| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08339475B2 |
High dynamic range image combining
Systems and methods of high dynamic range image combining are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a device includes a global mapping module configured to generate first globally mapped luminance values within a region of an image, a local mapping module configured to generate second locally mapped luminance values within the region of the image, and a combination module configured to determine luminance values within a corresponding region of an output image using a weighted sum of the first globally mapped luminance values and the second locally mapped luminance values. A weight of the weighted sum is at least partially based on a luminance variation within the region of the image. |
| US08339473B2 |
Video camera with flicker prevention
A video camera includes an image sensor. The image sensor repeatedly outputs an object scene image captured on an imaging surface. A CPU detects a luminance component of the object scene image outputted from the image sensor, i.e., an AE/AWB evaluation value, and also detects a high-frequency component of the object scene image outputted from the image sensor, i.e., an AF evaluation value. Moreover, the CPU executes a flicker determining process for determining whether or not a flicker is occurred based on the luminance component of the object scene image. However, prior to the flicker determining process, whether or not there is a dynamic object in the object scene is determined based on the high-frequency component of the object scene image. The flicker determining process is prohibited when there is the dynamic object while it is permitted when there is no dynamic object. |
| US08339469B2 |
Process for automatically determining a probability of image capture with a terminal using contextual data
A process for using a terminal capable of capturing images to determine a probability of capturing the images according to information taken from contextual data provided by the image capture means. The process uses a terminal such as a mobile terminal comprising a first image data sensor and at least one contextual data sensor to automatically determine at least one probability of capturing an image or a sequence of images taking place within a time interval, the capture probability being calculated based on at least one response provided by one of the activated image data and/or contextual data sensors. |
| US08339463B2 |
Camera lens calibration system
The invention is discloses a camera lens calibration system and method thereof, which comprise a calibration platform, the calibration platform comprise a calibration structure. A calibration camera lens to be calibrated is placed on the calibration platform. An image testing module is provided for capturing a target pattern from a target pattern display through the calibration camera lens to be calibrated for getting an image pattern. The image testing module provides a contrast parameter computation for calculating the contrast parameter of image pattern and showing results on a display. |
| US08339462B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for addressing chromatic abberations and purple fringing
Methods and systems for detecting and correcting chromatic aberration and purple fringing are disclosed. Chromatic aberration can be addressed by separating an image into color planes and then adjusting these to reduce chromatic aberration by using a specific calibration image (calibration chart) as an empirical method to calibrate the image acquisition device. Purple fringing can be corrected by initially addressing color aberration resulting from the lateral chromatic aberration (LCA). The LCA is first removed and then the correction is extended to purple fringing. A discovery is relied upon that the purple fringing is created in the direction of the chromatic aberration and is more pronounced in the direction of the chromatic aberration. |
| US08339458B2 |
Technique for allowing the modification of the audio characteristics of items appearing in an interactive video using RFID tags
The present solution can include a method for allowing the selective modification of audio characteristics of items appearing in a video. In this method, a RFID tag can be loaded with audio characteristics specific to a sound-producing element. The RFID tag can then be attached to an item that corresponds to the sound-producing element. The video and audio of the area including the item can be recorded. The audio characteristics can be automatically obtained by scanning the RFID tag. The audio characteristics can then be embedded within the video so that the audio characteristics are available when the item appears in the video. |
| US08339457B1 |
Systems and methods for time-shared memory access in a thermal imaging device
An imaging device for real-time display of image data on a local display and on a remote display is disclosed. In some embodiments, the imaging device can include an imaging engine, a memory device for storing image data, and a processor for receiving the image data from the imaging engine, storing the image data in the memory device, retrieving the image data from the memory device, and transmitting the image data to both a local display and remote display so that the image data can be viewed on both the remote display and local display simultaneously. |
| US08339456B2 |
Apparatus for intelligent and autonomous video content generation and streaming
A system for automatically capturing an event of interest in a venue is disclosed, comprising a plurality of cameras for capturing video images of the event; and at least one processor communicatively connected to said plurality of cameras and con figured to execute a plurality of modules, said modules comprising a rectification module for combining the video images to form a wide-angle view; at least one of a motion analysis module configured for tracking salient blobs that are not part of a background of the wide-angle view, an activity analysis module configured for extracting temporal and spatial patterns from the wide-angle view, and a shape and appearance module configured for selecting one or more objects in the wide-angle view based on descriptors that are scale and rotational invariant; and a region of interest selector for selecting a viewpoint from the wide-angle view based on output from at least one of the motion analysis module, the activity analysis module, and the shape and appearance module, wherein the region of interest selector outputs the selected viewpoint for display. The system further comprises at least one audio recording device for capturing audio from the event; and means for synchronizing the video images and audio. |
| US08339454B1 |
Vision-based car counting for multi-story carparks
Method and apparatus for counting vehicles at entrances, exits and transition zones of multi-story carparks, including particularly where the ceiling heights can be just marginally higher than the tallest expected vehicle, with a view to determine the carpark occupancy at different carpark levels by counting passing vehicles using a vision-based car counting system without relying on viewing test patterns or employing a blocking beam scheme and yet tolerating vehicles transgressing partially or fully into the wrong lane of a two-lane two-way road while ignoring vehicles moving opposite to the expected direction. Without imposing additional constraints to ambient carpark illumination, the methodology copes with highly specular vehicle surfaces, ignores non-vehicular objects and detects moving cast shadow or highlight, and adapts to daily and seasonal scene changes, and yet estimates vehicle speed. |
| US08339452B2 |
Monitor system for monitoring riverbed elevation change at bridge pier
A monitor system for monitoring riverbed elevation changes at bridge piers is revealed. The monitor system includes a container, a rail, a holder, a photographic unit, a processor and a transmission unit. The container is disposed at a pier under the water and the rail is mounted in the container. The holder is arranged at the rail and is moved on the rail. The photographic unit is disposed on the holder to capture a monitor image of a riverbed under the water. As to the processor, it processes the monitor image so as to learn elevation change of the riverbed under the water. By the transmission unit, the riverbed elevation change is sent to a remote monitor unit so as to get the riverbed elevation according to the riverbed elevation change. Thus the riverbed elevation change at the bridge pier is monitored in real time. |
| US08339451B2 |
Image navigation with multiple images
There is disclosed a method in a mobile communications device, wherein the method comprises displaying a main image, selecting an object in the main image, displaying a plurality of object images comprising the selected object, selecting a target object image from the plurality of object images, and displaying a target candidate image associated with the target object image. |
| US08339449B2 |
Defect monitoring in semiconductor device fabrication
A method of forming a device is presented. The method includes providing a substrate containing at least a partially formed device thereon. The device comprises at least one defect site. A pixilated image of the defect site is acquired, and each pixel comprises a grey level value (GLV). Surrounding noises of the defect site is eliminated. A point of the image is identified as the center of the defect. A plurality of iterations to exclude outer edge pixels surrounding the center of the defect image is performed. The defect is categorized as a killer or non-killer defect. |
| US08339447B2 |
Stereoscopic electronic microscope workstation
A stereoscopic microscope workstation providing high-resolution, real-time data to a display device. Various embodiments are disclosed including desktop and free-standing workstations. An image processing unit can be implemented, providing for natural orientation of the magnified image of the viewed object, also allowing rotation, cropping, filtering and other image manipulation features. Methods of performing a procedure utilizing the stereoscopic microscope workstation are disclosed, including a method of manipulating an object while viewing the object in a high-resolution real-time magnified image. |
| US08339443B2 |
Three-dimensional image display method and apparatus
A three-dimensional image display method, includes: displaying a three-dimensional image including a left eye image signal and a right eye image signal displayed at a display focus angle; determining whether to change a viewing focus angle with respect to the display focus angle; calculating a pixel distance between the left eye image signal and the right eye image signal if it is determined to change the viewing focus angle; and displaying indicator marks at positions spaced as much as a half of the pixel distance from a center of a screen in leftward and rightward directions. |
| US08339442B2 |
Image conversion method and image conversion apparatus
An image conversion apparatus includes an image signal input unit repeatedly inputting an odd-numbered frame of a first parallax, an odd-numbered frame of a second parallax, an even-numbered frame of the first parallax, and an even-numbered frame of the second parallax, in this order; a frame memory storing the first and second parallax data having been input; a memory control unit alternately reading as field data (m+1) pieces (m is an integer of one or larger than one) of identical odd-numbered frames of the first parallax and m pieces of identical odd-numbered frames of the second parallax, and subsequently alternately reading as field data m pieces of identical even-numbered frames of the first parallax and (m+1) pieces of identical even-numbered frames of the second parallax; and an image output unit outputting the field data having been read. |
| US08339436B2 |
Exposure unit containment mechanism and image-forming apparatus
An exposure unit containment mechanism includes an exposure unit and a frame that defines a space into which the exposure unit is inserted, the exposure unit including: first protrusions protruding in left and right directions at a position spaced apart from a center of gravity of the exposure unit in a direction of insertion; and a second protrusion protruding in a downward direction, and the frame including: a guide member that contacts the first protrusions from above to limit upward movement of the first protrusions during insertion of the exposure unit; a first limiting member that limits movement of the second protrusion in left and right directions; a second limiting member that contacts the first protrusions from underneath to limit downward movement of the same; and a first pressing member that presses the first protrusions from above when the first protrusions are in contact with the second limiting member. |
| US08339434B2 |
Light scanning unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus employing the same
Provided are a light scanning unit and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus employing the same. A possible form deviation during fabrication of a cylindrical lens employed by the light scanning unit is reduced by intentionally giving a form deviation to the incident surface and the emission surface of the cylindrical lens in the main scanning direction. |
| US08339433B2 |
Alternate matrix drive method for a 1200dpi LED print-head
A print head, including: a plurality of chips disposed in a linear array; respective pluralities of first and second matrix drivers on each the chip connected to first and second channels, respectively; and for each chip, first groups of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each first group of LEDs includes: a second group of LEDs, with a first number of LEDs, connected to a respective first matrix driver; and a third group of LEDs, with the first number of LEDs, connected to a respective second matrix driver. LEDs in each first group of LEDs are disposed in a staggered arrangement; and the respective pluralities of first and second matrix drivers are for activating in sequence the LEDs in the second and third groups of LEDs, respectively. |
| US08339430B2 |
Single-chip display-driving circuit, display device and display system having the same
Display devices include a display driving circuit, which is configured to generate a source driving signal and a gate driving signal in response to image data and horizontal and vertical sync signals. This display driving circuit includes a resolution-type generator, a timing controller, a source driving circuit and a gate driving circuit. The resolution-type generator is configured to generate a resolution-type signal in response to a resolution selecting code and the timing controller is configured to generate first image data, a source driver control signal and a gate driver control signal in response to the resolution-type signal, the image data and the horizontal and vertical sync signals. The source driving circuit is configured to generate the source driving signal in response to grayscale voltages, the first image data and the source driver control signal. The gate driving circuit is configured to generate the gate driving signal in response to the gate driver control signal. |
| US08339429B2 |
Display monitor electric power consumption optimization
Controlling electrical power consumption of a display monitor screen involves grouping screen pixels into different resolution cells, detecting display of one or more windows on the screen, and selectively controlling the cells by providing power only to the pixels in cells corresponding to one or more windows of interest to the user, and reducing power to pixels in remaining cells. |
| US08339428B2 |
Asynchronous display driving scheme and display
A novel method for driving a display includes the steps of defining a modulation period during which a particular intensity value is asserted on a pixel of the display, dividing the modulation period into a plurality of coequal time intervals, receiving a data word, which includes a plurality of equally-weighted bits and is indicative of an intensity value to be displayed by the pixel, updating a signal asserted on the pixel during each of a plurality of consecutive time intervals during a first portion of the modulation period, and updating the signal asserted on the pixel every mth time interval during a second portion of the modulation period, where m is equal to the weight of each of the equally-weighted bits. The data word can either be composed of two groups of equally-weighed bits, or a combination of binary bits and equally-weighted. The invention also includes a novel display driver for executing the driving methods. |
| US08339426B2 |
Illuminator and display having same
A display apparatus can perform a high quality moving picture display and provides improved color purity, and includes an illumination device that prevents and minimizes light unevenness in the form of a lamp image. The display apparatus includes an illumination device in which a first scattering layer, a first light-condensing layer, a second scattering layer, and a second light-condensing layer are arranged so as to cover a light-radiating surface of a light source unit including a first light source that emits light of a first color and a second light source that emits light of a second color complementary to the first color, a gate driver arranged to sequentially select each one of scanning lines at a cycle of 0.5 frames, a source driver that, at a first half of one frame time period, writes a data signal into each in a group of pixels of the first color, and at a latter half thereof, writes a data signal into each in groups of pixels of other two colors, and a switch circuit that, at the first half of one frame time period, switches on the first light source while switching off the second light source, and at the latter half of the time period, switches on the second light source while switching off the first light source. |
| US08339425B2 |
Method of driving pixels and display apparatus for performing the method
A pixel is driven by first converted image data having a first polarity and being converted by an A-gamma curve during an (N)th frame where ‘N’ is a natural number. The pixel is driven by second converted image data having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity and being converted using the A-gamma curve during an (N+1)th frame. The pixel is driven by third converted image data having the first polarity and being converted using a B-gamma curve different from the A-gamma curve during an (N+2)th frame. The pixel is driven by fourth converted image data having the second polarity and being converted by the B-gamma curve during an (N+3)th frame. |
| US08339423B2 |
Display apparatus, display method, display monitor, and television receiver
An image display period of a first sub frame of an N-th frame is arranged to partly overlap the image display period of the second sub frame of the N-th frame and the image display period of a second sub frame of the (N−1)-th frame. Grayscale display voltages with which pixels that are horizontally or vertically neighbored are charged are arranged to have inverse polarities, and the polarity of the grayscale display voltage charging each pixel is reversed in each frame. Furthermore, neighboring data signal lines are short-circuited each time the polarity of the grayscale display voltage output to each data signal line is reversed. |
| US08339417B2 |
Open area maps based on vector graphics format images
Systems and methods corresponding to an open area map are disclosed. For example, one method includes receiving an image of a layout corresponding to a real-world area in which a person moves about. The image is in a vector graphics format. A reference region is determined using the image of the layout. A grid is combined with the reference region to generate a routable map. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout. |
| US08339416B2 |
Image construction apparatus and computer-readable media
An image construction apparatus has functions of, based on an instruction from a user, creating a binary-coded program, creating a database, and associating the database with an image part. The use of those functions allows the user to easily construct an image including an image part associated with both the program and the database. Some embodiments enable easy association of information on an apparatus to be operated with image parts constructing an image displayed by a remote control apparatus. Some embodiments are suitable for constructing the screen of the remote control apparatus having a graphical user interface. |
| US08339414B2 |
Monitoring graphics processing
A graphics processing apparatus is provided with rendering circuitry which separately renders different areas of a frame of pixel values. Monitoring circuitry coupled to the rendering circuitry captures for each area rendered one or more parameters and stores these parameters to a parameter memory. A performance frame can be generated from the captured and stored parameters with performance-representing pixel values for each area within the performance frame corresponding to an area within the image frame and having a visual characteristic selected in dependence upon the performance parameter which was captured. The visual characteristic may be a grey-scale value, a pixel intensity or a pixel color. |
| US08339411B2 |
Assigning color values to pixels based on object structure
Systems and methods are provided for assigning color values to pixels based on object structure. For example, when rendering a writing system symbol on an electronic display, a non-color characteristic of the symbol can be measured and the measurement can be used to select a color value for a pixel associated with the symbol. Legibility of open and closed line-based graphical objects can be increased by inferring spatial depth and distance through application of a color assignment model. |
| US08339405B2 |
Programmable data processing circuit
A programmable data processing circuit has a memory for storing pixel values, or more generally data values as a function of position in a signal. The programmable data processing circuit supports instructions that include an indication of a selected parameter value set that indicates how a plurality of data values must be arranged for parallel output from a memory. Instructions that indicate different parameter value sets can be executed intermixed with one another. The programmable data processing circuit responds to instructions of this type by retrieving the selected parameter value sets from a parameter storage circuit (246), and controlling a switching circuit (22) between a memory port (21) of a memory circuit (20) and a data port (26) at least partly dependent on the selected parameter value set. |
| US08339404B2 |
System for improving utilization of GPU resources
A method, executable on a digital computer that includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU), executes a series of instructions, in which a GPU data type is defined and at least one data unit is designated with the GPU data type. A series of instructions is executed on the central processing unit. The method determines that a first unit of instruction code, included in the series of instructions, will be scheduled to operate on a GPU data type-designated data unit within a predetermined number of cycles. The GPU data type-designated data unit is caused to be operated on by a second unit of instruction code, that functionally corresponds to the first unit of instruction code. The second unit of instruction code is executed on the graphics processing unit. |
| US08339403B2 |
Multi-layered slide transitions
Architecture that enhances the visual experience of a slide presentation by animating slide content as “actors” in the same background “scene”. This is provided by multi-layered transitions between slides, where a slide is first separated into “layers” (e.g., with a level of transparency). Each layer can then be transitioned independently. All layers are composited together to accomplish the end effect. The layers can comprise one or more content layers, and a background layer. The background layer can further be separated into a background graphics layer and a background fill layer. The transition phase can include a transition effect such as a fade, a wipe, a dissolve effect, and other desired effects. To provide the continuity and uniformity of presentation the content on the same background scene, a transition effect is not applied to the background layer. |
| US08339402B2 |
System and method of producing an animated performance utilizing multiple cameras
A real-time method for producing an animated performance is disclosed. The real-time method involves receiving animation data, the animation data used to animate a computer generated character. The animation data may comprise motion capture data, or puppetry data, or a combination thereof. A computer generated animated character is rendered in real-time with receiving the animation data. A body movement of the computer generated character may be based on the motion capture data, and a head and a facial movement are based on the puppetry data. A first view of the computer generated animated character is created from a first reference point. A second view of the computer generated animated character is created from a second reference point that is distinct from the first reference point. One or more of the first and second views of the computer generated animated character are displayed in real-time with receiving the animation data. |
| US08339396B2 |
Coarsening and splitting techniques
Disclosed herein are improved coarsening and splitting techniques for preparing grids for performing simulations. In some implementations, methods in accordance with the present disclosure may include providing a grid having a plurality of grid pillars; and performing one or more splitting operations on at least a portion of the grid to increase a grid density within the portion of the grid, the plurality of grid pillars within the portion of the grid being forced to remain fixed in position during the one or more splitting operations. |
| US08339392B2 |
Intelligent demand loading of regions for virtual universes
A computer implemented method, a computer program product, and a data processing system manage regions within a virtual universe. A current location of an avatar is identified within a virtual universe, the current location being within a currently populated region. A vectored movement of the avatar is identified. Any adjacent region that may probabilistically encounter a horizon of the avatar within a region activation time of the virtual universe is identified. If the adjacent region is deactivated, then the adjacent region is activated. An unpopulated region that is currently active is identified, wherein the unpopulated region is within an extended distance from the avatar's current location. The unpopulated region is then deactivated. |
| US08339390B2 |
Power supply circuit of display device and display device using the same
Provided are a power supply circuit and a display device which are capable of enhancing power efficiency even when applied to a display panel whose current consumption varies. The power supply circuit boosts and outputs an input voltage using a booster chopper circuit. A frequency control circuit changes a frequency of a clock signal, which controls a switch of the chopper circuit, in accordance with a load of the power supply circuit. The frequency control circuit divides an operation of the display device into a display effective period at a high load and a vertical retrace period at a low load, based on a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal. The frequency control circuit sets the frequency of the clock signal in a high-load period to be higher than that in a low-load period. |
| US08339387B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device able to amplify the same input as a power supply voltage of IC by using low temperature polysilicon having high threshold voltage and large variation and an electronic apparatus using the same, including MCK use level shifters 171-1 and 171-2 of a type where a reset operation is periodically necessary, a logic circuit 173 for using a level shift horizontal synchronization signal Hsync to input reset pulses for the MCK level shifters 171-1 and 171-2 having a period of N horizontal periods shifted in phase by M horizontal periods (note, M |
| US08339385B2 |
On demand calibration of imaging displays
A self calibrating imaging display system and machine-readable storage for such systems are provided, which perform various steps. The steps include forwarding a display test pattern, where the display test pattern including a measurement field comprising approximately 10% of a total number of pixels displayed by a screen and where the measurement field can be placed at different regions of the screen. The steps also include causing the measurement field to be stepped through a sequence of values. The steps further include receiving luminance and color values from photosensors to detect distinct luminance and color levels at the different regions of the screen. The steps also include determining luminance and color correction factors by comparing the detected luminance and color values to reference luminance and color data. The steps additionally include applying the determined luminance and color correction factors to the different regions of the screen. |
| US08339382B2 |
Stylus and electronic device using the same
A stylus includes a tube body, a touch end connected to the tube body, an inflatable balloon enwrapping the tube body such that the tube body and the balloon cooperatively define a sealed chamber, and an inflating mechanism for inserting gas into the sealed chamber to inflate the balloon and therefore, the size of the stylus is adjustable and convenient for using. |
| US08339381B2 |
Passive optical pen and user input system using the same
The present invention provides a passive optical pen for using with a display device, which comprises a handgrip for being held by a user, a reflector positioned on an end of the handgrip, and a transparent shield covering the reflector. The reflector reflects ambient light propagated from the display device toward the display device. The transparent shield keeps the reflector at a distance from the display device, and collects the ambient light. |
| US08339379B2 |
Light-based touch screen
A light-based touch screen, including a housing for a display screen, a plurality of infra-red light emitting diodes (LEDs), fastened on the housing, for generating light beams, at least one LED selector, fastened on the housing and connected with the plurality of LEDs, for controllably selecting and deselecting one or more of the plurality of LEDs, a plurality of photodiode (PD) receivers, fastened on the housing, for measuring light intensity, at least one PD selector, fastened on the housing and connected with the plurality of PD receivers, for controllably selecting and deselecting one or more of the plurality of PD receivers, an optical assembly, fastened on the housing, for projecting light beams emitted by the plurality of LEDs in substantially parallel planes over the housing, and a controller, fastened on the housing and coupled with the plurality of PD receivers, (i) for controlling the at least one LED selector, (ii) for controlling the at least one PD selector, and (iii) for determining therefrom position and velocity of an object crossing at least one of the substantially parallel planes, based on output currents of the plurality of PD receivers. |
| US08339376B2 |
Zooming techniques for touch screens
A device may include a touch-sensitive display, a memory to store a group of instructions, and a processor. The processor may execute the instructions in the memory to detect that a circular motion is being made on or near a surface of the touch-sensitive screen, detect a location on the touch-sensitive screen at which the circular motion is being made, and zoom in or zoom out on an item, being displayed on the touch-sensitive screen at the detected location, based on detecting that the circular motion is being made on or near the surface of the touch-sensitive screen. |
| US08339372B2 |
Inductive touch screen with integrated antenna for use in a communication device and methods for use therewith
A touch screen can be used in a communication device having a transceiver that communicates radio frequency (RF) signals with at least one remote station. The touch screen includes a display layer for displaying information. An inductor grid includes a plurality of inductive elements. A switch matrix selects a selected inductive element in response to a selection signal. A driver generates the selection signal and drives the selected inductive element to detect a touch object in proximity to the selected inductive element and generates touch screen data in response thereto. A plurality of coupling elements couple together a group of the plurality of inductive elements to form an antenna and further couple the antenna to the transceiver to send and receive the RF signals. |
| US08339370B2 |
Display device and method of sensing input point using magnetic fluid
A display device and method of sensing an input point using magnetic fluid, the display device including: a touch panel part to receive a user input through a touch at an input point and to calculate a coordinate value of the input point; an electromagnet arrangement part comprising a plurality of electromagnets to generate a magnetic force on one or more electromagnets in a portion corresponding to the coordinate value; and a magnetic fluid part to obtain magnetism at the portion corresponding to the coordinate vale and to project in accordance with the generated magnetic force. |
| US08339364B2 |
Spatially-correlated multi-display human-machine interface
A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective “porthole” view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space. |
| US08339360B2 |
Flexible display security CAPTCHA bends
An approach is provided that receives a request to perform an action by an information handling system that includes a processor. In response to the request, a captcha request that corresponds to a captcha is transmitted to a foldable display screen. A response is received from the foldable display screen with the response including one or more bends of the foldable display screen. The received one or more bends are compared to one or more expected bends included in the captcha. The requested action is performed in response to the comparison revealing that the received one or more bends match the one or more expected bends. On the other hand, performance of the requested action is inhibited in response to the comparison revealing that at least one of the received one or more bends fails to match at least one of the one or more expected bends. |
| US08339357B2 |
Character input system, character input method and character input program
The grouping unit assigns an m-digit value expressed by an n-ary notation to each input candidate character one-for-one to classify the respective input candidate characters into n groups on a basis of each of the m digits. The group displaying unit causes the display device to display, in the lump on a group basis, the input candidate characters classified on a digit basis. Among n selection keys corresponding to the respective groups, the input device has one key operated by a user to output information indicating which selection key is operated (information indicative of a selection key operated) to the character structuring unit. The character structuring unit determines a character according to information input from the input device. |
| US08339355B2 |
LED backlight drive
An LED backlight drive for driving an LED backlight having a plurality of LED lines L1-L3 connected in parallel to a power feed line S4, each of the LED lines having an arbitrary number of LEDs connected in series, the LED backlight drive including: an arithmetic section 12 for calculating a delay time from driving one of the plurality of LED lines L1-L3 to driving the next LED line; a signal generator 13 for generating a plurality of control signals successively at intervals corresponding to the delay time calculated by the arithmetic section; and a driver 14 for driving the plurality of LED lines successively in response to the plurality of control signals generated by the signal generator. |
| US08339352B2 |
Integrated circuit device and electronic instrument
An integrated circuit device includes first to Nth circuit blocks (N is an integer of two or more) disposed along the long side of the integrated circuit device. One circuit block of the first to Nth circuit blocks is a logic circuit block, and another circuit block of the first to Nth circuit blocks is a programmable ROM of which at least part of data stored therein can be programmed by a user. The logic circuit block and the programmable ROM block are adjacently disposed along a first direction. At least part of information stored in the programmable ROM block is supplied to the logic circuit block. |
| US08339350B2 |
Image display method and apparatus
An image display method and apparatus for generating display data from predetermined high-order bits of original image data, the display data reflecting an error of low-order bits in the original image data. The display data is used to drive each of pixels arranged in line and column directions. The high-order three bits of six-bit original image data are regarded as intra-frame process data. A process value is determined based on the low-order three bits of the original image data, on a frame number, on a line number and on a column number. That process value is added to the least significant bit of the intra-frame process value made of the high-order three bits, whereby three-bit display data is generated. The addition of the process value evenly distributes the gray level error of the low-order three bits within each frame and between frames for simulated high quality gray level display. |
| US08339348B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving control circuit thereof
A liquid crystal display device and a driving control circuit thereof are provided. The driving control circuit includes a voltage switch unit and a selection unit. The selection unit selects the voltages in accordance with the control signal, while the voltage switch unit outputs the selected voltage to the common terminal of pixels according to the corresponding scan signal. The driving control circuit, controlled by the control signal and the scan signal, can reduce the modulation frequency and the voltage amplitude, so the power consumption of the liquid crystal display device can be reduced. |
| US08339346B2 |
Display panel driving voltage supply apparatus and method
A display panel driving voltage supply apparatus and method is disclosed. Said supply apparatus comprises: a timing controller for providing a voltage control signal and a switch control signal; a level shifter, receiving the voltage control signal for selecting a first specified voltage to be transmitted on a first driving voltage supply line as well as selecting a second specified voltage to be transmitted on a second driving voltage supply line according to the voltage control signal; and a first switch, wherein the first and the second driving voltage supply lines are electrically connected with each other to charge share between the first and the second specified voltages when the first switch is turned on under the control of the switch control signal. Said supply apparatus is capable of solving the problem of high power consumption and thereby reducing the electricity consumption. |
| US08339341B2 |
Image display system which performs overdrive processing
This invention provides an image display system that includes an image display device having an overdrive processing circuit and allows reduction in memory cost as a whole. The image display system according to this invention includes an image generation device that generates image data, and an image display device that receives the image data from the image generation device, performs overdrive processing based on the received image data, and displays an image. The image generation device includes a rendering circuit that generates image data to be outputted to the image display device for every frame, a memory unit that holds the plural pieces of image data corresponding to at least two frames among the plural pieces of image data generated by the rendering circuit, and a transfer circuit that transfers the plural pieces of image data corresponding to two frames among the plural pieces of image data held by the memory unit to the image display device within one frame period. The image display device receives the plural pieces of image data corresponding to the two frames from the transfer circuit and performs the overdrive processing based on the received image data. |
| US08339338B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device includes a display that includes display elements arranged in lines of a matrix. Each display element is configured to emit light based on a video signal that is received by the display. A proportion determiner is configured to determine, for each line, a proportion of a single frame period during which each display element of a corresponding line is not to emit the light. A signal converter is configured to convert an amplitude of the video signal for each line according to the proportion determined for each line. A signal output is configured to output the video signal converted by the signal converter to the display as a converted video signal. A scanner is configured to output a scanning signal to the display for each line for inputting the converted video signal to the display elements of each line based on the proportion determined for each line. |
| US08339335B2 |
Electroluminescence display apparatus and method of correcting display variation for electroluminescence display apparatus
By correcting a data signal based on a current flowing through an EL element when an element driving transistor which controls a drive current to be supplied to the EL element is operated in a saturation region and the EL element is set to an emission level, it is possible to realize a rapid display variation inspection and a high precision display variation correction. By providing a current measuring function on an EL display apparatus, a characteristic variation after the apparatus is shipped can be handled and corrected. |
| US08339332B2 |
Laminated glass for vehicle
In a windshield (11) of a vehicle equipped with a head up display formed from laminated glass, exterior glass (12), an intermediate layer (13), an image display layer (14) and interior glass (15) are laminated; since the image display layer (14) is interposed between the interior glass (15) and the intermediate layer (13) (or between the exterior glass 12 and the intermediate layer 13), and the thickness of the exterior glass (12) is made smaller than the thickness of the interior glass (15), a distance (T) from the image display layer (14) to the outer surface of the exterior glass (12) can be made small. It is therefore possible to reduce the displacement between a real image formed from light directly emitted toward a driver from an image (14a) on the image display layer (14) and a reflected image formed from light emitted from the image (14a) and reflected by the outer surface of the exterior glass (12), thus minimizing ghosting of the image and thereby enhancing visibility. |
