| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08368941B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program for forming an image based on merged image data
An image processing apparatus is provided which includes an image obtaining member which obtains an original image and outputs data of the original image. In the image processing apparatus, unique additional image data is merged to the original image data. A memory stores the original image data and the merged image data, and an image is formed based on the formed merged image data. In a first image processing mode, the merged image data is formed before the original data is stored to the memory, and the merged image data is then stored to the memory and an image is formed based on the stored merged image data. In a second image processing mode, the original image data is stored to the memory before forming the merged image data. Then the merged image data is formed, and an image is formed based on the formed merged image data. |
| US08368939B2 |
Decoding image data for printing
In the conventional printing application, it is impossible to easily overview which image is printed in which page, so that there is a drawback that a user is required to perform the printing while imagining printing result. An idea for more quickly providing the printing result at the same time when the printing is performed by simple operation has not been sufficiently made. In order to solve the problems, a printing apparatus includes decoding means for, before the an instruction is given, decoding the image to be printed in at least a first sheet with the layout selected by layout selecting means among images selected by image selecting means and printing controlling means for effecting the printing of image data decoded by the decoding means, and a printing method includes steps to be executed in the printing apparatus. |
| US08368937B2 |
Print data processing apparatus, print data processing method, and storage medium
A print data processing apparatus includes a first processor configured to read print data and perform print data processing on the read print data, and a second processor which operates in parallel with the first processor and is configured to stop the print data processing if an instruction to wait is input during the print data processing, to execute processing different from the print data processing if an instruction to execute the different processing is issued by the time the wait is released, and to execute the print data processing if the wait is released. |
| US08368936B2 |
Conference system and image data management method
In order to facilitate printing of an image drawn on an electronic board while improving security, an MFP includes a portion to generate conference identification information in response to reception of a start instruction from an electronic board, a portion to associate the conference identification information with device identification information for the electronic board, a portion to associate image data received from the electronic board with conference identification information lastly associated with the device identification information for the electronic board, a portion to associate user identification information received from the electronic board with conference identification information lastly associated with the device identification information for the electronic board, a portion to authenticate a user, a portion to extract conference identification information associated with the user identification information for the authenticated user, a portion to extract image data associated with the conference identification information, and a portion to output the image data. |
| US08368931B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, program, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus capable of defining each of a plurality of executable functions as one work item and executing a plurality of workflows each combining the work items includes a setting change reception unit which receives a setting change for a setting item of a work item that constitutes a preprocess workflow and reflects the contents of the setting change on an associated setting item of a work item that constitutes a post-process workflow, a data generation unit which generates data including the execution result of the preprocess workflow and the contents of the setting change, an analysis unit which analyzes, based on the generated data, whether a setting change has been done for the setting item of the work item that constitutes the post-process workflow, and a workflow execution unit which controls execution of the post-process workflow based on the analysis result. |
| US08368928B2 |
Electronic device system and control method in electronic device system in which a second device is controlled using a command from a first device
A printer system 100 includes a printer 10, a winding device 30, a color meter 41, and a color measurement driving device 80. A host communication section 81 of the printer 10 is communicably connected to device communication sections 82 to 84 of the devices 30, 41, and 80. In the device communication sections 82 and 84 of the devices 30 and 80, a printer class is set as a device class. Print data that includes commands for control the devices 30 and 80 is transmitted from a second printer driver 89 of the printer 10 to the devices 30 and 80. The printer 10 and the devices 30 and 80 are provided with an ESC/P analyzing section that can analyze print data. |
| US08368927B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program
Provided is an information processing apparatus which suitably collects information necessary for performing a cause analysis when a communication failure occurs. To accomplish this, when communication is performed between an information processing apparatus 102 and an external apparatus 101 through a network, determination is made as to whether or not the communication between the information processing apparatus 102 and the external apparatus 101 has properly been performed from the time the connection is established until the time the connection is disconnected. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the communication during the connection has not properly been performed, communication packets transmitted or received between the information processing apparatus 102 and the external apparatus 101 during the connection are stored. |
| US08368918B2 |
Methods and apparatus to identify images in print advertisements
Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus to identify images in print advertisements are disclosed. An example method comprises computing a first image feature vector for a first presented image, comparing the first image feature vector to a second image feature vector, and when the first image feature vector matches the second image feature vector, storing printed-media information associated with the first presented image in a database record associated with the second image feature vector. |
| US08368917B2 |
Printing system and method thereof
A printing system, including an image data generator to generate at least a part of printing data as image data; a storage to store the image data and the printing data; a display part to display the image data stored in the storage; and a controller to make desired printing data selected by displaying the image data stored in the storage on the display part according to an input command. |
| US08368914B2 |
System, device and server for restarting a service stopped by occurrence of an error
A service providing system including a client device and a server is provided. The client device includes a function execution unit that executes one of the functions of the image reading and printing units in accordance with an execution command from the server, an error notification unit that notifies the server of occurrence of an error, a manner designation unit that requests a user to designate a manner of restarting, and a manner notification unit that sends a notification containing the manner of restarting to the server. The function execution unit restarts the execution of the function interfered by the error in accordance with a command requesting a restart of the function received from the server which has been notified of the manner of restarting. The server includes a service providing unit that sends the execution command, a phase identifying unit that identifies a phase in which the error interfering with the execution of the function arises, and a designation instruction unit that transmits the command requesting the designation of the manner of restarting. The service providing unit operates to send the command requesting restart to the client device to restart the execution of the service according to the manner of restarting notified by the client device when the server is notified of the manner of restarting from the client device that has received the command from the designation instruction unit. |
| US08368912B2 |
Image forming apparatus, print control method, and computer-readable storage medium storing program code for executing the control method
An image forming apparatus capable of both normal printing and special-purpose printing includes a first identification unit, a second identification unit, and a selection unit. The first identification unit identifies a type of print data. The second identification unit identifies a type of print material. The selection unit selects a print resource in accordance with a combination of the type of print data identified by the first identification unit and the type of print material identified by the second identification unit. The selection unit selects the print resource so as to prevent unauthorized printing from being performed when the print data is for special-purpose printing. |
| US08368905B2 |
Method and computer readable medium for printer driver and information processing device
There is provided a method for providing information from a printer driver. The method comprises the steps of: accepting a request for information concerning the printer driver; inquiring of at least one function filter about function information in accordance with configuration information containing a reference to the at least one function filter, in response to receipt of the request; obtaining, from the at least one function filter, the function information containing at least one current function of the at least one function filter, as a response to the inquiring; and providing the obtained function information for a requesting source of the request. |
| US08368904B2 |
Image forming device
A method for providing an image forming device with a user-friendly application program. A program of the image forming device includes a basic service program and a simple text language processing program. The basic service program has an operation panel control module, image input and image output modules. If a command string in a source code is a control string, the simple text language processing program passes a parameter of a button description included in the control string to the operation panel control module as an argument to cause a button to be displayed and pressing of the button when pressed. In response to the detection, corresponding modules are activated. Accordingly, different multiple modules can be easily processed. Additionally, any size of buttons can be displayed anywhere on the panel. The image forming device alone can realize the method to allow many more users to easily use the application. |
| US08368900B2 |
Lightwave interferometric distance measuring method and apparatus using an optical comb
The oscillation wavelength of a variable wavelength laser is measured by using an optical comb, and a feedback control is performed, whereby laser beams of plural predetermined wavelengths are obtained, or a variable wavelength laser is caused to oscillate at plural arbitrary wavelengths to obtain plural distance measurement values. The wavelengths (frequencies) of laser beams when the respective distance measurement values are obtained are measured by the optical comb, and used in calculation of the geometric distance. Plural lasers are used, and the geometric distance is obtained while the wavelengths of laser beams oscillated from the lasers are measured by the optical comb. |
| US08368898B2 |
Optical apparatus, optical detector, optical modulator, imaging apparatus, and camera
Provided is an optical apparatus having high durability, less optical absorption than a hole-type metal thin film filter, high transmittance and high reflectance, and variable optical characteristics. The apparatus includes: a dielectric substrate; a metal structure group including multiple metal structures two-dimensionally and discretely disposed at regular intervals; and a dielectric layer covering the metal structure group, in which: the metal structures have a first length equal to or shorter than a predetermined wavelength in a visible light region in one direction, and a second length equal to or shorter than the wavelength in a perpendicular direction; and the metal structures resonates with light entering the dielectric substrate or the dielectric layer, having a variable dielectric constant, to generate localized surface plasmon resonance on a surface of the metal structures to have a minimum transmittance or a maximum reflectance of the light having the wavelength. |
| US08368896B1 |
Measurement of sulfur trioxide via spectroscopy
Configurations herein include a novel process, system, etc., to measure a concentration of sulfur trioxide in a gas sample including sulfur trioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water. An example system can include an optical radiation source that generates an optical signal at a plurality of vibration-rotation transitions around at least one frequency selected from the group consisting of 1396.889 cm−1, 1396.908 cm−1, 1396.962 cm−1, 1397.003 cm−1, 1397.037 cm−1, 1397.047 cm−1, and 1397.052 cm−1. The optical signal is transmitted along an optical path through the gas sample. Based on adjusting a pressure of the gas sample, each of the plurality of vibration-rotation absorption transitions associated with the sulfur trioxide can be substantially isolated from interfering absorption by the sulfur dioxide and the water vapor in the gas sample. Based on a spectral analysis, the system generates a value indicative of a concentration of sulfur trioxide in the gas sample. |
| US08368893B2 |
Optical assembly and method
An optical apparatus and method comprising a light source, an array detector for area imaging and an optical cell assembly. The optical cell assembly comprises a chamber which is arranged to receive a sample of a material including an analyte, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet coupled to the chamber. A fluid dissolution medium stream passes through the chamber such that the sample can dissolve into the dissolution medium. The chamber is in at least one light path created between the light source and the array detector. The array detector comprises a two dimensional array of detector locations arranged to provide an output signal indicative of the light absorbance of the analyte within the chamber such that the output of the array detector is indicative of the concentration profile of the analyte near the surface of the sample. |
| US08368891B2 |
Device and process to measure water clarity and organic content
A method of using a sensor array that measures the long-term change in the organic content of the near-surface seawater by simultaneously comparing downwelling sunlight attenuation in the blue and green wavelengths over a significant vertical distance. |
| US08368887B2 |
Rotation detection kit
A rotation detection kit, comprising: a beam source; a receiver comprising at least one beam intensity sensor; a polarizer device for location in the path of a beam emitted from the beam source and received by the beam sensor; and a modulator. The modulator is configured to modulate at least one of i) the beam source and ii) a beam emitted by the beam source to create a discretely varying polarization orientation thereby defining first and at least second temporally spaced beam portions. The temporally spaced beam portions are incident on the polarizer device and the beam sensor and have substantially identical profiles and at least an initial common propagation axis toward the polarizer device. |
| US08368883B2 |
System and method for detection of analytes in exhaled breath
A sensor for detecting a drug substance (15) from exhaled breath of a subject in-situ. Its collecting surface has a Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)-active layer (14) of a SERS-active material. The collecting surface is arranged as an outer surface of a waveguide (12) for contact with exhaled breath, such that at least traces of said drug substance (15) in said exhaled breath can contact said SERS-active layer for read-out of a Raman shift spectrum. |
| US08368880B2 |
Chemical imaging explosives (CHIMED) optical sensor using SWIR
A sample is illuminated to thereby generate a plurality of first interacted photons selected. The first interacted photons are assessed using a visible imaging device to thereby determine an area of interest in the sample. The area of interest is illuminated to thereby generate a plurality of second interacted photons. The second interacted photons are assessed using a spectroscopic device to thereby generate a SWIR data set representative of said area of interest. A database is searched wherein said database comprises a plurality of known SWIR data sets associated with an explosive material. The data sets comprise at least one of: a plurality of SWIR spectra and a plurality of spatially accurate wavelength resolved SWIR images. An explosive material in the area of interest is thereby identified as a result of the search. |
| US08368876B1 |
Calibration system and method for imaging flash LIDAR systems
Systems and methods for calibrating a LIDAR unit. In one embodiment, a system includes a light pulse detection unit, a delay unit and a two-dimensional target. The light pulse detection unit receives a light pulse from the LIDAR unit. The delay unit produces one or more delayed light pulses which are delayed by a known interval from the light pulse received from the LIDAR unit. The delayed light pulses are used to illuminate the target. Target illumination from each of the delayed light pulses returns to the LIDAR unit with a corresponding known delay. The delay of each delayed light pulse simulates a range that is greater than the actual physical distance from the LIDAR unit to the target. The delay of the light pulses from different parts of the target may be different to simulate different ranges for the different parts of the target. |
| US08368874B2 |
Beam irradiation device and laser radar system
A beam irradiation device includes: a laser light source for emitting laser light; an actuator which scans a targeted area with the laser light; a servo optical system which changes a propagating direction of servo light in response to driving of the actuator; a photodetector which receives the servo light to output a signal depending on a light receiving position of the servo light; an actuator controlling section which controls the actuator based on the signal to be outputted from the photodetector; and a laser controlling section which controls the laser light source based on the signal to be outputted from the photodetector. The laser controlling section controls the laser light source to emit the laser light in a pulse manner at a timing when the light receiving position of the servo light coincides with a predetermined targeted position. |
| US08368872B1 |
Method for determining planting ball number of camera module
A method for determining the planting ball number of a camera module is provided. The camera module includes a substrate and a chip. The substrate includes an opening and a plurality of contact pads. The opening of the substrate has four rims. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, an image pickup device is used to detect an average contact pad distance of the distances from four specified contact pads of the substrate to the image pickup device. Then, a smallest opening distance among four opening distances from the four rims to the image pickup device is acquired. Then, plural actual contact pad distances from all contact pads to the image pickup device are acquired. The planting ball number for each contact pad is calculated according to these distances. Consequently, the quality of assembling the camera module is enhanced. |
| US08368871B2 |
Lithographic fabrication of general periodic structures
A lithographic method related to Talbot imaging for printing a desired pattern of features that is periodic or quasi-periodic in at least one direction onto a substrate surface, which method includes providing a mask bearing a pattern of mask features, arranging the substrate parallel and in proximity to the mask, providing an illumination source having a central wavelength and a spectral bandwidth, forming from said source an illumination beam with an angular distribution of intensity, arranging the distance of the substrate from the mask and exposing the mask pattern to said beam so that each angular component of illumination exposes the substrate to substantially the entire range of lateral intensity distributions that occur between successive Talbot image planes for the illumination wavelengths, wherein the angular distribution of the beam is designed in conjunction with the pattern of features in the mask and the distance of the substrate from the mask. |
| US08368868B2 |
Lithographic apparatus with gas pressure means for controlling a planar position of a patterning device contactless
A lithographic apparatus includes a position controller configured to control a position of a patterning device in its planar direction by selectively pressing at least one of the side faces of the patterning device. The position controller includes a gas pressure supply and one or more outflow openings directed towards at least one side face of the patterning device so as to exert pressurized gas on this side face in order to control the position of the patterning device in its planar direction in a contactless manner. |
| US08368865B2 |
Display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a pixel disposed on either the first substrate or the second substrate. When an electrode is formed, a portion of the electrode is removed to form a spacer area and a droplet including a bead spacer mixed with a solvent is provided in the spacer area. Then, the solvent is vaporized to move the bead spacer to a center of the spacer area. The second substrate is provided to face the first substrate while interposing the bead spacer therebetween. The spacer area has a dimension equal to or greater than a diameter of the droplet. |
| US08368864B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with spacer in the sealant
In a seal portion of a liquid crystal display device, column spacers are formed on a counter substrate side, organic passivation films are formed so as to face the column spacers on a TFT substrate side, and the gap between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate is controlled by the column spacers and the organic passivation films. A sealing material covers the column spacers and the organic passivation films and is in contact with an inorganic film formed on the TFT substrate on the TFT substrate side. Therefore, the adhesive force of the sealing material is improved to ensure the reliability of the seal portion. |
| US08368863B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a photo-curable sealant, and a first light-shielding pattern is provided. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The photo-curable sealant is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the photo-curable sealant surrounds and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. The first light-shielding pattern is disposed on the first substrate, wherein a portion of the sidewall of the first light-shielding pattern is substantially aligned with a portion of the sidewall of the first substrate, and the first light-shielding pattern is only overlapped with an outer edge of the photo-curable sealant or is not overlapped with the photo-curable sealant. |
| US08368861B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising periodically changed permutations of at least two types of electrode-pattern pairs
A liquid crystal display device comprises a plurality of pixels arrayed in a first direction and a second direction, each of the pixels having a reflective area in at least a portion thereof. The reflective area comprises a surface-irregularity film that is a film having a plurality of surface irregularities, a light reflecting film disposed as an upper layer over the surface-irregularity film, and an electrode group disposed as an upper layer over the light reflecting film. The electrode group in each of the pixels that are arrayed in at least the first direction comprises at least two types of electrode patterns having different layouts. |
| US08368859B2 |
Optical film, optical compensation film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display
An optical film is provided and has retardations satisfying relations (1) to (3): 0≦Re(550)≦10; (1) −25 ≦Rth(550)≦25; and (2) |I|+|II|+|III|+|IV|>0.5 (nm), (3) with definitions: I=Re(450)−Re(550); II=Re(650)−Re(550); III=Rth(450)−Rth(550); and IV=Rth(650)−Rth(550), wherein Re(450), Re(550) and Re(650) are in-plane retardations measured with lights of wavelength of 450, 550 and 650 nm, respectively; and Rth(450), Rth(550) and Rth(650) are retardations in a thickness direction of the optical film, which are measured with lights of wavelength of 450, 550 and 650 nm, respectively. |
| US08368858B2 |
Optical film, polarizing plate, and VA-mode liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to an optical film produced by stretching a film having a low residual solvent amount in a machine direction followed by heat-treating it at a temperature falling from the glass transition point (Tg) to the melting point (Tm) thereof, which is a cellulose acylate film satisfying the following relations (1) to (6) and containing at least one cellulose acylate and at least one retardation enhancer having an absorption maximum wavelength λmax of from 280 nm to 380 nm: (1) 35 nm≦Re(550)≦75 nm, (2) 85 nm≦Rth(550)≦140 nm, (3) 0 nm<ΔRe(630−450)≦40 nm, (4) −75 nm≦ΔRth(630−450)<0 nm, (5) 2.7≦A+B≦3.0, and (6) B≧0, wherein “A” means a degree of substitution with an acetyl group of said at least one cellulose acylate, and “B” means a degree of substitution with an acyl group having at least 3 carbon atoms thereof. |
| US08368857B2 |
Optical film
The present invention provides an optical film with functions of light collimating, light polarization for brightness enhancement and limiting viewing angle and a method for preparing the same. The optical film includes a plurality of layers of a cholesteric liquid crystal film bound together via an optical adhesive and a quarter-wavelength retardation plate bound with the cholesteric liquid crystal film via the optical adhesive. Therein, at least one layer of the cholesteric liquid crystal film has a polarized separated wavelength range covering the wavelength range of visible light of three primary colors of red, green and blue. |
| US08368854B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
An object is to provide a highly reliable liquid crystal display device which includes a liquid crystal layer exhibiting a more stable blue phase. Another object is to provide a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device with high yield. Polymer stabilization treatment is performed as follows: a photocurable resin is added to a liquid crystal material exhibiting a blue phase, and the photocurable resin is selectively polymerized by scanning a liquid crystal layer provided between a first substrate and a second substrate with light in a certain direction. Thus, a first region where the light irradiation treatment is performed and a second region where the light irradiation treatment is not performed are formed in the liquid crystal layer. Since polymerization of the photocurable resin proceeds in the first region, the polymerization degree of the photocurable resin in the first region is higher than that in the second region. |
| US08368853B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate and a second substrate is provided. The first substrate is provided at plural positions with a first scale pattern made of the same material as a scanning line, and extending in a row direction or a column direction, and a second scale pattern made of the same material as a signal line at plural positions, and extending in the row direction or the column direction. The second substrate is provided with a third scale pattern extending in the row direction and a fourth scale pattern extending in the column direction, respectively, at positions which are opposite to the first and second scale patterns. |
| US08368846B2 |
Two dimensional light source using light emitting diode and liquid crystal display device using the two dimensional light source
A two-dimensional light source includes a base substrate having holes, wires disposed on a lower surface of the base substrate, a light emitting diode (LED) chip disposed on an upper surface of the base substrate, plugs that connect two electrodes of the LED chip to the wires through the holes, a buffer layer covering the LED chip, and an optical layer that is disposed on the buffer layer and has an optical pattern formed at a portion of the optical layer corresponding to the LED chip. |
| US08368839B2 |
Optical adjusting member and illumination device and liquid crystal display device including the same
An optical adjusting member according to the invention includes a base member having optical transparency and a plurality of linear members provided on the base member and having optical transparency. A section of the linear member orthogonal to the lengthwise direction of the linear member includes a triangular first sectional part defined by first to third sides and an approximately triangular second sectional part. The second sectional part has a smaller area than that of the first sectional part and defined by fourth to sixth sides. The first side of the first sectional part is in contact with the surface of the base member. The second sectional part is formed on the second side of the first sectional part, and the fourth side of the second sectional part is in contact with the second side of the first sectional part. |
| US08368838B2 |
Planar light-emitting device and liquid crystal display apparatus
A planar light-emitting device enabling more precise local dimming has a plurality of light-emitting units each including a lightguide plate and a plurality of light sources disposed successively in the lateral width direction of the light-entrance surface and adjacently facing a light-entrance surface of the lightguide plate to emit light into the lightguide plate through the light-entrance surface. The light sources are divided into a plurality of groups successively arranged in the width direction, each group including at least one light source. The lightguide plates of the light-emitting units are mutually adjacently disposed with their light-exiting surfaces being flush with each other. The planar light-emitting device has a light source output control unit that controls the outputs of the light sources for each group. |
| US08368837B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal display panel; and a backlight disposed to face the liquid crystal display panel, the backlight including at least a frame having a bottom surface facing the liquid crystal display panel, a reflector placed on the bottom surface of the frame, and a plurality of light sources disposed on the liquid crystal display panel side of the reflector and supported by the frame, wherein a recess protruding in the opposite direction to the liquid crystal display panel is formed in the bottom surface of the frame, the recess and the reflector constituting an air duct. |
| US08368835B2 |
Grounding mechanism for liquid crystal module
A grounding mechanism is used for an electronic device. The electronic device includes a liquid crystal module and a housing. The grounding mechanism includes a first conductive element, a second conductive element and an elastic member. The first conductive element is attached to the liquid crystal module. The second conductive element is attached to the housing. The elastic member includes a main base, a resisting portion and a latching portion. The main base is received in the housing. The resisting portion is electronically connected to the second conductive element. The latching portion is electronically connected to the first conductive element. |
| US08368829B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels each including a first subpixel and a second subpixel having liquid crystal layers to which mutually different voltages are applicable, and two switching elements that are provided for the first and second subpixels, respectively. The device further includes a plurality of storage capacitor trunks electrically connected to respective storage capacitor counter electrodes of either the first subpixels or the second subpixels of the pixels through storage capacitor lines. |
| US08368828B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes; a plurality of data lines disposed on a substrate, a plurality of gate lines disposed substantially perpendicular to the data lines, wherein the data lines and the gate lines together surround a plurality of pixel regions, a plurality of power supplying lines disposed substantially parallel to the data lines, a plurality of pixel electrode pairs, wherein each of the pixel electrode pairs includes a first and a second pixel electrode respectively disposed in each pixel region, and a pixel driving circuit including at least one transistor and a plurality of storage capacitors in each pixel region, wherein the pixel electrode pairs have portions where the pixel electrode pairs and at least one of the plurality of data lines and the plurality of power supplying lines are vertically aligned with each other, and the storage capacitors are disposed at the vertically aligned portions. |
| US08368824B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus and projector
A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal device; a first dust-proof plate made of a birefringent material, and disposed on one of a light entrance side and a light exit side of the liquid crystal device; and a second dust-proof plate made of an isotropic refractive material, and is disposed on the other of the light entrance side and the light exit side of the liquid crystal device. |
| US08368823B2 |
On-vehicle display apparatus
A display apparatus for a vehicle includes a liquid crystal panel, a backlight unit, and a control circuit. The liquid crystal panel has a screen constructed with pixels. A first portion of the pixels displays a speed image indicating a vehicle speed. A second portion of the pixels displays a warning image indicating a vehicle abnormal condition. The control circuit adjusts brightness of the screen by controlling intensity of colors in the speed and warning images in such a manner that brightness of the warning image is greater than brightness of the speed image. The luminance of the light supplied to the screen by the backlight unit is kept constant. |
| US08368820B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device 12 of the present invention includes a light source 17, an external power source 21 arranged to supply drive power to the light source 17, and a relay connector 19 arranged to provide an electrical connection between the light source 17 and the external power source 21. The relay connector 19 includes a conductive resin layer 40 and an insulating resin layer 50 arranged on the periphery of the conductive resin layer 40. According to the construction, the conductive portion and the insulating portion of the relay connector 19 are both made of resin, and therefore can be formed by the same process, e.g., by two-shot molding. Further, the number of components can be reduced. |
| US08368816B2 |
Circuit and method for detecting motion pictures
A circuit for detecting motion pictures includes a first-stage motion picture detecting unit and a second-stage motion picture detecting unit. The first-stage motion picture detecting unit analyzes a current image frame and a previous image frame to calculate a first motion value associated with the current image frame. The second-stage motion picture detecting unit receives the first motion value, compares the first motion value against an adjusted motion value, and outputs and stores a larger one as a second motion value. The adjusted motion value is a value derived by adjusting an adjacent previous second motion value. |
| US08368815B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes: a calculating unit configured to calculate motion information relating to between two images that make up an imaged moving picture; and a selecting unit configured to select compositing target images serving as compositing targets from a plurality of images that make up the imaged moving picture based on reliability that indicates the likelihood of the calculated motion information. |
| US08368814B2 |
Visual processing device, display device, and integrated circuit for adjusting the contrast of an image
The invention achieves a visual processing device that can execute precise contrast adjustment on image signals that have been input and that does not cause discrepancies in the output timing of the image signals that are output. The visual processing device is provided with a gain-type visual processing portion that outputs a first gain signal having predetermined gain characteristics with respect to the input image signal, and a correction portion that corrects the input image signal based on the first gain signal. |
| US08368813B2 |
Generating device, generating method, and program for reproducing subtitles from a file in which subtitle data relating to subtitles is stored
A generating device includes: a subtitle encode unit for generating subtitle data by encoding the image data of a subtitle; and a determining unit for determining whether or not reproduction of the subtitle is in time for display thereof based on the size of encoded data obtained by encoding the image data, with the subtitle data being classified into display sets as display units, and with the determining unit obtaining processing time regarding the display set of interest from the size of encoded data of the display set of interest according size-time relationship between the size of the encoded data and the processing time, and determining that reproduction of the subtitle of the display set of interest is not in time for display thereof when the available time regarding the display set of interest is below the processing time regarding the display set of interest, to output error information. |
| US08368802B2 |
Automatic focusing method for camera performing additional scanning
An automatic focusing method for a camera, including scanning in a macro mode, scanning in a normal mode, and additional scanning. In the scanning in the macro mode, a region within a first distance is scanned if the macro mode is set by a user. In the scanning in the normal mode, a region beyond the first distance is scanned if the normal mode is set by the user. In the additional scanning, the scanning in the normal mode is performed additionally if it is determined that the position of the focus lens found in the scanning in the macro mode does not have the largest focus value, and the scanning in the macro mode is performed additionally if it is determined that the position of the focus lens found in the scanning in the normal mode does not have the largest focus value. |
| US08368801B2 |
Camera system and interchangeable lens
There are provided a camera system and an interchangeable lens that are compatible with a contrast detection method. A camera system (1) has an interchangeable lens unit (2) and a camera body (3). A lens microcomputer (40) changes the movable range of a second lens group (L2) via a focus lens drive controller (41) depending on whether a second holder (61) is driven by the focus lens drive controller (41) and a focus motor (80) on the basis of angle information inputted to a zoom ring (64) of the interchangeable lens unit (2), or the second holder (61) is driven by the focus lens drive controller (41) on the basis of contrast information. |
| US08368800B2 |
Image recognition device, focus adjustment device and imaging device
There are provided a focus detector detecting a focusing state of an optical system with respect to a plurality of focus detection positions that are set in an imagefield of the optical system; a recognizer setting a reference image with respect to an image to be a reference, and recognizing a position corresponding to the reference image of an image in the optical system; a selector selecting the focus detection position to be a target of focus adjustment of the optical system based on one of the focusing state and a position corresponding to the reference image recognized by the recognizer; and a controller executing at least one of resetting of the reference image and a retrying recognition of the position corresponding to the reference image when the focus detection position is selected based on the focusing state. |
| US08368797B2 |
View finder
A view finder includes: a screen portion provided with a display screen which can display images captured by a camera main body; a mounting portion that can be fixed to the camera main body; and an arm portion connecting the mounting portion to the screen portion and moving the screen portion with respect to the mounting portion. The arm portion includes right and left arm portions respectively provided on right and left sides of the screen portion. The right arm portion includes first and second right arms rotatably formed with the screen portion and the mounting portion. The left arm portion includes first and second left arms rotatably formed with the screen portion and the mounting portion. The first and second right arms, the mounting portion and the screen portion, and the first and second left arms, the mounting portion and the screen portion form four-bar rotation link mechanism. |
| US08368795B2 |
Notebook computer with mirror and image pickup device to capture multiple images simultaneously
A notebook computer with a multi-image capturing function is provided. The notebook computer includes an image pickup device and a mirror. The image pickup device is used for capturing a first image. The mirror is disposed beside the image pickup device and tilted by an angle with respect to the image pickup device. A second image reflected by the mirror is adjustable by changing the angle. The second image reflected by the mirror is also captured by the image pickup device, so that the first image and the second image are simultaneously captured by the image pickup device. |
| US08368791B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes: a pixel signal read out unit for reading out a pixel signal and a reference signal, and for holding the read out pixel signal or the reference signal in a holding capacitor; a selection switch for successively selecting signals stored row by row in the holding capacitor of pixel signal read out unit, and for outputting the selected signal to any one of a plurality of signal lines; reset switches for resetting the plurality of signal lines to a reset voltage; a multiplexer for selectively outputting the signals of the signal lines; and a control unit for controlling the multiplexer and the selection switch. The control unit performs control based on the reference signal read out according to a period longer than a period according to which the pixel signal is read out. |
| US08368782B2 |
Multiple exposure image pickup apparatus, multiple exposure image pickup method, program, and recording medium
An image pickup apparatus includes a frame operation unit configured to perform addition to or subtraction from a frame and a storage unit configured to store a result of an operation performed by the frame operation unit. A data bus including two channels, one for writing to the storage unit and the other for reading from the storage unit, is provided between the frame operation unit and the storage unit. |
| US08368776B2 |
Image recording apparatus, image reproducing apparatus, method of controlling image recording apparatus, method of controlling image reproducing apparatus, computer program, and recording medium
