最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08379464B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor device includes a booster circuit and a detector. The booster circuit is configured to boost an input voltage and output an output voltage, and the detector is configured to output the output voltage, which is output from the booster circuit, and control the booster circuit to generate a plurality of different voltages in accordance with an operating mode.
US08379463B2 Bit line precharge voltage generation circuit for semiconductor memory apparatus
Various embodiments of a bit line precharge voltage generation circuit for a semiconductor memory apparatus are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a bit line precharge voltage generation circuit may include a voltage division block for dividing an internal voltage to generate a first division voltage and a second division voltage, wherein a level of the second division voltage is higher than a level of the first division voltage; a pull-up amplification block for comparing the level of the first division voltage with a level of a bit line precharge voltage on a bit line precharge voltage line, to raise the level of the bit line precharge voltage; and a pull-down amplification block for comparing the level of the second division voltage with the level of the bit line precharge voltage to lower the level of the bit line precharge voltage.
US08379462B2 Memory device having reduced standby current and memory system including same
A memory device includes a plurality of banks, a first generator generating standby current in response to a standby signal, and a switching circuit supplying the standby current to at least one of the plurality of banks in response to a plurality of active signals.
US08379457B1 Auto calibration of storage memory controller
A flash memory controller includes a controllable delay circuit configured to receive a read strobe signal from a flash memory device and to delay the read strobe signal, a data latch, coupled to the controllable delay circuit, configured to receive the delayed read strobe signal, and to capture data from the flash memory device using the delayed read strobe signal, and a calibration circuit coupled to the controllable delay circuit, configured to instruct the controllable delay circuit to delay the read strobe signal at one of a plurality of delay settings, to receive the captured data from the data latch, to determine an accuracy of the captured data, and to determine an adjustment factor for the controllable delay circuit based on the accuracy of the data captured at the data latch.
US08379456B2 Nonvolatile memory devices having dummy cell and bias methods thereof
Provided are nonvolatile memory devices and methods of operating thereof. The nonvolatile memory devices include: dummy cells connected to a dummy bit line; and a dummy bit line bias circuit providing a dummy bit line voltage to the dummy bit line during a program operation, wherein, due to the dummy bit line voltage, at least one of the dummy cells is programmed with a threshold voltage lower than the top programmed state and higher than an erased state during the program operation.
US08379454B2 Detection of broken word-lines in memory arrays
Techniques and corresponding circuitry are presented for the detection of broken wordlines in a memory array. An “inter-word-line” comparison where the program loop counts of different word-lines are compared in order to determine whether a word-line may be defective. The number of programming pulses needed for the cells along a word-line WLn is compared to the number needed for a preceding word-line, such as WLn or WL(n−1), to see whether it exceeds this earlier value by a threshold value. If the word-line requires an excessive number of pulses, relative the earlier word-line, to complete programming, it is treated as defective.
US08379453B2 Trench MONOS memory cell and array
The MONOS vertical memory cell of the present invention allow miniaturization of the memory cell area. The two embodiments of split gate and single gate provide for efficient program and erase modes as well as preventing read disturb in the read mode.
US08379451B2 Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, a logic gate chain, and a counter. The memory cells are capable of retaining data and are associated with the columns. The logic gate chain includes a plurality of logic gates associated with the columns. Each of the logical gates outputs a logical level to a next-stage logical gate in the series connection. The logic level indicates presence or absence of verify-failure in the associated column. The counter counts the number of output times of the logic level indicating the presence of the verify-failure in a final-stage logic gate of the series connection. A content indicated by the logic level output from each of the logic gates is inverted at a boundary of the logic gate associated with the column having the verify-failure in the logic gate chain.
US08379448B2 Memory with interleaved read and redundant columns
Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving a flash memory device. One such apparatus includes a memory block including a plurality of columns. Each of the columns includes a bit line and a plurality of memory cells on the bit line. The plurality of columns include a plurality of groups of regular columns and a plurality of groups of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a plurality of data latches. Each of the data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of regular columns. The apparatus further includes a plurality of redundant data latches. Each of the redundant data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a multiplexer configured to selectively output data from the plurality of data latches and the plurality of redundant data latches.
US08379444B2 Semiconductor memory device capable of accurate reading even when erasure level changes
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array and a controller. The memory cell array includes first, second, and third memory cells each of which stores k-bit data (where k is a natural number not smaller than 1). The first and second memory cells are adjacent to each other, and the second and third memory cells are adjacent to each other. Data is stored into the memory cells in an order of the first, second, and third memory cells. When reading data from the second memory cells, the controller reads data from the first and third memory cells, and changes read conditions for the second memory cell in accordance with the read data.
US08379436B2 Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells each of which is arranged at the intersection position between a pair of complementary bit lines and a word line, and stores data between a first power supply voltage applied to a first node and a voltage applied to a virtual ground node, and a control circuit which changes the amount of current of the pair of bit lines in accordance with the amplitude of the pair of bit lines for each column in a memory macro, that is formed by arranging the plurality of memory cells in a matrix, in the data read operation of each of the plurality of memory cells.
US08379426B2 Solid state device products, intermediate solid state devices, and methods of manufacturing and testing the same
Example embodiments of the inventive concept are directed to solid state device products, intermediate solid state devices, and methods of manufacturing and testing the same, with removable test terminals, which may permit in situ testing of one or more components of the solid state device products.
US08379425B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
Efficient reduction in power consumption is achieved by combinational implementation of a power cutoff circuit technique using power supply switch control and a DVFS technique for low power consumption. A power supply switch section fed with power supply voltage, a circuit block in which a power cutoff is performed by the power supply switch section, and a level shifter are formed in a DEEP-NWELL region formed over a semiconductor substrate. Another power supply switch section fed with another power supply voltage, a circuit block in which a power cutoff is performed by the power supply switch section, and a level shifter are formed in another DEEP-NWELL region formed over the semiconductor substrate. In this arrangement, there arises no possibility of short-circuiting between different power supplies via each DEEP-NWELL region formed over the semiconductor substrate.
US08379423B2 Power factor correction circuit and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to a power factor correction circuit and a driving method thereof.The power factor correction circuit includes: an inductor for receiving an input voltage and supplying output power; a power switch connected to the inductor to control an inductor current flowing through the inductor; an auxiliary conductor coupled to the inductor with a predetermined turn ratio; and a power factor correction controller that controls the output power by controlling the switching operation of the power switch and determines whether or not the output voltage of the output power is an over-voltage. The power factor correction controller generates an input peak voltage corresponding to the peak of the input voltage by using a clamping current for maintaining an auxiliary voltage, which is the both-end voltage of the auxiliary inductor, at a predetermined clamping voltage during the turn-on period of the power switch so as to prevent the auxiliary voltage from becoming a negative voltage, generates a duty voltage corresponding to the duty of the power switch, and determines whether or not the output voltage is an over-voltage according to a result of comparison between the input peak voltage and the duty voltage.
US08379418B2 Power converter start-up circuit
A power converter arrangement configured to convert a direct voltage into an alternating voltage to be supplied to a grid includes a photovoltaic generator configured to generate the direct voltage, a voltage intermediate circuit, a main power converter connected in series with a bypass switch, a maximum power point controller configured to set a maximum power point voltage, and at least one voltage-limited additional circuit configured to be active during a start-up phase of the photovoltaic generator. The at least one voltage-limited additional circuit and the main power converter are configured as a voltage divider in parallel with the photovoltaic generator. The at least one voltage-limited additional circuit is configured as a capacitive voltage divider having a first capacitor and an intermediate circuit capacitor connected in series.
US08379411B2 Piezoelectric converter with primary regulation and associated piezoelectric transformer
The present invention relates to voltage transformers, comprising multi-layer structures of piezoelectric ceramics, so-called piezoelectric transformers. The present invention further relates to switched mode power supplies, comprising such a piezoelectric transformer as part of a piezoelectric converter. The piezoelectric transformer according to the invention comprises a primary-side electrode arrangement (102) that can be connected to the primary-side voltage, a secondary-side electrode arrangement (104) on which the secondary-side voltage can be tapped, and an auxiliary electrode arrangement (106) for creating an auxiliary electrode voltage proportional to the secondary-side voltage, wherein the auxiliary electrode arrangement (106) is formed by at least two plane electrodes located opposite one another. A circuit arrangement for a switched mode power supply having at least one such piezoelectric transformer (100) comprises a control circuit (114), wherein the auxiliary electrode voltage is added to the control circuit (114) as a control variable for controlling the output voltage of the switched mode power supply.
US08379409B2 Touch panel
A touch panel is characterized in that one side of a top panel protrudes beyond a side of a bottom panel, signals of sensing areas or conductive layer on the top panel for sensing capacitive variation or voltage variation are transmitted to a bottom surface of the protruded side, signals of sensing areas or conductive layer on the bottom panel for sensing capacitive variation or voltage variation are transmitted to a bottom surface of the top panel through conductive adhesives and to the bottom surface of the protruded side, and the top panel has a flexible PCB formed on the bottom surface of the protruded side to receive those signals. As the flexible PCB is not sandwiched between the top and bottom panels, all layers of the touch panel can be uniformly and tightly bonded and touch insensitivity caused by air penetration into the touch panel can be prevented.
US08379408B2 Electromagnetic shield structure, wireless device using the structure, and method of manufacturing electromagnetic shield
Provided are an electromagnetic shield structure capable of reducing the contamination of electromagnetic noise which is radiated from a digital device into a wireless device, and a wireless apparatus using the electromagnetic shield structure. This structure has a shield function to reduce the influence of the noise radiated from an LSI (102), by a first shield (3) and a second shield (4). An open face (4g) of a first L-shaped structure portion (4a) and an open face (4h) of a second L-shaped structure portion (4b) are opposed to each other. Accordingly, even if the first L-shaped structure portion (4a) and the second L-shaped structure portion (4b) are excited by the LSI (102), the electromagnetic fields radiated from the open faces (4g and 4h) cancel each other out to reduce the radiation of noise from the first L-shaped structure portion (4a) and the second L-shaped structure portion (4b).
US08379403B2 Spacer-connector and circuit board assembly
A spacer-connector and connection arrangements between daughter boards and motherboards are disclosed. Assemblies may include a daughter board one or more spacer-connectors spacing the daughter board above a motherboard and conductive elastomers providing electrical connections between the daughter board and spacer-connector and between the spacer-connector and the motherboard. The spacer-connector may include ground, power, digital and/or controlled impedance RF pathways to conduct signals between the daughter board to the mother board.
US08379402B2 Wiring board having lead pin, and lead pin
A wiring board having a lead pin is provided. The wiring board having the lead pin includes a connecting pad which is formed on the wiring board, and to which the lead pin is bonded through a conductive material. The lead pin includes: a shaft portion; a head portion which is provided on one end of the shaft portion; a protruded portion which is formed on a surface side of the head portion opposed to the connection pad; and a first taper portion which is formed between the head portion and a base part of the shaft portion.
US08379393B2 Semiconductor memory card with controller chip
A semiconductor memory card includes a semiconductor memory, a controller, input/output terminals, resistive elements, first wires, and second wires. The semiconductor memory is mounted on one surface of a substrate. The controller is mounted on the other surface of the substrate and controls the semiconductor memory. The input/output terminals input and output signals to and from the semiconductor memory via the controller. The resistive elements electrically connect input/output terminals to the controller. The first wires connect one-side ends of each of the resistive elements to the controller and each of which has a wire length of 4.0 mm or less. The second wires connect the other-side ends of each of the resistive elements to the input/output terminals.
US08379390B2 Package substrate
A package substrate includes a circuit board, an electronic component, an electromagnetic shield cover, and a heat conducting member. The electronic component is disposed on the circuit board. The electromagnetic shield cover is fixedly coupled to the circuit board. The electromagnetic shield cover houses the electronic component within an inside space defined between the electromagnetic shield cover and the circuit board. The heat conducting member is disposed between the electronic component and the electromagnetic shield cover within the inside space. The heat conducting member contacts both of the electronic component and the electromagnetic shield cover such that the heat conducting member establishes a thermal connection between the electronic component and the electromagnetic shield cover.
US08379386B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes the following: a heat dissipation chamber that is formed by liquid tightly separating the inside of a main unit case with a partition, has an inlet air vent and an outlet air vent in the partition, and includes a heat dissipation portion; a cooling fan that is located in the heat dissipation chamber; an inlet that is provided in the main unit case to introduce outside air into the heat dissipation chamber through the inlet air vent; and an outlet that is provided in the main unit case to exhaust an air flow sent from the cooling fan to the outside through the outlet air vent. An air channel that extends from the inlet air vent through a side wall of the main unit case to communicate the heat dissipation chamber with the inlet is liquid tightly sealed from the internal space of the main unit case with a sealing wall. A plurality of plate-shaped ribs are provided in the air channel so as to extend in a flow path direction and arranged in a lateral direction of the inlet air vent. The rigidity of the main unit case can be ensured sufficiently while maintaining the liquid tightness between the inside of the main unit case and the heat dissipation chamber.
US08379383B2 Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a circuit board in the housing, a cooling unit includes a radiator unit on the circuit board, and a cooling fan connected to the radiator unit and supported outside the circuit board in a floating state, a keyboard on a top wall of the housing, opposed to the circuit board and the cooling fan, a first supporting member disposed between the cooling fan and the keyboard and configured to support the keyboard when a key is depressed, and a second supporting member disposed between the cooling fan and a bottom wall of the housing and configured to support the cooling fan when a key is depressed. At least one of the first and second supporting members is formed of an elastic material.
US08379382B2 Docking station
A holder for an oblong-shaped device is provided. The holder can be a docking station for a media device and a keyboard. The holder can include a mounting tray and a mounting bracket assembly arranged on the mounting tray. The mounting bracket assembly can be configured such that the oblong-shaped device is securable to the mounting tray in both (i) a first position where a longitudinal axis of the oblong-shaped device extends substantially horizontally, and (ii) a second position where the longitudinal axis of the oblong-shaped device extends substantially vertically while the mounting tray is kept in a substantially upright position.
US08379379B2 Fixing mechanism and electronic device having the same
A fixing mechanism includes a positioning frame for mounting a data access device thereto and including two opposite sidewalls each having two spaced-apart through holes, a plurality of shockproof elements each extending through and being retained in a respective through hole and including a passage, and two positioning rods for positioning the data access device therebetween. The passages of the shockproof elements are adapted to correspond in position with the positioning holes. Each positioning rod includes a main body portion, and two insert portions formed respectively at two opposite ends of the main body portion. Each insert portion extends through the passage of one of the shockproof elements, and is adapted to extend into a respective positioning hole. The shockproof elements are adapted to abut against the data access device when the data access device is positioned between the positioning rods.
US08379377B2 Electronic device with at least one extendable display section
An electronic device (1) is described that comprises a flexible display (9) with at least two extendable display sections (6,7), each display section being movable to an extended position and supported by an associated hold out mechanism (3,4). The electronic device comprises a further display section (9a) and a main body (2), with a window area (5) supporting part of the display (9), in the extended position. The display sections (6,7) extend outwardly from the main body (2) from different sides of the window area (5) and form one continuous wide screen display panel (9) with the further section (9a).
US08379375B2 Power source circuit shut off device
A power source circuit shut off device includes a plug having a terminal metal fitting and a housing to which the terminal metal fitting is attached, and a plug attachment section having a second terminal metal fitting and a second housing to which the second terminal metal fitting is attached. The housing has a second opening section at its side face perpendicular to its bottom face at a second housing side, the second opening section being adapted for attaching the terminal metal fitting to the housing. The terminal metal fitting and the second terminal metal fitting are connected to the second housing. The second housing has a closing wall which closes the second opening section in a state that the housing is positioned at the terminal contact position at which the housing is not yet accommodated in the second housing.
US08379370B2 Composite material, capacitor using the same, and their production methods
A composite material (A) includes a porous sintered body (12) and an insulation film (2) which covers the porous sintered body (12). The porous sintered body (12) is made of a combination of a metal element (12a) which has a melting temperature not lower than 1600° C., and a nonmetal element (12b, 12c). The insulation film (2) includes the nonmetal element (12b, 12c) and N.
US08379365B2 Metal oxide metal capacitor with slot vias
A capacitor includes the first electrode including the first conductive lines and vias. The first conductive lines on the same layer are parallel to each other and connected to a first periphery conductive line. The first conductor lines are aligned in adjacent layers and are coupled to each other by the vias. The capacitor further includes a second electrode aligned opposite to the first electrode including second conductive lines and vias. The second conductive lines on the same layer are parallel to each other and connected to a second periphery conductive line. The second conductor lines are aligned in adjacent layers and are coupled to each other by the vias. The capacitor further includes oxide layers formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The vias have rectangular (slot) shapes on a layout. In one embodiment, the conductive lines and vias are metal, e.g. copper, aluminum, or tungsten.
US08379362B2 Electrical circuit having a means for signaling
Indicating apparatus for indicating the operating state of a component of an electrical load protection system, including a housing containing a longitudinal chamber, an indicating member mounted for longitudinal displacement in the chamber, a resilient device normally biasing the indicating member toward a first end of the housing, a catch arrangement for retaining the indicating member in a retracted position adjacent the housing second end; and a release device responsive to a trouble voltage pulse for operating the catch arrangement to a released condition, thereby to release the indicating member for displacement toward an indicating position adjacent the housing first end. At least the first end of the housing is transparent, thereby to provide a visual indication when the indicating member is in the indicating position. Switch contacts are operable between open and closed conditions when the indicating member is displaced between the indicating and retracted positions.
US08379357B2 Resistance determining system for over voltage protection circuit
A resistance determining system for an over voltage protection (OVP) circuit, includes an external power source, a microcontroller, a digital rheostat and a display unit. The external power source supplies an external voltage to the OVP circuit. The microcontroller stores an over voltage value. The microcontroller is connected to the external power source and configured to detect the external voltage and compare the external voltage with the over voltage value. The digital rheostat is connected to the microcontroller and includes a first rheostat having two connection terminals respectively connected to two first connection ends of the OVP circuit. The microcontroller adjusts the first rheostat to be a first resistance value to activate the OVP circuit when the external voltage is substantially equal to the over voltage value. The display unit is connected to the microcontroller and configured to display the first resistance value.
US08379353B2 Method for detecting earth-fault conditions in a motor controller
The present invention relates to a method for determining the existence of an earth-fault on-the-fly and thereby protecting a motor controller having a high- and a low-side DC-link, and having high- and low-side switching elements, the high- and low-side switching elements being operatively connected to the high- and low-side DC-link buses, respectively, the method comprising the steps of generating a fault signal, generating at least one test vector in response to the fault signal by switching at least one of the switching elements on, and measuring, while the at least one switching element is on, the magnitude of a current flowing in that DC-link operatively connected to the conducting switching element in order to detect an earth-fault. The present invention further relates to additional methods for on-the-fly determination of earth-faults.
US08379352B1 Thermagnonic spin-torque oscillator(STO) and sensor utilizing same to detect shifts in the free layer magnetization oscillation frequency
A “thermagnonic” spin-torque oscillator (STO) uses heat flow alone to cause the spin-torque (ST) effect and generate the persistent oscillation of the free layer magnetization. In addition to the conventional free and reference layers, the thermagnonic STO also includes a magnetic oxide layer having a fixed in-plane magnetization, a ferromagnetic metallic layer on one surface of the magnetic oxide layer, a nonmagnetic electrically conductive layer between the free layer and the metallic layer, and an electrically resistive heater on the other surface of the magnetic oxide layer. Due to the thermagnonic effect, heat flow from the magnetic oxide layer through the metallic layer, conductive layer and free layer ultimately results in a spin transfer torque (STT) to the free layer. Electrical sense current flowing in the opposite direction as the heat flow is used to monitor the frequency of oscillation of the free layer magnetization.
US08379351B2 Magneto-resistance effect element, and method for manufacturing the same
An example magneto-resistance effect element includes a fixed magnetization layer of which a magnetization is substantially fixed in one direction; a free magnetization layer of which a magnetization is rotated in accordance with an external magnetic field and which is formed opposite to the fixed magnetization layer; and a spacer layer including a current confining layer with an insulating layer and a conductor to pass a current through the insulating layer in a thickness direction thereof and which is located between the fixed magnetization layer and the free magnetization layer. A thin film layer is located on a side opposite to the spacer layer relative to the free magnetization layer and a functional layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Mg, B, Al is formed in or on at least one of the fixed magnetization layer, the free magnetization layer and the thin film layer.
US08379350B2 CPP-type magnetoresistive element including spacer layer
An MR element includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a spacer layer disposed between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The spacer layer includes a nonmagnetic metal layer, a first oxide semiconductor layer, and a second oxide semiconductor layer that are stacked in this order. The nonmagnetic metal layer is made of Cu, and has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 nm. The first oxide semiconductor layer is made of a Ga oxide semiconductor, and has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 nm. The second oxide semiconductor layer is made of a Zn oxide semiconductor, and has a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 nm.
US08379348B2 Fly capable slider test socket
The present application is directed to a slider supporting apparatus for flying a slider of a hard disk drive in the manufacturing process to provide electrical performance characteristics. The present invention discloses an integrated design including the electrical interconnect, the gimballing mechanism, the preload mechanism and the slider supporting mechanism integrated into a single supporting structure.
US08379347B2 Perpendicular shield pole writer with tapered main pole and tapered non-magnetic top shaping layer
A PMR writer with a tapered main pole layer and tapered non-magnetic top-shaping layer is disclosed that minimizes trailing shield saturation. A second non-magnetic top shaping layer may be employed to reduce the effective TH size while the bulk of the trailing shield is thicker to allow a larger process window for back end processing. A sloped surface with one end at the ABS and a second end 0.05 to 0.3 microns from the ABS is formed at a 10 to 80 degree angle to the ABS and includes a sloped surface on the upper portion of the main pole layer and on the non-magnetic top shaping layer. An end is formed on the second non-magnetic top shaping layer at the second end of the sloped surface followed by forming a conformal write gap layer and then depositing the trailing shield on the write gap layer and along the ABS.
US08379345B2 Spindle motor having dynamic pressure fluid bearing for use in a storage disk drive
A spindle motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion. The stationary portion preferably includes a shaft portion, an upper thrust portion, and an outer tubular portion. The rotating portion preferably includes an inner tubular portion, a flange portion, an upper hub annular portion, and a lower hub annular portion. The flange portion includes a communicating hole. An upper surface of a lubricating oil is located in a fifth gap defined between an upper thrust portion and an upper hub annular portion, while a lower surface of the lubricating oil is located in a sixth gap defined between an outer tubular portion and a lower hub annular portion. The communicating hole and a space extending from the fifth gap to the sixth gap through a fourth gap, a first gap, a second gap, and a third gap are continuously filled with the lubricating oil.
US08379343B2 Tape storage slot
A slot for releasably storing a tape cartridge is disclosed. The slot comprises an enlargeable receiving portion for releasable insertion of the tape cartridge and a plate for supporting the tape cartridge in the slot. At least a portion of the plate is moveable for enlarging the receiving portion.
US08379342B2 Magnetic recording disk drive with rotational vibration compensation having adaptive optimization of vibration sensor gains
A disk drive and a method for operating the disk drive compensates for rotational vibration (RV) by adaptively modifying the gains of two separate linear vibration sensors so the sensor gains are optimal under any given condition. The two sensors provide two signals S1, S2, respectively, to the disk drive's servo control processor that generates the control signal to the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that controls the positioning of the read/write head. The processor uses S1, S2 and the head position error signal (PES) as inputs to run an adaptive RV feedforward (RVFF) algorithm. The adaptive RVFF algorithm takes the PES and sensor outputs S1 and S2 as inputs, mathematically determines the required correction to the sensor gain factors k1 and k2, respectively, and then adjusts the gain factors k1 and k2 accordingly. Each signal S1, S2 is then modified by its adjusted gain factor k1, k2, respectively. The difference in the modified S1, S2 signals is the RVFF signal that is summed with the control signal to generate the RV-compensated control signal to the VCM actuator.
US08379330B2 Lens frame radially-displacing mechanism of retractable photographic lens
A lens frame radially-displacing mechanism of a retractable photographic lens, includes a photographing optical system; a linearly advancing/retreating ring guided linearly in an optical axis direction; a radially-displaceable support frame pivoted parallel to the optical axis, supports a radially-displaceable optical element and rotates between an on-axis position and an off-axis displaced position when the retractable photographic lens moves between the ready-to-photograph state and the retracted state; a rear support frame supporting a rear optical element; and a distance controller which controls approaching positions of the displaceable support frame and the rear support frame. The distance controller includes an approaching-position limiter which limits movements of the displaceable support frame and the rear support frame to a predetermined distance when the displaceable support frame moves rearward, and a distance extender which extends the predetermined distance when the displaceable support frame rotates toward the off-axis displaced position.
US08379322B2 Integrated asphere design for display
A projection display system and method is provided. One or more light sources, such as solid state lasers, generates light of various colors that is modulated by a spatial light modulator, such as a digital micro-mirror device. The projection optics of the system include a telecentric rear group of lenses followed by a pair of aspheric lenses formed of a continuous piece of material. A folding mirror, such as a single-piece or multi-piece angular mirror, is disposed along the optical path between the aspheric lenses, to reduce the depth of the enclosure, and an aspheric mirror projects the image onto a projection screen. A folding mirror may be used after the aspheric mirror to further reduce the depth of the enclosure.
US08379319B2 Zoom lens, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing zoom lens
The zoom lens Z1 having, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power, wherein the conditional expression 2.70
US08379317B2 Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera
A zoom lens system comprising: a front unit having negative optical power as a whole and including a first lens unit located closest to the object side; and a rear unit having positive optical power as a whole, wherein at least the front unit moves along an optical axis in zooming, the first lens unit is composed of at most three lens elements, the rear unit includes a lens unit having an aperture diaphragm between lens elements, an air space between which is not varied in zooming, a sub lens unit comprising a part of a lens unit constituting the rear unit moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the condition: 0.172°, FNOW<2.9, BF is a back focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, fW is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, ωW is a view angle at a wide-angle limit, FNOW is an F-number at a wide-angle limit) is satisfied; an imaging device; and a camera are provided.
US08379306B2 Magnification-varying optical device
The invention relates to improving optical properties of optical instruments with variable magnification, such as zoom binoculars, reducing the weight thereof, and enabling the user to change magnifications quickly. The invention provides an optical instrument with a focal length-varying lens 4 disposed on the optical axis between an objective lens 7 and an eyepiece 3, further having an adjusting lens 5 for adjusting optical properties when the focal length-varying lens is in an area to provide high magnification. The adjusting lens is supported so that it is capable of moving between a location on the optical axis and a location off the path of light beams. Interlocked with a magnification-varying mechanism that controls the position of the focal length-varying lens, the adjusting lens is moved to the on-the-axis location when the focal length-varying lens is in an area to provide high magnification, and to the off-the-axis location when low magnification.
US08379305B2 Observation unit
The observation unit according to the present invention comprises an observation device observing a sample, a placing table on which the sample is placed, a drive device moving the placing table to an observation position where the sample is observed by the observation device, and a casing sealing a first space extending in a vertical direction. The first space and the placing table are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in a horizontal direction, and the drive device is arranged in the first space.
US08379304B2 Dark field microscope and its adjusting method
A dark field microscope is capable of providing illumination with a long focal distance condenser lens having a low numerical aperture without the need for a diaphragm for an objective lens. A method is provided for effectively adjusting its optical axis. In particular embodiments, the dark field microscope includes; a light source for emitting illumination light; a light collecting optical system including a light collecting side condenser lens for collecting the illumination light from the light source to illuminate an observation sample; and an image forming optical system including an objective lens for receiving scattered light from the observation sample to form a magnified image of the sample, the light collecting side condenser lens is a long focal distance lens, and a light shielding member for shielding the illumination light is provided on a back focal plane or at an image forming center of it in the image forming optical system.
US08379303B2 Microscope system and observation control method
An electric zoom consecutively changes a magnification for a sample within a magnification changeable range. An electric revolver switches an objective lens placed in an observation optical path to intermittently change the magnification for the sample. A control section calculates a total magnification based on the magnification provided by the electric zoom and the magnification of the objective lens currently placed in the observation optical path. The control section controls the electric revolver such that the objective lens placed in the observation optical path is switched when the magnification changed in response to the operation of causing the magnification of the electric zoom to be changed falls outside the magnification changeable range of the electric zoom.
US08379302B2 Infrared light distribution pattern control using object detection and electrowetting devices
A system for controlling an infrared light distribution pattern that includes an electrowetting lens arranged proximate to an infrared light source, and operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area; an electrowetting shutter overlaying the electrowetting lens, and operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area, and operable to a transparent state where infrared light passes through the electrowetting shutter; an object detector configured to detect an object in the area; and a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the object detector, and operate the electrowetting lens and the electrowetting shutter in order to control the infrared light distribution pattern based on a location of the object. The pattern may be uniform or may be customized for the object being heated.
US08379300B2 Wavelength-variable light source with dual resonator loop circuit
A wavelength-variable light source according to the present invention includes 2×2 3-dB directional coupler 3, closed loop-type optical circuit 5, at least two resonators 1 and 2, and optical amplifier 4. The closed loop-type optical circuit 5 is formed by connecting ends of the two output paths of 3-dB directional coupler 3. The resonators 1 and 2 have different resonance wavelength periods. One end of optical amplifier 4 is optically connected to one input path end 6 of 3-dB directional coupler 3. Lasing light is output from the other end of the optical amplifier 4. A non-reflecting structure is formed at the other input path end 7 of the 3-dB directional coupler. The wavelength-variable light source configured as described above includes an element configured to vary the resonance wavelength of the resonator 1 or 2.
US08379297B2 Wavelength swept light source and filter based on sweep function, and its method of operation
Methods and apparatus for the active control of a wavelength-swept light source used to interrogate optical elements having characteristic wavelengths distributed across a wavelength range are provided.
US08379293B2 Method and apparatus for modulating light
An apparatus for modulating light includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a sealed enclosure. The first electrode includes a frequency selective surface operable to reflect light having a first wavelength, and the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode. The sealed enclosure stores electrophoretic fluid and at least a portion of the sealed enclosure is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. A plurality of particles are suspended in the electrophoretic fluid. The particles are capable of absorbing light having the first wavelength. In addition, the first electrode is capable of attracting the particles towards the frequency selective surface when an electrical bias is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08379292B2 Digital binary MEMS wavefront control
A phase screen, i.e., an opto-electronic device that can convert a distorted incoming optical wavefront into a plane wave or, conversely, transform a plane wave into a prescribed varying output wavefront. Binary all-digital MEMS interferometer configurations that can be used to create controlled and arbitrary optical wavefront using only 0,1 amplitude changes followed by differential propagation distances to convert these amplitude variations into controllable and/or continuous phase variations. Clustered pixel notions, such as Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki or other algorithms useful in digital half-tone printing, are simultaneously employed to create controllable grey-level variations as well as continuous phase variations. Desired grey-levels can be obtained wherein each pixel is formed by, e.g., a 3×3 or 5×5 cluster of mirrors. Both the filling-in of the outputs of the binary mirror (0,1) and the grey-levels are accomplished simply by spatial averaging over a short propagation distance.
US08379289B2 Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
An electrochromic interior reflective element for an interior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes front and rear substrates and an electrochromic medium sandwiched between the front and rear substrates. The electrochromic medium is disposed in an interpane cavity established between a third surface of the rear substrate and a second surface of said the substrate, and the electrochromic medium is bounded by a perimeter seal. A conductive layer is disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate. A non-conductive layer covers a covered portion of the conductive layer and leaves an exposed portion of the conductive layer exposed. An electronic circuitry component is disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The electronic circuitry component is electrically connected to the exposed portion of the conductive layer.
