Document Document Title
US08477710B2 Method of providing a gap indication during a sticky assignment
A method and apparatus are provided to manage the assignment transmission resource of forward and reserve link that is assigned to transmitting entity for a period of time. An indication of a gap is provided whenever the transmitting entity is not transmitting actual data packets (e.g. whole or part of intended data or content), yet the transmitting entity is to maintain the assignment of the allocated resource. For example, an erasure signature packet comprising a first data pattern is transmitted on the assigned resource when there is no actual data to transmit on the assigned resource.
US08477707B2 Point to point radio bearers for a broadcasting service
A method for establishing a connection between user equipment (UE) and an associated network includes receiving at the UE a service announcement providing a description of an available broadcast service and at least one identifier which identifies the broadcast service, and receiving at the UE a setup message which establishes a point-to-point radio bearer between the UE and the network, such that the setup message includes the identifier which is used to identify that the radio bearer carriers the broadcast service.
US08477706B2 Transmission apparatus, transmission method, reception apparatus and reception method
A transmission apparatus which attempts improvement of signal quality in an uplink and a downlink carries out radio transmission of different signals simultaneously from respective ones of a plurality of antennas. The apparatus has pilot multiplexing means for multiplexing a pilot channel to transmit from each antenna in one or more of a time division multiplexing method, a frequency division multiplexing method and a code division multiplexing method, data multiplexing means for time-multiplexing a pilot channel and a data channel, and means for transmitting a signal in a least one of a space division multiplexing (SDM) method and a space time transmission diversity (STTD) method.
US08477703B2 Channel utilization improvement in coexisting wireless networks
A wireless device comprises a first wireless transceiver configured for communication via a first wireless network, a second wireless transceiver configured for communication via a second wireless network; and a scheduler that controls which of the first and second transceivers is granted access to a wireless medium at a given time. When the first wireless transceiver has been granted access to the wireless medium by the scheduler and the first wireless transceiver receives a packet via the first wireless network, the scheduler temporarily grants the second wireless transceiver access to the wireless medium based on the packet indicating that first wireless transceiver is not to use the wireless medium for a period of time.
US08477696B2 Transmission apparatus and transmission method for a downlink channel
The object is achieved by providing a transmission apparatus with: assignment means configured to assign, to each user, one of a frequency block that is obtained by dividing a system bandwidth into each block of continuous frequency subcarriers and a distributed type frequency block that include a frequency subcarrier that is discretely distributed in the system bandwidth; and mapping means configured to assign transmission data to one of the frequency block and the distributed type frequency block according to the assignment.
US08477692B2 Radio communication system
A radio communication system is disclosed. This system includes a wireless base station placed at an upper section of a communicating zone in a mobile unit such as an aircraft, multiple seat-rows arranged along a longitudinal direction in the communicating zone, and wireless terminals placed at each one of seats of the seat rows. Radio communication is done between the wireless base station and the wireless terminals. The wireless base station is placed on the ceiling at the forefront or at the extreme end of the communicating zone relative to the longitudinal direction of the seat rows.
US08477690B2 Location determination in wireless communication systems
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a mobile station receives a location beacon transmitted from multiple base stations based on a transmission plan for a predefined downlink location based services zone in the superframes of a signal frame structure. The transmission plan includes spreading transmissions of the location beacon that are unique to respective base stations. The mobile station identifies the base stations based on the respective location beacons and the transmission plan. The mobile station identifies a present location based on the location beacons and the identities of the base stations that from which the location beacons were received.
US08477686B1 Automatic increase of target frame error rate for duration based on call drop timer
Disclosed herein is a method and system to help manage transmission power for wireless communications. A radio access network (RAN) will artificially increase target frame error rate (FER) for certain mobile stations in a coverage area for just a portion of a defined call drop timer period, and the RAN will automatically revert to apply a baseline target FER for a duration sufficient to allow recovery of the mobile station's communications before expiration of the call drop timer period. By increasing the target FER for the mobile stations, noise on the air interface can be reduced. And by reverting the target FER to its baseline level for a sufficient duration, call drops resulting from the increased target FER can be avoided.
US08477676B2 Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and a method of processing data are disclosed, which are robust to error when mobile service data are transmitted. To this end, additional encoding is performed for the mobile service data, whereby it is possible to strongly cope with fast channel change while giving robustness to the mobile service data.
US08477673B2 Cell specific retransmission of single frequency network MBMS data
Providing for retransmission of SFN data, including SFN operated MBMS data, in a manner that preserves synchronization of scheduled SFN transmissions is disclosed herein. As an example, SFN data can be transmitted in a first allocation period, and an un-received or indecipherable SFN data packet associated with the SFN data can be scheduled in a second allocation period. More particularly, the un-received or indecipherable SFN data packet can be allocated to a block of the second allocation period that is scheduled for non-SFN transmission, for instance. Accordingly, SFN retransmission can take place on a cell by cell basis without substantially affecting SFN transmissions synchronized among the cells.
US08477672B2 4C-HSDPA acknowledgment signaling
Techniques for signaling acknowledgment status (e.g., ACK, NACK, or DTX) for up to four detected carriers according to 4C-HSDPA. In an exemplary embodiment, an ACK slot of an HS-DPCCH channel utilizes spreading factor 128 to accommodate two 10-symbol codewords per slot. The codewords may be dual-carrier codewords, enabling the acknowledgment status of up to four carriers to be signaled in each slot. A DTX-DTX codeword may be further provided to signal no detection of two carriers assigned to the same codeword. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a codeword signaling acknowledgment status for two carriers may be repeated twice over a single slot.
US08477671B2 Communication method, system and network nodes in a low power communication network
The present invention provides a communication method in a low power communication network, a corresponding low power communication network system and a network node, which enables low power consumption by the data transmission node in the low power communication network while ensuring the communication efficiency of the low power communication network. In this case, the network comprises a first network node and a second network node; the first network node transmits a beacon frame, said beacon frame is used to indicate the time for data transmission by the first network node; the second network node detects said beacon frame to synchronize its data transmission with the first network node. Furthermore, the first network node transmits a dummy beacon frame before it transmits the beacon frame, said dummy beacon frame is used to indicate the time for transmitting the beacon frame; the second network node detects the dummy beacon frame before it detects the beacon frame to acquire the time for transmitting the beacon frame, and carries out data transmission with the first network node synchronously after it has detected the beacon frame.
