| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08472566B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting pilot signal in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for reducing pilot overhead in a multi-antenna system are provided. The method generates postcodes and pre-codes for streams used to transmit signals to at least two receivers. The method allocates a pilot signal to at least one of the streams, and allocates an additional pilot signal shared by at least one of the streams. The method precodes the pilot signal allocated to at least one of the streams, the additional pilot signal, and data to be transmitted to each of the receivers, based on the pre-code for each of the streams, prior to transmission. |
| US08472565B2 |
Apparatus for processing received signal, method thereof, and method for selecting mapping rule
An apparatus for processing a received signal, method thereof, and mapping rule selecting method are disclosed, by which radio communications can be smoothly carried out in a receiving terminal (200) receiving signals via at least two antennas (201a) in a manner of estimating data accurately. The present invention includes performing transmission according to an adaptively decided mapping rule and demapping on a symbol signal received via the plurality of antennas (201a), extracting reliability information for bit signal obtained from the demapping, and re-performing the demapping on the symbol signal received via the plurality of antennas (201 a) using the reliability information. |
| US08472562B2 |
Digital receiver and method
A receiver and method is provided for sigma-delta converting an RF signal to a digital signal and downconverting to a digital baseband signal. The RF signal is split into N phases, as can be accomplished using a sample and hold circuit, and each phase is digitized, as can be accomplished using an analog-to-digital (A/D) sigma-delta converter. Polyphase decimation techniques and demodulation are applied to the phased signals to generate a demodulated digital signal. The demodulated digital signal is further downconverted to the appropriate baseband signal. |
| US08472560B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting RFID signals
A mixed-mode signal detection apparatus suitable for ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and Type B RFID proximity card applications. The apparatus combines switched capacitor sampling and digital post processing to recover information from Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) modulated signals. A phase detector triggers a pulse generator, which is used to signal sample and hold units that store the peak value of each carrier signal cycle. The samples are used to form a discrete version of the modulation signal and are post-processed digitally to recover encoded signal information. |
| US08472559B2 |
Polar transmitter and related signal transmitting method
A polar transmitter includes: a processor arranged to convert signals from a specific coordinate system to a polar coordinate system, wherein the signals in the polar coordinate system comprises a phase component and an amplitude component; a phase modulation (PM) path configured to have a constant PM group delay, for processing the phase component; an amplitude modulation (AM) path, of which an AM group delay is capable of being determined, for processing the amplitude component; and an adjustable delay circuit, arranged to adjust delay of the signals in the specific coordinate system according to the constant PM group delay and the calibrated AM group delay. |
| US08472558B2 |
Radio transmission device and radio transmission method
It is possible to provide a radio transmission device and a radio transmission method which can avoid degradation of a channel estimation accuracy using a reference signal formed by a ZC sequence even when the RS transmission band of a local cell is different from that of an adjacent cell. A mobile station decides a cyclic shift sequence corresponding to RB allocation information from an RS table which correlates different frequency bandwidths from a reference point of respective transmission bands to a spectrum start number of the cyclic shift sequence so as to satisfy a particular relationship based on the sequence length and transmits the decided cyclic shift sequence as RS to a base station. The base station uses the same RS table as the RS table of the mobile station and performs correlation calculation of the RS transmitted from the mobile station, thereby performing channel estimation. |
| US08472557B2 |
Transmitter with quantization noise compensation
The invention discloses a transmitter (300, 400, 600) comprising a pulse encoder (305) for creating pulses from the amplitude of an input signal to the transmitter, a compensation signal generator (315) for cancelling quantization noise caused by the pulse encoder (305), a mixer or I/Q modulator (307) for mixing an output of the pulse encoder with the phase of an input signal to the transmitter and an amplifier (320) for creating an output signal from the transmitter. In the transmitter (300, 400, 600), a control signal (CA) for controlling a function of the amplifier (320) comprises an output signal from the compensation signal generator (315), and an input signal to the amplifier (320) comprises an output from the mixer (307) having been modulated (340) to a desired frequency. |
| US08472555B2 |
Ultra wideband interference cancellation for orthogonal frequency division multiplex transmitters by protection-edge tones
A transmitter and communication system are disclosed. A first component operable to determine an active interference cancellation value for each of a plurality of active interference cancellation tones and a protection-edge value for each of a plurality of protection-edge tones based on optimizing active interference cancellation, and further based on constraining an average power of the active interference cancellation values and the protection-edge values to less than or equal to a maximum power level, and on a plurality of data values. A second component is operable to transform a sequence of tones to a time domain signal, the sequence of tones comprised of the active interference cancellation tones, the protection-edge tones, and a plurality of data tones, the data tones containing the data values. A third component operable to transmit an orthogonal frequency division multiplex signal based on the time domain signal. |
| US08472550B2 |
Method for reducing interference in multi-cell multi-user wireless networks
This invention provides a method for exploiting precoder optimization gains and multi-user diversity gains with interference alignment in general MIMO wireless networks including multiple users. Specifically, two embodiments exploit either a gradient-based search or iteratively orthogonalizing inference. The method can achieve near-optimal performance at a low complexity. Furthermore, a scheduling criterion is provided for wireless networks comprised of a large number of mobile stations in each cell. The criterion can be done independently in each cell to significantly reduce information exchanged between base stations in different cells compared to the methods that perform joint scheduling over all cells. The two embodiments can be utilized in a spectrally efficient communications network equipped with relaying nodes. |
| US08472544B2 |
Digital television transmitter and method of coding data in digital television transmitter
A digital television (DTV) transmitter and a method of coding data in the DTV transmitter method are disclosed. A pre-processes enhanced data by coding the enhanced data for forward error correction (FEC) and expanding the FEC-coded enhanced data. A data formatter generates enhanced data packets including the pre-processed enhanced data and inserting known data to at least one of the enhanced data packets. A first multiplexer multiplexes main data packets with the enhanced data packets, and a data randomizer randomizes the multiplexed data packets. A Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder RS-codes the randomized data packets by adding first parity data, and a data interleaver interleaves the RS-coded data packets. A trellis encoder trellis-encodes the interleaved data packets, wherein the trellis encoder may be initialized when a known data sequence is inputted thereto. |
| US08472535B2 |
Multi-carrier transmitter back-off estimation
Methods and apparatus taught herein estimate the amount by which to reduce a multi-carrier signal's maximum transmit power based on metrics specific to each carrier of the multi-carrier signal. These carrier-specific metrics may include a maximum-power reduction or cubic metric determined for that carrier as if it would be transmitted alone. In one embodiment, estimation of the required back-off is based on a weighted sum of the carrier-specific metrics, where the weights applied depend on a power ratio. Only a few relatively small look-up tables or simple computations are required in this case: one for obtaining the carrier-specific metrics based on configuration parameters of each carrier, and another for obtaining the weights based on the power ratio. Accordingly, methods and apparatus herein advantageously require less computational complexity and/or memory usage than that needed if estimating the required back-off based on similar metrics obtained for the multi-carrier signal as a whole. |
| US08472534B2 |
Telecommunication signaling using nonlinear functions
One exemplary embodiment can describe a method for communicating. The method for communicating can include a step for identifying characteristics of a communications channel, a step for identifying a set of nonlinear functions used to generate waveforms, a step for assigning a unique numeric code to each waveform, a step for transmitting a numeric sequence as a series of waveforms, a step for receiving the series of waveforms, and a step for decoding the series of waveforms. |
| US08472532B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a common-mode reference signal
A method and apparatus to generate a common-mode reference signal. A common-mode current is received at a common-mode current sensing circuit. The common-mode current is sampled at a node between the common-mode current sensing circuit and a shunt resistor. The resulting voltage across the shunt resistor from the applied common-mode current is used as a common-mode reference signal. |
| US08472527B2 |
Hierarchical motion estimation using original frame for sub-sampled reference
This invention calculates motion vectors during video encoding for sub-sampled data using a hierarchical search. The motion vector calculation employs a prior original frame as the reference frame rather than a reconstructed frame according to the prior art. |
| US08472522B2 |
Video encoding method and decoding method, apparatuses therefor, programs therefor, and storage media which store the programs
A video encoding method includes setting candidates for reference pixels to pixels within a predetermined distance range measured from an encoding target block; generating a predicted signal by sequentially selecting reference pixels used for the intra prediction of the encoding target block from among the reference pixel candidates while changing a distance condition from the encoding target block, and by generating the predicted signal based on the reference pixels for each distance condition; computing an encoding cost required for subjecting the encoding target block to intra prediction encoding using each generated predicted signal; finally determining reference pixels used for the intra prediction of the encoding target block based on each computed encoding cost; and encoding information which indicates the position of the determined reference pixels. |
| US08472520B2 |
Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving data streams with feedback information over a lossy network
Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided to enhance transmitting and receiving video data streams with feedback information over a lossy and/or congested network. The systems, apparatus, and methods may optimize retransmission for lost packets or lost data frames. Optimizations are also provided to select reference frames in a data stream so that block errors are contained when RPS is used to encode data frames. Optimization in decoding may include reconstructing high-resolution data frames from low-resolution data frames. |
| US08472516B2 |
Selecting encoding types and predictive modes for encoding video data
In some embodiments, a method of determining encoding type and predictive mode(s) selections for a macroblock of a video frame is provided. In some embodiments, a general method 1) selects the encoding type (16×16 or 4×4) that is initially considered for a macroblock using an encoding type selection algorithm (based on an attribute of the macroblock that is easy to compute), 2) if the 16×16 encoding type is selected in step 1, consider the four 16×16 prediction modes that may be used on the macroblock using conventional methods or an improved 16×16 predictive mode search algorithm based on distortion thresholds, and 3) if the 4×4 encoding type is selected in step 1, select the 4×4 prediction mode to be used for each of the sixteen 4×4 blocks of the macroblock using conventional methods or an improved 4×4 predictive mode search algorithm based on the positional relationships between predictive modes. |
| US08472515B1 |
Clock and data recovery circuit with decision feedback equalization
A phase detection and decision feedback equalization circuit is provided. A first latch and a second latch are coupled to an input of the circuit. A third latch and a fourth latch are respectively coupled in series to outputs of the first latch and second latch. The first and fourth latches are enabled by a clock signal, and the second and third latches are enabled by a complement of the clock signal. A first feedback circuit is configured to provide a signal output from the first latch and a first feedback signal derived from the output of the fourth latch to an input of the third latch. A second feedback circuit is configured to provide a signal output from the second latch and a second feedback signal derived from the output of the third latch to an input of the fourth latch. |
| US08472511B2 |
Selectable-tap equalizer
A signaling circuit having a selectable-tap equalizer. The signaling circuit includes a buffer, a select circuit and an equalizing circuit. The buffer is used to store a plurality of data values that correspond to data signals transmitted on a signaling path during a first time interval. The select circuit is coupled to the buffer to select a subset of data values from the plurality of data values according to a select value. The equalizing circuit is coupled to receive the subset of data values from the select circuit and is adapted to adjust, according to the subset of data values, a signal level that corresponds to a data signal transmitted on the signaling path during a second time interval. |
| US08472506B2 |
Method and system for codebook design of MIMO pre-coders with finite rate channel state information feedback
Channel state information in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) pre-coding system is quantized onto a codebook, which comprises one or more unitary matrices, using a cost function. Voronoi regions are computed from the codebook. The codebook may be updated based on the computed Voronoi regions. The channel state information may comprise a matrix V. The cost function f(A) is defined by the following relationship: f ( A ) = ( 1 N ∑ j = 1 N a jj 2 ) where A is a matrix of size N by N and aij is element (i,j) of matrix A. Voronoi regions may be generated from the codebook for the unitary matrices. A set of matrices based on the Voronoi regions and the unitary matrices may be generated. Updating the codebook may be achieved by modifying the set of matrices into a new set of unitary matrices, where the new set of unitary matrices become the codebook. |
| US08472505B2 |
Constant amplitude encoding apparatus and method for code division multiplexing communication system
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for constant amplitude encoding of a transmission signal in a CDM (Code Division Multiplexing) communication system. The apparatus for constant amplitude encoding of a transmission signal includes: an encoding module sequentially performing horizontal encoding and vertical encoding on an input signal; and a spreading and multiplexing module spreading the signal which has been encoded by the encoding module and multiplexing the spread signal in a vertical direction to output a data stream having a constant amplitude. |
| US08472500B2 |
Joint demodulation and synchronization in ultra wideband systems
A method of demodulating at a receiver a plurality of symbols bk comprised in a e.g. UWB, received signal y(t), said receiver having knowledge of a time hopping sequence vector c of the transmitted signal, said method comprising the step of: generating a plurality of frequency-domain samples from the received signal y(t). It further comprises the steps of: from said plurality of frequency-domain samples and said time hopping sequence vector c, applying a coarse estimation stage (7) for identifying the beginning of a first complete symbol (formula A) in an acquisition interval; applying a stage for fine estimation (8) of the time delay (formula B) of each symbol bk, wherein k denotes the k-th symbol, by searching a relative maximum at which a signal energy distribution exceeds a certain threshold Pth; from said fine estimation of the time delay (formula B) of each symbol bk, demodulating (formula C) said symbols bk. |
| US08472491B2 |
Semiconductor laser device
A semiconductor laser device includes a semiconductor-layer lamination (20) having an active layer (26) formed over a substrate (11). The semiconductor-layer lamination (20) includes a front face which emits light, a strip-shaped optical waveguide formed in a direction transverse to the front face, a first region (20A) extending in a direction transverse to the front face, a second region (20B) having a top surface whose height is different from that of the first region (20A), and a planar region (20C) formed between the first region (20A) and the second region (20B), and having periodic surface undulations whose variation is smaller than that of the second region (20B). The optical waveguide is formed in the planar region (20C). |
| US08472489B2 |
Light emitting device
A light-emitting device having a ring optical resonator and capable of laser oscillation by a novel structure realized by working out the mechanism of light emission. The light-emitting device having a ring optical resonator fabricated on a base is characterized in that the optical resonator has a core made of a semiconductor and serving to propagate light and a clad formed on at least the base side of the core in the stack direction out of the base side and the opposite side of the core, at least the ring inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the core are covered with a transparent body having an index of refraction lower than that of the space or the clad, and a part of the ring inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the clad are covered with a transparent body having an index of refraction lower than that of the space or the clad. |
| US08472484B2 |
Signal processing circuit, interface unit, frame transmission apparatus, and segment data reading method
A signal processing circuit for controlling reading of segment data from a buffer in which a plurality of segment data generated by dividing a frame and received via a plurality of switches which direct each of the segment data to a designated destination are stored, comprises: a start detecting unit which detects a starting segment representing the first transmitted segment data to the switch among the segment data received after the buffer has emptied; a transmission time acquiring unit which acquires a transmission time at which the starting segment was transmitted to the switch; and a read timing control unit which determines, based on the transmission time, a read timing for reading the segment data from the buffer. |
| US08472476B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and data processing method in the digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. In an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a data processing method including receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, demodulating the received broadcast signal, outputting demodulation time information of a specific position of a broadcast signal frame, and acquiring reference time information contained in the mobile service data frame, setting the reference time information to a system time clock at a specific time based on the demodulation time information and decoding the mobile service data according to the system time clock. |
| US08472474B2 |
Packet communication control device, a memory access control device, and an information-processing system
A packet communication control device transfers a control packet and a data packet and includes a plurality of sending units and a multiplexer which separates a data communication path and a control communication path, multiplexes the control packets and transfers the multiplexed control packets by the control communication path and the data packet by the data control path. The average Round Trip communication time can be shortened and the hardware cost can be reduced because the Shortest-Job-First control is implemented by separating data communication pathway from control communication pathway logistically or physically, and also multiplexing the control communication pathway with control packet. |
| US08472473B2 |
Wireless LAN protocol stack
Embodiments addressing MAC processing for efficient use of high throughput systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a protocol stack is disclosed comprising one or more of the following: an adaptation layer, a data link control layer, a physical layer, and a layer manager. In another aspect, physical layer feedback is used for adaptation layer processing. In one embodiment, physical layer feedback is used for segmentation. In another embodiment, physical layer feedback is used for multicast mapping onto one or more unicast channels. In another aspect, a data unit for transmission from a first station to a second station comprises zero or more complete sub-data units, zero or one partial sub-data units from a prior transmission, and zero or one partial sub-data units to fill the data unit. In one embodiment, a pointer may be used to indicate the location of any complete sub-data units. |
| US08472466B2 |
Method for scheduling distributed virtual resource blocks
A method for efficiently scheduling virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks is disclosed. In a wireless mobile communication system that supports a resource block group (RBG) allocation scheme, for distributed mapping of consecutively allocated virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, there is proposed a mapping method capable of increasing the number of distributed virtual resource blocks to a maximum while satisfying gap limitations, when the length of the physical resource blocks is different from the length of the distributed virtual resource blocks. Also, the number of distributed virtual resource blocks and the structure of an interleaver are limited for efficient scheduling. |
| US08472464B2 |
Method and apparatus for information transmission in wireless transmission system
Provided are a method of information transmission performed by a transmitter in a wireless transmission system and an apparatus for same. Said method comprises a step wherein a first information sequence is generated based on a first transmission symbol and a first resource index, a second information sequence is generated based on a second transmission symbol and a second resource index, a third information sequence is generated based on a third transmission symbol and a third resource index, a fourth information sequence is generated based on a fourth transmission symbol and a fourth resource index, a fifth information sequence is generated based on a fifth transmission symbol and a fifth resource index, a sixth information sequence is generated based on a sixth transmission symbol and a sixth resource index; and a step wherein said first information sequence, said second information sequence, and said third information sequence are transmitted via a first antenna, and said fourth information sequence, said fifth information sequence, and said sixth information sequence are transmitted via a second antenna, respectively. |
| US08472459B2 |
System and method for probing a channel in a communication system
A system and method for probing a channel by a base station in a communication system is provided. The channel probing includes performing pre-probing for selecting a subchannel, adjusting a subcarrier distance of a probing signal according to frequency selectivity indicative of frequency-domain channel selectivity based on a time channel correlation of each of a plurality of users and performing main-probing for transmitting the probing signal on the selected subchannel. |
| US08472458B2 |
Buffer space allocation method and related packet switch
A buffer space allocation method for a packet switch includes periodically performing a measurement process to obtain a plurality of measurement results at different times, each measurement result indicating a total size of accumulated packets in an output queue corresponding to one of a plurality of network ports of the packet switch, and adjusting a dedicated buffer space of the output queue according to the plurality of measurement results and a reserved space value for the dedicated buffer space. |
| US08472456B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel sensitive scheduling in a communication system
Method and apparatus for a channel sensitive scheduler for scheduling transmissions in a communication system. The scheduler is defined by a priority function of the channel condition as determined by amount of transmission power needed by a mobile station. In one embodiment the channel condition is determined based on the transmission pilot power of each mobile station and is used to calculate a priority value for each mobile station. The mobile stations are then scheduled to transmit based on the priority value. |
| US08472451B2 |
Method and apparatus for routing and forwarding between virtual routers within a single network element
A method and apparatus for routing and forwarding between virtual routers is described. A method in a single network element comprises peering a first virtual router to a second virtual router, wherein the first and second virtual routers have separate address spaces and separate routing tables, distributing a set of one or more routes from the first virtual router to the second virtual router, wherein a first of the set of routes identifies the first virtual router as a next hop of the first route, said first route including a destination, and downloading to a set of one or more forwarding tables, the destination and the next hop. |
| US08472449B2 |
Packet file system
A system and method of recording packets and packet streams to random-access block-oriented recording media, and retrieving the packets and packet streams from said recording media is disclosed. Incoming packets are copied into very large fixed sized blocks, which in turn are distributed to a plurality of disk drives for recording. Supplementary blocks of index data constructed as packets are received and recorded. The index data reduces the time required to locate and read specific packets and packet streams from the recording media. Recorded packets are retrieved and converted to standard pcap format files. |
| US08472445B1 |
Efficient host-controller address learning in ethernet switches
A network switch including a port, a memory, and a controller. The port has a port identifier and receives a packet (including an address of the source device) transmitted from a source device to the network switch. The memory is configured to store entries, each entry including (i) an identifier of a port of the network switch and (ii) an address of a network device. The controller is configured to (i) determine whether the address of the source device and the port identifier of the packet are stored in the memory and (ii) send a message to a processor requesting approval of the packet. The controller is configured to send the message when (i) the address of the source device is not stored in the memory or (ii) the port identifier of the packet is not stored with the address of the source device as one of the entries. |
| US08472442B2 |
Method and apparatus of downstream service flows classification for headend cable modem
A method and apparatus of classifying downstream service flows for a cable modem is provided. A method of classifying downstream service flows, the method including: classifying a service flow based on a Quality of Service (QoS) using a destination address of an inputted packet; composing an internal header including corresponding service flow information based on the classifying of the service flow; and adding the internal header to the inputted packet. |
| US08472439B2 |
Communication protocol
One aspect relates to a communication protocol for communicating between one or more entities, such as devices, hosts or any other system capable of communicating over a network. A protocol is provided that allows communication between entities without a priori knowledge of the communication protocol. In such a protocol, for example, information describing a data structure of the communication protocol is transferred between communicating entities. Further, an authentication protocol is provided for providing bidirectional authentication between communicating entities. In one specific example, the entities include a master device and a slave device coupled by a serial link. In another specific example, the communication protocol may be used for performing unbalanced transmission between communicating entities. |
| US08472437B2 |
Wireless chip-to-chip switching
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for chip to chip communications in electronic circuits. A router or switch receives data packets at input port ASICs. A routing table on the input port ASIC or on a routing ASIC is used to identify a destination port ASIC based upon header information in the data packet. The data packet is transmitted from the input port ASIC to the destination port ASIC using millimeter wave signals that are transmitted across a waveguide or a wireless interface. |
| US08472436B2 |
Modular wireless docking station
A modular wireless docking station for enabling a wireless connection between a computing device and a plurality of peripheral devices. The modular wireless docking station includes a radio plane having at least a wireless transceiver and at least one antenna for communicating with the computing device over a wireless medium; and a plurality of peripheral interface planes for communicating with one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices. |
| US08472434B2 |
Circuit service tunneling systems, methods, and interworking systems and mobility management entities thereof
A circuit service tunneling system is provided. The circuit service tunneling system has a first and a second mobile service network, and a user equipment. The first mobile service network provides packet-switched domain services and the second mobile service network provides circuit-switched domain services. An interworking system in the second mobile service network interconnects the first mobile service network with the second mobile service network, by connecting to a mobility management entity in the first mobile service network, to enable the first mobile service network to provide the circuit-switched domain service to the user equipment via the second mobile service network. |
| US08472433B2 |
Voice communications system
Voice communications apparatus is connected to a general subscriber telephone set or a broadband telephone set, to communicate over the public switched telephone network. The apparatus includes a filter converting signals such as to satisfy signal conditions prescribed for the telephone network. The apparatus also includes a terminal class determiner for determining the class of the telephone set connected, and a circuit for changing at least the sampling frequency at which the analog signals from the telephone set are sampled. This establishes high quality in broadband voice communications. The terminal class determiner may automatically determine the class of the telephone set at any timing of a call sequence by detecting a band component of the signals from the telephone set, a predetermined frequency of a signal intermittently transmitted from the telephone set or the characteristics of the telephone set. |
| US08472429B2 |
Device for transmission of communication signals
The present invention relates to a device (1) for transmission of communication signals between a master station location and a number of subscribers and in particular a device for transmission of a first communication signal in the form of an analogue telephone signal or ISDN data signal. The device contains corresponding interface means (11) for this. It is provided according to the invention that the device (1) is developed such that a further interface means (3) in the form of a DSL modem can be linked, in order additionally to transmit a second communication signal, preferably a broadband communication signal, over ports (15) for the transmission of the first communication signal. For this purpose, the device contains correspondingly developed distribution or addition means. |
| US08472424B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting multiple multiplexing schemes for wireless communication
Techniques for efficiently sending data in a wireless communication system are described. Time frequency resources available for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), which exclude time frequency resources used for traffic data and signaling sent with code division multiplexing (CDM), may be determined. The time frequency resources available for OFDM may be partitioned into multiple tiles. Each tile may be defined based on multiple OFDM symbol numerologies and may have a non-rectangular shape. Each terminal may be assigned at least one tile. A pilot pattern may be selected for each terminal from among multiple pilot patterns, which may support different delay spreads, spatial ranks, etc. Data and pilot may be exchanged with each terminal via the time frequency resources in the at least one tile assigned to the terminal. OFDM symbols may be processed based on multiple OFDM symbol numerologies for each assigned tile. |
| US08472423B2 |
Physical layer structures and initial access schemes in an unsynchronized communication network
Physical layer structures and related access schemes for unsynchronized communication networks are provided. Access channel information, preferably including a common synchronization code associated with all transceiver stations in a communication network and a cell-specific synchronization code uniquely associated with one of the transceiver stations, is modulated onto at least one set of time-continuous signal components of a communication signal. In order to access the communication network, communication terminals search for the access channel information in one or more sets of time-continuous signal components and synchronization parameters are then determined based on a location of the access channel information in the sets of time-continuous signal components. Some embodiments of the invention provide for joint frame synchronization and coarse timing synchronization. In further embodiments, the communication signal also includes a scattered pilot channel onto which a portion of the access channel information, preferably the cell-specific synchronization code, is modulated. The pilot channels may then be re-used for initial access operations in addition to its conventional uses for such operations as channel estimation. |
| US08472418B2 |
Method and system for communicating media based on location of media source
A method for communicating media based on location of media source includes receiving communications from a plurality of endpoints. Each communication comprises a media message and location information identifying a location of its transmitting endpoint. The method includes receiving a selection of a geographical area and comparing the location information of each communication with the selected geographical area. The method also includes presenting to a user each message received from each endpoint of the plurality of endpoints located within the selected geographical area. |
| US08472417B2 |
Communication control method
The invention relates to a method for controlling communication between at least one stationary and at least one mobile, data-exchanging unit. In said method, a position of the mobile unit is determined, and communication is made possible in response thereto. According to the invention, a priority measure is determined in response to the determined position, and data can be transmitted from the mobile, data-exchanging unit according to the priority. |
| US08472402B2 |
Apparatus and method for assigning mobile station identifier in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for providing a handover using an Mobile Station IDentifier (MS ID) in a wireless communication system are provided. In the method, at least one Base Station (BS) ID index assigned to a serving base station by at least one neighbor base station is confirmed. A target base station for a handover is confirmed. A temporary MS ID is formed using a BS ID index assigned to the serving base station by the target base station, and an MS ID index assigned to the mobile station by the serving base station. A network re-entry procedure with the target base station is performed using the temporary MS ID. Communication with the serving base station is performed until the network re-entry procedure with the target base station is completed. |
| US08472400B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing padding buffer status reports
A method and system for processing buffer status reports (BSRs) such that when BSR triggering is performed, the size(s) of the necessary sub-header(s) are also to be considered together in addition to the BSR size. The steps of checking whether any padding region is available in a MAC PDU that was constructed, comparing the number of padding bits with the size of the BSR plus its sub-header, and if the number of padding bits is larger than the size of the BSR plus its sub-header, triggering BSR are performed. Doing so allows the sub-header(s) to be inserted or included into the MAC PDU or transport block (TB) or other type of data unit. |
| US08472398B2 |
Communications apparatus and communications system using multicarrier transmission mode
A communications system for exchange of information between communications apparatuses by a multicarrier transmission mode using a plurality of subcarriers, the communication system includes a transmission data generator configured to generate frequency band information indicating which frequency band is to be used for transmission of data information between said communication apparatuses and a transmitter configured to transmit the frequency band information by using a specific frequency band which is set from among a plurality of frequency band assigned to the communications system, and to transmit data information by using at least one frequency band set from among said plurality of frequency bands; and a receiver configured to receive the frequency band information by using the specific frequency band, wherein said specific frequency band also transmits data information and said specific frequency band is made variable. |
| US08472397B2 |
Uplink scheduling and resource allocation with fast indication
Systems and methods for signalling transitions between talk-spurt state and silence state for wireless terminals having semi-persistently allocated uplink resources are employed. A layer 1/2 indication of the state transitions may be transmitted using a resource that is specifically allocated for that purpose. Alternatively, ACK/NACK signalling may be employed. Layer 1 indications may be employed for both state transition types. Alternatively, in-band MAC layer signalling may be used to signal state transition from talk-spurt state to silence, or the network may deduce this state transition on its own. A different uplink wireless transition resource is allocated for the talk-spurt state vs. the silence state. |
| US08472395B2 |
Apparatus and method for communicating uplink signaling information
A User Equipment, UE, of a cellular communication system transmits scheduling assistance data to a base station comprising a base station scheduler which schedules uplink packet data. The scheduling assistance data relates to uplink packet data transmission from the UE. The UE comprises a channel controller which is operable to cause the scheduling assistance data to be transmitted from the UE to the base station in a first physical resource of an uplink air interface. The first physical resource is not managed by the base station based scheduler. The scheduling assistance data may specifically be transmitted in a first transport channel multiplexed with other transport channels on a physical resource. The transport channels may be individually optimized and may have different termination points and transmission reliabilities. Specifically, the transport channel supporting the scheduling assistance data signaling may have a high reliability and be terminated in the base station. |
| US08472394B2 |
Base station, communication terminal, transmission method and reception method
A base station includes: means configured to manage frequency blocks; means configured to determine, for each frequency block, scheduling information for assigning one or more resource blocks to a communication terminal being in a good channel state; means configured to generate a control channel including the scheduling information for each frequency block; and means configured to frequency multiplexing control channels within the system frequency band and to transmit it. In addition, the base station transmits the control channel by separating a non-specific control channel to be decoded by a non-specific communication terminal and a specific control channel to be decoded by a communication terminal to which one or more resource blocks are assigned. |
| US08472390B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating spectrum
A method and apparatus for allocating spectrum within a wireless communication system is provided herein. During operation, a first base station will determine a location of a UE wishing to transmit. A database will be accessed containing wireless coverage area information for base stations with overlapping coverage with the first base station. Based on this information the first base station will determine if the UE is within an overlapping coverage area of multiple base stations. Spectrum will be assigned to the wireless equipment in a guard band, based at least in part on the determination that the UE is not within the overlapping coverage area. |
| US08472389B2 |
Radio resource management device, radio communication base station device, and radio resource management method
A radio resource management apparatus and radio resource management method, the radio resource management apparatus including a resource allocation section that, when a plurality of control channel elements are allocated to a physical downlink control channel for downlink data transmission, generates resource allocation information on control channel element numbers corresponding to the plurality of control channel elements, such that the control channel element numbers are different between neighboring cells, and a reporting section that reports an allocation result in the resource allocation section to a subordinate radio communication base station apparatus. |
| US08472386B2 |
Packet transmission/reception method and apparatus in wireless communication system
A method for simultaneously transmitting packets to one or more users in a wireless communication system includes: generating the packets which include length information and are to be transmitted to the one or more users; and simultaneously transmitting the generated packets to the one or more users. The length information includes information representing a unit of the length information and information representing lengths of the packets according to the unit. |
| US08472379B2 |
Mobile station, radio base station, communication control method, and mobile communication system
A mobile station according to the present invention includes: a packet discarder unit (102, 103) configured to discard a packet in an uplink transmission buffer, after assigning a sequence number to the packet, when a predetermined condition is met. |
| US08472378B2 |
Communication system, radio communication method, and radio apparatus
After checking a status of frequency band usage of a primary system by preliminary sensing, a master node transmits to slave nodes a sensing request containing a target frequency band for cooperative sensing. The slave nodes perform spectrum sensing according to specified parameters and send, as responses, results thereof to the master node. The master node collectively receives these results, comprehensively determines the sensing results of the slave nodes, and makes a final determination on whether or not the target frequency band is available. |
| US08472375B2 |
Method and apparatus for scan mode selection during an EVDO traffic state
A method and apparatus for user data traffic handling for an EVDO enabled hybrid mode mobile device, the method having the steps of: blocking a system selection at the mobile device until no EVDO traffic state exists, the blocking step includes either monitoring whether a user changes a scan mode on the mobile device; and if the user changes the scan mode, checking whether the mobile device is in an EVDO traffic state; and if yes delaying a system selection until the EVDO traffic state is ended, or monitoring whether a user is in an EVDO traffic state, and if yes, preventing a user from accessing a scan mode menu on the mobile device. |
| US08472373B2 |
Method for background scan in a mobile wireless system
A method is disclosed, operating a mobile station in a wireless network system comprising a plurality of base stations allocated in N channels. Data packets are received at a time interval p from a first base station of the wireless network system to which the mobile station is currently connected. A first period T is provided for a complete background scan monitoring messages from the plurality of base stations located in the wireless network system. The complete background scan is divided into a plurality of partial scan sections, each of which monitors base stations of one of the N channels. A second period M is determined for the partial scan section according to the time interval p, the first period T, and the number of channels N. |
| US08472372B1 |
Wireless communication system, method, and computer program product
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for transmitting wireless signals to one or more portable devices. In use, a plurality or wireless signals is received utilizing a plurality of protocols. In addition, the plurality of protocols associated with the plurality of wireless signals are converted to a single different protocol. Further, the plurality of wireless signals is transmitted to at least one portable device utilizing the single different protocol. |
| US08472370B2 |
Apparatus and method for timing synchronization in a communication system