| US08339331B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device including: first display elements each divided into at least a first region and a second region, for displaying a first image, and second display elements each divided into at least a third region and a fourth region, for displaying a second image, the first and second display elements being arranged such that each third region is disposed between the first region and the second region of the adjacent first display element and each second region is disposed between the third region and the fourth region of the adjacent second display element; a parallax barrier layer provided on a side of the display elements adjacent to a viewer, the parallax barrier having light transmitting regions at positions thereof corresponding to boundaries between adjoining first and third regions as well as between adjoining second and fourth regions; and a spacer layer separating the display elements from the parallax barrier layer. |
| US08339330B2 |
Frequency selective surface structure for multi frequency bands
There is provided a frequency Selective Surface (FSS) structure for multi frequency bands configured with unit cells, each including a loop unit, arranged at regular intervals, wherein each unit cell includes: a dielectric layer; and the loop unit having a fixed width and formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the loop unit includes a first loop and a second loop formed inside the first loop with a predetermined space away from the first loop, each of the first loop and the second loop being formed sinuously in at least one portion. |
| US08339328B2 |
Reconfigurable multi-band antenna and method for operation of a reconfigurable multi-band antenna
A multi-band antenna is provided. The antenna includes a radiating element resonant for at least two resonant frequencies, and at least two matching elements that are electrically connectable to the radiating element to substantially match an input impedance of the antenna to a reference impedance for each one of the at least two resonant frequencies. A method for transmitting and receiving on one or more frequency bands is also provided that includes selecting at least one resonant frequency, selectively electrically connecting a matching element corresponding to the at least one selected resonant frequency to a radiating element resonant at the one or more frequency bands, and receiving or transmitting a wireless signal at the at least one selected resonant frequency with the radiating element. |
| US08339320B2 |
Tunable frequency selective surface
An apparatus and methods for operating a frequency selective surface are disclosed. The apparatus can be tuned to an on/off state or transmit/reflect electromagnetic energy in any frequency. The methods disclosed teach how to tune the frequency selective surface to an on/off state or transmit/reflect electromagnetic energy in any frequency. |
| US08339315B2 |
Positioning system
A positioning system (1) comprising one or more transmitters configured to transmit transmissions including positioning data, wherein the system is configured to synchronize the transmission with a reference time. The transmissions are formed using a repeating pseudorandom number (PRN) code comprising a plurality of chips. The system (1) is configured to determine a timing bias (44;54) between the first transmission and the reference time. The system (1) is configured to change the number of chips in one or more of said transmissions such that the timing bias of a subsequent pseudorandom number (PRN) code is reduced. |
| US08339310B2 |
Positioning method, positioning device, and program
A positioning method includes: executing a first positioning mode or a second positioning mode, a first positioning process that is performed using a least-square method based on a positioning signal and a second positioning process that is performed using a Kalman filter based on the positioning signal utilizing a positioning result obtained by the first positioning process as a base value being performed in the first positioning mode, and the second positioning process being further performed in the second positioning mode utilizing a positioning result obtained by the second positioning process as a base value; determining accuracy of a positioning result obtained by the second positioning process performed in the executed positioning mode; and changing the positioning mode to be executed to the first positioning mode or the second positioning mode corresponding to the accuracy. |
| US08339309B2 |
Global communication system
A global communication satellite system includes at least three communication satellites. Each communication satellite is disposed in a geostationary orbit about the Earth. Each communication satellite also includes a feed horn array having at least 4,000 feed horns with each feed horn capable of transmitting at least one radio frequency (RF) signal. The feed horn array produces a plurality of spot beams with each spot beam corresponding to a spot beam area on the surface of the Earth. Each spot beam area has a generally circular shape with a diameter less than 150 miles. Furthermore, each spot beam area overlaps with a plurality of other spot beams areas such that plurality of spot beams provide saturation coverage of all populated land areas of the Earth. |
| US08339308B2 |
Antenna beam forming systems, methods and devices using phase adjusted least squares beam forming
Methods of operating a transceiver including an antenna having a plurality of antenna feed elements include providing a plurality of gain constraint values associated with respective ones of the plurality of geographic constraint points within a geographic region, selecting initial phase constraint values associated with respective ones of the gain constraint values, generating antenna feed element weights based on the gain constraint values and based on the initial phase constraint values, and determining system response values in response to the antenna feed element weights. Phases of the system response values are compared to the initial phase constraint values, and an antenna beam is formed from the antenna to the geographic region using the antenna feed element weights in response to the comparison of the phases of the system response values to the initial phase constraint values. Related systems and devices are also disclosed. |
| US08339306B2 |
Detection system and method using gradient magnitude second moment spatial variance detection
A detection system includes a detection processor configured to receive a frame of image data that includes a range/Doppler matrix, perform a rate-of-change of variance calculation with respect to at least one pixel in the frame of image data, and compare the calculated rate-of-change of variance with a predetermined threshold to provide output data. The range/Doppler matrix may include N down-range samples and M cross-range samples. The detection processor may calculate a rate-of-change of variance over an N×M window within the range/Doppler matrix. |
| US08339305B2 |
Method for detecting an object with a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) ranging system
In a method for detecting an object with an FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) ranging system a superior accuracy and resolution is obtained by determining the strongest sinusoidal component in the frequency spectrum and removing the determined component from the spectrum, repeating the preceding step at least once, adding one of the components determined in the two preceding steps to the spectrum, re-determining the then strongest sinusoidal component in the spectrum and removing the re-determined component from the spectrum, repeating the preceding step for each remaining of the determined sinusoidal components, and repeating the last two steps until a desired degree of convergence is reached. |
| US08339298B1 |
Synchronous demultiplexer circuit and method
A digital counting circuit with multiple outputs is used to clock interlaced 16-bit data words into separate digital-to-analog converters in the correct sequence for each of eight hydrophone channels. The circuit utilizes a programmable memory to detect a synchronizing bit pattern. |
| US08339296B2 |
Amplifying circuit and analog-digital converting circuit including same
An amplifying circuit includes a pair of MOS transistors; an amplifier that amplify a difference between potentials of differential output nodes coupled to drains of the pair of MOS transistors; cancel circuits that cause cancel current to flow to one of the differential output nodes when the amplifier amplifies a voltage between the differential output nodes and that shut off, after the amplifier performs the amplification operation, inflow of the cancel current; and a controller that performs setting so that a potential of first one of the differential input signals is equal to a potential of another one of the differential input signals, that compares, before the inflow of the cancel current, potentials generated at differential output nodes when the difference between potentials of the differential output nodes is amplified, and that sets the cancel current so that the potentials are reversed after the inflow of the cancel current. |
| US08339292B2 |
Key operation device and mobile terminal device
Disclosed is a key operation device for detecting an open/close state of key switches using row and column signal lines. The key switches include: 1st to 4th key switches each corresponding to a key for inputting a direction; and ten-key switches correspond one-to-one to keys of a ten-key pad. The 1st and 2nd key switches are both coupled to one of the row signal lines and each to a different one of two of the column signal lines. The 3rd and 4th key switches are both coupled to another one of the row signal lines and each coupled to a different one of the two column signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd key switches are respectively coupled. None of the ten-key switches is coupled to either of the two row signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd or 3rd and 4th key switches are coupled. |
| US08339285B2 |
Tactile pilot alerting system and method
A method of alerting an occupant of a seat assembly of the occurrence of a triggering event comprising the steps of monitoring for the occurrence of the triggering event, vibrating the seat assembly and/or probing the seat assembly. |
| US08339281B2 |
Data collection system for electronic parking meters
There is disclosed a single space parking meter that includes a low powered radio for communicating with a mobile access point. There is also provided a parking meter management system comprising a single space parking meter and a mobile access point. The mobile access point comprises a coin collection cart, and a mobile data collection terminal including a wireless radio for communicating with the wireless radio of the single space parking meter. Also disclosed is a method of managing single space parking meters comprising the steps of collecting and storing meter information in a single space parking meter, receiving at a main electronics board of the single space parking meter a transmit signal, and transmitting the meter information to a mobile access point using a low powered radio of the single space parking meter. |
| US08339267B2 |
RFID device having protective cap element and method of making
The present invention relates to a dynamic RFID device assembly which is able to withstand the additional stresses of using RFID devices in a non-planar arrangement. The invention includes the provision of a protective cap to prevent the fracturing or breakage of chip and antenna connection. The RFID device of the present invention can be included in a housing which may also be flexible thereby adding additional stability to the device. |
| US08339266B2 |
System and method for determining RFID tag placement
In systems and methods for determining the placement of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, a tag reader communicates with one or more RFID tags at different locations of a target object. The tag reader determines which of the different locations is a preferable location for placing an RFID tag by detecting the transmission power level or other value required to communicate with the RFID tag at each of the different locations. |
| US08339263B2 |
Security device for monitoring integrity of closed objects
A security device (20) is a compact and inexpensive device for monitoring the integrity of closed objects that indicates when the state of a monitored condition inside the closed object has changed. The device (20) is small-sized so that it can also be placed inside small closed objects, e.g. a briefcase, box, envelope or alike, and that it is inconspicuous to the observer if the closed object is opened. The device (20) is relocatable inside the closed object. The device (20) comprises a controller (4) and associated memory (8), a time counter (6) in connection with the controller (4), sensors (2) communicating with the controller (4) and arranged to sense changes in conditions inside the closed object and indicating means (12) communicating with the controller (4) and arranged to wirelessly indicate invasion against the integrity of the closed object. While the changes in conditions inside the closed object comply with certain predefined conditions the alarm indication can be blocked. The alarm indication of the security device (20) can also be activated and deactivated externally by means of a remote control or automatically. |
| US08339262B2 |
Patient identification system
The patient identification system of the preferred embodiments includes a transponder that is affixed to a patient and functions to communicate information that identifies the patient to a device or series of devices. The series of devices includes at least a first device that collects data from the patient and communicates with the transponder. The patient identification system is preferably designed to identify a patient, and more specifically to identify a patient to be associated with the data collected by the device. The patient identification system, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason. |
| US08339258B2 |
Dual band antenna and methods for use therewith
A dual band antenna includes a far field antenna structure for facilitating the communication of first data with a remote device via far field signaling in a millimeter wave band. A near field antenna structure facilitates the communication of second data with a remote device via near field signaling in a near field band. The far field antenna structure and the near field antenna structure share at least one common antenna element. |
| US08339254B2 |
User configured display system for motor vehicle
The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image. |
| US08339253B2 |
Methods and systems for displaying vehicle rear camera images in different modes
A method for displaying images of a camera associated with a vehicle includes the steps of displaying the images in a first mode if a first condition is satisfied, and displaying the images in a second mode if a second condition is satisfied. |
| US08339248B2 |
Automated audio operation support device and methods
A body-mounted electronic audio device playing prerecorded audio statements automatically issued as directed by wirelessly connected stationary computer decision-making using input from wearers and devices within the workplace environment to support to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness especially those in fast food stores. |
| US08339246B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for locating a lost remote control
Described herein are techniques for locating a lost remote control. The method includes receiving user input, at a controlled device, the user input requesting to locate a lost remote control for the controlled device. The method further includes lowering a volume of the output of content associated with the controlled device responsive to the user input and transmitting a message from the controlled device to the remote control, the message requesting the remote control to activate an indicator device (e.g., sound, visual, physical or the like) of the remote control. |
| US08339242B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication method, program, information management apparatus and communication system
An apparatus and method provide logic for managing positional information within a mobile communication network. In one implementation, an information management apparatus includes a history information registration unit, a registration determination unit, and a base station information registration unit. The history information registration unit may be configured to register first and second history information within a storage unit. The registration determination unit may determine whether a difference value between time information associated with the first and second history information is less than a threshold value. The base station information registration unit may subsequently register at least position information associated with a communications apparatus and a base station, when the difference value is less than the threshold value. |
| US08339240B2 |
Semiconductor element, biometric authentication method, biometric authentication system and mobile terminal
A semiconductor element or mobile terminal stores a user's biometric information pattern used for execution of a biometric authentication process and the residual number of trials indicating the number of allowed failures in the biometric authentication process, sends processing data to an external device so that the external device can use the processing data when the external device executes part of the biometric authentication process, and decreases the residual number of trials by a predetermined value while the processing data is output to the external device after start of communication with the external device. |
| US08339233B2 |
Three dimensional inductor
A three-dimensional inductor is provided. The three-dimensional inductor is disposed in a multi-layered substrate. The multi-layered substrate includes at least a dielectric layer and at least two metal layers. The three-dimensional inductor includes a first coil and a second coil. The second coil is electrically connected to the first coil. The first coil is on a first plane and formed on a first metal layer. The second coil is on a second plane and disposed in a variety of dielectric layers and metal layer. The first plane is not parallel to or is vertical to the second plane such that the magnetic field generated by the first coil and the magnetic field generated by the second coil are not parallel to each other or are vertical to each other. |
| US08339232B2 |
Micromagnetic device and method of forming the same
A micromagnetic device includes a first insulating layer formed above a substrate, a first seed layer formed above the first insulating layer, a first conductive winding layer selectively formed above the first seed layer, and a second insulating layer formed above the first conductive winding layer. The micromagnetic device also includes a first magnetic core layer formed above the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer formed above the first magnetic core layer, and a second magnetic core layer formed above the third insulating layer. The micromagnetic device still further includes a fourth insulating layer formed above the second magnetic core layer, a second seed layer formed above the fourth insulating layer, and a second conductive winding layer formed above the second seed layer and in vias to the first conductive winding layer. The first and second conductive winding layers form a winding for the micromagnetic device. |
| US08339229B2 |
Inductor
An inductor includes a first core, a conducting wire, a second core and a first lead frame. There is an accommodating space formed on a first side of the first core and there is a recess portion formed on a second side of the first core, wherein the first side is opposite to the second side. The first core has a first height. The conducting wire is disposed in the accommodating space. The second core is disposed on the first side of the first core and covers the accommodating space. The first lead frame has an embedded portion embedded in the recess portion. The embedded portion has a second height. After embedding the embedded portion in the recess portion of the first core, a total height of the embedded portion and the first core is smaller than the sum of the first height and the second height. |
| US08339226B2 |
Magnetic attachment system
A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures. In a further embodiment, a magnetic attachment system may comprise one or more magnetic structures spaced from one another on a first support and configured for use with a complementary magnet system. |
| US08339221B2 |
Elastic wave filter device having narrow-pitch electrode finger portions
A 5-IDT longitudinally coupled resonator type elastic wave filter device includes a narrow-pitch electrode finger portion arranged to increase the steepness of the filter characteristic includes first to fifth IDTs. When the total number of electrode fingers in a first area and a fourth area is Nx and the total number of electrode fingers in a second area and a third area is Ny, an average period of electrode fingers in one of the areas including larger total numbers of the electrode fingers Nx and Ny is greater than that in the area including smaller total numbers of the electrode fingers Nx and Ny. Among the first IDT electrode, the third IDT electrode, and the fifth IDT electrode, the period of electrode fingers in a portion other than the narrow-pitch electrode finger portion of the IDT electrode in the area including the larger numbers of electrode fingers is less than the period of electrode fingers in a portion other than the narrow-pitch electrode finger portion of the IDT electrode in the area including the smaller numbers of electrode fingers. |
| US08339219B1 |
Passive hybrid sensing tag with flexible substrate saw device
The integration of surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, microfabricated transmission lines, and sensors onto polymer substrates in order to enable a passive wireless sensor platform is described herein. Incident microwave pulses on an integrated antenna are converted to an acoustic wave via a SAW filter and transmitted to an impedance based sensor, which for this work is a photodiode. Changes in the sensor state induce a corresponding change in the impedance of the sensor resulting in a reflectance profile. Data collected at a calibrated receiver is used to infer the state of the sensor. Based on this principal, light levels were passively and wirelessly demonstrated to be sensed at distances of up to about 12 feet. |
| US08339218B2 |
Single-to-balanced band pass filter
By having stages of a single-to-balanced band pass filter, except for a stage which receives a single-terminal signal, to not be coupled to ground, noises cannot have an available path to enter the single-to-balanced band pass filter so that common-mode signals may be reduced in magnitude. |
| US08339216B2 |
Duplexer and method for separating a transmit signal and a receive signal
The present disclosure provides a duplexer for separating a transmit signal and a receive signal. The duplexer comprises a transmit filter, a receive filter and an analogue quadrature splitter, a first filtering element and a second filtering element. By choosing the first filtering element and the second filtering element substantially identical, it is possible to transform filtering characteristics of the first and second filtering element such that stop bands are substantially transformed into an effective pass band, and vice versa. The analogue quadrature splitter is adapted to increase an attenuation of the transmit signals outside the transmit band, such as in the receive band. Therefore out-of-band emissions by the transmitter will be substantially reduced. The present disclosure further provides a method for separating a transmit signal and a receive signal, and computer program products for the manufacture for carrying out the method of separating transmit signals and receive signals. |
| US08339214B2 |
Equalization system
An equalization system includes an adjustable equalization unit, a common-mode feedback unit connected with the equalization unit, a current balance driving unit connected with the feedback and equalization units, a first high-pass filter unit connected with the equalization unit, a second high-pass filter unit connected with the driving unit, a first low-pass filter unit connected with the equalization unit, a second low-pass filter unit connected with the driving unit, a first energy detection unit connected with two high-pass filter units, a second energy detection unit connected with two low-pass filter units, a first analog-to-digital converter unit connected with the first energy detection unit, a second analog-to-digital converter unit connected with the second energy detection unit and a state decision unit connected with two analog-to-digital converter units outputs a control signal for adjusting the equalization unit. It improves the signal quality of the receiver of the high-speed signal transmission system. |
| US08339209B2 |
Method for selecting natural frequency in resonant clock distribution networks with no inductor overhead
An inductor architecture for resonant clock distribution networks is described. This architecture allows for the adjustment of the natural frequency of a resonant clock distribution network, so that it achieves energy-efficient operation at multiple clock frequencies. The proposed architecture exhibits no inductor overheads. Such an architecture is generally applicable to semiconductor devices with multiple clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, ASICs, and SOCs. Moreover, it is applicable to the binning of semiconductor devices according to achievable performance levels. |
| US08339208B2 |
Method and apparatus for tuning frequency of LC-oscillators based on phase-tuning technique
A tunable multiphase ring oscillator includes a plurality of stages connected in series in a ring structure, where each stage generating a stage output from a stage input. Each stage of the tunable multiphase ring oscillator includes a plurality of trans-conductance cells, each generating an output from at least one portion of the stage input. Each stage further includes at least one phase shifting module for imparting at least one phase shift to the at least one portion of the stage input, an oscillator unit for generating the stage output from a combination of the plurality of outputs, and means for varying at least one of the plurality outputs so as to adjust a phase of the stage output. |
| US08339206B2 |
PLL
A PLL includes: a charge-pump equalizer which has a plurality of charge pumps generating charge currents according to phase-difference signals, each being generated by delaying the phase-difference signal by different times, adds and outputs the charge currents generated by the charge pumps; a replica circuit, having ideal characteristics of a loop filter and a voltage controlled oscillator, which input a digital value having phase difference of the phase-difference signals, and generates a replica output according to the ideal characteristics; and a coefficient generating circuit which smoothes correlation values of the difference signals and the phase-difference signals to generate charge pump coefficients, and negatively feeds back the same to the plurality of charge pumps. The charge pumps generate the charge currents each having current values corresponding to the charge pump coefficients. |
| US08339205B1 |
Low power wide-band amplifier with reused current
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first amplification block configured to receive a signal and a second amplification block configured to output the signal. The outputted signal is an amplified version of the signal. A circuit allows reuse of a second current flowing through the second amplification block by coupling the second current to pass through the first amplification block to increase a first current that flows through the first amplification block. Amplification of the signal is based on the increased first current that flows through the first amplification block. |
| US08339204B2 |
Semiconductor device
Power amplifier circuits which constitute an RF power module used for a digital device capable of handling high frequency signals in two frequency bands are disposed over the same IC chip. The power amplifier circuits are disposed around the IC chip, and a secondary circuit is disposed between the power amplifier circuits. Thus, the power amplifier circuits are provided within the same IC chip to enable a size reduction. Further, the distance between the power amplifier circuits is ensured even if the power amplifier circuits are provided within the same IC chip. It is therefore possible to suppress the coupling between the power amplifier circuits and restrain crosstalk between the power amplifier circuits. |
| US08339201B1 |
Wideband doherty amplifier circuit having a constant impedance combiner
A three way wideband Doherty amplifier circuit includes a first peaking amplifier operable to turn on at a first power level, a second peaking amplifier operable to turn on at a second power level below the first power level and a main power amplifier operable to turn on at all power levels. The main power amplifier has a high impedance load modulated state when the first and second peaking amplifiers are turned off. The three way wideband Doherty amplifier circuit further includes a constant impedance combiner connected to an output of each amplifier. The constant impedance combiner has a characteristic impedance which matches the impedance of the main amplifier in the high impedance load modulated state with or without an output matching device connecting the main amplifier output to the constant impedance combiner, as viewed from the output of the main amplifier. |
| US08339199B2 |
Pre-amplifier
A pre-amplifier comprises at least two PMOS transistors operated as source followers and two NMOS transistors operated as amplifiers, or, two NMOS transistors operated as source followers and two PMOS transistors operated as amplifiers to raise or reduce the voltage of input signals and at least four current sources with the same current value which can be adjusted according to the output load of the pre-amplifier. The MOS transistors have the same transconductance so that the minimum differential voltage can be attained. Since the differential signals change alternately, MOS transistors will switch among the three working status: cut-off, saturation and linear region. Because of the cut-off and linear region, the present invention can achieve the very low power consumption less than one third of the conventional one. |
| US08339198B2 |
Negative capacitance synthesis for use with differential circuits
Provided herein are methods and circuits that reduce a differential capacitance at differential nodes of a differential circuit while boosting the common mode capacitance at the differential nodes, where the differential circuit includes a pair of inputs and differential outputs. A negative capacitance is generated between differential nodes of the differential circuit, which can be accomplished by connecting a negative capacitance circuit between the differential nodes of the differential circuit. In an embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the differential outputs of the differential circuit. In another embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the inputs of the differential circuit. In still another embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the differential internal nodes (i.e., nodes other than the input and output nodes) of the differential circuit. |
| US08339197B2 |
Circuitry including matched transistor pairs
Matched bipolar transistor pairs for use in differential transistor pair circuitry, current mirror transistor pair circuitry and voltage reference transistor pair circuitry are disclosed. Each transistor in the pair includes a base, emitter and a collector region and a doped polysilicon emitter contact, a metal emitter contact and an metal emitter interconnect which makes an electrical connection to the emitter region by way of the metal emitter contact and the polysilicon emitter contact. The metal emitter interconnect is displaced latterly away from the emitter region so that no part of the metal emitter interconnect overlies any portion of the emitter region. |
| US08339194B2 |
Demodulator, a method for demodulating an ask signal and an on-board unit including the demodulator
A new demodulator with low power consumption and high gain which is suitable for CMOS integration is provided. The demodulator makes use of a MOS configured in a “common-source” status so as to achieve a desirable gain. |
| US08339189B2 |
High voltage current source and voltage expander in low voltage process
A high voltage current source and a voltage expander implemented in a low voltage semiconductor process. The voltage expander extends the operating voltage range of a stack of transistors to multiple times a supply voltage Vdd at the output node of the stack without exceeding the breakdown voltage of any of the transistors in the stack. The voltage expander uses a diode and a voltage divider to detect the output node voltage changes and generates a plurality of voltages that control the gate voltages for the stack of transistors. A high voltage wide swing current source utilizes a transistor to set the output current and the voltage expander to extend the output voltage range of the current setting transistor. An additional transistor and another current source ensure that the output current is constant throughout the entire output voltage range between about 0V and multiple times the supply voltage Vdd. |
| US08339188B1 |
Floating gate reference for sleep/hibernate regulator
A system includes power saving circuitry to revive a system controller from a sleep mode for performance of operations in an active mode. The system also includes a regulator including a floating gate reference device to generate output voltage and current capable of powering the power saving circuitry during the sleep mode. A method includes generating a reference voltage and current with a float gate device, and powering wake-up circuitry with the reference voltage and current while in a power saving mode. The wake-up circuitry is configured to activate a main system controller from the power saving mode. |
| US08339187B2 |
Charge pump systems and methods
Digital multilevel memory systems and methods include a charge pump for generating regulated high voltages for various memory operations. The charge pump may include a plurality of pump stages. Aspects of exemplary systems may include charge pumps that performs orderly charging and discharging at low voltage operation conditions. Additional aspects may include features that enable state by state pumping, for example, circuitry that avoids cascaded short circuits among pump stages. Each pump stage may also include circuitry that discharges its nodes, such as via self-discharge through associated pump interconnection(s). Further aspects may also include features that: assist power-up in the various pump stages, double voltage, shift high voltage levels, provide anti-parallel circuit configurations, and/or enable buffering or precharging features, such as self-buffering and self-precharging circuitry. |
| US08339184B2 |
Gate voltage boosting element for charge pump
Systems, methods, and devices that generate a desired boosted gate voltage to facilitate controlling a charge pump are presented. A multi-phase charge pump (e.g., two-phase CMOS charge pump) can comprise a desired number of switch cells (SCs), wherein each SC can include a gate boost switch control component, which employs two transistors (without the need for external circuitry), and generates a desired gate voltage, based at least in part on a desired clock signal, wherein the desired gate voltage is applied to a charge transfer switch, Mc, of the SC to facilitate transferring a voltage across the Mc to a node on the other side of the Mc, in each stage of the charge pump, wherein the SCs are associated with a desired number of flying capacitors to facilitate increasing the input voltage to a desired output voltage. |
| US08339183B2 |
Charge pump with reduced energy consumption through charge sharing and clock boosting suitable for high voltage word line in flash memories
A charge pump circuit for generating an output voltage is described. Charge pump circuits typically have two branches. As the clocks supplying the branches of a charge pump circuit alternate, the output of each branch will alternately provide an output voltage, which are then combined to form the pump output. The techniques described here allow charge to be transferred between the two branches, so that as the capacitor of one branch discharges, it is used to charge up the capacitor in the other branch. An exemplary embodiment using a voltage doubler-type of circuit, with the charge transfer between the branches accomplished using a switch controller by a boosted version of the clock signal, which is provided by a one-sided voltage doubler. |
| US08339182B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a signal output unit, and a decision unit. The signal output unit includes m (≧2) pieces of fuses, a NAND gate, resistance elements, and an output terminal. The decision unit decides whether n or more pieces (m≧n≧2) of fuses are disconnected out of the m pieces of fuses included in the signal output unit, and outputs the result of a decision. When m=n=2, the decision unit is constituted of a NOR gate having two input terminals connected to a respective end of the fuses. Thus, a H-level potential signal is output at an output terminal of the NOR gate when the decision result is affirmative. On the other hand, when the decision result is negative, a L-level potential signal is output at the output terminal. |
| US08339181B2 |
Low-side driver high-voltage transient protection circuit
A low-side driver circuit includes a low-side driver integrated circuit and a controllable switch. The low-side driver integrated circuit is responsive to an on-off command input signal to selectively operate in an ON mode and an OFF mode. The controllable switch is responsive to the on-off command signal to selectively operate in a CLOSED mode and an OPEN mode. The low-side driver integrated circuit and the controllable switch are configured to simultaneously operate in the ON mode and the CLOSED mode, respectively, and in the OFF mode and the OPEN mode, respectively. During a voltage transient the potential will be realized across the controllable switch, thus protecting the lower voltage rated low-side integrated circuit. |
| US08339179B2 |
Radio frequency (RF) power detector suitable for use in automatic gain control (AGC)
In one form, a power converter for a power detector or the like includes first and third transistors of a first conductivity type, and second and fourth transistors of a second conductivity type. A control electrode of the first transistor receives a first bias voltage plus a positive component of a differential input signal. The second transistor is coupled in series with the first transistor and has a control electrode receiving a second bias voltage plus a negative component of the differential input signal. The third transistor is biased using the first bias voltage plus the negative component. The fourth transistor is coupled in series with the third transistor and is biased using the second bias voltage plus the positive component. A common interconnection point of the first and third transistors forms an output node. |
| US08339176B2 |
System and method for providing a low-power self-adjusting reference current for floating supply stages
A system and method for providing an accurate current reference using a low-power current source is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a system comprises a first section and a second section. The first section comprises a first simple current reference, an accurate current reference, and a circuit that generates a digital error signal based upon a comparison of an output of the first simple current reference and an output of the accurate current reference. The second section comprises a second simple current reference providing a second reference current, an adjustment circuit providing an adjustment current based upon the digital error signal, and a circuit biased with current equivalent to a summation of the second reference current and the adjustment current. The first simple current reference and the second simple current reference may be equivalent circuits. |
| US08339169B2 |
Device for capturing and transferring a measured value, series connection, system for capturing and transferring measured values, and household appliance
A device includes a logic circuit having first, second, and third input ports, a first output port, and a feedback path between the first output port and the third input port. In a first operating state, a logic state change at the first input port triggers a logic state change at the first output port, but a logic state change at the third input port does not trigger a logic state change at the first output port. This allows signals to be routed through the device. In a second operating state, a logic state change of the third input port triggers a logic state change of the first output port. This change is fed back, delayed by a time value, to the third input to maintain an oscillation with at least two edges. The frequency of this oscillation is used to determine a value of a measurement variable. |
| US08339168B2 |
Pulse-width modulation circuit, a device including the same and a method for pulse-width modulation
A PWM circuit comprises: a charge and discharge circuit to receive a initial signal and, according to the initial signal, increase a voltage at an output end of thereof linearly or decrease the voltage; a comparator with a positive input end to receive a control signal and a negative input end connected to the output end of the charge and discharge circuit; a voltage transmission circuit with a first input end to receive the initial signal and a second input end to receive an output of the comparator, the voltage transmission circuit is configured to transmit the initial signal to an output end of the voltage transmission circuit when the output of the comparator is digital 1, and output digital 0 when the output of the comparator is digital 0. |
| US08339167B2 |
Apparatus and method for trimming static delay of a synchronizing circuit
A system and method for trimming an unadjusted forward delay of a delay-locked loop (DLL) and trimming a duty cycle of first and second output clock signals provided by a DLL. For trimming an unadjusted forward delay, delay is added to one of a feedback clock signal path and an input clock signal path and a feedback clock signal is provided from the feedback clock signal path and an input clock signal is provided from the input clock signal path for phase comparison. For trimming a duty cycle of first and second output clock signals, one of a first delayed input clock signal and a second delayed input clock signal is delayed. The first and second delayed input clock signals are complementary. The delayed clock signal and the other clock signal are provided as the first and second output clock signals. |