US08379285B1 Radio frequency self-regenerated locked optical oscillator
Apparatus, systems, and methods to construct and operate a radio frequency self-regenerated locked optical oscillator can be used in a variety of applications. Stable synchronization of an optical oscillator can be achieved by driving an amplitude modulator with a radio frequency (RF) signal regenerated from the cavity of the optical oscillator. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08379277B2 Adjusting the speed of a scanner motor in an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a scanner motor and a rotary polygonal mirror which is driven by the scanner motor to rotate, and reflects a modulated beam emitted from a light source by a plurality of reflection surfaces. The image forming apparatus includes a rotation and carrier unit which, while rotating, carries an image formed on the basis of a laser beam reflected by the rotary polygonal mirror, a speed detection unit which detects a rotation speed of the rotation and carrier unit. The image forming apparatus includes a tracking characteristic detection unit which detects a tracking delay of the scanner motor from a target rotation speed and a control unit which controls, on the basis of the rotation speed detected by the speed detection unit and a tracking characteristic detected by the tracking characteristic detection unit, a rotation speed of the scanner motor that drives the rotary polygonal mirror.
US08379274B2 Image processing apparatus and its method
An unnatural color change which occurs when combining trapping and spatial filter processing is suppressed. When image data is input, it is determined whether to perform trapping at the position of the pixel of interest of the input image data, and trapping is performed for the input image data. In addition, spatial filter processing is performed for the pixel of interest of the input data, an output of the trapping and that of the filter processing are weighted, and image data to be output is calculated.
US08379273B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
In a halftone image after halftone processing, significant dot values within a reference window that encompasses a pixel of interest are accumulated, and by referring to a conversion table based on the accumulated values, a multilevel pixel value that corresponds to that pixel of interest is restored. At this time, the size of the reference window is determined such that a product of a bit depth in the halftone processing and the number of pixels within the reference window becomes a minimum value that exceeds the number of tones in a multilevel image after restoration.
US08379272B2 Image processing device, image processing method and remote-scan image processing system using the same
In the image processing device, method and system of the present invention, a destination identifier of an image file is stored, the destination identifier indicating one of a plurality of external stations as a destination station which receives the image file from the image processing device through a network. At least one of a sender identifier of the image file, a subject identifier of the image file and a scan condition of the image file is stored. The image file is transmitted, together with at least one of the sender identifier, the subject identifier and the scan condition, through the network to one of the external stations indicated by the stored destination identifier.
US08379269B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method for correcting registration deviation
Since a less-than-one-pixel-basis correction and a one-pixel-basis correction are constantly performed on an image after halftoning, unevenness in density disadvantageously occur depending on a halftoning method. According to the halftoning method, whether the less-than-one-pixel-basis correction is performed on a continuous tone image or the one-pixel-basis correction is performed on a halftone image is switched. The one-pixel-basis correction is constantly performed on the halftone image.
US08379268B2 Image enlargement method, image enlargement apparatus, and image forming apparatus
Virtual pixels not included in input image data are arranged before a first input pixel and after a last input pixel of an input pixel array, respectively. A position of a first output pixel is determined so that a difference between a position of the first input pixel and the position of the first output pixel equals a difference between a position of the last input pixel and a position of a last output pixel. Pixel data of an output pixel before the first input pixel is interpolated based on pixel data of the virtual pixel before the first input pixel and pixel data of the first input pixel. Pixel data of an output pixel after the last input pixel is interpolated based on pixel data of the virtual pixel arranged after the last input pixel and pixel data of the last input pixel.
US08379267B2 Method to retrieve a gamut mapping strategy
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for retrieving a gamut mapping for a color device. A ray-based model is derived from a system estimation of either a seed profile or a seed device. The model is hard coded inside a run-time ICC profile creation algorithm. The runtime profile generation code can be optimized for a variety of gamut mapping scenarios. The generated profile is provided to an imaging system wherein out-of-gamut colors are mapped to the color gamut of the host device. The present method provides an accurate way to reproduce colors of images by retrieving the gamut mapping from profiles or from the color device that use destination profiles for rendering images.
US08379262B2 Method, apparatus, and program for generating bitmap data
In image processing including a PDL processing in which a display list is generated from PDL data described in a page description language (PDL), and a RIP processing in which bitmap data is generated by rendering the display list, before starting the PDL processing on the PDL data, it is determined to generate a display list with overlap removed in the PDL processing when a prediction of the load on the RIP processing is larger than that on the PDL processing, and to generate a display list without overlap removed when the prediction of the load on the PDL processing is larger than that on the RIP processing. According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly and easily balance the load of PDL processing and the load of RIP processing, thereby realizing efficient pipeline processing.
US08379257B2 System operating under web environment and method of controlling the same
In a system operating under a Web environment in which a service providing server controls the provision of services with operating a Web server and a client apparatus provides service with operating a Web browser are connected via a network. The service providing server stores the history of a job with a reference destination address, and determines the status when a job status has changed, determines differing reference destination addresses to be included in the history based on the determined status, creates a file to be used to distribute updated information including the reference destination address from the history, and transmits the file to the Web browser. This arrangement enables the system providing a service in a browser-based environment and on the WWW platform to operate under a Web environment where it is possible to notify a user of an error independently of the status of a job.
US08379254B2 Image communication apparatus, image communication method, and computer program product
An image-data receiving unit receives image data from other image communication apparatus. A storing unit stores therein the image data. An output unit outputs the image data stored in the storing unit. A reading unit reads the image data output by the output unit. An extracting unit extracts a difference between the image data read by the reading unit and the image data stored in the storing unit. A determining unit determines whether the difference extracted by the extracting unit satisfies a predetermined condition. A control unit controls a transmission of a message to other image communication apparatus based on a result of determination by the determining unit.
US08379252B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium for storing program
An information processing apparatus configured to generate a print job to execute bookbinding printing is provided. The information processing apparatus includes an identifying unit configured to identify a position of a pre-printed sheet where a page to be arranged on a background image of the pre-printed sheet is printed at the time of execution of the bookbinding printing, a selecting unit configured to select the pre-printed sheet to be used in the bookbinding printing from a plurality of different pre-printed sheets set in the printer so that data indicating content of the page to be arranged on the background image of the pre-printed sheet is printed at the position identified by the identifying unit, and a generating unit configured to generate the print job so that the printer prints the data using the pre-printed sheet selected by the selecting unit.
US08379251B2 Image forming system and image forming apparatus
An image forming system for obtaining a counter value of a requested event comprises an image forming apparatus storing counter reference sequence data and counter values and a terminal apparatus specifying event types for the counter values using the counter reference sequence data and obtaining the counter value of the requested event type.
US08379240B2 Information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, information processing system, print processing method, storage medium, and program
When a printer starts a printing operation using a rolled sheet having IC chips, it is determined whether an error occurred while an IC chip writing device writes information to the IC chips. First page information specifying a page region in which an error occurred and second page information specifying a page region which has been subjected to the printing operation using the printer at a time of occurrence of the error are transmitted to a host computer. Then, recovery information generated using the host computer is obtained, and a print restarting position of a recording medium is controlled so that an information writing position at the time of occurrence of the error corresponds to a position in which the printing operation is restarted. Thereafter, the printing operation is restarted from the printing restarting position in accordance with the recovery information.
US08379234B2 Document data and recommended information processing apparatus, document data and recommended information processing system and recording medium
A document data processing apparatus comprising: an obtaining portion for obtaining transmitted document data; a giving portion for giving the obtained document data multiple pieces of recommended information to recommend an operation when outputting; and a transmitting portion for transmitting document data to a destination, the document data carrying multiple pieces of given recommended information.
US08379231B2 Display-integrated image forming apparatus
A display apparatus that has a display screen visible from a back face or a side face of an image forming apparatus is disposed on at least one side face of an image forming apparatus case.
US08379228B1 Apparatus for measuring thin film refractive index and thickness with a spectrophotometer
A device is provided that can be inserted into a spectrophotometer, in order to measure the thickness and refractive index of a thin film that is on a sample plate. A pair of identical parallelogram prisms diverts the spectrophotometer beam to measure the attenuated total reflection, and returns an output beam that is in the original beam path, independent of wavelength and rotation angle. The attenuated total reflection of the thin film sample plate is measured in a prism coupling geometry, as a function of wavelength and angle. From this data, combined with normal incidence transmission data, the thickness and refractive index can be extracted.
US08379226B2 Optical position detection apparatus and display apparatus having position detection function
An apparatus for optically detecting an object position includes: position detection light sources irradiating light onto the object; a light guide plate receiving the light and emitting it onto a detection area to form an intensity distribution in the detection area; a light detector having light receiving portions receiving the light reflected by the object; and a signal processing portion detecting the object position based on the intensity distribution, wherein light incident portions receiving the light and side portions except for the light incident portions are provided on outer periphery side portions of the light guide plate, a light emission surface emitting the light incident from the light incident portions toward the detection area is provided on a plane portion of the light guide plate, and at least a portion of the side portions is an anti-reflection surface.
US08379224B1 Prismatic alignment artifact
A prismatic alignment artifact includes an artifact body having a prismatic shape.
US08379220B2 Imaging and measuring apparatus for surface and internal interface of object
The present invention provides an imaging and measuring apparatus for the surface and the internal interface of an object, which comprises a broadband wave source, a wave-splitting structure, a wave-delaying device, a reflecting component, and a sensor. The broadband wave source transmits a broadband incident wave. The wave-splitting structure splits the broadband incident wave into a first incident beam, a second incident beam, and a third incident beam. The first incident beam is illuminated on an object under test, which reflects a measuring beam. The wave-delaying device receives the second incident beam and reflects a reference beam. The reflecting component receives the third incident beam and reflects a calibration beam. The sensor receives a first interference signal of the measuring beam and the reference beam, and a second interference signal of the reference beam and the calibration beam. By means of the broadband incident wave, the morphologies of the surface and the internal interface of the object can be imaged and measured in a non-destructive way. In addition, by means of the calibration beam, the accuracy of imaging and measuring the surface and the internal interface of the object can be improved.
US08379219B2 Compound interferometer with monolithic measurement cavity
A compound common-path interferometer including first and second measurement arms for measuring a test object is arranged so that a reference optic of the first measurement arm is disconnected from a remainder of the first measurement arm and a coupling between the reference optics of the first and second measurement arms forms a monolithic measurement cavity for maintaining reference surfaces of the reference optics at a fixed spacing and orientation. Separate supports are provided for the monolithic measurement cavity and the remainder of the first measurement arm.
US08379218B2 Fiber-based interferometer system for monitoring an imaging interferometer
Apparatus include a microscope including an objective and a stage for positioning a test object relative to the objective, the stage being moveable with respect to the objective, and a sensor system, that includes a sensor light source, an interferometric sensor configured to receive light from the sensor light source, to introduce an optical path difference (OPD) between a first portion and a second portion of the light, the OPD being related to a distance between the objective lens and the stage, and to combine the first and second portions of the light to provide output light, a detector configured to detect the output light from the interferometric sensor, a fiber waveguide configured to direct light between the sensor light source, the interferometric sensor and the detector, a tunable optical cavity in a path of the light from the sensor light source and the interferometric sensor, and an electronic controller in communication with the detector, the electronic controller being configured to determine information related to the OPD based on the detected output light.
US08379213B2 Analytic device with 2D scanning mirror reader
This invention provides methods of array reading and readers of assay result arrays wherein light can be scanned onto analytical region array members from a light source and/or light can be scanned from array members to a detector. One or more mirrors can have one of more pivotable axes enabling scanning light paths to be established between assay result arrays and other components of an analytical device.
US08379212B2 Plasmonic droplet, method and apparatus for preparing the same, detection method using plasmonic droplet
Disclosed herein is an innovative plasmonic droplet including a droplet of fluid, a detection-target material which is in the droplet of fluid, and a nanoplasmon probe which is on a surface of the droplet of fluid and/or in the droplet of fluid. The plasmonic droplet may be applied for plasmon based optical sensing techniques, for example, for ultrasensitive analysis of bacteria, pathogen, etc.
US08379211B2 Apparatus for sensing precipitation density of sludge in waste water treatment tank and method therefor
The present invention relates to an apparatus for sensing precipitation density of sludge in a wastewater treatment tank, more particularly to an apparatus and method for precisely taking density of sludge precipitated in a wastewater treatment tank without being contaminated by sludge. The present invention of an apparatus for sensing precipitation density of sludge in a waste water treatment tank comprises a container which is tube-shaped with a bottom thereof open and submerged in wastewater as filled with gas therein; and a sensor which is installed in the space in the container, and senses sludge density as not directly contacting with wastewater.
US08379207B2 Method and apparatus for estimating a fluid property
Apparatus and method for estimating a fluid property include an optic member having a material within the optic member responsive to the fluid property. A detector is operably associated with the optic member that detects a change in the material, the change being indicative of the fluid property.
US08379205B2 Optical arrangement for determining the concentration of a substance in a fluid
An arrangement for determining concentration of substances in a fluid comprising a light source for generating primary light pulses within a wavelength interval, a light pulse splitter adapted to split up the primary light pulses into a predetermined number of secondary light pulses to be transmitted through the fluid, the secondary light pulses being separated in time as well as wavelength to be differently absorbed upon passage of the fluid depending on the concentration of the substances, a detector for detecting intensity of the differently absorbed secondary light pulses, and a comparator for comparing the intensities of the differently absorbed secondary light pulses with different reference intensities corresponding to different substances to thereby determine the concentration of the substances in the fluid.
US08379204B1 System and method for automatic laser beam alignment
A method makes a discrete adjustment to static alignment of a laser beam in a machine for selectively irradiating conductive links on or within a semiconductor substrate using the laser beam. The laser beam propagates along a beam path having an axis extending from a laser to a laser beam spot at a location on or within the semiconductor substrate. The method generates, based on at least one measured characteristic of the laser beam, at least one signal to control an adjustable optical element of the machine affecting the laser beam path. The method also sends said at least one signal to the adjustable optical element. The method then adjusts the adjustable optical element in response to said at least one signal so as to improve static alignment of the laser beam path axis.
US08379197B2 Spectroscopic systems and methods for classifying and pharmaceutically treating cells
A system and method to distinguish normal cells from cells having undergone a biochemical change. A pre-determined vector space is selected where the vector space mathematically describes a first plurality of reference spectral data sets for normal cells and a second plurality of reference spectral data sets for cells having undergone a biochemical change. A sample is irradiated to generate a target spectral data set based on photons absorbed, reflected, emitted, or scattered by the sample. The target spectral data set is transformed into a pre-determined vector space. A distribution of transformed data is analyzed in the pre-determined vector space. Based on the analysis, the sample is classified as containing normal cells, cells having undergone a biochemical change, and combinations thereof. The method includes treating the sample with a pharmaceutical agent prior to irradiating the sample and using the classification to assess the efficiency of the pharmaceutical agent.
US08379191B2 Scanner system and method for registering surfaces
The invention relates to a method for registering surfaces, using a scanner system comprising a radiation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation (ES), a scanning device for guiding the radiation over the surface in order to scan the latter and a receiver for receiving the radiation (RS) that is reflected by the surface. According to the invention, the radiation is spectrally separated to analyze the surface characteristics and a distance measuring unit is used to derive distance information in parallel from the received radiation.
US08379190B2 Resonant scanner for 3D mapping
A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for a resonant scanner for three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The system, apparatus, and method employ a small, lightweight articulating device that performs as a 3D Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) laser from a moving scanner platform in a way that provides geolocation and takes advantage of mechanical resonance to amplify motion in the tilt axis. The device is used to map terrain in 3D space. The disclosed method involves resonating the scanner platform of the device with a spring about a pivot. The method further involves determining with a position sensor the tilt position and/or resonance rate of the scanner platform. Further, the method involves applying torque with an actuator to the scanner platform, and controlling with a controller the resonance of the scanner platform.
US08379189B2 Stage device, exposure apparatus, exposure method and device manufacturing method
A stage apparatus includes a table member which holds a first object; a liquid recovery port which is provided on the table member and via which a first liquid is recovered; a first flow passage which is formed in the table member, which is connected to the liquid recovery port, and through which a second liquid flows to adjust a temperature of the table member; and a pressure-adjusting device which adjusts a pressure of the first flow passage. The stage apparatus is capable of suppressing the temperature change which would be otherwise caused by the heat of vaporization. An exposure apparatus including the stage apparatus is provided.
US08379186B2 Pattern formation apparatus, pattern formation method, and device manufacturing method
When a segmented region SAi of a sheet S is scan-exposed, a stage SST1 adsorbs, at a standby position at the +X end portion of a scan region AS, a rear surface portion corresponding to the segmented region SAi of the sheet S onto a holding surface of a sheet holder SH1, and moves in the X axis direction (the −X direction) with a predetermined stroke in synchronization with a mask (a mask stage). At this time, illumination beams corresponding to the parts of a pattern of the mask are irradiated onto the sheet S via projection optical systems. Thereby, the pattern is transferred (formed). After scan-exposure on the segmented region SAi, a stage SST2 moves to a standby position within the XY plane. After the stage SST2 adsorbs a rear surface portion corresponding to the next segmented region SAi+1 of the sheet S onto a holding surface of a sheet holder SH1, an exposure is performed by the scan-exposure method similarly to the above, to thereby form the pattern.
US08379185B2 Liquid crystal display device with repairable structure
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display device with repairable structure, including a glass substrate; a wire structure formed on the glass substrate, wherein the wire structure includes one or a plurality of through holes formed therein; a dielectric layer formed on the wire structure and the glass substrate; and a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the dielectric layer, wherein one or more gaps are formed between the plurality of pixel electrodes and the position of the gaps aligns with the position of the through holes.
US08379175B2 Interconnection structure between signal line and thin film transistor
A liquid crystal display device achieving high aperture rate and high definition is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device comprises a plurality of scanning lines 12, an insulating film 21 covering the plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of signal lines 13 having an intersection 13D with each of the scanning lines 12, pixel electrodes formed adjacent to the scanning line and the signal line, a plurality of thin film transistors, each of which having a gate electrode, drain electrode 14b, and source electrode 14a, a gate electrode connected to a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film, and the scanning lines, a drain electrode 14b or a source electrode 14a connected to the signal lines, the other of the drain and the source electrodes connected to the pixel electrode, the drain electrode and the source electrode are linearly disposed along the signal lines, and a plurality of relay electrodes 17 in which a first overlapped portion 17a overlaps the intersection 13D and a second overlapped portion 17c overlaps one of the electrodes, thus connecting that electrode to the signal lines. The first overlapped portion of the relay electrode has a length sufficient to cover the stepped portions 13E, 13D of the insulating film 21 corresponding to the both ends 12b, 12c of the scanning line 12 in a width direction.
US08379173B2 Liquid crystal display having particular front face plate
A liquid crystal display device with a front face plate having a first section, a second section, and a third section is disclosed. The first section has a light transmissive section and the second section being a light shielding section. The third section may be arranged between the first section and the second section. The third section has a transmittance value which is lower than that of the first section and higher than that of the second section. A method for forming a front face plate assembly of a liquid crystal display device, which may include a front face plate, is also disclosed.
US08379171B2 Fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
Discussed are an FFS mode LCD device capable of enhancing a transmittance ratio by including a color filter of a three-dimensional pattern structure having a transmissive pattern for selectively transmitting light of a specific wavelength by using a surface plasmon phenomenon, and a method for fabricating the same. The metal layer using a surface plasmon is utilized as a common electrode of the array substrate, and the pixel electrode having slits is formed on the metal film, thereby generating a fringe field. This may simplify the entire processes, and remove color filter processing lines, thereby reducing the installation costs.
US08379170B2 Methods for manufacturing pixel unit, liquid crystal display panel, and electro-optical apparatus
A pixel unit having a display area is provided. The pixel unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and at least one ultraviolet light (UV) absorption pattern. The second substrate is disposed in parallel to the first substrate, and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The UV absorption pattern is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A part of the display area overlaps the UV absorption pattern to define at least one first alignment area, while the part of the display area which does not overlap the UV absorption pattern defines at least one second alignment area. The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer present different pre-tilt angles in the first alignment area and the second alignment area.
US08379169B2 Optical display device having polarizing film
Provided is an optical display device using a polarizing film which has a thickness of 10 μm or less and exhibits high optical characteristics. The optical display device comprises a continuous web of polarizing film which is made of a polyvinyl alcohol type resin having a molecularly oriented dichroic material, and formed through stretching to have a thickness of 10 μm or less and satisfy conditions expressed by the following formulas: P>−(100.929T-42.4−1)×100 (where T<42.3); and P≧99.9 (where T≧42.3), wherein T is a single layer transmittance, and P is a polarization rate. The polarizing film may be prepared by subjecting a laminate comprising a non-crystallizable ester type thermoplastic resin substrate and a polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer formed on the substrate to by 2-stage stretching consisting of preliminary in-air stretching and in-boric-acid-solution stretching.
US08379166B2 Planar light-emitting device and liquid crystal display apparatus
A planar light-emitting device having a plurality of light units each including a light source and a lightguide member that guides light received from the light source through an end surface serving as a light-entrance surface disposed to face the light source and that emits the light from an upper surface and two mutually opposing side surfaces after changing the optical path of the light, and further has a reflecting member having a light-reflecting surface on which the light units are disposed. The lightguide member has an elongated shape. The light units are disposed in linear arrays each in which the light units are linearly disposed in series in the elongated direction of the lightguide member. The linear arrays extend in the elongated direction of the respective lightguide members. The linear arrays extend in parallel with each other and are spaced from each other in a width direction perpendicularly intersecting the elongated direction of the lightguide members.
US08379154B2 Key-frame extraction from video
Techniques that enable flexible key-frame extraction from video. Key-frame extraction according to the present teachings includes segmenting a video into a set of shots each having a set of video frames and selecting a set of key-frames from the shots in response to an image quality of the corresponding video frames. The present techniques include a set of user selectable modes that enable key-frame extraction to be adapted to an underlying platform.
US08379153B2 Video signal processing device and a display apparatus
In the video signal processing device, the first color space converting section performs color space conversion on an input video signal, to generate a converted video signal configured of H, S and V signals. The first high-frequency separating section separates a high-frequency component from the luminance signal in the input video signal, to generate high-frequency luminance signals. The combining section performs a combining process based on the V signal or the S signal or both, and the high-frequency luminance signal, to generate a combined V signal or a combined S signal or both. The second color space converting section performs color space conversion on a video signal, configured of the H signal, the S signal or the combined S signal, and the V signal or the combined V signal, to generate an output video signal defined in RGB color space.
US08379138B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging apparatus control method, and computer program
An imaging apparatus includes: a control unit configured to move a focusing lens, and detect a focus position; wherein the control unit executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which only a part of a range of movement of the focusing lens is set as a scan range, as first scan processing, and executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which a region including a region differing from the scan region of the first scan processing is set as a scan range, as second scan processing, in the event that a focus point is not detected in the first scan processing.
US08379133B2 Photographic device and holder thereof
A holder is disclosed, wherein the holder is situated on a circuit board and is used for connecting with an electronic component. The holder comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening. The upper surface comprises a recess used for laying a flat component, wherein the recess comprises at least one rough area; the lower surface comprises a protruding edge, wherein the protruding edge is connected with the circuit board with glue, and the protruding side and the circuit board delimit a space; and the opening penetrates the upper surface and the lower surface, whereby the gas generated from heating the glue will accumulate in the enclosed space, and the gas will then escape through the opening and out through at least one of the rough areas.
US08379131B2 Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof using amplification ratio based on current accumulated exposure time
An image capturing apparatus including: an image sensor generating an image signal; a photographing control section performing a photographing operation in which an exposure of the image sensor is divided into a plurality of exposures in accordance with a predetermined exposure time; an addition section adding sequentially the image signals obtained at each exposure; an amplification ratio calculation section calculating an amplification ratio of the added image signal on the basis of the predetermined exposure time; an amplification section amplifying the added image signal by using the amplification ratio to compensate for insufficient exposure for the predetermined exposure time; and a display control section displaying information related to the amplified image signal; wherein the photographing control section ends the photographing operation when instructed by a user, and determines that the amplified image signal is a captured image obtained by performing the photographing operation with the predetermined exposure time.
US08379129B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium including display of an image card
An information processing apparatus includes: display means; operation input receiving means; and display control means for making a display control of allowing an image to correspond to an image card as an object imitating a real card, displaying a check image, which indicates a shape in which a plurality of the image cards overlap, on the display means, displaying one of an image corresponding to a specific image card and information indicating the image in a partial or overall area of the specific image card when a check operation indicating an instruction to check the specific image card is received, and changing a display state of the display means from a first state where the checking image is displayed to a second state where the image corresponding to the specific image card is displayed when a selection operation indicating that the specific image card is selected is received.
US08379120B2 Image deblurring using a combined differential image
A method for determining a deblurred image comprising: receiving a blurred image of a scene; receiving a blur kernel; initializing a candidate deblurred image; determining a plurality of differential images representing differences between neighboring pixels in the candidate deblurred image; determining a combined differential image by combining the differential images; repeatedly updating the candidate deblurred image responsive to the blurred image, the blur kernel, the candidate deblurred image and the combined differential image until a convergence criterion is satisfied; and storing the final candidate deblurred image in a processor-accessible memory system.
US08379110B2 Image sensing apparatus and system
An image sensing apparatus which senses the optical image of an object using a lens unit having a movable lens can reduce the influence of noise generated upon driving the lens from the first sound signal, based on the first sound signal obtained by the first microphone unit for collecting an object sound, and a second sound signal obtained by the second microphone unit for collecting noise. The second microphone unit is arranged at a position where the relative positional relationship with the generation source of noise generated upon driving the lens does not change even if the lens is moved.
US08379104B2 Camera device and method for capturing non-blinking images of people
In a method for capturing non-blinking images of people using a camera device, the camera device includes an image capturing unit and a storage system. The image capturing unit captures a series of digital images of a group of persons. A face feature value and an eyes feature value of people are predefined, and are stored in the storage system. The number of faces is detected from each of the digital images according to the face feature value, and the number of eyeballs is detected from each of the face area according to the eyes feature value. The method calculates the ratio of the number of faces and the number of eyeballs, and selects the digital image of which the ratio of the face number and the eyeball number is 1:2 as a non-blinking image of the a group of persons.
US08379098B2 Real time video process control using gestures
Method and apparatus of interaction with and control of a video capture device are described. In the described embodiments, video are presented at a display, the display having contact or proximity sensing capabilities. A gesture can be sensed at or near the display in accordance with the video presented on the display, the gesture being associated with a first video processing operation. The video are modified in accordance with the first video processing operation in real time.
US08379097B2 Image processing apparatus and method thereof
Upon correcting blur of image capture data of an image capturing device by coded exposure processing, an exposure time and aperture value, which are set by a photometry unit of the image capturing device according to an object, are input, and the exposure time or aperture value is adjusted based on a ratio of shutter open periods in an opening and closing pattern of a shutter used in the coded exposure processing. Then, a gain adjustment value of the image capture data corresponding to a deficiency of an exposure amount by the adjusted exposure time or aperture value is set, image capture by an image capturing unit of the image capturing device is controlled based on the opening and closing pattern, exposure time, and aperture value.
US08379093B2 Recording and reproduction apparatus and methods, and a recording medium storing a computer program for executing the methods
Apparatuses and methods for recording and reproducing RAW image data to more precisely correct for hand tremble in response to an electronic hand tremble correction when an image is recorded. The recording apparatus includes an image developing processor performing an image developing process on raw data sequentially output from an image sensor in frames and generating completely developed image data in frames, an electronic hand tremble correction unit performing an electronic hand tremble correction process on the completely developed image data and generating completely electronic hand tremble correction processed image data, a moving quantity data obtaining unit obtaining data of moving quantity in frames used for the electronic hand tremble correction process performed by the electronic hand tremble correction unit, and a storage medium recorder sequentially recording in frames the RAW data, the completely developed image data, and the data of moving quantity to a storage medium per frame.
US08379088B2 Method and system for evaluating brightness values in sensor images of image-evaluating adaptive cruise control systems
A method and a system for evaluating sensor images of an image-evaluating adaptive cruise control system on a moving support, especially a vehicle which moves on a roadway, are disclosed. Irregularities, especially tar strips or tar joints on the roadway are evaluated due to their geometric shapes, their brightness, their contrast and/or their reflectivity to distinguish them from markings relating to the predetermined trajectory.
US08379081B2 Appearance inspection apparatus and appearance inspection method
Visibility of defects is improved for inspection of structures and the like, by generating an image having higher resolution than pixel resolution of a TV camera itself. An appearance inspection apparatus is provided with a TV camera; a camera driving device for making the TV camera scan an inspection object; an image capture device for capturing the image in the TV camera as a digital image; a camera motion measuring device for measuring scanning motion of the TV camera; a high definition image generating device, which generates a high definition image having a higher pixel resolution than that of the TV camera, based on the digital images captured by the image capture device and the TV camera scanning motion data measured by the camera motion measuring device; and a recording device which records and stores positional information of the inspection object.
US08379079B2 Holographic reconstruction system with a tracking device for the reconstruction
A holographic reconstruction system having spatial light modulators, an eye finder and a position control orients a propagating spatially modulated light wave field toward at least one eye position of an observer's eye, thereby reconstructing a scene in a three-dimensional manner and tracking the same during a position change of the eye position. Unobstructed lateral and axial movement of the observer head to arbitrary eye positions in a tracking region is enabled. The use of additional, planar optical components, which bring about optical aberrations during a position change of observer eyes, are prevented.
US08379072B2 Apparatus and method for realtime remote interpretation
The most preferred embodiments of the present invention are configured to allow a foreign language interpreter to remotely monitor, control, and interpret various legal proceedings for one or more remote locations, such as courtrooms. The interpreter will use a computer-based system to monitor and control the audio-video functions and communications that take place in one or more remote locations and to pass audio and/or video signals to and from the interpreter and the remote locations, including the people in the remote location that need interpretation services. This system allows the interpreter to monitor facial characteristics of the speakers, route the audio to isolated headsets when interpreting into the foreign language, route the audio to sound reinforcement speakers when interpreting from the foreign language, and interpret a “private” conversation between multiple parties speaking different languages. The various unique features and configurations provided by the various preferred embodiments of the present invention allow for the implementation of a comprehensive Distance Court Interpretation (DCI) system.
US08379071B2 Linerless label roll-up preventing device of thermal printer
A linerless label roll-up preventing device for a thermal printer that prevents roll-up of the linerless label 3 on the platen roller 13. A roll-up preventing plate 23 is applied to a slit (22) formed in the outer surface of the platen roller (13), and protrudes to form a roll-up preventing edge (29) at a portion of the roll-up prevention plate (23). A roll-up preventing plate 23 being fixed to a slit (22), formed in the radial surface of the platen roller (13), relatively to the platen roller (13), and formed with a roll-up preventing projection edge, at a portion of the roll-up preventing plate (23), projecting out slightly from the outer circumferential surface of the platen roller (13) and capable of contacting the back surface of the linerless label (3).
US08379070B2 Thermal head, manufacturing method therefor, and printer
A thermal head includes a support substrate having a concave portion formed in its front surface, and an upper substrate bonded in a stacked state to the front surface of the support substrate. A heating resistor is provided on the front surface of the upper substrate at a position corresponding to the concave portion. A pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of the heating resistor, and a convex portion is formed in the front surface of the upper substrate between the pair of electrodes. The heating resistor has a heating portion disposed between and not overlapped by the electrodes, and the heating portion directly overlies the concave portion. The convex portion has a width dimension smaller than that of the heating portion.
US08379069B2 Thermal printing apparatus and control method thereof
A thermal printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line. The thermal printing apparatus may further includes a control unit configured to determine conduction times of the heating elements based on print rates respectively assigned to the plurality of heating elements. The control unit may be further configured to compensate each of the determined conduction times based on the conduction times of the heating elements other than the respective heating element to determine a plurality of compensated conduction times. The control unit may control each of the plurality of heating elements based on the respective one of the plurality of compensated conduction times to enable the thermal head to perform printing on a recording medium.