An apparatus is capable of restoring a clock of a second node in a communication system with a symmetric network construction of a first node that is capable of receiving a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal, and the second node that is not capable of receiving a GPS signal. The method includes identifying synchronization information received from the first node, determining a delay with the first node, generating a clock using the synchronization information and delay, removing a clock phase being out of a reference range in a phase identification interval, dividing the phase identification interval into at least two subdivision intervals, and removing a clock phase being out of a normal operation range of a phase in each subdivision interval. |
| US08472367B2 |
Enhancing outage capacity based on adaptive mode switching between on-frequency and frequency translation
A method includes determining channel quality feedback information characterizing the channels statistically and calculating, based on the channel quality feedback information, a robustness related measure, such as outage capacity, associated with an on-frequency mode of operation and a robustness related measure, such as an outage capacity, associated with a frequency translated mode of operation. The method includes selecting the on-frequency mode of operation or the frequency translated mode of operation that maximizes the robustness related measure, such as outage capacity. The method also includes transmitting a message to other devices to operate in the selected on-frequency or a frequency translated modes. The method also includes performing maximum ratio combining or interference rejection combining, by at least one of the other devices, when the message indicates to operate in the frequency translated mode. |
| US08472357B2 |
System, methods, and apparatus for bidirectional relaying in wireless communications systems
In one embodiment, a method of wireless communication includes transmitting a first data packet from a user end during a first subframe of a radio frame. A second data packet is transmitted from a base station during a second subframe of the radio frame. A single data packet is received from a relay node in a third subframe of the radio frame. The single data packet includes the first and the second data packets. |
| US08472353B2 |
Provisioning/configuration systems for bridging VPN for IP audio conferencing
Internet Protocol (IP) audio conferencing bridging provisioning/configuration systems receive a service order request associated with a customer, where the service order request requests enrollment of the customer in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) bridging network service for IP Audio Conferencing. The provisioning/configuration systems orchestrate, based on the service order request, configuration of multiple network nodes in a network that provides the VPN bridging network service for IP Audio Conferencing to the customer to enable IP audio conferencing calls to be made from the customer via the network. |
| US08472348B2 |
Rapid network formation for low-power and lossy networks
In one embodiment, a node joins a communication network, and in response to joining the network, operates in a rapid startup mode, wherein the node in rapid startup mode establishes network configurations rapidly by deemphasizing quality (optimality) of the network configurations. Subsequent to operating in the rapid startup mode (e.g., after some timer or explicit command), the node then operates in a robust mode, wherein the node in robust mode iteratively refines the network configurations to increase the quality of the network configurations. |
| US08472347B2 |
System and method for providing network resiliency
The invention is directed toward an automated system and process to provide resiliency to a network infrastructure where traditional established methods tend to fail. The system analyzes the underlying physical characteristics of the network topology to identify physically diverse backup routing paths among nodes in the network. The system takes as input the number of diverse paths desired and a characteristic(s) used to choose the most desirable paths, such as delay, flow, or cost. The invention searches for multiple solutions for the selected number of diverse paths within the network. |
| US08472342B1 |
Systems and methods of routing IP telephony data packet communications
Systems and methods performed by a telephony device allow the telephony device to test the quality of multiple potential paths which can be used to conduct a telephony communication. By testing the conditions that presently exist, the telephony device can choose the path that is presently offering the best quality. A telephony communication may be setup over an initial path, and then subsequent testing may determine that it is best to switch to an alternate path offering better call quality. The initial path used for the telephony communication may be the one that offers the fastest initial connection. When multiple potential paths exist, the telephony communication may be conducted over a first path while keep alive messages are communicated over a second path so that the telephony communication can be quickly switched to the second path. |
| US08472341B2 |
Steering fragmented IP packets using 5-tuple based rules
A method, system, and/or computer program product steers Internet Protocol (IP) packet fragments. A switch receives a first IP packet fragment that contains a 3-tuple in its header. In response to determining that the first IP packet fragment is not a lead packet fragment in the series of IP packet fragments, the first IP packet fragment is pushed onto a data stack. The switch subsequently receives a second IP packet fragment that contains a 5-tuple, which includes the 3-tuple from the first IP packet fragment plus a source port and destination port used by the second IP packet fragment. The 3-tuple is mapped to the 5-tuple in a fragmentation table, thus enabling both the first IP packet fragment and the second IP packet fragment to be steered to the destination port to which the second IP packet fragment is being sent. |
| US08472335B2 |
Selecting transmission technology for communications in wide area mobile networks
Method and RNC for selecting transmission technology when a UE enters the network, which checks whether the UE is MIMO and, if so and only one carrier is available, allocates its traffic to said carrier and uses a S-CPICH to provide all MIMO traffic with a diversity pilot and Virtual Antenna Mapping for balance. If more than one carrier is available, the number of UEs, their radio conditions and load of carriers are checked periodically. If the carrier is busy only with MIMO and its load is higher than the load of the remaining carriers, diversity CPICH of STTD is selected; otherwise and only if the UEs vulnerable to STTD with good radio conditions exceed a certain number, the S-CPICH is selected. The RNC can reconfigure the network from transmitting MIMO traffic with STTD to using MIMO with S-CPICH or vice versa dynamically by periodical check of the load and UEs criteria for configuration change. |
| US08472333B2 |
Methods and systems for monitoring changes made to a network that alter the services provided to a server
Methods of automatically monitoring changes made to the communications connections into a server are provided. Pursuant to these methods, an identification is made that a change was made to the communications connections into the server. A determination is then made if the identified change complies with a set of pre-determined rules. If it is determined that the change does not comply with at least one of the rules in the set of pre-determined rules, then an alert is automatically issued. |
| US08472329B2 |
Presenting confirmation queries for network usage
The invention relates to network connection management, wherein user confirmations are queried for implementing operations requiring a network connection. According to the invention the user confirmation are queried variantly depending on the initiator of the operation. The invention relates to a devices for browsing the network and to a computer program product. |
| US08472328B2 |
Impact scoring and reducing false positives
Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detecting anomalies in network traffic. Some embodiments detect anomalies based on time-series activity in network traffic. Upon detection of an anomaly, significant changes can be analyzed to identify abnormal changes in network traffic across different network entities. The identified changes can then be used to determine the cause and the impact of the detected anomaly on the network traffic. |
| US08472323B2 |
Monitoring connection quality
Quality of a connection between a terminal and a gateway is monitored in the gateway. The gateway informs a core network element handling signaling relating to the connection about the quality of the connection. The core network element triggers an access network control element to inform the terminal about the quality of the connection. The gateway or the core network element may determine when to trigger the access network control element. Upon receiving triggering information from the core network element, the access network control element informs the terminal about the quality of the connection for indicating changes in the quality of connection between the terminal and the gateway. |
| US08472322B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive delay management
Adaptive delay management means and method for allocating resources having different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. A Forward Link (FL) scheduler prepares transmission instances by treating pending data queues according to a priority class, such as Best Effort (BE) and Expedited Forwarding (EF). Data bits from multiple queues are stuffed into a transmission instance. Various metrics are used to generate a set of candidates for transmission and then select and build a next transmission instance from the set of candidates. |
| US08472319B2 |
Relay station operated according to QOS level of service packet and method of operating relay station
A relay station, including a delay information storage unit to store remaining delay information generated in a path from a target relay node to a destination node; an order determination unit to determine an order of processing service packets with a plurality of quality of service (QoS) levels using the remaining delay information, the service packets being received from a neighbor node; and a processing unit to process the service packets in the determined order. |
| US08472318B2 |
Communication method, base station device using the same, terminal device, and communication system
A packet communication unit and a signal processing unit communicate with a plurality of terminals, respectively, in an infrastructure mode. A control unit controls the communications performed by the packet communication unit and the signal processing unit. The control unit permits two of the plurality of terminal apparatuses to communicate with each other in an ad-hoc mode, over a predetermined period time, and specifies the ad-hoc period to at least the two terminal apparatuses via the packet communication unit and the signal processing unit. |
| US08472317B2 |
Method for resource and admission control
The present invention provides a method for resource and admission control. In the process of resource requesting: upon receiving a resource initialization request, which is used for requesting a QoS resource for a service, sent by an SCF, a PD-FE of a visited network performing an authorization check and a resource availability check for the resource initialization request, and sending the resource initialization request to a PD-FE of a home network; the PD-FE of the home network performing an authorization check and making an initial policy decision for the resource initialization request, and sending a resource initialization response containing the generated initial policy decision to the PD-FE of the visited network; and the PD-FE of the visited network making a final admission decision for the resource initialization request according to the initial decision policy and the result of the resource availability check. The method provided by the present invention specifies respective functional attributes of the PACF in the home network and of the PACF in the visited network and the interaction process between the two, and solves the problem of resource and admission control supporting roaming. |
| US08472315B2 |
Method and system for controlling link saturation of synchronous data across packet networks
A method for controlling admissions of data packets across a packet network comprising the steps of establishing a communication route along a plurality of interconnected secondary nodes, determining an amount of available network and determining whether to admit the data packets to the communication route based on the determined amount of available network bandwidth. Also disclosed is a system for implementing the method comprising a first provider edge element, a second provider edge element, a plurality of interconnected secondary nodes disposed between the edge elements. Each of the secondary nodes comprises at least one first detection device for determining an amount of available network bandwidth and at least one admission device in communication with the respective first detection device for determining whether to admit the data packets to the communication route based on the determined amount of available network bandwidth. |
| US08472310B2 |
Packet distribution band controlling method, distributing apparatus, and video distributing system
An object of the present invention is to enable a real-time distribution even if the band of a network varies. A distributing apparatus receives a packet retransmission request or a packet restoration notification, which is transmitted from a receiving apparatus, with an error information receiving unit. If the number of received retransmission requests or that of restoration notifications becomes equal to or larger than a certain value, a distribution band controlling unit decreases a band used to distribute a packet by a certain band. |
| US08472307B1 |
Channelization circuits having multiple commutators
A channelization circuit channelizes baseband signals in the channels of a wideband signal. The channelization circuit includes a phase shifter, a Fourier transform circuit, filtering circuits, commutator circuits, and a summation circuit. The phase shifter circuit is configured to receive the baseband signals. The Fourier transform circuit is coupled to the phase shifter circuit and configured to frequency translate the baseband signals to the channels of the wideband signal. The filtering circuits are coupled to the Fourier transform circuit, and the commutator circuits are coupled to the filtering circuits. The summation circuit is coupled to the commutator circuits and configured to generate the wideband signal. |
| US08472300B2 |
Optical head device and optical disc device
An optical head device mounted in an optical disc device. The optical head device is provided with a diffractive optical element and a photodetector. The diffractive optical element has: a primary diffraction region at a location on which the positive and negative first-order components and some of the zero-order component of a reflectively diffracted light beam are incident; and secondary diffraction regions at locations on which the rest of the zero-order component but none of the positive or negative first-order components of the reflectively diffracted light beam are incident. A main light-receiving section of the photodetector receives the zero-order component of a transmissively diffracted light beam that has passed through the primary diffraction region and the secondary diffraction regions. Secondary light-receiving sections receive the positive first-order component and/or the negative first-order component of the transmissively diffracted light beam that has passed through the secondary diffraction regions. |
| US08472298B2 |
Optical information recording and reproducing apparatus and optical information recording method
An optical information recording and reproducing apparatus includes an irradiation unit of a signal light beam and a reference light beam required for data recording, and a cure irradiation unit having at least one of a pre-cure irradiation that irradiates a predetermined light beam on to a desired position prior to irradiating the reference light bean and the signal light beam on to the desired position when information is recorded in the desired position on an optical information recording medium and a post-cure irradiation that irradiates a predetermined light beam on to the desired position so as to make the desired position non-recordable after the information is recorded in the desired position on the recording medium. The cure irradiation unit is disposed in one driving device in a freely movable manner in the driving device. |
| US08472296B2 |
Information recording medium, recording/reproducing apparatus, and recording/reproducing method to distinguish between an original recording block and a replacement recording block
An information recording medium, and a recording/reproducing apparatus and a recording/reproducing method for the recording medium. Original data is sequentially updated by replacing an original recording block with one or more replacement recording blocks. A replacement recording block includes at least one of an original address field indicating a location of the original recording block or a previous address field indicating a location of an immediately previous recording block. Replacement information is effectively recovered in a system where a replacement for logical overwriting (LOW) occurs in either a spare area and a user data area by reference to the address fields in each replacement recording block. |
| US08472295B1 |
Selective error protection over multiple sectors
The present disclosure is directed to selectively protecting a portion of a track including a plurality of data sectors. The data sectors include a plurality of user sectors and one or more parity sectors. Protected bits are designated in each of the of data sectors. The protected bits are selected to have matching bit indices across the data sectors resulting in a parallel alignment of the protected bits across the user and parity sectors. One or more selections of protected bits of the user sectors are encoded across matching bit indices to generate data values in the corresponding protected bits of the parity sectors. At least one portion of at least one failed sector is recoverable by decoding at least one selection of the protected bits when a sector error occurs at a protected bit. |
| US08472287B1 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head having a groove for inserting into suspension
A thermally assisted magnetic head includes a suspension mounting arrangement facilitating insertion and positioning of a suspension and hardly causes displacement after insertion. The head further includes a slider and a light source unit. The slider has a recording element, a plasmon generating element, a waveguide and a reproducing element at one of opposite ends in a length direction. The recording element and waveguide are disposed adjacent to the plasmon generating element. The light source unit has a laser diode chip and a holder and is disposed on a back surface of the slider opposite from a medium-facing surface. The chip is supported by the holder and optically connected to the waveguide in a height direction. Further, the slider has a groove in a surface of a trailing-side end face for insertion of a suspension. The groove extends linearly along a width direction with bent parts at opposite open ends. |
| US08472284B2 |
Radio controlled timepiece
A radio controlled timepiece includes: a radio wave receiving section which outputs a time code signal; an indicator display section which performs a display regarding a reception condition; a level change detecting section which detects a change of a signal level of the time code signal in a predetermined detection interval in a period of 1 second; an indicator control section which controls a content of the display based on a number of times that the change of the detected signal level appears; and an interval setting section which specifies the detection interval as a whole interval of the period of 1 second during a detecting process of a synchronization point in the time code signal every 1 second, and narrows the detection interval to be a certain interval within the period of 1 second after a detection of the synchronization point every 1 second. |
| US08472283B2 |
Clock synchronization
In a clock synchronization system, clocks on a local area network are synchronized to a standard time signal such as the Network Time Protocol (NTP) signal or the Global Positioning System (GPS) time signal. A terminal on the network enables a user to introduce an offset to the clocks individually so that clocks can display the time in different time zones. |
| US08472282B2 |
Method and apparatus for acoustic data transmission in a subterranean well
The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for effectively communicating data along an acoustic transmission path. The method comprises driving an acoustic transmitter to send a data signal along the acoustic transmission path, where the signal is distorted by ambient noise. The distorted signal is input to a spaced apart plurality of sensors so that consequent time-delayed signals provide reinforcement of the basic signal and attenuation of the ambient noise component when combined. |
| US08472279B2 |
Channel skewing
Methods and systems for channel skewing are described. One or more methods for channel skewing includes providing a number of groups of data signals to a memory component, each of the number of groups corresponding to a respective channel, and adjusting a phase of a group of data signals corresponding to at least one of the number of channels such that the group of data signals are skewed with respect to a group of data signals corresponding to at least one of the other respective channels. |
| US08472276B1 |
System and method for de-latch of an integrated circuit
A system and method is provided for hot de-latch of a parasitic device in an integrated circuit (IC) that restores the IC to normal operation without de-powering the IC or resulting in a loss of data. In one embodiment the method, includes reducing a voltage supplied to at least a portion of the IC from a normal operation voltage to a de-latch voltage for a time to de-latch the parasitic device without de-powering the IC. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08472266B2 |
Reducing neighbor read disturb
Methods and devices for sensing non-volatile storage devices in a way that reduces read disturb are disclosed. Techniques are used to reduce read disturb on memory cells that are neighbors to selected memory cells. For example, on a NAND string, the memory cells that are next to the selected memory cell presently being read may benefit. In one embodiment, when reading memory cells on a selected word line WLn, Vread+Delta is applied to WLn+2 and WLn−2. Applying Vread+Delta to the second neighbor word line may reduce read disturb to memory cells on the neighbor word line WLn+1. |
| US08472262B2 |
Sense amplifier for reading a crossbar memory array
A sense amplifier for reading the data stored in a crossbar array includes a storage transistor to store a first voltage resulting from an electric current from a column line connected to a target memory element while the target memory element is half-selected, the first voltage resulting from bias voltages applied to row lines not connected to the target memory element; a mirror transistor to store a second voltage resulting from an electric current from the column line while the target memory element is fully selected; a cross-coupled inverter circuit having a first branch connected to the storage transistor and a second branch connected to the mirror transistor; and an output node to output a signal from the first branch of the cross-coupled inverter circuit, the signal based on a comparison between the first voltage stored in the storage transistor and the second voltage across the mirror transistor. |
| US08472256B2 |
Non-volatile memory programming
Some embodiments include a memory device and a method of programming memory cells of the memory device. One such method includes applying voltages to data lines associated with different groups of memory cells during a programming operation. Such a method applies the voltages to the data lines associated with a last group of memory cells being programmed in a different fashion from the other groups of memory cells after the other groups of memory cells have been programmed. Other embodiments including additional memory devices and methods are described. |
| US08472255B2 |
Compensation of non-volatile memory chip non-idealities by program pulse adjustment
To program a set of non-volatile storage elements, a set of programming pulses are applied to the control gates (or other terminals) of the non-volatile storage elements. The programming pulses have pulse widths that vary as a function of simulated pulse magnitude data. The programming pulses can also have pulse magnitudes that vary based on measurements taken while testing the set of non-volatile storage elements. In one embodiment, the pulse widths are determined after simulation performed prior to fabrication of the non-volatile storage elements. In another embodiment, the pulse magnitudes are calculated after fabrication of the non-volatile storage elements. |
| US08472254B2 |
Memory arrays and memory devices
Strings of series-coupled memory cells selectively coupled to the same bit line may facilitate increased memory densities, reduced fabrication steps and faster read operations when compared to traditional memory array architectures. Reading of the memory cells may be accomplished using charge sharing techniques similar to read operations in a DRAM device. |
| US08472247B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and method for programming the device, and memory system
A non-volatile memory device comprises a memory cell array comprising memory cells arranged in rows connected to corresponding word lines and columns connected to corresponding bit lines, a page buffer that stores a program data, a read-write circuit that programs and re-programs the program data into selected memory cells of the memory cell array and reads stored data from the programmed memory cells, and a control circuit that controls the page buffer and the read-write circuit to program the selected memory cells by loaded the program data from in page buffer and to re-program the selected memory cells by re-loaded the program data in the page buffer. |
| US08472237B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods of driving the same
Example embodiments disclose a semiconductor device using resistive memory material layers and a method of driving the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of memory cells. At least one memory cell includes a uni-polar variable resistor and a bi-polar variable resistor connected in series and configured to switch between low resistance states and high resistance states, respectively, according to an applied voltage. |
| US08472236B2 |
Differential plate line screen test for ferroelectric latch circuits
Non-volatile latch circuits, such as in memory cells and flip-flops, that are constructed for reliability screening. The non-volatile latch circuits each include ferroelectric capacitors coupled to storage nodes, for example at the outputs of cross-coupled inverters. Separate plate lines are connected to the ferroelectric capacitors of the complementary storage nodes. A time-zero test of the latch stability margin is performed by setting a logic state at the storage nodes, then programming the state into the ferroelectric capacitors by polarization. After power-down, the plate lines are biased with a differential voltage relative to one another, and the latch is then powered up to attempt recall of the programmed state. The differential voltage disturbs the recall, and provides a measure of the cell margin and its later-life reliability. |
| US08472235B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object is reduction in power consumption of a semiconductor device including a memory circuit. In the semiconductor device including a memory circuit, the memory circuit includes a memory cell including a semiconductor element and a memory cell that does not include a semiconductor element in a region defined by a word line and a bit line which intersect with each other. A transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor so as to have extremely low off-state current is used as the semiconductor element, so that the reading precision is improved and thus low voltage operation can be performed. The memory cells store data high or data low. The memory cell comprising a semiconductor element stores minor data of high and low, and the memory cell that does not comprise the semiconductor element stores major data of high and low. |
| US08472231B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
An object is to provide a semiconductor memory device which stores data with the use of a transistor having small leakage current between a source and a drain in an off state as a writing transistor. In a matrix including a plurality of memory cells, gates of the writing transistors are connected to writing word lines. In each of the memory cells, a drain of the writing transistor is connected to a gate of a reading transistor, and the drain is connected to one electrode of a capacitor. Further, the other electrode of the capacitor is connected to a reading word line. In the semiconductor memory device in which the memory cells are connected in series so as to have a NAND structure, gates of the reading transistors are provided alternately, and the reading word line and the writing word line are shared. |
| US08472230B2 |
Selective access memory circuit
A selective access memory circuit (SAMC) is described. The SAMC is a class of complex programmable memory device (CPMD) that reconfigures access to memory cells by using gates in an integrated gate array mechanism configured at regular intervals in memory arrays. CPMDs are applied to embedded controllers, microprocessors, DSPs and system on chip (SoC) circuit architectures. |
| US08472222B2 |
Method for operating an inverter, and inverter
In an inverter and a method for operating an inverter, the inverter includes a step-up converter circuit, a dynamic intermediate circuit, and a step-down converter circuit for converting a direct voltage of a direct voltage generator or string into an alternating voltage for supplying a network. The step-up converter circuit increases the direct voltage if the latter is lower than a peak-to-peak maximum of the network voltage, and the step-down converter circuit lowers a dynamic intermediate circuit voltage, as needed, to a lower voltage currently required in the network. The step-up converter circuit dynamically increases the direct voltage to the value currently required in the network and in the process temporarily supplies an approximately sinusoidal voltage curve for the intermediate circuit voltage. |
| US08472219B2 |
Method and systems for converting power
A power conversion system includes a first converter coupled to a power source, wherein the first converter includes an input side, and an output side electrically isolated from the input side. The power conversion system also includes a second converter coupled to the power source, wherein the second converter includes an input side, and an output side electrically isolated from the input side. The second converter input side is coupled in parallel with the first converter input side, and the second converter output side is coupled in series with the first converter output side. The power conversion system also includes an inverter coupled to the first converter output side and to the second converter output side, and the inverter supplies alternating current to an electrical distribution network. |
| US08472217B2 |
Switching mode power supply with a multi-mode controller
A switching mode power supply with a multi-mode controller is provided. The switching mode power supply may include a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding to supply power to a load. A feedback circuit may be included to generate a feedback signal that varies in relation to the load on the secondary winding. The multi-mode controller may include a switching circuit, a frequency control circuit and a current limiting circuit. The switching circuit may be coupled to the primary winding to control current flow through the primary winding. The frequency control circuit may control a switching frequency of the switching circuit based on the feedback signal. The current limiting circuit may limit current flow through the primary winding by causing the switching circuit to suspend current flow through the primary winding when the current reaches a peak current limit that is set based on the feedback signal. |
| US08472214B2 |
Control circuit and method for efficient flyback power converter under light load
A flyback power converter includes a power switch connected to a primary side of a transformer, and a sensing signal is provided for a control circuit to switch the power switch so as for the transformer to convert an input voltage into an output voltage. The sensing signal is a function of the input voltage, and the control circuit extracts a variation of the sensing signal during a preset time period. The variation of the sensing signal is used to prevent the output ripple and the green mode entry point of the flyback power converter from varying with the input voltage. |
| US08472207B2 |
Electronic device having liquid crystal polymer solder mask and outer sealing layers, and associated methods
An electronic device includes a substrate with a circuit layer thereon that has a solder pad. There is a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) solder mask on the substrate that has an aperture aligned with the solder pad. There is a fused seam between the substrate and the LCP solder mask. Solder is in the aperture, and a circuit component is electrically coupled to the solder pad via the solder. A first dielectric layer stack having a first plurality of dielectric layers is on the LCP solder mask and has an aperture aligned with the solder pad. There is a first LCP outer sealing layer on the first dielectric layer stack, and a second dielectric layer stack having a second plurality of dielectric layers on the substrate on a side thereof opposite the LCP solder mask. Further, there is a second LCP outer sealing layer on the second dielectric layer stack. |
| US08472205B2 |
Adaptive printed circuit board connector
An adaptive printed circuit board (PCB) connector consists of an adapter. The adapter comprises a printed circuit board having connectors connectable to battery terminals of a battery terminal structure of a populated circuit board (POP) of a mobile device. The adapter can have an opening shaped or adapted to receive the battery terminal structure of the POP. Battery terminals can be spring loaded. Spring loaded battery terminals can provide connective stability between POP and adapter by pushing against edge inside of opening of the adapter. |
| US08472201B2 |
Circuit module
An isolator includes a core isolator mounted on a circuit board and including a ferrite and permanent magnets to apply a direct-current magnetic field to the ferrite, and includes no yoke for controlling the leakage of the direct-current magnetic field out of the isolator. Power amplifiers are arranged in a straight line along with the core isolator interposed therebetween. A metal case covers the core isolator and the power amplifiers. The heights of the power amplifiers are greater than that of the core isolator. |
| US08472199B2 |
System including a plurality of encapsulated semiconductor chips
A solid state drive is disclosed. The solid state drive includes a circuit board having opposing first and second surfaces. A plurality of semiconductor chips are attached to the first surface of the circuit board of the solid state drive, and the plurality of semiconductor chips of the solid state drive include at least one memory chip that is at least substantially encapsulated in a resin. An in-line memory module-type form factor circuit board is also disclosed. The in-line memory module-type form factor circuit board has opposing first and second surfaces. A plurality of semiconductor chips are attached to the first surface of the in-line memory module-type form factor circuit board, and these semiconductor chips include at least one memory chip that is at least substantially encapsulated in a resin. |
| US08472192B2 |
Portable hand held multi-source power inverter with pass through device
A portable hand held power inverter/converter having a pass through device for simultaneously sourcing A.C. and multiple voltage D.C. power consuming devices through a single D.C. power source connection. Inverter and converter circuitry is provided to invert and convert D.C. voltage to an A.C. voltage source and a lower DC voltage. A.C. electrical outlets are provided to facilitate a connection to an external A.C. power-consuming device and a DC outlet to a lower volt DC power-consuming device. The pass through device provides an independent and simultaneous connection to an additional D.C. outlet that would otherwise be eliminated when occupied by the inverter thus allowing simultaneous connection and operation of both A.C. and multi source D.C. power consuming devices through a single external D.C. power outlet of a single D.C. power source. |
| US08472181B2 |
Computer cabinets having progressive air velocity cooling systems and associated methods of manufacture and use
Computer cabinets, such as supercomputer cabinets, having progressive air velocity cooling systems are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer cabinet includes an air mover positioned beneath a plurality of computer module compartments. The computer module compartments can be arranged in tiers with the computer modules in each successive tier being positioned closer together than the computer modules in the tier directly below. The computer cabinet can also include one or more shrouds, flow restrictors, and/or sidewalls that further control the direction and/or speed of the cooling air flow through the cabinet. |
| US08472180B2 |
Hard disk module and hard disk securing apparatus thereof
A securing apparatus for securing a hard disk with two opposite sidewalls includes a connecting rod, a first securing plate, a second securing plate, a supporting rod, and a locking handle. The connecting rod includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first securing plate has an end fixed to the first end portion of the connecting rod. The second securing plate has an end pivotably connected to the second end portion of the connecting rod, the second securing plate includes a locking member. The supporting rod has a first end fixed to the first securing plate, and a second end opposite to the first end. The locking handle is pivotably connected to the second end of the supporting rod, the locking handle is able to be locked by the locking member to keep the second securing plate clamped to the hard disk. |
| US08472178B2 |
Memory retention system to reduce shock-related discontinuities
A memory retention and support system includes a memory chassis. A board is mounted to the memory chassis. A memory connector is mounted to the board and includes a pair of guide members at opposite distal ends of the memory connector and a pair of opposing outer walls extending between the guide members. A connector reinforcing member engages the memory connector to urge the guide members toward each other and to urge the opposing outer walls toward each other. A damping member is operable to be positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from the memory connector in order to engage a memory module when the memory module is coupled to the memory connector. The connector reinforcing member and the damping member act to resist a discontinuities between a plurality of memory contacts on the memory module and a plurality of connector contacts on the memory connector. |
| US08472177B2 |
Tablet computer case and associated methods
Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer. |
| US08472174B2 |
Video display system
A video screen enclosure is disclosed for housing a flat panel video display unit (“FPD”), comprising a housing and a front panel member joined to the housing with an airtight seal. An environmental control unit (“ECU”) within housing includes means to internally circulate air within said enclosure to maintain a temperature within a range suitable for operation of said display, and a control system to maintain the interior temperature within said enclosure within a selected range suitable for operation of said FPD. The enclosure may form a sealed unit with interior air being recirculated through said ECU, or ambient air may be circulated through the enclosure. |
| US08472171B2 |
Method and system for cooling a computer device
A system and apparatus to draw air for cooling an interior surface in a body of a computer device. In one embodiment, an upward-facing intake of a fan means is at least partially positioned vertically under vent means which are attached to and/or incorporated within an upper exterior surface of the body of the computer device. In another embodiment, air from outside the body of the computer device flows through said vent means and flows directly into the portion of the upper vent, where the vent means includes air-permeable, hydrophobic means to reduce liquid intrusion from the flow of air. |
| US08472170B2 |
Computer chassis with anti-emi lid fastening
An exemplary computer chassis includes a casing and a lid covering the casing. The casing includes a bottom wall, a first sidewall and second sidewall extending from the bottom wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each extending a curved engaging ledge. The lid includes a main body and baffles extending from the main body. The baffles fittedly engage with corresponding engaging ledges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the casing. |
| US08472165B2 |
Conductive polymer solution, conductive coating, condenser and process for manufacturing condenser
The object of the present invention is to provide a condenser that exhibits excellent conductivity of the solid electrolyte layer, and has a low ESR, a high degree of heat resistance, and a high withstand voltage. A condenser of the present invention includes an anode composed of a valve metal, a dielectric layer formed by oxidation of the surface of the anode, and a solid electrolyte layer formed on the surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the solid electrolyte layer contains a π-conjugated conductive polymer, a polyanion, and an amide compound. |
| US08472155B2 |
Leakage detection protective circuit
The leakage detection protection circuit comprises power input and output ends, an induction coil, a self-excitation coil, a control chip, a controlled silicon rectifier, a commutation diode, a resistor, a current limiting resistor, a filter capacitor, a tripping coil, a pair of main circuit switches linked with a reset button, a test button, and first and second test switches. When the reset button is in a tripped state, the first test switch is open and the second test switch is closed. Additionally, when the reset button is pressed down, the first test switch changes from open to closed, the second test switch remains closed, and the neutral wire of the power input end is connected to the output end of the live wire of the power input end to enable generation of an analog leakage current. Finally, when the reset button is reset, the first and second test switches are both open. |
| US08472154B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for leakage current masking and ground fault detection
A leakage current masking device for use with a circuit includes at least one inductive load device coupled to the circuit and configured to supply an inductive load to the circuit, and a processor communicatively coupled to the inductive load device. The processor is configured to receive a signal representative of a current through the circuit, calculate a capacitive leakage current component of the current, and cause the inductive load device to adjust the inductive load supplied to the circuit to reduce the capacitive leakage current component. |
| US08472153B1 |
Neutral point clamped power converter fault detection, identification, and protection
A fault detection, identification, and protection system for a phase leg of a three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) power converter includes a fault detection circuit, the fault detection circuit configured to determine, based on signals received from the two inner switches and two outer switches via their respective gate drivers, the presence of a fault in the phase leg; a fault identification circuit, the fault identification circuit being configured to determine, based on signals from the fault detection circuit, a location of the fault in the phase leg; and a protection circuit, the protection circuit being configured to turn off at least one of the inner switches or outer switches in response to the identification of the location of the fault by the fault identification circuit. |
| US08472152B2 |
Receptacle with arc protection circuitry
An electrical receptacle includes at least one motion sensor for detecting movement of a blade of an electrical plug in the receptacle, an extraction detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for generating a signal in response to movement of the blade at a predetermined rate, a position detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for determining the position of the blade in the receptacle, a switch operatively connected to the extraction detector and the position detector for de-energizing the receptacle when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate and wherein the extraction detector and switch are operative to de-energize the receptacle in less than six milliseconds when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate. |
| US08472151B2 |
TMR device with low magnetorestriction free layer
A high performance TMR sensor is fabricated by employing a free layer with a trilayer configurations represented by FeCo/CoFeB/CoB, FeCo/CoB/CoFeB, FeCo/CoFe/CoB, or FeCo/FeB/CoB may also be employed. Alternatively, CoNiFeB or CoNiFeBM formed by co-sputtering CoB with CoNiFe or CoNiFeM, respectively, where M is V, Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, or Mo may be included in a composite free layer or as a single free layer in the case of CoNiFeBM. A 15 to 30% in improvement in TMR ratio over a conventional CoFe/NiFe free layer is achieved while maintaining low Hc and RA<3 ohm-um2. In bilayer or trilayer embodiments, magnetostriction (λ) between −5×10−6 and 5×10−6 is achieved by combining CoB (−λ) and one or more layers having a positive λ. |
| US08472149B2 |
CPP type magneto-resistive effect device and magnetic disk system
The invention provides a giant magneto-resistive effect device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure (CPP-GMR device) comprising a spacer layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked together with said spacer layer sandwiched between them, with a sense current passed in the stacking direction, wherein the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer function such that the angle made between the directions of magnetizations of both layers change relatively depending on an external magnetic field, said spacer layer contains a semiconductor oxide layer, and a nitrogen element-interface protective layer is provided at a position where the semiconductor oxide layer forming the whole or a part of said spacer layer contacts an insulating layer. Thus, there is a nitride of high covalent bonding capability formed at the surface of junction between the semiconductor oxide layer and the interface protective layer, so that the migration of oxygen from the semiconductor oxide layer to the insulating layer is inhibited; even when the device undergoes heat and stress in the process, fluctuations and deteriorations of device characteristics are held back. |