| US08339165B2 |
Configurable digital-analog phase locked loop
A phase locked loop (PLL) device is configurable in an analog phase locked loop and a hybrid analog-digital phase locked loop. In an analog mode, at least a phase detector, an analog loop filter, and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), are connected to form an analog loop. In a digital mode, at least the phase detector, the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a time to digital converter (TDC), a digital loop filter and a digital to analog converter (DAC) are connected to form the hybrid digital-analog loop. |
| US08339164B2 |
Antenna driving device
The antenna driving device of the present invention is composed of a trapezoidal-wave signal generating circuit for generating a trapezoidal-wave signal from a reculangular-wave signal having a predetermined frequency; and a trapezoidal-wave signal amplifying circuit for amplifying the trapezoidal-wave signal and feeding the amplified signal to an antenna load. |
| US08339160B2 |
Clock generating device and jitter reducing method in the clock generating device
A clock generating device includes: a DDS circuit that generates a periodic signal; and a comparator that compares an input signal and a reference signal and outputs a binary signal. The clock generating device includes a rate-of-change correcting unit that applies correction for increasing a rate of change at a crossing point with the reference signal to the periodic signal generated by the DDS circuit. |
| US08339159B2 |
Input buffer circuit of semiconductor apparatus
The input buffer circuit of a semiconductor apparatus includes a first buffering unit that that is activated by a voltage level difference between a first voltage terminal and a second voltage terminal, and generates a first compare signal and a second compare signal by comparing the voltage levels of reference voltage and an input signal; a control unit that controls the amount of current flowing between the second voltage terminal and a ground terminal by comparing the voltage levels of the reference voltage and the second compare signal; and a second buffering unit that generates an output signal by comparing the voltage levels of the input signal and the first compare signal. |
| US08339158B2 |
High speed dynamic comparative latch
A dynamic high-speed comparative latch comprises a pre-amplifier unit for enlarging input differential signals, a regenerating latch unit for latching outputted differential signals from the pre-amplifier unit by using a positive feedback, specifically, converting the output of the pre-amplifier unit into a latched result at a first state of a clock cycle, and then retaining the latched result and simultaneously resetting relevant nodes at a second state opposite to the first state of the clock cycle, and a latch unit for outputting the effective outputted value of the regenerating latch unit when the regenerating latch unit being in a retaining state. The pre-amplifier unit is connected with the regenerating latch unit, and the regenerating latch unit is connected with the latch unit. The pre-amplifier unit comprises only one input clock signal. The present invention has a simple structure, and ensures the correctness of the output result of the latch. |
| US08339156B2 |
Method and apparatus for high resolution ZQ calibration
A method is disclosed for controlling an output impedance of an electronic device of the type having an impedance control terminal to which an external load is to be connected such that a predetermined value of the voltage at the impedance control terminal controls the output impedance of the device. The method is comprised of comparing a reference voltage to a voltage at the impedance control terminal. A variable count signal representing a count value is produced in response to the comparing. The impedance of a variable impedance circuit is varied in response to the count signal, wherein the impedance of the variable impedance circuit controls the voltage at the impedance control terminal. A device connected in parallel with the variable impedance circuit is periodically operated to change (increase/decrease) the impedance of the variable impedance circuit. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
| US08339147B2 |
Arrangement for producing an electric field and sensor device including same
A circuit arrangement has a field producing electrode device which is connected in an LC network and exposed to a spatial area of the field such that the capacity of the capacitor system with the electrode device alters according to dielectric properties of material present in the spatial area, an insulating layer extending on a rear side of the field electrode device which is oriented away from the spatial area, a screening electrode device which extends on the rear side of the insulating layer which is oriented away from the field electrode device and a field extinction electrode device which has an electrode surface which is oriented towards an extinction area. The field expansion electrode device and the field extinction electrode device are arranged such and impinged upon by a voltage that the spatial area of the field and the extinction area are superimposed on each other in sections. |
| US08339144B2 |
Test fixture for testing positioning of connector
A test fixture for testing positioning of a connector includes a support, a housing mounted on the support, a movable block received within in the housing, a power module set inside of the movable block, a conductive block mounted on the power module, a probe element aligned with the conductive block, and a light-emitting element electrically connected to the power module and the probe element. The movable block is movably mounted on the support, and includes an extending portion. When the connector is precisely positioned in a slot of an electronic device and the extending portion is inserted into the slot of the electronic device, the movable block is resisted by the connector to be driven to move such that the conductive block contacts the probe element, thereby turning on the light-emitting element. |
| US08339139B2 |
System and method for testing a circuit
In one embodiment, a sensor for circuit testing has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is configured to be coupled to a first node of a first circuit via a first capacitor, and the second terminal is configured to be coupled to a second node of the first circuit. The sensor also has at least one transmitter and at least one receiver that measures a first transmission factor between the first terminal and the second terminal. The sensor determines that the first circuit is in a first state if the first transmission factor is above a first threshold, and determines that the first circuit is in a second state if the first transmission factor is below the first threshold. |
| US08339133B2 |
Thin film fluxgate sensor
A fluxgate magnetic field sensor including an excitation current conductor (4) and a layer of saturable magnetic material cladding (6) having a plurality of feed-through channels (16) extending between opposed faces of the cladding layer, the excitation current conductor weaving through a plurality of said feed-through channels. |
| US08339132B2 |
Magnetic detection device
A magnetic detection device of the present invention includes at least one pair of first magnetosensitive bodies each comprising a soft magnetic material extending in a first axis direction and being sensitive to an external magnetic field oriented in the first axis direction; and a magnetic field direction changer comprising a soft magnetic material and changing an external magnetic field oriented in a different axis direction from the first axis direction into a measurement magnetic field having a component in the first axis direction which can be detected by the at least one pair of first magnetosensitive bodies. With this magnetic detection device, the external magnetic field oriented in the different axis direction can be detected by way of the first magnetosensitive bodies. As a result, while attaining magnetic detection with high accuracy, the magnetic detection device can be reduced in size or thickness by omitting a magnetosensitive body extending long in the different axis direction. |
| US08339131B2 |
Electric field sensor with electrode interleaving vibration
An electric field sensor comprising: a substrate having a hole; a shielding electrode and a sensing electrode, disposed in the hole of the substrate; a piezoelectric bar having one end connected to the center of the shielding electrode, the other end fixed on the substrate. Present invention provides several electric field sensors, which have the same feature of utilizing electrodes interleaving vibration to modulate external electric field. They have IC-compatible operation voltage and small volume. |
| US08339130B2 |
Method and apparatus for evaluating length of defect in eddy current testing
The surface length of a metal subject to be inspected is evaluated by detecting an eddy current without using a combination of a scale and visual or liquid penetrant inspection. An exciting coil and a detecting coil are scanned above the subject in a length direction. An eddy current detector measures an output voltage corresponding to scanning positions based on an output from the detecting coil. Based on an output voltage distribution curve indicating a distribution of output voltages corresponding to the scanning positions, position information is extracted corresponding to values which are within a differential voltage range and lower by 12 dB than a maximum value of the output voltages on the left and right sides of the distribution. A distance between the positions included in the extracted information is calculated to evaluate the length of a slit which is a defect present on the subject surface. |
| US08339128B2 |
Magnetic-disturber detection method and detector, object-localizing method and system, recording medium for these methods
This method for detecting a magnetic disturber method comprises: the measurement (52) of the magnetic field emitted by the emitter by at least two triaxial sensors placed at different known positions, for each sensor, the determining, (54) from the magnetic field measured by this sensor, of the coordinates of a direction vector collinear with an axis passing through the geometrical center of the emitter and the geometrical center of this sensor, the geometrical center of the emitter being the point at which there is located a magnetic field point source which models this emitter and the sensor being capable of being modeled by a point transducer situated at a point where the magnetic field is measured and constituting the geometrical center of this sensor, verification (56;70) that the smallest distance between the axes, each collinear each with one of the direction vectors, is smaller than a predetermined limit, and if this is not the case, the reporting (64) of the presence of a magnetic disturber and, in the contrary situation, not making this report. |
| US08339127B2 |
Rotation sensor unit
In a rotation sensor unit, a lid 6 is pressed against a housing 2 to push an outer race 11 of a rolling bearing 1, thereby applying a preload to the bearing 1 and increasing the rigidity of the bearing 1, so as to prevent run-out of a shaft 3. An encoder 42 is supported on this shaft 3, and a magnetic sensor element 41 is supported on the lid 6, which is pressed against the housing 2. Thus, it is possible to prevent displacement of the magnetic sensor element 41 and the encoder 42 relative to each other. The shaft 3, lid 6 and outer race 11, etc. are made of a soft magnetic material to define a magnetically shielded space between one axial end surface of the shaft 3 and the lid 6, with the magnetic sensor element 41 mounted in the magnetically shielded space. |
| US08339125B2 |
Magnetic pole position detecting device and method
A magnetic pole position detecting device correctly acquires magnetic pole position even if two magnetic sensors are arranged at an arbitrary interval. The magnetic pole position detecting device receives the input of sensor outputs “a” and “b” of two magnetic sensors arranged at a predetermined interval L along a magnetic pole arraying direction and a phase difference φ between the two sensor outputs “a” and “b”. When sin φ>δ, the magnetic pole position detecting device divides a·sin φ by b−a·cos φ to calculate tan θ and outputs a magnetic pole position θ=tan−1 {a·sin φ/(b−a·cos φ)}. When sin φ≦δ, because a=sin θ and b=cos(θ+φ), the magnetic pole position detecting device outputs magnetic pole position θ={sin−1(a)+sin−1(b)−φ}/2. Because φ=2π×L/(a magnetic pole pitch or the number of poles), by using φ as a correction coefficient for the two sensor outputs “a” and “b”, magnetic pole position error can be canceled even when the interval L is different from a theoretical value. |
| US08339123B2 |
Portable electronic device with electronic compass and method for calibrating compass
A calibrating method for a portable electronic device having azimuth device such as an electronic compass is disclosed. The calibrating method can be achieved by checking at least one sensor in the portable device incorporating the electronic compass configured in the portable device, so as to effectively detect and verify a temporary abnormal magnetic field caused by a stylus movement. When the electronic compass detects an abnormal magnetic field, the operation status of the sensor is checked for any change existence. If the operation status of the sensors changes, the abnormal magnetic field is verified as a temporary magnetic filed due to the movement of the stylus, in which case the electronic compass passes the calibration and goes on detecting the geomagnetic field according to its default setting value. |
| US08339120B2 |
Measurement apparatus, reproduction apparatus, and measurement method
A measurement apparatus includes a moving average calculation section and a convergence judgment section. The moving average calculation section calculates a moving average by inputting a phase error between a phase of an input signal and a target phase, that is detected by a phase-locked loop circuit. The convergence judgment section judges that the phase-locked loop circuit is not converged when an absolute value of the moving average is equal to or larger than a first threshold value and judges that the phase-locked loop circuit is converged when the absolute value of the moving average is smaller than the first threshold value. |
| US08339119B2 |
Output voltage adjustment circuit for buck circuits
An output voltage adjustment circuit for buck circuits includes a microcontroller, first to eighth keys, and a display unit. The first to eighth keys input voltage adjustment signals to the microcontroller. A first input pin of the microcontroller is connected to a voltage output terminal. A second resistor is connected between the first input pin of the microcontroller and ground. A first to a sixth input/output pin of the microcontroller are connected to the display unit. A first to an eighth output pin of the microcontroller are connected to a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller. The first to eighth keys are selectively activated to provide voltage adjustment signals to the microcontroller, sampling output voltages of the voltage output terminal, comparing with a predetermined voltage, controlling the PWM controller to fine tune the duty cycle to output a stable voltage from the voltage output terminal. The display unit displays the voltages on the voltage output terminal. |
| US08339118B2 |
Adaptive bias current generator methods and apparatus
In one aspect, a method of reducing power consumption in a circuit by adaptive bias current generation of a bias current configured to bias, at least in part, at least one amplifier of the circuit is provided. The method comprises establishing the bias current based, at least in part, on a reference frequency of a reference clock providing a clock signal to at least one component of the circuit, and changing the bias current in response to a change in the reference frequency of the at least one reference clock, the bias current being change non-linearly with respect to the change in the reference frequency of the at least one reference clock. In another aspect, the method comprises establishing the bias current based, at least in part, on a capacitance of a reference capacitor, and changing the bias current in response to a change in the capacitance of the reference capacitor such that the bias current is changed non-linearly with respect to changes in the capacitance of the reference capacitor. |
| US08339117B2 |
Start-up circuit element for a controlled electrical supply
Electrical supply apparatus comprising a start-up circuit element coupled to an output element for ensuring reliable start-up when first connected to a source of power. The start-up circuit element comprises first and second branches with current mirror coupling therebetween. The first branch comprises first and second transistors of opposite polarities for connection in series between the source of power and ground and a leakage path to ground in parallel with the second transistor for start-up current for the first transistor of the first branch in response to application of voltage from the source of power. The current mirror coupling between the first and second branches responds to start-up of the first transistor of the first branch to start up a first transistor of the second branch and provide start-up current to the output element. The second branch may comprise a control element connected to turn off the second transistor of the first branch on start up of the output element and turn off the first transistors. Alternatively, the start-up circuit may have elements common with the output circuit and remain conductive after the output circuit starts. |
| US08339116B2 |
DC/DC converter including ultrasonic feature for use with low quiescent currents
A buck voltage converter comprises an upper switching transistor connected between an input voltage node and a phase node. The upper switching transistor turns on and off responsive to a first drive signal. A lower switching transistor is connected between the phase node and ground. The lower switching transistor turns on and off responsive to a second drive signal. An inductor is connected the phase node and an output voltage node. Control circuitry generates the first drive signal and the second drive signal responsive to a feedback voltage monitored at the output voltage node and a phase at the phase node. In a pulse frequency mode voltage of operation the control circuitry turns off the upper switching transistor and turns on the lower switching transistor responsive to a determination that a predetermined period of time has occurred since a detection of a phase switch at the phase node and turns off both the upper switching transistors and the lower switching after the lower switching transistor has been turned on for a second predetermined period of time. |
| US08339113B2 |
Buck switch-mode power converter large signal transient response optimizer
A switch mode power supply (SMPS) response to a disturbance is improved by using a hysteretic control in combination with a fixed frequency, pulse-width modulated (PWM) controller for providing robust control and optimizing the response to disturbances in buck or buck derived switch mode power supply (SMPS) system topologies. |
| US08339105B2 |
Power management arrangement for a mobile device
A power management arrangement for a mobile device comprising a digital circuit block and an analog circuit block, the power management arrangement being arranged to supply a first voltage to the analog circuit and a second voltage to the digital circuit, the power management arrangement comprising: an input unit adapted to receive input voltages from a plurality of power sources; a first voltage regulator coupled to the input unit and for supplying the first voltage; a second voltage regulator for supplying the second voltage and arranged to be selectively coupled to one of the first voltage regulator and input unit; and control logic adapted to select which of the received input voltages from the plurality of power sources provides power to the first and second voltage regulators, and to determine the magnitude of the first and second voltages supplied by the first and second voltage regulators. |
| US08339100B2 |
Systems and methods for cell balancing
A method for balancing multiple battery cells which are grouped into multiple battery modules includes: obtaining cell parameters of the battery cells, respectively; calculating an average cell parameter for each of the battery modules according to the cell parameters; identifying a donator module and a receiver module from the battery modules based upon the average cell parameter; and transferring energy from the donator module to the receiver module to balance the battery cells. |
| US08339097B2 |
Non-contact power transfer apparatus
A non-contact power transfer apparatus includes a power transmission unit including a power transmission coil, a power transmission circuit, a current detection circuit, and a unit detection means and a first microcomputer with a control circuit for controlling each of the circuits. The non-contact power transfer apparatus also includes a power reception unit having a power reception coil, a rectification smoothing circuit, a series regulator, a charge battery unit with a rechargeable battery, a switching element for pulse-charging and a second microcomputer with a control circuit for controlling the series regulator and the switching element. As such, the power reception unit receives power via the power reception coil, while the rectification smoothing circuit and series regulator generate a set voltage. The set voltage is used to start the second microcomputer to apply an initial reset and a pulse pattern as an ID authentication pattern to the switching element. |
| US08339096B2 |
Wireless power receiving device
To provide a wireless power receiving device and an electronic device having the wireless power receiving device whose production costs do not increase even when frequency of electromagnetic waves received for power supply varies. Further, to provide a wireless power receiving device capable of power transmission without disconnection or poor connection when a load supplied with electricity and a battery connected to an antenna are manufactured in different steps. A power transmitter and receiver portion having first and second antenna circuits and a battery portion and a load portion having a third antenna circuit are provided to charge a battery of the battery portion with a first radio signal received at the first antenna circuit and transmit electricity stored in the battery portion as a second radio signal from the second antenna circuit to the third antenna circuit so that the third antenna circuit supplies electricity to the load. |
| US08339095B2 |
Battery pack, charging device, and electronic device
A charging device capable of appropriately grasping the charged state of a battery pack using data stored in a memory of the battery pack even when the battery pack becomes commercial as a new product. A charging device determines charged state data indicative of a charged state of a battery pack mounted thereon based on a charging current supplied and/or a charging voltage applied to the battery pack. A charge control microcomputer reads charging characteristics data from a memory of the battery pack, and generates a data table associating at least one of the charging current supplied and the charging voltage applied to the battery pack and the charged state data with each other, based on the charging characteristics data read out. The microcomputer determines charged state data indicative of a charged state of the battery pack, based on the generated data table. |
| US08339094B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for overmodulation of a five-phase machine
Methods, system and apparatus are provided for overmodulation of a five-phase machine in a vector controlled motor drive system that includes a five-phase PWM controlled inverter module that drives the five-phase machine. Techniques for overmodulating a reference voltage vector are provided to optimize voltage command signals that control a five-phase inverter module to increase output voltages generated by the five-phase inverter module. |
| US08339093B2 |
System and method of dynamic regulation of real power to a load
A system and method for controlling an AC motor drive includes a control system programmed with an energy algorithm configured to optimize operation of the motor drive. Specifically, the control system receives input of an initial voltage-frequency command to the AC motor drive, receives a real-time output of the AC motor drive generated according to the initial voltage-frequency command, and determines a real-time value of a motor parameter based on the real-time output of the AC motor drive. The control system also inputs a plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands to the AC motor drive, determines the real-time value of the motor parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands, and identifies an optimal value of the motor parameter based on the real-time values of the motor parameter. The control system maintains an input of a current modified voltage-frequency command when the real-time value of the motor parameter corresponds to the optimal value of the motor parameter. |
| US08339082B2 |
Methods and systems for induction motor control
A method is provided for controlling an induction motor having a rotor. The method includes receiving a torque command; comparing the torque command to a threshold torque value; generating, with a first estimation module, a first estimated rotor resistance when the torque command is less than or equal to the threshold torque value; generating, with a second estimation module, a second estimated rotor resistance when the torque command is greater than the threshold torque value; and generating control signals for the induction motor based on the first estimated rotor resistance or the second estimated rotor resistance. |
| US08339080B2 |
Motor control apparatus and electric power steering system using the same
A motor control apparatus has an inverter circuit, which includes FETs for converting electric power supplied to a motor. A capacitor is provided between a battery and the inverter circuit. A pull-up resistor connects a V-phase of the motor to a high potential side of the battery. A power supply relay permits or interrupts current flow from the battery to the capacitor and the motor. A microcomputer controls the power supply relay and the motor. The microcomputer turns on a low-side FET of a V-phase under a condition that the power supply relay is interrupting the current flow before the motor is started. Electric charge stored in the capacitor is discharged to a low potential side of the battery through the pull-up resistor. |
| US08339076B2 |
Electric motor drive control apparatus
An electric motor drive control apparatus includes a detection angle obtaining section that obtains the detection angle of the resolver; a correction information storage section that stores correction information for correcting the detection angle, in association with a modulation ratio that is a ratio of an effective value of a fundamental wave component of the AC voltage to the system voltage; and a detection angle correcting section that obtains the correction information from the correction information storage section, based on the modulation ratio at the time the detection angle obtaining section obtains the detection. |
| US08339075B2 |
Method for controlling a deceleration process of a DC motor and controller
Consistent with an example embodiment there is a method for controlling a deceleration process of a DC motor, wherein the DC motor is driven by a bridge driver coupled to a power supply intended to provide a supply voltage VDD at a power supply output. The method comprises applying a deceleration PWM signal to the bridge driver for decelerating the DC motor, and controlling the bridge driver such that a motor-induced back current is reduced, if the voltage at the power supply output exceeds a first voltage threshold which is higher than VDD. In accordance with the example embodiment, the method includes the following: if the voltage at the power supply output falls below a second voltage threshold which is lower than the first voltage threshold, control of the bridge driver is terminated such that the motor-induced back current is reduced. |
| US08339066B2 |
Energy saving lighting systems and units providing coordinated operation of holding current units
Holding current circuits in light sources controlled by a dimmer are operated in a coordinated manner to maintain proper operation of the dimmer without wasting energy. A plurality of light sources each including a separate holding current circuit may be controlled by a dimmer. The holding current units are selectively disabled and/or a maximum holding current drawn by the holding current units are selectively adjusted to maintain a desired current draw. |
| US08339065B2 |
Driving circuit and illumination apparatus using the same
An illumination apparatus including an LED comprises a battery holder, an AC/DC adapter interface, an LED unit, and a switch unit. The battery holder is configured to receive a battery. The AC/DC adapter interface is connected to an AC/DC adapter. When the AC/DC adapter is not connected to the AC/DC adapter interface, the switch unit is turned on to allow the driving unit to receive power from the battery. When the AC/DC adapter is connected to the AC/DC adapter interface, the switch unit is turned off to allow the driving unit to receive power from the AC/DC adapter. A driving circuit applied in an illumination apparatus is also provided. |
| US08339063B2 |
Circuits and methods for driving light sources
A driving circuit includes a first inductor coupled in series with a light source for providing power to the light source. A controller coupled to the first inductor can control a switch coupled to the first inductor, thereby controlling a current flowing through the first inductor. A current sensor coupled to the first inductor can provide a first signal indicative of the current flowing through the first inductor, regardless of whether the switch is on or off. The switch is controlled according to the first signal. A second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor is also electrically coupled to the first inductor via a common node between the switch and the first inductor for providing a reference ground for the controller. The reference ground is different from the ground of the driving circuit. |
| US08339061B2 |
Illuminating system having sequential color filtering and a high-pressure discharge lamp
The invention relates to a novel operating method and corresponding ballast for illuminating systems having temporally sequential color filtering and a high-pressure discharge lamp operated by alternating current. In this case, at least three commutations of the lamp current are used within a color filtering sequence, in order to be able to operate the lamp advantageously without an excessive increase in the operating frequency of the color filter system. |
| US08339057B2 |
Circuit arrangement, and method for the operation of a high-pressure discharge lamp
A circuit arrangement for operating a high-pressure discharge lamp with an electronic ballast, which is designed to provide an AC feed signal for the high-pressure discharge lamp, the frequency of the AC feed signal being at least 1 MHz, wherein the electronic ballast is adapted to modulate the amplitude of the AC feed signal. |
| US08339056B1 |
Lamp ballast with protection circuit for input arcing and line interruption
An electronic lamp ballast is provided with first and second protection circuits responsive to mains input fault conditions. A controller includes a first input terminal coupled to a power supply circuit and effective to receive a power supply input voltage provided thereby, and a second input terminal coupled to an output sensing circuit and effective to receive a feedback voltage provided thereby. The first protection circuit includes circuitry to sense a fault condition in a mains power input to the ballast and to discharge the power supply input voltage in response to a sensed fault condition. The second protection circuit includes circuitry to sense a discharge of the power supply input voltage to the controller and to discharge the feedback voltage in response to the sensed discharge of the power supply input voltage. |
| US08339053B2 |
LED dimming apparatus
An LED dimming includes: current adjusting means (constant current circuit) for variably controlling a magnitude of a current flowing through an LED load; switching means (transistor) for intermittently controlling the current flowing through the LED load; and dimming controlling means (microcomputer) for controlling the current adjusting means and the switching means upon receiving a dimming signal outputted from a dimmer. In a case where the dimming signal outputted from the dimmer is on a higher brightness side than a predetermined level, the dimming controlling means flows a continuous current though the LED load, and dims the LED load based on a magnitude of the flowing current, and in a case where the dimming signal outputted from the dimmer is on a lower brightness side than the predetermined level, the dimming controlling means flows a pulse current through the LED load, and changes a mean value of waveforms of the pulse current, thereby dims the LED load. In this LED dimming apparatus, noise is less likely to occur even in a case where such an LED current is large, and brightness is less likely to vary even in a case where a dimming degree is increased. |
| US08339050B2 |
Light emitting diode driving circuit and light emitting diode array device
There is provided an LED driving circuit including: at least one ladder network circuit including: (n+1) number of first branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of first middle junction points between a first junction point and a second junction point, where n denotes an integer satisfying n≧2, (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of second middle junction points between the first junction point and the second junction point, the (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with the first branches; and n number of middle branches connecting the first and second middle junction points of an identical m sequence to each other, respectively, wherein each of the first and second, and middle branches comprises at least one LED device. |
| US08339045B2 |
Lighting structure
The lighting structure of the present invention can be installed in a cupboard, a wardrobe, a filing cabinet or another structural object requiring an auxiliary light source. The lighting structure comprises: a body provided with a lamp and an electrical circuit; and a base adapted to be installed on the structural object and joined with the body. The electrical circuit comprises a vibration sensing element, a control element and an electric power supplying portion. The electric power supplying portion is configured to supply electric power necessary for operation of the electrical circuit. When the lighting structure is vibrated, the vibration sensing element outputs an electrical signal to the control element so that the control element chooses to turn on or off the lamp correspondingly. |
| US08339038B2 |
Light-emitting device
To provide a bright and highly reliable light-emitting device. An anode (102), an EL layer (103), a cathode (104), and an auxiliary electrode (105) are formed sequentially in lamination on a reflecting electrode (101). Further, the anode (102), the cathode (104), and the auxiliary electrode (105) are either transparent or semi-transparent with respect to visible radiation. In such a structure, lights generated in the EL layer (103) are almost all irradiated to the side of the cathode (104), whereby an effect light emitting area of a pixel is drastically enhanced. |
| US08339033B2 |
Light emitting element and display device
A light emitting element includes a resonator structure which has a first reflecting member, a second reflecting member, and a light emission layer placed between the first reflecting member and the second reflecting member, and part of light resonated between the first reflecting member and the second reflecting member is transmitted through the first reflecting member or the second reflecting member in the resonator structure. A wavelength at which a resonator output spectrum from the resonator structure has a maximum value is located between a wavelength at which an inner light emission spectrum of the light emission layer has a maximum value and a wavelength at which relative luminous efficiency has a maximum value. |
| US08339031B2 |
Substrate for an organic light-emitting device, use and process for manufacturing this substrate, and organic light-emitting device
A substrate for an organic light-emitting device, especially a transparent glass substrate, which includes, on a first main face, a bottom electrode film, the electrode film being formed from a thin-film multilayer coating comprising, in succession, at least: a contact layer based on a metal oxide and/or a metal nitride; a metallic functional layer having an intrinsic electrical conductivity property; an overlayer based on the metal oxide and/or a metal nitride, especially for matching the work function of said electrode film, said substrate including a base layer, said base layer covering said main face. |
| US08339028B2 |
Multicolor light emitting diodes
A device such as a multicolor light emitting diode that emits different colors of light and that may combine the different colors emitted by individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may include a common anode terminal that may be connected to each anode of the individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may be a five terminal multicolor LED. Additionally, the multicolor LED may include two anode terminals, in which the first anode terminal may be a common anode terminal connected to three of the individual color LEDs and the second anode terminal may be connected to an anode of a white LED. In this embodiment, the multicolor LED may be a six terminal multicolor LED. |
| US08339027B2 |
Field emission device with electron emission unit at intersection and field emission display using the same
A field emission display includes an insulating substrate, a number of first electrode down-leads, a number of second electrode down-leads, and a number of electron emission units. The first electrode down-leads are set an angle relative to the second electrode down-leads to define a number of cells and a number of intersections. Each electron emission unit is located at one of the plurality of intersections and in at least two adjacent cells. The electron emission unit includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of electron emitters. The second electrode extends surrounding the first electrode. The plurality of electron emitters located on and electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. A field emission display is also provided. |
| US08339018B2 |
Laminated piezoelectric element, ejection device, fuel ejection system, and method for manufacturing laminated piezoelectric element
Provided is a highly durable laminated piezoelectric element wherein a stress generated at a portion, i.e., the boundary between an active region and inactive region, is reduced. A method for manufacturing such laminated piezoelectric element is also provided. The laminated piezoelectric element has a laminated structure (15) wherein a plurality of piezoelectric layers (11) and internal electrode layers (13) are alternately laminated. The piezoelectric layer (11) contains a metal element other than those elements constituting piezoelectric ceramic, i.e., the main component of the piezoelectric layer (11), and at a portion (11a) of the piezoelectric layer (11) at the vicinity of an end of the internal electrode layer (13), metal particles having a metal element as a main component exist. The content of the metal at the portion (11a) at the vicinity of the end is higher than the content of a compound of the metal element and a nonmetal element. |
| US08339016B2 |
Vibration wave driving device
A vibration wave driving device comprises a vibrator having an electromechanical conversion device, a supporting member for supporting the vibrator, and a driven member brought into contact with a part of the vibrator driven frictionally by vibration excited in the vibrator: the supporting member comprising a vibration portion vibrating together with the vibrator, a fixation portion for fixing the supporting member, and a support portion for connecting the vibration portion with the fixation portion and supporting the vibrator; and the support portion being comprised of a laminate of sheets. |
| US08339015B2 |
Elastic wave device and method for manufacturing the same
An elastic wave device includes a piezoelectric thin film formed from a piezoelectric single crystal substrate by peeling, an inorganic layer formed on a rear surface of the piezoelectric thin film, an elastic layer disposed on a surface of the inorganic layer opposite to the piezoelectric thin film, and a support member adhered to a surface of the elastic layer opposite to the inorganic layer. The elastic layer reduces stress generated when the piezoelectric thin film provided with the inorganic layer and the support member are adhered to each other and has a predetermined elastic modulus. The inorganic layer is formed of a material having a higher elastic modulus than that of the elastic layer and prevents damping generated when the elastic layer is provided. |
| US08339012B2 |
Electret and electrostatic induction conversion device comprising the same
To provide an electret whose surface potential is improved and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising the same, an electret is formed by spin-coating a fluorine-containing polymer composition for coating which contains a fluorine-containing polymer having a ring structure in its main chain, a silane coupling agent, an aprotic fluorine-containing solvent, and a fluorine-containing alcohol as a protic fluorine-containing solvent on a copper substrate and baking it. |
| US08339007B2 |
Magnetic control circuit separation slit
An electric alternator/motor having a stator with at least two non-overlapping sectors is provided. Each sector includes a first winding, first and second magnetic circuits and a saturation control assembly. A cross-talk reduction feature, such as a peripheral slit is provided between each sector of the stator for impeding magnetic flux crossing between the sectors. |
| US08339003B2 |
Gear motor including a compact multiple-phase electric motor
