaking apparatus.
US08310648B2 Method of fabricating liquid crystal display device having a light-sensing thin film transistor disposed at a pixel region
The disclosure describes a liquid crystal display device with a sensing function and a method of fabricating the same. The device comprising gate and data lines crossing each other on a substrate, so as to define a pixel region including a pixel electrode; a first switching thin film transistor disposed at a crossing of the gate and data lines; a sensing thin film transistor, disposed at a predetermined portion of the pixel region, that senses external light; a sensing storage capacitor that stores a signal sensed by the sensing thin film transistor; and a second switching thin film transistor that receives the sensing signal stored and reads information that is externally inputted, wherein the sensing storage capacitor and the second switching thin film transistor are provided with a reflective region including a reflective electrode.
US08310644B2 In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
An in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates facing each other, a gate line and a data line arranged on the first substrate crossing each other and defining a pixel region, a switching device at a crossing of the gate line and the data line, a common electrode and a pixel electrode alternately disposed in the pixel region, at least one of the common electrode and the pixel electrode including a multi-layer having a conductor layer and a reflectance reducing layer, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second substrates.
US08310642B2 Liquid crystal display with texture control portion between pixel and common electrodes and method thereof
A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) having controlled texture and reduced response time includes first and second insulation substrates which are separated from each other and face each other, a liquid crystal layer which is interposed between the first and second insulation substrates and has liquid crystal molecules, a pixel electrode which is disposed on the first insulation substrate and includes a plurality of first linear electrode patterns, a common electrode which is disposed on the first insulation substrate and includes a plurality of second linear electrode patterns separated from the first linear electrode patterns by a predetermined gap, and a texture control portion which is disposed in an area corresponding to the gap and formed on the first or second insulation substrate, wherein the first and second linear electrode patterns are arranged in an alternating fashion.
US08310641B2 Liquid crystal display device, display device and manufacturing method thereof
Image display device having an electrode forming layer which includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of drain lines, a plurality of switching elements and the a plurality of pixel electrodes, and having reference electrode layer between the electrode forming layer and a substrate where the electrode forming layer formed thereon, and the reference electrode layer and the electrode forming layer are insulated by insulating layer.
US08310638B2 Pixel circuit and display apparatus
Disclosed is a display device that can achieve a reduction of power consumption without deteriorating the aperture ratio. A liquid crystal capacitance element (Clc) is formed by being sandwiched between a pixel electrode (20) and an opposite electrode (80). The pixel electrode (20), one end of a first switching circuit (22), one end of a second switching circuit (23), and the first terminal of a second transistor (T2) form an internal node (N1). The other end of the first switching circuit (22) and the other end of the second switching circuit (23) are connected to a source line (SL). The second switching circuit (23) includes a series circuit of a transistor (T1) and a diode (D1), and an output node (N2) is formed of the control terminal of the transistor (T1), the second terminal of the transistor (T2), and one end of a boost capacitance element (Cbst). The other end of the boost capacitance element (Cbst) is connected to a boost line (BST), and the control terminal of the transistor (T2) is connected to a reference line (REF). The diode (D1) has a rectifying function in the direction to the internal node (N1) from the source line (SL).
US08310632B2 Laminated structures using UV-curable adhesion promoters
An adhesion promoter for enhancing the bond between adjacent layers of a multilayer structure to prevent delamination thereof is disclosed. The adhesion promoter comprises an aromatic polyimide-based UV-cured acrylate. Also disclosed are laminated structures including liquid crystal displays and bonded missile domes that utilize an adhesion promoter of the invention, and methods for fabricating such structures.
US08310630B2 Electronic skin having uniform gray scale reflectivity
The invention features electronic skin including an active layer formed of bistable cholesteric liquid crystal material and articles comprising the skin, the electronic skin having uniform gray scale reflectivity. Also featured is method for producing suitable reduction pulses that will provide a display (e.g., the electronic skin) with uniform gray scale reflectivity. Reduction pulses of narrow width are used to create uniform levels of gray in the electronic skin to overcome display imperfections that cause discontinuity in the gray scale reflectivity.
US08310626B2 Liquid crystal light control device and method for producing the same comprising a step of emulsion polymerization of monomers of a liquid crystal resin composite
In the production method of the present invention, an emulsion including a copolymer with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of −50 to 20° C. is obtained by the emulsion polymerization of a monomer group including a monomer A that is a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester (where the alkyl group is an open chain group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a cyclic group with 5 to 20 carbon atoms) as the main monomer and a monomer B having a carbon-carbon double bond and a nonionic hydrophilic group such as a polyoxyalkylene group, an amide group, and a hydroxyl group. Liquid crystals are dispersed in this emulsion, which is applied onto a conductive film-coated substrate. Another conductive film-coated substrate is laminated thereto, and thus a liquid crystal light control device is obtained. A monomer C having a carboxyl group and/or an amino group and a carbon-carbon double bond may be used in combination with a crosslinking agent so that a crosslinked structure is introduced into the copolymer. The present invention provides a liquid crystal light control device in which the transparency with a voltage applied and the shielding property with no voltage applied are compatible at high level.
US08310624B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal display apparatus
A backlight module includes a lighting unit and a brightness enhancement sheet. The brightness enhancement sheet is disposed beside the lighting unit. The brightness enhancement sheet includes a light-transmissive substrate, a plurality of lenses, a reflective layer, and a diffusion layer. The light-transmissive substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface is located between the second surface and the lighting unit. The lenses are disposed on the first surface. The reflective layer is disposed on the second surface. The reflective layer has a plurality of light-transmissive openings respectively located on the optical axes of the lenses. The diffusion layer is disposed on the reflective layer and covers the light-transmissive openings. The reflective layer is disposed between the diffusion layer and the second surface. A liquid crystal display apparatus is also provided.
US08310623B2 Optical sheet and liquid crystal display including the same
An optical sheet and a liquid crystal display including the same are disclosed. The optical sheet includes a reflective polarizing film, a first adhesive layer on one surface of the reflective polarizing film, and a first diffusion layer on the first adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer has first and second thicknesses. The first diffusion layer includes a first light transmitting material and a plurality of first diffusion particles. At least one of the first diffusion particles has a portion protruding above a surface of the first light transmitting material, and a height of the portion, h1, substantially satisfies the following equation: 0.1D1≦h1≦0.7D1, where D1 is a diameter of the at least one of the first diffusion particles. The first thickness, T1, and the second thickness, T2, substantially satisfy the following equation: 10 nm≦|T1−T2|≦2 μm.
US08310621B2 Illumination device and liquid crystal display device
An illuminator according to the present invention includes a backlight (110) for emitting light containing first and second polarization components having polarization directions which are orthogonal to each other; and a selective reflection polarizer (120) having a reflectance for the first polarization component which is higher than a transmittance for the first polarization component, and having a transmittance for the second polarization component which is higher than a reflectance for the second polarization component. The selective reflection polarizer (120) includes a transparent substrate (122) and a plurality of metal wires (124) arrayed on the transparent substrate (122). The ratio of a width of the metal wires (124) to a pitch of the metal wires (124) is greater than 30% and equal to or less than 42%, and the backlight (110) has a reflectance of 0.6 or more.
US08310612B2 Thin film transistor liquid crystal display panel having gate line and data line formed on same layer and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display panel and fabrication method are described. The panel has a data line and a gate line connected with a TFT and formed on the same layer. One of data or gate lines is discontinuous and the other is continuous in a pixel region such that the continuous line bisects the discontinuous line. A passivation film protects the TFT. Contact holes penetrate the passivation film and expose segments of the discontinuous line. A contact electrode connects the segments through the contact holes.
US08310611B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a display device including: a gate electrode (GT); a semiconductor film (S) which controls a current flowing between a source electrode (ST) and a drain electrode (DT), the semiconductor film including a channel region and two impurity regions formed of regions which sandwich the channel region; two Ohmic contact layers (DS) being interposed between the source electrode and the like and the two impurity regions; and an insulating film laminated on a partial region of the semiconductor film, the partial region being around a position corresponding to a substantial center of the semiconductor film, in which: the semiconductor film is formed of one of microcrystalline-silicon and polycrystalline-silicon; the two impurity regions are formed in regions on which the insulating film is absent; the two Ohmic contact layers cover the two impurity regions therewith; and the source electrode and the like cover the Ohmic contact layers therewith.
US08310609B2 Liquid crystal device, electronic apparatus, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal device
Provided is a lateral electric field mode liquid crystal device including: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer and pixel electrodes and common electrodes. A lateral electric field mode liquid crystal device drives the liquid crystal layer by an electric field generated between the pixel electrodes and the common electrodes, a light shielding layer is formed on a surface of the second substrate disposed close to the liquid crystal layer. A coloring layer is also formed so as to overlap with the pixel electrodes. An overcoat layer protects the coloring layer, and an alignment film is formed. An electrostatic shielding layer is formed of a transparent conductive material on a surface of the overcoat layer.
US08310606B2 Display device
This invention provides a display device capable of maintaining a high image quality of a display image even when a plurality of plasma tube array-type display sub-modules is joined horizontally to one another. A display device comprises a plasma tube array-type display sub-module in which a plurality of plasma tubes 31, 31, . . . , are arranged in parallel being held between an address electrode support sheet where address electrodes are formed and a display electrode support sheet 35 where display electrodes are formed, wherein the plurality of plasma tube array-type display sub-modules 30, 30, . . . , are joined horizontally to one another so that an interval between the adjacent plasma tube array-type display sub-modules 30, 30, . . . , and a clearance between the adjacent plasma tubes 31, 31 are substantially equal.
US08310604B2 Visual inspection apparatus having light source bank
A visual inspection apparatus can include a handset, elongated inspection tube extending from the handset and a light source bank disposed within a hand held housing of the handset. For reduction of heat energy radiating from the light source bank, the apparatus can include one or more of a thermal control system and a particularly designed heat sink assembly.
US08310601B2 Broadcast receiver system
An interface circuit configured to connect between (a) a broadcast receiver tuner and associated circuitry for the receiving and processing of broadcast radio frequency signals, and (b) a general purpose computer device programmed with software demodulation code configured to engage a general purpose processor in signal demodulation functions, the interface circuit comprising: a data interface comprising a packetisation buffer connected to receive (i) digital signal sample data from a signal path of the tuner and associated circuitry and (ii) indications of control settings which are applied to one or more configurable components during taking of the sample data, said packetisation buffer being operable to construct packets comprising blocks of sample data and header information carrying said control settings indications; a control interface configured to receive control instructions from tuner control code running on the general purpose computer device; and a microcontroller operable to receive the control instructions from the control interface and distribute corresponding control settings to configurable components of the tuner and associated circuitry, said microcontroller also being operable to supply indications of relevant control settings to said packetisation buffer.
US08310600B2 Supplying broadband HRC networks with non-harmonically related carriers
Non-harmonically related carriers may be provided for signals entering a harmonically related carrier (HRC) network. A modified carrier frequency may be assigned for any and/or all harmonics of a reference frequency. The modified carrier frequency may be computed by determining a nearest multiple of an index frequency value to the nominal harmonic frequency. The modified carrier frequency may then be used to carry video signals into the HRC network.
US08310599B2 Television set
A television set includes a television set body section which has a display panel in which pixels are arranged at intersections of scan lines and data lines in a matrix; and first and second input terminals provided for the television set body section. A first video signal is displayed on the display panel in a first drive system when the first video signal supplied to the first input terminal is selected. A second video signal is displayed on the display panel in a second drive system when the second video signal supplied to the second input terminal is selected.
US08310598B2 Apparatus for splitting signal and video device using the same
An apparatus for splitting a signal and a video device using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first splitting unit to split an inputted broadcast signal into a first broadcast signal and a second broadcast signal, and to supply the first broadcast signal to a first broadcast signal processing element, and a second splitting unit to split the second broadcast signal into a third broadcast signal and a fourth broadcast signal, and to supply the third broadcast signal to a second broadcast signal processing element. With this construction, the apparatus can distribute and provide a broadcast signal with a noise figure (NF) lower than that of other broadcast signals, to an element, which requires a broadcast signal with a low noise figure. In addition, the apparatus can split the inputted broadcast signal without using an active element, such as an amplifier or the like, thereby allowing the split broadcast signals to lower the NF thereof and to uniformly maintain a gain thereof. Also, the apparatus can prevent interferences, which are generated between adjacent ports.
US08310596B2 Method related to noise reduction
A pre-processing of video data before coding and transmission, for a method for noise reduction in High-Density video images. A low implementation-complex filter filters raw pixel data output of a video camera with a low pass property for both spatial and temporal noise and the filter is adapted based on the high frequency content of the picture, leaving most of the image content unaffected by the filtering process.
US08310593B2 Television apparatus
According to one embodiment, the apparatus has a first block configured to be connected to a receiving block for a television signal and a second block independent from the first block, configured to be connected to a network. A bypass route is configured to lead a bypass stream including an image signal from the first block to the second block. A processor is configured to generate a return stream by inserting the image signal from the network into the image signal on the bypass stream, at the second block. A return pass is configured to return the return stream to the first block. And a converter is configured to convert the image signal included in the return stream into a signal for output and display, at the first block.
US08310591B2 Image-taking apparatus
An image-taking apparatus includes a chassis which is disposed inside an outer package member of the image-taking apparatus and is a structural body of the image-taking apparatus, an image-pickup device which photoelectrically converts an object image, a first circuit which processes output signals from the image-pickup device, and a second circuit which generates an electromagnetic wave. Herein, the first circuit is disposed on the opposite side of the second circuit with respect to the chassis.
US08310590B2 Image sensor and image-capturing device with image-capturing and focus detection pixels
An image sensor includes: image-capturing pixels that generate first image signals with a charge storage time controlled by a first storage control signal; and focus detection pixels that generate second image signals with a charge storage time controlled by a second storage control signal generated independently of the first storage control signal.
US08310586B2 Photographing apparatus and in-focus position searching method
The present invention provides a photographing apparatus, in which an object image is formed on an image pickup element through a photographing lens, and a desired frequency component is extracted from an image signal obtained by the image pickup element through a filter so that the extracted frequency component is integrated to calculate a focus evaluation value and, based on the calculated focus evaluation value, an in-focus position of the photographing lens is searched, the apparatus comprising: a scene discrimination section which discriminates a photographing scene of an object image; and a control section which changes either of a searching range of the in-focus position of the photographing lens or the frequency component to be extracted by the filter based on the photographing scene discriminated by the scene discrimination section, and thereafter moves the photographing lens to search an in-focus position.
US08310579B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus with plural reset units each resetting a corresponding one of plural block wirings
The present invention is a solid-state imaging apparatus having a plurality of signal accumulating units for accumulating signals from a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element, a common signal transferring unit for transferring a signal outputted from the signal accumulating unit, a plurality of reset units for resetting a potential of a signal path of the common signal transferring unit, a horizontal scanning unit for outputting, to the common signal transferring unit, the signal accumulated in the plurality of signal accumulating units, and a plurality of reset controlling units for controlling the reset units, wherein the horizontal scanning unit includes a plurality of horizontal scanning blocks, an operation of the horizontal scanning unit is controlled by a reference pulse supplied to the horizontal scanning block, and the reset controlling unit is arranged in the horizontal scanning block.
US08310575B2 Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor substrate; photoelectric conversion units formed in array on the semiconductor substrate and forming a light receiving unit; and wiring sections formed in positions among the photoelectric conversion units. The wiring sections include wiring bodies formed by superimposing wiring layers on the light receiving unit and including a bottom wiring body on the semiconductor substrate side, a top wiring body on an uppermost side, and an intermediate wiring body between the bottom wiring body and the top wiring body, and contacts connecting the wiring bodies in order of vertical overlap, and in at least one of the wiring sections, the wiring bodies other than the bottom wiring body are superimposed while being shifted from a position right above the bottom wiring body, and amounts of shift of the intermediate wiring body and the contacts connected to the intermediate wiring body are the same.
US08310574B2 Configuration and method for driving physical information acquisition sensor control lines at multiple dividing points
In particular for a solid-state image sensor with high resolution, a control line is not driven at any of two end points of the control line, but the control line is driven at two arbitrary dividing points on the control line. Preferably, two points on control line whose distance from a closer end of a range in which skew is to be suppressed is equal to ¼ of the total length of the range may be selected as the dividing points at which the control line is driven. In this case, the time constant at points farthest from the driving points becomes ¼ of that which occurs when the control line is driven at both end points thereof and 1/16 of that which occurs when the control line is driven at one end point thereof, and thus, theoretically, the skew can be reduced to ¼ or 1/16 of that which occurs when the control line is driven at both end points or only one end point.
US08310572B2 Computer readable storage medium, image correction apparatus, and image correction method
An image correction apparatus includes an exposure-level calculating unit that calculates an exposure level using information on an image capturing unit, which captures image data, at the time of capture of an image, a brightness calculating unit that calculates brightness of the image using information on the image data captured by the image capturing unit, and an image correction unit that corrects the brightness of the image data in accordance with the exposure level calculated by the exposure-level calculating unit and the brightness of the image calculated by the brightness calculating unit.
US08310568B2 Clamp control method, clamp correction device, image sensor, and electronic apparatus
A clamp control method, a clamp correction device, an image sensor, and an electronic apparatus in which high-quality imaging without unnaturalness as a whole can be performed with low power consumption in an image sensor having a large number of pixels.
US08310567B2 Methods of modeling an integrated noise in an image sensor and methods of reducing noise using the same
A method is for processing a Bayer domain signal of an image sensor to model an integrated noise in the image sensor. The method includes receiving the Bayer domain signal of the image signal, setting a plurality of noise models using the Bayer domain signal, and determining an integrated noise level in the image sensor based on the plurality of noise models. The noise models include a dark-current noise model, a shot noise model and a fixed-pattern noise model.
US08310566B2 Image pickup system and image processing method with an edge extraction section
An image pickup system for processing a signal from a CCD includes a noise reducing unit for performing a noise reduction processing on the signal from the CCD, an edge direction detection unit for detecting an edge direction from the signal having been subjected to the noise reduction processing, and an edge extraction unit for extracting an edge component from the signal from the CCD on the basis of the edge direction.
US08310559B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving data
A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving data in which a color gamut identifier is included using a synchronization section of an analog image signal are provided. In the method, it is determined whether an analog image signal is a color gamut signal. If the analog signal is a color gamut signal, a color gamut identifier is generated using a synchronization section of the analog image signal, and the analog image signal is transmitted after the color gamut identifier is added to the synchronization section of the analog image signal.
US08310558B2 Imaging apparatus having a recording function of a still image and a moving image and displaying a through image
An imaging apparatus fetches an optical image of an object so as to produce an image signal, records on a recording medium an image signal corresponding to a still-image-use image size according to a still-image recording instruction, records on the recording medium an image signal corresponding to a moving-image-use image size according to a moving-image recording instruction, repeatedly creates the image signal and causes a displayer to display a still-image-use through image corresponding to the still-image-use image size, repeatedly creates the image signal and causes the displayer to display a moving-image-use through image corresponding to the moving-image-use image size, switches the still-image-use through image and the moving-image-use through image, and accepts the still-image recording instruction or the moving-image recording instruction when the still-image-use through image or the moving-image-use through image is displayed.
US08310557B1 Camera arrangements with back lighting detection and methods of using same
The present invention relates to camera arrangements with backlighting detection. The camera arrangements are capable of simultaneously capturing real scene data from various viewpoints. This data may include illumination data impinging the scene. The illumination data may then be utilized to alter the apparent illumination of a second image, either real or virtual, which is to be superimposed over the real scene so that the illumination across the entire superimposed scene is consistent. The camera arrangements may utilize combinations of umbilical cables and light tubes to expand or contract the field of capture. The camera arrangements may also include in-line signal processing of the data output.
US08310554B2 Method and apparatus for performing coordinated multi-PTZ camera tracking
A system for tracking at least one object is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of communicatively connected visual sensing units configured to capture visual data related to the at least one object The system also includes a manager component communicatively connected to the plurality of visual sensing units. The manager component is configured to assign one visual sensing unit to act as a visual sensing unit in a master mode and at least one visual sensing unit to act as a visual sensing unit in a slave mode. The manager component is further configured to transmit at least one control signal to the plurality of visual sensing units, and receive the visual data from the plurality of visual sensing units.
US08310550B2 Portable terminal apparatus for capturing more than one image of identical object, and captured image processing system for obtaining high resolution image data based on the captured images and outputting high resolution image
A portable terminal apparatus consecutively more than once captures images of an identical image capture object. The portable terminal apparatus determines whether or not a plurality of pieces of captured image data captured include a combination of a given number (an integer not less than 2) of pieces of captured image data which are applicable to be subjected to the high resolution correction by the correction processing section and are offset by a given amount, and transmits, to an image output apparatus, the given number of pieces of captured image data which are determined to be the combination. The image output apparatus receives the given number of pieces of captured image data from the portable terminal apparatus, and carries out, in accordance with the given number of pieces of captured image data, the high resolution correction for preparing high resolution image data which has a higher resolution than the given number of pieces of captured image data received. Thereafter, the image output apparatus carries out an output process for outputting the high resolution image data prepared. This provides a captured image processing system which allows an image output apparatus to output an image captured by a portable terminal apparatus while the image is improving in resolution such as text readability.
US08310547B2 Device for recognizing motion and method of recognizing motion using the same
The present invention provides a device for recognizing a motion. The device for recognizing a motion includes: an input device that includes a light source and an inertial sensor; and a motion recognition mechanism that extracts the trajectory of a user's motion by detecting position change of the light source for a user's motion section that is determined in response to a sensing signal of the inertial sensor.
US08310534B2 Three-dimensional model data confirming method, and three-dimensional model data confirming apparatus
The present invention relates to an apparatus for confirming three-dimensional model data or the like, capable of confirming easily, efficiently, and precisely whether three-dimensional model data including an attached object attached to a machine tool and at least a part of the machine tool good are accurate. An apparatus 1 for confirming three-dimensional model data is provided with: CCD cameras 13 and 14 for imaging an actual attached object attached to a machine tool 30 to generate actual image data of the attached object; a model-data storing section 17 for storing in advance model data which include the attached object attached to the machine tool 30 and at least a part of the machine tool 30 and which are previously created; a virtual image data generating section 19 for generating, by a computer process, two-dimensional image data, which are virtual image data of the attached object, based on the model data stored in the model-data storing section 17; and an image-data comparing section 21 for comparing, by a computer process, the actual image data of the attached object and the virtual image data thereof to determine whether these image data match.
US08310527B2 Display device with 3D shutter control unit
A system for providing respective video signals to at least two viewers is disclosed. The system includes a control unit; and a display connected to the control unit. The control unit is operable to control the display to alternately display an image from a first video signal and an image from a second video signal, to synchronize a first shuttered filter to the display such that the first filter is shuttered when the second video signal image is displayed, and to synchronize a second shuttered filter to the display such that the second filter is shuttered when the first video signal image is displayed. In this way only the first video signal image is provided to a first viewer using the first shuttered filter and only the second video signal image is provided to a second viewer using the second shuttered filter.
US08310524B2 Stereoscopic image display apparatus
A stereoscopic image display apparatus having a function for tracking at least one observer is provided. The stereoscopic image display apparatus includes a detection and calculation module and a display unit. The detection and calculation module detects the position of the observer to configure N views of a displayed image corresponding to two eyes of the observer, and outputs a control information, wherein N≧4. The display unit receives the control information and generates N view images corresponding to the N views. Each eye of the observer receives at least two view images, and the two eyes respectively receive multiple view images in different views.
US08310523B2 Plug-in to enable CAD software not having greater than 180 degree capability to present image from camera of more than 180 degrees
A plug-in is provided to a CAD program on a vehicle to permit the CAD program to present an image from a vehicle-mounted video camera that exceeds a 180 degree field of view, even though the core CAD program without plug-in is designed to present no more than a 180 degree field of view image.
US08310519B2 Device for carrying out a video conference
The invention relates to an assembly for carrying out a video conference between a location A and at least one location W, during which it is possible for at least some participants to make eye-to-eye contact or face-to-face contact. To achieve this, location A is equipped with at least two image generation elements for generating images of the participants in location A, said elements being assigned to different participant positions in location W and is also equipped with at least one optical representation of each participant position in location W. The image generation elements are arranged in such a way that for at least one participant position in location A and at least two representations of participant positions in location W, which are assigned to different image generation elements, the image generation element that is assigned to the respective participant position in location W is positioned within a horizontal angular range of ±20° in relation to the connection lines between the participant position in location A and the representations of the participant positions in location W. Each participant position in location W is assigned the reproduction means that reproduces the image of the image generation element assigned to said participant position.
US08310518B2 Videoconference system and management method thereof
A videoconference system and a management method thereof are provided. The videoconference system includes: terminals; multipoint control units (MCUs), as the superior level for the terminals, for controlling the corresponding terminals; conference management systems, as the superior level for the MCUs, for performing dispatching and control for the local conference site; and conference coordination systems, as the superior level for the conference management systems, for coordinating corresponding conference management systems and neighboring conference coordination systems to perform dispatching and control for the entire conference. The videoconference management method includes: a subscriber requesting for conference dispatching to the home conference management system; the home conference management system managing the corresponding local conference site directly at the dispatching request, and transferring the dispatching across conference management systems to the corresponding conference coordination system; and the conference coordination system dispatching the corresponding master and slave conference management systems at the dispatching request.
US08310517B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a first optical a light source that has a plurality of luminous points; a first optical system that shapes a plurality of beams of light; a rotary polygon mirror an optical scanning system that causes the beams of light deflected to form images on a surface to be scanned, wherein β is assumed to be half of an angle formed between the optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the optical scanning system within the deflecting/scanning surface, δ is assumed to be a distance between an intersection dc and an intersection hh, wherein δ is set to be zero or a negative value, given that δ is defined positive when the intersection dc is present on the optical-scanning side of the intersection hh.
US08310515B2 Exposure apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
An exposure apparatus which exposes an object includes an exposure member which has a plurality of blinking sections and which is elongated in a predetermined longitudinal direction; a support frame which supports the exposure member; a holder which supports the support frame to be movable relative to the holder; and a pressing member which is provided between the holder and the support frame and which presses the support frame in a direction away from the holder. Accordingly, the exposure apparatus can suppress the deformation of the exposure member.
US08310507B2 Display device drive circuit
Provided is a display device drive circuit capable of setting an optimum drive performance for each output amplifier without increasing the chip size. The display device drive circuit includes: at least two bias lines having different reference potentials; a selector that selects one of the bias lines based on a grayscale signal; and an output amplifier that is supplied with a reference potential of the one of the bias lines selected by the selector, generates a display signal, and supplies the display signal to a data line.
US08310502B2 System and method for adjusting display input values
Systems and methods of providing user-selected color characteristics for an LCD device to a host system are disclosed. An exemplary method includes receiving user input at the LCD device, the user input specifying color information for each of a plurality of color presets selected by the user. The method also includes each time the user changes color information for each of the plurality of color presets selected by the user, merging the color information with static information for the LCD device. The method also includes communicating the merged color information and static information to the host system in a standardized format.
US08310495B2 Method and apparatus for driving display data
In one aspect, an apparatus for driving display data includes an address mapping unit which generates second address units by dividing gradation data displayed on a plurality of pixels in a display panel into a plurality of first address units that are in the form of an a×b matrix, and mapping addresses of the gradation data in each of the first address units into the form of a b×a matrix, wherein the plurality of the first and second address units are arranged in the form of an M×N matrix, wherein a, b, M and N are natural numbers, and a is greater than b. The apparatus further includes a memory unit which stores the second address units having the mapped addresses in the form of a b×a matrix as units in the form of an M×N matrix, a data output unit which receives the data in a×N columns output from the memory unit and outputs the data as data in b×N columns, and a source driver block which receives the data in the b×N columns and transmitting the data to the display panel.
US08310488B2 Dynamic context switching between architecturally distinct graphics processors
Graphics processing in a computer graphics apparatus having architecturally dissimilar first and second graphics processing units (GPU) is disclosed. Graphics input is produced in a format having an architecture-neutral display list. One or more instructions in the architecture neutral display list are translated into GPU instructions in an architecture specific format for an active GPU of the first and second GPU.
US08310485B1 Creating animation effects
This specification describes technologies that relate to creating animation effects in an animation at runtime and without requiring the animation effects to be stored in every frame or time instance of the animation. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes obtaining animation information having a primary object and a first effect object associated with the primary object. The method also includes generating an animation sequence using the animation information. The animation sequence includes the primary object on which the first effect object and a second effect object can be applied. The act of generating an animation sequence includes interpolating between the first and second effect objects to create at least one intermediate effect applied to the primary object in the animation sequence. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
US08310484B2 Efficient processing of operator graphs representing three-dimensional character animation
An operator graph representing three-dimensional animation can be analyzed to identify subgraphs of the operator graph in which operators are not required to operate in a serialized manner. Such a condition may arise, for example, when two operators are not dependent on each other for data. This condition may arise when the operators are operating on different elements in a scene. Such operators may be evaluated in parallel. To identify these operators, a dependency graph is created. The dependency graph indicates which operators have inputs that are dependent on outputs provided by other operators. Using this graph, operators that are independent of each other can be readily identified. These operators can be evaluated in parallel. In an interactive editing system for three-dimensional animation or other rich media, such an analysis of an operator graph would occur when changes are made to the animation. The creation and use of the dependency graph enables faster processing of a scene while changes to the scene are being made.
US08310483B2 Tinting a surface to simulate a visual effect in a computer generated scene
A tinted color value is produced for a surface of an object in a computer generated scene. The surface is illuminated by a light source having a lighting color value associated with the light source. A first reflected color value is calculated for the surface. The first reflected color value is calculated based on an assumption that the surface is illuminated by white light rather than the lighting color value associated with the light source. A desaturated color value is computed using the first reflected color value. A tinted color value is computed by combining the desaturated color value with the lighting color value associated with the light source. The tinted color value is stored.
US08310482B1 Distributed calculation of plane equations
A system for distributed of plane equation calculations. A work distribution unit is configured to receive a set of vertex data that includes meta data associated with each vertex in a modeled three-dimensional scene, to divide the set of vertex data into a plurality of batches of vertices, and to distribute the plurality of batches of vertices to one or more general processing clusters (GPCs). A processing cluster array includes the one or more (GPCs), where each GPC includes one or more shader-primitive-controller units (SPMs), and each SPM is configured to calculate plane equation coefficients for a subset of the vertices included in a batch of vertices. Advantageously, a distributed configuration of multiple plane equation calculation units decreases the size of the data bus that carries plane equation coefficients and increases overall processing throughput.