US08477668B2 High speed data transmission method and corresponding devices
This invention relates to a method for the transmission using the half-duplex mode of a data signal from a first transmission/reception device to a second transmission/reception device, called the remote device, comprising a logical coding step in which at least two distinct transmission times are associated with two respective statuses of the data signal to transmit. The method is characterized in that it comprises the generation by the first device of a signal (10, 11) comprising, for the transmission of a status of the signal, more or less exclusively a plateau at a first voltage level for the time defined as the transmission time associated with the status to transmit and a falling edge, to the exclusion of any rising edge, the transmission of a data signal status from the second device to the first device comprising the generation of a signal (20, 21) by the second device comprising more or less exclusively a plateau at a second voltage level and a rising edge, to the exclusion of any falling edge.
US08477665B2 Method in a wireless repeater employing an antenna array for interference reduction
A wireless repeater with an antenna array determines the antenna weights to modify the spatial selectivity of the antenna array to reduce interference and improve the quality of signal reception. The antenna weights are determined using an error minimizing algorithm to minimize the error between a desired receive signal and a reference signal or an adaptive metric optimization algorithm to calculate adaptively antenna weights to minimize the signal-to-noise ratio of a desired receive signal.
US08477649B2 Internet protocol (IP) address sharing and platform dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) mediator
Apparatus, system, and method having a first memory to receive a parameter associated with a second operating system protocol stack; and a first operating system protocol stack to be configured with parameter. The system includes a communication medium and a manageability module. The method includes monitoring content of messages communicated between a host client computer and a server computer over a network, inspecting the content of the messages for protocol parameters, providing the protocol parameters to a manageability module associated with the host client computer, and configuring a second operating system protocol stack associated with the manageability module to match a first operating system protocol stack associated with the host client computer.
US08477647B2 Connection setting apparatus, connection setting method, and computer program product
A connection setting apparatus of configuring settings for connection with an external network is provided. The connection setting apparatus has a connector arranged and adapted to be connectable with a USB connector provided on a data communication card that is used to establish communication with the external network. In the connection setting apparatus, a storage is arranged and adapted to store identification information for identifying a carrier and a mobile communication network corresponding to the data communication card, in correlation with a connection setting provided for the carrier and the mobile communication network. The connection setting apparatus also has an acquirer arranged and adapted to obtain the identification information of the data communication card from the data communication card connected to the connector. The connection setting apparatus further has a setter arranged and adapted to specify a connection setting in correlation with the obtained identification information and actually configure connection settings based on the specified connection setting. This arrangement assures easy configuration of the network connection settings according to a simple algorithm.
US08477646B2 Method for determining possible locally switched traffic within a cellular network site
The invention relates to a method for determining connected transmissions within a first site of a communications network comprising the steps of: —retrieving (70) at least one transmission characteristic comprising a time parameter of a first number of transmissions over transmission links within at least the first site of the communications network, and determining (72) a second number of transmissions of the first number of transmissions that are connected to each other and form a two way transmission based on comparison of the transmission characteristic of the first number of transmissions.
US08477640B2 Method, apparatus and system for information transmission
A method, an apparatus and a system for information transmission are provided. The method includes the following steps. A second user equipment receives update information issued by a wireless access point (AP). The second user equipment is located within a coverage area of the wireless AP. After detecting that the second user equipment has the update information, a first user equipment establishes a connection with the second user equipment and obtains the update information from the second user equipment. The first user equipment is located outside the coverage area of the wireless AP. In the present invention, the user equipment can update the information without additionally increasing the transmit powers of the wireless AP and the user equipments when located outside the coverage area of the wireless AP, and thus the interference to other equipments is minimized.
US08477639B2 Communicating network status
A method for communicating network status information includes receiving, via a first link, a request for status information from a client device, the first link being a link between a router device and a client device. In response to the request, a data exchanger is polled for status information via a second link. The second link is a link between the router device and the data exchanger. The status information identifies a state of a third link between the data exchanger and a wide area network. The status information is received via the second link and communicated to the client device via the first link.
US08477634B2 Method for detecting failures of random access procedures
A method of performing a random access channel (RACH) procedure between a mobile terminal and a network includes the steps of detecting whether a random access response (RAR) is received from the network within a certain time period, the RAR including information about a random access channel (RACH) preamble transmitted to the network; and if the RAR is not received within the certain time period or if the information about the transmitted RACH preamble included in the RAR does not match the transmitted RACH preamble, performing a first procedure to detect failures in the RACH procedure; and if the RAR is received within the certain time period and if the information about the transmitted RACH preamble included in the RAR matches the transmitted RACH preamble, performing a second procedure to detect failures in the RACH procedure.
US08477630B2 Optimal route selection in a content delivery network
A routing mechanism operable in a distributed networking environment, such as a content delivery network (CDN), provides improved connectivity back to an origin server, especially for HTTP traffic. The technique enables an edge server operating within a given edge region to retrieve content (cacheable, non-cacheable and the like) from an origin server more efficiently by selectively routing through the network's own nodes, thereby avoiding network congestion and hot spots. The technique enables an edge server to fetch content from an origin server through an intermediate edge server or, more generally, enables an edge server within a given first region to fetch content from the origin server through an intermediate edge region.
US08477627B2 Content routing in digital communications networks
A method of assigning a priority to a document in a content-routed network including a plurality of routers interconnected by links, involves matching rules against the content of a received document to assign a priority, mapping the priority onto an egress link, and mapping the egress links onto the interconnect network between content routers to achieve end-to-end quality of service.
US08477626B2 Packet processing apparatus for realizing wire-speed, and method thereof
Provided are a packet processing apparatus for realizing a wire-speed, and a method thereof. The packet processing apparatus realizes a wire-speed by making an inputted packet be processed in another packet processing apparatus instead of processing the inputted packet for itself. The packet processing apparatus for realizing a wire-speed by having an inputted packet processed in a packet processor of another packet processing apparatus by making an inputted packet detour a packet processor into a detour path, includes: a packet classifier for classifying and storing the inputted packet in a multi-queue based on a priority; a queue manager for including the multi-queue, determining a detour packet among packets stored in the multi-queue and marking the packet as a detour packet; and a packet scheduler for transmitting the packet designated as the detour packet to the detour path. The apparatus is used for a packet communication system.
US08477624B2 Apparatus, system, and method for managing network bandwidth
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing network bandwidth. A monitor module monitors traffic of a plurality of peer computers over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network. A detection module detects traffic exceeding a traffic threshold for the network. A delay module delays issuing each TCP/IP acknowledge signal for a specified delay interval in response to detecting the traffic exceeding the traffic threshold.
US08477621B2 Multiple protocol correlation and topology detection in eHRPD networks
Network nodes and interfaces are identified in a combined CDMA/eHRPD and LTE network. Messages captured by a monitoring system on different interfaces are combined in session records. The session records associated with the same network nodes correlated using parameters in the session records. Session records on an A11, A10 and S2a interfaces are correlated using a home network prefix and interface identifier data or home address information.