US08379064B2 Pulse width modulation algorithm
In display systems employing spatial light modulators, the OFF-state light from OFF-state pixels of the spatial light modulator can be captured and directed back to the pixels of the spatial light modulator so as to recycle the OFF-state light in the display system. Bitplanes derived from the desired image to be produced are calibrated to include the recycled off-state light to properly produce the desired image using the display system.
US08379063B2 Fine brightness control in panels or screens with pixels
Techniques and devices use panels or screens with pixels for display or illumination applications to achieve dithered pixel brightness beyond pixel brightness levels set by a digital to analog conversion (DAC) circuit module with a preset DAC resolution between two adjacent DAC levels. In one implementation, when a pixel is to be dictated by a digital pixel signal to operate within an unstable brightness region, a control mechanism is provided to control the DAC circuit module to operate the pixel in the block at a DAC level below the unstable brightness region or at a different DAC level above the respective unstable brightness region, to achieve a perceived brightness level within the respective unstable brightness region.
US08379062B2 Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes: a plurality of pixel circuits, each of which is disposed at a position corresponding to each intersection position between a plurality of scanning lines and signal lines; and an initialization line which supplies an initialization potential to the plurality of pixel circuits, wherein each of the plurality of pixel circuits includes: an electro-optical element which has a gray scale in accordance with a current amount of a driving current; a storage capacitor of which a voltage across opposite ends is set in accordance with a potential of the signal line; an initializer which initializes the voltage across opposite ends of the storage capacitor by electrically connecting the initialization line to the storage capacitor; a driving transistor which controls the current amount of the driving current in accordance with the voltage of the storage capacitor; a first conductor which is electrically connected to a gate of the driving transistor and overlaps with the initialization line; and a second conductor which is interposed between the first conductor and the initialization line.
US08379061B2 Packet-based digital display system
An all-digital display system includes an electronic processor that is operable to receive an internet protocol video packet and to generate a control signal based at least in part on the internet protocol video packet. In one particular embodiment, the electronic processor includes at least a header processor, a CPU electronic processor, and a display processor unit. The all-digital display system also includes one or more light sources capable of generating one or more optical signals and one or more light modulating chips. The one or more light modulating chips are operable to receive the one or more optical signals and to modulate the one or more optical signals based at least in part on the control signal. The all-digital display system further comprises one or more display screens operable to receive the modulated signals communicated from the light modulating chips.
US08379060B2 Device, system, and method of display calibration
Device, system, and method for display calibration. For example, an apparatus includes: one or more color sensors, embedded within a body of a mobile device, to measure one or more color attributes of a visual element displayed by a display unit of the mobile device when a lid of the mobile device is in a closed position; and a color calibrator to calibrate one or more parameters of the display unit based on the one or more color attributes measured by the one or more color sensors.
US08379058B2 Methods and apparatuses to arbitrarily transform windows
Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to arbitrarily transform windows are described. Data associated with a first transformation may be obtained. The first transformation may be applied to a first window. The first transformation may relate a first texture point of the first window to a first arbitrary point. The first transformation may include a non-linear transformation. A second transformation is created to a second window based on the first transformation. The second window may be associated with the first window. The second transformation may relate a second texture point of the second window to a second arbitrary point.
US08379056B2 Device and method for providing a video signal of a virtual image
A device for providing a video signal of a virtual image based on a real image of a camera, the real image having an object, includes a processing device. One piece of positional information each is associated with the camera and the object. The processing device generates the video signal of the virtual image based on the real image, the positional information of the camera and the positional information of the object. The virtual image includes an illustration of the object or object information with regard to the object.
US08379055B2 Electronic layout generation based on visual context
An electronically implemented method is disclosed for generating a layout for a composite image. The method starts with the steps of receiving (210) at least one content element to be included within the composite image and an external environment context image (220) indicative of the intended external environment of the composite image. The external environment context image is captured by an image capture device. Data is also received indicating the size of the composite image and/or the location of the composite image within the external environment context image. Based on the received data layout styles are generated (250) for the at least one content element based on features of the at least one content element, features of the external environment context image and the provided location of the composite image. Finally, based on the generated layout styles, the composite image (260) is generated comprising the at least one content element.
US08379054B2 Image synthesis method, image synthesis apparatus, and storage medium
An image synthesis method includes a placement information obtaining step of obtaining placement information about a plurality of images in which adjacent images have a common subject region, and a synthesis step of combining the images using a mapping mode in accordance with the placement information. Prior to performing mapping transformation of the input images, coordinate-space transformation parameters for transforming the coordinate space of one image among the images into the coordinate space of another image are generated. The images are combined based on a given mapping mode and the coordinate-space transformation parameters.
US08379050B2 Rendering apparatus, method and medium
A rendering method, medium and apparatus for sequentially performing one or more third raster operations to test whether a fragment can be displayed as a pixel after sequentially performing one or more second raster operations to test whether the fragment can be displayed as the pixel, so as to provide efficient power consumption and rapid completion of rendering.
US08379049B2 Structure-preserving clone brush
The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.
US08379042B2 Target display for gamma calibration
User interfaces are provided that allow for the display of a target element that may be used to adjust a gamma value of a display device. The target element includes three layers. These layers include a bottom static layer, a gray static layer, and a progressive layer that gradually changes from a fully transparent are to an opaque area. Additionally, a manipulation area is provided, which may be a sliding mechanism. The user may adjust the gamma to a higher value when the fully transparent area appears lighter than the opaque area, and may adjust the gamma to a lower value when the fully transparent area appears darker than the opaque area.
US08379033B2 Method and system for improving data coherency in a parallel rendering system
A method and system for improving data coherency in a parallel rendering system is disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for managing a plurality of independently processed texture streams in a parallel rendering system that includes the steps of maintaining a time stamp for a group of tiles of work that are associated with each of the plurality of the texture streams and are associated with a specified area in screen space, and utilizing the time stamps to counter divergences in the independent processing of the plurality of texture streams.
US08379032B2 System and method of mapping shader variables into physical registers
The present disclosure includes system and method of mapping shader variables into physical registers. In an embodiment, a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a memory coupled to the GPU are disclosed. The memory includes a processor readable data file that has a register file portion. The register file portion has a rectangular structure including a plurality of data items. At least two of the plurality of data items corresponding to data elements of a shader program. The data elements have different data storage types.
US08379030B1 Computer graphics variable transformation interface
A transformation region is displayed around a selection of knots defining one or more computer graphics variable curves. The transformation region includes transformation handles enabling the modification of the transformation region shape. The transformation region defines an envelope of the curves. Modifying the shape of the transformation region defines a new envelope of the curves. The input and/or output values of knots are scaled to match the modified envelope so that the computer graphics variable remains a function of its input variables. Associated tangent handles of the knots are scaled proportional to the knot value. The transformation region can include a retiming curve specifying a remapping of input variable values. Points on the retiming curve below this diagonal remap associated knots to lower input values. Point on the retiming curve above the diagonal remap associated knots to higher input values.
US08379029B2 Looping motion space registration for real-time character animation
A method for generating a looping motion space for real-time character animation may include determining a plurality of motion clips to include in the looping motion space and determining a number of motion cycles performed by a character object depicted in each of the plurality of motion clips. A plurality of looping motion clips may be synthesized from the motion clips, where each of the looping motion clips depicts the character object performing an equal number of motion cycles. Additionally, a starting frame of each of the plurality of looping motion clips may be synchronized so that the motion cycles in each of the plurality of looping motion clips are in phase with one another. By rendering an animation sequence using multiple passes through the looping motion space, an animation of the character object performing the motion cycles may be extended for arbitrary length of time.
US08379028B1 Rigweb
In various embodiments, techniques are provided for collaborating and developing a body of knowledge for animation rigging for use in CGI and computer-aided animation. In an embodiment, a computer system may be used to facilitate the creation of rigging for computer-generated models. Using one or more graphical user interfaces, a user can provide the computer system with information defining a set of controls for a computer-generated model. The user can provide the computer system with information providing a description of each control in the set of controls. The user can also provide the computer system with information providing an example of use of each control in the set of controls. A body of knowledge for a standard rig can be created based on the information defining the set of controls, the description of each control, and the example of use of each control using the computer system. A user or group of users can interact with the body of knowledge to formalized definitions of artistic or technical content.
US08379020B2 Image processing device using selective neighboring voxel removal and related methods
An image processing device may include a memory, and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the memory for determining N nearest neighbors for each voxel among a plurality thereof, and determining a respective distance between each voxel and its N nearest neighboring voxels. The controller may also cooperate with the memory for selectively removing each given voxel if a respective distance to an Mth nearest neighboring voxel is greater than a first threshold, and with M being less than or equal to N. Optionally, the controller may also cooperate with the memory for selectively removing each other given voxel if a respective distance to an Lth nearest neighboring voxel is less than a second threshold, with the second threshold being less than the first threshold and with L being less than M.
US08379019B2 Fast triangle reordering for vertex locality and reduced overdraw
Presented are systems and methods that change the order in which triangles are rendered, to improve post-transform vertex cache efficiency and reduce view-independent overdraw. The resulting triangle orders are orders magnitude faster to compute compared to previous methods. The improvements in processing speed allow such methods to be performed on a model after it is loaded (i.e., when more information on the host hardware is available). Also, such methods can be executed interactively, allowing for re-optimization in case of changes to geometry or topology, which happen often in CAD/CAM applications.
US08379017B2 Method for improving the performance in processing an interprocess digital mockup
A method for improving the performance in developing an interprocess digital mockup. Product data elements are compiled from a digital mockup, wherein the product data elements contain geometry data elements and meta data elements. The geometry data elements are addressed and assigned to a geometry structure. The meta data elements are addressed and assigned to a meta structure. The geometry structure and the meta structure are subsequently linked by a communication protocol such that bidirectional interaction between the geometry structure and the meta structure is realized.
US08379014B2 System and method for 3D object recognition
The present invention provides a system and method for recognizing a 3D object in a single camera image and for determining the 3D pose of the object with respect to the camera coordinate system. In one typical application, the 3D pose is used to make a robot pick up the object. A view-based approach is presented that does not show the drawbacks of previous methods because it is robust to image noise, object occlusions, clutter, and contrast changes. Furthermore, the 3D pose is determined with a high accuracy. Finally, the presented method allows the recognition of the 3D object as well as the determination of its 3D pose in a very short computation time, making it also suitable for real-time applications. These improvements are achieved by the methods disclosed herein.
US08379009B2 Booster power supply circuit that boosts input voltage
A first control switch is connected between a first terminal to which one terminal of a first boosting capacitor element is connected and a supply node of an input voltage. A second control switch is connected between a second terminal to which the other terminal of the first boosting capacitor element is connected and the supply node of the input voltage. A first switch element is connected between a third terminal to which one terminal of a second boosting capacitor element is connected and at which an output voltage is generated and the first terminal. A second switch element is connected between a node of a reference voltage side of the input voltage and the second terminal. A control circuit detects the output voltage and controls the first and second control switches to obtain the desired output voltage on the basis of a detection result.
US08379007B2 Plasma display device and method for driving plasma display panel
A method for driving a plasma display panel that includes a plurality of discharge cells including a display electrode pair composed of a scan electrode and a sustain electrode. One field period includes a plurality of subfields each including an initializing period, an address period and a sustain period. The method includes applying at least two kinds of sustain pulses to one electrode of the scan electrode and the sustain electrode in the sustain period, the two kinds of sustain pulses including a first sustain pulse as a reference and a second sustain pulse rising more steeply and falling more gently than the first sustain pulse. In the method, a drive waveform voltage applied to the one electrode includes a last drive waveform voltage in the sustain period and a predetermined number of the second sustain pulses continuously disposed immediately before the last drive waveform voltage.
US08379001B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second display panels each including scan lines arranged in a row direction, signal lines arranged in a column direction, and pixels arranged in a matrix at intersections of the first scan lines and the first signal lines. The first display panel and the second display panel are set in a non-display mode and in a display mode, respectively. Shift registers and buffer circuits connected to respective groups of scan lines sequentially drive respective group of scan lines in the first display panel during a vertical blanking time of the second display panel. The pixels of the first display panel are driven to refresh by writing an image signal for a black display in the first display panel.
US08378993B2 Capacitive touch display panel
A capacitive touch display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an opaque pattern, a plurality of transparent conductive sensor pads, and a plurality of non-transparent conductive patterns. The first substrate and the second substrate are disposed oppositely. The transparent conductive sensor pads are disposed on the second substrate. The non-transparent conductive patterns are disposed on the second substrate, and the non-transparent conductive patterns and the transparent conductive sensor pads are electrically connected and overlapping. The conductivity of the non-transparent conductive patterns is higher than that of the transparent conductive sensor pads, and the non-transparent conductive patterns are corresponding to the opaque pattern.
US08378992B2 Touch panel, and movable contact unit and switch using the same touch panel
A touch panel includes multiple belt-like lower electrodes formed on a light transparent base sheet and multiple belt-like upper electrodes placed away from the lower electrodes with a predetermined distance therebetween and in a direction crossing with the lower electrodes at right angles. The lower and upper electrodes are made of light transmissive and electrically conductive resin, so that they can be formed in a simple way such as printing. The foregoing structure thus allows obtaining the touch panel manufactured in a simple way at a lower cost.
US08378991B2 Method of detecting a touch position and touch panel for performing the same
A method of detecting a touch position and a touch panel for performing the method are disclosed. In the above-mentioned method, a plurality of scan signals is sequentially supplied to a plurality of first sensor lines arranged in a first direction. Then, at least one of the scan signals is analyzed based on touch events, which is transferred from the first sensor lines to a plurality of second sensor lines arranged in a second direction substantially across to the first direction, and then at least one of touch positions is detected. Therefore, a plurality of scan signals is sequentially applied to the first sensor lines in the first direction, so that a plurality of touch events is simultaneously detected so that a plurality of touch positions may be detected.
US08378987B2 Sensing method and circuit for a capacitive touch panel
A sensing method for a capacitive touch panel includes charging a measure capacitor, setting the voltage across a mutual capacitor at the intersection of two traces of the capacitive touch panel, and then injecting partial charges of the measure capacitor into the mutual capacitor. When the intersection is touched, the capacitance value of the mutual capacitor is changed, and consequently the amount of charges injected into the mutual capacitor is changed. Hence, the voltage of the measure capacitor could be detected to determine whether or not the intersection is touched.
US08378986B2 Passive touch system and method of detecting user input
A passive touch system includes a passive touch surface and at least two cameras associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and have overlapping fields of view. A processor receives and processes images acquired by the at least two cameras to detect the existence of a pointer therein and to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.
US08378983B2 Touch panel and touch panel type display apparatus
A touch panel X in accordance with the present invention includes a first base body 10 including a first resistive film 12, a second base body 20 including a second resistive film 22 and a wiring electrodes 23 and 24, and a conductive adhesive member 30 configured to electrically connect the first base body 10 and the wiring electrodes 23 and 24, and bond the first base body 10 and the second base body 20 so that the first resistive film 12 and the second resistive film 22 face each other. The conductive adhesive member 30 defines an internal space S1 and an opening portion M. The wiring electrodes 23 and 24 include connection portions 23a and 24a. The connection portions 23a and 24a are formed in an area corresponding to the opening portion M.
US08378979B2 Electronic device with haptic feedback
Haptic feedback may be provided to a user of an electronic device, such as an electronic book reader device, to confirm receipt of user input or otherwise convey information to the user. The haptic feedback may be provided more quickly than a display update time of a display of the electronic device. Different patterns, durations, and/or intensities of haptic feedback may be used in response to different events.
US08378976B2 Method for scroll bar control on a touchpad
In a method for scroll bar control on a touchpad, the fingers touching on the touchpad are detected to start up and terminate a scroll bar control function. In the scroll bar control function, the movement of the finger or fingers touching on the touchpad is detected for scrolling on a window, and the vertical distance and the horizontal distance of the movement are evaluated for determining the scrolling amount of a vertical scroll bar or a horizontal scroll bar of the window.
US08378975B2 Touch pad and electronic device having the same
A touch pad with a simple structure to enable an electronic device to be manufactured more slimly and with low manufacturing costs. The touch pad includes a cover having a plurality of function icons a cover frame to support the cover, the cover frame including a plurality of light guide hollows, and a board, which is engaged with the cover frame and includes touch sensors and luminous elements to illuminate the function icons mounted thereon, the touch sensors and luminous elements being respectively mounted at positions on the board corresponding to the plurality of function icons.
US08378974B2 Method and system for detecting touch events based on magnitude ratios
A method for detecting a touch event on a touch panel comprises obtaining at least first and second signals from at least two sensors where the at least first and second signals are responsive to a touch event. A first amplitude magnitude associated with the first signal is calculated and a second amplitude magnitude associated with the second signal is calculated. A magnitude ratio is determined between the first and second amplitude magnitudes, and a touch location is identified based on the magnitude ratio.
US08378969B2 Remote control apparatus for vehicle
A remote control apparatus mountable on a vehicle includes an operation input device operable to point a position in a predetermined operation area, a lighting device for illuminating the operation input device, and a controller for controlling a brightness of the lighting device. The remote control apparatus has a self-diagnostic mode for diagnosing a fault in the operation input device. The controller controls the brightness of the lighting device such that the lighting device produces a illumination pattern corresponding to the position pointed by the operation input device, when the self-diagnostic mode is set.
US08378963B2 Photosensors for displays and related devices
An electronic device may include a liquid crystal display, a photosensor, a light, and a controller. The liquid crystal display may have first and second transparent substrates and a liquid crystal material between the first and second transparent substrates. The photosensor may be on a portion of the first transparent substrate so that the first transparent substrate is between the photosensor and the second transparent substrate, and the light may be configured to provide illumination for the electronic device. The controller may be coupled to the photosensor and the light, and the controller may be configured to vary an intensity of the illumination from the light responsive to an intensity of light incident of the photosensor. Related displays are also discussed.
US08378962B2 LCD backlight driving device with an isolating transformer
An LCD backlight driving device with an isolating transformer comprises a DC power supply, a square wave generator, a square wave controller, said isolating transformer and a driver transformer; wherein said isolating transformer has a primary side connected to said square wave generator and a secondary side connected to said driver transformer, since said isolating transformer is placed between said square wave generator and said driver transformer, it helps to effectively shorten a safety distance required for setting up said driver transformer; the present invention uses said isolating transformer to shorten the safety distance required than that of using said driver transformer directly and to decrease an area in implementing a circuit board and to cut cost of said device.
US08378954B2 Active matrix liquid crystal device
An active matrix liquid crystal device comprises an active matrix substrate (1) and a counter electrode substrate separated by a layer of liquid crystal material. A temperature sensing capacitor (11) comprises electrodes on the substrates separated by the liquid crystal layer, which thus forms the dielectric of the capacitor. A reference capacitor (CREF) and a calibration capacitor (CCAL) are also provided and have nominally the same capacitance. These capacitors form part of charge-transfer capacitance measuring branches (25, 26, 30) within a sample/hold circuit (12). During a calibration cycle, the sample/hold circuit (12) provides a signal dependent on the difference between the capacitances of the calibration capacitor (CCAL) and the reference capacitor (CREF) and this is supplied to an analog/digital converter (20-22, 31, 32), which forms a reference voltage. During subsequent parts of the measurement cycle, the converter converts the output of the sample/hold circuit using the reference voltage in order to improve the accuracy of measurement of the liquid crystal capacitor (11), and hence the temperature of the liquid crystal material. This temperature measurement may be used, for example, to compensate the AMLCD for the effects of temperature variation in the liquid crystal properties.
US08378953B2 Display device compensating primary image data to increase a response speed of the display
An image display device includes an image signal source unit to provide primary image data and selected compensation data to compensate the primary image data, and a display unit to display images using compensated image data obtained by compensating the primary image data with the selected compensation data. The selected compensation data is selected from a set of compensation data in response to variation of ambient temperature of the display device. The image display device also includes a temperature sensor to detect the variation of the ambient temperature of the display device and provide temperature data corresponding to the variation of the ambient temperature. The image display device also includes a frequency sensor to detect frequency variation in a vertical synchronizing signal of the display unit, wherein the selected compensation data is selected from a set of compensation data in response to the variation of the ambient temperature and the frequency variation.
US08378950B2 Display device
The present invention provides a display device which displays a black image by periodically inserting the black image, wherein after the display of the black image, a first period in which a video signal different from a video signal for the black image is outputted to video signal lines is made different from a succeeding period in length.
US08378946B2 Display device
A display device includes a plurality of thin-film transistors formed on a substrate on which a display area is formed. The display device also includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating film formed so as to cover the gate electrode, an semiconductor layer in an island shape formed on an upper surface of the gate insulating film so as to superimpose the gate electrode without protruding from the gate electrode when viewed planarly, an insulating film formed so as to cover the semiconductor layer, and a pair of electrodes electrically connected to the semiconductor layer respectively through a pair of through holes that are formed at the insulating film. The semiconductor layer is formed by sequentially laminating a crystalline semiconductor layer and an amorphous semiconductor layer. The pair of electrodes is respectively formed by sequentially laminating a semiconductor layer doped with impurities and a metal layer.
US08378945B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates, a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a static memory formed on the substrates. A bit signal corresponding to an image data is written and held in a static memory in the pixel. The polarity of the input bit signal is controlled. A liquid crystal voltage supplied to a liquid crystal layer arranged between the pair of substrates is generated by the bit signal. The polarity of the bit signal is controlled to alternate the liquid crystal voltage, and a transmittance of the liquid crystal layer is changed by supplying the alternated liquid crystal voltage.
US08378944B2 Array substrate for in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
An array substrate for an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes a first TFT in a pixel region and connected to a gate line and a first data line; a second TFT in the pixel region and connected to the gate line and a second data line; a first pattern connected to the first TFT and extending along the gate line; a plurality of first electrodes connected to the first pattern; a second pattern extending to be parallel to the first pattern; a second electrode extending along the first data line; a third electrode connected to the second pattern and extending along the second data line, the third electrode connected to the second TFT; and a plurality of fourth electrodes connected to the second pattern and alternately arranged with the plurality of first electrodes, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of fourth electrodes are disposed between the second and third electrodes.
US08378943B2 Signal processing device for liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display including the signal processing device
A liquid crystal display system including a signal processing device uses interpolation to generate an intermediate image frame using previous image frame data and present image frame data. The system converts data of the intermediate image frame into transposed image data that is to be used to drive a liquid crystal display panel and display a corresponding image. The transposed image data and the present image data are subjected to a prespecified DCC process (dynamic capacitance compensation process) to thereby generate respective first and second compensation image data. Since the first compensation image data is generated based on the transposed image data and the transposition is configured to prevent over-compensation by the DCC process, over-compensation by the dynamic capacitance compensation process can be reduced or prevented.
US08378941B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a power consumption reduction portion that analyzes a histogram of first image data of an image and generates second image data and a first luminance control signal, wherein, when the image includes an irrelevance region which is substantially irrelevant to degradation of display quality, the power consumption reduction portion analyzes a histogram of first image data of other region of the image except for an excluded region, and wherein the excluded region includes at least the irrelevance region; a timing controller that is supplied with the second image data and the first luminance control signal and generates gate control signals, data control signals and a second luminance control signal; a gate driving portion that generates gate voltages using the gate control signals; a data driving portion that generates data voltages using the second image data and the data control signals; a liquid crystal panel that displays the image using the gate voltages and the data voltages; a backlight control portion that generates a backlight control signal using the second luminance control signal; and a backlight unit that supplies light according to the backlight control signal.
US08378936B2 Display apparatus and method of driving the same
In a display apparatus and a driving method thereof, image data corresponding to plural different positions of a display panel are added to each other, and a sum of the image data of a present frame is compared with a sum of the image data of a previous frame to determine whether an image displayed on the display panel is a still image or not. While a still image is displayed, brightness of the display panel is gradually lowered. Accordingly, the display panel may prevent occurrence of afterimages and deterioration of organic electroluminescent light emitting devices, as well as reduce power consumption.
US08378935B2 Display device having a plurality of subframes and method of driving the same
In a display device in which one frame is divided into a plurality of subframes and a gray scale is expressed by a time gray scale method, there is a problem of pseudo contour. A gray scale is expressed by sequentially adding a weight of each subframe (light emission period, light emission time, and the like). Further, an erasing diode is provided in a pixel. By turning this erasing diode on, the signal stored in the pixel is erased, thereby a non-light emission period is provided. Accordingly, subframes with different light emission periods can be easily formed.
US08378927B2 Apparatus for driving electrochromic device and method thereof
An apparatus for driving an electrochromic device (ECD) includes a driving volt age output unit for selectively applying a coloring or decoloring voltage between upper and lower electrodes of an ECD; a timer for counting an applying time of the coloring or decoloring voltage in a memory type driving mode and then outputting a voltage application completion signal after the counted time exceeds a preset time, the timer bypassing the counting operation in a non-memory type driving mode; and a driving controller for selectively inputting a coloring or decoloring signal to the driving voltage output unit such that the driving voltage output unit is controlled to output a coloring or decoloring voltage corresponding to the signal, the driving controller receiving the voltage application completion signal to stop the input of the coloring or decoloring signal. Thus, memory type and non-memory type ECDs may be driven automatically using only one apparatus.
US08378925B2 Video display device
When headphone housings are tilted such that their upper portions are separated from side faces of the user's head and their lower portions are near the side faces, an arm of the display section is horizontal. Generally, the human head at ear portions is formed in a shape that is large at the upper portion and small at the lower portion. Accordingly, when the headphone housings are installed at the ear portions, the headphone housings are installed according to the shape and the arm is horizontal. This means that the arm is horizontal in a natural installation state. Adjustment of the display section is not complex and the display section has a well-balanced appearance.
US08378922B1 System and method for position or range estimation, tracking and selective interrogation and communication
A method of estimating an arc-position of a distal transmitter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving radio frequency signals from said distal transmitter into an antenna having an array of feed horns and a Luneberg lens portion and (2) estimating an arc-position of said distal transmitter based on signal strengths provided by ones of said feed horns.
US08378916B2 Systems and methods for providing a reconfigurable groundplane
Systems and methods for providing a reconfigurable groundplane are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an antenna assembly having a reconfigurable groundplane, the assembly including a radio frequency (RF) feed, a plurality of radiating elements, a plurality of interconnects, each coupling one of the plurality of radiating elements to the RF feed, a first groundplane positioned between the RF feed and the plurality of radiating elements, a second groundplane positioned between the RF feed and the plurality of radiating elements, the second groundplane including at least one cavity for enclosing a liquid metal.
US08378915B2 Antenna assembly
An antenna assembly and a method of mounting such an assembly are disclosed. A first and a second assembly portion are joined together, wherein the assembly portions each comprise a elongated reflector body serving as a reflector for electromagnetic power radiated by the antenna assembly portion, and a set of antenna element receiving means located in a linear row along a longitudinal direction of the reflector body for respectively receiving an antenna element, and side portions along the long sides of the said reflector body. The assembly method comprises the step of fastening the first and second assembly portions to each other along a respective side portion of the said assembly portions so as to form a dual array antenna assembly.
US08378914B2 Dipole antenna
A dipole antenna includes a first radiating body and a second radiating body. The first radiating body has a first radiating part and a second radiating part. The area of the second radiating part is larger than that of the first radiating part. The second radiating body is disposed opposite to the first radiating body and has a third radiating part and a fourth radiating part. The area of the third radiating part is larger than that of the first radiating part. The area of the second radiating part is larger than that of the fourth radiating part. The first radiating part or the third radiating part has a feeding point. The second radiating part or the fourth radiating part has a ground point. The first radiating part is electrically connected to the third radiating part. The second radiating part is electrically connected to the fourth radiating part.
US08378909B2 Antenna and wireless communication apparatus
In an antenna, a first type radiation electrode and a second type radiation electrode are provided on the surface of a dielectric base, which has a predetermined external shape, or embedded in the dielectric base. The first type radiation electrode is provided with an open terminal at one end thereof and a feeding terminal at the other end thereof so as to constitute a monopole type antenna. The second type radiation electrode is provided with a capacitive-coupling feeding electrode at one end thereof and a ground connection terminal at the other end thereof so as to constitute a capacitive feed antenna. The one end of the first type radiation electrode is located opposite to the feeding electrode of the second type radiation electrode when viewed in the direction of the length of the dielectric base.
US08378904B1 Antenna for high temperature thermal protection system
An antenna is provided for use with a vehicle that includes a body that is encased by a thermal protection system (TPS). An opening extends through the TPS and the vehicle body, and an antenna assembly and a seal member are positioned within the opening. The seal member extends about the antenna assembly and is radio frequency (RF) opaque. A window extends across the opening to retain the antenna assembly and seal member within the opening. The window is RF transparent.
US08378900B2 Antenna arrangement
An antenna arrangement operable at a first resonant frequency f having a corresponding resonant wavelength λ the antenna arrangement comprising: an antenna comprising a feed; a ground plane coupled to the antenna comprising a first region and a second region; and a grounded conductive structure coupled to the first region of the ground plane, wherein the second region of the ground plane is configured such that, at the first resonant frequency f the current flows predominantly in the grounded conductive structure compared to the second region of the ground plane.
US08378899B2 Wireless communication terminal with a multi-band antenna that extends between side surfaces thereof
A wireless communications terminal can include a housing having an interior surface that is configured to enclose at least a controller circuit, a transceiver circuit, and a RF feed circuit and to at least partially enclose a display device and a user input interface. The housing extends between opposing top and bottom surfaces, between opposing first and second side surfaces, and between opposing front and back surfaces. A first radiator line is connected on distal ends to a feed node and to a ground node and extends in a loop across at least a majority of a width of the housing between the first and second side surfaces. The first radiator line resonates in a first frequency range responsive to first electromagnetic radiation coupled to the feed and ground nodes. A second radiator line is connected to the feed node and extends away from an adjacent portion of the first radiator line, and resonates in a second frequency range responsive to second electromagnetic radiation coupled to the feed and ground nodes. A third radiator line is connected to the first radiator line at a branch node that is spaced apart from the feed node and the ground node, and extends away from an adjacent portion of the first radiator line and resonates in a third frequency range responsive to third electromagnetic radiation coupled to the feed and ground nodes.
US08378893B2 Patch antenna
According to one embodiment, a patch antenna includes a radiating layer coupled to a feed line. The radiating layer has at least one radiating element disposed on an opposite side from the feed line. The radiating layer has a moat around its perimeter forming an inner perimeter sidewall and an outer perimeter sidewall. A conductive coating may be disposed on the inner perimeter sidewall or the outer perimeter sidewall.
US08378892B2 Antenna component and methods
An antenna component (200) with a dielectric substrate and two radiating antenna elements. The elements are located on the upper surface of the substrate and there is a narrow slot (260) between them. The antenna feed conductor (241) is connected to the first antenna element (220), which is connected also to the ground by a short-circuit conductor (261). The second antenna element (230) is parasitic; it is galvanically connected only to the ground. The component is preferably manufactured by a semiconductor technique by growing a metal layer e.g. on a quartz substrate and removing a part of it so that the antenna elements remain. In this case the component further comprises supporting material (212) of the substrate chip. The antenna component is very small-sized because of the high dielectricity of the substrate to be used and mostly because the slot between the antenna elements is narrow. The efficiency of an antenna made by the component is high.
US08378889B2 Calculating navigation system time in a satellite navigation system
A satellite navigation system receiver that includes a counter and a controlling unit is described. The counter may be driven by a reference clock signal having a reference clock frequency. The controlling unit can calculate a correction value indicative of a corrected reference clock frequency by comparing an increment of the counter values during a time period with an increment of the navigation system times during the time period. The controlling unit can generate a calculated navigation system time according to the correction value.
US08378887B2 Systems and methods for synthesizing GPS measurements to improve GPS location availability
There are situations where GPS signals are received from less than four satellites. In order to improve the GPS location availability, disclosed here are systems and methods for synthesizing GPS measurements, which, together with fewer than four available real GPS signals, can be used to calculate a position fix. In particular, GPS range measurements for lost satellites, which are satellites that were previously tracked but are now not tracked, are synthesized to improve GPS signal availability. The synthesized measurements are used along with real measurements to enable accurate position fix even when GPS satellite availability is poor. Different synthesized measurement generation schemes, depending on whether an INS/DR aiding system is available, are further described herein.