The invention relates to a gear motor including a multiple-phase electric motor formed by a stator portion excited by electric coils and by a rotor having N pairs of poles radially magnetised in alternating directions, the stator portion including two angular sectors alpha-1 and alpha-2 with respective radii R1 and R2, and wide teeth and narrow teeth radially extending from an annular crown, characterized in that the wide teeth have a width higher than or equal to twice the width of the narrow teeth, in that the notch width is higher than the width of a narrow tooth, in that the angular sector alpha-1 is lower than 220° and includes all the coils, and in that the ratio R1/R2 ranges from 1.2 to 2. |
| US08339000B2 |
Electric machine with isolated ground electronics
An electrical system for a vehicle comprises a battery including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and an alternator. The alternator includes a metal housing with a rotor and a stator positioned within the housing. The alternator further includes an electronics package positioned on the alternator housing. The electronics package includes a regulator and a rectifier, the rectifier including a plurality of negative diodes and a plurality of positive diodes. The plurality of positive diodes are positioned on a first diode carrier that is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The plurality of positive diodes are positioned on a second diode carrier that is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The first diode carrier is separated from the housing by an electrical insulation member positioned between the first diode carrier and the housing. |
| US08338999B2 |
Brushless motor
The brushless motor includes a stator having a electromagnetic coil and a position sensor; an axis fixed to the stator; and a rotor having a permanent magnet. The rotor rotates around the axis. The rotor is linked to a driven member that is driven by the brushless motor. |
| US08338997B2 |
Power tool
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool including: a motor that generates a rotational force; a power transmission mechanism that is driven by the motor to transmit the rotational force and that is connected to a bit; and a housing that houses the motor and the power transmission mechanism therein, wherein an electric fan for cooling the power transmission mechanism or the motor is provided inside the housing, wherein the power transmission mechanism, the motor and the electric fan are arranged in this order from front, and wherein the electric fan is disposed at a rear side so as to be interposed between the motor and a back wall of the housing. |
| US08338986B2 |
System and method for employing an on-machine power supply with monitoring and control capability
A method for providing power to devices in a network and coordinating actions of multiple power supplies on the network is described. The method may include maintaining connectivity of communication signals and ground between upstream and downstream portions of the network relative to a power supply, while terminating power from an upstream power supply and taking over power supply functions for downstream devices. This may be achieved by including a logic feature within one or more of the multiple power supplies that monitors a power status of an upstream power supply and/or the power status of the associated power supply. When the logic feature detects a power cycle, it initiates a coordinated power cycle of the associated power supply and/or other networked power supplies. |
| US08338985B2 |
Intelligent battery system
An intelligent battery system for powering a mobile workstation includes a mounting block having a first battery interface bracket for the releasable attachment of a first battery, a second battery interface bracket for the releasable attachment of a second battery and a third battery interface bracket for the releasable attachment of a backup battery, and a power control circuit functionally integrated with the mounting block and being capable of detecting a change in status of at least one of the first and second batteries and routing the flow of electrical power from the first, second and backup batteries in dependence thereon. |
| US08338984B2 |
Uninterruptible power supply supporting active loads
An uninterruptible power supply supporting active loads includes a charge and discharge module having a battery set and a charger charging the battery set with an input power, a switch circuit having at least two active switches connected to the battery set, a dynamic PWM control module connected with each of the active switches of the switch circuit, alternately outputting duty cycles composed of low-frequency square wave and high-frequency square wave and alternately controlling each of the active switches to turn on or off, and a transformer having a primary side connected with the switch circuit and a secondary side whose two terminals are connected with an output capacitor generating a filtering function in collaboration with an leakage inductor in the secondary side of the transformer. The uninterruptible power supply generates a quasi-continuous output satisfying the hold-up time demanded by an active load. |
| US08338980B2 |
Wind turbine with single-stage compact drive train
A drive train for a wind turbine includes individual rotor blades connected to a rotor hub. The drive train includes a gearbox, with the rotor hub mounted directly to the gearbox. The gearbox further includes a stationary gear carrier mounted to a mainframe of the wind turbine such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor hub. A generator includes a rotor and stationary stator, with the gearbox comprising an output shaft coupled to the rotor such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor. |
| US08338976B2 |
Magnetically-levitated wind turbine
A novel wind turbine configuration utilizes a permanent magnetic male and female levitation support for magnetic levitation. The novel wind turbine has a female part attached to a payload which is magnetically levitated above a male part of the levitation support. The female part and the payload are further operatively attached to a vertical axle structure which is held stationary by a point of contact. The point of contact and the vertical axle structure provide a stable axis of rotation for the payload and the female part, which can be rotated with near-zero friction due to the magnetic repulsion provided by same polarity of the female part and the male part within a conical region of the female part. In one embodiment of the invention, an alternator structure is uniquely arranged to enable the novel wind turbine to generate electricity with a high level of efficiency and durability. |
| US08338962B2 |
Semiconductor package substrate and semiconductor package having the same
A semiconductor package may include a package substrate having a first surface and a boundary that may be defined by edges of the package substrate. The package further includes a first semiconductor chip having a front surface and a back surface. The back surface of a first portion of the first semiconductor chip may be disposed on the first surface of the package substrate with the back surface of a second portion of the first semiconductor chip extending beyond of the defined boundary of the package substrate. The semiconductor package may also include a second semiconductor chip disposed on the back surface of the second portion of the first semiconductor chip that extends beyond the defined boundary of the package substrate. |
| US08338961B2 |
Semiconductor chip with reinforcing through-silicon-vias
A method of manufacturing includes connecting a first end of a first through-silicon-via to a first die seal proximate a first side of a first semiconductor chip. A second end of the first thu-silicon-via is connected to a second die seal proximate a second side of the first semiconductor chip opposite the first side. |
| US08338952B2 |
Interconnect structures with ternary patterned features generated from two lithographic processes
A method for fabricating an interconnect structure for interconnecting a semiconductor substrate to have three distinct patterned structures such that the interconnect structure provides both a low k and high structural integrity. The method includes depositing an interlayer dielectric onto the semiconductor substrate, forming a first pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a first lithographic process that results in both via features and ternary features being formed in the interconnect structure. The method further includes forming a second pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a second lithographic process to form line features within the interconnect structure. Hence the method forms the three separate distinct patterned structures using only two lithographic processes for each interconnect level. |
| US08338948B2 |
Ball grid array with improved single-ended and differential signal performance
An improved system and method for assigning power and ground pins and single ended or differential signal pairs for a ball grid array semiconductor package. In certain embodiments, the system uses a hexagonal pattern where the grid may be represented by a multiplicity of nested hexagonal patterns. |
| US08338946B2 |
Semiconductor module, method of manufacturing semiconductor module, and mobile device
An electrode for a semiconductor device is formed on the mounting surface (particularly, the outer periphery thereof) of a semiconductor substrate in a semiconductor module. In order to secure a large gap between the electrodes, an insulating layer is formed on the electrode. Also formed are a plurality of bumps penetrating the insulating layer and connected to the electrode, and a rewiring pattern integrally formed with the bumps. The rewiring pattern includes a bump area and a wiring area extending contiguously with the bump area. The insulating layer is formed to have a concave upper surface in an interval between the bumps, and the wiring area of the rewiring pattern is formed to fit that upper surface. The wiring area of the rewiring pattern is formed to be depressed toward the semiconductor substrate in relation to the bump area of the rewiring pattern. |
| US08338945B2 |
Molded chip interposer structure and methods
Apparatus and methods for providing a molded chip interposer structure and assembly. A molded chip structure having at least two integrated circuit dies disposed within a mold compound is provided having the die bond pads on the bottom surface; and solder bumps are formed in the openings of a dielectric layer on the bottom surface, the solder bumps forming connections to the bond pads. An interposer having a die side surface and a board side surface is provided having bump lands receiving the solder bumps of the molded chip structure on the die side of the interposer. An underfill layer is formed between the die side of the interposer and the bottom surface of the molded chip structure surrounding the solder bumps. Methods for forming the molded chip interposer structure are disclosed. |
| US08338943B2 |
Semiconductor package with thermal heat spreader
A semiconductor package includes a substrate, a stiffener ring coupled to the substrate and configured to form a well with the substrate, and a die positioned in the well. A thermal interface is positioned on the die. A heat spreader is coupled to the stiffener ring so that a portion of the heat spreader is positioned in the well and the thermal interface thermally couples the heat spreader to the die. The portion of the heat spreader positioned in the well adds rigidity to the semiconductor package and facilitates the use of thin dies. |
| US08338942B2 |
Power semiconductor module with connection elements electrically insulated from one another
A power semiconductor module, for placement on a cooling component. The module includes a substrate, at least two power semiconductor components arranged on the substrate, a housing and outwardly routed load and control connections. The substrate has an insulator body with a first main area that faces the interior of the power semiconductor module, and has interconnects at load potential arranged thereon. Each load connection is formed as a shaped metal body with outer contacts, a strip-like section and with inner contacts extending from the strip-like section to the substrate and making circuit-compliant contact therewith. In addition, the load connections are substantially completely encased by insulation except in the vicinity of the outer and inner contacts and accordingly are electrically insulated from one another. |
| US08338938B2 |
Chip package device and manufacturing method thereof
A chip package device includes a substrate having a chip bonding area and at least one contact pad, a chip having an active surface and an inactive surface, at least one wire, an adhesive layer, a heat dissipation element, and an encapsulation. The chip is disposed on the chip bonding area with its inactive surface facing the substrate. The chip includes at least one bonding pad disposed on the active surface. The wire correspondingly connects the at least one bonding pad and the at least one contact pad. The adhesive layer covers the active surface of the chip and encloses a portion of the wire extending over the bonding pad. The heat dissipation element is attached to the adhesive layer and covers the chip. The encapsulation partially encloses the periphery of the assembly including the chip, the adhesive and the heat dissipation element, and has an indented opening to expose the surface of the heat dissipation element. |
| US08338934B2 |
Embedded die with protective interposer
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a substrate having (i) a first laminate layer, (ii) a second laminate layer, and (iii) a core material that is disposed between the first laminate layer and the second laminate layer; and a die attached to the first laminate layer, the die having an interposer bonded to a surface of an active side of the die, the surface comprising (i) a dielectric material and (ii) a bond pad to route electrical signals of the die, the interposer having a via formed therein, the via being electrically coupled to the bond pad to further route the electrical signals of the die, wherein the die and the interposer are embedded in the core material of the substrate. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US08338925B2 |
Microelectronic assemblies having compliant layers
A compliant semiconductor chip package assembly includes a semiconductor chip having a plurality of chip contacts, and a compliant layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and sloping peripheral edges, whereby the bottom surface of the compliant layer overlies a surface of the semiconductor chip. The assembly also includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces connected to the chip contacts of the semiconductor chip, the traces extending along the sloping edges to the top surface of the compliant layer. The assembly may include conductive terminals overlying the semiconductor chip, with the compliant layer supporting the conductive terminals over the semiconductor chip. The conductive traces have first ends electrically connected with the contacts of the semiconductor chip and second ends electrically connected with the conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are movable relative to the semiconductor chip. |
| US08338924B2 |
Substrate for integrated circuit package with selective exposure of bonding compound and method of making thereof
A substrate for integrated circuit package is disclosed. The substrate comprises an electrically conductive leadframe having a first side and an opposing second side. The substrate has a first bonding compound disposed in a first recessed portion of the first side and a second bonding compound disposed in at least a portion of a second recessed portion of the leadframe, selectively exposing a selected area of the leadframe on the second side. In an exemplary embodiment, the second bonding compound is a photolithographic material. A method of manufacturing a substrate for integrated circuit package is also disclosed. |
| US08338922B1 |
Molded leadframe substrate semiconductor package
A process for forming semiconductor packages includes partially etching a leadframe matrix, encapsulating it with mold compound, placing a semiconductor die in a leadframe unit and singulating the leadframe matrix. A system for forming semiconductor packages includes means for partially etching a leadframe matrix, means for encapsulating it with mold compound, means for placing a semiconductor die in a leadframe unit and means for singulating the leadframe matrix. |
| US08338920B2 |
Package integrated soft magnetic film for improvement in on-chip inductor performance
An integrated circuit package includes an integrated circuit with one or more on-chip inductors. A package cover covers the integrated circuit. A magnetic material is provided between the integrated circuit and the package cover. The magnetic material may be a soft magnetic thin film. The magnetic material may be affixed to the package cover by an adhesive. The magnetic material may be formed directly on the package cover by one of deposition, sputtering or spraying. The magnetic material may be affixed to the integrated circuit. |
| US08338919B2 |
Semiconductor device with strain
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a p-MOS region; an element isolation region formed in a surface portion of the semiconductor substrate and defining p-MOS active regions in the p-MOS region; a p-MOS gate electrode structure formed above the semiconductor substrate, traversing the p-MOS active region and defining a p-MOS channel region under the p-MOS gate electrode structure; a compressive stress film selectively formed above the p-MOS active region and covering the p-MOS gate electrode structure; and a stress released region selectively formed above the element isolation region in the p-MOS region and releasing stress in the compressive stress film, wherein a compressive stress along the gate length direction and a tensile stress along the gate width direction are exerted on the p-MOS channel region. The performance of the semiconductor device can be improved by controlling the stress separately for the active region and element isolation region. |
| US08338918B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, method for detecting a semiconductor substrate and semiconductor chip package
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: preparing a semiconductor substrate with a first notch; preparing a supporting substrate with a second notch; laminating the semiconductor substrate with the supporting substrate so that the first notch can be matched with the second notch; and processing a second main surface of the semiconductor substrate opposite to a first main surface thereof facing to the supporting substrate to reduce a thickness of the semiconductor substrate to a predetermined thickness. |
| US08338915B2 |
Circuit configuration and manufacturing processes for vertical transient voltage suppressor (TVS) and EMI filter
A vertical TVS (VTVS) circuit includes a semiconductor substrate for supporting the VTVS device thereon having a heavily doped layer extending to the bottom of substrate. Deep trenches are provided for isolation between multi-channel VTVS. Trench gates are also provided for increasing the capacitance of VTVS with integrated EMI filter. |
| US08338913B2 |
Semiconductor inductor with a serpentine shaped conductive wire interlaced with a serpentine shaped ferromagnetic core
The inductance of an inductor is increased by forming a conductive wire to have a serpentine shape that weaves through a ferromagnetic core that has a number of segments that are connected together in a serpentine shape where each segment of the ferromagnetic core also has a number of sections that are connected together in a serpentine shape. |
| US08338902B2 |
Uncooled infrared image sensor
An uncooled infrared image sensor according to an embodiments includes: a plurality of pixel cells formed in a first region on a semiconductor substrate; a reference pixel cell formed in a second region on the semiconductor substrate and corresponding to each row or each column of the pixel cells; a supporting unit formed for each of the pixel cell and supporting a corresponding pixel cell; and an interconnect unit formed for each reference pixel cell. Each of the pixel cells includes: a first infrared absorption film and a first heat sensitive element. The reference pixel cell includes: a second infrared absorption film and a second heat sensitive element, the second heat sensitive element having the same characteristics as characteristics of the first heat sensitive element. The third and fourth interconnects of the interconnect unit have the same electrical resistance as electrical resistance of the first and second interconnects of the supporting unit. |
| US08338892B2 |
Strain enhancement in transistors comprising an embedded strain-inducing semiconductor alloy by corner rounding at the top of the gate electrode
In MOS transistor elements, a strain-inducing semiconductor alloy may be embedded in the active region with a reduced offset from the channel region by applying a spacer structure of reduced width. In order to reduce the probability of creating semiconductor residues at the top area of the gate electrode structure, a certain degree of corner rounding of the semiconductor material may be introduced, which may be accomplished by ion implantation prior to epitaxially growing the strain-inducing semiconductor material. This concept may be advantageously combined with the provision of sophisticated high-k metal gate electrodes that are provided in an early manufacturing stage. |
| US08338889B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The disclosure concerns a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a plurality of fins made of a semiconductor material on an insulating layer; forming a gate insulating film on side surfaces of the plurality of fins; and forming a gate electrode on the gate insulating film in such a manner that a compressive stress is applied to a side surface of a first fin which is used in an NMOSFET among the plurality of fins in a direction perpendicular to the side surface and a tensile stress is applied to a side surface of a second fin which is used in a PMOSFET among the plurality of fins in a direction perpendicular to the side surface. |
| US08338884B2 |
Selective epitaxial growth of semiconductor materials with reduced defects
A semiconductor device includes a substrate formed of a first semiconductor material; two insulators on the substrate; and a semiconductor region having a portion between the two insulators and over the substrate. The semiconductor region has a bottom surface contacting the substrate and having sloped sidewalls. The semiconductor region is formed of a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material. |
| US08338883B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a transistor comprising a gate, a source, a drain, and a gate insulating layer, and an auxiliary line formed over the drain and electrically insulated from the drain. During a turn-off operation of the transistor, voltage to increase a resistance of the drain is supplied to the auxiliary line. |
| US08338882B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a base, a stacked body, a memory film, a channel body, an interconnection, and a contact plug. The base includes a substrate and a peripheral circuit formed on a surface of the substrate. The stacked body includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers alternately stacked above the base. The memory film is provided on an inner wall of a memory hole punched through the stacked body to reach a lowermost layer of the conductive layers. The memory film includes a charge storage film. The interconnection is provided below the stacked body. The interconnection electrically connects the lowermost layer of the conductive layers in an interconnection region laid out on an outside of a memory cell array region and the peripheral circuit. The contact plug pierces the stacked body in the interconnection region to reach the lowermost layer of the conductive layers in the interconnection region. |
| US08338881B2 |
Flash memory device and method for fabricating the same
A flash memory device includes a source region formed in an active region of a semiconductor substrate; a recessed region formed in the active region on either side of the source region, the recessed region including a recess surface having sidewalls; floating gates formed at the sidewalls of the recess surface by interposing a tunnel insulating film; a source line formed on the source region across the active region; and control gate electrodes formed at sidewalls of the source line across a portion of the active region where the floating gates are formed. The floating gates and the control gate electrodes are formed by anisotropically etching a conformal conductive film to have a spacer structure. Cell transistor size can be reduced by forming a deposition gate structure at both sides of the source line, and short channel effects can be minimized by forming the channel between the sidewalls of a recess surface. |
| US08338878B2 |
Flash memory device with isolation structure
A flash memory device includes trenches that are formed at regions on a semiconductor substrate spaced apart from one another at predetermined distances, buried floating gates buried into the trenches, a plurality of isolation structures formed between the buried floating gates, and a dielectric film and a control gate formed on the buried floating gates. |
| US08338874B2 |
Flash memory device with an array of gate columns penetrating through a cell stack
A flash memory device includes a substrate; a cell stack having a semiconductor layer for providing junction areas and channel areas and an interlayer isolation layer for insulating the semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor layer and the interlayer isolation layer are repeatedly stacked; an array of gate columns, the gate columns penetrating through the cell stack, perpendicular to the substrate; and a trap layered stack introduced into an interface between the gate columns and the cell stack to store charge. |
| US08338865B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and semiconductor device
By increasing an interval between electrodes which drives liquid crystals, a gradient of an electric field applied between the electrodes can be controlled and an optimal electric field can be applied between the electrodes. The invention includes a first electrode formed over a substrate, an insulating film formed over the substrate and the first electrode, a thin film transistor including a semiconductor film in which a source, a channel region, and a drain are formed over the insulating film, a second electrode located over the semiconductor film and the first electrode and including first opening patterns, and liquid crystals provided over the second electrode. |
| US08338864B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device in a continuous diffusion region formed on a semiconductor substrate and having either a P-type or N-type polarity includes: a first transistor formed within the continuous diffusion region; a second transistor formed within the continuous diffusion region and in an area that is different from an area where the first transistor is formed; a third transistor formed within the continuous diffusion region and in an area between the first and second transistors, and having a gate electrode to which a fixed potential is applied; and a fourth transistor formed within the continuous diffusion region and in an area between the second and third transistors, and having a gate electrode to which a fixed potential is applied. |
| US08338863B2 |
Vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors with reduced base-collector junction capacitance
Vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors with reduced base-collector junction capacitance, as well as fabrication methods for vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors and design structures for BiCMOS integrated circuits. The vertical heterojunction bipolar transistor includes a barrier layer between the intrinsic base and the extrinsic base that blocks or reduces diffusion of a dopant from the extrinsic base to the intrinsic base. The barrier layer has at least one opening that permits direct contact between the intrinsic base and a portion of the extrinsic base disposed in the opening. |
| US08338859B2 |
Semiconductor electronic device having reduced threading dislocation and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor electronic device comprises a substrate; a buffer layer formed on said substrate, having two or more layers of composite layers in which a first semiconductor layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor having smaller lattice constant and greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the substrate and a second semiconductor layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor having smaller lattice constant and smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the first semiconductor layer are alternately laminated; a semiconductor operating layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor formed on said buffer layer; a dislocation reducing layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor, formed in a location between a location directly under said buffer layer and inner area of said semiconductor operating layer, and comprising a lower layer area and an upper layer area each having an uneven boundary surface, wherein threading dislocation extending from the lower layer area to the upper layer area is bent at said boundary surface. |
| US08338858B1 |
Time correlation system and method
A time correlated single photon counting system having a programmable delay generator triggered by a laser fire event detector. The system may be used for chemical agent detection based on Rayleigh scattering using optical time domain reflectometry techniques. The system may also be used for Raman detection using frequency to time transformations. |
| US08338857B2 |
Germanium/silicon avalanche photodetector with separate absorption and multiplication regions
A semiconductor waveguide based optical receiver is disclosed. An apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes an absorption region including a first type of semiconductor region proximate to a second type of semiconductor region. The first type of semiconductor is to absorb light in a first range of wavelengths and the second type of semiconductor to absorb light in a second range of wavelengths. A multiplication region is defined proximate to and separate from the absorption region. The multiplication region includes an intrinsic semiconductor region in which there is an electric field to multiply the electrons created in the absorption region. |
| US08338856B2 |
Backside illuminated image sensor with stressed film
A backside illuminated (“BSI”) complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) image sensor includes a photosensitive region disposed within a semiconductor layer and a stress adjusting layer. The photosensitive region is sensitive to light incident on a backside of the BSI CMOS image sensor to collect an image charge. The stress adjusting layer is disposed on a backside of the semiconductor layer to establish a stress characteristic that encourages photo-generated charge carriers to migrate towards the photosensitive region. |
| US08338847B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, light emitting device package and lighting system
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a first semiconductor layer; an active layer to generate a light on the first semiconductor layer; a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer; a transparent electrode layer on the second conductive semiconductor layer; and a multiple thin film mirror on the transparent electrode layer, the multiple thin film mirror being formed by repeatedly stacking a first thin film layer having a first refractive index and a second thin film layer having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index by at least one time, wherein the second conductive semiconductor layer has a thickness satisfying: 2·Φ1+Φ2=N·2π±Δ, (0≦Δ≦π/2) in which, Φ1 is a phase shift occurring when a light, which travels in a vertical direction, passes through the second conductive semiconductor layer and is expressed as Φ1=2πnd/λ (n is a refractive index of the light, λ is a wavelength of the light, and d is a thickness of the second conductive semiconductor layer), Φ2 is a phase shift occurring when the light is reflected from one of the transparent electrode layer and the multiple thin film mirror, and N is a natural number. |
| US08338845B2 |
LED package and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, an LED package includes first and second lead frames, an LED chip and a resin body. The first and second lead frames are made of a metal material, and disposed to be apart from each other. The LED chip is provided above the first and second lead frames, the LED chip having one terminal connected to the first lead frame and another terminal connected to the second lead frame. The resin body is made of a resin material having a shore D hardness of 25 or higher. In addition, the resin body covers the first and second lead frames and the LED chip. And, an appearance of the resin body is an appearance of the LED package. |
| US08338842B2 |
Solid state light sheet or strip having cavities formed in top substrate
A solid state light sheet and method of fabricating the sheet are disclosed. In one embodiment, bare LED chips have top and bottom electrodes, where the bottom electrode is a large reflective electrode. The bottom electrodes of an array of LEDs (e.g., 500 LEDs) are bonded to an array of electrodes formed on a flexible bottom substrate. Conductive traces are formed on the bottom substrate connected to the electrodes. A transparent top substrate is then formed over the bottom substrate. Various ways to connect the LEDs in series are described along with many embodiments. In one method, the top substrate contains a conductor pattern that connects to LED electrodes and conductors on the bottom substrate. |
| US08338839B2 |
Solid state light sheet for general illumination having substrates for creating series connection of dies
A solid state light sheet and method of fabricating the sheet are disclosed. In one embodiment, bare LED chips have top and bottom electrodes, where the bottom electrode is a large reflective electrode. The bottom electrodes of an array of LEDs (e.g., 500 LEDs) are bonded to an array of electrodes formed on a flexible bottom substrate. Conductive traces are formed on the bottom substrate connected to the electrodes. A transparent top substrate is then formed over the bottom substrate. Various ways to connect the LEDs in series are described along with many embodiments. In one method, the top substrate contains a conductor pattern that connects to LED electrodes and conductors on the bottom substrate. |
| US08338836B2 |
Light emitting device for AC operation
An AC light emitting device, in which a plurality of light emitting cells formed on a substrate are flip-bonded to a submount to be driven under an AC power source is disclosed. The light emitting device comprises a first serial array of light emitting cells, and a second serial array of light emitting cells, wherein the second serial array is connected in reverse parallel to the first serial array. Meanwhile, bonding patterns are formed on a submount substrate, and the light emitting cells of the first and second serial arrays are flip-bonded to the bonding patterns. Further, node connecting patterns are formed on the submount substrate, and connect the bonding patterns such that nodes corresponding to each other provided in the first and second serial arrays are electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an AC light emitting device which can prevent overvoltage from being applied to light emitting cells in the array to which reverse voltage is applied by bonding patterns and node connecting patterns formed on a submount substrate, thereby protecting the light emitting cells. |
| US08338835B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device in which not only a variation in a current value due to a threshold voltage but also a variation in a current value due to mobility are prevented from influencing luminance with respect to all the levels of grayscale to be displayed. After applying an initial potential for correction to a gate and a drain of a driving transistor, the gate and the drain of the driving transistor is kept connected in a floating state, and a voltage is held in a capacitor before a voltage between the gate and a source of the driving transistor becomes equal to a threshold voltage. When a voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage held in the capacitor from a voltage of a video signal is applied to the gate and the source of the driving transistor, a current is supplied to a light-emitting element. A value of an initial voltage for correction differs in accordance with the voltage of the video signal. |
| US08338833B2 |
Method of producing silicon carbide semiconductor substrate, silicon carbide semiconductor substrate obtained thereby and silicon carbide semiconductor using the same
The present invention provides a method of producing a silicon carbide semiconductor substrate in which a silicon carbide buffer layer doped with germanium and a semiconductor device layer are sequentially laminated on the buffer layer, a silicon carbide semiconductor substrate obtained by the method and a silicon carbide semiconductor in which electrodes are disposed on the silicon carbide semiconductor substrate. |
| US08338829B2 |
Semiconductor device
Electrode pads respectively have a probe region permitting probe contact and a non-probe region. In each of the electrode pads arranged zigzag in two or more rows, a lead interconnect for connecting another electrode pad with an internal circuit is not placed directly under the probe region but placed directly under the non-probe region. |
| US08338825B2 |
Graphene/(multilayer) boron nitride heteroepitaxy for electronic device applications
Disclosed is a substrate-mediated assembly for graphene structures. According to an embodiment, long-range ordered, multilayer BN(111) films can be formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto a substrate. The subject BN(111) films can then be used to order carbon atoms into a graphene sheet during a carbon deposition process. |
| US08338824B2 |
Light emitting device
By doping an organic compound functioning as an electron donor (hereinafter referred to as donor molecules) into an organic compound layer contacting a cathode, donor levels can be formed between respective LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) levels between the cathode and the organic compound layer, and therefore electrons can be injected from the cathode, and transmission of the injected electrons can be performed with good efficiency. Further, there are no problems such as excessive energy loss, deterioration of the organic compound layer itself, and the like accompanying electron movement, and therefore an increase in the electron injecting characteristics and a decrease in the driver voltage can both be achieved without depending on the work function of the cathode material. |
| US08338822B2 |
Electrical connection structure having elongated carbon structures with fine catalyst particle layer
An electrical connection structure having elongated carbon structures electrically connected to an electroconductive body is obtained by successively layering an electroconductive catalyst support layer, a fine catalyst particle layer for producing the elongated carbon structures and the elongated carbon structures on the electroconductive body. A low-resistance electrical connection structure is provided. |
| US08338814B2 |
Resistive random access memory, nonvolatile memory, and method of manufacturing resistive random access memory
A resistive random access memory includes a lower electrode; a metal oxide film formed on the lower electrode and having a variable resistance, the metal oxide film having a first portion containing a metal element forming the metal oxide film and a second portion richer in oxygen than the first portion; and an upper electrode formed on the metal oxide film. |
| US08338811B2 |
Optical level detector for a beverage machine
A level detection device for detecting an upper surface of a liquid at a reference level. The device includes a reservoir having a bottom wall and one or more side walls that delimit a cavity for containing the liquid; a light emitter for emitting a light beam towards this cavity; at least one reflection surface for reflecting the light beam; and a light detector for detecting the emitted light beam upon reflection. The emitter and detector are so arranged that, when the surface of the liquid passes the reference level, a state of detection of the light beam by the detector is changed. The emitter, detector and reflection surface(s) are so located and oriented relative to the cavity that the emitted light beam is: detectable by the detector upon travelling through the liquid in the cavity; and refractable at the surface of the liquid towards or away from the detector so that the state of detection is a function of such refraction. |
| US08338810B2 |
Radiation protection wall for mammography systems with integrated user interface
In a mammography system with a radiation protection wall, a production method for a radiation protection wall, and a method to operate a mammography system, the radiation protection wall has a further function in addition to the radiation protection. The radiation protection wall additionally serves to present a user interface of a control program to control the mammography apparatus, and can still display the images acquired by the mammography apparatus. The display region of the radiation protection wall is provided in the upper region of said radiation protection wall and can be fashioned as a touchscreen in order to control the mammography apparatus with the detected touch signals. |
| US08338802B2 |
Terahertz radiation anti-reflection devices and methods for handling terahertz radiation
A terahertz (THz) anti-reflection device, for example, a broadband tunable THz anti-reflection device, includes a silicon substrate having a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of recesses having a plurality of cavities of decreasing dimension. The cavities may be nested polygonal cavities, for example, having a square or rectangular cross section. The recesses having the cavities may be positioned at regular periods, for example, periods ranging from 10 μm to 20 μm. The devices may be fabricated by conventional lithographic methods. Also disclosed are methods for modifying terahertz radiation and methods for fabricating anti-reflection devices. |
| US08338793B2 |
Identification and localization of explosives and other material
A neutron source illuminates suspect material leading to emission of gamma rays characteristic of the isotopes present. The system measures Compton scattering of emitted gamma rays using detectors with three dimension event localization capability. Detection does not require full energy deposition. A spatial correlation of projection vectors is computed by a reconstruction that searches for solutions that generate spatial correlation. Identification and location for contraband material is determined from solutions that generate spatial correlation. |
