Document Document Title
US08374018B2 Resistive memory using SiGe material
A resistive memory device includes a first electrode; a second electrode having a polycrystalline semiconductor layer that includes silicon; a non-crystalline silicon structure provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode, second electrode and non-crystalline silicon structure define a two-terminal resistive memory cell.
US08374012B2 Phase-controlled uninterruptible power supply
A phase-controlled power supply is disclosed. The power supply includes a power conditioner with an input configured to connect to an external source of electrical power, the power conditioner being configured to provide conditioned power on its output. The power supply also includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a switching module coupled between the output of the power conditioner and to the primary winding of the transformer. The switching module has two modes of operation and a control signal input configured to accept a first control signal. The switching module includes a switching element configured to connect the power conditioner output to the primary winding of the transformer. The switching module operates in the first mode when the first control signal is in a first state, switching the first switching element at a first frequency and first duty cycle. The switching module operates in the second mode when the first control signal is in a second state, switching the first switching element at a frequency and duty cycle according to the first control signal.
US08374009B2 Multi-level parallel phase converter
A multi-level parallel phase power converter has a power source, a converter, and an electrical node. The converter includes multiple converter modules. Each of the converter modules has multiple multi-level power converters, a poly-phase interphase inductor, and a set of poly-phase power summing connections. The summed power of each of the multiple converter modules are connected together to form a single poly-phase power converter.
US08374005B2 Direct AC power converting apparatus
A control section controls a current-source converter while a switch is conducting, to render conducting a pair of a high-aim side transistor and a low-arm side transistor (for example, transistors) which are connected to any one of input lines, performs voltage doubler rectification on a voltage between a neutral phase input line on which a resistor is provided and any one of the input lines, to serve for charging of clamp capacitors.
US08374004B2 Isolated AC-DC converter with master controller on secondary side and slave controller on primary side
An isolated alternating current (AC)-direct current (DC) converter is disclosed. The isolated AC-DC converter comprises a slave control circuit including a slave driver module configured to receive a command and to control coupling of the slave control circuit to a primary-side inductor of a transformer based on the command, a master control circuit coupled to a secondary-side inductor of the transformer, the master control circuit including a master control module configured to sense a feedback voltage across a load and to generate the command based on the feedback voltage and a reference voltage, and a coupler configured to communicate the command from the master control module to the slave driver module and to provide isolation between the master control module and the slave driver module.
US08374001B2 Power supply control circuit and method for sensing voltage in the power supply control circuit
The present invention discloses a power supply control circuit, the power supply providing an output voltage to an output terminal from an input terminal through a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the power supply control circuit comprising: a power switch electrically connected with the primary winding; a switch control circuit controlling the power switch; and a sensing circuit supplying an output signal to the switch control circuit according to voltage signals obtained from two sides of the primary winding, wherein the sensing circuit includes a setting circuit for deciding the output voltage according to a reference signal. The present invention also relates to a voltage sensing method in the power supply control circuit.
US08374000B2 Interleaved flyback converter device with leakage energy recycling
An interleaved flyback converter device with leakage energy recycling includes: two flyback converters and an input power. Each flyback converter includes a capacitor, a switch, two diodes, and a transformer. The input power is connected to the capacitors of the two flyback converters respectively. By using the capacitors as input voltage, the two flyback converters are provided with lower voltage rating. The diodes are used to recycle leakage energy directly, and to clamp voltage on power components. Therefore, in addition to enhancing efficiency via recycling leakage energy, the two flyback converters have lower switching losses due to lower switching voltage.
US08373998B2 Resistor shield to minimize crosstalk and power supply interference
A shield that protects high-value input resistors in a power meter against unwanted effects due to electromagnetic interference from a nearby power supply and/or due to crosstalk from adjacent phases. The shield includes multiple printed circuit board shields that are arranged between each of the input resistors on a main printed circuit board in the power meter. Each PCB shield has a conductive layer that provides the shielding against unwanted energy. The resistors are arranged in a diagonal or parallel manner between each pair of PCB shields to prevent the resistor from movement, which prevents pin fatigue and fixes the value of the parasitic capacitance that is produced in the resistor-PCB-shield combination. In another configuration, the PCB shield is made of a flexible material, and snakes between and over the top or around the side ends of each resistor in a serpentine fashion, protecting the resistors from unwanted energies from both the top and the sides. The PCB shields disclosed herein eliminate variations in the percent error of the measurement phases, which contributes to achieving a highly accurate meter with an overall accuracy of less than 0.1%.
US08373996B2 Dual-level package
Consistent with an aspect of the present disclosure, a package is provided that has a carrier and first and second substrates provided on the carrier. Conductive traces are provided on the first substrate (upper traces) and below it (lower traces) to provide two levels of electrical connectivity to a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) provided on the second substrate. As a result, an increased number of connections can be made to the PIC in a relatively small package, while maintaining adequate spacing and line widths for each trace. In addition, the lower traces are connected to bonding pads on the surface of the first substrate and are thus provided in the same plane as the upper traces. Testing of and access to both upper and lower traces is thus simplified.
US08373991B2 Metal thermal interface material and thermal module and packaged microelectronic component containing the material
The invention provides a metal thermal interface material (TIM) with through-holes in its body and/or zigzags or wave shapes on its border, which is suitable for use at thermal interfaces of a thermal conduction path from an integrated circuit die to its associated heat sink in a packaged microelectronic component. The invention also includes a thermal module and a packaged microelectronic component including the metal thermal interface material.
US08373989B2 Fan fixing device and fan module having same
A fan fixing device for fixing fan units includes two parallel first sidewalls, two parallel second sidewalls, and a number of fixing members. Each first sidewall defines a number of vent ports and includes a vertical plate, a lower plate, and an L-shaped engagement member. The lower plate and the engagement member are positioned at opposite sides of the vertical plate. The second sidewalls are connected between the first sidewalls. The second sidewalls and the first sidewalls cooperatively form a receiving room. The fixing members engage with between the engagement members of the first sidewalls, the fixing member is configured for securing the fan units to the two first sidewalls in the receiving room.
US08373988B2 Server cabinet and server system using the same
A server cabinet adapted for receiving servers therein includes a top plate and a bottom plate opposite to the top plate, a left side plate and a right side plate connecting with the top and bottom plates respectively, and a curtain assembly disposed at a front side of the server cabinet. The curtain assembly includes a pivot and a curtain coiled on the pivot. The curtain assembly defines through holes therein. The curtain is capable of spreading out from the pivot toward the bottom plate to thereby cover the front side of the server cabinet.
US08373984B2 Docking station for connecting a notebook computer
A docking station includes a connector, a first sliding component whereon a first incline and at least one incline are formed, and a second sliding component whereon a third incline is formed. When the second sliding component moves in a first direction so that the third incline slides relative to the first incline, the second sliding component pushes the first sliding component in a second direction for driving the connector to electrically connect with a notebook computer. The second sliding component further includes at least one protrusion. When the second sliding component moves in a third direction opposite to the first direction so that the protrusion slides relative to the second incline, the protrusion drives the first sliding component to move in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction so as to drive the connector to separate from the notebook computer.
US08373983B2 Server
A server includes a chassis, a hard disc module and a cable arranging module. The hard disc module disposed in the chassis is suitable for being pulled out from the chassis. The hard disc module includes a hard disc frame, a back plate and a hard disc plugging opening. The hard disc frame has first and second sides. The back plate and the hard disc plugging opening are located at the first and second sides respectively. The cable arranging module includes a cable set, a fixed frame and a flexible frame. The cable set is connected to the hard disc module. The fixed frame is fixed in the chassis, in which a part of the cable set is fixed to the fixed frame. The flexible frame is connected between the fixed frame and the hard disc frame. The cable set is located in the fixed frame and the flexible frame.
US08373982B2 Computer device
A computer device includes a chassis, a rail disposed in the chassis, an electronic module slidably disposed on the rail, a cable set connected to the electronic device and a cable arranging module. The cable arranging module includes a fixed frame and a flexible frame. The fixed frame extends along a first axis parallel to and under the rail. The flexible frame is connected between the fixed frame and the electronic module. The cable set is located in the fixed frame and the flexible frame. When the electronic module is located in the chassis, a part of the flexible frame is supported on the rail and located on a second axis parallel to the first axis. When the electronic module slides out from the chassis, the flexible frame supported on the rail moves away from the rail along the second axis and at least partially moves to the first axis.
US08373981B2 Expansion card fastening device
An expansion card fastening device includes a bracket, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The bracket includes parallel arranged fences. The first fastener is assembled on one of the fences, and includes a connecting portion, a supporting portion, and an elastic element. The supporting portion and the elastic element are both disposed on an end of the connection portion. A first clasp protrudes from the supporting portion, and faces the same direction with a free end of the elastic element. A second fastener pivots to the supporting portion, and is resisted by the elastic element. A second clasp protrudes from the second fastener, and faces the same direction with the first clasp.
US08373975B2 Protective cover, key assembly using the same and portable electronic device using the key assembly
A protective cover includes a cover body and a pressing body integrally mounted to the cover body. The cover body has an accommodating cavity recessed from a surface of the cover body and an accommodating hole defined through the base wall of the accommodating cavity. The pressing body is mounted to the cover body and includes a pressing portion and a resisting post. The pressing portion is configured for being received within the accommodating cavity and exposed from the accommodating hole. The resisting post protruding from a surface of the pressing portion away from the cover body corresponding to the switch. There also discloses a key assembly using the protective cover and a portable electronic device using the key assembly.
US08373974B2 Electronic device
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a display module, a first component, a second component, a reinforcing member, a wiring, and a supporting member. The display module includes a display screen. The first component includes a first wall and a first engagement portion. The second component includes a second wall located opposite the first wall with respect to the display module and a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion. The reinforcing member is located between the display module and the first and second engagement portions and extends along at least part of the periphery of the display module. The wiring is located between the reinforcing member and the display module. The supporting member is provided to at least one of the first component and the second component and is located between the display module and the wiring to support the display module.
US08373972B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor having a protective structure and method for manufacturing the same
A solid electrolytic capacitor with a protective structure, which includes stacked capacitor elements electrically connected to the positive and negative terminal. A packaging material such as synthetic resin is used to encapsulate the capacitor elements, the positive terminal, and the negative terminal. Before packaging, a protective layer is formed by a colloid material, which covers the main body of the capacitor that includes the capacitor elements, the positive terminal, and the negative terminal. The protective layer provides a better seal and relieves the external pressure exerting on the capacitor during the packaging process. The protection prevents structural damage to the capacitor's main body while reducing the risk of short-circuits and excessive current leakage.
US08373971B2 Supercapacitors using nanotube fibers and methods of making the same
An electrochemical double layer capacitor utilizing nano-fibers in the electrodes for increased performance. The use of nano-fibers significantly increase the surface area of the opposing electrodes for greater levels of specific energy compared to traditional double layered capacitors using activated carbon.
US08373967B2 High-speed differential AC coupling device
The present invention includes method and apparatus for a device including two capacitors separated by a gap within one package thereby the two capacitors are coupled to each other in such a way that the impedance between them are matched with respect to the other components along a transmission path.
US08373965B2 Filtered feedthrough assembly and associated method
A system and method for sealing a capacitor bottom in a filtered feedthrough. The feedthrough comprises a ferrule, a capacitor, at least one terminal pin and a support structure. The support structure includes at least one projection that extends into an aperture of the capacitor. The projection includes an opening through which the at least one terminal pin extends such that, in an assembled state, the terminal pin extends through the opening of the projection and the aperture of the capacitor.
US08373964B2 Multi-layered ceramic capacitor
There is provided a multi-layered ceramic capacitor with reduced internal resistance by forming internal electrode groups including internal electrodes having different lengths. The multi-layered ceramic capacitor of the present invention includes a sintered ceramic body part in which cover layers are provided on both surfaces thereof as an outermost layer and a plurality of ceramic layers are stacked therebetween, first and second external electrodes each formed on an outer surface of the sintered ceramic body part, a plurality of first and second internal electrode groups adjacent to each other in a stacking direction of the plurality of ceramic layers, having the ceramic layer therebetween, and including 2N or 2N+1 (N is an integer number larger than 1) internal electrodes electrically connected to the first and second external electrodes, wherein the 2N or 2N+1 (N is an integer number larger than 1) internal electrodes are disposed to face at least one internal electrode of other adjacent internal electrode groups. A length of each internal electrode has a pyramid shape.
US08373961B2 Coupling for a fluid line
The invention relates to a coupling for a fluid line, wherein an oscillating circuit (5, 9) is present for detecting a properly closed position of an inserted part (13). A tuning device (19) is further provided, by means of which the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit (5, 9) can be influenced such that the resonant frequency corresponds to a characteristic closure frequency only in the closed position of the insertion part (13). The proper arrangement of the insertion part (13) in the closed position can thereby be detected without contact.
US08373959B2 Detecting and preventing overheating in power connectors
A method and apparatus directed to detecting and preventing excessive heating in power connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a power connector having an array of pins. A circuit board, such as a midplane of a blade server chassis, has an array of electrical vias passing through the circuit board that are arranged to receive the array of pins and at least one heat flux sensor positioned on one of the vias at the back of the midplane. The heat flux sensor is configured for generating an electrical signal in relation to an applied heat flux. A controller in communication with the heat flux sensor is configured for powering off the electrical power supply in response to the electrical signal reaching a setpoint corresponding to a selected heat flux threshold.
US08373957B2 Load driving circuit and protection method
A load driving circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor that are bipolar transistors connected in series between a first fixed voltage (Vdd) and a second fixed voltage (GND), and supplies a drive current, according to ON-OFF states of the two transistors, to a load connected to an output terminal that is a connection point of the two transistors. A current source controls a base current supplying the first transistor. A protection circuit compares output voltage of the output terminal with a predetermined threshold voltage, and additionally monitors ON and OFF states of the first transistor. In a state in which Vout
US08373954B2 Composite electronic device and digital transmission circuit using thereof
A composite electronic device includes first and second magnetic substrates, and a functional layer sandwiched between these magnetic substrates, and the functional layer is configured by a common-mode filter layer and a ESD protection element layer. An electrostatic capacitance of the ESD protection elements is equal to or lower than 0.35 pF. The common-mode filter layer includes a first spiral conductor formed on an insulation layer, and a second spiral conductor formed on an insulation layer. DC resistance of a common mode filter is equal to or higher than 0.5Ω and equal to or lower than 5Ω, and an electrostatic capacitance of the ESD protection elements is equal to or lower than 0.35 pF. A width W and a length L of the first and second spiral conductors satisfy a relational equation expressed by √(L/W)<(7.6651−fc)/0.1385.
US08373953B2 Distribution of electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuitry within an integrated circuit
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) or semiconductor device. This semiconductor device includes a number of I/O pads or bumps on an outer surface of the semiconductor device, a number of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection cells and functional modules. Individual ESD protection cells couple to and are downstream of individual I/O pads. Functional modules coupled to and are downstream of individual ESD protection cells. The ESD protection cells protect circuitry within the functional module from electrostatic discharge events. A rail clamp may provide an ESD discharge path between a first power supply bus and a second power supply bus. The ESD protection cells may be collected in groups to form clusters (with linear or irregular placement patterns). These clusters may be distributed autarchically across the semiconductor device overlapping one or more functional modules or within spaces or gaps between the functional modules.
US08373952B2 Integrated DC link inductor and common mode current sensor winding
An integrated DC link inductor and current sensor winding having a core that includes at least two primary legs and at least one secondary leg, two direct current (DC) link windings each wound around one of the two primary legs, and a common mode current sensor winding wound around the secondary leg. Resistors coupled to the common mode current sensor winding may damp the common mode current oscillations.
US08373951B2 Universal serial bus protection circuit
A universal serial bus (USB) protection circuit. The circuit includes a V+ line, a ground line, a D+ line, a D− line, a first resettable device, a second resettable device, a windowing comparator, a first switch, and a second switch. The V+ line is configured to be connected to a V+ connection of a USB cable. The ground line is configured to be connected to a ground connection of the USB cable. The D+ line is configured to be connected to a D+ connection of the USB cable. The D− line is configured to be connected to a D− connection of the USB cable. The first resettable device is coupled to the V+ line and links the V+ line to a V+ of a local device. The second resettable device is coupled to the ground line and links the ground line to a common node of the local device. The windowing comparator has a negative input coupled to the common node and a positive input coupled to the ground line. The first switch is coupled between the D+ line and a D+ of the local device, and is driven by an output of the comparator. The second switch is coupled between the D− line and a D− of the local device, and is driven by the output of the comparator.
US08373950B2 Ground fault detecting system and electric vehicle with ground fault detecting system
When a malfunction of an ungrounded drive electric system including first and second ungrounded power supplies, an inverter, and a motor which is energized by the first and second ungrounded power supplies through the inverter, i.e., an erroneous opening of switches of a battery, is detected, switches of an insulation resistance detector are opened to insolate the insulation resistance detector from the ungrounded drive electric system.
US08373949B2 Hybrid power plant for improved efficiency and dynamic performance
A hybrid power plant is characterized by a substantially constant load on generators regardless of momentary swings in power load. Short changes in power load are accommodated by DC components such as capacitors, batteries, resistors, or a combination thereof. Resistors are used to consume power when loads in the power plant are generating excess power. Capacitors are used to store and deliver power when the loads in the power plant demand additional power. Reducing rapid changes in power load as seen by the generators allows the generators to operate at higher efficiencies and with reduced emissions. Additionally, power plants employing combinations of generators, loads, and energy storage devices have increased dynamic performance.
US08373946B2 Reader including an interposer that prevents coupling with write-protected data cartridges
A removable hard disk drive storage system includes a data storage cartridge having a write protect switch, and a reader configured to couple to and read data from the data storage cartridge. The reader includes a physical block that aligns with the write protect switch of the data storage cartridge. The physical block aligns with the write protect switch of the data storage cartridge to prevent the reader from coupling to the data storage cartridge when the write protect switch is in a write protect position.
US08373942B1 Base for motor and hard disk drive including the same
There is provided a base for a motor, the base including: a mounting part having a core mounted therein, the core having a coil wound therearoud in order to generate rotational driving force of a motor; a body part extended from the mounting part in an outer diameter direction; and a first step part formed by depressing a lower surface of the body part facing the core, towards the core, and accommodating a substrate for supplying power to the coil therein and a second step part formed to be spaced apart from the first step part.
US08373939B2 Linear motion device and lens drive device
A linear motion device includes a guide shaft. A to-be-moved member is supported on the guide shaft, and is linearly movable along the guide shaft. A lead screw extends parallel to the guide shaft. A clamper meshes with the lead screw. The clamper moves as the lead screw rotates. An intermediate member is provided between the to-be-moved member and the clamper. An urging member operates for urging the to-be-moved member toward the clamper and enabling the intermediate member to be seated between the to-be-moved member and the clamper in a manner such that an axis of the intermediate member is nonparallel to the guide shaft.
US08373938B2 Lens unit
Among three lenses housed in a lens barrel, a first lens and a second lens are adjacent to each other. A position regulating section is a part where a first protrusion of the first lens is formed. A shielding member is provided at a position interposed between the first lens and the second lens and limits a passing luminous flux. An engagement section is a part of the shielding member, and in this part, there is formed an opening into which the first protrusion of the first lens enters. The engagement section engages with the position regulating section, and thereby the position of the shielding member in a direction crossing an optical axis is regulated.
US08373937B2 Miniaturized optical lens system
A miniaturized optical lens system comprises, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, a concave image-side surface and one of the surfaces being aspheric; and a second lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface, a convex image-side surface and one of the surfaces being aspheric. The optical lens system is further provided with an aperture stop. Such arrangements can effectively reduce the volume of the optical lens system, correct aberrations and astigmatism of the system in order to obtain higher image quality.
US08373934B2 Lens barrel
A lens barrel includes a zoom optical system in which a focal distance is changeable; a first group frame moving together with the first lens group; and first and second cam mechanisms transmitting drive force to the first group frame. In a zoom region, each of a first group cam groove and a cam slot includes a first section, a second section which adjoins the first section and has an absolute value of a gradient smaller than that of the first section, and the third section which adjoins the second section and has the absolute value of the gradient larger than that of the second section, and in which a sign of the gradient is the same as that of the first section. A distance from an imaging surface to the first group frame in the optical axis direction has a local minimum in the second section.
US08373930B2 Reflection suppression element and optical apparatus
The optical element includes a base member, and a first layer which is formed on the base member and whose refractive index for a central use wavelength λ changes in a thickness direction of the first layer by 0.05 or more. The first layer has an anti-reflection function and satisfies nt=ni+0.1(ns−ni), 0.5≦[n{t(nt)/2}−nt]/[ns−n{t(nt)/2}]≦0.8, λ/4≦t(nt)≦2λ and 1.0≦ni≦1.1. ni represents a refractive index of a most light entrance side part of the first layer for the central use wavelength, ns represents a refractive index of a most base member side part of the first layer for the central use wavelength, t(nt) represents an optical film thickness of the first layer at which the refractive index thereof for the central use wavelength is nt, and n{t(nt)/2} represents a refractive index of the first layer for the central use wavelength at a position where the optical film thickness ism t(nt)/2.
US08373928B2 Polarizer and organic light emitting display apparatus comprising the polarizer
A polarizer includes a base and a plurality of grids arranged on a surface of the base parallel to one another. Each of the grids comprises an intermediate layer and a semi-transmissive metal layer that reflects a part of external light incident thereon and transmits a part of the external light incident thereon. The semi-transmissive metal layer and the intermediate layer are alternately deposited to include at least two semi-transmissive metal layers. The thicknesses of the semi-transmissive metal layers increases in a direction in which the semi-transmissive metal layer is disposed away from the external light. An organic light emitting display apparatus includes the polarizer and has improved contrast and brightness.
US08373919B2 Optical element having an apodized aperture
Provided is an optical element with an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance in response to the amplitude of an applied voltage. The apodized aperture includes (i) a first substrate having a planar inner surface and an outer surface, (ii) a second substrate having an outer surface and a non-planar inner surface opposing and spaced from the planar inner surface of the first substrate, wherein each of the planar inner surface of the first substrate and the non-planar inner surface of the second substrate has an at least partial layer of transparent conductive material thereover; and (iii) an electrochromic medium disposed between the planar inner surface of the first substrate and the non-planar inner surface of the second substrate.
US08373917B2 Electrowetting display and pixel array substrate thereof and electrowetting display pixel structure thereof
An electrowetting display, a pixel array substrate thereof, and an electrowetting display pixel structure thereof are provided. The electrowetting display pixel structure is disposed on a substrate. The electrowetting display pixel structure includes a pixel electrode, a hydrophobic insulating layer and a wall. The pixel electrode is covered by the hydrophobic insulating layer. The wall is disposed on the hydrophobic insulating layer. The wall has a first side surface, a second side surface and at least one opening penetrating the first side surface and the second side surface. The opening is used for fluid medium to flow therethrough.
US08373914B2 Computer generated hologram including plural isotropic and anisotropic cells for forming combined intensity distribution, generation method, and exposure apparatus
A computer generated hologram which forms a light intensity distribution on a predetermined plane by giving a phase distribution to a wavefront of incident light, the hologram comprising a plurality of anisotropic cells each including an anisotropic medium configured to change a polarization state of the incident light, and a plurality of isotropic cells each including an isotropic medium configured not to change a polarization state of the incident light, wherein a linearly polarized light component, in a first direction, of the incident light forms a first light intensity distribution on the predetermined plane, and a linearly polarized light component, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, of the incident light forms a second light intensity distribution different from the first light intensity distribution on the predetermined plane.
US08373912B2 Receipts scanner and financial organizer
A portable device is configured to obtain an image of a document, the document being of no predefined format and containing numerical data. The numerical data is extracted and automatically organized into a report in a predefined or customized format and stored into a database. The database is accessible and searchable by a user to obtain either the numerical data of the image or the report.
US08373910B2 Image scanning device and image forming apparatus
An image scanning device includes a base part; and multiple image sensors each including a substrate, a line sensor including scanning elements arranged on the substrate, and a holder for holding the substrate. The base part holds the image sensors such that the scanning elements of an image sensor partly overlap the scanning elements of an adjacent image sensor in the main-scanning direction. The coefficients of linear expansion of the substrate and the base part are substantially the same; the holder and the base part are fixed together at a first fixing point; the holder and the substrate are fixed together at a second fixing point; and the distance in the main-scanning direction between the first fixing point and the second fixing point and the direction of the second fixing point with respect to the first fixing point are the same for all the image sensors.
US08373908B2 Document reading apparatus
A document reading apparatus includes a housing that has conductive characteristics, a platen that is provided with the housing and that has translucency, and an image reading unit that is arranged so as to be movable in the housing and that reads a document placed on the platen. In particular, at least one opening is provided in a region of the housing that overlaps with the image reading unit as viewed in a direction orthogonal to the platen.
US08373904B2 Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
According to an aspect of the invention, an image processing apparatus includes an adjustment section, an edge enhancement section, a reception section and a changing section. The adjustment section performs adjustment of a black amount for an input image signal including a plurality of color signals. The adjustment section outputs an output image signal including a plurality of color signals that contain black whose amount is adjusted. The edge enhancement section performs an edge enhancement process for the output image signal output from the adjustment section. The reception section receives setting of an edge enhancement degree used in the edge enhancement section. The changing section changes setting of the adjustment of the black amount in the adjustment section, according to the setting of the edge enhancement degree received by the reception section.
US08373901B2 Image-processing apparatus and image-processing method
A large-capacity multiplexing system assuring image quality and robustness is provided. An image-processing apparatus multiplexing additional information on image information includes a first multiplexing unit that is configured to perform pseudo-halftone processing so that the image information is changed into a first quantization level of multi-level gradation and that is configured to multiplex first information of the additional information at the pseudo-halftone-processing time, and a second multiplexing unit that is configured to perform the pseudo-halftone processing so that the first quantization level subjected to the pseudo-halftone processing by the first multiplexing unit is changed into a second quantization level of gradation lower than the multi-level gradation and that is configured to multiplex second information of the additional information at the pseudo-halftone-processing time.
US08373896B2 Image processing apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire a first amount of a transparent toner for use in 2-pass printing in which a color toner is fixed on a recording medium and then the transparent toner is fixed, a change-amount acquiring unit configured to acquire a first amount of change in lightness between an image after the color toner is fixed to the recording medium and an image after the 2-pass printing is performed on the recording medium using the first amount of the transparent toner, and a setting unit configured to set a second amount of the transparent toner for use in 1-pass printing such that a difference between the first amount of change in lightness and a second amount of change in lightness is equal to or smaller than a threshold, the second amount of change in lightness being an amount of change in lightness between the image after the color toner is fixed to the recording medium and a 1-pass printing image after the color toner and the second amount of the transparent toner are fixed to the recording medium.
US08373892B2 Managing modulation transfer function values for image data
An image scanner is provided with a super-resolution processing function for generating a high-resolution image using multiple pieces of low-resolution image data. The scanner device then measures an initial MTF value without performing the super-resolution processing, refers to an MTF properties table in which is registered a number of pieces of low-resolution image data for a scanner device of that type to achieve a pre-set target MTF, and registers the number of images that corresponds to the initial MTF value in the scanner, if that number is present, and registers an interpolated value if that number is not present. The image scanner then performs the super-resolution processing using the registered number of pieces of low-resolution image data, and outputs image data of a target resolution.
US08373891B2 Image-forming apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image-forming apparatus includes a first monitor which detects whether a non-paper-medium supplier is attached to the main body of the image-forming apparatus. When a normal copying process is selected, the copying process is stopped immediately if the first monitor determines that the non-paper-medium supplier is attached and an error message indicating that a printing process cannot be performed since the non-paper-medium supplier is attached is shown on the main body. In addition, if a facsimile is received while the non-paper-medium supplier is attached to the main body, the user is informed that the facsimile call is received. Accordingly, the user can change the setting of the image-forming apparatus so that the facsimile can be received. Thus, the facsimile is received manually if the non-paper-medium supplier is attached to the main body and is received by operation after the line is acquired by a handset telephone.
US08373888B2 Printer driver program and image forming apparatus
A printer driver comprising: a layout determining section that acquires data of a document page (logical page) and determines a layout of one or more printing pages (physical pages) by allocating a content of the logical page; a re-layout determining section that makes determination whether the determined layout includes an combinable pages or not, based on a ratio of a blank area in the physical page and based on presence/absence of continuity in the contents between the page and the immediately preceding physical page or based on an arrangement characteristic of a non-blank area in the physical page, when one logical page is allocated to plural physical pages; and a page combination control section that causes the layout determining section to determine a combined layout by re-allocating the combinable page and immediately preceding physical page to a single physical page based on the determination.
US08373884B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a setting unit to set a printing condition of a job, the printing condition containing a condition indicating whether check print is to be executed or not; an image forming unit to execute image forming processing in accordance with the printing condition set by the setting unit; and a control unit to determine one or more pages to be subjected to the check print based on the printing condition and a predetermined determination condition if the printing condition set by the setting unit indicates that the check print is to be executed, and to cause the image forming unit to execute the image forming processing for the check print with respect to the determined one or more pages.
US08373883B2 System and method for managing resource consumption during print production
A system and method is disclosed for managing resource consumption during print production. The method discloses receiving a print job and a set of print job constraints; calculating a set of printing resources required to produce a print job output from the print job according to the set of print job constraints; measuring a set of available printing resources; producing the print job output from the print job, if the required printing resources are less than the available printing resources; and identifying a set of fall-back print job constraints and repeating the calculating and producing steps using the fall-back constraints, if the required printing resources are greater than the available printing resources. The system discloses various modules for effecting the method and including: a processor, a color transformation module, a printing resource module, a printing module, and a print job dialog module.
US08373879B1 Apparatus and method for generating real time mail
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a mail package in real time. Electronic mail jobs are sent to a distribution center. At the distribution center, the mail jobs are received and stored in a database. The mail jobs are converted into program control language (PCL) scripts and sent to print centers. The print centers execute the PCL scripts producing documents, tabs and mail labels. The documents are packaged and the mail labels affixed to the packages. The packages are mailed to the customers from the print center.
US08373874B2 Using a web browser on a client to enable and disable a filter program on a printer
An image processing apparatus comprises a print request data stream reception unit for externally receiving a print request data stream, a print job controller for controlling a print job of interpreting the print request data stream and executing image formation, and a filter for executing a data process to the print request data stream and thus generating the processed print request data stream. The image processing apparatus sends the print request data stream received by the print request data stream reception unit to the filter through a first interface, and sends the processed print request data stream generated by the filter to the print job controller through a second interface.
US08373873B2 Apparatus and method for determining execution order of private print jobs in a variable print system
A data processing apparatus allocates a page number in a record to each of a plurality of records of a variable data print job and performs a preflight check every page number. After that, the data processing apparatus extracts the records in which the same kind of (or same) problem has occurred in a page of the same page number from the records included in the variable data print job. The data processing apparatus calculates a ratio of the extracted records to all records having the page of the page number and presumes whether the problem relates to a master object or relates to a variable object according to the ratio. The data processing apparatus displays whether the problem in the page relates to the master object or relates to the variable object every page having the problem.
US08373865B2 Method of detecting a topology of a reflective surface
A method detects a topology of a reflective surface. The method includes providing an optical fiber positioned such that light emitted from the optical fiber is reflected by at least a portion of the reflective surface. The optical fiber and the portion of the reflective surface form an optical resonator having an optical resonance with a resonance lineshape. The method further includes emitting light from the optical fiber while the optical fiber is at a plurality of positions along the reflective surface. The light emitted from the optical fiber irradiates a corresponding plurality of portions of the reflective surface. The method further includes measuring a change of the resonance lineshape due to the irradiation of the plurality of portions of the reflective surface.
US08373862B2 Extended range optical imaging system for use in turbid media
An extended range optical imaging system and method for use in turbid media generates a beam of coherent light, modulates the beam of coherent light to encode scan information, directs the modulated beam of coherent light from a first location through the turbid medium toward a target, scans the modulated beam of coherent light over the target in a pattern, according to the scan information, to illuminate the target and to cause light to be reflected, detects the modulated light reflected from the target with a sensor at a second location in the turbid medium to derive an output signal that varies in proportion to the modulated reflected light, demodulates the output signal to derive information comprising the scan information, and constructs an image from the output signal and the scan information so derived.
US08373861B2 System for rapid analysis of microbiological materials in liquid samples
A system for the rapid analysis of microbiological parameters includes a specimen container for containing a liquid sample, a housing having an enclosable chamber shaped for receiving the specimen container, an incubating system mounted within the housing for incubating microbiological materials within the liquid sample, and a spectrophotometer system mounted within the housing for measuring light absorbed, emitted or scattered by the liquid samples as the microbiological materials are incubated by the incubating system over time. The specimen container is filled with a liquid sample to be tested and mixed with a reagent that provides a detectable parameter, and placed inside the apparatus. The incubation system heats and maintains the temperature of the liquid sample within a preset range while the spectrophotometer system propagates light within the specimen container, and monitors and records changes in the light as the light propagates through the container. A continuous non-intrusive monitoring and recording of the test parameter is achieved as the incubation progresses. Any significant deviation of the signal output is an indication of presence of the detectable parameter, while the time taken to reach the significant deviation provides quantification of the microbiological parameter under investigation.