US08378885B2 Device and method for locating a mobile approaching a surface reflecting electromagnetic waves
Device and a method for locating a mobile object approaching a surface reflecting electromagnetic waves. The location device includes an emission antenna and a reception antenna. The emission antenna has one or more emission positions emitting a detection signal toward the mobile object. The reception antenna has at least one column of one or more reception positions, receiving a signal transmitted by the mobile object. An emission of the detection signal is activated on each emission position. An emission position that produces a detection by the reception antenna, of the signal of maximum energy transmitted by the mobile object, is selected to track the mobile object. One or more signals of maximum energy, received by one or more reception positions, are used to angularly locate the mobile object. The invention can be used to determine the position of an aircraft in the final landing phase for a guidance device.
US08378883B2 Device and method of detecting a target object for motor vehicle
A device and method for correcting a position of at least one target point relative to a motor vehicle depending on a movement of the motor vehicle over a given number of cycles; starting from at least one target point, forming a first group with adjacent target points depending on a first given characteristic; verifying if the first group is homogeneous depending on a second given characteristic; and calculating a position of a formed group relative to the motor vehicle over the given number of cycles, a formed group corresponding to a target object.
US08378878B2 Creating and processing universal radar waveforms
A new approach to radar imaging is described herein, in which radar pulses are transmitted wi th an uneven sampling scheme and subsequently processed with novel algorithms to produce images of equivalent resolution and quality as standard images produced using standard synthetic aperture radar (SAR) waveforms and processing techniques. The radar data collected with these waveforms can be used to create many other useful products such as moving target indication (MTI) and high resolution terrain information (HRTI). The waveform and the correction algorithms described herein allow the algorithms of these other radar products to take advantage of the quality Doppler resolution.
US08378872B2 Dynamically adjusted A/D resolution
A process variable transmitter is used to measure a process variable, and, in doing so, dynamically changes the resolution of the A/D converter based upon the measured value of the analog input signal. This can be done by automatically adjusting the configurable resolution gain adjustment based on the value of the analog signal being measured, by normalizing the input signal being measured so that it is centered in an optimal resolution window of the A/D converter, or by adjusting a voltage reference provided to the A/D converter.
US08378870B1 Mismatch shaping for DAC
The present invention provides a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) capable of generating a transfer function having a notch for reducing an error signal level in a desired frequency band.The DAC of the present invention includes a switch bank to which at least two reference signals are inputted and which selects any of these signals and outputs the selected signal through a plurality of paths, and an amplitude-phase control section which controls a reference signal selection operation of the switch bank on the basis of an input signal.
US08378868B2 Systems and methods for analog to digital converter charge storage device measurement
Systems and methods for analog to digital conversion charge storage device measurement are presented. In multi-cell charge storage device monitoring systems, accurate measurement of cell voltages is used for protection of the multi-cell device. The disclosed cell referenced solution converts the cell voltage to a digital representation referenced at the cell voltage. The digital representation referenced to the cell voltage is then level shifted to a ground referenced signal suitable for digital post processing. This processing may be used for fault detection of over-voltage, under-voltage, open cell, and similar fault conditions and cell capacity measurements. An example embodiment implements a sigma delta modulator to perform the signal transformation from analog to digital. The disclosed systems and methods may be differential and stackable for multiple cells.
US08378864B2 Apparatuses and methods for reducing errors in analog to digital converters
Successive approximation Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and related methods are disclosed. A successive approximation ADC includes a comparator with a comparator output and inputs coupled to a common model signal and a compare input. Control logic generates one or more control signals responsive to the comparator output. A capacitor array includes first sides of capacitors operably coupled to an array output. The capacitor arrays selectively couples each of second sides of the capacitors to an analog input signal and one or more input reference signals responsive to the one or more control signals. A voltage limiter is operably coupled between the array output and the compare input of the comparator and limits a voltage on the compare input to within a predefined range relative to the array output. The successive approximation ADC may also be configured differentially with a second comparator and a second voltage limiter.
US08378860B2 Method and system for generating high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) codewords using a TMDS encoder/decoder
Encoding and decoding of video and non-video information may include creating a second symbol from a first codeword. TERC4, TMDS and/or a guard band symbols may be generated from a portion or all of the second symbol during transmission. The TMDS symbol and/or the guard band symbol may be encoded so that they may be combined within a single symbol. At least a portion of the first codeword may be TMDS encoded to generate a TMDS symbol for transmission. TMDS encoding of at least a portion of the second symbol may also generate a TERC4 symbol and/or a guard band symbol for the transmitted signal. The second symbol and the first codeword may be generated from a portion or all of a received signal. The first codeword may be a 4-bit pre-TERC4 codeword, while the second symbol may be an 8-bit pre-TMDS symbol.
US08378859B2 Memory compression technique with low latency per pixel
In an embodiment, a compression unit is provided which may perform compression of images with low latency and relatively little hardware. Similarly, a decompression unit may be provided which may decompress the images with low latency and hardware. In an embodiment, the transmission of compressed coefficients may be performed using less than two passes through the list of coefficients. During the first pass, the most significant coefficients may be transmitted and other significance groups may be identified as linked lists. The linked lists may then be traverse to send the other significance groups. In an embodiment, a color space conversion may be made to permit filtering of fewer color components than might be possible in the source color space.
US08378857B2 Illumination of input device
Input devices having backlighting for associated input mechanisms. The backlighting may be supplied by a light source coupled to a light guide. Both the light guide and light source may be located completely beneath the input mechanism and above a mechanical support for the mechanism. Each input mechanism generally has its own dedicated light guide and light source.
US08378855B2 Control device
A control device includes a sensor, an analysis unit, and a control unit. The sensor includes a stationary member and a rotatable member. The stationary member includes a first electrode and at least two second electrodes. The rotatable member includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The first electrode electrically contacts the third electrode and each second electrode electrically contacts the fourth electrode in sequence when the stationary member is rotated. The analysis unit is configured for determining which second electrode electrically contacts the fourth electrode. The control unit is configured for executing a corresponding command based upon the determination of the analysis unit.
US08378850B2 Vehicle park assist system and method for parking a vehicle using such system
A park assist system for parking a vehicle in a target parking space includes a first sensing system which determines whether there is a sufficient slot length in a target parking space in which to park the vehicle. A second sensing system determines whether an obstacle is located in a predetermined clearance zone on a side of the vehicle opposite the target parking space. A decision regarding whether to recommend parking the vehicle in the target parking space sensed by the first sensing system is dependent upon a determination that an obstacle located in the clearance zone may be avoided by executing a first steering trajectory provided by the park assist system in order to avoid the obstacle before executing a second steering trajectory provided by the park assist system in order to park the vehicle into the target parking space.
US08378845B2 Energy consumption measurement
A system for measuring energy consumption including a plurality of devices of which at least a subset includes a communication unit for supplying operating status information indicating an actual operating status with respect to an actual energy consumption of the associated one of the plurality of devices. A meter measures a total energy consumption of the plurality of devices. A controller calculates an individual energy consumption of a particular one of the plurality of devices from a change of the total energy consumption occurring at a change of the operating status of the particular one of the plurality of devices.
US08378844B2 Utility meter with external signal-powered transceiver
An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a non-volatile memory and an RF transceiver. The non-volatile memory has a first and a second port, the first port configured to obtain commodity consumption data. The radio frequency (RF) transceiver is configured to receive an RF signal from an external source and obtain energy from the RF signal and provide the energy to a bias voltage input of the non-volatile memory. The RF transceiver is further operable to perform a data transfer operation responsive to the received RF signal, the data transfer operation including a transfer of meter-related data between the non-volatile memory and the RF transceiver using the second port of the non-volatile memory.
US08378841B2 Tracking of oil drilling pipes and other objects
Identification and tracking of hollow pipes at a site where the hollow pipes are to be stored or interconnected, such as an oil drilling site where the aforesaid hollow pipes are to be connected and the drillstring of pipes is to be inserted into a drilled hole on solid ground or under a deepsea drilling platform is achieved. Each hollow pipe is provided with a low frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the pipe's outer surface. The RFID tag is operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1.0 megahertz and may be disposed within a recess in the pipe's outer surface. A tracking system provides communication be the tags and a reader.
US08378840B2 Surface communication device and method for downhole tool
A device for communicating with a downhole measurement tool includes a processor module comprising a set of commands and configured to issue a command from the set to the downhole tool and receive a corresponding reply from the downhole tool. The set of commands includes at least one of a command to switch the downhole measurement tool between a sleep mode and an active mode and a command to download data from the downhole measurement tool. The device includes a transceiver module coupled to the processor module and an antenna coupled to the transceiver module. The antenna and transceiver module are configured to transmit commands and replies between the processor module and the downhole measurement tool.
US08378839B2 Methods for clock synchronization in wellbore instruments
A method for synchronizing a clock in a device at the Earth's surface with a device disposed in a wellbore includes generating a time datum for a signal generated at at least one of the surface and in the wellbore proximate an end of the pipe string. A time delay is determined between detection of the signal at the at least one repeater and retransmission of the signal from the at least one repeater. The time datum is appended with a signal corresponding to the time delay. The retransmitted signal is detected at the other of proximate the end of the pipe string and at the surface.
US08378836B2 Magnetic field strength threshold alarm
A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.
US08378834B1 Kitchen hood assembly with fire suppression control system including multiple monitoring circuits
A kitchen exhaust hood assembly having a fire suppression system with built-in redundancy and monitoring capabilities is presented. The fire suppression system includes one or more fire suppression devices associated with the kitchen hood for extinguishing a fire within the vicinity of the exhaust hood. The fire suppression devices can be triggered by a series of manual actuators or fire sensors. A switching circuit including a plurality of switches operatively connected to the manual actuators or fire sensors triggers the fire suppression devices by enabling either a first or second actuating circuit. The switching circuit and first and second actuating circuits are configured such that a break in the electrical connection between the switches and actuating circuits does not cause a failure in the operation of the fire suppression system. A supervision module is included in the assembly for monitoring the elements of the fire suppression system. The supervision module includes a plurality of monitoring circuits for monitoring the integrity of the electrical connections and the correct physical placement of various fire suppression system devices. The supervision module also includes a means of alerting appropriate personnel in the event that a fault is detected.
US08378833B2 Automatic delivery/drain detection using a level monitoring system
A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.
US08378832B2 Breathing disorder treatment system and method
The breathing disorder treatment system is a continuous monitoring and an actuated stimulation system for the treatment of breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea. The system includes computer readable memory in communication with a processor, and a threshold blood oxygen saturation (BOS) level is recorded therein. A BOS sensor is provided for continually measuring the blood oxygen saturation level in the patient. The BOS sensor is in communication with the processor, such that the measured BOS level is continually compared with the threshold BOS level. A timer is in communication with the processor, so that if a series of measured BOS levels are less than or equal to the threshold BOS level, a time of apnea or low BOS occurrence is recorded in the memory, and an alarm is actuated according to a calculated moving average period based upon the times of occurrence.
US08378830B2 Intelligent hydration systems and methods
A hydration system comprising a dispenser portion adapted to allow a drinking fluid to flow therethrough, a sensor unit positioned to take a measurement of a flow of the drinking fluid through said dispenser portion and to output said measurement, a logic unit in communication with the sensor portion to receive said measurement output, to set a target consumption over time based on a multidimensional profile of a user's physical body information, and to determine if the user's consumption meets the target consumption based upon the measurement.
US08378828B2 Radio frequency identification device with visual indicator
An RFID device includes a chip, an antenna operatively coupled to the chip, and a visual indicator operatively coupled to the chip. The visual indicator provides a visual indication of an operative state of the device. The visual indication may be human readable and/or machine readable, and may provide visual indication that is dependent on a change in an operative state of the device. The operative state that triggers the visual indication may include a state in which the chip has temporarily or permanently been rendered inoperative or disabled, that is, in which the chip no longer responds to, or otherwise interacts with, ordinary incoming RF signals such as from a device reader. The visual indicator may be included in a display that functions by any of a variety of suitable mechanisms, such as by use of electrochromic materials, thermochromic materials, liquid crystals, or chemically-reactive materials.
US08378822B2 Cable theft monitoring system
There is a cable theft monitoring system and method configured to protect electrical cables from theft during non-operation hours. The system includes a power circuit configured to provide power. The system also includes a motor coil configured to receive and utilize power. The system further includes a power supply line configured to facilitate power conduction through the motor coil. The system includes a sensor module configured to monitor a characteristic of the power supply line. The sensor module is configured to send an electrical current through the power supply line to the motor coil to detect electrical connection thereto. The system additionally includes an onsite control module configured to provide onsite controls to the cable theft monitoring system. The system also includes an isolation module configured to isolate the sensor module from strong power sources. Furthermore, the system includes a communication module configured to transmit information.
US08378821B2 Pluggable security device
A pluggable security device for protecting an electronic device, such as a laptop, is disclosed. The pluggable security device has a battery, a siren, and an optional accelerometer. The security device is triggered by unplugging from the electronic device, or by sensing acceleration, or by disconnecting the electronic device from AC power or from a network. Once the security device is triggered and its internal siren is activated, it can only be deactivated by reinserting the pluggable security device into the electronic device it has been disconnected from and by entering a password in the electronic device.
US08378820B2 Infrared motion sensor system and method
An infrared motion sensor system has an infrared (IR) sensor having a predetermined field of view, a target positioned within the field of view of the sensor which emits a spatially or temporally non-uniform pattern of IR radiation, and a processor which receives an output signal from the IR sensor, compares the received output signal to a signature temperature profile signal corresponding to the non-uniform pattern of IR radiation emitted by the target, and detects deviation of the sensor output signal from the signature temperature profile signal, indicating intervention of an object in a monitored volume between the target and sensor. The size of the target may be of the order of human size.
US08378819B2 Electrostatic occupant detection apparatus and method for detecting failure of the same
A main electrode is located in a vehicle seat. A guard electrode is located between a grounded vehicle body and the main electrode. A detection unit selectively applies an alternating voltage signal to the main electrode and the guard electrode, sets the main electrode and the guard electrode to be in an open state or a grounded state, detects an electric current of one of the main electrode and the guard electrode, converts the selected electric current into a voltage value, and detects an overcurrent in the main electrode and the guard electrode. A control unit determines the main electrode and the guard electrode to be an open failure, a power supply short failure, a grounded failure, or a short failure with the guard electrode, according to one or a combination of the voltage value and detection or non-detection of an overcurrent.
US08378815B1 Asset tracking with error adaptive boundary
Systems and methods for tracking assets from central stations using tracking devices enabled to receive GPS coordinates or site identities broadcast from transmitters at fixed locations within a wireless network. Plural position fixes are taken over time and forwarded to the central station. The position fixes are compared to establish a likelihood that apparent excursions from a predetermined boundary area are valid or not, prior to generating an alert signal that the asset has moved from the boundary area.
US08378810B2 Communication device
In a signal shaper circuit provided between a VICS antenna, which receives a VICS signal and outputs reception input data signal, and a navigation CPU for signal processing, a low pass filter of a resistor and a capacitor is provided. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter is set to pass light modulation noise included in the input data signal but cut off the input data signal, which is higher in frequency than the light modulation noise. The input data signal is compared with the filter-processed signal used as a reference signal by a comparator. As a result, a final output data signal is outputted in a waveform-shaped form and without loss of data.
US08378809B2 Network with switching control unit for disconnecting terminals from network voltage
The invention relates to a network with a number of terminals connected by lines. Data and a supply voltage for power supply of the terminals may be transmitted via said lines. At least one switching control unit and at least one switch device with a switch means are provided therefor. The switch means of the switch device may be activated or deactivated by means of operating the switch control unit. With activated switch means a terminal allocated to the switch device is switched on by being connected to a network voltage. With deactivated switch means a terminal allocated to the switch device is switched off by being disconnected from the network voltage.
US08378806B2 Pseudo non-addressable alarm system
A pseudo non-addressable alarm system that uses addressable notification appliances and/or detectors is disclosed. In one aspect, the addressable notification appliances and/or detectors may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) grouped. One manner of automatic grouping is to use the wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system in order to automatically form the groupings of notification applications, such as grouping the notification appliances based on the signal line circuit to which they are connected. In another aspect, labels for the notification appliances and/or detectors in the pseudo non-addressable system may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) generated. The labels may be automatically generated based on wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system and/or based on grouping information (such as grouping based on the particular signal line circuit to which the notification appliance is connected).
US08378805B2 Automatic signaling system for vehicles
An automatic signaling system for a vehicle having a turn signal light, includes a sensor configured for sensing at least a portion of a lane, and a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on a signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes sensing at least a portion of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and automatically activating a turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on the sensed portion of the lane.
US08378804B2 Active acoustic control apparatus
An active acoustic control apparatus includes an alert sound signal generator configured to generate an alert sound signal. An alert sound output device is configured to output an alert sound to an outside of a vehicle. A cancellation sound signal generator is configured to generate a cancellation sound signal representing a cancellation sound to cancel the alert sound, which has been transferred from the outside of the vehicle to an inside of the vehicle, at a sound cancellation target position inside the vehicle. A cancellation sound output device is configured to output the cancellation sound to the sound cancellation target position. The cancellation sound signal generator is configured to detect change of a transfer characteristic from the alert sound output device to the sound cancellation target position and to vary an output characteristic of the cancellation sound depending on the change of the transfer characteristic.
US08378797B2 Method and apparatus for localization of haptic feedback
In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.
US08378795B2 Method and apparatus for distributing haptic synchronous signals
A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
US08378793B1 Verbally prompting indicator device using verbal humanlike voices in connection with scuba tanks, dive computers and other dive equipment for improved underwater diving performance
Improvements to existing diving tanks and dive computers are achieved through the use of an electronic device which employs audible, verbal, simulated, humanlike words or phrases to inform a user while underwater of dive information, including, but not limited to, gas volumes present in the tank, ascent rates, water temperature, depth levels, remaining time in the water, etc. In one embodiment a microcontroller can be used to facilitate the different settings and information that the talking tank or dive computer supplies. The electronic assembly of the present invention can be in communication with the existing pressure gauges, sensors, and valves associated with the talking tank or dive computer.
US08378785B2 Image display device and method for controlling the same
A disclosed image display device includes a display part; a user identifying part configured to perform personal identification to identify personal identification information; a detecting part configured to detect whether the image display device is held by hand; and a control part configured to display an image on the display part upon a display request when the user identifying part identifies personal identification information obtained upon the display request as personal identification information of an authorized user, to continue displaying the image on the display part as long as the detecting part detects that the image display device is held by hand, and to erase the image on the display part when the user identifying part fails to identify the personal identification information of the authorized user by a personal identification performed upon detecting by the detecting part that the image display device is not held by hand.
US08378783B1 Remote control systems
A system that allows a user to install a remote control transmitter to transmit a control signal in response to the driver flashing the high-beam headlights in a vehicle without cutting and splicing wires in the vehicle electrical system. Pluggable light system components such as the light bulb housing, the light bulb socket, and/or the headlight fuse are structured and arranged to contain a radio frequency transmitter that draws power from the existing electrical circuits. A method of use is also disclosed.
US08378780B2 Connected sensor system, network unit, and sensor unit
The present invention provides a connected sensor system which can be easily used by the user and which can give an external input to each sensor unit without making the wiring complicated, and also provides a network unit and a sensor unit used for the connected sensor system. A cyclic communication memory of a network unit is arranged with an external input request region, and an external input signal is stored to a corresponding memory in a host control apparatus. By performing cyclic communication between the network unit and the host control apparatus, the external input signal is stored to the cyclic communication memory of the network unit. Accordingly, the external input signal is transmitted to each sensor unit connected to the network unit, and each sensor unit executes the external input function.
US08378779B2 Facility equipment cooperation system, equipment control method, and agent apparatus
An apparatus communicating with a gateway apparatus on a control system network for facility equipment, via an information system network, includes a unit which stores not less than one piece of virtual point information defining a virtual point combined with not less than one piece of facility equipment, a user authentication unit which performs user authentication for a user associated with a client, a unit which receives a request for control on one virtual point from the client, a unit which creates a remote control command for the facility equipment associated with the request based on the virtual point information when the request has been received and the user authentication has succeeded, and a unit which transmit the remote control command to the gateway via the information system network when tenant authentication for a tenant associated with the agent apparatus which is performed by the gateway has succeeded.
US08378775B2 Planar transformer with boards
Transformers (1) for transforming primary signals into secondary signals comprise primary and secondary parts that comprise boards (11-14, 21-23) with turns. By introducing distances larger than zero between for example any pair of neighboring boards (11-14, 21-23), parasitic capacitances of the transformers (1) are reduced, and the secondary signals may comprise relatively fast/high voltage pulses having rise times >1 kV/μsec. To reduce proximity effects and any resulting losses, the primary and secondary boards (11-14, 21-23) may be stacked in interleaved ways. Such sandwich constructions reduce leakage inductances. In a particular direction, distances between subsequent primary boards (11-14, 21-23) and distances between subsequent combinations of primary and secondary boards (11-14, 21-23) are to be increased to further reduce capacitive losses in that particular direction. Relatively low voltage differences may be present between relatively close boards (11-14, 21-23), and relatively high voltage differences may be present between boards (11-14, 21-23) that are relatively far away from each other.
US08378770B2 Inductor assembly
An inductor assembly includes a base and an inductor component. When the inductor component is disposed on the base, the distance between the inductor component and a nearby electronic component is increased by a connecting element or a carrying element of the base, and the inductor component is prevented from contacting the nearby electronic component by a spacing element of the base.
US08378769B2 Magnetic field generator for a magnetocaloric thermal appliance and process for assembling such generator
A magnetic field generator (1) for a magnetocaloric thermal appliance comprising at least one magnetising structure (2) creating a constant magnetic field in at least one air gap (3) in which at least one magnetocaloric element (4) is arranged. The magnetising structure (2) comprises first (5) and second (6) magnetic poles arranged facing each other on each side of a symmetry plane (P) and each made up of an assembly of permanent magnets (7, 8) and of a ferromagnetic element (9). The magnetic field generator is characterised in that the ferromagnetic element (9) presents a face (F1) protruding with respect to the assembly forming the magnetic pole (5, 6) and the two ferromagnetic elements (9) of the magnetising structure (2) are arranged face to face with a distance forming the at least one air gap (3, 13, 23) of the magnetising structure (2).
US08378767B2 Electromagnetic contact device
Two electromagnetic contact devices 1a, 1b are arranged adjacently, a reversible unit 2 is detachably mounted on these electromagnetic contact devices, and two auxiliary contact point units 4a, 4b are detachably mounted on the reversible unit. In addition, two surge absorption units 3a, 3b are detachably mounted on the electromagnetic contact devices.
US08378762B2 Compact filtering structure
An electromagnetic band gap (EGB) structure includes a substrate made of an isolating material. A plurality of identical planar transmission line segments are formed one under another in conductor layers embedded in the substrate. Vertical transitions connect one by one the plurality of planar transmission line segments. Adjacent ones of the vertical transitions are equally spaced on a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the transmission line segments, thereby the vertical transitions serve as periodical inclusions forming the EBG structure.
US08378756B2 Drive loop for MEMS oscillator
Some embodiments regard a method comprising: generating a current according to a movement of the MEMS device; the movement is controlled by a control signal; generating a peak voltage according to the current; and adjusting the control signal when the peak voltage is out of a predetermined range.
US08378755B2 Oscillation circuit
An oscillation circuit has a first inverter connected to an external piezoelectric resonator, a first feedback resistor disposed between input/output terminals of the first inverter, first/second variable capacitive elements connected to input/output of the first inverter, a charging circuit supplying input/output terminal with a reference current to charge the capacitive element, a comparator comparing a charging voltage of input/output with a reference voltage, and a control circuit that, in a calibration operation, at a first time, causes the charging circuit to start supply the reference current to the input terminal or the output terminal, and, at a second time after the first time, generates the control signal for setting a capacitance value of the first or second variable capacitive element so that the charging voltage becomes close to the reference voltage according to a comparison result of the comparator.
US08378753B2 Oscillator with frequency determined by relative magnitudes of current sources
An oscillator circuit includes a circuit loop and multiple current sources. The circuit loop includes an output having the oscillating signal. The multiple current sources are turned on independently of a phase of the oscillating signal. The current sources control magnitudes of both charging current and discharging current at nodes of the circuit loop, including the output. Relative magnitudes of different current sources determine a frequency of the oscillating signal.
US08378750B2 Class AB amplifiers
A class AB amplifier includes a first inductor having a first terminal in communication with a voltage source terminal. A first transistor has a drain terminal in communication with a second terminal of the first inductor. A second transistor has a source terminal in communication with a source terminal of the first transistor. A second inductor has a first terminal in communication with a drain terminal of the second transistor and a second terminal in communication with a reference potential. The drain terminals of the first transistor and the second transistor are capacitively coupled together.
US08378745B2 Current sensing
A switching amplifier comprising: an output driving circuit (400) including a pair of switching transistors (M1, M2) connected in series between a pair of supply voltage lines (VP, gnd); a switch driver circuit (204a) configured to drive the switching transistors (M1, M2) with first and second respective PWM signals dependent on an input signal (101); an output connection between the pair of transistors (M1, M2) for driving an output load (403); and an output current sensing circuit for measuring a current through the output load, the output current sensing circuit comprising: a current sensing resistor (401a) connected between a first one (M2) of the pair of transistors and an adjacent supply voltage line (gnd); and a voltage sense circuit (404) connected across the current sensing resistor, wherein the voltage sense circuit is configured to sample a voltage across the current sensing resistor (401a) at a midpoint of successive corresponding portions of one of the PWM signals.
US08378744B2 Multi-mode power amplifier
There is provided a multi-mode power amplifier operable in a low power mode having a preset power range and in a high power mode having a power range higher than the power range of the low power mode. The multi-mode power amplifier includes: a high power amplifying unit including at least one cascode amplifier to amplify an input signal to a high power level having a preset power range; a low power amplifying unit sharing a common source node of the at least one cascode amplifier to amplify the input signal to a low power level having a power range lower than the high power level; and a coupling unit coupling a transfer path of a signal output from the high power amplifying unit and a transfer path of a signal output from the low power amplifying unit to each other.
US08378743B2 Reducing pulse error distortion
A class D amplifier that includes circuitry to apply a non-linear correction to pulse error distortion. The amplifier includes an output voltage controlling circuit, comprising at least two switches, controlled by a modulator; an output inductor, coupling the switching circuit to an output terminal; and correction circuitry to provide to the modulator a correction signal characterized by a non-linearity. The correction circuitry includes a current sensor that senses the current from the output inductor to the output terminal.
US08378742B2 Driver for a semiconductor chip
A driver for a semiconductor chip, the driver having a drain wire with a first end and a second end and p and n-type transistors each with a source, gate and drain. The source of the p-type transistors connected to a positive power supply line, the source of the n-type transistors connected to a ground power supply line. The gates of the p and n-type transistors connected to a first and second input signals respectively. The drains of the p and n-type transistors connected to the drain wire. The p and n-type transistors arranged so that a difference between a number of n-type transistors connected to the drain wire and a number of p-type transistors connected to the drain wire between the first end of the drain wire and all distances along the drain wire being less than two.
US08378738B1 Adaptive voltage scaling using a delay line
In one embodiment, a method includes determining, for an integrated circuit chip, a delay measurement corresponding to a first number of stages in a delay line. A power supply voltage measurement is also determined. The method determines a second number of stages correlated to the power supply voltage measurement. The second number of stages correspond to a desired timing delay. It is determined if a power supply voltage should be adjusted using a comparison based on the first number of stages and the second number of stages. A control signal is output for adjusting the power supply voltage when it is determined the power supply voltage should be adjusted.
US08378736B2 Low noise charge pump method and apparatus
A charge pump method and apparatus is described having various aspects. Noise injection from a charge pump to other circuits may be reduced by limiting both positive and negative clock transition rates, as well as by limiting drive currents within clock generator driver circuits, and also by increasing a control node AC impedance of certain transfer capacitor coupling switches. A single-phase clock may be used to control as many as all active switches within a charge pump, and capacitive coupling may simplify biasing and timing for clock signals controlling transfer capacitor coupling switches. Any combination of such aspects of the method or apparatus may be employed to quiet and/or simplify charge pump designs over a wide range of charge pump architectures.
US08378735B2 Die temperature sensor circuit
A die temperature sensor circuit (200) includes an amplifier (203) that has first and second stages of amplification and that has bipolar transistors (201 and 202) as an input differential pair. The bipolar transistors have different current densities. A difference between base-emitter voltages of the bipolar transistors is proportional to absolute temperature of the bipolar transistors. The bipolar transistors also provide amplification for the first stage of amplification. Multiple feedback loops maintain a same ratio between the current densities of the bipolar transistors over temperature by changing collector currents that bias the bipolar transistors. A feedback loop includes a second stage of amplification and such feedback loop cancels effect that base currents of the bipolar transistors have on an output signal of the die temperature sensor circuit.
US08378732B2 Octave-range, watt-level, fully-integrated CMOS switching power mixer array for linearization and back-off-efficiency improvement
Power mixer arrays for providing watt-level power in mobile systems. In one embodiment, a fully-integrated octave-range CMOS power mixer that occupies only 2.6 mm2 using a 130 nm semiconductor process has been demonstrated. The power mixer provides an output power of +31.5 dBm into an external 50 Ω load with a power added efficiency (PAE) of 44% at 1.8 GHz and a full power gain compression of only 0.4 dB.
US08378726B2 Clock signal duty correction circuit
A clock signal duty correction circuit includes: a first transition timing control unit configured to generate a first control signal for controlling a rising timing of a duty correction clock signal by using a clock signal; a second transition timing control unit configured to generate a second control signal for varying a falling timing of the duty correction clock signal by using the clock signal according to a code signal; and a differential buffer unit configured to generate the duty correction clock signal, whose rising time or falling time is adjusted, in response to the first control signal and the second control signal.
US08378720B2 Signal processing arrangement
A signal processing arrangement comprises a series of latches (XDL, L1, L2) arranged as a clocked delay line (CDL) having a data input and a data output that are coupled to each other so as to form an inverting loop. An enable circuit (ACDL) allows or prevents a latch (L2) in the series of latches from changing state depending on whether, one clock cycle ago, the latch concerned received a given binary value or the inverse of that given binary 5 value, respectively, from the preceding latch (L1) in the series of latches. Such a circuit configuration allows a low-cost frequency division by an odd number with relatively small duty cycle errors.
US08378718B2 Dynamic switch driver for low-distortion programmable-gain amplifier
A switching circuit for switching a time-varying input signal, the switching circuit comprising: at least one switch including a N-channel MOSFET and a P-channel MOSFET, each having a gate configured to receive a drive signal to change the ON/OFF state of the switch; and a drive circuit configured and arranged so as to selectively apply a pair of drive signals to change the ON/OFF state of the switch, the drive circuit being configured and arranged to generate the drive signals as a function of (a) a pair DC signal components sufficient to change the ON/OFF state of the switch and (b) a pair of time-varying signal components as at least a partial replica of the signal present on the source terminal of each MOSFET so that when applied with the DC signals to the gates of the n-channel MOSFET and p-channel MOSFET respectively, the drive signals will be at the appropriate level to maintain the ON/OFF state of the switch and keep the gate-source voltages of each MOSFET within the gate-source breakdown limit of the MOSFETs.
US08378717B1 High-speed BiCMOS double sampling track-and-hold amplifier circuit
A high-speed BiCMOS double sampling track-and-hold amplifier circuit, comprising an input buffer, two front-end switches, two sampling capacitors, two intermediate buffers, two feedback buffers, two back-end switches and an output buffer. The present invention forms a hold circuit featuring BiCMOS double sampling through the aforementioned components so as to reduce complexities in designing the sampling circuit and the output buffer within the BiCMOS track-and-hold amplifier circuit by means of double sampling, thereby increasing the effective sampling rate to two times. Additionally, the high-speed BiCMOS double sampling track-and-hold amplifier circuit according to the present invention further employs the linearization technology to enhance the linearity of the input buffer in the BiCMOS double sampling track-and-hold amplifier circuit in order to improve the dynamic response of the integral BiCMOS double sampling track-and-hold amplifier circuit.