| US08338791B2 |
Digital pulse processing for multi-spectral photon counting readout circuits
An apparatus includes a local minimum identifier (408) that identifies a local minimum between overlapping pulses in a signal, wherein the pulses have amplitudes that are indicative of the energy of successively detected photons from a multi-energetic radiation beam by a radiation sensitive detector, and a pulse pile-up error corrector (232) that corrects, based on the local minimum, for a pulse pile-up energy-discrimination error when energy-discriminating the pulses using at least two thresholds corresponding to different energy levels. This technique may reduce spectral error when counting photons at a high count rate. |
| US08338783B2 |
Dosimetry device for verification of a radiation therapy apparatus
The present invention relates to a dosimetry device for verification of quality of a radiation beam in standard and conformal radiation therapy, and for IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) applications. The device includes an active area comprising individual radiation detectors. The active area comprises a limited number of lines of radiation detectors, and a number of extra radiation detectors dedicated to the energy measurement of electrons or photons. It also comprises a build-up plate with energy degraders. The energy degraders are located upstream from the extra radiation detectors in the path of the radiation beam. |
| US08338782B2 |
Detector system for transmission electron microscope
In a transmission electron microscope detector system, image data is read out from the pixels and analyzed during an image acquisition period. The image acquisition process is modified depending on the results of the analysis. For example, the analyses may indicate the inclusion in the data of an image artifact, such as charging or bubbling, and data including the artifact may be eliminated form the final image. CMOS detectors provide for selective read out of pixels at high data rates, allowing for real-time adaptive imaging. |
| US08338781B2 |
Charged particle beam scanning method and charged particle beam apparatus
In a method of scanning a charged particle beam which can position the scan position to a proper location inside a deflectable range of the scan position of charged particle beam, the scan position of charged particle beam is deflected to a plurality of target objects inside a scan position deflectable region and on the basis of a shift of a target object at a scan location after deflection, the deflection amount at the scan location is corrected. |
| US08338780B2 |
Ambient pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) apparatus and method of analysis
A mass spectrometer having a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) source which operates at ambient pressure is disclosed. The apparatus and method are disclosed to analyze at least one sample which contains at least one analyte using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), which apparatus comprises:The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for ionizing at least one analyte in a sample for delivery to a mass analysis device, comprising: (a) an ionization enclosure including a passageway configured for delivery of ions to the mass analysis device; (b) means to maintain said ionization enclosure at an ambient pressure of greater than 100 mTorr; (c) a holder configured for maintaining a matrix containing said sample in the ionization enclosure at said ambient pressure; (d) a source of laser energy including means associated with the ionization enclosure for directing the laser energy onto said matrix maintained by the holder at the ambient pressure to desorb and ionize at least a portion of the analyte in the sample, and (e) means for directing at least a portion of the at least one ionized analyte into the passageway. The ambient pressure (AP-MALDI) source is compatible with various mass analyzers, particularly with mass spectrometers and solves many problems associated with conventional MALDI sources operating under vacuum. Atmospheric pressure MALDI is described. The analysis of organic molecules or fragments thereof, particularly biomolecules, e.g., biopolymers and organisms, is described. |
| US08338779B2 |
Optimization of excitation voltage amplitude for collision induced dissociation of ions in an ion trap
Collision induced dissociation of precursor ions in an ion trap is performed by determining a predicted fragmentation-optimized excitation voltage amplitude based on an indicator of damping gas pressure, such as a damping gas flow rate, and optionally other parameters including precursor ion m/z and an indicator of the Mathieu parameter q. The excitation voltage may then be applied to electrodes of the ion trap in steps of increasing amplitude, wherein at least one of the amplitudes corresponds to the predicted optimum value. Application of the excitation voltage in this manner produces favorable fragmentation efficiencies over a range of operating parameters and for ions of differing chemical properties. |
| US08338778B2 |
Methods for detecting vitamin C by mass spectrometry
Provided are methods for determining the amount of vitamin C in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing vitamin C in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of vitamin C in the sample. |
| US08338776B2 |
Optical array device and methods of use thereof for screening, analysis and manipulation of particles
Methods and devices are provided for the trapping, including optical trapping; analysis; and selective manipulation of particles on an optical array. A device parcels a light source into many points of light transmitted through a microlens optical array and an Offner relay to an objective, where particles may be trapped. Preferably the individual points of light are individually controllable through a light controlling device. Optical properties of the particles may be determined by interrogation with light focused through the optical array. The particles may be manipulated by immobilizing or releasing specific particles, separating types of particles, etc. |
| US08338773B2 |
High-speed analog photon counter and method
A high speed analog photon counter and method is provided. In one aspect, the method includes delivering an electric charge to a circuit of the high speed analog photon counter through a current source of the circuit. The method also includes accumulating the electric charge in a capacitor of the circuit electrically coupled to the current source. The method further includes comparing the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit with a reference voltage through a comparator of the circuit electrically coupled to an output of the capacitor. The output of the capacitor of the circuit is coupled to an input of the comparator of the circuit, and the reference voltage is coupled to another input of the comparator of the circuit. The method furthermore includes resetting the capacitor of the circuit when the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit matches the reference voltage. |
| US08338769B1 |
Pyrotechnic fin deployment and retention mechanism
A fin retention and deployment mechanism includes a detent in each of a plurality of fins, a mechanism that engages the detent, and at least one spring clip that maintains each of the fins in a non-deployed position. The mechanism also includes a gas generator, a manifold, coupled to the gas generator and having a plurality of cylinders in fluid communication with gas from the gas generator, and a plurality of pistons disposed in the cylinders. A bottom of each of the pistons is coupled to each of the fins to provide deployment thereof when a corresponding top of each of the pistons is acted upon by gas from the gas generator. In response to the gas generator expelling gas, the pistons may move the fins to a deployed position. |
| US08338763B2 |
Microwave oven with a regulation system using field sensors
A microwave heating device and a method for heating a load using microwaves are provided. The microwave heating device comprises a cavity adapted to receive a load and at least two microwave sources for feeding microwave energy into the cavity through at least two feeding ports respectively. The microwave heating device further comprises at least two field sensors adapted to measure field strengths of the microwave energy in the cavity. A first field sensor is arranged at a first location for measuring the field strength representative of a mode fed from a first feeding port and a second field sensor is arranged at a second location for measuring the field strength representative of a mode fed from a second feeding port. The microwave heating device further comprises a control unit connected to the microwave sources and the field sensors for regulating the microwave sources based on the measured field strengths. The present invention is advantageous in that it enables uniform heating of the load in the cavity. |
| US08338757B2 |
Cooking device
A cooking device includes a control mode switch selecting a control mode for controlling a heating operation; a setting switch for selecting a set value in each control mode; a heating control unit for controlling a heating unit based on the control mode and the set value inputted through the control mode switch and the setting switch; and a selection switch for selecting the operation mode. The operation modes include a first operation mode in which all of the plurality of control modes are set to be selectable and a second operation mode in which only part of the control modes are set to be selectable. The heating control unit disables at least one control mode switch when the second operation mode is selected by the selection switch. |
| US08338754B2 |
Common tool center point consumables
A consumable is configured to operate in a robotic welding torch. The robotic welding torch includes a torch body and a tube. The tube has an elongated body extending from a supply end to a discharge end. The tube is operably connected substantially at the supply end to the torch body. The tube is configured to operably connect at the discharge end to a first set of consumables in a first configuration and to a second set of consumables in a second configuration. The first set of consumables has a first amperage capacity and the second set of consumables has a second amperage capacity substantially larger than the first amperage capacity. The tool center point of the robotic welding torch is substantially constant between the first configuration and the second configuration. |
| US08338752B2 |
Wire feeder having changeable housing
A modular portable welding wire feeder housed in a easily removable and interchangeable housing. The wire feeder includes a wire feeding module conveniently mounted inside of the housing. The housing is configured so that it may easily be removed from the wire feeing module, thereby allowing the housing to be easily replaced or exchanged as needed by the user. |
| US08338750B2 |
AC pulse arc welding control method
A control method for AC pulse arc welding performed upon application of cyclic AC welding current is provided. The welding current has a cycle including an electrode negative polarity period and an electrode positive polarity period subsequent to the electrode negative polarity period. In the control method, an electrode negative polarity base current and a subsequent electrode negative polarity peak current are applied during the electrode negative polarity period. The electrode negative polarity base current has an absolute value smaller than a first critical value, and the electrode negative polarity peak current has an absolute value greater than the first critical value. Then, an electrode positive polarity peak current is applied during the electrode positive polarity period. The electrode positive polarity peak current has a value greater than a second critical value. |
| US08338746B2 |
Method for processing a memory link with a set of at least two laser pulses
A set (50) of laser pulses (52) is employed to sever a conductive link (22) in a memory or other IC chip. The duration of the set (50) is preferably shorter than 1,000 ns; and the pulse width of each laser pulse (52) within the set (50) is preferably within a range of about 0.1 ps to 30 ns. The set (50) can be treated as a single “pulse” by conventional laser positioning systems (62) to perform on-the-fly link removal without stopping whenever the laser system (60) fires a set (50) of laser pulses (52) at each link (22). Conventional IR wavelengths or their harmonics can be employed. |
| US08338745B2 |
Apparatus and methods for drilling holes with no taper or reverse taper
Apparatus and methods for drilling holes in a material with a laser are disclosed. An apparatus for drilling holes in a material with a laser includes a first steering element, a second steering element, and a lens. The first steering element is positioned to steer a beam from the laser. The second steering element is positioned to steer the beam from the first steering element. The lens focuses the beam from the second steering element. The first and second steering elements are configured to move with respect to the beam. Moving the first and second steering elements changes an angle of the beam where it contacts the material. The apparatus is operable to drill holes having no taper or reverse taper. |
| US08338744B2 |
Condensing optical system, laser processing method and apparatus, and manufacturing method of brittle material blank
A condensing optical system having a condensed light spot with a small size and a large focal depth without causing a problem of a decrease in intensity of the condensed light spot or discontinuity of an intensity distribution in front and rear areas of a focal position is provided. The condensing optical system that condenses a laser beam generated by a laser source at a predetermined focal length is designed to satisfy Expressions (a) to (d), thereby producing 3rd and 5th spherical aberrations: |Z8|≧0.1λ or |Z15|≧0.05λ, (a) Z8/Z15≧3 or Z8/Z15<1, (b) |Z8|<1.4λ, and (c) |Z15|<0.5λ, (d) where λ is a wavelength, Z8 is an 8th coefficient of coefficients of the Zernike fringe polynomial of wavefront aberration corresponding to a 3rd order spherical aberration, and Z15 is a 15th coefficient of the coefficients of the Zernike fringe polynomial of wavefront aberration corresponding to a 5th spherical aberration. |
| US08338742B2 |
Dynamic test glide head calibration using laser adjustment
Methods and apparatus for the calibration and use of test glide head gimbal assemblies are disclosed. Calibration is performed by pulse laser adjustment of the flexure mounted to the glide head, while the head is flying above a media test disk having asperities of known dimensions. The calibration process normalizes the fly heights of glide heads used to measure defects on both upper and lower surfaces of disk drive media, allowing upper and lower surfaces to be scanned simultaneously. |
| US08338740B2 |
Nozzle with exposed vent passage
A nozzle for a plasma torch can include a body that has an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal end, and an exit orifice at a distal end. The nozzle can also include a liner surrounded by the inner surface of the body. The liner can include a proximal end and an exit orifice at a distal end adjacent the exit orifice of the body. The nozzle can include at least one vent passage formed in the body. The vent passage can have an inlet formed in the inner surface of the body and an outlet formed in the outer surface of the body. The vent passage can be disposed between the proximal end of the body and the proximal end of the liner. The plasma arc torch can include a configuration that allows for increased electrode life and nozzle life for a vented high current plasma process. |
| US08338739B2 |
Method and apparatus for cutting high quality internal features and contours
An automated method for cutting a plurality of hole features using a plasma arc torch system can be implemented on a computer numerical controller. The automated method can include the steps of: a) cutting a lead-in for a hole feature using a lead-in command speed based on a diameter of that hole feature and b) cutting a perimeter for the hole feature using a perimeter command speed greater than the corresponding lead-in command speed for the hole feature. The automated method can also include the step c) of repeating steps a) and b) for each additional hole feature having a same diameter or a different diameter. |
| US08338735B2 |
Electrode wire for spark erosion
The electrode wire according to the invention comprises a brass core (1) covered with a γ phase brass coating (2) having a structure fragmented into blocks (2a) between which the core (1) is exposed. The blocks (2a) have a thickness (E2) with a narrow distribution and produce a coverage of the core (1) according to a coverage rate greater than 50%. This produces a regular fragmentation of the coating, which improves the finish state of the machined parts. |
| US08338733B2 |
Sliding key within a portable electronic device
A key assembly comprises a base plate, two elastic elements and a key body. The elastic elements are both mounted to the base plate, and the elastic elements are spaced from and opposite to each other. The key body is slidably mounted to the base plate between the two elastic elements, the key body includes a first key section and a second key section connected with the first key section. The first key section has a first arcuate contacting portion formed thereon, the second key section has a second arcuate contacting portion formed thereon. One of the elastic elements is mounted to the first key section, another one of the elastic elements is mounted to the second key section. When the first key section slides toward and compresses said one of the elastic elements, the second key section slide away from and stretches said another one of the elastic elements. |
| US08338732B2 |
Spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus
A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. It has an opening spring and a closing spring, one of them including a torsion spring. The torsion spring is charged in the unwinding direction and discharged in the winding direction. |
| US08338727B2 |
Interpole coupling system
A circuit breaker includes a plurality of pole assemblies, each having a movable contact and a stationary contact. A bellcrank assembly is associated with each pole assembly. Each bellcrank assembly includes a bellcrank lever including a cylindrical body and at least one radially extending arm. The radially extending arm is mechanically interrelated with the movable contact so that rotation of the bellcrank lever selectively causes the movable contact to engage or disengage the stationary contact. At least one of the bellcrank lever radially extending arms is relatively more flexible than the other bellcrank lever radially extending arms. |
| US08338725B2 |
Camera based touch system
One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for touch detection. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a touch panel, an imaging device mounted to the touch panel and configured such that when a pointer touches the touch panel, the imaging device acquires an image of the pointer touching the touch panel, and a processor in communication with the imaging device for receiving and processing the acquired image to obtain its width and its angle relative to the touch panel so as to determine the location of the pointer in the touch panel. |
| US08338721B2 |
Cover with improved vibrational characteristics for an electronic device
A cover or housing member for an electronic device comprises a central region and a perimeter region surrounding the central region. The central region comprises an elevated pattern of radial ribs and elliptical elevations elevated above a generally planar lower surface, such that the cover has multiple vibrational modes of natural resonance in which a maximum deflection of the cover occurs in a first mode at a central point of the cover. |
| US08338720B2 |
Enclosure for a vehicle
An enclosure is provided for a vehicle. The enclosure comprises (a) a housing and (b) a cover for the housing. At least one of the housing and the cover includes a mounting portion for attaching the at least one of the housing and the cover to a vehicle and a compliant portion connected to the mounting portion. The compliant portion is plastically deformable. |
| US08338718B2 |
Wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A wiring board (package) has a structure in which multiple wiring layers are stacked one on top of another with insulating layers each interposed between corresponding two of the wiring layers, and the wiring layers are connected to each other through vias formed in the insulating layers. In the peripheral region around the chip mounting area of the outermost insulating layer on one of both surfaces of the board, a pad is formed in a bump shape to cover a surface of a portion of the outermost insulating layer, the portion being formed to protrude, and a pad whose surface is exposed from the insulating layer is arranged in the chip mounting area. A chip is flip-chip bonded to the pad of the package, and another package is bonded to the bump shaped pad in a peripheral region around the chip (package-on-package bonding). |
| US08338711B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a display panel comprising a first panel comprising a first lower substrate and a first upper substrate; a first alignment key formed in the first lower substrate; a second alignment key formed in the first upper substrate, the second alignment key is disposed in a position corresponding to the first alignment key; a second panel attached to the first panel; and a third alignment key formed in the second panel, the third alignment key is disposed in a position corresponding to the first and the second alignment keys and formed such that the first and the second alignment keys are identified. |
| US08338708B2 |
Electric junction box joint structure
An electric junction box is provided having a receiving portion enabling a joint to be securely press-fitted into a joint, even if the outer diameter of the joint varies within a wide range. An electric junction box is comprised of a joint having electrical conduits that are electrically connected to each other at their terminals, and a cap disposed on the terminals, and a receiving portion which the joint is press-fitted into. The receiving portion comprises a recess having an inner surface facing an outer surface of the joint, and a rib projection disposed on the inner surface of the recess. The rib projection has a tapered portion inclined toward the bottom of the recess thus approximating the center portion of the bottom. |
| US08338703B2 |
Housing for an electronic device, device comprising such a housing and method for manufacturing such a housing
A housing (1) for an electronic device, includes at least a front part (2) and a back part (3) adapted to be assembled together, defining an internal volume (5) capable of receiving functional components of the device. At least one of the front (2) and/or back (3) parts contains at least one insert (7; 7′; 8) produced from a first material, in particular sheet metal, integrated by overmoulding, into a frame (9; 10) produced from a second material, in particular plastic material or injectable metal. The housing is applicable to the field of electronic devices, such as telephones, multimedia players/recorders, portable computers, “tablet” type computers, external computer screens, television sets, etc. |
| US08338701B2 |
Dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device using a semiconductor fine material such as a semiconductor fine particle sensitized with a dye carried thereon, characterized in that the dye is a methine type dye having a specific partial structure, for example, a methine type dye having a specific carboxyl-substituted hetero ring on one side of a methine group and an aromatic residue substituted with a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group, or a methine type dye having a carboxyl-substituted aromatic ring on one side of a methine group and a heteroaromatic ring having a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group; and a solar cell using the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element exhibits a conversion efficiency comparable or superior to that of a conventionally known photoelectric conversion element sensitized with a methine type dye. |
| US08338699B2 |
Poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprising chelating agents for solar cell modules
Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains an oxidizable metal component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of one or more chelating agent, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with an oxidizable metal component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity. |
| US08338697B2 |
Propylene resin composition and use thereof
The thermoplastic resin composition (X1) of the present invention comprises (A1), (B1), (C1), and optionally (D1) below: 1 to 90 wt % of an isotactic polypropylene (A1); 9 to 98 wt % of a propylene/ethylene/α-olefin copolymer (B1) containing 45 to 89 mol % of propylene-derived structural units, 10 to 25 mol % of ethylene-derived structural units, and optionally, 0 to 30 mol % of C4-C20 α-olefin-derived structural units (a1); 1 to 80 wt % of a styrene-based elastomer (C1); and 0 to 70 wt % of an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer (D1) whose density is in the range of 0.850 to 0.910 g/cm3, wherein (A1)+(B1)+(C1)+(D1)=100 wt %. |
| US08338695B2 |
Iterative adaptive solar tracking having variable step size
A system controller for position controlling a photovoltaic (PV) panel in a PV system including a power sensor sensing output power (P), and a motor for positioning the PV panel. The system controller includes a computing device having memory that provides motor control signals and implements an iterative adaptive control (IAC) algorithm stored in the memory for adjusting an angle of the PV panel. The IAC algorithm includes an iterative relation that relates P at current time k (P(k)), its elevation angle at k (θs (k)), P after a next step (P(k+1)) and its elevation angle at k+1 (θs (k+1)). The IAC algorithm generates a perturbed power value P(k+1) to provide a power perturbation to P(k), and calculates a position angle θS (k+1) of the PV panel using the perturbed power value. The motor control signals from the computing device cause the motor to position the PV panel to achieve θS (k+1). |
| US08338688B2 |
Electronic keyboard instrument
An electronic keyboard instrument with a hammer action, in which a circuit board for generating electronic musical tones can be disposed at a location for easy maintenance and for effective space utilization. Front and rear bars are bridged between side plates of an instrument main body so as to extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction and reinforce the instrument main body. A hammer action mechanism having hammers for respective keys is disposed rearward of a key-depression part of a keyboard and upward of a rear end portion of the keyboard, and a board tray is bridged between the front and rear bars. The board tray and the circuit board are located upward of the hammer action mechanism. |
| US08338685B2 |
Method and system for video and film recommendation
An artificial intelligence video analysis recommendation system and method is provided that allows video viewers to discover new videos and video producers to evaluate the potential success of a new project as well as to understand the perceptual factors beneath audience ratings. The system and method accomplish these tasks by analyzing a database of video in order to identify key similarities between different pieces of video, and then recommends pieces of video to a user depending upon their video preferences. An embodiment enables a user to evaluate a new video's similarity to videos already established as commercially valuable. |
| US08338681B2 |
Internal microphone support system for percussion instruments
An internal support device comprising horizontal and vertical straps and a plurality of mounting devices for positioning and isolating acoustic microphones interior to a percussion instrument. The vertical straps are rubber or similar shock absorbing material, arranged in a rectangular pattern and secured at their ends to a percussion instrument shell using a series of isolating lug attachments. Horizontal straps of similar material span opposing vertical straps to form two H-shaped frames for one or a plurality of microphone stand devices. Embodiments of the stand devices include a flat plane attached between the vertical straps, a modified flat plate with an internal wire harness for suspending a microphone, and a flat plane with microphone arm extensions therefrom. An alternate embodiment of the overall device includes a motorized adjustment means and a conveyor means for positioning and refining a microphone position within the drum interior without entering the drum cavity. The disclosed invention provides for modular placement and support for different types of microphones within a percussion instrument, as well as improved microphone isolation for better sound quality in a sound studio or recording environment. |
| US08338675B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X18A636
A novel maize variety designated X18A636 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 X18A636 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18A636 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18A636, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18A636. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18A636. |
| US08338672B2 |
Pepper hybrid E42.2346
A hybrid pepper designated E42.2346 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid pepper E42.2346 to the plants of hybrid pepper E42.2346 and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the hybrid E42.2346 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid pepper E42.2346. |
| US08338671B2 |
Soybean variety XB31E11
A novel soybean variety, designated XB31E11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31E11, cells from soybean variety XB31E11, plants of soybean XB31E11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31E11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31E11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB31E11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31E11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB31E11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31E11 are further provided. |
| US08338669B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080101
A soybean cultivar designated S080101 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080101, to the plants of soybean S080101, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080101, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080101 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 S080101, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080101, 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 S080101 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08338668B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080135
A soybean cultivar designated S080135 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080135, to the plants of soybean S080135, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080135, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080135 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 S080135, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080135, 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 S080135 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08338667B2 |
Environmental stress-inducible 972 promoter isolated from rice and uses thereof
The present invention relates to environmental stress-inducible 972 promoter isolated from rice, a recombinant plant expression vector comprising said promoter, a method of producing a target protein by using said recombinant plant expression vector, a method of producing a transgenic plant using said recombinant plant expression vector, a transgenic plant produced by said method, a method of improving resistance of a plant to environmental stress by using said promoter, and a primer set for amplification of said promoter. |
| US08338665B2 |
Methods and vectors for producing transgenic plants
Methods of, and compositions for, assembling one or more transcription units in a genome without a linked selectable marker or other unwanted transcription unit are provided. Also provided methods of, and compositions for, assembling one or more transcription units in a genome with a reduced frequency of vector backbone. |
| US08338661B2 |
Transgenic plants with increased stress tolerance and yield
Polynucleotides are disclosed which are capable of enhancing a growth, yield under water-limited conditions, and/or increased tolerance to an environmental stress of a plant transformed to contain such polynucleotides. Also provided are methods of using such polynucleotides and transgenic plants and agricultural products, including seeds, containing such polynucleotides as transgenes. |
| US08338659B2 |
Absorbent article featuring leakage warning
Disclosed is an absorbent article for preventing leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly. Also disclosed is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer. |
| US08338654B2 |
Hydrogenation process using catalyst comprising ordered intermetallic compound
Selective hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, e.g. of acetylene to ethylene, uses a hydrogenation catalyst comprising an ordered intermetallic compound. The ordered intermetallic compound comprises at least one metal of type A capable of activating hydrogen, and at least one metal of type B not capable of activating hydrogen. The structure of the ordered intermetallic compound is such that the type A metal is mainly surrounded by atoms of the type B metal. |
| US08338645B2 |
Method for producing a β-alkoxypropionamide
A method for producing a β-alkoxypropionamide shown by the following formula (I) including the step of reacting a β-alkoxypropionic acid ester with an amine in the presence of a basic catalyst or in the presence of a basic catalyst and a polyol: wherein R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a methoxymethyl group or a glycidyl group. |
| US08338637B2 |
Therapeutic compounds
Disclosed herein are compounds of the formula or salts or bioisosteres thereof. Therapeutic methods, medicaments, and compositions related thereto are also disclosed. |
| US08338635B2 |
Synthesis of half esters
A method for hydrolyzing an ester is provided. In accordance with the method, a compound A is provided which has first and second ester moieties. The compound is reacted in a liquid medium with a base having the formula MaXb, such that the first ester moiety is converted to a carboxyl moiety and the second ester moiety remains, wherein the ratio [Xk−]:[A] in the liquid medium is no greater than 1.6, and wherein k>0. |
| US08338633B2 |
Method of processing tall oil
A method of processing wood oil which is generated during pulping. In the method, low molecular weight carboxyl acid that is approximately 0.5-5.0% of the wood oil quantity (weight) is added to that wood oil early in its separation stage, in order to esterify the alcohol groups present in the wood oil, by the said acid. The protective esterification according to the present invention prevents the esterification of the alcohol groups by the fatty acids naturally present in the wood oil. |
| US08338629B2 |
Organometallic precursor for metal film or pattern and metal film or pattern using the precursor
Provided are an organometallic precursor, wherein a carboxyhydrazide compound is coordinated to a central metal, and a metal film or pattern using the precursor. By using the organometallic precursor, highly pure metal films or patterns can be obtained through a simple low-temperature process. |
| US08338628B2 |
Method of synthesizing alkylated bile acid derivatives
A novel, improved method of synthesizing alkylated bile acid derivatives is provided. Such derivatives include, but are not limited to the active, potent, and selective FXR receptor agonist such as 6-ECDCA and other CA, DCA and CDCA derivatives. The first step of the synthesis selectively oxidates CDCA, CD, or DCA related starting material. An efficient combined deprotonation, trapping, ethylation, deprotection and reduction system is used to produce the desired alkylated bile acid derivatives. This practical synthesis offers a simple and economical pathway suitable for a large-scale manufacturing of alkylated bile acid derivatives including, but not limited to, 6-ECDCA. |
| US08338627B2 |
Process for producing epoxides
A process for producing epoxide, the process including contacting an organic phase including at least one halohydrin(s) with at least one aqueous phase including a base in a plug-flow mixer/reactor system to disperse the organic phase in the aqueous phase via a mixing device imparting a power-to-mass ratio of at least 0.2 W/kg to convert at least a portion of the at least one halohydrin to an epoxide. |
| US08338623B2 |
Compounds as cannabinoid receptor ligands
The present application relates to cannabinoid receptor ligands containing compounds of formula (I) wherein A, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions. |
| US08338621B2 |
Process for the preparation of 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine derivatives
The present invention relates to alternative processes for the preparation of 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine derivatives of formula (I) Particularly, the present invention relates to alternative processes for the synthesis of levetiracetam, brivaracetam and seletracetam. |
| US08338618B2 |
Antioxidant inflammation modulators: novel derivatives of oleanolic acid
Disclosed herein are novel oleanolic acid derivatives. Methods of preparing these compounds are also disclosed. The oleanolic acid derivatives of this invention may be used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, inflammation, and pathologies involving oxidative stress. |
| US08338617B2 |
Process for preparing oxazolidine derivatives
A process for preparing (4S,5R)-5-carboxymethyl-2,2-dimethyl-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-3-carboxylic acid t-butyl ester, an intermediate in the preparation of anticancer compounds having a taxane skeleton, such as paclitaxel, docetaxol, etc. |
| US08338615B2 |
Human protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors and methods of use
The present disclosure relates to compounds effective as human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTP-β) inhibitors thereby regulating angiogenesis. The present disclosure further relates to compositions comprising one or more human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTP-β) inhibitors, and to methods for regulating angiogenesis. |
| US08338614B2 |
Tertiary carbinamines having substituted heterocycles which are active as β-secretase inhibitors for the treatment of alzheimer's disease
The present invention is directed to tertiary carbinamine compounds having substituted heterocycles, which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme, and are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved. |
| US08338612B2 |
Process for producing toluidine compound
Because fluazinam is excellent as an active ingredient of pesticides and highly useful, it is desired to produce it efficiently in a proper form with simple operations at low cost in an environmentally friendly manner. The desired product is obtained in good yields with simple operations by using industrially advantageous reaction systems by a process comprising (1) a step of reacting ACTF and DCDNBTF in the presence of an alkali component, a solvent selected from the group consisting of ketones, nitriles, ethers and esters and a sufficient amount of water to substantially dissolve the alkali component, (2) a step of neutralizing or acidifying the reaction mixture with an acid and (3) a step of removing the solvent by distillation from the mixture containing fluazinam as the reaction product and the reaction solvent to precipitate crystals the product. |
| US08338600B2 |
Copper-oxygen adduct complexes, and methods of making and use
The invention at hand describes Cu-(II)-oxygen adduct complexes, which are stable at room temperature, as well as methods for their production. In this, compounds of the general formula [L-Cu—O—O—Cu-L](BAr4)2 are concerned. Here, BAr4− is a tetraarylborate anion, selected from tetraphenylborate and tetrakis(3,5-trifluoromethyl)phenylborate. L represents a tripodal tetradentate ligand, wherein, each of the four binding sites of the tripodal tetradentate ligand is a nitrogen atom. Each of the three podal ligands is suitable for comprising an aliphatic amine or a nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic compound independently of one another. A bridge of one to four carbon atoms is located between the central nitrogen atom and the nitrogen atom of each of the podal ligands.The Cu-(II)-oxygen adduct complexes according to the present invention are produced, by initially reacting the ligand L with a Cu-(I) salt to [Cu-L]X. Subsequently, the anion X of the Cu-(I) complex [Cu-L]X is replaced with tetraarylborate and the compound [Cu-L]BAr4 obtained in this way is finally exposed to an oxygen-containing atmosphere. Hereby, [L-Cu—O—O—Cu-L](BAr4)2 is formed.The Cu-(II)-oxygen adduct complexes are suitable for being used as oxidation catalysts, for example for the oxidation of benzene to phenol or methane to methanol, for the oxidation of hydrogen, aromatic and aliphatic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, as well as alcohols and amines.Furthermore, detection of the Cu-(II)-oxygen adduct complexes according to the present invention is suitable for being used for the detection of oxygen. |
| US08338599B2 |
Compounds having a potentiating effect on the activity of ethionamide and uses thereof
The present invention relates to the use of compounds with a potentiating effect on the activity of antibiotics that are activatable via the EthA enzymatic pathway, for the preparation of a medicament for preventing and/or treating mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them in combination with an antibiotic that is activatable via the EthA pathway, to compounds having a potentiating effect on the activity of antibiotics that are activatable via the EthA enzymatic pathway, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to their use as medicaments, especially medicaments for preventing and/or treating mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy. |
| US08338595B2 |
Pyrrolotriazine derivatives useful for treating hyper-proliferative disorders and diseases associated with angiogenesis
This invention relates to pyrrozolotriazine compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of those compounds and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of hyper-proliferative disorders and diseases associated with angiogenesis. |
| US08338594B2 |
Pyrrolotriazine derivatives useful for treating cancer through inhibition of aurora kinase