US08477617B2 Systems and methods for managing multicast data transmissions
A system enables monitoring a multicast data feeds over a network. The system may include a multicast-enabled network device for transmitting a multicast feed from a multicast feed source to a user device via a computer network. A feed agent may be operatively coupled to the multicast-enabled network device for collecting and storing multicast feed data from the multicast feed source. A management server may be operatively connected to the feed agent for receiving multicast feed data collected by the feed agent. The management server may include a web server for receiving requests for multicast feed data over the network via a web interface.
US08477615B2 Method and system to manage network traffic congestion
A method and system to manage network congestion are provided. In one example embodiment, the method comprises receiving an indication of a rate increase request at a reaction point computer system, determining information indicative of a frequency of rate decrease requests during a period of time, and initiating a rate increase signal utilizing the information indicative of the frequency of rate decrease requests during the period of time.
US08477602B2 Adaptively maintaining quality of service (QoS) in distributed PBX networks
An adaptation mechanism monitors, maintains and controls quality of voice-grade for communications among end-systems in a distributed PBX topology, thereby providing an enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) for the network.
US08477596B2 Application of hardware-based mailboxes in network transceivers and distributed approach for predictable software-based protection switching
A line card in a network node having a local memory coupled to a local controller and local logic circuit. The local memory in the line card stores state information for signals processed by the line card itself, as well as state information for signals processed by other line cards. The logic circuit and controller implement a same fault detection and signal processing algorithms as all other line cards in the group, to essentially effectuate a distributed and local hardware based control of automatic protection switching (APS) without interrupting a central processor. The line card also performs error checking and supervisory functions to ensure consistency of state among the line cards.
US08477592B2 Interference and noise estimation in an OFDM system
Noise and interference can be independently measured in a multiple user Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system. Co-channel interference is measured in a frequency hopping, multiple user, OFDM system by tracking the sub-carriers assigned to all users in a particular service area or cell. The composite noise plus interference can be determined by measuring the amount of received power in a sub-carrier whenever it is not assigned to any user in the cell. A value is stored for each sub-carrier in the system and the value of noise plus interference can be a weighted average of the present value with previously stored values. The noise component can be independently determined in a synchronous system. In the synchronous system, all users in a system may periodically be prohibited from broadcasting over a sub-carrier and the received power in the sub-carrier measured during the period having no broadcasts.
US08477589B2 Optical pickup and optical disc drive
A optical pickup includes: a laser diode; a driver including a first output end of a laser diode drive current; a first line electrically connected to the first output end of the driver and a first port of the laser diode; a second line provided adjacent to the signal line at at least one location or more and electrically connected to a second port of the laser diode; a printed circuit board including the first and second lines; and a metal heat dissipation cover for the driver. The first and second lines form a two layer structure in which the first and second lines are vertically disposed. The line width of the line provided close to the heat dissipation cover is wider than the line width of the other line between the first and second lines in the two layer structure.
US08477588B2 High power optical disc drives
High power optical disc drives are disclosed. The drives are configured to deliver laser energy having a power of at least about 25 mW as measured at DVD 1× write speed upon first contact with the surface of an optical disc.
US08477585B2 Optical pickup
An optical pickup has an objective lens that is shared for light of three wavelengths. The effective diameter of the light that passes through the objective lens decreases in a sequence of the light of a first wavelength (light for a first optical disk), the light of a second wavelength (light for a second optical disk) and the light of a third wavelength (light for a third optical disk); and the light of the third wavelength is incident on the objective lens in a finite system. The objective lens is provided so that the focal distance of the light of the second wavelength is greater than the focal distance of the light of the first wavelength.
US08477584B2 Optical head, optical disc drive, computer, optical discplayer and optical disc recorder
When performing a read or write operation on an optical disc with information storage layers, this compatible optical head with a two-focus lens can reduce interference caused by an unnecessary diffracted light reflected from a non-target layer and not contributing to reading or writing. The head reads and/or writes information from/on storage media, including first and second media with different protective substrate thicknesses, by irradiating a given one with a laser beam and includes: a diffraction element that diffracts the beam to produce diffracted light of multiple orders; an objective lens for converging nth and mth order ones of the light on the respective storage layers of the first and second media; a photodetector that receives the beam reflected from the medium and condensed; and a light shielding portion for preventing a portion of the beam reflected from the storage layer of the second medium and including its optical axis from reaching the photodetector. The light shielding portion is arranged so as to reduce loss to be caused by cutting off the portion of the beam to a predetermined value or less.
US08477577B2 Method for recording on and reading out from optical information recording medium
Recording and reading method for optical information recording medium comprising: recording layer having thickness not less than 2λ/n, where λ is wavelength of recording beam and n is refractive index of the recording layer, and configured to undergo a change in the refractive index by irradiation with the recording beam; and adjacent layer adjacent to the recording layer at a side opposite to an incident side, comprises the steps of: recording a recording spot by irradiating with the recording beam, while shifting focal position by offset amount d, which satisfies ω0d3ω0, where ω0 is radius of the recording spot, from interface between recording layer and adjacent layer toward the incident side at a time of recording, whereby the refractive index of recording layer changes at a recording position to record recording spot; and reading out the information by irradiating with reading beam, while bringing it into focus on the interface.
US08477575B2 Optical disc apparatus
Before tracking control is turned on, there is determined a correction formula for correcting a balance value of a tracking error signal depending on a position of a movable lens for spherical aberration correction. Then, after the tracking control has been turned on, using an RF signal as an index, the adjustment of the position of the movable lens for spherical aberration correction is performed, while the balance value of the tracking error signal is corrected by use of the correction formula. An adjustment value for adjusting the balance value of the tracking error signal at a time point of completing the adjustment of the position of the movable lens for spherical aberration correction is stored.
US08477564B2 Timepiece with calendar mechanism including first date indicator and second date indicator
A timepiece with a calendar mechanism has a first date indicator provided with numbers for indicating the ones place of a date, and a second date indicator provided with numbers for solely indicating the tens place of the date and numbers for singly indicating the one-digit date. The first date indicator has 12 calendar feeding teeth formed as inner teeth. The calendar feeding teeth comprise first to tenth calendar feeding teeth spaced apart angularly in a first direction, an eleventh calendar feeding tooth arranged at an angular interval in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the first calendar feeding tooth, and a twelfth calendar feeding tooth arranged at an angular interval in the first direction relative to the eleventh calendar feeding tooth. The second date indicator has at least one window portion for displaying the ones place using the numbers of the first date indicator.