US08310473B2 Semiconductor device, display panel and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device, includes a plurality of film transistors, and a buffer circuit, wherein the buffer circuit includes an outputting stage; a first inputting stage; a second inputting stage; a second outputting stage; and a transistor.
US08310466B2 Method of mounting thumbwheel switch on printed circuit board and handheld electronic device incorporating the same
A thumbwheel switch for a handheld electronic device is mechanically and electrically mounted on the substrate of a printed circuit board using SMT with the thumbwheel seated in a cutout in the substrate and with the top surface of the thumbwheel about flush with the top surface of the substrate so that the thumbwheel is ergonomically positioned on the side of the handheld electronic device at the level of the display.
US08310464B2 Simultaneous multiple location touch systems
Various apparatuses, methods and systems for detecting simultaneous touches at multiple locates are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide an apparatus for detecting a touch, the apparatus including a resistive touch screen and a controller connected to the touch screen. The touch screen includes a number of electrically conductive columns and rows. In various embodiments, the touch screen is an analog matrix, with the overlapping columns and rows forming a matrix of cubics that can each detect one touch at a time, and with the location of the touch detectable in an analog fashion within each cubic. The resolution of the analog matrix in these embodiments is thus higher than that of the columns and rows. The controller includes an analog to digital converter switchably and sequentially connected to each of the columns and rows. The controller also includes a voltage source switchably and sequentially connected to each of the columns and rows. The controller is adapted to connect the voltage source to one of the rows when the analog to digital converter is sequentially connected to each of the columns and to connect the voltage source to one of the columns when the analog to digital converter is sequentially connected to each of the rows.
US08310462B2 Electronic device, display and touch-sensitive user interface
Display devices and methods for operating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the display device has an electronic display having an active area for presenting visual content; a housing holding the electronic display and having an opening allowing a person to view a first portion of the active area; and a bezel about the opening, the bezel covering a second portion of the active area and providing a window through which at least a part of the second portion can be viewed. A sensor system senses when a person is close to touching the bezel or when a person is in touch with the bezel and generates a sensor signal; and a controller is operable to adjust the appearance of the active area in the part of the second portion when the controller determines that a person has touched the bezel or is close to touching the bezel.
US08310460B2 Touch display device
A display device with a touch panel includes a display panel, and an electrostatic-capacitance-coupling touch panel which is arranged on a viewer-side surface of the display panel. The touch panel includes a substrate; a first shield conductor which is formed on the viewer-side surface of the substrate; an insulation film which is formed on the first shield conductor; a plurality of first electrodes which are formed on the insulation film, extend in the first direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the second direction which intersects with the first direction; and a plurality of second electrodes which are formed on the insulation film, extend in the second direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the first direction which intersects with the second direction. A predetermined signal is inputted to the first shield conductor.
US08310456B2 Mobile terminal and screen displaying method thereof
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal. Specifically to a mobile terminal including a display including a touchscreen, a sensing unit for sensing an object in near-proximity to the touchscreen, a controller for altering an image appearing on the display according to at least one of a duration of the object near the touchscreen and a distance of the object away from the touchscreen.
US08310455B2 Electronic apparatus and input interface thereof
An electronic apparatus includes an input interface, a controller and a processor. The input interface includes a first touch sensing region, a second touch sensing region and a third sensing region. The first touch sensing region has a plurality of touch pads arranged in a radial array. The second touch sensing region and the third touch sensing region are respectively adjacent to two sides of the first touch sensing region, and each includes a plurality of touch pads arranged in a matrix array. The controller is coupled to each of the touch pads for detecting a user input on the user interface and generating a plurality of sensing signals according to the user input. The processor is electrically coupled to the controller, and executes a corresponding function according to the plurality of sensing signals.
US08310454B2 Translucent touch screens including invisible electronic component connections
Disclosed is a touch screen of semi-transparent mesh that may be utilized by, for example, a mobile communication device. The mesh may be utilized for both a touch screen and an electrical circuit for an electronic component attached to it. That is, the mesh may be in part a touch screen, and in part an electrical circuit. The touch surface includes mesh composed of a conductive material configured to provide input signals from activation points of the touch surface to the control circuit of the device. The mesh of a conductive material also includes an electrical circuit configured to provide audio signals from the control circuit of the device to the speaker. Since the disclosed semi-transparent mesh acts an electrical circuit, artwork to hide electrical circuits from the electronic component to the controller is not necessary. A switchable ground eliminates interference between the touch screen and the electrical circuit.
US08310453B1 Touch-screen sign-in key
The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for maintaining the security of portable electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention leverages existing touch-screen technology to secure the electronic device. The electronic device may require a user to touch a key having a certain number of contact points to the touch-screen to verify that the user is allowed access to the electronic device or applications supported thereby.
US08310451B2 Information exchange device
An information exchange device contains the outside framework, the front panel and the back panel, a vacant space is formed inside of the outside framework. In the vacant space, a control circuit is disposed which includes a micro-control unit with the control procedure inside, a batter unit connected with the micro-control unit, a keyboard unit connected with the input of the micro-control unit, a RF unit having a two-way communication links with the micro-control unit, an antenna unit connected with the RF unit and used for receiving and sending at the working frequency of 2.45 GHz, a LCD display unit connected with the output of the micro-control unit, a near-distance RFID with a working frequency of 13.56 MHz. The information exchange device of the present invention adopts the 2.45 GHz as the working frequency and having a near-distance RFID disposed inside, as a result that the information exchange of long-distance, low-power, anti-collision achieves and the short distance RF communication achieves.
US08310450B2 Computer input apparatus
A computer input apparatus includes a keyboard and a mouse. The keyboard includes a housing, a number of input keys, and a telephone module for responding to a call or initiating a call according to a user's input. The input keys include standard keyboard keys and standard telephone keys. The mouse includes a main body, a number of buttons mounted on the main body, and a motion detecting unit for detecting motion of the mouse. The main body includes a mouse speaker configured for converting electrical signals into sound and a mouse microphone configured for converting sound into electrical signals. The buttons include a number of standard mouse buttons and an enable telephone button configured for enabling a telephone function of the mouse to answer a call.
US08310448B2 Wheel mouse
A wheel mouse includes a base, a circuit board, a scroll wheel, a wheel swing member, two tilt switches, and a mode-switching element. The wheel swing member has an extension arm. The mode-switching element has an engaging part. The mode-switching element is penetrated through the base and the circuit board and partially protruded outside the surface of the base. By moving the mode-switching element to a first position or a second position, the engaging part is engaged with or separated from the extension arm, so that the wheel mouse is selectively operated in a third-axial wheel operating mode or a tilt wheel operating mode.
US08310446B1 System for integrated coarse and fine graphical object positioning
A system for positioning a graphical object on an electronic display. A coarse positioning input control element provides a coarse position input signal and a fine positioning input control element provides a fine position input signal. A microprocessor is operatively connected to the coarse positioning input control element and the fine positioning input control element for integrating the coarse position input signal and the fine position input signal. The microprocessor output signal is provided to an electronic display. Manipulation of the coarse positioning input control element provides a rapid and coarse manual positioning of a graphical object and manipulation of the fine positioning input control element provides accurate positioning of the graphical object, thereby optimizing the efficiency for graphical object positioning on the electronic display.
US08310445B2 Remote-control system, remote-control apparatus, apparatus to be controlled, remote-control method, computer program, and storage medium
A remote-control system including a remote-control apparatus and an apparatus to be controlled that are connected to each other via a network has an input unit configured to transmit a control event used for controlling the apparatus to be controlled by the remote-control apparatus, a generation unit configured to generate a first control amount of a coordinate space displayed by the apparatus to be controlled based on a second control amount of the control event transmitted from the input unit, and a control unit configured to control the apparatus to be controlled based on the first control amount.
US08310444B2 Projected field haptic actuation
An electronic device includes a touch surface that can be physically engaged by a user. The touch surface is operably connected to an actuator arm which, in turn, is connected to an actuator array. Drive electronics sense a user's movement relative to the touch surface and, responsively, drive the actuator array effective to move the actuator arm and, in turn, provide haptic feedback to the user through the touch surface.
US08310442B2 Circuits for controlling display apparatus
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.
US08310439B2 Apparatus and method for driving an electrophoretic display
An apparatus for driving an electrophoretic display comprising a data driver applying data voltages to a plurality of pixels where electrophoretic particles are respectively disposed includes a memory storing gray information, level information of data voltages, and application time information of the data voltage, and a signal controller, wherein the signal controller reads the gray information, the level information of the data voltage and the application time information of the data voltage stored in the memory to apply an output image signal to the data driver, again stores the updated application time information of the data voltage to the memory by counting the application time information of the data voltage, compares the gray information stored in the memory with the gray information newly input from the external device, and when the gray information stored in the memory and the gray information newly input are different from each other, again stores the level information of the data voltage and the application time information of the data voltage that are newly updated in the memory based on the gray information that is newly input.
US08310429B2 Discharge circuit and liquid crystal display using the same
An exemplary discharge circuit (220) includes a first input terminal (2202); a transistor (2204) having a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode; a resistance (2205); and a control circuit (2203) provided to control a voltage applied to the gate electrode of the transistor. The source electrode of the transistor is connected to the first input terminal, and the drain electrode of the transistor is grounded via the resistance. Electric charge from the first input terminal is discharged through the transistor and the resistance under control of the control circuit. A liquid crystal display (LCD) (2) employing the discharge circuit exhibits few or no residual images.
US08310428B2 Display panel driving voltage output circuit
A driving voltage output circuit for a matrix display panel includes high-side voltage followers and low-side voltage followers. Each voltage follower includes a differential input stage, a control stage, and an output stage. First and second transistors in the differential input stage receive non-inverting and inverting inputs and produce first and second potentials that control the control stage. Third and fourth transistors of different channel types in the control stage are connected in a push-pull configuration between high-side and low-side power supply potentials to generate a control potential. Fifth and sixth transistors of identical channel types in the output stage are connected in series between an intermediate reference potential and one of the power supply potentials, and are controlled by the first potential and the control potential to generate an output potential. The output potential is fed back as the inverting input.
US08310419B2 Display device and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to a display device and a driving method thereof. The display device includes a light emitting device, a capacitor connected between a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, a driving transistor, a switching transistor being controlled by a scanning signal to be connected between a data voltage and the first electrical contact, a first compensation transistor being controlled by a first compensation signal to be connected between the first electrical contact and a first voltage, and a second compensation transistor being controlled by a second compensation signal to be connected between the second electrical contact and a second voltage. The driving transistor includes an input terminal that is connected to a driving voltage, an output terminal that is connected to the second electrical contact, and a control terminal that is connected to the first electrical contact.
US08310418B2 Self-luminous display device and driving method of the same including a light emission interruption period during a light emission enabled period
A self-luminous display device includes: pixel circuits; and a drive circuit, wherein each of the pixel circuits includes a light-emitting diode, a drive transistor connected to a drive current channel of the light-emitting diode, and a holding capacitor coupled to a control node of the drive transistor, the drive circuit applies a light emission enabling bias to the light-emitting diode after correcting the drive transistor and writing a data voltage to the control node, provides, during a light emission enabled period in which the light emission enabling bias is applied, a light emission interruption period adapted to change the light emission enabling bias to a non-light emission bias with the data voltage held by the holding capacitor, and performs a light emission disabling process, adapted to reverse-bias the light-emitting diode to stop the light emission, for a constant period after the light emission enabled period.
US08310416B2 Method of driving pixel circuit, light-emitting apparatus, and electronic apparatus
There is provided a method of driving a pixel circuit. The method includes: performing a compensating operation of asymptotically causing the voltage across the storage capacitance to converge with a voltage corresponding to a threshold voltage of the driving transistor by applying a first reference voltage to the gate of the driving transistor, over a time duration variably set according to a gradation value designated to the pixel circuit, in a compensating period after the elapse of the resetting period; changing the voltage across the storage capacitance from a voltage set by the compensating operation to a voltage corresponding to the gradation value by applying a gradation voltage corresponding to the gradation value from a signal line to the gate of the driving transistor, in a writing period after the elapse of the compensating period.
US08310415B2 Medical devices using bistable displays
The invention relates to a novel display system for a drug delivery device that reduces power consumption and permits the user of the device to see messages when the device is not in a powered state or when the device has encountered an error condition. By using a bistable display, the medical device is able to maintain messages that can been seen by the user even when the device's power supply is exhausted or when the device has encountered an error that interrupts its normal operation. The use of such a display also improves the battery life by eliminating the need to provide power to the display screen when it is not being updated.
US08310412B2 Driving method of plasma display device
The driving method of the plasma display device has a plurality of combination sets for display that include a different number of combinations. Respective spatial differentiations of a red image signal, a green image signal, and a blue image signal are calculated. For an image signal of a large spatial differentiation, a combination set for display is used where the number of combinations is smaller than that in the combination set for display used for an image signal of a small spatial differentiation.
US08310405B2 System of diversity dipole antennas
The present invention relates to a diversity antennas system comprising at least two antennas of the dipole type each formed by a first and a second conductive arm, supplied differentially wherein the two antennas comprise a common arm called first arm forming at least one cover for an electronic card and each one a second arm mounted in rotation at one extremity of the first arm.
US08310404B2 Lamp apparatus, antenna unit for lamp apparatus, communication system, and traffic signal controller
A lamp apparatus 1 includes an optical unit 2 and a patch antenna 4. The optical unit 2 includes an LED 7 and a substrate 8 having the LED 7 mounted at the front face, and a cover member 9 having visible-light transmittance, spread over the LED 7 at the front. In this optical unit 2 are stored the patch antenna 4 including a patch element 11 and a ground element 12 located at the rear of the patch element 11.
US08310397B2 System and method for effectively performing enhanced mobile-device location procedures
A system and method for effectively performing enhanced device location procedures to determine the current physical location of a mobile device includes a plurality of satellites that wirelessly transmit satellite beacon signals, a plurality of base stations that wirelessly transmit pilot signals, and a plurality of access points that wirelessly transmit access-point beacon signals. A location detector of the mobile device coordinates a device location procedure by measuring the satellite beacon signals, the pilot signals, and the access-point beacon signals to generate corresponding satellite information, base station information, and access point information. The location detector analyzes the satellite information, the base station information, and the access point information to select an optimal system configuration from the most effective satellites, base stations, and access points. The location detector then utilizes the optimal system configuration to accurately calculate the current physical location of the mobile device.
US08310394B2 Apparatus, method, manufacture, and system for sensing substitution for location-based applications
A method and apparatus for communicating over a network is provided. The method includes selecting between location-sensing methods for an LBA, such as between GPS and network triangulation. For each location-sensing method, a dynamic determination is made as to whether the accuracy of the location-sensing method, in the current environment, meets the application requirements. If two or more location-sensing methods meet the application requirements, then, location-sensing method selected is the location-sensing method that, from among the location-sensing methods that meet the application requirement, consumes the least power. Otherwise, the location-sensing method that is most accurate for the current environment is selected.
US08310388B2 Subrange analog-to-digital converter and method thereof
The configurations and adjusting method of a subrange analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are provided. The provided subrange ADC includes a X.5-bit flash ADC, a Y-bit SAR ADC and a (X+Y)-bit segmented capacitive digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
US08310385B2 Systems and methods for vector-based analog-to-digital converter sequential testing
A method for providing built-in self test (BiST) for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) by automatic test equipment (ATE) is described. Output codes are received from the ADC. The output codes are translated to generate a functional pattern. Performance metrics are determined for the ADC using the functional pattern. The ADC may be on a device-under-test (DUT).
US08310384B2 Phase digitizing apparatus and method thereof
A phase digitizing apparatus for generating a corresponding digital value in response to a phase of an input signal is provided. The phase digitizing apparatus includes a coarse phase generator, for generating a coarse phase code according to the phase of the input signal and a first time unit; a fine phase code generator, for generating a fine phase code according to the phase of the input signal and a second time unit; and a calculating unit, for generating the digital value according to the coarse phase code and the fine phase code; wherein the first time unit is greater than the second time unit.
US08310378B2 Method and apparatus for displaying prioritized photo realistic features on a synthetic vision system
An apparatus and method for displaying photo realistic features (230, 232, 234) on a display (116) of an aircraft (218) include storing (302) a plurality of photo realistic features (230, 232, 234), the photo realistic features including at least one of terrain (230) and obstacle (232) features. A priority factor is determined (304) that is based on one of, for example, aircraft type, speed, and altitude, and a plurality of display state is prioritized (304) for each of the plurality of photo realistic features (230. 232, 234) in accordance with the priority factor. One of the first and second display states is displayed (308) for each of the plurality of photo realistic features (230, 232, 234) as determined by the prioritizing step (306).
US08310376B2 Object classification method, parking assistance method, and parking assistance system
An object classification method in which a vehicle moves toward an object includes: (a) ascertaining a first characteristic quantity from the variation of a first signal received by a distance-measuring sensor; (b) ascertaining an additional characteristic quantity from the variation of a second signal received by the distance-measuring sensor; (c) ascertaining a distance traveled by the vehicle between step (a) and step (b); (d) ascertaining a predictive quantity associated with the distance ascertained in step (c); (e) comparing the predictive quantity with the additional characteristic quantity; and (f) generating an object classification signal.
US08310370B1 Smart circuit breaker with integrated energy management interface
A method, system, and apparatus for monitoring electrical safety conditions and managing energy consumption using a microcontroller embedded in a circuit breaker. The microcontroller receives a plurality of inputs detected by a plurality of sensors in the circuit breaker. An amount of energy consumed during a preset interval of time is determined. A temperature of a circuit breaker panel board detected by a temperature sensor is received and compared with a preset temperature alarm threshold value to determine a panel board overheating condition. A condition of the neutral conductor is determined based on a plurality of line voltages and currents received from a plurality of voltage and current sensors by comparing a voltage differential with a preset threshold differential voltage value. A plurality of data values derived from the plurality of sensor inputs and indicative of electrical safety conditions and energy consumption is transmitted via a secure communications link to a data processing system for translation, storage, and presentation to an energy consumer.
US08310368B2 Weight control device using bites detection
The present invention relates to a device that can be used in individual weight control protocols that is capable of detecting in real time information with regard to number of bites taken, time between bites, and so forth. The weight control device can detect bites through motion detection via a sensor worn on the wrist or hand of a user. The device can include notification capabilities that can alert a user as to excessive eating speed, excessive amounts of food intake, and the like so as to provide immediate feedback for purposes of weight control.
US08310366B2 RFID device and related method for providing assistance for locating it
A method of providing assistance for locating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device is provided. The RFID device preferably comprises a power source having a power level and a feedback device. The method comprises determining the power level of the power source is below a first predetermined power level, and transmitting a first signal that indicates the power level of the power source is below the first predetermined power level. Thereafter, the method comprises receiving a second signal that instructs the RFID device to activate the feedback device, and operating the feedback device in response to receiving the second signal.
US08310362B2 Method and apparatus to receive location information in a diversity enabled receiver
A method of processing location information on a mobile device which includes a primary receiver for receiving a primary signal; a diversity receiver for receiving a diversity signal or location information; a diversity combiner which can combine primary and diversity signals to form a combined signal; and a first processing unit for processing the combined signal; the method comprising the steps of: identifying whether the device is in a location mode or a diversity mode; if the device is in location mode, disabling the diversity combiner; passing the output from the primary receiver directly to the first processing unit; and passing location information from the diversity receiver to a location processing unit.
US08310361B1 Creating and monitoring alerts for a geographical area
A geographical alert system creates an alert for a user-defined geographical area, detects a change to a feature stored in a map-related database, identifies whether the changed feature falls within the user-defined geographical area, and sends a notification to a user when the changed feature of the map-related database falls within the user-defined geographical area. To set up a geographical alert, an alert editor retrieves map data from a map-related database via an alert engine and displays the map data in a visual display to a user. The user then selects a geographical area that the system will automatically monitor for changes. The user may also specify a feature type, and an alert notification type for the alert. The alert engine then processes the user-specified geographical area into geographical area data and stores an alert and its corresponding geographical area data, feature type, and alert notification type in an alert database. When a change in the map-related database is detected, the alert engine obtains the geographic coordinate point data associated with the change and determines whether the geographical coordinate point data associated with the change falls within the geographical area of the stored alert in the alert database and if so, determines if the feature of the changed feature matches the feature of the stored alert. If the feature and geographical coordinate point data of the change corresponds to the feature and geographical area data of the stored alert, then the alert engine transmits an alert to the user using the alert notification type attributes of the stored alert.
US08310359B2 Wireless sensor networks
A wireless sensor network having mobile sensors (64, 65) is provided with a mobile sink (70). To re-position the sink, candidate sink positions are found using information from the sensors. The candidate sink locations are then assessed to give a measure of their suitability to act as the new permanent position. To do this, the sink moves to each of the candidate positions in turn and obtains data and/or signals from the sensors (64, 65) within range to estimate a total throughput expected if the sink is located at that position. The sink then transfers to the most suitable candidate position permanently, until the dynamic repositioning process is triggered again. In this way it is possible to achieve a better performance than if only the center of gravity of the sink range is taken into account to position the sink. In the second embodiment, sensors are allowed to have their say in future positioning of the sink; this involves providing a capability for the sensor that makes it possible to consider both distance from the sink and the remaining battery power to come up with the best desired maximum information rate. In effect, the sensors and sink make a collective decision on the future location of the sink.
US08310355B2 Vehicular collision warning system
A vehicular collision warning system comprises at least one image capture device capturing images of blind spots, a processing unit receiving the images of blind spots from the image capture device, and at least one alert device. The processing unit identifies at least one barrier from the images and calculates the speed and transverse displacement of the barrier according to the positional change with respect to time. The processing unit presets at least one attention area on the image, estimates whether the barrier will appear in the attention area, sends out an alert-triggering signal to trigger the alert devices to generate sound, light, or pictures to warn the driver early. Cooperating with the speed sensor, brake system and turn light system, the vehicular collision warning system can trigger different alert signals according to the grading of danger to actively warn the driver early.
US08310350B2 Mounting apparatus for a haptic surface
A haptic system including a compliant member which limits the direction of motion of an interface surface providing haptic feedback to motion along a single axis. The compliant member allows for easy assembly, reduced ports, lighter weight and improved longevity and performance. The compliant member typically has a longitudinal extent that is greater than its lateral extent and height, and its height is greater than its lateral extent.
US08310349B2 Haptic surface with mechanical buttons
A haptic system including a plurality of mechanical buttons driven by a single haptic feedback driver. The mechanical buttons are integrated within the haptic surface and are configured to move with the haptic interface relative to said base. The haptic surface may include a touch screen interface.
US08310347B2 Incrementing counter with extended write endurance
A method and device for writing a binary count of a length n to a memory having a limited number of write cycles, a physical storage location of bits (R-bits) of the count in the memory are periodically changed, fixed bits of the count are stored at fixed physical storage locations, and a bit value pattern of the fixed bits is used as an indicator for the physical storage locations of the changing bits (R-bits).
US08310346B2 Verification of movement of items
Apparatus and system for verifying a route taken during movement of an RFID tag, comprising a trusted platform module; sealed storage (80) comprising one or more stores (50, 52) for storing a public key (64), a private key (68) and a policy (62); and processors arranged to: receive data (60) read-out from the RFID tag (4) and comprising an RFID tag identity and an encrypted signature (9); use the public key (64) to decrypt the encrypted signature (9); verify that the decrypted signature (9) corresponds to a first entity from which, according to the policy (62), a second entity is authorised to receive the given RFID tag (4); use the private key (68) to provide an encrypted signature (9); and forward data comprising the encrypted signature (9) to an RFID tag writer (22).
US08310332B2 High current amorphous powder core inductor
A magnetic component and a method of manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one shaped-core fabricated from an amorphous powder material, coupling at least a portion of at least one winding to the at least one shaped-core, and pressing the at least one shaped-core with at least a portion of the at least one winding. The magnetic component comprises at least one shaped-core fabricated from an amorphous powder material and at least a portion of at least one winding coupled to the at least one shaped-core, wherein the at least one shaped-core is pressed to at least a portion of the at least one winding. The winding may be preformed, semi-preformed, or non-preformed and may include, but is not limited to, a clip or a coil. The amorphous powder material may be an iron-based or cobalt-based amorphous powder material or a nanoamorphous powder material.
US08310326B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting displacement current in an energy transfer element
Example methods include calculating a first number of turns of a shield winding included in an energy transfer element of a power supply. A first number of turns of the shield winding is calculated for the power supply to have a low noise current in an input conductor of the power supply. The method then includes increasing the first number of turns to a second number of turns. The power supply is then operated, which generates a first voltage waveform of a voltage between the input conductor and an output conductor of the power supply. An impedance is then inserted between the shield winding and the input conductor. The noise current is reduced by adjusting a value of the impedance until a second voltage waveform of the voltage between the input conductor and the output conductor reverses polarity to be the opposite of a polarity of the first voltage waveform.
US08310322B2 Solenoid actuator with an integrated mechanical locking and unlocking fixture
Electric Solenoid Actuators are used in a wide range of industries that require the combination of electrical, electromagnetic and mechanical apparatus and systems to activate or de-activate a device, automatically, or semi-automatically. Solenoid actuators are used in a variety of applications ranging from valve controls, electrical switch controls or contactors, or other electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical systems and/or combinations thereof. Electric solenoid actuators are preferred from pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for many practical reasons. There are disadvantages with the use of electrical solenoids and this may include the limitation of motion as well as the limited force which is dictated by the strength of the electromagnet developed by the armature. The solenoid actuator of this disclosure operates on either AC or DC power supply depending on the coil and armature design which is dictated by the force required for specific applications and the type of power supply available.
US08310321B2 Tunable filter including a variable capacitor connected with a surface acoustic wave resonator
A tunable filter includes a circuit configuration in which variable capacitors are connected with surface acoustic wave resonators. The surface acoustic wave resonators each include a piezoelectric substrate made of LiTaO3 or LiNbO3, an IDT electrode made of an electrode material filled in a recess in an upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, and a SiO2 film arranged to cover the piezoelectric substrate.
US08310320B2 Magnetic nano-resonator
A nano-resonator device comprising at least one fixed element and at least one mobile element with respect to the fixed element, first electromagnetic means, integrated or fixed on the fixed element, and second electromagnetic means, integrated or fixed on the mobile element, to generate an oscillating movement of the mobile element.
US08310319B2 Pulse width modulator with two-way integrator
An example two-way integrator includes a first current source, a second current source, a first offset current source, a second offset current source, a capacitor, a switching reference and a comparator. The capacitor integrates a sum of a first input current and a first offset current by charging with both the first current source and the first offset current source. The capacitor subsequently integrates a sum of the second input current and the second offset current by discharging with both the second current source and the second offset current source. The switching reference outputs a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage responsive to pulses of a pulse signal. The comparator is coupled to compare the switching reference with a voltage on the capacitor.
US08310318B2 Method for controlling a device by means of pulse duration modulation and control system
A method is provided for controlling an actuator that can be switched into an on state and an off state by means of pulse duration modulation, as well as to a control system. The inventive method includes, but is not limited to defining a standard pulse repetition period for the square wave signal for a range of a nominal pulse-duty factor, and increasing the pulse repetition period of the square wave signal referred to the standard pulse repetition period if a nominal pulse-duty factor falls short of a first lower threshold value and/or if a nominal pulse-duty factor exceeds a first upper threshold value.
US08310317B2 Vibrating member, vibrating device, and electronic apparatus
A vibrating member includes a base portion, a plurality of vibrating arms which extend from one end portion of the base portion, are provided in parallel in a first direction, and extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a linking portion which is provided between the base end portions of two adjacent vibrating arms and extends from the other end portion of the base portion, and a support portion which is connected to the base portion through the linking portion.
US08310314B2 Signal amplification circuits for receiving/transmitting signals according to input signal
One exemplary signal amplification circuit used for processing an input signal includes an input stage, a plurality of output stages, and a selecting stage. The input stage has an input node for receiving the input signal and an output node for outputting an intermediate signal. The output stages are coupled to a plurality of output ports of the signal amplification circuit, respectively. Each of the output stages generates a corresponding processed signal to a corresponding output port according to a gain and a signal derived from the intermediate signal of the input stage when enabled. The selecting stage is arranged for selectively coupling the output node of the input stage to at least one of the output stages.
US08310311B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and communication system
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an amplifier and a feedback circuit. The amplifier includes an input terminal receiving an input signal and an output terminal outputting an output signal. The feedback circuit includes a first transistor generating a bias current. The feedback circuit is configured to operate based on the bias current. The feedback circuit is configured to receive the output signal to supply a feedback signal to the input terminal. A signal having a reverse phase to the output signal is input to a gate of the first transistor.
US08310310B2 Burst mode amplifier
An integrator circuit cancels a DC offset component related to an average DC value of a burst mode input signal from the output of an amplifier. The integrator circuit outputs an average DC value of the input signal in a response time that is shorter than the preamble of a burst mode signal. The integrator output signal remains stable within selected amplitude limits for a length of time corresponding to the data portion of a burst mode signal. A transimpedance amplifier embodiment of the invention comprises a TIA gain stage, an integrator, and a voltage-controlled current course. Other embodiments comprise an amplifier for converting single-ended input signals to differential output signals, an amplifier for differential output offset cancellation, a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit die, and a packaged semiconductor integrated circuit device.
US08310306B2 Operational amplifier
An operational amplifier includes a first amplifier to which an input signal is applied, and a second amplifier to which an output of the first amplifier is applied, wherein the second amplifier includes a first transistor including a gate to which the output of the first amplifier is applied, and a second transistor including a gate to which the output of the first amplifier is applied, and a drain coupled to a source of the first transistor.
US08310305B1 Tapered-impedance distributed switching power amplifiers
A distributed power amplifier may include a plurality of switching power amplifier sub-circuits, and a plurality of connection network sub-circuits, each of the plurality connection network sub-circuits having a characteristic impedance, wherein each of the plurality of connection network sub-circuits combines two or more of the plurality of switching power amplifier sub-circuits into a parallel or series configuration, wherein the plurality of switching power amplifier sub-circuits, the plurality of connection network sub-circuits and the characteristic impedance of each of the plurality of connection network sub-circuits are configured to present each of the plurality of switching power amplifier sub-circuits with a substantially equivalent load impedance.
US08310298B2 Ratioed feedback body voltage bias generator
A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a current mirror circuit that includes a reference current source that generates a reference current, a reference transistor, a mirror transistor and a ratioed body bias feedback unit. The reference transistor has a first node that is coupled to the output of the reference current source, a gate that is coupled to the first node and a second node coupled to a common voltage. The mirror transistor has a gate coupled to the first node. The ratioed body bias feedback unit generates a body bias voltage coupled to the body of the reference transistor and the body of the mirror transistor. The ratioed body bias feedback unit is configured to adjust the body bias voltage in relationship to the common voltage so that the reference transistor and the mirror transistor each have a threshold voltage within a predefined range.