| US08472147B2 |
Magnetoresistive shield with lateral sub-magnets
A magnetic shield for a magnetoresistive (MR) reader has one or more lateral hard magnets and a ferromagnetic shielding layer with at least one hard sub-magnet in a lateral notch in the shielding layer. The notch allows the shielding layer to contact the sub-magnet on surfaces along multiple normal planes. |
| US08472144B2 |
Magnetic head suspension having a load beam part with bending lines
A load beam part, which includes a plate-like main body portion facing a disk surface and paired flange portions bent from both side edges of the main body portion in a suspension width direction so as to extend toward a direction opposite from the disk surface, is bent at first and second bending lines in such a convex manner as to project in the direction toward the disk surface, the first bending line being positioned between the proximal end portion of the load beam part and the dimple in the suspension longitudinal direction and extending along the suspension width direction, the second bending line being positioned between the first bending line and the dimple in the suspension longitudinal direction and extending along the suspension width direction. |
| US08472142B2 |
Method of making a bonded structure for an electrical component, and/or head gimbal assembly, head stack assembly, and disk drive unit incorporating the same
The present bonded structure uses metal ball to bond or weld the respective bonding surfaces of electrical pads which are arranged to face the same direction. The structure can be controlled visually and thus enables a high connection quality of no short circuit. In addition, the bonding operation of the bonded structure is carried out without using pressure, thus it will not damage surroundings of the electrical components. Accordingly, the manufacture yield is significantly improved and the cost is prominently reduced. The present invention also discloses a bonding method and a head gimbal assembly and a head stack assembly and a drive unit using the bonded structure. |
| US08472138B2 |
Self-aligned full side shield PMR and method to make it
A magnetic pole suitable for perpendicular magnetic recording is described. This write pole is symmetrically located relative to its side shields and has at least three additional surfaces that are disposed to lie in planes that are normal to the substrate's top surface. |
| US08472137B2 |
Magnetic head and method of manufacture thereof wherein the head includes a pole layer and non-magnetic layer having a continuous tapered face opposed to a trailing shield
The present invention relates to a magnetic head, a manufacturing method therefor, a head assembly, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. According to the present invention, it includes a magnetic pole layer, a non-magnetic layer, a trailing gap layer, and a trailing shield layer. The magnetic pole layer has a pole tip exposed on a magnetic medium-facing surface. The non-magnetic layer is laid on the magnetic pole layer. The trailing shield layer is exposed on the magnetic medium-facing surface and laid over the magnetic pole layer and the non-magnetic layer with the trailing gap layer between. The magnetic pole layer and the non-magnetic layer have a continuous tapered face opposed to a lower side of the trailing shield layer. Moreover, the tapered face extends from a trailing edge of the pole tip at a constant inclination angle. |
| US08472125B2 |
Variable power optical system, imaging device, and digital device
A variable power optical system (1) comprises a first lens group (11) having a negative optical power, a second lens group (12) having a positive optical power, and a third lens group (13). The first to third lens groups are arranged in order from the object side to the image side. The first lens group (11) is composed of one negative lens (111) and is fixed in variable power. The third lens group (13) includes at least one aspherical surface. When the third lens group is divided into a front group and a rear group with the largest air space in the third group, the front group has a negative optical power, and the rear group has a positive optical power. |
| US08472124B2 |
Image forming optical system and electronic image pickup apparatus using the same
In an image forming optical system which includes in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 having a positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having a negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group G4, and which includes maximum of five lens groups, and at the time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, when a focal length of the overall image forming optical system is in a range of 1.2 fw to 1.8 fw, the first lens group G1 moves to be positioned more toward the object side than a position at the wide angle end, in a rectangular coordinate system in which, a horizontal axis is let to be νd(LA) and a vertical axis is let to be nd(LA), when a straight line expressed by nd(LA)=a×νd(LA)+b(LA)(provided that a=−0.0267) is set, the image forming optical system satisfies a predetermined conditional expression. |
| US08472122B2 |
Optical system
The optical system of the present invention includes a plurality of lens groups and a variable focus lens. Here, the variable focus lens satisfies the following condition: −0.023≦{(nA−1)/νA−(nB−1)/νB}/(nB−nA)≦0.023 where nA and nB respectively denote the d-line refractive indices of a first medium and a second medium, and νA and νB respectively denote the d-line Abbe numbers of the first and second media. In addition, the plurality of lens groups moves in an optical axial direction; and the following condition holds: 0.8<|fao|/fw<5 where fao denotes the composite focal distance at the wide angle end of the part of the optical system, and fw denotes the focal distance of the entire system at the wide angle end. |
| US08472114B2 |
Display device
A direct-viewing type display device 100a includes a display panel 100 having a display region 120 including pixels arrayed in a row direction and a column direction and a frame region 130 provided outside the display region, such that a first border line B1 and a second border line B2 exist between the display region and the frame region; and a light-transmitting cover 200 disposed on the viewer's side. The display region includes a peripheral display region 125 and a central display region 124; a third border line B3 and a fourth border line B4 exist between the peripheral display region and the central display region; the peripheral display region includes a first peripheral display section 121; the light-transmitting cover includes a lens portion disposed over the peripheral display region and the frame region; and the lens portion refracts light going out from a pixel 171 within the first peripheral display section in a direction X1 from a point where the third border line and the fourth border line intersect toward the pixel 171. According to the present invention, a display device is provided whose entire frame region including the corner portions can be obscured, such that joints can be obscured in the case of tiling. |
| US08472112B2 |
Stable infrared films
Provided are infrared films comprising a substrate, a layer of an aminium radical cation compound in a crystalline state and an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of a divinyl ether polymer, a fluoropolymer, and a silicone polymer, and, optionally, a water repellent layer overlying the layer of the aminium compound. Such infrared films are stable in their optical properties and useful for security markings, test strips for analysis of fluids, and other optical articles for detection in the infrared. Also provided are methods for making such infrared films. |
| US08472109B2 |
Semiconductor optical amplifier and optical module
A semiconductor optical amplifier includes a semiconductor substrate; an optical waveguide that includes an active layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a wavelength selective reflection film that is formed on an end face where signal light is incident on the optical waveguide the wavelength selective reflection film allows transmission of the signal light, and reflects light of any wavelength other than the signal light. |
| US08472108B2 |
System and method for voice control of medical devices
A light-based medical scope system includes a semiconductor diode pump source, a multiplexer that combines diode outputs to generate an optical signal. First and second waveguide structures guide the optical signal with a coupling loss of about 5dB or less through a scope adapted for insertion into a patient's body. A focusing element coupled to a distal end of the second waveguide structure is adapted to focus the optical signal onto the patient's body. A housing includes a base portion, a flexible portion, and a head unit mounted onto the flexible portion. The focusing element is located within or passes through the head unit, and the base portion includes a mechanical control for manipulating the flexible portion. In one embodiment, a waveguide structure directs an output beam of 1.7 microns or more to perform a differential measurement on patient blood with the result displayed on an associated monitor. |
| US08472107B2 |
High-speed multiplied signal generating method and device
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can obtain a multiplied harmonic signal fast and with ease, and the method using the apparatus.The object is attained by the method for obtaining a multiple harmonic signal comprises, suppressing a different parity optical signal having parity different from fundamental optical signals; suppressing residual optical signals using an optical filter after suppressing the different parity optical signal; and obtaining the frequency difference component using the fundamental optical signals, and the device realizing the method. |
| US08472105B2 |
MEMS micromirror and micromirror array
A micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) micromirror array has an array of micromirrors on a support structure. Each micromirror is pivotally attached to the support structure by a resilient structure. The resilient structure defines a pivot axis. There is an array of electrostatic actuators for pivotally driving the array of micromirrors about the pivot axis. Each electrostatic actuator comprises a first part carried by the support structure, and a second part carried by the corresponding micromirror. An electrostatic sink is mounted to the support structure that shields at least one micromirror from spurious electrostatic actuation. |
| US08472102B2 |
Illumination source and method therefor
An illumination source and a method therefor. A light source includes a light circuit configured to process light and direct light, and a lighting element optically coupled to the light circuit to provide multiple colors of light. The light circuit propagates light using light guides. The use of light guides eliminates the use of free space optical elements, enabling the creation of more compact light sources. Furthermore, the use of light guides may enable the creation of light sources with fewer mechanical restrictions, thereby making the light sources potentially more reliable and less expensive. |
| US08472100B2 |
Multilayered deformable element with reduced memory properties in a MEMS device
A deformable element for use in microelectromechanical systems comprises a core layer and a protective layer. The protective layer is capable of deterring combinations of undesired chemical components in operational environments with the core layer of the deformable element. |
| US08472096B2 |
Method of manufacturing oscillator device, and optical deflector and optical instrument with oscillator device
A method of manufacturing an oscillator device having first and second oscillators being driven at first and second driving resonance frequencies gf1 and gf2, the method including a first step for processing the two oscillators, wherein, when the two oscillators are going to be processed as oscillators having first and second resonance frequencies different from the two driving resonance frequencies with a certain dispersion range, the two oscillators are so processed that the first and second resonance frequencies different from the two driving resonance frequencies become equal to first and second resonance frequencies f1 and f2, respectively, which are included in adjustable resonance frequency ranges, respectively, and a second step for adjusting the first and second resonance frequencies f1 and f2 so that they become equal to the first and second driving resonance frequencies gf1 and gf2, respectively. |
| US08472095B2 |
True three dimensional imagery and use thereof
A method for producing true three dimension imagery includes positioning an object to be imaged and directing imaging laser beams to impinge upon the object. Splitting the imaging laser beams after the imaging laser beams have impinged upon the object is then accomplished, while redirecting the split imaging beams to a recording substrate. |
| US08472094B2 |
Volumetric is imaging of a holographic optical traps
A method and system for manipulating object using a three dimensional optical trap configuration. By use of selected hologram on optical strap can be configured as a preselected three dimensional configuration for a variety of complex uses. The system can include various optical train components, such as partially transmissive mirrors and Keplerian telescope components to provide advantageously three dimensional optical traps. |
| US08472093B2 |
Automated sourcing for multiple printing press, multiple web printing
A machine-implemented process determines web press printing capabilities and costs of different printing organizations using a processor. The printing capabilities comprise a number of printing units and a number of supply roll stands supplying continuous print media to the printing units. A printing request is received from a print customer through a graphic user interface. The printing request is evaluated using the processor to determine printing request requirements. A comparator compares the printing request requirements with the printing capabilities and costs to identify capable printing organizations of the different printing organizations that have abilities to process the printing request. The processor calculates different print choices and costs based on the printing capabilities and costs of the capable printing organizations and outputs the different print choices and costs to the print customer through the graphic user interface. |
| US08472091B2 |
Image scanner, image forming apparatus, and sample hold control method
A scanner includes: a photoelectric conversion element configured to photoelectrically convert light reflected from an original image to form an image signal; a timing generation circuit configured to generate a drive signal for the photoelectric conversion element; a drive circuit configured to drive the photoelectric conversion element; a signal processing circuit configured to subject a sample hold signal fed in through the drive circuit and the image signal to an A/D conversion; and a control circuit configured to turn on the sample hold signal when the scanner transitions to an “ON” state from an “OFF” state and turn off the sample hold signal when the scanner transitions to the “OFF” state from the “ON” state. The control circuit turns on and off the sample hold signal, based on each of input fed to the drive circuit and the signal processing circuit. |
| US08472088B2 |
Image reading apparatus, image reading method and computer-readable information recording medium
An original is read by an original reading unit configured to read image data, at least one of the original reading unit and the original is driven by a driving motor in a sub-scan direction, and, when an amount of the image data stored by the image data storing unit becomes equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the rotational speed of the driving motor is reduced according to driving control data provided for each of current rotation angles of the driving motor for finally stopping the driving motor at a predetermined rotation angle, and a speed in a sub-scan direction at which the original reading unit reads the original is reduced. Then, main scan line data are thinned out from the image data according to thin-out data provided for each driving control data, and image data of the original are restored. |
| US08472083B2 |
Intra prediction apparatus and intra prediction method using first blocks obtained by dividing a picture and second blocks obtained by dividing the first block
To provide an intra prediction apparatus which can circumvent a hazard problem and improve the time reduction effect. An intra prediction apparatus 11 performs intra predictions of a picture. The intra predictions include: second intra predictions of respective second blocks (blocks) which are obtained by dividing a first pixel block; and a first intra prediction of the first block (macroblock) which constitutes the picture. The intra prediction apparatus 11 includes: an intra prediction unit (a prediction unit 113, an orthogonal transform and quantization unit 115, an inverse orthogonal transform and inverse quantization unit 116, and an adder 117) which performs the intra predictions; and a control unit 119 which controls the intra prediction unit to perform in parallel the intra prediction of the macroblock and the intra predictions of the respective pixel blocks. |
| US08472082B2 |
Image processing device with compensation for a focal point shift of the print head
An image processing device includes a storing unit for storing a dither matrix. The dither matrix has a plurality of dot regions divided into a plurality of sub-matrices. A creating unit is configured to create binary image data by comparing an input value to threshold values of each sub-matrix. The plurality of sub-matrices includes a first sub-matrix having a first threshold value smallest among threshold values in the first sub-matrix; a second sub-matrix having a plurality of threshold values that are smaller than the first threshold value and are arranged adjacent to each other; a third sub-matrix; having a second threshold value largest among threshold values in the third sub-matrix; and a fourth sub-matrix having a plurality of threshold values that are larger than the second threshold value and are arranged adjacent to each other. |
| US08472075B2 |
Print job management device, print job management method, and computer-readable storage medium
When it is set by a user to use a nearline finisher with priority, if a print job that uses an inline finisher is to be processed, the print job using the inline finisher is divided into a print job to be executed with the inline finisher and a print job to be executed with the nearline finisher. In contrast, when it is set by a user to use the inline finisher with priority, if a print job that uses the nearline finisher is to be processed, a portion to be executed with the inline finisher and a portion to be executed with the nearline finisher are aggregated, thereby converting the print job to a print job for the inline finisher. |
| US08472073B2 |
Validation of a print verification system
Methods, systems, and media are disclosed for testing the accuracy of a print verification system (PVS) in test mode, wherein a PVS is often used to validate the accuracy of printed output. One embodiment includes receiving, by an application, an output from a print verification system associated with the application, wherein the output comprises one or more defects. The embodiment also includes receiving, by the application, a list, such as a copy, of seeded defects for the output, wherein the list is uploaded to and saved by the application. In addition, the embodiment includes matching, by the application, the one or more seeded defects in the list that correspond to the one or more defects in the output. Finally, the embodiment includes displaying, by the application, results of the testing after the matching. |
| US08472071B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer readable medium storing program for processing information
An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires encoded information at a position specified on a medium, the medium having the encoded information and an image printed thereon, the encoded information including identification information of the medium, first coordinate information identifying in a first coordinate system a position where the encoded information is printed, and alignment determination information determining an alignment of the encoded information, and the image, printed on the medium, at a position predetermined by second coordinate information in a second coordinate system, an identifying unit that identifies the image corresponding to the encoded information by checking the first coordinate information included in the encoded information acquired by the acquisition unit against the second coordinate information of the images printed on the medium, and a determining unit that determines whether the first coordinate system matches the second coordinate system in alignment. |
| US08472066B1 |
Usage maps in image deposition devices
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for determining usage maps in handheld image deposition devices. The utilization of usage maps in combination with color planes may facilitate the output of varying levels of intensity. Additionally, the storage of processed images and the print data associated with various image locations of the processed image, according to a consistent offset of memory addresses, may expedite retrieval of print information. |
| US08472065B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus is provided which determines a printing position of an identification code in accordance with a print setting designated for printing target data. For example, it makes a decision as to which one of the cutting printing, poster printing, job-based printing (such as bookbinding printing or staple printing), 2-sided printing, and other printing (such as normal layout printing and reduction layout (Nup) printing) is designated, and decides the printing position of a two-dimensional code. In page layout printing, the two-dimensional code is output in a mode suitable for source document data after page layout. |
| US08472064B2 |
Print module, information processing device, print system, print unit, ink supply unit, print method, and program
The present invention provides a print module, an information processing device, a print system, a print unit, an ink supply unit, a print method and program, all capable of quickly and easily meeting demands for a print medium size change, particularly to increased sizes, while at the same time coping with demands for faster printing speed. To this end, this invention constructs the print heads (811) in the form of print modules (M) so that their ink systems and signal systems are independent among the print modules. Each print module is set with identity information for its identification. |
| US08472063B2 |
Information processing system, information processing method, and computer-readable recording medium
An information processing system including a server apparatus and a client apparatus, the server apparatus including: a first storage unit; a first detection unit configured to detect installing of a program; a first conversion unit configured to convert a file including the program into a predetermined form; a first storage control unit configured to store the file in a first storage area; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the file to the client apparatus, the client apparatus including: a second storage unit; a second storage control unit configured to store the file transmitted from the server apparatus in a second storage area a second detection unit configured to detect storing of the file; a second conversion unit configured to convert the file into an installable form; and an installing unit configured to install the program included in the file in the client apparatus. |
| US08472062B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method of controlling the same
Document data to be printed is decided from document data of a plurality of pages, based on an inclination of an information processing apparatus detected by a sensor for detecting the inclination of the information processing apparatus. The decided document data to be printed is transmitted to a printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction to transmit the document data to be printed to the printing apparatus. |
| US08472060B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming system and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus including: an assignment portion that, when a plurality of dynamic reconfigurable processors (DRPs) execute image processes by a pipeline process mode based on a print job, assigns identification numbers identifying the DRPs to the DRPs based on the number of DRPs; and a change portion that changes an assignment process by the assignment portion, based on whether a DRP of a final stage in the DRPs is connected to an outputting portion, the outputting portion outputting the results of the image processes to an outside; wherein when the DRP of the final stage is connected to the outputting portion, the assignment portion calculates a maximum identification number based on the total of the number of DRPs, assigns the maximum identification number to the DRP of the final stage, and sequentially assigns values acquired by decreasing the maximum identification number to remaining DRPs. |
| US08472056B2 |
Printing system and printing apparatus terminal for efficient processing of printing content
A printing system includes a transmitting terminal, which transmits printable printing contents, and a printing apparatus terminal, which receives and prints the printing contents, which are connected to the printing system via an Internet protocol network. |
| US08472054B2 |
Information distribution apparatus, information distribution method, and computer program for distributing a setting value of a program based on a condition
A method for distributing information includes acquiring information indicating a condition for a setting value to be set to a program from an image forming apparatus, verifying whether the setting value satisfies a range of the setting value based on the acquired information, and distributing, if the setting value satisfies the condition, the setting value to the image forming apparatus. |
| US08472052B2 |
Image reader converting image data into a data format corresponding to an application program, image reading system with the reader and image reading method for the system
An image reader and an external terminal are connected to each other through a network. The image reader includes a reading unit, a reception section, a data conversion section, a transmission data generation section and a transmission section. The reading unit reads an image. The reception section receives terminal information from the external terminal. The data conversion section converts image data read by the reading unit into a predetermined data format based on the terminal information. The transmission data generation section adds additional information, which relates to processing of the converted image data, to the converted image data to generate transmission data. The transmission section transmits the transmission data to the external terminal. |
| US08472050B2 |
File transmission apparatus, method and file version management system
A file transmission apparatus (101) accepts a file transmission instruction for a transmission destination selected by a user from the transmission destination list, and transmits a check-out request for a file specified by information of the selected transmission destination to the server (102) without the intervention of the user, and transmits a check-in request for a file subjected to the check-out request to the server using an image file input from an image input unit without the intervention of the user, and updates the file stored in the database using the image file. The apparatus registers the image file in the server by transmitting a check-in request of the image file input from the image input device as a new file without the intervention of the user when a file is not specified by the information of the transmission destination selected by the user. |
| US08472047B2 |
Billing and printing system, image forming device, and job processing method for the image forming device
Under a contention between a copy job and a print job, it is possible that a general user misunderstands that the payment he has made for the copy job is mistakenly used on the print job requested by another user. One solution to avoid such undesirable possibility is to display information indicating that the billing process is correctly done. Yet, the general user may fail to notice the display. In view of this, a billing and printing system prevents occurrence of job contention as long as the balance of payment made by a general user remains. An MFP included in the system does not accept any print job if a balance of received payment remains, and does not accept any payment if there is a queued print job. |
| US08472044B2 |
Management apparatus and control method thereof
The data amount of department counters stored in a database is reduced. In department counter information, departments with their data not having been updated in a predetermined period are set as ineffective departments so as not to register these departments in the database. This allows a reduction of department counter data maintained in a central control device because only effective departments are registered in the database. The validity of effective department/ineffective department classification is determined by comparison with the value of charge counters acquired along with the department counters. |
| US08472043B2 |
Information processing apparatus and its control method for managing distributed processing
An information processing apparatus manages distributed processing by a plurality of devices which are connected to a computer network and have a power-saving mode. The apparatus includes a retriever, arranged to retrieve device information and operation states of the plurality of devices, and a selector, arranged to select target devices of the distributed processing based on at least one of the device information and operation states. |
| US08472041B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system and computer-readable storage medium performing first authentication when storing print data and performing second authentication when printing stored print data
An information processing apparatus receives from a client apparatus a print request including authentication information of a user, and a judging part judges whether a printing related to the print request is enabled using the authentication information, and a sending part sends to the client apparatus information indicating that printing is prohibited when the judging part judges that the printing is not enabled. A recording part records print data and print attribute information received from the client apparatus in a related manner with respect to the print request if the judging part judges that the printing is enabled, and a sending part sends the print data to an image forming apparatus in response to a request therefrom. |
| US08472039B2 |
Copy apparatus having a copy prevention function and a copy prevention method thereof
A copy apparatus having a copy prevention function. The copy apparatus includes a scan unit to scan an image, a pattern detection unit to detect patterns corresponding to pre-stored copy prevention patterns from among patterns in the scanned image, and a control unit to prevent the image from being printed if a ratio of the detected patterns is identical to a ratio of the copy prevention patterns. Accordingly, even though money which has been enlarged or reduced in size is copied, the money is not copied due to the location ratio of the patterns in the image. |
| US08472038B2 |
Image scanning apparatus and image processing apparatus including platen with document retaining parts
An image scanning apparatus includes: a platen; scanning unit configured to scan an image from the document placed on the platen; and document retaining parts provided at positions corresponding to at least two sides of the platen and configured to prevent the document from curling away from the platen. |
| US08472030B2 |
Surface profile measuring apparatus, method of measuring surface profile, and method of manufacturing optical element
A surface profile measuring apparatus includes a first image pickup device that obtains an interference pattern, an optical system that guides a measuring beam and a reference beam to the first image pickup device, a second image pickup device with which a distribution of light quantity of a beam from a light source traveling thereto avoiding the optical system is measured, and an arithmetic unit that calculates a profile of a target surface from the interference pattern. A distribution of light quantity of a beam from the light source transmitted through the optical system is measured with the first image pickup device. The profile of the target surface calculated by the arithmetic unit is corrected on the basis of the distributions of light quantity measured with the first and second image pickup devices. |
| US08472029B2 |
Methods for using a locator camera in a laser tracker
A method of steering a laser beam from an instrument toward a point on a retroreflector, including: intercepting with the retroreflector a cone of light from the instrument; obtaining a first image of retroreflected light on a photosensitive array and transmitting an electrical data signal in response; determining a position on the photosensitive array of the first image; calculating first and second angular increments to steer the laser beam to the point; rotating the first and second motors to intercept with the position detector the retroreflected laser beam and to place the laser beam at a preferred location on the position detector; measuring fifth and sixth angles with first and second angle transducers; measuring a distance with a distance meter; and determining three-dimensional coordinates of the point based at least in part on the fifth angle, the sixth angle, and the distance. |
| US08472027B2 |
Spectral interferometry method and apparatus
A spectral interferometry apparatus and method is provided to supply unambiguous profiles (A-scans free of mirror terms) of the reflectivity versus optical path difference and make difference between the positive and negative optical path difference or provide output in a selected interval of optical path differences. The apparatus comprises object optics that transfer a beam from an optical source to a target object (55) to produce an object beam and reference optics that produce a reference beam. Displacing means (57) are provided to produce a gap (g) between the object beam (41′) and the reference beam (42′). Optical spectrum dispersing means (7) such as a grating or a prism receive the two relatively displaced beams, and disperse their spectral content onto a reading element such as a CCD. The combination of the displacing means and the optical spectrum dispersing means creates an intrinsic optical delay between the wavetrains of the object beam and the reference beam which can be used with the optical path difference in the interferometer to generate a channelled spectrum for the optical path difference in the interferometer on the reading element. |
| US08472024B2 |
Automated soil measurement device
A system and a method are disclosed for combining a soil sample and extractant in a mixing chamber to produce a liquid extractant-soil mixture. A portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture is directed from the mixing chamber through a sample measurement chamber coupled to the mixing chamber. The sample measurement chamber is coupled to a light source so that light propagates from the light source through the portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture to an optical detector which generates an attenuation spectrum indicating light received by the detector at different wavelengths. The sample measurement chamber may include an attenuation cell having a specified optical path between a first measurement window and a second measurement window and angular surface directing particulates in the liquid extractant-soil mixture away from the attenuation cell. |
| US08472018B2 |
Grating for multiple discrete wavelengths of Raman scattering
Systems and methods employ a layer having a pattern that provides multiple discrete guided mode resonances for respective couplings of separated wavelengths into the layer. Further, a structure including features shaped to enhance Raman scattering to produce light of the resonant wavelengths can be employed with the patterned layer. |
| US08472015B1 |
Fan beam resection using direct linear transform and singular value decomposition
A method of resection-based positioning of a rotating fan beam transmitter is provided. The fan beam is rotating about a single axis of rotation. The rotating fan beam is being detected in a detector space including a detector cluster further including a plurality of detectors. The single axis of rotation intersects a reference plane in the detector space at an arbitrary angle. The method comprises: (A) detecting the rotating fan beam by using a plurality of detectors; (B) processing a set of detection signals to obtain a set of time-strike tags; and (C) determining the axis of rotation of the rotating fan beam in the detector space by using the set of time-strike tags. At least minimum number of detectors is stricken by the rotating fan beam. Each stricken detector generates a detection signal having a time-strike tag corresponding to a timing coordinate of the strike by the rotating fan beam. |
| US08472013B2 |
Refractive index distribution measurement method and apparatus that measure transmission wavefronts of a test object immersed in different media having refractive index lower than that of the test object
A refractive index distribution measurement method includes the steps of measuring a first transmission wavefront of a test object by introducing reference light to the test object immersed in a first medium having a first refractive index lower than that of the test object by 0.01 or more, measuring a second transmission wavefront of the test object by introducing the reference light to the test object immersed in a second medium having a second refractive index lower than that of the test object by 0.01 or more and different from the first refractive index, and obtaining a refractive index distribution of the test object based on a measurement result of the first transmission wavefront and a measurement result of the second transmission wavefront. |
| US08472012B2 |
Apparatus having a first optical sensor making a first measurement to detect position and a second optical sensor making a second measurement
An apparatus measuring optical characteristics including position detection is disclosed. A processor is coupled to a display. A first optical sensor makes a first measurement, and a second optical sensor makes a second measurement. A source of illumination and the first optical sensor determine a minimal distance between the apparatus and an external object such that illumination emitted by the source is not received by the first optical sensor when the apparatus is less than the minimal distance from the external object. A position of the apparatus with respect to an object and an optical property of light received by the apparatus are determined. A transparent member with a thickness less than the minimal distance may provide illumination external to the apparatus and receive light from external to the apparatus. |
| US08472010B2 |
Actuator, positioning system and lithographic apparatus
Actuator for exerting a force and a torque on an object, wherein the actuator includes a first part that is movable with respect to a second part of the actuator in at least a first degree of freedom, wherein the object is mounted to the first part, wherein one of the parts is provided with a first electrical coil that is arranged to cooperate with a magnetizable portion of the other part and wherein a controller of the actuator is arranged to generate a first electrical current through the first electrical coil for generating a force between the parts, wherein the one of the parts is provided with a second electrical coil which is arranged to cooperated with a magnetizable portion of the other part, wherein the controller is further arranged to generate a second current through the second coil and the first current through the first electrical coil for exerting the force and torque between the parts so that the actuator is arranged to exert the force and the torque on the object with respect to the second part. |
| US08472005B2 |
Methodology for implementing enhanced optical lithography for hole patterning in semiconductor fabrication
System and method for enhancing optical lithography methodology for hole patterning in semiconductor fabrication are described. In one embodiment, a photolithography system comprises an illumination system for conditioning light from a light source, the illumination system producing a three-pore illumination pattern; a reticle comprising at least a portion of a pattern to be imaged onto a substrate, wherein the three-pore illumination pattern produced by the illumination system is projected through the reticle; and a projection lens disposed between the reticle and the substrate. |
| US08472004B2 |
Immersion photolithography scanner
An immersion photolithography system includes a lens system positioned to focus radiation emitted from the radiation source onto a workpiece or wafer on a stage. A liquid supply system provides liquid between the lens of the lens system closest to the wafer. A seal element encloses a volume of liquid which keeps the lower or wetted surface of the lens wet. The seal element may be located at a lens parking location adjacent to the stage. The system provides an improved way for keeping the lens wet between exposure processing. |
| US08471992B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix of rows and columns on a first substrate. A plurality of counter electrodes extend along the pixel electrodes in the row direction. Each of the counter electrodes includes a first counter electrode opposing to the plurality of pixel electrodes through a first insulating layer and a second counter electrode opposing to the first counter electrode through a second insulating layer. The first counter electrode is electrically connected with the second counter electrode through a contact hole formed in the second insulating layer. The wiring resistance of the second counter electrode is smaller than that of the first counter electrode. |
| US08471990B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure electrically connected to a scan line and a data line is provided. The pixel structure includes an active device and a pixel electrode, wherein the active device is electrically connected to the scan line and the data line, and the pixel electrode is electrically connected to the active device. The pixel electrode has a plurality of strip-shaped slit groups. Each of the strip-shaped slit groups includes a plurality of strip-shaped slits whose extending directions are substantially parallel to each other, and contours of at least parts of the strip-shaped slits are non-isosceles trapezoids. |
| US08471987B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device has pixel electrodes including a transmissive pixel electrode and a reflective pixel electrode. The liquid crystal display device includes a TFT array substrate, an opposing substrate, a sealing material that bonds both substrates, an organic film formed on the TFT array substrate and having a thick film portion provided below the pixel electrode and a thin film portion provided outside the thick film portion, a columnar spacer formed on the opposing substrate and holding substrate gap between the both substrates, and a gap retaining pad formed in a region outside the display region and inside the sealing material to adjust the substrate gap outside the display region according to the substrate gap on the pixel electrode. The columnar spacer holds the substrate gap between both substrates over the gap retaining pad and over the pixel electrode. |
| US08471986B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus comprising an address line
An electro-optical device that includes scanning lines, data lines intersecting the corresponding scanning lines, pixels disposed at the intersections of the corresponding scanning lines and data lines, the pixels include color filters, and an address line that specifies a portion to be selected by the corresponding scanning line, the address line includes an address main line extending along the data lines and an address branch line extending from the address main line along the scanning lines. Among the pixels, pixels adjacent to each other across the address main line are set to be specific pixel groups, and among at least two of the specific pixel groups, the color arrangement of the color filters of one specific pixel group is different from the color arrangement of the color filters of another specific pixel group. |
| US08471983B2 |
Polarizing element and liquid crystal display device
A polarizing element is provided that can serve as a reflective polarizing element, can be produced with relative ease, and is not problematic in terms of strength. Further, the polarizing element can maintain the intensity and the propagation direction of the light that has passed through the polarizing element. Further, a liquid crystal display device is provided that can use light with improved efficiency with the use of the polarizing element. Specifically, the polarizing element includes a plurality of specifically angled, polygonal prisms on a surface of a substantially uniaxial sheet having an in-plane optical axis, and an optically transparent resin layer having a refractive index substantially the same as the fast-axis refractive index of the sheet, and that coats the prisms. |
| US08471982B2 |
System for display images
A system for displaying images including a liquid crystal display panel is provided. The liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate having at least one sub-pixel, a first transparent electrode layer disposed over the first substrate in the sub-pixel, a second substrate having an inner surface corresponding to the first substrate, a second transparent electrode layer disposed over the inner surface corresponding to the sub-pixel, wherein the second transparent electrode layer has only one pattern thereon, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and the second substrates. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and the liquid crystal molecules are orthogonal to the first and the second substrates. |
| US08471981B2 |
Display apparatus and display set having the same
A display apparatus includes: a substrate including display areas and a non-display area disposed around edges of the display areas; gate lines disposed in the display areas; data lines disposed in the display areas and crossing the gate lines; pixels disposed in the display areas and connected to the gate lines and data lines; and a gate driver disposed in the peripheral area, between the display areas. The gate driver is connected to the gate lines, to output gate signals to the gate lines. |
| US08471979B2 |
Back light module and liquid crystal display device using the same