US08477563B2 Device for announcing prayer times
The device for announcing prayer times provides for announcement of Muslim prayer times by recitation of athan throughout a large but localized area, e.g., a large office building or structure, a school or hospital, or a public transportation terminal, stadium, mall, etc. The device includes a single geographically fixed central unit initially programmed according to local geographical area and calendar to provide accurate output of the specific times for Muslim prayer, which are based upon the angle of the sun. While the sun angles for prayer remain constant, prayer times vary according to calendar. The central unit transmits cable or wireless audio signals to a geographically fixed auxiliary unit that transmits signals to one or more remote speakers. The central unit includes a clock display, and may include a radio and/or television receiver and/or DVD player providing output to a video screen to display various programs and messages.
US08477561B2 Seismic streamer system and method
A seismic streamer system for acquiring seismic data includes a plurality of first cable sections each employing a first sensor configuration therein, and at least one second cable section operatively connected to one or more of the first cable sections and employing a second sensor configuration therein. In various embodiments of the streamer system, one or more of the second cable sections are sparsely integrated into a streamer, a streamer array, and/or a seismic spread. The first sensor configuration may, e.g., include a conventional hydrophone distribution, and the second sensor configuration may, e.g., include multicomponent sensors such as at least one of a particle velocity sensor, a pressure gradient sensor, an accelerometer, and a combination thereof. The present invention is useful for attenuating noise in the measured seismic data as well as deghosting the data. A particular deghosting process includes decomposing the up- and down-going parts of the vertical component of particle velocity associated with the acoustic wave reflections from the strata.
US08477557B2 Input circuit of semiconductor memory apparatus and controlling method thereof
Disclosed is an input circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus. The input circuit includes a first buffer and a second buffer. The first buffer has an input terminal connected with a first input pin for receiving a control signal used in a multi-control mode for controlling an entire memory area by dividing the entire memory area, and an output terminal having a first level according to a control mode signal. The second buffer has an input terminal connected with a second input pin for receiving one of plural signals used in a single control mode for controlling the entire memory area without dividing the entire memory area, and an output terminal having a second level according to the control mode signal.
US08477548B2 Semiconductor device equipped with a plurality of memory banks and test method of the semiconductor device
A write circuit writes a first data signal that is an input data signal that indicates a first logic level to each memory bank in sequence and writes a second data signal that is an input data signal that indicates a second logic level to each memory bank simultaneously.
US08477546B2 Semiconductor memory devices having redundancy arrays
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory areas. Each of the memory areas includes a normal cell array and a redundancy cell array for repairing defective cells generated in the normal cell array such that the semiconductor memory device is usable even when memory arrays include defective cells. A size of a redundancy cell array of a first memory area is greater than a size of the redundancy cell arrays of the other memory areas.
US08477545B2 Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes a plurality of stacked chips. At least two of the chips are configured to receive a column command and generate a column control signal based on the column command. Generation timing of the column control signal generated based on a column command in one of the at least two chips substantially coincide with the generation timing in the other of the at least two of the plurality of chips.
US08477544B2 Circuit apparatus and system
A circuit apparatus includes an output circuit that outputs a signal to a host apparatus via a bus, and an output control circuit that controls the output circuit. The output circuit has a first conductive transistor provided between an output node and a first power source node, and a second conductive transistor provided between the output node and a second power source node. In a first output mode, the output control circuit controls one of the first conductive transistor and the second conductive transistor to go to off and controls the other transistor to go to on/off, whereas in a second output mode, the output control circuit controls the first conductive transistor to go to on and the second conductive transistor to go to off or vice versa.
US08477539B2 Non-volatile memory cell and methods for programming, erasing and reading thereof
A non-volatile memory cell and methods for programming, erasing and reading thereof are provided. A non-volatile memory cell includes a substrate having a first conductive type. A first transistor, a second transistor and a select transistor having a second conductive type are disposed in the substrate, wherein a first gate of the first transistor is coupled to a second gate of the second transistor. A source region of the first transistor is coupled to a bit line. A drain region of the second transistor and a gate of the select transistor are coupled to a select gate line. A drain region of the first transistor is coupled to a source region of the select transistor. A drain region of the select transistor is coupled to a select line.
US08477537B2 Write-precompensation and variable write backoff
A technique for writing data is disclosed. The technique includes estimating an amount of additional voltage on a victim cell of a solid-state storage device caused by writing to one or more other cells in the solid-state storage device, determining a modified write value for the victim cell based at least in part on a desired value for the victim cell and the estimated amount of additional voltage, and writing the modified write value to the victim cell.
US08477532B2 Flash memory device configured to switch wordline and initialization voltages
Provided is a flash memory device including a wordline voltage generating unit, a switch unit, a row decoder and a control circuit. The wordline voltage generating unit generates at least one wordline voltage for read operations of a multi-level cell in the flash memory device. The switch unit receives the at least one wordline voltage and an initialization voltage, and selectively outputs the at least one wordline voltage and the initialization voltage through a switching operation. The row decoder operates the wordline of the multi-level cell based on an output of the switch unit. The control circuit provides at least one control signal to the switch unit, which outputs the initialization voltage in at least one section of the read operation in response to the at least one control signal.
US08477531B2 Spin torque transfer magnetoresistive random access memory in disk base with reduced threshold current
A semiconductor memory device includes a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ); and a magnetic feature aligned with the MTJ and approximate the MTJ. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the MTJ and the magnetic feature, the magnetic feature has a disk shape, and the MTJ has an elliptical shape and is positioned within the disk shape.
US08477530B2 Non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic based memory
A non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed on top of the fixed layer, a first free layer formed on top of the barrier layer, a non-uniform switching layer (NSL) formed on top of the first free layer, and a second free layer formed on top of the non-uniform switching layer. Switching current is applied, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the fixed layer, barrier layer, first free layer, non-uniform switching layer and the second free layer causing switching between states of the first free layer, second free layer and non-uniform switching layer with substantially reduced switching current.
US08477525B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory and manufacturing method of nonvolatile semiconductor memory
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes word lines, bit lines, memory cells, a dummy word line, a dummy bit line and dummy cells. The word lines and the bit lines cross. The memory cells are provided for each intersection of the word lines and bit lines. Each memory cell includes a first diode and a resistance change memory element. The dummy word line crosses the bit lines. The dummy bit line crosses the word lines. The dummy cells are provided at each intersection of the dummy word line and the bit lines, and at each intersection of the dummy bit line and the word lines. Each dummy cell includes a second diode.
US08477521B2 Fuse circuit and memory device including the same
A fuse circuit includes a plurality of fuse cells, an amplification unit, and a plurality of registers. The amplification unit is configured to sequentially amplify data stored in the fuse cells. The registers are configured to sequentially store data amplified by the amplification unit.