US08373860B2 Transmitting/reflecting emanating light with time variation
A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. One or more mask arrangements can be configured to receive the emanating light and in response provide encoded emanating light.
US08373859B2 Methods and systems for imaging skin using polarized lighting
An imaging system for imaging skin includes a light source to illuminate a subject and a first polarizer to polarize light provided by the light source to illuminate the subject. The imaging system also includes a photodetector to acquire an image of the subject as illuminated by the light source and an adjustable second polarizer, coupled to the photodetector, to provide an adjustable degree of polarization of light received by the photodetector.
US08373853B2 Device and method for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a liquid medium
A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.
US08373849B2 Lithographic apparatus and control system
A control system to control a position quantity of a movable object in dependency of signals provided by a sensor representing an actual position quantity of the moveable object, the control system being configured to provide a drive signal to an actuator which is able to apply forces to the moveable object, the control system including a set-point generator to provide a reference signal; a subtractor to provide an error signal, the error signal being the difference between the reference signal and the signals provided by the sensor; a control unit to provide a drive signal to the actuator in dependency of the error signal, wherein the control unit comprises a nonlinear controller to improve a low-frequency disturbance suppression, and wherein the control unit further includes a compensator to at least partially compensate the deterioration of the high-frequency behavior caused by the nonlinear controller.
US08373847B2 Polarization actuator
The present invention relates to an apparatus for influencing a light beam arrangement comprising a plurality of light beams (4) arranged alongside one another, wherein provision is made of at least one optical element (5, 15, 25) which is movable transversely with respect to the light beams and by which the light beams can be influenced if the light beams pass through the optical element, and which has at least one light-absorbing region (9, 19, 29), wherein the apparatus comprises a drive device for the optical element, a measuring device for detecting the light of the light beam and a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed such that the drive device is controlled in a manner dependent on the position of the light-absorbing region. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a projection exposure apparatus for microlithography comprising a multi-mirror array, in which the corresponding apparatus can be used, and to a method for operating the corresponding apparatus or the projection exposure apparatus.
US08373845B2 Exposure control apparatus, manufacturing method of semiconductor device, and exposure apparatus
According to one embodiment, an exposure control apparatus includes exposure setting unit that performs an exposure setting of setting an exposure shot as a shot that is exposed or a shot that is not exposed based on height information on a height of a substrate in the exposure shot arranged in a substrate peripheral portion, and an exposure instructing unit that outputs an exposure instruction to the shot that is exposed and an instruction to skip an exposure to the shot that is not exposed.
US08373843B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and method for producing device
A lithographic apparatus includes a substrate table to hold a substrate and a projection system to project a patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate. A liquid supply system at least partly fills a space between the projection system and the substrate with a liquid, and has a liquid confinement structure to at least partly confine the liquid within the space. An outlet removes a mixture of liquid and gas passing through a gap between the liquid confinement structure and the substrate. An evacuation system draws the mixture through the outlet, and includes a separator tank to separate liquid from gas in the mixture and a separator tank pressure controller, connected to a non-liquid-filled region of the separator tank, to maintain a stable pressure within the non-liquid-filled region.
US08373836B2 Gate driver-on-array and method of making the same
A gate driver-on-array structure integrated into a display includes a substrate and a gate driver structure formed thereon. The gate driver structure is disposed in a peripheral region of the substrate. The gate driver structure includes a first layer metal pattern, a second layer metal pattern, and an insulating layer disposed therebetween. The first layer metal pattern includes connection nodes. The insulating layer has through holes exposing the connection nodes. The second layer metal pattern fills into the through holes and in contact with the connection nodes of the first layer metal pattern so as to implement necessary electrical connection of the gate driver structure.
US08373835B2 Liquid crystal display module
A liquid crystal display module includes: a liquid crystal display panel; a backlight light source; a casing enclosing the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight light source; a first flexible printed wiring board electrically connected to the liquid crystal display panel and a second flexible printed wiring board connected to the backlight light source, the first flexible printed wiring board and the second flexible printed wiring board being led out from an exit formed in an identical side of the casing to an outside of the casing in a state of being superposed on each other and being bent to a rear surface side of the casing; and a connecting part for electrically connecting the second flexible printed wiring board to the first flexible printed wiring board, the connecting part being formed on the outside of the casing.
US08373826B2 Optical film and method for manufacturing the same
An optical film is provided and includes a cellulose ester and an acrylic resin. The mass ratio of the cellulose ester to the acrylic resin is 70/30 to 5/95, the total haze value of the optical film is 0.80 or less, the internal haze value of the optical film is 0.01 to 0.28, and the modulus of elasticity in the transverse direction of the optical film is 2,700 to 7,000 MPa.
US08373825B2 Display device
To provide a display device having an input function that is not dependent on the light environment, multiple sensor pixel circuits that detect light in a specified detection period and hold the light amount when not in the specified detection period are disposed in a pixel region. In a frame in which input is performed using the sensor pixel circuits, a backlight is lit one time for a time in a frame period, and a first detection period and a second detection period are set one time each in the frame period. The difference between the light amount in the first detection period and the light amount in the second detection period is obtained using a difference circuit. The backlight is in an extinguished state at the beginning of the first detection period, and lighting of the backlight is started at a time during the first detection period.
US08373824B2 Liquid crystal display device
An LED (31) is attached to an active matrix substrate (11), and a light emitting surface (31L) of the LED (31) is positioned on an outer substrate surface (11T) side of the active matrix substrate (11).
US08373821B2 Dual film light guide for illuminating displays
A front light guide panel including a plurality of embedded surface features is provided. The front light panel is configured to deliver uniform illumination from an artificial light source disposed at one side of the font light panel to an array of display elements located behind the front light guide while allowing for the option of illumination from ambient lighting transmitted through the light guide panel. The surface embedded surface relief features create air pockets within the light guide panel. Light incident on the side surface of the light guide propagates though the light guide until it strikes an air/light material guide interface at one on the air pockets. The light is then turned by total internal reflection through a large angle such that it exits an output face disposed in front of the array of display elements.
US08373816B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of assembling the liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes an LCD panel displaying an image, a light source providing the LCD panel with light, a light source flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), and a receiving container. The PCB is electrically connected to the LCD panel. The PCB is in contact with two ends of the light source FPCB. The receiving container is combined with the light source FPCB and the PCB. The receiving container has a through-hole through which the light source FPCB passes. According to the present invention, the receiving container applies pressure so that both ends of the light source FPCB make contact with the PCB and the light source FPCB is electrically connected to the PCB. The light source FPCB, the receiving container, and the PCB are secured to each other. Therefore, the number of steps required to assembly the LCD device may be reduced.
US08373815B2 Optical sheet and liquid crystal display equipped with the same
An optical sheet and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) incorporating the same. The LCD includes a sheet-like transparent substrate made of a transparent material and a microscopic structure layer formed on one surface of the transparent substrate. The microscopic structure layer has an array of microscopic structures to emit light. A liquid crystal panel is formed above the microscopic structure layer, and has defined therein a plurality of pixels to display an image. When seen from above the transparent substrate, at least a portion of the microscopic structures has parallel and non-parallel arrangements repeated one or more times in a longitudinal direction thereof with respect to one side-edge of the pixels of the liquid crystal panel.
US08373812B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates a liquid crystal display device which can minimize resistance of a common line. The liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of data lines and a plurality of common lines arranged alternately, a plurality of gate lines arranged to cross the data lines and the common lines, a pixel electrode formed at every pixel region defined as a region is surrounded by the data line, the common line and the gate line, and at least one auxiliary electrode unit overlapped with a portion of each of the pixel electrodes adjacent to the common line, wherein the auxiliary electrode unit is connected to the common electrode line electrically.
US08373811B2 Liquid crystal display device with each pixel having plural capacitors coupling to switches and related driving method
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device essentially includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of pixel units. Each pixel unit includes a first liquid-crystal capacitor, a second liquid-crystal capacitor, a first switch and a second switch. The first liquid-crystal capacitor of a pixel unit is charged via the first switch of the same pixel unit. The second liquid-crystal capacitor of a pixel unit is charged via the second switch of the same pixel unit and the first switch of a different pixel unit. The sub-pixel voltages corresponding to the first and second liquid-crystal capacitors of the same pixel unit have the same polarity. Furthermore, disclosed is a liquid-crystal display driving method for writing two data signals having same polarity respectively into the first and second liquid-crystal capacitors of a pixel unit via the same date line during two intervals partly overlapped.
US08373809B2 Display apparatus having an input gradation set to have a relationship along a gamma curve
In a liquid crystal display apparatus realizing a dual view display by bonding a liquid crystal panel and a parallax barrier, the parallax barrier separates display images by treating three pixels including R, G, and B pixels as one unit (one picture element). At this time, luminance variation due to crosstalk concentrates on a right-end pixel among the three pixels constituting the one picture element (in a case where each pixel receives data from a source line immediately on the left of the pixel). Accordingly, the right-end pixel is arranged to be a B pixel that has a low correlation with luminance information and in which influence of crosstalk is hard to be viewed. Further, an applied voltage to be supplied to the display pixel of the B (blue) color and an input gradation are set to have a relationship along a γ curve that makes luminance variation difficult to occur in a low luminance area.
US08373807B2 Data producing method and electronic device thereof
A data producing method and an electronic device thereof is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a storage module, a display module, and a control module. The storage module is capable of storing first data. The display module forms a first display area and a second display area. The data displayed on the first display area and the second display area have different optical characteristics. The control module is electrically connected to the storage module and the display module. The control module produces second data. The control module drives the first display area to display the first data and drives the second display area to display the second data. The first data and the second data are simultaneously displayed by the display module.
US08373806B2 Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, an electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel including a display area. The electro-optical panel has an incidence face side that faces incident light from a light source and an opposite side which is opposite to the incidence face side. A holding member houses the electro-optical panel. A heat radiation member is provided at the opposite side of the electro-optical panel. A light-shielding plate is formed so as to at least partially surround the display area of the electro-optical panel. The light-shielding plate is provided so as to make contact with the holding member and the incidence face side of the electro-optical panel.
US08373798B2 Text protection device and related motion adaptive de-interlacing device
A text protection device for de-interlacing operation includes a pixel value difference calculation unit, a text detection unit and a vertical interpolation unit. The pixel value difference calculation unit is utilized for calculating pixel value differences of a plurality of pixels of a field according to a position of a target pixel being inserted into the field. The plurality of pixels forms a detection area corresponding to the target pixel. The text detection unit is utilized for determining whether the detection area includes a text stroke and determining whether the target pixel is located within a range of the text stroke to generate a text detection signal. The vertical interpolation unit performs a vertical interpolation operation to generate a pixel value of the target pixel according to the text detection signal.
US08373796B2 Detecting occlusion
Common techniques for Motion Compensated Frame Rate Conversion (MC-FRC) suffer from occlusion which, if not taken explicitly into account, causes a visually disturbing artifact known as ‘halo’. To solve this artifact, these regions have to be detected prior to performing interpolation. Several techniques exist to detect occlusion in a frame, but these are based on motion vectors, which are frequently unreliable. The invention relates to a method to detect occlusion by comparing match errors, thereby offering occlusion detection even when the motion vectors are incorrect.
US08373786B2 Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic device
A solid-state imaging device has: an imaging region in which a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion element are arranged, and a color filter. The color filter includes: filter components of a first color (2G), filter components of a second color (2R) formed by self-alignment and each being surrounded by the filter components of the first color (2G), and filter components of a third color (2B) formed by self-alignment and each being surrounded by the filter components of the first color (2G).
US08373784B2 Solid-state imaging device, driving method thereof, and imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel array unit in which unit pixels are two-dimensionally disposed; a vertical scanning unit selecting the unit pixels, which read out the signal electric charges, for each line; signal processing units separately disposed for each column of the pixel array unit and generate pixel signals corresponding to the signal electric charges; a horizontal scanning unit reading out the pixel signal by sequentially selecting the signal processing unit and outputting image signals in the unit of one line; and a scanning control unit performing operations of the vertical scanning unit and the horizontal scanning unit, wherein the scanning control unit selects a line having an exposure period different from that of a selected line between lines selected in the scanning order and sequentially outputs an image signal of an image having the different exposure period in the unit of one line from the horizontal scanning unit.
US08373783B2 Photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device may include a plurality of A/D converters each of which receives a pixel signal from a pixel array that includes pixels arranged two-dimensionally. Each of the pixels may have a photoelectric conversion element. The pixel array may output the pixel signal in accordance with an incident light amount to the photoelectric conversion element. The plurality of A/D converters may convert the pixel signal to a digital value based on a reference voltage. The plurality of A/D converters may output the digital value. A reference voltage wire, which supplies the reference voltage to each of the plurality of A/D converters, may be branched into a plurality of branched reference voltage wires each of which is corresponding to one of the plurality of A/D converters. Each of the plurality of branched reference voltage wires may be connected only to constituent components in a corresponding A/D converter.
US08373779B2 Imaging apparatus, signal processing circuit, signal processing apparatus, signal processing method, and computer program product
A signal processing method is provided. The method includes: generating an output signal containing a high-precision component at a level not determined by quantization of an input digital signal by subjecting each of pixels constituting the input digital signal to a predetermined filter operation such that a set of predetermined number of pixels including a target pixel and surrounding pixels thereof is obtained, the operation is carried out on the surrounding pixels when a variation from the target pixel is within a predetermined threshold range, and the operation is carried out on the target pixel when a variation from the target pixel is out of the predetermined threshold range; separating the high precision component from the signal output from the edge-preserving smoothing filter; and adding the high precision component separated from the high-precision component separating part to the input digital signal.
US08373771B2 Imaging apparatus including a search condition setting unit for setting a search condition of image data and a non-transitory storage medium storing a program for setting a search condition of image data
An imaging apparatus sets a search condition of image data so as to contain a condition that image data to be searched is created between a latest send image data that has most recently been sent among pieces of image data, which are read from a storage unit and sent to a display device or which are sent from either the imaging apparatus or other imaging apparatus to the display device, and image data that is created at the earliest time after the latest send image data has been created among the pieces of the image data stored in the storage unit; determines image data to be sent to the display device from among pieces of image data stored in each of the imaging apparatus and the other imaging apparatus, based on a search result sent from the other imaging apparatus as a response to the sent search condition.
US08373767B2 Digital photographing apparatus, method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus, and recording medium storing program to implement the method
A digital photographing apparatus capable of acquiring data about an image having a wide dynamic range and a high grayscale resolution, a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus, and a recording medium storing a program to implement the method are provided. An embodiment includes an imaging device that acquires a reference image and additional images at different exposures and a multi-level threshold map generation unit that classifies the pixels of the images into levels according to brightness. The embodiment further includes a motion data acquiring unit that acquires motion data for each pixel based on its respective brightness level and a first weight data acquiring unit that acquires first weight data based on the motion data of each pixel. In addition, the embodiment includes a final image data acquiring unit that synthesizes the pixels of the reference image and the additional images based on first weight data.
US08373766B2 Image shooting device and image shooting method
An image shooting device includes an image shooting component, a brightness detector, a flash component, a shift detector, a controller, and a flash amount determining component. The shift detector detects a shift amount of a subject position in a set of image data that has arisen due to shaking of the image shooting device. The controller corrects, on the basis of the detected shift amount, at least one of two sets of image data acquired within non-flash state and flash-emitting state, such that positions of a detection target region with respect to the subject position of the respective sets of image data are substantially matched. The flash amount determining component determines a flash amount of the flash component on the basis of the detected brightness level.
US08373760B2 Image capturing device suitable for photographing a person
A digital camera 1 comprising a key operation unit (27) for registering subject information for identifying the subject, and photography conditions or image processing conditions corresponding to the subject identified according to the subject information; image memory (31) for storing the subject information, and the photography conditions or image processing conditions registered by the key operation unit (27); and a CPU (20). The CPU (20) detects a characteristic portion of the subject from the acquired image, identifies a subject corresponding to the characteristic portion of the detected subject, by referring to the subject information stored in the image memory (31), acquires the photography conditions or image processing conditions corresponding to the identified subject identified from the image memory (31), and carries out image capturing or image processing based on the acquired photography conditions or image processing conditions. In this way, an image capturing device capable of easily carrying out image processing in accordance with individual preferences is provided.
US08373757B1 Flat field correction for infrared cameras
Various techniques are provided to perform flat field correction for infrared cameras. In one example, a method of calibrating an infrared camera includes calibrating a focal plane array (FPA) of the infrared camera to an external scene to determine a set of flat field correction values associated with a first optical path from the external scene to the FPA. The method also includes calibrating the FPA to a shutter of the infrared camera to determine a set of flat field correction values associated with a second optical path from the shutter to the FPA. The method also includes using the flat field correction values associated with the first and second optical paths to calculate a set of supplemental flat field correction values to apply to thermal image data obtained with the infrared camera. The method also includes storing the supplemental flat field correction values.
US08373756B2 Method for testing a monitoring device of an automatic labeling machine for correct functioning
A method for testing a monitoring device (20) of an automatic labeling machine (10) for containers (12) for correct functioning, in the case of which, a specially marked measuring container (14) is fed thereto, upon whose detection, a labeling process is discontinued at least for this measuring container (14), and the measuring container (14) provided with markings (16) is scanned by at least one optical sensing device (21) of the monitoring device (20).
US08373755B2 Network camera and system and method for operating the network camera and system
A system for operating network cameras, a method for operating network cameras, and a network camera having a storage function are provided so that the system does not have to include a network video recorder.
US08373753B2 Adaptive multi-modal integrated biometric identification detection and surveillance systems
A surveillance system is provided that includes at least one sensor disposed in a security area of a surveillance region to sense an occurrence of a potential security breach event; a plurality of cameras is disposed in the surveillance region; at least one camera thereof has a view of the security area and can be configured to automatically gather biometric information concerning at least one subject person in the vicinity of the security area in response to the sensing of a potential security breach event; one or more other of the plurality of cameras can be configured to search for the at least one subject person; a processing system is programmed to produce a dossier corresponding to the at least one subject person to match biometric information of one or more persons captured by one or more of the other cameras with corresponding biometric information in the dossier.
US08373752B2 Detection apparatus, detection method and computer readable medium thereof for detecting an object in real-time
A detection apparatus, a detection method and a computer readable medium thereof for detecting an object in real time are provided. The detection apparatus is electrically connected to a video capturing apparatus for capturing a video sequence comprising the object. The detection apparatus generates a first transformed frame and a second transformed frame according to the video sequence, and retrieves a plurality of target pixel bits and a plurality of adjacent pixel bits from the first transformed frame. The detection apparatus further interlaces the target pixel bits and the adjacent pixel bits to enhance the accuracy of determining the position where the object appears in the second transformed frame without considerably increasing the computational complexity.
US08373751B2 Apparatus and method for measuring location and distance of object by using camera
The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a location and a distance of an object by using a camera including: a camera module for photographing an external image; a parameter setup unit for setting internal and external parameters of the camera module; an image processor unit for receiving a captured image of an image photographed from the camera module, extracting a target object within the captured image, and extracting specific point coordinates of the extracted target object; and a location and distance calculating unit for calculating three-dimensional object location information in a two-dimensional camera coordinate system through the internal and external parameters of the camera module and coordinates of the target object, and calculating distance information from the location information of the object.
US08373747B2 Imaging device for generating and displaying images to simulate movement of three-dimensional objects
An imaging device for generating and displaying image to simulate movement of 3D objects includes a frame, imaging units, and image output units. The imaging units are arranged between two opposite sides of the frame and connected to one another to define an imaging space therebetween. One side of each imaging unit connects to the frame at a first angle and the opposite side thereof connected to the frame at a second angle. The image output units are arranged on the side of the frame where forming the second angle, such that the image output units face the imaging units in one-to-one correspondence to separately present a first image. The first images presented by the image output units are identical to one another, and are separately transferred by corresponding imaging units to the imaging space to form a simulated image in the imaging space.
US08373745B2 Image processing apparatus, image display apparatus, image apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus inputs stereoscopic images, detects a depth of each of the inputted stereoscopic images, lays out the stereoscopic images at least in partial overlap in such a manner that the lager the depth is, the more forward the corresponding stereoscopic image is placed, and records the stereoscopic images having been laid out.
US08373744B2 Stereoplexing for video and film applications
A method for multiplexing a stream of stereoscopic image source data including a series of left images and a series of right images combinable to form a series of stereoscopic images is provided. The primary application is for video applications, but film applications are also addressed. The method includes removing pixels from the stereoscopic image source data to form left images and right images and providing a series of single frames divided into portions, each single frame containing one right image in a first portion and one left image in a second portion. Multiplexing processes such as staggering, alternating, filtering, variable scaling, and sharpening from original, uncompressed right and left images may be employed alone or in combination, and selected or predetermined regions or segments from uncompressed images may have more pixels removed or combined than other regions.
US08373741B2 Apparatus and method for collaborative network in an enterprise setting
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to present an overlay combined with a presentation of media content at each of a plurality of computing devices on an electronic communications network to illustrate a collection of one or more commentaries temporally associated with portions of the presented media content where the portions of the presented media content comprises portions of a teleconference workflow meeting, to collect one or more commentaries from each of the plurality of computing devices, and to present the commentaries from the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08373740B2 Method and apparatus for video conferencing in mobile terminal
A method and apparatus for video conferencing in a mobile terminal are disclosed. The method includes receiving audio-visual signals comprising a video signal and a voice signal from participating users, selecting one of the audio-visual signals associated with a currently talking user based on properties of the audio-visual signals, decoding all frames of a video signal from the selected audio-visual signal and selectively decoding frames of video signals of the remaining audio-visual signals, and reproducing the decoded frames of the video signals.
US08373739B2 Systems and methods for remotely communicating with a patient
A system and methods to permit a health care provider and a patient to remotely communicate information corresponding to the patient's medical condition with each other, both visually and audibly, via communication link in real time. The system may comprise a first and second interface units each comprising a camera, a microphone, a display, and a speaker. The camera and microphone of the first interface unit may permit real-time video and audio, respectively, to be transferred to the display and speaker of the second unit. Likewise, the camera and microphone of the second interface unit may permit real-time video and audio, respectively, to be transferred to the display and speaker of the first unit.
US08373736B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
P-polarized light beam passing through an fθ lens passes through a polarization beam splitter, is converted into S-polarized light beam by a quarter-wave plate and a reflecting mirror, re-enters the polarization beam splitter, and is reflected at the polarization beam splitter in the −Z direction. An optical path of a light beam between a polygon mirror and the fθ lens, between the fθ lens and the polarization beam splitter, between the polarization beam splitter and the quarter-wave plate, between the quarter-wave plate and a reflecting mirror, between the reflecting mirror and the quarter-wave plate, and between the quarter-wave plate and the polarization beam splitter are in the same plane.
US08373732B2 Liquid droplet flight device and image forming apparatus with electrowetting drive electrode
A liquid droplet flight device is provided that moves an ink or the like using a comparatively low voltage and stably causes flight of even a high viscosity ink or the like. When causing droplets of a liquid inside a liquid retaining section to fly onto a medium transported between liquid droplet discharge means and an opposing electrode in the liquid droplet flight device, a high voltage is applied to the flight electrode from a bias power source to generate an electric field between the flight electrode and the opposing electrode. On/off control of flight control means is performed in this state to apply a drive voltage of a low voltage to an EW drive electrode from a drive power source such that the liquid inside a slit moves to a leading end portion of the flight electrode due to an electrowetting phenomenon, and the liquid that has moved to the leading end portion of the flight electrode flies toward the opposing electrode through the electric field such that a liquid droplet lands on the medium.
US08373730B2 Driving method for reducing image sticking
A driving method with reducing image sticking effect is disclosed. The driving method includes applying a voltage on the data lines for trapping impurities crossing the data lines and lowering the degree of the image sticking effect, and applying different asymmetric waveforms to different data lines for trapping impurities crossing the data lines and lowering the degree of the image sticking effect.
US08373728B2 By-region display image quality controlling device, self-luminous display device, and computer program
When an arbitrary position and an arbitrary size on a display screen are specified as an emphasized display region so as to be interlocked with a display content of an application program, only for another region part excluding the emphasized display region, power consumed by the region part is aggressively reduced and simultaneously image quality is aggressively lowered as compared with the emphasized display region. Thereby, visibility and reduction in power consumption can be surely made compatible with each other.
US08373725B2 Method for providing information on object which is not included in visual field of terminal device, terminal device and computer readable recording medium
The present invention relates to a method for providing information on an object excluded in a visual field of a terminal in a form of augmented reality (AR) by using an image inputted to the terminal and information related thereto. The method includes the steps of: (a) specifying the visual field of the terminal corresponding to the inputted image by referring to at least one piece of information on a location, a displacement and a viewing angle of the terminal; (b) searching an object(s) excluded in the visual field of the terminal; and (c) displaying guiding information on the searched object(s) with the inputted image in a form of the augmented reality; wherein the visual field is specified by a viewing frustum whose vertex corresponds to the terminal.
US08373709B2 Multi-processor architecture and method
Embodiments of a multi-processor architecture and method are described herein. Embodiments provide alternatives to the use of an external bridge integrated circuit (IC) architecture. For example, an embodiment multiplexes a peripheral bus such that multiple processors can use one peripheral interface slot without requiring an external bridge IC. Embodiments are usable with known bus protocols.
US08373708B2 Video processing system, method, and computer program product for encrypting communications between a plurality of graphics processors
A video processing system, method, and computer program product are provided for encrypting communications between a plurality of graphics processors. A first graphics processor is provided. Additionally, a second graphics processor in communication with the first graphics processor is provided for collaboratively processing video data. Furthermore, such communication is encrypted.
US08373707B1 System and method for selecting the boot VGA adapter in a multi-graphics processing unit computing system
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for selecting a boot VGA adapter in a multiple VGA adapter system by controlling the system boot process using the VBIOS display detection service and boot flags that are stored in non-volatile platform memory. The SBIOS initiates a first boot that selects the motherboard integrated graphics processing unit (MGPU) as the boot VGA adapter. During this first boot, if the SBIOS determines that there are display devices attached to the MGPU, then the first boot completes normally. Otherwise, the SBIOS aborts the first boot and initiates a second boot that selects a secondary, discrete graphics processing unit GPU (DGPU) as the boot VGA adapter. During this second boot, if the SBIOS determines that there are display devices attached to the DGPU, then the second boot completes normally. Otherwise, the SBIOS aborts the second boot, and initiates and completes a third system boot that selects the MGPU as the boot VGA adapter while setting flags to ensure that the overall process does not repeat.
US08373702B2 System and method for adaptive tessellation of a curve
A graphic module wherein, given a curve P(x,y)=P(x(t), y(t)) between two points P0(x,y)=P0(x(t0), y(t0)) and P1(x,y)=P1(x(t1), y(t1), in the screen coordinates, a calculating circuit computes a curve mid-point Phalf(x,y)=Phalf(x(thalf), y(thalf)), where thalf=(t0+t1)/2 on the curve, computes a segment mid-point PM(x,y)=(P0(x,y)+P1(x,y))/2 on segment P0P1, computes a distance function d between the curve mid-point and the segment mid-point, and, given two thresholds THR0 and THR1, with THR0<=THR1, if d=THR1, it repeats the previous steps for the curve portions from P0 to Phalf and from Phalf to P1.
US08373698B2 Holographic enterprise network
A system, method, program product and service for implementing a holographic enterprise network. A system for providing an interface between an operations center and a three dimensional (3D) virtual simulator system capable of rendering holographic images of the operations center is disclosed. Included is a holographic enterprise interface having a translation system for translating standard enterprise data associated with the operations center and 3D holographic data. Also enclosed is a communications manager for managing parallel communications between the holographic enterprise interface and a 3D data processing infrastructure having a holographic bus.
US08373697B2 Gradation converting device, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program
An image processing apparatus includes: a filter-coefficient storing unit that stores filter coefficients respectively associated with spatial frequencies, which are the numbers of strips displayed per unit angle with respect to an angle of field of a display apparatus; a viewing-condition determining unit that determines, as viewing conditions, a viewing distance between a viewer and the display apparatus and pixel density of the display apparatus; a filter-coefficient setting unit that sets a filter coefficient selected on the basis of a spatial frequency calculated from the viewing conditions among the stored filter coefficients; and a gradation modulating unit including a quantizing unit that quantizes a pixel value in a predetermined coordinate position in an image signal and outputs the pixel value as a quantized pixel value in the predetermined coordinate position, the gradation modulating unit gradation-modulating the image signal by multiply-accumulating a set filter coefficient with respect to quantization errors caused by the quantizing unit to feedback the quantization errors to an input side of the quantizing unit.
US08373695B2 Apparatus and method for driving display panel including control of charge pump
A display panel drive apparatus is provided with: a drive circuit outputting drive voltages to a display panel in response to a timing control signal used for timing control of image display on the display panel; and a booster circuit feeding a boosted power supply voltage to the drive circuit. The booster circuit includes a charge pump circuit generating the boosted power supply voltage by boosting an input power supply voltage in response to a boosting clock; and a pulse skip circuit monitoring a voltage level of the boosted power supply voltage and controlling an boosting operation of the charge pump circuit in response to the voltage level of the boosted power supply voltage. The pulse skip circuit is configured to allow the charge pump circuit to initiate the boosting operation in synchronization with the timing control signal.
US08373694B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit and method of driving the same
A transistor causes fluctuation in the threshold and mobility due to the factor such as fluctuation of the gate length, the gate width, and the gate insulating film thickness generated by the difference of the manufacturing steps and the substrate to be used. As a result, there is caused fluctuation in the current value supplied to the pixel due to the influence of the characteristic fluctuation of the transistor, resulting in generating streaks in the display image. A light emitting device is provided which reduces influence of characteristics of transistors in a current source circuit constituting a signal line driving circuit until the transistor characteristics do not affect the device and which can display a clear image with no irregularities. A signal line driving circuit of the present invention can prevent streaks in a displayed image and uneven luminance. Also, the present invention makes it possible to form elements of a pixel portion and driving circuit portion from polysilicon on the same substrate integrally. In this way, a display device with reduced size and current consumption is provided as well as electronic equipment using the display device.
US08373691B2 Active-matrix bistable display device
An active-matrix bistable display panel is provided in which a pixel electrode is formed at each intersection of each of a plurality of scanning lines in a row direction and each of a plurality of signal lines in a column direction and a display state is made to occur depending on a voltage of each of the pixel electrodes, a signal-line driving unit is provided in which the plurality of signal lines is connected to a plurality of terminals and image inputs are sequentially divided into a plurality of image inputs and a plurality of image signals are supplied sequentially to the plurality of terminals in a time-division manner, and a scanning-line driving unit is provided in which each scanning line making up the plurality of groups is sequentially driven for each of the groups, wherein each of TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) is made active so as to supply an image voltage to each of pixel electrodes.
US08373684B2 High resolution 2D-3D switchable autostereoscopic display apparatus
Provided is a high resolution 2D-3D switchable autostereoscopic display apparatus including: a backlight unit emitting light; a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of cells, the cells being arranged two-dimensionally and comprising left eye regions and right eye regions that are each independently switchable between a transparent state and an opaque state; a lenticular lens sheet separating and emitting light passed through the spatial light modulator to a left eye viewing zone and a right eye viewing zone; and an image display panel displaying an image, wherein the spatial light modulator is divided into a plurality of horizontal segments that are sequentially switched in synchronization with a vertical synchronization signal of the image display panel.
US08373683B2 Position input device and computer system
A position input device is provided in which signals are transmitted from a position indicator, and signals transmitted from the position indicator are received by a position detector device. According to certain embodiments, an electrical double-layer capacitor, a charging circuit which charges the electrical double-layer capacitor, and a power transmission unit which relays and supplies to the charging circuit power supplied from a power supply unit external to the position indicator, are provided in the position indicator. In other embodiments the position input device has a built-in power supply unit, transmitting units, and a control unit for switching the transmitting units between energized and de-energized states. Also provided are position input systems and computer systems including the position input device, and methods of operating the position input device and the systems.
US08373677B2 Touch detection for a digitizer
A detector for providing position detection of objects over a sensor with a first and second set of conductor lines forming a grid with a plurality of junctions there between at which the conductor lines do not contact, includes a signal generator providing a signal to at least one conductor line of the first set of conductor lines, and circuitry detecting output arising from one or both of an electromagnetic stylus and one or more fingers when present. The output arising from each of the one or more fingers is detected from at least one conductor line of the second set of conductor lines in response to the signal provided to the at least one conductor line of the first set of conductor lines. The circuitry detects positions of one or both the electromagnetic stylus and each of the one or more fingers when present responsive to the output detected.
US08373673B2 User interface for initiating activities in an electronic device
In one embodiment, a user interface is presented for initiating activities in an electronic device. The user interface includes an element referred to as a “launch wave”, which can be activated at substantially any time, even if the user is engaged with an activity, without requiring the user to first return to a home screen. In various embodiments, the user can activate the launch wave by performing a gesture, or by pressing a physical button, or by tapping at a particular location on a touchscreen, or by activating a keyboard command. In one embodiment, activation of the launch wave and selection of an item from the launch wave can be performed in one continuous operation on a touch-sensitive screen, so as to improve the expediency and convenience of launching applications and other items.