This invention relates to novel compounds and processes for their preparation, methods of treating diseases, particularly Cancer, comprising administering said compounds, and methods of making pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of disorders, particularly Cancer. |
| US08338592B2 |
Fused thiazole derivatives as kinase inhibitors
A series of 6,7-dihydro[1,3]thiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one derivatives, which are substituted in the 2-position by a substituted morpholin-4-yl moiety, being selective inhibitors of PI3 kinase enzymes, are accordingly of benefit in medicine, for example in the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, oncological, nociceptive or ophthalmic conditions. |
| US08338590B2 |
Substituted oxindole derivatives and medicaments containing the same
The present invention relates to novel oxindole derivatives of the general formula (I), wherein the substitutes A, B, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in Claim 1, and medicaments containing the same for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of vasopressin-dependent or oxytocin-dependent diseases. |
| US08338588B2 |
Methanesulfonate salts of abiraterone-3-esters and recovery of salts of abirater one-3-esters from solution in methyl tert-butyl ether
A salt of a compound of formula (I) may be made with methanesulfonic acid. The salt and salts with other acids may be prepared by recovering from methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). |
| US08338587B2 |
Compounds
The present invention provides named compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy. |
| US08338573B2 |
Crystal structure of CD147 extracellular region and use thereof
A crystal, a preparation method and 3D structure of CD147 extracellular region are provided. Such 3D structure is useful in the determination of the active site of CD147 extracellular region by computer modeling or molecular docking method. The crystal and/or 3D structure are useful in a structure-based drug design and the selection of an antibody, a ligand or an interacting molecule of CD 147 extracellular region. |
| US08338571B2 |
Recombinant factor VIII having increased stability
The present invention relates to a recombinant factor VIII that includes one or more mutations that result in enhanced stability of both factor VIII and factor VIIIa. Methods of making and using the recombinant factor VIII, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same are also disclosed. The present invention further relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes the recombinant factor VIII, as well as DNA expression systems and host cells containing the isolated nucleic acid molecule. |
| US08338570B2 |
Collagen fibrillar construction
Methods and compositions are described for organizing collagen into fibrillar networks, e.g, short and long-range organization. Collagen produced by the disclosed methods can be used for tissue engineering. |
| US08338567B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for treating diseases associated with NF-κB activity
A method of treating a disease associated with NF-κB activity. The method is effected by providing to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of modulating NIK-HC8 binding. |
| US08338560B2 |
Polyimide film and use thereof
The present invention provides a polyimide film and its usage. The polyimide film according to the present invention does not cause dimensional change due to thermal stress. The present invention particularly relates to a polyimide film and its usage, which polyimide film has a characteristic of suppressing thermal deformation of the material in lamination of a polyimide film and a metal layer by a laminate method. The polyimide film according to the present invention has the following characteristics: (1) an inflexion point of storage modulus ranges from 270° C. to 340° C.; (2) tan δ, which is a value obtained by dividing a loss elastic modulus by a storage modulus, has a peak-top in a range of 320° C. to 410° C.; (3) a storage modulus at 380° C. ranges from 0.4 GPa to 2.0 GPa; and (4) a storage modulus α1 at the inflexion point (GPa) and a storage modulus α2 at 380° C. (GPa) satisfy: 85≧{(α1−α2)/α1}×100≧65. With these characteristics, the polyimide film gives an effect of suppressing thermal deformation of the material in lamination of a polyimide film and a metal layer by a laminate method. |
| US08338555B2 |
Photopolymers and their use in organic thin film transistors
Photopolymers are provided with composites and electronic devices including such photopolymers. Specifically, organic thin film transistors comprising a semiconductor layer, a polymeric layer in contact with the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode are disclosed, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises an organic semiconductor compound, and the polymeric layer comprises a photocrosslinked product of a photopolymer. |
| US08338553B2 |
Solvatochromic molecularly imprinted polymer for chemosensing
Disclosed are a solvatochromic functional monomer having the chemical structure and a process for preparing the same. The solvatochromic functional monomer can be used for fabrication of molecularly imprinted polymer based (MIP-based) solvatochromic chemosensors. This involves the incorporation of the solvatochromic functional monomer as reporter into the molecularly imprinted polymer. The solvatochromic functional monomers as reporters signal the analyte-to-receptor displacing event within the receptor sites without the need for intermolecular interaction between the analyte and the receptor. |
| US08338551B2 |
Polymer films
Method for the preparation of a blown film containing 300-600 gels/m2 of size in the range 100-2000 μm as measured by an optical control system, in which the film is derived by extrusion from an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer. The method is carried out by preparing the copolymer in a particle forming polymerization process in the presence of a single site catalyst system containing a single site catalyst, a cocatalyst, and a support material. |
| US08338547B2 |
Polymer alloy and production method thereof
To provide a structure material having excellent mechanical characteristics and a functional material having excellent regularity, provided are a polymer alloy which is composed of at least two components of thermoplastic resins and of which the structure can be controlled finely and evenly dispersed and a production method of the polymer alloy. With respect to a polymer alloy composed of at least two or more components of thermoplastic resins, a precursor (A) of at least one thermoplastic resin among the thermoplastic resin components composing the polymer alloy is chemically reacted in the co-presence of the remaining thermoplastic resin component (B1) and/or a precursor (B2) of the thermoplastic resin component to induce spinodal decomposition, so that it is made possible to obtain a polymer alloy having excellent regularity and of which the structure is finely controllable and the structure is evenly dispersed. |
| US08338546B2 |
Composition of polythiophene-based conductive polymers having high conductivity, transparency, waterproof property and a membrane prepared using the same
The present invention relates to a polythiophene-based conductive polymer composition having high conductivity, transparency, waterproof property and durability, and a polymer membrane prepared by using the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a polythiophene-based conductive polymer composition comprising an aqueous solution of a polythiophene-based conductive polymer, an alcohol-based organic solvent, an amide-based organic solvent or an aprotic highly-dipolar solvent, a melamine resin and a binder selected among a polyester, a polyurethane resin and an alkoxy silane in a predetermined mixed ratio. The membrane prepared using the same has a high conductivity of less than 1 kΩ/m2 and a high transparency of higher than 95%, thus being applicable to of an anti-static film, a film for touch panel, a film for higher or lower electrode, a film for inorganic EL and a film for display electrode. |
| US08338540B2 |
Polymeric compositions and processes for molding articles
The present invention is directed to polymeric article comprising a blend of (a) a first polymeric component; (b) a second polymeric component, the second polymeric component including a propylene elastomer or a substantially linear or linear ethylene polymer; and (c) at least one reinforcement material. The polymeric articles desirably have one or more of the following characteristics: a soft touch feel, a low gloss appearance, or a high surface durability. |
| US08338537B2 |
Surface modifying macromolecules with high degradation temperatures and uses thereof
The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties. |
| US08338536B2 |
Adhesive compositions for use in die attach applications
Novel adhesive compositions that can be used in the die attach process. The adhesives include a curable resin component, a curing agent, and a block copolymer additive. The block copolymer additive has a glass transition temperature of at least about 40° C. The block copolymer additive improves the affinity of the adhesive composition to a hydrophilic substrate, such as a silicon wafer, during the die pickup process. Also disclosed is an assembly which includes a hydrophilic substrate and a layer of adhesive and methods of producing the assembly. |
| US08338533B2 |
Impact-modified polycarbonate compositions
The present invention relates to non-aging, impact-modified polycarbonate compositions and molding compositions comprising: A) from 60 to 86 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of aromatic polycarbonate and/or aromatic polyester carbonate, B) from 4 to 12 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of graft polymer comprising: B.1 from 10 to 50 wt. % (based on the graft polymer B) of a shell of at least one vinyl monomer, and B.2 from 90 to 50 wt. % (based on the graft polymer B) of a graft base of silicone-acrylate composite rubber, C) from 10 to 30 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of a polymer or copolymer based on vinyl monomer, and D) from 0 to 20 parts by weight of polymer additives. Components B and C are present in a ratio of the parts by weight of B:C in the range from 1:1.3 to 1:3.5. A composition of the present invention is generally free of inorganic fillers, and is distinguished by an improved balance of multiaxial low-temperature impact strength and flowability, good dyeability and a high heat distortion resistance. |
| US08338524B2 |
Glass compositions
Disclosed is a glass composition which can be suitably used as a glass filler to be blended into a polycarbonate resin. This glass composition contains, in mass %, 50≦SiO2≦60, 8≦Al2O3≦15, 0≦MgO≦10, 10≦CaO≦30, 0≦Li2O+Na2O+K2O<2, and 5 |
| US08338516B1 |
Method of preparing silicone-modified tackifier
A pressure sensitive adhesive composition including silicone-modified tackifier. The silicone-modified tackifier is produced by reacting reactive silicone with tackifier. Laminates made with the pressure sensitive adhesive have improved guillotinability. |
| US08338512B2 |
Electrically conducting organic polymer/nanoparticle composites and method for use thereof
Compositions are provided comprising aqueous dispersions of electrically conducting organic polymers and a plurality of nanoparticles wherein pH can be adjusted for improved organic electronic device performance. Films deposited from invention compositions are useful as buffer layers in electroluminescent devices, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and electrodes for thin film field effect transistors. Buffer layers containing nanoparticles may have a much lower conductivity than buffer layers without nanoparticles. In addition, when incorporated into an electroluminescent (EL) device, buffer layers according to the invention contribute to higher stress life of the EL device. |
| US08338510B2 |
Photosensitive siloxane composition, cured film formed therefrom and device having the cured film
Various embodiments provide a photosensitive siloxane composition containing (a) polysiloxane, (b) a quinone diazide compound, (c) a solvent, and (d) one or more kinds of specified imidosilane compounds. Various embodiments also provide a cured film obtained by applying and/or patterning the photosensitive siloxane composition. Various embodiments further provide a device including the cured film. |
| US08338509B2 |
System and method for pre-treatment of rubber-modified asphalt cement, and emulsions thereof
This invention encompasses asphalt cement emulsions, as well as methods for preparing a pre-treated rubber-modified asphalt cement emulsions and methods for coating industrial surfaces using asphalt cement emulsions. |
| US08338508B2 |
Water-sensitive film containing an olefinic elastomer
A film that is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. To achieve these dual attributes, the film contains an olefinic elastomer and a water-soluble polymer. Although these polymers are normally chemically incompatible due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the polyolefin, water-soluble polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and so forth. For example, certain water-soluble polymers may be selected that have a low molecular weight and viscosity to enhance their melt compatibility with nonpolar polyolefins. This, in turn, may result in a film that is generally free of separate phases, which would otherwise limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and disperse. |
| US08338505B2 |
Alumina-enhanced polyester resins and methods for making the same
The invention embraces polymer resins, such as polyethylene terephthalate resin, that includes surface-compatibilized alumina. The invention also embraces methods of making polyethylene terephthalate resins that are capable of being formed into low-haze, high-clarity articles possessing reduced coefficient of friction. |
| US08338500B2 |
Binder composition and photosensitive composition including the same
The present invention relates a binder composition and a photosensitive composition including the binder composition. In one embodiment, a binder composition includes a copolymer of monomer M1, M2, M3, M4, an iso octyl 3-mercaptopropionate and a thermal initiator, wherein the monomer M1 can be represented by the following formula: the monomers M2, M3 and M4 can be represented by the following formula, however the monomers M2, M3 and M4 are different from each other, wherein R1, R2, R3 can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl group, R4 is an aromatic group, R5 can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, aromatic groups, alkyl groups, substituted alkyl groups and alkyl groups interrupted by an oxygen atom. The copolymer has good developing ability and a black matrices made therefrom has good mechanical properties. |
| US08338498B2 |
Polymeric bone defect filler
A bone defect filler for implantation in a bone defect of a patient includes a particulate polymer distributed within a polymeric binder. The particulate polymer includes a plurality of particles, which may have substantially the same material composition as the polymeric binder. The particles of the particulate polymer may be formed in a variety of shapes and/or sizes to provide the bone defect filler with improved pore interconnectivity, material expansion and contamination characteristics, while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and handling characteristics for bone repair applications. The bone defect filler also provides the flexibility to be molded or shaped in situ to fill the bone defect. |
| US08338495B2 |
Method for efficient use of heat from tubular reformer
In a GTL process of producing various kinds of hydrocarbon oils from natural gas, provided is improved heat efficiency in the case of using a steam reforming process or a carbon dioxide reforming process in the reforming. The process includes producing a synthesis gas by converting the natural gas and at least one of steam and carbon dioxide into a synthesis gas through a tubular reformer filled with a reforming catalyst, producing Fischer-Tropsch oil by subjecting the produced synthesis gas to a Fischer-Tropsch reaction, and upgrading in which the Fischer-Tropsch oil is subjected to hydrotreatment and distillation to produce various kinds of hydrocarbon oils, in which excess heat generated in the synthesis gas production is recovered, and the recovered heat is used as heat for at least one of hydrotreatment and distillation in the upgrading. |
| US08338494B2 |
Nanoparticles from slightly oxidised cellulose
The present invention provides novel nanoscale cellulose particles and also a process for their production. The cellulose-based particles obtained have volume-averaged particle sizes of less than 300 run. These nanoparticles are produced from slightly oxidized cellulose and by input of energy into a water-containing medium after or during dispersion. |
| US08338493B2 |
Method for improving efficacy of surfactants prevention of lamellar mesophases temperature stabilization of the single phase region and a method for reducing boundary surface tension in micro-emulsions containing silicone oils by means of additives and surfactant/oil mixtures
Disclosed is a method for improving efficacy of surfactants, prevention of lamellar mesophases, temperature stabilization of the single phase region and a method for reducing boundary surface tension in micro-emulsions containing silicone oils by means of additives and a surfactant/oil mixture. The above effects are achieved, whereby an additive of a block copolymer with a water-soluble block A and a block B which is either a polyalkylene oxide with at least 4 C atoms in the monomer component or a polydiene or a partially or completely hydrogenated polydiene or polyalkane, is added to the micro-emulsion. |
| US08338488B2 |
Use of at least one oxime derivative of 3,5-seco-4-nor-cholestane as antioxidants
The invention relates to the use of at least one oxime derivative of 3,5-seco-4-norcholestane as antioxidants in the cosmetics and food fields, and as antioxidant preservatives that can be used, in particular, in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products. |
| US08338487B2 |
Substituted arylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro naphthalenes and -2,3-dihydro-1H-indenes as potassium channel modulators
This invention provides compounds of formula I where Ar1 is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally substituted; where the —NR3R4 group is situated ortho to the NHC(═X) group; n=1 or 2; X=O or S; Y is O or S; and q=1 or 0. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula I and/or salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof. These compounds modulate the activation and inactivation of potassium channels. The compounds are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders—such as seizure disorders—which are affected by modulation of potassium ion channels. |
| US08338483B2 |
Method for producing acylglycinates
The invention relates to a method for producing acylglycinates of formula (I) wherein R1 represents a linear or branched, saturated alkanoyl group having between 6 and 30 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched, mono- or polyunsaturated alkenoyl group having between 6 and 30 carbon atoms, and Q+ represents a cation selected from the alkali metals Li+, Na+ and K+, characterised in that glycine comprises fatty acid chloride R1Cl, wherein R1 which has the meaning given in formula (I), is provided in water and in presence of a basic alkali compound, the cations Q+ are selected from Li+, Na+ and K+, but in the absence of organic solvents, is reacted at between 30-35 DEG C, and the proportion of fatty acid chloride R1Cl containing acyl groups R1 having 18 or more carbon atoms, in relation to the total amount of used fatty acid chloride, is less than 2.0% in wt. |
| US08338474B2 |
Use of phthalimide and/or sulphonamide derivatives in the treatment of diseases which require reducing the TNF-α levels and an exogenous source of nitric oxide, phthalimide derivatives, sulphonamide derivatives, and a method for obtaining a sulphonamide derivative
Preparation and use of phthalimide and/or sulphonamide derivatives with nitric oxide donor properties, having activities in increasing gamma-globin gene expression and anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, effective in the treatment of hematologic diseases which require reducing the TNF-α levels and an exogenous source of nitric oxide, such as sickle-cell disease. The functionalized phthalimide derivatives are designed from the prototypes thalidomide and hydroxyurea. |
| US08338473B2 |
Derivatives of psammaplin A, a method for their synthesis and their uses for the prevention or treatment of cancer
Derivatives of psammaplin A responding to formula (I), a method for their synthesis and their use for the preparation of a medicament for preventing and for treating a tumor or a cancer. Formula (I). |
| US08338470B1 |
Dexmedetomidine premix formulation
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid for parenteral administration to a subject, and wherein the composition is disposed within a sealed container as a premixture. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used, for example, in perioperative care of a patient or for sedation. |
| US08338466B2 |
Apoptosis-inducing agents for the treatment of cancer and immune and autoimmune diseases
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which is expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. |
| US08338461B2 |
1-heterocyclylsulfonyl, 3-aminomethyl, 5-(hetero-)aryl substituted 1-H-pyrrole derivatives as acid secretion inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound having a superior acid secretion inhibitory effect and showing an antiulcer activity and the like. The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 is a nitrogen-containing monocyclic heterocyclic group optionally condensed with a benzene ring or a heterocycle, the nitrogen-containing monocyclic heterocyclic group optionally condensed with a benzene ring or a heterocycle optionally has substituent(s), R2 is an optionally substituted C6-14 aryl group, an optionally substituted thienyl group or an optionally substituted pyridyl group, R3 and R4 are each a hydrogen atom, or one of R3 and R4 is a hydrogen atom and the other is an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, an acyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group or a nitro group, and R5 is an alkyl group or a salt thereof. |
| US08338459B2 |
Compounds, compositions and methods for stabilizing transthyretin and inhibiting transthyretin misfolding
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for stabilizing transthyretin and for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of transthyretin mediated diseases. In one embodiment, the compounds are benzoxazoles and related compounds. |
| US08338458B2 |
Method of treatment using fused aromatic compounds having anti-diabetic activity
Fused aromatic compounds of Formula I are PPAR gamma agonists or partial agonists and are useful for weekly dosing in the treatment or control of type II diabetes, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity that are often associated with type 2 diabetes. |
| US08338451B2 |
Polysubstituted derivatives of 2-heteroaryl-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, and preparation and therapeutic use thereof
Compounds of formula (I): wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4 and X are as defined in the disclosure, or an acid addition salt thereof, and the therapeutic use and process of synthesis thereof. |
| US08338448B2 |
Chemokine receptor modulators
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, tautomers, stereoisomers, and/or esters thereof. These compounds, and pharmaceutical composition comprising such compounds are useful treating or preventing HIV infections, and in treating proliferative disorders such as inhibiting the metastasis of various cancers. |
| US08338443B2 |
Chemical compounds
The use of a compound of formula I wherein Y is a single bond, C═O, C═S or S(O)m, where m is 0, 1 or 2; the ring is a 6-membered aromatic or is a 5 or 6 membered heteroaromatic ring; Z and Z′ are joined by a single or a double bond and are ═C— or —N— provided that both are not N; Ra, R1, R2, R3, R3a, R4 and R8 are specified organic groups; n is 2, 3 or 4 and p is 0-4; or salts or N-oxides thereof or compositions containing them in controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs. Novel compounds are also provided. |
| US08338441B2 |
Inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication
Compounds of formula I: wherein a, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of HIV replication. |
| US08338432B2 |
Derivatives of 6,7-dihydro-3H-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine-5,9-dione as PDE-5 inhibitors
A series of derivatives of 6,7-dihydro-3H-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine-5,8-dione, mixtures thereof, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which are inhibitors of PDE-5, possessing vasodilatator properties and relaxing effects. In particular, compounds of formula (I), where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined herein, processes for the preparation of said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, as well as uses as inhibitors of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) in the treatment of the erectile dysfunction and PDE-5 inhibitor treatable disorders. |
| US08338429B2 |
2-acylaminothiazole derivative or salt thereof
A 2-acylaminothiazole derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having an excellent effect of proliferating human c-mpl-Ba/F3 cells and an activity of increasing platelets based on the effect of promoting the formation of megakaryocytic colonies. A compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof useful in treating thrombocytopenia. |
| US08338428B2 |
Methods for administering aripiprazole
The present invention relates, in part, to the discovery that a pharmaceutical composition comprising aripiprazole and a carrier administered in a bolus injection resulted in an extended release profile similar to that obtained by the injection of a poly lactide-co-glycolide microsphere formulation containing the active agent. This surprising result suggests that pharmacologically beneficial extended release formulations without the complexities and expense associated with the manufacture microspheres. |
| US08338426B2 |
Piperazinyl derivatives useful as modulators of the neuropeptide Y2 receptor
The present invention is directed to piperazinyl derivatives useful as inhibitors of the NPY Y2 receptor, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, processes for the preparation of said compounds and the use of said compounds for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders, diseases and conditions mediated by the NPY Y2 receptor. |
| US08338422B2 |
Indolin-2-ones and aza-indolin-2-ones
The present invention relates to compounds or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy. The invention particularly relates to certain indolin-2-ones and aza-indolin-2-ones which possess anti-tumor activity and are accordingly useful in methods of treatment of the human or animal body, in particular such compounds are useful in the treatment of pathological processes which involve an aberrant cellular proliferation, such as tumor growth, rheumatoid arthritis, restenosis and atherosclerosis. |
| US08338421B2 |
Compositions and methods for reversing rebound hyperemia
The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for inducing vasoconstriction with low incidence of rebound hyperemia. The compositions comprise highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, at low concentrations, such as below 0.05% weight by volume. The compositions preferably comprise brimonidine. The compositions preferably have pH between about 5.5 and about 6.5. |
| US08338419B2 |
N-thio-anthranilamid compounds and their use as pesticides
N-Thio-anthranilamid compounds of formula (I) wherein A is a group selected from A1 and A2 wherein the variables and the indices are as defined per the description, processes for preparing the compounds I, pesticidal compositions comprising compounds I, use of compounds I for the control of insects, acarids or nematodes, and methods for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites by use of compounds of formula I. |
| US08338418B2 |
Dual-acting antihypertensive agents
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Z, X, R3, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds. |
| US08338412B2 |
Inhibitors of P38
The present invention relates to inhibitors of p38, a mammalian protein kinase involved cell proliferation, cell death and response to extracellular stimuli. The invention also relates to methods for producing these inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors of the invention and methods of utilizing those compositions in the treatment and prevention of various disorders. |
| US08338410B2 |
Neuroprotective compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them
This invention relates to the use of at least one compound of the following formula (I): or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, for the preparation of a medicinal compound having neuroprotective activity intended to prevent or treat neurone deteriorations. |
| US08338408B2 |
Tetracyclic compounds
This disclosure relates to new tetracyclic compounds that may be used to modulate a histamine receptor in an individual. The compounds in one embodiment are tetracyclic [4,3-b]indoles. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds are also provided, as are methods of using the compounds in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder, neurotransmitter-mediated disorder and/or a neuronal disorder. |
| US08338406B2 |
Benzodiazepine compound and pharmaceutical composition
The present invention provides a novel benzodiazepine compound that blocks the IKur current or the Kv1.5 channel potently and more selectively than other K+ channels. The benzodiazepine compound of the invention is represented by General Formula (1) wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen or lower alkyl; R2 and R3 may be linked to form lower alkylene; A1 is lower alkylene optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy; and R5 is group represented by wherein R6 and R7 are each independently hydrogen or organic group; XA and XB are each independently bond, lower alkylene, etc. |
| US08338400B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transdermal or transmucosal application of testosterone
Methods, formulations, and devices for providing transdermal or transmucosal delivery of testosterone to female subjects in need thereof. The formulations and methods treat symptoms of hormonal disorders including hypogonadism, female sexual desire disorder, female menopausal disorder, and adrenal insufficiency. |
| US08338397B2 |
Composition and method of treating side effects from antibiotic treatment
A method of treating side effects of antibiotic treatment includes the step of internally administering an antibiotic that is capable of inducing hearing loss in a mammal. The method further includes the step of internally administering a composition to the mammal in conjunction with administration of the antibiotic. The composition includes a biologically effective amount of at least one scavenger of singlet oxygen, vitamin E, vitamin C, and a vasodilator comprising magnesium. The combination of vitamins and the vasodilator comprising magnesium, in the biologically effective amounts, provides an effective treatment for treating side effects of antibiotic treatment. |
| US08338392B2 |
MicroRNA modulators and method for identifying and using the same
The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease. |
| US08338391B2 |
Phosphine-borane compound and method for producing the same, and method for producing hydrogen-phosphine-borane compound
An object of the present invention is to provide an optically active phosphine-borane compound and a method for producing the same which are useful for the production of an optically active phosphine ligand and allow easy production of any antipode. There is provided a phosphine-borane compound represented by the following general formula (P-1). There is also provided a method for producing the phosphine-borane compound, the method comprising subjecting a hydrogen-phosphine-borane compound represented by the following general formula (P-2) to a coupling reaction with an optically active isocyanate compound represented by the following general formula (3). In the following formulae, R1 and R2 each represent a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, or a substituted hydrocarbon group and may be selected so that asymmetry may be induced on the phosphorus atom by the presence of these groups, or may be selected so that asymmetry may not be induced; and R3 represents an asymmetric hydrocarbon group or an asymmetric substituted hydrocarbon group. |
| US08338384B2 |
Method for treating ocular neovascularization
Methods are provided for the treatment of ocular neovascularization by increasing, in an individual afflicted with ocular neovascularization, in vivo concentrations of an endostatin protein in the ocular tissues of the individual to an ocular neovascularization inhibiting effective amount, where the endostatin protein has anti-ocular neovascularization activity in vivo. |
| US08338374B2 |
Stable growth hormone liquid formulation
The present invention is directed to stable liquid growth hormone formulations that remain stable after physical agitation, and after exposure to one or more freeze-thaw events. Formulations of the present invention can be stored long term at a variety of temperatures, even frozen. In the present invention, a combination of buffer and stabilizing agents, including a non-ionic surfactant (e.g., polysorbate 20), a polymer stabilizer (e.g., polyethylene glycol), and other optional stabilizers combine to provide unexpected stability to aqueous formulations of a growth hormone (e.g., human growth hormone). |
| US08338373B2 |
Method for reducing the risk of spontaneous abortion in a human female subject
Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or spontaneous abortion in a recipient of FET, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of FET, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). |
| US08338370B2 |
Methods and compositions for promoting organ development
Compositions and methods are provided for promoting organ development in warm blooded animals, and in particular in certain aspects a premature infant or foetus. Compositions and methods are also provided for the administration of at least one colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, or otherwise, at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof. |
| US08338368B2 |
Glucagon analogs exhibiting physiological solubility and stability
Modified glucagon peptides are disclosed having improved solubility and stability, wherein the native glucagon peptide has been modified by pegylation, or the addition of a carboxy terminal peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, or both. |
| US08338367B2 |
Fused heteroaryl diamide compounds useful as MMP-13 inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds and compositions of the formula I as described herein which are inhibitors of MMP-13. Also disclosed are methods of using and making compounds of the formula I. |
| US08338366B2 |
Bioactive FUS1 peptides and nanoparticle-polypeptide complexes
A nanoparticle-polypeptide complex comprising a bioactive polypeptide in association with a nanoparticle, wherein the bioactive polypeptide is modified by the addition of a chemical moiety that facilitates cellular uptake of the protein. The polypeptide can be a protein or a peptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the protein or peptide is derived from the amino acid sequence of a tumor suppressor gene product. |
| US08338364B2 |
Peptide tyrosinase inhibitors and uses thereof
Disclosed are peptides which inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory peptides in a topical formulation. Methods of skin treatment are also provided, the methods further including use of a peptide characterized by the amino acid sequence SFLLRN (SEQ ID NO: 1). |
| US08338363B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising casein derived peptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to peptides derived from casein and their use in the management of lactating animals, particularly to methods for decreasing the length of the dry period of a lactating livestock animal, for increasing its milk yield and milk hygiene after parturition and for improving the livestock welfare. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising peptides derived from casein in the form of a sterile solution, which compositions are clear and substantially devoid of micelles. |
| US08338360B2 |
Fabric conditioning fabric care articles comprising a particulate lubricant agent
A fabric conditioning articles containing a particulate lubricant agent comprising a platelet which is optionally hexagonal in shape, said platelet optionally having a planar aspect ratio of particle size to thickness of from about 50 to about 300. Non-limiting examples of suitable particulate lubricant agents can include materials such as a boron nitride, a tungsten disulfide, a molybdenum disulfide, a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), a talc, a calcium fluoride, a cerium fluoride and a tungsten disulfide, and a mixture thereof. |
| US08338359B2 |
Dryer bar having void volumes
Dryer bars having certain defined void volumes. |
| US08338354B2 |
Manual spray cleaner and protectants
A manual spray cleaner for removing dirt and stains from fabrics and carpets comprising a spray bottle having two separate chambers and a single dispensing spray outlet for dispensing controlled amounts of liquids from each of the chambers. One of the chambers has a fabric/carpet cleaning composition therein and the other chamber has an oxidizing composition that enhances the cleanability of the fabric/carpet cleaning composition. The fabric/carpet cleaning composition and the oxidizing composition are simultaneously drawn from their respective chambers and mixed together at the time that they are dispensed from the spray bottle. At least one of the oxidizing composition and the fabric/carpet cleaning composition includes a fabric/carpet protectant. The two compositions are mixed before or after they are sprayed from the bottle. The two compositions can be pressurized with an aerosol propellant or drawn from their respective chambers by a mechanical pump. |
| US08338353B2 |
Hard surface cleaner containing polysulfonic acid
The invention is directed toward improved aqueous hard surface cleaning compositions which include one or more polysulfonic acids The inclusion of one or more polysulfonic acids in a hard surface composition provides for improved removal of insoluble salt deposits resulting from hard water In an embodiment, the invention utilizes a foaming agent fragrance and a thickening agent. |
| US08338350B2 |
Gluconic acid containing photoresist cleaning composition for multi-metal device processing
A microelectronic photoresist cleaning composition suitable for cleaning multi-metal microelectronic devices and to do so without any substantial or significant galvanic corrosion occurring when there is a subsequent rinsing step employing water. |
| US08338347B2 |
System for reducing bacteria on unprocessed food surfaces while extending shelf life
A system for substantially reducing surface contaminants of a food substance comprising a substantially transparent and odorless solution made from a plurality of substantially organic compounds selected from: citric acid, sodium citrate, vegetable glycerin, sea salt, potassium sorbate, decyl glucoside, calcium ascorbate, grapefruit seed extract, and sodium bisulfite, and an applicator for applying the solution to the food substance. The solution ratio of organic compounds is approximately: 2% citric acid, 2% sodium citrate, 0.2% vegetable glycerin, 0.2% potassium sorbate; 0% to 0.4% decyl glucoside, 0% to 0.2% calcium ascorbate, 0% to 0.2% grapefruit seed extract, 0% to 0.1% sodium bisulfite, and 0.2% to 2% sea salt. |
| US08338344B2 |
Cold flow improver
The invention relates to the use of polymers which comprise, in copolymerized form, an α-olefin, at least one alkenyl ester and at least one ester of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid with higher alcohols as an additive for fuel oils and lubricants and especially as a cold flow improver in fuel oils; to the fuel oils and lubricants additized with these polymers; and to additive packages comprising such copolymers. The invention also relates to quaternary and higher copolymers which comprise the abovementioned monomers in copolymerized form. |
| US08338343B2 |
Additive composition comprising an amidized or imidized polymer
The invention relates to a process for an additive composition comprising an amidized or imidized polymer. The invention further relates to a highly grafted, multi-functional lubricant additive useful to improve the viscosity index and dispersancy properties of a lubricating oil composition. The present invention also relates to a method of extending lubricant drain intervals and improving fuel economy and fuel economy durability. The additive composition is prepared by: (A) reacting an olefin copolymer of ethylene and at least one C3 to C23 &agr; -olefin comprising from about 15 to 80 mole percent of ethylene, from about 20 to 85 mole percent of said C3 to C23 &agr; -olefin and from about 0 to 15 wt percent of a polyene, said copolymer having a number average molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 500,000, with an olefinic carboxylic acid acylating agent, said process comprising heating said polymer to a molten condition at a temperature in the range of 60° C. to 240° C., grafting, in a first extruder or a first mixing device, said olefinic carboxylic acylating agent onto said copolymer, optionally subsequently reducing the molecular weight of said copolymer at a temperature in the range of 250° C. to 350° C., thereby producing a grafted, reduced molecular weight acylated copolymer having a number average molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 80,000 and having at least 0.2-20 molecules of said carboxylic acid acylating agent grafted per 1000 C atoms of said olefin copolymer, and (B) reacting, in a second extruder or a second mixing device, said acylated copolymer made in (A) with a polyamine. |
| US08338340B2 |
Drilling fluid and methods
A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including at least one of a branched alcohol ethoxylate and a capped alcohol ethoxylate, a detergent builder and a viscosifier. |
| US08338336B2 |
Synergistic herbicidal composition containing penoxsulam and oxyfluorfen
Penoxsulam and oxyfluorfen synergistically control weeds in crops, especially perennial tree and vine crops, rice, cereal and grain crops, pastures, rangelands, IVM and turf. Such compositions provide improved pre-emergence residual and post-emergence burndown with residual herbicidal weed control. |
| US08338334B2 |