A system, method and computer program product for arranging digital data in a file in an apparatus-implemented system, is disclosed. One or more pages are generated, where each page includes: i. a mode field containing a camera operation mode, ii. an image data field containing image data, iii. an offset field containing an offset to a next page in the file, and a total size field containing a page size. Each page is recorded in the file using the same format. |
| US08368767B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device, optical apparatus, signal processing apparatus, and signal processing system
A solid-state image pickup device includes a pixel unit configured to convert light into an electrical signal, an A/D converter configured to convert a signal read from the pixel unit into a digital signal, a light modulation unit configured to modulate an externally input light beam using the signal digitized by the A/D converter and output a signal light beam based on the signal read from the pixel unit, a timing generation unit configured to generate a synchronization signal used for synchronizing input and output of signals of the pixel unit, the A/D converter, and the light modulation unit, and a controller configured to control readout of the signal. |
| US08368761B2 |
Image correction method for camera system
Disclosed herein is an image correction method for a camera system, which minimizes the amount of data that must be stored by a camera system and which can conveniently correct mounting errors of cameras. In the image correction method for a camera system, image data about a reference ground, which is captured by a camera and on which at least one ground mark is indicated, is acquired. Coordinates of a captured ground mark are obtained based on the image data. A preset Look-Up Table (LUT) is corrected using errors between the coordinates of the captured ground mark and coordinates of a preset reference mark. The ground mark and the reference mark may respectively have four or more corresponding correction points. |
| US08368758B2 |
Imaging apparatus and lighting apparatus for imaging
An imaging apparatus for taking an image of a face includes an imaging element having sensitivity for a near-infrared range and a visible range, a first optical filter provided between the face and the imaging element to reduce an intensity of a visible light entering the imaging element and a near-infrared light irradiating portion for irradiating the face with a near-infrared light. |
| US08368755B2 |
Photographing apparatus, image signal choosing apparatus, driving assisting apparatus and automobile
Considering the locations of a self-vehicle and other vehicles changing from moment to moment, an image signal is chosen in relation to the location, orientation, viewing angle, and moving speed of a camera mounted on each vehicle, and information on a region to be a driver's blind spot is provided in real time by means of images and voice. When there is the other vehicles whose camera meets requirements such as the location, orientation, viewing angle, and moving speed for photographing a region to be the self-vehicle's blind spot, it is possible to provide information on the blind spot by the image picked up by the camera. However, since the other vehicle's location also changes with a lapse of time, it is not possible to keep photographing the blind spot with the same camera. Therefore, the image of the driver's blind spot is obtained in real time by constantly detecting the location, orientation, viewing angle, and moving speed of cameras mounted on the other vehicles running near the self-vehicle, choosing dynamically a camera capable of photographing the region to be the self-vehicle's blind spot, and switching image signals in succession. |
| US08368753B2 |
Controller with an integrated depth camera
A method for determining a position of a controller in a three-dimensional space is disclosed. The method includes an operation to calibrate a computer program to identify a group of recognized fixed points from a plurality of fixed points within the three-dimensional space using a depth camera integrated with the controller. Another operation activates use of the controller and depth camera during interface with the application. During use of the controller, image and depth data within the three-dimensional space is captured with the depth camera of the controller. In another operation the image and depth data is analyzed to find one or more of the group of recognized fixed points. In one embodiment, the previous two operations are repeated and changes of position of the controller are determined based on a change in position of the found ones of the group of recognized fixed points. The method also includes an operation to trigger an input command based on the determined change in position of the controller, wherein the input command causes an action by the application. |
| US08368750B2 |
Non-uniformity evaluation apparatus, non-uniformity evaluation method, and display inspection apparatus and program
A mura evaluation apparatus 100 includes: a mura detection unit 110 that acquires multiple images of a display mura present in a display area of a display device by scanning the display area while moving along a spherical surface with a preset radius; and an information processing apparatus 150 that generates a three-dimensional mura figure from the multiple images acquired by the mura detection unit, by associating a feature value of the display mura in each of the images with a position where the image is acquired, and generates a mura superimposed image in which the three-dimensional mura figure viewed from a designated observation angle is superimposed. |
| US08368749B2 |
Article inspection apparatus
An inspection apparatus can be operated to collect files during performance of an inspection. An inspection apparatus can associate metadata to a collected file. In one embodiment metadata associated with a collected file can include an article identifier. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected file can include data input into an inspection apparatus by an inspector. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected media file can include sensor output data. An inspection apparatus in one embodiment can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. |
| US08368746B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing image information captured over time at plurality of positions in subject body
An image captured by successive imaging over time by using a capsule endoscope is correlated with the imaging position and compiled into a database. The left side of a display screen of a monitor device displays a subject internal model, a trajectory path of the capsule endoscope, and a position mark indicating the imaging position. An image corresponding to the position of the position mark is displayed in an image display area on the right side. When a position mark on the trajectory path is designated by a mouse, the corresponding image is displayed. It is also possible to designate a section for which the image corresponding to the position mark is displayed or to designate a position mark where an unusual image is captured. |
| US08368745B2 |
Apparatus and method to concurrently display two and three dimensional images
An image display apparatus and method to simultaneously display two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) images with minimized visual 3D discomfort. The image display apparatus may include a lens unit to spatially separate images displayed in a display panel unit to thereby simultaneously form a 2D image viewing area and a 3D image viewing area, respectively, enabling the simultaneous displaying of the 2D images and the 3D images. |
| US08368742B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a display unit that displays predetermined information, an imaging unit that is installed on a right side or left side of a central portion of an upper frame of an outer frame enclosing the display unit to obtain a pickup image of a user, and a control unit that detects a face area of the user from the pickup image obtained by the imaging unit to cut out the face area containing the detected face area. |
| US08368738B2 |
Joining users to a conferencing session
Architecture for combining an outbound contact via multiple communications modes and the joining of an invitee to a communications session (e.g., conference call, web conference, etc.) without requiring substantial authentication of the invitee, if at all. The invitee can be automatically connected to the session using the communication method of choice, for example, conference call session or web conferencing session. An invitation can be sent to the invitee through multiple communication channels such as phone, text messaging, SMS, MMS, and email. The architecture facilitates the automatic creation of meeting resources (conference call session or web conferencing session). The meeting (or session) organizer can be treated as an invitee and be contacted by an application to request join in the meeting resource. Moreover, the ability is provided to mix audio/video of meeting resources. The invitee and/or the organizer can have an interactive conversation with the invitee-join application using the communication modes. The invitee-join application can parse and understand invitee responses. |
| US08368737B2 |
Smart remote control devices for controlling video call devices
Apparatus having corresponding methods and non-transitory computer-readable media comprise: a transmitter configured to transmit first wireless signals to a video call device, wherein the video call device has a plurality of operating states; a receiver configured to receive second wireless signals from the video call device, wherein the second wireless signals include contextual information describing a current one of the operating states of the video call device; and a user interface configured to display an indication of the current one of the operating states of the video call device. |
| US08368732B2 |
Thermal printer
A thermal printer includes a body detachably including a platen roller unit having a platen roller, and a cover element movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position, detachably including a thermal printhead unit. The cover element further includes a claw protruding backward, a stepped pin extending downward, including a step portion at a bottom end, and a stepped pin adjuster element. The thermal printhead unit includes an exothermic element array, a supported portion to be hooked on the claw, and a notch portion to be hooked on the step portion. The platen roller unit and the thermal printhead unit include respective positioning elements which engage with each other to restrict a relative movement of the exothermic element array and the platen roller while the cover element is in a closed position. |
| US08368722B1 |
Cartographic display of content through dynamic, interactive user interface elements
An interactive user interface element makes content (e.g., images, news, standard indexed Web content) available to a user of online map services (e.g., virtual globe program). In some implementations, when zoomed out on a feature displayed in map imagery (e.g., virtual globe imagery), the user sees a non-interactive user interface element (e.g., a feature label). As the user expresses greater interest in the feature by, for example, flying (“zooming”) toward the feature, the non-interactive user interface element is replaced by (or morphs into) an interactive user interface element (e.g., a feature label including a clickable icon). In some implementations, a user's interaction with the interactive user interface element (or navigation actions in the imagery) launches a content access portal (e.g., a balloon) for presenting content (e.g., text, digital photos, video, audio) and/or providing access (e.g., links) to related content. |
| US08368717B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for comparing CAD drawings
Methods, apparatuses/systems, and software for comparing two drawings to create a compare drawing that includes options for highlighting added and deleted graphic objects, as well as unchanged graphic objects, and comparing one drawing to many or many drawings to many drawings, whether or not the drawings are similar. The invention includes a filtered zoom feature that enables the user to zoom in on a filtered set of graphic objects and to continue to zoom in until a single graphic object is depicted. Detailed information from selected graphic objects can be captured and placed in a list for generating schedule changes, bill of materials, and for other purposes. The invention further includes the ability to detect and report any variances between the drawings, including area differences between drawings depicting physical objects. |
| US08368715B2 |
Audio signal processing apparatus, audio signal processing method, and audio signal processing program
An audio signal processing apparatus includes an examining unit and a generating unit. The examining unit examines, in each frequency band and at each localization angle, volume of an audio signal of two or more channels. The generating unit generates, on the basis of the examination result supplied from the examining unit, display data for showing the volume value in each frequency band and at each localization angle on an area that displays a frequency and a localization angle. |
| US08368713B2 |
Figure drawing device and method
A figure drawing device includes; a device 2 for increasing/decreasing the number of pixels on a scanning line up to the final painting pixel by one pixel; a device 3 for increasing/decreasing the number of scanning lines for drawing by one line; a device 4 for outputting drawing pixel data based on the control by the devices 1 and 2; a stencil buffer 5 for holding figure data in an intermediate stage of sequentially drawing a figure; a device 6 for holding pixel data read from the buffer 5 and consecutive as plural pieces of pixel data; a device 7 for detecting the transit state of the data value in the device 6; and a device 8 for inverting/non-inverting the logical operation result of the output data of the device 4 and the data in the device 6 and writing a result to the buffer 5. |
| US08368708B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image processing apparatus that enables to reduce needless consumption of memory band and control duplicated access to a main memory. A reading unit reads image data stored in a first storage unit and divides the image data into a plurality of rectangular areas of a predetermined size. A second storage unit stores image data in reference areas surrounding the rectangular areas, the reference areas having overlapped areas each of which includes a boundary between adjacent two rectangular areas. An image processing unit performs an image process based on the image data in the rectangular areas read by the reading unit and the image data in the reference areas stored in the second storage unit. A cache control unit controls to transfer the image data in the reference areas from the second storage unit to the image processing unit in response to a request from the image processing unit. |
| US08368693B2 |
Systems and methods for fast real-time rendering of multiple light sources
Example embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for the efficient rendering of multiple light sources, each controlled individually, in a single pass. An example embodiment encodes the light sources in a texture map, such as DXT. Each channel of the multi-channel texture map encodes data associated with a light source. The pixel shader then renders multiple light sources according to the multiple channels of the texture. Additionally, the pixel shader may render multiple textures, and thus render an even greater number of individual light sources. In a further embodiment, the rendering of a plurality of individually controlled light sources is accomplished in a single pass. |
| US08368689B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for radial functions and distributions of three dimensional object models
A system, method, and computer program product for determining a radial function and distribution of a three-dimensional object model. One method includes retrieving a three-dimensional object model in a CAD system and sampling random points on the surface of the object model. The method also includes determining a normal vector corresponding to each of the random points and determining a radial function corresponding to each normal vector and respective random point. The method also includes determining, by the CAD system, a radial distribution corresponding to at least two of the radial functions and storing the radial distribution and average values of the radial functions in the CAD system. |
| US08368688B2 |
Method for rendering fluid
A method for rendering fluid is provided. First, state information of a plurality of fluid particles is provided, wherein the state information records whether the fluid particles are located above or under a fluid surface and the interactions between the fluid particles and a terrain or the dynamic objects. Then, whether to render the fluid particles in a direction facing a viewer or in a direction parallel to the flow direction is determined according to the information that whether the fluid particles are located above or under the fluid surface. Next, the fluid particles are rendered as a plurality of two-dimensional metaballs according to the interactions between the fluid particles and the terrain or the dynamic objects, and these metaballs are stacked to reconstruct the fluid. |
| US08368686B2 |
Resource management for rule-based procedural terrain generation
Disclosed are systems and methods for rule-based procedural generation of terrain in real time for a virtual world. By describing the terrain with rules rather than storing the actual geometry data, a drastic savings in terms of memory and disk space is achieved by generating terrain procedurally on the fly in real time when it is necessary. Using the terrain editor tool, the terrain system allows defining and modifying the terrain height, color, shaders, textures, flora, and environment, for example. Additionally, generating the terrain procedurally allows for almost limitless detail by changing the parameters used to create the terrain geometry. These rules can also be added and removed dynamically, leading to terrain modification in real time. In addition, resources are managed for the terrain generation system, such as allocating memory for areas of virtual terrain; associating a priority level to each virtual terrain for memory management; and deallocating memory of the virtual terrain based at least in part on the priority levels of the areas of virtual terrain. |
| US08368684B2 |
Organic light emitting display device, method of driving the same and power saving unit thereof
An organic light emitting display device includes a pixel unit including data lines, a data driving unit providing data signals corresponding to first and second data to the data lines, a timing controlling unit controlling the data driving unit and supplying the first data from the outside, and a power supply for the pixel, data driving, and timing controlling units. A converting unit may receive the first data from the timing controlling unit, convert the first data into the second data, and transmit the converted second data to the data driving unit. When the first data supplied from the timing controlling unit has a digital bit corresponding to one of a first range for displaying white-related colors and a second range for displaying black-related colors, the converting unit converts the first data into the second data having a digital bit corresponding to one of the second and first ranges, respectively. |
| US08368682B2 |
Address driving circuit and plasma display device having the same
An address driving circuit includes a driving device unit and an energy recovery circuit. The driving device unit drives an address electrode to an address voltage or a reference voltage in response to driving control signals during an address period. The energy recovery circuit recovers a voltage charged to the address electrode in response to switching control signals such that a voltage of the address electrode transitions to the address voltage or the reference voltage via at least two intermediate voltages including first and second intermediate voltages during the address period. |
| US08368681B2 |
Image display apparatus and method of driving the image display apparatus
The present invention sets a scanning line to which a driving signal for power supply is output to a floating state in an entire period of pauses of threshold voltage correction processing or a partial period thereof. |
| US08368680B2 |
Start protection circuit for gate driver and liquid crystal display thereof
A start protection circuit of a gate driver, which is applied in a liquid crystal display, includes a detection circuit and a switch. The detection circuit monitors a gate low voltage to generate a control signal. The switch is electrically connected to the detection circuit and controlled by the control signal, for transmitting a gate high voltage. The detection circuit outputs the gate low voltage first and monitors if the gate low voltage has reached a predetermined level. When the gate low voltage has reached the predetermined level, the detection circuit turns on the switch to output the gate high voltage. |
| US08368679B2 |
Power supply apparatus, liquid crystal driving apparatus and display apparatus
A power supply apparatus of the present invention comprises: a constant voltage generation section (first DAC (21), second DAC (22), resistor (R2), resistor (R3)) that generates a positive constant voltage (Va); a pulse voltage generation section (pulse oscillator (23), amplifier (24)) that generates a positive pulse voltage (Vb); a capacitor (C1) of which one end is connected to the output terminal of the pulse voltage generation section; and a diode (D1) of which an anode is connected to the other end of the capacitor (C1), and of which a cathode is connected to the output terminal of the constant voltage generation section. A positive-negative bipolar pulse voltage (Vc) is outputted from the other end of the capacitor (C1). Thus, it is possible to generate a positive-negative bipolar pulse voltage with a simple and small-scale circuit configuration. |
| US08368671B2 |
Display device driving circuit with independently adjustable power supply voltage for buffers
A driving circuit for a display with display elements in rows and/or columns has a shift register, through which tokens are shifted. The shift register's parallel outputs are latched and enable switch cells depending on the tokens. Control signals are supplied to the switch cells which control the output signal in terms of pulse width and/or signal shape. Buffers output the signals to a connected display. Individual or groups of buffers are connected to different supply voltages. The shift register may have more than one input in order to allow for shifting tokens in parallel, e.g. to every second output, using only one clock cycle. Further, inputs are provided for inverting the travelling direction of the tokens, inverting the shape of the signal that is output or switching all outputs to a predetermined state. |
| US08368664B2 |
Device for providing improved access to the functions of human machine interfaces
A bezel positionable adjacent the outer periphery of a computer touch screen is provided. The bezel includes an elongated rim having a first side adjacent the computer screen and a surface. An identification marker positioned on the surface of the rim and identifying a predetermined area of the touch screen. A tactile indicium structure is on the surface at a location between the identification marker and the predetermined area of the touch screen. The tactile indicium structure includes an upper surface having tactile indicium thereon. |
| US08368661B2 |
Method for fabricating touch sensor panels
A method for manufacturing a patterned thin film layer on an uneven substrate is provided. The substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface. The method includes creating a cavity on the inner surface of the substrate, the cavity creating a cavity surface on a different plane as compared to the inner surface and a step between the cavity surface and the inner surface; forming a thin film layer on the inner surface of the substrate covering at least a part of the cavity surface, the step and the inner surface; performing laser ablation on the thin film layer to create patterns, at least some of which are created on the cavity surface, the step and the inner surface. |
| US08368657B2 |
Touch sensor panel using regional and local electrodes to increase number of sense locations
An input sensor for an electronic device which includes a touch sensor panel, multiple electrodes and a sensor circuit. The electrodes include multiple regional electrodes and multiple local electrodes. Each regional electrode covers a corresponding region of the touch sensor panel and each local electrode includes multiple pads including one pad located within each of the regional electrodes. The electrodes are distributed so that a touch anywhere across the touch sensor panel is detected by at least one regional electrode and at least one local electrode. A sensor circuit determines a value for each of the electrodes indicating relative change, and compares relative values of the electrodes to identify a location of a touch of the touch sensor panel. The regional electrodes are used to determine a region of a touch and the local electrodes are used to determine a more specific touch location within the determined region. |
| US08368647B2 |
Three-dimensional virtual input and simulation apparatus
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional virtual input and simulation apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus comprising a plurality of point light sources, a plurality of optical positioning devices with a visual axis tracking function, and a control analysis procedure. The invention is characterized in that the plurality of optical positioning devices with the visual axis tracking function are provided for measuring and analyzing 3D movements of the plurality of point light sources to achieve the effect of a virtual input and simulator. |
| US08368644B2 |
Operation feeling giving input device
An operation feeling giving input device includes an operation member that is displaced to an arbitrary operational position according to the operation of an operator, actuators that change the operational position of the operation member separately from the operation of the operator by applying an operational force to the operation member, operational position detecting means that detects the operational position of the operation member, storage means that stores information about display areas of buttons displayed on a predetermined display screen, and control means. The control means outputs a control signal for displaying a pointer on a display screen at an indicated position corresponding to the operational position of the operation member on the basis of the operational position of the operation member, and drives the actuators so that the operational position of the operation member is changed to generate a lead-in force that moves the pointer toward the inside of the buttons displayed on the display screen. If the length of a display area of the button in a vertical direction is different from the length of the display area of the button in a horizontal direction, the control means calculates the magnitude of the lead-in force on the basis of a relative relationship between the indicated position of the pointer and any one of vertical and horizontal virtual central axes extending in the longitudinal direction through a central position of the display area. |
| US08368639B2 |
Planar light source device, display device, terminal device, and method for driving planar light source device
A display device is provided including an optical waveguide, and a light source, and also a louver, a transparent/scattering state switching element, and a transmissive liquid crystal display panel, provided in order on the side of a light-emitting surface of the optical waveguide. The transparent/scattering state switching element switches between a state for scattering the incident light and a state for transmitting the light without scattering. The light source drive circuit causes the transparent/scattering state switching element to transfer from the transparent state to the scattering state, and when the viewing angle range of the display is switched from narrow to wide, the intensity of the light source is gradually increased in conjunction with the transition state of the transparent/scattering state switching element. |
| US08368630B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is described. The liquid crystal display includes a common voltage generation unit that swings first and second common voltages in opposite directions every a predetermined period of time using two voltage levels, a plurality of first longitudinal common lines that are formed parallel to data lines to supply the first common voltage input through first input units to first pixel common line patterns formed in first pixel units, and a plurality of second longitudinal common lines that are formed parallel to the data lines to supply the second common voltage input through second input units to second pixel common line patterns formed in second pixel units. |
| US08368628B2 |
Balanced LED backlighting for liquid crystal display (LCD)
Techniques for providing LED-based backlighting in liquid crystal flat panel displays are disclosed. In one embodiment, optical sensors are provided to sense illuminations from colored LED groups and provide feedback signals to a controller so that a desired ratio of the illuminations is maintained. As a result, true colors could be reproduced regardless of possible irregularities that may be happening to LEDs used in the colored LED groups to backlight an LCD panel. |
| US08368627B2 |
Adaptive feedback control method of FSC display
An adaptive feedback control method of a field sequential color display includes: a rearrangement step of converting gray-scale values of a three primary color field of an input image into gray-scale values of a new three primary color field and a dominated color field; a sampling step of performing a pixel sampling on a resolution of the input image in a sampling interval; a feedback control step of performing a pixel by pixel sum operation for each separated color on a color break-up value and a color value of the input image in a Lu′v′ color space to obtain a color difference sum, and performing a feedback control at a bit precision on the color difference sum; and a liquid crystal/backlight synchronization step of synchronizing a liquid crystal signal and a backlight grayscale value of the input image according to the minimum color difference sum. |
| US08368624B2 |
Display method with interlacing reversal scan and device thereof
A display method with interlacing reversal scan and a device thereof are provided. The scan mode is interlacing reversal scan. Thus, in time and space, each color frame with poor luminance response can be alternately distributed on up-side and the down-side region of the frame instead on low-side region of the frame. Then, during the period of continuous frame displaying, the present invention may balance color distribution between the up-side and the down-side region, and effectively reduce the flicker phenomenon of the frame. |
| US08368623B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device includes: a light emitting element; a driving transistor connected to the light emitting element, the driving transistor generating a current according to a data voltage; a switching transistor switching the data voltage according to a gate signal; a capacitor storing the data voltage; a data line connected to the switching transistor, the data line transmitting the data voltage; and a gate line connected to the switching transistor, the gate line transmitting the gate signal. The data voltage includes a first voltage corresponding to luminance information and a second voltage that is a modified voltage of the first data voltage, wherein an average of the first voltage and the second voltage over time is substantially constant. |
| US08368622B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method for display apparatus
The present invention provides a display apparatus, including: a display section including a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix and a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of scanning lines; and a horizontal driving circuit and a vertical driving circuit configured to drive the signal lines and the scanning lines of the display section to display an image on the display section; each of the pixels including a light emitting device; a signal level storage capacitor, a writing transistor, and a driving transistor. |
| US08368617B2 |
Display device and display unit
A display device capable of improving the view angle characteristics without deteriorating the outside light contrast and a display unit using it are provided. The display device includes a first electrode, an organic layer including a light emitting lay and a second electrode sequentially over a substrate, and having a resonator structure in which light generated in the light emitting layer is resonated between a first end and a second end. An end face of the first electrode on the light emitting layer side is the first end having a step shape. A distance adjustment layer that fills in the step shape and has a flat surface on the second electrode side is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and thereby the second end is planarized, and an optical distance between the first end and the second end is varied according to the step shape. |
| US08368614B2 |
Antenna apparatus and wireless communication device
An antenna apparatus includes: a ground plane; a plurality of conductive elements arranged substantially in parallel to a surface of the ground plane; a plurality of linear elements configured to connect the conductive elements to the ground plane; and an antenna configured to radiate a radio wave, wherein a plurality of openings to reflect the radio wave radiated from the antenna are formed in the ground plane under an arrangement region of the conductive elements. |
| US08368612B2 |
Embedded antenna apparatus
An embedded antenna apparatus of a communication terminal is provided. The antenna apparatus includes a plate board having a feeding pad disposed on a side of the board; a device carrier mounted on a side of the board to expose the feeding pad; a radiation device including at least two radiation lines extending from the feeding pad to a surface of the device carrier along different paths, the at least two radiation lines radiating at a preset frequency band when electric power is fed through the feeding pad; and a ground plate having a flat plate shape mounted in an edge of the side of the board and disposed perpendicular to the side of the board, and contacting one end each of the at least two radiation lines to ground the radiation device. |
| US08368611B2 |
Enclosed antenna system for receiving broadcasts from multiple sources
The present disclosure is directed to enclosed antenna systems for receiving multiple different broadcast types. In one aspect of the disclosure, the enclosed antenna system comprises an enclosure including a satellite television antenna assembly, an off-air television antenna assembly and control electronics disposed on a motorized turntable. In another aspect, the off-air television antenna assembly comprises both UHF and VHF antenna assemblies. In a further aspect, the UHF and VHF television signals received by the off-air antenna assembly are combined, amplified and diplexed with the television signal received by the satellite television antenna assembly. A method of watching television broadcasts from satellite and off-air sources using a multi-antenna system contained within a single enclosure is also disclosed. |
| US08368602B2 |
Parallel-fed equal current density dipole antenna
Electronic devices such as handheld devices may have wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include a broadband antenna and circuitry that covers multiple communications bands. The broadband antenna may be formed from a parallel-fed dipole. The antenna may have first and second antenna resonating element regions on opposing sides of a slot. The slot may be an open slot that has one open end and one closed end. The slot may be formed from an opening in conductive housing structures in a conductive housing for an electronic device. The conductive housing structures may include sidewall structures, rear housing wall structures, and other conductive structures. The antenna may have a feed with a feed line that crosses the slot. An interposed dielectric substrate member may separate the feed line from the conductive structures. The feed line may have sections with different widths to minimize feed line length. |
| US08368599B2 |
Simply fabricable small zeroth-order resonant antenna with extended bandwidth and high efficiency
Provided is a simply fabricable small zeroth-order resonant antenna with extended bandwidth and high efficiency. The zeroth-order resonant antenna includes a feeding patch, a transmission line, and a pair of ground patches. The feeding patch is disposed on a top surface of a substrate having a mono-layer structure, and is configured to receive a signal from the outside. The transmission line includes a unit cell disposed on the top surface of the substrate and is configured to transmit a signal delivered from the feeding patch. The pair of ground patches is longitudinally disposed on the top surface of the substrate in the same direction as a longitudinal direction of the transmission line around the transmission line. The unit cell includes an upper patch and an inductor unit. The upper patch is disposed on the top surface of the substrate and is configured to receive a signal. |
| US08368595B2 |
Metamaterial loaded antenna devices
Techniques and devices based on antenna structures with a MTM loading element. |
| US08368591B2 |
GNSS signal processing methods and apparatus with ambiguity convergence indication
Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating parameters, i.e. ambiguities, derived from GNSS signals. Observations of a GNSS signal from each of a plurality of GNSS satellites are obtained (2120). The observations are fed to a filter having a state vector comprising a float ambiguity for each received frequency of the GNSS signals (2140). The filter estimates a float value for each float ambiguity of the state vector and co-variance values associated with the state vector. Integer values are assigned to at least a subgroup of the estimated float values to define a plurality of integer ambiguity candidate sets (2160). A weighted average of the candidate sets is formed (2200). A formal precision value based on covariance values of the filter is determined (2205), the formal precision value being a measure for an achievable precision. An achieved precision value of the weighted average is determined (2210). The achieved precision value is compared with the formal precision value to obtain a convergence value (2215). A convergence of the determination of the state vector is indicated (2218). Ambiguities of the weighted average can be used in subsequent operations to aid in determining a position of the receiver or can be used to prepare data, e.g., in a network processor that can be used to augment position information of a rover. |
| US08368587B2 |
In-vehicle radar device and cover for in-vehicle radar device
An in-vehicle radar device which radiates electromagnetic waves and receives reflected waves, from an object, of the electromagnetic waves so as to detect a location of the object and which is mounted on a rear of a vehicle, the in-vehicle radar device including: a transmission-and-reception section that transmits the electromagnetic waves and receives the reflected waves; a detection section that detects the location of the object based on the reflected waves; and a cover member that is provided below a rear bumper of the vehicle and that covers the transmission-and-reception section in a manner that a rear surface of the cover member faces a transmission-and-reception surface of the transmission-and-reception section so as to be spaced apart therefrom. |
| US08368584B2 |
Airspace risk mitigation system
An airspace risk mitigation system includes a plurality of airspace input sources, an airspace data fusion and sensor coordination system, a communications link, and a risk mitigation support system. The airspace input sources includes a radar for generating radar data for an airspace, and an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver for generating additional data for the airspace. The airspace data fusion and sensor coordination system is configured to receive airspace data from the plurality of airspace input sources, correlating airspace data with new or known objects in the airspace, fusing airspace data into a common airspace data set, and generating target and system status information. The risk mitigation support system is configured to calculate a risk associated with aircraft operation in the airspace as a function of the target and system status information. |
| US08368583B1 |
Aircraft bird strike avoidance method and apparatus using axial beam antennas
An aircraft avian radar is implemented using multiple axial beam antennas mounted on an aircraft. Target range is determined by radar range. Target azimuth and elevation position is determined by triangulation. An end-fire array antenna composed of a series of monopole antenna elements enclosed inside a long thin protective cover fashioned in the form of a stall fence is mounted on the wings, tail, or fuselage to produce a low drag axial beam antenna pattern directed ahead of the aircraft. Other axial beam antenna choices include helical, pyramidal horn, and conical horn antennas mounted on or inside various forward facing surfaces of the aircraft. |
| US08368582B2 |
Doppler radar apparatus and method of calculating doppler velocity
According to one embodiment, a Doppler radar apparatus includes a quadrature detection unit configured to quadrature-detect a received signal of a reflected pulse from an observation target, and generate time-series data including an in-phase component and a quadrature component, an interference judgment unit configured to judge whether an interference signal is mixed into the received signal based on the time-series data, a correction unit configured to correct a vector expressed by the in-phase component and the quadrature component such that variation with respect to time of a deviation angle of the vector continues when the interference judgment unit has judged that an interference signal is mixed into the received signal, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a Doppler velocity of the observation target based on an amount of variation with respect to time of the deviation angle of corrected vector. |
| US08368580B2 |
Electronic counter measure system
A tactical electronic counter measure system comprising a first retro-directional transceiver sub-system, receiving signals at a first frequency band, and first retro-directional transceiver re-transmitting a signal at least substantially toward the direction from which the sources signal was received, and first retro-directional transceiver sub-system including a plurality of blade antennas and a controller, coupled with and first retro-directional transceiver, and controller controlling the activity of and first retro-directional transceiver sub-system, and controller further managing the missions of and first retro-directional transceiver sub-system. |
| US08368570B2 |
Method and system for calibrating column parallel ADCs
Various embodiments of the invention include enabling, during a calibration phase, a counter to count one less than a number of clock periods associated with a determined offset. The counted number of the clock periods is stored in calibration memory. In a conversion phase, inverted outputs are loaded from the calibration memory to the counter, where the counter is enabled to count the clock periods to determine a digital equivalent value of an analog signal amplitude. |
| US08368568B2 |
Compression and decompression of numerical data
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for compressing numerical data comprising a structured set of floating point actual values. A floating point value is defined by a sign, an exponent and a mantissa. The method comprises computing a floating point predicted value related to a target actual value of the set. The computing includes performing operations on integers corresponding to the sign, to the exponent and/or to the mantissa of actual values of a subset of the set. The method also comprises storing a bit sequence representative of a difference between integers derived from the target actual value and the predicted value. Such a method is particularly efficient for reducing the storage size of a CAD file. |