US08373664B2 Two circuit board touch-sensor device
An apparatus and method for detecting a presence of a conductive object on a sensor array of a first circuit board using active electronic components of a second circuit board, which is coupled to the first circuit board. The apparatus may include a first circuit board, which includes a sensor array of sensor elements, and a second circuit board, coupled to the first circuit board, including sensing circuitry to measure capacitance on the sensor array of the first circuit board. The method may include measuring a capacitance on the sensor array using the active electronic components of the second circuit board, and processing the measured capacitance.
US08373661B2 Input apparatus and operation method thereof
An input apparatus including an optical mouse module and a mouse pad module is provided. The optical mouse module includes a light source and an optical sensor. The light source is adapted to emit a light beam. The optical sensor has a sensible distance. The mouse pad module is disposed on the optical mouse module. The mouse pad module includes a sliding sheet elastically coupled to the optical mouse module. The sliding sheet is adapted to move in a three-dimensional space. The optical sensor and the sliding sheet are arranged in an arrangement direction. An operation method of the input apparatus is also provided.
US08373659B2 Wirelessly-powered toy for gaming
A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.
US08373651B2 Systems and methods for inputting data using multi-character keys
Systems and methods are provided for inputting data to a mobile device using multi-character keys. A first input may be generated by pressing a multi-character key on the mobile device. In response to the first input, the mobile device may sequentially display a plurality of characters associated with the pressed multi-character key. When a desired character is displayed, a second input may be generated to select the currently displayed character as character data input.
US08373650B2 Flexible electrophoretic display and method for manufacturing the same
A flexible electrophoretic display includes a backside plate, a display structure and a side reinforcement. The backside plate has a cover area. The display structure is arranged on the backside plate and a surface thereof facing toward the backside plate has an area less than the cover area of the backside plate. The side reinforcement is arranged in juxtaposition with the display structure and on the backside plate. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a flexible electrophoretic display.
US08373648B2 Proximity sensor, control method thereof, and electronic apparatus equipped with the same
A proximity sensor, a control method thereof and an electronic apparatus equipped with the proximity sensor are disclosed. The proximity sensor connected to a light-emitting module includes a light source, a light receiver and a control module. The light source emits lights at predetermined time intervals. The light receiver receives reflected lights of the emitted lights that are reflected from an object. The control module determines whether an average value of intensity values of the reflected lights is larger than a threshold value. If yes, the control module further determines whether a difference between a highest and a lowest intensity value of the reflected lights falls in a preset range. If yes, the control module would control the light-emitting module to change to a different light mode thereof. When a user reacts to the different light mode, the system will be able to tell whether a real user is present.
US08373640B2 Display device
In one embodiment of the present invention, a display device is disclosed which performs a divided-screen active driving, and which allows (i) its emitting region to be divided into smaller units, irrespective of the smallest module unit of a light source; and (ii) minimizing increase in costs for a driving system and manufacturing of an area light source, a display device of the present invention includes: a display panel having unit display pixels; an area light source arranged on a back surface of the display panel, the area light source having an emitting region which is divided into divided emitting regions; and a controlling section for controlling luminance of each of the divided emitting regions of the area light source, based on luminance information of video signals input, wherein the area light source includes: unit emitting pixels which controls light emission of the divided emitting regions through a matrix driving; the unit emitting pixels each having an electron emitting element for emitting an electron, and a fluorescent substance which emits light by being excited by the electron emitted from the electron emitting element, the unit emitting pixels each occupying an area which is equivalent to an area of plural pixels out of the unit display pixels.
US08373635B2 Method for reducing resonance energy of an LCD panel and related LCD device
A method for reducing resonance energy of an LCD panel includes providing a plurality of driving signal patterns, each defining a non-overlap area width of a synchronization signal and a scan-line charging frequency, and determining an order of the plurality of driving signal patterns to modulate driving signals of the LCD panel accordingly.
US08373634B2 Source driver for display devices
A source driver for display devices includes line pair driving blocks. Each of the line pair driving blocks includes a de-multiplexing portion for de-multiplexing first and second digital data to generate first and second de-multiplexing data, a decoding portion for decoding the first and second de-multiplexing data to generate first and second analog data, and a multiplexing portion for multiplexing the first and second analog data to generate first and second gradation voltages. In the source driver, the de-multiplexing portion is controlled by signals having information of loading timing for the digital data and information of polarity for the gradation voltages.
US08373633B2 Multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display with charge sharing
In a multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display wherein a pixel that has two sub-pixels, an additional switching element is used to achieve a voltage differential between the electrode voltage potential in one sub-pixel and the other during and after the charge-sharing period. The electrodes in the sub-pixels are connected to each other through a charge-sharing capacitor and a controlling switching element, such as another transistor. Before the charge-sharing period, the controlling switching element is operated in a non-conducting state and the voltage potentials of the sub-pixel electrodes are substantially equal. During the charge-sharing period, the controlling switching element is operated in a conducting state to facilitate charge-sharing. The additional switching element is used to achieve the voltage differential more effectively and without additional capacitors.
US08373632B2 Apparatus and method for driving a liquid crystal display device
An apparatus for driving an LCD device includes an image display unit having liquid crystal cells in respective regions defined by a plurality of gate and data lines; an over-driving apparatus to detect a signal of a moving image based on a source data and to detect modulated data based on the detected signal, the modulated data changes a response speed of a liquid crystal based on the detected signal; a gate driver to supply scan signals to the gate lines; a data driver to convert the modulated data into analog video signals and to supply the analog video signals to the data lines; and a timing controller to align the modulated data and to generate data control signal and gate control signal, the timing controller outputs the aligned data and the data control signal to the data driver and outputs the gate control signal to the gate driver.
US08373629B2 Display device
A display device includes a plurality of sub-pixels configured to display a plurality of colors including white. Each of the sub-pixels includes a self-luminous element configured to emit light by receiving supply of electric current, an input unit configured to input a luminance signal for determining luminance of the self-luminous element into the sub-pixel, and a control unit configured to control the supply of electric current to the self-luminous element. An area of light emission in each of the sub-pixels for the white is larger than an area of light emission in each of the sub-pixels for the other colors.
US08373622B2 Method for driving a plasma display panel
The present method is to drive a plasma display panel which displays a frame composed of a plurality of sub-fields having different weights of luminance. The method comprises using plural kinds of application voltage waveforms different in light emission luminance, as pulse voltages for sustain discharges in display of each sub-field, and adjusting the number of waves in each of the plural kinds of application voltage waveforms according to the weight of luminance set for each sub-field, thereby performing gradation display.
US08373621B2 Array substrate and liquid crystal display device having the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a first thin film transistor connected to a first data line and controlling a first voltage output, a second thin film transistor connected to a second data line parallel to the first data line and controlling a second voltage output, a third thin film transistor connected to a third data line disposed between the first data line and the second data line and controlling a third voltage output, a first liquid crystal capacitor electrically connected to the first thin film transistor and the third thin film transistor, and a second liquid crystal capacitor electrically connected to the second thin film transistor and the third thin film transistor.
US08373615B2 Method and system for splitting a display zone of a screen, and computer program product
A system for splitting a display zone of a screen is installed in an electronic device having a screen, and includes a detecting module for detecting screen pixels. A splitting processor receives a splitting instruction containing a splitting number n, and splits the display zone into a main display region and a number (n−1) of extension display regions. A total number of width pixels of adjacent ones of the main and extension display regions from left to right of the display zone equals the number of width pixels of the screen. A total number of height pixels of adjacent ones of the main and extension display regions from top to bottom of the display zone equals the number of height pixels of the screen. A display module displays two or more operating interfaces, files, and/or pages of at least one application in the main and extension display regions, respectively.
US08373604B2 Multiband mobile communication device and antenna thereof
A multiband mobile communication device has a ground plane and an antenna. The antenna is disposed on a dielectric substrate. The antenna includes a monopole, a shorted radiating portion, a first radiating branch, and a second radiating branch. The monopole includes a feeding end, and the feeding end is the feeding point of the antenna. The shorted radiating portion has a shorting end electrically connected to the ground plane, and its other end is left open. The shorted radiating portion is extended along the monopole and has a coupling gap to the monopole. The first radiating branch has an end electrically connected to the shorted radiating portion, and its other end is left open. The first radiating branch is extended toward the shorting end of the shorted radiating portion and located on the opposite side of the monopole. The second radiating branch has an end electrically connected to the shorted radiating portion, and its other end is left open. The second radiating branch is extended along the first radiating branch, with the first radiating branch located between the second radiating branch and the shorted radiating portion.
US08373600B2 Single-band antenna
A single-band antenna, comprising: a substrate; a first radiation unit; a conductive material; an impedance matching circuit; a signal feed-in terminal; a second radiation unit; and a wire connecting unit. Therefore, the single-band antenna can be miniaturized to be installed with or inside a compact wireless transmission device with enhanced transceiving performance.
US08373595B2 Simultaneous radio detection and bearing system
Provided is a simultaneous radio detection and bearing system. More specifically, the radio detection and bearing system includes an RF conditioning subsystem having a plurality of First Frequency Range and Second Frequency Range signal receiving channels. The RF conditioning subsystem operable to combine First Frequency Range and Second Frequency Range signals as a first internal data stream. A coherent multi-channel digitizer subsystem is coupled to the RF conditioning system, the coherent multi-channel digitizer subsystem operable to generate a time domain snapshot of the first internal data stream. An audio recording subsystem is also coupled to the RF conditioning subsystem. A processor is coupled to the coherent multi-channel digitizer subsystem and the audio recording subsystem. The processor is operable to transform the time domain snapshot to a frequency spectrum and identify at least one signal above a threshold at a determined frequency, determine the bearing of the signal, and provide the determined frequency to the audio recording subsystem. The audio subsystem contemporaneously records the signal upon the determined frequency. An associated method of radio detection and bearing determination is also provided.
US08373592B2 Initial position determination method, positioning method, and positioning apparatus
A method of determining an initial position in executing a positioning calculation based on satellite signals from positioning satellites, includes: (a) executing position converging calculation based on the satellite signals using each of a plurality of first candidate positions as a provisional initial position; (b) selecting at least one second candidate position from the first candidate positions based on a calculation result of the position converging calculation; and (c) selecting the initial position from one of the second candidate positions using the satellite signals.
US08373590B1 Method and a system for processing and displaying images of the surroundings of an aircraft
The invention relates to a method of processing an image sensed by an image sensor on board an aircraft fitted with an obstacle-locator system, in which the position and the extent of a zone in the sensed image, referred to as the zone of interest, is determined as a function of obstacle location data delivered by the obstacle-locator system, after which at least one parameter for modifying the brightness of points/pixels in said zone of interest is determined to enable the contrast to be increased in said zone of interest, and as a function of said modification parameter, the brightness of at least a portion of the image is modified.
US08373587B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit, threshold value setting method, and communication apparatus
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes first to N-th comparators to compare an input voltage with a threshold value; and a control circuit to perform first and second operations, set a threshold value of the first comparator as a first threshold value, and set a threshold value of an M-th comparator as a second threshold value, wherein the first operation includes an operation where a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the threshold value of the M-th comparator from a threshold value of an (M+1)th comparator by a real number is added to the threshold value of the M-th comparator, and wherein the second operation includes an operation where a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the threshold value of the M-th comparator from a threshold value of an (M−1)th comparator by a real number is added to the threshold value of the M-th comparator.
US08373586B2 Configurable analog input circuit
Configurable analog input circuits are provided. An analog input circuit may include a plurality of configurable input channels, at least one analog-to-digital converter, and at least one processor. Each input channel may include a plurality of switches utilized to select a type of input signal received via the input channel and a set of input terminals selectively utilized to correspond with the selected type of input signal. The at least one analog-to-digital converter may be configured to convert, for each of the plurality of input channels, the selected type of input signal into a digital output. The at least one processor may be configured to control operation of the plurality of switches associated with each of the plurality of configurable input channels.
US08373585B2 Diagnostic circuit for monitoring an analog-digital converter circuit
Described is monitoring of an analog-digital conversion of a measured value of at least one of a pressure gauge, a level gauge and a flowmeter. Different measured values can be provided for the analog-digital converter by means of a first microcontroller, wherein these measured values are subsequently transmitted from this first area into a second area by means of a unidirectional coupler. These values are acquired by a second microcontroller in the second area and compared with reference values that are stored in the second area or at another location. This diagnostic circuit may make it possible to detect drifts of resistances and of reference voltages, as well as a faulty analog-digital converter or a program execution error of the first microcontroller.
US08373581B2 Mobile control node system and method for vehicles
In a mobile control node system and method for a vehicle (630), the mobile control node (624) can interact, via a bi-directional radio link (642), with a transceiver processor unit (628) in the vehicle. The transceiver processor unit (628) is connected to a vehicle control system (120) and allows the mobile control node (624) to function as an input and output node on a vehicle control network (632), allowing remote control of the vehicle and providing functions such as remote or passive keyless entry. Additionally, the system provides a vehicle location function wherein the range and bearing between the mobile control node (624) and the vehicle (630) can be determined and displayed on the mobile control node (624). The range and bearing are calculated by determining the range between the mobile control node (624) and vehicle (630), preferably using a time of flight methodology, and by processing the travel distance of the mobile control node and compass data in order to triangulate the position of the vehicle (630) relative to the mobile control node (624).
US08373580B2 Systems and methods for rapid updating of embedded text in radar picture data
Systems and methods for efficiently updating text or symbol annunciations outputted by an avionics system on legacy displays. Instead of using a set sweeping pattern to update the display, a smart updating concept is used. The smart updating concept senses when the pilot is adjusting the selected altitude control (or other user interface device that will alter displayed annunciations), then gives priority to updating the radial lines on the display that contain the annunciation field. Once the annunciation field has been updated, the display returns to normal operation.
US08373579B2 Aircraft ground maneuvering monitoring system
A monitoring system for alerting pilots of aircraft or operators of vehicles when the aircraft or vehicle is approaching a geographical feature of interest, such as a runway, includes a database including at least one geo-referenced chart; a processor; a positioning system configured to identify at least one of the position, heading, track and velocity of the vehicle, and transmit such data to the processor; and a display unit configured to display the present position of the aircraft on the at least one geo-referenced chart. After receiving the position, heading, track and/or velocity data, the processor determines whether the aircraft has entered a containment area associated with a geographical feature of interest, and if so, provides a visible notification to the pilot or operator, which may comprise a change in display of the geographical feature of interest.
US08373577B2 Vehicle-mounted communication device
A vehicle-mounted communication device includes a non-directional antenna provided at a vehicle and having a directional characteristic in all directions uniformly in a horizontal plane, at least one of directional antennas provided at the vehicle and having a directional characteristic in a specific direction, an antenna switching portion switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be sent in a case where the information is sent from the vehicle and switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be received in a case where the information transmitted through the air is received.
US08373574B2 Counter top beverage chiller with advertising indicia and related advertising methods
A device and advertising method utilizes a sound and light display device, which often holds a bottle of a beverage to be dispended, and customer based remote which is distributed to customers in any number of ways. In one embodiment the sound playing device can be incorporated into a chiller. In one embodiment the sound playing device is incorporate into a stand for the beverage bottle. Other display devices are also possible. Examples include, but are not limited to, a small audio sound playing device, a beverage sign or sculpture which also evokes the brand. More than one type of remote can be created, allowing different types of customers to have different control levels or access to different areas of an establishment.
US08373568B2 Detector system and method to detect or determine a specific gas within a gas mixture
To achieve gas detection in a precise and reliable way, but at the same time without consuming too much energy, a gas detection system is provided which generally comprises a pair of two different gas detectors. The first detector (DLP) is active continuously and sense substantially for an unspecific change in the local gas mixture. As a reaction upon the change, the second detector (DHP) of the pair is activated. This detector (DHP) performs the determination of the concentration of a specific gas or several specific gasses. The second detector (DHP) may be of a type which consumes more power, but will be active for a short period of time before returning to an inactive state where only the first detector (DLP) is active. The first detector (DLP) however is of a type using little power.
US08373565B2 Security apparatus with conductive ribbons
An electronic article surveillance (EAS) security apparatus is comprised of a housing, base plate, ribbon pad, and electrically conductive ribbons. In one embodiment, the ribbons pre-attached to the ribbon pad and extend from the ribbon pad. The ribbon pad and base plate on installed on opposite sides of an object to be protected. The ribbons are extended around the object and their extended ends attached to the base plate. The housing has electrical contacts and encloses electronics and is attached to the base plate so that the electrical contacts complete circuits through the ribbons. The electronics in the housing monitor the ribbons to detect unauthorized removal of the apparatus. A switch on the bottom of the housing detects that the housing is attached to a plate and object. The apparatus has a locking mechanism to maintain the housing and plate together, which can be released by application of a magnet.
US08373561B2 Infrared detector
An infrared detector comprising a plurality of bolometer detectors, bias circuitry for applying a bias to the bolometer detectors, and connectors for connecting the bolometer detectors together to form a network, wherein the bolometer detectors are arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure. A method for increasing the sensitivity of an infrared detector, having a plurality of bolometer detectors arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure so as to at least partly compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the infrared detector due to conduction of thermal energy from the bolometer detectors through the environment, the method comprising at least one of the steps of connecting the bolometer detectors together in at least one of series and parallel, and operating the bolometer detectors at a DC bias current.
US08373553B2 System and method for automatic enrollment of two-way wireless sensors in a security system
A system and method are disclosed for enrolling two-way wireless security system devices (alarms, detectors, lights) in a security system. A controller is provided and is capable of exchanging wireless signals with the two-way wireless devices. The system has an enroll mode where the two-way wireless devices transmit enroll signals to the controller. The enroll signals contain an identifier associated with each device. An installer uses a keypad or other interface device to confirm enrollment of each of the devices. The controller sends an enroll confirmation signal back to the two-way wireless devices confirming that the devices have been enrolled. In response, each of the devices emits an audible or visual enroll confirmation signal to the installer.
US08373544B2 RFID apparatus
RFID apparatus includes transmission means for transmitting an RF signal; reception means for receiving a modulated RF signal; and demodulation means for demodulating a received modulated signal. The apparatus comprises generating means for generating a RF signal dependent on an incoming RF signal, the incoming RF signal being generated by different apparatus, and the apparatus is arranged to transmit the generated RF signal such that the generated RF signal interferes with the incoming RF signal. The RFID apparatus has both the means to respond to an RF reader device, in tag emulation mode, and means to function as an RF reader device, in reader mode.
US08373541B2 Vehicle remote control system
A remote control system for use with vehicles and other devices having remotely controllable features. The system may include a fob or other similar type of device to support wireless signal communications used to facilitate the remote control. The system may further include a portable device to support display dependent controls or other controls unsuited to the fob. The fob may support wireless communications between the portable device and the controlled device.
US08373540B2 Anti-identity theft and information security system process
The anti-identity theft and information security system process includes storing secure information in association with an electronic device having a communication circuit for sending and receiving data. Biometric information is read with a scanner so that the identity of a user can be authenticating in connection with the supplied biometric information. Once approved, a data communication line is established with a remote device and access to the secure information is unlocked. Thereafter, the secure information may be transmitted between the electronic device and the remote device.
US08373533B2 Power module and circuit board assembly thereof
A power module includes a first bobbin, a primary winding coil, a circuit board assembly and a first magnetic core assembly. The primary winding coil is wound around the first bobbin. The circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board, a second winding structure, at least one current-sensing element, a rectifier circuit and an electrical connector. The second winding structure has an output terminal. The current-sensing element includes a first conductor. The first conductor is a conductive sheet. A first end of the first conductor is in contact with the output terminal of the second winding structure. A second end of the first conductor is connected to the rectifier circuit. The primary winding coil is aligned with the second winding structure of the circuit board assembly and arranged within the first magnetic core assembly. The primary winding coil and the electrical connector are electrically connected with a system board.
US08373532B2 Coil
In the winding wire at the winding completion end side, two wires are piled up vertically and wound together from the inner circumferential side towards the outer circumferential side. The winding wire at the winding start end side that has remained on the inner circumferential side is drawn forth from the inner circumferential side to the outer circumferential side so as to form a curve along the flat surface of the coil. In the crossing portions of the winding wire at the winding completion end side and the winding wire at the winding start end side, the two wires of each winding wire are superimposed and caused to cross each other in a state in which the wires are laid down transversely.
US08373531B2 System for a linear drive
A system, whereby drive units on a movable part, e.g., a turntable or linear drive, are powered in a contactless manner via, in each instance, an inductive coupling to one or more primary conductors.
US08373527B2 Magnetic attachment system
An improved magnetic attachment system is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.
US08373526B2 Field emission system and method
An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.
US08373522B2 High accuracy MEMS-based varactors
Systems including varactor devices are provided. A varactor device (400) includes a gap closing actuator (GCA) varactor (200), includes a drive comb structure (201), an output varactor structure (514) defining an output capacitance, a reference varactor structure (214) defining a reference capacitance, and a movable truss comb structure (204) interdigitating the drive comb, the output varactor, and the reference varactor structures. The truss comb structure moves along a motion axis (205) between interdigitating positions based on a bias voltage. The device also includes a feedback circuit (404) configured for modifying an input bias voltage based on the reference capacitance to produce the output bias voltage that provides a target capacitance associated with the input bias voltage at the output varactor structure.
US08373521B2 Planar structure microwave signal multi-distributor
In a conventional Bagley polygon power divider of a planar configuration, a length of transmission lines from an input port to output ports adjacent thereto on both sides is determined to be a quarter wavelength and a geometry thereof is an odd regular polygon with each side being a length equal to half of a wavelength at a designed frequency, which is large in size. Since the output ports are located at vertices of the regular polygon, inconvenience can be caused, e.g., in arrangement of the output ports.The present invention is directed to a design wherein only a characteristic impedance of a transmission line is designated for achieving matching and wherein a length of the line is allowed to be arbitrarily selected. This permits the line length between adjacent output ports to be appropriately adjusted to a short one according to a design object, and also enables fabrication of a power divider in which output ports are aligned in a line.
US08373516B2 Waveguide matching unit having gyrator
A waveguide matching unit is disclosed. The waveguide matching unit includes gyrator having first and second waveguides. The first waveguide includes first and second ports that are connected by a first waveguide channel. An RF signal propagating through the first waveguide channel is phase shifted by about 90° when propagating from the first to the second port, and is phase shifted by about 0° when propagating from the second port to the first port. The second waveguide includes third and fourth ports that are connected by a second waveguide channel. An RF signal propagating through the second waveguide channel is phase shifted by about 0° when propagating from the third to the fourth port, and is phase shifted by about 90° when propagating from the fourth port to the third port.
US08373513B2 Compensated micro/nano-resonator with improved capacitive detection and method for producing same
The resonator comprises an oscillating element and first and second excitation electrodes of the oscillating element. An AC signal generator is connected to the first and second excitation electrodes and delivers first and second signals of the same amplitudes and in antiphase on the first and second electrodes. A first DC voltage source is connected to a third electrode. A second DC voltage source is connected to a fourth electrode. An additional electrode is electrically connected to the oscillating element. A signal representative of oscillation of the oscillating element is provided by the additional electrode formed by an anchoring point of the oscillating element and biased by a third DC voltage.
US08373511B2 Oscillator circuit and method for gain and phase noise control
An oscillator circuit and method for gain and phase noise control. A gain and phase noise controlled oscillator circuit includes a variable electronic oscillator and a tuning loop circuit. In operation, the variable electronic oscillator generates a clock signal and has a clock signal frequency that is controlled by a sense voltage received by the variable electronic oscillator or by one or more capacitive loads coupled to the variable electronic oscillator. Further, the tuning loop circuit is coupled to the variable electronic oscillator and compares the sense voltage to a control voltage received by the tuning loop circuit and produces one or more correction signals based on the comparison, where the one or more capacitive loads change capacitance based on the one or more correction signals.
US08373508B2 Power amplifier
A pre-driver for an amplifier comprising a load network in which the following elements are connected in the following order: a resistor-an inductor-a capacitor. Also described are a power amplifier comprising such a pre-driver, a method of fabricating a pre-driver for an amplifier, and a method of performing power amplification.
US08373503B1 Third order intermodulation cancellation for RF transconductors
A mixer in an RF demodulator includes a transconductance amplifier that converts an RF input voltage (Vin), applied to the base of a first bipolar transistor, to a first output current. The first output current contains third order intermodulation (IM3) products. An IM3 canceller is connected in parallel with the transconductance amplifier. The base of a second bipolar transistor in the IM3 canceller is coupled to the DC component of Vin, and the AC component of Vin is coupled to the emitter of the second bipolar transistor, such that the currents though the first bipolar transistor and the currents through the second bipolar transistor change oppositely. The collectors of the transistors are coupled together. The values of components in the IM3 canceller are set so that the current generated by the IM3 canceller substantially cancels IM3 distortion in the first current or other current generated in a demodulator of Vin.
US08373502B1 Gm-C filter tuning circuit based on relaxation oscillator
A relaxation oscillator for generating a first and a second oscillation signals, comprising: a reference-voltage providing circuit for providing a high and a low reference voltages; switches for directing the high and low reference voltages to inputs of a transconductance amplifier and a non-inverting input of a comparator; the transconductance amplifier for generating an output current with a value determined by its transconductance value, controlled by an input tuning voltage, and multiplied by its inputs' voltage difference; a capacitor connecting between the transconductance amplifier output and ground; and the comparator for generating a first and a second digital signals; wherein the first and second digital signals are digital control signals to the switches, and the first and second oscillation signal of the relaxation oscillator respectively; wherein the oscillation frequency of the relaxation oscillator is independent of the reference voltages, achieving accurate frequency turning, and simplifying the reference-voltage providing circuit.
US08373496B2 Temperature compensated current source
A temperature compensated current source forms an uncompensated source current that is proportional to a reference voltage applied to an impedance, wherein the impedance varies with temperature. A temperature compensation current is formed that is proportional to absolute temperature (IPTAT). The uncompensated source current and the temperature compensation current is combined to form a temperature compensated source current and provided as an output of the current source.
US08373495B2 Self biased gate controlled switch
Conventional current sharing circuits, which can be used in drivers for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), for example, often use bipolar transistors. However, bipolar transistors are not available in many CMOS processes. Thus, a current sharing circuit is provided here that employs CMOS transistors. In particular, the circuit provided here uses a current mirror and pass circuit to assist in providing this current sharing function.
US08373493B2 Power switch design and method for reducing leakage power in low-power integrated circuits
Power switching circuits and power management techniques are provided that can reduce static power of ICs, including digital core processors. In one embodiment, the power switching circuit includes a footer (power-gating transistor) between the core and a ground rail and at least two additional power-gating transistors parallel to the footer. The power-gating transistors are controlled by respective control signals to enable selective switching. In a specific embodiment, for each sleep mode, at most, a single one of the transistors is turned on. Multiple sleep modes are accomplished according to the relative sizing of the additional power-gating transistors. A larger of the additional transistors is used to provide a standby mode during short idling times by providing a fast wake-up time and some reduction in static power. For standby modes during longer idling periods, smaller sized transistors are turned on. For longest idling periods, all transistors are turned off.
US08373489B2 Offset cancellation for sampled-data circuits
A comparator based circuit with effective offset cancellation includes first and second amplifiers and an offset capacitor operatively connected to the first and second amplifiers. An offset voltage source generates an offset voltage. A first switch connects the offset voltage source to ground during a first time period. The first amplifier generates an output voltage in response to the first switch connecting the offset voltage source to ground during the first time period. A second switch connects the offset capacitor to ground during a second time period. The first switch disconnects the offset voltage source from ground during a third time period, and the second switch disconnects the offset capacitor from ground during the third time period.
US08373488B2 Integrated circuit of an integrator with enhanced stability and related stabilization method
An integrated circuit integrator includes a first transconductance amplifier having a gain adjustable based upon a first control signal, and receives, as an input, a signal to be filtered, and generates, as an output, a corresponding amplified signal. The first transconductance amplifier includes an R-C output circuit to filter components from the amplified signal, and an output resistance being adjustable based upon a second control signal. A second transconductance amplifier is matched with the first transconductance amplifier, and has a gain adjustable based upon the first control signal, and a matched output resistance adjustable based upon the second control signal. A circuit is configured to force a reference current through the matched output resistance. An error correction circuit is coupled to the second transconductance amplifier and is configured to generate the second control signal so as to keep constant a voltage on an output of the second transconductance amplifier.
US08373477B2 Timing adjustment circuit, solid-state image pickup element, and camera system
A timing adjustment circuit includes at least one data line; a phase synchronization circuit that includes a plurality of oscillation delay elements which oscillate an oscillation signal, and that is configured to oscillate the oscillation signal by synchronizing a phase of a feedback clock with a phase of a reference clock; at least one delay circuit that includes a delay element which is disposed on the data line and which is equivalent to one of the plurality of oscillation delay elements, and that is configured to delay data which is to be transmitted on the data line; and a delay adjustment unit configured to adjust an amount of delay of the delay element of the delay circuit in accordance with a signal associated with oscillation of the phase synchronization circuit.
US08373474B2 Delay lock loop and method for generating clock signal
A delay lock loop (DLL) including a voltage control delay line (VCDL), a phase frequency detecting loop (PFD loop), and a phase limiting loop is provided. The VCDL generates an output clock signal according to a DC voltage signal, wherein the VCDL delays an input clock signal by a specific period so as to generate the output clock signal. The PFD loop generates the DC voltage signal according to the phase difference of the input clock signal and the output clock signal and is controlled by an initiation signal. The phase limiting loop limits the delay of the output clock signal to be less than a delay time and generates the initiation signal to enable the PFD loop. Furthermore, a clock signal generating method is also provided.
US08373470B2 Modular programmable delay line blocks for use in a delay locked loop
Modular delay line blocks include a plurality of delay elements, each including a delay unit, an input, an output, a next element output, and an element return path. The delay elements are coupled together in a chain between a block input and a block output. The block input is coupled to the input of a first element in the chain and the block output is coupled to the output of the first element. In addition, the next element output of the first element is coupled to the element input of a next element in the chain, and the element output of the next delay element is coupled to the element return path of a previous element in the chain. In response to a selection control signal, each element may selectively route a signal from the element input to one of the next element output or to the element output.
US08373468B2 Charge pump for phase-locked loop
A current generator for a phase-locked loop arranged to generate an output signal having predetermined frequency-relationship with a reference signal, the phase-locked loop comprising a signal generator arranged to generate the output signal, a divider arranged to receive the output signal and divide the output signal to form a feedback signal, the divider being arranged to vary the divisor by which the output signal is divided, a comparison unit arranged to compare the feedback signal with the reference signal and output a first error signal indicative of the phase-difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal to the current generator and a loop filter arranged to filter a current signal output by the current generator to form a control signal for controlling the signal generator, the current generator being capable of receiving the first error signal and generating a current in dependence thereon, receiving a second error signal indicative of an error in the feedback signal caused by the variation of the divisor by which the output signal is divided and generating a current having a magnitude and sign that is dependent on that error and combining the currents generated in dependence on the first error signal and the second error signal to form a current signal output to the loop filter that is representative of an overall error in the output signal of the phase-locked loop relative to the reference signal.
US08373465B1 Electronic device and method for phase locked loop
A phase locked loop (PLL) is provided. The PLL includes a control stage comprising N storage elements each having an output coupled to the output of the control stage. The N storage elements being coupled in a chain, and each storage element being configurable in an analog mode, where a stored signal at the storage node of the storage element is changed continuously in response to the output signal of a charge pump. Each storage element is configurable in a digital mode in which the stored value is one value out of a predetermined set of values, and the storage element can assume the analog mode if a preceding storage element and a subsequent storage element are in the digital mode and have different values of the stored signal.
US08373464B2 Digital phase-locked loop architecture
A phase-locked loop circuit comprising: an oscillator (20) configured to generate an output signal; an input (25) for receiving a reference clock signal; a delay cell (26) configured to delay the reference clock signal to generate a delayed reference clock signal; a phase comparator (27) configured to generate a quantized signal indicative of the phase difference between the output signal and the delayed reference clock signal, an integrator (28) configured to integrate the quantized signal to form an integrated signal; a first feedback path (22) configured to control the phase and/or frequency of the oscillator in dependence on the integrated signal; and a second feedback path (23) configured to adjust the delay applied by the delay cell (26) in dependence on the integrated signal.
US08373460B2 Dual loop phase locked loop with low voltage-controlled oscillator gain
A dual loop PLL for generating an oscillator signal initially operates in a digital loop to achieve a frequency lock between an input reference signal and a feedback signal and then the PLL operates in an analog loop to achieve a phase lock. After attaining the phase lock, the analog loop is used to maintain the phase lock across frequency and phase variation due to changes in temperature and supply.