US08310296B2 Driving transistor control circuit
A control circuit controls a driving transistor connected in series with an electrical load between a power supply voltage and a ground. The control circuit includes a pull-up resistor connected at one end to a power supply voltage side of the driving transistor, a current detection resistor for detecting an electric current flowing from the driving transistor to the ground, a current mirror circuit including a starting transistor connected between the pull-up transistor and the current detection resistor. The current mirror circuit supplies a mirror current of the electric current. The control circuit further includes a current source circuit for supplying a driving current to a control terminal of the driving transistor in accordance with the mirror current to turn ON the driving transistor in response to an external control signal.
US08310295B2 Systems and methods for lowering interconnect capacitance through adjustment of relative signal levels
Methods and circuitry for lowering the capacitance of interconnects, particularly Through Wafer Interconnects (TWIs), using signal level adjustment are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention seek to bias the midpoint voltage level of the signals on the TWIs towards inversion, where at high frequencies capacitance is at its minimum. In one embodiment, reduced swing signals are used for the data states transmitted across the TWIs, in which the reduced swing signals use a midpoint voltage level tending to bias the TWI capacitance towards inversion. In another embodiment, signals are AC coupled to the TWI where they are referenced to an explicit bias voltage directly connected to the TWI. This allows signals to propagate through the TWI while the TWI is biased towards inversion. In a third embodiment, the potential of the substrate is explicitly lowered with respect to the TWI potential. Regardless of the particular embodiment used, raising the midpoint-voltage level of the signals on the TWIs relative to the substrate decreases capacitance, which increases the frequency of the data which can propagate through the TWIs while potentially reducing the signaling power.
US08310293B2 PWM signal generator for digital controlled power supply
A forward converter circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. A first transistor is coupled in series with the primary winding and a second transistor is coupled in series with the secondary winding. A control circuit generates PWM control signals for controlling operation of the first and second transistors. The control signals are generated responsive to source PWM signals processed through programmable delay timers to generate set/reset control signals which set an output PWM control signal duty cycle.
US08310289B2 Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus for reducing unnecessary current consumption disclosed. The semiconductor apparatus includes: a clock signal transmission unit that selectively transmits a clock signal in accordance with the frequency of the clock signal at an operation standby mode. A delay locked loop generates a DLL clock signal on the basis of the clock signal inputted through the clock signal transmission unit. The delay locked loop generates the DLL clock signal during a period where the clock signal is transmitted.
US08310287B2 Reset circuit and control apparatus including the reset circuit
A reset circuit for resetting and terminating the resetting of a reset target includes an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a gate drive circuit configured to switch a drain voltage of the n-channel MOSFET from a low level to a high level when a power supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, a sink circuit configured to maintain the drain voltage at the low level by sinking a current flowing from a drain side of the n-channel MOSFET to the sink circuit, and a block circuit configured to block the current sinking to the sink circuit when the power supply voltage exceeds the predetermined threshold. The low level indicates a state where the reset target is in a reset state and the high level indicates a state where the reset state of the reset target is terminated.
US08310284B2 High-voltage gate driver that drives group III-N high electron mobility transistors
A Group III-N high electron mobility transistor is driven by a high-voltage gate driver that limits the gate-to-source voltage across the transistor by controlling the maximum charge that can be placed on a boot strap capacitor that charges up the gate of the transistor to turn on the transistor.
US08310283B2 Over-drive circuit having stacked transistors
In a first pair of stacked PMOS devices comprising a first PMOS device and a second PMOS device, a first pumping circuit is coupled between a gate of the first PMOS device and a P pre-driver signal. In a second pair of stacked NMOS devices comprising a first NMOS device and a second NMOS device, a second pumping circuit is coupled between a gate of the first NMOS device and an N pre-driver signal. The pumping circuits recognizing the transition from the pre-driver signals provide a voltage to the gate of the first PMOS device and of the first NMOS device so that the first PMOS and NMOS devices are turned on better. As a result, their voltage Vds peaks are suppressed to a safe level; the devices avoid hot-carrier degradations; and their lifetimes are prolonged.
US08310281B2 System and method for driving a cascode switch
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of driving switches includes sensing a control node of a first switch, sensing a control node of a second switch, and driving the control node of the first switch to a first active state after the control node of the second switch transitions to a second active state. The method also includes driving the control node of the second switch to a second inactive state after the control node of the first switch transitions to a first inactive state. Driving the control node of the first switch is based on sensing the control node of the second switch, and driving the control node of the second switch is based on based on sensing the control node of the first switch.
US08310279B2 Comparator with hysteresis
Techniques for providing a comparator incorporating amplitude hysteresis. In an exemplary embodiment, a current offset stage is coupled to a comparator having a folded cascode architecture. The current offset stage offsets the current generated from an input stage to delay switching of the comparator output to implement amplitude hysteresis. In an exemplary embodiment, rail-to-rail input voltages may be accommodated by providing dual NMOS and PMOS input stages. In another exemplary embodiment, the amplitude hysteresis may be controlled by an adjustable threshold voltage. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a constant transconductance gm bias circuit may be provided to maintain the stability of the threshold voltage across input common-mode voltage and/or other variations.
US08310278B2 Voltage detection device
A voltage detection circuit includes operational amplifiers, a battery, and a voltage circuit. The voltage circuit offsets the inverting input terminals and non-inverting input terminals of the operational amplifiers to the positive side with reference to a ground GND.
US08310273B2 Method of inspecting power converter and inspecting device
An inspecting ECU 4 and a GD substrate 3 are connected to an inverter circuit 100 for converting a power to be supplied from a voltage source 2 and outputting the converted power to a motor 5, and switch a conducting state of each of the elements in the inverter circuit 100. A conducting state of the element is switched in accordance with a driving condition for inspection corresponding to a whole active region of the element in a state that an inspecting load 50 is connected to the inverter circuit 100. A phase current flowing in the element and a voltage between terminals of the element through a voltage detector 11 and a current detector 12 are detected to obtain a correlation of an ON time of the element and a phase current value based on the current and the voltage which are detected.
US08310272B2 Method and system for testing electric automotive drive systems
Various methods and systems for testing electric automotive drive systems are provided. The methods may be implemented with components with components that are used during normal operation of the automobile, such an inverter, an electric motor, and an electronic control system. One such method includes adjusting the frequency of a current pulsed input provided to an electric motor while monitoring the winding currents. Another method includes monitoring current flow during and after a direct current (DC) pulse is generated by switches within an inverter. A further method includes monitoring current flow while a deactivation signal is provided to the switches and during individual activation of the switches.
US08310271B2 Starter zero current test apparatus and method
An alternator and starter tester system having a starter current zero test. The current is measured before and after a solenoid of a starter motor is energized and deenergized to determine if the starter motor should be failed. This allows the operator to quickly determine if the starter motor is stuck on during normal starter motor testing.
US08310270B2 Emulating behavior of a legacy test system
An apparatus for use in testing a device includes a communication channel having a set of programmable parameters associated therewith. The programmable parameters result in a bias condition on the communication channel. A bias control circuit is used to affect the bias condition that results from the programmable parameters in order to emulate a desired bias condition.
US08310268B2 Generating test benches for pre-silicon validation of retimed complex IC designs against a reference design
This invention (900) described a method that generates and uses a test bench for verifying an electrical design module in a semiconductor manufacturing against an electrical reference model containing a sub-circuit that matches the electrical design module. The invention includes providing (902) a description of an electrical design module that includes a plurality of ports. In addition, the invention includes providing (904) a description of an electrical reference model. The invention further includes providing and or creating (92) one or more implicit defines for the reference modules that appear in hierarchy of the electrical reference model. And, the invention includes providing (906) a description file that includes one or more instance definitions. The invention parses (91) the hierarchy of the electrical design model and then processes (96) the description file. The invention then writes (97) the test bench.
US08310266B2 Device for characterizing the electro-optical performance of a semiconductor component
A device for characterizing the electro-optical performance of a semiconductor component includes a chamber containing a controlled atmosphere; a measuring head equipped with conductive probes for contacting the electrical interfaces of said component and connected to a data processing system in order to determine said electro-optical performance; and a staging fixture support to accommodate said component(s), the staging fixture being capable of being cooled and being moved in an upward and downward translational movement to bring the electrical interfaces of said component(s) into contact with the tip of the measuring probes of the measuring head. The staging fixture has bumps and the components are positioned in contact with these and the staging fixture accommodates, in the area of each of these bumps, two positioning grids which are capable of sliding relative to each other and cooperating with each other to define pockets suitable for accommodating the component(s) to be characterized.
US08310262B2 Multiple testing bars for testing liquid crystal display and method thereof
A plurality of gate lines are formed on an insulating substrate in the horizontal direction, a gate shorting bar connected to the data lines is formed in the vertical direction and a gate insulating film is formed thereon. A plurality of data lines intersecting the gate lines are formed on the gate insulating film in the vertical direction, and a data shorting bar connected to the data lines is formed outside the display region. A first shorting bar is formed on the gate insulating film, located between the gate lines and the gate shorting bar, and connected to the odd gate lines. A second secondary shorting bar is formed parallel to the first shorting bar and connected to the even gate lines.
US08310252B2 Testing a nonvolatile circuit element having multiple intermediate states
A test circuit tests a nonvolatile circuit element having multiple intermediate states. The test circuit includes a waveform generator configured to apply a waveform to the circuit element connected to the test circuit. The waveform includes stress pulses applied to the circuit element over time. A detector detects a parameter of the circuit element as the waveform is applied to the circuit element.
US08310251B2 System for assessing pipeline condition
A method and system for assessment of a pipe (110) is provided. The system can include a probe (100) having first (120) and second (130) electrodes and a processor (200) in communication with the probe (100). The probe (100) can be in a medium (140) proximate to a section of the pipe (110) to be analyzed. The section of the pipe (110) can have a coating (115) thereon. The processor (200) can measure a difference in potential between the first (120) and second (130) electrodes. The processor (200) can determine a local impedance with respect to the section of the pipe (110) based at least in part on the difference in potential. The processor (200) can evaluate a condition of the coating (115) on the section of the pipe (110) based at least in part on the local impedance or a parameter derived from the local impedance.
US08310250B2 Probe and arrangement for determining the moisture content or conductivity of a material
In a probe and an arrangement including a probe for determining a moisture content or a conductivity of a material, wherein the probe has a base body with two electrical conductors of which at least one has the form of a tape which is embedded in an electrically insulating material area of the base body in such a way that only an edge area of the tape-like conductor is disposed at the surface of the insulating material area of the base body for contact with the material.
US08310248B2 Capacitive sensor device
A capacitive sensor device includes first and second sensor capacitors coupled in series, a clock signal generating part, an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, a compensating capacitor, and a compensating signal generating part. The clock signal generating part generates a first clock signal and the second clock signal applied to the first and second sensor capacitors, respectively. The compensating signal generating part generates a compensating signal applied to the compensating capacitor. The first clock signal and the second clock signal have the same frequency and the same amplitude and have phases being opposite each other. The compensating signal has a frequency same as the first clock signal and the second clock signal, has a phase same as one of the first clock signal and the second clock signal, and has an amplitude that is adjustable.
US08310244B2 Power interruption detecting system, electronic device and power interruption detecting device thereof
A power interruption detecting system includes an electronic device and a power interruption detecting device. The electronic device includes a power supply, a protection circuit, a main circuit and a recording structure. The power supply includes a first power supplying module and a second power supplying module. The protection circuit is connected in parallel to the first power supplying module. The main circuit is connected in parallel to the first power supplying module. The recording structure is connected to the main circuit and configured for collecting a number of values of working voltage of the main circuit. The power interruption detecting device is configured for determining a cause for a shutting down problem happened to the electronic device, according to the values of the working voltage.
US08310243B2 Local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS) for detecting coating defects in buried pipelines
A system and associated methods for acquiring and analyzing LEIS data from a buried structure, such as a pipeline. A special probe having adjustable electrodes is placed in the soil above the structure. A voltage is applied to the structure, causing more current to emanate from a coating defect than from intact coating. The probe electrodes acquire a response signal, which is analyzed to detect the defect.
US08310242B2 Circuit arrangement and method for insulation monitoring for inverter applications
An inverter application comprises at least one apparatus fed by an inverter (10). The determining of insulation defects is effected by way of a differential voltage of part voltages (U, U′) of an intermediate circuit (7) or the ratio of one of these part voltages (U, U′) to the total voltage of an intermediate circuit, and by way of an operating condition of the inverter (10). The monitoring of the insulation is carried out only with the means (1a, 1b, 1c, 1a′, 1b′, 1c′, 5, 5′) which are present in the inverter (10) in any case. The operating condition is set as a particular switch position in the inverter (10) by an insulation monitoring system. Alternatively, the operating condition is, while the inverter is on-line or in operation, transferred from the inverter control (9) to an insulation monitoring system for improving the quality of the monitoring.
US08310236B2 Continuous wave metal detector
A training set including a target object set and a clutter object set is accessed. It is determined that the training set includes multiple types of targets or multiple types of clutter. The target feature value of a type of target is compared with the clutter feature value. The type of target is associated with the non-target object based on the comparison. A classifier is trained using the target feature value and the clutter feature value of the associated type of target and the non-clutter object. A feature value associated with an unknown object is applied to multiple classifiers to generate a set of metrics for the unknown object. The metrics are aggregated into an overall metric. Whether the unknown object is included in the target set is determined based on the overall metric.
US08310235B1 NMR apparatus for in situ analysis of fuel cells
The subject apparatus is a fuel cell toroid cavity detector for in situ analysis of samples through the use of nuclear magnetic resonance. The toroid cavity detector comprises a gas-tight housing forming a toroid cavity where the housing is exposed to an externally applied magnetic field B0 and contains fuel cell component samples to be analyzed. An NMR spectrometer is electrically coupled and applies a radiofrequency excitation signal pulse to the detector to produce a radiofrequency magnetic field B1 in the samples and in the toroid cavity. Embedded coils modulate the static external magnetic field to provide a means for spatial selection of the recorded NMR signals.
US08310234B2 System for fat suppression in MR image acquisition
A system for fat signal suppression in MR imaging comprises an RF signal generator for generating RF pulses in an MR pulse sequence using one or more RF pulses for echo signal formation including, an RF excitation pulse and an RF refocusing pulse subsequent to said RF excitation pulse. A magnetic field slice select gradient generator generates first and second different slice select magnetic field gradients for corresponding use with the RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse, respectively, the first and second different slice select magnetic field gradients having substantially different amplitudes. An MR imaging control unit directs acquisition of MR imaging data having fat signal substantially suppressed using the generated RF pulses and different slice select magnetic field gradients.
US08310233B2 Method for image reconstruction from undersampled medical imaging data
A method for image reconstruction that utilizes a generalization of compressed sensing is provided. More particularly, a method for homotopic l0 minimization is provided, in which a series of subproblems that asymptotically approach a solution to the l0 minimization are iteratively solved. These subproblems include utilizing concave metric prior functionals in the traditional compressed sensing framework. Substantially undersampled image data is acquired from a subject, for example, with a medical imaging system, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system or a computed tomography (“CT”) system. Using the provided method, undersampling on the order of around 96 percent can be achieved while still producing clinically acceptable images.
US08310231B2 NMR device for detection of analytes
This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.
US08310229B2 Intelligent eddy current array probe with embedded firing sequence memory
An intelligent eddy current array probe comprising a plurality of coil elements and an embedded non-volatile memory element is disclosed. Prior to coupling the intelligent eddy current array probe to an NDI system, a data table describing a desired firing sequence for the array probe within a given inspection operation is created. This data table is then stored within the embedded non-volatile memory element of the intelligent eddy current array probe such that when the array probe is coupled to the NDI system, the elements of the NDI system can load and execute the stored firing sequence without operator intervention. In this way, a plurality of intelligent eddy current array probes, each with its own firing sequence, can be used interchangeably within a single NDI system without the need for mechanical adjustments to the NDI system.
US08310222B2 Method of forming a power supply controller and structure therefor
In one embodiment, a power supply controller forms a compensation current modulates a value of the feedback signal responsively to a value of a timing control signal used to form a clock signal.
US08310221B2 Electronic device and method for DC-DC conversion with slope compensation
An electronic device is provided which comprises circuitry for DC-DC conversion configured to switch an inductor current through an inductor using slope compensation, wherein the circuitry comprises a slope compensation stage configured to generate a slope compensation signal as a function of an switching frequency of the DC-DC conversion and an input voltage of the DC-DC converter.
US08310220B2 Power supply controller having analog to digital converter
A power supply controller includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter that performs analog-digital conversion of an output voltage and outputs a digital signal, a deviation signal generator unit that generates a deviation signal from the digital signal and a standard voltage value serving as an output voltage target value, and a power controller unit that controls the output voltage based on the deviation signal. The power supply controller includes a conversion range setting unit that sets a range of the reference voltage into the A/D converter based on a first signal as the digital signal in a power supply startup period, and sets the reference voltage range into the A/D converter based on a second signal as the deviation signal or as a signal corresponding to the deviation signal in a steady state period.
US08310217B2 Power conversion circuit for decentralizing input current
A power conversion circuit for decentralizing input current includes a capacitor, a first inductor, a first switching circuit, a first discharging circuit, a second inductor, a second switching circuit, a second discharging circuit, and a control circuit. Under control of the control circuit, the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are alternately conducted, and the second switching circuit is successively conducted when the first switching circuit is shut off.
US08310216B2 Synchronous rectifier control for synchronous boost converter
A synchronous boost DC/DC conversion system comprises an input for receiving a DC input voltage, an output for producing a DC output voltage, a power switch controllable to adjust an output signal of the conversion system, and an inductor coupled to the input. A synchronous rectifier is configurable to create a conduction path between the inductor and the output to provide the inductor discharge. A control circuit is provided for controlling the synchronous rectifier as the input voltage approaches the output voltage, so as to adjust average impedance of the conduction path over a discharge period of the inductor.
US08310209B2 Battery charger and method for charging a battery
The present invention relates to a battery charger for charging a battery (10), said battery charger comprising an AC/DC power supply means (1), a pulse width modulation controlled DC/DC converter (2) and a control unit (3) that is connected to the AC/DC power supply means (1) and the PWM-controlled DC/DC converter (2). The battery charger has a maximum output power while avoiding to blow up small battery packs if the control unit (3) is adapted to measure at least a voltage and a current at terminals of the battery (10) to be charged, calculate a power at the battery (10), compare the calculated power and the nominal maximum power of the AC/DC power supply means (1), and transmit a signal to the PWM-controlled DC/DC converter (2) to adjust a charging current supplied to the battery (10) based on the comparison result. A temperature at the battery can also be measured.
US08310204B2 Automatic charge equalization method and apparatus for series connected battery string
The present invention relates to an automatic charge equalization apparatus and method having an automatic PWM generating means for a series-connected battery string. The automatic charge equalization method and apparatus for a series-connected battery string according to the present invention can improve charge equalization by accomplishing charge equalization operation after comparing the potential of the corresponding battery cell with the average potential of the plurality of battery cells including the corresponding battery cell upon charging or discharging the corresponding battery cell.
US08310203B2 Battery balancing method
A battery balancing method for a battery pack is disclosed, wherein the battery pack includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells. The method categorizes the plurality of battery cells into a first subgroup and a second subgroup. Each battery cell in the first subgroup has an over voltage count number that records the times of the battery cells reaching an over voltage protection point. A minimum voltage of the battery cells in the second subgroup is detected. Then the voltage of each battery cell in the first subgroup is decreased to a buck voltage lower than the minimum voltage of the second subgroup. While any one cell in the first group reaches the over voltage protection point again during the charging procedure, the over voltage count numbers for the particular battery cells already reached the over voltage protection point are accumulated and then the charging procedure is terminated.
US08310199B2 Electronic circuit for a small electric appliance
An electronic circuit for an electric appliance. In one embodiment, there is provided an electronic circuit for a battery-operated electric appliance, which can be inductively fed by an external electric power source, comprising a charging circuit for charging an accumulator (A), which encompasses a charging coil (L2) and a diode (D2), wherein the accumulator (A) is connected in series to the diode (D2) and the charging coil (L2), a light emitting diode (LED) as display for the charging process and/or charging status of the accumulator (A), wherein an end of the charging coil (L2) is connected to the cathode of the diode (D2) and the anode of the light emitting diode (LED) and the negative pole of the accumulator (A) is connected to the anode of the diode (D2).
US08310198B2 Lithium ion secondary cell charge method and hybrid vehicle
Provided is a lithium ion secondary cell charge method including: a step S1 which judges whether a physical amount value corresponding to an accumulation amount of a lithium ion secondary cell is lowered to a first predetermined value; a step S2 which judges whether a hybrid vehicle is in a travel stop state; and charge steps S5 to SA which divide a charge period K into two or more divided charge periods KC1, KC2 and a non-charge period KR between the divided charge periods, so that charge is performed during the divided charge periods KC1, KC2 while the hybrid vehicle is in the travel stop state and charge stop or discharge is performed during the non-charge period KR, wherein each of the divided charge periods KC1, KC2 is not shorter than 40 seconds.
US08310195B2 Method for improving motion times of a stage
Methods and systems for, in one embodiment, accelerating a stage through a clearance height in a first direction and decelerating the stage in the first direction while accelerating in a second direction are shown. The stage is moved in a third direction and a determination is made whether the stage movement in the second direction is below a threshold value before continuing to move the stage further in the third direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and is parallel and opposite to the third direction.
US08310193B2 Minimum temperature control for electromechanical actuator
A component intended for use in very low temperature situations has an electromechanical actuator with a control for an electric motor. The control receives a temperature signal indicative of a temperature being experienced by the electromechanical actuator. The control is operable to produce a current signal sent to the electric motor which will generate heat without significant torque. A method of operating the electromechanical actuator is also disclosed.
US08310192B2 Reducing the spectral energy of torque ripple
In BLDC motors driven via sensorless techniques, the BEMF signals in the motor coils may be used to detect the position of the motor such that speed of the motor may be accurately controlled. When detecting the BEMF signals, however, small perturbations occur which negatively impact the rotational torque of the motor. As a result, torque ripple may occur at regular intervals which may result in inefficiencies as well as audible noise. In various embodiments as described herein, the sampling of the BEMF signals may be done so at pseudo-random intervals such that the overall spectral energy that presents from the BEMF detections may be reduced at specific frequencies (such as fundamental sampling frequencies and harmonics thereof) and spread out over many more frequencies. Thus, despite the overall spectral energy being the same, the amplitude of any given frequency is lower as the sampling of the BEMF is less periodic.
US08310187B2 Motor drive device
A motor drive device has a drive unit for driving a motor based on an ON/OF operation of a switching element by a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. The motor drive device uses a PWM control method and performs abnormal determination based on an application voltage value and an actual measurement voltage value of the motor. The motor drive device does not make a false determination of determining as abnormal when it is normal, when determining the presence of abnormality based on the application voltage value and the actual measurement voltage value of the motor.
US08310185B2 Correction of counting errors in the evaluation of current ripples in a DC motor
A method for detecting a regulating variable of a mechanically commutated DC motor in a positioning device for a motor vehicle is provided. The DC motor has a standard ripple pattern, which contains per engine cycle or semi-cycle at least one index ripple, which is classified with regard to amplitude, duration and/or time position. The counter-electromotoric power is calculated from a measured motor current and the measured motor voltage by a motor model. An alternating element corresponding to the current ripples is extracted from the counter-electromotoric power, which in turn is used to determine the current ripples. Further, in at least one engine cycle or engine semi-cycle the index ripple is identified and the total identified current ripples are counted. The result of the count is hereby corrected when the index ripple is not counted at the expected position.
US08310180B2 Electric powertrain system having bidirectional DC generator
An electric powertrain for use with an engine and a traction device is disclosed. The electric powertrain has a DC motor/generator operable to receive at least a portion of a first mechanical output from the engine and produce a DC power output. The DC motor/generator is also operable to receive DC power and produce a second mechanical output. The electric powertrain further has a drivetrain operable to receive the DC power output and use the DC power output to drive the traction device. The drivetrain is also operable to generate DC power when the traction device is operated in a dynamic braking mode.
US08310177B2 Battery management system for a cordless tool
A hand-held, battery powered tool (e.g., nutrunner, drill) includes an output head operatively connected to a motor, a plurality of battery cells, an ON/OFF start switch, a resistance sensor that measures a resistance of the output head to movement, and a controller. When the start switch is ON and the resistance sensed by the resistance sensor does not exceed a predetermined shift resistance, the controller automatically connects the plurality of battery cells to each other and the motor in series. When the start switch is ON and the resistance sensed by the resistance sensor exceeds the predetermined shift resistance, the controller automatically connects the plurality of battery cells to each other in parallel and to the motor.
US08310176B2 Traction control for DC electric motor
A method of propelling a mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a plurality of DC traction motors, including a first DC traction motor and a second DC traction motor. The method may include driving a first traction device with the first DC traction motor, the first DC traction motor including a first field coil and a first armature electrically connected in series. The method may also include driving a second DC traction device with the second DC traction motor electrically connected in series with the first DC traction motor, the second DC traction motor including a second field coil and a second armature electrically connected in series. Additionally, the method may include, in response to slippage of the first traction device, bypassing at least a portion of electric current flowing through the first field coil around the first armature. The method may also include directing at least a portion of the bypassed electric current through the second field coil and the second armature.
US08310175B2 Modular lamp system
Modular lamp system comprises a base unit comprising a power supply, and at least one pair of external electrical contacts arranged on said base unit and electrically connected with said power supply; and at least one light unit comprising at least one first pair of external electrical contacts, arranged on said light unit and arranged to mate with the at least one pair of electrical contacts of the base unit or another substantially identical unit, at least one second pair of external electrical contacts, arranged on said light unit and arranged to mate with the at least one first pair of electrical contacts of another substantially identical unit, and at least one LED lamp arranged on said light unit, said at least one first pair of external electrical contacts and said at least one second pair of external electrical contacts, and said lamp being electrically connected with each other.
US08310173B2 LED driving device, illuminating device, and display device
Provided is an LED driving device which can stably reduce brightness of an LED. The LED driving device provided with: a driving voltage switching means (Q1008) for switching between a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage in accordance with a timing signal; and feedback circuits (Q1001 to Q1005) to which any one of the first and second driving voltages is applied and which thereby determine a current flowing through an LED. The feedback circuits are provided with a resistor switching means (Q2001) for switching, in accordance with the timing signal, between resistors (R1001, R1002, and R2001) that determine the current flowing through the LED.
US08310170B2 Circuit arrangement for controlling light emitting diodes
In a circuit arrangement for controlling light emitting diodes (LED's) combined in groups, with at least one driver which has current outputs, via which current can be delivered to the LED's, as well as a control input by which the current supplied to the LED's is adjustable, the current control input is connected to the voltage output of a voltage source.
US08310169B2 Power conversion driving circuit and fluorescent lamp driving circuit
A power conversion driving circuit is provided. The power conversion drive circuit includes a converting circuit, a control circuit and a load circuit. The converting circuit is coupled to an input voltage. The control circuit is coupled to the converting circuit for controlling the converting circuit to convert the input voltage to an output voltage. The load circuit includes a load detecting unit and a load. The load is coupled to the output voltage, and the load detecting unit is coupled to a detecting voltage source. The load detecting unit generates a load detecting signal to re-start the control circuit when the load circuit is inserted into the power conversion driving circuit.
US08310168B2 Light source device and projector
A light source device includes: a microwave power source which outputs a microwave; a light-emitting tube with an emission space where a light-emitting material, which emits light by input of the microwave, is filled; a first electrode which is provided at one side of the light-emitting tube and is electrically connected to the microwave power source; a second electrode which is provided at the other side of the light-emitting tube, the emission space being interposed between the first and second electrodes; and a reflecting plate which is electrically connected to the second electrode and which reflects the microwave such that an antinode of the amplitude of a standing wave of a high-frequency current is positioned in the emission space by making the microwave resonate.
US08310165B2 High-voltage LED drive scheme with partial power regulation
A high-voltage LED drive scheme with multi-stage power regulation. The multi-stage power regulation applies two components of voltage to drive the LED strings. This scheme achieves high efficiency, small size and low cost.
US08310158B2 LED light engine apparatus
A light emitting diode (LED) light engine is provided for use in a light fixture to enable improved and efficient dissipation of heat generated in the light fixture. The light engine includes a circuit board that includes multiple LEDs for emitting light. The light engine includes a chassis that has a plurality of upper fins that extend upward from a central flanged portion to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs into the lighting fixture. The circuit board is mounted to a mounting surface on the chassis that is surrounded by a fin wall that depends from the central flanged portion. The chassis also has a plurality of lower fins that extend outward from an outer surface of the fin wall to dissipate heat out of the fixture and into the ambient air environment.
US08310156B2 High-pressure discharge lamp and vehicle headlight with high-pressure discharge lamp
A high-pressure discharge lamp may include a discharge vessel which is sealed in a gas-tight manner and in which electrodes and an ionizable fill for generating a gas discharge are enclosed, the ionizable fill being in the form of a mercury-free fill which includes xenon and halides of the metals sodium, scandium, zinc and indium, wherein the weight ratio of the halides of zinc and indium is in the range of from 20 to 100, and wherein the coldfilling pressure of xenon is in the range of from 1.3 megapascal to 1.8 megapascal.
US08310154B2 Devices including, methods using, and compositions of reflowable getters
Methods for protecting circuit device materials, optoelectronic devices, and caps using a reflowable getter are described. The methods, devices and caps provide advantages because they enable modification of the shape and activity of the getter after sealing of the device. Some embodiments of the invention provide a solid composition comprising a reactive material and a phase changing material. The combination of the reactive material and phase changing material is placed in the cavity of an electronic device. After sealing the device by conventional means (epoxy seal for example), the device is subjected to thermal or electromagnetic energy so that the phase changing material becomes liquid, and consequently: exposes the reactive material to the atmosphere of the cavity, distributes the getter more equally within the cavity, and provides enhanced protection of sensitive parts of the device by flowing onto and covering these parts, with a thin layer of material.
US08310153B2 Organic light emitting diode display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting diode display device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the organic light emitting diode display device includes i) a base substrate including a first device region and a first encapsulation region, ii) an organic light emitting diode (OLED) disposed on the first device region, iii) an inner filler formed over the OLED and the first device region, iv) a light transmission layer formed on the inner filler, v) an encapsulation substrate including a second device region and a second encapsulation region corresponding to the first device region and first encapsulation region, respectively, wherein the second device region is formed over the light transmission layer and vi) an encapsulation agent disposed on the first and second encapsulation regions, and configured to encapsulate the base substrate with the encapsulation substrate.