Synergistic herbicidal composition containing fluroxypyr and quinclorac
An herbicidal synergistic mixture of fluroxypyr and quinclorac provides improved post-emergence weed control in rice, cereal and grain crops, pastures, rangelands, IVM and turf. |
| US08338332B1 |
Herbicidal composition for tolerant or resistant cotton crops
Herbicide combinations (A)+(B), if appropriate in the presence of safeners, with an effective content of (A) broad-spectrum herbicides from the group (A1) glufosinate (salts) and related compounds (A2) glyphosate (salts) and related compounds such as sulfosate, (A3) imidazolinones such as imazethapyr, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazamox or their salts and (A4) herbicidal azoles from the group of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors (PPO inhibitors) and (A5) the hydroxybenzonitriles and (B) herbicides from the group consisting of (B0) one or more structurally different herbicides from the abovementioned group (A), (B1) foliar- and soil-acting herbicides which are effective against monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous harmful plants, (B2) predominantly foliar-acting herbicides which are effective against dicotyledonous harmful plants, (B3) predominantly foliar-acting herbicides which are effective against monocotyledonous harmful plants, and (B4) foliar- and soil-acting herbicides which are effective against predominantly monocotyledonous harmful plants are suitable for controlling harmful plants in cotton which consists of tolerant or resistant mutants or transgenic cotton plants. |
| US08338329B2 |
Fluid filtration medium
The present application relates to improved filtration of fluids. Particularly, a surfactant-treated zeolite material may be utilized for removing turbid particles from a volume of fluid, such as water. |
| US08338327B2 |
Process for production of allyl acetate production catalyst
An allyl acetate production catalyst comprising at least (a) palladium, (b) gold, (c) a compound containing at least one element selected from copper, nickel, zinc and cobalt, (d) an alkali metal salt compound and (e) a carrier, is produced by a process comprising step 1 in which a homogeneous solution of a palladium-containing compound and a gold-containing compound is supported on a carrier by contact therewith, step 2 in which the carrier obtained in step 1 is contacted with an alkali solution for impregnation, step 3 in which the carrier obtained in step 2 is subjected to reduction treatment, and step 4 in which a compound containing at least one element selected from copper, nickel, zinc and cobalt and an alkali metal salt compound are supported onto the carrier obtained in step 3. The obtained allyl acetate production catalyst has minimal reduction in activity and improved selectivity, when used for production of allyl acetate from propylene, oxygen and acetic acid. |
| US08338323B2 |
Electrode for electrochemical reaction and production process thereof
The present invention provides a process for producing an electrode for electrochemical reaction, wherein a conductive diamond layer is formed on an electrode substrate in the electrode; and the electrode substrate on which the conductive diamond layer is formed is kept at a temperature of 400° C. or more and 1,000° C. or less in a water vapor, thereby forming a micropore in the conductive diamond layer. Also, the present invention provides an electrode for electrochemical reaction obtained by the foregoing production process. |
| US08338320B2 |
Optical glass, preform for precision press-molding, optical element, methods for manufacturing thereof, and imaging device
An optical Glass characterized by comprising, denoted as molar percentages: B2O5—5 to 45 percent; SiO2—0 to 6 percent (excluding 6 percent); Li2O, Na2O, K2O in total—0 to 3 percent; ZnO—10 to 40 percent; La2O3—5 to 30 percent; Gd2O3—1 to 20 percent; and ZrO2, TaO2, TiO2, Nb2O5, WO3, and Bi2O3 in total—2.5 to 20 percent. The cation ratio of the Ti4+ content relative to the total content of Zr4+, Ta5+, Ti4+, Nb5+, W6+, and Bi3+ is 0.30 or lower; in that the temperature Tp at which a viscosity of 107.2 dPa·s is exhibited is 706° C. or lower. The refractive index nd and the Abbé number v(nu)d satisfy all of the following relations (I) to (IV): 34.0≦vd<40 (I); nd≧1.87 (II); nd≧2.245−0.01×vd (III) and nd≦2.28−0.01×vd (IV). |
| US08338318B2 |
Glass ceramic armor material
Antiballistic armor is provided that includes a glass-ceramic component having 50 to 70 weight percent SiO2, 15 to 25 weight percent Al2O3, 0.5 to 5 weight percent ZrO2, 0.1 to 10 weight percent Li2O, 1 to 5 weight percent TiO2. The glass ceramic component has a main crystalline phase that comprises keatite mixed crystal in a compositional range of LiAlSi2O6 to LiAlSi4O10. |
| US08338312B2 |
Film formation method, film formation apparatus, and method for using film formation apparatus
A film formation method includes a film formation process for forming an SiO2 film on a surface of a target object inside a process container by use of an Si source gas and an oxidizing agent, and an oxidation purge process for performing oxidation on films deposited inside the process container while exhausting gas from inside the process container after unloading the target object from the process container, wherein the film formation process and the oxidation purge process are alternately repeated a plurality of times without, interposed therebetween, a process for removing the films deposited inside the process container. |
| US08338311B2 |
Method for the production of structured layers of titanium and nickel
A method for the production of a structured metal layer (7) made from an alloy composed of titanium and nickel includes the following process steps: a sacrificial layer composite (3) is provided, which comprises a second sacrificial layer (2) applied onto a first sacrificial layer (1), the first sacrificial layer (1) is subjected for the purpose of structuring to a wet-chemical etching process in such a manner that undercutting of the sacrificial layer (1) occurs, a metal layer (7) of the alloy is applied indirectly or directly to the structured sacrificial layer composite (3). The first sacrificial layer (1) is at a greater distance from the metal layer (7). The second sacrificial layer (2) facing the metal layer (7) to be deposited is subjected to a dry etching process prior to wet-chemical etching of the first sacrificial layer (1) so that the second sacrificial layer (2) is provided with a structure that corresponds to the desired structure of the metal layer (7). The invention further relates to an object, particularly a stent or an implant, which comprises at least one metal layer (7) that is produced by applying the method for the production of the structured metal layer (7). |
| US08338309B2 |
Method for forming deep trench in semiconductor device
A method for forming a deep trench in a semiconductor device includes: forming a hard mask over a substrate, forming a hard mask pattern over the substrate through etching the hard mask to thereby expose an upper portion of the substrate, forming a first trench through a first etching the exposed substrate using a gas containing bromide and a gas containing chloride and forming a second trench through a second etching the first trench using of a gas containing sulfur and fluorine, wherein a depth of the second trench is deeper than a depth of the first trench. |
| US08338307B2 |
Substrate plasma treatment using magnetic mask device
Plasma treatment apparatus and method for treatment of a surface of a substrate. A dielectric barrier discharge electrode structure is provided having a treatment space (5) and comprising a first electrode (2) and a second electrode (3), and a power supply (11) connected to the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3) for generating an atmospheric pressure plasma in the treatment space (5). The plasma treatment apparatus further comprises a magnetic layer (6) provided on a surface of at least the first electrode (2). The first electrode (2) is arranged to receive, in operation, the substrate (1) to be treated and a mask device (7) in contact with the substrate (1), the mask device (7) interacting with the magnetic layer (6). |
| US08338305B2 |
Multi-fin device by self-aligned castle fin formation
The present disclosure provides a method includes forming a multi-fin device. The method includes forming a patterned mask layer on a semiconductor substrate. The patterned mask layer includes a first opening having a first width W1 and a second opening having a second width W2 less than the first width. The patterned mask layer defines a multi-fin device region and an inter-device region, wherein the inter-device region is aligned with the first opening; and the multi-fin device region includes at least one intra-device region being aligned with the second opening. The method further includes forming a material layer on the semiconductor substrate and the patterned mask layer, wherein the material layer substantially fills in the second opening; performing a first etching process self-aligned to remove the material layer within the first opening such that the semiconductor substrate within the first opening is exposed; performing a second etching process to etch the semiconductor substrate within the first opening, forming a first trench in the inter-device region; and thereafter performing a third etching process to remove the material layer in the second opening. |
| US08338302B2 |
Method for polishing a semiconductor wafer with a strained-relaxed Si1−xGex layer
Semiconductor wafer provided with a strain-relaxed layer of Si1-xGex, are polished in a first step of mechanical machining of the Si1-xGex layer of the semiconductor wafer in a polishing machine using a polishing pad containing fixedly bonded abrasive materials having a particle size of 0.55 μm or less, and also a second step of a chemomechanical machining of the previously mechanically machined Si1-xGex layer of the semiconductor wafer using a polishing pad and with supply of a polishing agent slurry containing abrasive materials. |
| US08338297B2 |
Selective metal deposition over dielectric layers
Selective deposition of metal over dielectric layers in a manner that minimizes of eliminates keyhole formation is provided. According to one embodiment, a dielectric target layer is formed over a substrate layer, wherein the target layer may be configured as allow conformal metal deposition, and a dielectric second layer is formed over the target layer, wherein the second layer may be configured to allow bottom-up metal deposition. An opening may then be formed in the second layer and metal may be selectively deposited over substrate layer. |
| US08338293B2 |
Method of reducing erosion of a metal cap layer during via patterning in semiconductor devices
During the patterning of via openings in sophisticated metallization systems of semiconductor devices, the opening may extend through a conductive cap layer and an appropriate ion bombardment may be established to redistribute material of the underlying metal region to exposed sidewall portions of the conductive cap layer, thereby establishing a protective material. Consequently, in a subsequent wet chemical etch process, the probability for undue material removal of the conductive cap layer may be greatly reduced. |
| US08338290B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: (a) forming an interlayer insulating film on a substrate; (b) forming an interconnect in the interlayer insulating film; (c) applying an organic solution to an upper surface of the interconnect and an upper surface of the interlayer insulating film; (d) after (c), applying a silylating solution to the upper surface of the interconnect and the upper surface of the interlayer insulating film; (e) after (d), heating the substrate; and (f) forming a first liner insulating film at least on the upper surface of the interconnect. |
| US08338288B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In connection with a semiconductor device in which a conductive member is coupled to the surface of a bonding pad exposed from an opening formed in a passivation film, there is provided a technique able to suppress the occurrence of a crack in the passivation film. A second planar distance between a first end of an electrode layer and a first end of a pad is greater than a first planar distance between the first end of the electrode layer and a first end of an opening. Since the second planar distance between the first end of the electrode layer and the first end of the pad is long, even when a coupled position of wire is deviated to the first end side of the electrode layer, stress caused by coupling of the wire to a stepped portion of the electrode layer can be prevented from being transmitted to the first end portion of the pad. |
| US08338287B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a preliminary solder layer made of a Sn alloy is formed on a connecting pad of a wiring substrate. A solder bump made of a Sn alloy is formed on an electrode pad of a semiconductor chip. After contacting the preliminary solder layer and the solder bump, the preliminary solder layer and the solder bump are melted by heating to a temperature of their melting points or higher to form a solder connecting part made of a Sn alloy containing Ag and Cu. Only the preliminary solder layer of the preliminary solder layer and the solder bump is composed of a Sn alloy containing Ag. |
| US08338284B2 |
Stress engineering in a contact level of semiconductor devices by stressed conductive layers and an isolation spacer
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, strain-inducing materials having a reduced dielectric strength or having certain conductivity, such as metal nitride and the like, may be used in the contact level in order to enhance performance of circuit elements, such as field effect transistors. For this purpose, a strain-inducing material may be efficiently encapsulated on the basis of a dielectric layer stack that may be patterned prior to forming the actual interlayer dielectric material in order to mask sidewall surface areas on the basis of spacer elements. |
| US08338283B1 |
Method and apparatus for applying thin liquid coatings
Systems and methods for applying a thin layer of a liquid to the surface of a wafer with topography formed therein. The systems and methods include spreading a deposit of the liquid into a thin film on a wafer support, lowering the wafer onto the film, removing the wafer with an adhering layer of the film, positioning the wafer over a device wafer with the liquid film disposed between the wafers, curing the thin layer. The thin layer may be a UV adhesive which bonds the wafers upon exposure to UV light. |
| US08338282B2 |
Method for encapsulating a microcomponent using a mechanically reinforced cap
A method for encapsulating a micro component positioned on and/or in a substrate, including: depositing at least one sacrificial material covering the micro component, making a cap covering the sacrificial material, removing the sacrificial material via at least one opening formed through the cap and forming a cavity in which the micro component is positioned, depositing, at least on the cap, at least one layer of plugging material that plugs the at least one opening, and performing a localized deposition of at least one portion of mechanically reinforcing material of the cap, covering at least the cap, wherein the mechanically reinforcing material is not subsequently etched. |
| US08338280B2 |
Method for fabricating nano devices
Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating nano-wires in nano-devices, and more particularly to nano-device fabrication using end-of-range (EOR) defects. In one embodiment, a substrate with a surface crystalline layer over the substrate is provided and EOR defects are created in the surface crystalline layer. One or more fins with EOR defects embedded within is formed and oxidized to form one or more fully oxidized nano-wires with nano-crystals within the core of the nano-wire. |
| US08338276B2 |
Manufacturing method for a nanocrystal based device covered with a layer of nitride deposited by CVD
The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a structure having semi-conductor material nanocrystals on a dielectric material substrate by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), the method including at least: i) contacting a surface of a dielectric layer present on a substrate with a first gaseous precursor, by CVD, to form nanocrystal nuclei on the surface of a the dielectric layer; ii) contacting the nanocrystal nuclei with a second gaseous precursor, by CVD, to selectively deposit nanocrystal semi-conductor material only on the nuclei and to grow nanocrystals on the nuclei, each nanocrystal having an exposed surface; and iii) forming a nitride layer only on the exposed surface of each nanocrystal by contacting the nanocrystals with a mixture including at least the second gaseous precursor and a third gaseous precursor to terminate the growth of said nanocrystals and to selectively and stoichiometrically deposit the nitride layer on the exposed surface, wherein a material of said nanocrystal nuclei is compatible with a material of said dielectric layer, each of i), ii) and iii) are carried out in a same chamber, and the first gaseous precursor, the second gaseous precursor and the mixture of the second gaseous precursor with the third gaseous precursor are introduced into the chamber in a continuous flow. |
| US08338270B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI substrate and semiconductor device
First etching is performed on a surface of a single crystal semiconductor layer formed with no substrate bias applied. The single crystal semiconductor layer is formed by attaching a single crystal semiconductor substrate including an embrittled region to a supporting substrate so that an oxide layer is sandwiched between the single crystal semiconductor substrate and the supporting substrate and separating the single crystal semiconductor substrate into the single crystal semiconductor layer and part of the single crystal semiconductor substrate at the embrittled region. After the first etching, the single crystal semiconductor layer is irradiated with a laser beam and at least part of the surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer is melted and solidified. Then, second etching is performed on the surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer with no substrate bias applied. |
| US08338267B2 |
Systems and methods for vertically integrating semiconductor devices
Systems and methods for vertically integrating semiconductor devices are described. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing an interposer, aligning and bonding a plurality of die to a first surface of the interposer, aligning and bonding a backplate to the plurality of die, and reducing at least one portion of the interposer to create a reconstituted wafer. In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises an interposer operable to receive at least one donor semiconductor device disposed on a first surface of the interposer and aligned therewith, and at least one host semiconductor device disposed on a second surface of the interposer and aligned therewith; where the interposer allows the at least one donor and host semiconductor devices to become vertically integrated. |
| US08338266B2 |
Method for molecular adhesion bonding at low pressure
The present invention relates to a method for molecular adhesion bonding between at least a first wafer and a second wafer involving aligning the first and second wafers, placing the first and second wafers in an environment having a first pressure (P1) greater than a predetermined threshold pressure; bringing the first wafer and the second wafer into alignment and contact; and initiating the propagation of a bonding wave between the first and second wafer after the wafers are aligned and in contact by reducing the pressure within the environment to a second pressure (P2) below the threshold pressure. The invention also relates to the three-dimensional composite structure that is obtained by the described method of adhesion bonding. |
| US08338264B2 |
Methods for forming isolation structures for semiconductor devices
A shallow isolation trench structure and methods of forming the same wherein the method of formation comprises a layered structure of a buffer film layer over a dielectric layer that is atop a semiconductor substrate. The buffer film layer comprises a material that is oxidation resistant and can be etched selectively to oxide films. The layered structure is patterned with a resist material and etched to form a shallow trench. A thin oxide layer is formed in the trench and the buffer film layer is selectively etched to move the buffer film layer back from the corners of the trench. An isolation material is then used to fill the shallow trench and the buffer film layer is stripped to form an isolation structure. When the structure is etched by subsequent processing step(s), a capped shallow trench isolation structure that covers the shallow trench corners is created. |
| US08338260B2 |
Raised source/drain structure for enhanced strain coupling from stress liner
A transistor is provided that includes a buried oxide layer above a substrate. A silicon layer is above the buried oxide layer. A gate stack is on the silicon layer, the gate stack including a high-k oxide layer on the silicon layer and a metal gate on the high-k oxide layer. A nitride liner is adjacent to the gate stack. An oxide liner is adjacent to the nitride liner. A set of faceted raised source/drain regions having a part including a portion of the silicon layer. The set of faceted raised source/drain regions also include a first faceted side portion and a second faceted side portion. |
| US08338258B2 |
Embedded stressor for semiconductor structures
A method of fabricating an embedded stressor within a semiconductor structure and a semiconductor structure including the embedded stressor includes forming forming a dummy gate stack over a substrate of stressor material, anistropically etching sidewall portions of the substrate subjacent to the dummy gate stack to form the embedded stressor having angled sidewall portions, forming conductive material onto the angled sidewall portions of the embedded stressor, removing the dummy gate stack, planarizing the conductive material, and forming a gate stack on the conductive material. |
| US08338257B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device and manufacturing method thereof
An object of the present invention is to provide a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device with a superior charge holding characteristic in which highly-efficient writing is possible at low voltage, and to provide a manufacturing method thereof.The nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes a semiconductor film having a pair of impurity regions formed apart from each other and a channel formation region provided between the impurity regions; and a first insulating film, a charge accumulating layer, a second insulating film, and a conductive film functioning as a gate electrode layer which are provided over the channel formation region. In the nonvolatile semiconductor storage device, a second barrier formed by the first insulating film against a charge of the charge accumulating layer is higher in energy than a first barrier formed by the first insulating film against a charge of the semiconductor film. |
| US08338250B2 |
Process for fabricating memory device
A memory device is described, including a substrate, data storage structures over the substrate, control gates over the data storage structures, and a dielectric layer between the data storage structures and the control gates, wherein each data storage structure includes a lower part and an upper part narrower than the lower part. A process for fabricating the memory device is also described, wherein formation of the data storage structures includes recessing portions of a data storage layer to form respective upper parts of the data storage structures and then dividing the recessed portions of the data storage layer to form respective lower parts of the data storage structures. |
| US08338249B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same having improved polarization reversal characteristic
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate, sputtering a ferroelectric film on the lower electrode using a target, thermal treating the ferroelectric film in an atmosphere containing oxygen in accordance with an accumulated period of use of the target for fabricating the ferroelectric film, and forming an upper electrode on the ferroelectric film. |
| US08338248B2 |
Semiconductor element and solid-state imaging device
A semiconductor element includes: a p-type semiconductor region; an n-type light-receiving surface buried region buried in the semiconductor region; an n-type charge accumulation region buried in the semiconductor region, continuously to the light-receiving surface buried region, establishing a deeper potential well depth than the light-receiving surface buried region; a charge read-out region configured to read out the charges accumulated in the charge accumulation region; an exhaust-drain region buried in the semiconductor region, configured to extract the charges from the light-receiving surface buried region; a first potential controller configured to extract the charges from the light-receiving surface buried region to the exhaust-drain region; and a second potential controller configured to transfer the charges from the charge accumulation region to the charge read-out region. |
| US08338244B2 |
Methods of fabricating three-dimensional nonvolatile memory devices using expansions
Provided are three-dimensional nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same. The memory devices include semiconductor pillars penetrating interlayer insulating layers and conductive layers alternately stacked on a substrate and electrically connected to the substrate and floating gates selectively interposed between the semiconductor pillars and the conductive layers. The floating gates are formed in recesses in the conductive layers. |
| US08338242B2 |
Backside bevel protection
The disclosure provides methods and structures for preventing exposing polysilicon layer and silicon substrate on the substrate backside to polysilicon etching chemistry during removal of the dummy polysilicon layer in replacement gate structures. A thermal deposition process or processes are used to deposit a dielectric layer for offset spacers and/or a contact etch stop layer (CESL) to cover the polysilicon layer on the substrate backside. Such mechanisms reduce or eliminate particles originated at bevel of substrate backside, due to complete removal of the polysilicon layer at the backside bevel and the resultant etching of silicon substrate. |
| US08338241B2 |
Method of manufacturing high frequency device structure
Provided are a method of manufacturing a normally-off mode high frequency device structure and a method of simultaneously manufacturing a normally-on mode high frequency device structure and a normally-off mode high frequency device structure on a single substrate. |
| US08338240B2 |
Method for manufacturing transistor
To provide a method for manufacturing a transistor which has little variation in characteristics and favorable electric characteristics. A gate insulating film is formed over a gate electrode; a semiconductor layer including a microcrystalline semiconductor is formed over the gate insulating film; an impurity semiconductor layer is formed over the semiconductor layer; a mask is formed over the impurity semiconductor layer, and then the semiconductor layer and the impurity semiconductor layer are etched with use of the mask to form a semiconductor stacked body; the mask is removed and then the semiconductor stacked body is exposed to plasma generated in an atmosphere containing a rare gas to form a barrier region on a side surface of the semiconductor stacked body; and a wiring over the impurity semiconductor layer of the semiconductor stacked body is formed. |
| US08338238B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
After forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, a Ni film is deposited over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. Alternatively, after forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, a Ni film is deposited over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate up to 450° C. or higher, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. Alternatively, after forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, a Ni film is deposited with a thickness of 10 nm or more over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate to 450° C. or higher, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. Alternatively, after forming a semiconductor film over a substrate, and removing an oxide film on the semiconductor film, a Ni film is deposited over the semiconductor film while heating the substrate up to 450° C. or higher, thereby forming Ni silicide on the semiconductor film. |
| US08338236B1 |
Vented substrate for semiconductor device
A substrate with a vent for a semiconductor device where the vent is integrated within the substrate itself. The integrated air vent forms a passageway or relief path for gas or air within a mold cavity to escape during a transfer molding packaging process. The vents integrated in the substrate reduce trapped gas and mold voids and limit vent flash to improve yield. |
| US08338233B2 |
Method of manufacture of integrated circuit packaging system with stacked integrated circuit
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a base lead having an outer protrusion and an inner protrusion with a recess in between; forming a stack lead having an elongated portion; mounting a base integrated circuit over the inner protrusion or under the elongated portion; mounting the stack lead over the base lead and the base integrated circuit; connecting a stack integrated circuit and the stack lead with the stack integrated circuit over the base integrated circuit; and encapsulating at least a portion of both the base integrated circuit and the stack integrated circuit with the base lead and the stack lead exposed. |
| US08338231B2 |
Encapsulated semiconductor chip with external contact pads and manufacturing method thereof
A method includes providing a carrier; applying a dielectric layer to the carrier; applying a metal layer to the dielectric layer; placing a first semiconductor chip on the metal layer with contact pads of the first semiconductor chip facing the metal layer; covering the first semiconductor chip with an encapsulation material; and removing the carrier. |
| US08338229B1 |
Stackable plasma cleaned via package and method
A method of forming a stackable plasma cleaned via package includes forming interconnection balls on terminals. The interconnection balls are encapsulated in a package body, e.g., molding compound. Via apertures are formed through the package body to expose the interconnection balls, wherein a contamination is formed on the interconnection balls. The contamination is removed using a plasma cleaning process. By removing the contamination, robust reflow of the interconnection balls is insured thus maximizing yield. Further, the plasma cleaning process is a cost efficient high volume process with no adverse effect on package reliability. |
| US08338226B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An object is to provide a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, in which the contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and source and drain electrode layers is reduced and whose electric characteristics are stabilized. Another object is to provide a method for manufacturing the thin film transistor. The thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is formed in such a manner that buffer layers whose conductivity is higher than that of the oxide semiconductor layer are formed and the oxide semiconductor layer and the source and drain electrode layers are electrically connected to each other through the buffer layers. In addition, the buffer layers whose conductivity is higher than that of the oxide semiconductor layer are subjected to reverse sputtering treatment and heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere. |
| US08338225B2 |
Method to reduce a via area in a phase change memory cell
A memory cell structure and method to form such structure. The method partially comprised of forming a via within an oxidizing layer, over the center of a bottom electrode. The method includes depositing a via spacer along the sidewalls of the via and oxidizing the via spacer. The via spacer being comprised of a material having a Pilling-Bedworth ratio of at least one and one-half and is an insulator when oxidized. The via area is reduced by expansion of the via spacer during the oxidation. Alternatively, the method is partially comprised of forming a via within a first layer, over the center of the bottom electrode. The first layer has a Pilling-Bedworth ratio of at least one and one-half and is an insulator when oxidized. The method also includes oxidizing at least a portion of the sidewalls of the via in the first layer. |
| US08338224B2 |
Resistance-type random access memory device having three-dimensional bit line and word line patterning
Provided is a resistance random access memory device and a method of fabricating, the same. The method includes forming a bit-line stack in which a plurality of local bit-lines are vertically stacked on a substrate, forming a word-line including a plurality of local word-lines that extend in a vertical direction toward a side of the bit-line stack and a connection line that extends in a horizontal direction to connect the plurality of local word-lines with one another, and forming a resistance memory thin film between the bit-line stack and the word-line. The present inventive concept can realize a highly dense memory array with 3D cross-point architecture by simplified processes. |
| US08338222B2 |
Method of fabricating organic light emitting display
A method of fabricating an organic light emitting display is capable of improving device characteristics by patterning a plurality of organic layers of an emission layer and a charge transport layer using a thermal transfer method to optimize thicknesses of the organic layers corresponding to R, G and B pixels. The method includes: forming lower electrodes of R, G and B pixels on a substrate; forming an organic layer on the layer; and forming an upper electrode on the organic layer. Formation of the organic layer includes forming a portion of a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer of the R, G and B pixels over an entire surface of the substrate, the organic layer comprising a first portion and a second portion, the organic layer having a thickness equal to a sum of the thicknesses of the hole injection layer and the hole transport layer. Formation of the organic layer further comprises patterning the second portion of the organic layer, and patterning emission layers of the R, G and B pixels. The second portion of the organic layer and the emission layers of the R, G and B pixels are simultaneously formed by a thermal transfer method using a thermal transfer device having the second portion of the organic layer and the emission layers of the R, G and B pixels as a transfer layer. |
| US08338221B2 |
Method for manufacturing thin film type solar cell
A method for manufacturing a thin film type solar cell is disclosed, which is capable of reducing degradation of solar cell by decreasing the number of dangling bonding sites or SiH2 bonding sites existing in amorphous silicon owing to an optimal content ratio of ingredient gases, an optimal chamber pressure, or an optimal substrate temperature during a process for depositing an I-type semiconductor layer of amorphous silicon by a plasma CVD method, the method comprising forming a front electrode layer on a substrate; sequentially depositing P-type, I-type, and N-type semiconductor layers on the front electrode layer; and forming a rear electrode layer on the N-type semiconductor layer, wherein the process for forming the I-type semiconductor layer comprises forming an amorphous silicon layer by the plasma CVD method under such circumstances that at least one of the aforementioned conditions is satisfied, for example, a content ratio of silicon-containing gas to hydrogen-containing gas is within a range between 1:7 and 1:10; a chamber pressure is maintained at a range between 2.0 Torr and 2.4 Torr; and a substrate temperature is maintained at a range between 225° C. and 250° C. |
| US08338219B2 |
Multiplexed output two terminal photodiode array for imaging applications and related fabrication process
A detector array for an imaging system may exploit the different sensitivities of array pixels to an incident flux of low energy photons with a wavelength falling near the high end of the range of sensitivity of the semiconductor. The detector array may provide the de-multiplexable spatial information. The detector array may include a two-terminal multi-pixel array of Schottky photodiodes electrically connected in parallel. |
| US08338216B2 |
Program for controlling laser apparatus and recording medium for recording program for controlling laser apparatus and capable of being read out by computer
The object of the present invention is to solve problems of treatment time when using an SLS method or continuous-oscillation laser. An indispensable portion is scanned with a laser beam in order to crystallize a semiconductor film by driving a laser and so on in accordance with the positions of islands instead of scanning and irradiating the whole semiconductor film. The present invention makes it possible to omit the time for irradiating a portion to be removed through patterning after crystallizing the semiconductor film with a laser beam and greatly shorten the treatment time for one substrate. |
| US08338213B2 |
Method for manufacturing solar cell
A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes forming an impurity doped region of a second conductive type at a substrate of a first conductive type, sequentially irradiating laser shots onto the impurity doped region of the substrate to form an emitter part including a first emitter region having a first sheet resistance and a second emitter region having a second sheet resistance less than the first sheet resistance, and forming a plurality of first electrodes connected to the second emitter region and forming a second electrode connected to the substrate. |
| US08338210B2 |
Method for processing solar cell substrates
A method for processing solar cells comprising: providing a vertical furnace to receive an array of mutually spaced circular semiconductor wafers for integrated circuit processing; composing a process chamber loading configuration for solar cell substrates, wherein a size of the solar cell substrates that extends along a first surface to be processed is smaller than a corresponding size of the circular semiconductor wafers, such that multiple arrays of mutually spaced solar cell substrates can be accommodated in the process chamber, loading the solar cell substrates into the process chamber; subjecting the solar cell substrates to a process in the process chamber. |
| US08338205B2 |
Method of fabricating and encapsulating MEMS devices
A method of fabricating and encapsulating MEMS devices is disclosed, using least two carbon films as the dual sacrificial layers sandwiching a MEMS structural film which is anchored onto a substrate and covered by an encapsulating film containing a plurality of thru-film sacrificial release holes. The dual sacrificial carbon films are selectively removed via plasma-enhanced oxygen or nitrogen ashing through the thru-film sacrificial release holes for releasing the MEMS structural film inside a cavity formed between the encapsulating film and the substrate. The thru-film sacrificial release holes, preferably with a relative high asperity ratio, are then sealed off by depositing a hole-sealing film in a physical vapor deposition process or a chemical vapor deposition process or combination. |
| US08338203B2 |
Method for forming compound semiconductor light-emitting device
A compound semiconductor light-emitting device has a light-emitting layer, on a substrate, wherein at least a part of a substrate portion of the device side surface has recessed portions in a side direction of the device. A method of producing the compound semiconductor light-emitting device includes the steps of: (a) forming a compound semiconductor layer including a light-emitting layer of an n-type or p-type compound semiconductor on a wafer that serves as a substrate, (b) arranging a negative electrode and a positive electrode at predetermined positions for passing a drive current through the light-emitting layer, (c) forming a separation zone for separating the individual light-emitting devices, (d) perforating many small holes linearly in the wafer that serves as the substrate along the separation zone, and (e) dividing the wafer into individual light-emitting devices along the separation zone, whereby a rugged shape which is periodical in a side direction and is undulating in a plane or cross section, is formed on a substrate side surface of the light-emitting device. |
| US08338202B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device using separable support body
In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first conductivity type semiconductor layer and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer are sequentially grown on a growth substrate. Then, an electrode layer is formed on the second conductivity type semiconductor layer. Then, a support body is adhered to the electrode layer by providing at least one adhesive layer therebetween. Finally, at least a part of the growth substrate is removed. In this case, the adhesive layer is removable from the electrode layer. |
| US08338194B2 |
Method for the in-situ determination of the material composition of optically thin layers
A method for in situ determination of a material composition of optically thin layers deposited from a vapor phase onto a substrate includes irradiating the substrate with incoherent light of at least three different wavelengths, optically detecting in a spatially resolved manner a reflection intensity of a diffuse or a direct light scattering emanating from a deposited layer outside of a total reflection, concurrently providing numerical values of the detected reflection intensity to an optical layer model based on general line transmission theory, ascertaining values for the optical layer parameters of the deposited layer from the optical layer model for the at least three different wavelengths by numerically adapting the optical layer model to a time characteristic of the detected reflection intensities, and quantitatively determining a material composition of the deposited layer from the ascertained values by comparing the ascertained values to standard values. |
| US08338192B2 |
High precision semiconductor chip and a method to construct the semiconductor chip
An embodiment for manufacturing an electronic circuit forms at least one first structure on a semiconductor substrate, determines at least one electrically defined characteristic of the at least one first structure, selects a reticle corresponding to the measured characteristic, and forms at least one additional structure on the semiconductor substrate with the selected reticle. |