| US08368564B2 |
Wireless keyboard having waterproof mechanism
A wireless keyboard having a water proof mechanism includes a signal processing module and a flexible keyboard connected to one side of the signal processing module. The signal processing module includes an upper casing, a lower casing located under the upper casing, a waterproof gasket located between peripheries of the upper casing and the lower casing, and a processing unit received between the upper casing and the lower casing to emit wireless signals to a computer host. The flexible keyboard includes an upper film, a lower film hermetically connected to the upper film, and a plurality of key units electrically connected to the processing unit, wherein one common side of the upper film and the lower film is sandwiched between the upper casing and the lower casing. |
| US08368563B2 |
Physical key interface
A physical keyboard interface for controlling a computer device and methodology of use. The interface includes a body having an upper side, a lower side, a left end and a right end, with each of the left and right ends including an ergonomic hand grip. A display is on the upper side of the body and at least four finger keys are adjacent to each ergonomic hand grip on the lower side of the body that are configured for inputting at least alphanumeric characters into a computer device based upon physical interaction with one or more of the finger keys. At least one thumb key located on the upper side of the body adjacent to one of the ergonomic hand grips, and at least one thumb key is utilized as an input for controlling a function of a program executing on a computer device. |
| US08368559B2 |
Network of traffic behavior-monitoring unattended ground sensors (NeTBUGS)
A Network of Traffic Behavior-monitoring Unattended Ground Sensors (NeTBUGS) is configurable to detect the passing of vehicles, determine when and where individual vehicles have stopped for a period of time that raises suspicion of illegal or dangerous activity, track the vehicles after the stop and to generate a location-tagged alert for the timely dispatch of a response asset to investigate the anomalous behavior of the vehicle. NeTBUGS sensors are small, camouflaged, easily concealed, and operate for long durations independent of the electrical grid or large, obvious power generators and thus well suited for operation in a hostile environment. |
| US08368558B2 |
Parking guide system, parking guide method and program
Every time a vehicle is parked in a parking lot, a CPU updates priorities of information stored in a parking lot learning table which is stored in a parking lot DB based on parking lot information related to the parking lot and information of an entrance wait time for each parking lot, a traffic jam in the vicinity of a destination facility, and so on, which are distributed regularly from a road traffic information center or the like. |
| US08368556B2 |
Method and system for providing data communication in continuous glucose monitoring and management system
Method and apparatus for providing a data stream generator that generates a data stream associated with a monitored analyte level, and a radio frequency logic portion operatively coupled to the data stream generator, the radio frequency logic portion configured to generate a radio frequency data stream based on the data stream generated from the data stream generator, the radio frequency logic portion further including one or more finite state machines and a plurality of discrete digital logic circuits, the one or more finite state machines configured to control the plurality of digital logic circuits to generate the radio frequency data stream for wireless communication are provided. Systems and kits incorporating the same are also provided. |
| US08368555B2 |
Utility network interface device configured to detect and report abnormal operating condition
A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with a software component of a utility meter with which the utility network interface device is associated. The utility network interface device also includes a notification unit configured to output, external to the utility meter, a visual indication constituting notification of the tampering detected by the control unit. The control unit is configured to automatically control the notification unit to output the external notification of the tampering in response to the detection of the tampering. Also provided are a utility network including the utility network interface device, a method of operating a utility network interface device, and a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon for operating a utility network interface device. |
| US08368554B2 |
System and method for collecting information from utility meters
A method of communicating between a collector meter and back haul device is disclosed. The method provides the collector meter, the collector meter has a local communications means for communicating to a plurality of utility metering devices, the collector meter also has having a short haul communications means. The method further provides the back haul device. The back haul device having the short haul communication means and a wireless telephonic communication means. The method communicates information between the collector meter and the back haul device using the short haul communication means. The method further sends data from the back haul device to a utility receiving center using the wireless telephonic means. |
| US08368553B2 |
Fracturing monitoring within a treatment well
A method includes receiving a signal from a sensor that is positioned within a well bore during a hydraulic fracturing operation. A noise canceling operation is performed on the received signal to detect a microseismic event that is caused by the hydraulic fracturing operation. |
| US08368552B2 |
Manhole security device and methods thereof
A security device for detecting the position of a manhole cover includes a pinger device, such as an acoustic pinger, that transmits a signal in the direction of the expected position of the manhole cover. The device takes energy samples to determine if the signal has been reflected back by the manhole cover. If the device determines the signal has not been reflected, it determines that the manhole cover has been moved from the expected position. In response, the device captures an image of an area around the expected position of the manhole cover. In addition, the device can notify a remote security station via a network that the manhole cover has been moved. |
| US08368547B2 |
System and method for visually indicating unsafe handling temperature of an information handling system component
Systems and methods for indicating the unsafe service handling temperature of an information handling system component are disclosed. A method may include sensing a surface temperature of the component and comparing the surface temperature to a first and second threshold temperatures. The method may further include displaying various temperature warning by multiple temperature indicators if the surface temperature is above or below the threshold temperatures. |
| US08368545B2 |
Hospital bed computer system with pharmacy interaction
A point-of-care computer system is provided, including a display positioned in a point-of-care location. The point-of-care computer includes hardware coupled to a frame of a hospital bed. |
| US08368541B2 |
Method for memory mapping in a composite RFID tag facility
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a method of memory mapping disparate memories on a composite radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, where the RFID tag includes a plurality of individual RFID devices each having a memory store with a physical memory address range and mounted to a common substrate, where at least one of the individual RFID devices comprises memory configuration information, and where a memory addressing facility maps the physical memory address ranges of each of the individual RFID devices to a single logical addressing space and presents the address space as a single memory, where the memory addressing facility is included on a computing facility separate from the composite RFID tag. |
| US08368535B2 |
Intrusion detector
An intrusion detector comprising a passive sensor for detecting a person entering a space to be monitored, said intrusion detector comprising a housing provided with a window for said passive sensor, optical means for directing electromagnetic radiation from said person onto the passive sensor, alarm means connected to said passive sensor for generating an alarm in case the electromagnetic radiation from said person being detected by the passive sensor corresponds to a signal value that exceeds a maximum level or falls below a minimum level, a special feature being the fact that the optical means are provided with a mirror curved in two directions for forming at least one protective curtain extending in a vertical plane in the space to be monitored, wherein the passive sensor is disposed on the optical axis at the focus of the mirror, and wherein the mirror directs a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the person, rotated through at least 45°, preferably through at least substantially 90°, onto the passive sensor. |
| US08368534B2 |
Optical fiber systems and methods for monitoring remote door access
A remote door access monitoring system includes a central monitoring component and a remote monitoring component. The central monitoring component includes an optical source, an optical power level receiver, and a microcontroller. The optical power level receiver is in communication with the microcontroller. The remote monitoring component includes an optical switch that is operably associated with a door of a communications equipment cabinet. The communications equipment cabinet is located at a geographical location different from a geographical location of the central monitoring component. The optical source transmits an optical signal from the optical source to the optical switch and back to the optical power level receiver. The optical switch attenuates the optical signal in response to opening and closing of the door. The optical power level receiver is configured to detect an attenuated optical signal and then notify the microcontroller of the existence of an attenuated optical signal. |
| US08368529B1 |
Antenna circuit matching the soil conditions
A wireless sub-surface soil sensor having a tunable antenna that can be optimized for transmission through various soils is disclosed herein. The wireless sub-surface sensor preferably also measures the moisture and salinity of a material. The wireless sub-surface sensor preferably includes a cover for protecting circuitry of the sensor. The wireless soil sensor is designed to be buried underground and to transmit to above ground receivers. |
| US08368528B2 |
Configurable notification device
A notification device includes a processing module configured to determine a communication mode capability of an alarm panel. The processing module communicates with the control using the determined communication mode. The notification device also includes an output module that is in electrical communication with the processing module. The output module is configured to produce an output signal in response to a signal communicated by the alarm panel. |
| US08368526B2 |
Self-monitored home security system using mobile communications
A system and method for providing home security services may include receiving, at a local alarm controller, a cordless sensor signal indicative of an alarm sensor being triggered. The cordless sensor signal may be communicated over one of multiple cordless telephone channels. In response to receiving the sensor signal, a signal indicative of the cordless telephone channel may be communicated to a mobile telephone of a user to notify the user that a sensor associated with the cordless telephone channel was triggered. |
| US08368520B2 |
Notification system for timed power supply
The present invention is to provide a notification system for timed power supply, which includes a timed power supply device and a wireless notification device. The timed power supply device is able to receive a set time inputted by a user and stores the set time into a memory module, and then starts timing, providing power supply and generating an elapsed time, respectively. When the timed power supply device determines that the difference between the elapsed time and the set time reaches a threshold value, the timed power supply device issues a notification signal through a wireless transmitter module to the wireless notification device carried by the user, so as to ensure that the user will be notified, via an alert signal generated by the wireless notification device according to the notification signal, that the set time is coming to an end. |
| US08368519B2 |
Packaging a semiconductor wafer
Embodiments embed at least one Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag into the mold. The mold may comprise a cavity adapted to the geometrical form of the RFID tag. In some embodiments, the cavity is marginally bigger than the RFID tag. In many embodiments, the cavity with the embedded the RFID tag is covered by glue. Thus, the mold, the RFID tag and the glue may be suitable for temperatures up to, e.g., 400° C. Further the mold and the glue may be resistant to concentrated sulfuric acid and formic acid. The serial number of the mold may be stored in the RFID tag. The RFID tag may detect characteristic data during the transfer of the solder from the mold to the wafer. In one embodiment, the RFID tag may detect the temperature. In another embodiment, a plurality of RFID tags may detect various temperatures for controlling the packaging process. |
| US08368516B2 |
Secure data exchange with a transponder
A method includes transmitting, from a base station, a first request and receiving, from a transponder, a first code transmitted responsive to the first request. The method includes transmitting, from the base station, first encoded transmission information comprising a base station code encoded using the first code and a first identification. The base station transmits a second request, and a second code, transmitted by the transponder responsive to receiving the second request and encoded using a base station code extracted from the first encoded transmission information using the first code and the first identification, is received. Second encoded transmission information, including a second identification encoded using the second code, is transmitted from the base station. The second identification information may be extracted using the second code, access to a transponder memory region provided based on comparing the extracted second identification information to a stored version of the second identification. |
| US08368515B2 |
Dual mode RFID communication device operating as a reader or tag
An RFID device, and more particularly to a RFID device which can be used in both a tag mode and a reader mode. There is provided an RF antenna transmitting and receiving wireless signals; a tuning circuit as a frequency filtering circuit connected to the RF antenna; a memory storing data; and a wireless communication card including antenna connection terminals connected to the RF antenna. |
| US08368514B2 |
Device for wireless operation and method for operating the device
An electronic device and a method of operating the device. The device receives a first signal having a first frequency and a predetermined signal strength and retransmits a signal after a latency period and during a time period. The device comprises an oscillation circuit operating in a sub-threshold area in a meta-stable, first mode of operation. When the first signal is received, the oscillation circuit is trigged and passes to an active mode in a second mode of operation, wherein the circuit oscillates. Finally, the device is reset to the first mode of operation. The device may have an identity, which is used for the purpose of the system, which may be an RFID system. |
| US08368511B2 |
Method for monitoring a package, sentinel indicator system and logistics system
There is provided a method for monitoring a package for storage and/or transport of at least one item. An exemplary method comprises receiving at a transmission unit measured data about properties of the item and/or about influences on the item via at least two sensors. The exemplary method also comprises executing via the transmission unit a decision of a logical node of a logistics system about a selection of data transmitted to a receiving unit. The exemplary method additionally comprises sending information about the desired selection of data from a control unit to the transmission unit. Finally, the exemplary method comprises enabling a user to make a selection relating to types of data to be transmitted. |
| US08368509B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating devices based upon vehicle detection
A movable barrier operator controls access to a secured area which houses vehicles. The movable barrier operator is operable to move a movable barrier from an open to a closed position. A sensor controls the operation of a service-providing device through the controller of a movable barrier operator or by direct communication to a controller for the service-providing device. The sensing device senses whether a vehicle is present in the secured area. The sensor is operatively connected to the moveable barrier operator and is used to control the operation of at least one service-providing device without necessarily effecting movement of a barrier by the movable barrier operator. Operation of the service-providing device is effected upon sensing whether a vehicle is present in the secured area to effect an operation of the service-providing device. |
| US08368508B2 |
Method of keying an identification code into a controlling member and into a function controller
To key an identification code of a controlling member to a code reader of a function controller for controlling a function, each controlling member is fitted with a card reader and is configured to adopt the code on the card as the identification code to be attached as the identification portion of any message imparted into a signal line. In similar fashion, each of the function controllers includes a card reader for reading a card bearing a code and the function controller is configured to adopt the code read from the card as being the identification code sought by the function controller as identifying a message as originating from its associated controlling member. |
| US08368505B2 |
Switch using variable resistance layer to control state
An electrical membrane switch that is actuated by applying a force against a layer of a variable resistance material that overlies and is in direct contact with switch poles that are applied to and supported by a substrate. A gap is provided between the switch poles, and the layer extends across the gap. The substrate can be a circuit board with electrical traces formed thereon to convey electrical current to the switch poles. As a sufficient force is applied to the surface of the layer of the variable resistance material, its resistance changes from a relatively high value, in which the switch is in a non-conducting state, to a relatively low value, in which the switch is in a conductive state. A protective sheet can optionally be included over the variable resistance layer and can include graphics/text to indicate the position of each switch in an array and its function. |
| US08368499B2 |
Disc winding
A disc winding of a power transformer or a choke is provided. The disc winding includes a plurality of parallel single strand conductors. The working time for bending the strand conductors of cross-overs is reduced by sharing the winding axially in plurality of sections, and the cross-overs within a section are identical twin cross-overs. The strand conductors are bent in two groups, and a standardized twin transposition cross-over is provided between the sections such that the strand conductors are being bent in two groups. The outermost strand conductor is in the first group, and the remaining strand conductors are in the other group. |
| US08368498B2 |
Coil and method for manufacturing the same
[Task] There are provided a coil that is simple in structure and excellent in high frequency characteristics and a method for manufacturing the same.[Means for Resolution] The coil includes a plurality of conductor patterns 11 formed at an interval from each other on a substrate 21, and metal wires 12 that electrically connect an end of one conductor pattern of conductor patterns adjacent to each other with an end of the other conductor pattern that is an end opposite to the end of the one conductor pattern. One or more spiral shapes are formed by two or more conductor patterns 11 and one or more metal wires 12. The coil includes a core material 13 that is arranged at least in a portion inside a space surrounded by one or more spiral shapes to cover the outer peripheries of the metal wires 12 at least over a predetermined range. |
| US08368495B2 |
System and method for defining magnetic structures
An improved field emission system and method. The invention pertains to field emission structures comprising electric or magnetic field sources having magnitudes, polarities, and positions corresponding to a desired spatial force function where a spatial force is created based upon the relative alignment of the field emission structures and the spatial force function. The spatial force function may be based on one or more codes. In various embodiments, the code may be modified or varied. The code may be combined with another code. One or more aspects of the code, including spacing and amplitude, may be modulated or dithered according to a predefined pattern. Multiple magnet arrays may be combined, each based on a different code or portion of a code, resulting in a combination spatial force function. Magnet structures having differing field patterns may be used to generate a desired spatial force function related to a cross correlation of the two field patterns. |
| US08368493B2 |
Linear solenoid
A plunger main body is fixed to a shaft to reciprocate together with the shaft in an axial direction within a predetermined range. An axial overlapped surface area between a rear stator main body and the plunger main body is reduced when the plunger main body is moved from a rear stator main body side toward a front stator main body side. A plunger projection radially outwardly projects from an outer peripheral wall of an end portion of the plunger main body, which is axially located on the rear stator main body side. |
| US08368490B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical switch beam construction with minimized beam distortion and method for constructing
Disclosed is a micro-electro-mechanical switch, including a substrate having a gate connection, a source connection, a drain connection and a switch structure, coupled to the substrate. The switch structure includes a beam member, an anchor, an anchor beam interface and a hinge. The beam member having a length sufficient to overhang both the gate connection and the drain connection. The anchor coupling the switch structure to the substrate. The anchor beam interface coupling the anchor to the hinge. The hinge coupling the beam member to the anchor at a respective position along the anchor's length, the hinge to flex in response to a voltage differential established between the gate and the beam member. The switch structure having gaps between the substrate and the anchor in regions proximate to the hinges. |
| US08368484B2 |
High-frequency module
A high-frequency switch module includes an ESD device, a switch IC, and a SAW filter element that are mounted on the surface of a multilayer substrate. A ground-side land for the ESD device is connected to an external-connection ground electrode for the ESD device by via holes and plane electrode patterns. A ground connection land for the switch IC and a ground connection land for the SAW filter element are connected to a common inner ground electrode by via holes, and are connected to a common external-connection ground electrode by via holes and another common inner ground electrode. |
| US08368481B2 |
RF switchable balun
A handheld communication device having an RF front end module has a switchable balun comprising a primary winding having a first two port winding and a second two port winding where a low noise amplifier is operatively coupled to the first and second two port windings and a power amplifier is operatively coupled to the first and second two port windings. A secondary winding is operatively coupled to an antenna, and a transceiver is operatively coupled to the low noise amplifier and the power amplifier. When the switchable balun is in a receive state, the antenna is operatively coupled to the transceiver through the low noise amplifier, and when the switchable balun is in a transmit state, the antenna is operatively coupled to the transceiver through the power amplifier. The ratio of the primary winding to the secondary winding is greater than a one-to-one ratio. |
| US08368480B2 |
Phase locked loop circuits and gain calibration methods thereof
Phase locked loop circuits are provided, in which a phase locked loop module includes a voltage controlled oscillator to generate an oscillation signal with an output frequency according to a control voltage, and a gain calibration module triggers the phase locked loop module to induce a frequency variation characterized by a delta function in the output frequency and calculates a gain of the voltage controlled oscillator according to a phase error caused by the frequency variation in the output frequency. |
| US08368475B2 |
Oscillator circuit
A first capacitor is arranged such that the electric potential at a first terminal is fixed. A first discharging circuit discharges the first capacitor at a timing that corresponds to a cyclic synchronization signal received from an external circuit. A first comparator compares the voltage at a second terminal of the first capacitor with a predetermined threshold voltage, and generate a judgment signal that corresponds to the comparison result. A charging circuit generates a charging current the current value of which is adjusted according to the level of the judgment signal at a timing that corresponds to the synchronization signal, and supplies the charging current thus generated to the first capacitor. |
| US08368472B2 |
Oscillation circuit
A high-accuracy clock signal is generated even when the settings of the clock frequency are changed or there is a variation in power supply, temperature, or the like. A frequency-voltage conversion circuit includes a switch portion including switches, electrostatic capacitive elements, and other switches. The electrostatic capacitive elements have different absolute capacitance values, and are provided so as to cover a frequency range intended by a designer. For example, based on 4-bit frequency adjustment control signals, the other switches select the electrostatic capacitive elements having the electrostatic capacitance values thereof each weighted with 2 to perform the switching of a frequency. |
| US08368470B2 |
RF power amplifiers with linearization
Designs and techniques associated with power amplifiers for amplifying RF signals to provide variable power amplification and improved linearity in various RF amplification circuits, including power amplifiers operated under the power back-off conditions. |
| US08368467B2 |
Cascode amplifier with increased linearity
An amplifier circuit for current amplification. An input stage is adapted to receive an input signal. At least one current multiplication stage is connected to the input stage. The current multiplication stage is adapted to receive a current signal from the input stage and to produce a multiplied output current signal at an output of the amplifier circuit. The current multiplication stage includes at least two current multiplication circuits connected to each other. Each current multiplication circuit is adapted to produce an output current signal essentially equal to the current signal from the input stage, such that the output current signal at an output of the amplifier circuit includes a sum of the current signals received at each current multiplication circuit. A method of improving linearity in an amplification circuit. |
| US08368465B2 |
Power amplification apparatus
A power amplification apparatus includes a first amplifier turned on at a preset low input power; and a second amplifier connected in parallel with the first amplifier and turned off at a low input power due to a relatively low bias current. Output capacitors of the first amplifier and the second amplifier are compensated for by inductors or microstrip lines of dc power supply paths. An output matching circuit of the first amplifier includes a λ/4 transformer. An output matching circuit of the second amplifier has the phase of 0°. Input matching circuits of the first amplifier and the second amplifier include delay compensation circuits. The output matching circuit of the first amplifier, the output matching circuit of the second amplifier, and a final output matching circuit have the same impedance transformation rates. |
| US08368463B2 |
Voltage distribution for controlling CMOS RF switch
Disclosed are voltage distribution device and method for controlling CMOS-based devices for switching radio frequency (RF) signals. In certain RF devices such as mobile phones, providing different amplification modes can yield performance advantages. For example, a capability to transmit at low and high power modes typically results in an extended battery life, since the high power mode can be activated only when needed. Switching between such amplification modes can be facilitated by one or more switches formed in an integrated circuit and configured to route RF signal to different amplification paths. In certain embodiments, such RF switches can be formed as CMOS devices, and can be based on triple-well structures. In certain embodiments, various bias voltages applied to such a CMOS RF switch can be facilitated by a voltage distribution component. |
| US08368461B2 |
Second-order low-pass filter
A low-pass filter, including: between a first terminal and a second terminal, a series association of a first resistor, of a second resistor, and of a first amplifier; in parallel with the second resistor, a series association of a second amplifier and of a first capacitor; a second capacitor between an input of the first amplifier and a third terminal of application of a reference voltage; and a third capacitor between the second terminal and the third terminal. |
| US08368456B2 |
Fuse circuit with ensured fuse cut status
A fuse circuit includes a fuse information signal generation unit and an output driving unit. The fuse information signal generation unit is configured to precharge a fuse information signal in response to a precharge signal and drive the fuse information signal in response to a selection signal capable of cutting a fuse. The output driving unit configured to equally maintain potentials at both terminals of the fuse in response to a control signal. |
| US08368454B2 |
Temperature detection circuit
A temperature detection circuit includes, a first source follower circuit supplied with a first constant current, a second source follower circuit supplied with a second constant current, and a circuit obtaining a difference between an output voltage from the first source follower circuit and an output voltage from the second source follower circuit. Measurement errors attributable to transistor threshold voltages are canceled out by obtaining a difference between output voltages. |
| US08368453B2 |
Switch circuits
A switch can be implemented by a switch circuit, which can include a pair of NMOS transistors connected in series as pass-through transistors to transmit an input signal at an input terminal to produce an output signal at output terminal in response to an active state of a switching signal, and a pair of PMOS transistors connected in series as pass-through transistors to transmit the input signal at the input terminal to produce the output signal at output terminal in response to the active state of the switching signal. The switch circuit can also include a switch network connecting, in response to the active state of the switching signal, sources to bodies of the pairs of NMOS and PMOS transistors, and connecting, in response to an inactive state of the switching signal, the bodies of the pair of NMOS transistors to a first reference voltage, the bodies of the pair of PMOS transistors to a second reference voltage, and the sources of the pairs of NMOS and PMOS transistors to a third reference voltage. A capacitance-to-voltage converter can include one or more of the switch circuits. |
| US08368452B2 |
Delay circuit and schedule controller employing the same
A delay circuit used in a schedule controller includes a voltage detection unit, a timer, and a first electronic switch. The voltage detection unit receives an input voltage and compares the input voltage with a predetermined voltage. The timer is controlled by the voltage detection unit to calculate duration of an interval time. The first electronic switch is switched on or off under the control of the timer. When the input voltage substantially equals or exceeds the predetermined voltage, the timer calculates duration of the interval time, the timer generates and transmits a switch signal to the first electronic switch when the timing is reached, and the first electronic switch is switched on by the switch signal and provides an output voltage. |
| US08368450B2 |
Architecture for adjusting natural frequency in resonant clock distribution networks
An inductor architecture for resonant clock distribution networks is proposed. 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 is primarily targeted at the design of integrated inductors and exhibits relatively low area 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. |
| US08368440B2 |
Phase-locked-loop circuit including digitally-controlled oscillator
A phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit is provided. The PLL circuit includes a phase/frequency detector, a digital filter, a digital low pass filter (LPF), a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), and a frequency divider. The digital LPF performs a low-pass-filtering on least significant bits of first digital data in a digital mode and generates filtered second digital data. The DCO performs a digital-to-analog conversion on the second digital data and most significant bits of the first digital data to generate a first signal, generates an oscillation control signal based on the first signal, and generates an output clock signal oscillating in response to the oscillation control signal. |
| US08368438B2 |
Phase locked loop circuit and control method thereof
A phase locked loop circuit according to the present invention includes a selector that selects an input clock, a 1/m frequency divider that divides a frequency of the input clock, a 1/n frequency divider that divides a frequency of a feedback clock, a phase difference detector, a first voltage controlled oscillator that includes a first voltage holding circuit, a second voltage controlled oscillator that includes a second voltage holding circuit, and a selection circuit that outputs any output of the first and second voltage controlled oscillators as an output clock and outputs any output of the first and second voltage controlled oscillators as a feedback clock. The input clock is switched when the voltage controlled oscillator in a holding mode generates the output clock and the voltage controlled oscillator in a normal mode generates the feedback clock. |
| US08368436B1 |
Programmable frequency synthesizer with I/Q outputs
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices and method of frequency synthesis that generate in-phase and quadrature-phase clock signals at a programmable frequency. The generated frequency, which can range from a fraction to multiples of the input reference frequency, is generated by dividers following a phase-locked loop, thus avoiding the use of a low input reference frequency as well as frequency doubling. |
| US08368432B2 |
Interference-tolerant communication circuit
An interference-tolerant transmitter is provided. In accordance with various example embodiments, a transmitter circuit includes a control circuit configured to maintain the sum of current as applied to a load from respective high-side and low-side current sources at a target level (e.g., range). In some applications, clamp circuits are used to clamp current to high and low sides of the load respectively in response to changes at the low-side and high-side of the load. |
| US08368431B2 |
Pulse edge selection circuit, and pulse generation circuit, sample-hold circuit, and solid-state image sensor using the same
A pulse edge selection circuit includes an input stage which selects and passes one clock from among a plurality of clocks and an output stage which outputs the clock to an edge detection circuit. The output stage has a combination of a plurality of NOR gates and a plurality of NAND gates, which are connected alternately, both the NOR gates and NAND gates having a plurality of input terminals. If the edge detection circuit is a type which detects falling edges of clocks and generates a pulse which rises on the falling edge of a first clock and falls on the falling edge of a second clock, a NOR gate is used as an output gate which outputs the first clock and the second clock. On the other hand, if a pulse is generated on rising edges, a NAND gate is used as an output gate. |
| US08368429B2 |
Hysteresis comparator
According to one embodiment, a hysteresis comparator is provided with to first to third current sources, a comparison amplifying unit, a reference voltage generating unit, a current mirror circuit, first to fifth N-channel MOS transistors, and first to fifth terminals. |
| US08368426B2 |
Low voltage differential signal driving circuit and digital signal transmitter
A low voltage differential signal (LVDS) driving circuit and a digital signal transmitter with the LVDS driving circuit are provided. The LVDS driving circuit includes a positive differential output terminal and a negative differential output terminal and a transition accelerator. A differential output signal is provided by the positive and negative differential output terminals. When the differential output signal transits from low to high, the transition accelerator couples the positive differential output terminal to a high voltage source and couples the negative differential output terminal to a low voltage source. When the differential output signal transits from high to low, the transition accelerator couples the positive differential output terminal to the low voltage source and couples the positive output terminal to the high voltage source. |
| US08368424B1 |
Programmable logic device wakeup using a general purpose input/output port
In one embodiment, a programmable logic device such as an FPGA includes a programmable fabric adapted to operate normally and in a sleep mode, and a general purpose input/output port (I/O). The I/O port is adapted to function in conventional fashion during normal operation of the programmable fabric and as a wakeup control port during the sleep mode. |
| US08368422B1 |
System and method for testing off-chip driver impedance
A testing circuit for verifying the impedance of off-chip drivers includes: a plurality of off-chip drivers (OCD), each off-chip driver including a through-silicon via (TSV); an IREF test pad, for driving a current to the plurality of off-chip drivers; a plurality of pre-drivers, each respective pre-driver coupled to one of the plurality of off-chip drivers, wherein the plurality of pre-drivers are configured to turn on the off-chip drivers; a VREF test pad, for inputting a reference voltage to the testing circuit; a plurality of input buffers (IB) for outputting a plurality of comparison results, each of the plurality of input buffers configured to output the plurality of comparison results according to the reference voltage and the voltage at the TSV nodes; and a test pad, coupled to the plurality of IBs, for receiving the comparison results to determine whether the impedance of each OCD is within a desired range. |
| US08368421B2 |
Micromagnetic elements, logic devices and related methods
Micromagnetic elements, logic devices and methods of fabricating and using them to store data and perform logic operations are disclosed. Micromagnetic elements for data storage, as well as those providing output from a logic device, are at least partially covered with an optical coating that facilitates determination of the magnetic state. The disclosed logic devices perform one or more of AND, OR, NAND and NOR operations. |
| US08368417B2 |
Method and device for detecting bright dot or dark dot in liquid crystal display
A method for detecting a bright dot or a dark dot in a LCD comprising applying a first detection voltage to a color filter substrate common electrode and forming a first voltage difference between the color filter substrate common electrode and a pixel electrode on an array substrate; collecting a first luminance value of the bright dot or the dark dot after the bright dot or the dark dot is observed; switching the first detection voltage applied to the color filter substrate common electrode to a second detection voltage, and thus forming a second voltage difference between the color filter substrate common electrode and the pixel electrode; collecting a second luminance value of the bright dot or the dark dot; determining the difference between the first luminance value and the second luminance value, so that the bright dot or the dark dot can be determined to result from a liquid crystal cell defect or an array substrate defect. |
| US08368415B2 |
Multi-position probe circuit tester
A circuit tester having a multi-position probe is provided. The circuit tester includes a handle with a detent assembly that allows for positioning the probe at various angles for testing a device. Once a good connection is made with the device under test, an indicator such as a light is lit or a sound is emanated. The probe may be folded into a compartment within the handle once the testing is completed. |
| US08368412B2 |
Correction for gas entrained water analyzers
An apparatus for measuring a water content in a multiphase fluid flow stream is provided. The apparatus includes a measurement section configured to obtain a series of electrical measurements of the multiphase fluid flow stream over a first predetermined time interval, and determine a minimum electrical measurement Fmin_baseline from the series of electrical measurements. The measurement section also is configured to calculate a running average of the frequency (Fmin_gas_pattern) from the series of electrical measurements indicative of a change in a gas flow pattern of the multiphase fluid flow stream over a second predetermined time interval. The measurement section further is configured to calculate a corrected electrical measurement F_calc_WC for determining the water content in the multiphase fluid flow stream by subtracting the running average of the frequency. Fmin_gas_pattern from the minimum electrical measurement Fmin_baseline. |
| US08368405B2 |
Remote test point for electrical connector
A voltage indicating assembly for medium and high voltage systems includes a semiconductive cap configured for mounting on a test point, the test point including a test point terminal element configured to capacitively receive a voltage associated with a electrical component, where the electrical component is mounted in a first location. The semiconductive cap includes a contact element mounted therein configured to electrically communicate with the test point terminal element when the semiconductive cap is mounted on the test point. A cable is electrically coupled to the contact element. A remote test point assembly is electrically coupled to the cable in a second location remote from the first location, and the remote test point assembly includes a remote test point terminal element. |
| US08368399B2 |
Mode-scanning excitation magnetic resonance imaging method and system
A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium are provided for generating a specified transmit magnetic field profile in the presence of an object. In particular, further transmitted magnetic field profiles are obtained in the presence of the object, where the further profiles correspond to modes associated with an array of conductive elements. In addition, weighting factors associated with the modes are calculated using the specific profile and further profiles. Further, the specified profile can be generated by applying signals to ports associated with the conductive elements, where the signals are based on the weighting factors. |