US08477515B2 Method and apparatus to limit maximum switch current in a switching power supply
An integrated circuit for use in a power supply includes a drive signal generator, a first delay, a second delay, a comparator, a first logic, a first short on time detector, and a second logic. The drive signal generator generates a drive signal to control a switch in response to a clock signal. The short on time detector sets the first latch indicating that an on time of the switch is a short on time. The second logic is coupled to detect long pulses of the drive signal to reset the first latch indicating that the on time of the switch is not a short on time. An on time of the drive signal is a short on time if a switch current of the switch exceeds a current limit after a sum of a leading edge blanking period and a current limit delay time period.
US08477514B2 Power system with power converters having an adaptive controller
A power system having a power converter with an adaptive controller. In one embodiment, a power converter coupled to a load includes a power switch configured to conduct for a duty cycle to provide an output characteristic at an output thereof. The power converter also includes a power converter controller configured to receive a signal from the load indicating a system operational state of the load and enable a power converter topological state as a function of the signal.
US08477503B2 Switch cabinet connection and combination apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention discloses a switch cabinet connection and combination apparatus, wherein upper line-in/line-out terminals of a medium-voltage switch cabinet are connected to upper contact boxes via a conductor, and lower line-in/line-out terminals thereof are connected to lower contact boxes via the conductor, and remaining gaps to be insulated are filled with a solid insulating material. The present invention further discloses a method of manufacturing a switch cabinet connection and combination apparatus including the steps of: connecting upper line-in/line-out terminals of a medium-voltage switch cabinet via a conductor to upper contact boxes; connecting lower line-in/line-out terminals thereof via the conductor to lower contact boxes; and pouring a solid insulating material for molding. The present invention realizes high reliability, small volume, and no pollution of the medium-voltage switch cabinet.
US08477500B2 Locking device and method for making the same
A locking device providing thermal management for an electrical assembly board is described and includes a fluid-permeable member saturated with a fluid and disposed between the electrical assembly board and a heat sink; a pair of locking device substrates substantially orthogonal to the electrical assembly board and the heat sink; and an actuator coupled to at least one of the locking device substrates. The fluid-permeable member is disposed between the locking device substrates. The actuator is configured to compress the fluid-permeable member by at least one of the locking device substrates forcing a portion of the fluid out of the fluid-permeable member and forming at least one fluid contact interface with the electrical assembly board and the heat sink in a reversible process. A method for making a locking device is also described.
US08477499B2 Assemblies and methods for dissipating heat from handheld electronic devices
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments include assemblies and methods for dissipating heat from an electronic device by a thermally-conducting heat path to the external casing via one or more portions of an electromagnetic interference shield and/or thermal interface material disposed around the device's battery or other power source. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive structure which comprises elastomer may be disposed about or define a battery area such that heat may be transferred to the external casing by a thermally-conductive heat path around the battery area through or along the thermally conductive structure which comprises elastomer.
US08477495B2 Airflow guide member and electronic device having the same
An electronic device includes a bottom plate, a circuit board having an electronic component, a fan, and an airflow guide member. The circuit board is fixed to the bottom plate. The fan is arranged at the front of the circuit board. The airflow guide member is arranged between the fan and the circuit board. The airflow guide member includes an airflow guide wall defining a number of spaced slots, and a number of stop plates selectively inserted into the corresponding slots of the airflow guide wall, to leave some of the slots directly in front of the bottom of the electronic component open.
US08477491B1 System with rack-mounted AC fans
A system includes a rack, one or more computer systems mounted in the rack, and two or more alternating current (AC) fans mounted in the rack. The AC fans move air through the computer systems mounted in the rack. At least one of the AC fans can move air through at least two of the computer systems mounted in the rack.
US08477489B2 Container data center system
A container data center system includes a plurality of container data centers and a dissipation system. Each container data center includes a container and a number of servers arranged in the container. The containers of the container data centers communicate with each other. The heat dissipation system includes a refrigerating device configured for generating cooling air to one of the containers.
US08477488B2 Removable storage system and method
A removable storage module including a housing that facilitates sliding of the removable storage module into and out of a slot of a modular computer device, wherein the slot includes an opening in a front panel of the modular computer device that enables the removable storage module to be installed into and removed from the slot while the modular computer device is installed in one or more slots of a computer chassis. The removable storage module also includes a latching mechanism that is selectively actuated between a locked and an unlocked position to selectively couple the removable storage module within the slot of the modular computer device during use.
US08477487B2 Computer hinge having a hollow clutch
A hinge assembly having a hollow clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least a hollow cylindrical portion that includes an annular outer region and a central bore region, the central bore region suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base and lid portions. The hinge assembly also includes a plurality of fastening components that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid portion of the portable computer, with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. The integrally formed fastening region(s) can be flat with holes dispersed therethrough for screws, bolts or the like. The central bore can also support a heat transfer element and can also serve as a lubricant reservoir.
US08477473B1 Transducer structure and method for MEMS devices
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus has a movable base structure including an outer surface region and at least one portion removed to form at least one inner surface region. At least one intermediate anchor structure is disposed within the inner surface region. The apparatus includes an intermediate spring structure operably coupled to the central anchor structure, and at least one portion of the inner surface region. A capacitor element is disposed within the inner surface region.
US08477472B2 Image-compensating addressable electrostatic chuck system
Systems and methods are provided for utilizing an image-compensating addressable electrostatic chuck to correct for imaging errors of a lithographic system. An image-compensating addressable electrostatic chuck comprises a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a support layer. The plurality of first electrodes are disposed on the substrate and spaced evenly in a first direction. The plurality of second electrodes are disposed on the substrate and spaced evenly in a second direction, the second direction being generally orthogonal to the first direction. The support layer is disposed above the pluralities of electrodes to support an object. Positionally overlapping portions of the plurality of first and second electrodes form a matrix of electrostatic force points, such that a non-uniform electrostatic force acts on the object in proximity of a given force point upon energizing a pair of the plurality of first and second electrodes associated with the given force point.
US08477471B2 Tapping armature for a transport and storage container for liquids
A tapping armature having an armature housing is made from plastic for liquid transport and storage containers, which are equipped with a plastic inner container having a filling port and a drain port for connection of the tapping armature, an outer casing made from metal mesh or sheet metal, and a pallet-like base made from metal. The tapping armature with the filling port of the armature housing is screwed to a connecting flange designed as a threaded flange and made from an electrically non-conductive plastic material, which is welded to the drain port of the inner container. The connecting flange of the armature housing is connected to the base of the outer casing of the transport and storage container via an grounding lead made from an electrically conductive plastic material. The connecting flange and the grounding lead are produced in two production steps with an injection molding machine according to 2K technology. In a further embodiment of the tapping armature, the connecting flange and the grounding cable are injection molded as a single part from an electrically conductive plastic, and the grounding cable is connected to the flange ring of the connecting flange by a tear-off film.