| US08338189B2 |
Detection of biomarkers and biomarker complexes
The invention features methods and devices for the detection of biomarker complexes and their components and for the sequential detection of multiple epitopes of a biomarker. The invention also features methods for diagnosing disease and evaluating the efficacy of treatment of a subject with a disease. |
| US08338184B2 |
Methods for assaying percentage of glycated hemoglobin
The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention. |
| US08338179B2 |
Neomycin-phosphotransferase-genes and methods for the selection of recombinant cells producing high levels of a desired gene product
The invention relates to modified neomycin phosphotransferase genes and their use in a selection method for high-producing recombinant cells. The invention further relates to expression vectors which contain a modified neomycin phosphotransferase gene and a gene of interest functionally linked to a heterologous promoter and a method of preparing heterologous gene products using these expression vectors. |
| US08338176B2 |
Derivation of neural stem cells from embryonic stem cells
Provided is a method for the derivation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the use of the NSCs for treatment of various neural disorders. The NSCs that are derived from the ESCs are tissue-specific multipotent NSCs with a stable growth rate, unlimited self-renewal capacity, and a predictable differentiation profile. Being both non-tumorigenic and engraftable, the NSCs of the present invention have utility in repopulation stroke-damaged tissue. The NSCs of the present invention may be differentiated to produce tyrosine-hydroxylase expressing neurons, which may be used as a source of dopaminergic neurons for subjects suffering from a condition characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease. |
| US08338171B2 |
Baboon homolog of human CD147
Polynucleotide sequences encoding a baboon homolog of human CD147 and polypeptides obtainable form the polynucleotides and uses are disclosed. |
| US08338168B2 |
Chimeric glycoproteins and pseudotyped lentiviral vectors
The present invention provides improved chimeric glycoproteins (GPs) and improved lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with those glycoproteins. Also provided are methods and compositions for making such glycoproteins and vectors, and improved methods of in vitro and in vivo transduction of cells with such vectors. Improved chimeric GPs encode the extracellular and transmembrane domains of GALV or RD114 GPs fused to the cytoplasmic tail of MLV-A GP. Vectors pseudotyped with these GAL V/TR and RD 114/TR GP chimeras have significantly higher titers than vectors coated with the parental GPs. Additionally, RD114/TR-pseudotyped vectors are efficiently concentrated and are resistant to inactivation induced by the complement of both human and macaque sera. RD114 GP-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors have particular utility for in vivo gene transfer applications. |
| US08338165B2 |
Nanoparticulate cell culture surface
A cell culture article including a substrate having nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the nanoparticle including: a polymer of formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R′, R″, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the cell culture article or cell culture article and methods for performing an assay of a ligand with the article are also disclosed. |
| US08338164B2 |
Systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic agent
Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems. |
| US08338160B2 |
Bacillus thuringiensis strain for inhibiting insect pests
A novel bacterial strain of Bacillus thuringiensis for inhibiting insect pests is provided, wherein the Bacillus thuringiensis includes the fragments of cry1Aa, a cry1Ab, a cry1C, a cry1D and a cry1F genes. |
| US08338157B2 |
Rationally-designed meganuclease variants of lig-34 and I-crei for maize genome engineering
The invention relates to the field of molecular biology and recombinant nucleic acid technology. In particular, the invention relates to a rationally-designed, non-naturally-occurring meganuclease with altered DNA recognition sequence specificity which recognizes and cleaves a unique DNA site in the maize genome. Disclosed herein are meganucleases which are variants of the I-CreI and LIG-34meganucleases. The invention also relates to methods of producing engineered maize plants using such meganucleases. |
| US08338155B2 |
Modified mevalonate kinase with reduced feedback inhibition
The present invention relates to modified mevalonate kinases that are less sensitive to feedback inhibition, and to polynucleotides encoding them. The invention further pertains to vectors comprising these polynucleotides and host cells containing such vectors. The invention provides a process for producing the modified enzyme and for producing isoprenoid compounds using the modified enzymes. |
| US08338153B2 |
Recombinant hexose oxidase, a method of producing same and use of such enzyme
A method of producing hexose oxidase by recombinant DNA technology, recombinant hexose oxidase and the use of such enzyme, in particular in the manufacturing of food products such as doughs and dairy products, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dental care products and in the manufacturing of lactones. Suitable sources of DNA coding for the enzyme are marine algal species including Chondrus crispus, Iridophycus flaccidum and Euthora cristata. In useful embodiments, the recombinant hexose oxidase is produced by Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or E. coli. |
| US08338142B2 |
Method for producing optically active 3-aminopiperidine or salt thereof
The present invention relates to a method for producing an optically active 3-aminopiperidine or salt thereof. In the method, a racemic nipecotamide is stereoselectively hydrolyzed to obtain an optically active nipecotamide and an optically active nipecotic acid in the presence of an enzyme source derived from an organism, and then the optically active nipecotamide is derived into an optically active aminopiperidine or salt thereof by aroylation, Hofmann rearrangement, deprotection of the amino group and further deprotection; or the optically active nipecotamide is derived into an optically active aminopiperidine or salt thereof by selective protection with BOC, Hofmann rearrangement and further deprotection. It is possible by the present invention to produce an optically active 3-aminopiperidine or salt thereof useful as a pharmaceutical intermediate from an inexpensive and easily available starting material by easy method applicable to industrial manufacturing. |
| US08338141B2 |
Methionine recovery processes
The present invention relates to a method of making a methionine preparation, for example for an animal feed additive. The invention also related to methods for increasing the solubility of a methionine preparation. |
| US08338140B2 |
Polymeric carriers of therapeutic agents and recognition moieties for antibody-based targeting of disease sites
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for delivery of therapeutic agents to target cells, tissues or organisms. In preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agents are delivered in the form of therapeutic-loaded polymers that may comprise many copies of one or more therapeutic agents. In more preferred embodiments, the polymer may be conjugated to a peptide moiety that contains one or more haptens, such as HSG. The agent-polymer-peptide complex may be delivered to target cells by, for example, a pre-targeting technique utilizing bispecific or multispecific antibodies or fragments, having at least one binding arm that recognizes the hapten and at least a second binding arm that binds specifically to a disease or pathogen associated antigen, such as a tumor associated antigen. Methods for synthesizing and using such therapeutic-loaded polymers and their conjugates are provided. |
| US08338138B2 |
Methods for making and using molecular switches involving circular permutation
The invention provides molecular switches which couple external signals to functionality, and combinatorial methods of making and using the same involving circular permutation of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The switches according to the invention can be used, for example, to regulate gene transcription, target drug delivery to specific cells, transport drugs intracellularly, control drug release, provide conditionally active proteins, perform metabolic engineering, and modulate cell signaling pathways. Libraries comprising the switches, expression vectors and host cells for expressing the switches are also provided. |
| US08338137B2 |
Type 5 and type 8 capsular polysaccharides of overproducing S. aureus strains
The invention relates to the type 5 and type 8 capsular polysaccharides produced by overproducing S. aureus strains, and also to the immunogenic compositions and the vaccines comprising said capsular polysaccharides. |
| US08338132B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding receptor for IL-17 homologous polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence identity with IL-17, IL-17 receptors and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided herein are methods for treating degenerative cartilaginous disorders and other inflammatory diseases. |
| US08338130B2 |
Universal fecal fixative comprising a low molecular weight alcohol, a zinc salt and an organic acid
This invention provides compositions and methods for fixing biological samples, particularly fecal samples used in the diagnosis of parasitic infection. The fixative composition of the present invention includes a zinc salt, an organic acid and water and permits staining of biological samples without use of toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde and mercury-containing compounds and without the use of additives such as polyvinyl alcohol. The fixative composition and methods are compatible with many diagnostic assays, including trichrome stains, iron hematoxlin, ELISA, fluorescent assays, and lateral flow assays. |
| US08338129B2 |
Method for reading images, in particular for studying the development of biofilm in a culture medium
A method for reading images of a base of a plate provided with at least one well containing a culture medium of micro-organisms includes: i) forming a opaquing layer covering a surface of the culture medium to form a reading base; and ii) imaging, at specific time intervals, the base of the well using an imaging optical device. |
| US08338127B2 |
Testing a mammal for presence, progression or stage of a shock condition
Methods and kits for diagnosis and staging of non-septic shock are presented in which one or more protease activities are measured from a biological sample to so identify and/or stage non-septic shock. Most preferably, at least two protease activities are correlated, however, additional or alternative markers may also be measured. |
| US08338124B2 |
Methods for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts
The present invention relates to in vivo and in vitro methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts, including bone formation enhancing pharmaceutical compositions, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density in a subject. |
| US08338114B1 |
Engineered human broncho-epithelial tissue-like assemblies
Three-dimensional human broncho-epithelial tissue-like assemblies (TLAs) are produced in a rotating wall vessel (RWV) with microcarriers by coculturing mesenchymal bronchial-tracheal cells (BTC) and bronchial epithelium cells (BEC). These TLAs display structural characteristics and express markers of in vivo respiratory epithelia. TLAs are useful for screening compounds active in lung tissues such as antiviral compounds, cystic fibrosis treatments, allergens, and cytotoxic compounds. |
| US08338111B2 |
Endometriosis markers
The present invention relates to methods for determining a risk or identifying a condition associated with the presence of endometriosis in a subject as well as testing a candidate compound for a therapeutic activity for the treatment of endometriosis and sorting patients based on the risk of having endometriosis. Specifically, the methods utilize novel markers for assessing the risk of the patient having endometriosis. |
| US08338109B2 |
Predicting cancer outcome
This document provides methods and materials related to assessing prostate cancer in mammals. For example, this document provides nucleic acids and polypeptides that can be analyzed to determine whether a male mammal having prostate cancer is susceptible to a good or poor outcome. |
| US08338108B2 |
Agent for promoting the production of thioredoxin
A novel pharmaceutical application of an extract from a vaccine virus-inoculated and inflamed tissue and relates to a thioredoxin production promoting agent containing the extract as an active ingredient. The extract has an excellent thioredoxin production promoting action against an oxidative stress caused by a stimulus by such as a tobacco smoke extract or hydrogen peroxide and showed a significant lung cell protective effect. Therefore, the pharmaceutical of the invention containing the extract as an active ingredient is highly useful as a preventive or therapeutic agent for a chronic obstructive lung disease considered to be mainly caused by a continuous oxidative stress such as chronic smoking and the pharmaceutical with less side effects and high safety. |
| US08338107B2 |
Method for producing polymers having a preselected activity
The present invention relates to a method for isolating from the immunological gene repertoire a gene coding for a receptor having the ability to bind a preselected ligand. Receptors produced by the gene isolated by the method, particularly catalytic receptors, are also contemplated. |
| US08338106B2 |
Method of diagnosing poor survival prognosis colon cancer using miR-29a
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancers. In particular, the present invention provides diagnostics and prognostics for colon (including colon adenocarcinoma) cancer patients, wherein the methods related to measuring miR levels can predict poor survival. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis. |
| US08338103B2 |
Method of diagnosing poor survival prognosis colon cancer using miR-106a
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancers. In particular, the present invention provides diagnostics and prognostics for colon (including colon adenocarcinoma) cancer patients, wherein the methods related to measuring miR levels can predict poor survival. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis. |
| US08338101B2 |
Method for designing a drug regime for HIV-infected patients
The instant disclosure describes a novel genotype and phenotype assay to elucidate and/or evaluate new potential HIV integrase inhibitors, but also currently approved and experimental compounds that target protease, reverse transcriptase, and RNaseH. This assay allows studying linked mutations and mutational patterns that occur under HAART and experimental therapies. |
| US08338100B1 |
Isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from chromosome 12 that encode human carboxypeptidase M
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human carboxypeptidase M and human mouse double minute 2 homolog, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human carboxypeptidase M and human mouse double minute 2 homolog and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder. |
| US08338098B2 |
Methods and compositions for improved cattle longevity and milk production
A single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 10793 of the bovine POU1F1 gene is associated with improved longevity and milk product traits. Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods. |
| US08338097B2 |
Method and apparatus for combined electrochemical synthesis and detection of analytes
Described are devices and methods for detecting binding on an electrode surface. In addition, devices and methods for electrochemically synthesizing polymers and devices and methods for synthesizing and detecting binding to the polymer on a common integrated device surface are described. |
| US08338093B2 |
Primer array synthesis and validation
Methods are presented for generating large sets for polymers. The methods employ high density oligonucleotide array. |
| US08338091B2 |
Methods and compositions for seamless cloning of nucleic acid molecules
The present invention is in the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. More particularly, the present invention relates to cloning or subcloning one or more nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more type IIs restriction enzyme recognition sites. The present invention also embodies cloning such nucleic acid molecules using recombinational cloning methods such as those employing recombination sites and recombination proteins. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules (including RNA and iRNA), as well as proteins, expressed from host cells produced using the methods of the present invention. |
| US08338084B2 |
Patterning method
A method of patterning a dielectric layer with a Zep 520 positive EB photoresist as a mask, comprising the steps of depositing an α-Si film on the dielectric layer; providing a layer of Zep 520 positive EB photoresist having high-resolution patterns therein by electron beam direct writing; etching the α-Si film by chlorine-based plasma with the layer of Zep 520 positive EB photoresist as a mask, so as to transfer the high-resolution patterns of the Zep 520 positive EB photoresist to the underlying α-Si film; removing the Zep 520 positive EB photoresist; etching the dielectric layer by fluorine-based plasma with the α-Si film having high-fidelity patterns as a hard mask, so as to provide patterns of recesses; and removing the α-Si film by wet etching or dry etching. The inventive method is completely compatible with and easily incorporated into the conventional CMOS processes, with high reliability and resolution for providing nanoscale fine patterns of recesses. It solves the above-mentioned problem in the fabrication of novel structure of CMOS device. |
| US08338082B2 |
DI water rinse of photoresists with insoluble dye content
A method of forming a pattern in a photoresist layer which contains a dye that is insoluble in the developer solution is disclosed. A rinse liquid, typically deionized water, is dispensed onto the substrate while it is rotated at less than 750 rpm. The dye in the exposed regions is carried off by the rinse liquid, and does not accumulate in corners of exposed regions at the edge of the substrate due to centrifugal action. |
| US08338079B2 |
Compositions and methods for forming electronic devices
Compositions are provided which can be used for treating photoresist patterns in the manufacture of electronic devices. The compositions allow for the formation of fine lithographic patterns and find particular applicability in semiconductor device manufacture. |
| US08338076B2 |
Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound, and acid generator
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) containing a compound having a cation moiety comprising a group represented by general formula (I) (in the formula, R5 represents an organic group having a carbonyl group, an ester bond or a sulfonyl group; and Q represents a divalent linking group). |
| US08338073B2 |
Lithographic printing plate support, method of manufacturing the same, and presensitized plate
A lithographic printing plate support in which surface unevenness due to surface treatment has been suppressed and a presensitized plate of excellent sensitivity are produced from an aluminum alloy plate containing iron, silicon, titanium and boron by specifying the state in which TiB2 particles are present in the surface layer and the width of the crystal grains, and by having specific indicators relating to the respective concentrations of iron and silicon in the surface layer following graining treatment fall within specific ranges. In a method of manufacturing the lithographic printing plate support, an aluminum alloy melt having specified alloying ingredients is subjected to a specified casting process to have the amount of the alloying ingredients in solid solution following cold rolling fall within specified ranges. |
| US08338072B2 |
Resist composition, resist pattern forming process, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
To provide a resist composition capable of prevention of the formation of abnormal resist pattern shapes for efficient, high-precision formation of fine, high-resolution resist patterns, a resist pattern forming process capable of efficient, high-precision formation of finer, high-resolution resist patterns by using the resist composition, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The resist composition of the present invention includes a base resin, a photoacid generator, a first additive, and a second additive, wherein the pKa of the second additive is higher than the pKa of the first additive, and at a resist formation temperature, the vapor pressure of the second additive is lower than the vapor pressure of the first additive. |
| US08338071B2 |
Processes for producing polyester latexes via single-solvent-based emulsification
A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting at least one crystalline polyester resin with an organic solvent to form a resin mixture, adding a neutralizing agent, and deionized water to the resin mixture, removing the solvent from the formed latex, and continuously recovering latex particles. |
| US08338069B2 |
Toner compositions
The present disclosure provides processes for producing toner particles, and toner particles produced by such processes. The processes of the present disclosure combine melt-mixing and grinding of toner components to produce toner particles, followed by a coalescing treatment which provides toner particles having desirable spherical properties. |
| US08338064B2 |
Polycarbonate resin composition and electrophotographic photosensitive body using the same
A long-life electrophotographic photosensitive body having excellent wear resistance and crack resistance can be obtained by using a polycarbonate resin composition, which is obtained by blending 0.01-5 parts by weight of a silicone-modified polyurethane per 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin, as a binder for photosensitive layer (or in case when the photosensitive layer is of multilayer type, for at least an electron transport layer) of the electrophotographic photosensitive body. The silicone-modified polyurethane is obtained by reacting a diol component (a) represented by the general formula (I) below, an active hydrogen-containing polysiloxane compound (b), a polyisocyanate component (c) and, if necessary, a chain extender (d). (In the formula (I), R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom or an alkoxycarbonyl group; M represents a single bond, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group or an oxyalkylene group; and n represents an integer of 0-4. |
| US08338059B2 |
Hybrid membrane-electrode assembly with minimal interfacial resistance and preparation method thereof
The present invention provides a membrane-electrode assembly comprising: electrodes consisting of a anode comprising a gas diffusion layer and a catalyst material-containing active layer, and an cathode comprising a diffusion layer and a catalyst material-containing active layer; and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode and comprising a catalyst material-containing active layer at one or both sides, the electrodes being hot-pressed, to the electrolyte membrane, wherein in coating the active layer on the gas diffusion layer, the viscosity of the active layer is in a range of 100 to 10,000 cPs, as well as a production method thereof. The inventive membrane-electrode assembly has a low interfacial resistance between the membrane and the electrodes, as well as high catalyst availability and excellent power density, and can be mass-produced. |
| US08338058B2 |
Separator for fuel cell having intermediate layer and method for manufacturing same
There is provided a separator for a fuel cell having a very good anticorrosiveness and electrical conductivity.A separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a base 1 formed of a steel which contains 10.5 mass % or more of Cr; a metal film 3 formed on the surface of the base 1; and an intermediate layer 2 formed between the base 1 and the metal film 3, the intermediate layer 2 containing oxygen. The metal film 3 is composed of at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, and Ti, and the intermediate layer 2 contains Fe and Cr which are contained in the steel and at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, and Ti composing the metal film 3. |
| US08338053B2 |
Conductive sintered body, conductive member for fuel cell, fuel cell, and fuel cell apparatus
The invention relates to a conductive sintered body capable of being effectively prevented from reduction-induced expansion, as well as to a conductive member for fuel cell, a fuel cell, and a fuel cell apparatus. The conductive sintered body contains a first composite oxide phase (59) based on lanthanum chromite and a second composite oxide phase (55) containing Mg and Ni, and around the second composite oxide phase (55), Ni (57) is deposited. Such a conductive sintered body is used for fuel cell. Further, a conductive member for such a fuel cell is composed of a fuel electrode layer (32) and an oxide electrode layer (34) with a solid electrolyte layer (33) held therebetween; and is used as an interconnector (35) of a fuel cell (30) which is provided with the interconnector (35) connected to the fuel electrode layer (32). |
| US08338050B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell
The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode including a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte; a cathode including a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte; a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; an anode gas diffusion layer; and a cathode gas diffusion layer, a set composed of the anode, the cathode and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane being interposed between the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer, wherein the cathode gas diffusion layer contains an oxidation catalyst and a water-repellent resin. |
| US08338048B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell with a gas chamber, arranged between two plate elements, is provided. One of the plate elements includes bosses for supporting the plate element on the other plate element in a regular grid structure. Between the bosses runs a network of gas channels passing through the gas chamber, the bosses being at most three times longer than wide. The bosses form between themselves first gas channels in a first region of the gas chamber and larger-volume second gas channels in a second region of the gas chamber. |
| US08338047B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell
The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell configuration which equalizes gas volume distributed into each power generation cell to stabilize fuel cell output and improve the output efficiency. In the present invention, a flat plate laminating type solid oxide fuel cell has a reactant gas supply manifold extending through a fuel cell stack in the laminating direction, for supplying reactant gas to each of power generation cells through gas passages of separators which are communicated with the manifold. The manifold and the passages of the separators are in communication with each other through a gas-flow throttle mechanisms. |
| US08338046B2 |
Fuel cell system
The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack which is supplied with reaction gas, and performs electricity generation; a reaction gas supplier which supplies the reaction gas to the fuel cell stack; a ground fault detector which detects a ground fault from the fuel cell stack; and a reaction gas increasing member which increases an amount of a reaction gas supply to the fuel cell stack, when the ground fault is detected by the ground fault detector. |
| US08338042B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a controller that estimates or detects an air replacement state of a fuel electrode and a hydrogen circulation path while the operation of the fuel cell system is stopped. Upon starting the fuel cell system, the controller changes the order in which the operation of a hydrogen circulation pump is started and a hydrogen pressure regulator is opened to start the supply of hydrogen gas on the basis of the estimated or detected air replacement state, thereby preventing deterioration caused by uneven distribution of air and hydrogen in the fuel electrode. |
| US08338031B2 |
Cathode and lithium battery including the same
Provided are a cathode and a lithium battery including the cathode. The cathode includes a cathode active material that includes an oxide represented by the following Formula 1: LixNi0.5+y(Mn1-z1-z2Mz1Moz2)0.5−yO2, |
| US08338028B2 |
Electrode active material for power storage device, power storage device, and electronic and transport devices
An electrode active material for a power storage device of the invention includes a ketone compound that includes a ring structure in a molecule, the ring structure being a five-membered or seven-membered ring composed of atoms at least three adjacent ones of which are each bonded to a ketone group. The electrode active material for a power storage device of the invention has a high weight-energy density and good reversibility of oxidation-reduction reaction. The use of the electrode active material for a power storage device of the invention can provide a power storage device having a high capacity, a high voltage, and good charge/discharge cycle characteristics. |
| US08338025B2 |
Self-sealed metal electrode for rechargeable oxide-ion battery cells
The outer surface of a metal electrode 202 of a rechargeable oxide-ion battery (ROB) cell is covered by its own dense electrolyte 204 and interconnection 206, where the dense electrolyte 204 and interconnection 206 hermetically seal the metal electrode away from oxygen-containing environment to prevent direct contact between active metal and oxygen which would lead to self discharge, thus, producing a self-sealed metal electrode of a ROB cell without introducing additional sealing components. |
| US08338024B2 |
Electrical connection device for an output terminal of a storage battery
A sealed storage battery including a container containing an electrochemical stack having alternating positive and negative electrodes on either side of separators impregnated with electrolyte; a current output terminal passing through a wall of the container; and a connector electrically connecting the electrodes of one polarity to the terminal passing through a wall of the container. The connector includes a flat connection welded to the electrodes and an elastic connection fitted without welding to the terminal passing through a wall of the container. |
| US08338023B2 |
AA alkaline battery
A positive electrode and a negative electrode are accommodated in a bottomed cylindrical battery case with a separator interposed therebetween, and an opening part of the battery case is sealed by means of a gasket. A body part of the battery case has a thickness in the range between 0.1 and 0.17 mm. The positive electrode is made of a material obtained by adding graphite to manganese dioxide. The density of the graphite in the material of the positive electrode is in the range between 0.12 and 0.23 g/cm3. |
| US08338020B2 |
Multi-layer microporous film
Embodiments of the invention relate to microporous membranes that include first and second layers. The first layer includes ≦20.0 wt. % polymethylpentene and the second layer includes a compatibilizer. The invention also relates to methods for making such membranes and the use of such membranes as battery separator film. |
| US08338015B2 |
Battery cover latching assembly
A battery cover latching assembly comprises a battery housing member, a battery cover and a plurality of latching members. The battery cover is mounted to the battery housing and has a first surface facing the battery housing member. The battery cover has a plurality of latching portions protruding from the first surface. The latching members are mounted to the battery housing member respectively corresponding to the latching portions of the battery cover. Each latching member has a plurality of hooks corresponding to the latching portions, the hooks are latched with the latching portions. |
| US08338012B2 |
Method for managing the heat in an electric battery
Methods for managing the heat in an electric battery, including, when recharging said battery, preconditioning at an average temperature T0 and, when using said battery, determining the difference ΔT1 between the temperatures of the hottest element and of the coolest element and as the absolute value ΔT2 of the difference between the temperature T0 and the average temperature T of said battery. The method includes, when the difference ΔT1 is lower than a first setpoint C1, deactivating the circulating device and as the heat-conditioning devices and, when the difference ΔT1 is higher than a first setpoint C1 or when the difference ΔT2 is higher than a second setpoint C2, activating the fluid-circulating device while keeping the heat-conditioning devices deactivated if the difference ΔT2 is lower than the second setpoint C2, or while activating a heat-conditioning device if the difference ΔT2 is higher than the second setpoint C2. |
| US08338011B2 |
Battery temperature control apparatus and battery temperature control method
A battery temperature control apparatus capable of controlling the temperature of a battery to reach a suitable condition is provided. Thermal capacity determining unit 61, based on the temperature of battery 1 detected by battery temperature detector 2 and a target temperature stored in storage unit 5, determines the thermal capacity necessary for setting the temperature of battery 1 to the target temperature. Temperature regulating ability determining unit 62, based on the temperature of battery 1 detected by battery temperature detector 2 and the temperature of the temperature regulating medium detected by medium temperature detector 4, determines the temperature regulating ability of fan 3. Flow rate controller 63, based on the thermal capacity determined by thermal capacity determining unit 61 and the temperature regulating ability determined by temperature regulating ability determining unit 62, controls the flow rate of the temperature regulating medium sent by the fan. The temperature of battery 1 becomes close to the target temperature due to the temperature regulating medium sent from fan 3. |
| US08338010B2 |
Safety device for a sealed accumulator
The invention relates to a safety device for a watertight electro-chemical accumulator (1), comprising a circuit breaker (13) which is actuated by an overpressure inside a container (2) of the accumulator, and a gas generator (20) which is activated when the temperature in the generator exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The safety device can be used for quickly interrupting the current flow through the accumulator in case of malfunction and before electrolyte vapors are generated. |
| US08338009B2 |
Battery and battery unit
A battery (3) includes a battery case (10) having an opening sealed with a sealing plate (13). The sealing plate (13) has a protrusion (13a) extending in a direction toward the outside of the battery case (10), and a ring-shaped insulator (32) is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion (13a). An inner circumferential portion (32e) of the insulator (32) is in contact with the outer circumferential surface (13b) of the protrusion (13a), and an outer circumferential portion (32d) of the insulator (32) is extended to be positioned on an opening end (10a) of the battery case (10). |
| US08338007B2 |
Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording apparatus
A magnetic recording medium a magnetic recording medium includes a soft magnetic layer formed on a substrate, magnetic patterns made of a protruded ferromagnetic layer separated from each other on the soft magnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic layer formed between the magnetic patterns, a nitrogen concentration therein being higher on a surface side than on a substrate side. |
| US08338004B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction structure having free layer with oblique magnetization
The present invention provides a magnetic tunnel junction structure, including a first magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction and a second magnetic layer having a reversible magnetization direction. A non-magnetic layer is formed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer and a third magnetic layer allows the magnetization direction of the second magnetic layer to be inclined with respect to a plane of the second magnetic layer by a magnetic coupling to the second magnetic layer with a vertical magnetic anisotropic energy thereof larger than a horizontal magnetic anisotropic energy thereof. A crystal-structure separation layer is formed between the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer for separating a crystal orientation between the second and the third magnetic layers. |
| US08337999B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device including at least one layer containing an indole derivative
An organic electroluminescent device is provided and includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer between the pair of electrodes, the at least one organic layer including a light-emitting layer. The at least one organic layer includes at least one layer containing an indole derivative represented by formula (1), and the light-emitting layer includes a platinum complex phosphorescent material having a tetradentate ligand. R101, R102, R103, R104, R105, R106 and R107 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, provided that R102 and R103 are not bonded to each other to form an aromatic condensed ring. |
| US08337997B2 |
Composite material for electrical/electronic part and electrical/electronic part using the same
A composite material for an electrical/electronic part, which is used as a material for use in an electrical/electronic part, containing: a metal base material having at least a surface formed of Cu or a Cu alloy; and an insulating film provided on at least a part of the metal base material; wherein a metal layer having Cu diffused in Ni or a Ni alloy is interposed between the metal base material and the insulating film; and wherein the ratio of the number of Cu atoms to the number of Ni atoms (Cu/Ni) obtained by analyzing the outermost surface of the metal layer by Auger electron spectroscopy is 0.005 or more. |
| US08337993B2 |
Low embodied energy wallboards and methods of making same
Wallboards, as well as other building materials, are produced by methods which use significantly reduced embodied energy, generating far less greenhouse gases when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum wallboard. A novel cementitious core, consisting in one embodiment of post-industrial waste such as slag and combined with pH modifiers, provides a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum-wallboard-like core which can be wrapped in a selected material such as recycled paper and manufactured on a conveyor system to appear, weigh and handle similar to gypsum wallboard, but without the large amounts of energy required to make gypsum wallboard. The manufacturing process results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make gypsum wallboard. |
| US08337988B2 |
Coated article having low-E coating with absorber layer(s)
A coated article is provided, having a coating supported by a glass substrate where the coating includes at least one color and/or reflectivity-adjusting absorber layer. The absorber layer(s) allows color tuning, and reduces the glass side reflection of the coated article and/or allows sheet resistance of the coating to be reduced without degrading glass side reflection. In certain example embodiments the absorber layer is provided between first and second dielectric layers which may be of substantially the same material and/or composition. In certain example embodiments, the coated article is capable of achieving desirable transmission, together with desired color, low reflectivity, and low selectivity, when having only one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of silver and/or gold. Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, monolithic windows, or the like. |
| US08337987B2 |
Exterior UV-cured coatings and coating systems and methods of forming exterior UV-cured coating systems
A coated system having a UV-curable coating, a method of forming the coated system, and a UV-curable coating for the coated systems are disclosed. The coated system has exterior durability and includes a film, a reflective ink applied to the film, and a UV-cured coating applied to the film. The film and the reflective ink each include at least one IR reflective pigment and at least one color chelator. |
| US08337986B2 |
Fuser member coating having aliphatic-aromatic fluoropolymers
A fuser member including a substrate, and thereover, an outer layer with a fluorinated polymer having a flexible aliphatic segment and a rigid aromatic segment, wherein the aliphatic segment and the aromatic segment are bonded through a linkage group. |
| US08337985B2 |
Coated substrates, organometallic films and methods for applying organometallic films to substrates
A coated article comprising a substrate having a plastic surface and adhered thereto an organometallic film in which the metal has f electron orbitals or is niobium is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for applying organometallic films to substrates and the organometallic films themselves. |
| US08337982B2 |
Benzoxazole resin precursor, polybenzoxazole resin, resin film and semiconductor device
A benzoxazole resin precursor comprising a first repeating unit which is obtained by the reaction of a bisaminophenol compound and a dicarboxylic acid compound, at least one of which has the diamondoid structure; a benzoxazole resin precursor further comprising a second repeating unit which is obtained by the reaction of a bisaminophenol compound having no diamondoid structure and a dicarboxylic acid compound having no diamondoid structure; a polybenzoxazole resin obtained by the ring-closing reaction with dehydration of the above benzoxazole resin precursor; a resin film constituted with the benzoxazole resin precursor or the polybenzoxazole resin. A polybenzoxazole resin and a resin film having excellent heat resistance and a small permittivity and a semiconductor device using the resin film can be obtained from the benzoxazole resin precursor. |
| US08337980B2 |
Silicone-impregnated foam product and method for producing same
The present invention relates to products having a foam carrier or substrate, and particularly to such products employing a reticulated polyurethane foam carrier impregnated with silicone polymer. The present invention also relates to a method of producing these silicone-impregnated foam products. |