The present invention discloses a backlight module and a LCD using the same. Said backlight module comprises a light guide plate, a reflection sheet and a backplane, wherein said reflection sheet is arranged under the light guide plate; said backplane is arranged under the reflection sheet and partially supports the reflection sheet; and said reflection sheet is bent to form one or more supporting ribs for supporting the backplane to prevent the reflection sheet from drooping. The present invention solves the problem that the reflection sheet is affected by heat and then is easy to droop, by bending the reflection sheet of the backlight module to form the one or more supporting ribs for supporting the reflection sheet, and has the advantages of low cost and no negative influence on other components and system structure of the backlight module. |
| US08471975B2 |
Display device
Disclosed is a display device. A liquid crystal panel and a backlight assembly are fixed to a frame by using resin such as silicon, so that a slim and small-sized display device is realized. |
| US08471974B2 |
Array substrate, display panel having the same and method of manufacturing the same
An array substrate includes first and second gate lines, a data line, a pixel electrode, a shield electrode, a first driving transistor, a second driving transistor and a voltage-varying transistor. The pixel electrode has first and second pixel parts spaced apart from each other. The shield electrode covers a peripheral area of the pixel electrode. Each of the first and second driving transistors is electrically connected to the first and second pixel parts, respectively. The voltage-varying transistor includes a voltage-varying drain electrode having a shield-overlapping part overlapping the shield electrode. The voltage-varying transistor is electrically connected to the second gate line and the second pixel part. The voltage-varying drain electrode of the voltage-varying transistor overlaps the shield electrode to define a voltage-decreasing capacitor. The voltage difference between the first and second pixel parts of the pixel electrode may be increased. |
| US08471973B2 |
Pixel designs of improving the aperture ratio in an LCD
This invention in one aspect relates to a pixel structure. In one embodiment, the pixel structure includes a scan line formed on a substrate and a data line formed over the substrate defining a pixel area, a switch formed inside the pixel area on the substrate, a shielding electrode formed over the switch, a plane organic layer formed over the date line and the pixel area and having no overlapping with the shielding electrode, and a pixel electrode having a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, and formed over the shielding electrode and the plane organic layer in the pixel area, wherein the first portion is overlapped with the shielding electrode so as to define a storage capacitor therebetween, and the second portion overlays the plane organic layer and has no overlapping with the data line. |
| US08471971B2 |
Liquid crystal displays having color dots with embedded polarity regions
A multi-domain liquid crystal display is disclosed. The display includes embedded polarity regions within the color dots of the display. Specifically, the embedded polarity regions have a polarity that is different from the polarity of the color dot containing the embedded polarity region. This difference in polarity enhances the fringe fields of the color dot or in some situations may create additional fringe fields. The enhanced fringe fields or additional fringe fiends can more quickly restore liquid crystals to their proper position. |
| US08471970B2 |
Liquid crystal display and operation method thereof
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device to display moving and still images with superior image quality, comparable to common LCDs and to display memory images by a voltage lower than conventional electronic paper, and a method for operating the same. The liquid crystal display device comprises: a pair of electrode substrates facing each other; an orientation film of a polymer material on the pair of electrode substrates; a liquid crystal material between the pair of electrode substrates, wherein the liquid crystal display device displays an image by varying orientation of the liquid crystal material and a surfacial region of the orientation film, depending on temperature and voltage. |
| US08471956B2 |
Closure device for an image capture facility
A closure device for an image capture facility, such as a webcam or the like, integrated in a piece of equipment, includes at least one frame which is able to be fastened on the surface of the piece of equipment, and at least one closure, held so as to be adjustably movable on the frame via a mounting, which is able to be brought into a closed position covering the image capture facility or into an open position exposing the image capture facility. |
| US08471951B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method therefor
In an image capturing apparatus that carries out TV-AF type autofocus control by setting an AF frame on a predetermined object, for example a person's face, that is detected in an image, in a case in which a in-focus position search direction cannot be determined from an AF evaluation value, changes in the size of the region of the object are detected and focus detection is carried out by determining the in-focus position search direction based on the changes in the size of the region of the object. |
| US08471948B2 |
Camera module facilitating heat dissipation
A camera module includes a printed circuit board (PCB), an image sensor fixed to the PCB, a lens holder fixed to the PCB and covering the image sensor, a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder, and a lens received in the lens barrel. The lens holder includes an inner sensor cover and an outer sensor cover surrounding the inner sensor cover. The image sensor, the inner sensor cover, the lens barrel and the lens define an enclosed space. The inner sensor cover and the outer sensor cover define an intermediate space. The inner sensor cover defines an inner dissipation hole communicating the enclosed space with the intermediate space. The outer sensor cover defines an outer dissipation hole that communicates the intermediate space with the outside of the outer sensor cover. The inner dissipation hole and the outer dissipation hole are misaligned to prevent the ingress of light and dust. |
| US08471942B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device
A solid-state image pickup device includes a voltage supply circuit configured to supply a voltage to load MOS transistors provided to vertical output lines and columnar signal-processing circuits. The voltage supply circuit includes a first amplifier circuit configured to amplify a predetermined voltage supplied to an input part thereof from a voltage generator and to output an amplified voltage to a voltage supply wire, and a sample-and-hold circuit including a sampling switch provided on a path between the voltage generator and the input part and a hold capacitor configured to hold the voltage sampled by the sampling switch. |
| US08471940B2 |
Pixel, pixel array, image sensor including the same and method for operating the image sensor
Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, an image sensor and a method for operating the image sensor. The pixel includes a photo-electro conversion unit; a first charge storage unit for storing charges converted by the photo-electro conversion unit; a first switching unit for transferring the charges from the photo-electro conversion unit to the first charge storage unit; a second charge storage unit for storing the charges converted by the photo-electro conversion unit; a second switching unit for transferring the charges from the photo-electro conversion unit to the second charge storage unit; a third switching unit for connecting the second charge storage unit with the first charge storage unit; and an output unit for outputting information about quantity of the charges stored in the first and second charge storage units. The light having the high intensity of illumination or the low intensity of illumination is sensed in the wide range. |
| US08471939B2 |
Image sensor having multiple sensing layers
An image sensor includes a first sensor layer having a first array of pixels and a second sensor layer having a second array of pixels. Each pixel of the first and second arrays has a photodetector for collecting charge in response to incident light, a charge-to-voltage conversion mechanism, and a transfer gate for selectively transferring charge from the photodetector to the charge-to-voltage mechanism. The first and second sensor layers each have a thicknesses to collect light with a first and second preselected ranges of wavelengths, respectively. A circuit layer is situated below the first sensor layer and has support circuitry for the pixels of the first and second sensor layers, and interlayer connectors are between the pixels of the first and second layers and the support circuitry. |
| US08471935B2 |
Imaging apparatus having an image correction function and method for controlling the same
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture an object image, a selection unit configured to automatically select a sensitivity of the image sensor from a predetermined selectable range, and an image processing unit configured to execute correction processing in which a signal of an image captured by the image sensor which has the sensitivity selected by the selection unit is amplified. When the image processing unit is set to execute the correction processing, the selection unit sets an upper limit of the selectable range lower, compared with the upper limit thereof when the image processing unit is not set to execute the correction processing. |
| US08471934B2 |
Computer readable storage medium, image correction apparatus, and image correction method
An image correction apparatus includes a dark-pixel-region extracting unit that extracts a dark pixel region of image data photographed by a photographing unit, a dark-pixel-area calculating unit that calculates an area of the dark pixel region extracted by the dark-pixel-region extracting unit, a luminance-value-variance calculating unit that calculates variance of luminance values of pixels in the dark pixel region extracted by the dark-pixel-region extracting unit, and an image correction unit that corrects brightness of the image data in accordance with the area calculated by the dark-pixel-area calculating unit and in accordance with the variance of the luminance values calculated by the luminance-value-variance calculating unit. |
| US08471931B2 |
Video recording system
A video camera comprises an optic system 101, an image pickup element 102, a de-mosaicing (de-tessellating) process portion 103, frequency converter portions 104-106, a frame memory 124, parameter produce portions 125-127, noise reduction process portions 107-109, a frame memory 110, frequency converter portions 111-113, noise reduction process portions 114-116, frequency inverter portions 117-119, a brightness signal produce portion 120, a color difference produce portion 121, a coding process portion 122 and a recording medium 123. With the above-mentioned structures, it is possible to execute noise extraction depending on the characteristics of an input video signal, and also to obtain an effect of improving high S/N, but without producing deterioration of the picture quality, i.e., removing the noises of the picked up video, effectively. |
| US08471930B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and image processing apparatus
Upon capturing an image, distances to subjects are measured. The captured image is divided into a plurality of different layers that each has a set distance interval, so that subjects which are located within the same distance range belong to the same layer. Furthermore, enlargement ratios are set for the plurality of divided layers to execute resizing processing, and the resized layers are composited, so that layers having shorter distances to a subject are overlaid as upper layers, thereby obtaining an image which is resized for respective distances to subjects. |
| US08471925B2 |
Digital image processing apparatus and file managing method performed therein
A digital image processing apparatus capable of reducing the number of calculations performed when a new image file satisfying a DCF standard generated for a captured image is edited, so as to reduce the time required for performing the edit, and a file managing method performed in the digital image processing apparatus. The digital image processing apparatus includes a digital signal processing unit which generates a file having a grouping attribute for a captured image and changes the grouping attribute of the file during a group edit of a selected file. |
| US08471919B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, method, and program with improved moving and still image handling
A video camera includes an image sensor for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a still image or a moving image, an operation accepting portion for accepting an operation by the user, and an image pickup control portion for, in response to the operation accepting portion accepting an operation of giving an instruction to pick up a moving image, controlling the image sensor to pick up an image under a predetermined condition for still images and thereafter allowing the image sensor to pick up an image under a predetermined condition for moving images, and for, in response to the operation accepting portion accepting an operation of giving an instruction to pick up a still image, controlling the image sensor to pick up an image under a predetermined condition for still images. |
| US08471908B2 |
Three-dimensional mirror display system for a vehicle and method
A display system for a vehicle includes a first camera and a second camera adapted to be mounted to the vehicle. A mirror assembly is provided having a display screen and a view divider such as a parallax barrier. A controller is operatively connected to the cameras and to the display screen and is operable to cause the recorded images to appear as a single three-dimensional image when the images are viewed through the view divider. A method of providing an image of an object that is rearward of a vehicle is also provided. |
| US08471904B2 |
Hidden security techniques for wireless security devices
A security device transmits captured information wirelessly while transmitting checksums for the information via a power line. The security device may be a security camera, a badge reader, or the like. |
| US08471899B2 |
System and method for documenting patient procedures
The local surveillance sub-system recognizes that a patient medical procedure has or will soon commence by sensing the presence of a healthcare professional in or near the surveillance area, and in response, creates a separate patient medical procedure A/V file for the surveillance data that will be captured. A dedicated procedure remote may be provided for receiving manual interactions from HC professionals present for a procedure or, alternatively, the local surveillance sub-system may autonomously interact with a personal security token device possessed by the HC professional. A procedure data file is also created that holds all of the pertinent information concerning the procedure that is known by the local surveillance sub-system. The patient procedure surveillance A/V file is given a higher priority than ordinary surveillance data captured by the local surveillance sub-system and is then copied to a nonvolatile memory that is separate from the primary memory of the surveillance sub-system. The local surveillance sub-system captures surveillance A/V data that is copied to the nonvolatile memory until the system senses that the procedure has ended, when an end-of-procedure message is transmitted across the HCF distribution network. The corresponding patient medical procedure surveillance A/V file resides in a local nonvolatile memory until it can be downloaded to a central storage at the healthcare facility. |
| US08471897B2 |
Method and camera for the real-time acquisition of visual information from three-dimensional scenes
The invention relates to a method for calculating the focal stack associated with an object space from the plenoptic function thereof, using a sum transform along the length of constrained planes in discrete hypercubes, which allows the computing time to be considerably reduced. The invention also relates to a method for increasing the resolution of the focal stack obtained. In addition, the invention relates to two methods for the real-time recovery of the depths and moduli and phases of the complex amplitude of the wavefront respectively in each position of the surfaces of a three-dimensional scene and to a system adapted for carrying out the aforementioned methods. |
| US08471891B2 |
Video switching system and method
A video switching system detects speaking information of at least one speaker in a video conference according to a reference time. One participant is regarded as one speaker if the one participant speaks longer than the reference time. The video switching system determines a main speaker of the at least one speaker according to the speaking information of the at least one speaker. The video switching system calculates an image switching frequency, and determines whether to switch to a video image of the main speaker according to the image switching frequency. The video switching system calculates a response time if determining to switch to the video image of the main speaker, and adjusts the reference time according to the image switching frequency and the response time. |
| US08471889B1 |
Adjusting an image for video conference display
A video conferencing system contains one or more display adjusting components, whereby an object to be displayed can be adjusted to appropriately fit various sized display screens. A display adjusting component is contained within the sending client, which adjusts the image of the object to be appropriately displayed to one or more receiving clients. The receiving clients also contain a display adjusting component, which can further adjust the image of the object to be displayed, as necessary. The multimedia conferencing server of the video conferencing system also contains a display adjusting component, which negotiates parameters of the sending and receiving clients. Any of the display adjusting components can function alone, or in any combination together. A method, and computer readable media which contain computer readable instructions to perform a method, of adjusting an image for video conference display are also described. |
| US08471888B2 |
Methods and systems for mobile telepresence
Exemplary methods and systems relate to telepresence at mobile devices. Aspects comprise dynamic configuration of video provided from a server that intermediates between a mobile device and a telepresence system during a telepresence session. The server receives high definition video from the telepresence system and transcodes into a format that can indicated by the mobile device. The mobile device can dynamically update the format in response to real-time battery life and network interface status. A progressive reduction in bandwidth and power consumptive activities can be implemented. The device can implement face detection and face centering, front/back mobile device camera switching, and automatic contrast control and other video quality controls in an outgoing video stream. |
| US08471880B2 |
Method and device for marking a surface using controlled periodic nanostructures
A method for marking a surface by controlled periodic nanostructures includes: a step (500) of coding an item of information in the form of an image including values representative of the coded information and a step (506 to 514) of marking, dot by dot, an area of the surface with a polarized laser beam to form oriented nanostructures on or in the surface, by modulating the laser beam's polarization for each marking dot according to the value of a dot of the image. In embodiments, during the marking step, a pulsed laser is utilized with a duration of less than 10×10−12 seconds and an element of polarizing the light coming from the laser source and reaching the surface, designed to polarize the light according to a polarization axis that can vary according to a signal received by the polarization element, is utilized. |
| US08471876B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device
An organic electroluminescent display device includes a display panel that includes sub-pixels which include organic light emitting diodes, respectively, to display a frame image made by image data by every frame; a data drive IC that outputs data voltages to the sub-pixels, respectively, by every frame, wherein the data voltages correspond to the image data, respectively; a current detecting portion that detects a first panel current, and generates a first comparison value corresponding to the first panel current; a current estimating portion that estimates a second panel current from the image data of the frame and generates a second comparison value corresponding to the second panel current; and a brightness control portion that compares the first and second comparison values and adjusts a brightness of a frame image after the frame according to the comparison result. |
| US08471868B1 |
Projector and ultrasonic gesture-controlled communicator
System, methods, and computer-readable media for providing a gesture-controlled user interface in interacting with a communication device are provided. Embodiments of the present invention include a communication device that recognizes a gesture made by a person that has one or more transducers attached to their hand. The gesture is recognized by performing calculations on the sound waves received from the one or more transducers. In addition, the gesture may be recognized using a digital camera and image recognition techniques. In one embodiment, the gesture is recognized using an echolocation system that transmits ultrasonic waves and captures the waves reflected off the object making the gesture. In another embodiment, the gesture is made and interpreted in relation to a user interface that is projected from the communication device using a laser projector. |
| US08471866B2 |
User interface and method for identifying related information displayed in an ultrasound system
A user interface and method for identifying related information displayed in an ultrasound system are provided. A medical image display of the ultrasound system includes a first region configured to display a medical image having color coded portions and a second region configured to display non-image data related to the medical image displayed in the first region. The non-image data is color coded to associate the non-image data with the color coded portions of the medical image. |
| US08471865B2 |
System, method and apparatus for an edge-preserving smooth filter for low power architecture
Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method are described for an edge-preserving smooth filter for low power architecture. A weighted pixel sum may be determined based on a weight of a central pixel and a weight of one or more neighboring pixels. The weight sum for the central pixel may be set to a power of two. An output of the central pixel may be displayed based on the weight sum and the weighted pixel sum. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08471864B2 |
Image processor and image processing method employing a dither pattern having sub-dither patterns
An image processor includes a first dither data memory storing a first dither matrix, a second dither data memory storing a second dither matrix, a selecting unit selecting one of the first dither matrix and the second dither matrix, and a converting unit converting multi-value image data to binary data by comparing density of the multi-value image data to the threshold value set in corresponding element of the one of the first dither matrix and the second dither matrix selected by the selecting unit. The second dither matrix is configured of a plurality of sub-dither matrices. Each sub-dither matrix has a plurality of elements each assigned with a threshold value in a range from a maximum threshold value to a minimum threshold value. A set of threshold values from the minimum threshold value to a predetermined intermediate threshold value is assigned to elements in corresponding locations of each of the plurality of sub-dither matrices. |
| US08471862B2 |
Offset tiles in vector graphics
An efficient rendering method for processing computer graphics in tiles. First a frame of data, typically at least one polygon, is received for rendering. While rendering a polygon the tile for the polygon is assigned so that it minimizes the number of the tiles needed for processing the polygon. It is possible to compute an offset value between the static tiles and the assigned tiles. If the offset value is computed, the rendering into an actual screen may be based on that. |
| US08471861B2 |
Method and system for cost-efficient, high-resolution graphics/image display system
An image display system comprises a processor 10, a main memory 20 and a display panel 30, where the main memory 20 includes an uncompressed image area 24 for storing image data relating to an image and a compressed image area 26 for storing compressed image data. The processor is microcode-programmed, and executes, after changes have been made in the uncompressed image area, a special sequence of microcode words in a micro program memory 12 of the processor for compressing at least those parts of the uncompressed image area that are subject to changes. The microcode-compressed parts of the image data are then stored in the compressed image area 26 of the main memory. Compressed image data may then be fetched from the compressed image area 26 and decompressed for enabling generation of an appropriate image signal. The generated image signal can finally be applied to the display 30 for refreshing the image. |
| US08471855B2 |
Graphics-rendering apparatus
Graphics-rendering operation is performed by a procedure including: inputting a vector data group representing the shape of a graphic object to a vector data group management unit; inputting, to a rendering attribute data management unit, rendering attribute data representing information pertains to internal attributes of the graphic object; inputting resource information indicating a usage status into a resource information management unit; reading the managed vector data group from the vector data group management unit; computing a feature indicating the geometrical feature of the input graphic object by means of the feature computing unit; reading the computed graphic feature level and the resource information managed by the resource information management unit; effecting switching to generation of optimum rendering data; reading the vector data group managed by the vector data group management unit and the rendering attribute data managed by the rendering attribute data management unit; generating rendering data; reading the generated rendering data and the rendering attribute data managed by the rendering attribute data management unit; and performing rendering operation. |
| US08471852B1 |
Method and system for tessellation of subdivision surfaces
A method and system for performing adaptive tessellation of a subdivision surface. The method includes the step of accessing a model of a surface for subdivision processing. The model is converted to an intermediate form to facilitate subdivision processing. The intermediate form of the model is then tessellated. |
| US08471850B2 |
Image generating apparatus, method of generating image, program, and recording medium
The present application generates an image in which a contour line is drawn about a tuned object A in a virtual three-dimensional space when a part of the tuned object A is overlapped by another tuned object B that is located at a position closer to a virtual screen. When a line width of the tuned object A is greater than a line width of the tuned object B, the line width of a part of the tuned object A that is overlapped with the tuned object B is set as the line width of the tuned object B. On the other hand, when the line width of the tuned object A is less than the line width of the tuned object B, the line width of the part of the tuned object A that is overlapped is set as the original line width of the tuned object A. |
| US08471840B2 |
Display, method of driving display, and electronic device
A display includes a pixel array section having pixels in a matrix, each pixel including an electro-optical device, a writing transistor writing a video signal, a storage capacitor retaining the video signal, and a driving transistor driving the electro-optical device based upon the video signal; scan lines for respective rows of the unit providing a scanning signal to the writing transistor; power supply lines for respective rows of the unit selectively providing a first potential and a second potential, lower than the first potential, to a drain electrode of the driving transistor; and signal lines for respective columns of the unit selectively providing the video signal and a video signal reference potential to the writing transistor; wherein a potential setting period is provided from when the pixels are turned off until the first potential is provided to the power supply line. |
| US08471828B2 |
Touch sensitive IPS liquid crystal display
A touch sensitive in-plane switching (IPS) liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a liquid crystal layer, an active-matrix transistor layer with an electrode pair, a color filter substrate, and a sensing electrode layer. The sensing electrode layer may be disposed above or below the color filter substrate, and the sensing electrode layer may include two parts that are disposed above and below the color filter layer respectively. |
| US08471826B2 |
Method and device for position detection
The method and device for position detection are disclosed. Corresponding to a first touch related sensing information, a second touch related sensing information is acquired for determining at least one position. Each position is used separately for determining the position of a centroid according to the first touch related sensing information or the second touch related sensing information. |
| US08471824B2 |
Touch-screen user interface
A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display. |
| US08471813B2 |
Handheld electronic device and function control method thereof
A handheld electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an electrode unit, a storage unit, and a processing unit. The electrode unit includes a main body defining an annular cavity, a plurality of electrode groups, and a conductive element arranged within the annular cavity, wherein each of the plurality of the electrode groups includes a pair of conductive sheets, which are partially received in the annular cavity and are spaced apart from each other. When the electronic device is rotated to be in different orientation, the conductive element connects different electrode groups and the conductive sheets of the one of the electrode groups are connected to each other via the conductive element. The processing unit determines the connected electrode groups and executes a function corresponding to the determined electrode group. A function control method of the handheld electronic device is also provided. |
| US08471812B2 |
Pointing and identification device
A pointing and identification device (PID) allows the user to point at objects in the real world, on television or movie screens, or otherwise not on the computer screen. The PID includes a digital camera and one or both of a laser and a reticle for aiming the digital camera. An image taken with the digital camera is transmitted to a computer or the like. |
| US08471807B2 |
Calibration of displays having spatially-variable backlight
A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from an illuminator comprising an array of individually-controllable light sources. The light sources and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity and frequency of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may be calibrated to compensate for differences in intensities of the light sources. |
| US08471806B2 |
Display panel drive circuit and display
In one embodiment of the present invention, a display panel drive circuit includes a plurality of circuit blocks each of which includes former circuits and latter circuits. In each of the circuit blocks in the display panel drive circuit, a signal is transmitted from the former circuits to the latter circuits. Further, the display panel drive circuit includes an inter-block shared wire which allows respective two of the circuit blocks adjacent to each other to be connected to each other. Furthermore, in the display panel drive circuit, the signal of the respective two of the circuit blocks adjacent to each other is transmitted in a time division manner, via the inter-block shared wire. This eliminates the need for an external memory or an arithmetic circuit, thereby making it possible to reduce the area of a circuit in a driver. |
| US08471802B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A small or middle-sized liquid crystal display employing a black insertion driving method overcomes the after-image or blurring of a moving picture by shifting the level of a voltage applied to a storage capacitor line within a predetermined period corresponding to about 20% to about 80% that lasts after image signals are applied to pixels until the next image signals are applied to the pixels by using two types of voltages that shift pixel voltages into a black display potential. |
| US08471800B2 |
Display device, liquid crystal display device, and method for manufacturing display device
A display device displays images with a plurality of signal lines and includes spare lines, each being arranged to be connectable to the signal lines so as to be used for recovery of the signal lines from disconnection. Each of the spare lines has constricted sections for cutting. With this arrangement, it is possible to easily and properly recover the signal lines from disconnection. |
| US08471795B2 |
Method of driving pixels and displaying images on a display device
A method for driving a pixel includes driving the pixel with a first gray level and a second gray level within a first sub-frame period and a second sub-frame period of a first frame period, respectively, driving the pixel with a third gray level and a fourth gray level within a first sub-frame period and a second sub-frame period of a second frame period, respectively, and adjusting the third gray level and the fourth grey level such that the luminance of the adjusted fourth grey level is similar to the luminance of the second grey level. |
| US08471794B2 |
Driving circuit for display apparatus, and method for controlling same
To obtain an amplifier circuit capable of realizing low power consumption and high-precision output. A controlling unit controls each switch of an offset correction circuit to select one capacitor associated with a voltage level of an input signal selected by an input signal selection unit, have an offset voltage of an operational amplifier generated according to the voltage level of the input signal stored by the selected capacitor, and correct an output of the operational amplifier by using the offset voltage held by the selected capacitor. |
| US08471792B2 |
Display device and driving method of the same
A display device includes a data line, a first and second pixel rows and a first and second gate control lines all formed on a substrate. The first pixel row includes a plurality of pixels each containing two neighboring first sub-pixel and second sub-pixel, the first sub-pixel is coupled to the data line, the second sub-pixel is coupled to the data line through the first sub-pixel. The second pixel row is neighboring with the first pixel row and includes a plurality of pixels each containing two neighboring third sub-pixel and fourth sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel is coupled to the data line, the fourth sub-pixel is coupled to the data line through the third sub-pixel. The first and second gate control lines respectively are for enabling the first and second sub-pixels and both are not used to enable the third and fourth sub-pixels. A driving method of gate control lines also is provided. |
| US08471791B2 |
Video and content controlled backlight
A display device includes a display panel; and a backlight panel provided below the display panel and defining a plurality of regions. A first array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided along a first direction, each LED of the first array being coupled to a first line. A driver is coupled to the first line to drive the LEDs coupled to the first line. A second array of LEDs is provided along a second direction, each LEDs of the second array being coupled to a second line. A lighting condition of the regions defined by the backlight panel is controlled by turning on or off the LEDs. |
| US08471785B2 |
Driving device, driving method and plasma display apparatus
A first ramp waveform (RW1) rising from a first potential (Vscn) to a second potential (Vscn+Vset) is applied to a plurality of scan electrodes (SCi) in a first period (t5 to t6), and a driving waveform dropping from a third potential (Ve1) to a fourth potential (0V) is applied to a plurality of sustain electrodes (SUi) before the first period (t5 to t6), and the plurality of sustain electrodes are held at the fourth potential (0V) in the first period (t5 to t6). At this time, a second ramp waveform (RW10) rising from a fifth potential (0 V) to a sixth potential (Vd) according to change of a potential of the first ramp waveform (RW1) is applied to a plurality of data electrodes (Dj) in a second period (t5 to t5a) that starts at a starting time point (t5) of the first period (t5 to t6) and is shorter than the first period (t5 to t6), thereby preventing generation of strong discharges between the plurality of data electrodes (Dj) and the plurality of scan electrodes (SCi). |
| US08471784B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving plasma display panel
This invention relates to a driving apparatus of a plasma display panel that is capable of being operated stable, regardless of temperature. A driving apparatus of a plasma display panel according to the present invention includes a panel having a scanning electrode for receiving a scanning pulse in an address period and an address electrode for receiving a date pulse synchronized with the scanning pulse in the address period; and a pulse width controller for changing the width of the scanning pulse when the panel is driven at a low temperature. |
| US08471780B2 |
Autonomous wireless antenna sensor system
Systems and methods are enclosed for processing antenna position information. The systems and methods involve positioning at least one sensor in proximity to an antenna for measuring alignment of the antenna; at a ground station in proximity to a tower holding the antenna, periodically receiving antenna alignment information from the at least one sensor; and transmitting the alignment information to a control station for determination whether the alignment of the antenna complies with antenna specifications. |
| US08471772B2 |
Space-filling miniature antennas
A novel geometry, the geometry of Space-Filling Curves (SFC) is defined in the present invention and it is used to shape a part of an antenna. By means of this novel technique, the size of the antenna can be reduced with respect to prior art, or alternatively, given a fixed size the antenna can operate at a lower frequency with respect to a conventional antenna of the same size. |
| US08471769B2 |
Antenna having planar conducting elements, one of which has a plurality of electromagnetic radiators and an open slot
An antenna includes a dielectric material having i) a first side opposite a second side, and ii) a conductive via therein. A first planar conducting element is on the first side of the dielectric material and has an electrical connection to the conductive via. A second planar conducting element is also on the first side of the dielectric material. A gap electrically isolates the first and second planar conducting elements from each other. An electrical microstrip feed line on the second side of the dielectric material electrically connects to the conductive via and has a route that extends from the conductive via, to across the gap, to under the second planar conducting element. The first planar conducting element has a plurality of electromagnetic radiators, each having dimensions that cause it to resonate over a range of frequencies that differs from a range of frequencies over which an adjacent radiator resonates. At least first and second of the radiators bound an open slot in the first planar conducting element. |
| US08471767B2 |
Radio frequency multilayer substrate and manufacturing method of radio frequency multilayer substrate
A radio frequency multilayer substrate which has a connection portion connecting a strip line and a microstrip line, of which connection portion improves VSWR, is provided. The high frequency multilayer substrate has a through-hole which electrically connects a central conductor of the strip line and a central conductor of the microstrip line. The high frequency multilayer substrate also has an insulating hole which does not have a conductor inside. The through-hole is connected with the insulating hole. A length of the conductor layer of the through-hole from the central conductor to an insulating hole is smaller than one half the distance from the central conductor to a 2nd ground conductor. The insulating hole can be formed by cutting the through-hole. |
| US08471765B2 |
Method and device to determine out of coverage for mobile devices
A method and a mobile device configured to obtain position information from a position broadcast system, the position broadcast system comprising a plurality of transmitters that each broadcast a respective signal containing position information for the respective transmitter. The method comprising: measuring signal strengths of signals from a plurality of the transmitters of the position broadcast system; and determining that the mobile device is out of range of the position broadcast system if the measured signals strengths satisfy at least one out of range criterion. |
| US08471760B2 |
Automotive radar with radio-frequency interference avoidance
An automotive radar system to determine a sweep pattern to be transmitted as an output radar waveform in a multiuser transmission environment is disclosed. The system includes: a receiver to receive noise signals; a signal generator to generate a plurality of different frequency sweep signals; a signal combiner to combine each frequency sweep signal with a received noise signal; an interference classifier to identify combined signals corresponding to one or more received noise signals including frequency chirp signals and to determine the respective noise levels of the identified combined signals corresponding to one or more received noise signals including frequency chirp signals; a selector to select a plurality of frequency sweep signals in dependence upon the noise levels determined by the interference classifier; and a control unit to determine a sweep pattern comprising the selected plurality of frequency sweep signals to be transmitted as an output radar waveform. |
| US08471758B2 |
Virtual aperture radar (VAR) imaging
Virtual Aperture Radar (VAR) imaging provides terminal phase radar imaging for an airborne weapon that can resolve multiple closely-spaced or highly correlated scatterers on a given target with a single pulse to provide an aimpoint update at a useful range to target without training data and without requiring a large aperture antenna. VAR imaging exploits the sparse, dominant-scatterer nature of man-made targets. The array manifold is constructed with a large number of basis functions that are parameterized by range or angle (or both) to target. The number of basis functions extends the capability to resolve scatterers beyond the Rayleigh resolution. However, this also makes the manifold underdetermined. A sparse reconstruction technique that places a sparsity constraint on the number of scatterers is used to solve the manifold to uniquely identify the ranges or angles to the scatterers on the target. These updates are passed to the weapon's guidance system, which in turn generates command signals to actuate aerodynamic surfaces such as fins or canards to steer the weapon to the target. |
| US08471756B2 |
RF circuit with improved antenna matching
In one embodiment, RF front-end circuit includes a tunable matching network having an input coupled to an RF interface port, a directional coupler with a first connection coupled to an RF input of a mixer, a second connection coupled to an RF signal generation port, and a third connection coupled to an output of the tunable matching network. The directional coupler is configured to direct a signal from the RF signal generation port to the tunable matching network and to direct a signal from the tunable matching network port to the RF port of the mixer. The RF front-end circuit also has a tunable matching network control unit coupled to the tunable matching network. The control unit is configured to optimize an impedance match between the RF interface port and the output of the tunable matching network. |
| US08471755B1 |
Dynamic biasing in switched capacitor stages using frame capacitors
A system and a method are disclosed for establishing the biasing point of a comparator in a successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) by transferring an electric charge from a series of capacitors in a switched-capacitor array into a frame capacitor. The frame capacitor is formed by a parasitic capacitance between the series of capacitors and a conductive metal frame that surrounds the capacitors. To induce the charge transfer, the conductive metal frame is connected to a clock signal, which alternately drives the frame between a supply voltage and ground. By using the frame capacitor instead of a separate power source to establish the biasing point, the current consumption of the SAR ADC is reduced. |
| US08471753B1 |
Pipelined analog-to-digital converter and method for converting analog signal to digital signal
A pipelined analog-to-digital converter with less power consumption is provided. In one embodiment, the pipelined analog-to-digital converter comprises a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage. The first stage receives a first stage input signal to derive a first stage output signal and a first residue. The second stage receives a second stage input signal to derive a second stage output signal and a second residue, wherein the second stage input signal corresponds to the first residue. The third stage receives a third stage input signal to derive a third stage output signal and a third residue, wherein the third stage input signal corresponds to the second residue. The first, second and third stages share an operational amplifier by utilizing at least three phases to control the operational amplifier. |
| US08471752B2 |
A/D conversion apparatus having an N-stage pulse circulating circuit
An A/D conversion apparatus includes an N-stage pulse circulating circuit including N (N is a natural number, N≧3) inverting circuits connected in a ring shape, the inverting circuits delaying an input pulse signal by a delay time corresponding to an amplitude of a separately input analog input signal, and outputting inverted pulse signals obtained by inverting the pulse signal, a counter unit that counts a number of circulations by which the pulse signal has circulated in the pulse circulating circuit within a predetermined time based on the inverted pulse signal output from one of the N inverting circuits, and a switching unit that switches an output destination of the inverted pulse signal, which is output from an inverting circuit of an Mth (M is an odd natural number, 1≦M≦N−1) stage of the pulse circulating circuit, according to a change in an operation environment. |