US08378715B2 Method to construct systems
A method to construct first and second configurable systems including: providing a first configurable system including a first die and a second die, where the first die is diced from a first wafer and the second die is diced from a second wafer and the first die is connected to the second die using at least one through-silicon-via (TSV); providing a second configurable system including a third die and a fourth die, where the third die is diced from a third wafer and the fourth die is diced from a fourth wafer and the third die is connected to the fourth die using at least one through-silicon-via (TSV); where processing the first wafer and the third wafer utilizes a majority of masks that are substantially same; and where the first die is larger than the third die.
US08378713B2 Digital filter circuit
According to one embodiment, a digital filter circuit includes an EXOR circuit, a clock gating circuit, a reset control circuit, a counter, a filter time setting circuit, a comparator, and a decoder. The clock gating circuit outputs a clock gating signal. The reset control circuit generates a first signal. The counter generates a count signal. The filter time setting circuit latches the count signal when the first signal is in the enable state, and outputs a latched count value as a second signal. The comparator receives the count signal and the second signal, and outputs a third signal of the enable state when the value of the count signal and the value of the second signal match each other.
US08378712B2 Integrated circuit with crosslinked interconnect networks
The present invention provides in a first aspect a programmable interconnect network for an array of logic blocks, which comprises a plurality of switch boxes being connected in a tree-based hierarchical architecture and providing selection and connection for the logic blocks, switch boxes located at the lowest level of the tree structure are connected to the logic blocks; wherein said network comprises a crosslink established between two of said plurality of switch boxes. The present invention helps implement functions with more area and timing efficiency and/or placement-friendliness.
US08378703B2 Container, a method for disposing the same, and a measurement method
The present invention restrains adverse effects caused by refraction of a terahertz wave by a device under test when the terahertz wave is fed to the device under test for measurement. A container 10 contains at least part of a device under test 1 to be measured by a terahertz wave measurement device. The container 10 includes a gap portion 11 that internally arranges at least a part of the device under test 1, and an enclosure portion 12 that includes a first curved surface portion S1, and a second curved surface portion S2, and arranges the gap portion 11 between the first curved surface portion S1 and the second curved surface portion S2, thereby enclosing the gap portion 11. Moreover, a relationship n1
US08378702B2 Non-contact testing of printed electronics
Apparatus and methods for non-contact testing of electronic components printed on a substrate (3) are provided. Test circuits (11) are printed on the substrate (3) at the same time as the desired electronic component. The test circuits (11) are all optical and include a first portion (13) for providing electrical energy for the test circuit (11) and a second portion (15) for generating a detectable optical signal that is indicative of at least one electrical property of the electronic component. The test circuits are used in real time and minimize the production of unusable scrap in the printing of such products as ePaper.
US08378695B2 Determining the dead time in driving a half-bridge
A circuit arrangement for determining a temporal change of an output voltage of a half-bridge circuit during a dead time. In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes a first input for applying the output voltage. A capacitive network is provided having a first and a second circuit node capacitively coupled to the input, and having a terminal for a reference potential. A recharging circuit is configured, during the switched-on phase of one of a first and second switching elements, to adjust electrical potentials of the first and second nodes, the electrical potentials each being different from the reference potential. A comparator arrangement is provided that is configured during the dead time to determine a time difference between such times at which the electrical potentials at the first and second node each assume a given potential value, the time difference being a measure for the change with time of the output voltage.
US08378693B2 Vector network analyzer (VNA) on a chip
A front end of a vector network analyzer (VNA) on an integrated circuit includes a clock generator and two ports. The VNA couples to a device under test (DUT) using the two ports. Each port may include a plurality of receivers and a VSWR bridge, and can be configured as either an input or an output. The clock generator can generate a stimulus signal, an in-phase I clock signal, and a quadrature-phase Q clock signal. The output port provides the stimulus signal to the DUT and measures both reference and reflected power from the DUT, such as by utilizing two receivers by using direct conversion and the I and Q clock signals. The input port measures transmitted power through the DUT using a second VSWR bridge and one of its receivers by using direct conversion along with the I and Q clock signals. The VNA IC can provide S-parameter measurements to a processing unit for further processing and/or analysis to compute the DUT S-parameters.
US08378690B1 Test cable device for detecting an electrical fault
A test cable device comprising a main cable with a standard trailer connector; at least seven inner wires in the main cable, the first ends of each inner wire extending from the first end of the main cable, the first inner wire being a ground wire; a first clamp operatively connected to the first end of the first inner wire; and a second clamp operatively connected to each of the first ends of the second, third, fourth, and fifth inner wires; wherein the first ends of the sixth and seventh inner wires are operatively connected to a first flasher relay, the first flasher relay can be operatively connected to a port of a relay unit; wherein the device can be operatively connected to a power source via the first and second clamp, power is directed through the device and to the trailer via the trailer connector.
US08378687B2 Method of measuring characteristics regarding safety of battery
A measuring method of a battery includes the step of measuring frequency characteristics of an internal impedance of the battery by an AC impedance method, and determining a parameter of an element representing ease of mobility of charges on a surface of a positive electrode of the battery and that of an element representing the ease of mobility of charges on the surface of a negative electrode.
US08378681B2 Multiple-frequency RF trap and MRI system
A multiple-frequency RF trap and an MRI system including a multiple-frequency RF trap. The multiple-frequency RF trap being tuned to block RF energy at two frequencies.
US08378671B1 Deployable magnetometer
Cost-effective compact magnetometers can be deployed across large ocean areas to record magnetic field strengths. Each magnetometer has a canister containing a magnetometer sensor at its upper end to detect magnetic field strengths of magnetic influence sweep systems and provide representative data signals. Each magnetometer also has sensors to collect data representative of the orientation of the magnetometer as well as temperature and depth to aid in post operational evaluation of the gathered magnetic strength data. A computer processor connected to the sensors controls receipt of the data signals and stores them in a memory device. Batteries at the canister's lower end supply power for the sensors, processor, and memory. An anchor release mechanism causes an anchor to separate from the canister, allowing it to float to the surface for recovery or to transmit data via a UHF transceiver.
US08378666B2 Multi-turn sensor
Techniques are provided for measuring angles of rotation of a rotatable body, and, in particular, for measuring angles of rotation of a rotating member that can rotate greater than 360 degrees. One example of these techniques is multi-turn angular position sensor that includes a main gear configured to couple to and rotate, in response to rotation of a rotation member, over a main gear rotation range, a first sensor gear engaged with the main gear and configured to experience more angular rotation than the main gear in response to rotation of the main gear, and a second sensor gear engaged with the main gear and configured to experience more angular rotation than the main gear and less angular rotation than the first sensor gear in response to rotation of the main gear.
US08378661B1 Solar simulator
A solar simulator which uses a honeycomb structure for providing highly collimated light for testing one or more photovoltaic cells.
US08378660B2 Programmable integrated circuit device to support inductive sensing
An integrated circuit device inductive touch analog front end excites selected ones of a plurality of inductive touch sensors and provides analog output signals representative of voltages across the coils of the plurality of inductive touch sensors. Various characteristics of the inductive touch analog front end are programmable. A digital processor controls selection of each one of the plurality of inductive touch sensors and receives the respective analog output voltage signal from the inductive touch AFE. The digital processor may program the characteristics of the inductive touch analog front end. When a sufficient change in the coil voltage is determined by the digital processor, that inductive touch sensor is assumed to have been actuated and the digital processor takes action based upon which one of the plurality of inductive touch sensors was actuated (touched).
US08378659B2 Structural health monitoring system/method using electroactive polymer fibers
A method for monitoring the structural health of a structure of interest by coupling one or more electroactive polymer fibers to the structure and monitoring the electroactive responses of the polymer fiber(s). Load changes that are experienced by the structure cause changes in the baseline responses of the polymer fiber(s). A system for monitoring the structural health of the structure is also provided.
US08378651B2 LDO with distributed output device
A method and apparatus for supplying independently switched, regulated power to a plurality of loads is disclosed.
US08378650B2 Way out of balance (WOB) current correction for use with a multi-phase DC-DC converter
Provided herein are circuits, systems and methods that monitor for way out of balance (WOB) conditions within a multi-phase DC-DC converter, and adjust a balance between currents through channels of the DC-DC converter, in dependence on detected WOB conditions.
US08378648B2 Linear regulator with automatic external pass device detection
A power regulator circuit automatically disables an internal pass transistor when a detection circuit detects the presence of an external pass device. The internal pass transistor is made in an integrated circuit along with a detection circuit and a switch for disabling the internal pass transistor. The detection circuit detects a presence of an external pass device external to the integrated circuit. The switch automatically disables the internal pass transistor when the detection circuit detects the presence of the external pass device. The detection circuit has a comparator for comparing a signal on an outside connection of the integrated circuit and a latch to operate the switch. The comparator compares a voltage on an outside connection of the integrated circuit against a reference after power up of the regulator and can delay operation of the comparison until a predetermined time after power up. An integrated circuit can contain the power regulator circuit and the internal pass transistor. The power regulator circuit can be used on a power supply with a DC power source.
US08378645B2 Method for monitoring an electrodynamic machine
A method for monitoring an electrodynamic machine a stator and a rotor arrangement mounted along a rotatable shaft. The rotor arrangement is disposed within the stator and forms an air gap between the rotor arrangement and the stator. At least one sensor is disposed in the air gap and/or within the stator. Measurement signals are detected that are dependent on a magnetic field produced by the electrodynamic machine. The measurement signals are used as a basis for detecting oscillations of the shaft.
US08378641B2 Electric power generating system with boost converter/synchronous active filter
A method of startup of an electric start electrical power generating system (EPGS) is provided. The EPGS includes a generator configured to power a direct current (DC) load via a DC bus. The method includes: disconnecting the DC load from the DC bus; connecting a battery to a boost converter, the boost converter being connected to the generator; powering the generator using the battery via the boost converter; when the generator reaches a minimum speed: disconnecting the battery from the boost converter; deactivating the boost converter; and activating a synchronous active filter, the synchronous active filter being connected to the DC bus; bringing up a voltage on the DC bus by the generator; and when the voltage on the DC bus reaches a predetermined level, connecting the DC load to the DC bus.
US08378634B2 Power management circuit
The present invention discloses a power management circuit, including: a first voltage regulator, which converts an input voltage to an output voltage; a second voltage regulator coupled between the output voltage and a battery; and a voltage difference control circuit, which receives the output voltage and a voltage of the battery, and outputs a voltage difference control signal to control the first voltage regulator. The voltage difference control circuit includes: a battery reference voltage determination circuit, which generates a battery reference voltage related to the battery voltage, and an error amplifier, which receives the output voltage and the battery reference voltage and generates the voltage difference control signal.
US08378630B2 Video game controller charging system having a docking structure
A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.
US08378628B2 Plug conversion adaptor
A conversion adaptor enables utilization of a standardized charge cable used when a power storage device mounted on an electrically-powered vehicle is charged by a power source provided outside of the vehicle as a universal cable for transmitting electric power to electric loads having different plug shapes that are respectively standardized from one region to another. Conversion adaptor includes a primary side connector unit configured to be connectable to a connector of charge cable, a secondary side connector unit configured so as to have a plug of an electric load, such as a home electric appliance, connected thereto, and a manipulating unit for manipulating a CCID of charge cable so that relays are switched off when connector of charge cable is connected to first connector unit.
US08378627B2 Electric supply controller, electric supply system and method for controlling electric supply to charger and vehicle
Chargers are connectable with vehicles. An electric supply controller controls a switching circuit to connect an electric power supply line to one of the chargers. A storage unit of the electric supply controller associates information on a priority to each of the vehicles and stores the associated information therein. When the vehicles are simultaneously connected to different chargers, a control unit of the electric supply controller controls the switching circuit to connect the electric power supply line preferentially to one of the different chargers. The one of the different chargers is connected to one of the vehicles assigned with a highest priority.
US08378625B2 Mobile electronic device AC charger mount
A device for mounting a mobile electronic device to an alternating current charger is provided. The mount allows the user to charge a mobile electronic device with the alternating current charger provided by the original equipment manufacturer of the mobile electronic device. The mount also protects the mobile electronic device from damage.
US08378622B2 Energy and power management integrated circuit device
Provided is an energy and power management integrated circuit (IC) device. The energy and power management IC device includes a plurality of energy conversion devices for harvesting energy from respective energy conversion sources and converting the energy into electric energy, an energy management IC (EMIC) for converting the electric energy converted by the energy conversion devices into stable energy, a storage device for storing the energy or power converted by the EMIC, a power management IC (PMIC) for receiving and distributing the power stored in the storage device, and a plurality of output load devices for consuming the power distributed by the PMIC. Accordingly, it is possible to harvest energy in an environmentally friendly way and semi-permanently use the energy without changing a battery.
US08378621B2 Integrated systems for harnessing solar and wind energy
An energy farm system that harnesses energy from the environment has an integrated energy collector that harnesses solar light radiation, solar heat radiation, and harnesses wind energy. Some embodiments of the collector may be used for powering lights on a pole, communication equipment outdoors, and be suitable for powering homes and buildings. The collector harnesses wind energy by a horizontal axis rotation wind mill, harnesses solar light radiation by using a system of lenses that focus light to the center to the photovoltaic cells, and harnesses solar heat radiation by using a system of lenses that focus heat to the center to a heat exchanger. The collector mounted on a pole receives solar energy from the sun rays, as the sun travels from east to west. The lens elements focus light and heat radiation towards the center of the collector to a solar cell array and a solar energy collector.
US08378619B2 Motor start circuit for an induction motor
A motor start circuit for an induction motor includes a start switch device serving the purpose of interrupting the current or voltage flow through the start winding after the start of the motor. The motor includes a main winding and a start winding, which are supplied with alternating current or voltage from a mains power supply.
US08378615B2 Motor controller
There are provided: a plurality of notch filters which are arranged inside a control system for feedback-controlling a moving operation of a moving section of a motor and attenuate signal components having near frequencies with a notch frequency at a center in an input signal; a plurality of oscillation extracting filters which are set with different frequency bands as being corresponded to the respective notch filters and extract oscillating components in the set frequency bands from a speed detection signal; and a plurality of notch controlling sections which are arranged with respect to the respective oscillation extracting filters and control the notch frequencies of the corresponding notch filters so as to decrease amplitudes of the oscillating components extracted by the oscillation extracting filters.
US08378614B2 Fan control circuit
A fan control circuit includes a first switch element, a second switch element, and a fan connector. A first control terminal of the first switch element is connected to a fan control terminal to receive a pulse width modulation signal. A first terminal of the first switch element is connected to a first voltage source. A second control terminal of the second switch element is connected to the first terminal of the first switch element. A fourth terminal of the second switch is connected to a second voltage source via a NTC resistor. A first pin of the fan connector is connected to ground. A second pin of the fan connector is connected to a third terminal of the second switch element. A third pin of the fan connector is connected to a signal receiving terminal. The third pin is configured to receive a feedback signal indicating a rotating speeding of the fan.
US08378613B2 Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus
A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
US08378612B2 Control system and method of operating a massage device
A control system for a massage device. The massage device has a base, a carriage movably engaged with the base, a plurality of kneading heads mounted on the carriage, and a motor operative to drive the plurality of kneading heads to produce a kneading effect on a body of a user and to drive the carriage up and down relative to the base such that various areas of the body can be massaged. In one embodiment, the control system includes: an on-off switch for a user to activate or deactivate the massage device; a mode selector for a user to select one of a plurality of operating modes, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes at least two of (i) full range massage, (ii) shoulder area massage, (iii) upper back massage, (iv) lower back massage, (v) waist area massage, and (vi) any combination of (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v); and a motor controller configured to start the motor in response to the user's activating the on-off switch to drive the plurality of kneading heads and to drive the carriage up and down relative to the base in a range according to the operating mode selected by the user.
US08378611B2 Computer fan alarm circuit
A circuit for alarming abnormal state of a computer fan includes a detection circuit coupled to the computer fan, a controller coupled to the detection circuit and the computer fan, an alarm unit coupled to the controller. The detection circuit detects a power source and a speed control signal received by the computer fan, the controller determines the work state of the computer fan according to the power source, the speed control signal, and a speed signal received from the computer fan and raises an alarm through the alarm unit if the computer fan is not working normally.
US08378610B2 Linear actuator
A linear actuator includes a housing with a reversible DC-motor, which through a transmission can displace an activation element between two end positions, where an further switch located in the longitudinal direction of the spindle is activated and deactivated when a spindle nut passes during its travel on the spindle and provides information for a calculation model which continuously calculates the position of the spindle nut on the spindle so that the calculation model in the positions where the further switch is activated by the spindle nut is calibrated to show an absolute position which is entered as a reference point in the control.
US08378606B2 Synchronized minimum frequency pulse width modulation drive for sensorless brushless direct current motor
Drive voltages to a sensorless brushless DC motor are regulated by varying the width of a single drive pulse (PWM pulse) centered in each of the commutation periods. Switching losses are thereby cut to an absolute minimum because there are only two transitions (on and off) in each drive commutation period. Back EMF zero-cross detectors determine the electrical timing relationships during each electrical cycle. Since the PWM drive pulses are always centered in each of the commutation periods, there will always be back EMF available for measurement of “zero-crossings.” A digital device controls power switching transistors to produce one single PWM pulse during each of the commutation periods.
US08378603B2 Method and system for controlling an electric motor using zero current offset value cancellation
Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. The electric motor includes at least one winding. A winding current flowing through the at least one winding is monitored. The winding current has an oscillating component and an offset component. The offset component of the winding current is isolated from the oscillating component of the winding current. The electric motor is controlled based on the offset component of the winding current.
US08378602B2 System and method for aligning a rotor to a known position
A system and method are presented for aligning a rotor in a motor. The motor may include the rotor and a plurality of pairs of electromagnets. One or more pairs of electromagnets may be excited at a first excitation level. The one or more pairs of electromagnets may be less than all of the plurality of pairs of electromagnets. The excitation of the one or more pairs of electromagnets may be increased to a second excitation level over a first period of time. The excitation of the one or more pairs of electromagnets may be decreased to a third excitation level over a second period of time. Exciting the one or more pairs of electromagnets, increasing the excitation, and decreasing the excitation may cause the rotor to stop in a known position.
US08378600B2 Electric power tool
An electric power tool “A” operates a working part 5 by repeating rotation of a motor 4 in a normal direction and in a reverse direction one or more times. The motor 4 includes a brushless motor. Sensors H for detecting a position of a rotor 15 are provided on the motor 4 so as to be advanced by an electrical angle of 30°±θ° from an intermediate position between respective stator teeth 16 in a direction of the normal rotation of the rotor 15. A control part 20 for controlling the rotation of the motor 4 controls a driving signal of the motor 4 based on the results of detection by the sensors H. Moreover, the control part 20 selects a detection signal of the sensors H so that relation between the rotor 15 and the detection signal of the sensors H is equivalent in either of the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the rotor 15.
US08378591B2 Light output device
A light output device comprises a power supply and a plurality of light source device arrangements arranged in a line extending from a power connection, with adjacent light source device arrangements in the line connected together with an electrical connector arrangement. Each light source device arrangement is associated with a control circuit from the plurality of control circuits for providing independent control of the light source device arrangement output based on the control signal. The device can be reduced in length by disconnecting the connector arrangement between an adjacent pair of light source device arrangements and the remaining light source device arrangements extending from the power source are independently controlled by the control signal.
US08378590B2 Method for detection of non-zero-voltage switching operation of a ballast of fluorescent lamps, and ballast
A method for use in a lamp ballast includes obtaining a measurement signal representative of a voltage at an output of a half-bridge circuit. The half-bridge circuit includes first and second semiconductor switching elements, a resonant circuit connected to the half-bridge circuit, and a snubber capacitance connected in parallel with one of the semiconductor switching elements. The method also includes providing a comparison signal by comparing the measurement signal with a reference value. The method further includes detecting one of a first type of non-zero-voltage switching operation and a second type of non-zero-voltage switching operation based on evaluations of the comparison signal, wherein the evaluations of the comparison signal occurs in each case before the first semiconductor element is switched on and in each case before the second semiconductor element is switched on.
US08378588B2 Circuits and methods for driving light sources
A driving circuit for driving a light source includes a converter and a dimming controller. The converter coupled to a power source is operable for receiving power from the power source and for providing regulated power to the light source according to control signals. The dimming controller coupled to the converter is operable for monitoring a power switch coupled between the power source and the converter, for receiving a color change signal indicating a first set of operations of the power switch and a dimming request signal indicating a second set of operations of the power switch, for controlling the control signals to change the color of the light source in response to the color change signal, and for controlling the control signals to adjust the brightness of the light source in response to the dimming request signal.
US08378587B2 Lamp having self-regulated lighting
A portable electric lamp comprises a lighting module with LEDs and user control means connected to an electronic control circuit to define different lighting modes. An optic sensor is housed in the casing near the light-emitting diode LED to transmit to the control circuit a signal representative of the lighting induced by the lamp to automatically regulate the power of the LED according to a predefined threshold.
US08378583B2 Feedforward control of semiconductor light sources
A control method for a semiconductor light source may include operating the semiconductor light source with short, powerful pulses by an operating device; storing the characteristic light decrease of the semiconductor light source depending on the power introduced into the semiconductor light source in the operating device; and altering power introduced during the pulse in such a way that the emitted quantity of light of the semiconductor light source substantially remains constant over the pulse duration.
US08378582B2 Plasma lighting system
A plasma lighting system is disclosed. Interference with an electronic device using the same band as that of the plasma lighting system can be avoided by changing the shape of vanes constituting a magnetron, and a filament current of the magnetron at an initial starting stage and that in a normal state are adjusted to be different, thus avoiding interference with a wireless LAN and attenuating noise, and a resonator has a mash form to increase efficiency. Because a rectangular waveguide is bent substantially at a right angle, and the magnetron and the resonator are disposed at one side on the basis of a waveguide space of the waveguide, thus reducing the size and an installation space of the plasma lighting system.
US08378577B2 Liquid crystal display with ambient light sensor
A liquid crystal display includes a main body, a screen positioned on the main body, a backlight module positioned in the main body and supplying light for the screen, a controller for controlling the brightness of the backlight module and an ambient light sensor positioned on the main body. The ambient light sensor includes a barrel, an optical sheet positioned at an end of the barrel and a photosensitive unit positioned at the other end of the barrel. The photosensitive unit creates a signal according to the ambient light received via the optical sheet, and sends the signal to the controller. The controller adjusts the brightness of the backlight module. The optical sheet includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and a plurality of V-shaped micro structures formed on the first surface.
US08378576B2 Ion beam generator
[Objection of the invention]An ion beam generator, a thermal distortion in a grid assembly is reduced. [Structure to solve the objection]Thermal expansion coefficients αP, αM and αG, for a sidewall (1A) of a discharge chamber, mounting platform (40) and extraction grid electrode assembly (20) are selected to have a relation: αP>αM≧αG. For example, the material of discharge chamber sidewall is stainless steel o aluminum, the material of grids is Mo, W or C and the material of platform is Ti or Mo.
US08378572B2 Plasma display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A plasma display panel includes: a front plate; a rear plate having barrier ribs; a sealing member that seals a peripheral edge of the front plate and a peripheral edge of the rear plate; and a bonding layer that bonds at least part of the barrier ribs and the front plate to each other. The sealing member has a first glass member. The bonding layer has a second glass member. A deformation point of the second glass member is lower than a softening point of the first glass member. A softening point of the second glass member is higher than the softening point of the first glass member.
US08378563B2 Apparatus, method to change light source color temperature with reduced optical filtering losses
The efficiency and color temperature of a lighting device may be improved by using wavelength shifting material, such as a phosphor, to absorb less desired wavelengths and transmit more desired wavelengths. A reflective filter (e.g., dichroic or dielectric mirror material) may pass desired wavelengths while returning or reflecting less desired wavelengths away from an optical exit back toward wavelength shifting material which may either be disposed in the optical path or on the periphery of the light source.
US08378562B2 Hybrid compact fluorescent lamp fixing method
A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent lamp source. Both light sources are fixed within the assembly by a fixing mechanism that spaces the lights sources from each other such that heat from one source does not negatively affect the second light source or any other portion of the assembly.
US08378561B2 Electron emitter and field emission device provided with electron emitter
An electron emitter includes a guard electrode 13 on the outer circumferential side of a carbon film structure 10 which is formed on a substrate 7 by plasma CVD method. This guard electrode 13 includes a curved surface portion (a curved surface portion that curves from top toward a side opposite to the film-forming direction) 13a convex in a film-forming direction of the carbon film structure 10. A curvature radius R1 of an outer-circumferential-side portion of the curved surface portion 13a is larger than or equal to a curvature radius R2 of a carbon-film-structure-side portion of the curved surface portion 13a.
US08378559B2 LED bulb for high intensity discharge bulb replacement
The disclosed system includes a two-phase cooling apparatus configured for cooling an array of LED dies.
US08378558B2 Thermoelectric generator
A thermoelectric generator including, between first and second walls delimiting a tightly closed space, a layer of a piezoelectric material connected to output terminals; a plurality of openings crossing the piezoelectric layer and emerging into first and second cavities close to the first and second walls; and in the tight space, drops of a liquid, the first wall being capable of being in contact with a hot source having a temperature greater than the evaporation temperature of the liquid and the second wall being capable of being in contact with a cold source having a temperature smaller than the evaporation temperature of the liquid.
US08378554B2 Multi-layer piezoelectric element and injection apparatus using the same
A multi-layer piezoelectric element of high durability wherein external electrodes do not peel off the surface of a stack even when operated continuously over a long period of time under a high electric field and a high pressure, a method for manufacturing the same and an injection apparatus using the same are provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stack 10 consisting of a plurality of piezoelectric layers 1 and a plurality of metal layers 2 which are stacked alternately one on another and external electrodes (covering member) 4 that cover at least a part of the side faces of the stack 10, wherein at least one metal layer 2a among the plurality of metal layers 2 is a porous metal layer 2a which has more voids than the metal layers 2b that adjoin the metal layer 2a on both sides thereof in the stacking direction, and a part of the external electrodes 4 infiltrates between two piezoelectric layers 1, 1 which adjoin the porous metal layer 2a in the stacking direction.
US08378553B1 Buried idt SAW filter having low propagation loss
A SAW resonator with improved temperature characteristics includes a single crystal piezoelectric substrate of symmetry 3 m, providing propagation of leaky waves with quasi-shear horizontal polarization and squared electromechanical coupling coefficient exceeding 5%. A SiOx overlay having a flattened surface covers the electrode pattern. Electrode thicknesses range from about 0.1% to about 10% of an acoustic wavelength and the SiOx thickness ranges between zero and 30% of an acoustic wavelength of a surface acoustic wave excited on the surface of the substrate. The piezoelectric substrate has an orientation defined by Euler angles (0±3°, μ, 0±3°), with angle μ=90°−μ′ and rotation angle μ′, which depends on material of a piezoelectric substrate and thicknesses of electrodes and SiOx overlay. Such orientations simultaneously combined with optimized thicknesses of electrodes and SiOx overlay provide for improved performance in RF applications with improved temperature characteristics.
US08378541B2 Magnetic radial bearing and magnetic bearing system having a three-phase controller
A magnetic radial bearing and a bearing system for supporting a rotating shaft are disclosed. The bearing has a number of electromagnets circumferentially arranged around a rotating shaft. Each of the electromagnets has a coil which is electrically connected so as to generate both a magnetic bias and a rotating three-phase field. First terminals of opposing coils are connected in common to a corresponding phase of a three-phase controller for generating the rotating field, whereas second terminals of the coils not connected to the same phase are connected at corresponding star points. The star points are connected to DC power for generating the magnetic bias.
US08378534B2 Liquid cooling arrangement for electric machines
A liquid cooling arrangement for electric machines uses a continuous cooling tube associated with a heat storing element. The cooling tube has a serpentine configuration and the heat storing element includes longitudinal slots starting from both longitudinal ends of the heat storing element. Accordingly, it is possible to slightly deform the heat storing element to properly position it into the internal stator of an electric machine. An internal biasing assembly may be used to force the external surface of the heat storing element to the internal surface of the stator.
US08378531B2 Actuator apparatus of active accelerator pedal
The present invention relates to an actuator apparatus of an active accelerator pedal, which can provide a driver with a pressing-force rise mode or a vibration mode in accordance with the operational condition of the accelerator pedal and the traveling condition of the vehicle; therefore, it is possible to improve fuel efficiency and also help safe traveling. An actuator apparatus of an active accelerator pedal of the present invention includes: an actuator housing fixed to a pedal arm housing; a stator fixed to the actuator housing and electromagnetized by current transmitted though the control of an ECU; a carrier having one end disposed in a stator and the other end disposed toward the pedal arm through the actuator housing, and applying pressing-force to the pedal arm while protruding from the stator when current is applied to the stator; and a position sensor disposed in the actuator housing and detecting the amount of rotation of the pedal arm to determine the amount of current applied to the stator through the control of the ECU.
US08378521B2 Energy storage systems
Different types of energy storage systems are described, in particular hydro-pneumatic storage systems. In one, energy is stored by compressing gas in a chamber (44,45,54,55) with a liquid piston and released by gas expansion. A spray head or grid at the top of the chamber (44,45,54,55) supplies liquid as a shower through the gas being compressed or expanding in the cylinder (11,12) to maintain an isothermal condition. In another, energy is stored from an array of solar cells connected to an array of supercapacitors forming an auxiliary storage, and a main energy storage device such as a hydro-pneumatic storage system, for supply to an AC or DC network. The efficiency is improved by connecting the solar cells via the array of supercapacitors to the AC or DC network. An immersed hydro-pneumatic storage device for off-shore/on-shore power generation systems comprises a cylinder that is immersed in a liquid mass, wherein energy is stored by compressing gas with a liquid piston and energy is released by gas expansion. The mass of liquid maintains an isothermal condition in the cylinder during compression and expansion.
US08378514B2 Phase-angle offsettng converter to minimize damaging effects of sudden phase changes due to network disturbance
A system for a wind energy installation. The wind energy installation feeds electrical power into a power supply system. A phase control device can include a power supply system fault detector, a phase angle detector, and a signal processing module. When a power supply system fault is detected, a phase error signal can be determined. A preset angle signal can be determined based on the phase error signal. The preset angle signal can be provided to a converter which can emit electrical power having a phase angle corresponding to the preset angle signal into the power supply system. Accordingly, an undesirable sudden surge in power output resulting from a phase change occurring at the end of the power supply system disturbance can be avoided.
US08378513B2 Method and device for harvesting energy from ocean waves
A method and device for generating electric power from ocean waves is described. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one buoy. When the buoy is deployed in a body of liquid subject to wave motion, the buoy remains partially submerged during normal wave motion. The buoy is coupled to the magnetostrictive element to continuously exert a varying force on the magnetostrictive element during the normal wave motion.
US08378508B2 Integrally molded die and bezel structure for fingerprint sensors and the like
A biometric sensor device, such as a fingerprint sensor, comprises a substrate to which is mounted a die on which is formed a sensor array and at least one conductive bezel. The die and the bezel are encased in a unitary encapsulation structure to protect those elements from mechanical, electrical, and environmental damage, yet with a portion of the sensor array and the bezel exposed or at most thinly covered by the encapsulation or other coating material structure.
US08378505B2 Semiconductor substrate structure and semiconductor device
A semiconductor substrate structure includes an electrode pad formed on a semiconductor substrate, a protective film formed on the semiconductor substrate with a distance from the electrode pad, and a bump formed on the electrode pad. The protective film has a barrier portion surrounding the electrode pad. The barrier portion has a height different from a height of a part of the protective film other than the barrier portion.