US08310152B2 Organic EL device and EL display panel having a low driving voltage and high light emitting frequency, and method for manufacturing
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an organic EL device which comprises a hole injection layer having a flat surface that is not contaminated. Specifically disclosed method for manufacturing an organic EL device, which comprises a step of forming an anode on a substrate; a step of forming a hole injection layer on the anode; a step of forming an inorganic film on the substrate and the hole injection layer; a step of forming a bank on the inorganic film in such a manner that at least a part of the inorganic film formed on the hole injection layer is exposed; a step of etching the exposed inorganic film by using the bank as a mask so that the hole injection layer is exposed therefrom; and a step of forming an organic light-emitting layer by applying an organic light-emitting material onto the exposed hole injection layer. The hole injection layer contains tungsten oxide or molybdenum oxide.
US08310151B2 Active matrix electroluminescence device and method for fabricating the same
An active matrix electroluminescence device and a method for fabricating the same for enhancing electrical characteristics of a wire are disclosed. The method includes forming a wire on a non-emissive area of a substrate, and forming transistors on an emissive area of the substrate, forming an insulating layer on the substrate, the wire, and the transistors, and selectively removing the insulating layer, so as to expose the wire, forming a first electrode on the insulating layer in the emissive area, forming an electroluminous layer on the first electrode, and forming a second electrode on the electroluminous layer and the wire.
US08310149B2 Transparent OLED device employing a mirror layer having a pattern of nontransparent and transparent zones
Disclosed is an OLED device including an organic layer disposed between an anode and a cathode, and a mirror layer on the anode or cathode. The organic layer is structured into electroluminescent zones and inactive zones, while the mirror layer is structured into nontransparent zones and transparent zones. Via an at least partial alignment of these structures, the OLED device can be made transparent for environmental light and simultaneously emissive in a dominant direction.
US08310148B2 Organic light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same, the organic light emitting device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic layer that has at least a multi-coated emissive layer and which is interposed between the first and second electrodes. The multi-coated emissive layer is a single layer composed of a neutral emissive material and an no−ne parameter of the emissive layer is greater than an no−ne parameter of a single-coated layer. The organic light emitting device has a longer lifetime and high efficiency.
US08310147B2 Luminescent device
Interfaces between layers in a light emitting element are eliminated by using a light emitting element with a mixed region comprising a hole transporting material and an electron transporting material. The light emitting element may further comprise a region with a dopant. By using this light emitting element, an organic luminescent element of low power consumption and long life is achieved, and the light emitting element can be used to manufacture a luminescent device and an electric appliance.
US08310146B2 Organic electroluminescent device, liquid crystal display and illuminating device
This invention provides an organic electroluminescent element that has a thin and compact sealing structure and is excellent in heat resistance in sealing, particularly a high-brightness organic electroluminescent element comprising a phosphorescence emitting substance, and a liquid crystal display device and lighting equipment using the same. The organic electroluminescent element comprises a substrate and a first electrode, one or more organic layers including a luminescent layer, and a second electrode provided on the substrate. An adhesive layer is disposed on the whole area of a light emitting surface and remote from the light takeout side in the organic electroluminescent element, and a flexible film having a barrier film is applied thereto to form the light emitting surface. The organic electroluminescent element is characterized in that at least one of the luminescent material contained in the luminescent layer is phosphorescence emitting substance, and not less than 80% by mass of the organic material constituting the organic layer has a glass transition temperature of 100° C. or above.
US08310141B2 Fluorescent lamp, light source apparatus and display apparatus
In a fluorescent lamp, an initial chromaticity change can be suppressed. An atmosphere in contact with a blue light-emission phosphor forming a phosphor particle layer 3 that contains argon (Ar) and neon (Ne) shown by the following equation A/(A+N)≧0.04, wherein A represents a mole fraction of argon and N represents a mole fraction of neon.
US08310140B2 Airtight container and image displaying apparatus using the same
An airtight container includes a front substrate, a rear substrate opposite to the front substrate, a plurality of spacers arranged between the front substrate and the rear substrate with the spacers having a predetermined interval therebetween, and a frame provided between the front substrate and the rear substrate and surrounding the plurality of spacers, and of which an internal space surrounded by the front substrate, the rear substrate and the frame is maintained at pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, wherein both the front substrate and the rear substrate are made from glass material, the airtight container satisfies H1
US08310138B2 Actuator
An actuator includes an ion-conductive polymer layer made of a first ion-conductive polymer, a pair of electrode layers provided one on each side of the ion-conductive polymer layer and made of a second ion-conductive polymer and conductive powder, and ions contained in the ion-conductive polymer layer and electrode layers. The first and second ion-conductive polymers differ in functional group type from each other.
US08310132B2 Insonification device having an internal cooling chamber
The invention relates to an insonification device (100) comprising a plurality of elementary ultrasonic transducers (110) each comprising at least one electro-acoustic element (111) and distributed on a chassis (120, 140) so that the electro-acoustic elements (111) are distributed on a so-called front surface (120′) of the device (100) intended to be placed facing the medium to be insonified. According to the invention, as each transducer (110) comprises a longitudinal body (113) made in a heat conducting material at the so-called front end of which the electro-acoustic element (111) is placed, the chassis (120, 140) comprises a sealed cooling chamber (130) placed behind the front surface (120′), crossed by the bodies of the transducers (113) and intended to be gone through by a coolant fluid flow.
US08310129B2 Acoustic resonator comprising an electret and method of producing said resonator, application to switchable coupled resonator filters
Acoustic resonator comprising an electret, and method of producing said resonator, application to switchable coupled resonator filters.The resonator comprises: at least one piezoelectric layer (30); electrodes (24, 26) on either side of this layer; and at least one electret layer (32) between the electrodes, to apply a permanent electric field to the piezoelectric layer. The intensity of this electric field is determined to shift the resonance frequency of the resonator by a desired value. The piezoelectric layer may contain electrical charges to itself constitute the electret layer.
US08310128B2 High precision silicon-on-insulator MEMS parallel kinematic stages
MEMS stages comprising a plurality of comb drive actuators provide micro and up to nano-positioning capability. Flexure hinges and folded springs that operably connect the actuator to a movable end stage provide independent motion from each of the actuators that minimizes unwanted off-axis displacement, particularly for three-dimensional movement of a cantilever. Also provided are methods for using and making MEMS stages. In an aspect, a process provides a unitary MEMS stage made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer that avoids any post-fabrication assembly steps. Further provided are various devices that incorporate any of the stages disclosed herein, such as devices requiring accurate positioning systems in applications including scanning probe microscopy, E-jet printing, near-field optic sensing, cell probing and material characterization.
US08310126B1 Radial flux permanent magnet AC motor/generator
A radial flux permanent magnet AC motor/generator employs a flat circular stator plate having a plurality of separately-formed electromagnets mounted in a ring pattern on a top surface thereof. A circular flux ring fabricated of powdered metal is mounted to the stator plate outside the ring of electromagnets. A plurality of permanent magnets are mounted in a ring pattern on the outer cylindrical surface of a steel rotor. The stator plate and rotor are axially and diametrically aligned such that the ring of permanent magnets rotates in close proximity to and inside the ring of electromagnets. The electromagnets utilize powder metal cores shaped to have rounded corners and flat sides that permit the use of heavier gauge windings and eliminate the air gaps that exist between the core and windings of prior art electromagnets.
US08310125B2 Motor and electric pump having a stator including a first sintered metal and second sintered metal
In a motor comprising a stator and a rotor disposed in an inner circumference of the stator, the stator comprises a substantially cylindrical stator core and coils made up of wound conductors, and the stator core comprises an outer circumferential portion which constitutes an outer circumferential wall of the stator and an inner circumferential portion round which the conductors are wound. The outer circumferential portion is formed of a first sintered metal made of a powder magnetic material, while the inner circumferential portion is formed of a second sintered metal made of a powder magnetic material, and the first sintered metal is a sintered metal having a higher mechanical strength than the second sintered metal. Additionally, the stator core is formed by diffusion bonding the outer circumferential portion and the inner circumferential portion being bonded together.
US08310124B2 Multistage variable reluctance motor/generator
A compact, rugged, variable reluctance, variable speed, electric motor capable of producing high torque at high electrical energy conversion efficiencies is provided. The present invention provides for a multi-stage motor design having a number of discreet rotor and stator elements on a common shaft. This configuration provided the simplest of magnetic structures and produces a powerful magnetic flux modeling design technique that is used to further optimize the motor design and subsequent control logic. Thermal mapping of the magnetic mass provides for advanced cooling techniques that are used to insure long in-service life in the most extreme of industrial applications. The electric motor inherently provides low vibration thereby greatly reducing noise; low turn to turn voltage potential thereby eliminating costly phase to phase shorting potential; efficient motor operation through the reduction in switching and copper losses in both the machine and its control.
US08310118B2 Packaging improvement for converter-fed transverse flux machine
A transverse flux machine has at least three phases, each provided by a stator core and phase windings. Each of the at least three phases is captured within a common housing. Parallel lines extend from the at least three phases, and a current source converter is created on each of the parallel lines by inductors, a switching network, and communicating capacitors, which are received within the common housing.
US08310117B2 Electric propulsion system useful in jet-type model airplanes and UAVs
A power plant for a jet-type model airplanes and UAVs includes an electric motor and a cover. The cover receives a portion of the electric motor and a sleeve into which the electric motor is inserted. The sleeve has a plurality of fins to dissipate heat and create openings into the cover. Air from the fan rotor passes through the openings to cool an electronic speed control member and exits a rear opening in the cover. The cover may also have additional openings for air to enter into the cover.
US08310116B2 Brushless motor and manufacturing method thereof
Each of vibration dampers is separated from each circumferentially adjacent one of the vibration dampers upon cutting of each of a plurality of connectors, which is initially integrally formed with the vibration dampers to circumferentially join between corresponding circumferentially adjacent two of the vibration dampers to form a single closed loop body. At least a part of each of first and second circumferential end portions of each vibration damper is engaged with a corresponding one of outer protrusions of a centerpiece in a circumferential direction of a stator. A primary recess is radially inwardly recessed at an outer peripheral portion of the vibration damper and is engaged with a corresponding one of primary protrusions of the stator in the circumferential direction of the stator.
US08310112B2 Control unit and method for pulse width modulated control
A control unit for triggering a plurality of electric loads with a plurality of input signals, wherein the electric loads are triggered by pulse width modulated signals, and the input signals are PWM signals. A method is described with which the control unit triggers a plurality of electric loads with a plurality of input signals. The control unit includes controllable switching provisions, wherein these switching provisions connect at least one load respectively with one of at least two different PWM inputs. A method is described for triggering a plurality of electric loads with the aid of the control unit.
US08310103B2 Cell site power system management, including battery circuit management
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for managing battery circuits in systems such as wireless communications service base stations are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a battery circuit having multiple strings of one or more serially connected batteries. The apparatus may be configured to rotate between battery strings such that one or more strings are maintained at or near an upper threshold while other string(s) are disconnected from the maintained string(s). The apparatus may also be configured to charge the battery circuit, to test the battery circuit, and to handle power failures.
US08310101B2 Grid synchronisation
The invention relates to a grid synchronizer for connecting an AC output of a power converter to the AC grid mains. In one aspect the invention provides a grid synchronizer comprising an inverter controller to control an AC output of the inverter, the controller including a receiver to receive grid data from a grid sensor location remote from said inverter. In another aspect we describe techniques for rapid removal of charge from a control terminal of a power switching device such as a MOSFET, IGBT or Thyristor using a particular driver circuit.
US08310096B1 Electrical backup for a gas furnace
An apparatus that provides backup electrical power for a forced air furnace system is herein disclosed, comprising a set of thermal chips which produce electric power directly from the burner area. This electric power is then used to charge a deep cell battery which is then used to power the control circuitry of the furnace as well as the fan motor in the event of a power failure. A relay to switch between battery operation and conventional AC power is provided on the incoming AC power line. Such changeover between AC operation and battery operation is fully automatic and requires no user action. When commercial AC power returns the apparatus switches back to conventional power distribution. Due to the electric producing power capability of the thermal chips it is envisioned that the apparatus could operate continuously for days on end without the use of AC power. It is envisioned that the present apparatus would be made available as standard or optional equipment on new furnaces or could be provided as an add-on kit for aftermarket installation on existing furnaces.
US08310094B2 Power supply system
A power supply system capable of smoothing photovoltaic generation output, and enabling time shift is provided. A power supply system including a DC power supply string in which a storage battery is connected in parallel to a DC power supply; and a DC/AC power conversion device for connecting the DC power supply string to a power system or a load is provided. A switch is connected between the DC power supply and the storage battery, where an output power of the DC power supply or a combined output power of the DC power supply and the storage battery is switched and supplied to the DC/AC power conversion device by the switch. The photovoltaic generation output is thereby smoothed, and time shift is enabled.
US08310091B2 Monitoring system and input and output device thereof
A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input and output (I/O) devices, a number of sensors, and a number of electronic devices. Each I/O device comprises an input circuit, an output circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a sensor or an electronic device. The controller controls the I/O device to function as an input device or an output device. When the I/O device functions as an input device, the input circuit transmits a voltage signal to the controller. When the I/O device functions as an output device, the output circuit supplies power to the electronic device and the controller detects the voltage of the electronic device via the input circuit.
US08310089B2 Power sharing network communications device
A set of network communications devices shares available power among themselves to meet overall system power loading. An individual device is configured to include a local power supply delivering power to a local power bus at a local supply voltage varied in response to a voltage control signal. A protection component is connected between the local power bus and an external power cable used to connect the device to another device for sharing power. The protection component provides an interruptible low-impedance DC path for carrying current based on direction and magnitude of a voltage difference between the local power bus and the external power cable. Control circuitry is used to: (a) drive a current-sharing bus connected among the devices to influence a value of a system current-sharing signal indicating a level of system power loading among the devices; (b) generate a difference signal indicating a difference between local power loading of the local power supply and the system power loading reflected by the system current-sharing signal; and (c) generate the voltage control signal based on the difference signal to achieve a predetermined sharing of the system power loading by the local power supply.
US08310087B2 Configurable apparatus and methods for supplying power and data to electronic devices
Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing electrical power to electronic devices from various power sources are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08310081B2 Power line communications coupler for effecting signal coupling between electric signaling equipment and an electric power system
A power line communications coupler for effecting signal coupling between electric signalling equipment and an electric power system, said coupler including a fuse coupleable to a power line of said electric power system; and a signal coupler in electrical communication with said fuse and being couplable to said signalling equipment.
US08310080B2 Yaw assembly for use in wind turbines
A yaw assembly for use in a wind turbine. The yaw assembly includes a shaft coupled to a yaw drive assembly. The shaft extends outwardly from said yaw drive assembly. A pinion is operatively coupled to the shaft. A slip assembly is positioned between the pinion and the shaft. The slip assembly is configured to facilitate selectively rotating the pinion with respect to the shaft.
US08310078B2 Apparatus for receiving and transferring kinetic energy from water flow
A tangential turbine is adapted for receiving kinetic energy from a flowing fluid and comprises a supporting shroud, a rotating runner having a hub and a plurality of radial blades spaced apart on the hub, and a means for controlling the receiving. In first embodiment the controlling means comprises a plurality of springs each connected with its ends turningly about a connecting axis being between and within the hub and the blade and between limit stops to the hub and fixedly to the blade turnable about the axis to a non-working tangential position. In second embodiment the controlling means comprises the shroud shaped into a caisson and provided with turnable aprons and capable of accommodating the runner in the air and controlling the insertion of the blades into the flow below the shroud.
US08310076B2 Gearless turbo-generator
An auxiliary power unit includes a gas generator that produces a flow of gases to drive a free power turbine that directly drives an electric generator. The electric generator is driven by the free power turbine at a desired speed without the use of step down gearing to provide a lighter weight and more cost effective electric power generating system.
US08310074B2 Method and apparatus for generating power in a wind turbine
A power converter for a wind turbine including an array of switching devices and a control module having a current damping device. The control module is configured to control a switching behavior of the array of switching devices and to receive a current having a first frequency component from the wind turbine. The current damping device is configured to reduce an amplitude of the first frequency component.
US08310068B2 TCP-type semiconductor device
A TCP type semiconductor device, which is connected to a plurality of substrate-side electrodes parallel to each other and each having a linear shape, has: a base film; a semiconductor chip mounted on the base film; and a plurality of leads formed on the base film and electrically connecting between the semiconductor chip and the plurality of substrate-side electrodes, respectively. Each of the plurality of leads has an external terminal section extending in a first direction and configured to come in contact with corresponding one of the plurality of substrate-side electrodes. A part of the external terminal section is a wide section that is formed wider than the other section of the external terminal section A position of the wide section in the first direction is different between adjacent leads of the plurality of leads.
US08310063B2 Semiconductor package structure and manufacturing process thereof
A semiconductor package structure including a substrate, a first chip, a second chip, and an interposer is provided. The substrate has a carrying surface and an opposite bottom surface. The first chip disposed on the carrying surface has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The second surface faces the substrate. The first chip has a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) and a plurality of first pads and second pads on the first surface. The first pads are electrically connected to the corresponding TSVs. The TSVs are electrically connected to the substrate. The second chip disposed above the first chip exposes a portion of the first surface. The second chip is electrically connected to the corresponding TSVs. The interposer is disposed on the first surface. Top surfaces of the interposer and the second chip are substantially aligned with each other. The interposer is bonded to the second pads.
US08310059B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit free from increase in chip area or significant reversion in designing is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: IO buffers arrayed in line; pad coupling wirings respectively arrayed in correspondence with the IO buffers; and IO buffer switching wirings respectively arrayed in line in correspondence with the IO buffers, set in a layer different from those of the IO buffers and the pad coupling wirings so that they overlap with part of the corresponding pad coupling wirings, and extended to other pad coupling wirings adjacent to the corresponding pad coupling wirings. Each of the IO buffer switching wirings is formed in an identical shape so that it is not short-circuited to adjacent other IO buffer switching wirings. The IO buffers are electrically coupled with the corresponding IO buffer switching wirings in the same positions.
US08310058B2 Semiconductor device and method for forming passive circuit elements with through silicon vias to backside interconnect structures
A semiconductor wafer contains a substrate having a plurality of active devices formed thereon. An analog circuit is formed on the substrate. The analog circuit can be an inductor, metal-insulator-metal capacitor, or resistor. The inductor is made with copper. A through substrate via (TSV) is formed in the substrate. A conductive material is deposited in the TSV in electrical contact with the analog circuit. An under bump metallization layer is formed on a backside of the substrate in electrical contact with the TSV. A solder material is deposited on the UBM layer. The solder material is reflowed to form a solder bump. A wire bond is formed on a top surface of the substrate. A redistribution layer is formed between the TSV and UBM. The analog circuit electrically connects through the TSV to the solder bump on the back side of the substrate.
US08310052B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes: a trench formed on an interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; a first barrier metal film formed to cover the bottom and sidewalls of the trench, the first barrier metal film being comprised of an electric conductor containing a platinum-group element, a refractory metal, and nitrogen; and a metal film formed on the first barrier metal film in the trench. The amount of nitrogen decreases in the thickness direction of the first barrier metal film toward the metal film.
US08310047B2 Solder layer, heat sink using such a solder layer and method for manufacturing such a heat sink
A heat sink (10) is disclosed which comprises a substrate (1), an electrode layer (2) formed on the substrate (1) and a solder layer (3) formed on the substrate (1) wherein the solder layer (3) provides a bonding strength of not less than 30 MPa and a shear strain of not less than 0.07. The heat sink may be a sub-mount which comprises a sub-mount substrate (1), an electrode layer (2) formed on the substrate (1) and a solder layer (3) formed on the substrate (1) wherein the electrode layer (2) is formed with a window portion (2A) having the solder layer (3) embedded therein and is connected to an outer peripheral area of the solder layer (3). A sub-mount that has a high strength of bonding between the solder layer (3) and a semiconductor device is provided at a reduced cost.
US08310042B2 Heatsink moldlocks
A system of mold locks (28, 30) is formed on a heatsink (2) of a packaged semiconductor to prevent/mitigate delamination. The mold locks (4, 12) anchor a plastic mold compound (34) that forms the protective cover for the packaged semiconductor die. The mold locks (4, 12) are miniaturized to allow the positioning of them within the flag portion of the heatsink (2) and leadframe (24) such that a semiconductor die can be anchored above the mold locks (4, 12) formed within the flag portion of the heatsink/lead frame (2, 24). The miniaturized size of the said moldlocks (4, 12 do not detract from the purpose of the die attach solder (36).
US08310040B2 Semiconductor device package having high breakdown voltage and low parasitic inductance and method of manufacturing thereof
A semiconductor device package includes a semiconductor device having connection pads formed thereon, with the connection pads being formed on first and second surfaces of the semiconductor device with edges of the semiconductor device extending therebetween. A first passivation layer is applied on the semiconductor device and a base dielectric laminate is affixed to the first surface of the semiconductor device that has a thickness greater than that of the first passivation layer. A second passivation layer having a thickness greater than that of the first passivation layer is applied over the first passivation layer and the semiconductor device to cover the second surface and the edges of the semiconductor device, and metal interconnects are coupled to the connection pads, with the metal interconnects extending through vias formed through the first and second passivation layers and the base dielectric laminate sheet to form a connection with the connection pads.
US08310038B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with embedded conductive structure and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a package carrier; mounting an integrated circuit device to the package carrier; mounting an embeddable conductive structure, having a non-horizontal portion between a lower portion and an elevated portion and a hole, to the integrated circuit device with the lower portion over the integrated circuit device; mounting an interposer to the lower portion and below the elevated portion; and forming an encapsulation having a recess exposing the interposer and the elevated portion.
US08310037B2 Light emitting apparatus and fabrication method thereof
A light emitting apparatus comprising a substrate, a first functional chip and a first light emitting component is provided. The substrate, the first functional chip, and the first light emitting component have a plurality of first bumps. In addition, the first functional chip has a plurality of first vias. The first light emitting component and the first functional chip are stacked on the substrate. Hence, the first light emitting component is electrically connected to the first functional chip and the substrate by the first vias and the first bumps.
US08310035B2 Semiconductor package and system
Even when only one of semiconductor packages mounted by carrying out infrared reflow is defective, it is required to carry out infrared reflow again to dismount this defective semiconductor package from a mounting board. At this time, stress of heat is also applied to the other non-defective semiconductor packages. For this reason, if infrared reflow is carried out beyond a number of times of infrared reflow specified for non-defective semiconductor packages, the operation of each non-defective semiconductor package cannot be assured. In this case, it is inevitable to discard the semiconductor packages together with the mounting board. To solve this problem, a magnetic material is passed through a hole penetrating a protection member and a package board and the relevant semiconductor package is fixed over a mounting board by this magnetic material. To supply power to the semiconductor package, electromagnetic induction by coils provided in the package board and the mounting board is used.
US08310034B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having a digital region and an analog region embedded therein has an annular seal ring which surrounds the outer circumference of the digital region and the analog region in a plan view; a guard ring which is provided in the area surrounded by the seal ring, between the digital region and the analog region, so as to isolate the analog region from the digital region, and so as to be electrically connected to the seal ring; and an electrode pad which is electrically connected to the guard ring in the vicinity of the guard ring.
US08310032B2 Wafer and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In a wafer, a first chip region and a second chip region are separated from each other by a dicing region. The dicing region includes: a first center region; a first intermediate region located on the first chip region's side of the first center region; a second intermediate region located on the second chip region's side of the first center region; a first outer region located on the first chip region's side of the first intermediate region; and a second outer region located on the second chip region's side of the second intermediate region. Surfaces of the first and second intermediate regions are respectively covered by bank-shaped resin films extending in a longitudinal direction of the dicing region. Respective surfaces of the first center region, the first outer region and the second outer region are not covered by resin films.
US08310027B2 Electronic device and manufacturing method thereof
Embodiments relate to a bipolar transistor that includes a body region having a fin structure. At least one terminal region may be formed over at least a portion of the body region. The at least one terminal region may be formed as an epitaxially grown region. Embodiments also relate to a vertically integrated electronic device that includes a first terminal region, a second terminal region and a third terminal region. The second terminal region may be arranged over at least a portion of the third terminal region, and at least two of the first, second and third terminal regions may be formed as epitaxially grown regions.
US08310026B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The method includes: forming a contact plug passing through an inter-layer insulation layer; sequentially forming a lower electrode layer, a dielectric layer and an upper electrode layer on the inter-layer insulation layer; patterning the upper electrode layer; patterning the dielectric layer and the lower electrode layer, thereby obtaining a capacitor including an upper electrode, a patterned dielectric layer and a lower electrode; and sequentially forming a first metal interconnection line connected with the contact plug and second metal interconnection lines connected with the capacitor.
US08310025B2 Semiconductor device
An interconnect substrate is placed over a first inductor of a semiconductor chip and a second inductor of another semiconductor chip. The interconnect substrate includes a third inductor and a fourth inductor. The third inductor is located above the first inductor. The distance from the first inductor to the third inductor is longer than the distance from the second inductor to the fourth inductor.
US08310021B2 Neutron detector with wafer-to-wafer bonding
A method of manufacturing a neutron detector comprises forming a first wafer by at least forming an oxide layer on a substrate, forming an active semiconductor layer on the oxide layer, and forming an interconnect layer on the active semiconductor layer, forming at least one electrically conductive pathway extending from the interconnect layer through the active semiconductor layer and the oxide layer, forming a circuit transfer bond between the interconnect layer and a second wafer, removing the substrate of the first wafer after forming the circuit transfer bond, depositing a bond pad on the oxide layer after removing the substrate of the first wafer, wherein the bond pad is electrically connected to the electrically conductive pathway, depositing a barrier layer on the oxide layer after removing the substrate of the first wafer, and depositing a neutron conversion layer on the barrier layer after depositing the barrier layer.
US08310016B2 Apparatus and method for microfabricated multi-dimensional sensors and sensing systems
A universal microelectromechanical (MEMS) nano-sensor platform having a substrate and conductive layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices at the same time, a patterned insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured to expose one or more portions of the conductive layer, and one or more functionalization layers deposited on the exposed portions of the conductive layer to make multiple sensing capability on a single MEMS fabricated device. The functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and thermal sensors for chemical and physical variables and producing more than one type of sensor for one or more significant parameters that need to be monitored.
US08310013B2 Method of fabricating a FinFET device
A FinFET device and method for fabricating a FinFET device is disclosed. An exemplary FinFET device includes a substrate of a crystalline semiconductor material having a top surface of a first crystal plane orientation; a fin structure of the crystalline semiconductor material overlying the substrate; a gate structure over a portion of the fin structure; an epitaxy layer over another portion of the fin structure, the epitaxy layer having a surface having a second crystal plane orientation, wherein the epitaxy layer and underlying fin structure include a source and drain region, the source region being separated from the drain region by the gate structure; and a channel defined in the fin structure from the source region to the drain region, and aligned in a direction parallel to both the surface of the epitaxy layer and the top surface of the substrate.
US08310011B2 Field effect resistor for ESD protection
An electrostatic discharge protection device and methodology are provided for protecting semiconductor devices against electrostatic discharge events by temporarily forming during normal (non-ESD) operation two more inversion layers (112, 113) in a first well region (104) that is disposed between anode and cathode regions (105, 106) in response to one or more bias voltages (G1, G2) that are close to Vdd in order to reduce leakage current and capacitance during normal operation (non-ESD) condition. During an electrostatic discharge event, the bias voltages can be removed (e.g., decoupled or set to 0V) to eliminate the inversion layers, thereby forming a semiconductor resistor for shunting the ESD current.
US08310010B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device capable of dissipating heat, which has been produced in an ESD protection element, to the exterior of the device rapidly and efficiently includes an ESD protection element having a drain region, a source region and a gate electrode, and a thermal diffusion portion. The thermal diffusion portion, which has been formed on the drain region, has a metal layer electrically connected to a pad, and contacts connecting the drain region and metal layer. The metal layer has a first wiring trace extending along the gate electrode, and second wiring traces intersecting the first wiring trace perpendicularly. The contacts are connected to intersections between the first wiring trace and the second wiring traces. Heat that has been produced at a pn-junction of the ESD protection element and transferred through a contact is diffused simultaneously in three directions through the first wiring trace and second wiring trace in the metal layer and is released into the pad.
US08310009B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a first substrate including a plurality of pixels, a first electrode arranged on the first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a second electrode arranged on the second substrate and spaced apart from the first electrode, the second electrode to form an electric field in cooperation with the first electrode. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a transparent conductive nanomaterial having a transmittance of no less than 73% to no more than 100% and a sheet resistance of 0 ohms to 100 ohms.
US08310008B2 Electronic device including a gate electrode having portions with different conductivity types
An electronic device can include a gate electrode having different portions with different conductivity types. In an embodiment, a process of forming the electronic device can include forming a semiconductor layer over a substrate, wherein the semiconductor layer has a particular conductivity type. The process can also include selectively doping a region of the semiconductor layer to form a first doped region having an opposite conductivity type. The process can further include patterning the semiconductor layer to form a gate electrode that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes a portion of the first doped region, and the second region includes a portion of the semiconductor layer outside of the first doped region. In a particular embodiment, the electronic device can have a gate electrode having edge portions of one conductivity type and a central portion having an opposite conductivity type.
US08310006B2 Devices, structures, and methods using self-aligned resistive source extensions
Devices, structures, and related methods for IGBTs and the like which include a self-aligned series resistance at the source-body junction to avoid latchup. The series resistance is achieved by using a charged dielectric, and/or by using a dielectric which provides a source of dopant atoms of the same conductivity type as the source region, at a sidewall adjacent to the source region.
US08310005B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, a first diffused region formed in the semiconductor layer, a second diffused region formed in the first diffused region, a trench formed in the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode disposed in the trench, a top surface of the gate electrode being lower than a top surface of the semiconductor layer and sagging downwards in a center thereof, a non-doped silicate glass film disposed in the trench and formed over the gate electrode, a top surface of the silicate glass film sagging downwards in a center thereof, an oxide film disposed in the trench and formed over the non-doped silicate glass film, a top surface of the oxide film sagging downwards in a center, and a source electrode formed over the semiconductor layer so that the source electrode contacts the first and second diffusion regions, and the oxide film at the top surface thereof.
US08309998B2 Memory structure having a floating body and method for fabricating the same
A memory structure having a floating body is provided, which includes a substrate including an active area and an isolation structure surrounding the active area, a first source/drain region in the substrate in the active area, a first floating body in the substrate above the first source/drain region, a second floating body on the first floating body, a second source/drain region on the second floating body, and a trench-type gate structure in the substrate and beside the first floating body. A method of fabricating a memory structure having a floating body is also provided.