US08373458B2 Read out integrated circuit
According to one embodiment, a circuit comprises a Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) configured to receive a current pulse at an input and convert the current pulse to a voltage step. The voltage step is directed to a first signal path and a second signal path. When the voltage step exceeds a first threshold, the first signal path directs an enable pulse to the second signal path. The second signal path generates an output pulse when the voltage step exceeds a second threshold and the enable pulse is enabled. The second signal path comprises a first, a second, and a third amplifier to increase detection of the voltage step by the second signal path.
US08373457B2 Power-up signal generation circuit in semiconductor integrated circuit
A power-up signal generation circuit includes a main driving unit configured to drive a power-up detection node according to power supply voltage level information; an auxiliary driving unit configured to additionally drive the power-up detection node according to temperature information; and an output unit configured to output a power-up signal in response to a voltage change of the power-up detection node in accordance with the operations of the main driving unit and the auxiliary driving unit.
US08373456B2 Domain crossing circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus
The domain crossing circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus for improving a timing margin includes a sampler that provides a sampling internal signal generated by delaying an internal input signal by a predetermined time in response to a clock and an edge information signal that defines an output timing of the sampling internal signal and an output stage that allows the sampling internal signal to be synchronized with the clock in response to the edge information signal to be output as a final output signal.
US08373452B2 Buffer circuit having switch circuit capable of outputting two and more different high voltage potentials
A buffer circuit includes a first node receiving a first voltage, a second node receiving a second voltage lower than the first voltage, a third node, an output node driving the first voltage and the second voltage, a first transistor coupled between the first node and the output node, a second transistor coupled between the second node and the output node, one end of the second transistor being connected to the second node, another end of the second transistor being connected to the third node, and a switch circuit coupled between the output node and the third node. Both of the first transistor and the switch circuit include a transistor having a first breakdown voltage. The second transistor has a second breakdown voltage being different from the first breakdown voltage.
US08373450B2 System and a method for generating an error voltage
A precision current reference or a precision oscillator includes a circuit that precisely controls the cyclic charging of a switched capacitor. The voltage across the switched capacitor is ramped up to a desired voltage during the charge phase. The circuit comprises a network of switched capacitors around a transconductance amplifier. An error voltage between a predetermined voltage and a voltage across the switched capacitor is amplified by a transconductance amplifier to give an error current, which is integrated over time to give an integrated error voltage. The error voltage can be minimized such that the circuit produces a precise output current whose value depends on the switched capacitor capacitance, the predetermined reference voltage and a frequency used to switch the switched capacitors. Alternatively, an embodiment may be part of a frequency locked loop to provide a precise oscillator whose frequency depends on a predetermined resistance and the switched capacitor capacitance.
US08373446B2 Power supply detection circuit
Power supply detection circuit. The power supply detection circuit includes an input circuit responsive to a core power supply voltage to generate a first output voltage at a first node. The power supply detection circuit also includes a sense logic circuit to sense a voltage drop associated with the first output voltage, when the first output voltage is at a logic level HIGH. Further, the power supply detection circuit includes a current mirror circuit responsive to the voltage drop to increase voltage of the first output voltage to an input and output power supply voltage. Moreover, the power supply detection circuit also includes an output circuit that inverts the first output voltage to generate a second output voltage at a second node.
US08373444B2 Time-domain voltage comparator for analog-to-digital converter
A time-domain voltage comparator for an analog-to-digital converter includes a first voltage-to-time converter configured to be connected in series with at least one time delay cell and convert an input voltage into time information; a second voltage-to-time converter configured to be connected in series with at least one time delay cell and convert an input voltage into time information; and a phase comparator configured to determine a difference between times outputted from the first voltage-to-time converter and the second voltage-to-time converter.
US08373439B2 3D semiconductor device
A wafer includes a group of tiles of programmable logic formed thereon, wherein each tile comprises a micro control unit (MCU) communicating with adjacent MCUs, and wherein each MCU is controlled in a predetermined order of priority by adjacent MCUs; and dice lines on the wafer to separate the group into one or more end-devices.
US08373438B2 Nonvolatile logic circuit
Semiconductor industry seeks to replace traditional volatile logic and memory devices with the improved nonvolatile devices. The increased demand for a significantly advanced, efficient, and nonvolatile data retention technique has driven the development of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) employing a giant magneto-resistance (GMR). The present application relates to nonvolatile logic circuits with integrated MTJs and, in particular, concerns a nonvolatile spin dependent logic device that may be integrated with conventional semiconductor-based logic devices to construct the nonvolatile logic circuits performing NOT, NOR, NAND and other logic functions.
US08373432B2 Automated test equipment employing test signal transmission channel with embedded series isolation resistors
Automated test equipment for high-speed testing of devices under test (DUTs) includes a tester channel circuit generating a high-speed electrical test signal applied to the signal input terminal of each DUT, and a contacter board in physical and electrical contact with the DUTs. The contacter board has a high-speed signal transmission channel including (1) an electrical contact at which the high-speed electrical test signal is received, (2) conductive etch extending from the electrical contact to isolation areas each adjacent to the signal input terminal of a respective DUT, and (3) an embedded series isolation resistor formed on an inner layer of the contacter board at a respective isolation area forming a connection between the conductive etch and the adjacent signal input terminal of the respective DUT.
US08373428B2 Probe card assembly and kit, and methods of making same
A probe card assembly includes a probe card, a space transformer having resilient contact structures (probe elements) mounted directly to (i.e., without the need for additional connecting wires or the like) and extending from terminals on a surface thereof, and an interposer disposed between the space transformer and the probe card. The space transformer and interposer are “stacked up” so that the orientation of the space transformer, hence the orientation of the tips of the probe elements, can be adjusted without changing the orientation of the probe card. Suitable mechanisms for adjusting the orientation of the space transformer, and for determining what adjustments to make, are disclosed. The interposer has resilient contact structures extending from both the top and bottom surfaces thereof, and ensures that electrical connections are maintained between the space transformer and the probe card throughout the space transformer's range of adjustment, by virtue of the interposer's inherent compliance. Multiple die sites on a semiconductor wafer are readily probed using the disclosed techniques, and the probe elements can be arranged to optimize probing of an entire wafer. Composite interconnection elements having a relatively soft core overcoated by a relatively hard shell, as the resilient contact structures are described.
US08373426B2 Method and arrangement for indicating correct installation of plug-in unit of telecommunications device
An arrangement for indicating correct installation of a plug-in unit (102) of a telecommunications device includes at least one distance indicator (106) located in the plug-in unit and adapted to produce an indication for correct installation of the plug-in unit in response to a situation where the distance of the distance indicator from a wall (107) of the frame of the telecommunications device is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. The distance indicator, which may be e.g. an electromechanical limit switch or capacitive distance sensor, is adapted to produce the indication for correct installation without a need for a galvanically conducted electric current between the distance indicator and the frame of the telecommunications device. There is thus no need to make any electric circuit arrangements in the frame of the telecommunications device for the indication of correct installation of a plug-in unit.
US08373423B2 IEEE 1394 interface test apparatus
An Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) test apparatus includes an IEEE 1394 chip, an IEEE 1394 plug, an IEEE 1394 outlet, a test header, and a switch module. The IEEE 1394 chip, plug and outlet each include a ground pin, two pairs of differential signal pins, and a power pin. The test header includes ground pin sockets, two pairs of differential signal pin sockets, and a power signal pin socket. The three power pins and the power signal pin socket are electrically connected together. The switch module is operable to electrically connect the two pairs of differential signal pins of the IEEE 1394 chip to the two pairs of differential signal pins of the IEEE 1394 plug or electrically connect the two pairs of differential signal pins of the IEEE 1394 chip to the two pairs of differential signal pins of the IEEE 1394 outlet.
US08373417B2 Method and device to detect failure of a magnetic resonance gradient coil by monitoring a supply cable thereof
Efficient gradient cable monitoring is enabled by a device and a method to determine a failure in at least one gradient coil of a magnetic resonance tomography system with gradient cables supplying current thereto, wherein the difference of at least one electrical current flowing through a gradient cable to a gradient coil and at least one electrical current flowing through a gradient cable away from a gradient coil is determined. A failure of a gradient cable is assumed if the absolute value of the difference exceeds a limit value.
US08373416B2 Data processing system, data processing method, diagnostic imaging apparatus, and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A data processing system configured to process acquired image data (e.g., as part of a diagnostic imaging apparatus) uses a signal-power estimating unit for estimating signal power by using reference data containing data different from processing-target data and a data processing unit for processing the processing-target data by using a WF (wiener_filter) based on the signal power estimated by the signal-power estimating unit.
US08373415B2 Method for separating magnetic resonance imaging signals using spectral distinction of species
A method for producing an image of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in which a signal contribution of a chemical species is depicted and a signal contribution of another chemical species is substantially separated is provided. For example, the provided method is applicable for water-fat separation. Spectral differences between at least two different chemical species are exploited to produce a weighting map that depicts the likelihood that one chemical species being depicted as another. A weighting map that characterizes the smoothness of a field map variation is also produced. These weighting maps are utilized to produce a correct field map estimate, such that a robust separation of the signal contributions of the at least two chemical species can be performed.
US08373413B2 Magnetic sensing method, atomic magnetometer and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic sensing method comprises irradiating a pump light having a circularly polarized component and a probe light having a linearly polarized component onto a group of atoms contained in a cell so as to make the lights produce an intersection region and detecting a change of rotation angle of a plane of polarization of the probe light before and after passing the cell. The pump light and the probe light are irradiated in a state where a magnetic field of the direction in which the pump light strikes the intersection region is provided with a gradient.
US08373410B2 Rotary or linear position sensor having a variable magnet profile
The invention relates to a magnetic angular or linear sensor including at least one permanent magnet defined in a cylindrical (r, Q & z) or Cartesian (x, y & z) coordinate system and at least two magneto-sensitive elements, in which the magnet can move in relation to said two magneto-sensitive elements. The invention is characterized in that at least one dimension of the magnet varies as a non-constant function and in that the magnetization of the magnets is oriented in a single direction, i.e. x, y or z in the case of a magnet defined in a Cartesian coordinate system or r, Q or z in the case of a magnet defined in a cylindrical coordinate system.
US08373405B2 Power supply voltage detection circuit
A power supply voltage detection circuit of the present invention includes a reference signal generation circuit that generates a reference signal according to a power supply voltage, a first transistor having a current flowing between a first terminal and a second terminal, where the current is controlled according to the reference signal, a voltage generation circuit that generates a control voltage according to a potential difference between the power supply voltage and the first terminal of the first transistor, and a second transistor that controls whether or not to output the power supply voltage according to the control voltage. Such circuit configuration enables to accurately detect a low voltage state of the power supply voltage.
US08373399B2 Control circuit of interleaved PFC power converter
A control circuit of an interleaved PFC power converter according to the present invention comprises a master switching control circuit, a slave switching control circuit, and a slave reference signal generator. The master switching control circuit generates a control signal and a first switching signal in response to an input voltage and a feedback signal. The first switching signal is utilized to control a first switch of the PFC power converter. The slave reference signal generator generates a slave control signal in response to a load condition of the PFC power converter and the control signal. The slave switching control circuit generates a second switching signal in response to the slave control signal. The slave control signal is utilized to control a second switch of the PFC power converter. The slave reference signal generator adjusts the control signal in response to the load condition for generating the slave control signal correspondingly. The slave control signal drives the slave switching control circuit to adjust the switching frequency of the second switch for reducing the switching loss.
US08373390B2 Safety device for cutting-off high voltage for hybrid electric vehicle
The present invention provides a safety device for cutting off high voltage for a hybrid electric vehicle, which cuts off the connection between an interlock pin and a battery management system to cut off the current flow after electric power is supplied from a high voltage battery, thus preventing the occurrence of arc when an external connected is disconnected.For this purpose, the present invention provides a safety device for cutting off high voltage for a hybrid electric vehicle, the safety device including: a male housing including a guide hole formed on the bottom thereof; a female housing into which the male housing is inserted; a cover including a projection formed on the bottom thereof to rotate along the guide hole; a locker connected to the projection and rotating along the guide hole; and an interlock housing including an interlock pin attached to the bottom thereof and moving up and down in the rotational direction of the locker to control the current flow between the interlock pin and a battery management system, thus preventing the occurrence of arc when an external connector is disconnected.
US08373389B2 Battery pack charging system with manually maneuvered charge head
A charging system which is particularly suitable for recharging the batteries of electrically powered motor vehicles using a charge head with multiple contacts that mate with an array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle being recharged. The charge head is supported from overhead, and may, using a power assisted system, be lowered, into place against the array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle. Switches may be spaced apart so that, like the grasping elements of the handle, use of both hands is required. The charge head causes breaking of series connections of batteries within the vehicle so that individual batteries may be charged in parallel. A battery temperature monitor is provided. An annunciator locally or remotely signals errors or indicates completion of charge. Payments are accepted near the charge head, thereby allowing for commercial operation.
US08373387B2 USB inductive charger
An inductive charger adapter element includes a housing, a coil comprising electrically conductive material, the coil contained within the housing, the coil configured to inductively couple to an external primary coil; and a connector supported on the housing, the connector coupled to the coil and configured to couple the inductive charger adapter element to a port provided on a device, the connector including a first pair of conductors for providing power and charging current to a battery in the device.
US08373381B2 DC/DC-less coupling of matched batteries to fuel cells
A fuel cell system that employs a matched battery that matches the battery voltage to a fuel cell power bus voltage so as to eliminate the need for a DC/DC converter. The internal characteristics and parameters of the matched battery allow it to operate over the large load dependent voltage swing of the fuel cell, and prevent the battery state of charge from going below a damaging value. The battery type, number of battery cells and the battery internal impedance are selected to provide the desired matching. In one embodiment, the battery is a lithium ion battery. The system also includes a diode electrically coupled to the power bus line and a by-pass switch electrically coupled to the power bus line in parallel with the diode. The by-pass switch is selectively opened or closed to allow the fuel cell stack to recharge the battery and prevent the battery from being overcharged.
US08373377B2 Driving circuit of stepping motor
A shift register which receives a transmission clock signal, which is shifted according to the transmission clock signal, and which outputs a gate signal a predetermined time after reset; a reset circuit which outputs a reset signal for resetting the shift register when the reset circuit receives an input of a step signal for driving the stepping motor; and a switching element which receives the gate signal of the shift register and which is switched between a blocked state and a conductive state are provided in a driving circuit of a stepping motor.
US08373373B2 Input circuit for alternating current signal, and motor starter including the same
An input circuit includes an interface structured to output a logic signal from an alternating current signal of a pair of elongated conductors. A load is switchable to the elongated conductors. A processor outputs a control signal to switch the load to the elongated conductors asynchronously with respect to the alternating current signal for a first predetermined time, inputs the logic signal, determines if the input logic signal is active a plurality of times during the first predetermined time and responsively sets a first state of the alternating current signal, and, otherwise, sets an opposite second state of the alternating current signal, and delays for a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, for the opposite second state before repeating the output, and, otherwise, delays for a third predetermined time, which is longer than the second predetermined time, for the first state before repeating the output.
US08373372B2 Electrical motor/generator drive apparatus and method
The present disclosure includes electrical motor/generator drive systems and methods that significantly reduce inverter direct-current (DC) bus ripple currents and thus the volume and cost of a capacitor. The drive methodology is based on a segmented drive system that does not add switches or passive components but involves reconfiguring inverter switches and motor stator winding connections in a way that allows the formation of multiple, independent drive units and the use of simple alternated switching and optimized Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) schemes to eliminate or significantly reduce the capacitor ripple current.
US08373370B2 Sensorless control method of high performance permanent magnet synchronous motor during emergency operation
The present invention provides a position sensorless control method of a high performance permanent magnet synchronous motor during emergency operation, which can accurately detect a magnetic pole position of the synchronous motor based on a position sensorless vector control using an adaptive observer configured based on a permanent magnet synchronous motor model.
US08373369B2 Method and amplifier for operating a synchronous motor
A method for operating a synchronous motor wherein a magnetic field is generated by a first motor component in a predetermined orientation, the method including generating a relative movement between the first and a second motor component limited to a predetermined value, and determining a direction of the relative movement, wherein the generating and determining are repeated until a change in the direction of the relative movement occurs, wherein a magnetic field having a changed orientation with regard to a previously generated magnetic field is generated by the first motor component, and wherein the orientation of the magnetic field with the changed orientation is changed by a predetermined orientation section and depending on the determined direction of the relative movement. The invention encompasses an amplifier for operating a synchronous motor and a system including an amplifier and a synchronous motor.
US08373368B2 Energy storage device
An energy storage device having a variable momentum of inertia uses centrifugal forces acting on movable masses to self adjust its moment of inertia. The adjustment of the moment of inertia occurs without any additional energy input. Energy is stored as rotational kinetic energy and potential elastic and/or gravitational energy.
US08373365B2 Power supply with dimming control for high-power DC LED lamp
A power supply with dimming control for a high-power DC LED lamp is provided. Particularly, a variable resistor is provided to a circuit of the high-power DC LED lamp for changing a current supplied to a light-emitting unit of the high-power DC LED lamp, thereby adjusting luminance (brightness) and power consumption (consumed watts) of the high-power DC LED unit of the high-power DC LED lamp. The variable resistor is provided to a driver, transformer, adaptor or power supply of the high-power DC LED lamp in a built-in manner or a remotely connected manner.
US08373364B2 Smart monitoring of light emitting diode strings
System(s) and method(s) are provide to efficiently assess performance of a set of light emitting diode (LED) strings in an illumination system. A multiplexer component collects input signal from the one or more LED strings via a first set of one or more monitoring pins, processes the collected input signal, and extracts at least one output signal. The at least one output signal is conveyed to a demultiplexer component through a second set of one or more monitoring pins, wherein the number of elements in the second set of monitoring pins is equal to or smaller than the number of monitoring pins in the first set. The collected input signal is processed in accordance with at least one mode of operation of the multiplexer component, the mode of operation autonomously configured by the demultiplexer component. The multiplexer component can autonomously generate intelligence on operating status of the set of LED strings.
US08373361B2 Greenhouse system
Greenhouse system may comprise an illumination, a sensor, and a controller. The illumination and controller are arranged to vary the intensity and the spectral distribution of the light emitted by the illumination. The emitted light may be pulsed light, the pulse characteristics being variable by the controller in dependency of the output of the sensor. The controller is arranged to interpret the relevant variables measured by the sensor and to assess the actual and/or expected growth of the relevant plants, and to control the intensity and/or the spectral distribution of the light emitted by the illumination. Some sensors may be provided for measuring the intensity and/or spectral distribution of the actual light in the greenhouse, other sensors for measuring plant dimensions of the relevant plants or plant groups. The illumination may comprise a heat collector which can be connected to heating or air conditioning inside or outside the greenhouse.
US08373360B2 Lighting control system and LED lamp
A lighting control system and an LED lamp for use with the lighting control system are provided. In one embodiment, the LED lamp includes a color LED including a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED, and a lamp contact having a first contact section, a second contact section, and a third contact section, each of the first contact section, the second contact section, and the third contact section including a positive contact and a negative contact, wherein the first contact section is electrically connected to the red LED, the second contact section is electrically connected to the green LED, and the third contact section is electrically connected to the blue LED. The lighting control system may include an LED driver unit configured to provide independent electrical connection with each of the contact sections of the LED lamp.
US08373356B2 System and method for a constant current source LED driver
A system and method for providing a constant current source driver for a light emitting diode string. The converter includes a current sensor that derives feedback signal corresponding to a peak current through the light emitting diode string. The feedback signal is used by a controller to vary a duty cycle of the controller to regulate the average current. The controller is operable to regulate the average current as the number of light emitting diodes is increased and/or decreased.
US08373354B2 Backlight unit driver
There is provided a backlight unit driver capable of driving multi-channel lamps of a backlight unit, especially LED lamps, by supplying a driving power to the lamps using a single transformer and maintaining the current balance of the driving power supplied to each of the lamps.
US08373351B2 Transition mode commutation for inverter
A driver circuit includes a plurality of switches, forming two switching legs, each of at least two switches and connected between two DC voltage buses. The switches are matched to form diagonal pairs. The driver circuit also includes a load circuit connecting the legs, with a first inductor connected between one leg's switches, and a second inductor connected between the other leg's switches, and lamp terminals between the inductors and in series with the second inductor. The driver circuit also includes a capacitor in parallel with the series-connected lamp terminals and the second inductor, and a control circuit connected to the plurality of switches. During a commutation period, a diagonal pair operates in a non-conductive state and the other in a conductive state, until a current through the first inductor reaches a predefined value. Then the other operates in a non-conductive state until the current through the first inductor reaches zero.
US08373349B2 Circuit and method for striking CCFL
A circuit for controlling the switch frequency of an inverter that strikes and drives fluorescent lamps is disclosed. The circuit comprises a frequency generator and an offset circuit. The offset circuit provides a current signal in response to the lamp status. The frequency generator provides a frequency control signal in respond to the current signal so as to control the switch frequency of the inverter. When the lamp is open, the switch frequency of the inverter is higher; when the lamp is lighted, the switch frequency of the inverter is lower.
US08373348B2 Dynamically controllable drive circuit for parallel array of light emitting diodes
The present invention relates to a parallel light emitting diode (“LED”) drive circuit and provides a drive circuit configured to drive a parallel array of LEDs. The drive circuit comprises: a switching control signal generator, a plurality of switches, a plurality of sampling resistors, and a plurality of chopper amplifiers. Each switch is coupled to a respective LED in the LED array. Each chopper operational amplifier configured to receive a reference voltage and a switching control signal generated by the switching control signal generator and generate an input offset voltage. Each chopper operational amplifier includes a differential amplifier including an input transistor pair and a current mirror transistor pair, of which the electrical positions can be reserved when the switching control signal is switched between a first state and a second state, wherein the offset voltage, which causes the lightness mismatching in a parallel LED circuit, can be cancelled.
US08373346B2 Solid state lighting system and a driver integrated circuit for driving light emitting semiconductor devices
The present invention relates to a solid state lighting system comprising at least one light emitting semiconductor device, at least one driver for driving a predetermined current through the at least one light emitting semiconductor device. The lighting system furthermore comprises a first voltage supplying unit coupled to provide a first supply voltage to a first side of the at least one light emitting semiconductor device, and a second voltage supplying unit coupled to provide a second supply voltage for the at least one light emitting semiconductor device. The first and the second supply voltages are selected to optimize the voltage drop across the at least one light emitting semiconductor device.
US08373341B2 Top-emission organic light-emitting devices with microlens arrays
Embodiments of the invention can provide organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) with enhanced outcoupling efficiency. Specific embodiments can enhance the outcoupling efficiency by more than four times. Embodiments of the invention incorporate microlens 5 arrays on the emitting surface of a top-emission OLED. Incorporation of microlens arrays on the emitting surface of a top-emission OLED can greatly enhance the outcoupling efficiency in OLEDs. With a microlens array attached to the emitting surface, much of, if not all, of the waveguiding modes can be extracted. The microlens array can be fabricated using the inkjet printing method or using other methods, including molding.
US08373335B2 Actuator element and use of same
Actuator elements can be used for mechatronic, adaptive applications under the most varied conditions of use. These actuator elements have improved properties and can be manufactured inexpensively. The actuator elements are formed with at least one dielectric separation layer which is encompassed by two electrically conductive electrodes. The electrodes and the separation layer are in this respect formed using the same visco-elastically deformable plastic. The plastic forms a matrix in which carbon nanotubes are embedded at least in the electrodes.
US08373334B2 Piezoelectric vibrating reed, piezoelectric vibrator, method of manufacturing piezoelectric vibrator, oscillator, electronic apparatus, and radio-controlled timepiece
There are provided a piezoelectric vibrating reed which can be reliably bonded ultrasonically and which can be efficiently manufactured, a piezoelectric vibrator, a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator, an oscillator, an electronic apparatus, and a radio-controlled timepiece. A piezoelectric vibrating reed includes: a piezoelectric plate having vibrating portions and a base portion adjacent to the vibrating portions; excitation electrodes formed in the vibrating portions; mount electrodes formed in the base portion; lead-out electrodes for making the excitation electrodes and the mount electrodes electrically connected to each other; and a passivation film which is formed of an electrically insulating material and covers the excitation electrodes and the lead-out electrodes. These electrodes disposed on one surface of the base portion are formed only in a region covered by the passivation film.
US08373332B2 Energy harvesting electric device
Provided is an energy harvesting electric device capable of increasing output power. The energy harvesting electric device includes an energy harvester array including a plurality of energy harvesters, a single rectifier connected to the energy harvester array, and an output unit which is connected to the single rectifier and has a load resistance. The energy harvesters include a plurality of first energy harvesters connected to each other in parallel and a single second energy harvester connected in parallel to the first energy harvesters. The first energy harvesters have a first specific resistance higher than the load resistance and the second energy harvester has a second specific resistance higher than the first specific resistance.
US08373327B2 Attachment structure for motor assembly
In attachment structure for motor assembly, accommodating portion with a bottom is formed in housing such that the motor assembly including commutator motor and brush holder unit is accommodated therein with the brush holder unit facing downward. Receiving portion for positioning the brush holder unit is formed in the accommodating portion. Abutment portion is formed on the brush holder unit for positioning between stator and the brush holder unit. The motor assembly is positioned within the accommodating portion such that the brush holder unit is in contact with the receiving portion and that the stator and the brush holder unit are brought into contact with each other through the abutment portion. Fixing member is inserted from an open side of the housing, brought into contact with the stator, and fixed to the housing, so that the motor assembly is interposed between the fixing member and the receiving portion.
US08373321B2 Terminal assembly for motor of hybrid vehicle
The present invention features a terminal assembly for a motor of a hybrid vehicle as a wire connection structure of a concentrated winding motor, which can maintain a gap between a plurality of terminals using a clip and a holder in an insulated manner. Such a terminal assembly for a motor of a hybrid vehicle, includes: an open type holder with an open top; a plurality of terminals concentrically arranged and inserted into the holder; and a plurality of clips, each inserted between the terminals in an insulated manner to maintain a gap between the terminals.
US08373319B1 Method and apparatus for a pancake-type motor/generator
According to an example embodiment, a modular pancake-type electrical generator includes a rotor and a modular stator, along with a support for the modular stator. The rotor includes a plurality of spaced-apart magnets around its perimeter, while the modular stator comprises a plurality of coil modules. The support is configured for receiving and retaining the plurality of coil modules and it comprises a plurality of support sections. The support sections form a circular array, for surrounding the rotor. Each support section comprises an interior receptacle formed in a generator housing, and includes a set of coil module mounting points and electrical contacts that are molded into or otherwise anchored within the interior receptacle. The receptacles and coil modules may be keyed, e.g., according to electrical phase, such that a coil module is installable only in receptacles having the correct complementary keying.
US08373318B2 Terminal lead insulator assembly for wound field synchronous machine
A terminal lead insulator assembly for use in a wound field synchronous machine has a generally cylindrical skirt extending in a first direction from a radially larger face. The radially larger face is formed with a plurality of radially outwardly extending ears. The ears include central openings for receiving electrical connections. A rotor assembly, a wound field synchronous machine and a method of assembling such a rotor assembly, each of which include the terminal lead insulator assembly as mentioned above, are also disclosed and claimed.
US08373316B2 Coolant flow enhancing device for stator coil end turns of fluid cooled electric motor
A coolant flow enhancing device is provided to increase electric machine coil cooling at coil end turn locations. Such a device is incorporated into an overall fluid cooled electric machine that has phase separators extending through slots between stator teeth. The device includes flow deflectors located at ends of the phase separators. Each of the flow deflectors is designed so that a contour of its interior surface follows an outer contour of a corresponding one of the end turns to both maximize a cooling fluid flow rate past the one of the end turns and minimize separation of the fluid from the one of the end turns.
US08373314B2 Power supply device
A power supply device (1) for at least one electrical means (2) arranged below sea level, for instance a power supply and control device, or the like, used in maritime oil and/or gas production, comprises a voltage supply means (3) particularly provided above sea level, which is connected via a first cable connection (4) to the electrical means (2) and via a second cable connection (5) to a subsea anode (6). —The electrical means has assigned thereto a subsea cathode (7) for closing the circuit. It is thereby ensured that power supply is guaranteed even in the case of reduced cabling efforts for a long period of time and can be maintained and repaired in a simple way.
US08373308B2 Device and method for generating alternating current
A solar power plant includes at least one photovoltaic module for generating power to be fed in a multi-phase grid. At least one inverter is provided for converting a direct voltage generated by the at least one photovoltaic module into an alternating mains voltage. A mains transformer is coupled to receive the alternating mains voltage from the inverter. The inverter is coupled to a primary side of the mains transformer. A direct voltage source coupled between an output of the at least one inverter and an input of the mains transformer such that a potential of the at least one photovoltaic module is displaced and that a bias voltage is set which is different from zero volts.
US08373307B2 Methods and systems for direct current power transmission
A direct current (DC) power transmission system is described. The DC power transmission system includes a first plurality of series connected power collection systems and at least one superconducting DC conductor coupled to the plurality of series connected power collection systems and configured to transmit power generated by the plurality of power collection systems to a remote load.
US08373306B2 Adaptive and modular UPS system and method
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system that may incorporate a battery subsystem including at least one battery for generating electrical power, and a UPS subsystem including at least one power module. At least one first bus system may couple the battery subsystem to the UPS subsystem to supply electrical power to the UPS subsystem. An input and output (I/O) subsystem is in communication with an output of the UPS subsystem for generating an output signal. At least one second bus system may be used for coupling the output of the UPS subsystem to the I/O subsystem. At least one of the first and second bus systems may include a pair of parallel coupled, independent busses, and may further have a tie bar for enabling the pair of busses to be reconfigured as a single bus.
US08373303B1 Solar synchronized loads for photovoltaic systems
An electrical power supply arrangement includes a solar power device that converts sunlight into DC electrical power. A DC load runs on the DC current electrical power. The DC load may be controlled or adjusted to consume a maximum amount of the electrical output of the solar power device. A DC-to-AC converter converts the DC electrical power into AC electrical power. A controller enables the DC-to-AC converter to receive a portion of the DC current electrical power from the solar power device only if all of the DC current electrical power cannot be consumed by the DC load.
US08373299B2 Axial gap rotating electrical machine
Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.
US08373296B1 Integrated lunar tide electric generator and floating retail structures system
A system for converting the tidal variations of water to electrical energy. The system has a stabilizing column, a platform configured to float at least partially above the water surface moving relative to the at least one stabilizing column, and an electrical generating system configured to transform the movement of the platform relative to the at least one stabilizing column into electrical energy. The platform can have a top side and floating retail structures and can be configured for constructional development.
US08373295B2 Method for operating a power plant
A method is provided for operating a power station (10), with turbine shafting (11), that includes a gas turbine (12) and a generator (18) driven directly by the gas turbine (12) and that generates alternating current with an operating frequency, the output of the generator is connected with an electrical grid (21) with given grid frequency. An electronic decoupling apparatus or variable electronic gearbox (27) is arranged between the generator (18) and the grid (21), the decoupling apparatus decouples the operating frequency from the grid frequency. Increased service life of the station and reduced emissions are achieved in that, when there are longer-lasting changes in the grid frequency, the mechanical or aerodynamic rotational speed of the gas turbine (12) is kept constant and the output of the gas turbine (12) is adjusted without a delay.
US08373294B2 Vertical axis wind turbine
A vertical axis wind turbine including a generator, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generator and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of blades, and a power management subsystem operable to induce a forward current in the generator when the measured wind speed is above a minimum speed required for the blades to rotate but below the wind speed required to overcome a static friction exerted on the central shaft and the blades.
US08373293B2 Protection system of a doubly-fed induction machine
A protection system for a doubly-fed induction machine; with a stator and a rotor. The stator of the doubly-fed induction machine is connected to a grid, and the rotor of the doubly-fed induction machine is connected to the grid via a converter. The converter includes a machine side converter, and a DC-link and a line side converter. The protection system also includes at least one crowbar, the crowbar being connected to the rotor, at least one DC-chopper provided in the DC-link, a converter controller, and a separate protection device for DC-chopper and the at least one crowbar.
US08373292B2 Frame structure for supporting a wind power plant
The present invention refers to an arrangement (“A”) related to a body of water for creating conditions for generating electric power from a prevailing force of wind (“W”).Utilized pontoon units are made up of and associated with at least two vertical, or at least essentially vertical, posts, which may float, for forming a frame portion and at least one upright stabilizing the position of the frame portion in the body of water.More particularly, the invention indicates that between an upright and each one of the two posts, a first post and a second post, there extends a bar-shaped means dimensioned for taking up a compressive force, and that between said upright and each one of the first and second posts there extends at least one first means dimensioned for taking up a tractive force and at least one second means dimensioned for taking up a tractive force.
US08373289B2 Energy generating modules with fuel chambers
A fuel module comprises an enclosure and a fuel chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel chamber comprises a primary containment tank contained within a secondary containment tank. The enclosure comprises a plurality of exterior enclosure walls and a plurality of interior enclosure walls that cooperate to form the secondary containment tank such that the primary containment tank is disposed between the exterior enclosure walls and the interior enclosure walls. In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior enclosure walls and the interior enclosure walls cooperate to form a single-walled fuel chamber disposed between the exterior and interior enclosure walls of the fuel module. Additional exemplary embodiments include fuel chambers configured as any multiple-wall structures, whether double-wall, triple-wall, or other, that comprise a plurality of containment tanks.