US08378497B2 Contact structures and semiconductor devices including the same
Methods of forming a contact structure in a semiconductor device include providing a semiconductor substrate including active regions and word lines crossing the active regions. A first interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Direct contact plugs are formed extending through the first interlayer dielectric layer to contact selected ones of the active regions. Bit line structures are formed on the first interlayer dielectric layer and crossing the word lines that are coupled to the selected ones of the active regions by the direct contact plugs. A second interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate including the bit line structures. Barrier patterns are formed extending in parallel with bit line structures and into the second interlayer dielectric layer. Mask patterns are formed overlying an entirety of top surfaces of the direct contact plugs on the second interlayer dielectric layer and the bit line structures. The second and first interlayer dielectric layers are etched using the mask patterns, the barrier patterns and the bit line structures as an etching mask to form buried contact holes and buried contact plugs are formed in the buried contact holes.
US08378494B2 Method for fabrication of a semiconductor device and structure
A semiconductor device comprising: a first single crystal silicon layer comprising first transistors, first alignment mark, and at least one metal layer overlying said first single crystal silicon layer, wherein said at least one metal layer comprises copper or aluminum more than other materials; a second layer overlying said at least one metal layer, said second layer comprising second transistors, second alignment mark, and a through via through said second layer, wherein said through via is a part of a connection path between said first transistors and said second transistors, wherein alignment of said through via is based on said first alignment mark and said second alignment mark and effected by a distance between said first alignment mark and said second alignment mark.
US08378490B2 Semiconductor apparatus including a metal alloy between a first contact and a second contact
A method of integrated circuit fabrication is provided, and more particularly fabrication of a semiconductor apparatus with a metallic alloy. An exemplary structure for a semiconductor apparatus comprises a first silicon substrate having a first contact comprising a silicide layer between the substrate and a first metal layer; a second silicon substrate having a second contact comprising a second metal layer; and a metallic alloy between the first metal layer of the first contact and the second metal layer of the second contact.
US08378488B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device has an interlayer insulating film that is formed on a semiconductor substrate and has a trench formed therein; a first diffusion barrier film formed on an inner surface of the trench; a Cu wiring layer buried in the trench with the first diffusion barrier film interposed between the Cu wiring layer and the inner surface of the trench; a second diffusion barrier film formed on top of the interlayer insulating film and the Cu wiring layer; an alloy layer primarily containing Cu formed at a first interface between the Cu wiring layer and the second diffusion barrier film; a first reaction layer that is formed at a second interface between the interlayer insulating film and the second diffusion barrier film; and a second reaction layer that is formed on the alloy layer and the first reaction layer.
US08378487B2 Wafer level chip package and a method of fabricating thereof
Wafer level chip packages including risers having sloped sidewalls and methods of fabricating such chip packages are disclosed. The inventive wafer level chip packages may advantageously be used in various microelectronic assemblies.
US08378486B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a protective insulating film, an opening formed in the protective insulating film, an electrode pad located within the opening, a bump formed on the protective insulating film, and an interconnect. The bump includes a bump core and a conductive film. The bump core includes an insulating resin layer and a conductive resin layer located on the insulating resin layer. The conductive film is formed on at least the upper surface of the bump core. The interconnect connects the conductive film of the bump and the electrode pad.
US08378484B2 Semiconductor device, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and electronic appliance having the semiconductor device
In order to connect a semiconductor device including an integrated circuit to an external circuit typified by an antenna, the shape of the contact electrode to be formed in the semiconductor device is devised, so that bad connection between the external circuit and the contact electrode is not easily caused and the contact electrode with high reliability is provided. The contact electrode is formed by a screen printing method using a squeegee having a chamfered corner or having a wedge shape. The contact electrode has a peripheral portion and a central portion. The peripheral portion has a tapered portion with its film thickness gradually decreasing from the central portion toward the end portion, and the central portion has a projection portion that continues from the tapered portion.
US08378482B2 Wiring board
A wiring board between which and a chip to be mounted a resin is filled includes: a substrate body on which a conductor portion to be connected to an electrode terminal of the chip is formed; and an insulating protection film formed on the substrate body and having an opening portion formed therein to expose the conductor portion. The opening portion is formed in such a manner that the edge thereof is positioned along and outside the outer shape of the chip except for a specific corner portion, and that the edge in the specific corner portion is positioned on a side of or inside the outer shape of the chip.
US08378480B2 Dummy wafers in 3DIC package assemblies
A package structure includes a first die, and a second die over and bonded to the first die. The second die has a size smaller than a size of the first die. A dummy chip is over and bonded onto the first die. The dummy chip includes a portion encircling the second die. The dummy chip includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of silicon and a metal.
US08378477B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with film encapsulation and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a package substrate having a substrate bottom side and a substrate top side opposite the substrate bottom side; mounting an integrated circuit over the package substrate, the integrated circuit having an inactive side and an active side opposite the inactive side; connecting stack connectors to the substrate top side; applying a multi-layer film over the substrate top side, the integrated circuit, and the stack connectors, the multi-layer film having a base film layer, a penetrable film layer, and a penetrable adhesive; removing the base film layer and the penetrable film layer to expose the penetrable adhesive and exposed portions of the stack connectors; and forming an adhesive film layer by hardening the penetrable adhesive.
US08378470B2 Semiconductor device that performs signal transmission using induction coupling, method of said manufacturing semiconductor device, and lead frame thereof
A first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip are overlapped with each other in a direction in which a first multilayer interconnect layer and a second multilayer interconnect layer are opposed to each other. When seen in a plan view, a first inductor and a second inductor are overlapped. The first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip have non-opposed areas which are not opposed to each other. The first multilayer interconnect layer has a first external connection terminal in the non-opposed area, and the second multilayer interconnect layer has a second external connection terminal in the non-opposed area.
US08378466B2 Wafer-level semiconductor device packages with electromagnetic interference shielding
Described herein are wafer-level semiconductor device packages with EMI shielding and related methods. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes: (1) a semiconductor device; (2) a package body covering lateral surfaces of the semiconductor device, a lower surface of the package body and a lower surface of the semiconductor device defining a front surface; (3) a set of redistribution layers disposed adjacent to the front surface, the set of redistribution layers including a grounding element that includes a connection surface electrically exposed adjacent to at least one lateral surface of the set of redistribution layers; and (4) an EMI shield disposed adjacent to the package body and electrically connected to the connection surface of the grounding element. The grounding element provides an electrical pathway to ground electromagnetic emissions incident upon the EMI shield.
US08378465B2 Method and apparatus for optical modulation
The present invention is a method and an apparatus for optical modulation, for example for use in optical communications links. In one embodiment, an apparatus for optical modulation includes a first silicon layer having one or more trenches formed therein, a dielectric layer lining the first silicon layer, and a second silicon layer disposed on the dielectric layer and filling the trenches.
US08378460B2 Method of batch trimming circuit elements
Multiple wafers that each has multiple high-precision circuits and corresponding trim control circuits are batch trimmed in a process where each wafer is formed to include openings that expose trimmable circuit elements that are internal to the circuitry of the high-precision circuits. The high-precision circuits and trim control circuits are electrically activated during the trimming phase by metal traces that run along the saw streets. The method attaches a wafer contact structure to each wafer to electrically activate the metal traces. The method places the wafers with the wafer contact structures into a solution where the exposed trimmable circuit elements are electroplated or anodized when the actual output voltage of a high-precision circuit does not match the predicted output voltage of the high-precision circuit.
US08378453B2 Devices including composite thermal capacitors
Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices or systems that include a composite thermal capacitor disposed in thermal communication with a hot spot of the device, methods of dissipating thermal energy in a device or system, and the like.
US08378452B2 Wafer level package having cylindrical capacitor and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is a wafer level package having a cylindrical capacitor, which is capable of increasing electrostatic capacity thanks to the use of a cylindrical capacitor structure and which includes a wafer chip having a bonding pad formed thereon and an insulating layer formed thereon and exposing the bonding pad, a redistribution layer connected to the bonding pad and extending to one side of the insulating layer, a cylindrical outer electrode connected to the redistribution layer and having a center opening therein, a cylindrical inner electrode formed in the center opening of the outer electrode so as to be separated from the outer electrode, a dielectric layer formed between the outer electrode and the inner electrode, and a resin sealing portion formed on the insulating layer to cover the redistribution layer, the inner electrode, the outer electrode and the dielectric layer and having a first recess for exposing an upper surface of the inner electrode. A method of fabricating the wafer level package having a cylindrical capacitor is also provided.
US08378451B2 Capacitor and a method of manufacturing a capacitor
A device comprises a substrate (22); a first MiM capacitor (10,20,11) disposed over the substrate; and a second MiM capacitor (10′,20′,11) disposed over the first MiM capacitor. The first MiM capacitor and the second MiM capacitor are electrically connected in parallel. The two MiM capacitors are vertically stacked one above the other.Each MiM capacitor comprises an interconnection layer (10,10′) of the CMOS process as one plate and a thinner conductive layer (11,11′) as the second plate, with an insulating layer (20,20′) disposed therebetween. This allows each MiM capacitor to be formed between two CMOS process interconnection layers.The second plate of the second MiM capacitor is substantially co-extensive with the second plate of the first MiM capacitor, and is disposed substantially directly over the second plate of the first MiM capacitor. The same mask may be used to pattern the second plate of the second MiM capacitor and the second plate of the first MiM capacitor. This minimizes the number of masks required, and so minimizes the mask investment cost.
US08378450B2 Interdigitated vertical parallel capacitor
An interdigitated structure may include at least one first metal line, at least one second metal line parallel to the at least one first metal line and separated from the at least one first metal line, and a third metal line contacting ends of the at least one first metal line and separated from the at least one second metal line. The at least one first metal line does not vertically contact any metal via and at least one second metal line may vertically contact at least one metal via. Multiple layers of interdigitated structure may be vertically stacked. Alternately, an interdigitated structure may include a plurality of first metal lines and a plurality of second metal lines, each metal line not vertically contacting any metal via. Multiple instances of interdigitated structure may be laterally replicated and adjoined, with or without rotation, and/or vertically stacked to form a capacitor.
US08378446B2 Semiconductor device isolation structures
Structures and methods are disclosed for the electrical isolation of semiconductor devices. A method of forming a semiconductor device may include providing a second integrated device region on a substrate that is spaced apart from a first integrated device region. An isolation region may be interposed between the first integrated device region and the second integrated device region. The isolation region may include an isolation recess that projects into the substrate to a first predetermined depth, and that may be extended to a second predetermined depth.
US08378444B2 Photodiode and method of fabricating photodiode
A light-absorbing layer is composed of a compound-semiconductor film of chalcopyrite structure, a surface layer is disposed on the light-absorbing layer, the surface layer having a higher band gap energy than the compound-semiconductor film, an upper electrode layer is disposed on the surface layer, and a lower electrode layer is disposed on a backside of the light-absorbing layer in opposition to the upper electrode layer, the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer having a reverse bias voltage applied in between to detect electric charges produced by photoelectric conversion in the compound-semiconductor film, as electric charges due to photoelectric conversion are multiplied by impact ionization, while the multiplication by impact ionization of electric charges is induced by application of a high-intensity electric field to a semiconductor of chalcopyrite structure, allowing for an improved dark-current property, and an enhanced efficiency even in detection of low illumination intensities, with an enhanced S/N ratio.
US08378443B2 Area sensor and display apparatus provided with an area sensor
An area sensor of the present invention has a function of displaying an image in a sensor portion by using light-emitting elements and a reading function using photoelectric conversion devices. Therefore, an image read in the sensor portion can be displayed thereon without separately providing an electronic display on the area sensor. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion layer of a photodiode according to the present invention is made of an amorphous silicon film and an N-type semiconductor layer and a P-type semiconductor layer are made of a polycrystalline silicon film. The amorphous silicon film is formed to be thicker than the polycrystalline silicon film. As a result, the photodiode according to the present invention can receive more light.
US08378441B2 Manufacturing method and structure of a wafer level image sensor module with package structure
The present invention discloses a manufacturing method and structure of a wafer level image sensor module with package structure. The structure of the wafer level image sensor module with package structure includes a semi-finished product, a plurality of solder balls, and an encapsulant. The semi-finished product includes an image sensing chip and a wafer level lens assembly. The encapsulant is disposed on lateral sides of the image sensing chip and the wafer level lens assembly. Also, the manufacturing method includes the steps of: providing a silicon wafer, dicing the silicon wafer, providing a lens assembly wafer, fabricating a plurality of semi-finished products, performing a packaging process, mounting the solder balls, and cutting the encapsulant. Accordingly, the encapsulant encapsulates each of the semi-finished products by being disposed on the lateral sides thereof.
US08378436B2 Electromechanical transducer and method of manufacturing the same
An electromechanical transducer includes a plurality of devices each including at least one cell including a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other across a gap, and an outer frame extending along an outer periphery of the plurality of devices. The first electrode of each of the devices includes a plurality of portions formed by electrically separating a device substrate with grooves, and the outer frame includes a part of the device substrate surrounding the plurality of portions and electrically separated from the plurality of portions by the grooves. The first electrodes each including the plurality of portions are respectively bonded to a plurality of conductive portions of another substrate via a plurality of electrode connection portions, and the outer frame is bonded to a corresponding portion of the another substrate via a circular outer frame connection portion which surrounds the electrode connection portions.
US08378433B2 Semiconductor device with a controlled cavity and method of formation
A semiconductor device includes a first cap wafer having a first opening extending through the first cap wafer, and a second cap wafer bonded to the first cap wafer, wherein the second cap wafer has a second opening extending through the second cap wafer, and wherein the first opening is misaligned with respect to the second opening. The second cap wafer is bonded to a device wafer, wherein a cavity is formed between the device wafer and the second cap wafer, and wherein the device wafer comprises at least one semiconductor device in the cavity. A vacuum sealing layer is formed over the first cap wafer, wherein the sealing layer vacuum seals the first opening.
US08378428B2 Metal gate structure of a semiconductor device
The applications discloses a semiconductor device comprising a substrate having a first active region, a second active region, and an isolation region having a first width interposed between the first and second active regions; a P-metal gate electrode over the first active region and extending over at least ⅔ of the first width of the isolation region; and an N-metal gate electrode over the second active region and extending over no more than ⅓ of the first width. The N-metal gate electrode is electrically connected to the P-metal gate electrode over the isolation region.
US08378426B2 Semiconductor memory device and fabrication process thereof
A SRAM includes a first CMOS inverter of first and second MOS transistors connected in series, a second CMOS inverter of third and fourth MOS transistors connected in series and forming a flip-flop circuit together with the first CMOS inverter, and a polysilicon resistance element formed on a device isolation region, each of the first and third MOS transistors is formed in a device region of a first conductivity type and includes a second conductivity type drain region at an outer side of a sidewall insulation film of the gate electrode with a larger depth than a drain extension region thereof, wherein a source region is formed deeper than a drain extension region, the polysilicon gate electrode has a film thickness identical to a film thickness of the polysilicon resistance element, the source region and the polysilicon resistance element are doped with the same dopant element.
US08378423B2 Dual-gate transistor and pixel structure using the same
A dual-gate transistor includes a first gate formed on a substrate, a first dielectric layer covering the first gate and the substrate, a semiconductor layer formed on the first dielectric layer, first and second electrodes formed on the semiconductor layer and spaced with an interval in order to separate each other, a second dielectric layer covering the first and second electrodes, and a second gate formed on the second dielectric layer, in which at least one of the first and second gates is non-overlapped with the second electrode.
US08378420B2 Vertical trench LDMOS transistor
A vertical trench LDMOS transistor includes a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a first trench formed in the semiconductor layer and filled with a trench dielectric and a trench gate is formed in the first trench; a body region of a second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer adjacent the first trench; a source region formed in the body region and adjacent the first trench; a planar gate insulated from the semiconductor layer by a second gate dielectric layer and overlying the body region; and a drain drift region formed in the semiconductor layer. The planar gate forms a lateral channel in the body region between the source region and the drain drift region, and the trench gate in the first trench forms a vertical channel in the body region along the sidewall of the first trench between the source region and the semiconductor layer.
US08378417B2 Semiconductor device including a well potential supply device and a vertical MOS transistor
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a well of a first conductivity type in the semiconductor substrate; a first element; and a first vertical transistor. The first element supplies potential to the well, the first element being in the well. The first element may include, but is not limited to, a first pillar body of the first conductivity type. The first pillar body has an upper portion that includes a first diffusion layer of the first conductivity type. The first diffusion layer is greater in impurity concentration than the well. The first vertical transistor is in the well. The first vertical transistor may include a second pillar body of the first conductivity type. The second pillar body has an upper portion that includes a second diffusion layer of a second conductivity type.
US08378411B2 Power semiconductor devices integrated with clamp diodes having separated gate metal pads to avoid breakdown voltage degradation
A structure of power semiconductor device integrated with clamp diodes having separated gate metal pads is disclosed. The separated gate metal pads are wire bonded together on the gate lead frame. This improved structure can prevent the degradation of breakdown voltage due to electric field in termination region blocked by polysilicon or gate metal.
US08378409B2 Non-volatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A non-volatile memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a peripheral circuit region and a cell region, wherein the cell region of the semiconductor substrate is lower in height than the peripheral circuit region of the semiconductor substrate, a control gate structure disposed over the cell region of the semiconductor substrate and comprising a plurality of inter-layer dielectric layers that are alternately stacked with a plurality of control gate electrodes, a first insulation layer covering the cell region of the semiconductor substrate where the control gate structure is formed, a selection gate electrode disposed over the first insulation layer, and a peripheral circuit device disposed over the peripheral circuit region of the semiconductor substrate.
US08378406B2 Multilayer stacked type nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a substrate; a memory multilayer body with a plurality of insulating films and electrode films alternately stacked therein, the memory multilayer body being provided on a memory array region of the substrate; a semiconductor pillar buried in the memory multilayer body and extending in stacking direction of the insulating films and the electrode films; a charge storage film provided between one of the electrode films and the semiconductor pillar; a dummy multilayer body with a plurality of the insulating films and the electrode films alternately stacked therein and a dummy hole formed therein, the dummy multilayer body being provided on a peripheral circuit region of the substrate; an insulating member buried in the dummy hole; and a contact buried in the insulating member and extending in the stacking direction.
US08378404B2 Semiconductor structure of a display device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor structure of a display device and the method for fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor structure is formed on a substrate having a TFT region and a pixel capacitor region thereon. A TFT, including a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a channel layer, and a gate insulating layer, is formed on the TFT region of the substrate. A pixel capacitor is formed on the pixel capacitor region, wherein the pixel capacitor comprises a bottom electrode formed on a bottom dielectric layer, an interlayer dielectric layer formed on the bottom electrode, a top electrode formed on the interlayer dielectric layer, a contact plug passing through the interlayer dielectric layer and electrically connected to the top and bottom electrodes, a capacitor dielectric layer formed on the top electrode, a transparent electrode formed on the capacitor dielectric layer and electrically connected to the drain electrode.
US08378398B2 Photodetector isolation in image sensors
Shallow trench isolation regions are disposed in an n-type silicon semiconductor layer laterally adjacent to a collection region of a photodetector and laterally adjacent to a charge-to-voltage conversion region. The shallow trench isolation regions each include a trench disposed in the silicon semiconductor layer and a first dielectric structure disposed along an interior bottom and sidewalls of each trench. A second dielectric structure is disposed over the pinning layer. The dielectric structures include a silicon nitride layer disposed over an oxide layer. An n-type isolation layer is disposed along only a portion of the exterior bottom of the trench and the exterior sidewall of the trench immediately adjacent to the photodetector. The n-type isolation layer is not disposed along the remaining portion of the bottom or the opposing exterior sidewall of the trench.
US08378392B2 Trench MOSFET with body region having concave-arc shape
A trench Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor with improved body region structures is disclosed. By forming the inventive body region structures with concave-arc shape with respect to epitaxial layer, a wider interfaced area between the body region and the epitaxial layer is achieved, thus increasing capacitance between drain and source Cds. Moreover, the invention further comprises a Cds enhancement doped region interfaced with said body region having higher doping concentration than the epitaxial layer to further enhancing Cds without significantly impact breakdown voltage.
US08378387B2 Field effect transistor and method of manufacturing the same
A field effect transistor according to the present invention includes A field effect transistor, comprising: a nitride-based semiconductor multilayer structure, at least including, a drift layer formed of n-type or i-type AlxGa1-xN (0≦X≦0.3), a barrier layer formed of i-type AlYGa1-Y (Y>X), an electron supply layer formed of n-type AlYGa1-YN, and a channel layer formed of i-type GaN or InGaN, that are epitaxially grown on a substrate in this order, from the side of the substrate, a suitable buffer layer being interposed between the substrate and the nitride-based semiconductor multilayer structure; a gate electrode formed in a part of a front surface of the channel layer with an insulating film interposed therebetween; an n+type connection region in which n-type impurities are doped with the density of 1×1018 cm−3 or more, in a range from at least a part of a channel layer to a part of the drift layer, adjacent to one side in a planer direction of an area where the gate electrode is formed; a source electrode formed on a front surface of the semiconductor layer in the opposite side of the n+type connection region with respect to the gate electrode; and a drain electrode formed on a back surface of the substrate.
US08378385B2 Methods of preparing flexible photovoltaic devices using epitaxial liftoff, and preserving the integrity of growth substrates used in epitaxial growth
There is disclosed methods of making photosensitive devices, such as flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices, through the use of epitaxial liftoff. Also described herein are methods of preparing flexible PV devices comprising a structure having a growth substrate, wherein the selective etching of protective layers yields a smooth growth substrate that us suitable for reuse.
US08378384B2 Wafer and method for producing a wafer
A wafer includes a wafer frontside surface and a region adjacent to the wafer frontside surface. The region includes oxygen precipitates and the wafer frontside includes a predetermined surface structure to form thereon a device with a desired property.
US08378383B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming a shielding layer between stacked semiconductor die
A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die with a shielding layer formed over its back surface. The first semiconductor die is mounted to a carrier. A first insulating layer is formed over the shielding layer. A second semiconductor die is mounted over the first semiconductor die separated by the shielding layer and first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is deposited over the first and second semiconductor die. A first interconnect structure is formed over the second semiconductor die and second insulating layer. A second interconnect structure is formed over the first semiconductor die and second insulating layer. The shielding layer is electrically connected to a low-impedance ground point through a bond wire, RDL, or TSV. The second semiconductor die may also have a shielding layer formed on its back surface. The semiconductor die are bonded through the metal-to-metal shielding layers.
US08378381B2 GaN-based semiconductor light emitting device
There is provided a GaN-based semiconductor light emitting device including: a substrate; and an n-type GaN-based semiconductor layer, an active layer and a p-type GaN-based semiconductor layer sequentially deposited on the substrate, wherein the active layer includes: a first barrier layer including AlxInyGa1-x-yN, where 0
US08378379B2 Substrate for mounting light-emitting element and light-emitting device
A substrate for mounting a light-emitting element, containing a substrate main body having a mounting surface on which a light-emitting element is to be mounted, a reflection layer formed on a part of the mounting surface of the substrate main body and containing silver to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a vitreous insulating layer formed on the reflection layer, wherein the vitreous insulating layer contains a glass containing SiO2, at least one of Al2O3 and B2O3, and at least one member selected from Li2O, Na2O and K2O, wherein (Li2O+Na2O+K2O)—Al2O3 is from −20 to 1.5% and Si02+3×Al2O3 is at most 90% calculated using the mol % of each of said SiO2, Al2O3 B2O3, Li2O, Na2O and K2O in said glass.
US08378377B2 Light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light emitting chip, an external terminal made of a metal material, and a circuit board. The light emitting chip is mounted on the circuit board via the external terminal. The light emitting chip includes a semiconductor layer, 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. The circuit board includes an interconnection bonded to the first metal pillar and the second metal pillar via the external terminal, and a heat radiation material provided on an opposite side of the interconnection and connected to the interconnection.
US08378374B2 Semiconductor light emitting device packages including submounts
A submount for a solid state lighting package includes a support member having upper and lower surfaces, a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a first electrical bondpad on the upper surface of the support member and having a first bonding region proximate the first side surface of the support member and a second bonding region extending toward the second side surface of the support member, and a second electrical bondpad on the upper surface of the support member having a die mounting region proximate the first side surface of the support member and an extension region extending toward the second side surface of the support member. The die mounting region of the second electrical bondpad may be configured to receive an electronic device. The submount further includes a third electrical bondpad on the upper surface of the support member and positioned between the second side surface of the support member and the die mounting region of the second electrical bondpad.
US08378370B2 LED package structure
A LED package structure includes a substrate, a LED chip and a colloid. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. An opening is shaped from the first surface toward the second surface. A phosphor layer is coated on the bottom surface with two opposite parts of the bottom surface respectively neighboring to two opposite side walls of the opening exposed. A metal layer is coated on the two exposed opposite parts of the bottom surface, the two opposite side walls and the first surface. The LED chip is received in the opening and configured on the phosphor layer. The LED chip includes a pair of conductive pads electrically connecting to the metal layer. The colloid is filled between the LED chip and the metal layer to attach the substrate to the LED chip.
US08378368B2 Light-emitting diode structure
A light-emitting diode structure is provided. The light-emitting diode structure includes a light-emitting diode chip, a lead frame for electrically connecting and supporting the light-emitting diode chip, and a lens covering the light-emitting diode chip and to partially cover the lead frame. A recess disposed on the upper portion of the lens has a ladder-like inner wall formed of an upper inclined wall portion, a lower inclined wall portion, and a connecting wall portion connected to the upper and lower inclined wall portions. The slope of the upper inclined wall portion is greater than that of the lower inclined wall portion, and the slope of the connecting wall portion is greater than the upper and lower inclined wall portions.
US08378366B2 Electromagnetic radiation emitting optoelectronic component and method for manufacturing an optoelectronic component
An optoelectronic component is specified that emits a useful radiation. It comprises a housing having a housing base body with a housing cavity, and a light-emitting diode chip arranged in the housing cavity. At least one base body material of the housing base body has radiation-absorbing particles admixed in a targeted manner to reduce its reflectivity. According to another embodiment of the component, the housing additionally or alternatively has a housing material transmissive for the useful radiation that has radiation-absorbing particles admixed in a targeted manner to reduce its reflectivity. In addition, a method for manufacturing such a component is specified.
US08378365B2 Light emitting diode package and projection apparatus
A light emitting diode (LED) package including a carrier, at least one LED chip, and a light guide element is provided. The LED chip is disposed on the carrier. The light guide element including a light transmissive body, a light integration part, a reflective film, and a support part is disposed on the carrier and above the LED chip. The light integration part connected to the light transmissive body and disposed between the light transmissive body and the LED chip has a light incident surface facing the LED chip and at least one side. The side connects the light transmissive body and the light incident surface. The reflective film is disposed on the side. The support part leaning on the carrier is connected to the light transmissive body and surrounds the light integration part. The light transmissive body, the light integration part, and the support part are integrally formed.
US08378364B2 Multi-chip light emitting diode and method for fabricating the same
Multi-chip light emitting diodes and method for fabricating the same are provided. The multi-chip light emitting diode includes a lead frame including a carrier part. A plurality of chips is disposed on the carrier part, wherein the plurality of chips includes a first chip and a second chip. A first scattering layer is conformally covering the first chip to expose electrodes thereof, wherein the first scattering layer consists of a first scattering material. A second scattering layer is conformally covering the second chip to expose electrodes thereof, wherein the second scattering layer consists of a second scattering material.
US08378362B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode display and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate, a first electrode positioned on the substrate, an organic light emitting layer positioned on the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned on the organic light emitting layer. The organic light emitting layer includes an inorganic oxide layer between a light emitting layer and a common layer.
US08378358B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a carrier, a light emitting element electrically connected to the carrier, a transparent plate having at least one through hole formed therein and including a flat-portion and a lens-portion and a permeable membrane structure disposed on a surface of the transparent plate. The lens-portion covers the light emitting element and has a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, a first and a second side surfaces. A first partial beam of the light beam passes through the light incident surface and leaves from the light emitting surface. A second partial beam of the light beam passes through the light incident surface and is transmitted to the first or the second side surface. The first or the second side surface reflects at least a part of the second partial beam of the light beam to be passed through the light emitting surface.
US08378352B2 Organic light-emitting display device and manufacturing method of the same
An organic light-emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device are disclosed. The organic light-emitting display device includes a bottom capacitor electrode that is formed over the same plane as an active layer of a thin film transistor and includes a semiconductor doped with ion impurities, a pixel electrode, and a top capacitor electrode formed over the same plane as a gate electrode, wherein a contact hole entirely exposing the pixel electrode and the top capacitor electrode is formed.
US08378351B2 Thin film transistor, display device, and electronic unit
A thin film transistor using oxide semiconductor for a channel, which may be controlled such that threshold voltage is positive and may be improved in reliability is provided. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a pair of source/drain electrodes, an oxide semiconductor layer forming a channel and provided between the gate electrode and the pair of source/drain electrodes, a first insulating film as a gate insulating film provided on the oxide semiconductor layer on a side near the gate electrode, and a second insulating film provided on the oxide semiconductor layer on a side near the pair of source/drain electrodes. One or both of the first insulating film and the second insulating film includes an aluminum oxide having a film density of 2.70 g/cm3 or more and less than 2.79 g/cm3.
US08378348B2 Semiconductor element and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device 101 includes: a substrate 1; an active layer 4 provided on the substrate 1 and including a channel region 4c, and a first region 4a and a second region 4b that are respectively located on opposite sides of the channel region 4c; first and second contact layers 6a and 6b respectively in contact with the first and second regions 4a and 4b of the active layer 4; a first electrode 7 electrically coupled to the first region 4a via the first contact layer 6a; a second electrode 8 electrically coupled to the second region 4b via the second contact layer 6b; and a gate electrode 2 provided such that a gate insulating layer 3 is interposed between the gate electrode 2 and the active layer 4, the gate electrode 2 being configured to control a conductivity of the channel region 4c. The active layer 4 contains silicon. The semiconductor device further includes an oxygen-containing silicon layer 5 between the active layer 4 and the first and second contact layers 6a, 6b. The layer 5 contains oxygen at a concentration higher than the active layer 4 and the first and second contact layers 6a, 6b.
US08378347B2 LED package
According to one embodiment, an LED package includes first and second lead frames spaced from each other, and an LED chip. Each of the first and second lead frames includes a base portion and a plurality of extending portions extending from the base portion. A part of a lower surface of the base portion, side surfaces of the base portion, lower surfaces of the extending portions and side surfaces of the extending portions are covered by resin. A remaining part of the lower surface of the base portion and tip surfaces of the extending portions are not covered by resin. The part of the lower surface of the base portion includes a first edge of the first lead frame and a second edge of the second lead frame. The first edge and the second edge are opposed each other.
US08378346B2 Circuit architecture for the parallel supplying during electric or electromagnetic testing of a plurality of electronic devices integrated on a semiconductor wafer
A circuit architecture provides for the parallel supplying of power during electric or electromagnetic testing of electronic devices integrated on a same semiconductor wafer and bounded by scribe lines. The circuit architecture comprises a conductive grid interconnecting the electronic devices and having a portion external to the devices and a portion internal to the devices. The external portion extends along the scribe lines; and the internal portion extends within at least a part of the devices. The circuit architecture includes interconnection pads between the external portion and the internal portion of the conductive grid and provided on at least a part of the devices, the interconnection pads forming, along with the internal and external portions, power supply lines which are common to different electronic devices of the group.
US08378343B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device is provided in which a pixel portion and a driver circuit each including a thin film transistor are provided over one substrate; the thin film transistor in the pixel portion includes a gate electrode layer, a gate insulating layer, an oxide semiconductor layer having an end region with a small thickness, an oxide insulating layer in contact with part of the oxide semiconductor layer, source and drain electrode layers, and a pixel electrode layer; the thin film transistor in the pixel portion has a light-transmitting property; and source and drain electrode layers of the thin film transistor in the driver circuit portion are formed using a conductive material having lower resistance than a material of the source and drain electrode layer in the pixel portion.