US08309995B2 CMOS image sensor
A unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor include a photodiode that transforms light to an electric charge, and accumulates the electric charge, and a plurality of transistors that generate an electric signal based on the accumulated electric charge. The photodiode has a slope shape based on incident angle of the light in a semiconductor substrate.
US08309987B2 Enhancement mode semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device has a first and second active layer on a substrate, the second active layer having a higher bandgap than the first active layer, being substantially Ga-free and including at least Al. The device has a gate insulating layer on a part of the second active layer formed by thermal oxidation of a part of the second active layer. The device has a gate electrode on at least a part of the gate insulating layer and a source electrode and drain electrode on the second active layer. The device has, when in operation and when the gate and source electrode are at the same voltage, a two-dimensional electron gas layer between the first and second active layer only outside the location of the gate electrode and not at the location of the gate electrode.
US08309984B2 Nitride-based semiconductor device having electrode on m-plane
A nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting device 100 includes a GaN substrate 10, of which the principal surface is an m-plane 12, a semiconductor multilayer structure 20 that has been formed on the m-plane 12 of the GaN-based substrate 10, and an electrode 30 arranged on the semiconductor multilayer structure 20. The electrode 30 includes an Mg alloy layer 32 which is formed of Mg and a metal selected from a group consisting of Pt, Mo, and Pd. The Mg alloy layer 32 is in contact with a surface of a p-type semiconductor region of the semiconductor multilayer structure 20.
US08309981B2 LED module with color conversion layer designed for a homogenous color distribution
An LED module having an LED semiconductor chip mounted directly or indirectly on a platform. The platform is made from silicon and is extends laterally beyond the LED semiconductor chip having an active light emitting layer and a substrate. At least one electronic component that is part of the control circuitry for the LED semiconductor chip is integrated in the silicon platform.
US08309977B2 Organic light-emitting diode module
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) module includes a substrate, a bus line, an organic light-emitting device layer, a plurality of conductive elements, and at least one conductive wire. The bus line is configured on the substrate. The organic light-emitting device layer is configured on the substrate and electrically connected to the bus line. The conductive elements are configured on the substrate and electrically connected to the bus line. The conductive wire is configured next to the conductive elements and electrically connected to the conductive elements.
US08309973B2 Silicon-based sub-mount for an opto-electronic device
A package for an optoelectronic device (e.g., a light emitting device such as a LED) includes a sub-mount including a silicon substrate having a thickness in the range of 350 μm-700 μm. The optoelectronic device is mounted on a die attach pad on the front-side surface of the substrate. Feed-through metallization in one or more via structures electrically couples the die attach pad to a contact pad on the back-side surface of the substrate.
US08309969B2 Light emitting device and method of making same
A light emitting device includes a light-emitting portion including a metal part including a metal able to be bonded to a solder material, and a heat dissipation member that includes aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium or magnesium alloy and a bonding portion processed to be bonded to the solder material. The metal part of the light-emitting portion is bonded via the solder material to the bonding portion of the heat dissipation member. The solder material includes a material unable to be directly bonded to the heat dissipation member, the metal part of the light-emitting portion is formed by metalizing an insulation of ceramic or semiconductor, and the bonding portion includes a thermal expansion coefficient between that of the heat dissipation member and that of the insulation.
US08309961B2 Semiconductor device, display device, and electronic appliance
In a channel protected thin film transistor in which a channel formation region is formed using an oxide semiconductor, an oxide semiconductor layer which is dehydrated or dehydrogenated by a heat treatment is used as an active layer, a crystal region including nanocrystals is included in a superficial portion in the channel formation region, and the rest portion is amorphous or is formed of a mixture of amorphousness/non-crystals and microcrystals, where an amorphous region is dotted with microcrystals. By using an oxide semiconductor layer having such a structure, a change to an n-type caused by entry of moisture or elimination of oxygen to or from the superficial portion and generation of a parasitic channel can be prevented and a contact resistance with a source and drain electrodes can be reduced.
US08309960B2 Display device
A display device includes a plurality of thin-film transistors formed on a substrate on which a display area is formed. At least one of the plurality of thin-film transistors includes a gate electrode, agate insulating film formed to cover the gate electrode, an interlayer insulating film formed on an upper surface of the gate insulating film and having an opening formed in an area where the gate electrode is formed in plan view, a pair of heavily-doped semiconductor films arranged on an upper surface of the interlayer insulating film with the opening interposed therebetween, a polycrystalline semiconductor film formed across the opening and formed in the area, the polycrystalline semiconductor film being electrically connected to the pair of heavily-doped semiconductor films, and a pair of electrodes formed to overlap the pair of heavily-doped semiconductor films, respectively, without overlapping the polycrystalline semiconductor film.
US08309958B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a word line interconnection layer, a bit line interconnection layer and a pillar. The word line interconnection layer includes a plurality of word lines which extend in a first direction. The bit line interconnection layer includes a plurality of bit lines which extend in a second direction crossing over the first direction. The pillar is arranged between each of the word lines and each of the bit lines. The pillar includes a silicon diode and a variable resistance film, and the silicon diode includes a p-type portion and an n-type portion. The word line interconnection layer and the bit line interconnection layer are alternately stacked, and a compressive force is applied to the silicon diode in a direction in which the p-type portion and the n-type portion become closer to each other.
US08309954B2 Insulating thin film, formation solution for insulating thin film, field-effect transistor, method for manufacturing the same and image display unit
One embodiment of the present invention is an insulating thin film having a polymer compound, a metallic atom bonded to the polymer compound through an oxide atom and selected from a group 4 element, a group 5 element, a group 6 element, a group 13 element, zinc or tin, and an organic molecule bonded to the metallic atom through the oxide atom or a nitrogen atom.
US08309951B2 Test structure for determining gate-to-body tunneling current in a floating body FET
In one disclosed embodiment, the present test structure for determining gate-to-body current in a floating body FET includes a floating body FET situated over a semiconductor layer, where the floating body FET includes a first gate and first and second source/drain regions. The floating body test structure further includes a second gate and a first contact situated over the first source/drain region. A gate-to-channel current measured between the second gate and the first contact is utilized to determine the gate-to-body tunneling current. The gate-to-body tunneling current can be determined by subtracting the gate-to-channel current from twice a source/drain current of the floating body FET. The test structure may also include a second contact situated on a doped region in the semiconductor layer, where a diode current flow through the doped region determines a body voltage for the floating body FET.
US08309950B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
First semiconductor layers are in source/drain regions on the semiconductor substrate. A second semiconductor layer comprises first portions on the first semiconductor layers and a second portion on a channel region between the source/drain regions. Third semiconductor layers are on the first portions of the second semiconductor layer. A gate electrode is around the second portion of the second semiconductor layer via an insulating film. Contact plugs are in the first semiconductor layers, the first portions of the second semiconductor layers and the third semiconductor layers in the source/drain regions. A diameter of the contact plug in the second semiconductor layer is smaller than a diameter of the contact plug in the first and third semiconductor layers.
US08309949B2 Optoelectronic architecture having compound conducting substrate
Optoelectronic device modules, arrays optoelectronic device modules and methods for fabricating optoelectronic device modules are disclosed. The device modules are made using a starting substrate having an insulator layer sandwiched between a bottom electrode made of a flexible bulk conductor and a conductive back plane. An active layer is disposed between the bottom electrode and a transparent conducting layer. One or more electrical contacts between the transparent conducting layer and the back plane are formed through the transparent conducting layer, the active layer, the flexible bulk conductor and the insulating layer. The electrical contacts are electrically isolated from the active layer, the bottom electrode and the insulating layer.
US08309947B2 High efficiency hybrid light-emitting diode
A hybrid LED comprising an anode, an organic hole-transport layer for transporting holes injected into the diode from said anode, a light-emitting quantum dot layer, an electron-transport layer, and a cathode for injecting electrons into said transport layer, wherein the LED also comprises, between said hole- and electron-transport layers, at least one assembly formed by a phosphorescent light-emitting layer presenting an emission spectrum that covers at least part of an absorption spectrum of said quantum dots, and by a buffer layer separating said phosphorescent layer from said quantum dot layer, the material of said or each buffer layer presenting a forbidden band greater than that of a phosphorescent element of said phosphorescent layer so as to prevent excitons diffusing towards said quantum dot layer.
US08309946B2 Resistance variable element
A resistance variable element of the present invention comprises a first electrode (103), a second electrode (107), and a resistance variable layer which is interposed between the first electrode (103) and the second electrode (107) to contact the first electrode (103) and the second electrode (107), the resistance variable layer being configured to change in response to electric signals with different polarities which are applied between the first electrode (103) and the second electrode (107), the resistance variable layer comprising an oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer, and the second electrode (107) comprising platinum having minute hillocks (108).
US08309944B1 Grazing incidence neutron optics
Neutron optics based on the two-reflection geometries are capable of controlling beams of long wavelength neutrons with low angular divergence. The preferred mirror fabrication technique is a replication process with electroform nickel replication process being preferable. In the preliminary demonstration test an electroform nickel optics gave the neutron current density gain at the focal spot of the mirror at least 8 for neutron wavelengths in the range from 6 to 20 Å. The replication techniques can be also be used to fabricate neutron beam controlling guides.
US08309939B2 Particle beam treatment apparatus and particle beam treatment method
When a predetermined region of a target volume is divided into multiple layers in a depth direction of particle beams and particle beams are irradiated, dose calibration is carried out separately for the divided layers.
US08309935B2 End terminations for electrodes used in ion implantation systems
An ion implantation system includes an electrostatic lens. The electrostatic lens includes a terminal electrode, a ground electrode and a suppression electrode disposed therebetween. An ion beam enters the electrostatic lens through the terminal electrode and exits through the ground electrode. The electrodes have associated electrostatic equipotentials. An end plate is disposed between a top and bottom portion of the suppression electrode and/or the top and bottom portion of the ground electrode. The respective end plate has a shape which corresponds to the electrostatic equipotential associated with the particular electrode in order to maintain uniformity of the beam as it passes through the electrostatic lens.
US08309932B2 Data acquisition for positron emission tomography
A method for estimating the start time of an electronic pulse generated in response to a detected event, for example the start time for pulses received in response to photon detection in positron emission tomography, includes providing a detector that detects an external event and generates an electronic analog pulse signal. A composite reference pulse curve is calculated to represent analog pulse signals generated by the detector. Upon receiving an analog pulse signal, it may be filtered, and then digitized, and normalized based on the area of the digital signal. Using at least one point of the normalized digital pulse signal, the composite reference pulse curve shape is used to estimate the pulse start time.
US08309931B2 Rapid diagnosis of a disease condition using infrared spectroscopy
Reliable and rapid diagnostic methods for many functional syndromes (FS) such as Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (IC) are not available. Exemplary embodiments include rapid and accurate methods for diagnosing FS in humans and domestic cats using infrared microspectroscopy (IRMS). Exemplary methods utilize Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA) to create classification models. Exemplary methods utilize classification models to classify a test subject's condition (e.g., healthy/sick). Using these classification models, various embodiments enable diagnosis based on spectra data from a fluid biomedical specimen. Exemplary embodiments may be useful to rapidly diagnose IC and various other conditions in humans, cats, and/or other mammals.
US08309928B2 Alternative pixel shape for uncooled micro-bolometer
An infrared imaging system including a substrate, a plurality of hexagonal shaped micro-bolometer pixels combined to define a focal plane array. Each pixel is electrically connected to the substrate with a pair of opposing isolation legs. One end of the isolation leg is attached to the pixel's periphery while the other is fixed to that substrate so that the focal plane array and a plane containing the substrate have a parallel, spaced-apart relationship. In this manner, the isolation legs provides an electrical communication path from each pixel to the substrate as each pixel undergoes an internal change in resistance due to absorption of infrared energy. At the same time, the legs separate the pixels from the substrate so that there is no heat transfer between the pixel and the substrate due to direct contact. The hexagonal shape arrangement also allows for a staggered arrangement of adjacent rows in the array, thereby increasing the fill factor for the focal plane array of the device. The addition of stepped areas to the hexagonal pixel provides for improved energy absorption through increase in area and multiple coupling of resonant cavities between the pixel and the substrate.
US08309927B2 Infrared detector
An infrared detector includes a pyroelectric element, a first amplifier, and a second amplifier. The pyroelectric element includes a first electrode formed on a first surface of a pyroelectric body, and a second electrode formed on the opposite surface. The first amplifier is connected to the first electrode, and amplifies signals induced to the first electrode. The second amplifier is connected to the second electrode, and amplifies signals induced to the second electrode.
US08309926B2 Pulsed-laser beam detector with improved sun and temperature compensation
A pulsed-laser beam detector with improved sun and temperature compensation. The detector includes a plurality of photo detectors, an ambient temperature sensor, a sun exposure filter and a mirroring circuit, a microcontroller unit that includes pre-stored values in a database and an algorithm—decision logic, a time base circuit that feeds microcontroller, an adjustable gain amplifier, a threshold setting circuit, a peak detector circuit, a comparator circuit, and a noise cancellation circuit. The gain of the amplifier is adjustable in real time to predetermined values, and the gain depends on the measured values from the detectors, and temperature sensor, that are preprocessed if necessary, and compared with the values already stored in the microcontroller unit and subjected to the program logic stored in the microcontroller that determines the gain of the amplifier.
US08309924B2 Circuit arrangement and imaging pyrometer for generating light- and temperature-dependent signals
A circuit arrangement for generating light-dependent and temperature-dependent signals has a number of first and second sensor elements, which generate a number of first and second electrical signals. The first and second electrical signals depend on electromagnetic radiation impinging on the circuit arrangement. The first sensor elements are designed to generate the first electrical signals in a manner dependent on electromagnetic radiation from a first wavelength range which comprises a substantial part of the visible light. The second sensor elements are designed to generate the second electrical signals in a manner dependent on electromagnetic radiation from a second wavelength range which predominantly comprises infrared radiation. The first wavelength range overlaps the second wavelength range and it therefore also comprises infrared radiation.
US08309923B2 Sample observing method and scanning electron microscope
Provided is a sample observing method wherein the effect on throughput is minimized, and a pattern profile can be obtained at high accuracy even in a complicated LSI pattern, regardless of the scanning direction of an electron beam. In the sample observing method, the presence or absence of an edge parallel to a scanning direction (707) of an electron beam is judged regarding an edge (708) of a pattern to be observed (S702); if the edge is present, an area in the vicinity of the pattern edge is designated as a local pre-dose area (709) (S703); a local pre-dose of an electron beam is performed, so that the initial charged state is controlled not to return secondary electrons generated by irradiation of an electron beam when an image is captured, to the surface of a sample.
US08309921B2 Compact scanning electron microscope
A compact electron microscope uses a removable sample holder having walls that form a part of the vacuum region in which the sample resides. By using the removable sample holder to contain the vacuum, the volume of air requiring evacuation before imaging is greatly reduced and the microscope can be evacuated rapidly. In a preferred embodiment, a sliding vacuum seal allows the sample holder to be positioned under the electron column, and the sample holder is first passed under a vacuum buffer to remove air in the sample holder.
US08309907B2 Accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle and accommodating a rain sensor
A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield. The attachment element accommodates a rain sensor, which has a field of view through an aperture of the attachment element towards the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a case that houses a reflective mirror element, and includes a base portion with a mirror mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element. The base portion encompasses the rain sensor when the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element at the vehicle windshield. The mirror assembly includes a video camera disposed at the base portion. Electrical wiring may, at least in part, connect the video camera in the base portion with circuitry in the case, and the electrical wiring may be routed through a pivot joint of the mirror assembly.
US08309902B2 Receiving circuit for optical communication
A receiving circuit for optical communication includes: a differential circuit, one differential input terminal of which is connected to an anode side of a first photodiode and the other differential input terminal of which is connected to an anode side of a second photodiode; a latch circuit that performs latch operation based on output of the differential circuit; and a flip-flop that performs set operation and reset operation based on a latch state of the latch circuit.
US08309899B1 Systems for image acquisition
Image acquisition systems utilizing a pixilated transducer.
US08309897B2 Optical measurement arrangement
A method and device for enhancing the power correction of optical measurements in an optical measurement arrangement, the steps including: providing a light source for producing a light beam; splitting the light beam into two beams; directing a first split light beam through an interrogation area and into an optics separation device; directing the light beams from the optics separation device and a second split light beam representing the intensity of the illumination of the main light beam of the light source into cells of a detector array; measuring and assessing the information obtained in the cells; and using this information to calculate the corrected value for the cells receiving the light beams from the optics separation device in order to adjust the power for the intensity of the light beam of the light source and/or to correct the intensity of the light beams from the interrogation area.
US08309896B2 Package with enlarged base
Various containers with an enlarged base for receiving a food item are provided. The containers may be formed from various sleeves for heating, browning, and crisping a food item. Blanks for forming such sleeves and containers also are provided. The blanks, sleeves, and/or containers may include a removable portion at least partially defined by a line of disruption.
US08309893B2 Switching apparatus and controller for an electric appliance that promotes extended relay life
A heating appliance includes an electric heating element, and a relay for selectively connecting the heating element to a power supply that supplies an alternating electric current to the electric heating element to generate heat. The relay includes an inductive actuator that controls a switching state of the relay, and a switch can interrupt a supply of electric current from a power source to the inductive actuator to adjust the switching state. A flyback path for conducting a decaying electric current includes a selective conductor and a voltage regulator that maintains a flyback voltage across the inductive actuator above a minimum flyback voltage. And a controller transmits a control signal that adjusts the switching state of the relay to cause interruption of the alternating electric current being supplied to the heating element after the alternating electric current being conducted through the relay falls below a peak value.
US08309892B2 Control system for operating automotive vehicle components
There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.
US08309888B2 Electronic apparatus, power control device for controlling a heater, and method of controlling power control device
An electronic apparatus has a printed circuit board, a semiconductor device mounted on the printed circuit board by a plurality of solder bumps, a heater that heats the printed circuit, a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the semiconductor device and the heater, and a controller that controls the power supply unit to supply electric power to the heater when the electric power is not supplied to the semiconductor device.
US08309885B2 Pulse temporal programmable ultrafast burst mode laser for micromachining
A laser processing system provides a burst of ultrafast laser pulses having a selectively shaped burst envelope. A burst pulse laser includes a high repetition rate ultrafast laser to deliver a pulse train with each pulse in the train having an independently controlled amplitude. The respective amplitudes of each ultrafast pulse in a group define a “burst envelope.” In addition to independently controlling the amplitude of each ultrafast pulse within the burst envelope, the system may also provide selective control of spacing between each ultrafast pulse and/or the overall temporal width of the burst envelope. Thus, the system provides selective shaping of the burst envelope for particular laser processing applications.
US08309882B2 Mold removing method
A laser mold removing method of the invention is for processing a composite material composed of a plurality of materials having different reflectances to a laser beam, and includes emitting laser beam in which a processing laser beam for processing the processing object and a measurement laser beam adapted to irradiate the processing object and having an output smaller than that of the processing laser beam are emitted, measuring a reflected light quantity of the measurement laser beam reflected by the processing object, and controlling based on the reflected light quantity.
US08309880B2 Coating layer removing apparatus and method for the same
The present invention discloses a coating layer removing apparatus and a method for the same. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a transport device displacing an electrode plate; a laser device having a laser head arranged above the displacement path of the electrode plate; and a control center electrically connected to the transport device and the laser device. The method of the present invention comprises mounting an electrode plate on the transport device; using the control center to set the speed of displacing the electrode plate, and program the time interval, count and penetration depths of the laser beams; and using the device of the present invention to form exposed areas equidistantly on the electrode plate. The apparatus of the present invention automatically removes a coating layer with a laser beam without directly contacting the electrode plate. Therefore, the present invention can fast form exposed areas of high quality.
US08309878B2 Universal input power supply utilizing parallel power modules
A universal power supply for use in a plasma arc system is disclosed. The power supply can include a plurality of power modules for providing a DC output from an AC input. Each of the power modules can include a rectifier, a converter, an inverter, an isolation transformer and an output rectifier. The power modules can include a power module controller configured to control at least one of the rectifier, the converter, or the inverter such that a DC output can be obtained from a wide variety of AC inputs. The power modules can be connected in parallel to provide a wide range of DC output currents for the power supply. The universal power supply can include a master controller coupled to each of the individual power module controllers to regulate the DC output current of the power supply by controlling the individual power module controllers.
US08309877B2 Heat transferring member for solder handling device, and electric soldering iron and electric desoldering tool with the heat transferring member
A heat transferring member comprises a heat transfer body for melting solder, and a pipe inserted into a hole formed in the heat transfer body, wherein heat from a heating member is conducted to the heat transfer body. The pipe includes a tubular-shaped substrate made of copper or copper alloy, and an aluminum oxide film formed at least on a peripheral surface of the tubular-shaped substrate. The pipe may be press-fitted in the hole.
US08309876B2 Electric discharge machining apparatus and electric discarge machining method
In a waveform of switching signals, which is output from a full-bridge circuit formed of four switching elements, includes a normal polarity pulse group and a reversed polarity pulse group for controlling an output timing of voltage pulses. A duty cycle of the normal polarity pulse group containing a plurality of normal polarity pulses, which apply a positive power-supply polarity to a workpiece and apply a negative power-supply polarity to a machining-purpose electrode, is configured so as to be different from a duty cycle of the reversed polarity pulse group containing a plurality of reversed polarity pulses, which apply a negative power-supply polarity to the workpiece and apply a positive power-supply polarity to the machining-purpose electrode.
US08309873B2 Low-voltage circuit breaker with sealed interchangeable poles
A low-voltage circuit breaker that comprises: a containment structure; a control mechanism; a plurality of circuit breaking poles, each of which comprises a housing containing a scaled ampoule that in turn contains at least one fixed contact and at least one moving contact, which can be mutually coupled and uncoupled, said housing consisting of a first side and a second side that define an interior containing said ampoule, the outer side wall on said first side being complementary to and associable with the outer side wall of said second side, said poles being located side-by-side to form a set of poles complementary to at least a part of said containment structure; operative connection means between said control mechanism and said poles.
US08309869B2 Rotating operation member for a switch
A switch device includes a switch body and an operation member. The switch body includes a case and a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the case and extending from one end of the case in an axial direction. The operation member is joined to the rotary shaft. The case has a cylindrical outer surface and the operation member has a cylindrical inner surface disposed coaxial with the cylindrical outer surface of the case. A support member is disposed at one of the cylindrical outer surface of the case and the cylindrical inner surface of the operation member and has an edge portion extending linearly along a circumferential direction of the one of the cylindrical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface, so that the edge portion can slidably contact the other of the cylindrical outer surface of the case and the cylindrical inner surface of the operation member.
US08309867B2 Force-measuring device using electromagnetic force compensation with constant power dissipation
A force-measuring device 1, particularly a balance, operates on the principle of electromagnetic force-compensation. An electric coil 53 is arranged to be movable in a magnet system 50. The coil has at least two windings W1, W2 and a current supply device PB having at least two partial current sources PB1, PB2, the current sources each assigned to a corresponding winding. A device CU controls and/or regulates the current supplied to the windings by the partial current sources in such a way that, dependent on a force L acting on the force-measuring device, a current I1, I2 is sent through each of the windings. The sum of the at least two electromagnetic forces which are thereby generated forms the compensation force, while, at the same time, the power dissipated by the coil always takes on a given predetermined value Ptg.
US08309859B2 Method of manufacturing a substrate, substrate, device provided with a substrate, and determining method
A substrate includes a base material, a first solder part disposed on a surface of the base material and used for connection to an electronic component, and a second solder part disposed on the surface of the base material and made of the same solder as that of the first solder part. The top surface of the first solder part is made to be a flat surface, and the maximum height of the second solder part from the surface of the base material is lower than the height of the flat surface of the first solder part from the surface of the base material. Thus, a substrate for which the kind of solder can be determined easily and with certainty, a device provided with this substrate, a method of manufacturing the substrate, and a determining method are provided.
US08309858B2 Electrical device including a functional element in a cavity
A substrate includes a functional element. An insulating first film forms a cavity which stores the functional element, together with the substrate, and includes a plurality of through-holes. An insulating second film covers the plurality of through-holes, is formed on the first film, and has a gas permeability which is higher than that of the first film. An insulating third film is formed on the second film and has a gas permeability which is lower than the second film. An insulating fourth film is formed on the third film and has an elasticity which is larger than the third film.
US08309856B2 Circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A circuit board and method of manufacturing a circuit board. The circuit board includes a substrate, a conductor layer formed on the substrate, and an insulation layer formed on the substrate and the conductor layer, the insulating layer having an opening with an undercut therein, the opening reaching the conductor layer. A metal layer is formed in the opening of the insulation layer and connected to the conductor layer, a solder layer formed in the opening of the insulation layer and outside of the opening; and an alloy layer formed in a boundary region between the metal layer and the solder layer in the opening. The alloy layer includes a metal of the metal layer and a composition of the solder layer, the alloy layer being more fragile than the metal layer and being formed in a position misaligned from an edge of the undercut of the opening formed on the insulation layer.
US08309852B2 Dual acting strain relief apparatus
An apparatus for dual acting strain relief is provided. In one embodiment, a strain relief apparatus comprises: a main body having a base member including a first surface and a second surface, and a cone member extending from the first surface of the base member, the cone member including an orifice that penetrates through the main body to the second surface; a primary clamp that secures to the main body and shaped to interface with the base member to form a first set of clamping surfaces where the orifice penetrates the second surface; and a secondary clamp having a tapered cavity therein that penetrates through the secondary clamp and is shaped to receive the cone member. A surface of the tapered cavity and a surface of the cone member form a second set of clamping surfaces. The second set of clamping surfaces provide an electrical path to the chassis.
US08309849B2 Attachable supporting spacer for electrical boxes
An integrally formed spacer may include an upper body having a flat surface. The upper body may include a fastening tongue perpendicular to the flat surface and dimensioned to fit into a first fastening hole in a wall of an electrical box. In addition, the integrally formed spacer may include a lower body with at least one leg having a notch to receive the wall of the electrical box via a second fastening hole in the wall. Further, the integrally formed spacer may include a neck portion having two ends in a lengthwise direction of the integrally formed spacer, one end of the neck portion connected to the upper body and another end connected to the lower body. When the at least one leg is in the second fastening hole and the lower body is held flat against an outside surface of the wall of the electrical box, the fastening tongue is in the first fastening hole and bending the integrally formed spacer to set the upper body perpendicular to the lower body fastens the integrally formed spacer to the wall of the electrical box.
US08309846B2 Device for dynamically neutralizing vibrations in single cable overhead power transmission lines
The present invention refers to a device for dynamically neutralizing vibrations in single cable overhead power transmission lines. The device comprises a main body (2) a screw (5) and washer (6) assembly for mounting the main body onto the cable (3) and inertial components (11) consisting of rods (13) projecting in opposite directions from said main body (2) and balance masses (14) positioned at the distal end of said rods, wherein said main body (2) is integrally manufactured and comprises an upper frontal portion to receive an embracing lid (4) that embraces the cable (3) and side portions for mounting matching viscous-elastic components (7).
US08309843B2 Photovoltaic cells based on nanoscale structures
Novel structures of photovoltaic cells (also treated as solar cells) are provided. The Cells are based on the nanometer-scaled wire, tubes, and/or rods, which are made of the electronics materials covering semiconductors, insulator or metallic in structure. These photovoltaic cells have large power generation capability per unit physical area over the conventional cells. These cells can have also high radiation tolerant capability. These cells will have enormous applications such as in space, in commercial, residential and industrial applications.
US08309841B2 Upright-plate type sunlight generator
An upright-plate type sunlight generator comprises up-right-plate type photovoltaic generating tubes capable of automatically cleaning dust, collecting mirrors with the automatic storm-sheltering mechanisms and a collecting carrier, a cooling and radiating system, and an automatic sun-tracking machine and its object carrier. The collecting mirrors are the folding mirrors made up of plane mirrors, and are connected to the photovoltaic generating tubes provided in the focal strip of the group of collecting mirrors during the operation on the support of the collecting carrier. The collecting carrier is immovably connected to the object carrier of the automatic sun-tracking machine, and the object carrier is connected to the automatic sun-tracking machine. The cooling and radiating system includes a liquid-cooling cavity that is the internal cavity of the photovoltaic generating tube, flexible connecting pipes and a liquid storing and cooling member.
US08309839B2 Method of improving thermoelectric figure of merit of high efficiency thermoelectric materials
A method of improving the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of a high-efficiency thermoelectric material is disclosed. The method includes the addition of fullerene (C60) clusters between the crystal grains of the material. It has been found that the lattice thermal conductivity (κL) of a thermoelectric material decreases with increasing fullerene concentration, due to enhanced phonon-large defect scattering. The resulting power factor (S2/ρ) decrease of the material is offset by the lattice thermal conductivity reduction, leading to enhanced ZT values at temperatures of between 350 degrees K and 700 degrees K.
US08309835B2 Signal distribution within modular structures facilitating aggregated and field-customized musical instruments
A signal distribution system for a customizable aggregated musical instrument is described. The signal distribution system interfaces with a plurality of individual musical modules secured in a mounting frame having a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location adapted to receive an individual musical module, and includes at least one instrument interface adapted to transmit interface signals to an external system and a signal routing infrastructure. Outgoing instrument interface signals include at least one of an outgoing audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. Incoming instrument interface signals include at least one of an audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. The musical instrument also includes at least one of an audio signal processing element, audio signal mixing element, audio sound production element, control signal processing element, control signal merging element, and controllable audio signal synthesizer element.
US08309834B2 Polyphonic note detection
Processor-implemented methods and systems for polyphonic note detection are disclosed. The method includes converting a portion of a polyphonic audio signal from a time domain to a frequency domain. The method includes detecting a fundamental frequency peak in the frequency domain. The method then detects a defined number of integer-interval harmonic partials. If a defined number of integer-interval harmonic partials relative to the fundamental frequency peak are detected the fundamental frequency is recorded as a detected note. This process is repeated for each fundamental frequency until each note in the polyphonic audio signal has been detected. For example, this method allows detection of each note in a strummed guitar chord to provide feedback on the tuning of each string in a strummed chord or allows detection and feedback of the timing and pitch errors for guitar chords played along with a reference track.