| US08368396B2 |
Magnetic sensor element having multi-magnetic domain structure, and detection apparatus equipped with same
This invention provides a magnetic sensor element that can detect a detection target substance with high accuracy. The magnetic sensor element includes a multi-magnetic domain structure in which a plurality of magnetic domains extend in a row in one direction and in which the magnetic domains that are adjoining have easy magnetization axes in opposite directions to each other. The multi-magnetic domain structure has a surface region. Within the surface region, when counting from one end of the multi-magnetic domain structure, affinities for a magnetic particle or a substance that can be immobilized on the magnetic particle are mutually different at a first surface portion located at a boundary between a (2n−1)th (n is a natural number) magnetic domain and a (2n)th magnetic domain and a second surface portion located at a boundary between the (2n)th magnetic domain and a (2n+1)th magnetic domain. |
| US08368392B2 |
Magnetic encoder and method of detecting absolute rotational position
A magnetic encoder includes a multi-pole magnetic detecting unit having a multi-pole magnet. In the multi-pole magnetic detecting unit, first and second magnetic detecting elements that output sinusoidal signals having a 90° phase difference are arranged apart from third and fourth magnetic detecting elements at a mechanical angle of 180° . The first and third magnetic detecting elements are disposed at the same position represented by an electrical angle and output sinusoidal signals of a same phase. The second and fourth magnetic detecting elements are arranged at the same position represented by an electrical angle and output sinusoidal signals of a same phase. A sum signal of the output signals of the first and third magnetic detecting elements and that of the output signals of the second and fourth magnetic detecting elements are obtained, thereby eliminating or remarkably reducing error components of detection signals of the first to fourth magnetic detecting elements caused by the magnetic flux of a two-pole magnet and those of the detection signals caused by rotational run out of the multi-pole magnet. A rotational angle can be detected with high accuracy. |
| US08368387B2 |
Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor includes a substrate, first and second torsion beams, first and second detection frames, first and second detection electrodes, first and second link beams, and an inertial mass body. The first and second torsion beams are distorted around the first and second torsion axes. The first and second detection frames are rotated about the first and second torsion axes. The first and second detection electrodes detect an angle formed between the substrate and each of the first and second detection frames. The first link beam is on a first axis located at a position shifted from a position of the first torsion axis to one end side of the first detection frame along a direction crossing the first torsion axis. The second link beam is on a second axis located at a position shifted from a position of the second torsion axis in a direction identical to the direction of shift from the position of the first torsion axis. |
| US08368383B2 |
Method for testing a variable digital delay line and a device having variable digital delay line testing capabilities
A device and a method for testing a variable digital delay line that includes multiple taps. The method includes providing, an input signal to the variable digital delay line and finding, for each tap out of a group of tested taps of the variable digital delay line, a variable delay unit configuration that provides a delay that is closest to a delay introduced by the tap; wherein the variable digital delay line and the variable delay unit belong to the same integrated circuit. |
| US08368380B2 |
Devices and methods for electric field sensing
A stand-off sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of electron state definers for generating resonant tunneling current in response to the electric field, wherein the electron state definers include at least one variable characteristic such that a change in the variable characteristic affects the tunneling current, and a monitor for monitoring a change in the tunneling current exiting an electron state definer based on a change in the variable characteristic of the tunneling device. |
| US08368377B2 |
Voltage regulator architecture
An integrated circuit includes a bandgap reference generator and a voltage regulator. The bandgap reference generator includes a first current path, and a first bipolar transistor with an emitter-collector path in the first current path. The voltage regulator includes a second current path, wherein the second current path mirrors the first current path; a resistor configured to receive a current of the second current path; a second bipolar transistor with a base and a collector of the second bipolar transistor being interconnected; and a third bipolar transistor connected in series with the second bipolar transistor and the resistor. A base and a collector of the third bipolar transistor are interconnected. |
| US08368368B2 |
System and method for improving inductor current sensing accuracy of a DC/DC voltage regulator
The DC/DC voltage converter comprises at least one switching transistor. An inductor is connected to the at least one switching transistor. A pulse width modulation circuit generates control signals to at least one switching transistor responsive to a current control signal. A current sensor connected in parallel with the inductor senses current passing through the inductor. The sensor comprises a resistor and an NTC capacitor connected in series with the resistor. Circuitry for monitoring the voltage across the NTC capacitor generates the current control signal responsive to the monitored voltage. |
| US08368364B2 |
DC-DC converter with snubber circuit
In order to achieve an object to reduce a surge voltage and suppress noise generation, the present invention provides a DC-DC converter with a snubber circuit, which boosts a voltage Vi of a DC power supply. The snubber circuit includes: a series circuit connected to both ends of a smoothing capacitor Co and including a snubber capacitor Cs and a snubber resistor Rs; a snubber diode Ds1 connected to a node at which the snubber capacitor Cs and the snubber resistor Rs are connected, and to a node at which a reactor Lr1 and an additional winding 1b of a transformer T1 are connected; and a snubber diode Ds2 connected to the node at which the snubber capacitor Cs and the snubber resistor Rs are connected, and to a node at which a reactor Lr2 and an additional winding 2b of a transformer T2 are connected. |
| US08368361B2 |
Switching power converter controller with direct current transformer sensing
A power control system includes a current transformer to step down a switch current of a switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the stepped down current is received by a switching power converter controller. Since the current is received by the controller, the current is not converted into a voltage prior to receipt by the controller in order for the controller to monitor an inductor current of the switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the controller compares the stepped down switch current with a reference current. In at least one embodiment, the controller includes a voltage converter to convert the switch current into a voltage within the controller. The controller compares the voltage representing the switch current with a reference voltage. The controller can use the current or voltage comparisons to control power factor correction and output voltage regulation of a switching power converter. |
| US08368360B2 |
Method and apparatus for regulating a field current for an alternator device
A regulator system for modulating a field current of an alternator device, comprises logic arranged to receive or generate a reference signal comparison logic arranged to compare a received alternator output indication to the reference signal; and generate a field current modulation signal at least partially based on the comparison of the received alternator output indication and the reference signal. The regulator system further comprises logic arranged to receive at least one temperature indication. The regulator system comprises thermal compensation logic arranged to determine whether an indicated temperature exceeds at least a first threshold, and upon determining that the indicated temperature exceeds at least the first threshold, to apply compensation to the reference signal, the amount by which the reference signal is compensated is at least partly dependant on the amount by which the indicated temperature exceeds the first threshold. |
| US08368359B2 |
Power management unit for portable electronic devices
A power management unit (PMU) for supplying electrical energy to a circuitry of a portable electronic device includes a power supply module, a power detection module connected to the power supply module, and a power control module connected to the power detection module and the circuitry. The power supply module includes a battery, a charge controller, and an adapter. The power detection includes a detection resistor connected to the battery, the charge controller, and the adapter. The battery or the adapter provides electrical energy to the circuitry. The adapter further charges the battery to charge the battery when it is used to provide electrical energy to the circuitry. The charge controller detects the current for charging the battery via the detection resistor, and regulates the current for charging the battery when the charging current exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08368358B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing power for mobile device
An apparatus and method of managing power for a mobile device is disclosed, which can prevent an inflow of overcurrent to the device when the device is charged. The apparatus includes a state judgment unit to judge whether a battery of the mobile device is being charged, a voltage level detection unit to detect a voltage level of the battery if the battery is judged as being charged, and a control unit to control a driving of the mobile device in accordance with the detected voltage level. |
| US08368356B2 |
Battery residual quantity display method and electronic equipment
A battery pack detachably connectable to an equipment body to supply power to the equipment body, the battery pack including a battery cell, a microcomputer for communicating with the equipment body, a connection terminal connected to the microcomputer, a positive power supply input terminal connected to a cathode of the battery cell; and a negative power supply input terminal connected to an anode of the battery cell. After the power of the equipment body is turned on, the microcomputer alternately sends to the equipment body by serial communication via the connection terminal information to be used in authentication processing executed by the equipment body and information to be used in a battery residual quantity count executed by the equipment body. After the authentication processing is complete, the microcomputer sends to the equipment body information to be used in updating the battery residual quantity count executed by the equipment body. |
| US08368354B2 |
Charge control device for vehicle and electric powered vehicle provided with same
A monitoring unit outputs a first current detection value having a relatively wide measurement range and a relatively short detection cycle and a second current detection value having a relatively high resolution, to a charging ECU. When charging power calculated using the first current detection value exceeds a predetermined limit value, the charging ECU controls a charger to reduce charging power (protection control). Further, the charging ECU controls the charger such that a power storage device attains a predetermined fully charged state based on charging power calculated using the second current detection value (full charge control). |
| US08368353B2 |
Secondary battery device and vehicle
According to one embodiment, the power supply management portion includes a timer configured to output an ON signal every time set by the control circuit, an OR circuit configured to receive supply of an output signal from the timer, an external signal supplied from outside, and a switch control signal output from the control circuit, and a switch circuit configured to switch output of the power source voltage from an external power source according to an output signal from the OR circuit, and the control circuit turns on a switch control signal after confirming which of the output signal from the timer or the external signal has turned on the switch circuit and turns off the switch control signal when both of the output signal from the timer and the signal supplied from outside are turned off. |
| US08368349B2 |
Transmission line directional awareness for a charging station
Coupling a charging station to a power line segment that is terminated at a first end by a charging terminal includes: sensing a communication signal propagating on the power line and being coupled from multiple taps connected to the power line segment, and determining if the communication signal is propagating on the power line segment in the direction from the first end to a second end of the power line segment or in the direction from the second end to the first end. |
| US08368348B2 |
Automated recharging system
An automated recharging system to automatically recharge a vehicle is disclosed. A recharging device may be incorporated into the automated recharging system to perform the automatic recharge. The recharging device may include one or more sensors to sense the location of an electrical receptacle of the vehicle, an electrical connector to automatically connect to the receptacle to provide electrical current through the connection, and a controller to cause the connection to be made so as to automatically recharge the vehicle. |
| US08368344B2 |
Refrigerator and operating method thereof
A refrigerator and a method of operating the same are disclosed. In the refrigerator and the method of operating the same, a voltage of an electric power input is measured and rectified through the half wave rectification or the full wave rectification in correspondence with the measured voltage, so that the refrigerator can be used without a voltage converting device when a voltage of the input power is changed. Therefore, the change or the modification of the circuit is not needed in order to use the refrigerator in other regions. Since components are compatible and utility of the components is improved, manufacturing costs can be reduced. |
| US08368343B2 |
Motor control device
A motor control device of the present invention includes: target electric current value setting units (15 and 16) that set target electric current values that should be supplied to a motor (1), basic voltage value computing units (511, 521, 51a, and 52a) that compute basic voltage values for driving the motor, a rotation angle speed computing unit (23) that computes a rotation angle speed of the motor, correction value computing units (50, 512, 515, 516, 522, 525, and 526) that compute correction values for correcting the basic voltage values based on motor electric current values and a rotation angle speed of the motor, correcting units (513 and 523) that obtain voltage command values by correcting the basic voltage values by the correction values computed by the correction value computing units, and a driving unit (13) that drives the motor by using voltage command values. The correction value computing units include correction value smoothing units (50, 515, 516, 525, and 526) for obtaining smoothed correction values. |
| US08368342B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating electromagnetic torque in an electric machine
An apparatus for generating electromagnetic torque in an N-phase electric machine, N being a positive integer, includes N lines, each of the N lines including an input terminal, an output terminal, and a pair of thyristors, or of one thyristor and one diode pair. The N lines are connected between a mains and the electric machine. An apparatus is provided for repeatedly or continuously determining at least the sign of a voltage over the thyristor or diode-thyristor pair in at least one of the N lines, means are provided for repeatedly or continuously determining at least one parameter related to the electromagnetic field in the electric machine, and a control device is provided for controlling the operation of the thyristor or diode-thyristor pair of the at least one of the N lines. |
| US08368341B2 |
Head up display device for vehicle
A head up display device for a vehicle includes a display; an optical system having a reflecting mirror; a stepping motor; and a control system having a determining device, a micro-step control device, and a forcible control device. The determining device determines whether an adjustment command for micro-step control is given. The micro-step control device performs the micro-step control as long as the determining device determines that the command for the micro-step control is given. The forcible control device forcibly controls a drive signal such that an electrical angle changes to a stabilizing point. When determination made by the determining device switches from determination that the command is given to determination that the command is not given, the forcible control device forcibly controls the drive signal, provided that the electrical angle as of the time of the determination that the command is not given is shifted from the stabilizing point. |
| US08368340B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for a motor control system
Systems, devices, and methods for controlling a motor are disclosed. A method may include determining a rotational direction of a motor from a pair of quadrature signals sent to a microprocessor. The method further includes adjusting an internal count stored in the microprocessor at each edge of each of the pair of quadrature signals. The method further includes adjusting an external count stored in the microprocessor and transmitting an interrupt to a main controller after the first phase signal and the second phase signal have transitioned through each combinational logic state in one of a forward rotational direction and a reverse rotational direction. The method further includes transmitting a signal comprising the rotational direction of the motor and the external count from the microprocessor to a main controller. |
| US08368339B2 |
Robot confinement
A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view. |
| US08368335B2 |
Optical shade controller system for controlling a roller shade using a variable linear velocity
Presented is a system for controlling a roller shade. The system includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a roller tube windingly receiving the flexible shade material, and a reversible motor for rotating the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first and second position. The system further includes an optical sensor for capturing an image frame of the shade material at a plurality of linear positions as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The system further includes a motor controller for controlling the reversible motor to move the lower end of the shade material from the first position to the second position using a variable linear velocity profile in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames. |
| US08368334B2 |
Brushless, three phase motor drive
A control method for a brushless, three-phase DC motor. A voltage induced by rotation of a rotor may be sampled at a first expected zero crossing value to produce a first sampled voltage value. An average of a plurality of sampled voltage values, including voltage values sampled at a plurality of prior expected zero crossing values and the first sampled voltage value, may be calculated. The first sampled voltage value may be subtracted from the calculated average to produce a delta zero crossing error. A pulse-width modulation duty cycle may be adjusted based on the delta zero crossing error. The pulse-width modulation duty cycle may be used to control a rotational velocity of the rotor. |
| US08368332B2 |
Motor driving circuit
A motor-driving circuit includes: a plurality of output transistors; a first-comparator circuit to compare a voltage of each phase of driving coils of a plurality of phases in a motor, with a neutral-point voltage; a position-detecting circuit to detect a rotor position of the motor based on a comparison result of the first-comparator circuit; a switching-control circuit to supply switching signals to the plurality of output transistors according to the rotor position; and a current-limiting circuit to limit the driving currents to a first-current value so that the motor rotates at a target-rotation speed when the current-limiting circuit determines that the motor is rotating at a speed higher than or equal to a predetermined-reference-rotation speed, and limit the driving currents to a second-current value smaller than the first-current value when the current-limiting circuit determines that the motor is not rotating at the speed higher than or equal to the predetermined-reference-rotation speed. |
| US08368330B2 |
Energy-recovery device in a variable speed drive
The invention relates to a variable speed drive comprising a direct-current power bus having a positive line (16) and a negative line (17), and an inverter module (14) supplied by the direct-current bus in order to supply a variable voltage to an electric load (M). The drive comprises an energy-recovery device (10) comprising a first direct-current/direct-current converter (20), the output stage of the first converter (20) being connected in series to the positive line of the direct-current bus, a second direct-current/direct-current converter (30), the input stage of the second converter (30) being connected between the positive line and the negative line of the direct-current bus, and an electric energy storage module (Cs) connected in parallel with the input stage of the first converter (20) and with the output stage of the second converter (30). |
| US08368328B2 |
Method for operating a motorized roller shade
The present invention advantageously provides methods for manually and/or remotely controlling a motorized roller shade that includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube and a microcontroller. One method includes detecting a manual movement of the shade using a sensor, determining a displacement associated with the manual movement, and, if the displacement is less than a maximum displacement, moving the shade to a different position by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube. Another method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube. |
| US08368326B2 |
Shakable lighting element
A shakable lighting element includes a main unit, an inner seat, a conductive rod, a spring, a swing block, an LED and an outer shade. The inner seat is latched into the main unit and is installed with the spring and the LED. The spring is connected with the swing block, an end of the conductive rod penetrates the inner seat to be in contact with a battery and the other end is transfixed in the spring. When the main unit shakes, the swing block drives the spring to swing and when the spring touches the conductive rod, the LED illuminates. |
| US08368322B2 |
Driving circuit for LED lamp
A driving circuit for an LED lamp including no more than 4 strings each having an input and an output terminals outputs a DC voltage of no more than 70V to the input terminals. The driving circuit includes constant current circuits each coupled between the output terminal of a corresponding string and ground. An on-off control signal controls whether the constant current circuits work to control whether the LED lamp works. A dimming control signal controls a duty cycle of working of to the constant current circuits to control a brightness of the LED lamp. The driving circuit further includes an overvoltage protection circuit and a switch. When a voltage at one input terminal is too high or a short circuit occurs in one string, the overvoltage protection circuit outputs an overvoltage control signal and accordingly the switch forces the on-off control signal to control the constant current circuits not to work. |
| US08368319B2 |
Multi-core light engine architecture
The present invention relates to a LED lighting system (100) comprising at least a central controller (40) for just controlling a communication databus (50) in broadcast mode, and a distribution of LED controllers (30R, 30G, 30B) for individually controlling each LED (10R, 10G, 10B) through a respective driver (20R, 20G, 20B). The central controller (40) broadcasts targeted setting values from an external user (60) to all the distributed LED controllers (30R, 30G, 30B) through the databus (50). The LED controllers (30R, 30G, 30B) convert the values using a shared calibration matrix into transformed values for each LED color (R, G, B). In the case that some of these transformed values cannot be rendered by the LED lighting system (100), the targeted setting values can be properly adjusted either externally through a feedback signal sent over a link (70) back to the user (60), or internally through a notification signal broadcast over the databus (50) back to the central controller (40). |
| US08368315B2 |
LED lamp color control system and method
An LED lamp color control system and method including an LED lamp having an LED controller 58; and a plurality of LED channels 60 operably connected to the LED controller 58, each of the plurality of LED channels 60 having a channel switch 62 in series with at least one shunted LED circuit 83, the shunted LED circuit 83 having a shunt switch 68 in parallel with an LED source 80. The LED controller 58 determines whether the LED source 80 is in a feedback controllable range, stores measured optical flux for the LED source 80 when the LED source 80 is in the feedback controllable range, and bypasses storing the measured optical flux when the LED source 80 is not in the feedback controllable range. |
| US08368310B1 |
System and method for distributed lighting device control
A system for distributed light control, including a light circuit, a first device associated with the light circuit, a second device associated with the light circuit, a network communicatively connecting the light circuit, the first device, and the second device, where the first device is configured to actuate the light circuit based upon a control command sent on the network and in accordance with configuration data stored at the first device, where the second device includes a shadow configuration comprising a copy of the configuration data, where the second device is configured to generate a shadow image of the light circuit based upon the control command and the shadow configuration, and where the shadow image comprises a computed status of the light circuit. |
| US08368307B2 |
Method for replacing a load control device of a load control system
The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system. |
| US08368303B1 |
Gas discharge device with electrical conductive bonding material
Plasma-shells filled with ionizable gas are positioned on or within a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible substrate. Each plasma-shell is electrically connected to one or more electrical conductors such as electrodes with an electrically conductive bonding substance to form an electrical connection to each electrode. The electrically conductive bonding substance may comprise a pad connected to the plasma-shell and/or an electrode. |
| US08368301B2 |
Light-emitting device, method for manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus
The present invention provides a light-emitting device including a light-emitting element over a substrate, the light-emitting element is partitioned from an adjacent light-emitting element by a partition wall, the light-emitting element comprising a first electrode, a layer formed over the first electrode, a light-emitting layer formed over the layer and a second electrode formed over the light-emitting layer, the layer contains an inorganic compound, an organic compound and a halogen atom, the partition wall contains the inorganic compound and the organic compound, and the layer. The light-emitting device provides higher reliability and fewer defects. |
| US08368294B2 |
Brightness improving structure of light-emitting module with an optical film surface layer
A brightness improving structure of a light-emitting module with an optical film surface layer 12, wherein a light-emitting part 20 is provided inside a transparent envelop 10 and may emit ultraviolet or blue light, the said transparent envelop 10 has first wall and second wall, first inside wall 101 and second inside wall 103 are oppositely formed inside thereof, first outside wall 102 and second outside wall 104 are oppositely formed outside thereof. The first wall is partly or entirely provided with the optical film coating 12, the optical film coating 12 may at least reflect the ultraviolet or blue light exciting fluorescent/phosphorescent light, and may pass light rays comprising visible light. A visible light layer or both the visible light layer and a reflective layer are provided on the second wall, and the said light-emitting part 20 is placed at a setting location from the envelop 10. |
| US08368289B2 |
Nondestructive testing apparatus and method
A laser opto-acoustic apparatus and method is applied for nondestructive testing of defects and residual stresses in solids. A nondestructive testing apparatus may have a piezoelectric transducer for measuring oscillations in a solid. The oscillations or waves may be caused from longitudinal, shear, and/or Raleigh waves in the object to be tested. The nondestructive testing apparatus may also include a laser. The laser is capable of generating the longitudinal, shear, and/or Raleigh waves in the object. One method of performing nondestructive testing of materials may include creating at least one of a longitudinal, shear, and/or Raleigh wave in an object and measuring the speed of the wave in the object. The speed of the waves may be compared with the speed of waves in a material without defects to determine whether the object to be tested has defects. |
| US08368288B2 |
Actuator unit for an injection system of an internal combustion engine
In an actuator unit for an injection system of an internal combustion engine, the difference in the longitudinal extension when a change of temperature of the piezoelectric actuator element occurs affecting the actuator unit is equalized compared to the actuator housing due to different thermal expansion coefficient values in that a fastening element is arranged on the actuator housing. The fastening element is made of a different material than the actuator housing and thus affects a force acting counter to the change of length of the actuator housing. |
| US08368287B2 |
Ultrasonic motor mechanism
An ultrasonic motor mechanism includes an ultrasonic vibrator that includes a piezoelectric element; a driven member that is driven relative to the ultrasonic vibrator because of a frictional force generated between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member; a coupling member that is coupled to the driven member; a first urging member that urges the ultrasonic vibrator with the driven member; a base member that movably supports the driven member; and a spherical rolling member that movably supports the driven member with respect to the base member. By interposing a second urging member between the driven member and the coupling member, the driven member is urged in a longitudinal direction. The driven member and the coupling member are coupled to each other by causing the driven member to abut the coupling member. |
| US08368286B2 |
Resonant power converter comprising a matched piezoelectric transformer
The present invention relates to an electronic power converter comprising a piezoelectric transformer, a drive circuit arranged to generate and provide an input voltage signal to the piezoelectric transformer, said input voltage signal comprising a burst frequency and a substantially constant excitation frequency, and a rectifier module. According to the present invention the excitation frequency is selected among a plurality of excitation frequencies in such a way that an equivalent load resistance, Req, is matched to an output impedance of the piezoelectric transformer so as to minimize power losses in the piezoelectric transformer. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for configuring an electronic power converter. |
| US08368283B2 |
Stator for BLDG motor BLDC motor having double rotors/ single stator and vehicle cooler using the same
Provided are a stator for a brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor, a BLDC motor having a double-rotor/single-stator structure, and a vehicle cooler using the same, which uses a printed circuit board for an assembly that automatically sets an assembly position of stator core assemblies, to thereby secure waterproof, light-weight, and high power features. The stator includes a holder, a boss which has built-in bearings in order to support a rotational axis, and which enables the rotational axis to be rotated, a number of stator core assemblies which respectively enclose bobbins having inner and outer flanges at the inner and outer sides of a number of division type stator cores and in which coils are wound around the bobbins, and a printed circuit board for an assembly in which each stator core assembly is automatically position-set and then assembled and both end portions of the coil are mutually connected by each phase of U, V and W. After each stator core assembly has been temporarily assembled on the assembly PCB, the stator core assembly is insert molded using thermosetting resin to thereby integrally form the holder and the boss in the stator. |
| US08368281B2 |
Multilayer brush having a composite
A multilayer brush, which essentially contains a composite having a graphite component and having a copper component, and a layered structure, a first layer being furnished with a high copper component and a further layer being furnished with a comparatively low copper component. It is provided that the copper component of the first layer in comparison with the copper component of the second layer corresponds to a ratio of ≦3/2. |
| US08368278B2 |
Motor and electronic device comprising the same
A motor comprising a stator having a plurality of magnetic poles disposed in a circumferential direction along an outer periphery thereof, a rotor disposed rotatably around the outer periphery of the stator, and a magnet disposed in a circumferential direction along an inner periphery of the rotor. The stator is formed by laminating sheet-like plates. A plurality of the sheet-like plates including an outermost layer of this laminated body comprises a flat portion substantially perpendicular to the magnet, and an extended portion bent to a direction substantially parallel to the magnet. A part of the sheet-like plate having the extended portion disposed to the outermost side is formed into a thickness smaller than thicknesses of the other parts. |
| US08368277B2 |
Die cast rotor with steel end rings to contain aluminum
A rotor for an electrical inductor motor or an induction generator includes a core having spaces formed in the core. The rotor also has a first end ring. The first end ring has a first hub portion. A first ring is connected to the first hub portion by first spokes. The rotor also has a second end ring. The second end ring has a second hub portion. A second ring is connected to the second hub portion by second spokes. The first end ring is secured to the core. The second end ring is rotated a predetermined amount so the first spokes are misaligned with the second spokes. The second end ring is connected to the first end ring and the core. The core, the first end ring and the second end ring form a substrate. An aluminum conductor is cast to the substrate. The aluminum conductor fills in the spaces and around the first and second spokes to form a cast rotor. |
| US08368276B2 |
Polyphase electrical machine
A polyphase electrical machine, in particular, a polyphase generator, includes a stator which features a core body having a circumferential slot pitch, and a winding configuration having a plurality of windings. It is provided that each winding and each slot of the group of slots that extends over one pole pitch is assigned to one of the phases, and the windings have winding sections that lie in assigned slots and between which, in each case, a winding-head connection is formed, the winding-head connections of different windings being disposed radially in layers relative to each other, and the number of phases being five. A method for producing a polyphase electrical machine is also provided. |
| US08368275B2 |
Electric motor windings
A stator for a multi-phase electric motor comprises a plurality of teeth for each phase. The windings on two teeth from one phase are formed from a single length of conductor. The windings on a first one of the teeth being formed at least in part from two sections of the conductor spaced apart along the length of the conductor, and the windings on a second one of the teeth being formed from an intermediate section of the conductor between the spaced apart sections. |
| US08368272B1 |
Assembly and method for mass torque generation
An assembly and method for generating mass torque having a frame structure supporting at least one torque generating wheel coupled to a rotational load. The torque generating wheel has peripheral circumferential veins of spaced magnetic or non-magnetic keys which are driven by an electro-mechanical control system including a plurality of electromagnetic coils and a timing circuit. The timed activation of the electro-mechanical control system on the magnetic (or non-magnetic) keys accelerate the generating wheel to rotate at a high rotational speed to generate a high level of torque output. The wheel structure is a large diameter structure constructed of a plurality of radial segments, each segment formed of a strong, lightweight and reinforced material. |
| US08368270B2 |
Stator of electric rotating machine
The stator of an electric rotating machine includes a stator core constituted of a plurality of split cores joined to one another in a ring, a plurality of phase windings wound around the stator core, and an outer casing to an inner periphery of which an outer periphery of the stator core is fitted with clamping margin therebetween. The outer casing is provided with a brim including at least two brim portions at least at one of axial ends thereof. The brim portions are spaced from each other in a circumferential direction of the outer casing and project in a direction receding from a center axis of the outer casing. |
| US08368267B2 |
Power tool
A power tool includes a motor housing, a motor, a motor-side terminal, a switch block, and a switch-side terminal provided on the switch block to be connected to the motor-side terminal. A hollow tubular member is provided on one of the motor housing and the switch block and extends in a longitudinal direction of the motor housing, and a fitting member is provided on the other of the motor housing and the switch block and fitted in the tubular member. The motor-side terminal and the switch-side terminal are connected to each other within a hollow of the tubular member. As long as the motor-side terminal and the switch-side terminal are at least connected to each other, the tubular member and the fitting member are held in the fitted state so that a connection between the terminals is isolated from the outside of the tubular member. |
| US08368262B2 |
Motor
The present invention provides a motor (M) including a case (1) storing an armature (3) having a winding wire (2) wound thereon on the inner circumferential side, in which the case (1) includes an opening part (1a) for inserting a terminal (5) for connecting the winding wire (2) to an external power source, and the terminal (5) is integrated into a resin for forming a cap (6) for air-tightly closing the opening part (1a) by insert molding, with one end (5a) of the terminal (5) being protruded into the case (1) and the other end (5b) of the terminal (5) being protruded out of the case (1). |
| US08368258B2 |
Armature for linear motor
A linear motor armature in which pressure loss of a coolant flowing in a cooling conduit and possible significant non-uniformity in temperature distribution are reduced over the entire armature. A manifold 5, 6h and a pair of cooling conduits 7, 9 are configured such that a coolant is supplied from one connecting conduit 27 of the cooling conduit 7, and one connecting conduit 33 of the cooling conduit 9, and discharged from the other connecting conduit 29 of the cooling conduit 7 and the other connecting conduit 35 of the cooling conduit 9. |
| US08368257B2 |
Integrated linear brushless DC motor
A linear brushless DC motor uses a movable coil assembly, which includes at least one coil, an amplifier and a motor controller, that is configured to move relative to a stationary base assembly. The coil, the amplifier and the motor controller are assembled so that the coil, the amplifier and the motor controller are collectively displaced when the movable coil assembly is moved relative to the stationary base assembly. |
| US08368256B2 |
Voice coil motor
A voice coil motor (VCM) is disclosed. The VCM includes a base formed with an opening; a movable body including a bobbin arranged on the base and formed with a hollow hole and a coil arranged along a periphery of the bobbin; a stator including a frame-shaped magnet arranged on the base, the magnet being discrete from the coil and wrapping a periphery of the coil; and a case covering an upper surface and an outer surface of the magnet, the case being coupled to the base. |
| US08368254B2 |
Linear motor and component transfer apparatus
The present invention relates to a linear motor provided with a magnetic body and an armature and adapted to produce a force causing the magnetic body and the armature to be relatively displaced in a given moving direction by interaction of magnetic fluxes generated between the magnetic body and the armature during an operation of supplying electric power to the armature. The linear motor is provided with: a base plate adapted to set the moving direction on a base surface thereof; a movable section attached to the base plate in a relatively movable manner reciprocating along the moving direction with respect to the base plate; a mover provided on and along a lateral surface of the movable section on a one edge side in a widthwise direction of the base surface perpendicular to the moving direction, and formed as one of the magnetic body and the armature; and a stator provided on the base surface of the base plate to be disposed opposed to the mover from the one edge side toward the other edge side in the widthwise direction, and formed as other one of the magnetic body and the armature to extend along the moving direction. |
| US08368249B2 |
Power supply unit provided with AC/DC input voltage detection and power supply system incorporating same
Disclosed is a power supply unit provided with AC/DC voltage detection and a power supply system incorporating such power supply unit. The power control unit of the power supply unit can manipulate the first stage power circuit and the bypass switch thereof according to the form and magnitude of the first voltage which is inputted to the power supply unit in order to boost the overall operating efficiency. When the inventive power supply unit is applied to a high-level DC power supply system, the problem that the power supply unit can not output a rated output voltage due to an insufficient DC first voltage can be avoided. |
| US08368248B2 |
Active low-pass current filter
An active low-pass current filter apparatus and method reduces conducted emissions above a predefined cutoff frequency at high power levels. The apparatus and method use a bidirectional DC-DC converter to minimize current fluctuations on a power lead that may result in conducted emissions above the predefined cutoff frequency. The bidirectional DC-DC converter absorbs current from the power lead and feeds current to the load lead as needed to compensate for the current fluctuations on the power lead. Power to the DC-DC converter is provided by a separate auxiliary power source. A monitoring circuit compares the voltage level of the auxiliary power source to a reference voltage and compensates for variations in the voltage level of the auxiliary power source without interfering with the suppression of the conducted emissions. |