US08373282B2 Wafer level chip scale package with reduced stress on solder balls
A structure includes a metal pad over a semiconductor substrate, a passivation layer having a portion over the metal pad, and a first polyimide layer over the passivation layer, wherein the first polyimide layer has a first thickness and a first Young's modulus. A post-passivation interconnect (PPI) includes a first portion over the first polyimide layer, and a second portion extending into the passivation layer and the first polyimide layer. The PPI is electrically coupled to the metal pad. A second polyimide layer is over the PPI. The second polyimide layer has a second thickness and a second Young's modulus. At least one of a thickness ratio and a Young's modulus ratio is greater than 1.0, wherein the thickness ratio is the ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness, and the Young's modulus ratio is the ratio of the second Young's modulus to the first Young's modulus.
US08373281B2 Semiconductor module and portable apparatus provided with semiconductor module
A semiconductor element mounted on an insulating resin layer formed on a wiring layer is sealed by a sealing resin. On the wiring layer, a protruding electrode protruding to the side of the semiconductor element and a protruding section are integrally formed with the wiring layer, respectively. The protruding electrode is electrically connected to an element electrode of the semiconductor element by penetrating the insulating resin layer. The protruding section is arranged to surround the semiconductor element along the four sides of the semiconductor element, and is embedded in the sealing resin up to a position above a section where the protruding electrode and the element electrode are bonded.
US08373279B2 Die package
In an embodiment, a die package may be provided. The die package may include at least one first height adjusting structure, the at least one first height adjusting structure may include a first adjusting height relative to a common plane; at least one second height adjusting structure may be positioned adjacent to the at least one first height adjusting structure, the at least one second height adjusting structure may include a second adjusting height relative to the common plane; wherein the second adjusting height may be different from the first adjusting height relative to the common plane; a first die may be positioned on the at least one first height adjusting structure; and a mold housing substantially surrounding the at least one first height adjusting structure, the at least one second height adjusting structure and the first die.
US08373278B2 Semiconductor device having stacked dice disposed on base substrate
Semiconductor dice judged as good dice are stacked on a base substrate in which through holes and through hole electrodes are formed. Next, a protection layer to cover the semiconductor dice is formed. It is preferable that the protection layer is composed of a plurality of resin layers (a first resin layer and a second resin layer) that are different, in hardness from each other. Then, a conductive terminal that is connected with the through hole electrode is formed on a back surface of the base substrate. Next, the second resin layer and the base substrate are cut along predetermined dicing lines and separated into individual semiconductor devices in chip form. A process step of separation into the semiconductor devices is performed while each of the semiconductor dice is mounted on the base substrate in wafer form.
US08373273B2 Methods of forming integrated circuit devices having damascene interconnects therein with metal diffusion barrier layers and devices formed thereby
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming an interlayer insulating layer having a trench therein, on a substrate and forming an electrical interconnect (e.g., Cu damascene interconnect) in the trench. An upper surface of the interlayer insulating layer is recessed to expose sidewalls of the electrical interconnect. An electrically insulating first capping pattern is formed on the recessed upper surface of the interlayer insulating layer and on the exposed sidewalls of the electrical interconnect, but is removed from an upper surface of the electrical interconnect. A metal diffusion barrier layer is formed on an upper surface of the electrical interconnect, however, the first capping pattern is used to block formation of the metal diffusion barrier layer on the sidewalls of the electrical interconnect. This metal diffusion barrier layer may be formed using an electroless plating technique.
US08373268B2 Semiconductor package including flip chip controller at bottom of die stack
A semiconductor package including a plurality of stacked semiconductor die, and methods of forming the semiconductor package, are disclosed. In order to ease wirebonding requirements on the controller die, the controller die may be mounted directly to the substrate in a flip chip arrangement requiring no wire bonds or footprint outside of the controller die. Thereafter, a spacer layer may be affixed to the substrate around the controller die to provide a level surface on which to mount one or more flash memory die. The spacer layer may be provided in a variety of different configurations.
US08373267B2 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) structure
A structure includes first and second silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) formed in a substrate. The first and the second SCRs each include at least one component commonly shared between the first and the second SCRs.
US08373266B2 Heat sink mounted on a vehicle-transmission case
A system for dissipating heat from a semiconductor board includes a first substrate including an opening formed therein, a second substrate attached to a surface of the first substrate, and a microchip positioned in the opening and bumped to the second substrate. The system further includes a heat sink directly adhered to the microchip. A method of manufacturing a heat dissipating semiconductor board includes forming an opening in a first substrate and positioning a microchip in the opening. The method further includes directly adhering the microchip to a heat sink, bonding the microchip to a second substrate and boding a surface of the first substrate to the second substrate.
US08373263B2 Interconnection structure and its design method
An interconnection structure includes a semiconductor chip, a mounting substrate on which the semiconductor chip is mounted, and a group of bonding wires provided to connect the semiconductor chip and the mounting substrate. The group of bonding wires includes: a first signal bonding wire contained in a first envelope and provided to propagate a signal; a first power supply bonding wire contained in the first envelope and applied with a first power supply voltage; and a second power supply bonding wire contained in a second envelope and applied with a second power supply voltage. One of the first envelope and the second envelope is arranged between the other of the first envelope and the second envelope and the mounting substrate. The second power supply bonding wire is arranged in a position in which electromagnetic coupling between the second power supply bonding wire and the first signal bonding wire is smaller than electromagnetic coupling between the second power supply bonding wire and the first power supply bonding wire.
US08373260B1 Chip package
A chip package includes a circuit board, a pad, a chip, and an adhesive layer. The circuit board includes a substrate and a circuit layer formed on the substrate. The pad includes an electrical connection area in a center portion thereof and an extending area extending outward from the electrical connection area. The electrical connection area covers the circuit layer. The extending area surrounds the electrical connection area and the circuit layer. The chip includes two chip areas and an enlarging area. The two chip areas are separated from each other and electrically connected to the electrical connection area. The enlarging area surrounds the two chip areas. The adhesive layer attaches the chip to the pad. The chip and the pad are positioned on opposite sides of the adhesive layer.
US08373259B2 Optical connection through single assembly overhang flip chip optics die with micro structure alignment
A system includes an optical transceiver assembly, including a flip chip connection of a semiconductor die with a photonic transceiver that overhangs a substrate to which it is to be connected. The assembly further includes an alignment pin that is held to the semiconductor die at a micro-engineered structure in the semiconductor die. The alignment pin provides passive alignment of the photonic transceiver with an optical lens that interfaces the photonic transceiver to one or more optical channels.
US08373258B2 Semiconductor device and production method thereof
An object of the present invention is to improve the quality control of a semiconductor device. By forming an inscription comprising a culled or pixel skipping pattern of dimples on the upper surface of a die pad in a QFN, it is possible to confirm the inscription by X-ray inspection or the like even after individuation and specify a cavity of a resin molding die. Further, it is possible to specify the position of a device region in a lead frame. As a result, when a defect appears, it is possible to sort a defective QFN by appearance inspection and improve quality control in the assembly of a QFN.
US08373252B1 Integrated circuit having capacitor on back surface
An integrated circuit with capacitor structures includes a substrate and a plurality of vias extending from a front surface to a back surface of the substrate. A plurality of transistors is disposed at the front surface of the substrate and has first and second pluralities of electrodes. A patterned metal layer on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate provides first and second networks. The first network couples the first plurality of electrodes to a first via, and the second network couples the second plurality of electrodes to a second via. A dielectric layer separates first and second patterned metal layers on the back surface of the substrate. The first patterned metal layer includes a first metal plate coupled to the first via, and the second patterned metal layer includes a second metal plate coupled to the second via, forming a capacitor with the dielectric layer.
US08373250B2 On-chip inductor structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a an on-chip inductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The an on-chip inductor structure according to the present invention comprises a substrate, a porous layer, a plurality of conductors, and an inductor. The porous layer is disposed on the substrate and has a plurality of voids; each of the plurality of conductors is disposed in the plurality of voids, respectively; and the inductor is disposed on the porous layer. Because the plurality of conductors is used as the core of the inductor, the inductance is increased effectively and the area of the an on-chip inductor is reduced. Besides the manufacturing method according to the present invention is simple and compatible with the current CMOS process, the manufacturing cost can be lowered.
US08373249B2 Programmable capacitor associated with an input/output pad
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a programmable capacitor associated with an input/output pad in the semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a semiconductor die having an upper surface, a first capacitor deployed above the upper surface of the semiconductor die, a separation layer deployed above the first capacitor, and a bond pad deployed above the separation layer such that at least a portion of the bond pad lies above the first capacitor.
US08373248B2 Linear-cap varactor structures for high-linearity applications
A device includes a well region over a substrate, and a heavily doped well region over the well region, wherein the well region and the heavily doped well region are of a same conductivity type. A gate dielectric is formed on a top surface of the heavily doped well region. A gate electrode is formed over the gate dielectric. A source region and a drain region are formed on opposite sides of the heavily doped well region. The source region and the drain region have bottom surfaces contacting the well region, and wherein the source region and the drain region are of opposite conductivity types.
US08373247B2 Semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, a first main electrode, a third semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, a second main electrode, and a plurality of embedded semiconductor regions of the second conductivity type. The second semiconductor region is formed on a first major surface of the first semiconductor region. The first main electrode is formed on a face side opposite to the first major surface of the first semiconductor region. The third semiconductor region is formed on a second major surface of the second semiconductor region on a side opposite to the first semiconductor region. The second main electrode is formed to bond to the third semiconductor region. The embedded semiconductor regions are provided in a termination region. A distance between the embedded semiconductor region and the second major surface along a direction from the second major surface toward the first major surface becomes longer toward outside from the device region.
US08373240B2 Sensor device having a structure element
A sensor device and method. One embodiment provides a first semiconductor chip having a sensing region. A porous structure element is attached to the first semiconductor chip. A first region of the porous structure element faces the sensing region of the first semiconductor chip. An encapsulation material partially encapsulates the first semiconductor chip and the porous structure element.
US08373236B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing such a device
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) with a substrate (11) and a semiconductor body (1) comprising a bipolar transistor with in that order a collector region (2), a base region (3), and an emitter region (4), wherein the semiconductor body comprises a projecting mesa (5) comprising at least a portion of the collector region (2) and the base region (3), which mesa is surrounded by an isolation region (6). According to the invention, the semiconductor device (10) also comprises a field effect transistor with a source region, a drain region, an interposed channel region, a superimposed gate dielectric (7), and a gate region (8), which gate region (8) forms a highest part of the field effect transistor, and the height of the mesa (5) is greater than the height of the gate region (8). This device can be manufactured inexpensively and easily by a method according to the invention, and the bipolar transistor can have excellent high-frequency characteristics.
US08373235B2 Semiconductor memory device and production method therefor
In a static memory cell comprising six MOS transistors, the MOS transistors have a structure in which the drain, gate and source formed on the substrate are arranged in the vertical direction and the gate surrounds the columnar semiconductor layer, the substrate comprises a first active region having a first conductive type and a second active region having a second conductive type, and diffusion layers constructing the active regions are mutually connected via a silicide layer formed on the substrate surface, thereby realizing an SRAM cell with small surface area. In addition, drain diffusion layers having the same conductive type as a first well positioned on the substrate are surrounded by a first anti-leak diffusion layer and a second anti-leak diffusion layer having a conductive type different from the first well and being shallower than the first well, and thereby controlling leakage to the substrate.
US08373222B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device with alternately stacked isolation dielectric films and electrode films
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, a stacked body is provided on a silicon substrate by alternately stacking pluralities of isolation dielectric films and electrode films, a through-hole is formed in the stacked body to extend in the stacking direction, a memory film is formed by stacking a block layer, a charge layer and a tunnel layer in this order at an inner face of the through-hole, and thereby a silicon pillar is buried in the through-hole. At this time, the electrode film is protruded further than the isolation dielectric film toward the silicon pillar at the inner face of the through-hole, and an end face of the isolation dielectric film has a curved shape displacing toward the silicon pillar side as the electrode film is approached.
US08373221B2 Nanocluster charge storage device
An integrated circuit and method of forming an integrated circuit having a memory portion minimizes an amount of oxidation of nanocluster storage elements in the memory portion. A first region of the integrated circuit has non-memory devices, each having a control electrode or gate formed of a single conductive layer of material. A second region of the integrated circuit has a plurality of memory cells, each having a control electrode of at least two conductive layers of material that are positioned one overlying another. The at least two conductive layers are at substantially a same electrical potential when operational and form a single gate electrode. In one form each memory cell gate has two polysilicon layers overlying a nanocluster storage layer.
US08373220B1 NAND type flash memory for increasing data read/write reliability
A NAND type flash memory for increasing data read/write reliability includes a semiconductor substrate unit, a base unit, and a plurality of data storage units. The semiconductor substrate unit includes a semiconductor substrate. The base unit includes a first dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate. The data storage units are formed on the first dielectric layer. Each data storage unit includes two floating gates formed on the first dielectric layer, two inter-gate dielectric layers respectively formed on the two floating gates, two control gates respectively formed on the two inter-gate dielectric layers, a second dielectric layer formed on the first dielectric layer, between the two floating gates, between the two inter-gate dielectric layers, and between the two control gates, and a third dielectric layer formed on the first dielectric layer and surrounding and connecting with the two floating gates, the two inter-gate dielectric layers, and the two control gates.
US08373217B2 Epitaxial fabrication of fins for FinFET devices
A fin for a finFET is described. The fin is a portion of a layer of material, where, another portion of the layer of material resides on a sidewall.
US08373211B2 Field effect transistor
An electro-optic display comprises a substrate (100), non-linear devices (102) disposed substantially in one plane on the substrate (100), pixel electrodes (106) connected to the non-linear devices (102), an electro-optic medium (110) and a common electrode (112) on the opposed side of the electro-optic medium (110) from the pixel electrodes (106). The moduli of the various parts of the display are arranged so that, when the display is curved, the neutral axis or neutral plane lies substantially in the plane of the non-linear devices (102).
US08373209B2 Semiconductor device having D mode JFET and E mode JFET and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; and depletion and enhancement mode JFETs. The depletion mode JFET includes: a concavity on the substrate; a channel layer in the concavity; a first gate region on the channel layer; first source and drain regions on respective sides of the first gate region in the channel layer; first gate, source and drain electrodes. The enhancement mode JFET includes: a convexity on the substrate; the channel layer on the convexity; a second gate region on the channel layer; second source and drain regions on respective sides of the second gate region in the channel layer; second gate, source and drain electrodes. A thickness of the channel layer in the concavity is larger than a thickness of the channel layer on the convexity.
US08373201B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a fuse pattern formed as conductive polymer layer having a low melting point. The fuse pattern is easily cut at low temperature to improve repair efficiency. The semiconductor device includes first and second fuse connecting patterns that are separated from each other by a distance, a fuse pattern including a conductive polymer layer formed between the first and second fuse connection patterns and connecting the first and second fuse connection patterns, and a fuse box structure that exposes the fuse pattern. The conductive polymer layer includes a nano-sized metal powder and a polymer.
US08373199B2 Semiconductor device having a SiGe feature and a metal gate stack
The present disclosure provides a method including forming STI features in a silicon substrate, defining a first and a second active regions for a PFET and an NFET, respectively; forming a hard mask having an opening to expose the silicon substrate within the first active region; etching the silicon substrate through the opening to form a recess within the first active region; growing a SiGe layer in the recess such that a top surface of the SiGe layer within the first active region and a top surface of the silicon substrate within the second active region are substantially coplanar; forming metal gate material layers; patterning the metal gate material layers to form a metal gate stack on the SiGe layer within the first active region; and forming an eSiGe S/D stressor distributed in both the SiGe layer and the silicon substrate within the first active region.
US08373198B2 Substrate including thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the substrate, and organic light emitting display apparatus including the substrate
A substrate including a thin film transistor, the substrate including an active layer disposed on the substrate, the active layer including a channel area and source and drain areas, a gate electrode disposed on the active layer, the channel area corresponding to the gate electrode, a gate insulating layer interposed between the active layer and the gate electrode, an interlayer insulating layer disposed to cover the active layer and the gate electrode, the interlayer insulating layer having first and second contact holes partially exposing the active layer, source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer, the source and drain areas corresponding to the source and drain electrodes, and ohmic contact layers, the ohmic contact layers being interposed between the interlayer insulating layer and the source and drain electrodes, and contacting the source and drain areas through the first and second contact holes.
US08373195B2 Light-emitting diode lamp with low thermal resistance
A light-emitting diode (LED) structure with an improved heat transfer path with a lower thermal resistance than conventional LED lamps is provided. For some embodiments, a surface-mountable light-emitting diode structure is provided having an active layer deposited on a substrate directly bonded to a metal plate that is substantially exposed for low thermal resistance by positioning the metal plate at the bottom of the light-emitting diode structure. This metal plate may then be soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a heat sink. For some embodiments of the invention, the metal plate is thermally and electrically conductively coupled through several heat conduction layers to a large heat sink that may be included in the structure.
US08373194B2 Support module for a solid state light source, a lighting device comprising such a module, and a method for manufacturing such a lighting device
A support module (1), comprising a conducting layer (2) having a trough hole (5) and a receiving surface adapted to receive a solid state light source (3) with the electrical contact pad (4) being aligned with the through hole (5). The support module (1) further comprises an electrical insulation element (8) and at least one contact pin (9), extending through the electrical insulation element (8), and protruding through the through hole (5). Furthermore, the electrical insulation element (8) comprises a channel (10) allowing access to the end of the contact pin (9) and the electrical contact pad (4) of the solid state light source (3) received by the surface of the conducting layer (2). Such a channel makes it possible to reach the end of the contact pin and the contact pad through the insulation element with a soldering tool. Thus, it is possible to attach the solid state light source on a metal surface by soldering the contact pin to the contact pad. Mounting a solid state lighting device on a metal surface is advantageous in applications requiring good heat dissipation, since the heat dissipation properties of a metal surface is better than of a printed circuit board.
US08373193B2 Semiconductor for light emitting device
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer; an active layer on the first conductive type semiconductor layer; and a first electrode pad including a plurality of reflective layers on the first conductive type semiconductor layer.
US08373192B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a plurality of semiconductor layers, a first electrode, a second electrode, an insulating layer, a first interconnection layer, a second interconnection layer, a first metal pillar, a second metal pillar and a resin layer, and is mounted in a bent state on a curved surface. The plurality of semiconductor layers includes a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and a light emitting layer, the plurality of semiconductor layers being separated from one another. A material is provided between the plurality of the semiconductor layers separated from one another. The member has a higher flexibility than the semiconductor layers being.
US08373191B2 Organic electroluminescence device and method of fabricating the same
[Problem] The present invention aims to provide an electroluminescence device with an improved intermediate layer, for achieving a superior durability and sustainability performance thereof.[Solution] The present invention refers to organic electroluminescence devices having a plurality of light emitting layers 4 between an anode 1 and a cathode 2 with the intermediate layer 3 being interposed between two of the light emitting layers. The intermediate layer 3 comprises one layer 3a selected from a group consisting of a charge transfer complex layer made of a charge transfer complex, a metal layer made of a metal having a work function of 3.7 eV or less, and a metal compound layer made of a compound of the metal; an electrically conductive material-containing light transmissive layer 3b; a charge transport organic material layer 3c formed of a charge transport organic material; and a hole injection material layer 3d formed of a hole injection material, which are superimposed in this order. The charge transport material layer 3c is formed to have a thickness in a range of 0.5 nm to 30 nm.
US08373187B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device comprises a substrate for mounting at least one light emitting element, a reflective film formed on the substrate, an edge of which rises perpendicularly to a surface of the substrate, and at least one light emitting element. A decrease in a reflected luminous flux from a reflective film can be restrained.
US08373179B2 Light emitting diode
A LED chip including a substrate, a semiconductor device layer, a current blocking layer, a current spread layer, a first electrode and a second electrode is provided. The semiconductor device layer is disposed on the substrate. The current blocking layer is disposed on a part of the semiconductor device layer and includes a current blocking segment and a current distribution adjusting segment. The current spread layer is disposed on a part of the semiconductor device layer and covers the current blocking layer. The first electrode is disposed on the current spread layer, wherein a part of the current blocking segment is overlapped with the first electrode. Contours of the current blocking segment and the first electrode are similar figures. Contour of the first electrode and is within contour of the current blocking segment. The current distribution adjusting segment is not overlapped with the first electrode.
US08373172B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An object is to provide a semiconductor device which is not easily broken even if stressed externally and a method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device includes an element layer including a transistor in which a channel is formed in a semiconductor layer and insulating layers which are formed as an upper layer and a lower layer of the transistor respectively, and a plurality of projecting members provided at intervals of from 2 to 200 μm on a surface of the element layer. The longitudinal elastic modulus of the material for forming the plurality of projecting members is lower than that of the materials of the insulating layers.
US08373171B2 Light-emitting device having a triple-layer wiring structure
A multi-layered gate electrode of a crystalline TFT is constructed as a clad structure formed by deposition of a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode and a third gate electrode, to thereby to enhance the thermal resistance of the gate electrode. Additionally, an n-channel TFT is formed by selective doping to form a low-concentration impunty region which adjoins a channel forming region, and a sub-region overlapped by the gate electrode and a sub-region not overlapped by the gate electrode, to also mitigate a high electric field near the drain of the TFT and to simultaneously prevent the OFF current of the TFT from increasing.
US08373165B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit includes forming a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, patterning the first dielectric layer to form a first patterned dielectric layer, forming a non-single crystal seed layer on the first patterned dielectric layer, removing a portion of the seed layer to form a patterned seed layer, forming a second dielectric layer on the first patterned dielectric layer and the patterned seed layer, removing portions of the second dielectric layer to form a second patterned dielectric layer, irradiating the patterned seed layer to single-crystallize the patterned seed layer, removing portions of the first patterned dielectric layer and the second patterned dielectric layer such that the single-crystallized seed layer protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to the first and/or the second patterned dielectric layer, and forming a gate electrode in contact with the single-crystal active pattern.
US08373162B2 Liquid compositions for inkjet printing of organic layers or other uses
A method of forming an organic layer for an organic electronic device (e.g., an OLED) by using a liquid composition comprising a small molecule organic semiconductor material mixed in a solvent preparation in which the content of higher boiling impurities is reduced. The solvent preparation comprises a high boiling point solvent and 0.1 wt % or less of impurities having a higher boiling point than the solvent. The liquid composition is deposited on a surface by inkjet printing to form the organic layer. Also, provided are liquid compositions which can be used to make organic layers.
US08373158B2 Surface modifying agent, laminated structure and transistor including the same, and method of manufacturing the laminated structure
Disclosed is a surface modifying agent including a compound having an ethynyl group at one terminal end, a laminated structure manufactured using the surface modifying agent, a method of manufacturing the laminated structure, and a transistor including the same.
US08373157B2 Carbon nano-tube (CNT) light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a carbon nano-tube (CNT) light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. Specifically, the CNT light emitting device comprises: a CNT thin film formed using a CNT dispersed solution; a n-doping polymer formed on one end of the CNT thin film; a p-doping polymer formed on the other end of the CNT thin film; and a light emitting part between the n-doping polymer and the p-doping polymer. In addition, the method of manufacturing a CNT light emitting device comprises steps of: mixing CNTs with a dispersing agent or dispersing solvent to prepare a CNT dispersed solution; forming a CNT thin film using the CNT dispersed solution; coating a n-doping polymer on one end of the CNT thin film; and coating a p-doping polymer on the other end of the CNT thin film. According to the invention, the n-doping polymer and the p-doping polymer are respectively coated on the CNT having a CNT random network structure to implement a p-n junction, thereby implementing a light emitting device in a simple and low-priced process.
US08373156B2 Biological component detection device
Provided is a biological component detection device with which a biological component can be detected at high sensitivity by using an InP-based photodiode in which a dark current is reduced without using a cooling mechanism and the sensitivity is extended to a wavelength of 1.8 μm or more. An absorption layer 3 has a multiple quantum well structure composed of group III-V semiconductors, a pn-junction 15 is formed by selectively diffusing an impurity element in the absorption layer, and the concentration of the impurity element in the absorption layer is 5×1016/cm3 or less, the diffusion concentration distribution control layer has an n-type impurity concentration of 2×1015/cm3 or less before the diffusion, the diffusion concentration distribution control layer having a portion adjacent to the absorption layer, the portion having a low impurity concentration. The biological component detection device is characterized in that an examination is conducted by receiving light having at least one wavelength of 3 μm or less, the wavelength being included in an absorption band of the biological component.
US08373154B2 Strained transistor integration for CMOS
Various embodiments of the invention relate to a CMOS device having (1) an NMOS channel of silicon material selectively deposited on a first area of a graded silicon germanium substrate such that the selectively deposited silicon material experiences a tensile strain caused by the lattice spacing of the silicon material being smaller than the lattice spacing of the graded silicon germanium substrate material at the first area, and (2) a PMOS channel of silicon germanium material selectively deposited on a second area of the substrate such that the selectively deposited silicon germanium material experiences a compressive strain caused by the lattice spacing of the selectively deposited silicon germanium material being larger than the lattice spacing of the graded silicon germanium substrate material at the second area.
US08373141B1 Photographing and measuring a territorial radiation field
Dosimeter chips are widely distributed over a territorial area. This is followed by photographing the area from above to produce a color photograph. The color photograph is compared with radiation/color calibration data for the dosimeter chips. The total radiation accumulation is determined from the calibration data. The invention is for emergency use after civil accidents, for ascertaining a threat to military personnel before entering the battlefield or for interrogating a ship at sea.
US08373139B2 Optical luminescence of functionalized fullerenes in an oxygen free environment
Functionalized fullerenes, when excited at any of a broad range of wavelengths in an oxygen free environment, undergo luminescence. The oxygen sensitive luminescence of functionalized fullerenes is used for numerous applications including oxygen detection; irradiation induced healing of polymeric materials; and phosphors for optical location and display applications. The degradation of the functionalized fullerenes allows for the detection of oxygen by diminished luminescence when the fullerenes are exposed to an irradiation source, such as a laser beam, in the presence of oxygen. The luminescence from a portion of a surface of a material with functionalized fullerenes allows for the location of the surface containing a functionalized fullerene target in the absence of oxygen or to heat the object in the area irradiated that is exposed to oxygen. The localized heating can be used to repair defects to a material containing the functionalized fullerenes. Materials containing functionalized fullerenes can be used as phosphors in display applications.
US08373138B2 Vessel sterilization apparatus
An irradiation surface of an electron beam irradiation device 28 is directed toward a vessel 2 conveyed by a vessel conveying device 24 to thereby irradiate the vessel 2 with the electron beam to sterilize the vessel, an irradiation chamber 30 is provided so as to surround the irradiation surface of the electron beam irradiation device 28 and the vessel 2 subjected to the irradiation, a discharge chamber 32 is provided on an outlet side of the irradiation chamber 30, and dry-air supply means 80 for supplying a dried aseptic air is connected to the irradiation chamber 30. By removing moisture within the irradiation chamber 30 which is irradiated with the electron beam, the changing of nitrogen oxide to nitric acid is suppressed to thereby prevent metal portions from corroding.
US08373131B2 Nuclear medicine imaging apparatus and analyzing system
A PET apparatus includes an optical coupling detachment testing unit. In one example, the optical coupling detachment testing unit inputs an electric signal to a piezoelectric element or the like adhered to a detector module and generates a sound wave within the detector module. Further, the optical coupling detachment testing unit detects the sound wave propagated within the detector module and performs a frequency analysis on the detected sound wave. Subsequently, as a result of the analysis, the optical coupling detachment testing unit detects whether an optical coupling detachment has occurred by looking for a frequency distribution specific to a surface having an optical coupling detachment and/or comparing a frequency distribution with another frequency distribution from a previous test.
US08373130B2 Protection of hygroscopic scintillators
A radiation detector (100) includes an array of scintillator pixels (102) in optical communication with a photosensor. The scintillator pixels (102) include a hygroscopic scintillator (104) and one or more hermetic covers (106a, 106b). A desiccant (124) may be disposed between a hermetic cover (106a) and the scintillator (104) or between the hermetic covers (106a, 106b).
US08373128B2 Optical ranging sensor and electronic device
An optical ranging sensor includes an infrared LED encapsulated in a first light-permeable resin section, a light receiving device encapsulated in a second light-permeable resin section, a light-shielding resin member in contact with the first and second resin sections, a drive circuit section for driving the LED, a light receiving device control section for controlling the light receiving device, and a control section for the drive circuit section and light receiving device control section. Under control of the control section, a driving time of the LED coincides with an exposure time of the light receiving device. Further, while the LED is not driven, the light receiving device is also exposed for a time identical to the exposure time. An output difference between outputs at the exposure with driving the LED and at the exposure without driving the LED is calculated, and ranging is performed based on the output difference.
US08373127B2 Method of searching for a thermal target
A system and method are used to search for a thermal target from a moving aerial platform. The system includes a computer corrected to a wide field-of-view thermal imager, a narrow field-of-view thermal imager, a global navigation satellite system receiver, and an inertial navigation system. The wide field-of-view thermal imager acouires multiple images as the wide field-of-view thermal imager moves relative to a search area. Each point of each imaoe is correlated to a stationary position within the search area. The computer is configured to independently time-average the thermal signal amplitude emanating from each stationary sector in the search area imaged bv the wide field-of-view thermal imager. and direct the narrow field-of-view thermal imager to point to the stationary position of the sector of interest and display a thermal imaoe associated with the sector of interest to a user.
US08373122B2 Spheroidal charged particle energy analysers
Charged particle energy analysers enabling simultaneous high transmission and energy resolution are described. The analysers have an electrode structure (11) comprising coaxial inner and outer electrodes (14, 15) having inner and outer electrode surfaces (IS, OS) respectively. The inner and outer electrode surfaces are defined, at least in part, by spheroidal surfaces having meridonal planes of symmetry orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the electrode structure (11). The inner and outer electrode surfaces are generated by rotation, about the longitudinal axis, of arcs of two non-concentric circles having different radii R2 and R1 respectively, R2 being greater than R1. The distance of the outer electrode surface from the longitudinal axis in the respective meridonal plane is R01 and the distance of the inner electrode surface from the longitudinal axis in the respective plane is R02 and R1, R2, R01 and R02 have a defined relationship.
US08373120B2 Method and apparatus for ion manipulation using mesh in a radio frequency field
Ion manipulation systems include ion repulsion by an RF field penetrating through a mesh. Another comprises trapping ions in a symmetric RF field around a mesh. The system uses macroscopic parts, or readily available fine meshes, or miniaturized devices made by MEMS, or flexible PCB methods. One application is ion transfer from gaseous ion sources with focusing at intermediate and elevated gas pressures. Another application is the formation of pulsed ion packets for TOF MS within trap array. Such trapping is preferably accompanied by pulsed switching of RF field and by gas pulses, preferably formed by pulsed vapor desorption. Ion guidance, ion flow manipulation, trapping, preparation of pulsed ion packets, confining ions during fragmentation or exposure to ion to particle reactions and for mass separation are disclosed. Ion chromatography employs an ion passage within a gas flow and through a set of multiple traps with a mass dependent well depth.
US08373118B2 Atmospheric pressure ionization inlet for mass spectrometers
Methods and systems for mass spectrometry and more particularly to an interface providing charged particles to a mass spectrometer are described herein.
US08373110B2 System and method for linear and angular measurements of a moving object
A system and method for measuring linear and angular displacement of a moving object, such as an autonomous moving object. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface of the autonomous moving object or a working surface. A processor on the autonomous moving object is operatively coupled to the optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor outputs linear and angular displacement values to the processor during movement of the autonomous moving object to determine a direction and distance traveled by the autonomous moving object.
US08373108B2 Indicia reading terminal operative for processing of frames having plurality of frame featurizations
The present invention relates to an indicia reading terminal operative to capture and process a succession of frames of image data during an operator activated read attempt. The succession of frames can comprise alternating frames, wherein the alternating frames can have first and second frame featurizations. The frames having the first frame featurization can have a first window position and the frames of the second featurization can have a second window position. In one embodiment, exposure of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first exposure control process and exposure of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to a second exposure control process. In one embodiment, gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first gain control process and gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to second gain control process.
US08373105B2 Baffles and methods for distributed-aperture sensors
This disclosure includes embodiments of laser-seeking munitions, and methods of constructing laser-seeking munitions. Some embodiments of these munitions comprise a body; one or more sensors; a plurality of lenses coupled to the body and configured to be capable of transmitting light to the one or more sensors. Some embodiments comprise one or more baffles coupled to the plurality of lenses, the one or more baffles configured to substantially block a portion of the plurality of lenses from transmitting light to the one or more sensors. Some embodiments comprise a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the sensor(s) and the lense(s), where the fibers are configured to substantially block a portion of each of the plurality of lenses from transmitting light to the one or more sensors.