| US08471746B2 |
Digital-to-analog conversion with combined pulse modulators
A digital-to-analog converter includes first and second pulse modulators to generate first and second pulse modulated signals in response to first and second digital values, a third pulse modulator to generate a third pulse modulated signal in response to a third digital value, and a switch/filter circuit to generate an analog signal by combining the first and second pulse modulated signals in response to the third pulse modulated signal. The first and second pulse modulated signals may be low-pass filtered before being combined. In some embodiments, the third digital value may be incremented in a single direction between transitions of the first and second digital values. In some other embodiments, the third digital value may be incremented in opposite directions between alternating transitions of the first and second digital values. |
| US08471744B1 |
Reduced residual offset sigma delta analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with chopper timing at end of integrating phase before trailing edge
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has a chopper-stabilized sigma-delta modulator (SDM). The SDM uses switched-capacitor integrators to sample, hold, and integrate an analog input in response to non-overlapping multi-phase clocks. Chopper multipliers are inserted on the inputs and outputs of an op amp in a first stage integrator. The chopper multipliers swap or pass through differential inputs in response to non-overlapping chopper clocks. A master clock operating at a frequency of the multi-phase clocks is divided down to trigger generation of the chopper clocks. Delay lines ensure that the edges of the chopper clocks occur before the edges of the multi-phase clocks. The chopper multipliers have already switched and are thus stable when multi-phase clocks change so charge injection at switches controlled by the multi-phase clocks is not immediately modulated by chopper multipliers. This clock timing increases the time available to respond to charge injection at switches improving linearity. |
| US08471742B2 |
Quantization device, radio-frequency receiver comprising such a device and quantization method
A device for continuous time quantization of an input signal, in order to supply a continuous time output signal that is quantized as two bits, the device including: an electronic circuit, designed to supply a first bit of the output signal called the sign bit which at any time takes a first value when the input signal is positive and a second value when the input signal is negative, and an envelope analysis circuit designed to supply a second bit of the output signal called the envelope variation bit which at any time takes a first value, called high value, when an envelope signal of the input signal is increasing, and a second value, called low value, when the envelope signal is decreasing. |
| US08471740B2 |
Reducing the effect of non-linear kick-back in switched capacitor networks
A method and device involve a circuit having a switched capacitor network that is switchably connected to an input signal. A randomly determined amount of dither is injected into a circuit having a switched capacitor network that is switchably connected to an input signal. After injecting the dither, at least one correlation value is determined. The correlation value(s) indicates a degree of correlation between the injected dither and an output of the circuit. Distortion caused by an amount of charge kicked back into the circuit when the switched capacitor network is reconnected to the input signal may then be reduced. The reduction is calculated as a function of the correlation value(s). |
| US08471738B2 |
Method for detecting errors of an A/D converter
A method for detecting errors of an A/D converter which is designed for converting an analog input signal into a digital output signal. The digital output signal represents a number z which results from an input value of the analog input signal when an A/D conversion is carried out. In the method, a value range for all possible numbers z is subdivided into subranges, and a value range for all possible input values is subdivided into subranges and an input value and a number z corresponding thereto are associated in each case with subranges which correspond to one another. In the method, a check is made to determine with which subrange an input value which is to be converted is associated, and with which subrange a number which is ascertained by the A/D converter is associated. An error is detected when the number and the input value are associated with subranges which do not correspond to one another. |
| US08471736B1 |
Automatic adjusting circuit and method for calibrating vernier time to digital converters
An automatically calibrating time to digital conversion circuit. The circuit includes a first circuit node for switchably receiving a first calibration signal and a second circuit node coupled with the first circuit node via a first delay path. A third circuit node for switchably receiving a second calibration signal the same as the first calibration signal is coupled with a fourth circuit node via a second delay path. A calibration portion has a third delay path switchably connected with the fourth circuit node and a fourth delay path switchably connected with the second circuit node. The calibration portion generates a delay adjustment signal for adjusting a time delay of the first delay path such that the first time delay combined with the fourth time delay equals the second time delay combined with the third time delay. The calibration portion is disconnected when calibration is not desired for conserving power. |
| US08471734B2 |
System and method for configuration of a controlling device to enable selection of media streams
A controlling device has a configurable key. An overlay, such as a sticker, is provided to the configurable key and includes an indicia representative of media content and machine readable data indicative of an identity of the media content represented by the indicia. A memory of the controlling device stores a correspondence between the configurable key and data indicative of a source of the media content. Upon activation of configured, configurable key, the controlling device uses select command codes from a library of command codes and the correspondence between the configurable key and the data indicative of the source of the media content to transmit one or more commands for causing one or more appliances to access the source of the media content. |
| US08471733B2 |
Two-wire connection to a key matrix in a mobile device
A first current is driven through a first current path from a first common node, through a key matrix, and to a second common node when a key is pressed. A first measurement of the first current path resistance is made. A second current is then driven through a second current path from the second common node, through the key matrix, and to the first common node. A second measurement of the second current path resistance is made. The first and second measurements are used to identify the key that was pressed. Each key corresponds to a unique pair of first and second measurement values. In one example, non-linear resistance circuits are disposed at the ends of the row and column conductors of the key matrix such that a row resistor in the first current path is measured independently of a column resistor in the second current path. |
| US08471727B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for displaying forecast weather products with actual and predicted ownship
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for displaying forecast weather products in relation to a planned flight path of an air vehicle. The method, apparatus and computer program product may display a representation of future weather conditions along with the planned flight path of the air vehicle and a representation of the anticipated location of the air vehicle during the time period during which the future weather forecast is valid in order to provide context for the future weather information. Additionally, the method, apparatus and computer program product may display the weather information as well as information regarding the time period during which the weather information is valid in a graphical manner that is intuitive to the crew of the air vehicle so as not to distract or otherwise increase the workload upon the crew. |
| US08471726B2 |
System and method for collision warning
A system and method for collision warning in a host vehicle including: detecting a collision risk between the host vehicle and an other user of the road with a detection means based on input from at least one sensor which detects at least one parameter related to the other user of the road with respect to the host vehicle; identifying possible options to avoid a collision between the host vehicle and the other user of the road based on input from the detection means, wherein possible options for the host vehicle to avoid a collision are identified as well as possible options for the other user of the road to avoid a collision are identified; calculating among the identified possible options at least one preferred avoidance action in order to avoid a collision between the host vehicle and the other user of the road; and if the at least one preferred avoidance action involves at least one possible option identified for the other user of the road, then generating a warning signal from the host vehicle in a direction towards the other user of the road in order to warn the other user of the road of the collision risk. |
| US08471724B2 |
Programming of a demand triggered service disconnect device from a threshold in amps
A first embodiment is an arrangement, such as a meter programming device, that includes a memory, a user interface, a communication interface, and a processing circuit. The user interface arrangement is configured to receive user input. The communication interface is configured to communicate with a corresponding communication interface on a utility meter. The processing circuit is configured by software stored in the memory to: receive a user input at the user interface identifying a disconnect threshold as a measure of current; generate a disconnect threshold value as a function of the user input and a service voltage; and provide the disconnect threshold value to the utility meter via the communication interface. |
| US08471723B2 |
Apparatus and method for establishing communication from remote sites in a fixed meter reading network
A method and apparatus is disclosed for adjusting a transmission power level of a transceiver (12, 15) at a utility meter data origination site (10). A power level of transmission at the site transceiver (12, 15) is adjusted to an optimum level if an acknowledgement is not received from a network gateway (30) in response to data transmissions from the site transceiver (12, 15). Also, for each unsuccessful transmission period, the amount of metering data is increased in the next transmission period to make up for the failed communication tries. Upon establishing communication with the gateway (30), the site transceiver (12, 15) can receive commands from the gateway (30) that further adjust its power level of transmission to optimize reception at the gateway from a large plurality of utility meter data origination sites (10) within a geographical area served by the gateway (30). The gateway (30) communicates utility metering data through a wireless network (40), such as WIFI, GPRS, POE or CDMA to a data collection center (50) for data processing and billing operations. |
| US08471722B2 |
Direction indicator system, and electric wheelchair, walking stick, and game controller utilizing said direction indicator system
A direction indicator system includes: an electromagnetic drive actuator that has a moving part that can slide back and forth, side to side, and diagonally; and a drive controlling unit that controls the sliding direction of the moving part, based on direction indicating information that is supplied from the outside. |
| US08471721B2 |
Server rack having payload weighing function
A server rack includes a main body, an electronic scale, and an alarm. The main body is used for receiving a number of servers. The electronic scale includes a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. The main body presses on the pressure sensor so that the pressure sensor can measure the pressure from the main body to obtain a pressure signal. The microcontroller analyzes the pressure signal to calculating the total weight of the main body and the servers. The alarm stores a predetermined weight threshold, which is the total weight of the main body and the maximum servers that the main body can bear. The alarm also compares the measured total weight with the predetermined weight threshold. When the measured total weight is larger than the predetermined weight threshold, the alarm alarms. |
| US08471720B2 |
On-chip power supply monitoring using a network of modulators
An apparatus for monitoring at least supply voltage in an IC includes a plurality of monitor circuits distributed throughout the integrated circuit. Each of the monitor circuits is operative to receive the supply voltage, or a signal representative thereof, and to generate an output signal indicative of a comparison between the supply voltage and a reference voltage. The apparatus further includes a control circuit coupled to the plurality of monitor circuits. The control circuit is operative to receive the respective output signals from the plurality of monitor circuits and to generate an output of the apparatus which is a function of information conveyed in the respective output signals from the plurality of monitor circuits. |
| US08471719B2 |
Pressure control switch, method for using the same and alarm system using the same
The present disclosure relates to a pressure control switch. The pressure control switch includes a bistable resistance element. The bistable resistance element includes an organic, soft, low-conductivity matrix, and a plurality of high conductivity particles dispersed in the matrix. The bistable resistance element switches from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by receiving a pressure change applied to the bistable resistance element. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the pressure control switch and an alarm system. |
| US08471717B2 |
Collective objects management system with object identification using addressable decoder units
A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has an address decoder with a unique system address which generates a VALID signal whenever an incoming address from a source is a match. A local microcomputer and optional encoder receive incoming object identification signals from the source and supplies the desired object address to all the file folders in the cabinet. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer. The invention can be applied to a wide variety of collective objects management systems, such as supermarkets, automobile parts distributors, and various manufacturing operations. |
| US08471715B2 |
Disposable diaper with wireless alarm system
A disposable diaper with wireless alarm system includes a) a disposable diaper structure; b) a disposable diaper telltale conductive strip; c) an attachable, removable, reusable battery-powered sensor-transmitter device; and d) a wireless receiver with an alarm signal. Multiple diapers with different frequencies and optional disconnect sensors may be included and controlled by local or remote computer. |
| US08471713B2 |
Interference detector for patient monitor
A system is disclosed for detecting and calculating the level of ambient and/or environmental noise, such as electromagnetic interference generated by electric power lines, ambient lights, light dimmers, television or computer displays, power supplies or transformers, and medical equipment. In some embodiments, the system performs frequency analysis on the interference signal detected by light photodetectors and determines the power of the interference signal concentrated in the analyzed frequency bands. The worst-case interference level can be determined by selecting the maximum from the computed power values. In some embodiments, the determined interference signal power can be compared with the noise tolerance of a patient monitoring system configured to reliably and non-invasively detect physiological parameters of a user. The results of the comparison can be presented to the user audio-visually. In some embodiments, the system can be used to perform spot check measurements of electromagnetic interference. |
| US08471708B1 |
RFID tags and readers employing QT command to switch tag profiles
RFID readers transmit a Quiet Technology (QT) command to RFID tags causing at least one of the tags to transition between a private profile and a public profile. When a tag is inventoried in the private profile, it replies to the reader with contents from its private memory. When a tag is inventoried in the public profile, it replies to the reader with contents from its public memory, where the contents of the public memory may be a subset and/or modified version of the private memory contents, or entirely different altogether. The tag's profile can be switched again by another QT command from the reader, or following a loss of power at the tag. An access password and/or a short-range mechanism may be employed to allow only authorized readers to transition tag profiles or interrogate the private memory contents of tags in the public profile. |
| US08471707B2 |
Methods and arrangements for smart sensors
Generally, smart sensors, logic to process messages from smart sensors, and smart sensor systems are described herein. Embodiments may comprise logic such as hardware and/or code to communicate events as messages via a messaging system to post the messages to a messaging account. The messaging system may be a texting service like Twitter™ that captures the messages and then re-broadcasts the messages, e.g., immediately as a tweet or a cellular text message. In some embodiments, the smart sensor comprises a communications module with a Twitter™ application program interface (API) on a communications platform with a software/hardware framework to interconnect with one or more pluggable monitors with sensors. In other embodiments, the communications module may be integrated with one or more monitors. Further embodiments comprise a smart-device, which can provide status updates and event notifications to a user. |
| US08471701B2 |
Asymmetric dynamic geo-fencing
Architecture that enables location based notifications (e.g., geo-fences) using standard polygons the capture of complex regions. As applied to geo-fencing, it extends geo-fencing beyond the mere representation of the virtual perimeter (fenced) area. More specifically, the architecture takes into consideration geographical and demographical features, such as the layout of the roads and streets, the types of available of transportation (e.g., car, bus, walk, biking, etc.), the traffic conditions, and the dynamic properties of a point of interest (POI) such as opening hours, total wait time, etc. More specifically, the architecture enables the dynamic modification of polygon geo-fence based on POI properties, dynamic modification of polygon geo-fence based on road/street layout, dynamic modification of polygon geo-fence based on means of transportation, dynamic modification of polygon geo-fence based on traffic conditions, dynamic modification of polygon geo-fence based on user's state, and dynamic recalculation of regions and directions tailored to user interests. |
| US08471700B1 |
Global positioning systems and methods for asset and infrastructure protection
Security systems may include sensing, networked communications, stealth, alarms, and countermeasures, any or all of which may adapt to threats. These systems may also include armor and barriers of concrete and/or steel. They can adapt to severity of threats, weather, and/or other situational aspects. They can anticipate at least some threats in order to obtain early warning and react more quickly to those threats. They can adapt by altering their configurations, including alterations in communication networking structures and methods, and changes in data-storage and processing duties at processing nodes. Defensive and/or offensive countermeasures can be employed to deter, confuse, trap, and/or disable terrorists. The systems are capable of self-maintenance, self-healing, and self-restoration as threats subside. The systems can include subsystems capable of autonomous operation. At least some of the systems and/or their subsystems are capable of allocating power among subsystems, and of regulating bandwidth utilizations. |
| US08471699B2 |
Method for monitoring the safety of travelers
A method is provided for monitoring the present location of a traveler at time t1, predicting a location at which the traveler is expected to arrive by time t2, and verifying the safety of the traveler. The safety verification is conducted if the traveler has not reached the expected location at time t2, if signal from the traveler is lost or if a message from the traveler is not received within a predetermined time period. In some embodiments of the present invention, verifying the safety of the traveler involves contacting the traveler at one or more telecommunications devices which the traveler is known to carry, contacting another person that is known to be accompanying the traveler, and if all else fails—alerting the local emergency response team. |
| US08471695B2 |
Tire air pressure monitoring device
A tire air pressure monitoring device for monitoring the air pressure of a tire on a vehicle having two or more tires, including an air pressure sensing device that senses air pressure information of the tire and is adapted to be mounted at a prescribed position on the tire so as to rotate with the tire, a transmitting device that transmits the sensed air pressure information, a rotary position sensing device that senses the rotary position of the air pressure sensing device as the tire rotates, a period of rotation calculating device that calculates the period of rotation of the tire, a period of rotation disruption sensing device that senses disruption in the period of rotation based on a change in the period, and a transmission control device that outputs commands to transmit the air pressure information to the transmitting device based on a disruption in the period of rotation. |
| US08471694B2 |
Tire condition acquisition device and tire condition monitoring system
A tire condition acquisition device located in a tire and that transmits at least tire internal air pressure information includes: a housing that allows outside air to enter in only through a ventilation hole; an air pressure detecting element disposed in the housing and that detects an air pressure of air that enters in through the ventilation hole, and converts the detected air pressure to an electric signal which is then output; and a transmission circuit disposed in the housing and that transmits the detected air pressure information via electromagnetic waves based on the electric signal output from the air pressure detecting element; wherein at least the ventilation hole and an area peripheral thereto are treated so as to be water repellent. |
| US08471689B2 |
Touch-sensitive motion device
A method of entering data to an electronic device is outlined using a modified touch-pad. The touch-pad is modified to include the addition of surface features, which provide distinguishable tactile feedback to the user allowing improved spatial resolution of the positioning of an object onto the surface of the touch-pad. In this manner the touch-pad allows the user to select from multiple positions across the surface of the touch-pad, the outcomes of each position being optionally different, such as alphanumeric character selection. |
| US08471686B2 |
Remote control apparatus with dialing scheme providing haptic sensations
A remote control apparatus that provides haptic sensations. The remote control apparatus includes a dial, a motor, a rotary encoder, an encoder counter, a control unit and a motor controller. The remote control apparatus further includes a storage unit, a movement detection unit and a display unit. When a user selects an icon displayed on the display unit by rotating the dial, the control unit interprets the user instruction through the rotary encoder and the encoder counter to control the motor to generate torque for causing a haptic sensation corresponding to the interpreted instruction via the motor controller. While the haptic sensation is conveyed to the user through the dial, the control unit controls an appliance to perform the interpreted instruction thereon. |
| US08471684B2 |
System and method for tracking items associated with read/writable tags
A method and system for tracking an item associated with a read/writable tag programmed with a current identifier. The system comprises a plurality of tag readers and a control entity configured to send to at least one of the tag readers a next identifier associated with the tag. Upon receipt of the next identifier, the at least one of the tag readers is configured to reprogram the tag with the next identifier when a presence of the tag is detected. The control entity may be further configured to identify each of the at least one of the tag readers as being a tag reader that the item has a potential to encounter. |
| US08471683B2 |
Multilane vehicle tracking system
A vehicle tracking system and method of tracking vehicles in multiple traffic lanes is disclosed. One system includes an RFID reader including a plurality of antenna ports. The system also includes a first antenna connected to a first antenna port of the plurality of antenna ports, the first antenna oriented toward a first lane of traffic. The system further includes a second antenna connected to the first antenna port and oriented toward a second lane of traffic. The system also includes a third antenna connected to a second antenna port of the plurality of antenna ports, the third antenna oriented toward the first lane of traffic. In some cases, the RFID reader is configured to detect the existence of a vehicle in a lane based on detection of an RFID device associated with the vehicle at two or more of the plurality of antenna ports. |
| US08471681B2 |
Transport and storage unit having an identification unit and a reading unit
A transportation and storage unit includes a transponder identification unit for distinguishing and identifying goods or other objects, a multiplicity of which may be disposed, transported and/or stored and/or handled on palettes or similar transport aids in so-called groups, bunches, units or bundles. A plurality of mutually-separated transponders are embedded in the transponder identification unit. The transponder identification unit surrounds the periphery of the transportation and storage unit. A reading unit for sensing a multiplicity of transportation and storage units is also provided. |
| US08471679B2 |
Electronic device including finger movement based musical tone generation and related methods
An electronic device may include a finger biometric sensor and an audio output transducer. The electronic device may further include a controller cooperating with the finger biometric sensor for determining at least one biometric characteristic of a user's finger. The controller may also cooperate with the finger biometric sensor for causing the audio output transducer to generate at least one musical tone changing based upon movement of a user's finger relative to the finger biometric sensor. |
| US08471677B2 |
Barrier movement system including a combined keypad and voice responsive transmitter
A keypad transmitter for mounting outside a controlled area which may respond to the voice or other biometric indicia of users by transmitting validatable codes to a controller of a barrier movement system. The keypad may be used to send a validatable code or it may be used in a learning operation of the voice responsive portion. The voice responsive portion includes speaker dependent voice analysis for some functions and speaker independent voice analysis for other functions. |
| US08471676B1 |
Security door control system
A security door control system for managing the sequence of operation for security doors by controlling access between non-secure and secure areas. The system comprises a software logic installed on programmable logic controllers that operates the system by processing inputs from a plurality of local and remote sources and providing in real time individualized control signals to a plurality of fully automated security doors and multiple local and remote associated security door components. |
| US08471674B2 |
Shunt resistor and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a shunt resistor which has an excellent accuracy of current detection and a small temperature drift as well as a compact structure, and improves the operability. The shunt resistor is provided with a resistance body (11), a pair of main electrodes (12, 12) separated from the resistance body, and a pair of voltage detection electrodes (13, 13) separated from the main electrodes. The voltage detection electrodes (13) are provided and fixed between the resistance body (11) and the main electrodes (12). The voltage detection electrode (13) is provided with a detection terminal (13a) to be connected to a terminal of a voltage detection circuit. The resistance body (11) has a columnar shape. The voltage detection electrode (13) and main electrode (12) are fixed to both end faces of the resistance body (11) in the length direction, so that they are opposing each other. The components are bonded by diffusion boding, friction bonding, wax bonding, etc., after abutting the bonding surfaces with each other. |
| US08471671B2 |
Fuse and arc resistant end cap assembly therefor
Overcurrent protection fuses with end cap assemblies amenable to automated manufacturing techniques and providing arc burn through resistance when the fusible element opens therein. The end cap assemblies may include washers having arc resistant compositions and may include single or double end cap constructions. Fuse rejection features may be formed in one of the end caps and may create an empty space in the end cap when assembled to a fuse body. |
| US08471670B2 |
Fusible link unit
A fusible link unit includes a fuse busbar and a housing. The fuse busbar includes a first busbar having a first input connecting portion; a second busbar having a second input connecting portion; and a fusible element provided between the first busbar and the second busbar. The housing is provided with the fuse busbar. The fusible element is configured to melt down when a current of a predetermined value is conducted therethrough. The first input connecting portion and the second input connecting portion are formed into the same shape. The first and second input connecting portions are passed through inserting holes, which are provided on both end portions of the housing, and are projected outwards. The housing is formed symmetrical transversely. |
| US08471669B2 |
Disc-type coil
In a disc-type coil that enables assuring a sufficiently high value of a flowing current to increase an output and comprises: a discoid insulating substrate 1; a conductor pattern 2 that is provided on each of both surfaces of the insulating substrate 1 so that through hole lands 22 and 23 are position on the outer circumferential side and the inner circumferential side of the insulating substrate 1, and that is arranged to be alternately folded back on both the surfaces of the insulating substrate 1; and through holes that are formed in the insulating substrate 1 and connect the through hole lands 22 and 23 of the conductor pattern 2, the plurality of through holes 6 are aligned and arranged in a radial direction c in each through hole land 23 on the inner circumferential side. |
| US08471665B2 |
Magnetic element
A magnetic element including: a first magnetic core including a coil which is wound by a predetermined number of turns; a second magnetic core which includes the coil in the inside thereof and which is combined along the outer circumference of the first magnetic core; and a metal terminal which connects the coil and a mounting substrate, wherein the metal terminal includes a fixing portion for fixing the second magnetic core in a state of combining the first magnetic core and the second magnetic core. |
| US08471663B2 |
Combined winding structure and magnetic device
A combined winding structure is provided. The combined winding structure includes a plurality of winding wires each having a winding portion in a hollow column form, an anodic portion and a cathodic portion; the anodic portions and the cathodic portions are integrally extended from the winding portions respectively. The winding portions each have a surrounding dimension, and the surrounding dimensions are mutually different. The winding portion with the smaller surrounding dimension is located inside and surrounded by the winding portion with the larger surrounding dimension. With these arrangements, the combined winding structure can have a larger equivalent cross-sectional area and lower production costs. A magnetic device is also provided, which includes the aforesaid combined winding structure. |
| US08471662B2 |
Oil transformer insulation module
An oil transformer insulation module includes a plurality of disc-like insulation elements of identical type which are arranged flush one above another along a line, connected to one another and have in each case at least a similar outline contour. An insulation element includes a first flat layer and a second layer adjacent and predominantly parallel thereto. The first and second layers are composed of a mechanically strong, planar first insulation material. The first and second layers of the first insulation material are connected to and spaced apart from a third, corrugated layer arranged between the first and second layers and composed of a mechanically strong, planar second insulation material. The third layer has lateral edges and is corrugated in such a way that all the cavities formed by the corrugated form can be completely flooded with a liquid via the lateral edges of the insulation element. |
| US08471660B2 |
Assembly for magnetization of rare-earth permanent magnets
A superconducting magnetizer assembly includes a coil pack including an inner coil configured to generate a first magnetic field in response to an electric current supplied to the inner coil, an outer coil being disposed about the inner coil and configured to generate a second magnetic field in response to an electric current supplied to the outer coil, a non-conductive end spacer disposed between an end winding of the inner coil and an end winding of the outer coil, and a container to house the inner and outer coils; and a yoke disposed proximate the coil pack being configured to constrain the first and second magnetic fields to reduce the strength of the first field at the end winding of the inner coil, wherein the yoke comprises an annular ring configured to at least partially envelop the coil pack. |
| US08471658B2 |
Magnetic switch for operating a circuit
A multilevel correlated magnetic system and method for using the same are described herein. A wide-range of devices including a retractable magnet assembly, a disengagement/engagement tool, a click on-click off device are described herein that may incorporate or interact with one or more of the multilevel correlated magnetic systems. |
| US08471656B2 |
Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay includes: an electromagnetic block a bobbin including collar parts at both ends of a coil winding part on which a coil is wound, an iron core and a yoke; a contact block including a fixed contact and a movable contact; a pair of partition walls provided in parallel with the axial direction of the coil, opposing each other with the coil sandwiched therebetween and abutting on both the collar parts of the bobbin; and a case that accommodates therein the electromagnet block, the contact block and the partition walls. Inner wall surfaces of the case abut on both the collar parts of the bobbin and the partition walls from a direction intersecting both a direction in which the pair of partition walls oppose and the axial direction of the bobbin. |
| US08471655B2 |
Piston trip reset lever
A device for transferring motion from a manual lever to a reset lever of a pressure trip mechanism in a molded case circuit breaker. The pressure trip mechanism is activated when hot gasses are released during an arc event and the resultant increase in pressure forces a piston in the mechanism to expand and thereby activate the breaker. In some interruption events, hot gasses, and occasionally fragments of molten metal, are responsible for marring the plastic piston surface of the pressure trip mechanism and prevent the mechanism from returning to its pre-interruption position even when it is biased to the pre-interruption position with a spring. A configuration disclosed herein provides for linking the motion of the hand-driven manual lever used to reset the breaker to the reset lever connected to the pressure trip mechanism in order to force the pressure trip mechanism to return to its pre-interruption position. |
| US08471652B2 |
Component that operates using acoustic waves and method for producing said component
An acoustic wave component includes a layer system having a piezoelectric layer and a first metal layer arranged on the piezoelectric layer, a first resonator having a first electrode in the first metal layer, where the first metal layer includes electrode structures periodically arranged in a direction of propagation of a wave through the acoustic wave component, and a second resonator coupled to the first resonator and electrically isolated from the first resonator. The layer system includes a waveguide for guiding a guided bulk acoustic wave in a lateral direction of the acoustic wave component. |
| US08471651B2 |
Microelectromechanical filter
A microelectromechanical filter is provided. The microelectromechanical filter includes an input electrode, an output electrode, one or several piezoelectric resonators, one or several high quality factor resonators, and one or several coupling beams. The input electrode and the output electrode are disposed on the piezoelectric resonators. The high quality factor resonator is silicon or of piezoelectric materials, and there is no metal electrode on top of the resonator. The coupling beam is connected between the piezoelectric resonator and the high quality factor resonator. The coupling beam transmits an acoustic wave among the resonators, and controls a bandwidth of filter. The microelectromechanical filter with low impedance and high quality factor fits the demand for next-generation communication systems. |
| US08471648B2 |
Signal dividing device
There is provided a signal dividing device (10) for use in a co-axial network used for distributing signals within the home, the signal dividing device (10) comprising an impedance transformer (12), a first (14) and a second (16) two-way signal splitter, each two-way signal splitter having an input, and first and second outputs. The output (22) of the impedance transformer is connected to the input of the first and the second signal splitter, the other port (20) of the impedance transformer being connected to earth. Resistive elements (32, 34) are connected between the outputs of the first and second signal splitters respectively. A diplex filter (40) may be connected at the input (18) of the impedance transformer (12). |
| US08471647B2 |
Power divider
In cases where a power divider is constructed by using a multilayer substrate, a power divider is obtained which is smaller in size and has a good reflection property. The power divider according to the present invention is provided with a multilayer dielectric substrate (1), strip conductor patterns (2a through 2c) formed on one surface of the multilayer dielectric substrate (1), and a ground conductor pattern (3) formed on the other surface of the multilayer dielectric substrate (1), wherein a transmission line is composed of the dielectric substrate (1), the strip conductor patterns (2a through 2c) and the ground conductor pattern (3), and the transmission line has its one end branched to form a plurality of branch lines (12a, 12b), with an isolation resistance (4) being formed between the branch lines. A first capacitance forming part comprising a first pillar conductor (6a) and a first capacitance forming conductor pattern (5a), both formed in an interior of the dielectric substrate (1), is formed at a branch point (13) of said transmission line. |
| US08471645B2 |
Balanced-unbalanced transformer
A balanced-unbalanced transformer includes: a balanced transmission line including paired transmission lines; an unbalanced transmission line; and two lead transmission lines connected to two neighboring end portions of four end portions of the paired transmission lines at a right angle to the paired transmission lines, wherein one of the two lead transmission lines has a first electrode face which faces the other of the two lead transmission lines, the other of the two lead transmission lines has a second electrode face which faces the one of the two lead transmission lines, and the first electrode face and the second electrode face are electrode faces of a capacitor. |
| US08471642B2 |
Resonant circuits
Embodiments of the invention relate to resonant circuits; particularly but not exclusively the embodiments relate to resonant circuits in RPID (radio frequency identification) responsive to a wide frequency range. A controllable electric resonator comprising an inductor coupled to a first capacitor to form a resonant circuit, the resonator further comprising a controllable element, a second capacitor controllable coupled across said first capacitor by said controllable element, and a control device to control said controllable element such that a total effective capacitance of said first and second capacitor varies over a duty cycle of an oscillatory signal on said resonator. |
| US08471640B2 |
Oscillators and methods of operating the same
Oscillators and methods of operating the oscillators are provided, the oscillators include an oscillating unit including at least one magnetic layer having a magnetization direction that varies according to at least one selected from the group consisting of an applied current, an applied voltage and an applied magnetic field. The oscillating unit is configured to generate an oscillation signal having a set frequency. The oscillators further include an output stage that provides an output signal by differentially amplifying the oscillation signal. |
| US08471637B2 |
Variable gain amplifier
The invention relates to a variable gain amplifier comprising a first attenuator (1) for receiving an input signal (rf_in) and for transmitting a first attenuated input signal to a first amplifier (2) for amplifying the first attenuated input signal and for generating a first amplified signal to a second attenuator (3) for attenuating the first amplified signal and for transmitting a second attenuated signal to a second amplifier (4) for amplifying the second attenuated signal and for generating an output signal (rf_out). The first attenuator (1) is supplied from a first supply voltage source (10). The second attenuator (3) is supplied from a second supply voltage source (30). The first amplifier (2) is supplied from a third supply voltage source (20), and the second amplifier (4) is supplied from a fourth supply voltage source (40). |
| US08471636B2 |
Differential pair with constant offset
A bias current is generated for an unbalanced differential pair that is proportional to the transconductance gain of the differential pair. When the transconductance gain varies (e.g., due to temperature variations), the bias current varies in proportion thereby maintaining a constant offset voltage. In some implementations, a voltage to current converter circuit generates the bias current from a constant reference voltage that is independent of temperature and voltage supply variations (e.g., a bandgap reference voltage). |
| US08471635B2 |
Bias circuit and amplifier providing constant output current for a range of common mode inputs
Bias circuits, amplifiers and methods are provided, such as those for providing bias signals over a range of common mode inputs for an amplifier to output a constant current. One example of a bias circuit is configured to generate a bias signal having a voltage magnitude according to a reference signal. The reference signal is indicative of a common mode input level of an input signal of the amplifier circuit and the bias circuit is further configured to adjust the bias signal over a range of common mode input levels. An amplifier receiving the bias signal is configured to generate an output signal in response to an input signal and drive an output current based on the voltage magnitude of the bias signal provided by the bias circuit. |
| US08471634B2 |
Method and apparatus of common mode compensation for voltage controlled delay circuits
An apparatus of common mode compensation for voltage controlled delay circuits and method are provided. In one implementation a method includes amplifying a differential input signal to generate a differential output signal using a differential pair of transistors biased by a tail current; changing the tail current by a first amount to change a circuit delay of the differential pair of transistors; generating a first compensation current and a second compensation current by using a current mirroring such that a sum of the first compensation current and the second compensation current is of a second amount that is substantially equal to the first amount; injecting the first compensation current into the first end of the differential output signal via a first coupling resistor; and injecting the second compensation current into the second end of the differential output signal via a second coupling resistor. |
| US08471629B2 |
Providing automatic power control for a power amplifier
A power control circuit is coupled to receive a feedback signal from a power amplifier (PA) and generate a control signal to control a variable gain amplifier (VGA) coupled to an input to the PA based on the feedback signal. The power control circuit may include, in one embodiment, a mute circuit to generate a mute signal to be provided to the VGA when the control signal is less than a first level and a clamp circuit to clamp a control voltage used to generate the control signal from exceeding a threshold level. |
| US08471626B2 |
Start-up circuit to discharge EMI filter of power supplies
A start-up circuit to discharge EMI filter is developed for power saving. It includes a detection circuit detecting a power source for generating a sample signal. A sample circuit is coupled to the detection circuit for generating a reset signal in response to the sample signal. The reset signal is utilized for discharging a stored voltage of the EMI filter. |
| US08471624B2 |
Method for controlling the supply voltage for an integrated circuit and an apparatus with a voltage regulation module and an integrated circuit
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the supply voltage for an integrated circuit, which is connected to a voltage regulation module via a sense line, a voltage supply line and a bus wherein the supply voltage is provided by the voltage regulation module (10) via the voltage supply line. The supply voltage is composed of a reference voltage and a number of additional voltage levels. The reference voltage is defined by a voltage source and controlled by the integrated circuit via the bus, and the number of additional voltage levels is determined by the integrated circuit and send to the voltage regulation module via the sense line. Further the present invention relates to a corresponding apparatus with a voltage regulation module and an integrated circuit. |
| US08471616B2 |
Duty ratio correction circuit