| US08368247B2 |
Semiconductor body and method for voltage regulation
A semiconductor body (1) comprises a first contact pad (2), a second contact pad (3), an integrated circuit (5) and an impedance (4). The integrated circuit (5) comprises a first terminal (6) which is coupled to the first contact pad (2) and a second terminal (7) which is coupled to the second contact pad (3). The impedance (4) additionally couples the first contact pad (2) to the second contact pad (3). |
| US08368246B2 |
Method and apparatus for resistive power distribution
An electrical power distribution method and apparatus are disclosed, the apparatus comprising a first power distribution member section receiving electrical power from a power supply and a second high resistivity power distribution member section, electrically connected to the first section for supplying the electrical power to an electrical device in electrical communication with the high resistivity section. |
| US08368242B2 |
Immersible energy generation installation
A submersible power generation plant includes a water turbine standing freely on a support structure in an ambient flow; an electric generator which is driven at least indirectly by the water turbine; at least one generator component of the electric generator is enclosed by at least one corrosion protection element which seals against ambient water, with cavities within the corrosion protection element each being filled with a heat-conductive medium; at least one pass-through duct being provided for dissipating waste heat from the electric generator, which the pass-through duct conducts the ambient water and leads through the corrosion protection element without entering into any material exchange with a region encapsulated by the corrosion protection element, and a growth protection system arranged on a flow input of the pass-through duct on an upstream side. |
| US08368239B2 |
Drive circuit and method for inverters of wind energy installations
A converter for a wind energy installation and a method. The converter includes an inverter which drives a generator via a plurality of phases and an intermediate circuit having an intermediate-circuit voltage between an upper and a lower intermediate-circuit potential. The generator is driven with phase potentials at a variable frequency. A shift value is calculated between an extreme phase potential and one of the intermediate-circuit potentials, a separation value is determined between a middle phase potential and the closest intermediate-circuit potential, and an additional voltage is generated using the separation value as amplitude. The phase potentials are shifted through the shift value and the additional voltage is added to the middle phase potential. Accordingly, the switching elements in the converter do not need to be clocked in every second half-cycle resulting in reduced switching losses and increased current load capacity of the converter. |
| US08368238B2 |
Wind turbine generator system
It is an object to provide a wind turbine generator system that can promptly restore the system voltage in the event of, for example, a low voltage phenomenon. A controller 21 detects the power factor state of a generator when a normal operation mode is switched to a low-voltage control mode and sets a condition for switching from the low-voltage control mode to the normal operation mode depending on the detected power factor state. |
| US08368236B2 |
System and method for generating an alternating current output signal
A system and device for providing AC signal. The system includes: an AC generator that outputs an AC output signal and includes an AC rotor that communicates with a shaft that is rotated at a rotation speed; a speed sensor for sensing the rotation speed; and a controller for controlling a magnetic field of the AC generator in response to the rotation speed; wherein the controller comprises a Field Exciter for providing a current to the AC generator so as to control the magnetic field of the AC generator. |
| US08368235B2 |
Resin sealing method of semiconductor device
A resin sealing method of a semiconductor device includes: positioning semiconductor devices at predetermined positions of an adhesive layer formed on a support body and adhering the semiconductor devices thereto, sealing a part of each of the semiconductor devices with resin by curing a first seal resin in a fluidization state so as to fix the semiconductor devices adhered to the predetermined positions of the adhesive layer formed on the support body, setting the semiconductor devices fixed to the predetermined positions of the adhesive layer formed on the support body in a mold and sealing the exposure parts of the semiconductor devices exposed from the first seal resin with a second seal resin, and removing the support body and the adhesive layer from the semiconductor devices sealed with the resin. |
| US08368231B2 |
Chipstack package and manufacturing method thereof
A method for manufacturing chip stack packages may include: providing at least two wafers, each wafer having a plurality of chips, and scribe lanes formed between and separating adjacent chips; forming a plurality of via holes in peripheral portions of the scribe lanes; forming connection vias by filling the via holes; establishing electrical connections between the chip pads and corresponding connection vias; removing material from the back sides of the wafers to form thinned wafers; separating the thinned wafers into individual chips by removing a central portion of each scribe lane; attaching a first plurality of individual chips to a test wafer; attaching a second plurality of individual chips to the first plurality of individual chips to form a plurality of chip stack structures; encapsulating the plurality of chip stack structures; and separating the plurality of chip stack structures to form individual chip stack packages. |
| US08368230B2 |
Electronic part and method of manufacturing the same
A multi-chip module includes a package board, a plurality of chips, and a wiring board. The plurality of chips are horizontally disposed on the package board. The plurality of chips are electrically connected with the package board, and respectively provided with via holes which penetrate through the plurality of chips. The plurality of chips are respectively provided with circuits at surfaces facing the package board. The wiring board is disposed on an opposite side to the package board across the plurality of chips. The wiring board includes a wiring pattern which is electrically connecting adjacent chips one another. The circuit is electrically connected to the wiring pattern through the via holes. |
| US08368220B2 |
Anchored damascene structures
An anchored conductive damascene buried in a multi-density dielectric layer and method for forming the same, the anchored conductive damascene including a dielectric layer with an opening extending through a thickness of the dielectric layer; wherein the dielectric layer comprises at least one relatively higher density portion and a relatively lower density portion, the relatively lower density portion forming a contiguous major portion of the dielectric layer; and, wherein the opening in the relatively lower density portion has a lateral dimension relatively larger compared to the relatively higher density portion to form anchoring steps. |
| US08368216B2 |
Semiconductor package
The present invention relates to a semiconductor package having at least one first layer chip, a plurality of first metal bumps, at least one second layer chip and a package body. The first layer chip includes a first active surface upon which the first metal bumps are disposed and a plurality of first signal coupling pads disposed adjacent to the first active surface. The second layer chip is electrically connected to the first layer chip, and includes a second active surface that faces the first active surface and a plurality of second signal coupling pads. The second signal coupling pads are capacitively coupled to the first signal coupling pads so as to provide proximity communication between the first layer chip and the second layer chip. The package body encapsulates the first layer chip, the first metal bumps, and the second layer chip, and the first metal bumps are partially exposed. |
| US08368215B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The semiconductor device includes a wiring substrate having connection pads and a semiconductor chip having electrode pads. The semiconductor chip is mounted on the wiring substrate, and the electrode pads are connected to the connection pads via solder bumps. An underfill resin formed of a cured thermosetting resin is filled in a gap between the wiring substrate and the semiconductor chip. The underfill resin has a glass transition temperature which increases accompanying growth of crystal grains of the solder bumps. |
| US08368213B2 |
Low fabrication cost, fine pitch and high reliability solder bump
A barrier layer is deposited over a layer of passivation including in an opening to a contact pad created in the layer of passivation. A column of three layers of metal is formed overlying the barrier layer and aligned with the contact pad and having a diameter that is about equal to the surface of the contact pad. The three metal layers of the column comprise, in succession when proceeding from the layer that is in contact with the barrier layer, a layer of pillar metal, a layer of under bump metal and a layer of solder metal. The layer of pillar metal is reduced in diameter, the barrier layer is selectively removed from the surface of the layer of passivation after which reflowing of the solder metal completes the solder bump of the invention. |
| US08368212B1 |
Semiconductor package with under bump metallization routing
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor substrate a semiconductor substrate having source and drain regions formed therein, an intermediate routing structure to provide electrical interconnects to the source and drain regions, a dielectric layer formed over the intermediate routing structure, and an under-bump-metallization (UBM) stack. The intermediate routing structure includes an outermost conductive layer, and the dielectric layer has an opening positioned over a portion of the intermediate layer routing structure. The UBM stack includes a conductive base layer formed over the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the outermost conductive layer through the opening, and a thick conductive layer formed on the base layer. A conductive bump is positioned on the UBM stack and laterally spaced from the opening. |
| US08368211B2 |
Solderable top metalization and passivation for source mounted package
A silver-containing solderable contact on a semiconductor die has its outer edge spaced from the confronting edge of an epoxy passivation layer so that, after soldering, silver ions are not present and are not therefor free to migrate under the epoxy layer to form dendrites. |
| US08368209B2 |
Semiconductor device
The problem of damage on an antenna or a circuit (electrostatic breakdown) due to discharge of electric charge accumulated in an insulator is solved; and the problem of NAKANUKE failure is solved. A pair of conductive layers, a pair of insulators provided between the pair of conductive layers, and a chip which is provided between the pair of insulators and includes an antenna, an analog circuit, and a digital circuit are provided, in which an opening is provided for at least one of the pair of conductive layers, and the opening is provided at a position which overlaps at least the analog circuit. |
| US08368208B2 |
Semiconductor cooling apparatus
In some embodiments, a semiconductor cooling apparatus includes a monolithic array of cooling elements. Each cooling element of the monolithic array of cooling elements is configured to thermally couple to a respective semiconductor element of an array of semiconductor elements. At least two of the semiconductor elements have a different height and each cooling element independently flexes to conform to the height of the respective semiconductor element. |
| US08368207B2 |
Pressure-contact power semiconductor module and method for producing the same
A pressure-contact power semiconductor module is arranged on a heat sink. The power semiconductor module is used with at least one substrate provided with conductor tracks and power semiconductor components. The module has a mounting body, on the underside of which the at least one substrate is arranged, and which is formed with cutouts. The module also includes a load connection element which is provided with contact feet that project away from strip sections and make pressure contact with the conductor tracks. The power semiconductor module additionally has a dimensionally stable cover, which covers the mounting body on all sides and is connected to the mounting body by means of snap-action latching connections. At least one pad element is restrained between the cover and the strip sections of the load connection elements. |
| US08368204B2 |
Chip structure and process for forming the same
A chip with a metallization structure and an insulating layer with first and second openings over first and second contact points of the metallization structure, a first circuit layer connecting the first and second contact points and comprising a first trace portion, first and second via portions between the first trace portion and the first and second contact points, the first circuit layer comprising a copper layer and a first conductive layer under the copper layer and at a sidewall of the first trace portion, and a second circuit layer comprising a second trace portion with a third via portion at a bottom thereof, wherein the second circuit layer comprises another copper layer and a second conductive layer under the other copper layer and at a sidewall of the second trace portion, and a second dielectric layer comprising a portion between the first and second circuit layers. |
| US08368192B1 |
Multi-chip memory package with a small substrate
Disclosed is a multi-chip memory package with a small substrate by using a die pad having an opening to substitute the chip-carrying function of a conventional substrate so that substrate dimension can be reduced. A substrate is attached under the die pad. A first chip is disposed on the substrate located inside the opening. A second chip is disposed on the die pad. An encapsulant encapsulates the top surface of the die pad, the top surface of the substrate, the first chip, and the second chip. The dimension of the substrate is smaller than the dimension of the encapsulant. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of tie bars physically connect to the peripheries of the die pad and extend to the sidewalls of the encapsulant to have a plurality of insulated cut ends exposed from the encapsulant. |
| US08368191B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device of a multi-pin structure using a lead frame is provided. The semiconductor device comprises a tab having a chip supporting surface, the chip supporting surface whose dimension is smaller than a back surface of a semiconductor chip, a plurality of leads arranged around the tab, the semiconductor chip mounted over the chip supporting surface of the tab, a plurality of suspending leads for supporting the tab, four bar leads arranged outside the tab so as to surround the tab and coupled to the suspending leads, a plurality of wires for coupling between the semiconductor chip and the leads, and a sealing body for sealing the semiconductor chip and the wires with resin, with first slits being formed respectively in first coupling portions of the bar leads for coupling with the suspending leads. |
| US08368187B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming air gap adjacent to stress sensitive region of the die
A semiconductor device is made by mounting an insulating layer over a temporary substrate. A via is formed through the insulating layer. The via is filled with conductive material. A semiconductor die has a stress sensitive region. A dam is formed around the stress sensitive region. The semiconductor die is mounted to the conductive via. The dam creates a gap adjacent to the stress sensitive region. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die. The dam blocks the encapsulant from entering the gap. The temporary substrate is removed. A first interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die. The gap isolates the stress sensitive region from the first interconnect structure. A shielding layer or heat sink can be formed over the semiconductor die. A second interconnect structure can be formed over the semiconductor die opposite the first interconnect structure. |
| US08368185B2 |
Semiconductor device packages with electromagnetic interference shielding
Described herein are semiconductor device packages with EMI shielding and related methods. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes a circuit substrate, an electronic device, an encapsulant, and a conductive coating. The circuit substrate includes a carrying surface, a bottom surface, a lateral surface extending between the carrying surface and the bottom surface, a conductive layer, and a grounding ring. The grounding ring is in a substantially continuous pattern extending along a border of the circuit substrate, is exposed at a lateral surface of the circuit substrate, and is included in the conductive layer. The electronic device is disposed adjacent to the carrying surface and is electrically connected to the conductive layer of the circuit substrate. The encapsulant is disposed adjacent to the carrying surface and encapsulates the electronic device. The conductive coating is applied to the encapsulant and the grounding ring. |
| US08368184B2 |
Silicon device structure, and sputtering target used for forming the same
There is provided a silicon device structure, comprising: a P-doped n+ type amorphous silicon film formed on a silicon semiconductor, and a wiring formed on the P doped n+ type amorphous silicon film, wherein the wiring is formed of a silicon oxide film which is formed on a surface of the P doped n+ type amorphous silicon film and is also formed of a copper alloy film, and the copper alloy film is a film obtained by forming a copper alloy containing Mn of 1 atom % or more and 5 atom % or less and P of 0.05 atom % or more and 1.0 atom % or less by sputtering. |
| US08368183B2 |
Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device is provided that prevents development of cracks, that has nitride semiconductor thin films with uniform thicknesses and good growth surface flatness, and is thus consistent in characteristics, and that can be fabricated at a satisfactory yield. In this nitride semiconductor device, the nitride semiconductor thin films are grown on a substrate having an off-angle between a direction normal to the surface of ridges and the crystal direction <0001>. This helps either reduce or intentionally promote diffusion or movement of the atoms or molecules of a source material of the nitride semiconductor thin films through migration thereof. As a result, a nitride semiconductor growth layer with good surface flatness can be formed, and thus a nitride semiconductor device with satisfactory characteristics can be obtained. |
| US08368182B2 |
Semiconductor devices including patterns
Provided are a method of forming patterns for a semiconductor device in which a pattern density is doubled by performing double patterning in a part of a device region while patterns having different widths are being simultaneously formed, and a semiconductor device having a structure to which the method is easily applicable. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of line patterns extending parallel to each other in a first direction. A plurality of first line patterns are alternately selected in a second direction from among the plurality of line patterns and each have a first end existing near the first side. A plurality of second line patterns are alternately selected in the second direction from among the plurality of line patterns and each having a second end existing near the first side. The first line patterns alternate with the second line patterns and the first end of each first line pattern is farther from the first side than the second end of each second line pattern. |
| US08368176B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A lower electrode includes a metal-containing oxide layer having a thickness of 2 nm or less on the surface layer. A metal-containing oxide layer is formed by oxidizing the surface of the lower electrode. A dielectric film includes a first phase appearing at room temperature in the bulk state and a second phase appearing at a higher temperature than that in the first phase in the bulk state. The second phase has a higher relative permittivity than that of the first phase. |
| US08368170B2 |
Reducing device performance drift caused by large spacings between active regions
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and forming a first and a second MOS device. The first MOS device includes a first active region in the semiconductor substrate; and a first gate over the first active region. The second MOS device includes a second active region in the semiconductor substrate; and a second gate over the second active region. The method further include forming a dielectric region between the first and the second active regions, wherein the dielectric region has an inherent stress; and implanting the dielectric region to form a stress-released region in the dielectric region, wherein source and drain regions of the first and the second MOS devices are not implanted during the step of implanting. |
| US08368169B2 |
Semiconductor device having a device isolation structure
An example semiconductor device includes a trench formed in a semiconductor substrate to define an active region, a filling dielectric layer provided within the trench, an oxide layer provided between the filling dielectric layer and the trench, a nitride layer provided between the oxide layer and the filling dielectric layer, and a barrier layer provided between the oxide layer and the nitride layer. |
| US08368164B2 |
Phototransistor having a buried collector
A phototransistor used for an image sensor is provided. The phototransistor can reduce a dark current that occurs in the phototransistor and improve sensitivity at low luminance without crosstalk with a neighboring pixel or an image lag by including a buried collector. In the phototransistor including the buried collector, since the collector is not directly connected to outside, the phototransistor has a low dark current and a high photosensitive characteristic at low luminance. Since each image sensor is isolated, crosstalk between pixels or an image lag does not occur. |
| US08368162B2 |
Laser power converter for data detection and optical-to-electrical power generation
The present disclosure provides a high-speed laser power converter (LPC). The LPC is able to be cascaded. The LPC has a high-speed photodiode (PD) performance even operated under a forward bias operational voltage. Thus, the present disclosure can generate power (instead of consume power) during high-speed data transmission in an optical interconnect (OI) system using 850 nano-meters (nm) wavelength vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). |
| US08368161B2 |
Solid-state image capturing device, method of manufacturing solid-state image capturing device, and image capturing apparatus
A solid-state image capturing device includes, in a semiconductor substrate, a photoelectric conversion section which performs photoelectric conversion on incident light to obtain signal charges; a pixel transistor section which outputs the signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion section; a peripheral circuit section which is formed in the periphery of a pixel section including the photoelectric conversion section and the pixel transistor section; and isolation areas which electrically separate the photoelectric conversion section, the pixel transistor section, and the peripheral circuit section from each other. The isolation areas in the periphery of the pixel transistor section each have an insulating section formed higher than a surface of the semiconductor substrate. A first gate electrode of a transistor of the pixel transistor section is formed between the insulating sections and on the semiconductor substrate with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween. |
| US08368158B2 |
Image sensor having wave guide and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor having a wave guide includes a semiconductor substrate formed with a photodiode and a peripheral circuit region; an anti-reflective layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer formed on the anti-reflective layer; a wiring layer formed on the insulation layer and connected to the semiconductor substrate; at least one interlayer dielectric stacked on the wiring layer; and a wave guide connected to the insulation layer by passing through the interlayer dielectric and the wiring layer which are formed over the photodiode. |
| US08368156B1 |
Dipole moment term for an electrically small antenna
The present invention relates to a method for designing an electrically small antenna, in one embodiment, within an enclosing volume. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of designing the electrically small antenna which has a general cross-sectional contour shape of an oblate spheroid from a top load portion to a stem portion below the top load portion. The oblate spheroid contour shape is represented by an antenna dipole moment algorithm which includes a dipole moment term. The method further comprises the steps of controlling the amplitude of the dipole moment term, including adjusting the amplitude of the dipole moment term to independently change the oblate spheroid contour shape, resulting in a change to the electric field outside the enclosing volume and a change to the electric field inside the enclosing volume. |
| US08368153B2 |
Wafer level package of MEMS microphone and manufacturing method thereof
A wafer level package of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) microphone includes a substrate, a number of dielectric layers stacked on the substrate, a MEMS diaphragm, a number of supporting rings and a protective layer. The MEMS diaphragm is disposed between two adjacent dielectric layers. A first chamber is between the MEMS diaphragm and the substrate. The supporting rings are disposed in some dielectric layers and stacked with each other. An inner diameter of the lower supporting ring is greater than that of the upper supporting ring. The protective layer is disposed on the upmost supporting ring and covers the MEMS diaphragm. A second chamber is between the MEMS diaphragm and the protective layer. The protective layer defines a number of first through holes for exposing the MEMS diaphragm. The wafer level package of MEMS microphone has an advantage of low cost. |
| US08368151B2 |
Semiconductor device
When MOS transistors having a plurality of threshold voltages in which a source and a drain form a symmetrical structure are mounted on the same substrate, electrically-symmetrical characteristics is provided with respect to an exchange of the source and the drain in each MOS transistor. A MOS transistor having a large threshold voltage is provided with a halo diffusion region, and halo implantation is not performed on a MOS transistor having a small threshold voltage. |
| US08368148B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to an aspect of the invention comprises an n-type FinFET which is provided on a semiconductor substrate and which includes a first fin, a first gate electrode crossing a channel region of the first fin via a gate insulating film in three dimensions, and contact regions provided at both end of the first fin, a p-type FinFET which is provided on the semiconductor substrate and which includes a second fin, a second gate electrode crossing a channel region of the second fin via a gate insulating film in three dimensions, and contact regions provided at both end of the second fin, wherein the n- and the p-type FinFET constitute an inverter circuit, and the fin width of the contact region of the p-type FinFET is greater than the fin width of the channel region of the n-type FinFET. |
| US08368146B2 |
FinFET devices
A finFET structure and method of manufacture such structure is provided with lowered Ceff and enhanced stress. The finFET structure includes a plurality of finFET structures and a stress material forming part of a gate stack and in a space between adjacent ones of the plurality of finFET structures. |
| US08368141B2 |
High breakdown voltage semiconductor device and high voltage integrated circuit
A high breakdown voltage semiconductor device, in which a semiconductor layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate across a dielectric layer, includes a drain layer on the semiconductor layer, a buffer layer formed so as to envelop the drain layer, a source layer, separated from the drain layer, and formed so as to surround a periphery thereof, a well layer formed so as to envelop the source layer, and a gate electrode formed across a gate insulating film on the semiconductor layer, wherein the planar shape of the drain layer 113 and buffer layer is a non-continuous or continuous ring. |
| US08368138B2 |
Non-volatile memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same
Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same. The semiconductor devices include a tunnel insulation layer on a substrate, a floating gate on the tunnel insulation layer, a gate insulation layer on the floating gate, a low-dielectric constant (low-k) region between the top of the floating gate and the gate insulation layer, the low-k region having a lower dielectric constant than a silicon oxide, and a control gate on the gate insulation layer. |
| US08368134B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same are provided. The method for fabricating the nonvolatile memory device comprises providing a substrate. A tunnel insulating layer and a first conductive layer are formed in the substrate. A trench is formed through the first conductive layer and the tunnel insulating layer, wherein a portion of the substrate is exposed from the trench. A first insulating layer is formed in the trench. A second insulating layer is formed on sidewalls of the first insulating layer. A third insulating layer is conformably formed in the trench, covering the first insulating layer on a bottom portion of the trench and the second insulating layer on the sidewalls of the trench, wherein thickness of the third insulating layer on the sidewalls is thinner than that on the bottom of the trench. A control gate is formed on the third insulating layer in the trench. |
| US08368129B2 |
Illumination device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes an anode, a metal layer, a cathode, an organic electroluminescent unit, first and second insulating layers, and a plurality of conductive piercing layers. The metal layer has an electrical resistance lower than that of the anode. The cathode is provided between the anode and the metal layer. The organic electroluminescent unit is provided between the anode and the cathode. The first insulating layer is provided between the cathode and the metal layer. The conductive piercing layers pierce the organic electroluminescent unit, the cathode, and the first insulating layer along a direction from the anode toward the metal layer to electrically connect the anode to the metal layer, and are separate entities from the metal layer. The second insulating layer is provided between the organic electroluminescent unit and the conductive piercing layers and between the cathode and the conductive piercing layers. |
| US08368121B2 |
Enhancement-mode HFET circuit arrangement having high power and high threshold voltage
A circuit includes input drain, source and gate nodes. The circuit also includes a group III nitride enhancement-mode HFET having a source, drain and gate and a voltage shifter having a first terminal connected to the gate of the enhancement mode HFET at a common junction. The circuit also includes a load resistive element connected to the common junction. The drain of the enhancement-mode HFET serves as the input drain node, the source of the enhancement-mode HFET serves as the input source node and a second terminal of the voltage shifter serves as the input gate node. |
| US08368117B2 |
III-nitride materials including low dislocation densities and methods associated with the same
Semiconductor structures including one, or more, III-nitride material regions (e.g., gallium nitride material region) and methods associated with such structures are provided. The III-nitride material region(s) advantageously have a low dislocation density and, in particular, a low screw dislocation density. In some embodiments, the presence of screw dislocations in the III-nitride material region(s) may be essentially eliminated. The presence of a strain-absorbing layer underlying the III-nitride material region(s) and/or processing conditions can contribute to achieving the low screw dislocation densities. In some embodiments, the III-nitride material region(s) having low dislocation densities include a gallium nitride material region which functions as the active region of the device. The low screw dislocation densities of the active device region (e.g., gallium nitride material region) can lead to improved properties (e.g., electrical and optical) by increasing electron transport, limiting non-radiative recombination, and increasing compositional/growth uniformity, amongst other effects. |
| US08368116B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting electronic circuits
Apparatuses and methods for electronic circuit protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a well having an emitter and a collector region. The well has a doping of a first type, and the emitter and collector regions have a doping of a second type. The emitter region, well, and collector region are configured to operate as an emitter, base, and collector for a first transistor, respectively. The collector region is spaced away from the emitter region to define a spacing. A first spacer and a second spacer are positioned adjacent the well between the emitter and the collector. A conductive plate is positioned adjacent the well and between the first spacer and the second spacer, and a doping adjacent the first spacer, the second spacer, and the plate consists essentially of the first type. |
| US08368115B2 |
Method of fabricating vertical devices using a metal support film
A method of fabricating semiconductor devices, such as GaN LEDs, on insulating substrates, such as sapphire. Semiconductor layers are produced on the insulating substrate using normal techniques. Trenches that define the boundaries of the individual devices are formed through the semiconductor layers and into the insulating substrate, beneficially by inductive coupled plasma reactive ion etching. A first support structure is attached to the semiconductor layers. The hard substrate is then removed, beneficially by laser lift off. A second supporting structure, preferably conductive, is substituted for the hard substrate and the first supporting structure is removed. Individual devices are then diced, beneficially by etching through the second supporting structure. A protective photo-resist layer can protect the semiconductor layers from the attachment of the first support structure. A conductive bottom contact (possibly reflective) can be inserted between the second supporting structure and the semiconductor layers. |
| US08368112B2 |
Aligned multiple emitter package
A multiple element emitter package is disclosed for increasing color fidelity and heat dissipation, improving current control, increasing rigidity of the package assembly. In one embodiment, the package comprises a surface-mount device a casing with a cavity extending into the interior of the casing from a first main surface is provided. A lead frame is at least partially encased by the casing, the lead frame comprising a plurality of electrically conductive parts carrying a linear array of light emitting devices (LEDs). Electrically conductive parts, separate from parts carrying the LEDs have a connection pad, wherein the LEDs are electrically coupled to a connection pad, such as by a wire bond. This lead frame arrangement allows for a respective electrical signal can be applied to each of the LEDs. The emitter package may be substantially waterproof, and an array of the emitter packages may be used in an LED display such as an indoor and/or outdoor LED screen. |
| US08368110B2 |
Side view LED package structure
A side view light emitting diode (LED) package structure includes a package housing, a side view LED chip and a thermal conductive member. The side view LED chip is enclosed by the package housing and an emitting direction of the side view LED chip is perpendicular to a thickness direction of a substrate. The thermal conductive member connected with the side view LED chip is disposed inside the package housing and a portion of which extends out of a dissipation opening of the package housing to be exposed so that heat of the side view LED chip is dissipated. |
| US08368106B2 |
Gradient composite material and method of manufacturing the same
Method of manufacturing gradient composite material comprises steps of providing plural surface modified inorganic nanoparticles with functional groups or oligomers with functional groups; transferring the surface modified inorganic nanoparticles or oligomers with functional groups into an organic matrix to form a mixture; performing a photo polymerization step or a thermo-polymerization step for polymerizing and generating a gradient distribution of the surface modified inorganic nanoparticles or oligomers with functional groups in the mixture; and curing the mixture to solidify the organic matrix and form a structure with gradient composite, wherein the organic matrix is transferred into an organic polymer after curing. |
| US08368104B2 |
Light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a semiconductor light emitting element to emit a first light, a mounting member, first and second wavelength conversion layers and a transparent layer. The first wavelength conversion layer is provided between the element and the mounting member in contact with the mounting member. The first wavelength conversion layer absorbs the first light and emits a second light having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the first light. The semiconductor light emitting element is disposed between the second wavelength conversion layer and the first wavelength conversion layer. The second wavelength conversion layer absorbs the first light and emits a third light having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the first light. The transparent layer is provided between the element and the second wavelength conversion layer. The transparent layer is transparent to the first, second, and third lights. |
| US08368103B2 |
Compound semiconductor light-emitting element and method of manufacturing the same, conductive translucent electrode for compound semiconductor light-emitting element, lamp, electronic device, and mechanical apparatus
The invention provides a compound semiconductor light-emitting element including: a substrate on which an n-type semiconductor layer (12), a light-emitting layer (13), and a p-type semiconductor layer (14) that are made of a compound semiconductor are stacked in this order; a positive electrode (15) made of a conductive translucent electrode; and a negative electrode (17) made of a conductive electrode, wherein the conductive translucent electrode of the positive electrode (15) is a transparent conductive film containing crystals composed of In2O3 having a hexagonal crystal structure. |
| US08368101B2 |
Arrangement for generating mixed light and method for producing such an arrangement
An arrangement and a method for producing such an arrangement serve for generating mixed light. In this case, a semiconductor chip that emits an electromagnetic primary radiation has a luminescence conversion element in the beam path of the primary radiation. Furthermore, the arrangement includes a connecting element and a carrier element, wherein the carrier element carries and shapes the luminescence conversion element and the connecting element. |
| US08368097B2 |
Light emitting diode package and method of manufacturing the same
An LED package comprises a frame having a concave portion formed in the center thereof; one or more LED chips mounted on the bottom surface of the concave portion; and a lens filled in the concave portion, the lens having an upper surface formed of continuous prismatic irregularities forming concentric circles. |
| US08368089B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, a transparent layer, and a fluorescent material layer. The transparent layer is provided on the first major surface of the semiconductor layer. The transparent layer is transparent with respect to light emitted by the light emitting layer and has a trench provided outside the outer circumference of the light emitting layer. The fluorescent material layer is provided in the trench and on the transparent layer. The fluorescent material layer includes a first fluorescent material particle provided in the trench and a second fluorescent material particle provided on the transparent layer. A particle size of the first fluorescent material particle is smaller than a width of the trench. A particle size of the second fluorescent material particle is larger than the width of the trench and larger than the particle size of the first fluorescent material particle. |
| US08368087B2 |
Light emitting device having vertical structure and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting device having a vertical structure and a method for manufacturing the same, which are capable of increasing light extraction efficiency, are disclosed. The method includes forming a light extraction layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of semiconductor layers on the light extraction layer, forming a first electrode on the semiconductor layers, forming a support layer on the first electrode, removing the substrate, and forming a second electrode on a surface from which the substrate is removed. |
| US08368086B2 |
Light-emitting device having a gain region and a reflector
A light-emitting device has a first cladding layer, an active layer formed above the first cladding layer, a second cladding layer formed above the active layer, a gain region, and a reflecting part. The active layer has first and second side surfaces parallel to each other. The gain region has a first end surface disposed on the first side surface. The gain region also has a second end surface disposed inside from the second side surface and angled relative to the second side surface. The second end surface, the gain region and the first end surface are provided in a first normal direction relative to the second end surface. The reflecting part is disposed next to the second end surface. |
| US08368081B2 |
Metal thin film connection structure, manufacturing method thereof and array substrate
Embodiments of the invention relates to a metal thin film connection structure, comprising a first metal layer pattern; a second metal layer pattern which is separately disposed with the first metal layer pattern; a first insulating layer formed on the first metal layer pattern and the second metal layer pattern; a plurality of first via holes formed over the first metal layer pattern; a plurality of second via holes formed over the second metal layer pattern; and a plurality of third metal layer patterns formed on the first insulating layer, the third metal layer patterns being filled in the first via holes and the second via holes and electrically connect the first metal layer pattern and the second metal layer pattern through the first and second via holes. The embodiments of the invention also provide an array substrate comprising the metal thin film connection structure and a manufacturing method for the metal thin film connection structure. |
| US08368079B2 |
Semiconductor device including common potential line
To provide a semiconductor device in which a defect or fault is not generated and a manufacturing method thereof even if a ZnO semiconductor film is used and a ZnO film to which an n-type or p-type impurity is added is used for a source electrode and a drain electrode. The semiconductor device includes a gate insulating film formed by using a silicon oxide film or a silicon oxynitride film over a gate electrode, an Al film or an Al alloy film over the gate insulating film, a ZnO film to which an n-type or p-type impurity is added over the Al film or the Al alloy film, and a ZnO semiconductor film over the ZnO film to which an n-type or p-type impurity is added and the gate insulating film. |