US08373104B2 Cross-field shrink-fit device with means for limiting magnetic flux losses
The invention relates to a device for inductive heating of an electrically-conducting component section symmetrical relative to an axis, in particular, a sleeve section of a tool clamping chuck for clamping a tool by means of a press fit, wherein the device has several pole pieces made from a magnetically-conducting material arranged in the circumferential direction around the symmetry axis of the component section introduced as required into the device and an induction device for supplying the pole pieces with magnetic flux such that the magnetic flux in pole pieces which are adjacent in the circumferential direction is opposed.
US08373093B2 Method and system to increase heat input to a weld during a short-circuit arc welding process
A method and a system to increase heat input to a weld during an arc welding process. A series of electric arc pulses are generated between an advancing welding electrode and a metal workpiece using an electric arc welding system capable of generating an electric welding waveform to produce the electric arc pulses. A cycle of the electric welding waveform includes a pinch current phase providing an increasing pinch current level, a peak current phase providing a peak current level, a tail-out current phase providing a decreasing tail-out current level, and a background current phase providing a background current level. At least one heat-increasing current pulse of the cycle is generated, providing a heat-increasing current level, during the background current phase, where the heat-increasing current level is above the background current level. The cycle of the electric welding waveform with the at least one heat-increasing current pulse may be repeated until the arc welding process is completed.
US08373091B2 Method of manufacturing a contact
A microcontact according to the invention is less than 10 mm in length and composed of a conductive basis material, a base surface treatment layer formed thereon, and an upper surface treatment layer, and includes a contact portion, a terminal portion, and an intermediate portion formed over its entire circumference with exposed oxide surfaces of the base surface treatment layer. The exposed oxide surfaces are formed by irradiating the front and rear surfaces of the contact with laser beams at respective predetermined inclined angles to remove the upper surface treatment layer and simultaneously to oxidize the narrow base surface treatment layer exposed by the removal of the upper surface treatment layer. In this manner, the exposed oxide surfaces can be formed with a high accuracy in a simple manner for stopping solder rise at a predetermined position when the terminal portion of the microcontact is jointed to a substrate by soldering.
US08373083B2 Method for connecting thick-walled metal workpieces by welding
The invention relates to a method for connecting thick-walled metal workpieces by welding. In order to create the weld joint, the cross-sections are provided with a maximum of three weld regions according to wall thickness, the welding being carried out by a combined use of welding methods: the first weld region (root) is welded by means of laser beam welding or hybrid laser-arc welding, the second weld region is welded by means of hybrid laser-arc welding, and the third weld region required occasionally depending on the thickness of the sheet metal is welded by means of hybrid laser-arc welding or simply arc welding. The invention also relates to a seam preparation corresponding to the respective welding method used.
US08373079B2 Woven manually operable input device
A manually operable sensor for providing control signals to an electronic device. A fabric has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conductive yarns included therein, such that the conductive yarns define three conductive tracks running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end and, at a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure. The sensor comprises first and second conductive regions to which a first and a second conductive track are connected respectively, to apply an electric potential to each conductive region. A conductive path is formed between a connected conductive track and the third conductive track of said active region when manual pressure is applied to one of the conductive regions.
US08373074B2 Integrated inductor
An inductor and multiple inductors embedded in a substrate (e.g., IC package substrate, board substrate, and/or other substrate) is provided herein.
US08373073B2 Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring board has a substrate designating one of the upper and lower surfaces as a first surface and the other as a second surface, a first laminated section laminated on the second-surface side of the substrate, a first external connection terminal and second external connection terminals formed on the first laminated section, and an electronic component arranged inside the substrate and having first pads on the second-surface side. The first pads and first terminal as well as the first pads and second terminals are electrically connected, and the first terminal and second terminals are formed to avoid being directly over the first pads. When the first pads, first terminal and second terminals are projected onto the second surface, the first terminal is positioned to be surrounded by the first pads, and the first pads and first terminal are positioned to be surrounded by the second terminals.
US08373070B2 Metal structure of flexible multi-layer substrate and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is a metal structure of a multi-layer substrate, comprising a first metal layer and a dielectric layer. The first metal layer has an embedded base and a main body positioned on the embedded base. The base area of the embedded base is larger than the base area of the main body. After the dielectric layer covers the main body and the embedded base, the dielectric layer is opened at the specific position of the first metal layer for connecting the first metal layer with a second metal layer above the dielectric layer. When the metal structure is employed as a pad or a metal line of the flexible multi-layer substrate according to the present invention, the metal structure cannot easily be delaminated or separated from the contacted dielectric layer. Therefore, a higher reliability for the flexible multi-layer substrate can be achieved.
US08373060B2 Semiconductor grain microstructures for photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic structures for the conversion of solar irradiance into electrical free energy. In particular implementations, the novel photovoltaic structures can be fabricated using low cost and scalable processes, such as magnetron sputtering. In a particular implementation, a photovoltaic cell includes a photoactive conversion layer comprising one or more granular semiconductor and oxide layers with nanometer-size semiconductor grains surrounded by a matrix of oxide. The semiconductor and oxide layer can be a disposed between electrode layers. In some implementations, multiple semiconductor and oxide layers can be deposited. These so-called semiconductor and oxide layers absorb sun light and convert solar irradiance into electrical free energy.
US08373056B2 Waveform generation apparatus and waveform generation program
In a waveform generation apparatus, a coordinates information group showing original waveform data in a two-dimensional phase space having a time axis and a wave height value axis is expanded to an n-dimensional phase space (n>2) including a time axis and a wave height value axis using Takens' embedding theorem, and converted to a coordinates information group showing attractor data. In addition, an area of the attractor data is shown, and after one of the coordinates information is specified from the coordinates information group within the shown area, coordinate values corresponding to a time axis in the coordinates information are acquired as time information. Then, composite waveform data is generated by a predetermined waveform data being added to the original waveform data, and the generated composite waveform data is outputted from a position of the original waveform data on a time axis corresponding to the acquired time information.
US08373055B2 Apparatus, method and computer program for switching musical tone output
In the multi-timbre states in which musical tones with various timbres are outputted or imputed simultaneously and in the non-multi-timber states in which musical tones with a single timbre are outputted or inputted, the most suitable state of transmitting musical tone data is provided. When the non-multi-timber states is selected (step 12), the zones “1” and “2” turn into the in-communication states (INT) and the zones “3” and “4” turn into the out-communication states (EXT). When the multi-timbre states is selected (step 12), all the zones/timbres turn into the both-communication states (BOTH) (step 13). The both-communication states provide said in and out-communication states simultaneously. In the out-communication states, tone data are sent to the external apparatus connected to the musical tone (internal) apparatus. In the in-communication states musical tone data are sent only within the musical tone (internal) apparatus.
US08373052B2 Pedal apparatus
A pedal apparatus that suppress the generation of acoustic sound at the time of operation includes a belt member made of an elastic material linked to an upright section of a main body section and a belt fastening section of a pedal. When the pedal is stepped on by a performer, the belt member is tensioned from a relaxed state and displaced to a linear form while being subjected to elastic deformation. When the pedal is further stepped on from that state, the displacement of the pedal is limited by the tensile force of the belt member. Accordingly, the generation of the striking sound that would otherwise be produced due to the impacting of bodies against each other to limit the pedal displacement can be avoided.
US08373050B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH107749
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH107749. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH107749, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH107749 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 CH107749.
US08373048B1 Maize variety hybrid X08A166
A novel maize variety designated X08A166 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 X08A166 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A166 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A166, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A166. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A166.
US08373045B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH851446
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH851446. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH851446, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH851446 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 CH851446.
US08373039B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV095074
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV095074. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV095074, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV095074 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 CV095074 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 CV095074.
US08373030B2 Lettuce line RX06462133
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RX06462133. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RX06462133, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RX06462133 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RX06462133, including the gametes of such plants.
US08373028B2 Lettuce line RX06472065
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RX06472065. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RX06472065, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RX06472065 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RX06472065, including the gametes of such plants.
US08373023B2 Biochemical route to astaxanthin
Two sequences of a nucleic acid isolated from a cDNA library of the flowering plant Adonis aestivalis is disclosed (SEQ ID NO: 5). The first DNA sequence, referred to as AdKC28, encodes for a polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 6) that acts in conjunction with polypeptides encoded by either one of two other closely-related Adonis aestivalis cDNAs, AdKeto1 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and AdKeto2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), to convert β-carotene (β,β-carotene) into astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-4,4′-diketo-β, β-carotene). A second DNA sequence, referred to as AdKCl 7 is also disclosed (FIG. 9). Together, these Adonis aestivalis cDNAs, when operably linked to promoters appropriate to the transgenic host, enable the production of astaxanthin and other carotenoids with 3-hydroxy-4-keto-β-rings in a variety of host cells and organisms.
US08373022B2 Methods for increasing the resistance in plants to biotropic fungi
The present invention relates to methods of generating or increasing resistance to at least one biotrophic pathogen in a plant or a part of a plant by increasing the protein quantity or function of at least one Bax Inhibitor-1 (BI-1) protein in at least one part of the plant. Moreover, the invention relates to polypeptide sequences and nucleic acid sequences which code for a BI-1 protein, and to expression cassettes, vectors and organisms which comprise such sequences or such a protein.
US08373018B2 Process for generating transgenic animals using recombinant lentiviruses
A process for generating transgenic animals using recombinant lentiviruses. The process comprises injecting recombinant lentiviruses into the interstituim of the testis of a male to produce mature spermatozoa within a few days. The male with transgene expressing lentivirus is mated with a female, forming a progeny carrying the transgene.
US08373017B2 Reconstituted human breast tumor model
Reconstituted human breast tumor models are disclosed. The models, which are incorporated into mice, provide actual tumors that arise spontaneously, thereby mimicking naturally occurring breast cancer. The tumors are genetically human, because they arise from human mammary tissues that develop from human mammary epithelial cells implanted into host mice. Prior to implantation, the mammary epithelial cells are genetically modified to contain either: (a) a recombinant human oncogene and an SV40er; or (b) a recombinant human oncogene, a transgene or shRNA that inhibits the p53 pathway, and a transgene or shRNA that inhibits the Rb pathway.
US08373013B2 Process for combining the catalytic conversion of organic oxygenates and the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons
A process for combining the catalytic conversion of organic oxygenates and the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons: an organic oxygenate feedstock is contacted with a Y-zeolite containing catalyst to produce a reaction stream, and a coked catalyst and a product stream are obtained after separating the reaction stream; a hydrocarbon feedstock is contacted with a Y-zeolite containing catalyst to produce a reaction stream, a spent catalyst and a reaction oil vapor are obtained after separating the reaction stream, and the reaction oil vapor is further separated to give the products such as gas, gasoline and the like; a part or all of the coked catalyst and a part or all of the spent catalyst enter the regenerator for the coke-burning regeneration, and the regenerated catalyst is divided into two portions, wherein one portion returns to be contacted with the hydrocarbon feedstock, and the other portion, after cooling, returns to be contacted with the organic oxygenate feedstock. This process not only reasonably utilizes the excessive thermal energy of the hydrocarbon conversion, but also solves the problem of heat supply for the conversion of the organic oxygenate, thus ensuring the continuous catalytic conversion of the organic oxygenate.
US08373003B2 Method of removing heavy hydrocarbons from reaction products in the production of sec-butyl acetate
The present invention relates to a method of removing heavy hydrocarbon from reaction products in producing sec-butyl acetate, characterized in that the method comprises: drawing out materials from the enrichment area of the heavy hydrocarbon; contacting the materials with water sufficiently to make the heavy hydrocarbon in materials and the water stratify naturally wherein the heavy hydrocarbon is contained in the upper layer and the water is contained in the lower layer; and discharging the upper layer and recycling the lower layer into the system. The enrichment area of heavy hydrocarbon refers to the area enriched with heavy hydrocarbon and formed in the bottom of an azeotropic distillation tower during the process of azeotropic separation, while the process of azeotropic separation refers to a process of feeding the mixture of sec-butyl acetate, acetate acid and heavy hydrocarbon into the azeotropic distillation tower and adding azeotropic agent into the azeotropic distillation tower to conduct azeotropic distillation, then evaporating the azeotropic mixture formed by sec-butyl acetate and azeotropic agent from the top of the azeotropic distillation tower, and meanwhile, the acetic acid and the heavy hydrocarbon falling into the bottom of the tower.
US08372997B2 Process and device for manufacturing organometallic complexes in powder form
According to the invention, powders of low hygroscopicity are prepared by granulation of an aqueous solution (1) in a fluidized bed (140). A compound formed from crystalline grains whose moisture content is defined and stable is obtained. The invention applies especially to organometallic complexes of glycine with a metal.
US08372995B2 Crystalline solid forms of tigecycline and methods of preparing same
Crystalline solid forms of tigecycline, Form I, Form II, Form III, Form IV, and Form V, compositions comprising these crystalline solid forms, and processes for preparing these crystalline solid forms are described herein.
US08372990B2 Bicyclic tetrahydropyrrole compounds
The present invention relates to substituted bicyclic tetrahydropyrrole compounds of general formula (I), methods for their preparation, medicaments comprising these compounds as well their use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of humans and animals.
US08372988B2 Crystalline forms of [3-(4-{2-butyl-1-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}-phenoxy)-propyl]-diethyl-amine
The present invention relates to crystalline forms of [3-(4-{2-butyl-1-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}-phenoxy)-propyl]-diethylamine (“COMPOUND I”) useful in the treatment of RAGE mediated diseases.
US08372984B2 Dual-acting oxazole antihypertensive agents
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, Z, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08372983B2 Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors and methods of use
Provided herein are novel compounds that inhibit ribonucleotide reductase (RR) by binding to RRM2 and interfering with the activity of the RRM1/RRM2 holoenzyme, as well as methods of synthesizing these novel compounds. The compounds may be used to inhibit RR activity and to treat various conditions associated with RRM2 expression, such as for example certain cancer types, mitochondrial diseases, or degenerative diseases.
US08372978B2 Salts of methyl 2-((R)-(3-chlorophenyl)((R)-1-((S)-2-(methylamino)-3-((R)-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)propylcarbamoyl)piperidin-3-yl)methoxy)ethylcarbamate
Mucic acid salts of a compound represented by the following structural formula: are disclosed. In particular, single crystalline mucic acid salts of the compound represented by structural formula (I) are characterized by a variety of properties and physical measurements. Methods of producing the mucic acid salts, using the salts to antagonize one or more aspartic proteases, and methods of treating a number of aspartic protease mediated disorders using the salts are described herein.
US08372976B2 Methods of treatment comprising the administration of heteroaryl compounds
Provided herein are Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, L, X, Y, Z, Q, A and B are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound and methods for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, metabolic conditions and conditions treatable or preventable by inhibition of a kinase pathway comprising administering an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound to a patient in need thereof.
US08372966B2 Oligonucleotide decoys and methods of use
The present invention describes reagents and methods for using a concatemerized double-stranded oligonucleotide molecules (CODN) for transcription factor decoys. In one embodiment, the concatemers consist of a variable number of end-to-end repeated copies of a short (more than 5, 10, 15, 20, 2, 3035, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, or more by but generally less than about 3 kb) dsDNA containing a sequence or sequences that act as transcription factor decoys. The present invention also provides for the use of the polymers for CODN/polymer complexes to a specific cell type; thus the agent can be made organ, tissue and/or cell-type specific. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for use of the CODN's in vitro or in vivo, in isolated cells or intact animals in which specific blockade of transcription factors or delivery of DNA or other biological effector is desirable. In one embodiment, this includes use as a research tool, including studies of specific genes and studies to identify specific genes regulated by the transcription factors targeted. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for using polyamides for NF-kB-specific CODN delivery in the treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and myocardial infarction, heart failure and hypertrophy, cardioprotection, stroke, neuroprotection, sepsis, arthritis, asthma, heritable inflammatory disorders, cancer, heritable immune dysfunctions, inflammatory processes, whether caused by disease or injury or infection, oxidative stress to any organ whether caused by disease, surgery or injury. The decoys may be any transcription factors, including, but not limited to, NF-kB, AP-I, ATF2, ATF3, SP 1 and others.
US08372949B2 Molecular recognition of materials
The present invention includes methods for selective binding of inorganic materials and the compositions that made up of the selecting agent and the target materials. One form of the present invention is a method for selecting crystal-binding peptides with binding specificity including the steps of contacting one or more amino acid oligomers with one or more single-crystals of a semiconductor material so that the oligomers may bind to the crystal and eluting the bound amino acid oligomers from the single-crystals.
US08372946B2 Copolyether glycol manufacturing process
The present invention relates to a continuous process for manufacturing copolyether glycols with high incorporation of alkylene oxide by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran and at least one alkylene oxide in the presence of an acid catalyst, at least one compound containing reactive hydrogen atoms, and a specific diluent or solvent. More particularly, the invention relates to a diluent or solvent-assisted continuous process for manufacturing copolyether glycols with high incorporation of alkylene oxide.
US08372943B2 Isosorbide—containing polycarbonates and their preparation
Provided herein are isosorbide-based bisphenol polymer structural units and methods of making the same. These structural units may be polymerized with one or more other types of structural units to form polymers, such as polycarbonates.
US08372942B2 Polycarbonate resin, coating liquid containing same, and electrophotographic photosensitive body
Provided are: a urethane-based polycarbonate resin, including a repeating unit represented by the general formula [1], and a repeating unit represented by the general formula [2], in which the urethane-based polycarbonate resin has high wear resistance by virtue of a strong hydrogen bond between urethane groups; and an electrophotographic photoconductor, including a photosensitive layer provided on a conductive substrate, in which the electrophotographic photoconductor includes the above-mentioned polycarbonate resin as a component of the photosensitive layer, has high wear resistance, and maintains an excellent electrophotographic characteristic over a longtime period: [Chem. 1] (Ar2 represents a group having a divalent aromatic group, and Ar1 represents a divalent aromatic group-containing group having a specific structure).
US08372941B2 Method for purification of polyether polymers and mixtures resulting therefrom
A method for the purification of aromatic polyether polymers prepared by a halide displacement polymerization process comprises adsorbing the catalyst with an alkali metal halide to form an adsorbent component and then removing the adsorbent component. Mixtures resulting from this method are also discussed.
US08372936B2 Silicone-type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, and silicone rubber laminate
A silicone-type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising (A) 100 weight parts of organopolysiloxane condensation reaction product that has at least two alkenyl groups and that is yielded by a condensation reaction between (a) hydroxyl-functional diorganopolysiloxane and (b) organopolysiloxane resin, (B) organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, in an amount sufficient to provide from 1 to 200 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms with reference to all the alkenyl groups in the composition, (C) an organotitanium compound, at from 0.1 to 20 weight parts, and (D) a platinum catalyst in a catalytic quantity.
US08372931B2 Ethylene-based polymer compositions
The present invention provides an ethylene-based polymer composition characterized by a Comonomer Distribution Constant in the range of from greater than 45 to less than 400, wherein the composition has less than 120 total unsaturation unit/1,000,000C, and method of producing the same.
US08372923B2 Process for improving the devolatilization of polymer slurry produced in a polymerization reactor
The present invention relates to a process for improving the devolatilization of polymer slurry produced in an olefin polymerization reactor. The process is characterized in that it involves an adjustment of the temperature of the interior surface of the flash line for periodically transferring polymer slurry from the polymerization reactor to a downstream processing unit. In particular, in accordance with the present process, the temperature of the interior surface of the flash line is adjusted to a temperature which is equal to or higher than the softening temperature of the polymer passing through said flash line whereby said temperature is higher in a first half of the length of the flash line than in the remaining length of the flash line.
US08372914B2 Urethane modified water-reducible alkyd resins
Urethane modified water-reducible alkyd resins ABCD, comprising moieties derived from polyhydric alcohols A, modified fatty acids B made hγ grafting olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids B2 onto fatty acids B1, ungrafted fatty acids C and polyfunctional isocyanates D, a process for their production, and a method of use thereof in coating binders
US08372911B2 Golf ball material and method of preparing the same
The invention provides a golf ball material which is a resin mixture composed of (a) a nonionic olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer, (b) a nonionic olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer, (c) an organic acid or a metal salt thereof, (d) a basic inorganic metal compound for neutralizing at least 70 mol % of acid groups in components (a) to (c), and (e) a spherical inorganic filler, which resin mixture has a Shore D hardness of from 40 to 60. The golf ball material of the invention provides an excellent rebound resilience and durability while maintaining the flow properties essential for injection molding.
US08372910B2 Silica containing black sidewall compounds and tires comprising same
Reduced hysteresis silica-containing black sidewall compounds having increased toughness properties are provided, as are methods for preparing the same. Tires comprising the black sidewall compounds prepared according to the present embodiments are also provided.
US08372902B2 Non-dripping flame retarding masterbatch, composition and process for preparing the same and flame retarding article containing the same
Disclosed herein is a composition for preparing a non-dripping flame retarding masterbatch. The flame retarding masterbatch includes a fire retardant in an amount of about 0.1-15.0 wt %, a crosslinking agent in an amount of about 0.1-1.5 wt %, a thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 76.5-99.5 wt %, a crosslinking initiator in an amount of about 0.01-2.0 wt %, and a dispersing agent in an amount of about 0.1-5.0 wt % in the composition.
US08372901B2 Tyre tread having a composition containing a xanthan gum powder
The invention relates to a tire tread having a composition based on at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler and one vulcanization system, characterized in that the composition comprises a xanthan gum powder in a proportion of 10 to 40 pce.The invention also relates to a process for obtaining a rubber composition for a tread based on at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler and one vulcanization system which comprises a first phase of thermomechanical kneading of the constituents of the composition, with the exception of the vulcanization system, characterized in that the composition comprises a xanthan gum powder in a proportion of 10 to 40 pce and in that the xanthan gum powder is incorporated during the first kneading phase.
US08372896B2 Total etch dental adhesive composition
Dental adhesive composition having a pH of at least 5, which comprises an aqueous solution containing (a) a polymerizable N-substituted alkyl acrylic or acrylic acid amide monomer; (b) a water-soluble polymerizable carboxylic acid; and (c) a water-soluble organic solvent.
US08372894B2 Method for producing a radiation on grafted polymer
A method for producing a graft polymer comprises the steps of: a) irradiating a base polymer with an electron beam or a source of γ-radiation, b) contacting a grafting solution with the base polymer, wherein the grafting solution contains at least one oxygen scavenger and at least one graft monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene and styrene derivatives, and c) graft polymerizing the mixture of the base polymer and the grafting solution obtained in step b).
US08372889B2 Methods for modulating metabolism
The subject invention provides materials and methods for modulating a variety of biological factors to treat biological conditions associated with the factors. In one embodiment of the invention, a cysteamine compound is administered to a patient to treat hypercholesterolemia and/or complications associated with hypercholesterolemia. In another embodiment, a cysteamine compound is administered to a patient to prevent the onset of diabetes in an at-risk patient and/or treat or prevent the onset of diabetes-associated complications.
US08372888B2 Sphingosine kinase type 1 inhibitors, compositions and processes for using same
Provided are novel compositions which uniquely inhibit sphingosine kinase Type 1 (SphK1) and which are useful in a number of applications including killing or damaging cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting growth, metastasis and development of chemoresistance in cancer cells, leukemia, increasing the effectiveness of anti-cancer agents, attenuating immune reactivity, inhibiting survival signaling in cancer cells, and reducing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
US08372887B2 Trans-clomiphene for metabolic syndrome
The present invention relates to the administration of compositions comprising an antiestrogen, preferably trans-clomiphene, for treating metabolic syndrome in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods for reducing fasting glucose levels in a subject by administering a composition comprising an antiestrogen, preferably trans-clomiphene.
US08372886B2 Treatment of renal disorders, diabetic nephropathy and dyslipidemias
Disclosed herein are methods, compounds and compositions for preventing or treating a renal disorder or chronic kidney diseases, including nephropathies such as diabetic nephropathy. The invention generally includes administering to a subject 1,3-propanedisulfonic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g., 1,3-propanedisulfonic acid sodium salt. The invention also relates to methods, compounds and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of for preventing or treating a renal disorder complication. The invention further relates to methods, compounds and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of dyslipidemia, and more particularly for reducing levels of harmful serum lipid levels, especially cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic patients.
US08372885B2 Organic compounds and their uses
The present application describes organic compounds of a general formula: and salts, and isomers thereof, wherein R, R2 and R3 are defined in the specification. The compounds are useful for treating a gram-negative bacterial infection.
US08372884B2 Isoprenyl compounds and methods thereof
Among other things, the present invention provides novel isoprenyl compounds capable of effectively modulating inflammatory responses and pharmaceutical, cosmetic, cosmeceutical and topical compositions comprising these isoprenyl compounds. Anti-inflammatory compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing diseases or conditions associated with inflammation. Proinflammatory compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing diseases or conditions associated with suppression of inflammatory responses. Thus, the present invention also provides methods useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions associated with inflammation as well as methods useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions associated with suppression of inflammatory responses.
US08372883B2 Methods of using cycloalkylmethylamines
The present invention provides novel cycloalkylmethylamine analogs, and methods of preparing cycloalkylmethylamine analogs. The present invention also provides methods of using cycloalkylmethylamine analogs and compositions of cycloalkylmethylamine analogs. The pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the present invention can be advantageously used for treating and/or preventing obesity and obesity related co-morbid indications.
US08372878B2 Aminoguanidines as melanocortin receptor ligands
There are described compounds of general formula (I) and isomeric forms thereof wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, saturated or unsaturated; most preferably at least one of R1 to R5 represents halogen; at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is selected from —S—R or —COOR, or two or more Of R1-R5 comprise a linking group such as —S—(CH2)mS—, where m is 1, 2 or 3 and R is selected from alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 3-6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, and aryl having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such groups being optionally substituted, and when R1 is selected from —S—R, then at least one of R2, R3 and R5 is most preferably selected from halogen; and R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are otherwise the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, electron donor groups such as alkoxy having 1-5 carbon atoms or hydroxy, electron acceptor groups selected from cyano, nitro, trifluoroalkyl or amide; alkylamino, benzoyloxy, nitroxy, phenyl or sulpho; and pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof. Compounds described have activity on the melanocortin receptors and have application in the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory, arthritic or central nerve regeneration conditions.
US08372876B2 Method for improving memory in mammals
A method for improving memory in healthy subjects is disclosed. This method makes use of melatonin receptor antagonists such as luzindole and/or K-185 to reverse the inhibitory effect of melatonin. This invention is particularly relevant among subjects that do not show signs of central nervous system disorders and wish to improve their cognitive performance, especially in tasks.
US08372875B2 Indole carboxamides as IKK2 inhibitors
The invention is directed to novel indole carboxamide compounds. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and m are as defined herein. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of IKK2 and can be useful in the treatment of disorders associated with inappropriate IKK2 (also known as IKKβ) activity, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, rhinitis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Accordingly, the invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention. The invention is still further directed to methods of inhibiting IKK2 activity and treatment of disorders associated therewith using a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention.
US08372870B2 Modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and methods of using the same for treating cancer
The present invention is directed to modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as compositions and pharmaceutical methods thereof.
US08372869B2 Process for the treatment of bacterial infections using 2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one 1-oxide
The subject invention demonstrates a novel antibacterial activity for 2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one 1-oxide, commonly referred to as ebselen se-oxide, and is directed to the treatment of bacterial infections by administration of an effective amount of said compound. Bacterial infections include those infections which are either systemic or superficial in nature. The treatment is intended for a variety of animals, such as premature neonates to adult humans. Administration of ebselen se-oxide to treat superficial bacterial infections may be performed by a topical application, such as via an ointment, a spray, a cream, a mouth wash, an eye drop solution, an ear drop solution, a soap, a gel, or a lotion. In addition, an antibacterial capsule can be administered orally or intravaginally. Administration of ebselen se-oxide to treat systemic bacterial infections may be performed by an intravenous route, a rectal route, an intranasal route, an oral route, an intramuscular route, or by inhalation. Administration of said compound may also be achieved via aerosol, which can be generated by a nebulizer. Ebselen se-oxide may be administered alone, or with a carrier such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), an alcohol, or other suitable carrier. The effective daily amount of ebselen se-oxide is from about 1 μg/kg to 10 mg/kg of body weight.
US08372868B2 Targeted, NIR imaging agents for therapy efficacy monitoring, deep tissue disease demarcation and deep tissue imaging
Compounds and methods related to NIR molecular imaging, in-vitro and in-vivo functional imaging, therapy/efficacy monitoring, and cancer and metastatic activity imaging. Compounds and methods demonstrated pertain to the field of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor imaging, metabolic imaging, cellular respiration imaging, cellular proliferation imaging as targeted agents that incorporate signaling agents.
US08372867B2 Insecticidal aryl isoxazoline derivatives
The present invention relates to novel aryl isoxazoline derivatives having excellent insecticidal activity as insecticides and represented by the formula: and their use as insecticides and acarizides.
US08372864B2 1-oxo-isoindoline-4-carboxamide and 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-5-carboxamide derivatives, preparation and therapeutic use thereof
The present invention relates to derivatives of 1-oxo-isoindoline-4-carboxamides and of 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-5-carboxamides, to the preparation thereof and to the therapeutic use thereof.
US08372861B2 Inhibitors of the unfolded protein response and methods for their use
Compounds that are inhibitors of the unfolded protein response and endonuclease IRE1 are provided, together with compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for their use in the treatment of various disorders, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. Also provided are packaged pharmaceuticals comprising these compositions. The compositions may be administered in combination with another therapeutic agent.
US08372859B2 CGRP receptor antagonists with tertiary amide, sulfonamide, carbamate and urea end groups
Compounds of formula I: (wherein variables A, m, n, J, Re, Rf, R4, Ea, Eb, Ec, RPG and Y are as described herein) which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as migraine; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08372850B2 Aminopyridines and aminopyrimidines useful as inhibitors of protein kinases
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US08372845B2 Pyrazine derivatives as enac blockers
Compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by blockade of the epithelial sodium channel. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08372844B2 Piperazinyl-propyl-pyrazole derivatives as dopamine D4 receptor antagonists, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same
The present invention relates to a novel piperazinyl-propyl-pyrazole derivative, a method of its preparation and a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising the same. The novel piperazinyl-propyl-pyrazole derivative of the present invention has superior selective affinity for dopamine D4 receptor, can effectively inhibit psychotic behavior (cage climbing) induced by apomorphine, and has relatively low adverse effects in mouse rotarod test. Therefore, it can be developed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, in particular, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, stress diseases, panic disorder, phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, cognitive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, paraphrenia, mania, seizure disorder, personality disorder, migraine, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, obesity, eating disorder, and sleeping disorder.
US08372840B2 Potassium channel blockers
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or its salts or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X1, and j are defined herein. The compounds are useful as potassium ion channel inhibitors.
US08372839B2 Bipartite inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase
The invention provides a compound having a structural formula (I): X-α-Y, wherein X is an moiety that binds to the Rif pocket of a bacterial RNA polymerase, Y is a moiety that binds to the secondary channel of a bacterial RNA polymerase, and α is a linker. The compound can act as an inhibitor of bacterial RNA polymerase. The invention has applications in control of bacterial gene expression, control of bacterial growth, antibacterial chemistry, and antibacterial therapy.
US08372834B2 Compositions and methods for delivery of anti-cancer agents
The present invention relates to compositions comprising 5-fluorouracil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analogue thereof, folinic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a cyclodextrin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. The invention also relates to methods for the treatment of cancer using such compositions.
US08372823B2 Tetracyclic inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase
Certain tetracyclic compounds are described, which may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. Thus, the compounds may be administered to treat, e.g., anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, eating disorders, or movement disorders (such as multiple sclerosis).
US08372822B2 Polymorphs of eltrombopag and eltrombopag salts and processes for preparation thereof
New polymorphs of Eltrombopag and Eltrombopag ethanolamine salt have been obtained and characterized. These polymorphs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are useful, for example, in treating conditions leading to thrombocytopenia.
US08372816B2 Methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of KRAS by asymmetric double-stranded RNA
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing KRAS target RNA and protein levels via use of Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents possessing asymmetric end structures.
US08372811B2 Composition for treating retinopathy or glaucoma comprising thrombin derived peptides
Disclosed is a composition for treating retinopathy comprising thrombin derived peptide as an effective component.
US08372808B2 Suppression of glial fibrillary acidic protein
Provided herein are methods of decreasing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in a cell. Such methods include administering an effective amount of a GFAP lowering compound to the cell. Also provided are compounds useful for the treatment of Alexander disease in subjects at risk of or diagnosed with Alexander disease and methods for the identification of such compounds.
US08372807B2 Methods of modulating uric acid levels
Described herein are compounds useful in the reduction of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, a compound disclosed herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.
US08372804B2 Delivery of active agents
A method of introducing a physiologically-active agent into the circulatory system of a mammal is disclosed herein. The method utilizes a rapid drug delivery system which prevents deactivation or degradation of the active agent being administered to a patient in need of treatment. In particular, the drug delivery system is designed for pulmonary drug delivery such as by inhalation, for delivery of the active agents such as proteins and peptides to the pulmonary circulation in a therapeutically effective manner avoiding degradation of the active agents in peripheral and vascular tissue before reaching the target site.