US08309832B2 Device for displaying musical relationships
A device (1) for displaying musical relationships includes a display element (2) which is displaceable in a first direction in a holder (3) and is additionally displaceable via the holder (3) along a base element (4) in a second direction running perpendicularly to the first direction, scales (20, 21, 22), chords (24, 25), and their inverses (28) being displayed on the base element (4). The display element (2) has at least one transparent display field (12) and at least one associated chord (24, 25) with the associated inverses (28) being readable in the display field (12) for each tone of a scale. The device is a teaching aid for making the theory of harmony in music understandable Further, elements (40, 50, 60, 70) of the theory of harmony can be placed on the back side of the base element (4).
US08309831B2 Music box with interchangeable electronic movement
A music box having an easily removable electronic movement. The easily interchangeable nature of the movement allows consumers to easily combine a desired music box configuration with an electronic movement that plays a desired musical tune. It also allows a consumer to purchase multiple movements to thereby allow the consumer to periodically change the musical tune played by the music box.
US08309828B1 Maize variety hybrid 10982360
A novel maize variety designated 10982360 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10982360 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10982360 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10982360, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10982360. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10982360.
US08309827B1 Maize variety hybrid X8K842
A novel maize variety designated X8K842 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K842 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K842 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K842, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K842. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K842.
US08309826B1 Maize variety hybrid X05A933
A novel maize variety designated X05A933 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X05A933 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05A933 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05A933, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05A933. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05A933.
US08309823B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH116894
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH116894. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH116894, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH116894 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 CH116894.
US08309822B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV378013
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV378013. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV378013, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV378013 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 CV378013 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 CV378013.
US08309820B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH941858
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH941858. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH941858, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH941858 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 CH941858.
US08309814B2 Soybean variety A1024213
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024213. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024213. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024213 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024213 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08309812B2 Soybean variety A1024109
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024109. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024109. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024109 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024109 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08309809B2 Soybean cultivar S090020
A soybean cultivar designated S090020 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090020, to the plants of soybean S090020, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090020, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090020 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090020, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090020, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090020 with another soybean cultivar.
US08309803B1 Soybean variety XR31AM10
A novel soybean variety, designated XR31AM10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR31AM10, cells from soybean variety XR31AM10, plants of soybean XR31AM10, and plant parts of soybean variety XR31AM10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR31AM10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XR31AM10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR31AM10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR31AM10 are further provided.
US08309802B1 Soybean variety XBP04002
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP04002 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP04002, cells from soybean variety XBP04002, plants of soybean XBP04002, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP04002. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP04002 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP04002, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP04002. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP04002 are further provided.
US08309796B2 Chimeric PUFA polyketide synthase systems and uses thereof
Disclosed are chimeric polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) proteins and chimeric PUFA PKS systems, including chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems derived from Schizochytrium and Thraustochytrium. Disclosed are nucleic acids and proteins encoding such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems, genetically modified organisms comprising such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems, and methods of making and using such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems.
US08309792B2 Non-human gene-disrupted animal with disrupted ADAM11 gene
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-human gene-disrupted animal with a disrupted ADAM11 gene. According to the present invention, a non-human gene-disrupted animal, wherein either one of or both alleles of an ADAM11 gene are disrupted, is provided.
US08309789B2 Absorbent article
Absorbent article such as a diaper and incontinence guard, in which on the inside of the liquid impervious backsheet (3), i e on the side adjacent the absorbent body, there is arranged a wetness indicator (9) in a certain pattern, which is visible through the backsheet material. The wetness indicator (9) is applied on or adjacent at least one strip (10) having a color or tint different from the rest of the backsheet material (3). The color or tint of the strip (10) can also be an indication of the product type, size absorption capacity or the like of the article. Moreover there can on the strip (10) be printed symbols (11), codes or the like indicating product type or the like.
US08309786B2 Low profile thoracic wound seal with laterally-directed discharge
Apparatus and associated methods for a wound valve assembly provide an annular space extending radially around a central portion of a valve, which valve acts to substantially relieve pressure build up in a thoracic cavity when applied to a thoracic wound. In an illustrative example, the valve assembly may form an annular space that extends radially in all directions around a check valve. In some examples, gasses and exudates may flow substantially radially and/or parallel to the patient's local body. Various embodiments may advantageously provide open fluid communication for the gasses and exudates escaping from the wound when the valve assembly is partially covered (e.g., body armor, clothing, blankets), or when the patient may be laying down on the side of the body with the wound, for example.
US08309785B2 Disposal device and method of disposal for body fluid collecting bags
A disposal device for collecting bags for bodily fluids has a receptacle for receiving at least one collecting bag containing bodily fluid, a comminution unit (2) for comminuting the collecting bag, a fluid collecting basin (5) for receiving the bodily fluid, a particle collecting container (8) for receiving the comminuted collecting bag, and at least one decontamination unit (7) for the decontamination of the collecting bag and the bodily fluid.
US08309783B2 Process for the conversion of renewable oils to liquid transportation fuels
The present invention relates to production of fuels or fuel blendstocks from renewable sources. Various embodiments provide a method of producing a hydrocarbon product by hydrotreating a feedstock including at least one of a renewable triacylglyceride (TAG), renewable free fatty acid (FFA), and renewable fatty acid C1-C5 alkyl ester (C1-C5 FAE) in the presence of a nonsulfided hydrotreating catalyst to produce a first product including hydrocarbons. In some examples, the first product can be subjected to further chemical transformations such as aromatization, cracking, or isomerization to produce a second product including hydrocarbons. In various embodiments, the first or second hydrocarbon product with minimal or substantially no further processing can be suitable as a liquid transportation fuel or fuel blendstock, including fuels such as gasoline, naptha, kerosene, jet fuel, and diesel fuels.
US08309782B2 Process for dehydrogenation in the presence of a bimetallic or multi-metallic catalyst that has an optimized bimetallicity index and an optimized hydrogen adsorption capacity
The invention relates to a process for dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of a catalyst that comprises a noble metal M that is selected from the group that consists of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium, at least one promoter X1 that is selected from the group that consists of tin, germanium, and lead, and optionally a promoter X2 that is selected from the group that consists of gallium, indium and thallium, an alkaline or alkaline-earth compound and a porous substrate, in which the atomic ratio X1/M and optionally X2/M is between 0.3 and 8, the Hir/M ratio that is measured by hydrogen adsorption is greater than 0.40, and the bimetallicity index BMI that is measured by hydrogen/oxygen titration is greater than 108.
US08309779B2 Ethylene oligomerization catalyst systems having enhanced selectivity
Disclosed herein is a catalyst system for selective oligomerization of ethylene, which comprises a P—C—C—P frame-work ligand, which is (R1)(R2)P—(R5)CHCH(R6)—P(R3)(R4), and a chromium-based metal compound. Also disclosed is a method of greatly enhancing the activity and selectivity of oligomerization, such as trimerization or tetramerization, using a ligand having a specific steric arrangement structure.
US08309777B2 Sulfur tolerant noble metal containing aromatics hydrogenation catalyst and a method of making and using such catalyst
An aromatics hydrogenation catalyst composition which comprises a noble metal component and a support comprising zirconia, silica, and, optionally, alumina. The catalyst composition is manufactured by co-mulling silica, a zirconium compound, and, optionally, alumina to form a mixture that is formed into a shape, such as by extrusion to form an extrudate, with the shape being calcined and noble metal being incorporated into the shape. The catalyst composition may be used in the saturation of aromatic compounds.
US08309774B2 Catalytic gas phase fluorination of 1230xa to 1234yf
The invention is directed to a process for preparing 2,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf), comprising: (i) contacting 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (1230xa) with hydrogen fluoride HF in gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce a reaction mixture; (ii) separating the reaction mixture into a first stream comprising HCl, 2,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) and a second stream comprising HF, 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (1233xf) and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (245cb); (iii) recycling at least a part of the second stream at least in part back to step (i).
US08309773B2 Process for recovering ethanol
Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.
US08309770B2 11C-labeled benzophenone/benzoxazole analogues as an inflammation imaging agent
A method of preparing novel [11C]-labeled benzophenone/bezoxazole analogues is provided. The present invention also provides novel [11C]-labeled benzophenone/bezoxazole analogues prepared from the GMP synthesis method. Kit claims for preparing novel [11C]-labeled benzophenone/bezoxazole analogues and a method of use thereof are also provided.
US08309769B2 Crystalline forms of 2-[2-chloro-4-methylsulfony1-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxymethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexan-1,3-dione
The present invention relates to two crystalline forms of 2-[2-chloro-4-methylsulfonyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxymethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexan-1,3-dione, which is also known under the common name tembotrione. The invention also relates to a process for the production of these crystalline forms and formulations for plant protection which contain one of these crystalline forms of tembotrione.
US08309766B2 Phenyl-containing n-acyl amine and aminoacid derivatives, methods for the production thereof, a pharmaceutical composition and the use thereof
The present invention relates to novel phenyl-N-acyl derivatives of biogenic amines and amino acids of general formula (I) as cyclooxynease inhibitors, possessing analgetic and anti-inflammatory properties and devoid of side effects in particular ulcerogeneity and pro-spasmodic actions, as well as capability to potentiate effect of other analgetics, and possessing in addition antihypoxic, antidepressant and anti-Parkinsonistic action; as well as to the processes for the preparation novel and known phenyl-N-acyl derivatives of biogenic amines, to a pharmaceutical composition and to an agent comprising compounds of general formula (I) as well as to use thereof and a method of treating.
US08309763B2 Process for preparing 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid, alone or as a mixture with its sulphur-containing analogue, and uses thereof in nutrition, in particular animal nutrition
The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid from 3-methylselenoproprion-aldehyde. The 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid is obtained alone or as a mixture with its sulphur-containing analogue. The invention also relates to the compositions, in particular nutritional compositions, comprising a mixture of 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid, and a physiologically acceptable medium, and to the use of this mixture as a dietary ingredient.
US08309761B2 Removing hydrocarbon impurities from acetic acid by ionic liquid extraction
A method for removing hydrocarbon impurities from acetic acid is disclosed. The method comprises extracting acetic acid with a hydrophilic imidazolium salt. The imidazolium salt preferably has the general structure of wherein X⊖ is a counter ion and R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 hydrocarbon substitutes. The method is useful for removing hydrocarbon impurities from the alkane distillation bottoms stream of a methanol carbonylation process.
US08309757B2 Integrated process for the production of vinyl acetate from acetic acid via ethylene
This invention provides an integrated two stage economical process for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) from acetic acid in the vapor phase. First, acetic acid is selectively hydrogenated over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethylene either in a single reactor zone or in a dual rector zone wherein the intermediate hydrogenated products are either dehydrated and/or cracked to form ethylene. In a subsequent second stage so formed ethylene is reacted with molecular oxygen and acetic acid over a suitable catalyst to form VAM. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a hydrogenation catalyst and subsequent reaction over a dehydration catalyst selectively produces ethylene, which is further mixed with acetic acid and molecular oxygen and reacted over a supported palladium/gold/potassium catalyst.
US08309756B2 Surface treating agent, article and fluorinated ether compound
To provide a surface treating agent and a composition for surface treatment capable of forming a coating film excellent in the water/oil repellency, the efficiency for removal of oil-and-fat stains, alkali resistance and heat resistance and having a low coefficient of friction; a method for treating the surface of an article by using the surface treating agent or the composition for surface treatment; an article having surface treatment applied; and a novel fluorinated ether compound useful as a surface treating agent. A surface treating agent comprising a compound represented by the following formula (A): RFO(CF2CF2O)aCF2C(O)N(H)b(-Q-OC(O)C(R)═CH2)2-b  (A) wherein RF is a C1-20 perfluoro monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group or the like; a is an integer of from 1 to 200; b is 0 or 1; Q is a C1-6 alkylene group or the like; and R is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group.
US08309754B2 Functionalized amino acids and absorbable polymers therefrom
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I and II, which are functionalized amino acids, and polymers formed from the same. Polymers formed from the functionalized amino acids are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.
US08309752B2 Process for production of mandelonitrile compound
A method for producing a compound represented by the following formula (2) (wherein, X, R1 and m represent respectively the same meaning as described below) which comprises reacting a compound represented by the following formula (1) (wherein, X represents an optionally substituted alkyl group or the like. R1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group or the like. m represents an integer of 0 to 4. When m represents an integer of 2 to 4, R1s may be the same or different from each other) with hydrogen cyanide in an amount of 1.2 to 5 mol with respect to 1 mol of the compound, in the presence of an organic base, in an organic solvent.
US08309745B2 Epigallocatechin dimers or trimers having lipase inhibitory activity and/or antioxidant activity
An object of the present invention is to provide a lipase activity inhibitor that shows high inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase to suppress the absorption of meal-derived fat and/or which contributes to suppressing and preventing obesity, as well as a food or beverage that has such lipase activity inhibitor incorporated therein. Another object of the invention is to provide a lipase inhibitor of tea origin that suits most consumers' taste and which will not impair the flavor of the food or beverage when incorporated therein. Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for producing said lipase inhibitors. Further object of the invention is to provide antioxidants. To attain these objects, epigallocatechin dimers (oolong homobisflavans) or trimers are incorporated in foods or beverages. As a result, the absorption of meal-derived fat can be suppressed and, in addition, antioxidation effect is obtained. The compounds of the invention can be produced by reacting epigallocatechin gallate with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid.
US08309744B2 Prostaglandin synthesis and intermediates for use therein
Fused cyclopentane—4-substituted 3,5-dioxalane lactone compounds useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of prostaglandin analogs are provided. The compounds have the formula A: wherein R represents an aryl group such as p-methoxyphenyl. This compound can be reacted with a lower alkyl aluminum compound to open the dioxalane ring and reduce the lactone to lactol, without over-reducing to diol. The resulting compound can be functionalized to insert chemical side groups of target prostaglandins, adding the required α-side chain and then the required ω-side chain sequentially and independently of each other. The compounds and process are particularly suitable for preparing lubiprostone.
US08309742B2 Use of the PigD protein for catalyzing 1,4-additions of 2-oxoalkanoates to α, β-unsaturated ketones
The present invention relates to the preparation of compounds of the general formula II which can be obtained by 1,4 addition of 2-oxoalkanoates or 2-oxocarboxylic acids onto the appropriate ketones. The present invention also relates to the use of the PigD protein for catalysis of 1,4 additions of 2-oxoalkanoates/-carboxylic acids, for example pyruvate/pyruvic acid or 2-oxobutyrate/2-oxobutyric acid, onto aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones. The 1,4 additions are effected here with CO2 elimination. The use of the PigD protein as a catalyst in the aforementioned 1,4 additions enables the synthesis of addition products with stereoactive centers these addition products being preparable with an enantiomeric excess of more than 80% ee. The aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones which are suitable for the process are represented by the general formula I:
US08309741B2 Benzocarbazole-intercalated layered double hydroxides composite luminescent material and its preparation method
The present invention discloses a benzocarbazole-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) composite luminescent material and its preparation method. The detailed procedure comprises preparing divalent and trivalent metal cation solution A and glycol solution B of sodium 2-hydroxy benzo[a]carbazole-3-carboxylate, mixing the solutions A and B to obtain solution C, slowly adding the prepared NaOH solution dropwise into the solution C, regulating pH of the resultant after dropwise addition to obtain slurry D, allowing the slurry D to react under water bath or microwave temperature-controlled heating condition, centrifuging and washing the obtained product, and drying in vacuum to obtain 2-hydroxy benzo[a]carbazole-3-carboxylate anion intercalated LDHs composite material. The method implements the immobilization of sodium 2-hydroxy benzo[a]carbazole-3-carboxylate, effectively improves thermal stability of the luminescent dye molecules, and reduces fluorescence quenching caused by aggregation of the dye molecules.
US08309740B2 One-pot synthesis of fluorinated ionic liquids
The present invention relates to a method for one-pot synthesis of ionic liquid with fluoroalkyl group, more particularly to a method for one-pot synthesis of ionic liquid with fluoroalkyl group represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 by adding and reacting a nitrogen-containing compound, a Brønsted acid of the formula YH and a fluoroolefin compound of the formula CFR1═CR2R3 in a single reactor: wherein represents a nitrogen-containing compound; Y− represents an anion of the Brønsted acid; and R1, R2 and R3, which may be same or different, represent hydrogen, fluorine, C1-C10 alkyl or C1-C10 fluoroalkyl having from 1 to 23 fluorine atoms.
US08309738B2 Methods for the preparation of thiazolidinethione indene-based chiral auxiliaries
Methods for the preparation of indene-based thiazolidinethiones are provided comprising contacting 1-amino-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-ol, or a substituted derivative thereof, with an acid under suitable reaction conditions to provide a first intermediate; and contacting the first intermediate with an alkali xanthate in the presence of an alkali hydroxide under suitable reaction conditions to provide a compound of formula (III), wherein R1-R8 are defined herein.
US08309732B2 Process for preparing quaternary salts of piperidyl esters of mandelic acid
What is described is a process for preparing compounds of the general formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 independently of one another represent hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group, wherein compounds of the general formula (II) in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given for formula (I), are reacted with an alkylating agent of the general formula (III) R3X  (III), in which X represents a halogen atom and R3 has the meaning given for formula (I), if appropriate in a solvent.
US08309729B2 Therapeutically useful substituted hydropyrido [3,2,1-ij] quinoline compounds
Disclosed herein are compounds represented by the structural formula: therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08309727B2 Opiate reduction utilizing catalytic hydrogen transfer reaction
An improved opiate synthesis scheme is provided. An improvement to the oxidation of oripavine and oripavine derivatives comprises the in-situ formation of the peroxacids required to oxidize the oripavine and oripavine derivatives to form an intermediate. An improvement to the reduction of the intermediate to form oxycodone and oxycodone derivatives comprises reduction utilizing a hydrogen transfer reagent. These improvements allow the production of oxycodone and oxycodone derivatives without isolation of the intermediate, providing a one-pot synthesis method.
US08309726B2 Substituted piperazine compounds of formula 8
The present invention provides novel anthranilic acid derivative useful as potential anticancer agent. More particularly, the present invention relates novel anthranilic acid derivative of general formula (8), R′=alkyl-2-methoxyphenyl piperazine or benzyl; R=2-methoxyphenyl, piperazine, 2-pyridyl piperazine-1-yl, 2-pyrimidyl piperazine-1-yl, 4-quinazolinyl piperazine-1-yl, 9H-9-fluorenylamine, 4-{(2{amino-5-(methoxy)-4-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)-hexahydro-1-pyrazinyl], and [(4[2-amino-4-(benzyloxy)-5-methoxybenzoyl]aminophenyl)-sulfonyl]-4-benzamine; X═H or pyrazine-2-carbonyl. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of novel anthranilic acid derivative of general formula (8), which is useful as potential anticancer agent.
US08309720B2 Process for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives, useful as intermediates in the synthesis of histamine H4 receptor modulators, and to intermediates in H4 modulator synthesis.
US08309719B2 Process for the preparation of methyl ester of rosuvastatin
Process for the preparation of enantiomerically pure methyl ester of rosuvastatin has been developed, wherein the crude methyl ester ester is first purified by preparative chromatography, followed by crystallization.
US08309710B2 Use of N-alkyl imidazole for sulfurization of oligonucleotides with an acetyl disulfide
A method and compositions for sulfurizing at least one phosphite or thiophosphite linkage in an oligonucleotide. The addition of N-alkyl imidazole to the acetyldisulfide sulfurization solution enables the use of industrially preferred solvents or solvents that are derived from renewable resources.
US08309704B2 Methods and compositions for enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi
The present invention provides methods of enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi. The invention also provides compositions for mediating RNAi. In particular, the invention provides siRNAs, shRNAs, vectors and transgenes having improved specificity and efficacy in mediating silencing of a target gene. Therapeutic methods are also featured.
US08309702B2 Primers for detecting Plasmodium
The present invention provides an easy and rapid method for detecting/identifying the presence or absence of specific Plasmodium parasites and four species of malaria parasites in a human specimen, an anti-malaria measure support system, and a malaria infection-prevention/treatment system, which can contribute to practical diagnosis in a malaria endemic area. According to the present invention, using a genus-specific primer set that can detect four Plasmodium parasites that infect humans at a time, and the primer sets each specific to each of four species of Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale), the presence or absence of infection with these parasites can be detected/identified easily and rapidly.
US08309700B2 Inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase, especially p300
An inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase p300 was isolated from human cDNA library and identified as a nuclear protein composed of 855 amino acid residues. It binds to the cysteine/histidine-rich region of p300, thereby inhibiting the transcriptional activation by p300. It also inhibits the transcription activity of p53, with p300 functioning as a coactivator, and inhibits the discontinuance of cell cycle that relies on p53.
US08309697B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection using TRIM5α
The invention provides novel TRIM polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules. In addition to isolated, full-length TRIM proteins, the invention further provides isolated TRIM fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-TRIM antibodies. The invention also provides TRIM nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which an TRIM gene has been introduced or disrupted. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of viral infection and/or replication, e.g., HIV infection. The invention further provides methods for identifying a compound capable of treating or preventing viral infection and/or replication, e.g., HIV infection and AIDS. In addition, the invention provides a method for treating a subject having a viral infection and/or replication, e.g., HIV infection using the modulators of the invention.
US08309696B2 AZO pigment, electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
The present invention provides an azo pigment comprising a group represented by the general formula (1) below, an electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising an intermediate layer comprising the azo pigment, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus that comprise the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
US08309689B2 High yield dialysis-free process for producing organosoluble regenerated silk fibroin
The invention relates to a simple and high yield process for producing a regenerated silk fibroin which does not need dialysis. Particularly, a process of the invention is characterized in that the silk fibroin is precipitated by applying a shear stress and/or changing the solvent power of the fibroin solution. The process of the invention simplifies the process of producing silk fibroin and greatly shortens the process time to 1 to 2 hours, whereas the conventional dialysis process is complex and needs around 2 to 3 days. In addition to reducing the time needed, the process of the invention can increase productivity of silk fibroin by at least 8%.
US08309687B2 Biomarker specific for cancer
It is an object of the present invention to provide diagnostic reagents, pharmaceuticals and the like for particular diseases, and providing means that are useful in developing such reagents, pharmaceuticals and the like. The present invention provides a novel polypeptide and a specific partial peptide thereof, as well as a novel polynucleotide and a specific partial nucleotide thereof, that can be used as cancer-specific biomarkers; an expression vector for such a polynucleotide and a specific partial peptide thereof; a transformant incorporating such an expression vector; an antisense molecule, RNAi-inducing nucleic acid (e.g., siRNA), aptamer, or antibody for a cancer-specific biomarker, and a composition comprising the same; a mammalian cell or non-human mammal wherein the expression or a function of a cancer-specific biomarker is regulated; a measuring means (e.g., primer set, nucleic acid probe, antibody, aptamer) for a cancer-specific biomarker, and a reagent comprising them and the like.
US08309686B2 Neurotoxins with enhanced target specificity
Modified neurotoxins that contain protease cleavage sites susceptible uniquely to proteases present in certain tissues are described. The toxins can be selectively activated by proteases in muscle or selectively inactivated by proteases in blood.
US08309685B2 HCV protease inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08309682B2 Recycling superabsorbent polymer fines
A process is described for recycling superabsorbent polymer fines into a process that includes treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with caustic and a polymerization step for making the superabsorbent polymer gel. The process requires treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with a caustic, followed by mixture with polymerizable monomer solution, and polymerizing the mixture of the superabsorbent polymer fines and monomer to form the aqueous fluid absorbent polymer. In the process, the fines are incorporated into the new polymer gel and become indistinguishable there from. The gel may then be comminuted into a particulate dried and then separated into a portion having a desired minimum particle size in a fines portion having less than the desired size. The particulate may then be coated with a surface crosslinking agent and surface additives and heated for surface conversion.
US08309681B2 Resin particle and method for producing the same
There is provided a method for producing a resin particle capable of unprecedentedly realizing both excellent heat resistant keeping property and melting property. The present invention is a method for producing a resin particle (X) comprising the step of treating a resin particle (B) containing a resin (A) composed of a crystalline part (a) containing, as an essential constitutional component, a lactone ring-opening polymer (p), and a noncrystalline part (b), with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (C), and removing (C), wherein a heat of fusion measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the obtained (X) satisfies the following relational formula (1): 0≦H2/H1≦0.9  (1) [in the relational formula (1), H1 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the initial temperature elevation measured by DSC; and H2 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the second temperature elevation measured by DSC].
US08309680B2 Segmented degradable polymers and conjugates made therefrom
The present invention provides, among other things, segmented, degradable polymeric reagents suitable for reaction with biologically active agents to form conjugates, the polymeric reagents comprising one or more polymer chains divided or separated by one or more degradable linkages into polymer segments having a molecular weight suitable for renal clearance. The polymeric reagents can have a substantially linear structure, a branched structure, or a multiarm structure. Each structure includes one or more linkages capable of degradation in vivo.
US08309671B2 Extrudable acrylic compositions
A novel extrudable acrylic composition having suitable physical and chemical resistance properties may also be thermoformable. Specific resistance to solvent crazing is desirable. Such compositions can be formed using a combination of a multifunctional chain transfer agent and a multifunctional crosslinking agent.
US08309665B2 Amine functional adducts and curable compositions comprising same
A multi-component curable composition which is reactive upon admixing of the components and wherein the composition comprises: A. a first component which comprises: (i) a first amine functional adduct which comprises the reaction product of a stoichiometric excess of a diamine and a compound having an epoxide group and an alpha, beta unsaturated carbonyl group; B. a second component which comprises: (i) at least one compound having an average of more than 2.0 groups per molecule which are reactive with amines.
US08309664B2 Silicone-polyether copolymer systems and process for preparing them by means of an alkoxylation reaction
Process for the preferential alkoxylation of silicone-polyether copolymers either alone or in compositions thereof containing, for example, excess polyether by use of double metal cyanide catalysts.
US08309662B2 Polybenzimidazole-polyetherketoneketone blends and miscible blends
A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.
US08309657B2 Rubber composition
An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition which not only realizes sufficiently low heat generation properties but also exhibits more excellent crack growth resistance than the conventional rubber composition. The rubber composition contains in 100 mass % of rubber components thereof: 20-80 mass % of natural rubber in which the total nitrogen content in natural rubber latex is in the range of 0.1 mass % to 0.4 mass % (exclusive of 0.1 mass % and inclusive of 0.4 mass %); and butadiene-based polymer having cis content of 90% or higher.
US08309656B2 Elastomer blends containing polycarbonates and copolyetheresters derived from polyethylene terephthalate, method of manufacture, and articles therefrom
A composition comprising from 10 to 90 weight percent of a copolyetherester elastomer comprising: a modified, random polybutylene terephthalate copolymer block that is derived from a polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate copolymers, and combinations thereof; and that contains at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component; and a polyalkylene oxide copolymer block that is derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component and a polyalkylene oxide glycol, and that contains polyalkylene oxide and at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component; from 10 to 90 weight percent of a polycarbonate; and from 0 to 60 weight percent of a polyester.
US08309655B2 Methods for the preparation of a poly(arylene ether) polysiloxane multiblock copolymer, multiblock copolymers produced thereby, and associated compositions and articles
A poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane multiblock copolymer is prepared by the reaction of a hydroxy-diterminated poly(arylene ether), a hydroxyaryl-diterminated polysiloxane, and an aromatic diacid chloride. This synthesis overcomes disadvantages of known syntheses of poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymers. The poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane multiblock copolymer is useful for improving the melt processability of poly(arylene ether) compositions.
US08309652B2 Curable silicone composition and cured product therefrom
A curable silicone composition comprising: (A) an organopolysiloxane that is represented by the average unit formula: (R13SiO1/2)a(R22SiO2/2)b(R3SiO3/2)c(SiO4/2)d (wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups and epoxy-functional monovalent organic groups, with the proviso that at least 20 mole % of R3 are aryl groups, and a, b, c, and d are numbers that satisfy 0≦a≦0.8, 0≦b≦0.8, 0.2≦c≦0.9, 0≦d<0.8, and a+b+c+d=1), and that has at least two of the aforementioned epoxy-functional monovalent organic groups in each molecule; (B) a compound that has a group capable of reacting with the epoxy group; (C) a cure accelerator; and (D) a thermally conductive filler, has excellent handling characteristics and that cures rapidly to give a cured product that is highly thermally conductive, very flexible, highly adhesive, and very flame retardant.
US08309650B2 High refractive index adhesives
The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesives having a refractive index of at least 1.50. The pressure-sensitive adhesives comprise at least one monomer containing a substituted or an unsubstituted carbazole group.
US08309647B2 Spherical particles, method for production of spherical particles and use thereof
Spherical particles having a mean diameter in the range from 1 to 20 μm, comprising (a) from 85 to 99% by weight of a crosslinked random copolymer having a glass transition temperature Tg in the range from −75 to −40° C. (b) and from 1 to 15% by weight of at least one organic substance selected from waxes, protective colloids and plasticizers.
US08309642B2 Method for dissolving aramid polymer in sulfuric acid using a double shaft kneader
A method for dissolving an aramid polymer in sulfuric acid using a double shaft kneader, comprising the steps: dosing the polymer and the solvent into the kneader, mixing the polymer and the solvent to dissolve the polymer in the solvent for obtaining a solution, degassing the solution to obtain a spin dope, and transporting the spin dope out of the kneader, wherein the polymer is an aramid polymer and the solvent is sulfuric acid, and whereby the aramid polymer is dosed into the kneader prior to dosing the sulfuric acid into the kneader.
US08309639B2 Rubber compositions comprising benzoquinones and the use thereof in golf balls
The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, at least 0.05 parts by weight of a free radical initiator, per 100 parts of the base rubber, and at least 0.1 parts by weight of a benzoquinone, per 100 parts of the base rubber. The rubber composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.
US08309636B2 Flame retardant resin composition for multilayer wiring board and multilayer wiring board including the same
There are provided a flame-retardant resin composition for a multilayer wiring board and a multilayer wiring board having the same. The flame-retardant resin composition for a multilayer wiring board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a composite epoxy resin including a naphthalene modified epoxy resin, a cresol novolac epoxy resin, a rubber modified epoxy resin and a phosphorous-based epoxy resin, as well as a flame retardant represented by a specific chemical formula. The flame-retardant resin composition for a multilayer wiring board and the multilayer wiring board having the same disclosed herein exhibits excellent flame retardancy, moisture resistance and peel strength.
US08309633B2 Low temperature, cationically curable compositions with improved cure speed and toughness
The present invention relates to low temperature, cationically curable compositions with improved cure speed and toughness.