| US08368076B2 |
Contact structure and semiconductor device
To improve the reliability of contact with an anisotropic conductive film in a semiconductor device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a terminal portion of a connecting wiring on an active matrix substrate is electrically connected to an FPC by an anisotropic conductive film. The connecting wiring is made of a lamination film of a metallic film and a transparent conductive film. In the connecting portion with the anisotropic conductive film, a side surface of the connecting wiring is covered with a protecting film made of an insulating material, thereby exposure to air of the metallic film can be avoided. |
| US08368073B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device includes: a pixel array unit having pixels including a circuit configuration, in which a first electrode of an electro-optical element and a source electrode of a driving transistor are connected together, a gate electrode of the driving transistor and a source electrode or a drain electrode of a writing transistor are connected together, a holding capacitor is connected between the gate electrode and the source electrode, and an auxiliary capacitor is connected between the first electrode and a second electrode, disposed in a matrix shape. A signal line used for transmitting a video signal is disposed between adjacent pixels, and from one pixel of adjacent pixels to an area of the other pixel, the auxiliary capacitor of the one pixel is set to be disposed. One electrode of the auxiliary capacitor disposed on the signal line side is conductive with the second electrode of the electro-optical element. |
| US08368070B2 |
Antifuse structure for in line circuit modification
An antifuse structure and methods of forming contacts within the antifuse structure. The antifuse structure includes a substrate having an overlying metal layer, a dielectric layer formed on an upper surface of the metal layer, and a contact formed of contact material within a contact via etched through the dielectric layer into the metal layer. The contact via includes a metal material at a bottom surface of the contact via and an untreated or partially treated metal precursor on top of the metal material. |
| US08368069B2 |
Antifuse structure for in line circuit modification
An antifuse structure and methods of forming contacts within the antifuse structure. The antifuse structure includes a substrate having an overlying metal layer, a dielectric layer formed on an upper surface of the metal layer, and a contact formed of contact material within a contact via etched through the dielectric layer into the metal layer. The contact via includes a metal material at a bottom surface of the contact via and an untreated or partially treated metal precursor on top of the metal material. |
| US08368067B2 |
Oxide semiconductor device with oxide semiconductor layers of different oxygen concentrations and method of manufacturing the same
A phenomenon of change of a contact resistance between an oxide semiconductor and a metal depending on an oxygen content ratio in introduced gas upon depositing an oxide semiconductor film made of indium gallium zinc oxide, zinc tin oxide, or others in an oxide semiconductor thin-film transistor. A contact layer is formed with an oxygen content ratio of 10% or higher in a region from a surface, where the metal and the oxide semiconductor are contacted, down to at least 3 nm deep in depth direction, and a region to be a main channel layer is further formed with an oxygen content ratio of 10% or lower, so that a multilayered structure is formed, and both of ohmic characteristics to the electrode metal and reliability such as the suppression of threshold potential shift are achieved. |
| US08368066B2 |
Display device
A display device including an oxide semiconductor, a protective circuit and the like having appropriate structures and a small occupied area is necessary. The protective circuit is formed using a non-linear element which includes a gate insulating film covering a gate electrode; a first oxide semiconductor layer which is over the gate insulating layer and overlaps with the gate electrode; and a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer each of which is formed by stacking a conductive layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer and whose end portions are over the first oxide semiconductor layer and overlap with the gate electrode. The gate electrode of the non-linear element is connected to a scan line or a signal line, the first wiring layer or the second wiring layer of the non-linear element is directly connected to the gate electrode layer so as to apply potential of the gate electrode. |
| US08368065B2 |
Organic thin film transistor and method of manufacturing the same, and semiconductor device having the organic thin film transistor
There have been problems in that a dedicated apparatus is needed for a conventional method of manufacturing an organic thin film transistor and in that: a little amount of an organic semiconductor film is formed with respect to a usage amount of a material; and most of the used material is discarded. Further, apparatus maintenance such as cleaning of the inside of an apparatus cup or chamber has needed to be frequently carried out in order to remove the contamination resulting from the material that is wastefully discarded. Therefore, a great cost for materials and man-hours for maintenance of apparatus have been required. In the present invention, a uniform organic semiconductor film is formed by forming an aperture between a first substrate for forming the organic semiconductor film and a second substrate used for injection with an insulating film formed at a specific spot and by injecting an organic semiconductor film material into the aperture due to capillarity to the aperture. The insulating film formed at the specific spot enables formation of the organic semiconductor film with high controllability. Further, the insulating film can also serve as a spacer that holds the aperture, that is, an interval (gap) between the substrates. |
| US08368056B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode display includes a display substrate including organic light emitting diodes and a pixel defining layer having openings for defining respective light emitting regions of the organic light emitting diodes, an encapsulation substrate disposed to face the display substrate, a sealant disposed along the edge of the encapsulation substrate and bonding and sealing the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate together, and a filling material for filling the space between the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate. The pixel defining layer is divided into a plurality of deposit regions having a relatively small height and that are uniformly distributed, and a diffusion region surrounding the plurality of deposit regions and having a larger height than that of the plurality of deposit regions. |
| US08368055B2 |
Display device including organic light-emitting transistor and a fluorecent pattern and method of fabricating the display device
Provided are a display device, which has a longer life and can be fabricated simply relative to conventional display devices, and a method of fabricating the display device. The display device includes a substrate which includes first through third subpixel regions, first through third organic light-emitting transistors which are disposed in the first through third subpixel regions, respectively, and are operable to emit light of a first color, and a first fluorescent pattern which is formed on the first organic light-emitting transistor and is operable to cause light of a second color to be emitted. |
| US08368054B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
In an organic light emitting diode display including a first pixel and a second pixel that are associated with respective different colors, each of the first and second pixels being for displaying its associated color, each of the first and second pixels includes: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; and a light emitting member formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein the light emitting member of the first pixel includes: at least two light-emitting elements for emitting light of the color associated with the first pixel; and a charge generation layer between the at least two light-emitting elements; and wherein the second pixel has fewer light-emitting elements than the first pixel. |
| US08368045B2 |
Infrared photodetector
The infrared photodetector includes a contact layer formed over a semiconductor substrate 10, a quantum dot stack 24 formed on the contact layer 12 and including intermediate layers 22 and quantum dots 20 which are alternately stacked, and a contact layer 26 formed on the quantum dot stack 24. One of the plurality of intermediate layers, which is in contact with the contact layer, has an n-type impurity doped region 16 formed on a side nearer the interface with the contact layer 12. |
| US08368044B2 |
Electronic device comprising a convertible structure
An electronic device (100), comprises a first electrode (101), a second electrode (102) and a convertible structure (103) connected between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102), which convertible structure (103) is convertible between at least two states by heating, wherein the convertible structure (103) has different electrical properties in different ones of the at least two states, wherein the convertible structure (103) is curved in a manner to increase a length of a path of an electric current propagating through the convertible structure (103) between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102). |
| US08368038B2 |
Method and apparatus for intensity control of a charged particle beam extracted from a synchrotron
The invention comprises intensity control of a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Particularly, intensity of a charged particle stream of a synchrotron is described. Intensity control is described in combination with turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, and extraction elements of the synchrotron. The system reduces the overall size of the synchrotron, provides a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduces the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allows continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron. |
| US08368036B2 |
Ion implantation method and ion implantation apparatus
An ion implantation method and the like by which a circular implantation region and a peripheral implantation region surrounding it and the dose amount of which is different from that of the circular implantation region can be formed within the surface of the substrate without the use of the step rotation of the substrate. The ion implantation method is forms a circular implantation region and a peripheral implantation region surrounding it and a dose amount of which is different from that of the circular implantation region within a surface of the substrate by making variable a scanning speed of the ion beam 4 within the surface of the substrate and changing a scanning speed distribution, in an X direction, of the ion beam within the surface of the substrate for each one-way scanning or each reciprocative scanning, according to a position of the substrate in a Y direction. |
| US08368035B2 |
3D imaging of live cells with ultraviolet radiation
A method for 3D imaging of cells in an optical tomography system includes moving a biological object relatively to a microscope objective to present varying angles of view. The biological object is illuminated with radiation having a spectral bandwidth limited to wavelengths between 150 nm and 390 nm. Radiation transmitted through the biological object and the microscope objective is sensed with a camera from a plurality of differing view angles. A plurality of pseudoprojections of the biological object from the sensed radiation is formed and the plurality of pseudoprojections is reconstructed to form a 3D image of the cell. |
| US08368034B2 |
Substance detection, inspection and classification system using enhanced photoemission spectroscopy
A handheld or portable detection system with a high degree of specificity and accuracy, capable of use at small and substantial standoff distances (e.g., greater than 12 inches) is utilized to identify specific substances and mixtures thereof in order to provide information to officials for identification purposes and assists in determinations related to the legality, hazardous nature and/or disposition decision of such substance(s). The system uses a synchronous detector and visible light filter to enhance detection capabilities. |
| US08368031B2 |
Inspection system by charged particle beam and method of manufacturing devices using the system
An inspection apparatus by an electron beam comprises: an electron-optical device 70 having an electron-optical system for irradiating the object with a primary electron beam from an electron beam source, and a detector for detecting the secondary electron image projected by the electron-optical system; a stage system 50 for holding and moving the object relative to the electron-optical system; a mini-environment chamber 20 for supplying a clean gas to the object to prevent dust from contacting to the object; a working chamber 31 for accommodating the stage device, the working chamber being controllable so as to have a vacuum atmosphere; at least two loading chambers 41, 42 disposed between the mini-environment chamber and the working chamber, adapted to be independently controllable so as to have a vacuum atmosphere; and a loader 60 for transferring the object to the stage system through the loading chambers. |
| US08368029B2 |
Methods and systems of combining magnetic resonance and nuclear imaging
A multi-modality imaging system for imaging of an object under study, e.g., a whole body or parts of the body of animals such as humans, other primates, swine, dogs, or rodents, that includes a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)-family semiconductor, single-photon imaging apparatus within a magnetic field produced by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus such that sequential or simultaneous imaging can be done with the two modalities using the same support bed of the object under study in the same, uninterrupted imaging session. |
| US08368027B2 |
Radiation detection apparatus and radiographic imaging system
A radiation detection apparatus comprises a plurality of pixels each including a conversion element which converts incident radiation into a charge, a switching element which transfers the charge, and an interlayer insulation film disposed between the conversion element and the switching element, a gate line to drive the switching element, and a signal line located to intersect with the gate line and configured to read out the charge transferred from the switching element, wherein Ca≧∈0×∈×S/d and 7d≦P/2 is satisfied, where P is a pixel pitch, Ca is a sum total of coupling capacitances between the signal line and the gate line, S is an overlapping area of the signal line and the conversion element, d is a thickness of the interlayer insulation film, ∈ is a relative dielectric constant of the interlayer insulation film, and ∈0 is a vacuum dielectric constant. |
| US08368026B2 |
Scintillator for an imaging device, scintillator module, imaging device with such a scintillator and method of manufacturing a scintillator
A scintillator for an imaging device includes a plate made of a material capable of emitting photons according to an incident radiation. The scintillator further includes at least one block of a second material capable of emitting photons according to the incident radiation. The plate and the block are assembled via the edge of the plate by connecting means that absorbs all or some of the photons emitted by the plate and the block. A scintillator module and an imaging device with such a scintillator, and a method of manufacturing a scintillator are also disclosed. |
| US08368022B2 |
Bolometer with heat feedback
A bolometer comprising an outer surface for the thermal absorption of incident radiation in thermal contact with a radiation measurement element having a variable resistance (R) depending on the temperature, the element being in a heat feedback loop comprising a corrector for applying a heating power to a resistive heating means in order to maintain the temperature of the resistor equal to a setpoint temperature (Tref). According to the invention, the resistive heating means comprises the element, the corrector is designed to generate a frequency component (S1) of the heating power, which is applied to a coupling means provided between the element and the corrector in order to apply a DC-free signal to the element, a coupling means, separate from the means, is provided between the element and a DC bias means in order to maintain the resistor at a prescribed continuous operation point. |
| US08368021B2 |
Method for an IR-radiation—based temperature measurement and IR-radiation—based temperature measuring device
In a temperature measuring device (1) an IR-radiation detector (2) and a reference element (3) are provided, connected to a surface (6) of an object (7) in a heat-conducting fashion, with a first area (4) with high emissivity and a second area (5) with high reflectivity formed at the reference element (3), and the IR-radiation detector (2) is equipped for a separate detection of IR-radiation (9, 10, 11) from the first and second areas (4, 5) and a surface area (12) of the object (7). A computer (13) in the IR-radiation detector (2) is equipped to deduct a temperature measurement for the object (7), corrected for emissions and reflections from the detected IR-radiations (9, 10, 11). |
| US08368020B2 |
Particle beam system
A particle beam system comprises a particle beam source 5 for generating a primary particle beam 13, an objective lens 19 for focusing the primary particle beam 13 in an object plane 23; a particle detector 17; and an X-ray detector 47 arranged between the objective lens and the object plane. The X-ray detector comprises plural semiconductor detectors, each having a detection surface 51 oriented towards the object plane. A membrane is disposed between the object plane and the detection surface of the semiconductor detector, wherein different semiconductor detectors have different membranes located in front, the different membranes differing with respect to a secondary electron transmittance. |
| US08368019B2 |
Particle beam system
A particle beam system comprises a particle beam source 5 for generating a primary particle beam 13, an objective lens 19 for focusing the primary particle beam 13 in an object plane 23; a particle detector 17; and an X-ray detector 47 arranged between the objective lens and the object plane. The X-ray detector comprises plural semiconductor detectors, each having a detection surface 51 oriented towards the object plane. A membrane is disposed between the object plane and the detection surface of the semiconductor detector, wherein different semiconductor detectors have different membranes located in front, the different membranes differing with respect to a secondary electron transmittance. |
| US08368011B2 |
Ion detector
By detecting water clusters in expiration with high sensitivity, prevention of drink-driving and prevention of drowsy driving are performed. Also, device operation is performed in a non-contact manner. Problem: an effective method for prevention of drink-driving and prevention of drowsy driving for drivers has not been present. Effect: expiration can be sensed in a spatially-restricted place. |
| US08368010B2 |
Quadrupole mass spectrometer
A quadruple mass spectrometer capable of reducing a settling time-period necessary in a process of changing, in a pulsed or step-like pattern, a voltage to be applied to a quadruple mass filter in a scan or SIM measurement. In the SIM measurement, an optimal settling-time calculation sub-section sets a length of the settling time-period according to a difference ΔM between a next-measurement mass value and a mass value used in an adjacent measurement, and the next-measurement mass value. This makes it possible to shorten a duration of a repetitive cycle in the SIM measurement or increase a time-period assignable to a measurement operation, while ensuring a voltage stabilization time-period sufficient to detect ions having the next-measurement mass value. |
| US08368009B2 |
Device for use in normalizing readings on a testing machine
An example optic module verification device for use in periodic normalization of a testing machine used to test samples in wells is disclosed. The example testing machine includes a plurality of photon counters that each count photons emitted from different wells. The example verification device includes a plurality of verification wells located so as to each be associated with one of the photon counters when used in the testing machine. The example device also includes a photon emitter in each verification well, each photon emitter including a C14 source, a scintillator adjacent the C14 source, and a filter over the scintillator. The example photon emitters each have a determined initial base value for emitted photons, and each photon emitter is positioned in its verification well to emit photons through the filter to the associated photon counter when used in the testing machine. |
| US08368006B2 |
Driving a laser scanning section using a basic period of a pulse signal based on a period of a resonance frequency and accumulated period errors to produce a correction period quantity
A laser projector can generate a pulse signal capable of being generated according to the resolution of the clock signal, the pulse signal having a basic period and a basic pulse width each infinitely approximated to the characteristics of the resonance frequency. Moreover, because the laser projector can generate a pulse signal capable of correcting the errors led to be included in the approximated pulse signal, the laser projector can drive the scanning section with a horizontal vibration width corresponding to the resonance frequency, and can suitably display a projected image on a projection plane. |
| US08368002B2 |
In-line image sensor in combination with linear variable filter based spectrophotometer
A photosensitive apparatus including a full width array of photosensors and a first photosensor chip. The first photosensor chip including a linear array of photosensors having a plurality of pixels arranged in a long direction and a linear variable filter adapted to transmit at least ten unique bandwidths of wavelengths of light along a length of the linear variable filter where the linear variable filter is fixedly secured to the linear array. Each respective pixel receives a unique bandwidth of wavelengths of light as a light passes through the linear variable filter and the length is aligned with the long direction. The full width array of photosensors is arranged perpendicular to a process direction of a printing device. |
| US08367999B2 |
Solid state imaging device comprising dummy regions each containing a multiplication register and an amplifier
A multi-port solid-state imaging device of one embodiment includes an imaging region and a plurality of units. The imaging region contains a plurality of pixel columns. The units are arrayed in a direction in which the pixel columns are arrayed, and generate signals based on charges from the imaging region. Each unit has an output register, a multiplication register, and an amplifier. The output register transfers a charge from one or more corresponding pixel columns. The multiplication register receives the charge from the output register to generate a multiplied charge. The amplifier generates a signal based on the multiplied charge from the multiplication register. The solid-state imaging device contains a region where the units are provided, and a first dummy region and a second dummy region located on both sides in the above-mentioned direction of the region. In each of the first dummy region and the second dummy region, a multiplication register and an amplifier are provided. |
| US08367998B2 |
Image sensor having a charge pump circuit and a drive transistor
An image sensor includes a charge pump circuit supplying first to third signals having sequentially decreasing voltage levels, a reset transistor having a drain and a gate connected with the charge pump circuit to form a diode connection and receiving the first to third signals, a photodiode generating photocharges, a transfer transistor forming a series connection between the photodiode and the reset transistor, a floating diffusion region forming a parallel connection between the transfer transistor and the reset transistor and storing the photocharges, and a drive transistor connected with the floating diffusion region, the reset transistor, a power supply voltage terminal, and a unit pixel output terminal. A gate of the transfer transistor receives a turn-off voltage if the first or second signal is supplied, and receives a turn-off voltage or a turn-on voltage if the third signal is supplied. |
| US08367995B2 |
System and method for automatic positioning of a solar array
The system and method for automatic positioning of a solar array utilizes modular neural processors pre-trained from existing solar data to estimate the direction of the sun at any location and at any time, irrespective of the orientation or movement of the base unit, and to determine solar panel servo tracking system steering commands for optimal orientation of the solar panel surfaces towards the sun. The automatic positioning system may be used in power generation or water desalination facilities. The device integrates a GPS system, an electronic compass, and an inclination sensor for determination of the orientation of the base unit. Periodic control commands are issued to conventional servo systems for automatic steering of a solar array for maximum solar power acquisition to optimize energy gain versus energy consumption in steering. |
| US08367992B1 |
Aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle with reconfigurable control surfaces
The present invention relates to an aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle with an improved control system and a method for increasing the maneuverability or stability of an aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the maneuverability or stability of an aircraft, missile, underwater vehicle or projectile through the use of removable control surfaces. The technical advantage of the removable control surface system (or “removable control surface”) over other systems is that the removable control surface system enables the aircraft, missile, underwater vehicle or projectile to have two or more design configurations, each configuration being tailored to the aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle's specific stability or maneuverability requirements during a specific portion of the flight. |
| US08367990B2 |
Modular commercial microwave oven
A microwave oven cabinet is ergonomic designed to provide for both stacking and jigsaw-type back-to-back interlining of multiple units of the microwave ovens. In particular, the cabinet configuration advantageously establishes a reduced footprint, ergonomically designed microwave oven which can be effectively employed in various fields, including fast food chains wherein multiple such ovens may need to be functionally positioned in a limited area, while still being easily accessible. |
| US08367987B2 |
Flexible PTC heating element and method of manufacturing the heating element
The flexible PTC heating element according to the invention has one of the following constitutions. A portion of an electrodes and a PTC resistor is impregnated into a flexible substrate. A flexible substrate is made of resin foam or rubber material having a concave/convex shape formed on the surface. The flexible PTC heating element has an elongation deformation portion disposed to at least one of an electrode and a PTC resistor. A flexible substrate has adhesiveness and either a flexible substrate or a flexible cover material has an elongation control portion. Therefore, the flexible PTC heating element is highly flexible and excellent in vibration durability. |
| US08367981B2 |
Baking apparatus, baking method and method of reducing gap width
A baking apparatus including a hot plate and a substrate rotation member is provided. The hot plate has a heating surface. The substrate rotation member includes a rotation ring and a plurality of support arms. The rotation ring is configured to surround the hot plate. The support arms are disposed over the heating surface of the hot plate. Each of the support arms includes a connection part and a support part, wherein the connection part is configured to connect the rotation ring and the support part, and a supporting surface of the support part for supporting the substrate is higher than the heating surface of the hot plate. |
| US08367980B2 |
Method for controlling the humidity level in a cooking oven
A method for controlling the humidity level in a cavity of a cooking oven provided with a steam generator comprises the monitoring of the power delivered to the steam generator in order to maintain the power to a predetermined value that is correlated to a choice made by the user among a plurality of predetermined values corresponding to different values of at least one cooking parameter, particularly the degree of browning of the food. |
| US08367978B2 |
Hybrid infrared convection paint baking oven and method of using the same
An infrared convection paint baking oven comprising a tunnel having an entrance and exit, the tunnel having top and side walls equipped with air ducts that communicate with a at least one air pressure blower to form an air plenum in the interior of said tunnel. The oven is equipped with at least one exhaust to re-circulate heated air and vent moisture and volatiles from said tunnel. The exhaust communicates said pressure blower with air make up and an RTO. The re-circulated air flow is divertible from the exhaust to the furnace to control temperature and VOC emissions. Infrared light assemblies are arranged in said tunnel interior on the top and side walls such that air from said plenum is circulated around said light assemblies to form a convection air current. The light assemblies are in close proximity to each other at the entrance and along a distance of said tunnel to form a warm up zone. The light assemblies are spaced further apart along the remainder of said tunnel length toward said exit to form a curing zone. |
| US08367977B2 |
Food product heating device with food heating slot between heating elements
A compact portable heating device adapted to heat multiple food products simultaneously is provided. The heating device includes at least one heating element positioned opposite at least one other heating element to form a slot between heating surfaces of the elements for receiving food product. One heating element is mounted to move linearly along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the heating surfaces. Preferably, a first set of movable heating elements are meshed with a second set of heating elements to form an alternating arrangement. One or more heat generators, e.g. steam generators, are positioned to provide heat while minimizing the size of the device. |
| US08367975B2 |
Temperature adjustment method
A temperature adjustment method is provided to improve operating efficiency and reduce costs. Control of a heating unit in a thermal processing system including a heating control section is performed based on a first output control pattern obtained by subjecting a detection temperature provided by a first temperature detecting unit to an integral operation, a differential operation, and a proportional operation under a condition of a first set of temperature-setting conditions, a second output control pattern obtained by determining a first heat quantity in a period from the start of an increase in temperature detected by a second temperature detecting unit until the temperature inside the processing chamber reaches a maximum temperature, and using a second heat quantity obtained by subtracting the part of the output provided by the proportional operation from the first heat quantity. |
| US08367974B2 |
Electric shaver
A hair cutting device (100) comprising: a housing (106); a detector adapted to detect motion of the device with respect to a skin surface (400) against which the device is juxtaposed; a hair cutting head (300) having a heated wire (260) suitable for heating hair growing from the skin, the hair cutting head being movable between a first, hair cutting position and a second retracted position at which the wire is removed from the vicinity of the skin; a controller (118) adapted to move the cutting head to the first position or to the second position when it does not responsive to said detected motion. |
| US08367973B2 |
Heater with temperature detecting device and battery structure with the heater
A heater with temperature detecting device, arranged to accurately detect the temperature of a laminated sheet heater over long periods, and a battery structure including the same. A first embodiment includes a laminated sheet heater and a temperature sensor having a temperature measuring portion. The laminated sheet heater includes first and second insulating resin films, a heater element, a first metal sheet, and a second metal sheet and includes a heater metallic section in which, any one of only the first metal sheet and only a combination of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet is arranged in a lamination layering direction of the laminated sheet heater. The temperature sensor is fastened to the heater metallic section with a flat rivet and fixed to an outer surface of the first metal sheet with the temperature measuring portion in contact with the first metal sheet. |
| US08367972B2 |
Systems and methods for diagnosing secondary weld errors
A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range. |
| US08367971B2 |
Method of working material with high-energy radiation
According to the present invention, a method of working material with high-energy radiation is provided, wherein a polymer matrix (1) is irradiated with high-energy radiation, in particular with a laser beam (9), wherein the radiation is focused onto a focal point (11) and the focal point (11) is set such that the focal point (11) lies behind the surface (3) of the polymer matrix (1) facing the radiation, and material removal is brought about at the polymer matrix (1), and consequently a reaction space (13) is created within the polymer matrix (1). |
| US08367967B2 |
Method and apparatus for repairing thermal barrier coatings
A method and apparatus for repairing a thermal barrier coating on components in gas turbine engines and the like. The apparatus includes a microplasma spray gun having an anode, cathode, and an arc generator for generating an electric arc between the anode and cathode. The apparatus includes a nozzle for emitting arc gas into the electric arc. The electric arc is operable for ionizing the gas to create a plasma gas stream. A powder injector injects powdered thermal barrier coating material into the plasma gas stream. Defective areas of the thermal barrier coating can be patched on the component without masking the component. |
| US08367966B2 |
Ceramic plasma reactor and reaction apparatus
The ceramic plasma reactor includes: a plurality of unit electrodes each of which comprises a plate-shaped ceramic dielectric body 4 and a conductive film 3 embedded in the ceramic dielectric body superimposing them each other with a gap which works as a discharge portion 11, and preferably being formed by sandwiching one unit electrode 2b having no through holes 15 by two unit electrodes having plural through holes 2a there between. A partition wall plate 9 is provided by facing one of unit electrodes on a side opposite to the gap and being held by a holding member 7 at a predetermined distance so as to form there between a gas introducing-circulating portion 21 for introducing and circulating gas in the through-holes 15 so as to send gas introduced to the gap between the unit electrodes as a discharge portion by applying a voltage thereto to generate plasma. |
| US08367960B2 |
Process for rail restoration and rail manufacture using welding
A method for restoring a worn rail section includes cleaning a worn surface of a rail section to expose a clean metal surface, heating the rail section to a first temperature before welding, welding new metal on the clean metal surface of the rail section after heating the rail section to the first temperature, heating the rail section to a second temperature after the welding to heat-treat a heat-affected area caused by the welding, and shaping the rail section, wherein the welding is performed by a gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. |
| US08367955B2 |
Illuminated wall switch
An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material. |
| US08367950B2 |
Key module for mobile device
The key module for the mobile device includes a key top 6; a base plate 2 on which a fixed-side contact 7 is disposed; a dome 4 that is disposed on the fixed-side contact 7; a dome sheet 5 that covers the dome 4; an LED module 3 disposed on the base plate 2; and a light guide plate 1 that is disposed on the dome sheet 5. Such a configuration causes light emitted by the LED module 3 propagates within the light guide plate, and exits the light from an exit surface of the light guide plate on the key top 6 side. The light guide plate 1 is formed by inkjet printing a dot pattern in white ink onto a surface of a base material formed from a thermosetting polyurethane elastomer sheet, which surface is opposite to the exit surface of the light guide plate. |
| US08367949B2 |
Electric operating device of vehicle seat
An electric operating device includes an operation member for operating to activate a plurality of electric functions provided at a vehicle seat. The operation member is disposed at a position outside of the vehicle seat allowing operation by a seated person seated on the vehicle seat. The operation member is constructed to be capable of operating to pivot about an axis and operating to move to slide in a diametrical direction. Further, an operation structure for pivoting about the axis for switching a pivoting position of the operation member is configured as an electric function mode switching structure for selecting the electric function as an operational object from the plurality of electric functions. Further, a slide moving operating structure for switching a slide position in the diametrical direction of the operation member is configured as an activation control structure for operating to activate the electric function selected as the operational object. |
| US08367947B2 |
Anti-ghosting keyboard
A computer keyboard is disclosed to remediate the phantom key or ghosting problem. Diodes are added to the PCB or contact-receptive membrane to eliminate reverse current, which is responsible for phantom key strikes. These one-way diodes increase the number of possible concurrent combinations that a microcontroller with limited inputs can support. |
| US08367946B2 |
Micrometering device
A micrometering device for metering and weighing free-flowing bulk materials, such as, for example, flour, powder or fine-grain granules, is described. A reliable weighing with small batch sizes may be achieved, by arranging a weighing container for the weighing device separate from a reservoir for the product for weighing. |
| US08367944B2 |
Cable and flexible conduit gland
A cable and flexible conduit gland for securing a cable and a flexible conduit to a box member is disclosed to include a casing having a middle stop flange extending around the periphery thereof, a first fastening member and a second fastening member formed integral with the periphery thereof and respectively disposed at two opposite sides relative to the middle stop flange ad and a tapered inner surface portion located on the inside wall, a collar inserted into the casing and having a tapered front extension fitting the tapered inner surface of the casing, an elastic packing ring stopped against the rear end of the collar, and a holding-down cap fastened to the first fastening member of the casing to hold down the collar and the packing ring and to lock the inserted flexible conduit and cable together. |
| US08367942B2 |
Low profile electrical interposer of woven structure and method of making same
An electrical interposer for connecting two electronic devices includes a plurality of first cores with undulating structure extending in a first direction and a plurality of second cores with undulating structure extending in a second direction angular with the first direction. Each first core has first peaks and first valleys alternately arranged in the first direction and each first peak is electrically connected with a corresponding neighboring first valley but insulated from others. Each second core has second peaks and second valleys alternately arranged in the second direction and each second peak is electrically connected with a corresponding neighboring second valley but insulated from others. The first cores and the second cores interlace with each other to reach a woven structure with the first peaks and the second peaks jointly constituting an upper interface, and the first valleys and the second valleys jointly constituting a lower interface. |
| US08367937B2 |
Printed circuit board with a signal line pair and method of manufacturing the same
A first insulating layer is formed on a suspension body. A write wiring trace is formed on the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer to cover the write wiring trace. A write wiring trace and read wiring traces are formed on the second insulating layer. The write wiring trace is arranged above the write wiring trace. The write wiring trace includes a conductor layer and reinforcing alloy layers. The reinforcing alloy layers are sequentially formed to cover an upper surface and side surfaces of the conductor layer. |
| US08367933B1 |
Data cables with improved pair property balance
A communication cable can comprise twisted pairs of electrical conductors for transmitting electrical signals, such as for digital communication or data transmission. The pairs can be twisted to different lengths, thereby managing interference among the pairs. The electrical conductors of the pairs can be individually insulated with a polymeric material comprising a base polymer that is foamed with a gas such as nitrogen. The respective foaming levels of the electrical conductors in each pair can be selected to balance electrical properties among the pairs. |
| US08367931B2 |
Segmented decompression resistant cable splice and method of installation
An electrical splice, resistant to decompression failure for use in gassy hydrocarbon wells, is segmented thereby permitting the installation of the splice quickly and efficiently. The segmented cable splice provides a passage into which is inserted an electrical crimping union which provides a detent to engage a ridge on the interior passage of the segmented sleeve. When each sleeve is complete, the exterior surface of the complete splice is either cylindrical or flat; and covered by protective transition covers having epoxy encapsulating each contained conductor line back to the armored cover, thereby providing mechanical protection and inhibiting movement of the spliced conductors within the splice connection. |
| US08367930B2 |
Grounding mechanism for electronic device
A grounding mechanism is used for an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing and a battery cover. The grounding mechanism typically includes an elastic member including a main portion, a first bent portion, a second bent portion and a clamping portion. The main portion is attached to the housing. The first bent portion and the second bent portion respectively extend from two opposite ends of the main portion. The clamping portion extends from one side of the main portion, and includes two arms for clamping one part of the battery cover. |
| US08367919B2 |
Musical support apparatus
Embodiments of the inventive technology relate generally to item support apparatus. Although a focus of the inventive technology may, in some embodiments, be on support of musical related items such as musical instruments, keyboards, and sound speakers, the scope of the inventive technology and its applicability is not necessarily limited as such. In various embodiments, certain inventive technology provides enhanced functionality (e.g., stand adjustability), robust and simplified design (e.g., as may be found in a retention augmented item stand), enhanced performance (as may be found in a telescoping tube lock apparatus), and an ability to more easily control the elevation and lowering of heavy, stand supported items such as speakers. |