A duty ratio correction circuit for correcting a duty ratio of a clock signal. The duty ratio correction circuit includes an asymmetry buffer that receives a clock signal and adjusts a duty ratio of the clock signal in response to control signals; a clock generating circuit that is connected to the asymmetry buffer and detects the duty ratio of the clock signal; and a controller that generates the control signals according to the duty ratio of the clock signal. An operation of the controller is recorded as a program on a computer-readable recording medium. |
| US08471614B2 |
Digital phase locked loop system and method
A phase locked loop control system includes a digital controlled oscillator (DCO) that is controlled by logic cells in response to comparison of the oscillator output with a reference clock related signal. Delay cell number adjustment, delay cell load adjustment and cycle control are operative to digitally control the DCO frequency to obtain wide frequency range and limited jitter. |
| US08471611B2 |
Fractional-N phase locked loop based on bang-bang detector
The present disclosure is directed to a fractional-N digital phase locked loop (DPLL) that replaces the conventionally used time-to-digital converter (TDC) based phase detector with a bang-bang phase detector (BBPD). Compared to the TDC based phase detector, the BBPD has an often superior resolution for the same or similar amount of power and/or area consumption. Therefore, replacing the TDC based phase detector with a BBPD can reduce, or even eliminate, the common problem of spurs being added to the output signal generated by the DPLL because of the limited resolution of the TDC based phase detector. This can allow the DPLL to be used for the most demanding applications, such as in generating local oscillator signals for down-converting and demodulating weak signals received by a communication device, such as a cellular phone. |
| US08471606B2 |
Driver circuit for a semiconductor power switch
A driver circuit for controlling a semiconductor power switch comprises a first power driver transistor and a second power driver transistor complementary to the first power driver transistor. Both power driver transistors have an output terminal connected to an input terminal of the semiconductor power switch. An input terminal of the second power driver transistor is connected to a half bridge circuit comprising a first pre-driver transistor and a second pre-driver transistor complementary to the first pre-driver transistor. Both first and second pre-driver transistors have an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the second power driver transistor. This provides fast switching times with low power consumption for the pre-driver transistors. |
| US08471604B2 |
Gate drive circuit and associated method
A method of driving a number of series connected active power semiconductor groups, wherein each of the active power semiconductor groups includes one or more gate oxide-isolated active power semiconductor devices. The method includes generating a current pulse, providing the current pulse to a primary portion of a transformer unit and in response thereto causing a number of reflected current pulses to be reflected at a secondary portion of the transformer unit, and transferring and latching each of the reflected current pulses to create a respective latched gate drive signal, and providing each respective latched gate drive signal to an associated one of the active power semiconductor groups for driving the one or more gate oxide-isolated active power semiconductor devices of the associated one of the active power semiconductor groups. Also, a gate drive circuit that implements the method. |
| US08471603B2 |
Current driver, electronic device and current driving method
The present invention provides a current driver for driving a current driven device. The current driver includes a driving circuit, configured to generate a driving current to drive the current driven device, and conduct or cut off a driving current path through which the driving current flows according to a voltage level of a driving control node, and an accelerating circuit, coupled to the driving control node of the driving circuit, configured to provide an accelerating current flowing through the driving control node to accelerate a voltage level transition at the driving control node during an activation period of the driving circuit, and automatically cut off the accelerating current when a voltage level of the driving control node reaches a specific level. |
| US08471602B2 |
Output driver and semiconductor apparatus having the same
An output driver includes: a pull-up signal generation unit configured to control a pulse width of first data and output a pull-up pre-drive signal; a pull-down signal generation unit configured to control a pulse width of second data and output a pull-down pre-drive signal; a pull-up pre-driver unit configured to receive the pull-up pre-drive signal and generate a pull-up main drive signal; a pull-down pre-driver unit configured to receive the pull-down pre-drive signal and generate a pull-down main drive signal; a pull-up main driver unit configured to charge an output node according to the pull-up main drive signal; and a pull-down main driver unit configured to discharge the output node according to the pull-down main drive signal. |
| US08471601B2 |
Single-ended to differential converter
A single-ended to differential converter is presented. The converter may be configured to convert full-swing single-ended signals to low-swing differential signals within a single-stage, thereby reducing signal distortion. The converter may include a passive network of resistive elements, for example resistors and/or metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices operating in a linear region. The converter may also allow for adjustable design parameters such as a common mode, differential amplitude, and an output swing. The adjustments may all be made within the single-stage of the converter. |
| US08471598B2 |
Magnetic logic device
The present disclosure provides for magnetic logic devices and methods of operating such a device. In one embodiment, the device includes a bottom electrode configured to receive a first input current and a second input current, a bottom magnetic layer disposed over the bottom electrode, a nonmagnetic layer disposed over the bottom magnetic layer, a top magnetic layer disposed over the nonmagnetic layer, and a top electrode disposed over the top magnetic layer, the top electrode and the bottom electrode configured to provide an output voltage which is dependent on the first and second input currents and which follows an AND gate logic or an OR gate logic. |
| US08471594B2 |
Apparatus and method for obtaining maximum value and minimum value in plurality of digital input signals
The present invention relates to a digital signal processing circuit, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating a maximum value or a minimum value used for designing the digital signal processing circuit. An apparatus for obtaining a maximum value or a minimum value from N digital input signals may include N×W bit processing elements to receive an input of W bits of each of the N digital input signals, W OR operators to receive an input of N operation values output from bit processing elements, and to perform an OR operation, respectively, and W inverters to invert an output value for each of the W OR operators. |
| US08471590B2 |
Calibrating resistance for integrated circuit
An integrated circuit includes a first ODT unit and an input buffer. The first ODT unit is configured to receive at least one pull-up code and at least one pull-down code for impedance matching of a first line through which data is transferred, and adjust a resistance value. The input buffer is configured to drive input data by buffering the data in response to a level of a reference voltage, wherein the driving of the input data is adjusted in response to the pull-up code and the pull-down code. |
| US08471582B2 |
Circuit for detecting tier-to-tier couplings in stacked integrated circuit devices
A first semiconductor tier has a first tier-to-tier connector for detecting a tier-to-tier coupling in a stacked integrated circuit (IC) device. A second semiconductor tier has a second tier-to-tier connector configured to electrically couple to the first tier-to-tier connector. A tier-to-tier detection circuit electrically couples to the second tier-to-tier connector. The tier-to-tier detection circuit generates an output signal indicative of an electrical coupling between the first semiconductor tier and the second semiconductor tier. |
| US08471581B2 |
Apparatus and method for inspecting defects in circuit pattern of substrate
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for inspecting defects in the circuit pattern of a substrate. The apparatus for inspecting defects in a circuit pattern of a substrate includes a pin probe configured to input a voltage while coming into contact with an inspection target circuit pattern of a substrate. A capacitor sensor is provided with a membrane electrode which is opposite a connection circuit pattern to be electrically connected to the inspection target circuit pattern in a non-contact manner, and is configured to detect both capacitance and capacitance variation, generated due to displacement of the membrane electrode attributable to electrostatic attractive force acting from the connection circuit pattern on the membrane electrode. A capacitance measurement unit is connected to the capacitor sensor and is configured to measure capacitance attributable to the displacement of the membrane electrode, which is input from the capacitor sensor. |
| US08471579B2 |
Method of measuring slider resistance of different types of row bar with a common tester
A method of measuring slider resistance of different types of row bar with a common tester comprises judging the type of the row bar, if the row bar is femto-type row bar, supplying a first voltage to the front pins, and supplying a second voltage that is unequal to the first voltage to the back pins, thereby obtaining resistances of the sliders; if the row bar is shunting-type row bar, supplying a third voltage to the front pins which contact the test pads, and supplying a fourth voltage that is unequal to the third voltage to the front pin that contacts the common test pad, thereby obtaining resistances of the sliders. The present invention can measure two different types of row bar with a same common tester, which can reduce the downtime of machine and the manpower, and prevent the probe card from being damaged without a frequent disassembly and switch. |
| US08471577B2 |
Lateral coupling enabled topside only dual-side testing of TSV die attached to package substrate
A method of topside only dual-side testing of an electronic assembly includes providing a singulated through substrate via (TSV) die flip chip attached to a die support including a package substrate. The TSVs on the TSV die extend from its frontside to contactable TSV tips on its bottomside. The TSVs on the frontside of the TSV die are coupled to embedded topside substrate pads on a top surface of the ML substrate. The die support includes lateral coupling paths between at least a portion of the embedded topside substrate pads and lateral topside pads on a topside surface of the die support lateral to the die area. The contactable TSV tips are contacted with probes to provide a first topside connection to the TSVs, and the lateral topside pads are contacted with probes to provide a second topside connection. Dual-side testing across the electronic assembly is performed using the first and second topside connections. |
| US08471576B2 |
Probe for a socket, socket for a semiconductor integrated circuit and electronic device
A socket for electrically connecting conductive patterns of a circuit board and electrodes of an integrated circuit, the socket includes a main body, a plurality of hollow probes that connect conductive patterns of the circuit board and electrodes of the integrated circuit, the plurality of hollow probes provided to the main body, and an outlet that discharges a refrigerating medium passing through each of the hollow probes, the outlet provided on a side of the main body. |
| US08471574B2 |
Method and device for detecting underperforming PV modules in a PV system by using disconnect switches
A measuring method for determining an output drop of a PV unit is provided. The PV unit is arranged within a photovoltaic system comprising a plurality of electrically parallel-connected PV units. Each PV unit can be removed from the parallel circuit by a switching device. Further, a total current measuring device for measuring the total current through all PV units of the parallel circuit is provided. The defective PV unit is determined in an evaluation unit by the connection and disconnection of a disconnect switch. |
| US08471572B2 |
Capacitive sensor to sense an electric field generated by a conductor
A capacitive sensor for detecting an electrical field generated by a live conductor comprises a source electrode (10), a screen element (20) and an electrical field sensor (30). Said source electrode (10) has a proximal portion (11) connected to the conductor (A) and a distal portion (12) placed inside the screen element (20). The electrical field sensor (30) is placed inside said screen element (20), and faces and is spaced apart from the distal portion (12) of said source electrode (10), in order to detect the electrical field emitted by said source electrode (10). |
| US08471571B2 |
Method for selecting an item of equipment and control unit enabling this method to be implemented
Home electronic automation equipment to be controlled is selected from among several predefined groups of equipment, via capacitive sensors which are disposed next to one another on a control unit. A predefined group of equipment is selected by activating individual capacitive sensors. At least one additional group of equipment is selected via a predetermined sequence for activating several of the same capacitive sensors, of which at least two capacitive sensors are non-adjacent sensors. |
| US08471569B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for measurement of the current through an inductive load
The invention provides a method and a circuit arrangement for measurement of the current through an inductive load L wherein the current is fed into the inductive load L with the aid of a full-bridge circuit. By way of example, full-bridge circuits such as these are used to feed a current in a pulse-width-modulated form into a winding of a direct-current, stepping or plunger coil motor. A respective measurement device (Ra, Rb) is provided for each half-bridge. In this case, a respective measurement device (Ra, Rb) is arranged between in each case one series circuit of switching elements and ground (VSS) or the supply voltage (VDD), respectively, at which a respective voltage is tapped off, which is a measure of the current through the respective measurement device. The device for measurement of the current has at least one switching device (S), by means of which one of the two inputs (e1, e2) of differential amplifier (D) can be selectively connected to ground (VSS) or to the supply voltage (VDD), or to one of the two measurement devices. |
| US08471564B2 |
System and method for recording the characteristic curves of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
The invention relates to a system for recording characteristic curves for a light-emitting diode arrangement (1) comprising at least one light-emitting diode (2). A control unit (4) is used to operate the light-emitting diode arrangement (1) and to record the diode current (8) and the voltage (9) on the light-emitting diode arrangement (1). The control unit (4) is also used to record a first current/voltage pair (P1) and a different second current/voltage pair (P2), at a first temperature of the light-emitting diode arrangement (1), and a third current/voltage pair (P3) and a different fourth current/voltage pair (P4), at a second temperature of the light-emitting diode arrangement (1). The invention also relates to a method for recording characteristic curves of a light-emitting diode arrangement. |
| US08471562B2 |
Multi-axial antenna and method for use in downhole tools
Embodiments of a multi-axial antenna system and system for measuring subsurface formations are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the multi-axial antenna system comprising at least two co-located coils wound around a torroidal-shaped bobbin. Each coil generates a magnetic field in a mutually orthogonal direction. Signals provided to the coils may be adjusted to simulate a tilted-coil antenna system. |
| US08471557B2 |
Integrated triaxial magnetometer of semiconductor material manufactured in MEMS technology
Two suspended masses are configured so as to be flowed by respective currents flowing in the magnetometer plane in mutually transversal directions and are capacitively coupled to lower electrodes. Mobile sensing electrodes are carried by the first suspended mass and are capacitively coupled to respective fixed sensing electrodes. The first suspended mass is configured so as to be mobile in a direction transversal to the plane in presence of a magnetic field having a component in a first horizontal direction. The second suspended mass is configured so as to be mobile in a direction transversal to the plane in presence of a magnetic field having a component in a second horizontal direction, and the first suspended mass is configured so as to be mobile in a direction parallel to the plane and transversal to the current flowing in the first suspended mass in presence of a magnetic field having a component in a vertical direction. |
| US08471555B2 |
Method for determining orientation of electromagnetic receivers
Method for determining receiver orientation angles in a controlled source electromagnetic survey, by analyzing the survey data. For a given survey receiver, two data subsets are selected. (43, 44). The two subsets may be from two offset ranges that are geometrically symmetrical relative to the receiver location. Alternatively, the second subset may be a computer simulation of actual survey data. In either instance, an orientation is assumed for the receiver (45), and that orientation is used to compare component data from the two subsets that can be expected to match if the assumed orientation angle(s) is (are) correct (46). The mismatch is ascertained, and the assumed orientation is adjusted (45) and the process is repeated. |
| US08471549B2 |
Power detector
A power detector circuit for measuring output power of an amplifier circuit includes a mirror amplification stage having mirror circuit components substantially similar and corresponding to original circuit components of an amplification stage of the amplifier circuit, and a power sensor circuit coupled to an output node of the mirror amplification stage. |
| US08471548B2 |
Power supply circuit configured to supply stabilized output voltage by avoiding offset voltage in error amplifier
A power supply circuit includes an output driver transistor, a buffer circuit, and an error amplification circuit. The buffer circuit includes a first transistor connected to an output terminal and a second transistor functioning as a load for the first transistor. The error amplification circuit includes a differential pair including a first pair of transistors, a current mirror circuit including a second pair of transistors, a constant current source supplying a current and driving the differential pair and the current mirror circuit, a third transistor connected between one of the differential pair and the current mirror circuit. The first and second transistor have the same polarity as the transistors constituting the current mirror circuit, and control terminals of the first and third transistors are connected at a first junction node that is connected to a second junction node between the one of the differential pair and the third transistor. |
| US08471547B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for inductive energy transfer
A circuit arrangement for the inductive transfer of energy is disclosed. The circuit arrangement includes an oscillator; a power supply for supplying the oscillator with energy and having a complex input resistance; and a device for detecting the inductive load of the oscillator and for modifying the complex input resistance of the power supply depending on the load of the oscillator. |
| US08471546B2 |
Time constant circuit, switch circuit, DC/DC converter, and display device
To provide a time constant circuit and the like capable of acquiring a characteristic of an output voltage that attenuates gradually after attenuating steeply, compared to a characteristic that attenuates monotonously. The time constant circuit includes: a series/parallel circuit formed by serially connecting a plurality of parallel circuits each formed with a resistance element and a capacitance element between a first terminal and a second terminal; and a voltage-dividing resistance element connected between a third terminal connected to the second terminal and a fourth terminal. A first parallel circuit is formed with a first resistance element and a first capacitance element, a second parallel circuit with a second resistance element and a second capacitance element, and an n-th parallel circuit with an n-th resistance element and an n-th capacitance element. Note that “n” is the number of the parallel circuits and it is an integer of 2 or larger. |
| US08471540B2 |
DC-DC converter
A DC-DC converter performing pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control with a fixed ON time, having a control circuit performing PFM control of the ON time for a switch, including an error amplifier amplifying the difference between an output voltage and a target voltage, a voltage controlled oscillator increasing and decreasing in frequency and outputting an error signal, and a one-shot circuit generating the ON time based on a trigger signal output from the VCO, where ON time is linked to an input voltage and/or an output voltage. The switching frequency decreases under light loads and current consumption is reduced, and the switching frequency is made to be approximately constant under heavy loads. |
| US08471539B2 |
Low drop out voltage regulato
A low drop out (LDO) voltage regulator having an error amplifier, a power transistor, a first voltage division unit, a compensation control unit and a compensation bias current source is provided. The error amplifier generates a control voltage according to a first reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The power transistor generates an output voltage at a drain of the power transistor according to the control voltage. The first voltage division unit divides the output voltage to generate the feedback voltage. The compensation control unit generates a compensation control signal to the compensation bias current source according to the control voltage, the output voltage and a compensation bias, so as to make the compensation bias current source generate a compensation bias current, in which the compensation bias is inversely proportional to a supply voltage and ambient temperature. |
| US08471536B2 |
Switch controller for switching power supply and method thereof
A switch controller for switching power supply is coupled to an auxiliary winding of the switching power supply through a detecting resistor. The switch controller provides a detecting current passing through the detecting resistor for keeping the voltage level of a detecting signal transmitted by the detecting resistor higher than a predetermined voltage. In this way, the switch controller can avoid the latch-up phenomenon caused by receiving the detecting signal of the negative voltage level. In addition, the switch controller can detect the magnitude of an input voltage of the switching power supply by means of the detecting current, and accordingly control the operation of the switching power supply. |
| US08471534B2 |
Fault ride through switch for power generation system
A power generation system that includes a prime mover configured to generate mechanical energy. The power generation system also includes a power generator configured for generating electrical power from the mechanical energy received from the prime mover. The power generation system further includes a fault ride-through switch electrically coupled in series between the power generator and a power grid. The fault ride-through switch includes a first branch configured to carry the electrical power during normal operating conditions and includes an LC resonance circuit. The fault ride-through switch also includes a multiphase transformer configured for providing voltage phases of different polarities to the LC resonance circuit. The fault ride-through switch further includes a second branch coupled in parallel with the first branch and including a resistive element and an inductive element electrically coupled in series wherein the resistive element configured to absorb the electrical power during fault conditions. |
| US08471531B2 |
Estimated remaining life of a battery included in an uninterruptible power supply
An uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) is provided with a backup power supply that has an adjustable reserve power level that is based on a user's input and/or is configured to notify a user if a battery included in the UPS needs to be replaced. In one embodiment of the present invention, the UPS (or a circuit included therein) estimates a remaining life (ERL) of the battery by considering various battery conditions, including, but not limited to, a predetermined battery life expectancy, whether the battery is being used to power a load, and battery temperature. If it is estimated that the ERL is low, or below a predetermined threshold, then the UPS (or a circuit included therein) is configured to notify a user that the battery needs to be replaced. |
| US08471530B2 |
Battery state monitoring circuit and battery device
Provided is a battery state monitoring circuit including: a charge/discharge control circuit for detecting and controlling a state of a secondary battery; an automatic recovery circuit; a temperature sensor circuit; and a comparator for comparing a voltage of an output terminal of the automatic recovery circuit and a voltage of the secondary battery, and outputting a signal indicative of a result of the comparison to the temperature sensor circuit, to control an operation of the temperature sensor circuit. The temperature sensor circuit operates only when the output of the automatic recovery circuit is larger, that is, only when a charger is connected between external terminals. |
| US08471528B2 |
Secondary battery controlling apparatus and controlling method
To provide a secondary battery controlling apparatus and a controlling method that can keep a storage amount of a secondary battery used for supply and demand control of a power system not close to 100% or 0%. The present invention is a power supply and demand controlling apparatus of a small-scaled power system 1 including distributed power supplies 31, 32, . . . 3n including a secondary battery and a controlling method, wherein the secondary battery controlling apparatus includes a power generation planning part 6 calculating a planned output value of the distributed power supply based on a past load power and output data including track record data of a power generation output, a planned storage amount estimating part 7 estimating a planned storage amount of the secondary battery from the planned output value of the secondary battery calculated at the power generation planning part, an actual output detecting part 8 measuring and detecting an actual output value of the secondary battery, an actual storage amount estimating part 9 estimating an actual storage amount from the actual output value of the secondary battery detected at the actual output detecting part, and a storage amount controlling part 10 controlling the actual storage amount back to the planned storage amount if there is a difference between the planned storage amount estimated at the planned storage amount estimating part and the actual storage amount estimated at the actual storage amount estimating part. |
| US08471524B2 |
Battery charging device and method for controlling charging thereof
The present invention is adapted for the field of power supply and provides a battery charging device and a method for controlling charging thereof, including: a charging circuit which has a charging current setting terminal for charging the battery according to charging current of the charging current setting terminal; a charging current control circuit which is connected with the charging current setting terminal and adjusts the charging current gradually according to equivalent resistance in the charging current control circuit; a general register circuit which is connected to the charging current control circuit and to control the equivalent resistance by setting value of a general register. In the present invention, a plurality of switching tubes and resistances are integrated into the charging current control circuit. The switching tubes is switched on or off by setting the value of the general register, thereby adjusting the existing charging current gradually and causing the voltage of the charging power source to descend/ascend smoothly. This provides a solution to the problem of equipment instability caused by the voltage fluctuation in the adjustment process of charging current in the existing technology. |
| US08471523B2 |
Charging/discharging device having concealed universal serial bus plug(s)
A charging/discharging device having at least one concealed universal serial bus (USB) plug has a housing having at least one plug hoe, and at least one retractable plug assembly mounted in the housing. Each of the at least one retractable plug assembly has a slidable second circuit board, a resilient element pushing the second circuit board toward a corresponding one of the plug hole of the housing, a USB plug mounted on the second circuit board and corresponding to the corresponding plug hole of the housing, and a locker mounted through and selectively engaging the second circuit board to prevent the second circuit board from sliding when the USB plug is stored in or protrudes out of the housing. Therefore, since the USB plug is able to be concealed in the housing, the USB plug is not damaged. |
| US08471521B2 |
Electric vehicle extended range hybrid battery pack system
A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second battery pack may be used to charge the first battery pack or used in combination with the first battery pack to supply operational power to the electric vehicle. |
| US08471520B2 |
Managing renewable power generation
A power delivery rate from a renewable power source to a load is managed by determining, by processing circuitry, a change in a power generation rate, determining, by the processing circuitry, whether the change in the power generation rate exceeds a limit, and then, adjusting, by control circuitry, a power transfer rate to or from a power storage device, such that the adjusting is sufficient to prevent the power delivery rate from exceeding the limit. |
| US08471519B2 |
Control device and control method for AC motor
A voltage command generation unit generates a voltage command value, based on a current deviation relative to a current command value. A dq-axis voltage filter generates a voltage command value subjected to a filtering process for smoothing a change of the voltage command value in a time axis direction. Then, the voltage command value subjected to the filter processing is subjected to a voltage amplitude correcting process and a dq inverse transformation coordinate converting process, so that a phase voltage command for an AC motor is generated. Thus, it is possible to prevent both an amplitude and a phase of the voltage command for the AC motor from being changed rapidly even at a time of control mode switchover. |
| US08471517B2 |
Motor controlling apparatus and motor controlling method thereof
A motor controlling apparatus includes a control unit which sets a motor on standby for a predetermined time if an enable signal is applied and sets the motor to a default state by rotating the motor at least once for the next predetermined time. The apparatus includes a driver unit which generates a drive signal to control the motor and outputs the drive signal to the motor. Accordingly, a stepping out of the motor may be prevented. |
| US08471513B2 |
Rain sensor
During rain, including a light source (5) for radiating light such that the light is transmitted through a vehicle window (2), a light receiving element (6) for sensing an optical signal when the light radiated from the light source (5) is reflected from the raindrop fallen on the vehicle window (2) and performing a photoelectric transduction, and a receiver (9) for receiving the photoelectrically transduced signal from the light receiving element (6) and judging the level of rainfall. The light source (5) and the light receiving element (6) are inclined with respect to the surface of the vehicle window (2) such that the light of the light source (5) directly reflected from the vehicle window (2) exits to the outside of the light receiving element (6) and the light reflected from a raindrop (8) on the vehicle window (2) is received by the light receiving element (6) to operate a vehicle wiper. |
| US08471507B2 |
Electric power conversion system and electric power conversion device
According to the present invention, an electrical power conversion system includes: a motor; an inverter circuit that outputs three-phase (U-phase, V-phase, W-phase) alternating currents to the motor; a current sensor that detects each of the three-phase alternating currents; and a control circuit that controls the inverter circuit based on a torque command value and values detected by the current sensor, so that the three-phase alternating currents outputted from the inverter circuit are formed as sine waves; and wherein the control circuit includes: a current component extraction unit that, based on the values detected by the current sensor, for each phase, extracts current components superimposed upon each of three-phase alternating currents; and an AC current abnormality detection unit that detects abnormality of an AC current flowing to the motor, based on the phases of the current components for any two phases among the three-phase alternating currents. |
| US08471505B2 |
Device to synchronize the change of the driving mode of an electromagnetic load
A device for the change of the driving mode of an electromagnetic load from a first operating mode with pulse width modulation to a second operating mode that is linear by means of switching circuits. During a first operating mode, each of two outputs has a voltage value ranging from a first reference voltage to a second reference voltage. The device adapted to synchronize a change command signal from a first operating mode to a second operating mode of the electromagnetic load with the signal representative of the flow of current circulating within the load at substantially its average value and adapted to generate a first command signal in response to the synchronization. |
| US08471503B2 |
Vehicle door power assist
Vehicles equipped with sliding doors that undergo powered openings typically are prohibited from opening if the vehicle is in drive. Various modes of door operation are disclosed that safely enable powered operation of a vehicle sliding door regardless of the transmission state of the vehicle. |
| US08471498B2 |
Illumination device with electrical variable scattering element
A current limiting controller (100) for a light emitting diode (LED) driver automatically resets the LED driver to normal operation after elimination of a fault. The current limiting controller (100) includes a fault detector to detect a fault across a load (20, 40) that is being driven by the driver circuit (10, 30); a current limiter (130, 230) to limit the current supplied from the driver circuit (10, 30) to the load (20, 40) in response to the detected fault; and a reset circuit (120, 220, 320) to disable the current limiter (130, 230) upon expiration of a first time interval after the fault is detected, and to allow the current limiter (130, 230) again to limit the current supplied from the driver circuit (10, 30) to the load (20, 40) when the detected fault remains after a second time interval. |
| US08471494B2 |
LED white-light devices for direct form, fit, and function replacement of existing fluorescent lighting devices
A white light LED-based lighting device configured for direct form, fit, and function replacement of existing incandescent and fluorescent devices is provided. The white light LED-based lighting device comprises a group of solid state light emitting diodes, electronics to activate the light emitting diodes, and an encapsulating housing configured for direct form, fit, and function replacement of existing fluorescent devices. |
| US08471490B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for voltage conversion
A circuit arrangement (1) for voltage conversion comprises a forward branch (60) with a first load terminal (45) to which an electrical load (47) can be coupled and a feedback branch (61) with a sampling device (30). The electrical load (47) can be operated with pulse width modulation. A method for voltage conversion comprises the following steps: an electrical load (47) is supplied with energy using pulse width modulation. A feedback voltage (Vfb) that can be tapped at a terminal of the electrical load (47) is sampled in a first clock phase during which the electrical load (47) is supplied with energy. The voltage conversion is controlled as a function of the feedback voltage (Vfb). |
| US08471488B1 |
Reducing total harmonic distortion in a power factor corrected flyback switch mode power supply
Total harmonic distortion (THD) at the AC line input of a power factor corrected (PFC) flyback switch mode power supply (SMPS) is reduced by adding additional current injection to the current programming signal of a PFC controller during the period of the line cycle where the AC input current wave shape is most flattened, i.e., around the peak portion of the AC line voltage. The input current drawn by the PFC flyback SMPS will then more closely resemble a desired sinusoidal waveform. A voltage dependent non-linear resistance is coupled in parallel with the normal current injection resistor that supplies current to the PFC flyback controller multiplier input to inject appropriate values of additional current into the PFC flyback controller based upon the AC input voltage value(s) so as to better shape the AC input current to the desired sinusoidal waveform. |
| US08471487B2 |
Light emitting module driving circuit and related method
A light emitting module driver circuit utilized for driving a light emitting module includes a voltage dividing module, a short circuit detection module, and a driving module. A method of performing short circuit protection in the light emitting module driver circuit includes disabling the driving module during a dimming off cycle of the light emitting module driver circuit, enabling the voltage dividing module during the dimming off cycle, dividing a voltage of the light emitting module to generate a divided voltage during the dimming off cycle, and generating a short circuit protection signal according to the divided voltage during the dimming off cycle. |
| US08471483B2 |
Multi-channel LED driving system
A multi-channel LED driving system includes a power adapter, a rectifying and filtering unit, a plurality of LED strings, and a plurality of linear regulators, a CC/CV controller, an optically coupled isolator and a PWM controller. The CC/CV controller detects the conducting currents flowing though the LED strings and DC voltage source outputting from the rectifying and filtering unit, and provides voltage compensation of the power adaptor. In addition, the linear regulators slightly modulate the current difference between the LED strings to achieve current-sharing control, thus stabilize the illuminating brightness generating by the LED. |
| US08471482B2 |
Intelligent decorative displays with ambient electromagnetic field switching
A system and method of controlling self powered decorative devices using EMF emanating from, for example, a light string on a Christmas tree. The decorative devices sense the presence of EFM from the light string and actuate in response thereto and turn off when the field disappears, thereby saving energy. In an alternate embodiment, the EMF source is capable of modulation and the slave decorations are coded and tuned to specific EMF characteristics, such as frequency. The master EMF source transmits the EMF of different characteristic thereby causing the coded slave decorations to operate in a synchronized matter. The system may also be responsive to music or other inputs to create special decorative effects. |
| US08471476B2 |
Inductively coupled plasma flood gun using an immersed low inductance FR coil and multicusp magnetic arrangement
A device is disclosed for providing an inductively coupled radio frequency plasma flood gun. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the device is a plasma flood gun in an ion implantation system. The plasma flood gun may comprise a plasma chamber having one or more apertures; a gas source capable of supplying at least one gaseous substance to the plasma chamber; a single-turn coil disposed within the plasma chamber, and a power source coupled to the coil for inductively coupling radio frequency electrical power to excite the at least one gaseous substance in the plasma chamber to generate a plasma. The inner surface of the plasma chamber may be free of metal-containing material and the plasma may not be exposed to any metal-containing component within the plasma chamber. The plasma chamber may include a plurality of magnets for controlling the plasma. An exit aperture may be provided in the plasma chamber to enable negatively charged particles of the resulting plasma to engage an ion beam that is part of the associated ion implantation system. In one embodiment, magnets are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture and are used to manipulate the electrons of the plasma. |
| US08471472B2 |
UV enhancer for discharge lamp and manufacturing method thereof
Starting performance is improved by efficient UV-light irradiation, suppressing creeping discharge or atmospheric discharge at the outside of a glow discharge tube, and preventing cracks in a pinch seal portion even when an external force is exerted in the direction of bending a lead. In a discharge tube for emitting a UV-light, a light emitting chamber is formed on one side of a pinch seal portion for sealing an electrode assembly, and a lead protrusion port is formed on the opposite side thereof while pinching the seal portion, the lead protrusion port is formed as a sleeve having a predetermined gap relative to the lead, an external electrode disposed to the outside of the light emitting chamber includes a hold formed by bending fabrication of a metal plate. |
| US08471471B2 |
Electron injection-controlled microcavity plasma device and arrays
An embodiment of the invention is a microcavity plasma device that can be controlled by a low voltage electron emitter. The microcavity plasma device includes driving electrodes disposed proximate to a microcavity and arranged to contribute to generation of plasma in the microcavity upon application of a driving voltage. An electron emitter is arranged to emit electrons into the microcavity upon application of a control voltage. The electron emitter is an electron source having an insulator layer defining a tunneling region. The microplasma itself can serve as a second electrode necessary to energize the electron emitter. While a voltage comparable to previous microcavity plasma devices is still imposed across the microcavity plasma devices, control of the devices can be accomplished at high speeds and with a small voltage, e.g., about 5V to 30V in preferred embodiments. |
| US08471470B1 |
Radiation shielding
Apparatus and method using a gas discharge device for screening or shielding an object and/or person from electromagnetic (EM) radiation including radar, microwaves, X-rays, and/or gamma rays. The device comprises multiple gas discharge cells, each cell being within a gas-filled hollow shell. The shells are located in one or more single substrates. The gas may be selected to absorb radiation when the gas is in a non-discharge or discharge state. The shell may be composed of a radiation absorption material. In one embodiment, two or more single substrates are tiled and sealed together edge to edge. |
| US08471469B2 |
Plasma display panel (PDP)
A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) enabling optimization of a process to apply phosphor paste in order to achieve mass production using a jet nozzle method includes dummy areas structured to determine whether application conditions such as an ejecting pressure or the like are stable by measuring a depth of the applied layer after applying phosphor paste at a portion thereof in advance. The PDP includes: a first substrate and a second substrate opposing each other; address electrodes arranged on the first substrate; display electrodes arranged on the second substrate along a direction perpendicular to the address electrodes; barrier ribs arranged in a space between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a plurality of discharge cells, and phosphor layers arranged in each of the discharge cells. |
| US08471464B2 |
Integrated illumination apparatus and method of manufacturing same
One or more illumination panels (10) are hung by up-and-down cords (3). The up-and-down cords (3) have a function of hanging the illumination panels (10) and a function of supplying electric power to the illumination panels (10). Pulling a rod (7), which is a take-up tool causes the up-and-down cords (3) to be taken up and, at the same time, the bottom rail (4) and the illumination panels (10) are also raised. At this time, the up-and-down cords (3) are taken up into the head box (2). As such, when the bottom rail (4) is raised, the up-and-down cords (3) are taken up without bending. This makes it possible to distribute stress that may otherwise be concentrated locally on the up-and-down cords (3). As a result, the up-and-down cords (3) can be prevented from getting broken due to deterioration caused by concentration of stress on the up-and-down cords (3), which concentration is caused by bending etc. of the up-and-down cords (3). |
| US08471462B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display including a panel assembly, the panel assembly including an organic light emitting diode; a bezel, the bezel receiving the panel assembly; and a buffer member, the buffer member being attached to a side of the panel assembly and being between the panel assembly and the bezel, wherein the buffer member includes a first area and a second area, the first area having an elasticity greater than an elasticity of the second area. |
| US08471461B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device and method for producing the same
An organic EL device includes an organic luminescent layer between an anode and a cathode. The organic luminescent layer comprises at least two host materials and a dopant which is a luminescent compound. The at least two host materials are identical to or substantially identical to each other in the energy value of LUMO, but on the other hand, are different from each other in the energy value of HOMO. Alternatively, the at least two host materials are identical to or substantially identical to each other in the energy value of HOMO, but on the other hand, are different from each other in the energy value of LUMO. According to the above constitution, the balance of mobility between the electrons and holes can be regulated to solve the above problem of the prior art. |
| US08471459B2 |
Fluorescent substance and light-emitting device employing the same