US08309631B2 Epoxy resin composition, prepreg, and fiber reinforced composite material
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fiber reinforced composite material combining good properties such as toughness and impact resistance and to provide an epoxy resin composition to obtain this. This object is achieved by the an epoxy resin composition comprising the following [A], [B], [C], and [D]: [A] a diglycidyl ether-type epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 1,500 or more; [B] an epoxy resin in which an SP value of a structural unit thereof is greater by 1.5 to 6.5 than an SP value of a structural unit of [A]; [C] a diglycidyl ether-type epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 500 to 1,200; and [D] an epoxy resin curing agent, in a ratio that satisfies the following formulas (1) to (4): 0.2≦A/(A+B+C+E)≦0.6;  (1), 0.2≦B/(A+B+C+E)≦0.6;  (2), 0.15≦C/(A+B+C+E)≦0.4; and  (3), 0≦E/(A+B+C+E)≦0.2,  (4) wherein A, B, and C represent weights of [A], [B], and [C], respectively, and E represents a weight of an epoxy resin other than [A], [B], and [C].
US08309629B2 Ink composition, inkjet recording method, printed material, method for producing planographic printing plate, and planographic printing plate
There are provided an ink composition including a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable monomer and a phosphoric acid group-containing polymer having a weight-average molecular weight in a range of 10,000 to 30,000; an inkjet recording method using the ink composition; a printed material recorded by the inkjet recording method; a method of producing a planographic printing plate using the ink composition; and a planographic printing plate obtained by the method of producing a planographic printing plate.
US08309628B2 Heat-setting ink composition for offset printing process
The object of the present invention is to provide an ink composition for heatset offset printing which has an excellent drying property, does not cause skinning during storage of ink composition, and has excellent stability on press in printing. The present invention is an ink composition for heatset offset printing containing a pigment, a binder resin, a petroleum solvent, and at least one kind of vegetable oil component selected from the group consisting of a vegetable oil and a fatty acid ester thereof, the content of the vegetable oil component being 20% by mass or less, and the ink composition further containing: 0.008 to 0.7% by mass of a metal soap drier based on the mass of the metal contained in the drier; 0.008 to 12% by mass of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a polyvalent carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, tocopherol, and tocotrienol; and 0.08 to 12% by mass of a phenolic antioxidant.
US08309627B2 Polymeric coating for the protection of objects
A protective polymeric coating is applied to the surface of various objects which are to be exposed to a harsh environment. The protective polymeric coating covers the exposed surface, where the polymeric coating includes a polyimide polymer. The polyimide polymer in the polymeric coating has a backbone with at least one non-terminal phenyl group. A linkage is connected to the non-terminal phenyl group, where the linkage can be an amide linkage or an ester linkage. An oligomeric silsesquioxane compound is connected to the linkage through an organic substituent, where the oligomeric silsesquioxane is not incorporated into the polymer backbone. The polymeric coating provides protection to the underlying object.
US08309625B1 Method and apparatus for preventing biofouling of surfaces
A method for preventing accumulation of organisms on a surface exposed to a marine environment. Nano-particles are provided in a water soluble polymer. The nano-particles have a thickness of about 2 nanometers and a major surface area of about 3 microns and are treated by a quaternary ammonium salt. The treated nano-particles are mixed into the water soluble polymer material. This mixture can be applied to the exposed surface. Biofouling is prevented by the sharpness of the nano-particles, sloughing of the water soluble material, and biocidal action caused by the quaternary ammonium salt.
US08309624B2 Haze reduction for blends of aromatic-aliphatic polyesters and antimicrobial additives
This invention relates to a blend comprising:(A) about 80% by weight to about 99.99% by weight of at least one polyester comprising terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and(B) about 0.01% by weight to about 20% by weight of at least one antimicrobial agent;said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the blend.
US08309619B2 Reduced-VOC and non-VOC blowing agents for making expanded and extruded thermoplastic foams
A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.
US08309616B2 Incorporation of catalytic dehydrogenation into fischer-tropsch synthesis to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions
A new method of producing liquid transportation fuels from coal and other hydrocarbons that significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by combining Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with catalytic dehydrogenation is claimed. Catalytic dehydrogenation (CDH) of the gaseous products (C1-C4) of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) can produce large quantities of hydrogen while converting the carbon to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Incorporation of CDH into a FTS-CDH plant converting coal to liquid fuels can eliminate all or most of the CO2 emissions from the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction that is currently used to elevate the H2 level of coal-derived syngas for FTS. Additionally, the FTS-CDH process saves large amounts of water used by the WGS reaction and produces a valuable by-product, MWCNT.
US08309615B2 Aqueous silica dispersion
An aqueous silica dispersion containing silica particles dispersed in an aqueous medium is provided. The surfaces of the silica particles are treated with reacted aminosilane compound. The aqueous silica dispersion also contains anionic polymeric dispersing agent. The dispersion of the silica particles into an aqueous medium containing both anionic polymeric dispersing agent and aminosilane compound allows the preparation of aqueous silica dispersions at higher solids and/or low viscosities than aqueous silica dispersions that are prepared without either the anionic polymeric dispersing agent or the aminosilane compound. The aqueous silica dispersion is combinable with aqueous emulsion polymers to modify the physical or appearance properties of articles formed from the emulsion polymer.
US08309614B2 Poly(beta malic acid) with pendant leu-leu-leu tripeptide for effective cytoplasmic drug delivery
The invention relates to the use of Polycefin-LLL nanoconjugate as a means of cytoplasmic delivery of drugs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a drug delivery molecule, comprising a polymerized carboxylic acid molecular scaffold covalently linked to L-leucylleucylleucine. In another embodiment, the Polycefin-LLL includes drug antisense morpholino oligos, targeting antibodies, and a pH-sensitive endosome escape unit. In addition, the drug could be siRNA, microRNA, and aptamer.
US08309611B2 Methods and compositions for treating lung cancer
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating lung cancer by cyclohexenone compounds.
US08309606B2 Compounds for use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, immuno-allergical diseases and organ or tissue transplantation rejection
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating, immuno-allergical diseases, autoimmune diseases, and organ or tissue rejection following transplantation.
US08309604B2 Cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds and compositions for cholesterol management and related uses
The present invention relates to novel cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, Syndrome X, thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.
US08309602B2 Multi-substituted diarylanilines as non-nucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and preparation and use thereof
The present invention relates to multi-substituted m-diarylanilines or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X, R1-R7 are as defined in the claims, their preparation process, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and their use for the manufacture of a medicament for anti-HIV.
US08309601B2 Forms of CDDO methyl ester
A triterpenoid compound, methyl 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oate (CDDO methyl ester), has a non-crystalline, glassy solid form and a non-hydrous crystalline form that can prepared, for example, from a saturated methanol solution. The glassy form displays an enhanced bioavailability over the non-hydrous crystalline form. Each form of CDDO methyl ester is a superior candidate for use, typically in solid dosage form, for treating a variety of disease states, generally associated with inflammation.
US08309596B2 Kallikrein 7 modulators
The present invention relates to the crystal structure of the serine protease kallikrein 7 and to the use of this crystal structure in drug discovery. The present invention also relates to compounds binding specifically to this active site of kallikrein 7.
US08309594B2 Purification of progesterone receptor modulators
Methods for purifying a compound of formula I are provided, wherein A, B, X, Q, and R1 are defined herein. The methods include mixing the compound of formula I and a solvent; adding a base to the solvent; and precipitating purified compound of formula I.
US08309593B2 2-acylaminopropoanol-type glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors
A compound for use in treating polycystic kidney disease is represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of treating in polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof respectively comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08309588B2 Synergistic microbicidal compositions
This invention relates to synergistic combinations of selected microbicides in combination with a second microbicide or formulation ingredient or raw material. The combinations have greater efficacy than would be expected from combinations of the individual components. The combinations include mixtures of (a) 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one+2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, (b) Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, or (c) 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one with one or more of a variety of other compounds.
US08309583B2 Desferrioxamine conjugates, derivatives and analogues
The present invention relates to desferoxamine conjugates, derivatives and analogues thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to desferoxamine conjugates, analogues and derivatives thereof, and methods for reducing levels of metals, especially iron, in a mammal. Uses of the compounds according to the invention are also provided. Compounds of the present invention may also be used to treat iron dyshomeostasis disorders, cancer, malaria and fungal infections. The compounds of the invention may be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition or packaged into kits.
US08309580B2 Heterocyclic compound
The present invention provides a heterocyclic compound represented by the following formula (I), which has a glucagon antagonistic action and is useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes and the like, a compound represented by wherein ring A is an optionally substituted benzene ring and the like; Y is a nitrogen atom and the like; X is —O— and the like; R4 is a hydrogen atom and the like; R5 and R6 are each independently a hydrogen atom and the like; R1 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group and the like; R2 is a hydrogen atom and the like; and R3 is —(CH2)3—COOH and the like, or a salt thereof.
US08309579B2 N-hydroxyamide derivatives and use thereof
The present invention is related to N-hydroxyamide derivatives of Formula (I) and use thereof in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and fibrosis, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and pulmonary fibrosis.
US08309576B2 Method of treating inflammatory bowel disease
The present invention provides a method of improving or treating inflammatory bowel disease through suppression of the expression of inflammatory cytokines based on the action mechanism of suppression of NF-κB activation by administering feruloyl serotonin to a subject in need of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The feruloyl serotonin of the present invention can be administered as a pharmaceutical agent or a food.
US08309572B2 Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists
Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonists and methods of using them are provided.
US08309568B2 Transdermally deliverable opioid prodrugs, abuse-resistant compositions and methods of using opioid prodrugs
Described herein are opioid prodrugs, methods of making opioid prodrugs, formulations comprising opioid prodrugs, and methods of using opioid prodrugs. One embodiment described herein relates to the transdermal administration of a buprenorphine prodrug in an abuse-resistant formulation for treating and preventing diseases and/or disorders.
US08309562B2 Compounds and therapeutical use thereof
Disclosed are 4-arylamino-quinazolines and analogs thereof that are effective as activators of caspases and inducers of apoptosis. The compounds of this invention are useful in the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions in which uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells occurs.
US08309561B2 Phenylalanine derivatives
Specific phenylalanine derivatives and analogues thereof have an antagonistic activity to α4 integrin. They are used as therapeutic agents for various diseases concerning α4 integrin.
US08309559B2 (EN) substituted 2-amino-3-sulfonyl-pyrazolo[1,5-A] pyrimidines/antagonists of serotonin 5-HT6 receptors, methods for the production and the use thereof
The present invention relates to novel substituted 2-amino-3-(arylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines of general formula 1, to serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists, to novel drug substances and pharmaceutical compositions, to medicaments, methods for preparation thereof, and to methods for prophylaxis and treatment of various CNS diseases, pathogenesis of which is associated with disturbance of monoaminergic signaling pathways, more specifically over- or hypo-activation of serotonin 5-HT6 receptors. Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heterocyclyl; R1 and R3 independently of each other represent C1-C3 alkyl or aryl; R2 represents hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl; R41, and R42 independently of each other represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl, or R41, and R42 together with nitrogen atom they are attached to form optionally substituted heterocyclyl.
US08309557B2 Pyrimidin-4-ylpropanedinitrile derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as herbicides and plant growth regulators
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) and N-oxides, tautomers and agrochemically compatible salts thereof to processes for their preparation, and to their use as herbicides and plant growth regulators, in particular as herbicides for the selected control of harmful plants in useful plant crops.
US08309553B2 Anhydrous crystal form of ovrepitant maleate
The invention relates to anhydrous crystalline orvepitant maleate (Form 1), pharmaceutical formulations comprising the same, its use in therapy and processes for preparing the same, wherein orvepitant is as shown in formula (I).
US08309552B2 Immunomodulating heterocyclic compounds
Compounds of formula (I) are inhibitors of CD80 and useful in immunomodulation therapy: wherein R1 and R3 independently represent H; F; Cl; Br; —NO2; —CN; C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted by F or Cl; or C1-C6 alkoxy optionally substituted by F; R4 represents a carboxylic acid group (—COOH) or an ester thereof, or —C(═O)NR6R7, —NR7C(═O)R6, —NR7C(═O)OR6, —NHC(═O)NR7R6 or —NHC(═S)NR7R6 wherein R6 represents H, or a radical of formula -(Alk)m-Q wherein m is 0 or 1, Alk is an optionally substituted divalent straight or branched C1-C12 alkylene, or C2-C12 alkenylene, or C2-C12 alkynylene radical or a divalent C3-C12 carbocyclic radical, any of which radicals may contain one or more —O—, —S— or —N(R8)— links wherein R8 represents H or C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C4 alkenyl, C3-C4 alkynyl, or C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and Q represents H; —NR9R10 wherein R9 and R10 independently represents H; C1-C4 alkyl; C3-C4 alkenyl; C3-C4 alkynyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; an ester group; an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic group; or R9 and R10 form a ring when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, which ring is optionally substituted; and R7 represents H or C1-C6 alkyl; or when taken together with the atom or atoms to which they are attached R6 and R7 form an optionally substituted monocyclic heterocyclic ring having 5, 6 or 7 ring atoms; and X represents a bond or a divalent radical of formula —(Z)n-(Alk)- or -(Alk)-(Z)n— wherein Z represents —O—, —S— or —NH—, Alk is as defined in relation to R6 and n is 0 or 1.
US08309550B2 Kinase inhibitors and their use as pharmaceutical agents
Described herein are compounds that are inhibitors of one or more protein kinases. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein. Also described herein are methods of using such protein kinase inhibitors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for conditions or diseases mediated or dependent upon protein kinases.
US08309548B2 Benzene, pyridine, and pyridazine derivatives
Disclosed are compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of Formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, n, Q1, Q2, Q3, Y, and X1-X4 are as defined herein. Compounds of Formula I are useful in the treatment of diseases and/or conditions related to cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, arthritis, angiogenesis, or the like. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the invention and methods of treating the aforementioned conditions using such compounds.
US08309546B2 Morpholinopurine derivatives
There is provided a novel compound that inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and/or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and exhibits anti-tumor activity. The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (1) having various substituents that inhibits PI3K and/or mTOR and exhibits anti-tumor activity: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Ra, Rb, Rc, and X each have the same meaning as defined in the specification.
US08309544B2 Spiroindalones
The present invention relates to spiroindalone compounds useful as HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors to treat anemia and like conditions.
US08309541B1 Anti-cancer compositions and methods
Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: R2-R-R1, where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)nSe—C(═NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)nSe—C(═NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation. Compositions of the present invention inhibit Akt enzymes, iNOS, and increase MAP kinase activity such that cancer cells contacted with the compositions are inhibited.
US08309540B2 HCV NS3 protease inhibitors
The present invention relates to macrocyclic compounds of formula (I) that are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease, their synthesis, and their use for treating or preventing HCV infections. (I)
US08309539B2 Acute treatment of social phobia
Methods and compositions for the treatment of social phobia are provided, including administering a therapeutically effective amount of an androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid to an individual in need of treatment and a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of social phobia having a therapeutically effective amount of an androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid. Therapeutically effective amounts may be, for example, between about 100 picograms and about 100 micrograms, or between about 1 nanogram and about 10 microgram, or between about 10 nanograms and about 1 microgram of an androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid. Administration of the androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol compound is preferably intranasal administration to the nasal passages and the vomeronasal organ of the individual. A preferred androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid is [3β]-androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol. In some embodiments of the methods, both [3β}-androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol and [3α]-androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol are administered to a patient, and are included in a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of social phobia.
US08309537B2 Compositions and methods for treating colitis
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases, inter alia, indeterminate colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and ischemic colitis.
US08309534B2 Compositions comprising a GPR109 ligand for treating disorders of the digestive tract and/or cancer
Pharmaceutical compositions containing an effective amount of a ligand for GPR109 to decrease intracellular cAMP levels of a subject in combination with an effective amount of a DNA methyl transferase inhibito to reduce or inhibit downregulation of GPR109 in the intestinal epithelial cells of the subject relative to a control are provided. It has been discovered that ligands for GPR109 can be used to treat one or more symptoms of cancer, inflammatory disorders, and diarrhea. Representative CPR109 ligands include, but are not limited to butyrate, β-hydroxybutyrate, nicotinic acid, acifran, and octanoate. Suitable DNA methyl transferase inhibitors include 5-azacytidine, 5-aza-2′-deoxytidine, 1-β-D-arabinfarnosyl-5-azacytosine and dihydro-5-azacytidine. Typically, the compositions are formulated to achieve a GPR109 ligand serum blood level of about 1 to about 1000 μM. The compositions are useful for the treatment of one or more symptoms of cancer. Preferred cancers that can be treated using the disclosed compositions include, but are not limited to colon cancer, breast cancer and leukemia. Methods for treating cancer, inflammatory disorders, and diarrhea are also provided.
US08309531B2 Administration of interferon for prophylaxis against or treatment of pathogenic infection
The invention provides compositions and methods for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases or disorders in a subject (e.g., a mammal, such as a human) including, e.g., diseases or disorders caused by biological agents, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The compositions include a delivery vector (e.g., a viral vector, such as an Ad5 vector) encoding an interferon (e.g., IFN-α), and are provided to the subject by, e.g., intranasal or pulmonary administration.
US08309528B2 Two pore channels as regulators of proliferation in cancer
The present invention relates to the discovery that two pore K+ channel (2PK) gene expression is increased in tumors and tumor cell lines, especially prostate tumor cells. The present invention encompasses methods for disease diagnosis, drug screening and the treatment of cancer.
US08309527B2 Immunomodulatory oligonucleotides
Oligonucleotides containing unthylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response in a subject are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapies for treating diseases associated with immune system activation that are initiated by unthylated CpG dinucleotides in a subject comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides that do not contain unmethylated CpG sequences (i.e. methylated CpG sequences or no CpG sequence) to outcompete unmethylated CpG nucleic acids for binding. Further disclosed are methylated CpG containing dinucleotides for use antisense therapies or as in vivo hybridization probes, and immunoinhibitory oligonucleotides for use as antiviral therapeutics.
US08309521B2 Spacer with a coating thereon for use with an implant device
The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing the bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.
US08309520B2 Fully synthetic albumin analog
The present invention relates to a fully synthetic albumin analog, to a hemocompatible coating for medical devices containing the fully synthetic albumin analog, as well as to medical devices coated with the hemocompatible coating. The albumin analog preferably has two basic structures which are connected with one another via at least one bridging unit, the basic structures respectively having, in a geometrically defined manner, at least two bound joint regions to which at least one residue is covalently bound, wherein the basic structures are, respectively, a benzene carboxylic acid, and wherein the joint regions are formed via acid amide bonds, and wherein each residue, respectively, comprises a lipophilic region and a hydrophilic region.
US08309517B2 LGI, LINGO and p75NTR family members: novel modulators of neuronal growth
The present invention relates to a novel method to promote regeneration or repair of the central or peripheral nervous system following injury The present invention concerns the use of a leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated protein (LGIn), or an analog or derivative thereof, to promote the regeneration or remyelination of neurons after injury to the central nervous system LGIns are endogenous proteins secreted by central neurons that promote regeneration of neurons after injury to the central nervous system The present invention includes an assay to measure the interaction of LGIn with LINGOn and p75NTRn as well as to identify factors that enhance or disrupt these interactions The invention further includes cell lines capable of expressing LGIn, LINGOn and p75NTRn molecules, as well as the proteins purified from these cells.
US08309512B2 Platelet aggregation inhibitor composition
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one polypeptide of the following (a) to (d):(a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;(b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence comprising one or more amino acid deletions, insertions, substitutions or additions in the amino acid sequence of the above (a) and having a platelet aggregation inhibitory activity and/or a platelet adhesion inhibitory activity; (c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3; and (d) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence comprising one or more amino acid deletions, insertions, substitutions or additions in the amino acid sequence of the above (c) and having a platelet aggregation inhibitory activity and/or a platelet adhesion inhibitory activity, as an active component.
US08309511B1 3(or 2),4,5-trimethyl-octahydro-4,7-methano-inden-5-ol and its use in perfume compositions
The present invention is directed to novel fragrance compounds and their unexpected advantageous use in enhancing, improving or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of the compounds, wherein the compounds are represented by the following formula: wherein a methyl group is bonded to the 5-membered ring at position 2 or 3, or a mixture thereof.
US08309510B2 Surfactant composition
The invention relates to a surfactant composition containing an alkyl ether sulfate represented by the following formula (1): RO—(PO)m(EO)nSO3M  (1) wherein R represents a linear alkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, PO and EO represent a propyleneoxy group and an ethyleneoxy group, respectively, m and n denote the average numbers of added moles of PO and EO, respectively, and are numbers meeting: 0
US08309507B2 Processes for making fluid detergent compositions comprising a di-amido gellant
The invention is directed to a fluid detergent composition comprising a di-amido gellant and a surfactant, and a method for structuring said composition.
US08309506B2 Washing aid having an antibacterial effect
The present invention is an auxiliary washing aid comprising a textile substrate coated or otherwise impregnated with a composition comprising elementary silver and/or a silver compound, non-neutralized fatty acid, and hydrogen peroxide.
US08309505B2 Hand dish composition in the form of an article
Hand dish compositions such as those that are typically provided to the consumer in liquid form are disclosed. The hand dish composition is in the form of a flexible, porous, dissolvable substrate. The substrate may comprise hand care compositions. The article may take any number of suitable shapes.
US08309499B2 Lubricant composition for internal combustion engine
A lubricating oil composition for internal combustion engines, containing a base oil, (A) at least one compound selected from disulfide compounds represented by the following general formula (I): R1OOC-A1-S—S-A2-COOR2  (I) and disulfide compounds represented by the following general formula (II): R7OOC—CR9R10—CR11(COOR8)—S—S—CR16(COOR13)—CR14R15—COOR12  (II), (B) an organomolybdenum compound, and (C) a phenol-based antioxidant and/or an amine-based antioxidant. The lubricating oil composition is a low ash, low phosphorus lubricating oil composition which is used for internal combustion engines such as gasoline engines, diesel engines and gas engines, which has improved oxidation stability and friction reducing effect, and which complies with environmental regulations.
US08309498B2 High temperature fracturing fluids and methods
Of the many methods and compositions provided by this invention, one method a method of treating a subterranean formation, comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid and a reaction product of a gelling agent comprising a copolymer or salt thereof comprising N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and acrylamide; and a crosslinking agent; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
US08309493B2 Polyphenol-content-increasing agent for plant
To provide a polyphenol-content-increasing agent which increases the content of polyphenol in a plant.A polyphenol-content-increasing agent for plant, containing, as an active ingredient, a 5-aminolevulinic acid or a derivative thereof represented by the following formula (1):(Chem 1) R2R1NCH2COCH2CH2COR3  (1) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; R3 represents a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group which may have a substituent, an acyloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an amino group, or a salt thereof.
US08309492B1 Method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil
A method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil extracts. Oregano oil extract is applied to moss or a locus where moss exists to substantially kill the moss. An aqueous solution of oregano oil can be sprayed onto the moss or the locus and hydrocolloids can be added to the solution to improve the efficacy of the oregano oil.
US08309491B2 Stable emulsifiable concentrates containing a first herbicidal carboxylic acid salt and a second herbicidal carboxylic acid ester
Stable emulsifiable concentrates containing a first herbicidal carboxylic acid in the salt form and a second herbicidal carboxylic acid in the ester form are prepared by using a tertiary amine to prepare the salt of the first herbicidal carboxylic acid and by using an alcohol which is the same as the ester portion of the second carboxylic acid herbicide as the solvent.
US08309484B2 Preparation and manufacture of an overlayer for deactivation resistant photocatalysts
A photocatalyst system for volatile organic compounds with two parts that include a photocatalyst layer on a substrate and a porous overlayer. The photocatalyst layer is reactive with volatile organic compounds when UV light is projected on it. The overlayer is situated on the photocatalyst layer. The overlayer is UV transparent and has an interconnected pore network that allows contaminated air to pass through the overlayer. The size and the shape of the interconnected pores acts to selectively exclude certain contaminants that can deactivate the photocatalyst.
US08309483B2 Binder for monolithic refractories and monolithic refractory
A binder for monolithic refractories characterized by containing ingredients comprised of a chemical composition of at least one of CaxSr1-xAl2O4, and CaySr1-yAl4O7 or these plus 12(CaO)z(SrO)1-z.7Al2O3 (where, 0
US08309475B2 Apparatus and method of aligning and positioning a cold substrate on a hot surface
Embodiments of the invention contemplate a method, apparatus and system that are used to support and position a substrate on a surface that is at a different temperature than the initial, or incoming, substrate temperature. Embodiments of the invention may also include a method of controlling the transfer of heat between a substrate and substrate support positioned in a processing chamber. The apparatus and methods described herein generally may also provide an inexpensive and simple way of accurately positioning a substrate on a substrate support that is positioned in a semiconductor processing chamber. Substrate processing chambers that can benefit from the various embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to RTP, CVD, PVD, ALD, plasma etching, and/or laser annealing chambers.
US08309472B2 Method of rapid thermal treatment using high energy electromagnetic radiation of a semiconductor substrate for formation of epitaxial materials
A method for fabricating semiconductor devices includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region containing one or more contaminants and having an overlying oxide layer. In an embodiment, the one or more contaminants are at least a carbon species. The method includes processing the surface region using at least a wet processing process to selectively remove the overlying oxide layer and expose the surface region including the one or more contaminants. The method includes subjecting the surface region to a high energy electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths ranging from about 300 to about 800 nanometers for a time period of less than 1 second to increase a temperature of the surface region to greater than 1000 degrees Celsius to remove the one or more contaminants. The method includes removing the high energy electromagnetic radiation to cause a reduction in temperature to about 300 to about 600 degrees Celsius in a time period of less than 1 second.
US08309470B2 In-situ reclaim of volatile components
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for efficiently reclaiming solvents used to clean surfaces of semiconductor wafers, etc. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that utilizes condensing mechanisms to reclaim evaporated solvent components. In these embodiments, the condensing can occur within a proximity head itself and/or along a vacuum line running from the proximity head to a vacuum tank. Other embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that prevents the evaporation of solvents at the onset by maintaining appropriate equilibrium gas phase concentrations between the liquid chemistries and gases used to process wafer surfaces.
US08309462B1 Double spacer quadruple patterning with self-connected hook-up
A photolithographic method for fabricating a pattern which includes a line and a hook-up pad in a semiconductor device, such that the line and the hook-up pad are self-connected to one another by spacer deposition that mitigates a process control issue, and without being misaligned or short circuited. Spacer double patterning lithography can be used. A pattern of sidewall spacer material is formed from a photoresist deposition, conformal spacer material deposition, etching, and removal of the photoresist. A pattern of the sidewall spacer material and a sacrificial layer is formed by performing a further photoresist deposition at a hook-up pad location, a further conformal spacer material deposition, covering part of the sacrificial layer and etching an uncovered part of the sacrificial layer to form a gap. The pattern is transferred to a hard mask layer and then to a wiring layer.
US08309460B2 Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
Provided are methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices by which two different kinds of contact holes with different sizes are formed using one photolithography process. The methods include preparing a semiconductor substrate in which an active region is titled in a diagonal direction. A hard mask is formed on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate. A mask hole is patterned not to overlap a word line. A first oxide layer is deposited on the hard mask, and the hard mask is removed to form a piston-shaped sacrificial pattern. A first polysilicon (poly-Si) layer is deposited on the sacrificial pattern and patterned to form a cylindrical first sacrificial mask surrounding the piston-shaped sacrificial pattern. A second oxide layer is coated on the first sacrificial mask to such an extent as to form voids. A second poly-Si layer is deposited in the voids and patterned to form a pillar-shaped second sacrificial mask. The second oxide layer is removed to expose the active region. The sectional area of a buried contact (BC) storage contact pad may be increased, while the sectional area of a direct contact (DC) bit line contact pad may be reduced.
US08309459B1 Semiconductor process
A semiconductor process is provided. A substrate is provided in an etching apparatus, wherein first conductive patterns, a barrier layer and a patterned insulating layer are formed thereon. The first openings are formed between the first conductive patterns, the barrier layer covers surfaces of the first conductive patterns and the first openings, and the patterned insulating layer is formed on the first conductive patterns and has a plurality of second openings. The second openings expose the barrier layer on top corners of the first conductive patterns. Polymer layers are formed on the barrier layer, wherein a thickness of the polymer layer on the top corners of the first conductive pattern is larger than a thickness of the polymer layer on bottom portions of the first openings. An etching process is performed to remove the polymer layer and the barrier layer disposed on the bottom portions of the first openings.
US08309457B2 Multilayer low reflectivity hard mask and process therefor
A method utilizing a multilayer anti-reflective coating layer structure can achieve low reflectivity at high numerical apertures. The multilayer anti-reflective coating structure can be utilized as a hard mask forming various integrated circuit structures. A multilayer anti-reflective coating structure can be utilized to form gate stacks comprised of polysilicon and a dielectric layer. A photoresist is applied above the multilayer anti-reflective coating which can include silicon oxynitride (SiON) and silicon rich nitride (SiRN).
US08309455B2 SiH4 soak for low hydrogen SiN deposition to improve flash memory device performance
Prior to deposition of a silicon nitride (SiN) layer on a structure, a non-plasma enhanced operation is undertaken wherein the structure is exposed to silane (SiH4) flow, reducing the overall exposure of the structure to hydrogen radicals. This results in the silicon nitride being strongly bonded to the structure and in improved performance.
US08309454B2 Structure for electrostatic discharge in embedded wafer level packages
A workpiece has at least two semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip having a first main surface, which is at least partially exposed, and a second main surface. The workpiece also comprises an electrically conducting layer, arranged on the at least two semiconductor chips, the electrically conducting layer being arranged at least on regions of the second main surface, and a molding compound, arranged on the electrically conducting layer.
US08309450B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device including a memory cell portion and a select gate portion, the method includes etching a charge accumulation layer, a tunnel insulating film, and a semiconductor substrate to make a trench, burying a first insulating film in the trench to contact with a side surface of the charge accumulation layer, performing heat processing to compress the first insulating film, forming a second insulating film on the charge accumulation layer and the first insulating film, etching the second insulating film in the select gate portion to expose a surface of the charge accumulation layer, forming a silicon layer to contact with the exposed surface of the charge accumulation layer, forming a metal layer on the silicon layer, and performing heat processing to silicide an entire boundary region between the charge accumulation layer and the tunnel insulating film.
US08309449B2 Semiconductor device and method for forming the same
A semiconductor and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The method for forming the semiconductor device includes forming a buried gate on a semiconductor substrate including an active region, forming an insulating layer on the semiconductor substrate, selectively removing the insulating layer from at least an upper part of the active region, forming a bit line on an upper part between the buried gates formed on the active region, and forming a storage electrode contact that is formed at both sides of the bit line and has an extended lower part, so that prevents short circuiting between the storage electrode contact and the bit line, and improves contact resistance by enlarging a contact area between the storage electrode contact and the active region, so that unique characteristics of the semiconductor device are improved.