US08477470B2 Electric charge eliminating device and image forming apparatus equipped with the same
An electric charge eliminating device for eliminating electric charge on an image carrying member or on a recording medium carrying member which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, comprises a needlelike electrode having a plurality of protruding sections which form a plurality of discontinuous discharge points; an insulating holder for holding the needlelike electrode; a discharging power source for applying an electric voltage to the needlelike electrode; and a conductive shielding member arranged between the needlelike electrode and the image carrying member or the recording medium carrying member.
US08477468B2 Circuit protection device
A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in an electrical circuit having a voltage sensitive element within a tubular casing.
US08477466B1 Protective device with separate end-of-life trip mechanism
The present invention is directed to a protective wiring device including a fault detection circuit configured to provide a fault detection signal in response to a fault condition or a simulated fault condition. A second circuit is coupled to at least one user-accessible button and is configured to conduct a second signal in response to a user actuation of the at least one user-accessible button if the plurality of line terminals are coupled to a source of AC power, the second signal not simulating the fault condition. An automatic test circuit is configured to periodically determine whether the fault detection circuit is operative and provide an electronics test failure signal if the fault detection circuit fails to provide the fault detection signal in response to the periodically effected simulated fault condition.
US08477465B2 Earth leakage detection method
It is judged whether the abnormal current is due to the electric leakage or not by a detection step detecting the abnormal current by the leakage current detection board and comparing a threshold value of predetermined items stored in a storing unit and actual values corresponding to the items at the time of when a compressor is stopped by detecting the abnormal current in the detection step. Specifically, the abnormal current is recognized as the electric leakage to be displayed on a display unit when at least one of the operating time at the time of detecting the abnormal current, the inner pressure of a motor, and a discharge pipe temperature is lower than the corresponding threshold value.
US08477460B1 Disk drive including an actuator latch having a defeat position
There is provided a disk drive that includes a base, a limiting member, an actuator, and a latch. The actuator includes an actuator catch with a catch path. The latch contacts the limiting member with the latch in an open position. The latch is biased to rotate to a defeat position. An arresting portion is in the catch path with the latch in a closed position. The arresting portion is not in the catch path with the latch in the open position, and not in the catch path with the latch in the defeat position. A crash stop portion contacts the actuator with the latch in the closed position and with the actuator in a stop position. The crash stop portion does not contact the actuator with the latch in the defeat position.
US08477453B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording write head with milling defined track width
A main pole layer having at least a leading taper and trimmed pole tip portion is described. The leading taper increases head field up to ≧15000 Oe even for narrow track widths approaching 50 nm. For MAMR applications, a STO and trailing shield are sequentially formed on a trailing pole tip side. Furthermore, full side shields may be added to reduce fringing field. Another embodiment involves including both of a leading taper and trailing taper at the pole tip where leading taper angle is between 20° and 60° and trailing taper angle is from 10° to 45°. A method is provided for forming various embodiments of the present invention. A key feature is that milling depth at an effective neck height distance is greater than or equal to the pole tip thickness. A self aligned STO may be formed by the same ion milling step that defines track width.
US08477450B2 Base for motor and hard disk drive including the same
There is provided a base for a motor, the base including: a base body having a disk disposed thereon; an outer wall part defining an outer part of the base body; and at least one rib depressed from one surface of the base body and protruded toward the other surface thereof to thereby improve rigidity of the base body, wherein pressure in an inner edge of the rib is equal to or greater than pressure in an outer edge thereof at the time of rotation of the disk.
US08477446B2 Writing data to a tape
A method and apparatus for writing data to a tape is disclosed. A plurality of data segments are written onto a tape simultaneously. Any data segments written to the tape that needs to be rewritten are identified. Each data segment that needs to be re-written is accumulated. The accumulated data segments are written to tape when a full set of data segments have been accumulated. The re-written data segments each have a first field in a header that designates itself and a second field in the header that designates a second re-written data segment.
US08477444B1 Clock frequency synchronization for magnetic recording device
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to control of magnetic recording devices, such as disk drives. Systems and techniques include generating timing data based on a clock signal and a waveform produced by a head operated with respect to a rotating recording medium and the clock signal, determining model parameters based on the timing data to model deterministic disturbances associated with the rotating recording medium, predicting a frequency offset by a model-based technique for the compensation of the deterministic disturbances between two servo wedges, predicting a frequency offset associated with one or more nondeterministic disturbances by a loop filter, determining a clock adjustment based on the predicted deterministic and nondeterministic frequency offsets, and adjusting a clock frequency to read or write data within the area.
US08477435B2 Imaging lens
An imaging lens, although compact, has satisfactorily corrected aberrations. The imaging lens is configured by disposing, in sequence from the object side, a stop (ST); a first lens (L1), which has a double convex shape near the optical axis; a meniscus-shaped negative second lens (L2) which has near the optical axis a convex surface facing the object side; a meniscus-shaped positive third lens (L3) which has near the optical axis a concave surface facing the object side; and a positive fourth lens (L4) which has a double convex shape near the optical axis. In the configuration, the refractive power of the first lens (L1) is greater than the refractive power of each of the second lens (L2), the third lens (L3), and the fourth lens (L4).
US08477432B2 Image lens with low chromatic aberration and high resolution
An image lens for imaging an object on an image plane, in the order from the object side to the image side thereof, includes: a first lens with negative refraction power, a second lens with positive refraction power, a third lens with negative refraction power, a fourth lens with positive refraction power, and a fifth lens. The image lens satisfies the following formula: 0.9
US08477430B2 Image pickup apparatus having lens barrel
An image pickup apparatus includes a lens barrel. The lens barrel is configured to move first and second optical units in an optical axis direction for zooming. The lens barrel includes a linear movement cylinder that includes a key configured to guide the first optical unit, a rotation cylinder that includes an outer circumferential cam and an inner circumferential cam, the rotation cylinder being configured to rotate around an optical axis so as to move the first optical unit in the optical axis direction through the outer circumferential cam and so as to move the second optical unit in the optical axis direction through the inner circumferential cam, and a guide bar held by the linear movement cylinder and configured to guide the second optical unit in the optical axis direction.