| US08367917B2 |
Hoop for a drum and method of making the same
A hoop for securing a drum head to a drum, the hoop having a lower portion configured to mount the hoop to a shell of the drum and a flange formed in the lower portion of the hoop. The flange being configured to receive a tension control device for tuning the drum head. The hoop may also include an upper portion that is above and normal to the flange and an annular upper edge formed on the upper portion of the hoop that is rolled over and bent inward toward an inner peripheral surface of the hoop. The upper portion may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the hoop be welding or another method of fixing. |
| US08367915B1 |
String compact adjustment apparatus
A string compact adjustment apparatus installed on a head of a stringed instrument includes a tuning peg, a pintle, a string holder, a holding ring, a clamp ring and a compact bushing. The pintle runs through the head. The holding ring and clamp ring run through the pintle and fixedly couple on the head. The string holder is fastened to one end of the pintle close to the holding ring, and the tuning peg is fastened to another end thereof. The compact bushing has a contact surface and the clamp ring has a mating latch surface. The compact bushing is pushed by the tuning peg to allow the contact surface to tightly press the latch surface so that the compact bushing is fixedly coupled on the tuning peg and the tuning peg is fixed without turning reversely, thus string tone can be maintained for a long duration. |
| US08367912B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X8F933
A novel maize variety designated X8F933 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 X8F933 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8F933 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8F933, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8F933. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8F933. |
| US08367909B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH460162
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH460162. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH460162, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH460162 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH460162. |
| US08367906B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV774864
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV774864. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV774864, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV774864 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV774864 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV774864. |
| US08367905B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH226366
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH226366. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH226366, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH226366 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH226366. |
| US08367903B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV385282
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV385282. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV385282, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV385282 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV385282 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV385282. |
| US08367897B2 |
Soybean variety A1024230
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024230. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024230. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024230 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024230 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08367889B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV352638
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV352638. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV352638, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV352638 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV352638 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV352638. |
| US08367885B2 |
Method of preparing multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalysts with controlling pH and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using thereof
This invention relates to a method of preparing a multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalyst by changing the pH of a coprecipitation solution upon coprecipitation and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the catalyst. The multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalyst, coprecipitated using a solution having an adjusted pH, the preparation method thereof, and the method of preparing 1,3-butadiene through oxidative dehydrogenation using a C4 mixture including n-butene and n-butane as a reactant are provided. The C4 raffinate, containing many impurities, is directly used as a reactant without an additional process for separating n-butane or extracting n-butene, thus obtaining 1,3-butadiene at high yield. The activity of the multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalyst can be simply increased through precise pH adjustment upon coprecipitation, which is not disclosed in the conventional techniques. This method can be applied to the increase in the activity of multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalysts reported in the art. |
| US08367877B2 |
Methods of purifying 1,2,4-butanetriol
Methods of purifying BT are disclosed. The method comprises adding at least one polyhydroxyl compound to a crude BT mixture comprising BT and at least one boron-containing compound to form a polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is then heated to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is heated to a temperature greater than the melting point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound, and then to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. A composition comprising BT is also disclosed. |
| US08367873B2 |
Phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivatives
The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I) in which X, Y, Z, A, B and G have the meanings given above, to a plurality of processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, the phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivates 33 and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound.The present invention furthermore relates to increasing the activity of crop protection compositions comprising in particular phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivates by adding ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and, if appropriate, penetrants, to the corresponding compositions, to processes for their preparation and to their use in crop protection as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or for preventing unwanted plant growth. |
| US08367872B2 |
Close-bonded diffractive optical element, optical material used therefor, resin precursor, and resin precursor composition
To obtain a close-contact multi-layer type diffractive optical element having a homogeneous high-refractive-index and low-dispersion resin layer, an acrylate-terminated oligomer, obtained by allowing excess bifunctional acrylate to react with bifunctional thiol, is used as a resin precursor for the high-refractive-index and low-dispersion resin layer. |
| US08367871B2 |
Process for production of optically active sulfoxide compound using iron-salan complex catalyst
An optically active sulfoxide compound that is useful as an intermediate for synthesis or an active ingredient of a physiologically active substance such as a pharmaceutical agent is produced at a high optical purity. A process for producing an optically active sulfoxide compound of formula (4) comprises oxidizing a sulfide compound of formula (3) in the presence of an optically active metal complex of formula (1), (1′), (2) or (2′) by using an oxidizing agent. The present invention is also directed to the optically active metal complex. |
| US08367870B2 |
Autocatalytic polyols
The present invention provides polymeric polyol compositions employing polyol compounds having multiple tertiary amine groups. Methods of making these compositions are also disclosed. Polyol formulations containing these polymeric polyol compositions and methods of making polyurethane gel and foam employing such polymeric polyol compositions are also provided. |
| US08367869B2 |
Aromatic amine derivative and organic electroluminescence device using the same
To attain an organic electroluminescence device having a long lifetime and high luminous efficiency, and is capable of emitting blue light having a high color purity, and an aromatic amine derivative for realizing the device, the present invention provides an aromatic amine derivative having a specific structure, and an organic electroluminescence device including an organic thin film layer composed of one or more layers including at least a light emitting layer and interposed between a cathode and an anode, in which at least one layer of the organic thin film layer contains the aromatic amine derivative alone or as a component of a mixture. |
| US08367868B2 |
Process for the synthesis of aryloxypropylamine and heteroaryloxypropylamine
The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of aryloxypropylamine and heteroaryloxypropylamine of formula I: where: A is aryl or heteroaryl, where the aryl is preferably a phenyl, optionally substituted, selected from benzyl and tolyl and the heteroaryl is preferably thiophenyl; Y is an aryl, preferably phenyl, a substituted phenyl or a naphthyl, where the substituted phenyl is preferably selected from tolyl, trihalomethyltolyl and alkoxytolyl, starting from a suitable amino alcohol of formula II: |
| US08367867B2 |
Process and plant for urea production
A process for producing urea is disclosed, wherein liquid ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted in a high-pressure synthesis section (100), and at least part of the carbon dioxide is fed to said synthesis section (100) in liquid phase. A plant operating according to said process and a method for modernizing existing plants accordingly are also disclosed. |
| US08367866B2 |
Single-source precursor and methods therefor
A single-source precursor composition includes R3B.NX3, where B is boron, N is nitrogen, and the R groups and the X groups are selected from hydrogen, alkyl groups, and aryl groups. At least one of the R groups is an alkyl group or an aryl group. |
| US08367859B2 |
Cyclohexane 1,4 carboxylates
The present invention relates to cyclohexanes having carboxylate derivatives at the 1 and 4, and optionally the 2, position. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compounds wherein a portion of the starting materials utililzed is derived from renewable resources. |
| US08367858B2 |
Terephthalic and trimellitic based acids and carboxylate derivatives thereof
The present invention relates to novel substituted and unsubstituted terephthalic acid and carboxylate derivatives and products prepared therefrom having a significant renewable content. The invention also relates to processes for preparing substituted and unsubstituted terephthalic and carboxylate derivatives thereof wherein a portion of the starting materials utilized is derived from renewable resources. The invention also relates to novel cyclohexene based intermediates prepared in these processes and to conversion of these intermediates to substituted and unsubstituted cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylates and carboxylate derivatives thereof and novel forms of the resulting products having renewable content. The invention also relates to products prepared from substituted and unsubstituted terephthalic acid and carboxylate derivatives thereof derived from starting materials derived from renewable resources. |
| US08367853B2 |
Method and system for forming a precursor compound for non-bridged unsymmetric polyolefin polymerization catalyst
The present techniques relates generally to polyolefin catalysts and, more specifically, to preparing a precursor compound for an unsymmetric metallocene catalyst, for using the precursor compound to prepare catalysts, and for employing the precursor compounds to prepare catalysts for polyolefin polymerizations. |
| US08367852B2 |
Preparation of bile acids and intermediates thereof
Synthetic methods for preparing deoxycholic acid and intermediates thereof are provided. |
| US08367851B2 |
Hydroxymethylfurfural reduction methods and methods of producing furandimethanol
A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM. |
| US08367847B2 |
Production of monatin enantiomers
Methods for the preparation of the high intensity sweetener, monatin, 3-(1-amino-1,3-dicarboxy-3-hydroxy-but-4-yl)indole, its salts and internal condensation products thereof, including methods applicable to the large-scale production of monatin are described. |
| US08367838B2 |
Amines or amino alcohols as GLYT1 inhibitors
The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula I wherein the substituents are described in the description and claims for the treatment of psychoses, dysfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia, attention deficit disorders or Alzheimer's disease. The invention also relates to some compounds of formula I and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US08367835B2 |
Cyclic amine-1-carboxylic acid ester derivative and pharmaceutical composition containing the same
Provided is a compound useful as a therapeutic drug for pain and inflammation caused by various pathological conditions such as neuropathic pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The compound of the formula (I) or a salt thereof [wherein R1 is a methyl group or a hydrogen atom, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group or an aryl carbonyl group, A represents a cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkenyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group (each group may be substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl and halogen), n and m each represent an integer of 1, 2 or 3, and p represents an integer of 0, 1, 2 or 3]. |
| US08367833B2 |
Process for producing 6-aryloxyquinoline derivative and intermediate therefor
Disclosed is a process for producing 6-aryloxyquinoline derivatives useful as insecticides or fungicides for agricultural and horticultural use. The process comprises a cyclization reaction step of reacting an anthranilic acid derivative represented by general formula (1) with a kenone in the presence of an acid to obtain a quinolone derivative and a condensation reaction step of reacting the quinolone derivative with a halogen compound or an acid anhydride to obtain a quinoline derivative. |
| US08367832B2 |
Crystalline forms of Nelfinavir mesylate
The present invention provides novel crystalline forms of Nelfinavir mesylate, Form-A, Form-B, Form-C, Form-D and the process for their preparation without the use of any special equipment such as a spray drier, avoiding the use of highly flammable solvents such as ethers. The crystalline form can be tailored with the selection of the ante solvent and appropriate conditions for the process. |
| US08367831B2 |
Heterocyclic compound or salt thereof and intermediate thereof
Disclosed is a compound represented by the general formula: wherein R1 represents an aryl or heterocyclic group which may be substituted or the like; X1 represents a C2-C4 alkylene group or the like; X2, X3 and X5 independently represent NH, a bond or the like; X4 represents a lower alkylene group, a bond or the like; Y1 represents a bivalent alicyclic hydrocarbon residue which may be substituted or a bivalent alicyclic amine residue which may be substituted; and Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5 and Z6 independently represent a nitrogen atom, a group represented by the formula: CH, or the like, provided that at least one of Z3, Z4, Z5 and Z6 represents a nitrogen atom, or a salt thereof, which is useful as an antibacterial agent. |
| US08367822B2 |
Compositions and methods for bone formation and remodeling
The mechanism by which the high bone mass (HBM) mutation (G171V) of the Wnt coreceptor LRP5 regulates the canonical Wnt signaling was investigated. The mutation was previously shown to reduce Dkk protein-1-mediated antagonism, suggesting that the first YWTD repeat domain where G171 is located may be responsible for Dkk protein-mediated antagonism. However, we found that the third YWTD repeat, but not the first repeat domain, is required for DKK1-mediated antagonism. Instead, we found that the G171V mutation disrupted the interaction of LRP5 with Mesd, a chaperon protein for LRP5/6 that is required for the coreceptors' transport to cell surfaces, resulting in less LRP5 molecules on the cell surface. Although the reduction in the level of cell surface LRP5 molecules led to a reduction in Wnt signaling in a paracrine paradigm, the mutation did not appear to affect the activity of coexpressed Wnt in an autocrine paradigm. Together with the observation that osteoblast cells produce autocrine canonical Wnt, Wnt7b, and that osteocytes produce paracrine Dkk1, we believe that the G171V mutation may cause an increase in Wnt activity in osteoblasts by reducing the number of targets for paracrine Dkk1 to antagonize without affecting the activity of autocrine Wnt. |
| US08367820B2 |
Optically active ammonium salt compound, production intermediate thereof, and production method thereof
Disclosed is an optically active quaternary ammonium salt compound represented by the formula (1) below. Also disclosed are a production intermediate of such an optically active quaternary ammonium salt compound, and a method for producing such an optically active quaternary ammonium salt compound. (1) (In the formula, R1, R2, R21, R3 and R4 respectively represent an alkyl group, an aryl group or the like; R5 and R6 respectively represent an alkyl group, an alkoxy group or the like; and X− represents an anion.) |
| US08367817B2 |
Reagents for isolation of purified RNA
Compositions and methods to isolate intact RNA that is substantially free of DNA, termed purified RNA. RNA from any source (e.g., human, other animals, plants, viruses, etc.) may be isolated. In one embodiment, the sample is treated with phenol at a pH less than 4.0 and purified RNA is recovered from the aqueous phase. In another embodiment, RNA is precipitated from an acidified sample containing a low volume of an organic solvent. Other embodiments are disclosed. The same inventive composition may be used for several embodiments with pH adjustment. Purified RNA obtained by the inventive method may be used in assays where DNA contamination is undesirable, such as the polymerase chain reaction. |
| US08367814B2 |
Assay for BCR/ABL gene rearrangement
The present invention provides a simple high-throughput assay for detecting bcr/abl translocations. The method includes qualitative PCR methods for identifying the particular amplified translocation (e1a2 or b2a3/b3a2) and real time PCR for quantifying an amount of bcr/abl transcript (e1a2, b2a3 and b3a2). Quantitative measurement of bcr/abl transcript in accordance with the methods of the invention is useful for monitoring response to therapy. |
| US08367812B2 |
Preparation of organosilicon compounds
The synthesis of purified functionalized organosilicon compounds containing at least one active azo group having formula (I): [(G0)3SiO1/2]m[(G0)2SiO2/2]n[G0SiO3/2]o[SiO4/2]p[(G2)a(G1)a′(Z—CO—HN═NH—CO-A)SiO(3-a-a′)/2] entails providing at least one hydrazino (—HN—NH—) precursor (II) of the compound (I) and oxidizing the precursor (II) into an azo group specific to the compound (I) with the aid of an oxidizing system comprising at least one oxidant (Ox) and at least one base (B), wherein 1) Ox is selected from among the oxidants that can oxidize a hydrazine function into an azo function, with or without the exclusion of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), 2) and/or Ox (optionally B) is/are employed in stoichiometric quantities in relation to the precursor (II); 3) and/or the organosilicon compounds (I) thus prepared are subjected to a purification post-treatment to eliminate any unwanted residues of the base B used, with the proviso that, when NBS is not excluded, characteristic (1) is combined with characteristic (2) and/or characteristic (3). |
| US08367809B2 |
Composite materials comprising supported porous gels containing reactive functional groups
This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth. |
| US08367805B2 |
Fc variants with altered binding to FcRn
The present application relates to a variant Fc region comprising at least one modification relative to a wild-type human Fc region, where the modification selected from the group consisting of 434S, 252Y/428L, 252Y/434S, and 428L/434S, and the numbering is according to the EU index. |
| US08367803B2 |
Synthetic repetitive proteins, the production and use thereof
A repetitive protein having repetition units comprising the consensus sequence (I) X1 X2 X3 X4 S X5 X6 Y G wherein X1 is G, Y, A or N X2 is G, L, Q X3 is R, K, T or P X4 is P, A, T or S X5 is D, T or S X6 is S, Q or T, and the consensus sequence (II) Z1 Z2 (Z3A)nZ4 Z5 Z6 wherein Z1 is S, Q, N, T or G Z2 is not an amino acid or A Z3 is A or G Z4 is not an amino acid, A or S Z5 is G, S, Q, N or T Z6 is G, P, S, Q, N or T n is a natural whole number, wherein 2≦n≦12. |
| US08367797B2 |
Nitro compound, amine compound and polyamide derived therefrom
A polyamide represented by formula (6) is provided. The polyamide is fabricated by performing a polycondensation reaction with amine compound shown in formula (4) and an acid or derivative thereof shown in formula (5) as monomers. In formulas (5) and (6), X represents aromatic groups or aliphatic groups. In formula (5), R represents OH group or halogen. |
| US08367794B2 |
Polyisocyanate mixtures
The invention relates to liquid polyisocyanate mixtures, to a process for their preparation and to their use in single- and two-component polyurethane coating compositions. |
| US08367793B2 |
Swellable materials and methods of use
One aspect of the present invention includes a swellable sol-gel composition including a plurality of interconnected organosilica nanoparticles. Another aspect of the present invention includes a swellable composite including a plurality of interconnected organosilica nanoparticles and a particulate material capable of binding to or reacting with a non-polar or organic sorbate. When dried, the sol-gel composition and the swellable composite may be capable of swelling to at least twice their dried volume when placed in contact with a non-polar or organic sorbate. |
| US08367792B2 |
Polysiloxane compound and method of producing the same
A polysiloxane represented by the formula (1) or (2): where R, R1, R2, m and n are defined in the specification. |
| US08367788B2 |
Catalytic process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters of N-hydroxyalkylated lactams
A process for catalytically preparing (meth)acrylic esters of N-hydroxyalkylated lactams and to the use thereof. |
| US08367785B2 |
Method for controlling a process for polymerisation of an olefin
Method for controlling a process for polymerising at least one olefin in a reaction zone, the process including in the reaction zone a reaction mixture and polymer particles, the reaction mixture containing a principal olefin and at least one further reagent. The method involves using the ratio of at least one further reagent to principal olefin in the polymer particles in the reaction zone or in the amorphous phase of the polymer particles. |
| US08367784B2 |
Continuous dosing of extremely fast initiators during polymerization reactions
The invention pertains to a process wherein initiators having a half-life from 0.0001 hour to 0.05 hour at the polymerization temperature are dosed to a polymerization mixture. The dosing of such initiator allows improved control of the polymerization rate and faster polymerization rates, and the process will render a polymer with very low residual initiator levels. |
| US08367777B2 |
Adhesive block ethylenic copolymers, cosmetic compositions containing them and cosmetic use of these copolymers
A linear, block copolymer, which is useful in cosmetics and improves the styling power and hold of hair laquer, adhesion of nail varnish and hold/adhesion of makeup, includes at least two blocks having different glass transition temperatures, Tg; where at least one of said blocks has a glass transition temperature of 20° C. to −100° C., and wherein the at least one block having a Tg of 20° C. to −100° C. is a copolymer B having a first monomer wherein the Tg of the corresponding homopolymer is in the range from more than 20° C. to 200° C., and a second monomer wherein the Tg of the corresponding homopolymer is in the range from 20° C. to −100° C. |
| US08367774B2 |
Process for agglomeration of superabsorbent polymer fine particles
Among other things, a process for producing an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle and an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (A) bringing superabsorbent polymer fine particles having at least about 40 wt. %, a particle size of less than about 150 μm into contact with a fluid comprising to more than about 10 wt. % a cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer based on polymerized, ethylenically unsaturated, acid group-bearing monomers or salts thereof; and (B) cross-linking the uncrosslinked polymer by heating the superabsorbent polymer fine particles and the fluid to a temperature from about 20 to about 300° C., so that the cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer at least partially crosslinks. |
| US08367769B2 |
Silicon-based nanosilicon composites and fabrication methods
Embodiments of the invention provide silicon-based nanoparticle composites, where the silicon nanoparticles are highly luminescent. Preferred embodiments of the invention are Si—O solid composite networks, e.g., glass, having a homogenous distribution of luminescent hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles in a homogenous distribution throughout the solid. Embodiments of the invention also provide fabrication processes for silicon-based silicon nanoparticle composites. A preferred method for forming a silicon-based nanoparticle composite disperses hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles and an inorganic precursor of an organosilicon gel in an aprotic solvent to form a sol. A catalyst is mixed into the sol. The sol is then permitted to dry into a gel of the silicon-based nanoparticle composite. |
| US08367768B2 |
Encapsulant compositions and method for fabricating encapsulant materials
An encapsulant composition is provided. The encapsulant composition includes at least one silane-containing monomer and at least one resin monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin monomers and epoxy resin monomers, a filler of about 0.1-15 wt % of the encapsulant composition, and an initiator. The invention also provides a method for fabricating an encapsulant material. |
| US08367767B1 |
Friction lining for wet clutch
A friction lining for a wet clutch, in particular for a converter lockup, the clutch containing the ingredients—cellulose fibers, aramid fibers, fillers and a bonding agent. To provide a cost-effective friction lining suitable for the application under the conditions of a converter lockup clutch, it is proposed to admix powdered nutshell of percentage weight between 1% and 40%. |
| US08367764B2 |
Acrylic copolymer for use in highly filled composites
The invention relates to an acrylic copolymer additive useful as a process aid in highly filled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) composites. The acrylic additive is especially useful in highly filled PVC flooring tiles, rolled flooring, pipe and siding. The acrylic copolymer additive contains from 50 to 79 weight percent of methyl methacrylate monomer units, and has a Tg of less than 90° C. |
| US08367763B2 |
Polyethylene composition for pressure pipes with enhanced flexibility
The present invention relates to a polyethylene composition comprising a base resin which comprises (a) an ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction (A); and (b) an ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction (B), wherein (i) fraction (A) has a lower average molecular weight than fraction (B); (ii) the base resin has a density of 940 to 947 kg/m3; (iii) the polyethylene composition has an MFR5 of 0.1 to 0.5 g/10 min; and (iv) the polyethylene composition has an SHI(2.7/210) of 10 to 49. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an article, preferably a pipe comprising said composition and to the use of said composition for the production of an article, preferably a pipe. |
| US08367760B1 |
Non-black rubber membranes
A roofing membrane comprising an olefinic rubber; and from about 20 to about 250 parts by weight of a silica filler per 100 parts by weight rubber; wherein the silica filler is chemically coupled to the olefinic rubber; and wherein the roofing membrane is non-black. |
| US08367752B2 |
Gel coat formulation
New gel coat composition, in particular new marine gel coat compositions, a process for their manufacture as well as their use to coat surfaces of articles exposed to light, water and solvents. The gel coats incorporate a precipitated silica having A BET surface of from 150 to 250 m2/g A SiO2 content of more than or equal to 98.5% by weight A Na2O content of less than or equal to 0.5% by weight. |
| US08367748B2 |
Surface-modified fillers
A filler which is surface-modified with a compound of the formula [(PG)-R1—Z]n—SP—[Y—R2-(AG)]m is particularly suitable for use in dental materials, for the preparation of adhesives, coatings and composites. |
| US08367743B2 |
Adhesion promoting photoinitiators for UV cured coatings over metal surfaces
Compounds containing both photoinitiator moieties and adhesion promoting moieties and coating formulations containing them are disclosed, in particular, durable UV cured primer layers for coil coatings. One embodiment includes a coated metal surface which comprises a metal substrate with at least one surface immediately adjacent to a coating layer comprising a photoinitiator chemically bound to an adhesion promoter is disclosed. |
| US08367741B2 |
Biomass high efficiency hydrothermal reformer
A method of producing synthesis gas by mixing a carbonaceous feed comprising at least one carbonaceous material with superheated steam to produce a reformer feedstock and reforming the reformer feedstock to produce a first synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide by introducing the reformer feedstock into a plurality of coiled tubes within a reformer at a reformer temperature and a reformer pressure at which at least a portion of the reformer feedstock is converted to synthesis gas. |
| US08367740B2 |
Hydrolysis resistant organomodified disiloxane ionic surfactants
An asymmetric organomodified disiloxane surfactant having the formula: MM′ wherein M comprises branched hydrocarbon substituents and M′ comprises a cationic, anionic or zwitterionic substituent and a polyether substituent that may be combined as one moiety, wherein the disiloxane surfactant has an enhanced resistance to hydrolysis between a pH of about 3 to about 12. |
| US08367732B2 |
Di-fluoro containing compounds as cysteine protease inhibitors
The present invention is directed to compounds that are inhibitors of cysteine proteases, in particular, cathepsins B, K, L, F, and S, and are therefore useful in treating diseases mediated by these proteases. The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and processes for preparing them. |
| US08367727B2 |
Method of using abscisic acid to treat diseases and disorders
Methods and compositions for treating inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal inflammation and maintaining normal gut health are described. These methods of the invention involve the administration of abscisic acid in amounts sufficient to alter the expression or activity of PPAR gamma in a cell. Also described are methods for suppressing the expression of cellular adhesion molecules in the gut and methods for increasing CTLA-4 expression on CD4+ T cells through administration of abscisic acid. |
| US08367726B2 |
Acid salt of tolterodine having effective stability for transdermal drug delivery system
The present invention relates to an acid salt of tolterodine with superior stabililty and useful as a transdermal drug delivery system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel acid salt of tolterodine with superior stabililty to the conventional acid salts of tolterodine, which is useful as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of overactive bladder and can be formulated into a transdermal drug delivery system. |
| US08367723B2 |
Selenoquinone-derived active organometallic complexes, methods for synthesizing same, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to the synthesis of novel biologically active selenoquinone-derived organometallic complexes, and to the uses thereof in the context of preventing or treating cancer. |
| US08367718B2 |
Epigallocatechin gallate trimer and α-glucosidase inhibitor containing epigallocatechin gallate polymer
The present invention provides an α-glucosidase inhibitor containing a novel epigallocatechin gallate trimer and an epigallocatechin gallate polymer. Decomposition of starch derived from a meal and sugar derived from a polysaccharide can be suppressed by α-glucosidase inhibitory action, thus suppressing absorption. A food and drink excellent in α-glucosidase inhibitory action for suppressing sugar absorption and further for preventing diabetes for a long time can be provided by adding the α-glucosidase inhibitor to a food and drink. |
| US08367714B2 |
Cannabinoid receptor targeted agent
Compounds of the following formula: wherein X is H or substituted with with at least one X being substituted; and halo is fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine; and stereoisomers and conjugable analogs thereof. |
| US08367705B2 |
Iminosugars and methods of treating bunyaviral and togaviral diseases
Provided are novel methods of treating and/or preventing a disease or condition caused by or associated with a virus belonging to the Bunyaviridae or Togaviridae family using iminosugars, such as DNJ derivatives. |
| US08367703B2 |
Method of treating a sore throat
A composition comprising an antacid, and a local, topical anesthetic. The composition is used to relieve pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat, and therefore, the invention is also directed to a method of alleviating the pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat comprising instructing a human to orally administer the composition. |
| US08367701B2 |
Crystalline pharmaceutical and methods of preparation and use thereof
Novel crystalline polymorphic forms, Forms A, B, C, D, and E of a compound of Formula I, which has been found to be a potent inhibitor of LFA-1, are disclosed. Methods of preparation and uses thereof in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases are also disclosed in this invention. |
| US08367700B2 |
Substituted 4-(1.2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)-4-oxobutyric acid amide as KCNQ2/3 modulators
The invention relates to substituted tetrahydroisoquinolinyl-4-oxobutyric acid amides, methods for the preparation thereof, medicinal products containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for the preparation of medicinal products. |
| US08367696B2 |
Aza-bridged-ring compound
[PROBLEMS] Provided is a compound which has an antagonistic action on a muscarinic M3 receptor and is useful as an active ingredient of a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for an inflammatory disease such as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and the like.[MEANS For SOLVING PROBLEMS] The present inventors have made studies on a compound having an antagonistic action on the binding of a muscarinic M3 receptor, and they have found that an aza-bridged-ring compound or a salt thereof has an antagonistic action on the binding of a muscarinic M3 receptor, thereby completing the present invention. The aza-bridged-ring compound of the present invention has an antagonistic action on the binding of a muscarinic M3 receptor, and can be used as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for an inflammatory disease such as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and the like. |
| US08367694B2 |
Carboline derivatives useful in the inhibition of angiogenesis
In accordance with the present invention, compounds that inhibit the expression of VEGF post-transcriptionally have been identified, and methods for their use provided. In one aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the inhibition of VEGF production, in the inhibition of angiogenesis, and/or in the treatment of cancer, diabetic retinopathy or exudative macular degeneration are provided. In another aspect of the invention, methods are provided for the inhibition of VEGF production, the inhibition of angiogenesis, and/or the treatment of cancer, diabetic retinopathy or exudative macular degeneration using the compounds of the invention. |
| US08367692B2 |
Spiro (piperidine-4,2′-pyrrolidine)-1-(3,5-trifluoromethyl phenyl) methylcarboxamides as NK1 tachikynin receptor antagonists
Compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. wherein R is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; R1 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C(O)OH, C(O)NH2 or (C1-4 alkylene)R10; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl or R2 together with R3 and together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3-8 cycloalkyl group; R4 is C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy or halogen; R5 and R7 are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C(O)NH2, C(O)OH or (C1-4 alkylene)R10; R6 and R8 are independently hydrogen or halogen; R9 is hydrogen, (C1-4 alkylene)R10, C(O)NH2, C(O)OH or R9 together with R form a 6 membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing a further heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen; R10 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C(O)NH2, C(O)NH(C1-4 alkyl), C(O)N(C1-4 alkyl)2 or C(O)OH; n is 0, 1 or 2. processes for their preparation, to compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of diseases and conditions for which antagonism of NK1 is beneficial. |
| US08367684B2 |
Derivatives of 4-(N-azacycloalkyl) anilides as potassium channel modulators
This invention provides potassium channel modulators which are compounds of formula I where at least one of W and Z is N; where the moiety is one of Groups A or B below A where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R1 and R2 as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom; and where other substituents are defined herein. The invention also provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one of the following: i) a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I and ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof. The invention also provides a method of preventing or treating a disease or disorder which is affected by activities of potassium channels, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a salt, ester, or prodrug thereof. |
| US08367683B2 |
Composition and method for treatment of warts
Provided is a composition comprising 5-FU and salicylic acid. This composition is useful as a treatment for warts. As opposed to conventional compositions and methods, this composition need only be applied once a day. Also provided are methods for the preparation and use of the composition for treatment of warts. |
| US08367681B2 |
Pyrazolopyrimidines and related heterocycles as kinase inhibitors
The invention provides compounds of general formula (I) that inhibit selected kinases (Pim and/or CK2 kinases) and compositions containing such compounds. These compounds and compositions are useful for treating proliferative disorders such as cancer, as well as other kinase-associated conditions including inflammation, pain, and certain infections and immunological disorders. |
| US08367678B2 |
Treatment for spinal muscular atrophy
A method of treating spinal muscular atrophy. The method includes administering an effective amount of composition including a sodium-proton exchanger inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or salt, to a subject with spinal muscular atrophy to ameliorate a symptom of spinal muscular atrophy. |
| US08367676B2 |
2-carboxamide-7-piperazinyl-benzofuran derivatives 774
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is heteroaryl or heterocyclyl, optionally substituted; R2 is C1-4alkyl, heterocyclyl, C1-4alkylaryl, C1-4alkylheteroaryl, carbocyclyl, C1-4alkylheterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-heteroaryl, aryl-heterocyclyl, carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, heterocyclyl-aryl, optionally substituted; R3 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl, or R2 and R3 may together with the nitrogen atom, form a saturated ring system containing 4, 5 or 6 ring forming atoms, and optionally substituted; R4 is hydrogen, halogen, methyl or methoxy; to pharmaceutical composition containing said compounds and to the use of said compounds in therapy, for instance in treating cognitive disorders. The present invention further relates to new intermediates useful in the preparation thereof. |
| US08367675B2 |
Compounds and method for treatment of cancer
The present invention is directed to methods of use of a compound of Formula I: and/or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, tautomer, optical isomer, or combination thereof, a composition comprising the thiosemicarbazone, a method of administration thereof, and use thereof to treat a cancer. |
| US08367674B2 |
Piperazine derivatives
This invention relates to novel compounds that are piperazine derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to novel piperazine compounds that are derivatives of the chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonist, vicriviroc. This invention also provides pyrogen-free compositions comprising one or more compounds of the invention and a carrier and the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are treated by administering chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonists, such as vicriviroc. The invention also relates to the use of one or more of the disclosed compounds as reagents in analytical studies involving vicriviroc. |
| US08367673B2 |
Substituted diketopiperazines as oxytocin antagonists
A method of treating or preventing diseases or conditions mediated through the action of oxytocin which comprises administering to a human in need thereof of an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08367668B2 |
Pyridazinone derivatives
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumours. |
| US08367666B2 |
3-carbamoyl-2-pyridone derivatives
The present invention provides compounds having an agonistic activity to the cannabinoid receptor, which is represented by the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and G are defined as herein, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions, atopic dermatitis treating agents, and anti-pruritus agents, especially anti-pruritus agents for oral used and for external application, which each contains the said compound as an active ingredient. |
| US08367664B2 |
Substituted 3-(5-membered unsaturated heterocyclyl-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one's and derivatives thereof as kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation. |
| US08367660B2 |
Modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating diseases using such CFTR modulators. |
| US08367653B2 |
Azetidinyl diamides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein. |
| US08367652B2 |
Methods of treating hypertriglyceridemia
In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof. |
| US08367645B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating hyperproliferative diseases
The invention relates to a composition that includes a first agent selected including an agent that possesses anti-inflammatory activity or acetaminophen, phenacetin, tramadol and the like; a second agent selected from the group consisting of an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, an ionophore, and an adenosine 5-monophosphate-activated Protein kinase (AMPK) activator; a third agent that possesses or maintains serotonin activity. |
| US08367642B2 |
Methods of preventing or treating diseases and conditions using complex carbohydrates