US08309448B2 Method for forming buried word line in semiconductor device
Provided is a method for forming a buried word line in a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a trench by etching a pad layer and a substrate, forming a conductive layer to fill the trench, planarizing the conductive layer until the pad layer is exposed, performing an etch-back process on the planarized conductive layer, and performing an annealing process in an atmosphere of a nitride-based gas after at least one of the forming of the conductive layer, the planarizing of the conductive layer, and the performing of the etch-back process on the planarized conductive layer.
US08309447B2 Method for integrating multiple threshold voltage devices for CMOS
A method to achieve multiple threshold voltage (Vt) devices on the same semiconductor chip is disclosed. The method provides different threshold voltage devices using threshold voltage adjusting materials and a subsequent drive in anneal instead of directly doping the channel. As such, the method of the present disclosure avoids short channel penalties. Additionally, no ground plane/back gates are utilized in the present application thereby the method of the present disclosure can be easily integrated into current complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processing technology.
US08309446B2 Hybrid heterojunction solar cell fabrication using a doping layer mask
Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a high efficiency solar cell using a novel processing sequence to form a solar cell device. In one embodiment, the methods include forming a doping layer on a back surface of a substrate, heating the doping layer and substrate to cause the doping layer diffuse into the back surface of the substrate, texturing a front surface of the substrate after heating the doping layer and the substrate, forming a dielectric layer on the back surface of the substrate, removing portions of the dielectric layer from the back surface to from a plurality of exposed regions of the substrate, and depositing a metal layer over the back surface of the substrate, wherein the metal layer is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of exposed regions on the substrate, and at least one of the exposed regions has dopant atoms provided from the doping layer.
US08309443B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and laser irradiation apparatus
It is an object to achieve continuous crystal growth without optical interference using a compact laser irradiation apparatus. A megahertz laser beam is split and combined to crystallize a semiconductor film. At this point of time, an optical path difference is provided between the split beams to reduce optical interference. The optical path difference is set to have a length equivalent to the pulse width of the megahertz laser beam or more and less than a length equivalent to the pulse repetition interval; thus, optical interference can be suppressed with a very short optical path difference. Therefore, laser beams can be applied continuously and efficiently without energy deterioration.
US08309438B2 Synthesizing graphene from metal-carbon solutions using ion implantation
A method and semiconductor device for synthesizing graphene using ion implantation of carbon. Carbon is implanted in a metal using ion implantation. After the carbon is distributed in the metal, the metal is annealed and cooled in order to precipitate the carbon from the metal to form a layer of graphene on the surface of the metal. The metal/graphene surface is then transferred to a dielectric layer in such a manner that the graphene layer is placed on top of the dielectric layer. The metal layer is then removed. Alternatively, recessed regions are patterned and etched in a dielectric layer located on a substrate. Metal is later formed in these recessed regions. Carbon is then implanted into the metal using ion implantation. The metal may then be annealed and cooled in order to precipitate the carbon from the metal to form a layer of graphene on the metal's surface.
US08309437B2 (110) oriented silicon substrate and a bonded pair of substrates comprising said (110) oriented silicon substrate
The present invention relates to method of fabricating a (110) oriented silicon substrate and to a method of fabricating a bonded pair of substrates comprising such a (110) oriented silicon substrate. The invention further relates to a silicon substrate with (110) orientation and to a bonded pair of silicon substrates comprising a first silicon substrate with (100) orientation and a second silicon substrate with (110) orientation. Methods include the steps of providing a basic silicon substrate with (110) orientation, the basic silicon substrate having a roughness being equal or less than 0.15 nm RMS, and depositing epitaxially a silicon layer with (110) orientation on the basic silicon substrate at a pressure between 40 Torr to 120 Torr, and at a temperature between about 1000° C. and about 1200° C. and using trichlorosilane or dichlorosilane as silicon precursor gas.
US08309435B2 Crack stops for semiconductor devices
Crack stops for semiconductor devices, semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a barrier structure for a semiconductor device includes a plurality of substantially V-shaped regions. Each of the plurality of substantially V-shaped regions is disposed adjacent another of the plurality of substantially V-shaped regions.
US08309433B2 Method of manufacturing optical sensor
A method of manufacturing an optical sensor includes the steps of providing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of pixel areas; forming a grid-like rib enclosing each pixel area on the semiconductor wafer, the grid-like rib having a predetermined width and being formed from a fixing member; providing a light-transmissive substrate having a gap portion on a main surface thereof, the gap portion having at least one of a groove having a width smaller than the grid-like rib and a plurality of through-holes; fixing the semiconductor wafer and the light-transmissive substrate such that the grid-like rib and the gap portion face each other; and cutting the fixed semiconductor wafer and light-transmissive substrate into pieces such that each piece includes one pixel area.
US08309428B2 Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer
The first integrated circuit/transducer device 36 of the handheld probe includes CMOS circuits 110 and cMUT elements 112. The cMUT elements 112 function to generate an ultrasonic beam, detect an ultrasonic echo, and output electrical signals, while the CMOS circuits 110 function to perform analog or digital operations on the electrical signals generated through operation of the cMUT elements 112. The manufacturing method for the first integrated circuit/transducer device 36 of the preferred embodiment includes the steps of depositing the lower electrode S102; depositing a sacrificial layer S104; depositing a dielectric layer S106; depositing the upper electrode S108; depositing a protective layer on the upper electrode S110; and removing the sacrificial layer S112. In the preferred embodiment, the manufacturing method also includes the step of depositing a sealant layer to seal a cavity between the lower electrode and the upper electrode S114.
US08309423B2 High voltage diode with reduced substrate injection
A high voltage diode in which the n-type cathode is surrounded by an uncontacted heavily doped n-type ring to reflect injected holes back into the cathode region for recombination or collection is disclosed. The dopant density in the heavily doped n-type ring is preferably 100 to 10,000 times the dopant density in the cathode. The heavily doped n-type region will typically connect to an n-type buried layer under the cathode. The heavily doped n-type ring is optimally positioned at least one hole diffusion length from cathode contacts. The disclosed high voltage diode may be integrated into an integrated circuit without adding process steps.
US08309416B2 Semiconductor device with buried bit lines interconnected to one-side-contact and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor device with reduced resistance of a buried bit line, and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a plurality of active regions which are separated from one another by trenches formed in between, forming a side contact on a sidewall of each active region, and forming metal bit lines, each filling a portion of a respective trench and connected to the side contact.
US08309413B2 Methods of forming capacitors
Methods of etching into silicon oxide-containing material with an etching ambient having at least 75 volume percent helium. The etching ambient may also include carbon monoxide, O2 and one or more fluorocarbons. The openings formed in the silicon oxide -containing material may be utilized for fabrication of container capacitors, and such capacitors may be incorporated into DRAM.
US08309404B2 Poly-Si thin film transistor and organic light-emitting display having the same
A thin film transistor comprises an Si-based channel having a nonlinear electron-moving path, a source and a drain disposed at both sides of the channel, a gate disposed above the channel, an insulator interposed between the channel and the gate, and a substrate supporting the channel and the source and the drain disposed at either side of the channel respectively.
US08309401B2 Method of manufacturing non-leaded package structure
A manufacturing method of a non-leaded package structure is provided. An upper surface and a lower surface of a metal base plate are patterned so as to form a plurality of first protruding parts and at least a second protruding part on the upper surface and to form a plurality of first recess patterns on the lower surface corresponding to the first protruding parts. A first solder layer is formed in each of the first recess patterns respectively. A chip is mounted on the second protruding part and electrically connected to the first protruding parts with a plurality of bonding wires. An encapsulant is formed on the upper surface. A back etching process is performed on the lower surface to partially remove the metal base plate until the encapsulant is exposed and a lead group including at least a die pad and a plurality of leads is defined.
US08309394B2 Method of making N-type semiconductor devices
An organic semiconducting composition consists essentially of an N,N-dicycloalkyl-substituted naphthalene diimide and a polymer additive comprising an insulating or semiconducting polymer having a permittivity at 1000 Hz of at least 1.5 and up to and including 5. This composition can be used to provide a semiconducting layer in a thin-film transistor that can be incorporated into a variety of electronic devices.
US08309392B2 Solid-state image pickup device, electronic apparatus using such solid-state image pickup device and method of manufacturing solid-state image pickup device
A back-illuminated type solid-state image pickup device (1041) includes read circuits (Tr1, Tr2) formed on one surface of a semiconductor substrate (1042) to read a signal from a photo-electric conversion element (PD) formed on the semiconductor substrate (1042), in which electric charges (e) generated in a photo-electric conversion region (1052c1) formed under at least one portion of the read circuits (Tr1, Tr2) are collected to an electric charge accumulation region (1052a) formed on one surface side of the semiconductor substrate (1042) of the photo-electric conversion element (PD) by electric field formed within the photo-electric conversion element (PD). Thus, the solid-state image pickup device and the camera are able to make the size of pixel become very small without lowering a saturation electric charge amount (Qs) and sensitivity.
US08309390B2 Method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device and system for patterning an object
A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device, which method comprises the steps of providing a first layer structure on an second layer structure so that the first layer structure has an external surface, and an interface with the second layer structure, the first layer structure comprising a thin-film photovoltaic absorber layer; patterning through the first layer structure from the external surface to or into the second layer structure by first mechanically removing material from the first layer structure in a predetermined patterning area, and subsequently removing, by means of laser cleaning, residual material from the mechanical removal in the patterning area; and a system for patterning an object having a first layer structure on an second layer structure, the system comprising a mechanical patterning device and a laser cleaning device, and means for relative movement between the object, and the mechanical patterning device and the laser cleaning device.
US08309387B2 Improving back-contact performance of group VI containing solar cells by utilizing a nanoscale interfacial layer
A method of making thermodynamically stable, diffusion-impeded barrier layers within, for example, a photovoltaic cell with a metal-containing electrical contact using exposure to fluorine. Exposing the cadmium telluride surface to fluorine creates a Te-poor barrier layer of cadmium fluoride. Once that barrier layer is formed, the metal-containing electrical contact may be applied or formed. The barrier layer allows tunneling current to occur between the p-type layer and the metal-containing electrical contact establishing a low-resistance, highly uniform, and thermally stable electrical contact.
US08309385B2 Inertial sensor, inertial sensor device and manufacturing method of the same
An inertial sensor, comprises a detection element detecting an amount of a physical quantity in a detection axis direction, a plurality of support members having flexibility and supporting nearly a center of the detection element, and a package substrate housing the detection element and the plurality of support members. In a case when an X-axis is defined as an extending direction of the plurality of support members, a Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis in a plane including the detection element, and a Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, one of load components in a direction of the Y-axis of the detection member applied to the plurality of support members is nearly equal to other among the plurality of support members, and one of load components in a direction of the Z-axis is nearly equal to the other among the plurality of support members.
US08309382B2 Multi material secondary metallization scheme in MEMS fabrication
Processes are provided herein for the fabrication of MEMS utilizing both a primary metal that is integrated into the final MEMS structure and two or more sacrificial secondary metals that provide structural support for the primary metal component during machining. A first secondary metal is thinly plated around the primary metal and over the entire surface of the substrate without using photolithography. A second secondary metal, is then thickly plated over the deposited first secondary metal without using photolithography. Additionally, techniques are disclosed to increase the deposition rate of the first secondary metal between primary metal features in order to prevent voiding and thus enhance structural support of the primary metal during machining.
US08309372B2 Method of manufacturing stacked semiconductor package
A method of manufacturing a stacked semiconductor package in which a plurality of semiconductor chips are stacked includes preparing a first semiconductor chip including a first semiconductor device, a first penetration electrode, and a first connection unit electrically connected to the first semiconductor device or the first penetration electrode, attaching the first semiconductor chip to a base substrate with the first connection unit interposed therebetween, forming a first rewiring pattern and a first protection layer on the first semiconductor chip by using a printing method, wherein the first rewiring pattern is electrically connected to the first penetration electrode and the first protection layer partially covers the first rewiring pattern and exposes other portions of the first rewiring pattern, and attaching a second semiconductor chip including a second semiconductor device to the first semiconductor chip to electrically connect the second semiconductor device to the first rewiring pattern.
US08309369B2 Detection system and method for high sensitivity fluorescent assays
This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (≦5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (≧1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked Ficoll molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.
US08309368B2 Method of making a microbead array with attached biomolecules
A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relics on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations. In addition, the present invention provides a procedure for the creation of material surfaces with desired properties and for the fabrication of surface-mounted optical components.
US08309362B2 Process for the preparation of modified electrodes, electrodes prepared with said process, and enzymatic biosensors comprising said electrodes
A process is described for the preparation of modified electrodes useful for the measurement of analytes in biological fluids, comprising the deposition of Prussian blue on screen printed electrodes, and the modified electrodes prepared via said process; the enzymatic electrodes and the biosensors comprising said modified electrodes and the method for the determination of analytes in biological fluids which uses said modified electrodes are also described.
US08309360B2 Reagent for analyzing urine and method for analyzing urine
A reagent for analyzing urine is described. The reagent comprises a fungus membrane damaging agent for damaging a cellular membrane of yeast-like fungus in urine; a first dye for staining yeast-like fungus so that a fluorescent intensity of damaged yeast-like fungus becomes more intense than that of erythrocyte in urine; and a second dye for staining sperm in urine so that a fluorescent intensity of sperm becomes more intense than that of the damaged yeast-like fungus.
US08309358B2 Method for introducing a fluid into a reaction receptacle contained within a temperature-controlled environment
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.
US08309356B2 Pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides for targeted gene therapy
Compositions and methods for targeted gene therapy are disclosed. Compositions containing double duplex-forming pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides are administered in combination with a donor oligonucleotide that is homologous to a target sequence on a double-stranded DNA molecule in need of repair or replacement. By activating cellular mechanisms involved in DNA synthesis, repair and recombination, the double duplex-forming pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides can introduce one or more mutations at a site of interest by increasing the efficiency of targeted recombination of the donor oligonucleotide. The pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides/donor oligonucleotide compositions may be administered in combination with a second therapeutic agent that enhances access of the pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides and/or the donor oligonucleotide to the target site, an agent that enhances or increases DNA repair or recombination, or an agent that enhances uptake or delivery of the oligonucleotides.
US08309355B2 Methods of treating Parkinson's disease using viral vectors
Methods of delivering viral vectors, particularly recombinant AAV virions, to the central nervous system (CNS) are provided for the treatment of CNS disorders, particularly those disorders which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. The methods entail providing rAAV virions that comprise a transgene encoding aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) and administering the virions to the brain of a mammal using a non-manual pump.
US08309354B2 Human cancer stem cells
This invention discloses isolated populations of human cancer stem cells. Methods for characterizing, isolating and culturing human cancer stem cells are also disclosed. Uses for human cancer stem cells are provided.
US08309353B2 Method for induction of differentiation of ES cell
It is an object of the present invention to establish a system for reliably differentiating an ES cell into a hepatic cell. The present invention provides a method for inducing the differentiation of an ES cell into a hepatic cell, which comprises, in the presence of an M15 cell, culturing a mammal-derived ES cell in the presence of activin and bFGF, and then culturing the ES cell in the presence of dexamethasone, HGF, and oncostatin M.
US08309348B2 Syngas conversion method using asymmetric membrane and anaerobic microorganism
A stable method for producing liquid products such as ethanol, propanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components that contacts CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a highly porous side of an asymmetric membrane under anaerobic conditions and transfers these components into contact with microorganisms contained within bio-pores of the membrane. A liquid contacting side of the membrane utilizes a dense layer to control hydration of the bio-pores with a liquid phase. The gas feed directly contacts the microorganisms in the bio-pores and maximizes their utilization of the syngas. Metabolic products produced by the microorganisms leave the membrane through the side opposite the entering syngas. This method establishes a unitary direction across the membrane for the supply of the primary feed source to the microorganisms and the withdrawal of metabolically produced products. The feed and product flow improves productivity and performance of the microorganism and the membrane.
US08309340B2 Insulin degrading enzyme crystals
The present invention provides apo crystals and co-crystals of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and their uses in drug development.
US08309339B2 Alkaline protease
It is an object of the present invention to provide alkaline proteases having industrially sufficient protein productivity and a significant detergency. In the alkaline proteases, the amino acid residues at (a) position 9, (b) position 49, (c) position 194, (d) position 212, (e) position 237, (f) position 245, (g) position 281, (h) position 313, (i) position 379 and (j) position 427 in SEQ ID NO: 2 are selected from the following amino acid residues; Position (a); glutamine, Position (b); glutamine, Position (c); lysine or arginine, Position (d); arginine, asparagine or glutamine, Position (e); asparagines, Position (f); asparagines. Position (g); arginine, Position (h); asparagines, Position (i); lysine, arginine, glutamic acid or aspartic acid, and Position (j); arginine.
US08309337B2 Hybrid polypeptide of a maltogenic alpha-amylase and a cyclodextrin glucanotransferase
The inventors realized that the diversity generated by conventional methods may be limited by steric hindrance between amino acid residues in the three-dimensional structures of the resulting polypeptides. The steric hindrance may occur between amino acid residues at widely different positions in the amino acid sequences, e.g. between residues in two different domains of the 3D structure, and resulting polypeptides which include such steric hindrance may never be observed in the conventional recombination methods because they may be expressed in poor yields or may have poor activity or stability. The inventors developed a method to identify and alleviate such steric hindrance in the resulting polypeptides. In an alignment of the three-dimensional structures, steric hindrance is indicated when residues from two different structures are located within a certain distance. Pairs of residues at corresponding positions in the amino acid sequences are not considered, and residues close to the surface (high solvent accessibility) are considered to be less prone to steric hindrance.
US08309330B2 Diagnostic sequencing with small nucleic acid circles
Methods, substrates, and systems for diagnostic sequencing are provided. Small circles of nucleic acids from about 10 bases to about 200 bases can be sequenced, for example using template dependent sequencing by synthesis. The use of small circles of nucleic acids allows for repeated sequencing of the same portions of the nucleic acid, providing for higher accuracy sequence determinations.
US08309329B2 Process for production of 5′-guanylic acid
By reacting inosinic acid (IMP) with a bacterium which has been modified so that IMP dehydrogenase activity and 5′-guanylic acid (GMP) synthetase activity are enhanced, GMP is produced.
US08309328B1 Compositions and methods for production of fermentable sugars
The present application provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to glucose, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and processes for producing glucose from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.
US08309325B2 Efficient production of heterologous proteins using mannosyl transferase inhibitors
Compounds and methods are described for producing protein compositions having reduced amounts of O-linked glycosylation. The method includes producing the protein in cells cultured in the presence of certain benzylidene thiazolidinediones inhibitors of Pmt-mediated O-linked glycosylation.
US08309323B2 Dimethyloctane as an advanced biofuel
This invention describes genes, metabolic pathways, microbial strains and methods to produce 2,6-dimethyloctane as an advanced biofuel from renewable feedstocks.
US08309320B2 Diagnosis of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability
The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability (which can result from dysregulated arginine metabolism, e.g., due to increased arginase activity) by assessing in a sample from a subject the ratio of arginine to one or more, usually two or more, modulators of arginine bioavailability. In one embodiment, the ratio of arginine to (ornithine+citrulline) is assessed to aid in diagnosis.
US08309317B2 Method of screening single cells for the production of biologically active agents
This invention generally relates to a methods, devices and kits for screening single cells for the production of one or more biologically active agents of interest, such as a protein, nucleic acid, or a protein and the nucleic acid encoding same.
US08309315B2 Monoclonal antibody which binds cMet (HGFR) in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues and related methods
In a wide variety of human solid tumors, an aggressive, metastatic phenotype and poor clinical prognosis are associated with expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Met. Disclosed herein are (a) a monoclonal antibody named Met4, which antibody is specific for Met, and (b) a hybridoma cell line that produces Met4. The Met4 antibody is particularly useful for detecting Met in formalin-fixed tissue. Methods of using the Met4 antibody for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy are provided.
US08309311B2 Method for early detection of cancers
The invention includes methods for detecting the presence of a neoplastic condition by comparing a sample level of a BIF-1 to a reference, wherein a low level of BIF-1 in the sample correlates with the presence of a neoplastic condition. Another method involves determining the risk of relapse, tumor recurrence and/or metastasis by determining a sample level of a Bif-1 to a reference level of Bif-1, wherein low sample levels correlate with a likelihood of relapse, recurrence and/or metastasis. Yet another method includes detecting the presence of a pre-neoplastic condition, such as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The method involves measuring a level of a Bif-1 in a sample and comparing the level of Bif-1 in the sample to a reference level of Bif-1. High levels of Bif-1 in the sample correlate with the presence of the pre-neoplastic condition.
US08309307B2 High resolution chromosomal mapping
The present invention generally relates to spatial and structural genomic analysis compositions, which can be used for the mapping of chromosomes and structural analyses of chromosomal rearrangements, including the entire chromosome, as well as specific portions or regions of interest of the chromosomes. In some embodiments, multiple portions of the genome can be distinguished, for instance, using a first detection entity and a second detection entity different from the first detection entity. The detection entities may be immobilized relative to oligonucleotides, which may be selected to bind to different locations within the chromosome. For instance, the oligonucleotides may be at least substantially complementary to the chromosome, e.g., substantially complementary to a specific location of the chromosome.
US08309302B2 Reagents and methods for processing biological samples
Methods and processing reagents for improving washing and aging a biological sample in an assay are disclosed. The processing reagents comprise an aqueous base reagent and a low vapor pressure composition in sufficient amount to raise the boiling point of the base reagent. The methods comprise applying the base reagent and low vapor pressure composition to the biological sample for use at an elevated temperature.
US08309295B2 Photosensitive insulating resin composition, hardening product thereof, and circuit board equipped therewith
A photosensitive insulating resin composition capable of forming an interlayer insulating film, or planarized film, or surface protective film, or insulating film for high-density mount substrate excelling in properties, such as resolution, adherence, thermal impact, electrical insulation, patterning performance and elongation; a hardening product thereof; and a circuit board equipped with the hardening product. There is provided a positive photosensitive insulating resin composition comprising an alkali-soluble resin; a compound having a quinonediazido group; and crosslinked resin particles of a particulate copolymer whose 20 to 90 mol % constituent is derived from a hydroxylated and/or carboxylated monomer.
US08309292B2 Polyester resin for electrostatic image developing toner and manufacturing method of the same, electrostatic image developing toner, electrostatic image developer and image forming apparatus
A polyester resin for electrostatic image developing toner includes: two or more polyester blocks, and the polyester resin satisfying the following conditions (A) to (C): (A) an ester concentration of the polyester resin is about 0.01 or more and less than about 0.1; (B) a weight average molecular weight of the polyester resin is about 24,000 or more; and (C) a difference in SP values of at least two kinds of the two or more polyester blocks is about 0.1 to about 0.7.
US08309289B2 Electrostatic charge image developing toner, electrostratic charge image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic charge image developing toner including: toner particles including a binder resin and a colorant; polytetrafluoroethylene particles in which a content of perfluorooctanoic acid and a salt thereof is 0.5 ppm or less; and silica particles in which a content of water is from 0.1% by weight to 10% by weight at an ambient temperature of 20° C. and an ambient humidity of 20%.
US08309284B2 Highly conductive organic charge carrier transport material
An organic, semiconducting material, in particular, a material which can be used as a semiconductor material in organic electronics. A component of the material thereby comprises the oligophenylene from heterocyclic parent compounds with the following structure:
US08309278B2 Guided self-assembly of block copolymer line structures for integrated circuit interconnects
Complex self-assembled patterns can be created using a sparse template and local changes to the shape or distribution of the posts of the template to direct pattern generation of block copolymer. The post spacing in the template is formed commensurate with the equilibrium periodicity of the block copolymer, which controls the orientation of the linear features. Further, the posts can be arranged such that the template occupies only a few percent of the area of the final self-assembled patterns. Local aperiodic features can be introduced by changing the period or motif of the lattice or by adding guiding posts. According to one embodiment, an array of carefully spaced and shaped posts, prepared by electron-beam patterning of an inorganic resist, can be used to template complex patterns in a cylindrical-morphology block copolymer. These complex self-assembled patterns can form a mask used in fabrication processes of arbitrary structures such as interconnect layouts.
US08309277B2 Photomask making method
A photomask is manufactured from a photomask blank comprising a transparent substrate and a light-shielding film consisting of upper and lower layers of transition metal-containing silicon base materials, the content of O+N in the upper layer being higher than that of the lower layer. The light-shielding film is processed in two steps by fluorine dry etching through a resist pattern such that a lower portion of the film is left behind, and oxygen-containing chlorine dry etching for removing the remainder of the film.
US08309271B2 Tubular fuel cell and fuel cell module
A tubular fuel cell comprises a cylindrical internal electrode having electrical conductivity, a lamination of a first catalytic layer, an electrolytic layer, and a second catalytic layer laminated in that order on an outer circumferential surface of the internal electrode, and an electrically conductive exterior coil wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second catalytic layer. The tubular fuel cell further comprises an electrically conductive spacer which has an outside diameter greater than that of the exterior coil.
US08309270B2 Solid oxide fuel cell systems with improved gas channeling and heat exchange
The present teachings relate to solid oxide fuel cell systems featuring a novel design that provides improved thermal management of the system. The solid oxide fuel cell systems disclosed include gas channeling features that regulate the temperature of local areas of the system and protect thermal-sensitive current collection elements.
US08309267B2 Polymer electrolyte fuel cell
A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (10) includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (20); an electrode catalyst layer (90c) provided on one surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (20); a separator (80c) having electrical conductivity, and shielding gas; and an electrode member (50c) interposed between the electrode catalyst layer (90c) and the separator (80c) and constituting an electrode together with the electrode catalyst layer (90c). The electrode member (50c) includes: first contact portions (111) in direct contact with the electrode catalyst layer (90c); second contact portions (112) in direct contact with the separator (80c); and gas diffusion paths (121) through which the gas flows. The electrode member (50c) is provided with a large number of pores (131) formed therein, and constituted by a plate member (100) having electrical conductivity and bent into a wave shape.
US08309266B2 Fuel cell device and system
The invention relates to fuel cell devices and systems, and methods of using and making fuel cell devices and systems. The fuel cell devices include an elongate ceramic substrate, such as a rectangular or tubular substrate, the length of which is the greatest dimension such that thermal expansion is exhibited along a dominant axis that is coextensive with the length. A reaction zone is positioned along a first portion of the length for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone is positioned along a second portion of the length for operating at a temperature below the operating reaction temperature. There are one or more fuel passages and one or more oxidizer passages extending within an interior solid support structure of the elongate substrate, each having an associated anode and cathode, respectively, which are separated by an electrolyte. The passages include a neck-down point.
US08309263B2 Fuel cell assembly and electricity generation unit used in same
A fuel cell assembly has a housing defining an electricity generation/combustion chamber, and electricity generation/combustion means disposed within the housing. A fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas are supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means, and a combustion gas formed within the electricity generation/combustion chamber is discharged from the electricity generation/combustion chamber. A heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel is disposed on at least one surface of the housing, the combustion gas is discharged from the interior of the electricity generation/combustion chamber through the first channel of the heat exchanger, and one of the oxygen-containing gas and the fuel gas is supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means through the second channel of the heat exchanger. A plurality of electricity generation units are arranged in parallel within the housing, and each of the electricity generation units includes a cell stack constituting the electricity generation/combustion means.
US08309262B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a power supply controller. In response to input of a first command prior to a start of fuel cells in a state of power supply from a power source to fuel cell-related auxiliary machinery, the power supply controller reduces an amount of electric power supplied to the fuel cell-related auxiliary machinery until input of a start instruction to start the fuel cells. In response to input of a second command, the power supply controller instructs to continue the power supply from the power source to the fuel cell-related auxiliary machinery without reducing the electric power level of the power supply, irrespective of the input or non-input of the first command. The fuel cell system of this arrangement effectively reduces the amount of electric power consumed by an electricity storage device before a start of the fuel cells.
US08309260B2 Oxygen-consuming battery with improved high rate capability
An oxygen-consuming battery, such as a metal-air cell or fuel cell battery using oxygen from outside the battery as an active material, and having an improved high rate capability is disclosed. After the battery has been put into use, a light sacrificial drain is placed on the battery during periods when the battery is not being used to provide power in order to reduce degradation in rate capability that can occur over time, particularly when the battery is being used intermittently. Also disclosed is a combination of the oxygen-consuming battery and an electronic device that can be powered by the battery.
US08309254B2 Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery comprising same
A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes: a crystalline carbon core including pores; an amorphous carbon shell positioned on the core surface; metal nanoparticles dispersed inside the pores; and amorphous carbon inside the pores, wherein a first particle diameter difference (D50−D10) of the nanoparticles is from about 70 to about 150 nm and the second particle diameter difference (D90−D50) of the nanoparticles is from about 440 to about 520 nm.
US08309250B2 Battery having fire extinguishing element in mesh form
A battery includes an electrode group, a case, a sealing member, and a mesh portion. The electrode group includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode opposing the positive electrode, an electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The case has an opening and contains the electrode group. The sealing member closes the opening of the case. The mesh portion is provided so as to face an exhaust hole formed in at least one of the case and the sealing member. The mesh is formed of a thermally conductive material to put off frame coming out of the exhaust hole, in case where the battery is so defective to ignite fire.
US08309249B2 Lithium-ion secondary battery
A lithium-ion secondary battery which includes a battery element and an exterior package covering the battery element. The battery element includes a separator, and an electrode-stacked body having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed respectively on both surfaces of the separator in a stacking direction. The exterior package includes a first package member located at one side of the battery element in the stacking direction, and a second package member located at the other side of the battery element in the stacking direction. A linear expansion coefficient α1 of the first package member is greater than a linear expansion coefficient α2 of the second package member.
US08309243B2 Cylindrical alkaline storage battery
A cylindrical alkaline storage battery has a cylindrical case which contains an electrode assembly and an alkaline electrolyte. The assembly is formed by spirally winding a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator. The negative plate has a substrate having through holes and an active material layer which is disposed on the substrate and has an inner layer, an outer layer and a filler filled in the through holes. Each of the inner layer and outer layers has an overlapping portion which overlaps the adjacent positive plate via the separator. The filler has filling portions distributed in an area of the substrate that is covered by the overlapping portion of the inner and outer layers. The total amount of the active material contained in the overlapping portions and the filling portions ranges from 75% of the total amount of the active material in the negative plate to 100%.
US08309241B2 Battery system with temperature sensors
A battery system to monitor temperature includes at least one cell with a temperature sensing device proximate the at least one cell. The battery system also includes a flexible member that holds the temperature sensor proximate to the at least one cell.