US08378342B2 Oxide semiconductor and thin film transistor including the same
Provided are an oxide semiconductor and an oxide thin film transistor including the oxide semiconductor. The oxide semiconductor may be formed of an indium (In)-zinc (Zn) oxide in which hafnium (Hf) is contained, wherein In, Zn, and Hf are contained in predetermined or given composition ratios.
US08378341B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device of the present invention has a first interconnect layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, and a semiconductor element; the first interconnect layer has an insulating layer, and a first interconnect filled in a surficial portion of the insulating layer; the semiconductor element has a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode; the semiconductor layer is positioned over the first interconnect layer; the gate insulating film is positioned over or below semiconductor layer; and the gate electrode is positioned on the opposite side of the semiconductor layer while placing the gate insulating film in between.
US08378338B2 Conjugated compound, nitrogenated condensed-ring compound, nitrogenated condensed-ring polymer, organic thin film, and organic thin film element
According to the first invention group there are provided conjugated compounds having two or more groups represented by the following formula (I) or the following formula (II): wherein one of Ar and Ar′ represents a C6 or greater divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group and the other represents a C4 or greater divalent heterocyclic group, wherein the groups each may have a substituent, with the proviso that the groups as a whole contain no fluorine atoms, R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a monovalent group, and Ar″ represents a trivalent aromatic hydrocarbon or trivalent heterocyclic group; when the conjugated compound has two or more groups represented by formula (I), the portion excluding these groups contain no fluorine atoms. According to the second group of the present invention there are provided nitrogen-containing fused-ring compounds represented by the following formula (α-I): in formula (α-I), R21 and R22 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an optionally substituted monovalent group, and Z21 and Z22 each independently represent any one of the groups represented by the following formulas (α-i)-(α-ix); wherein R23, R24, R25 and R26 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a monovalent group, and R23 and R24 may bond together to form a ring, the left side and the right side of the group represented by formula (α-viii) may be interchanged.
US08378336B2 Liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material and organic electron device
A liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material, having a compound having at least one bonding form selected from the group consisting of (p-type organic semiconductor compound residue)-(n-type organic semiconductor compound residue)-(p-type organic semiconductor compound residue), and (n-type organic semiconductor compound residue)-(p-type organic semiconductor compound residue)-(n-type organic semiconductor compound residue).
US08378328B2 Phase change memory random access device using single-element phase change material
A phase change memory cell with a single element phase change thin film layer; and a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the single element phase change thin film layer. A current flows from the first electrode to the single element phase change thin film layer, and through to the second electrode. The single element phase change thin film layer includes a single element phase change material. The single element phase change thin film layer can be less than 5 nanometers thick. The temperature of crystallization of the single element phase change material can be controlled by its thickness. In one embodiment, the single element phase change thin film layer is configured to be amorphous at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius). In one embodiment, the single element phase change thin film layer is comprised of Antimony (Sb).
US08378324B2 Handheld portable multi purpose sterilizing wavelength transforming converter
An apparatus and a method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for producing multiple and variable wavelength distributions of UV radiation, or visible radiation, comprising a primary UV radiation source, and a system of wavelength transforming (WT) materials that allows selecting at will between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation, whereby the apparatus provides for UV sterilization of food, fluid, air, fluids, and surfaces; while also providing a means to emit visible light. Additionally, an apparatus and method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for enabling production and emission of UV radiation selectable between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation in a small form factor device embodied in a handheld portable flashlight, or lamp, type device.
US08378323B1 Sterilizing toybox apparatus
The sterilizing toybox apparatus addresses illness risk, especially with children, by providing UV light sterilization within. UV lighting is offered both above and beyond toys within the apparatus. A time-release latch ensures exposure for a time determined to be optimal for UV exposure of contents. The apparatus provides UV lighting both in the bottom of the chest and in the lid. The clear shelf above the lower UV bulbs is in communication with the vibrator that jostles any toys so that full UV exposure is ensured. Reflective material distributed fully within the chest further guarantees full exposure of contents to sterilization. Additionally, the optional mesh basket is selectively suspended within the chest.
US08378318B1 Fixed mask design improvements
A mask or set of masks is disclosed in which outward projections are placed on either side of at least one aperture. An ion beam is then directed through the mask toward a workpiece. An ion collecting device or an optical system is then used to measure the alignment of the mask to the ion beam. These projections serve to increase the sensitivity of the system to misalignment. In another embodiment, a blocker is used to create a region of the workpiece that is not subjected to a blanket implant. This facilitates the use of optical means to insure and determine alignment of the mask to the ion beam.
US08378313B2 Uniformity of a scanned ion beam
One embodiment relates to an ion implanter. The ion implanter includes an ion source to generate an ion beam, as well as a scanner to scan the ion beam across a surface of a workpiece along a first axis. The ion implanter also includes a deflection filter downstream of the scanner to ditheredly scan the ion beam across the surface of the workpiece along a second axis.
US08378312B1 System, apparatus and method for deflecting a particle beam
A variety of systems, apparatus and methods for deflecting a particle beam are described. An apparatus comprises at least six electromagnetic portions disposed on a plane. Each of the at least six electromagnetic portions is aligned with a radius emanating from an axis normal to the plane and is distanced from the axis to form a volume about the axis. At least six coils are configured for affecting a dipole magnetic field in the volume in response to electrical currents applied to physically opposing coils where a particle beam entering the volume is deflected. Each of the at least six coils is disposed about a one of the at least six electromagnetic portions. A yoke structure is configured for returning a generated magnetic flux.
US08378311B2 Synchrotron power cycling apparatus and method of use thereof
The invention comprises a charged particle cancer therapy system or synchrotron system using one or more switches to introduce a corresponding one or more resistors into a circuit linking a power supply to a magnet or an inductor during an applied power recovery phase between acceleration cycles of the synchrotron, which reduces time of reduction in power from an active applied power to a power suitable for use with a subsequent injection of charged particles into the synchrotron.
US08378310B2 Image quality in photon counting-mode detector systems
The current invention applies to photon counting silicon x-ray detectors with energy discriminating capabilities and applications in x-ray imaging systems. The overall image quality produced by such a system is improved by the presented novel methods for optimally using the energy information in Compton events and making selective use of counts induced from charges collected in neighboring pixels. The pile-up problem during high-flux imaging regimes is reduced by a novel method for signal reset, which improves the count efficiency by reducing the risk of losing event due to signal pile-up in the read out electronics chain.
US08378302B2 Bidirectional optical scanner assisting in mammography
A bidirectional optical scanner assisting in mammography is revealed. The optical scanner that calculates functional images obtained by diffuse optical tomography, used in combination with a mammography machine can reduce the number of mammograms taken and the dose exposure. The bidirectional optical scanner includes a compression module, a first optical detection module, and a second optical detection module. The same test position of the tested breast can be detected twice in different directions by the first and the second optical detection modules. No matter where the tumor is located, the tumor can be detected. Besides structural images provided by the mammography machine, functional tomographic images of the breast are obtained by the bidirectional optical scanner. Thus diagnostic accuracy in the detection of breast cancer is improved.
US08378297B2 Method and apparatus to produce steady beams of mobility selected ions via time-dependent electric fields
A method to select ions based on their electrical mobility is described. Ions are separated in space, and a continuous flow of mobility filtered ions is produced at the outlet of the device, as in Differential Mobility Analyzers (DMAs). Yet, no high fluid velocity field is required, avoiding limitations associated in DMAs to flow unsteadiness. Instead, separation relies on the use of time-dependent electric fields. Separation is based on synchronizing the period of the field with the flight time of an ion from an inlet to an outlet for a particular electrical mobility.Unlike FAIMS, the new invention separates ions according to their absolute mobility within one or a few characteristic times for field variation, rather than via many tiny separation steps over many periods of field variation producing separation according to non-linearities in the mobility. Unlike conventional pulsating ion mobility spectrometry, a steady flow of ions is produced.
US08378291B2 Metal volume source calibration phantom and calibrating method thereof
A metal volume source calibration phantom includes a container, a plurality kinds of metal plates stacked up inside the container, and at least one slab of radioactive source, each of which is disposed between the adjacent metal plates and includes a plurality of radionuclides. By means of inserting different numbers of the plurality kinds of metal plates inside the container, it is capable of obtaining the metal volume source calibration phantoms with different densities. In addition, a method for calibrating the metal volume source calibration phantom is also provided, which starts by the step of providing the metal calibration phantoms with different densities by inserting different numbers of a plurality kinds of metal plates and at least one slab of radioactive source into the container, and then detecting counting efficiency with respect to the metal volume calibration phantoms having different densities by a waste curie monitor so as to establish the correlation between density and counting efficiency.
US08378290B1 Sensor calibration systems and methods for infrared cameras
Systems and methods directed to calibration techniques for infrared cameras are disclosed for some embodiments. For example, a method of determining infrared sensor calibration information, in accordance with an embodiment, includes performing a calibration operation on an infrared sensor to obtain calibration information, wherein the infrared sensor is not within an infrared camera core, and storing the calibration information.
US08378287B2 Optical sensor module including a diode laser and a substrate transparent to radiation emitted by the diode laser and a method for manufacturing an optical sensor module
The invention relates to an optical sensor module (1) for a measuring device. Said module comprises at least one optical sensor (2) including a diode laser (3) having a laser cavity for generating a measuring beam, the diode laser being attached to a substrate (12), converging means (5) (such as a lens). During measuring, such converging means (5) converges the measuring beam in an action plane and converges in the laser cavity the measuring beam radiation that has been back-scattered by an object to generate a self-mixing effect and means for measuring the self-mixing effect. Later means comprise a photo diode (4) and an associated signal processing circuitry. According to an essential aspect of the invention, that the diode laser (3) is configured to emit laser radiation of a wavelength for which the substrate (12) being attached to the diode laser (3) is transparent. This configuration leads to an essentially simple (and therefore cheap) sensor module.
US08378281B2 Terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array with offset solar cell modules
Terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic arrays that may include a modular design that is sized and weighted to facilitate installation with a small amount of manpower. The array may further be adapted to be adjusted during or after installation to accommodate the necessary power requirements. The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array may include a torque tube that may be constructed of discrete sections. A drive may be connected to the torque tube to rotate the torque tube. A number of solar cell modules may be connected to the torque tube. The modules may be positioned at offsetting angular orientations depending upon their distance away from the drive. This offset positioning compensates for twisting distortion of the torque tube caused by the drive rotating the torque tube. At one point of rotation, each of the solar cell modules may be substantially aligned in a common plane.
US08378280B2 Integrated solar energy receiver-storage unit
Receivers for use in solar energy collector systems and solar-powered electrical energy generating plants are provided. The receivers comprise a solar radiation absorbing core that converts absorbed solar radiation to thermal energy. The core comprises a refractory material to allow the receivers to operate continuously at high temperatures reached by absorbing concentrated solar radiation. The thermal energy so generated in the core may be stored in the receiver for a transitory period, or for a more extended period. Receivers may comprise one or more fluid channels in and/or around the core for conveying a working fluid to facilitate extraction of stored thermal energy from the core.
US08378277B2 Optical impact control system
An optical impact system controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target and preventing effects of countermeasures on false munitions termination. Embodiments can be implemented on in a variety of munitions such as small and mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality with airburst capability for example and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. Embodiments can improve accuracy, reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in a weapon itself and make the weapon resistant to optical countermeasures.
US08378276B2 Time-to-go missile guidance method and system
A method and apparatus for guiding a vehicle to intercept a target is described. The method iteratively estimates a time-to-go until target intercept and modifies an acceleration command based upon the revised time-to-go estimate. The time-to-go estimate depends upon the position, the velocity, and the actual or real time acceleration of both the vehicle and the target. By more accurately estimating the time-to-go, the method is especially useful for applications employing a warhead designed to detonate in close proximity to the target. The method may also be used in vehicle accident avoidance and vehicle guidance applications.
US08378274B2 Induction heating device
An induction heating device includes a top plate, a thermo-sensitive device, a temperature detector, a coil, a controller, and a light-emitting section. The top plate places thereon a cooking utensil containing material to be cooked. The thermo-sensitive device changes its electrical characteristics with the temperature of the cooking utensil. The temperature detector detects the temperature of the cooking utensil based on the electrical characteristics of the thermo-sensitive device. The coil heats the cooking utensil. The controller controls the coil based on the temperature information of the temperature detector, thereby controlling an amount of the electric heating power to be supplied to the cooking utensil. The light-emitting section emits visible light to the area over the thermo-sensitive device. The light from the light-emitting section illuminates the area over the thermo-sensitive device through the top plate.
US08378272B2 Heat treatment apparatus, heat treatment method and storage medium
Disclosed is a heat treatment apparatus for performing a heat treatment on an object to-be-processed by a heater, which can inhibit variation in thermal histories among the objects to-be-processed. The heat treatment apparatus includes, among others, a correction part to correct a power control signal output from an adjusting unit so that a conduction rate of an AC voltage applied to a heater is decreased. Specifically, the correction is performed based on a value obtained by multiplying a first correction value with a second correction value, where the first correction value is generated according to a ratio of the voltage detection value of AC power source to a predetermined reference voltage, and the second correction value is generated according to a ratio of the resistance value of the heater to a predetermined reference resistance value.
US08378264B2 Heater for piping
A heater for piping includes a plurality of shells connected via hinges. The shells are adapted to be mounted on an outer circumferential wall of piping having a circular cross section to enclose the piping and form a polyhedron along the piping. Thermal insulators are disposed over entire surfaces of inner walls of the shells. A plurality of molds are disposed at the inner walls and are adapted to abut on the outer circumferential wall of the piping in the mounted state. A plurality of heating elements are disposed at the inner walls of the shells so that the heating elements are positioned in a space formed between corners of the polyhedron and the outer circumferential wall of the piping and extend in the longitudinal direction of the piping in the mounted state.
US08378261B2 Automated assembly method for a motor vehicle
A method of automated assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method includes a step of automatically determining weld characteristics according to weld location information. The method further includes a step of generating an automated weld program according to the weld characteristics and a step of controlling a welding robot according to the automated weld program.
US08378259B2 Eliminating head-to-head offsets along common chuck travel direction in multi-head laser machining systems
The embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for correcting a head-to-head offset in a laser machining system with two or more processing heads. A focusing lens is associated with each processing head, and is configured to receive an incident laser beam along an incident beam axis of propagation. The incident beam axis of propagation is offset from the primary axis of the focusing lens. The focusing lens is further configured to rotate about the incident beam axis of propagation in order to steer the incident laser beam's path with respect to a workpiece.
US08378257B2 Laser processing apparatus
A laser processing apparatus including a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a white light source for emitting white light, a focusing lens for focusing the white light to the workpiece, a first optical fiber for guiding the white light emitted from the white light source to the focusing lens, a detector for detecting the intensity of reflected light from the workpiece, and a second optical fiber for guiding the reflected light to the detector. Accordingly, the white light to be focused to the workpiece can be easily handled and only a wavelength component focused on the workpiece can be stably propagated.
US08378248B2 System and method for heat treating a weld joint
A system for heat treating a weld joint includes a beam generator that produces a beam directed at the weld joint. A beam splitter between the beam generator and the weld joint diverts a portion of the beam along a path. A reflector receives the diverted portion of the beam and directs it to a point at the weld joint. A modulator in the path controls passage of the diverted portion of the beam. A method for heat treating a weld joint includes directing a beam at the weld joint, diverting a portion of the beam, and reflecting the diverted portion of the beam in the direction of the weld joint. The method further includes modulating the diverted portion of the beam to control the passage of the diverted portion of the beam.
US08378241B1 Self-locking connector clip
A clip for connecting a conductor to a circuit interrupter in an electrical device is generally U-shaped and self-locking. The clip has a generally arcuate body and two generally linear legs. The legs extend vertically from the body. The legs have beveled edges that together with the generally arcuate body of the clip and a flat portion of the clip, allow an interlock to be formed between the clip and the conductor when the clip is in close contact with the conductor.
US08378235B2 Electric junction box
Vertical bus bars are mounted on a first surface of a box main body. A connection terminal of the vertical bus bars projects inside a fitting peripheral wall of a connector fitting portion provided to a second surface of the box main body. A retainer is provided off of the electrical component connection portion, the retainer holding the vertical bus bars disengageably from the first surface.
US08378234B2 Housing for an electrical device
A case for an electric device has a case part with sidewalls and a cover connected to the sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls and the cover enclose an explosion-protected interior in which electric and/or electronic components are accommodated. A case reinforcement is disposed in the sidewalls and in the cover.
US08378225B2 Printed circuit board and method for fabricating the same
The invention provides a printed circuit board and method for fabricating the same. The printed circuit board includes a substrate having an internal circuit structure. An additional circuit structure is disposed on the substrate, electrically connected to the internal circuit structure. A solder mask insulating layer having an opening is disposed on the additional circuit structure. A conductive bump pattern is disposed in the solder mask insulating layer, wherein the conductive bump pattern extends into the opening horizontally, wherein a side, a portion of an upper surface and a portion of a lower surface of the conductive bump pattern are exposed from the opening. A solder ball is formed in the opening, wherein the solder ball is electrically connected to the additional circuit structure.
US08378222B2 Method of reducing solder wicking on a substrate
This invention relates to a substrate with via and pad structure(s) to reduce solder wicking. Each via and pad structure connects a component to conductive layers associated with the substrate. The substrate includes one or more plated vias, solder mask(s) surrounding the plated vias, and a conductive pad with a conductive trace connected to each plated via. The conductive pad extends beyond the terminal sides to increase solder formation and the solder mask reduces solder formation at the terminal end of the component. The via and pad structure is suitable for a variety of components and high component density. The invention also provides a computer implemented method for calculating the maximum distance of a conductive pad extending beyond the terminal side of a component.
US08378220B2 Electronic device, washer and method for manufacturing washer
An electronic device includes, a circuit board including a through hole, a member including a screw hole, a screw including a screw body having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the through hole and a screw head having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole, wherein the screw body penetrates through the through hole to engage with the screw hole and the screw head is disposed on an opposite side of the circuit board to the member, and a first washer provided between the screw head and the circuit board, the first washer including a first washer body and a plurality of first washer legs extending from the first washer body toward the circuit board, the first washer legs being in contact with the circuit board and having a characteristic of reducing stress on the circuit board upon being heated.
US08378219B2 Nesting dielectric insulators
A bus assembly and bus assembly connector include one or more insulated members that have axial sleeves that fit within one another during assembly to form a nesting arrangement. The nesting arrangement of the axial sleeves allow reduction of the overall size of the bus assembly connector while satisfying power rating standards and dielectric clearances as well as allowing bolting of the bus assembly to thereby clamp and secure the bus assembly. The axial sleeves can be distinctively designed such that the phase members must be assembled in a predetermined order, with no components being omitted, to form the bus assembly connector or clamp the bus assembly.
US08378213B1 Adjustable floor bracket articles and methods
A support bracket article for enabling the adjustable positioning of an electrical box enclosure relative to the bottom of a framing member, and the supporting thereof in an interior wall section of a wall system under construction. The article is able to guide the adjustable positioning of the electrical box enclosure. It is also able to accommodate the supporting and adjustable positioning of the electrical box enclosure in a variety of framing studs and wall systems.
US08378207B2 System and method for using pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction
A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.
US08378203B2 Simulated percussion instrument
Embodiments of an electronic instrument simulating a percussion instrument using capacitive touch sensitive sensors are described herein. Embodiments described comprise an art layer, a sensor layer, a shielding layer, an electronics package and a speaker. The art layer has depictions of one or more percussion instruments. The sensor layer is deposed under the art layer. The sensor layer has one or more instrument sensors, each comprising one or more capacitive touch sensors. Instrument sensors are positioned underneath one of the depicted percussion instruments in the art layer so that a finger tapping the depicted instrument will trigger the sensor. The capacitive touch sensors are electrically connected to the electronics package configured to detect changes in capacitance when a particular capacitive touch sensor is touched, causing the electronics package to play on the speaker a sound sample of an percussion instrument associated with that capacitive touch sensor.
US08378200B1 Source-dependent acoustic, musical and/or other instrument processing and feedback system
The Source-Dependent Instrument is a signal processing and signal generation system that uses one or more signal event generators that can be functionally activated and controlled by the analysis of an external input signal. These output generators and signal processors can be set to re-synthesize aspects of the input or synthesize a more complex or perceptually shifted output based on the input.
US08378196B2 Sonically controlled wind-up motor
A sonically controlled motor has a rotating shaft and an escapement selectively allowing or denying rotation there-of. An acoustic element cooperates with the escapement such that selective operation of the acoustic element selectively allows or denies rotation of, or controls the rotational speed of the shaft. A machine, such as a toy, having one or more moving elements may be controlled by the motor such that selective operation of the acoustic element selectively allows or denies movement of the machine. Alternation of the volume and/or frequency of the acoustic element may be used to alter the operation of the motor, or the motor may be operated according to the beat and qualities of music. The motor may be operated by remote control of the acoustic element.
US08378194B2 Composition device and methods of use
A system for creating a musical score may be provided. The system may include a composition tool application that is configured to provide a plurality of instrument interfaces to a user. The instrument interfaces may include a keyboard interface, a stringed instrument interface, and a percussion interface. The plurality of instrument interfaces may each include a representation of an instrument and a score section for illustration of the musical score. The composition tool application may be configured to provide the user with the ability to select a portion of the representation of the instrument. In response to the selection of the portion of the representation of the instrument, the composition tool application may be configured to provide a representation of a note for the instrument in the score section.
US08378193B2 Contoured finger pick for stringed instruments
A pick worn on the finger or thumb of a player of a stringed instrument to aid in the plucking of the strings. The pick rests comfortably like a saddle upon the upper surface of the finger because it's large inner surface mimics the unique contour of the finger or thumb, enabling the pressure required to secure it to be distributed equally on the finger. It has a picking edge that is placed at a point on the finger where the string naturally first contacts the finger, making for a very natural playing experience. The angle of orientation of the picking edge allows the string to move easily and quietly across the striking surface, reproducing the sound of a traditional flat pick. It's unique design holds it place without slipping using wide and thin elastic band which also eliminates unwanted noise from inadvertently contacting adjacent strings.
US08378190B2 Piano construction
A piano frame including a main plate having a first major surface for supporting piano strings and an opposite second major surface for supporting a soundboard. First, second, third and fourth elongate anchor zones are located on the first major surface for anchoring, respectively, first end (upper, tuneable end) and second end (lower, hitched end) of bass strings and first end (upper, tuneable end) and second end (lower, hitched end) of treble strings. A plurality of openings are provided in the main plate between the third anchor zone and the fourth anchor zone. A truss defined by a plurality bracing members integrally formed in the main plate extends between the third anchor zone and the fourth anchor zone. The bracing members are located wholly between a plane extending between the third and fourth anchor zones and a plane defined by the second major surface of the main plate.
US08378188B1 Maize variety hybrid X95A921
A novel maize variety designated X95A921 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 X95A921 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95A921 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95A921, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95A921. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95A921.
US08378185B2 Soybean variety XB14H11
A novel soybean variety, designated XB14H11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB14H11, cells from soybean variety XB14H11, plants of soybean XB14H11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB14H11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB14H11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB14H11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB14H11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB14H11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB14H11 are further provided.
US08378181B2 Soybean variety A1023729
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023729. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023729. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023729 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023729 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08378177B2 Canola cultivar DN051493
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola cultivar, designated DN051493. Also included are seeds of canola cultivar DN051493, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola DN051493 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola DN051493 with itself or another canola cultivar, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola DN051493.
US08378175B2 Pea line EX 08250826
The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated EX 08250826. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line EX 08250826, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line EX 08250826 with itself or with another pea 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 pea line EX 08250826, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.
US08378173B2 Transcription factor gene OsNACx from rice and use thereof for improving plant tolerance to drought and salt
The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide capable of giving a plant tolerance to drought and/or salt stress, which comprises a polynucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, and to a promoter capable of giving a plant tolerance to drought and/or salt stress. The present invention also relates to an expression vector comprising the said polynucleotide and/or the said promoter, and to a host cell transformed or transfected by the said expression vector. The present invention further relates to a use of the said polynucleotide or promoter sequence in improvement of plant tolerance to drought and/or salt stress.
US08378170B2 High yielding soybean plants with low linolenic acid
The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing methods for marker assisted selection to create plants of a soybean variety that exhibit a mid/low linolenic acid content with a commercially significant yield and an agronomically elite phenotype. The invention also provides derivatives and plant parts of these plants. Further provided by the invention are methods for the use of these plants. The invention is significant in that oil with decreased linolenic acid exhibits numerous beneficial characteristics yet prior art varieties with decreased linolenic acid also exhibited decreased yield and poor agronomic quality.
US08378168B2 Article having a lotioned topsheet
A feminine hygiene garment containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a nonuniform pattern of a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition is semi-solid or solid at 20° C. and is partially transferable to the wearer's skin. The lotion composition is applied to the article in a nonuniform manner, preferably such that there are regions on the article's topsheet that are not coated with lotion. In one embodiment the nonuniform pattern is a plurality of stripes of lotion that are separated by a plurality of stripes having no lotion.
US08378165B2 Array of absorbent articles having functional enhancement indicators
An array of feminine hygiene articles for placement in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. Each feminine hygiene article of the array has a body-facing surface, a first end region and a second end region, the array of feminine hygiene articles comprising at least first and second the feminine hygiene articles differing in at least one functional characteristic. The first and second feminine hygiene articles each comprise a functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface, the functional enhancement indicator of the first and second feminine hygiene articles being visibly different to distinguish the first feminine hygiene article from the second feminine hygiene article.
US08378164B2 Method for obtaining aromatic hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon mixture
Processes for obtaining aromatic hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon mixture a1. Mixture a1 is extractively distilled with extractive solvent a2 producing mixture bl comprising solvent a2, aromatic hydrocarbons and high boilers, and nonaromatic hydrocarbon mixture b2. Mixture b1 is distilled to aromatic hydrocarbon c1 and solvent comprising high boilers c2. Substream dl is removed from c2 and c2 is recycled to extractive distillation. Substream d1 is extracted with water producing aqueous phase e1 and organic phase e2. Aqueous phase e1 is distilled and purified solvent a2 is recovered and recycled into extractive distillation of mixture b1. Substream e2′ is removed from organic phase e2 and recycled into extractive distillation of mixture b1. The amount of organic phase e2′ is such that when d1 comprising solvent, high boilers, water and circulated stream e2′ is dispersed, aqueous extract phase e1, forms a disperse phase and organic phase e2 a continuous phase.
US08378159B2 Process and system for converting biogas to liquid fuels
A method of producing a hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrocarbon-containing gas is disclosed and described. A hydrocarbon-containing gas is produced (10) containing from about 25% to about 50% carbon dioxide and can be reformed (12) with a steam gas to form a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The reforming can be a composite dry-wet reforming or a tri-reforming step. The mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can be at least partially converted (14) to a methanol product. The methanol product can be converted to the hydrocarbon fuel (18), optionally via DME synthesis (16). The method allows for effective fuel production with low catalyst fouling rates and for operation in an unmanned, self-contained unit at the source of the hydrocarbon-producing gas.
US08378154B2 Process for the preparation of alkylene glycol
The invention provides a process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkene wherein conversion of alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol occurs in an alkylene oxide absorber and optionally in further reactors, and alkylene glycol is extracted from fat absorbent by contacting the fat absorbent with a lean solvent, thereby producing fat solvent, recovering alkylene glycol from the fat solvent and recycling the lean solvent.
US08378153B2 Process for the production of alcohol from a carbonaceous feedstock
The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of ethanol from a carbonaceous feedstock; wherein the carbonaceous feedstock is first converted to synthesis gas which is then converted to ethanoic acid, which is then esterified and which is then hydrogenated to produce ethanol.
US08378151B2 Systems and methods for an integrated solar driven chemical plant
A method, apparatus, and system for an integrated solar-driven chemical plant that manages variations in solar energy are disclosed. In some embodiments, a chemical reactant, including particles of biomass, are converted in a solar driven chemical reactor into synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen using concentrated solar energy to drive the conversion of the chemical reactant. The synthesis gas is supplied for a catalytic conversion of the synthesis gas in a methanol synthesis plant to methanol. Cycling occurs between an operational state and an idle state for a number of methanol trains in the methanol synthesis plant depending upon an amount of synthesis gas generated in the solar driven chemical reactor. A control system for the chemical reactor sends control signals to and receives feedback from a control system for the methanol synthesis plant.
US08378150B2 Process for the production of dimethyl ether
A process for the production of dimethyl ether from a methanol reactor effluent is disclosed. The process may include: contacting an aqueous extractant comprising water and an effluent from a methanol synthesis reactor comprising methanol and one or more of methane, water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen. At least a portion of the methanol partitions into the aqueous extractant; recovering an extract fraction comprising the aqueous extractant and methanol. The extract fraction is fed to a catalytic distillation reactor system for concurrently: contacting the methanol with catalyst in a reaction zone thereby catalytically reacting at least a portion of the methanol to form dimethyl ether and water; and fractionating the resulting dimethyl ether and the water to recover a first overheads fraction comprising dimethyl ether and a first bottoms fraction comprising water.
US08378148B2 Alcoholic hydroxyl-containing compounds and making method
Bisphenol derivatives having both alcoholic hydroxyl and allyl groups are novel and useful as reagents for modifying organic resins and silicone resins.
US08378147B2 Process for producing a 2-alkyl-2-cycloalkene-1-one
The present invention relates to a process for producing a 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one represented by the following general formula (2), including the step of reacting a 2-alkylidene cycloalkanone in the presence of a palladium and/or platinum catalyst which is treated in the following steps (a) and (b); and a method for activating the palladium and/or platinum catalyst including the following steps (a) and (b): Step (a): activating the palladium and/or platinum catalyst in an atmosphere containing a hydrogen gas; and Step (b): replacing the hydrogen gas being present as the atmosphere for the catalyst in the step (a), with an inert gas to remove the hydrogen gas out of the reaction system, wherein m is 0 to 3; n is 1 or 2; R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. In accordance with the present invention, the 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one can be produced with a high purity and a high productivity.
US08378146B2 Method for producing catechol
Provided is a method for producing catechol in a one-pot by reacting (4S,5R,6S)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-cyclohexene-1-one under hydrogen-reducing conditions while heating.
US08378141B2 Process and system for supplying vapor from drying column to light ends column
The present invention is directed to a method of heating a light ends column through directing one or more vapor side streams from a drying column to the light ends column. The present invention is also directed to a carbonylation process for producing acetic acid, wherein one or more vapor streams from a drying column provide the external energy required to drive separation in the light ends column.
US08378134B2 Hydroxylated contrast enhancement agents
In one aspect, the present invention provides a contrast enhancement agent comprising an iron chelate having structure I wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a hydroxy group, a C1-C3hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, and b is 0-4; R2-R7 are independently at each occurrence hydrogen, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R1-R7 is a hydroxy group or a C1-C3hydroxyalkyl group; and wherein Q is a charge balancing counterion. Also provided is a metal chelating ligand having structure IX and medical formulations comprising the contrast enhancement I.
US08378133B2 Method for producing fatty acid alkyl ester
The present invention provides a method for producing a fatty acid alkyl ester, including step 1 of adding at least one surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants and water to a crude fatty acid alkyl ester and stirring to obtain a mixture containing aggregates, and step 2 of separating the aggregates from the mixture from step 1 so that the removal rate of steryl glucoside is 60% or more.
US08378132B2 Process for producing methyl esters
Transesterification systems and methods for producing methyl ester are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for producing methyl ester includes introducing a first charge into a reactor. The first charge contains a triglyceride-containing fat and an alcohol. The method can also include performing a first transesterification reaction in which the triglyceride-containing fat is reacted with the alcohol to produce a first product. The method can further include settling the first product into a methyl ester-containing layer and a glycerol-containing layer, decanting the glycerol-containing layer after settling from the reactor, mixing a second charge with the first product, and performing a second transesterification reaction after mixing the second charge with the first product.