US08477417B2 Imaging optical system, microscope apparatus including the imaging optical system, and stereoscopic microscope apparatus
A variable power optical system used in a parallel stereoscopic microscope apparatus includes a plurality of optical paths in which optical axes are arranged substantially parallel, a plurality of lens groups that change the magnification of a diameter of a luminous flux entering substantially parallel to each of the optical paths to eject the luminous flux as substantially parallel luminous fluxes, and at least two lens groups move along the optical axis in each optical path according to the change in the magnification. At least two lens groups of at least one optical path among the plurality of optical paths move in a direction including a component perpendicular to the optical axis according to the change in the magnification at at least part of a section where the magnification is changed from a high-power end state to a low-power end.
US08477415B2 Multifunctional optical sheet having light shielding property
A multifunctional optical sheet having a light shielding property is provided, which includes polycarbonate, a metal mixture, and a pigment. Since the metal mixture is composed of chrome, iron, and nickel, the visible light transmittance is improved, and the infrared rays are intercepted.
US08477414B2 Optical element, window material, fitting, and insolation shielding device
An optical element has a first optical layer; a reflective layer; and a second optical layer. The reflective layer includes at least five layers of high refractive-index layers and metal layers alternately laminated. When a thickness L of the entire reflective layer is 80 nm, a ratio α of an optical thickness of the entire metal layers to that of the entire high refractive-index layers and a ratio β of an optical thickness of a third high refractive-index layer to that of a first high refractive-index layer are included in a first region, when the thickness L is 90 nm, the ratios α and β are included in a second region, and when the thickness L is 80 to 90 nm, the ratios α and β are included in a space enclosed by the first region, the second region, and straight lines derived from these regions.
US08477413B2 Optical element
An optical element for reflecting solar light has excellent weather resistance, and furthermore, a high reflectance in a wide band. When solar light enters an optical element (OE), light (L1) in a short wavelength band among the solar light is reflected by a dielectric multilayer film (DF). Other light (L2) in longer wavelength bands are passed through the dielectric multilayer film (DF), then a base material (SS), and reflected by a metal deposition film (MV) to pass through the base material (SS) and the dielectric multilayer film (DF). Thus, high reflectance in a wide band is ensured.
US08477403B2 Variable length imaging apparatus using electronically registered and stitched single-pass imaging systems
An imaging apparatus including multiple spatial light modulators, each including light modulating elements arranged in two-dimensional array disposed in a homogenous light field, multiple anamorphic optical systems, each disposed downstream from an associated spatial light modulator, a scan structure, and an image stitching controller. The light modulating elements of each spatial light modulator are individually adjustable to either pass received homogenous light portions to the anamorphic optical systems, or to block/redirect the homogenous light portions, thereby generating a two-dimensional modulated light field. Each anamorphic optical system images and focuses received modulated light field onto an associated substantially one-dimensional scan line portion on the scan structure. The image stitching controller modifies the image data sent to each spatial light modulator such that selected light modulating elements are enabled or disabled, thereby electronically stitching the scan line portions to form a seamlessly stitched scan line image.
US08477402B2 Photonic modulation of a photonic band gap
An apparatus comprises a first photonic crystal structure having a first photonic band gap distribution and configured to support a first electromagnetic signal, wherein the first photonic band gap distribution may vary according to a second electromagnetic signal.
US08477395B2 Computation of gamut boundary by sampling device-independent color space
The present invention provides for determining a gamut boundary description for a color device, the color device being characterized at least by a destination transform which converts colors from a device-independent color space to a device-dependent color space and which reports out-of-gamut colors. A set of sample values is determined in the device-independent color space. For each of the sample values within the set of sample values, the destination transform is applied to the sample value, and in a case where the sample value is in gamut, the sample value is included within a set of gamut boundary values. The gamut boundary description is determined by forming a set of polygonal surfaces based on the set of gamut boundary values. Accordingly, a gamut boundary description is determined without necessarily having to sample additional color values as the number of colorant channels for the color device increases.
US08477390B2 Image processor, image processing method, and computer program product
An image processor includes a control unit, wherein the control unit includes an image obtaining unit that obtains an image including a document area corresponding to a document read by an image reader, an edge coordinate detecting unit that detects coordinate values of edge candidate pixels, a tilt calculating unit that calculates a tilt of the document area, or a tilt obtaining unit that obtains the tilt of the document area detected by a predetermined sensor, an edge end coordinate extracting unit that extracts a coordinate value of an edge end candidate pixel, a straight line calculating unit that calculates a straight line corresponding to the edge, and either one or both of a tilt correcting unit that corrects the tilt of the document area by rotating the document area, and an area clipping unit that clips the document area from the image.
US08477388B2 Scanner with a separate flatbed glass and ADF glass
A scanner is disclosed. The scanner has a flatbed glass and an ADF glass mounted to a top cover with a gap formed between the two glass pieces. The scanner has a scanner module that has an ADF scan position underneath the ADF glass and a flatbed scan position underneath the flatbed glass. When the scanner module is in the flatbed scan position the scanner module references the flatbed glass. The scanner module crosses the gap between the two glass pieces when the scanner module moves from the flatbed scan position to the ADF scan position. The scanner module is lowered away from the flatbed glass as the scanner module approaches and moves across the gap between the two glass pieces.
US08477387B2 Image reading apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image reading apparatus that improves reading productivity during simultaneous double-sided reading without leading to increases in the size and cost of the apparatus and a method for controlling the image reading apparatus are provided. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus, in the case of a single-sided reading mode, controls the scanning speed of a first image reading unit to a first scanning speed and controls the distance between original document sheets to a first distance between original document sheets. On the other hand, in the case of a double-sided reading mode, the image reading apparatus controls the scanning speed of the first image reading unit to a second scanning speed that is the scanning speed of a second image reading unit and that is slower than the first scanning speed, and controls the distance to a second distance that is shorter than the first distance.
US08477385B2 Image reading apparatus with substrate support, image forming apparatus with substrate support
An image reading apparatus includes a casing, a light emitting section, a substrate, a support member, and a light guide. The light emitting section includes plural point light sources disposed in a row. The light emitting section is installed to a first face of the substrate. The support member is installed to the casing and supports a second face of the substrate at a projection portion where a position of the light emitting section is projected at the second face of the substrate. The light guide is installed to the casing adjacent to the light emitting section, and guides light from the light emitting section to a read-face.
US08477384B2 Solid-state image pickup device and image pickup method
A solid-state image pickup device and image pickup method eliminate a dark-current component by adjusting the black level appropriately even if the dark-current component varies among horizontal lines. A pixel array includes light-receiving pixel elements and light-blocking pixel elements disposed such that horizontal lines include the light-blocking pixel elements individually. A readout circuit block reads pixel signals of each of the horizontal lines from the pixel array, inputs the pixel signals to ADC circuits (column ADC circuit block), and outputs the pixel signals of the light-blocking pixel elements. A ramp signal generation circuit obtains the pixel signals of the light-blocking pixel elements output from the readout circuit block, generates a ramp signal by using a reference level of AD conversion adjusted for each of the horizontal lines in accordance with the obtained pixel signals of the light-blocking pixel elements, and inputs the ramp signal to the ADC circuits.