US08372803B2 Modified Cry34 proteins
This invention provides modified, insecticidal Cry34 proteins with enhanced properties as compared to wild-type Cry34 proteins. The modifications to these proteins were based in part on an analysis of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of this protein and other proteins in the Cry34 class. The subject invention also includes polynucleotides that encode these modified proteins, and transgenic plants that produce these modified proteins. This invention further provides methods of controlling plant pests, including rootworms, with these modified proteins. The modified proteins of the subject invention include chimeric toxins involving exchanged segments, domains, and motifs as discussed herein. The subject invention also provides methods of modifying Cry34 proteins.
US08372796B2 Solid cleaning products
Solid cleaning products suitable for use as a floor cleaner are disclosed. The solid cleaning products are essentially free of unbound water and include an acid, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and a builder. The present invention also discloses methods of using the solid cleaning products by dissolving the solid cleaning product in water to form a use solution; and applying the use solution to a floor.
US08372793B1 Silver cleaning composition
The present invention relates to a composition having tarnish-removing and soil-removing and preventing properties for cleaning a metal surface and methods of using the compositions.
US08372790B2 Antimicrobial hand wash
An antimicrobial hand wash includes a soap, an antimicrobial agent, and an amine salt. The amine salt is found to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of the hand wash. The amine salt produced through the reaction of monoethanolamine and lactic acid is of particular interest as a soap addition. In processes of this invention, it is possible to create the desired amine salt in the soap in situ.
US08372787B2 Electrically and/or magnetically active coated fibres for wellbore operations
A composition for wellbore consolidation comprises fibers having a core formed from a material that is electrically and/or magnetically susceptible, and a polymeric coating. When the composition is placed in a wellbore in a zone to be consolidated and an electric current or magnetic field is applied, the fibers bond together by melting or setting of the polymeric coating.
US08372785B2 Method for immobilizing self-organizing material or fine particle on substrate, and substrate manufactured by using such method
A method for immobilizing a self-organizing material or fine particles on a substrate, and a substrate whereupon the self-organizing material or the fine particles are immobilized. More specifically, the method for immobilizing the fine particles including a nucleic acid (for instance, DNA or RNA) or a metal oxide on the substrate, and the substrate whereupon the nucleic acid (for example, DNA or RNA) or the metal oxide is immobilized.
US08372781B2 Carbon catalyst and use thereof
Provided is a carbon catalyst having an excellent catalytic activity on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The carbon catalyst is a carbon catalyst for decomposing hydrogen peroxide, which is obtained by impregnating a carbonized material, which is obtained by carbonization of raw materials containing an organic compound as a carbon source, a metal, and an electrically conductive carbon material, with a metal, and subjecting the resultant to a heat treatment.
US08372775B2 Catalyst for oxygen reduction
A method of producing a catalyst for oxygen reduction and a gas diffusion electrode.
US08372770B2 Reformer regeneration process
This invention is directed to a process for regenerating a deactivated reforming catalyst by circulating a first oxygen-containing gas stream from a gas compressor to a catalyst bed in a reforming reaction zone in order to remove at least a portion of the carbonaceous deposits on the reforming catalyst. Then, a second oxygen-containing gas stream is further circulated from the gas compressor to the reforming catalyst bed, for oxidizing the reforming catalyst, and an inert gas stream is passed from the gas compressor through the reforming catalyst bed to purge a substantial portion of the oxygen contained therein for a time sufficient to reduce the oxygen content of an exiting purge gas stream to less than about 2% by volume oxygen.
US08372764B2 Fiber composite material and method for manufacturing the same
A highly transparent fiber composite material is provided that can be manufactured through a simplified process using reduced amounts of raw materials and that has high flexibility and low thermal expansivity and retains good functionality of the fiber material. The fiber composite material includes: a fiber assembly having an average fiber diameter of 4 to 200 nm and a 50 μm-thick visible light transmittance of 3% or more; and a coating layer that coats and smoothes the surface of the fiber assembly, wherein the fiber composite material has a 50 μm-thick visible light transmittance of 60% or more. With this fiber assembly, the scattering of light caused by the irregularities on the surface can be suppressed by coating the surface with the coating layer to smooth the surface, whereby a highly transparent fiber composite material can be obtained.
US08372763B2 Process for wet passivation of bond pads for protection against subsequent TMAH-based processing
A process for forming a protective layer at a surface of an aluminum bond pad. The aluminum bond pad is exposed to a solution containing silicon, ammonium persulfate and tetramethylammonium hydroxide, which results in the formation of the protective layer. This protective layer protects the bond pad surface from corrosion during processing of an imager, such as during formation of a color filter array or a micro-lens array.
US08372762B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device and laser processing apparatus
In a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a manufacturing technique and a manufacturing apparatus of a semiconductor device which simplify a lithography step using a photoresist is provided, so that the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the throughput is improved. An irradiated object, in which a light absorbing layer and an insulating layer are stacked over a substrate, is irradiated with a multi-mode laser beam and a single-mode laser beam so that both the laser beams overlap with each other, and an opening is formed by ablation in part of the irradiated object the irradiation of which is performed so that both the laser beams overlap with each other.
US08372760B2 Method and system for using ion implantation for treating a low-k dielectric film
A system and method for forming a mechanically strengthened low-k dielectric film on a substrate includes using either spin-on-dielectric (SOD) techniques, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques to form a low-k dielectric film on the substrate. An upper surface of the low-k dielectric film is then treated in order to increase the film's mechanical strength, or reduce its dielectric constant.
US08372754B2 Methods for removing photoresist defects and a method for processing a semiconductor device structure
A method for removing at least one photoresist defect is disclosed. The photoresist defect is exposed to a plasma produced from a source gas including oxygen and a non-oxidizing gas in a plasma reactor, wherein the oxygen is present in the source gas at from 1% by volume to about 89% by volume. The non-oxidizing gas includes a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, ammonia or combinations thereof. A method for processing a semiconductor device structure is also disclosed, as are embodiments of the source gas.
US08372752B1 Method for fabricating ultra-fine nanowire
Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating an ultra fine nanowire, which relates to a manufacturing technology of a microelectronic semiconductor transistor. This method obtains a suspended ultra fine nanowire base on a combination of a mask blocking oxidation process and a stepwise oxidation process. A diameter of the suspended ultra fine nanowire fabricated by this method is precisely controlled to 20 nm by controlling a thickness of a deposited silicon nitride film and a time and temperature of the two oxidation process. Since a speed of a dry oxidation process is slower, the size of the final nanowire may be precisely controlled. This method can be used to fabricate an ultra fine nanowire with a lower cost and a higher applicability.
US08372751B2 Method for fabricating side contact in semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a substrate to form a body separated by a trench, forming liner layers that cover sidewalls of the body, forming a sacrificial layer that fills the trench and exposes an upper sidewall of each liner layer, forming a hard mask pattern that covers a first one of the liner layers having the exposed upper sidewalls, forming a barrier layer to be selectively grown over the exposed upper sidewalls of a second one of the liner layers, removing the hard mask pattern, removing a part of the sacrificial layer to expose a lower sidewall of a first one of the liner layers, and removing the lower sidewall of the first one of the liner layers to form a side contact.
US08372749B2 Printing plate and method for fabricating the same
A printing plate and method for fabricating the same is disclosed. A metal layer is first formed on a glass substrate. The metal layer is then patterned in a predetermined shape. The glass substrate is next etched to a predetermined depth using the patterned metal layer as a mask and the metal layer removed. If necessary, additional metal layers have the same or different patterns may be formed on the glass substrate and the glass substrate etched after each metal layer is formed thereon until a desired etching depth in the glass is achieved.
US08372745B2 Semiconductor device, its manufacturing method, and sputtering target material for use in the method
A semiconductor device enables a barrier layer to fully acquire a barriering property against the diffusion of Cu from a wiring main body and the diffusion of Si from an insulating film, enhances the adhesiveness of the barrier layer and the insulating film and excels in reliability of operation over a long period of time. In this invention, a semiconductor device provided on an insulating film with a wiring includes the insulating film containing silicon, a wiring main body formed of copper in a groove-like opening disposed in the insulating film, and a barrier layer formed between the wiring main body and the insulating film and made of an oxide containing Cu and Si and Mn.
US08372744B2 Fabricating a contact rhodium structure by electroplating and electroplating composition
A contact rhodium structure is fabricated by a process that comprises obtaining a substrate having a dielectric layer thereon, wherein the dielectric layer has cavities therein into which the contact rhodium is to be deposited; depositing a seed layer in the cavities and on the dielectric layer; and depositing the rhodium by electroplating from a bath comprising a rhodium salt; an acid and a stress reducer; and then optionally annealing the structure.
US08372741B1 Method for package-on-package assembly with wire bonds to encapsulation surface
A microelectronic assembly includes a substrate having a first and second opposed surfaces. A microelectronic element overlies the first surface and first electrically conductive elements can be exposed at at least one of the first surface or second surfaces. Some of the first conductive elements are electrically connected to the microelectronic element. Wire bonds have bases joined to the conductive elements and end surfaces remote from the substrate and the bases, each wire bond defining an edge surface extending between the base and the end surface. An encapsulation layer can extend from the first surface and fill spaces between the wire bonds, such that the wire bonds can be separated by the encapsulation layer. Unencapsulated portions of the wire bonds are defined by at least portions of the end surfaces of the wire bonds that are uncovered by the encapsulation layer.
US08372739B2 Diffusion barrier for integrated circuits formed from a layer of reactive metal and method of fabrication
An interconnect structure for an integrated circuit and method of forming the interconnect structure. The method includes depositing a metallic layer containing a reactive metal in an interconnect opening formed within a dielectric material containing a dielectric reactant element, thermally reacting at least a portion of the metallic layer with at least a portion of the dielectric material to form a diffusion barrier primarily containing a compound of the reactive metal from the metallic layer and the dielectric reactant element from the dielectric material, and filling the interconnect opening with Cu metal, where the diffusion barrier surrounds the Cu metal within the opening. The reactive metal can be Co, Ru, Mo, W, or Ir, or a combination thereof. The interconnect opening can be a trench, a via, or a dual damascene opening.
US08372735B2 USJ techniques with helium-treated substrates
A method of using helium to create ultra shallow junctions is disclosed. A pre-implantation amorphization using helium has significant advantages. For example, it has been shown that dopants will penetrate the substrate only to the amorphous-crystalline interface, and no further. Therefore, by properly determining the implant energy of helium, it is possible to exactly determine the junction depth. Increased doses of dopant simply reduce the substrate resistance with no effect on junction depth. Furthermore, the lateral straggle of helium is related to the implant energy and the dose rate of the helium PAI, therefore lateral diffusion can also be determined based on the implant energy and dose rate of the helium PAI. Thus, dopant may be precisely implanted beneath a sidewall spacer, or other obstruction.
US08372731B2 Device fabrication by ink-jet printing materials into bank structures, and embossing tool
The invention disclosed relates to the fabrication of electronic devices. A method for fabricating an electronic device is disclosed, comprising embossing a surface of a work-piece 200, 202 using an embossing tool 204, so as to form a microstructure having at least two levels of thickness contrast on the work-piece surface, and depositing fluid 208 containing a functional material onto the microstructure. In a preferred embodiment, the step of depositing fluid 208 comprises ink-jet printing. An embossing tool 204 for creating a microstructure on a work-piece 200, 202 is also disclosed, the embossing tool 204 comprising a first surface and steps of at least two different heights relative to the first surface.
US08372725B2 Structures and methods of forming pre fabricated deep trench capacitors for SOI substrates
Structures and methods are provided for forming pre-fabricated deep trench capacitors for SOI substrates. The method includes forming a trench in a substrate and forming a dielectric material in the trench. The method further includes depositing a conductive material over the dielectric material in the trench and forming an insulator layer over the conductive material and the substrate.
US08372723B2 Bipolar device having buried contacts
This disclosure, in one aspect, provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes forming a collector for a bipolar transistor within a semiconductor substrate, forming a base within the collector, forming a patterned isolation layer over the collector and base, forming an emitter layer over the patterned isolation layer, forming an isolation layer over the emitter layer, patterning the patterned isolation layer, the emitter layer and the isolation layer to form at least one emitter structure having an isolation region located on a sidewall thereof, and forming a buried contact in the collector to a depth sufficient to adequately contact the collector.
US08372721B2 Work function engineering for eDRAM MOSFETs
Embedded DRAM MOSFETs including an array NFET having a gate stack comprising a high-K dielectric layer upon which is deposited a first metal oxide layer (CD1) then a conductive layer (TiN), and then a polysilicon layer (Poly). A logic PFET having substantially the same gate stack as the array NFET, and a logic NFET having a third gate stack comprising the high-K dielectric layer upon which is deposited the conductive layer (TiN) and then the polysilicon layer (Poly), without the first metal oxide layer (CD1) between the high-K dielectric layer and the conductive layer (TiN). The array NFET may therefore have a higher gate stack work function than the logic NFET, but substantially the same gate stack work function as the logic PFET.
US08372719B2 Hard mask removal for semiconductor devices
A method of removing a hard mask during fabrication of semiconductor devices is provided. A protective layer, such as a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer or other dielectric layer, is formed over structures formed on a substrate, wherein spacers are formed alongside the structures. In an embodiment, the structures are gate electrodes having a hard mask formed thereon and the spacers are spacers formed alongside the gate electrodes. A photoresist layer is formed over the protective layer, and the photoresist layer may be patterned to remove a portion of the photoresist layer over portions of the protective layer. Thereafter, an etch-back process is performed, such that the protective layer adjacent to the spacers remains to substantially protect the spacers. The hard mask is then removed while the protective layer protects the spacers.
US08372716B2 Method of forming a semiconductor device having vertical charge-compensated structure and sub-surface connecting layer
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is formed having vertical localized charge-compensated trenches, trench control regions, and sub-surface doped layers. The vertical localized charge-compensated trenches include at least a pair of opposite conductivity type semiconductor layers. The trench control regions are configured to provide a generally vertical channel region electrically coupling source regions to the sub-surface doped layers. The sub-surface doped layers are further configured to electrically connect the drain-end of the channel to the vertical localized charge compensation trenches. Body regions are configured to isolate the sub-surface doped layers from the surface of the device.
US08372713B2 Semiconductor device and production method therefor
A method of producing a semiconductor device including a MOS transistor includes steps of forming a plurality of pillar semiconductor layers and forming a gate electrode formed around each of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layers. The method also includes steps of forming a source or drain region in an upper portion of each of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layers and forming a first silicide layer for connecting at least a part of a surface of a drain or source region formed in a planar semiconductor layer.
US08372709B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming an interfacial layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a high-k dielectric on the interfacial layer, forming a barrier metal on the high-k dielectric, forming a poly-silicon layer on the barrier metal, patterning the interfacial layer, the high-k dielectric, the barrier metal and the poly-silicon to form a gate stack forming spacers, extension regions, sidewalls and source/drain regions, forming an interlayer dielectric on the gate stack, etching off a portion of the interlayer dielectric to expose the poly-silicon layer, forming an impurity metal layer, which includes an impurity metal having a barrier effect to the diffusive material, and a metal layer including a diffusive material, on the poly-silicon layer and converting the poly-Si layer into a silicide containing the impurity metal. The barrier metal includes a titanium nitride (TiN) or a tantalum nitride (TaN).
US08372708B2 Device structure and manufacturing method using HDP deposited using deposited source-body implant block
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device. The trenched semiconductor power device includes a trenched gate, opened from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate, surrounded by a source region encompassed in a body region near the top surface above a drain region disposed on a bottom surface of a substrate. The semiconductor power device further includes an implanting-ion block disposed above the top surface on a mesa area next to the body region having a thickness substantially larger than 0.3 micron for blocking body implanting ions and source ions from entering into the substrate under the mesa area whereby masks for manufacturing the semiconductor power device can be reduced.
US08372707B2 Methods of forming non-volatile memory
Methods of forming non-volatile memory is described. The non-volatile memory includes a substrate having a source region, a drain region and a channel region. The channel region separates the source region and the drain region. An electrically insulating layer is adjacent to the source region, drain region and channel region. A floating gate electrode is adjacent to the electrically insulating layer. The electrically insulating layer separates the floating gate electrode from the channel region. The floating gate electrode has a floating gate major surface. A control gate electrode has a control gate major surface and the control gate major surface opposes the floating gate major surface. A vacuum layer or gas layer at least partially separates the control gate major surface from the floating gate major surface.
US08372701B2 Thin film transistor array panel including layered line structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a thin film transistor array panel comprising an insulating substrate; a gate line formed on the insulating substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line; a drain electrode and a data line having a source electrode formed on the gate insulating layer, the drain electrode being adjacent to the source electrode with a gap therebetween; and a pixel electrode coupled to the drain electrode, wherein at least one of the gate line, the data line, and the drain electrode comprises a first conductive layer comprising a conductive oxide and a second conductive layer comprising copper (Cu).
US08372698B2 Semiconductor device having a modified recess channel gate and a method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device having a modified recess channel gate includes active regions defined by a device isolation layer and arranged at regular intervals on a semiconductor substrate, each active region extending in a major axis and a minor axis direction, a trench formed in each active region, the trench including a stepped bottom surface in the minor axis direction of the active region, and a recess gate formed in the trench.
US08372696B2 Repair method and active device array substrate
A repair method for repairing an active device array substrate is provided. The active device array substrate includes a substrate, scan lines, data lines, active devices, pixel electrodes, and common lines. At least one of the scan line has an open defect. The scan lines and the data lines are intersected to define sub-pixel regions. The active devices are electrically connected with the scan lines and the data lines correspondingly. Each pixel electrode is disposed in one of the sub-pixel regions and electrically connected with one of the active devices. The repair method includes cutting one of the common lines neighboring to the open defect to form a cutting block that is electrically insulated from the common lines; and welding the cutting block, the scan line having the open defect and two active devices located at two opposite sides of the open defect.
US08372686B2 Method for producing an organic thin film transistor and an organic thin film transistor produced by the method
A method for producing an organic thin film transistor having, on a substrate, a source electrode, a gate electrode, a drain electrode, an insulating layer and an organic semiconductor layer. The method has a step of forming the source electrode and the drain electrode such that one of the source electrode and the drain electrode which is an inner-located electrode has an outer circumference which is circular or polygonal and that the other electrode which is an outer-located electrode has an inner circumference facing the outer circumference of the inner-located electrode, the inner circumference being of a shape which is substantially concentric with the outer circumference of the inner-located electrode. The method also has a step of forming the organic semiconductor layer for connecting the source electrode and the drain electrode to each other by a process of dropping an organic semiconductor material.
US08372684B1 Method and system for selenization in fabricating CIGS/CIS solar cells
The method and system for selenization in fabricating CIS and/or CIGS based thin film solar cell overlaying cylindrical glass substrates. The method includes providing a substrate, forming an electrode layer over the substrate and depositing a precursor layer of copper, indium, and/or gallium over the electrode layer. The method also includes disposing the substrate vertically in a furnace. Then a gas including a hydrogen species, a selenium species and a carrier gas are introduced into the furnace and heated to between about 350° C. and about 450° C. to at least initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film from the precursor layer.
US08372683B2 RTP heating system and method
An RTP heating system and an RTP heating method, which can heat a photovoltaic-device intermediate product having a glass substrate, a Mo layer, and a light absorption layer in formation. The RTP heating system is composed of a chamber; a support member located in the chamber; a heating element mounted in the chamber for emitting infrared rays for heating; and a plurality of temperature sensors and a temperature control device for sensing and controlling thermal sources from the heating element and the support member. The infrared rays can be mostly reflected off the Mo layer to apply less direct heating to the glass substrate. Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of the photovoltaic-device intermediate product can be heated under different temperatures separately to prevent the glass substrate below the photovoltaic-device intermediate product from softening and deformation and to allow production of the light absorption layer on the Mo layer.
US08372680B2 Three-dimensional, ultrasonic transducer arrays, methods of making ultrasonic transducer arrays, and devices including ultrasonic transducer arrays
Medical imaging devices may comprise an array of ultrasonic transducer elements. Each transducer element may comprise a substrate having a doped surface creating a highly conducting surface layer, a layer of thermal oxide on the substrate, a layer of silicon nitride on the layer of thermal oxide, a layer of silicon dioxide on the layer of silicon nitride, and a layer of conducting thin film on the layer of silicon dioxide. The layers of silicon dioxide and thermal oxide may sandwich the layer of silicon nitride, and the layer of conducting thin film may be separated from the layer of silicon nitride by the layer of silicon dioxide.
US08372677B2 Three-axis accelerometers and fabrication methods
MEMS accelerometers have a substrate, and a proof mass portion thereof which is separated from the substrate surrounding it by a gap. An electrically-conductive anchor is coupled to the proof mass, and a plurality of electrically-conductive suspension anus that are separated from the proof mass extend from the anchor and are coupled to the substrate surrounding the proof mass. A plurality of sense and actuation electrodes are separated from the proof mass by gaps and are coupled to processing electronics. The fabrication methods use deep reactive ion etch bulk micromachining and surface micromachining to form the proof mass, suspension arms and electrodes. The anchor, suspension arms and electrodes are made in the same process steps from the same electrically conductive material, which is different from the substrate material.
US08372673B2 Method of seperating two material systems
An embodiment of this invention discloses a method of separating two material systems, which comprises steps of providing a bulk sapphire; forming a nitride system on the bulk sapphire; forming at least two channels between the bulk sapphire and the nitride system; etching at least one inner surface of the channel; and separating the bulk sapphire and the nitride system.
US08372671B2 Solid state devices with semi-polar facets and associated methods of manufacturing
Solid state lighting devices with semi-polar or non-polar surfaces and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a solid state lighting device includes a substrate material having a substrate surface and an epitaxial silicon structure in direct contact with the substrate surface. The epitaxial silicon structure has a sidewall extending away from the substrate surface. The solid state lighting device also includes a semiconductor material on at least a portion of the sidewall of the epitaxial silicon structure. The semiconductor material has a semiconductor surface that is spaced apart from the substrate surface and is located on a semi-polar or non-polar crystal plane of the semiconductor material.
US08372670B2 Light-emitting element assembly and method for manufacturing the same
A method for making a light-emitting element assembly including a support substrate having a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, a recessed portion, and a conductive material layer formed over the first surface and the inner surface of the recessed portion, and a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element has a laminated structure including a first compound semiconductor layer, a light-emitting portion, and a second compound semiconductor layer, at least the second compound semiconductor layer and the light-emitting portion constituting a mesa structure. The light-emitting element further includes an insulating layer formed, a second electrode, and a first electrode. The mesa structure is placed in the recessed portion so that the conductive material layer and the second electrode are in at least partial contact with each other, and light emitted from the light-emitting portion is emitted from the second surface side of the first compound semiconductor layer.
US08372663B2 Good chip classifying method on wafer, and chip quality judging method, marking mechanism, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using the good chip classifying method
In a disclosed good chip classifying method capable of classifying the good chips on a wafer, defective chips are divided into defective groups so that the defective chips contiguous to each other are placed into the same defective group based on the wafer test results; the defective group is judged as a defective chip concentrated distribution area when the number of the defective chips exceeds the prescribed value; a defective chip concentrated distribution nearby area including all the defective chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution area and nearby good chips is formed; and the good chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution nearby area are classified to have a chip index based on four directions (X and Y axis directions) on which the defective chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution area are disposed.
US08372662B2 Nonvolatile ferroelectric perpendicular electrode cell, FeRAM having the cell and method for manufacturing the cell
A nonvolatile ferroelectric perpendicular electrode cell comprises a ferroelectric capacitor and a serial PN diode switch. The ferroelectric capacitor includes a word line perpendicular electrode as a first electrode and a storage perpendicular electrode as a second electrode apart at a predetermined interval from the word line perpendicular electrode to have a column type, where a ferroelectric material is filled in a space where the first electrode are separated from the second electrode. The serial PN diode switch, which is connected between a bit line and the ferroelectric capacitor, selectively switches a current direction between the bit line and the ferroelectric capacitor depending on voltage change between the bit line and the ferroelectric capacitor.
US08372661B2 High performance MTJ element for conventional MRAM and for STT-RAM and a method for making the same
A STT-RAM MTJ that minimizes spin-transfer magnetization switching current (Jc) is disclosed. The MTJ has a MgO tunnel barrier layer formed with a natural oxidation process to achieve a low RA (10 ohm-um2) and a Fe or Fe/CoFeB/Fe free layer which provides a lower intrinsic damping constant than a CoFeB free layer. A Fe, FeB, or Fe/CoFeB/Fe free layer when formed with a MgO tunnel barrier (radical oxidation process) and a CoFeB AP1 pinned layer in a MRAM MTJ stack annealed at 360° C. provides a high dR/R (TMR)>100% and a substantial improvement in read margin with a TMR/Rp_cov=20. High speed measurement of 100 nm×200 nm oval STT-RAM MTJs has shown a Jc0 for switching a Fe free layer is one half that for switching an amorphous CO40Fe40B20 free layer. A Fe/CoFeB/Fe free layer configuration allows the Hc value to be increased for STT-RAM applications.
US08372655B2 Plate for mass spectrometry, process for preparing the same and use thereof
The present invention provides a plate for mass spectrometry comprising a support and a PVDF-containing coating (that is, a PVDF-deposited thin layer) thereon, and a method of preparing a plate for mass spectrometry, which comprises coating the support surface with PVDF. The present invention also provides a method of analyte identification comprising subjecting an analyte-containing sample to gel electrophoresis to separate the analyte, blotting the separated analyte from the gel to the above-described plate for mass spectrometry, and subjecting the plate to mass spectrometry, whereby the transferred analyte is analyzed.
US08372654B2 Method for investigating the fate of a test compound or the stateof a biological system by means of NMR of hyperpolarised NMR active nuclei
The invention is concerned with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), particularly NMR spectroscopy. It provides hyperpolarization methods offering enhanced sensitivity of detection over conventional NMR for studying the fate of a test compound in a biological system. The methods are particularly suitable for studying metabolism and toxicity of drugs. The resulting NMR sensitivity increase is advantageous in two key aspects of NMR detection: test compounds can be detected at lower concentrations and substantial time saving can be achieved in cases where extensive averaging is conventionally employed to increase the signal to noise ratio of the corresponding NMR spectra. The methods can be used for studios that were not practical or not possible using conventional NMR.
US08372652B2 Luminescent nanostructured materials for use in electrogenerated chemiluminescence
A nanostructured particulate material, which includes a redox active luminescent organic and/or ionic compound, is provided herein. The nanostructured particulate material may be used for determining the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample by detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation generated by exposing a reagent mixture, which includes the nanostructured material and the target analyte, to chemical or electrochemical energy.
US08372650B2 Sensing element for nitrogen oxide molecule sensing apparatus for nitrogen oxide molecule and method for sensing nitrogen oxide molecule
In a sensing element for a nitrogen oxide molecule of the present invention, a sensing portion that is to be bonded to a nitrogen oxide molecule to be sensed is fixed between paired metal electrodes through connecting portions. The sensing portion is a single porphyrin molecule or a single porphyrin derivative molecule each having, as a central metal thereof, iron or cobalt. The connecting portions are each a mercaptophenyleneethynyl group bonded to the single porphyrin molecule or the single porphyrin derivative molecule. Provided are a sensing element for nitrogen oxide molecule, a sensing apparatus for nitrogen oxide molecule, and a method for sensing nitrogen oxide molecule.
US08372646B1 Terpene media compositions for eluting compounds from matrices and methods for making and using them
Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads.
US08372643B2 Method for extracellular matrix mediated differentiation and proliferation of stem cells
There is provided a method of culturing a stem cell on extracellular matrix extracted from support cells and in a stem cell culture medium comprising medium conditioned by the support cells.
US08372640B2 Somatic transgene immunization and related methods
The invention provides a method for stimulating an immune response by administering to a lymphoid tissue a nucleic acid molecule comprising an expression element operationally linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more heterologous epitopes. The heterologous epitope can be inserted into a complementarity-determining region of an immunoglobulin molecule. The invention also provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising a hematopoietic expression element operationally linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide. The invention additionally provides a method of treating a condition by administering a nucleic acid molecule comprising a hematopoietic cell expression element operationally linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is targeted to a hematopoietic cell.
US08372636B2 Yeast cell surface display of proteins and uses thereof
The present invention provides a genetic method for tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. Also provided is a method for genetic fusion of the N terminus of a polypeptide of interest to the C-terminus of the yeast Aga2p cell wall protein. The outer wall of each yeast cell can display approximately 104 protein agglutinins. The native agglutinins serve as specific adhesion contacts to fuse yeast cells of opposite mating type during mating. In effect, yeast has evolved a platform for protein-protein binding without steric hindrance from cell wall components. As one embodiment, attaching an scFv antibody fragment to the Aga2p agglutinin effectively mimics the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system for affinity maturation in vivo. As another embodiment, T cell receptor mutants can be isolated by this method that are efficiently displayed on the yeast cell surface, providing a means of altering T cell receptor binding affinity and specificity by library screening.
US08372630B2 Optical glucose sensor chip and method of manufacturing the same
An optical glucose sensor chip includes a substrate, a pair of optical elements formed on a surface of the substrate for introducing light into the substrate and for emitting the light from the substrate, and a glucose sensing membrane formed on the surface of the substrate at a position between the optical elements. The sensing membrane includes a color reagent substrate, a first enzyme which oxidizes or reduces glucose, a second enzyme that generates a material which makes the color reagent substrate exhibit color by a reaction with a product obtained by oxidation or reduction of glucose, a nonionic cellulose derivative, and an ionic polymer into which a buffer is incorporated. At least one of the first and second enzymes is coated with the ionic polymer, and the color reagent substrate. The first and second enzymes, the buffer and the ionic polymer are supported by the nonionic cellulose derivative.
US08372629B2 Devices and processes for analysing individual cells
A device for individually analysing cells of interest, comprising (a) a channel for receiving the contents of a cell of interest, wherein the channel has an input end and an output end, and (b) a cell trapping site in proximity to the input end of the channel, wherein (i) the input end of the channel is adapted such that an intact cell of interest cannot enter the channel; and (ii) the channel contains one or more analytical components for analysing the contents of the cell of interest. In use, a cell is applied to the device, where it is trapped by the cell trapping means. The cell cannot enter the channel intact, but its contents can be released in situ to enter the channel's input end. The contents can then move down the channel, towards the output end, and they encounter the immobilised reagents, thereby permitting analysis of the cell contents.
US08372618B2 Mutated hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterases and their uses
A subject of the present invention is mutated hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterases (PTEs) possessing a lactonase activity, and their uses as bioscavengers within the context of the decontamination of the surfaces of materials, of the skin or mucous membranes, contaminated with organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the preparation of medicaments which can be used within the context of the prevention or treatment of an external contamination or of an internal poisoning by ingestion or inhalation by organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the pollution control of water polluted with organophosphorus compounds.
US08372615B2 Fusion proteins
The invention provides a single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a target cell; a Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the target cell, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endocome within the target cell; a protease cleaving site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by the protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; and the translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell.
US08372613B2 Methods and compositions for ethanol producing cyanobacteria
The present invention relates to methods and systems for the production of ethanol by cyanobacteria. More specifically, the methods can be used to produce ethanol using genetically engineered light responsive cyanobacteria.
US08372612B2 Production of four carbon alcohols using improved strain
Using screening of transposon random insertion mutants, genes involved in accumulation of (p)ppGpp were found to be involved in bacterial cell response to butanol. Reduced production of proteins with enzymatic activity for (p)ppGpp biosynthesis confers increased butanol tolerance. Bacterial strains with reduced (p)ppGpp accumulation and having a butanol or 2-butanone biosynthetic pathway are useful for production of butanol or 2-butanone.
US08372611B2 Method for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) using halobacterium and halobacterium
Disclosed are a method for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) using a halobacterium belonging to the genus Halomonas, wherein the halobacterium can grow in a medium consisting of an inorganic salt and a single organic carbon source and having a pH of 8.8 to 11, and produce PHAs in an amount of 20 wt. % or more based on the dry cell weight, and the halobacterium is cultured in an alkaline medium containing an inorganic salt and one or more organic carbon sources to produce PHAs in an amount of 20 wt. % or more based on the dry cell weight; and the halobacterium belonging to the genus Halomonas, which can grow in a medium consisting an inorganic salt and a single organic carbon source and having a pH of 8.8 to 11, and produce PHAs in an amount of 20 wt. % or more based on the dry cell weight.
US08372608B2 Processes for making [R]-ethyl 4-cyano-3 hydroxybutyric acid
The invention provides novel processes for making ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate, e.g., (R)-ethyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid, and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid. The invention provides protocols for making and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid and ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate by whole cell processes, cell lysate processes, “one pot processes” and “multi-pot” processes using a variety of parameters.