US08378131B2 Co-precipitated salts of fatty acids
A co-salt of a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a non-fatty acid is formed as a precipitate. The co-salt formed is free flowing and does not tend to agglomerate (cake) in storage. The resultant co-salt product will be easy to blend with other products to produce dietary supplements. These novel co-salt products may also tablet very well and may be added to current dietary supplement tablets.
US08378128B2 Crystalline forms of dimethoxy docetaxel and methods for preparing the same
The invention relates to anhydrides, solvates and ethanol hetero-solvates and hydrates of dimethoxy docetaxel or (2R,3S)-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-hydroxy-3-phenyl-propionate of 4-acetoxy-2α-benzoyloxy-5β,20-epoxy-1-hydroxy-7β, 10β-dimethoxy-9-oxo-tax-11-ene-13α-yl, and to the preparation thereof.
US08378127B2 Method for producing 2,6-dioxabicyclo-(3.3.0)-octane-4,8-dione
The invention relates to a method for producing 2,6-dioxabicyclo-(3.3.0)-octane-4,8-dione (I), comprising the oxidation of dianhydrohexitols (II-IV), or of corresponding hydroxy ketones, with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst composition, the reaction proceeding without the addition of halogen sources.
US08378123B2 Composition, synthesis, and use of new substituted pyran and pterin compounds
The present invention relates to substituted pterin compounds, their synthesis and use. In particular, the present invention relates to a new precursor compound and its analogs for synthesizing a new substituted pterin compound and its analogs. These new compounds are particularly suitable for treating molybdenum cofactor deficiency.
US08378122B2 Process for the preparation of chymase modulators
The present invention is a process for the preparation of chymase modulators, useful in the treatment of inflammatory and serine protease mediated disorders.
US08378117B2 Hexahydro-cycloheptapyrazole cannabinoid modulators
This invention is directed to a hexahydro-cycloheptapyrazole cannabinoid modulator compound of formula (I): and a method for use in treating, ameliorating or preventing a cannabinoid receptor mediated syndrome, disorder or disease.
US08378115B2 Monomethine dyes
Monomethine dyes that have no or minimal fluorescence in buffer or in the presence of single stranded DNA or RNA, but strongly fluoresce in the presence of double-stranded DNA. In one embodiment, the dye is useful in quantitative RT-PCR.
US08378114B2 N-2-(hetero)arylethylcarboxamide derivative, and pest-controlling agent comprising the same
An N-2-(hetero)arylethylcarboxamide derivative represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom etc., R3 and R4 are each independently a hydrogen atom etc., each Y is independently a halogen atom; a (C1-C6)alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s) etc., n is an integer of 1 to 5, A is a specific substituted cyclic group, E is C—H; C—Y (Y is as defined above); or a nitrogen atom, a salt thereof, and a pest controlling agent containing the derivative or salt as an active ingredient show superior performance as compared to the prior art technique, and are is useful particularly as plant disease controlling agents or nematocides having a broad control spectrum at a low dose.
US08378113B2 Process for the manufacture of an intermediate in the synthesis of dabigatran
The invention relates to a process for the synthesis of the diamine of formula (1) an important intermediate in the synthesis of dabiagtran etexilate.
US08378112B2 Glycyrrhetinic acid derivative and use thereof
Disclosed is a gap junction inhibitor which is more practically useful compared with carbenoxolone. Also disclosed is a novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivative. The glycyrrhetinic acid derivative is represented by general formula (1) or (2).
US08378104B2 7-aminofuropyridine derivatives
Compounds of Formula 1, as shown below and defined herein: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, synthesis, intermediates, formulations, and methods of disease treatment therewith, including treatment of cancers, such as tumors driven at least in part by TAK1 or for which an appropriate TAK1 inhibitor is effective. This Abstract is not limiting of the invention.
US08378101B2 Organic semiconductor, photoelectric conversion device, imaging device and novel compounds
Provided is an organic semiconductor which is a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein each of R11, R12, R13, R14 and R15 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and each of a pair of R11 and R12 and a pair of R12 and R13 may combine to form a ring, B1 represents a ring structure containing at least one nitrogen atom, and n1 represents an integer of 0 to 2.
US08378099B2 Boronic ester and acid compounds, synthesis and uses
Disclosed herein is a method for reducing the rate of degradation of proteins in an animal, comprising contacting cells of the animal with certain boronic ester and acid compounds. Also disclosed herein are novel boronic ester and acid compounds, their synthesis and uses.
US08378098B2 Imidazol[1,2-α]quinoxalines and derivatives for the treatment of cancers
Imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline compounds for the treatment of cancers as well as pharmaceutical compositions that include these compounds and their uses in therapy.The compound of general formula (I):
US08378089B2 Compositions for protection and cellular delivery of interfering RNA
Compositions and methods for protecting and administering small RNA to preserve stability are described. The small RNAs may either be in unmodified form or may be chemically modified to enhance stability further.
US08378086B2 Luciferases and methods for making and using the same
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include polynucleotides that encode mutant Cnidarian luciferases that exhibit modulated properties as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferases, and the modulated properties include at least one of: modulated stability; enhanced light output; and modulated emission maximum. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include polypeptides or fragments thereof encoded by the polynucleotides, constructs including the polynucleotide, expression cassettes, cells, methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, antibodies, transgenic cells and/or animals, kits, and the like.
US08378085B2 Bacterial ATP synthase binding domain
This invention provides an isolated mutant atpE protein and departing from said mutant atpE protein the identification of an ATPase binding domain. This invention also provides related nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, pharmaceutical compositions and articles of manufacture. This invention further provides methods for determining whether a test compound interacts with an atpE protein, i.e. with the ATPase binding domain of the present invention, as well as pharmaceuticals compositions comprising said test compound, in particular as antimicrobials, more particular as antimycobacterial agent, even more particular for treating tuberculosis in a subject.
US08378084B2 Fusion molecule based on novel TAA variant
This invention provides novel carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) nucleic acid and peptide sequences, as well as related methods and compositions, including anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines and chimeric molecules) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against cancer cells expressing a CAIX antigenic marker. The novel CAIX variant and related compositions are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.
US08378083B2 Bis-azo colorants for use as bluing agents
This invention relates to bis-azo colorants for use as bluing agents, laundry care compositions comprising bis-azo colorants that may serve as bluing agents, processes for making such bluing agents and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The bluing agents are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. These bluing agents are advantageous in providing a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics.
US08378081B2 Antibodies that specifically bind to Aβ oligomers and uses thereof
The present inventors successfully produced monoclonal antibodies that are specific to only soluble Aβ oligomers, but do not recognize soluble Aβ monomers, which are physiological molecules. It was demonstrated that the antibodies are useful as diagnostic/therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease.
US08378078B2 Diagnosis of Whipple's disease
The invention relates to a method for in vitro seriological diagnosis of Whipple's disease, whereby the bacteria responsible for the disease are isolated and established in a culture and brought into contact with the serum or biological fluid of an infected patient. The invention also relates to useful oligonucleotides with a probe and a primer for amplifying, sequencing and detecting the gene rpoB of the bacteria, Tropheryma whippelii.
US08378077B2 Fluorescent protein
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fluorescent protein derived from favia favus. The present invention provides a fluorescent protein derived from favia favus having the following properties: (1) an excitation maximum wavelength is 507 nm; (2) a fluorescence maximum wavelength is 517 nm; (3) a molar absorption coefficient at 482 nm is 80,000; (4) a quantum yield is 0.68; and (5) pH sensitivity of the fluorescence maximum is stable at pH 5 to pH 11.
US08378076B2 Spacers to increase the expression of recombinant fusion proteins
The present invention relates to fusion proteins. The invention specifically relates to compositions and methods of Tf-based fusion proteins that demonstrate a high-level expression of transferrin (Tf)-based fusion proteins by inserting a helical linker between two protein domains.
US08378068B2 Apolipoprotein A-I mimics
Provided are peptides, compositions thereof, and methods for treating or preventing dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular disease, endothelial dysfunction, a macrovascular disorder, or a microvascular disorder.
US08378065B2 PMMA binding peptides
Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.
US08378064B2 Hydrophilic polymers as medical lubricants and gels
The present invention provides new biopolymers which mimic the properties of natural polysaccharides found in vivo. The inventive polysaccharides can be used as viscosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and sport-injured knee joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery.
US08378060B2 Poly(thioesters), their applications and derivatives
A composition of the formulae MZAORSnR1F1mOAZ1M1, wherein O and S have their normal meaning of oxygen and sulfur, n is at least 2 and not more than 8, F1 is of the formula —OAORSnR1—, m is at least 1, Z and Z1 are the same or different and are oxy or amino, M and M1 are the same or different and are hydrogen or an organic substituent, R and R1 are the same or different and are organic divalent radicals, each having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and A is the residue of a dicarboxylic acid of from 2 to 40 carbon atoms.
US08378059B2 Supramolecular handcuffs in polymeric architecture
This invention pertains generally to supramolecular polymers comprising a polymeric molecule linked to a first CB[8] guest molecule and an attachment compound linked to a second CB[8] guest molecule, wherein the first and second CB[8] guest molecules form a ternary host-guest complex with a CB[8] molecule which non-covalently links the polymeric molecule and the attachment compound in a supramolecular polymer. These polymers are useful as vehicles for delivery of a therapeutic compound for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body, in particular for use in a method of delivering the therapeutic compound to a target site in an individual. The invention also provides methods for the preparation of the supramolecular polymers.
US08378058B2 Conducting polymers and uses thereof
A conducting polymer including a conducting linker to connect a probe to the polymer, the linker including an unsaturated organic chain.
US08378056B2 Formaldehyde free binders
New polyols; oligomers, and polymers made from the polyols; and binders made from the new polyols, oligomers, or polymers that can be used in binders, where the binders typically include one or more polyols, and a polyfunctional acid or a polyfunctional nitrile.
US08378053B2 Aliphatic polyisocyanate prepolymers and polyurethane resin coating compositions using the same
An aliphatic polyisocyanate prepolymer obtained by reacting an aliphatic isocyanurate group-containing polyisocyanate with a short-chain diol, having a urethane bond content of 3.0% by weight or more based on the weight of the prepolymer and a solubility parameter of 11.8 or more.
US08378051B2 Silicone resin lens and a method for preparing the same
The present invention provides a silicone resin lens obtained by molding and curing a silicon resin composition into a lens, wherein the lens has a refractive index at 400 nm of 1.5 or more, a ratio of a refractive index at 400 nm to a refractive index at 596 nm of 1.01 or more, an Abbe's number of 45 or more, and an absolute value of a differential of refractive indexes against temperatures, dn/dT, of 250×10−6/degrees C. or less. Further, the present invention provides a method for preparing the silicone resin lens according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the silicone resin lens is prepared in conditions where a ratio of a molding shrinkage ratio found after subjecting the silicone resin composition to post-cure to a molding shrinkage ratio found after subjecting the silicone resin composition to molding is 0.8 to 1.2.
US08378047B2 Biaxially oriented polypropylene film
The present technology relates to a biaxially oriented polypropylene film. The biaxially oriented polypropylene film comprises a polypropylene material having xylene solubles of at least 0.5 percent by weight. The polypropylene also has a strain hardening index of at least 0.15 measured at a deformation rate dε/dt of 1.00 s−1 at a temperature of 180° C. In certain embodiments, the strain hardening index is defined as the slope of a logarithm to the basis 10 of a tensile stress growth function as a function of a logarithm to the basis 10 of a Hencky strain for the range of Hencky strains between 1 and 3.
US08378043B2 Ethylene alpha olefin copolymers and polymerization processes for making the same
A process for the production of an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer is disclosed. The process includes polymerizing ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin by contacting the ethylene and the at least one alpha-olefin with a metallocene catalyst in at least one gas phase reactor at a reactor pressure of from 0.7 to 70 bar and a reactor temperature of from 20° C. to 150° C. to form an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may have a density of 0.927 g/cc or greater and environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) of 500 hr or more when measured according to ASTM 1693/B in 10% Igepal.
US08378042B2 Finishing process for amorphous polymers
Extruded, copolymer pellet compositions and methods for making the same. A copolymer pellet composition can have an ethylene content of about 40 wt % to about 50 wt % and a propylene content of about 50 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on total weight of the copolymer, wherein the copolymer has a MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) of from about 3.0 g/10 min and about 25 g/10 min; a MWD (Mw/Mn) of about 2.3 or less; and no measurable melting peak, as measured by DSC.
US08378041B2 Method of preparing a star polymer macromonomer
The present invention relates to methods for preparing degradable model networks from any monomer functionality with any degradation methodology. It is based on the use of Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization CLICK chemistry and a tetrafunctional initiator having terminal halogen groups to form the desired product.
US08378038B2 Polysiloxane block copolymers
This invention encompasses novel amphiphilic block copolymers comprising polysiloxane blocks and polycationic blocks. The polycationic blocks are formed from diallyldialkylammonium derivatives. The formed block copolymers are particularly useful for treating or conditioning keratinous substances such as hair or skin.
US08378033B2 Process for production of water-absorbable resin particle, and water-absorbable resin particle produced by the process
The present invention relates to a method of producing water-absorbent resin particles in which a median particle size of primary particles (d) and a median particle size of secondary particles (D) satisfy the relationship of the formula, 5d/3+150
US08378031B2 Coating composition and cured film formed therefrom
A coating composition comprises a first copolymer and a second copolymer. The first copolymer has at least one linear polymer strand having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,500 Daltons and functionality X with an equivalent weight of no more than 500. The second copolymer has at least one linear polymer strand having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,500 Daltons and functionality X′ with an equivalent weight of no more than 1,500. The coating composition is free of gloss flattening agents, yet still produces a cured film having a low gloss of less than 70 gloss units at an angle of incidence of 60°, as measured according to ASTM D 2457.
US08378026B2 Transparent rubber modified styrene resin and method for preparing the same by continuous bulk polymerization
One aspect of the invention relates to a transparent rubber-modified styrenic resin composition. The resin composition comprises about 5 to about 30 parts by weight of a styrene-butadiene rubbery copolymer; and about 0 to about 15 parts by weight of a matrix resin comprising about 20 to about 40 parts by weight of styrenic monomer, about 30 to about 60 parts by weight of unsaturated carboxylic acid alkyl ester monomer and about 0 to about 15 parts by weight of vinyl cyanide monomer; wherein the difference between the refractive index of the rubbery copolymer and the matrix resin is about 0.005 or less and the transparent rubber-modified styrenic resin composition has a haze of about 5% or less as measured by a Nippon Denshoku Haze meter using a 3 mm thick test sample.
US08378024B2 Low surface gloss styrene resin composition, and low surface gloss sheet and composite article therefrom
The present invention relates to a low surface gloss styrene resin composition. The composition of the present invention is composed of (A) 80-99.9 weight % of the basic resin comprising rubber-modified styrene resin and (B) 0.1-20 weight % of syndiotactic polystyrene, the matting agent. The composition also includes (C) hydrogenated styrene block copolymer comprising styrene block and butadiene rubber block as a compatibilizer by 0.1-20 weight % for the total weight of the low surface gloss styrene resin composed of (A) the basic resin and (B) the matting agent and additionally includes (D) a plasticizer by 0.1-30 weight %. The composition of the present invention has excellent weatherability and impact-resistance in addition to the low surface gloss properties, so that it can be applied in various products, particularly exterior products for structures such as sidings and window frames, etc.
US08378023B2 Composition of polyketone with high impact strength
The present invention provides a polyketone composition having about 40˜90 wt % of polyketone, about 5˜40 wt % of polyamide, and about 5˜20 wt % of modified rubber. The composition of the present invention greatly improves the impact resistance of polyketone, which has increased heat resistance, chemical resistance, fuel permeation resistance, abrasion resistance or the like, and thus may be widely applied in various industrial fields, such as automotive parts including wheel covers, wheel caps, fuel filler necks, fuel tanks, fuel tubes, center fascias, door handles, roof rack covers, gear, junction boxes, connectors, seat backs or the like, electric/electronic parts, and household items, thereby providing durability of the parts and price competition.
US08378020B1 Processes for recovery of derivatives of native lignin
The present disclosure relates to processes for recovery of derivatives of native lignin from lignocellulosic feedstocks wherein the derivatives have a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that stable and predictable antioxidant activity is provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.
US08378010B2 Protein stabilized latex polymer emulsions, methods of making, and adhesives containing such emulsions
A method of forming a stable latex polymer emulsion is provided which includes mixing one or more monomers including polymerizable acid monomers, esters, and unsaturated monomers with water and a soy protein. The emulsion is then polymerized and may be formed into adhesive compositions having improved water resistance and mechanical strength.
US08378009B2 Process of producing flame-retardant silane-crosslinked olefin resin, insulated wire, and process of producing insulated wire
A process of producing a flame-retardant silane-crosslinked olefin resin, an insulated wire, and a process of producing an insulated wire. The process includes kneading and molding a silane graft batch containing a silane-grafted olefin resin in which a silane coupling agent is graft polymerized onto an olefin resin, a flame retardant batch in which an olefin resin is mixed with a flame retardant containing metal hydroxide, a catalyst batch in which an olefin resin is mixed with a silane crosslinking catalyst, and water crosslinking the batches after kneading and molding. A mass ratio of the flame retardant batch to the silane graft batch is 60:40 to 90:10, and the catalyst batch amount is 3 to 10 part by mass with respect to 100 part by mass of a component of the silane graft and flame retardant batches. The wire is prepared by covering a conductor with the silane-crosslinked olefin resin.
US08378008B2 Surface-modified non-halogenated mineral fillers
The invention relates to surface-modified non-halogenated mineral filler compositions comprising a particulate mineral filler core comprising hydroxide groups bound to divalent or trivalent metal ions, said particulate mineral filler core having on its surface (i) one or more short-chain organosilano groups each having one to three silicon-bound short-chain hydrocarbon groups having, independently, one to three carbon atoms, and (ii) one or more long-chain organosilano groups having one to three silicon-bound straight-chained or branched, saturated or unsaturated, long-chain hydrocarbon groups containing, independently, eight to twelve carbon atoms, wherein the long-chain organosilano groups are present in an amount of up to about fifty-five mole percent of combined molar amount of long-chain and short-chain organosilano groups.
US08378007B2 Coloured aqueous polymer dispersions, and production and use of same
The invention relates to a colored polymer dispersion containing, as main ingredients: (a) a colored polymer produced by polymerization of monomer A with monomer B, monomer A being a pigment B which is coated with a polymerizable wax D wherein the polymerizable function is an ethylenically unsaturated group, monomer B being a ethylenically unsaturated compound; (b) at least one non-ionic surface-active additive E based on polyethers and/or polyglycerines; (c) at least one anionic surface-active additive F based on sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates, phosphates or carboxylates; and (d) water.
US08378006B2 Composition of decolorable ink and decoloring method
The present invention is a method which erase information printed on a recording medium if necessary and thus reuse the recording medium, and includes 1) decolorable ink compositions which are not erased during the use but erased by a dye readily decolorable by a decolorant, 2) a decolorant composition including a thermal initiator or photoinitiator, and 3) a method for coating the decolorant and applying heat or irradiating UV to erase the dye. According to the present invention, it is possible to prepare various writing inks, and particularly, when applied to recording medium with a magnetic stripe as well as the general purpose papers, it is possible to reduce the production cost significantly, obtain a large import substitution effect of the magnetic ink all of which are imported, and largely reduce the environmental pollution.
US08378004B2 Process for the production of silicone coatings and silicone moldings from photocrosslinkable silicone mixtures
Silicone coatings and moldings are produced from a photocrosslinkable silicone mixture which contains (A) a polyorganosiloxane containing at least two carbon-carbon multiple bonds, (B) an organosilicon compound containing at least two SiH functions, and (C) a cyclopentadienyl-platinum complex catalyst be activatable by light of 200 to 500 nm, wherein the mixture is heated to 40° C. to 250° C., and then irradiated with light of 200 to 500 nm wavelength.
US08378003B2 Highly permeable polymeric membranes
Provided are substantially flat membranes that include a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein, such as Aquaporin-Z, or a synthetic mimic of such proteins. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a liquid, by contacting the liquid with a substantially flat membrane that includes a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic thereof. Also provided are methods of making such membranes. Further provided are compositions that include at least one active ingredient and vesicles surrounding the active ingredient, where the vesicles include a block or graft copolymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic surrounding the active ingredient. Also provided are methods that include administering such compositions to patients.
US08378000B2 Water-absorbent, foam-type polymer structure
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-absorbent, foam-type polymer structures, wherein an aqueous composition is foamed, and the foamed aqueous composition is then heated at a temperature in a range of from 50 to 300° C., so that the polymer crosslinks at least partially and the content of water is adjusted to not more than 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the foam-type polymer structure that forms.
US08377998B2 Process for producing fluoropolymer, and fluorinated ion exchange membrane
A polymerization medium having small ozone depletion potential and small global warming potential and having a small chain transfer constant is used, to efficiently produce a fluoropolymer having a high molecular weight and having excellent heat resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, etc. A process for producing a fluoropolymer, which comprises polymerizing a fluoromonomer having a carboxylic acid type functional group and a fluoroolefin using a hydrofluorocarbon as a medium, wherein the hydrofluorocarbon as the medium has 4 to 10 carbon atoms and has a ratio (molar basis) of the number of hydrogen atoms/the number of fluorine atoms (H/F ratio) of from 0.05 to 20.
US08377996B2 Zeolite supported cobalt hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalyst
A method for forming a catalyst for synthesis gas conversion comprises impregnating a zeolite extrudate using a solution, for example, a substantially non-aqueous solution, comprising a cobalt salt to provide an impregnated zeolite extrudate and activating the impregnated zeolite extrudate by a reduction-oxidation-reduction cycle.
US08377990B2 Conjugates comprising a psychotropic drug or a GABA agonist and an organic acid and their use in treating pain and other CNS disorders
A novel use of conjugates of psychotropic drugs (e.g., antidepressants or anti-epileptic drugs) and organic acids such as GABA in the treatment of pain is disclosed. A novel GABA conjugate and uses thereof is also disclosed.
US08377989B2 Room temperature stable non-crystalline aspirin and method for the preparation thereof
The present invention provides stable non-crystalline aspirin that does not crystallize at room temperature during storage for prolonged periods of time and processes for obtaining the stable non-crystalline aspirin.
US08377986B2 Amino acid derivatives
The compound 3,3-dimethyl-butyric acid 4-((S)-2-amino-2-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl)-2-(3,3-dimethyl-butyryloxy)-phenyl ester of formula (I) has dopaminergic properties.
US08377984B2 Substituted gamma lactams as therapeutic agents
Disclosed herein is a compound represented by the formula: Methods, compositions, and medicaments related to these compounds are also disclosed.
US08377980B2 Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US08377979B2 Pharmaceutical formulation containing phenytoin sodium and magnesium stearate
The present invention relates to a novel pharmaceutical formulation comprising phenytoin sodium, a high amount of magnesium stearate, and a low level of a hydrophilic polymer such as a methocel, and a method of preparing the same by blending.
US08377974B2 Factor Xa inhibitors
The present invention is directed to compounds represented by Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, and prodrugs thereof which are inhibitors of Factor Xa. The present invention is also directed to and intermediates used in making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions characterized by undesired thrombosis and methods of inhibiting the coagulation of a blood sample.
US08377970B2 Modulators of calcium release-activated calcium channel
Disclosed are novel calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel inhibitors, methods for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of treatment using them. The present disclosure also relates to methods for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with CRAC inhibitors, and to methods for identifying therapeutics for treating and of diagnosing cancer.
US08377969B2 Compounds for use in the treatment of cancer
Compound of Formula I or a salt thereof for treating cancer, wherein X represents CH or N; R1 represents hydrogen or —CH2COR5; R5 represents hydroxy, optionally hydroxylated alkoxy, amino or alkylamido; R2 represents ZYR6; Z represents a bond, or a C1-3 alkylene or oxoalkylene group optionally substituted by R7; Y represents a bond, an oxygen atom or NR6; R6 is a hydrogen atom, COOR8, an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group optionally substituted by one or more selected from COOR8, CONR82, NR82, OR8, ═NR8, ═O, OP(O)(OR8)R7 and OSO3M; R7 is hydroxy, an optionally hydroxylated, optionally alkoxylated alkyl or aminoalkyl group; R8 is a hydrogen atom or an optionally hydroxylated, optionally alkoxylated alkyl group; M is a hydrogen atom or one equivalent of a physiologically tolerable cation; R3 represents C1-8 alkylene, 1,2-cykloalkylene, or 1,2-arylene, optionally substituted with R7; and R4 represents hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl.
US08377965B2 Crystalline forms of a biphenyl compound
The invention provides crystalline forms of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{[4-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoyl]methylamino}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. The crystalline form can be a freebase, or a salt such as a diphosphate, monosulfate or dioxalate salt. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline compounds or prepared using these compounds; processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds; and methods of using these compounds to treat a pulmonary disorder.
US08377964B2 Benzimidazole-carboxamide compounds as 5-HT4 receptor agonists
The invention relates to benzimidazole-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08377961B2 Cyclic-alkylamine derivatives as inhibitors of the interaction between MDM2 and P53
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as an inhibitor of a p53-MDM2 interaction as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, p, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Q, Y and Z have defined meanings.
US08377956B2 Use of (3R)-4-{[(1S)-2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropanoyloxy)propoxy]carbonylamino}-3-(4-chlorophenyl) butanoic acid for treating urinary incontinence
Use of (3R)-4-{[(1S)-2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropanoyloxy)propoxy]carbonylamino}-3-(4-chlorophenyl)butanoic acid for treating urinary incontinence is disclosed.
US08377955B2 Branched 3- and 6-substituted quinolines as CGRP receptors antagonists
The present invention is directed to novel branched 3- and 6-substituted quinoline derivatives which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to 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.
US08377951B2 Transdermal administration of phycotoxins
Pharmaceutical compositions for interfering with neuronal transmission comprising an effective amount of at least one tricyclic 3,4-propinoperhydropurine are disclosed. Preparations for facial rejuvenation are provided that comprise an effective amount of the composition of the invention and a facial cream. Methods of interfering with neuronal transmission comprising topical application of an effective amount of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are provided. In another aspect of the invention, effective amounts of the pharmaceutical compositions and a transdermal therapeutic system are provided for transdermal administration of at least one tricyclic 3,4-propinoperhydropurine. The pharmaceutical composition contains at least one at least one tricyclic 3,4-propinoperhydropurine, and may be formulated for transdermal drug delivery. The transdermal drug delivery system may be a laminated composite comprising a backing layer, a drug reservoir, and a means for affixing the composite to the skin.
US08377947B2 Treating alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis and reducing aging
Use of a composition for treating Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, McArdle disease, or a carbohydrate metabolism disorder, or for reducing aging or fatigue. The composition includes a first agent selected from the group consisting of an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, an ionophore, and an adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase activator; a second agent that possesses anti-inflammatory activity; and a third agent that possesses serotonin activity.
US08377938B2 Phenoxypyridine derivative salts and crystals thereof, and process for preparing the same
The invention provides acid addition salts of the compounds represented by formula (1) or (2), or crystals thereof, and processes for preparing the same. The salts or crystals have HGFR inhibitory activity and excellent physical properties (solubility, safety, etc.) and are therefore useful as anti-tumor agents, angiogenesis inhibitors and inhibitors for metastasis for a various types of tumor.
US08377935B2 Substituted aminopropenyl piperidine or morpholine derivatives as novel inhibitors of histone deacetylase
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X and Y have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US08377934B2 Use of stilbene derivatives for treatment and prevention of aquatic mold infections
The invention relates to methods of treatment and prevention of aquatic mold infections in aquatic organisms and methods of disinfecting equipment used in raising aquatic organisms. The methods comprise use of one or more stilbene derivatives, including 4,4′-bis-(1,3,5-triazinylamino)stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid derivatives.
US08377933B2 Method for treating a pulmonary hypertension condition
A method for treating a pulmonary hypertension condition such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a subject comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of ambrisentan, wherein, at baseline, time from first diagnosis of the condition in the subject is not greater than about 2 years.
US08377932B2 Preparation of 1-(substituted benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2(1H)pyridone compounds and salts thereof and their applications
1-(substituted benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2(1H)pyridone compounds and their pharmaceutical acceptable salts are disclosed. The preparation methods of the compounds and their salts and the use of the same for preparing the medicaments for treating fibrosis are also disclosed. New pyridine compounds and their salts are obtained from trifluoromethyl pyridone as starting material.
US08377929B2 Crystalline forms of the tri-mesylate salt of perphenazine-GABA and process of producing the same
Novel crystalline form of perphenazine 4-aminobutyrate trimesylate and a process of producing the same are disclosed. The novel crystalline form is characterized by a unique XRPD pattern and a DSC that exhibits an endothermic peak at a relatively high temperature (e.g., higher than 209° C.). Also disclosed are a process of preparing perphenazine 4-aminobutyrate trimesylate by in situ deprotection and salification, in a single-step synthesis, and a highly pure perphenazine 4-aminobutyrate trimesylate obtained thereby. Uses of any of the described perphenazine 4-aminobutyrate trimesylate are also disclosed.
US08377925B2 Methods of modulating the activity of the MC5 receptor and treatment of conditions related to this receptor
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) that are useful for modulating the biological activity of the melanocortin-5 receptor (MC5R). Compounds of this invention can be used to treat diseases and/or conditions in which downregulation of MC5R is beneficial. Such diseases and/or conditions include, but are not limited to, acne, seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
US08377924B2 Protein kinase C inhibitors and uses thereof
This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US08377923B2 Triazole derivative or salt thereof
[Problem] A compound, which can be used for preventing or treating diseases, in which 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is concerned, in particular, diabetes, insulin resistance, dementia, schizophrenia and depression, is provided.[Means for Solution] It was found that a triazole derivative, in which one of the 3- and 5-positions of the triazole ring has (di)alkylmethyl or cycloalkyl, each of which is substituted with —O— (aryl or a heterocyclic group, each of which may be substituted, or lower alkylene-cycloalkyl), and the other thereof has aryl, a heterocyclic group or cycloalkyl, each of which may be substituted, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof exhibits potent 11β-HSD1 inhibitory action. From the above, the triazole derivative of the present invention can be used for preventing or treating diabetes, insulin resistance, dementia, schizophrenia and depression.
US08377918B2 Apigenin for chemoprevention, and chemotherapy combined with therapeutic reagents
Apigenin is a nontoxic compound. The present invention is appropriate for apigenin use in people who have a high risk of getting cancer, and in people who have cancer through chemoprevention and chemotherapy, respectively. We showed that apigenin inhibited cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth and angiogenesis. Apigenin selectively inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of cancer cells, enhanced the sensitivity of different cancer cells to different therapeutic drugs including cisplatin and taxol. Apigenin also inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in human cancers, and inhibits angiogenic inducers such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Apigenin inhibited expression of HIF-1 and VEGF through PI3K, AKT, p70S6K1 and HDM2 pathways, which are commonly observed in all kinds of human cancers. Thus, our results indicate that apigenin can be applied to various human cancers for chemoprevention, and for chemotherapy when combined with other therapeutic reagents.
US08377915B2 Methods for treating or preventing disorders using ecdysteroid compositions
This invention relates to methods and compositions which are useful in the modulation of endogenous growth hormone levels in a mammal. Also included are methods of treating a mammal which include the administration of said compositions.
US08377912B2 Preparation for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders
The present invention relates to a preparation suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, comprising the following fractions: fraction a) consisting of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; fraction b) consisting of phospholipids, which fraction contains at least two different phospholipids selected from the group consisting of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. fraction c) consisting of compounds which are a factor in methionine metabolism, which fraction contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc.
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