The fluorescent substance according to the embodiment is generally represented by (M1−xECx)aSibAlOcNd, and is a kind of the Sr2Si7Al3ON13 phosphors. The substance is in the form of crystals having a mean grain size of 20 to 100 μm, and the aspect ratio thereof is in the range of 2 to 4. This substance emits luminescence having a peak in the wavelength range of 580 to 660 nm when excited by light of 250 to 500 nm. The embodiment also provides a light-emitting device comprising this substance in combination with a light-emitting element and a green light-emitting fluorescent substance. |
| US08471452B2 |
Apparatus
An apparatus (200) for accelerating an ion beam comprising: a) a first electrode (202) having a proximal side and a distal side and having at least one aperture (201) therethrough, the wall of the aperture being shaped such that the radius of the aperture on the distal side of the first electrode is greater than that on the proximal side of the electrode; b) a second electrode (204) located such that it is adjacent to but spaced from the distal side of the first electrode and having at least one aperture therethrough; and c) a third electrode (206) located such that it is adjacent to and spaced from the second electrode and having at least one aperture therethrough, said at least one apertures in each electrode being aligned with corresponding apertures in the other electrodes; wherein the electrodes are arranged such that there is a potential difference between the first and second electrodes and a potential difference between the second and third electrodes. |
| US08471449B2 |
Attaching a precious metal component to spark plug electrode and spark plug having the same
Method for manufacturing a spark plug comprising an inner conductor, an insulator enclosing the inner conductor, a spark plug body enclosing the insulator, and two electrodes, the first electrode being a center electrode connected to the inner conductor in an electrically conductive manner, and the second electrode being a ground electrode connected to the spark plug body in an electrically conductive manner, with a separately prefabricated precious metal component positioned on one of the electrodes and connected to the electrode by way of resistance welding, and subsequently affixed by way of laser or electron beam welding, so that the precious metal component extends like a heel beyond the electrode surface next to the precious metal component. The precious metal component, a ball is shaped by stamping after resistance welding and before laser or electron beam welding, wherein at least one region of the ball protruding from the electrode surface is reshaped. |
| US08471447B2 |
Automotive headlamp having improved bright/dark cutoff
It is provided a lamp (12) for an automotive headlamp (10), comprising a filament coil (14) for emitting light (22) and a nominal alignment axis (32) for aligning the filament coil (14) such, that the filament coil (14) is positioned in the middle of an allowable tolerance box wherein the filament coil (14) is arranged shifted to the nominal alignment axis (32). Due to the shifted arrangement of the filament coil (14) the flexibility given by the allowable tolerance may be used for positioning the filament coil (14) such, that the projected image (18) of the filament coil (14) is projected nearer to the bright/dark-cutoff (40) without blinding oncoming traffic. |
| US08471446B2 |
Polarizer and organic electroluminescent device having the same
An organic electroluminescent device is disclosed. The organic electroluminescent device includes a window, a polarizer placed below the window, resin placed between the window and the polarizer, and having a refractive index similar to that of the window and the polarizer, and a self-emissive layer placed below the polarizer. The polarizer includes a polarization layer for polarizing light incident from the outside, a first wave plate for retarding the phase of the polarized incident light, and a second wave plate for retarding the phase of the incident light having passed through the first wave plate. |
| US08471442B2 |
Piezoelectric ceramic, method for producing same, and piezoelectric device
Disclosed is a piezoelectric ceramic which is characterized by containing [K1-xNax]1-yLiy[Nb1-z-wTazSbw]O3 (wherein x, y, z and w each represents a molar ratio and satisfies 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1, 0≦w≦1) as the main phase and K3Nb3O6Si2O7 as a sub-phase, while containing, as an additive, a Cu compound in an amount of 0.02-5.0 mol in terms of CuO relative to 100 mol of the main phase. |
| US08471438B2 |
Actuator with sensor
An actuator with a sensor, including an actuator having electrodes and an ionic conduction layer, a sensor and a rigid body member provided in contact with the sensor. The actuator is connected to the sensor through the rigid body member such that the sensor is not deformed attending on deformation of the actuator. |
| US08471436B2 |
Piezoelectric element drive circuit and foreign substance removing apparatus
A piezoelectric element drive circuit for outputting a signal that drives a piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element drive circuit including: a frequency signal generation unit that outputs a frequency signal whose frequency is altered discretely; a voltage-controlled oscillator that alters the frequency of an output signal based on an inputted voltage; a phase comparator that compares the phase of the output signal from the frequency signal generation unit and the phase of the output signal of the voltage-controlled oscillator; and a loop filter that inputs, into the voltage-controlled oscillator, an output voltage that is altered based on alterations in an output signal from the phase comparator. The output signal of the voltage-controlled oscillator is the signal that drives the piezoelectric element. |
| US08471432B2 |
Magnetostrictive actuator
A magnetostrictive actuator comprises an assembly of at least two GMM rods (8, 9) spaced apart from each other on the same longitudinal axis, each rod being surrounded by a respective energising electromagnetic coil (10,11) 5 and being mounted between respective biasing permanent magnets (12, 13, 14), the assembly being mounted between mechanical pre-stressing means (20, 21) and a foot (3) adapted to couple the forces produced by the actuator into a surface. |
| US08471427B2 |
Motor magnetic pole assembly and motor manufacturing method using the same
A motor magnetic pole assembly includes a coil body, a base, and two conductive portions. The coil body has a central shaft in a center and connection ends at two ends respectively. The base includes a column and a first plate body, the coil body surrounds the column, and the central shaft is parallel with the column. The two conductive portions are respectively arranged on a surface of the first plate body and are spaced by a distance, and the two connection ends are electrically connected to the two conductive portions respectively. The base may further include a second plate body, such that the first plate body, the column and the second plate body form an H shape. Therefore, the motor magnetic pole assembly may be precisely and quickly placed on a circuit board through an automation process, thereby increasing a processing speed of a production line. |
| US08471425B2 |
Rotor-stator structures including boost magnet structures for magnetic regions having angled confronting surfaces in rotor assemblies
Various embodiments relate generally to electrodynamic machines and the like, and more particularly, to rotor assemblies and rotor-stator structures for electrodynamic machines, including, but not limited to, outer rotor assemblies and/or inner rotor assemblies with a corresponding stator assembly. In some embodiments a rotor assembly can include magnetically permeable structures having confronting surfaces oriented at an angle to the axis of rotation. A group of magnetic structures can be interleaved with the magnetically permeable structures. The magnetically permeable structures can also include non-confronting surfaces adjacent to which boost magnets are disposed to enhance flux in a flux path passing through magnetic structures that are interleaved with magnetically permeable structures. Further, the rotor assemblies can include a flux conductor shield disposed adjacent to the boost magnets, the flux conductor shield configured to provide return flux paths. |
| US08471422B2 |
Apparatus for transferring torque magnetically
An apparatus for transferring torque magnetically with a primary rotary member and a secondary rotary member, wherein said rotary members are disc shaped and are sandwiched between one another. The primary rotary member has permanent magnets mounted radially on a disc, the secondary rotary member having disc geometry with electro conductive material arranged on it. The secondary rotary member also having magnetically permeable material. The new improvements herein have modified the earlier cylindrical design to that of a an alternative disk—plate/shape design utilizing the similar magnetic circuit that which overcomes some deficiencies/problems in the prior art, in that the prior art required more precision alignment of the electro-conductive rotor inside the magnetic can array and requires additional strength in the foundations of the machinery in order to maintain the air gap between the magnet can and the rotor assembly. |
| US08471420B2 |
Rotating electrical machine with terminal box and sealing member
A rotating electrical machine includes a stator including a coil, a case accommodating the stator and oil, an external connection terminal block arranged at an outer circumferential portion of the case and connecting the coil to an external device, a terminal box arranged at the outer circumferential portion and including a case connecting hole and an external connecting hole respectively in connection with an inner portion of the case and an external atmosphere, the terminal box accommodating the external connection terminal block, a coil wiring member connecting an end portion of the coil to the external connection terminal block by penetrating through the case connecting hole, an external device wiring member connecting the external connection terminal block to the external device by penetrating through the external connecting hole, and a case connecting hole sealing member fixed to the coil wiring member to seal the case connecting hole by fitting thereinto. |
| US08471418B2 |
Motorized equipment
A power module, a control board and a heat sink are provided on one axial side of a shaft of an electric motor, which consists of a motor case, a stator, a rotor, the shaft and the like. The power module is electrically connected with extraction lines, which extend from a coil wound around the stator, and supplies a drive current to the coil. The control board for controlling switching of the power module is provided on a motor case side of the power module. The heat sink is provided on a side of the control board opposite to the motor case. Thus, when setting of an output of the electric motor is changed, a body size of the heat sink can be changed without changing a positional relationship between the control board and the electric motor and a positional relationship between the power module and the electric motor. |
| US08471411B2 |
Wireless power feeder, wireless power transmission system, and table and table lamp using the same
Power is fed from a feeding coil to a receiving coil by magnetic resonance. A drive circuit outputs an IN signal generated by an oscillator as a DR signal to alternately turn ON/OFF switching transistors at a resonance frequency, whereby AC current is fed to the feeding coil, and then the AC current is fed from the feeding coil to the receiving coil. An enable signal generation circuit generates an EN signal at a frequency lower than the resonance frequency. The drive circuit outputs the DR signal only while the EN signal assumes a high level. Transmission power from a wireless feeder to a wireless receiver is controlled by adjusting the duty ratio of the EN signal. |
| US08471409B2 |
Power conversion circuit
The present invention discloses a power conversion circuit. A control module controls a pulse width modulation regulator to regulate a duty cycle of a DC-DC converter according to the direct current link voltage of the DC-DC converter and the output current and voltage of a renewable power supply. The control module also controls the pulse width modulation regulator to regulate a duty cycle of a DC-AC inverter according to the direct current link voltage of the DC-DC converter, output voltage of a utility power supply, and the output current and voltage of the renewable power supply. |
| US08471407B2 |
Spring-powered emergency electrical supply
An emergency power system for operation during loss of power on power mains comprises a spring-driven energy storage unit (ESU) and a generator. The ESU enters a generator mode responsive to a power outage state of a power sensor, during which mode unwinding of the spring drive powers the generator. After power is restored to the mains, a preferred embodiment automatically rewinds the spring using the generator as a motor. |
| US08471406B2 |
Controllable energy utilization system and associated method
A system includes an energy storage system capable of receiving electrical energy from an energy source and can supply electrical energy to a first load during a first period and to the first load during a second period. The first load differs in usage rate from the first period relative to the second period. A system controller maintains the energy storage system such that the energy storage system maintains a first amount of stored electrical energy during a first mode, and a second amount of electrical energy during a second mode. The system controller maintains the energy storage system in the first mode during a first portion of the first period, and in the second mode during a second portion of the first period. |
| US08471405B2 |
High efficiency standby power generation
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing standby power. A switching module adjusts an on-time and an off-time of one or more switches based on a feedback signal. The one or more switches are shared between a primary stage and a standby stage of a switched-mode power supply. A shutoff module interrupts electric power flowing to the primary stage in response to a standby signal having a standby state and allows electric power to flow to the primary stage in response to the standby signal having an on state. A feedback module provides the feedback signal to the switching module. The feedback module bases the feedback signal on an output of the primary stage in response to the standby signal having the on state. The feedback module bases the feedback signal on an output of the standby stage in response to the standby signal having the standby state. |
| US08471404B2 |
System and method for supporting high burst current in a current limited system
A current limited system for providing a burst current capability comprises a variable load having a first mode of operation requiring a first current level and a burst current mode of operation requiring a second current level. The second current level is greater than the first current level. A control processor provides control signals for the current limited system. A voltage source is connected to the variable load to provide a source current. The source current provides the variable load the first current level in the first mode of operation. A burst mode circuit provides the second current level to the variable load in the burst current mode of operation, responsive to the control signals from the control processor and the voltage source. |
| US08471403B2 |
Power supply arrangement of an elevator
The invention relates to a power supply arrangement of a transport system. The transport system comprises a motor for moving the transport appliance; a power supply circuit of the transport system, for supplying power between the power source of the transport system and the motor; a power controller of the energy storage, which power controller comprises at least one controllable switch; an energy storage, which is connected to the power supply circuit of the transport system via the power controller of the energy storage; and also a power control, which is fitted to control the aforementioned at least one controllable switch of the power controller of the energy storage, for adjusting at least one electrical magnitude relating to the power supply between the power supply circuit of the transport system and the energy storage. The power controller of the energy storage is fitted to discharge the aforementioned energy storage with a power limitation. |
| US08471401B2 |
Switch device for vehicle
A switch device for a vehicle including: a first switch that enables input by a rotation operation or a tilting operation; a second switch that enables input by a predetermined operation; an operation direction detector that detects the operation direction of the rotation direction of the first switch or the tilting operation of the first switch; and a controller that is capable of controlling an on-vehicle equipment in accordance with the input operations to the first switch and the second switch, wherein the controller, in the case of the second switch being located substantially on an extension of the operation direction of the first switch, prohibits execution of a control of the on-vehicle equipment in accordance with an input operation to the second switch until a predetermined time from after the operation direction of the first switch is detected by the operation direction detector elapses. |
| US08471397B2 |
Floating device for harnessing swell energy by lateral overflow
Floating device for harnessing swell energy by lateral overflow, said device being formed by hulls which converge in plan view and have a variable freeboard between which the waves propagate. The convergence produces a gradual increase in the height of the wave as it propagates between the hulls, which, together with the reduction in the freeboard from a particular section of said hulls, gives rise to the lateral overflow of the mass of water of the crest over their rails, which is collected in tanks which are at different heights (in accordance with the reduction in the freeboard) and are connected to the corresponding turbines. The angle of convergence between the hulls can be varied in order to be adapted to the sea state. The harnessing system is supplemented with a connecting closure ramp between the sterns of the hulls in order to collect the water which has previously not managed to overflow the structure. |
| US08471394B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with package-on-package and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an encapsulation system having a mold chase with a buffer layer attached thereto; forming a base integrated circuit package including: providing a base substrate, connecting an exposed interconnect to the base substrate, a portion of the exposed interconnect having the buffer layer attached thereon, mounting a base component over the base substrate, and forming a base encapsulation over the base substrate and the exposed interconnect using the encapsulation system; and releasing the encapsulation system providing the portion of the exposed interconnect exposed from the base encapsulation, the exposed interconnect having characteristics of the buffer layer removed. |
| US08471392B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and endoscope apparatus
An image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an image pickup device chip including an image pickup device formed on a first principal surface thereof and an external terminal for the image pickup device formed on a second principal surface thereof; a wiring board including a distal end portion including a connection pad, a flexure portion flexed at an angle of no less than 90 degrees, and an extending portion, the wiring board including a wiring layer extending from the distal end portion to the extending portion via the flexure portion, the wiring board being kept within a space immediately above the second principal surface of the image pickup device chip; a bonding layer that joins the second principal surface of the image pickup device chip and the distal end portion of the wiring board; and a bonding wire that electrically connects the external terminal and the connection pad. |
| US08471389B2 |
Multiple selectable function integrated circuit module
An integrated circuit module has a common function known good integrated circuit die with selectable functions. The selectable functions arc selected during packaging of the known good integrated circuit die. The known good integrated circuit die is mounted to a second level substrate. The second level substrate has wiring connections to the input/output pads of the known good integrated circuit die that select desired input functions and output functions. Further, the wiring connections on the second level substrate provide signal paths to transfer signals to the desired input function and signals from the desired output function, and signals to and from the common functions. Also, the wiring connections form connections between the input/output pads and external circuitry. To select the desired input functions and the desired output functions, appropriate logic states are applied to input/output pads connected to a function selector to configure a functional operation of the integrated circuit module. The second level module substrate has connector pins to provide physical and electrical connections between the external circuitry and the wiring connections on the second level substrate. |
| US08471386B2 |
Junction body, semiconductor module, and manufacturing method for junction body
A junction body has a first member and a second member each of which is provided with a joining surface whose main component is copper. A solder member containing, in a tin-base solder material, a three-dimensional web structure whose main component is copper is provided between the first member and the second member. A copper-tin alloy whose average thickness is 2 μm or more but 20 μm or less is provided between the joining surfaces and the three-dimensional web structure. |
| US08471376B1 |
Integrated circuit packaging configurations
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a substrate, one of either a semiconductor die or an interposer disposed on the substrate, the semiconductor die or the interposer having a first surface attached to the substrate and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, one or more interconnect structures formed on the second surface of the semiconductor die or the interposer, a mold compound formed to substantially encapsulate the semiconductor die or the interposer, and one or more vias formed in the mold compound to facilitate coupling the one or more interconnect structures with another component. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US08471375B2 |
High-density fine line structure and method of manufacturing the same
A high-density fine line structure mainly includes: two boards with similar structures and a dielectric film for combing the two boards. Semiconductor devices respectively in two boards are opposite to each other after the two boards are combined. The two boards each include a fine line circuit, an insulated layer on the same surface, and the semiconductor device installed above the fine line circuit. The surface of the circuit, which is not covered by a solder mask, is made into a pad. The pad is filled with the tin balls for electrically connecting with another semiconductor device. Electroplating rather than the etching method is used for forming the fine line circuit layer, and a carrier and a metal barrier layer, which are needed during or at the end of the manufacturing process, are removed to increase the wiring density for realizing the object of high-density. |
| US08471374B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with L-shaped leadfingers
An integrated circuit package system includes a first integrated circuit die having die pads only adjacent a single edge of the first integrated circuit die, forming first L-shaped leadfingers adjacent the single edge, connecting the die pads and the first L-shaped leadfingers, and encapsulating the die pads and portions of the first L-shaped leadfingers to form a first package. |
| US08471353B2 |
Mesa photodiode and method for manufacturing the same
A mesa photodiode which includes a mesa, the side wall of the mesa (a light-receiving region mesa) and at least a shoulder portion of the mesa in an upper face of the mesa are continuously covered with a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second conductivity type, a semi-insulating type, or an undoped type (an undoped InP layer, for example) that is grown on the side wall and the upper face of the mesa. In the semiconductor layer, a layer thickness D1 of a portion covering the side wall of the mesa is equal to or greater than 850 nm. |
| US08471350B2 |
Thin, very high transmittance, back-illuminated, silicon-on-saphire semiconductor substrates bonded to fused silica
A very high transmittance, back-illuminated, silicon-on-thin sapphire-on-fused silica wafer substrate design is presented for enabling high quantum efficiency and high resolution, silicon or silicon-germanium avalanche photodiode detector arrays with improved indirect optical crosstalk suppression. The wafer substrate incorporates a stacked antireflective bilayer between the sapphire and silicon, comprised of single crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) and non-stoichiometric, silicon rich, amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiNX<1.33), as well as a one quarter wavelength, magnesium fluoride (λ/4-MgF2) back-side antireflective layer which is bonded to a fused silica wafer. The fused silica provides mechanical support, allowing the sapphire to be thinned to optimal thickness below 50 μm, for improved optical transmittance and in conjunction with monolithic sapphire microlenses, suppression of indirect optical crosstalk from multiple reflections of APD emitted light. After solid-state device fabrication, the silicon can be coated with photoresist and the fused silica dissolved in buffered hydrogen fluoride (HF) to recover the thin Si—(AlN/a-SiNX<1.33)-sapphire-(MgF2). |
| US08471345B2 |
Biometric sensor assembly with integrated visual indicator
A biometric sensor assembly comprises a substrate to which is mounted a die containing sensor circuitry, at least one conductive bezel having a visual indicator region formed therein, and electrically connected to said die by way of said substrate, a light source, and a light-directing region directing light from the light source to the visual indicator region. The die, the light-directing region, and the bezel are encased in an encapsulation structure such that a portion of a surface of the die and the visual indication region are exposed or at most thinly covered by the encapsulation structure. The light-directing region directs light emitted by the light source within the encapsulation structure to the visual indicator region. Desired indicia in the visual indicator region may thereby be illuminated, while the die and bezel, and optionally the light source, are protected by the encapsulation structure. |
| US08471339B2 |
Semiconductor device and related method of fabrication
A semiconductor device comprises a device isolation pattern, an active region, a gate pattern, a first source/drain region, and a first barrier region. The device isolation pattern defines an active portion in a semiconductor substrate and the active portion comprises first and second sidewalls extending in a first direction and doped with a first conductive type dopant. The gate pattern extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to cross over the active portion. The first source/drain region and the first barrier region are disposed in the active portion at one side of the gate pattern. The first barrier region is disposed between the first source/drain region and the first sidewall and contacts the first sidewall. The first barrier region is doped with the first conductive type dopant and the first source/drain region is doped with a second conductive type dopant. |
| US08471337B2 |
Integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is disclosed having a semiconductor component comprising a first p-type region and a first n-type region adjoining the first p-type region, which together form a first pn junction having a breakdown voltage. A further n-type region adjoining the first p-type region or a further p-type region adjoining the first n-type region is provided, the first p-type or n-type region and the further n-type or p-type region adjoining the latter together forming a further pn junction having a further breakdown voltage, the first pn junction and the further pn junction being connected or connectable to one another in such a way that, in the case of an overloading of the semiconductor component, on account of a current loading of the first pn junction, first of all the further pn junction breaks down. |
| US08471325B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, a first memory portion and a second memory portion. The first electrode extends in a first direction and is provided on the substrate. The second electrode extends in a second direction crossing the first direction and is provided on the first electrode. The third electrode extends in a third direction crossing the second direction and is provided on the second electrode. The first memory portion is provided between the first and the second electrodes and has a first oxygen composition ratio and a first layer thickness. The second memory portion is provided between the second and the third electrodes and has at least one of a second oxygen composition ratio different from the first oxygen composition ratio and a second layer thickness different from the first layer thickness. |
| US08471324B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a memory device, and the memory device includes a substrate, two stacked gates, two spacers, an insulating layer, and a dielectric layer. The stacked gates having a gap therebetween are located on the substrate. The spacers having a pipe or a seam therebetween are respectively located at sidewalls of each of the stacked gates in the gap. The pipe or the seam is filled with the insulating layer. The dielectric layer is located on the substrate and covers the insulating layer and the stacked gates. |
| US08471321B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising capacitor and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device, having a memory cell region and a peripheral circuit region, includes an insulating film, having an upper surface, formed on a major surface of a semiconductor substrate to extend from the memory cell region to the peripheral circuit region. A capacitor lower electrode assembly is formed in the memory cell region to upwardly extend to substantially the same height as the upper surface of the insulating film on the major surface of the semiconductor substrate. Additionally, the lower electrode assembly includes first and second lower electrodes that are adjacent through the insulating film. A capacitor upper electrode is formed on the capacitor lower electrode through a dielectric film, to extend onto the upper surface of the insulating film. The capacitor lower electrode includes a capacitor lower electrode part having a top surface and a bottom surface. A semiconductor device organized as just described, permits implementation having a high density of integration while ensuring the capacitor exhibits high reliability and a constant capacitance. |
| US08471319B2 |
Semiconductor device having multilayered interelectrode insulating film
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a gate insulating film formed above the semiconductor substrate; a charge storage layer formed above the gate insulating film; a multilayered interelectrode insulating film formed in a first region above an upper surface portion of the element isolation insulating film, a second region above a sidewall portion of the charge storage layer and a third region above an upper surface portion of the charge storage layer, the interelectrode insulating film including a stack of an upper silicon oxide film, a middle silicon nitride film, and a lower silicon oxide film; a control gate electrode formed above the interelectrode insulating film; wherein the middle silicon nitride film is thinner in the third region than in the second region and the upper silicon oxide film is thicker in the third region than in the second region. |
| US08471317B2 |
X-Y address type solid state image pickup device and method of producing the same
In an X-Y address type solid state image pickup device represented by a CMOS image sensor, a back side light reception type pixel structure is adopted in which a wiring layer is provided on one side of a silicon layer including photo-diodes formed therein, and visible light is taken in from the other side of the silicon layer, namely, from the side (back side) opposite to the wiring layer, wiring can be made without taking a light-receiving surface into account, and the degree of freedom in wiring for the pixels is enhanced. |
| US08471314B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, method for producing same, and camera
A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, light being incident on the second surface side; a wiring layer disposed on the first surface side; a photodetector formed in the substrate and including a first region of a first conductivity type; a transfer gate disposed on the first surface of the substrate and adjacent to the photodetector, the transfer gate transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photodetector; and at least one control gate disposed on the first surface of the substrate and superposed on the photodetector, the control gate controlling the potential of the photodetector in the vicinity of the first surface. |
| US08471312B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and camera
Disclosed is a solid-state imaging device which includes a plurality of pixels in an arrangement, each of the pixels including a photoelectric conversion element, pixel transistors including a transfer transistor, and a floating diffusion region, in which the channel width of transfer gate of the transfer transistor is formed to be larger on a side of the floating diffusion region than on a side of the photoelectric conversion element. |
| US08471311B2 |
Anti-reflective image sensor
An anti-reflective image sensor and method of fabrication are provided, the sensor including a substrate; first color sensing pixels disposed in the substrate; second color sensing pixels disposed in the substrate; third color sensing pixels disposed in the substrate; a first layer disposed directly on the first, second and third color sensing pixels; a second layer disposed directly on the first layer overlying the first, second and third color sensing pixels; and a third layer disposed directly on portions of the second layer overlying at least one of the first or second color sensing pixels, wherein the first layer has a first refractive index, the second layer has a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index, and the third layer has a third refractive index greater than the second refractive index. |
| US08471304B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for micromechanical gas chemical sensing capacitor
A method for fabrication of capacitive environment sensors is provided in which the sensor elements are integrated in a CMOS structure with electronics through the use of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication methods. Also provided are environment sensors fabricated, for example, by the method, and a measurement system using the environment sensors fabricated by the method. The described method includes etching away one of the metal layers in a CMOS chip to create a cavity. This cavity is then filled with an environment-sensitive dielectric material to form a sensing capacitor between plates formed by the metal adhesion layers or an array of contacts from other metal layers of the CMOS structure. This approach provides improved sensing capabilities in a system that is easily manufactured. |
| US08471301B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device having embedded recess regions arranged in light-receiving surface
A device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion regions, an interlayer insulating film arranged on the plurality of photoelectric conversion regions, a protective insulating film that is arranged in contact with the interlayer insulating film and has a refractive index different from that of the interlayer insulating film, recesses arranged in a light-receiving surface of each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion regions, and embedded regions embedded in the recesses. When a wavelength of incident light to each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion regions is denoted by λ and a refractive index of the embedded regions is denoted by n, a depth d of the recesses is represented by an expression d≧λ/4n. |
| US08471299B2 |
Layout and pad floor plan of power transistor for good performance of SPU and STOG
A power transistor for use in an audio application is laid out to minimize hot spots. Hot spots are created by non-uniform power dissipation or overly concentrated current densities. The source and drain pads are disposed relative to each other to facilitate uniform power dissipation. Interleaving metal fingers and upper metal layers are connected directly to lower metal layers in the absence of vias to improve current density distribution. This layout improves some fail detection tests by 17%. |
| US08471286B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a plurality of compound semiconductor layers, an electrode layer disposed under the light emitting structure, an electrode disposed on the light emitting structure, a conductive support member disposed under the electrode layer, a conductive layer disposed between the light emitting structure and the conductive support member, and an insulating layer disposed between the conductive support member and the light emitting structure, wherein the electrode layer is in contact with a first area of a lower surface of the light emitting structure and the conductive layer is in contact with a second area of the lower surface of the light emitting structure, and wherein the conductive layer includes a different material from the electrode layer. |
| US08471285B2 |
Light-emitting diode package including a cavity with a plurality of side-walls with different inclinations
An LED package including a lead-frame, at least an LED chip and an encapsulant is provided. The lead-frame has a roughened surface, the LED chip is disposed on the lead-frame and electrically connected to the lead-frame, and the roughened surface is suitable to scatter the light emitted from the LED chip. In addition, the encapsulant encapsulates the LED chip and a part of the lead-frame, and the rest part of the lead-frame is exposed out of the encapsulant. |
| US08471283B2 |
White LED lamp, backlight, light emitting device, display device and illumination device
A white LED lamp including: a conductive portion; a light emitting diode chip mounted on the conductive portion, for emitting a primary light having a peak wavelength of 360 nm to 420 nm; a transparent resin layer including a first hardened transparent resin, for sealing the light emitting diode chip; and a phosphor layer covering the transparent resin layer, the phosphor layer being formed by dispersing a phosphor powder into a second hardened transparent resin, and the phosphor powder receiving the primary light and radiating a secondary light having a wavelength longer than that of the primary light. An energy of the primary light contained in the radiated secondary light is 0.4 mW/lm or less. In the white LED lamp, a backlight, and an illumination device using the white LED lamp an amount of UV light to be contained in the released light and an amount of heat to be generated from the lamp are decreased to be small. |
| US08471279B2 |
Nano/micro-sized diode and method of preparing the same
A nano/micro-sized diode and a method of preparing the same, the diode including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a diode layer that is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The diode layer includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is disposed on the first electrode and has a first surface that is electrically connected to the first electrode, and an opposing second surface that has a protrusion. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the second electrode and has a first surface having a recess that corresponds to the protrusion, and an opposing second surface that is electrically connected to the second electrode. |
| US08471278B2 |
Method for manufacturing an OLED or a blank for forming an OLED as well as such a blank or OLED
Method for manufacturing an organic light emitting device or a blank for forming therefrom an organic light emitting device as well as such a OLED or blank, the organic light emitting device having a light emitting area with two opposite first sides and two opposite second sides, the method comprising at least the following steps: providing a substrate; depositing and partly removing a layer of transparent conductive material on the substrate for forming parallel anode lines which extend between the first sides; depositing and partly removing at least one conductive layer for forming contacts which are connected anode lines; wherein a photoresist layer is deposited so that it fully extends over contacts adjacent the at least one second side except for at least one contact position per cathode line, via which an electric contact between a respective cathode line to be formed and a respective contact is established. |
| US08471276B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one embodiment, the OLED display includes i) a plurality of pixels comprising a blue light emitting region, a green light emitting region, and a red light emitting region on a substrate and formed by stacking a lower electrode, an organic layer, and an upper electrode. In one embodiment, the blue and green light emitting regions are formed in a microcavity structure, and the red light emitting region is formed in a non-microcavity structure. |
| US08471274B2 |
LED light disposed on a flexible substrate and connected with a printed 3D conductor
An example includes subject matter (such as an apparatus) comprising a planar substrate including a first surface that is planar, at least one bare light emitting diode (“LED”) die coupled to the substrate and conductive ink electrically coupling the at least one bare LED die, wherein the conductive ink is disposed on the substrate and extends onto a surface of the LED that is out-of-plane from the first surface. |
| US08471272B2 |
Semiconductor device having a display portion
A plurality of rectangle semiconductor substrates are attached to a single mother glass substrate. A pixel structure is determined so that even if a gap or a an overlapping portion is generated in a boundary between a plurality of semiconductor substrates, a single-crystal semiconductor layer does not overlap with the gap or the overlapping portion. Two TFTs are located in a first unit cell including the first light emitting element, four TFTs are located in a second unit cell including the second light emitting element, and no TFT is located in a third unit cell including the third light emitting element. A boundary line is between the third unit cell and a fourth unit cell. |
| US08471268B2 |
Light emitting device
There is provided a light emitting device of a simpler structure, capable of ensuring a broad light emitting area and a high light emitting efficiency, while manufactured in a simplified and economically efficient process. The light emitting device including: a semiconductor layer; an active layer formed on the semiconductor layer, the active layer comprising at least one of a quantum well structure, a quantum dot and a quantum line; an insulating layer formed on the active layer; and a metal layer formed on the insulating layer. |
| US08471267B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing same
A semiconductor device of the present invention has a semiconductor element region 17 that is provided in part of a silicon carbide layer 3 and a guard-ring region 18 that is provided in another part of the silicon carbide layer 3 surrounding the semiconductor element region 17 when seen in a direction perpendicular to a principal surface of the silicon carbide layer 3. The semiconductor device includes: an interlayer insulation film 10 which is provided on the principal surface of the silicon carbide layer 3 in the semiconductor element region 17 and the guard-ring region 18, the interlayer insulation film 10 having a relative dielectric constant of 20 or more; a first protective insulation film 14 provided on the interlayer insulation film in the guard-ring region 18; and a second protective insulation film 15 provided on the first protective insulation film 14, wherein the first protective insulation film 14 has a linear expansion coefficient which is between a linear expansion coefficient of a material of the second protective insulation film 15 and a linear expansion coefficient of a material of the interlayer insulation film 10. |
| US08471266B2 |
Group III nitride semiconductor multilayer structure and production method thereof
According to the present invention, an AlN crystal film seed layer having high crystallinity is combined with selective/lateral growth, whereby a Group III nitride semiconductor multilayer structure more enhanced in crystallinity can be obtained. The Group III nitride semiconductor multilayer structure of the present invention is a Group III nitride semiconductor multilayer structure where an AlN crystal film having a crystal grain boundary interval of 200 nm or more is formed as a seed layer on a C-plane sapphire substrate surface by a sputtering method and an underlying layer, an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer, each composed of a Group III nitride semiconductor, are further stacked, wherein regions in which the seed layer is present and is absent are formed on the C-plane sapphire substrate surface and/or regions capable of epitaxial growth and incapable of epitaxial growth are formed in the underlying layer. |
| US08471263B2 |
Information storage system which includes a bonded semiconductor structure
An information storage system includes a bonded semiconductor structure having a memory circuit region carried by an interconnect region. The memory circuit region includes a memory control device region having a vertically oriented memory control device. The memory circuit region includes a memory device region in communication with the memory control device region. The memory device region includes a memory device whose operation is controlled by the vertically oriented memory control device. |
| US08471259B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
Disclosed is a display device and an electronic apparatus incorporating the display device. The display device includes a transistor and a planarization film over the transistor. The planarization film has an opening where an edge portion is rounded. The display device further includes a first electrode over the planarization film and an organic resin film over the first electrode. The organic resin film also has an opening where an edge portion is rounded. The organic resin film is located in the opening of the planarization film. The first electrode and the transistor are electrically connected to each other through a conductive film. The first electrode is in contact with a top surface of the conductive film. Over the first electrode, a light-emitting member and a second electrode are provided. |
| US08471258B2 |
Display device, method for manufacturing the same, and electronic device having the same