The invention relates to a method of preventing and treating diseases and conditions associated with allergies, autoimmunity, the adhesion cascade, the metastatic cascade or the coronary cascade comprising administering (i) at least one complex carbohydrate as the sole active ingredient, or (ii) at least one pharmaceutical composition which comprises as an active ingredient a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one low purity or cosmetic grade complex carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of oligosaccharides, sialylated oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans, and an effective amount of at least one transdermal or transmucosal carrier in an amount effective to deliver the complex carbohydrate into the blood stream. |
| US08367641B2 |
Use of modified oligo-β-(1,3)-glucans for treating diseases of the immune system, oligo-β-(1,3)-glucan-(1,3)-mannose, oligo-β-(1,3)-glucan-(1,3)-mannitol and derivatives thereof, methods for preparing them and medicaments containing them
The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound of formula (I) or (II), in which R1 is H and n is an integer from 2 to 10, for the preparation of a medicament for treating diseases chosen from the group comprising tumour, cancer, viral disease, bacterial disease, fungal disease, disease of the immune system, auto-immune disease or disease linked to a deficiency in immunostimulation, in human beings and warm-blooded animals. The invention also relates to new products having a mannose or mannitol termination as well as a method for preparing them. |
| US08367640B2 |
Complex consisted of a polysaccharide and an HBP
The invention relates to a complex consisted of a polysaccharide and an HBP, said polysaccharide being consisted from glycoside bonds of (1,6) and/or (1,4) and/or (1,3) and/or (1,2) type and functionalized with at least one salifiable or salified tryptophan derivative. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a complex according to the invention and to the use of a polysaccharide consisted of glycoside bonds of (1,6) and/or (1,4) and/or (1,3) and/or (1,2) type and functionalized with at least one salifiable or salified tryptophan derivative, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation of stable HBPs. |
| US08367638B2 |
Galactose-pronged polysaccharides in a formulation for antifibrotic therapies
Methods and compositions for reducing fibrosis and cirrhosis are provided in which an effective dose of an admixture of a polysaccharide compound and, for example, a compound selected from the group consisting of antibodies specific to intracellular or cell-surface: (i) beta-PDGF receptors; (ii) synaptophysin; (iii) zvegf3; (iv) CCR1 receptors; (v) connective tissue growth factor; (vi) alpha 1-smooth muscle actin; (vii) matrix metalloproteinases MMP 2 and MMP9; (viii) matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP1 and TMP2; (ix) integrins; (x) TFG-β1; (xi) endothelin receptor antagonists; and (xii) collagen synthesis and degradation modulating compounds; (xiii) actin synthesis and degradation modulating compounds; and (xiv) tyrosine kinases is administered to an animal in order to treat fibrosis. |
| US08367637B2 |
Composition for treating arthritic disorder
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating a joint disease containing as an active ingredient thereof a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid for which the endotoxin level thereof has been lowered to an extent that does not substantially induce inflammation or fever. As a result, it is possible to provide a composition for treating a joint disease which has the effects of protecting cartilage from mechanical irritation, inhibiting degenerative changes in cartilage caused by wear and inflammation, repairing cartilage injuries, suppressing inflammation and pain of joint tissue, inhibiting degeneration of synovial tissue, and inhibiting osteochondral destruction. |
| US08367636B2 |
Composition based on salts of hyaluronic acid for treating epithelial lesions
Compositions based on physiologically acceptable salts of hyaluronic acid having very low viscosity, usable for the treatment and prevention of epithelial lesions and lesions of the connective tissue. |
| US08367632B2 |
Methods for reverting methylation by targeting methyltransferases
Methods for restoring a desired pattern of DNA methylation, inducing re-expression of methylation-silenced tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), and/or inhibiting tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo in a subject in need thereof by administering an effective amount of one or more miR-29s sufficient to target one or more of DNMT3A and DNMT3B are disclosed. |
| US08367629B2 |
MCP-1 binding nucleic acids and use thereof
The present invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule capable of binding to MCP-1, whereby the nucleic acid molecule is for use as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of a chronic disease or chronic disorder, preferably selected from the group consisting of chronic respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. |
| US08367626B2 |
Elastin-like polymer delivery vehicles
In invention concerns elastin-like polymer (ELP) delivery compositions and methods for the use thereof. In some aspects ELP compositions may be used to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids, polypeptides of small molecules. In some aspects, in vivo delivery with ELP compositions can directed to specific target sites by the application of local hyperthermia therapy. Compositions and methods for ELP gene therapy are provided. |
| US08367623B2 |
Glycolipid and medicine for autoimmune disease containing the same as active ingredient
The invention is a glycolipid useful in treating autoimmune diseases and a medicine thereof as active ingredient for autoimmune diseases, represented by the formula wherein R1 is an aldopyranose group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R3 is —CH2—, —CH(OH)—CH2— or —CH═CH—, R4 is a hydrogen atom or CH3, x is 0-35, y and z represent integers satisfying y+z=0-3. |
| US08367616B2 |
Use of a granulin or a granulin-like compound in the therapy or prophylaxis of chronic pains
The invention relates to the use of a granulin or a granulin-like compound for producing a pharmaceutical composition for the therapy or prophylaxis of chronic pain, in particular for neuropathic pain. |
| US08367615B2 |
Stimulation of neuron regeneration by secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor
The present invention provides methods for stimulating neuronal survival, growth and regeneration by administering SLPIs to animals, such as humans. These methods can be used to treat a variety of neurological conditions such as neural injuries and degenerative diseases in subjects in need thereof. |
| US08367614B2 |
Rheumatoid arthritis-preventive agent for oral intake
There is provided a rheumatoid arthritis inhibitor for oral intake that has an inhibitory effect on rheumatoid arthritis and is excellent in safety. The rheumatoid arthritis inhibitor for oral intake of the present invention contains, as an active component, a casein hydrolysate containing free amino acids and peptides obtained by hydrolyzing animal milk casein to have an average chain length of not longer than 2.1 in terms of the number of amino acid residues, or a mixture of free amino acids and peptides contained in the hydrolysate. |
| US08367611B2 |
Activin-actriia antagonists for inhibiting germ cell maturation
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing FSH levels in a patient. The patient may, for example, be diagnosed with an FSH-related disorder or desire to delay or inhibit germ cell maturation. |
| US08367609B2 |
Methods of reducing skin damage and edema
This application features methods of treating (e.g., reducing, ameliorating, or preventing) skin damage (e.g., induced by UVB) by decreasing the level or activity of VEGF-A, e.g., in the skin, of a subject. |
| US08367605B2 |
Copolymer-1 improvements in compositions of copolymers
The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons. |
| US08367601B2 |
Liquid concentrated fabric softener composition
Disclosed are concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium cation and benzylated alcohol solvent having between 50% to 90% weight active ingredients. Benzyl alcohol is disclosed as a preferred solvent to produce a clear liquid solution formulation rather than emulsion. The concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions of the present invention possess desirable stability, sustainability and fabric-softening properties. Methods of use are further described. |
| US08367596B2 |
Laundry detergent compositions in the form of an article
A laundry additive article comprises surfactant, water-soluble and/or water-dispersible film-forming polymer, plasticizer, bleach, suds suppressor and Remaining Water. The article is in the form of a first flexible porous dissolvable solid structure having a dry density and having a Percent open cell content. |
| US08367592B2 |
Lubricant for metallic material working and a method of press working a metallic material
To provide a lubricant for metallic material working and a method of press working a metallic material that makes it possible to improve the working accuracy of a press worked product and prolong the life of the die assembly beyond prior levels of life. [Solution] A lubricant for metallic material working comprises a mixture of a sulfur-based extreme pressure agent, an organic zinc compound, a calcium-based additive, and an ester compound, with lubricant base oil. The sulfur-based extreme pressure agent has a sulfur content of 5% by weight or higher based on the total weight of the lubricant. The organic zinc compound has a zinc content of 0.5% by weight or higher based on the total weight of the lubricant. The calcium-based additive has a calcium content of 0.5% by weight or higher based on the total weight of the lubricant. And the ester compound occupies a content of 1.0% by weight or higher based on the total weight of the lubricant. Additionally, the solution includes a method of press working a metallic material that employs such a lubricant. |
| US08367590B2 |
Gelled hydrocarbons for oilfield processes and methods of use
Gelled liquid hydrocarbons and methods for gelling hydrocarbons and treating subterranean wellbores employ a phosphorus compound of the formula: wherein, X is a straight chained alkyl or alkoxy group having 5 to 18 carbon atoms in combination with a polyvalent metal source. |
| US08367589B2 |
Polysaccharide treatment fluid and method of treating a subterranean formation
A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from an aqueous medium, a diutan heteropolysaccharide having a tetrasaccharide repeating unit in the polymer backbone and a peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. Breaking aids or catalysts may also be used with the treatment fluid. |
| US08367586B2 |
Collection and methods for its use
The present disclosure enables collections of variable heavy chain and variable light chain pairs comprising, in part, germline protein sequences that are pre-selected for functional properties relevant to developability, wherein the collections may be used to select against any antigen using, for example, phage display. |
| US08367578B2 |
Non-zeolite base metal SCR catalyst
An article for treating a gas containing nitrogen oxides having a monolith substrate loaded with a catalytic composition containing at least one catalytic component consisting of (i) at least one transition metal dispersed on a mixed oxide or composite oxide or a mixture thereof as support material consisting of cerium and zirconium; or (ii) cerium oxide and zirconium oxide as single oxides or a composite oxide thereof or a mixture of the single oxides and the composite oxide dispersed on an inert oxide support material, wherein at least one transition metal is dispersed thereon, wherein the at least one transition metal is selected from the group consisting of a metal from Group VIB, IB, IVA, VB, VIIB, and VIII and mixtures of any two or more thereof, provided that at least one selected transition metal is tungsten, wherein the catalytic composition is disposed on said monolith substrate. |
| US08367576B2 |
Charge-dispersing alpha prime-beta prime SiA1ON
Industrial blast nozzles are disclosed which have liners made, at least in part, from a SiAlON-containing ceramic material which has a surface resistance of about 12 megaOhms or less and an erosion rate of about 1.9×10−4 cm3/g or less. The SiAlON-containing ceramic material preferably contains a two-phase SiAlON, silicon carbide, and a conductive phase that is one or more of titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, zirconium nitride, and titanium carbide. |
| US08367573B2 |
Glass composition and its applications
A glass composition substantially free from lead and bismuth and containing vanadium oxide and phosphor oxide as main ingredients, wherein the sintered glass of the glass composition exhibits 109 Ωcm or more at 25° C. |
| US08367572B2 |
Optical glass
An optical glass has a composition including: 40 to 65 mass % of P2O5, and 0 to less than 5 mass % of Li2O+Na2O+K2O. In the optical glass, (MgO+CaO)/(Li2O+Na2O+K2O) which is a ratio of the total content expressed in mass % of MgO and CaO to the total content expressed in mass % of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O, is in a range from 6 to 38. |
| US08367568B2 |
Wet wipes having a liquid wipe composition with an organopolysiloxane
The present disclosure generally relates to wet wipes having liquid wipe compositions that including an organopolysiloxane that reduces sheet-to-sheet adhesion, improves the stack height, increases flexibility and maintains strength in the wet wipe. The liquid wipe compositions include an organopolysiloxane having the following structure: wherein p+q=1 to 2000, R1 is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group, and R2 and R3 are independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a hydroxyl group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyether, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in quaternary, and a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyampholyte. |
| US08367564B2 |
Crystallization method of amorphous silicon layer
A crystallization method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having an amorphous silicon layer, wherein the substate has first and second sides opposing each other and irradiating a laser beam onto the substrate so as to have an inclined angle with respect to the first and second sides of the substrate. The method further includes relatively moving one of the laser beam and the substate with respect to the other i) in a first direction from the first side to the second side of the substate and ii) in a second direction which crosses the first direction. |
| US08367561B2 |
Method in depositing metal oxide materials
The present invention relates to a method for enhancing uniformity of metal oxide coatings formed by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) or ALD-type processes. Layers are formed using alternating pulses of metal halide and oxygen-containing precursors, preferably water, and purging when necessary. An introduction of modificator pulses following the pulses of the oxygen-containing precursor affects positively on layer uniformity, which commonly exhibits gradients, particularly in applications with closely arranged substrates. In particular, improvement in layer thickness uniformity is obtained. According to the invention, alcohols having one to three carbon atoms can be used as the modificator. |
| US08367560B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes the steps of forming a silicate film by performing a first step of forming a metal oxide film on a silicon substrate, and a second step of inducing a solid phase reaction between the metal oxide film and a surface of the silicon substrate by heat treatment, and forming a high dielectric constant insulating film on the silicate film. |
| US08367556B1 |
Use of an organic planarizing mask for cutting a plurality of gate lines
An organic planarizing layer (OPL) is formed atop a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of gate lines thereon. Each gate line includes at least a high k gate dielectric and a metal gate. A patterned photoresist having at least one pattern formed therein is then positioned atop the OPL. The at least one pattern in the photoresist is perpendicular to each of the gate lines. The pattern is then transferred by etching into the OPL and portions of each of the underlying gate lines to provide a plurality of gate stacks each including at least a high k gate dielectric portion and a metal gate portion. The patterned photoresist and the remaining OPL layer are then removed utilizing a sequence of steps including first contacting with a first acid, second contacting with an aqueous cerium-containing solution, and third contacting with a second acid. |
| US08367555B2 |
Removal of masking material
Methods for removing a masking material, for example, a photoresist, and electronic devices formed by removing a masking material are presented. For example, a method for removing a masking material includes contacting the masking material with a solution comprising cerium. The cerium may be comprised in a salt. The salt may be cerium ammonium nitrate. |
| US08367554B2 |
Methods for forming a gate and a shallow trench isolation region and for planarizing an etched surface of silicon substrate
A method for forming a gate, which can improve the etching uniformity of the sidewalls of the gate, includes the following steps: forming a dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a polysilicon layer on the dielectric layer; etching the polysilicon layer; performing an isotropic plasma etching process on the etched polysilicon layer by using a mixed gases containing a fluorine-based gas and oxygen gas; and cleaning the semiconductor substrate subjected to the isotropic plasma etching process, thereby forming a gate. The present invention further provides a method for forming a shallow trench isolation region, which can improve the filling quality of a subsequent spacer and the electrical properties of the resultant shallow trench isolation region, and a method for planarizing an etched surface of silicon substrate, which can improve the etching uniformity of the surface of silicon substrate. |
| US08367553B2 |
Method for manufacturing through-silicon via
A method for manufacturing TSVs comprises following steps: A stack structure having a substrate, an ILD layer and a dielectric stop layer is provided, in which an opening penetrating through the ILD layer and the dialectic stop layer and further extending into the substrate is formed. After an insulator layer and a metal barrier are formed on the stack structure, a top metal layer is formed on the stack structure to fulfill the opening. A first planarization process stopping on the metal barrier is conducted, wherein the first planarization process has a polishing rate for removing the metal barrier less than that for removing the top metal layer. A second planarization process stopping on the dielectric stop layer is conducted, wherein the second planarization process has a polishing rate for removing the insulator layer greater than that for removing the dielectric stop layer. The dielectric stop layer is than removed. |
| US08367552B2 |
Method for fabrication of in-laid metal interconnects
The present invention relates to a method for fabrication of in-laid metal interconnects. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate with a dielectric material on top thereof, depositing a protection layer on top of the dielectric material, depositing a sacrificial layer on top of the protection layer, the sacrificial layer having a mechanical strength that is lower than the mechanical strength of the protection layer, making an opening) through the sacrificial layer, through the protection layer and into the dielectric material, depositing a barrier layer in the opening and on the sacrificial layer, depositing metal material on the barrier layer, the metal material filling the opening, removing portions of the metal material existing beyond the opening by means of polishing, and removing the barrier layer and the sacrificial layer in one polishing step. |
| US08367551B2 |
Spin-printing of etchants and modifiers
The present invention is directed to processes for printing compositions containing etchants or modifiers onto surfaces by spinning a filament from a viscoelastic polymer solution containing an etchant or modifier. The present invention also relates to viscoelastic compositions used in the printing processes, and devices made therefrom. |
| US08367550B2 |
Fabricating low contact resistance conductive layer in semiconductor device
A conductive layer may be fabricated on a semiconductor substrate by loading a silicon substrate in to a chamber whose inside temperature is at a loading temperature in the range of approximately 250° C. to approximately 300° C., increasing the inside temperature of the chamber from the loading temperature to a process temperature, and sequentially stacking a single crystalline silicon layer and a polycrystalline silicon layer over the silicon substrate by supplying a silicon source gas and an impurity source gas in to the chamber, where the chamber may be, for example, a CVD chamber or a LPCVD chamber. |
| US08367545B2 |
System and method for monitoring copper barrier layer preclean process
A monitor wafer for use in monitoring a preclean process and method of making same are described. One embodiment is a monitor wafer comprising a silicon base layer; a capping layer disposed on the silicon base layer; and a barrier layer disposed on the USG layer. The monitor wafer further comprises a copper (“Cu”) seed layer disposed on the barrier layer; and a thick Cu layer disposed on the Cu seed layer. |
| US08367544B2 |
Self-aligned patterned etch stop layers for semiconductor devices
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes patterning a photoresist layer formed over a homogeneous semiconductor device layer to be etched; subjecting the semiconductor device to an implant process that selectively implants a sacrificial etch stop layer that is self-aligned in accordance with locations of features to be etched within the homogeneous semiconductor device layer, and at a desired depth for the features to be etched; etching a feature pattern defined by the patterned photoresist layer into the homogenous semiconductor device layer, stopping on the implanted sacrificial etch stop layer; and removing remaining portion of the implanted sacrificial etch stop layer prior to filling the etched feature pattern with a fill material. |
| US08367543B2 |
Structure and method to improve current-carrying capabilities of C4 joints
A system and method comprises depositing a dielectric layer on a substrate and depositing a metal layer on the dielectric layer. The system and method further includes depositing a high temperature diffusion barrier metal cap on the metal layer. The system and method further includes depositing a second dielectric layer on the high temperature diffusion barrier metal cap and the first dielectric layer, and etching a via into the second dielectric layer, such that the high temperature diffusion barrier metal cap is exposed. The system and method further includes depositing an under bump metallurgy in the via, and forming a C4 ball on the under bump metallurgy layer. |
| US08367540B2 |
Interconnect structure including a modified photoresist as a permanent interconnect dielectric and method of fabricating same
A photoresist conversion that changes a patterned photoresist into a permanent patterned interconnect dielectric is described. The photoresist conversion process includes adding a dielectric enabling element into a patterned photoresist. The dielectric enabling element-containing photoresist is converted into a permanent patterned dielectric material by performing a curing step. In one embodiment, a method is described that includes providing at least one photoresist to an upper surface of a substrate. At least one interconnect pattern is formed into the at least one photoresist. A dielectric enabling element is added to the patterned photoresist and thereafter the patterned photoresist including the dielectric enabling element is cured into a cured permanent patterned dielectric material. The cured permanent patterned dielectric material includes the dielectric enabling therein. |
| US08367537B2 |
Flash memory cell with a flair gate
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of forming a memory cell. The method includes etching a trench in a substrate and filling the trench with an oxide to form a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. A portion of an active region of the substrate that comes in contact with the STI region forms a bitline-STI edge. The method further includes forming a gate structure over the active region of the substrate and over the STI region. The gate structure has a first width substantially over the center of the active region of the substrate and a second width substantially over the bitline-STI edge, and the second width is greater than the first width. |
| US08367535B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device
Example embodiments herein relate to a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method may include forming a liner insulating layer on a surface of a gate pattern to have a first thickness. Subsequently, a gap fill layer may be formed on the liner insulating layer by flowable chemical vapor deposition (FCVD) or spin-on-glass (SOG). The liner insulating layer and the gap fill layer may be recessed such that the liner insulating layer has a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness, in the region in which a metal silicide will be formed. Metal silicide may be formed on the plurality of gate patterns to have a relatively uniform thickness using the difference in thickness of the liner insulating layer. |
| US08367534B2 |
Non-uniformity reduction in semiconductor planarization
Provided is a method of planarizing a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate. The method includes forming a first layer over the substrate. The method includes forming a second layer over the first layer. The first and second layers have different material compositions. The method includes forming a third layer over the second layer. The method includes performing a polishing process on the third layer until the third layer is substantially removed. The method includes performing an etch back process to remove the second layer and a portion of the first layer. Wherein an etching selectivity of the etch back process with respect to the first and second layers is approximately 1:1. |
| US08367533B2 |
Semiconductor devices including doped metal silicide patterns and related methods of forming such devices
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. The method includes forming an interlayer dielectric on a semiconductor substrate, forming a contact hole in the interlayer dielectric to expose the semiconductor substrate, forming a metal pattern including a dopant on the exposed semiconductor substrate, and performing a heat treatment process to react the semiconductor substrate with the metal pattern to form a metal silicide pattern. The heat treatment process includes diffuses the dopant into the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08367532B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method
A semiconductor device in one embodiment has a first connection region, a second connection region and a semiconductor volume arranged between the first and second connection regions. Provision is made, within the semiconductor volume, in the vicinity of the second connection region, of a field stop zone for spatially delimiting a space charge zone that can be formed in the semiconductor volume, and of an anode region adjoining the first connection region. The dopant concentration profile within the semiconductor volume is configured such that the integral of the ionized dopant charge over the semiconductor volume, proceeding from an interface of the anode region which faces the second connection region, in the direction of the second connection region, reaches a quantity of charge corresponding to the breakdown charge of the semiconductor device only near the interface of the field stop zone which faces the second connection region. |
| US08367530B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A substrate processing apparatus, including: a reaction container in which a substrate is processed; a seal cap, brought into contact with one end in an opening side of the reaction container via a first sealing member and a second sealing member so as to seal the opening of the reaction container air-tightly; a first gas channel, formed in a region between the first sealing member and the second sealing member in a state where the seal cap is in contact with the reaction container; a second gas channel, provided to the seal cap and through which the first gas channel is in communication with an inside of the reaction container; a first gas supply port that is provided to the reaction container and supplies a first gas to the first gas channel; and a second gas supply port that is provided to the reaction container and supplies a second gas into the reaction container, wherein a front end opening of the first gas supply port opening to the first gas channel, and a base opening of the second gas channel opening to the first gas channel being separated from each other in a state where the seal cap is in contact with the reaction container. |
| US08367529B2 |
Method for preparing a semiconductor
The invention concerns a method for preparing a NIII-V semiconductor. According to the invention, the method includes at least one step of doping a semiconductor of general formula AlxGa1-xN, wherein the atomic number x represents the number between 0 and 1 with a p-type electron-accepting dopant, as well as a co-doping step with a codopant capable of modifying the structure of the valency band. The invention also concerns a semiconductor as well as its use in electronics or optoelectronics. The invention further concerns a device as well as a diode using such a semiconductor. |
| US08367527B2 |
Method of fabricating polycrystalline silicon thin film
A method of fabricating a polycrystalline silicon thin that includes a metal layer forming operation of forming a metal layer on an insulating substrate, a first silicon layer forming operation of stacking a silicon layer on the metal layer formed in the metal layer forming operation, a first annealing operation of forming a silicide layer using by moving catalyst metal atoms from the metal layer to the silicon layer using an annealing process, a second silicon layer forming operation of stacking an amorphous silicon layer on the silicide layer, and a crystallization operation of crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer into crystalline silicon through the medium of particles of the silicide layer. |
| US08367525B2 |
Rapid patterning of nanostructures
A process for forming nanostructures comprises generating charged nanoparticles with an electrospray system and introduction of the charged nanoparticles to a substrate, so that the particles adhere to the substrate in order to form the desired structure. The charged nanoparticles may be directed to a target position by at least one deflector in the electrospray apparatus, which may also include a column optic system. The adhered nanoparticles may be sintered to form the structure. The electrospray apparatus may be single source, multi-source injection, or multi-source selection. An array of electrospray apparatuses with deflectors may be used concurrently to form the structure. |
| US08367522B1 |
Method and structure of integrated micro electro-mechanical systems and electronic devices using edge bond pads
A method for fabricating a monolithic integrated electronic device using edge bond pads as well as the resulting device. The method includes providing a substrate having a surface region and forming one or more integrated micro electro-mechanical systems and electronic devices on a first region overlying the surface region. One or more trench structures can be formed within one or more portions of the first region. A passivation material and a conduction material can be formed overlying the first region and the one or more trench structures. The passivation material and the conduction material can be etched to form one or more bonding pad structure. The resulting device can then be singulated within a vicinity of the one or more bond pad structures to form two or more integrated micro electro-mechanical systems and electronic devices having edge bond pads. |
| US08367516B2 |
Laser bonding for stacking semiconductor substrates
Methods and structures using laser bonding for stacking semiconductor substrates are described. In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a trench in a first substrate, and a bond pad on a second substrate comprising active circuitry. A top surface of the bond pad includes a first material. The first substrate is aligned over the second substrate to align the trench over the bond pad. An electromagnetic beam is directed into the trench to form a bond between the first material on the bond pad and a second material at a bottom surface of the first substrate. |
| US08367515B2 |
Hybrid shallow trench isolation for high-k metal gate device improvement
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device with improved performance is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate including a first region and a second region; forming at least one isolation region having a first aspect ratio in the first region and at least one isolation region having a second aspect ratio in the second region; performing a high aspect ratio deposition process to form a first layer over the first and second regions of the substrate; removing the first layer from the second region; and performing a high density plasma deposition process to form a second layer over the first and second regions of the substrate. |
| US08367514B2 |
Integrated circuit with capacitor and method for the production thereof
An integrated circuit and fabrication method are presented. The integrated circuit includes a capacitor containing a base electrode, a covering electrode, and a dielectric between the base and covering electrodes. The dielectric contains an oxide of a material contained in the base electrode, which may be produced by anodic oxidation. A peripheral edge of the dielectric is uncovered by the covering electrode. A base layer on the capacitor includes a cutout adjacent to the dielectric. During fabrication, the base layer protects the material of the base electrode that is to be anodically oxidized from chemicals, and also protects the surrounding regions from anodic oxidation. A precision resistor may be fabricated simultaneously with the capacitor. |
| US08367513B2 |
Systems and methods for fabricating self-aligned memory cell
Systems and methods are disclosed to form a resistive random access memory (RRAM) by forming a first metal electrode layer; depositing an insulator above the metal electrode layer and etching the insulator to expose one or more metal portions; depositing a Pr1-XCaXMnO3 (PCMO) layer above the insulator and the metal portions, wherein X is between approximately 0.3 and approximately 0.5, to form one or more self-aligned RRAM cells above the first metal electrode; and depositing a second metal electrode layer above the PCMO layer. |
| US08367509B1 |
Self-aligned method for forming contact of device with reduced step height
A method for forming a contact of a semiconductor device with reduced step height is disclosed, comprising forming a plurality of gates, forming a buffer layer on each of the gates, forming an insulating layer to fill spaces between the gates, forming strip-shaped photoresist patterns which cross the gates, etching the insulating layer to form first openings using a self-aligning process with the gates and the strip-shaped photoresist patterns as a mask, forming a conductive contact layer to fill the first openings, performing a first chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process to the conductive contact layer, removing the buffer layer, and forming a second chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process to the conductive contact layer. |
| US08367508B2 |
Self-aligned contacts for field effect transistor devices
A method for forming a field effect transistor includes forming a gate stack, a spacer adjacent to opposing sides of the gate stack, a silicide source region and a silicide drain region on opposing sides of the spacer, epitaxially growing silicon on the source region and the drain region; forming a liner layer on the gate stack and the spacer, removing a portion of the liner layer to expose a portion of the hardmask layer, removing the exposed portions of the hardmask layer to expose a silicon layer of the gate stack, removing exposed silicon to expose a portion of a metal layer of the gate stack, the source region, and the drain region; and depositing a conductive material on the metal layer of the gate stack, the silicide source region, and the silicide drain region. |
| US08367505B2 |
Memory in logic cell
Methods, devices, and systems for a memory in logic cell are provided. One or more embodiments include using a cell structure having a first gate, a second gate, and a third gate, e.g., a control gate, a back gate, and a floating gate, as a memory in logic cell. The method includes programming the floating gate to a first state to cause the memory in logic cell to operate as a first logic gate type. The method further includes programming the floating gate to a second state to cause the memory in logic cell to operate as a second logic gate type. |
| US08367497B2 |
Method to reduce trench capacitor leakage for random access memory device
A method is provided that includes forming a trench isolation structure in a dynamic random memory region (DRAM) of a substrate and patterning an etch mask over the trench structure to expose a portion of the trench structure. A portion of the exposed trench structure is removed to form a gate trench that includes a first corner formed by the substrate and a second corner formed by the trench structure. The etch mask is removed and the first corner of the gate trench is rounded to form a rounded corner. This is followed by the formation of an oxide layer over a sidewall of the gate trench, the first rounded corner, and the semiconductor substrate adjacent the gate trench. The trench is filled with a gate material. |
| US08367496B2 |
Scavanging metal stack for a high-k gate dielectric
A stack of a high-k gate dielectric and a metal gate structure includes a lower metal layer, a scavenging metal layer, and an upper metal layer. The scavenging metal layer meets the following two criteria 1) a metal (M) for which the Gibbs free energy change of the reaction Si+2/y MxOy→2x/y M+SiO2 is positive 2) a metal that has a more negative Gibbs free energy per oxygen atom for formation of oxide than the material of the lower metal layer and the material of the upper metal layer. The scavenging metal layer meeting these criteria captures oxygen atoms as the oxygen atoms diffuse through the gate electrode toward the high-k gate dielectric. In addition, the scavenging metal layer remotely reduces the thickness of a silicon oxide interfacial layer underneath the high-k dielectric. As a result, the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of the total gate dielectric is reduced and the field effect transistor maintains a constant threshold voltage even after high temperature processes during CMOS integration. |
| US08367494B2 |
Electrical fuse formed by replacement metal gate process
A method is provided for fabricating an electrical fuse and a field effect transistor having a metal gate which includes removing material from first and second openings in a dielectric region overlying a substrate, wherein the first opening is aligned with an active semiconductor region of the substrate, and the second opening is aligned with an isolation region of the substrate, and the active semiconductor region including a source region and a drain region adjacent edges of the first opening. An electrical fuse can be formed which has a fuse element filling the second opening, the fuse element being a monolithic region of a single conductive material being a metal or a conductive compound of a metal. A metal gate can be formed which extends within the first opening to define a field effect transistor (“FET”) which includes the metal gate and the active semiconductor region. |
| US08367490B2 |
Semiconductor structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present application discloses a semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor structure according to the present invention adjusts a threshold voltage with a common contact, which has a portion outside the source or drain region extending to the back-gate region and provides an electrical contact of the source or drain region and the back-gate region, which leads to a simple manufacturing process, an increased integration level and a lowered manufacture cost. Moreover, the asymmetric design of the back-gate structure further increases the threshold voltage and improves the performance of the device. |
| US08367487B2 |
Structure and method for fabricating a microelectronic device provided with one or more quantum wires able to form one or more transistor channels
The disclosure concerns a microelectronic device provided with one or more < |
| US08367482B2 |
Methods for fabricating contacts of semiconductor device structures and methods for designing semiconductor device structures
Methods for fabricating contacts of semiconductor device structures include forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate with active-device regions spaced at a first pitch, forming a first plurality of substantially in-line apertures over every second active-device region of the active-device regions, and forming a second plurality of substantially in-line apertures laterally offset from apertures of the first plurality over active-device regions over which apertures of the first plurality are not located. Methods for designing semiconductor device structures include forming at least two laterally offset sets of contacts over a substrate including active-device regions at a first pitch, the contacts being formed at a second pitch that is about twice the first pitch. |
| US08367481B2 |
Four MOSFET full bridge module
A molded, leadless packaged semiconductor multichip module includes 100 has four mosfets 10, 12, 14, 16 for a full bridge circuit. The mosfets may include two N-channel and two P-channel devices or four mosfets of the same type, but four N-channel are preferred. In module 100 there are two leadframes 30, 40 for assembling the mosfets. In particular, the two N-channel and two P-channel devices are disposed between two leadframes and encapsulated in an electrically insulating molding compound 84. The resulting package has four upper heat sinks 44.1-44.4 that are exposed in the molding compound 84 for transferring heat from the mosfets to the ambient environment. No wire bonds are required. This can significantly reduce the on resistance, RDSON. The top or source-drain lead frame 30 may be soldered to the sources and gates of the bridge mosfets. |
| US08367479B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
To prevent, in a resin-sealed type semiconductor package, generation of cracks in a die bonding material used for mounting of a semiconductor chip. A semiconductor chip is mounted over the upper surface of a die pad via a die bonding material, followed by sealing with an insulating resin. The top surface of the die pad to be brought into contact with the insulating resin is surface-roughened, while the bottom surface of the die pad and an outer lead portion are not surface-roughened. |
| US08367478B2 |
Method and system for internal layer-layer thermal enhancement
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for enhancing the cooling of a chip stack of semiconductor chips. The method includes creating a first chip with circuitry on a first side and creating a second chip electrically and mechanically coupled to the first chip by a grid of connectors. The method further includes creating a cavity in a second side of the first chip between the connectors and filling the cavity with a thermal material. The chip stack of semiconductor chips with enhanced cooling apparatus includes a first chip with circuitry on a first side and a second chip electrically and mechanically coupled to the first chip by a grid of connectors. The apparatus further includes wherein portions of a second side of the first chip between the connectors is removed to provide a cavity in which a thermal material is placed. |