US08372606B2 Methods for obtaining crystals of a basic amino acid hydrochloride
The present invention provides a method for separating and obtaining a basic amino acid hydrochloride from a basic amino acid fermentation broth or an enzyme reaction solution which enzyme reaction is catalyzed by viable microbial cells which are able to produce a basic amino acid, each containing sulfate ions, wherein product yields and qualities are almost the same and are secured more easily, as compared with the conventional technique. The method may include the steps of adding a metal chloride such as calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and barium chloride to the basic amino acid fermentation broth or the enzyme reaction solution containing sulfate ions to precipitate the sulfate ions as crystals of the resulting metal sulfate, (2) removing the metal sulfate crystals from the basic amino acid solution, (3) cooling the basic amino acid fermentation broth or the enzyme reaction solution from which the metal sulfate crystals have been removed while maintaining the concentration of the metal sulfate below its saturation concentration, resulting in precipitatation the basic amino acid as hydrochloride crystals, and (4) separating and collecting the basic amino acid hydrochloride crystals.
US08372596B2 Asbestos detection method, asbestos detection agent, asbestos detection kit, method for screening candidate for agent aiming at preventing or treating disease for which asbestos is causative or worsening factor
The present invention provides a prompt and easy asbestos detection method and a method for screening a candidate for an agent aiming at preventing or treating a disease for which asbestos is a causative or worsening factor. It is possible to quickly and easily detect asbestos in a sample by finding a protein capable of binding specifically to asbestos, allowing the protein or a fusion protein of the protein and a reporter protein to bind to asbestos in the sample, and then detecting the protein or the fusion protein having been bound to asbestos. A substance inhibiting the binding of actin to asbestos, which has been found out as a protein capable of binding specifically to asbestos, is a candidate for an agent aiming at preventing or treating a disease for which asbestos is a causative or worsening factor.
US08372595B2 Method for obtaining a microbial strain for production of sphingoid bases
The present invention provides genetically engineered microbial strains, in particular genetically engineered yeast strains, that produce at least 0.5 mg per g CDW of a sphingoid base according to Formula I or a salt or ester thereof. The present invention provides a method to obtain genetically engineered microbial strains producing at least 0.5 mg per g CDW of a sphingoid base according to Formula I or a salt or ester thereof. The method comprises the steps of: a) increasing the expression of a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme having ceramide synthase activity and/or an enzyme having ceramidase activity, the latter being capable of preferentially, or even specifically, hydrolyzing ceramides containing a sphingoid base according to Formula I, and/or b) decreasing the expression of a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme having sphingolipid Δ8-desaturase activity and/or an enzyme having ceramidase activity, the latter being capable of preferentially, or even specifically, hydrolyzing ceramides containing phytosphingosine or dihydrosphingosine as sphingoid base, and isolating strains with the required productivity.
US08372591B2 MCM6 and MCM7 monoclonal antibodies and methods for their use in the detection of cervical disease
Compositions and methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease in a patient sample are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to MCM6 or MCM7. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an MCM6 or MCM7 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an MCM6 or MCM7 monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in practicing methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease comprising detecting overexpression of MCM6, MCM7, or both MCM6 and MCM7 in a cervical sample from a patient. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for an MCM6 or an MCM7 epitope and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.
US08372587B2 Proliferative disease detection method
In the present invention, the methylation of the genomic DNA a Zar1 gene specifically found in proliferative disease is used as a marker. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for detecting proliferative disease, which comprises detecting the methylation of the genomic DNA of a Zar1 gene in a biological sample. There is thereby provided a method for detecting proliferative disease, using a marker having a high detection rate and a low false positive rate.
US08372582B2 Methods of modulating metabolic memory
Described are methods of identifying modulators of metabolic memory, for the treatment of microvascular complications of diabetes, as well as methods of use thereof. Also described are methods of treating microvascular complications of diabetes by decreasing expression and/or activity of SHP-1.
US08372579B2 Microfluidic device for cell separation and uses thereof
The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).
US08372577B2 Photosensitive resin compositions and photosensitive dry films using the same
It is disclosed a photosensitive resin composition comprising (a) a binder polymer based on a copolymer containing benzyl (meth)acrylate as a building block, (b) a photopolymerizable compound having at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group in the molecule and (c) a photopolymerization initiator based on a hexarylbisimidazole compound, with a light-initiated color former being optionally contained as component (d). The composition has long-term keeping quality, exhibits particularly high resistance to plating and dry etching, as well as assuring improvement in resolution and adhesion; the composition may be used to form a photosensitive dry film.
US08372571B2 Image forming method
Provided is a method for forming an image containing the steps of: supplying a clear toner on a surface of an image forming support; heating the supplied clear toner on the surface of the image forming support to melt; close contacting the surface of the image forming support supplied with the clear toner with a belt; and cooling the clear toner in a state of close contacting with the belt so as to form a clear toner layer on the image forming support, wherein the aforesaid clear toner contains at least a resin formed with a polymerizable monomer represented by Formula (1) and a vinyl monomer, Formula (1): H2═CR1—COOR2, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R2 represents a chain alkyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group.
US08372570B2 Developer carrying member, method for manufacturing same and developing apparatus
The present invention provides a developer carrying member capable of maintaining excellent charge imparting property even under long-term use. The present invention relates to a developer carrying member including a substrate and a resin layer, wherein the resin layer includes an acrylic resin having three specific structural units and electroconductive particles.
US08372565B2 Method for optimizing source and mask to control line width roughness and image log slope
A method for illuminating a mask with a source to project a desired image pattern through a lithographic system onto a photoactive material including: defining a representation of the mask; obtaining a fractional resist shot noise (FRSN) parameter; determining a first relationship between a first set of optical intensity values and an edge roughness metric based on the FRSN parameter; determining a second relationship between a second set of optical intensity values and a lithographic performance metric; imposing a set of metric constraints based on one of the first and second relationships; setting up an objective function of optimization based on the remaining of the two relationships; determining optimum constrained values of the representation of the mask based on the set of metric constraints and the objective function; and outputting these values.
US08372561B2 Composite fluid storage unit with internal fluid distribution feature
Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid storage unit comprising a composite fluid storage material and one or more internal fluid distribution features. The one or more internal fluid distribution features increase the homogeneity of fluid interaction within the composite fluid storage material, benefiting a number of properties and functions.
US08372560B2 Separator for fuel cell
The present invention provides a separator for a fuel cell, in which a water discharge hole such as a venturi tube or a water discharge means including a metal plate for condensing water is provided on a land of the separator being in contact with a gas diffusion layer (GDL) of a fuel cell so that water generated by a reaction is easily discharged from the GDL through the water discharge means.
US08372558B2 Highly proton-conductive polymer electrolyte membranes that excel in mechanical strength and a process for producing the same
A vinyl monomer is graft polymerized on an aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer film substrate to introduce graft chains into the substrate and thereafter a functional monomer represented by the following formula and having sulfonic acid groups or functional groups capable of conversion to sulfonic acid groups is graft polymerized to introduce the sulfonic acid groups or the functional groups capable of conversion to sulfonic acid groups: where R is an aromatic ring or an aliphatic chain; X is (1) —OH, (2) —OLi, —ONa or —OK, (3) —F or —Cl, or (4) —OCnH2n+1 where n is an integer of 1 to 7. Since the graft chains obtained by graft polymerization of the vinyl monomer can also be utilized as scaffold polymers, the graft polymerizability of the functional monomer to the aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer film substrate is sufficiently improved to enable the preparation of a polymer electrolyte membrane that excels not only in proton conductivity and mechanical strength but also in dimensional stability.
US08372555B2 Stack end cell heater control methodology
A fuel cell system that employs end cell heaters in the end cells of a fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system that consistently maintain the temperature of the end cells above the operating temperature of the stack so as to reduce water in the end cells. In one embodiment, the temperature of the end cells is maintained within the range of 80° C.-85° C. across the entire output power range of the fuel cell stack. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the end cells are electrically coupled in series, and the control signal for controlling the end cells heaters is selected to heat the warmest end cell to the desired temperature.
US08372552B2 Method of removing residual oxygen in fuel cell by electrochemical purging
A method of removing residual oxygen in a residential high temperature non-humidification fuel cell stack including at least one cathode. The method includes making the pressure in the cathode higher than that outside of the cathode and maintaining airtight sealing of the cathode of the fuel cell stack, removing the residual oxygen in the fuel cell stack, and stopping supplying of fuel to the fuel cell stack. The setting of the pressure includes blocking air flow out of the cathode, comparing the pressure in the cathode with a set pressure higher than the pressure outside the cathode, and supplying air to the cathode until the pressure in the cathode is the same as or is higher than the set pressure.
US08372551B2 Hydrogen generating apparatus and fuel cell power generation system
A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system are disclosed. The hydrogen generating apparatus may include an electrolyte bath, which contains an electrolyte solution; a first electrode, which is stacked on a surface inside the electrolyte bath, and which generates electrons; a moisture absorption layer, which is stacked on the first electrode, and which absorbs moisture from the electrolyte solution; and a second electrode, which is stacked on the moisture absorption layer, and which generates hydrogen using the electrons and the electrolyte solution. With this apparatus, the electrodes can be formed as thin films, whereby the number of electrodes can be increased and -the gaps between electrodes can be decreased, to increase the amount of hydrogen generation. Also, the flow of electrons can be controlled, using a control unit, in accordance to the amount of hydrogen or amount of electrical power required by the fuel cell.
US08372550B2 Electrochemical device comprising aliphatic nitrile compound
The present invention provides a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound, as well as an electrochemical device comprising the cathode. Also, the present invention provides an electrochemical device comprising: (1) a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound; (2) an anode having a passivation layer formed by a compound selected from the group consisting of vinylene carbonate, its derivative and an ether compound; and (3) an electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt and a solvent.
US08372549B2 Electrolyte solvent for improving safety of battery and lithium secondary battery comprising the same
The present invention provides an electrolyte solvent for batteries, which comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. Also, the present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. The inventive electrolyte solvent can improve the battery safety without deteriorating the battery performance.
US08372546B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte battery and method for manufacturing the same
A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a gel non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode has an active material layer containing an ambient temperature molten salt and polyvinylidene fluoride; the ambient temperature molten salt and the polyvinylidene fluoride are complexed; the non-aqueous electrolyte contains one or more kinds of a non-aqueous solvent having a relative dielectric constant of 20 or more; and the content of the solvent having a relative dielectric constant of 20 or more in the non-aqueous electrolyte is 60% by mass or more relative to the whole of the non-aqueous solvent.
US08372544B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided that remarkably improves battery reliability by quickly lowering the potential of the positive electrode while preventing separator shrinkage at high temperatures. A separator has on its surface a shrinkage-prevention-layer formed portion (3a), in which a layer for preventing separator shrinkage is formed, and a shrinkage-prevention-layer unformed portion (3b), in which the layer for preventing separator shrinkage is not formed. A positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector respectively have a positive electrode current collector exposed portion (1b) and a negative electrode current collector exposed portion (2b). The shrinkage-prevention-layer unformed portion (3b) of the separator is disposed at a region where the current collector exposed portions (1b, 2b) face each other.
US08372543B2 Copper collector for secondary battery comprising Cu-nitrile compound complex formed on surface thereof
Disclosed are copper foil or net comprising a Cu-nitrile compound complex formed on the surface thereof, a method for preparing the same, and a lithium secondary battery that comprises an electrode using the same copper foil or net as a collector. The lithium secondary battery, which uses a copper collector comprising a Cu-nitrile compound complex formed on the surface thereof through the application of a certain voltage level, can prevent the corrosion of Cu occurring at a voltage of 3.6V or higher under overdischarge conditions away from the normal drive condition, and thus can significantly improve the capacity restorability after overdischarge.
US08372538B2 Cell electrode plate and process for producing the same
A cell electrode plate is constituted by band-like core member made of metal foil and a plurality of sheets of electrode active material applied discontinuously on and longitudinally of at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the core member, the mutually adjacent sheets of the electrode active material having mutually different end positions widthwise of the core member. Thereby, an increase in worn amount of surfaces of press rolls is prevented when the cell electrode plate is pressed by a roll press machine with the press rolls so as to prolong the service life of the press rolls. Thus, the number and/or amount of grinding the press rolls is reduced to reduce the roll maintenance cost and enhance production efficiency.
US08372535B2 Battery with several cells connected by an electrically conductive adhesive
An accumulator (i.e., battery) with at least two accumulator cells which are arranged in an accumulator housing and which are connected electrically with each other by a connector element. At least one of the accumulator cells is electrically connected with the connector element by an electrically conductive adhesive.
US08372534B2 Connector for battery pack
A battery pack having battery connectors for connecting batteries in series and a battery connector are disclosed that reduce the risks of potential electric shocks during assembly and servicing of a battery pack.
US08372531B1 Reserve battery system
A reserve battery that is activated via a low energy mechanical force. The reserve battery generally includes a battery case having an electrolyte compartment at a first end and an electrode compartment at a second end, a first terminal having an external button connected to the case at the first end, and a second terminal connected to the case at the second end. A movable ampoule is movably positioned within the electrolyte compartment. A bias member is located within the case between the external button and the ampoule and a porous cutter is positioned within the case between the electrodes and the ampoule and supported by an inverted U-shaped support structure. When an external force is applied to the external button, the bias member transfers an internal force to the ampoule to cause the ampoule to engage the cutter and allow the electrolyte to release thus activating the battery.
US08372530B2 Vehicular power supply system
In a vehicular power supply system, inclined portions (16c) extending obliquely upward toward the exterior from two mutually opposing side edges of a waterproof case (14) are formed on a hanger frame (16), and an upper face opening (14b) of the waterproof case (14) and an outer peripheral part of a lid member (15) are equipped with extended portions (14a, 15a) extending upward so as to cover the inclined portion (16c) of the hanger frame (16). This enables water flowing on an upper face of the lid member (15) or water that has accumulated on the upper face of the lid member (15) to be blocked by the extended portions (14a, 15a) and to be prevented from entering the interior of the waterproof case (14) via an outer peripheral face of the hanger frame (16) running through mating faces of a lid member (15) and the waterproof case (14) housing a battery module (24) and a high voltage electrical component (33).
US08372526B2 Intermediate connector for stacked organic light emitting devices
A device is provided, having an anode, a cathode, and an intermediate connector disposed between the anode and the cathode. A first organic layer including an emissive sublayer is disposed between the anode and the intermediate connector, and a second including an emissive sublayer is disposed between the intermediate connector and the cathode. The intermediate connector includes a first metal having a work function lower than 4.0 eV and a second metal having a work function lower than 5.0 eV. The work function of the first metal is at least 0.5 eV less than the work function of the second metal. The first metal is in contact with a sublayer of the second organic layer that includes a material well adapted to receive holes from a low work function metal.
US08372525B2 Organic electronic device
There is provided an active layer containing a dopant material and a host material, wherein the host material has an HPLC purity of at least 99.9% and an impurity absorbance no greater than 0.01. There is also provided an electronic device containing the active layer.
US08372523B2 Coated article
A coated article is described. The coated article includes a stainless steel substrate, a bonding layer formed on the substrate, and a hard layer formed on the bonding layer. The bonding layer is a nickel-chromium alloy layer. The hard layer is a nickel-chromium-boron-nitrogen layer. The mass percentage of nitrogen within the hard layer is gradually increased from the area near the bonding layer to the area away from the bonding layer. A method for making the coated article is also described.
US08372520B2 Composite wood product and method for making the wood product
A composite wood product and its method of manufacture. The wood product comprises aligned, substantially straight wood strands cut from veneer, disposed side by side lengthwise in substantially parallel relationship with adhesive bonding together the strands. The product is produced in a billet having a width in the range of about 3 ft. to 12 ft. and with a thickness in the range of about 1.1 inches to 2 inches. The strand ends are distributed in a specific pattern that approximates maximizing the minimum distance between strand ends. The wide sides of the billet are coated with a dark colored resin. The billet may be sawn lengthwise into sizes used for joists and rafters. Such a sawn product (e.g. 1.5″ by 9.25″) has the wide sides a dark resin color and the narrow sawn sides mostly wood colored. The strands are parallel to its length.
US08372518B1 Antistatic styrenic polymer compositions and articles therefrom
An antistatic styrenic polymer composition comprises 30 to 70 wt % of a styrenic polymer, 5 to 40 wt % of a potassium ionomer, 1 to 10 wt % of one or more polyols, and 2 to 20 wt % of an ethylene copolymer, based on the total weight of the styrenic polymer composition which has reduced dust absorption and improved mechanical performances. Also disclosed are articles made of the composition such as film or sheet including multilayer structure and items obtained by extrusion molding, coextrusion molding, injection molding, thermoform molding, compression molding or blow molding.
US08372517B2 Acrylic thermoplastic resin composition, acrylic resin film and acrylic resin composite
An acrylic thermoplastic resin composition is obtained by melt-kneading a methacrylic resin (A) and a polyvinyl acetal resin (B) at a resin temperature of not less than 140° C. while applying shear at a shear rate of 100 sec−1 or more, and then cooling the kneaded product to not more than 120° C. In the acrylic thermoplastic resin composition, at least the methacrylic resin (A) forms a continuous phase, and among glass transition temperatures of the acrylic thermoplastic resin composition, a glass transition temperature TgA P ascribed to the methacrylic resin (A) indicates a value between a glass transition temperature (TgA) of the methacrylic resin (A) alone and a glass transition temperature (TgB) of the polyvinyl acetal resin (B) alone. A film- or sheet-like molded article is obtained by molding the resin composition. An acrylic resin composite is obtained by laying a layer of metal and/or metal oxide on at least one side of the acrylic resin molded article.
US08372512B2 Polylactic acid-based resin foamed particles for in-mold foam-molding and method for producing the same, as well as method for producing polylactic acid-based resin foam-molded article
The present invention provides a method for producing polylactic acid-based resin foamed particles for in-mold foam-molding from which a polylactic acid-based resin foam-molded article excellent in heat resistance and mechanical strength can be obtained by in-mold foam-molding. In the method of the present invention for producing polylactic acid-based resin foamed particles for in-mold foam-molding, a rotary blade is rotated at a given rotation speed while being always in contact with the front end surface of a nozzle and a polylactic acid-based resin extrudate extrusion-foamed through a nozzle is cut with the rotary blade, so that it is possible to cut the polylactic acid-based resin extrudate surely to obtain substantially spherical polylactic acid-based resin foamed particles. Therefore, when polylactic acid-based resin foamed particles are used for in-mold foam-molding, the polylactic acid-based resin foamed particles foam uniformly in all directions and, as a result, the foamed particles are thermal fusin bonded to unite together strongly in all direction.
US08372510B2 High strength monolithic carbon foam
A carbon foam article useful for, inter alia, composite tooling or other high temperature applications, which includes a carbon foam having a ratio of compressive strength to density of at least about 7000 psi/g/cc.
US08372507B1 End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles
End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a first bubble layer, a second bubble layer and a air channel layer. The first and second bubble layers are sealed together to form a plurality of bubble chambers. A plurality of bubble cells are formed in each bubble chamber by extending a plurality of air flow sealing lines. An air flow channel is formed between the second bubble layer and the air channel layer. One end of a cross air fill passage communicates with the air flow channel and the other end communicates with a fill opening in the second bubble layer. Air flows into each cross air flow passage and through the fill opening to inflate the bubble chamber. Inflation of the bubble chamber causes the plurality of air flow sealing lines to seal the cross air fill passage and prevent deflation of the bubble chamber.
US08372506B2 Protective mat
A mat for collecting water from under cabinet leaks. The mat is an elastomeric material sized to fit within the cabinet space and has ribs defining inclined channels which direct water to a forward collection area which is viewable when the cabinet is opened. The ribs and webs on the underside of the mat provide support for items that may be placed on the mat. In an alternate embodiment, a wireless alarm signal is provided to a wireless device user. The alarm having conductivity probes which are insertable in a reservoir in the fluid collection area to emit an alarm when a leak occurs.
US08372505B2 Anti-glare member, display and screen using the same
An anti-glare member prevents reflection of external light by surfaces of displays or screens without causing reduction of contrast and glare of displayed images. The anti-glare member has an anti-glare layer comprising microparticles and a transparent binder wherein the microparticles are black microparticles having a value (n), obtained by dividing absolute value of complex index of refraction of the black microparticles by index of refraction of the transparent binder, of 0.95 to 1.05. The arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) according to JIS B0601:2001 of surface of the anti-glare layer is 0.3 to 1.0 μm.
US08372503B2 Formable tray
A self-sustainable formable tray is presented which possesses the abilities to be formed in any form or manner as the application desires. The tray can be used in the medical field where flexibility, formability, sterility and cleavability are desirable. Though designed with several adaptations in purpose, there are a myriad of fields of applications. The formable tray is designed for repeatable forming and cleaning cycles. The uniqueness of the tray is the ability for the tray to conform to trays, mandrels and forms using only human supplied pressures. The formable tray includes two layers of silicone or similar sheeting completely encapsulating flexible stiffening means. This flexible stiffening means will hold the device in various configuration as designed by the user. This flexible stiffening means include a stainless steel membrane, which can be magnetic completely, spot magnetized or be non-magnetic at the users behest, a metallic mesh or metallic rods.
US08372501B2 Optical information recording medium
An optical information recording medium includes: a supporting substrate; a light-transmitting protective layer which becomes a layer on the incident side of recording and reproducing laser light; and an information recording layer intervening between the supporting substrate and the light-transmitting protective layer, wherein the information recording layer includes a phase-change material layer, a dielectric layer and a metal layer in this order from the incident side of laser light; and the dielectric layer is constituted of, as a main component, (In2O3)x(SnO2)1-x, wherein x is satisfied with the relationship of (0.4
US08372499B2 Pressureless pipe comprising a multimodal polyethylene composition with an inorganic filler
The present invention relates to a pipe or a supplementary pipe article comprising a polyethylene composition comprising a base resin which comprises (A) a first ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction, and (B) a second ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction, wherein fraction (A) has a lower average molecular weight than fraction (B), the base resin has a flexural modulus determined according to ISO 178 of 1000 MPa or higher, and the composition further comprises (C) an inorganic mineral filler, wherein inorganic mineral filler (C) is present in the composition in an amount of 1 to 70 wt. %, and to the use of said composition for the production of a pipe or a supplementary pipe article.
US08372493B2 Emblem assembly and method of forming same
An emblem assembly configured for attachment to a vehicle includes a first element having a first surface and a second surface recessed from the first surface, wherein the first element defines at least one void therethrough extending through the second surface. The emblem assembly includes a second element having a third surface, a fourth surface spaced apart from the third surface, and a fifth surface extending between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the second surface is spaced apart from the fifth surface to define a channel therebetween. The emblem assembly includes a coating disposed on the third surface and a sealant disposed adjacent and in contact with at least a portion of each of the void, the second surface, the coating, and the fifth surface to thereby fill at least a portion of the channel. A method of forming the emblem assembly is also disclosed.
US08372490B2 Film-formation method, method for manufacturing electro-optical device, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A film-formation method is a method for depositing a liquid containing a film material to form a film in a prescribed film formation area enclosed by a partition wall on a substrate. The film-formation method includes forming the partition wall using at least in part a wettability-variable material in which wettability with respect to the liquid is variable, depositing the liquid in the film formation area, varying the wettability of the wettability-variable material in the partition wall in a state in which the liquid is disposed within the film formation area so that liquid affinity of the wettability-variable material becomes higher than liquid affinity of the wettability-variable material before the liquid is deposited in the film formation area, and forming the film by solidifying the film material in the liquid.
US08372481B2 Methods of forming material on a substrate, and a method of forming a field effect transistor gate oxide on a substrate
The invention includes methods of forming material on a substrate and methods of forming a field effect transistor gate oxide. In one implementation, a first species monolayer is chemisorbed onto a substrate within a chamber from a gaseous first precursor. The first species monolayer is discontinuously formed over the substrate. The substrate having the discontinuous first species monolayer is exposed to a gaseous second precursor different from the first precursor effective to react with the first species to form a second species monolayer, and effective to form a reaction product of the second precursor with substrate material not covered by the first species monolayer. The substrate having the second species monolayer and the reaction product is exposed to a third gaseous substance different from the first and second precursors effective to selectively remove the reaction product from the substrate relative to the second species monolayer. Other implementations are contemplated.
US08372476B2 Method of plasmonic crystal
A method of designing a plasmonic crystal is provided. The method includes: determining an arrangement period of a plasmonic crystal formed on a metal surface at an interface between a dielectric and the metal in accordance with a dispersion relation of a surface plasmon polariton at the interface and a Bragg reflection condition of the surface plasmon polariton.
US08372474B2 Method of making fuel cell components including a catalyst layer and a plurality of ionomer overcoat layers
A process comprising: providing a substrate with a catalyst layer thereon; depositing a first ionomer overcoat layer over the catalyst layer, the first ionomer overcoat layer comprising an ionomer and a first solvent; drying the first ionomer overcoat layer to provide a first electrode ionomer overcoat layer; depositing a second ionomer overcoat layer over the first electrode ionomer overcoat layer, and wherein the second ionomer overcoat layer comprises an ionomer and a second solvent.
US08372473B2 Cobalt precursors for semiconductor applications
Methods and compositions for depositing a cobalt containing film on one or more substrates are disclosed herein. A cobalt precursor, which comprises at least one pentadienyl ligand coupled to the cobalt for thermal stability, is introduced into a reaction chamber containing one or more substrates, and the cobalt precursor is deposited to form a cobalt containing film onto the substrate.
US08372469B2 Method for producing a piezoelectric film
A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0≦x≦0.8, 0.2≦y≦1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0≦x≦0.8, 0.2≦y≦1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.
US08372468B2 Surface modification to improve lubricity, abrasion resistance and temperature resilience of leads
A medical electrical lead body having an outer surface and including at least one lumen having an inner surface treated with a silane surface modifying agent to form a three-dimensional, densely cross-linked lubricious coating over at least a portion of the inner surface of the lumen. The outer surface of the lead body also may be similarly treated. The lubricious silane coating may reduce the coefficient of friction of the coated surface of the lead body by as much as 80% when compared to an uncoated surface. A reduction in the coefficient of friction may enhance the stringing efficiency of a conductor through the lead body lumen and may enhance its abrasion resistance.
US08372465B2 Oil compositions of stearidonic acid
Provided herein are oil compositions comprising an interesterified structured lipid component, the component being an interesterifcation reaction product of an amount of a medium chain triglyceride, an amount of a long chain domestic oil, and an amount of a source of stearidonic acid. The structured lipid component can be used in edible oil compositions. The oil compositions can contain an amount of a phytosterol ester component. The oil compositions disclosed herein have good stability and also have other properties useful for an edible oil composition.
US08372462B2 Device and method for frothing a liquid
A device for producing froth includes means (1) which are adapted to perform a pumping function and to perform a mixing process of at least one liquid and a gas at the same time. Furthermore, the device includes suitable means (2) for supplying the liquid and the gas to the pumping means (1), and suitable means (3) for discharging froth from the pumping means (1). In order for the device to be capable of producing hot froth, means (4) for supplying steam are provided, and arranged such as to supply the steam directly to the pumping means (1), in particular to an outlet side of the pumping means (1). This way of attributing a heating functionality to the pumping means (1) has many advantages, including the option of a most compact design. Furthermore, the steam may be used for cleaning the pumping means (1).
US08372460B2 System and method for non-thermal plasma treatment of foodstuffs
A method for sanitation and preservation of foodstuffs includes the following steps. A container containing a foodstuff is provided. A non-thermal plasma is introduced to an interior of the container. The container is sealed.
US08372459B2 Cooking apparatus and method of cooking
An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly.
US08372457B2 Blendable cheese snack
A cheese product, suitable for use as a cheese snack and/or food topping includes packaging in which moist cheese components of the snack or topping are separately sealed within a secondary package, prior to both the moist cheese and dry components of the snack or topping being sealed within a common primary container. At the time of use, a consumer opens both the primary container and the secondary package, and mixes the moist and dry components within the primary container. Following mixing, the resultant mixture of moist and dry components may be consumed directly from the primary container, or be poured out of or otherwise removed from the primary container for use as a food topping on foods such as salads, pizza, or baked potatoes. The secondary package is formed from a material and sealed in a manner that effectively precludes moisture migration between the moist and dry products during storage of the unmixed snack or topping, to thereby provide a longer shelf life.
US08372455B2 Cosmetic composition with anti-free radical activity
Cosmetic compositions with anti-free radical activity have been developed. Such compositions preferably contain an association of at least the following three substances with anti-free radical activity: an extract of emblica, idebenone and N-acetylcysteine.
US08372453B2 Composition for prevention or treatment of insomnia
Provided is a composition for preventing or treating insomnia. The composition includes, as an active ingredient, extract of Phlomis umbrosa Turcz. or a combination thereof with extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. Particularly, the combination of extract of Phlomis umbrosa Turcz. with extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. enables recovery of the sleep of patients suffering from insomnia nearly to that of normal persons. The composition for treating insomnia uses active ingredients that have been used as Chinese traditional medicines, and thus is safe to the human body.
US08372450B2 Chinese herbal composition for the treatment of macular degeneration and the process for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a Chinese herb composition for the treatment of macular degeneration and its preparation method. The composition comprises Salviae miltiorrhizae, Chuanxiong rhizoma, Lycii fructus, Chrysanthemi flos, Schisandrae chinensis fructus, Imperatae rhizoma, and Scutellariae radix, where the number of units by weight are: 0.8-3.0 units of Salviae miltiorrhizae, 0.3-2.0 units of Chuanxiong rhizoma, 0.6-2.4 units of Lycii fructus, 0.5-2.0 units of Chrysanthemi flos, 0.2-1.2 units of Schisandrae chinensis fructus, 0.9-6.0 units of Imperatae rhizoma, and 0.5-2.0 units of Scutellariae radix. The preparation method includes taking concentrated powder of each ingredient according to the number of units prescribed and mixing them together. The Chinese herb composition, conveniently delivered orally or parenterally, has been clinically proven to be safe and effective for all types of macular degeneration regardless of wet or dry forms.
US08372449B2 Method for enhancing the DNA repair process, treating disorders associated with the DNA repair process, enhancing antitumor response and treating disorders associated with anti-tumor response in mammals by administering pruified quinic acid and/or carboxy alkyl ester
The disclosure provides a method for isolating the bioactive component of the water-soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa known as C-MED-100®, comprising (i) precipitating the spray drying carrier from C-MED-100®; (ii) using the resulting C-MED-100® to obtain a spotting mixture for thin layer chromatography (TLC); (iii) spotting the C-MED-100® spotting mixture on pre-run TLC plates and eluting the plates to obtain the fluorescing band with Rf=0.2-0.3; (iv) scraping off the Rf=0.2-0.3 band, eluting it in ammonia and freeze drying the eluted band to form a powder; and (v) extracting the powder with methanol to remove solubilized silica gel, concentrating the methanol solution and crystalizing the concentrated solution to obtain the bioactive component. The isolated bioactive component in vitro is a quinic acid analog, preferably quinic acid lactone. By contrast, the disclosure further shows the isolated bioactive component in vivo is quinic acid, whether as free acid or as a quinic acid salt, including quinic acid ammonium salt. The disclosure then provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of the bioactive component and a nontoxic inert carrier or diluent. The pharmaceutical composition and bioactive component may be used to enhance immune competency, treat disorders associated with the immune system, inhibit the inflammatory response, treat disorders associated with the inflammatory response, enhance the anti-tumor response, and treat disorders associated with the response to tumor formation and growth, all in mammals.
US08372447B2 Compositions and methods for promoting weight loss and increasing energy
The present invention relates to compositions comprising plants and extracts of plants with chlorogenic acids and antioxidants and/or caffeine; methods for preparing the same; and methods to promote weight loss through the administration of compositions containing these plants and plant extracts in specific proportions.
US08372443B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of citrus greening disease
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the prevention of citrus greening disease. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for repelling or killing insect vectors of citrus greening disease comprising exposing the vectors to an effective amount of at least one volatile compound set forth in Tables 1 and 2 herein. In one embodiment, the volatile compound is dimethyl disulfide.
US08372442B2 Liquid nutritional composition for bariatric surgery patients
A ready-to-consume liquid nutritional composition which is particularly suitable for use by morbidly obese patients pre- and post-bariatric surgery. The composition comprises an energy content between 80-160 kcal/100 ml, a protein content between 40-80 En %, a digestible carbohydrate content between 0-30 En %, a fat content between 5-40 En %, a soluble dietary fiber content between 1.5-8 g/100 kcal, and micronutrients. The micronutrients comprise calcium in an amount between 150-1000 mg/100 kcal, phosphorus in an amount between 100-1000 mg/100 kcal, with a Ca:P ratio of at least 1.0, iron in an amount between 4-50 mg/100 kcal, vitamin D in an amount between 2-400 mcg/100 kcal and vitamin B12 in an amount between 0.5-300 mcg/100 kcal.
US08372441B2 Materials and methods for preparation of alkaline earth ferrates from alkaline earth oxides, peroxides, and nitrates
The subject invention concerns methods for preparing alkaline earth ferrates and the preparation of hemostatic compositions from alkaline earth ferrates. In one embodiment, the alkaline earth ferrate is strontium ferrate. In one embodiment, methods of the invention comprise heat treating mixtures of alkaline earth oxides and/or peroxides with iron oxides, such as hematite or magnetite. The subject invention also concerns hemostatic compositions produced using metallic oxides that are reacted with alkaline earth oxides and/or peroxides and the methods used to produce the hemostatic compositions.