In a case where a p-channel thin film transistor is used as a thin film transistor that is electrically connected to a light-emitting element and drives the light-emitting element, a value of cutoff current of the p-channel thin film transistor is made lower than that of a p-channel thin film transistor of a driver circuit. Specifically, channel doping is selectively performed on a semiconductor layer of a thin film transistor included in a pixel. |
| US08471256B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a semiconductor device comprising a thin film transistor and wirings connected to the thin film transistor, in which the thin film transistor has a channel formation region in an oxide semiconductor layer, and a copper metal is used for at least one of a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a gate wiring, a source wiring, and a drain wiring. The extremely low off current of the transistor with the oxide semiconductor layer contributes to reduction in power consumption of the semiconductor device. Additionally, the use of the copper metal allows the combination of the semiconductor device with a display element to provide a display device with high display quality and negligible defects, which results from the low electrical resistance of the wirings and electrodes formed with the copper metal. |
| US08471249B2 |
Carbon field effect transistors having charged monolayers to reduce parasitic resistance
Carbon transistor devices having channels formed from carbon nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, and having charged monolayers to reduce parasitic resistance in un-gated regions of the channels, and methods for fabricating carbon transistor devices having charged monolayers to reduce parasitic resistance. For example, a carbon field effect transistor includes a channel comprising a carbon nanostructure formed on an insulating layer, a gate structure formed on the channel, a monolayer of DNA conformally covering the gate structure and a portion of the channel adjacent the gate structure, an insulating spacer conformally formed on the monolayer of DNA, and source and drain contacts connected by the channel. |
| US08471243B1 |
Photoactive devices with improved distribution of charge carriers, and methods of forming same
Radiation-emitting semiconductor devices include a first base region comprising an n-type III-V semiconductor material, a second base region comprising a p-type III-V semiconductor material, and a multi-quantum well structure disposed between the first base region and the second base region. The multi-quantum well structure includes at least three quantum well regions and at least two barrier regions. An electron hole energy barrier between a third of the quantum well regions and a second of the quantum well regions is less than an electron hole energy barrier between the second of the quantum well regions and a first of the quantum well regions. Methods of forming such devices include sequentially epitaxially depositing layers of such a multi-quantum well structure, and selecting a composition and configuration of the layers such that the electron hole energy barriers vary across the multi-quantum well structure. |
| US08471240B2 |
Semiconductor layer structure with superlattice
An optoelectronic component including a semiconductor layer structure, the semiconductor layer structure including a superlattice composed of stacked layers of III-V compound semiconductors of a first and at least one second type. Adjacent layers of different types in the superlattice differ in composition with respect to at least one element, at least two layers of the same type having a different content of the at least one element, the content of the at least one element is graded within a layer of the superlattice, and the layers of the superlattice contain dopants in predefined concentrations, with the superlattice comprising layers that are doped with different dopants. In this way, the electrical, optical and epitaxial properties of the superlattice can be adapted in the best possible manner to given requirements, particularly epitaxial constraints. |
| US08471236B2 |
Flat lower bottom electrode for phase change memory cell
A phase change memory cell having a flat lower bottom electrode and a method for fabricating the same. The method includes forming a dielectric layer over a substrate including an array of conductive contacts, patterning, a via having a low aspect ratio such that a depth of the via is less than a width thereof, to a contact surface of the substrate corresponding to each of the array of conductive contacts to be connected to access circuitry, etching the dielectric layer and depositing electrode material over the etched dielectric layer and within each via, and planarizing the electrode material to form a plurality of lower bottom electrodes on each of the conductive contacts. |
| US08471235B2 |
Nonvolatile memory element having a resistance variable layer and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile memory element includes a substrate; a lower electrode layer and a resistive layer sequentially formed on the substrate; a resistance variable layer formed on the resistive layer; a wire layer formed above the lower electrode layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the wire layer and covering at least the lower electrode layer and the resistive layer, the interlayer insulating layer being provided with a contact hole extending from the wire layer to the resistance variable layer; and an upper electrode layer formed inside the contact hole such that the upper electrode layer is connected to the resistance variable layer and to the wire layer; resistance values of the resistance variable layer changing reversibly in response to electric pulses applied between the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer. |
| US08471231B2 |
Optical drop detector system featuring a plurality of light pulses for detecting a plurality of flows
The invention provides an optical drop detection system (10), for a low-flow metering device of the type having a drop generator 12, 24, (19), the system comprising at least one optical transmitter (26) which produces a plurality of light beam pulses (28) of microsecond duration and at millisecond intervals, and at least one optical receiver (33) positioned to register receipt of the light pulses (28) transmitted through the path of drops (18) generated by the drop generator (12, 24, 19) and to record the number of pulses which hit a given drop and which do not register on the receiver (32), the frequency and strength of the pulses being calibrated so that a single drop is impinged upon by a plurality of pulses, and further comprising automatic feed-back means for adjusting the parameters of interaction between the at least one optical transmitter (26) and the at least one optical receiver (32) to produce and maintain a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of hits per drop. |
| US08471227B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus
An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus in which a target material is irradiated with a laser beam and turned into plasma and extreme ultraviolet light is emitted from the plasma may include: a chamber in which the extreme ultraviolet light is generated; an electromagnetic field generation unit for generating at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field inside the chamber; and a cleaning unit for charging and separating debris adhered to an optical element inside the chamber. |
| US08471226B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light source device and method for producing extreme ultraviolet light
An EUV (Extreme Ultra Violet) light source device ionizes a target material in an ionizer, and supplies the ionized target material to a point of generating a plasma. This reduces the generation of debris. The ionizer simultaneously irradiates laser beams of plural wavelengths corresponding to the excited level of tin on a target material to ionize the target material. The ionized target material is extracted from the ionizer with a high voltage applied from an ion beam extractor, and accelerated and supplied to a plasma generation chamber. When driver laser beam is irradiated on the ionized target material, a plasma is generated, thereby emitting EUV radiation. |
| US08471224B2 |
Method for determining paths of particle beams through 3D tissue volumes
A path of a particle beam is determined through a 3D planning treatment volume (PTV), wherein the PTV includes a set of slices in a depth order, and each slice includes a set of locations. For each slice, the set of locations are grouped into a set of lines along a selected direction, wherein each line is a straight line and includes a starting location and an ending location, and each line is connected to one or two other lines, and the connecting connects two lines to either the starting location or the ending location of the lines to form a tour, and the tours are connected through the slices in the depth order to form the path of the particle beam. |
| US08471219B2 |
Substrates, systems and methods for analyzing materials
Substrates, systems and methods for analyzing materials that include waveguide arrays disposed upon or within the substrate such that evanescent fields emanating from the waveguides illuminate materials disposed upon or proximal to the surface of the substrate, permitting analysis of such materials. The substrates, systems and methods are used in a variety of analytical operations, including, inter alia, nucleic acid analysis, including hybridization and sequencing analyses, cellular analyses and other molecular analyses. |
| US08471213B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image pickup system
An apparatus includes a detecting unit having pixels that converts radiation or light to electric signals; a drive circuit that drives the detecting unit; a read circuit that outputs the electric signals as image signals; a power supply unit that supplies voltages to the detecting unit, the drive circuit, and the read circuit; and a control unit that controls at least the drive circuit and the power supply unit. The control unit performs a first process of stopping the voltage supply operation to the detecting unit, with the voltage supply operations to the drive circuit and the read circuit maintained; a second process of driving the detecting unit; and a third process of stopping the voltage supply operations to the drive circuit and the read circuit. |
| US08471207B2 |
Method for the automatic inspection of a welding seam by means of heat flow thermography
In a method for the automatic inspection of a welding seam using heat flow thermography, a feature vector is established which represents a time course of a detected heat flow. The feature vector is used to determine, from a series of thermal images, a first characteristic thermal image, which corresponds to a minimum heat flow through an object to be examined, and a second characteristic thermal image, which corresponds to a maximum heat flow through the object, wherein a heat flow directly from an excitation source has already dissipated. A suitable thermal image is used from the series of thermal images to detect and evaluate the welding seam in relation to defects of various defect types, for each defect type, the characteristic thermal images being used as references to determine the respective suitable thermal image. |
| US08471205B2 |
Hybrid photodiode/APD focal plane array for solid state low light level imagers
A hybrid solid state imaging focal plane array (FPA) for night vision systems achieves a high dynamic range from deeply overcast starlight to full daylight by interleaving non-avalanche photodiode (NAP) pixels with APD pixels in a single imaging plane controlled by a common readout circuit. The APD pixels provide high performance at low light levels, while the NAP pixels provide unsaturated images in full daylight. The APD pixels can be Discrete. In low light the readout circuit can disable the NAP pixels and interpolate the NAP pixels using the APD signals. In daylight the readout circuit can do the opposite. The FPA can be digitally fused with sensors in a separate plane such as InGaAs APD's that detect wavelengths outside of the visible band. The NAP pixels can outnumber the APD pixels, for example by three-to-one. The APD's can be silicon for visible light, or InGaAs for SWIR light. |
| US08471204B2 |
Monolithic electro-optical polymer infrared focal plane array
In one embodiment, a dual-band focal plane array includes a readout circuit (ROIC), and a plurality of electro-optical (EO) polymer pixels for absorbing visible and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) radiation, each of the EO polymer pixels electrically coupled to the ROIC. The detector further includes a plurality of microbolometers for detecting long wave infrared (LWIR) radiation, each microbolometer electrically coupled to the ROIC via contact legs disposed between adjacent microbolometers and between adjacent EO polymer pixels. A method of fabricating a focal plane array is also provided. |
| US08471202B2 |
Method for producing a representation of an object by means of a particle beam, as well as a particle beam device for carrying out the method
A method for producing a representation of an object using a particle beam, as well as a particle beam device for carrying out the method are disclosed. The system described herein is based on the object of specifying the method and the particle beam device for producing a representation of an object such that images which are produced, in particular including FFT images, are as free as possible of artifacts which are not caused by the object to be examined. This is achieved in particular in that pixel lives, line flyback times and pixel pause times are varied in raster patterns. |
| US08471199B1 |
Portable mass spectrometer with atmospheric pressure interface
A portable mass spectrometer having an atmospheric pressure interface for introducing ions generated at ambient pressure gas conditions into a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer has a vacuum chamber having at least one vacuum section and at least one gas inlet for directing the ambient pressure gas including the ions into the at least one vacuum section. The at least one gas inlet has a gas passage channel of a length L and a limiting cross section S with a ratio of L/S being less than 20,000 cm−1. The mass spectrometer has a radio frequency (RF) ion guide in the at least one vacuum section positioned for collecting the ions from the at least one gas inlet and transmitting the ions further to a mass analyzer for analyzing the ions transmitted from the ion guide. |
| US08471196B2 |
Photoelectric conversion apparatus and imaging system using the photoelectric conversion apparatus having an optical black pixel region with a light shielding film and a titanium film above a plug
A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes an effective pixel region for outputting a signal according to light, and an optical black pixel region for outputting a reference signal, wherein, in the optical black pixel region, a plug is arranged in an insulating film, and a light shielding film is arranged above the plug and is connected to the plug, such that an upper surface of the plug and an upper surface of the insulating film form the same plane, and wherein, above or below the light shielding film, a titanium film of thickness 5 to 15 nm is arranged. |
| US08471195B2 |
Push button including a photosensor
With respect to a push button, a part of a depressing portion is detected by a photo sensor when the depressing portion urged upward by a spring is depressed and stroke of the depressed depressing portion reaches a predetermined distance. Thereby, switch between OFF and ON is carried out. Also, the push button includes a metal dome. Load of the spring works on the depressing portion when depressed. Further, when the stroke of the depressed depressing portion reaches a predetermined distance so as to switch between OFF and ON, the load of the spring and that of the metal dome integrally work on the depressing portion. |
| US08471193B2 |
Photodetection device for detecting low temporal coherence light, photodetection method, microscope and endoscope
There are provided a photodetection device, a photodetection method, a microscope and an endoscope, which are capable of heterodyne-detecting desired light to be detected with high sensitivity and high S/N ratio, among which the photodetection device includes: a local light generation unit (10) generating local light having a plurality of optical frequency components in an optical frequency band of light to be detected within a given period of time; a light combining unit (20) combining the local light generated from the local light generation unit (10) and the light to be detected; and a photoelectric conversion unit (30) photoelectrically-converting light output from the light combining unit (20) and generating a beat signal of the local light and the light to be detected, such that the light to be detected is heterodyne-detected based on an output of the photoelectric conversion unit (30). |
| US08471191B2 |
Optical navigation system having a filter-window to seal an enclosure thereof
An optical navigation system is provided to sense relative movement between the system and a surface. Generally, the system includes: (i) an illuminator having a light source to illuminate a portion of the surface; (ii) a detector to receive light reflected from the portion of the surface; and (iii) an enclosure enclosing the illuminator and the detector, the enclosure having a window covering the detector and through which light reflected from the portion of the surface is transmitted to the detector, the window being substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of light emitted by the light source. In certain embodiments, the window is a filter-window that is substantially non-transparent to light from other sources, such as ambient light, having shorter or longer wavelengths. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08471189B2 |
CMOS linear voltage/current dual-mode imager
A CMOS image sensor that is capable of both voltage- and current-mode operations selects the mode based on the position of mode switches. Each pixel on the imager has a single transistor acting as either source follower for voltage readout, or transconductor for current readout. The two modes share the same readout lines, but have their own correlated double sampling (CDS) units for noise suppression. A current-mode readout technique using a velocity-saturated short-channel transistor may be used to achieve high linearity. An image array may be formed as a mixture of 3 types of pixels with identical photodiodes and access switches. The readout transistors are optimally sized for their designated mode of operation. Alternatively, two readout transistors are provided per pixel, each individually optimized for the desired mode of operation. |
| US08471187B2 |
Two-stage solar concentrating system
An improved solar concentrating system (100) uses a two-stage arrangement of mirrors wherein the rays of the sun are reflected and concentrated to a point focus. The solar concentrator (100) may be used to increase the temperature of a substance such as metal, for use in a variety of applications including the melting of metals in a foundry furnace. The solar concentrating system (100) comprises at least two single-curved parabolic mirrors (10, 20) connected in an operable arrangement. The rays of the sun are reflected from a first single-curved parabolic mirror (10) to a second single-curved parabolic mirror (20). The plane of symmetry of the second single-curved parabolic mirror is arranged substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry of the first single-curved parabolic mirror thereby concentrating the rays of the sun to a point focus. |
| US08471182B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated application of hardfacing material to rolling cutters of hybrid-type earth boring drill bits, hybrid drill bits comprising such hardfaced steel-toothed cutting elements, and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a standard earth-boring rock bit or a hybrid-type rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter, particularly a hybrid rock bit cutter, beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction. In the preferred embodiment, sensors provide data to the control system for identification, positioning, welding program selection, and welding program correction. The control system, aided by data from the sensors, manipulates the robotically held cutter while controlling the operation and oscillation of the torch. These systems and methods can be applied to hardfacing steel teeth of the rolling cutters of both standard tri-cone or di-cone type rolling cone bits, as well as to hybrid-type earth boring drill bits. |
| US08471180B2 |
Glow plug and method for connecting a pin made of functional ceramic to a metal sleeve
The invention relates to a glow plug comprising a housing in which an inner conductor is disposed, a metal sleeve which is inserted into the housing, and a ceramic glow pin which is disposed in the metal sleeve, wherein the two ends of the glow pin protrude from the metal sleeve and the rear end of the pin is connected to the inner conductor, and wherein the metal sleeve has a tapering section at the rear end, the section enclosing a tapering section of the glow pin. According to the invention, the glow pin is pressed into the metal sleeve. The invention further relates to a method for connecting a pin made of functional ceramic to a metal sleeve. |
| US08471173B2 |
Laser hybrid welding method and laser hybrid welding torch using a zinc and/or carbon and/or aluminum-containing rod
The invention relates to a method for welding coated sheet metal (3), which comprises at least one laser (13) and at least one shielded arc unit (5) and a rod feeding device (11) for a welding rod (12). The aim of the invention is to provide a method or a device of the aforementioned kind which allows fo˜ reducing or completely avoiding inclusions such as are e.g. caused by the evaporation of the coating of the metal sheet (3). For this purpose, a clamping device (6) is used for positioning the coated metal sheet (3) without substantial gaps between the individual sheets. A material having a zinc and/or carbon and/or aluminum content is used as the weld metal or welding rod (12). |
| US08471171B2 |
Cold air atmospheric pressure micro plasma jet application method and device
A microhollow cathode discharge assembly capable of generating a low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma micro jet is disclosed. The microhollow assembly has at two electrodes: an anode and a cathode separated by a dielectric. A microhollow gas passage is disposed through the three layers, preferably in a taper such that the area at the anode is larger than the area at the cathode. When a potential is placed across the electrodes and a gas is directed through the gas passage into the anode and out the cathode, along the tapered direction, then a low temperature micro plasma jet can be created at atmospheric pressure. Selection of gas microhollow geometry and operational characteristics enable the application of the assembly to low temperature treatments, including the treatment of living tissue. |
| US08471169B2 |
Electrode for spot welding
Provided is an electrode (1) which has a double structure including Cu or a Cu alloy as an electrode body (2) and a core material (3) made of W, Mo, a W-based alloy, or a Mo-based alloy embedded in a surface of the electrode body (2) which is abutted against a material to be welded, the core material (3) being formed by using W, Mo, the W-based alloy, or the Mo-based alloy which is in the form of a fibrous structure extended by sintering, swaging, and annealing in an electrode axis direction, the fibrous structure having a horizontal cross-sectional average particle diameter of 50 μm or more and an aspect ratio of 1.5 or more. The electrode (1) can be used as an inexpensive electrode obtained by suppressing particle dropping/attrition and defects in electrodes for spot welding, in which heat and pressure are applied repeatedly, stably enhancing durability. |
| US08471168B2 |
Methods of treating metal articles and articles made therefrom
A method for treating a metal article can comprise: fusion welding a cladding onto an article comprising a surface and a compressive case depth processing the cladding. An average compression case depth, as measured from the cladding outer surface, can be greater than the cladding thickness. Also included herein are articles made from this method. |
| US08471155B2 |
Metal plugged substrates with no adhesive between metal and polyimide
In a method and apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device having a flexible tape substrate, a hole is punched in the flexible tape substrate. The flexible tape substrate includes a metal layer attached to a polyimide layer without an adhesive there between. A cover is placed on the metal layer to cap a base of the hole. A metal is deposited on the cover exposed at the base of the hole, the metal being used to form a bond with the metal layer. The metal being deposited causes the hole to be plugged up to a selective height. Upon removal of the cover, the metal may also be deposited on the metal layer to increase a thickness of the metal layer. |
| US08471150B2 |
High voltage device
The invention relates to a high voltage device for providing electrical insulation of a conductor extending through the device. The device includes a hollow insulator; a conductor extending through the hollow insulator; a field gradient decreasing arrangement including a condenser core and a voltage grading shield. The condenser core and the voltage grading shield are arranged around the conductor inside the hollow insulator in a manner so that the voltage grading shield is arranged around at least part of the condenser core. |
| US08471149B2 |
Shielded electrical cable and method of making the same
A shielded electrical cable that has a set of insulated inner conductors and a shield made of a plurality of insulated wires, arranged about said inner conductors. Each insulated wire of the shield has a conductive core coated by insulation which is fused together with the insulation of the neighboring wires. Also, said conductive cores of said plurality of insulated wires are brought into mutual electrical contact at a longitudinal interval of said twisted shielded pair. |
| US08471148B2 |
Longitudinal water barrier for electrical conductors
For a longitudinal water barrier a conductor is cut at the desired location as usual, the insulation is stripped and the corresponding leads are reconnected with one another in an electrically conductive manner. However, the following steps are taken for additional sealing: each lead end is applied to a soldering surface of a circuit board, wherein the soldering surfaces are separated from one another through slots in the circuit board; and, subsequently in particular a two step encasement with plastic material is performed over the entire connection portion. |
| US08471144B2 |
Adapter box for protection of the electrical connection of a photovoltaic module
An adapter box for the protection of the electrical connection of a photovoltaic module is attachable by form-fit to an electrical junction box of the photovoltaic module. At least one side of the adapter box comprises openings for inserting protective conduits in which cables run through for being connected to electrical connectors of the junction box, the adapter box further comprising at least one opening for said connectors. |
| US08471142B1 |
Solar energy systems using external reflectors
A solar energy concentrating system with high light collection efficiency includes a light concentrating unit, a light homogenizing unit and photovoltaic modules. The light concentrating unit includes a parabolic reflector and an ellipsoidal reflector which are coaxial and confocal. The light homogenizing unit includes an infrared filter and a hollow spherical reflector with a hole in its surface. When the system is under illumination, light is concentrated by the light concentrating unit through the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reflected by the inner surface of the spherical reflector onto the photovoltaic modules. The infrared filter covers the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reduces the heat in the photovoltaic modules under concentrated light. The combination of the parabolic reflector and the ellipsoidal reflector obtain highly concentrated light, and the hollow spherical reflector ensures light uniformity on the photovoltaic modules and light utilization efficiency. |
| US08471136B2 |
Two-stage musical instrument effects pedal
An effects pedal including a first stage configured to asymmetrically limit an input signal, and a second stage configured to symmetrically clip the asymmetrically limited signal. |
| US08471134B2 |
Bass drum pedal assembly of drum kit
The bass drum pedal assembly includes a first connector, mounted on a shaft driven by a drum pedal; a second connector, engaging with the first connector, and coupled to a universal joint which links a connecting rod; and a positioning mechanism, comprising a central positioning member, an elastic member and a pin. The elastic member is put around the central positioning member to make the central positioning member elastically slidably disposed in a central hole of the first connector. The pin is inserted into a through hole at a lateral side of the first connector to press the central positioning member and the elastic member so that the central positioning member is elastically inserted in central holes of the first connector and the second connector. |
| US08471128B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV547369
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV547369. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV547369, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV547369 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV547369 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV547369. |
| US08471127B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV344635
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV344635. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV344635, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV344635 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV344635 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV344635. |
| US08471124B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV448967
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV448967. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV448967, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV448967 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV448967 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV448967. |
| US08471122B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH248517
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH248517. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH248517, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH248517 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH248517. |
| US08471117B1 |
Inbred corn line XJH58
An inbred corn line, designated XJH58, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line XJH58, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line XJH58 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line XJH58 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XJH58, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XJH58 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08471115B1 |
Maize variety PHEJP
A novel maize variety designated PHEJP and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHEJP with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHEJP through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHEJP or a trait conversion of PHEJP with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHEJP, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHEJP and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08471114B2 |
Tomato line PSQ24-2212
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PX 02470002 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PX 02470002 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US08471107B2 |
Soybeans having high germination rates and ultra-low raffinose and stachyose content
Soybean seeds having an ultra-low raffinose and stachyose phenotype. Also disclosed is a mutant allele of soybean designated SG-ULRFO which results in an ultra-low raffinose and stachyose phenotype. The present invention also relates to a soybean seed, a soybean plant and parts of a soybean plant and a soybean hybrid which comprises the mutant allele. Also disclosed are ultra-low raffinose and stachyose soybean seeds having unexpectedly increased germination rates when compared with soybean lines not having a low raffinose and stachyose seed content. Also disclosed are mutant RS3 and RS4 genes with polymorphisms which contribute to the ultra-low raffinose and stachyose phenotype as described in the present invention. The present invention also relates for method of using the soybean seeds and plants of the present invention, to plants parts derived from the present invention, to methods of producing transgenic plants using the plants and seeds of the present invention. |
| US08471104B2 |
Pea line EX08240782
The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated EX08240782. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line EX08240782, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line EX08240782 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 EX08240782, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants. |
| US08471103B2 |
Alfalfa variety 06N02PX
A novel alfalfa variety designated 06N02PX and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing an alfalfa plant that comprise crossing alfalfa variety 06N02PX with another alfalfa plant. Methods for producing an alfalfa plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 06N02PX through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the alfalfa seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Alfalfa seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing alfalfa variety 06N02PX or a trait conversion of 06N02PX with another alfalfa plant or population. Alfalfa populations derived from alfalfa variety 06N02PX, methods for producing other alfalfa populations derived from alfalfa variety 06N02PX and the alfalfa populations and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08471097B1 |
Maize variety inbred PH182Y
A novel maize variety designated PH182Y and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH182Y with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH182Y through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH182Y or a locus conversion of PH182Y with another maize variety. |
| US08471095B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X05B900
A novel maize variety designated X05B900 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 X05B900 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05B900 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05B900, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05B900. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05B900. |
| US08471093B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X08A133
A novel maize variety designated X08A133 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 X08A133 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A133 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A133, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A133. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A133. |
| US08471092B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X13A405
A novel maize variety designated X13A405 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 X13A405 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13A405 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13A405, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13A405. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13A405. |
| US08471086B2 |
Process to control product selectivity
We provide a process for producing hydrocarbon products. The process includes operating a process unit comprising a liquid catalyst in a first mode, adjusting a molar ratio of olefin to HCl, and operating the process unit in a second mode. The first mode and the second mode are different, one being a distillate mode and the other being a lubricant mode. Increasing the molar ratio of olefin to HCl provides a higher amount of a lubricant. |
| US08471083B2 |
Process for the production of para-xylene
A reforming process using a medium pore zeolite under conditions to facilitate the conversion of C8 paraffinic compounds to para-xylene is provided. Para-xylene is produced at greater than thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations using the process. |
| US08471082B2 |
Process for converting methane to ethylene
A process for the production of ethylene, the process including: feeding hydrogen, a heavy solvent, a light solvent, and acetylene to a down-flow reactor comprising at least one reaction zone comprising a hydrogenation catalyst; concurrently in the down-flow reactor: contacting acetylene and hydrogen in the presence of the hydrogenation catalyst to convert at least a portion of the acetylene to ethylene; boiling at least a portion of the light solvent from a liquid phase to a vapor phase; recovering a reactor effluent comprising heavy solvent, light solvent, and ethylene; condensing at least a portion of the light solvent in the vapor phase; recovering a solvent fraction comprising the heavy solvent and the light solvent; recovering a product fraction comprising ethylene. |
| US08471079B2 |
Production of fuel from co-processing multiple renewable feedstocks
A process for producing a fuel or fuel blending component from co-processing at least two different classes of renewable feedstocks, is presented. One feedstock comprises glycerides and free fatty acids in feedstocks such as plant and animal oils while the other feedstock comprises biomass derived pyrolysis oil. The source of the animal or plant oil and the biomass may be the same renewable source. |
| US08471075B2 |
Processes for making ethanol from acetic acid
A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel. |
| US08471072B2 |
Soy-based polyols
The invention provides processes for preparing soy-based oligomeric polyols or substituted oligomeric polyols, as well as urethane bioelasteromers comprising the oligomeric polyols or substituted oligomeric polyols. |
| US08471069B2 |
Mixed bed polymeric catalyst
A mixed bed polymeric catalyst, and use of that catalyst, comprising 10-90% by weight of a first catalyst having ion exchange resin loaded with metal of palladium, platinum, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, copper, gold, and/or silver and 10-90% by weight of a second catalyst having strong acidic ion exchange resin devoid of metal, where the metal is uniformly distributed throughout a mixed bed. |
| US08471068B2 |
Process for the preparation of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one using solid acid clay catalyst
Solid acid catalyst such as acid activated-Montmorillonite clay composite has been developed by modifying the Na-Montmorillonite clay with acid (HCl) treatment for different periods such as 5 minutes to about 4 hours and activating at about 120° C. for about 2 hours. Friedel Crafts alkylation reaction between phenol and 4-hydroxybutan-2-one in presence of the acid activated Montmorillonite clay catalysts exhibiting layered clay structures (basal spacing d001 ranging from about 10 to 13.5 Å), high surface area (250-400 m2/g), highly porous {micropores in the range 5 to 15 Å and mesopores in the range 30 to 80 Å}, average pore volume 0.2 to 0.65 cc/g, and surface acidity in the range 0.4-0.6 mmol/g; under constant stirring and at pressure of 1-15 bar, temperature 100-150° C. for a period of about 12-24 hours produces 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (Raspberry ketone) exhibiting conversion about 35-55% and high selectivity in the range 75-81%. |
| US08471060B2 |
Process and reactor for the thermoneutral conversion of ethanol to acetic acid
A process and reactor for the production of acetic acid comprising the steps of: passing a feed stream containing ethanol and water together with a predetermined feed rate of an oxygen containing atmosphere in presence of one or more catalysts being active in simultaneous non-oxidative and oxidative conversion of ethanol to a product stream with acetic acid; recovering from the product stream a stream of acetic acid; optionally recovering reactive derivatives of acetic acid and recycling these to step (a). |
| US08471056B2 |
Fluorinated compound, fluorinated polymer and fluorinated copolymer
To provide a fluorinated compound having an RF group with at most 6 carbon atoms, whereby a fluorinated polymer having a highly durable water/oil repellency can be produced, and an environmental load is little, and a fluorinated polymer and a fluorinated copolymer having a highly durable water/oil repellency and presenting little environmental load, obtainable by polymerizing such a fluorinated compound. A fluorinated compound represented by the following formula (I) and its polymer: CH2═C(M)COO(CH2)nPhCOO(CH2)mCrF2r+1 (I) (in the formula (I), M is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a halogen atom, n is an integer of from 0 to 2, Ph is a phenylene group, m is an integer of from 1 to 4, and r is an integer of from 1 to 6). |
| US08471053B2 |
Process and apparatus for production of cyanohydrin compound, and process for production of α-hydroxyester compound
A process according to the present invention for producing a cyanohydrin compound flow-reacts a carbonyl compound with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst, and can therefore reduce the residence time. This makes it possible to reduce the period of time over which the resulting cyanohydrin compound is exposed to an unreacted portion of the carbonyl compound. As a result, the resulting cyanohydrin compound can be prevented from reacting with the unreacted portion. This makes it possible to produce the cyanohydrin compound in good yield. That is, the process according to the present invention for producing a cyanohydrin compound produces a cyanohydrin compound in good yield from a carbonyl compound and hydrogen cyanide. |
| US08471050B2 |
Organometallic transition metal compound, catalyst system and preparation of polyolefins
The present invention relates to non-symmetrical organometallic transition metal compounds of the compound of the formula (I) where R8 and R9 are identical or different and each an substituted or unsubstituted organic radical having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, catalyst systems comprising at least one of the organometallic transition metal compounds of the present invention and a process for preparing polyolefins by polymerization or copolymerization of at least one olefin in the presence of one of the catalyst systems of the present invention. |
| US08471046B2 |
Method for producing chiral α,β-epoxy ketones
A process is claimed for the enantioselective epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones, in which a compound of the general formula I, is reacted with an oxidizing agent to form α,β-epoxy ketones of the general formula II, in which R1, R2, R3 are as defined above. The α,β-epoxy ketones of the general formula II can be obtained in good yields and outstanding enantioselectivities from α,β-unsaturated ketones of the general formula I by epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a chiral catalyst, such as amino compounds and their acid addition salts. |
| US08471037B2 |
Derivatives having vinyl group and its use in electroluminescent element
The present invention relates to imidazole derivatives having vinyl group represented by general formula (I) which possess electron transporting character, have a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and high decomposition temperature (Td): wherein all symbols are defined as recited in the specification. The present invention also relates to a use of the imidazole derivatives having vinyl group as a guest emitter or electron transporter in luminescent elements. |
| US08471036B2 |
Rhodacyanine derivative and pharmaceutical composition for treating leishmaniasis
A rhodacyanine derivative represented by the following General Formula (1), wherein, in General Formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent an alkyl group which may be substituted; Y1 and Y2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, or a fluorine atom provided that Y1 and Y2 do not represent hydrogen atoms at the same time; and X represents a counter anion. A pharmaceutical composition for treating leishmaniasis including the rhodacyanine derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US08471035B1 |
Two-photon absorbing arylamine-endcapped and dialkylfluorene-bridged benzobisthiazole compounds with high oleophilicity
Two-photon absorbing arylamine-endcapped and dialkylfluorene-bridged benzobisthiazole-based compounds are provided. These two-photon absorbing benzobisthiazole-based compounds show high solubility in nonpolar hydrocarbon solvents (oleophilicity) and high two-photon properties, especially in the nanosecond domain of pulse-laser excitation. |
| US08471033B2 |
Method for producing an intermediate product of dabigatran etexilate
The invention relates to a process for preparing the compound of formula 1 a valuable intermediate product in the synthesis of the pharmaceutical active substance dabigatran etexilate. |
| US08471030B2 |
Purification of montelukast using simulated moving bed
This invention concerns generally with a process for purifying crude pharmaceutical compositions, wherein the crude pharmaceutical composition comprises a sodium salt of Montelukast and more particularly relates to a process for the production of pharmaceutically pure preparations of Montelukast sodium using simulated moving bed technology, without requiring an intermediate acid formation step to separate isomers and to remove impurities. |
| US08471028B2 |
Optically active cyclic alcohol compound
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an optically active cyclic alcohol compound represented by general formula [I]: [wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a protecting group for amino group, and * represents an asymmetric carbon atom.] which comprises a step of subjecting a cyclic ketone compound represented by general formula [II]: [wherein R has the same meaning as defined above.] to asymmetric reduction (A) in the presence of an optically active oxazaborolidine compound and a boron hydride compound, or (B) in the presence of an asymmetric transition metal complex obtained from a transition metal compound and an asymmetric ligand and a hydrogen donor, and relates to said compound. |
| US08471027B2 |
Adamantyl compounds
The invention relates to JNK inhibitors and corresponding methods, formulations, and compositions for inhibiting JNK and treating JNK-mediated disorders. The application discloses JNK inhibitors, as described below in Formula I: wherein the variables are as defined herein. The compounds and compositions disclosed herein are useful to modulate the activity of JNK and treat diseases associated with JNK activity. Disclosed are methods and formulations for inhibiting JNK and treating JNK-mediated disorders, and the like, with the compounds, and processes for making said compounds, and corresponding compositions, disclosed herein. |
| US08471026B2 |
Substituted hydroxamic acids and uses thereof
This invention provides compounds of formula (I): wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, R1d, R2a, R2b, X1, X2, and G have values as described in the specification, useful as inhibitors of HDAC6. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative, inflammatory, infectious, neurological or cardiovascular diseases or disorders. |