US08477382B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting data in a multi-channel system
Conventional analog front ends or AFEs for scanners are implemented using multiple integrated circuits or ICs. As a result, there is typically a problem of skew (due at least in part to manufacturing process variations) for these different ICs in the AFE. Here, an AFE is provided which serializes input data so as to compensate for skew.
US08477381B2 Document administration apparatus, document administration method and recording medium
A document administration apparatus, comprising: a transmitter to transmit a document to a plurality of destinations; a memory to record status information of said transmitted document therein; and a changer to change status information of said document recorded in said memory, according to an operation by a destination user to whom said document is transmitted.
US08477380B2 Optimizing a seam for a print job
A method for seam for a layout of a packaging printing job (908). The method is adapted to create minimal plate waste (1312) and includes the following steps; providing a wrapped layout (120) comprised of plurality of step and repeat element elements, and analyzing the wrapped layout to produce seam cut line design (1204) for the packaging printing job. The cut line is produced by searching for an non imaged areas inside the images and the borders of the step and repeat elements.
US08477376B2 System to enable development of clear toner forms
A method for forming a variable data job includes a fixed original image provided by original image data in a first multiple channel color plane and content provided by variable image data in a second multiple channel color plane. The original image data is converted to fixed image data in a clear channel color plane. Raster image processing is performed on the fixed image data to translate the fixed image data into a first ready-to-print file. The ready-to-print file is saved in a memory as a post-RIP file. The variable image data is subsequently provided in at least the second multiple channel color plane. Image processing is performed on the variable image data to obtain a second ready-to-print file. The post-RIP file is merged with the second ready-to-print file for forming the variable data job. The variable data job is printed to render output.
US08477372B2 Updating an image quality metric database to account for printer drift
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining a printer metric in terms of image quality (IQ) over a large complex set of conditions based upon measurements taken over a small simple set of conditions while compensating for printer drift. The present system and method effectively utilizes a predictive model that predicts noise measurements of multi-separations from those of single-separation colors and/or a subset of the multi-separations. Because a model is used to comprehend the metric over the entire gamut, the number of patches is reduced. This reduction enables the method to be used within a machine to dynamically characterize the device's image quality metric. Various embodiments have been disclosed.
US08477369B2 Image processing apparatus and its method, and computer-readable storage medium
An image processing apparatus which inputs data obtained by reading a chart of highlights formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a correction condition of an image reading unit based on the data. The image processing apparatus includes a first image reading unit configured to read the chart of highlights formed by the image forming apparatus, a second image reading unit configured to read the chart of highlights, a calculation unit configured to calculate a difference between an image signal read by the first image reading unit and an image signal read by the second image reading unit, and a generation unit configured to generate a correction condition for correcting reading resolving power of the first image reading unit or reading resolving power of the second image reading unit corresponding to the difference.
US08477368B2 Printing apparatus and print data processing system combining stored pattern-based print drawing data with newly-received print drawing data
A printing apparatus includes a print drawing data storage storing first print drawing data from a print data generation apparatus, an administration information unit storing administration information of the first print drawing data, and an image processing unit. The print data generation apparatus includes a pattern data register registering pattern data corresponding to first image information, a pattern data converter, a first image converter converting the pattern data into the first print drawing data, a second image converter converting second image information into second print drawing data, and an image composition unit combining the first and second print drawing data. The image processing unit determines whether administration information of first print drawing data newly received and already stored in the administration information unit are the same. If so, the image processing unit combines the first print drawing data already stored and the second print drawing data.
US08477361B2 Image data generating apparatus and image data generating method for generating image data when an image is printed in a divided manner
The generation of dot data of planes depending on a plurality of scannings and ink colors in an ink jet printing apparatus is performed based on the error diffusion processing for each plane without causing a problem of grain. Specifically, in a binarization processing, C divided data D8c/2 is subjected to an error diffusion processing to calculate binary (dot) data D2c1 for the first pass of C. Next, M divided data D8m/2 is compensated by being added with a term of Kc1m1(D8c/2-D2c1). Then, this compensated data [D8m/2+Kc1m1(D8c/2-D2c1)] is subjected to an error diffusion processing to calculate dot data D2m1 for the first pass of M. In this manner, the generation of the respective planes performs correction to reflect the results of the binarization processing of the respective previously processed planes to subject the compensated data to an error diffusion processing.
US08477353B2 Information processing apparatus, printing method, printing system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes an application executing unit and a printing program executing unit. The application executing unit executes an application according to operation content received from an external terminal apparatus and outputs a printing command to print an execution result. The printing program executing unit receives the printing command output from the application executing unit using a pseudo-printing apparatus driver and transmits the printing command from the pseudo-printing apparatus driver to a pseudo-application that can output the printing command to a printing apparatus driver of the external terminal apparatus connected to a printing apparatus through a local area network.
US08477345B2 Method for producing a label, computer program product, network node and system for carrying out the method
There is provided a method and system for producing a label that can be applied onto a mailpiece. An exemplary method comprises providing a data service via a network node, the data service being performed in a provider server of a service provider. The exemplary method also comprises performing a one-time printing of the label via a control program, such that an intelligent document is transmitted from the provider server via a network to a user client, the one-time printing being done if a network connection exists between the user client and the provider server, and if, on the basis of a query to the provider server, it has been ascertained that that label had not been printed before. The exemplary method additionally comprises transmitting a message from the user client to the provider server when the label is printed for the first time. The exemplary method further comprises logging the printing in the provider server in response to the message.
US08477342B2 Remote network access system for generating output from selected image processing apparatus in a waiting state in response to operation on operation screen of remote access apparatus conformed to operation screen of the selected image processing apparatus
A plurality of image processing apparatuses 1 and a remote access apparatus 2 which remotely operates each image processing apparatus 1 are connected through a network 3. Each image processing apparatuses 1 have a same operation screen. The remote access apparatus 2 accesses the plurality of image processing apparatuses 1, and acquires screen data for displaying an operation screen A, from one of the image processing apparatuses 1. The remote access apparatus 2 displays the same operation screen A as the operation screen of the image processing apparatus 1. When a user performs an operation for outputting reports on this operation screen A, the remote access apparatus 2 requests output from each image processing apparatus 1. Each image processing apparatus 1 creates a report and transmits it to the remote access apparatus 2. Therefore, it is possible to acquire reports about the conditions of the plurality of image processing apparatuses outputted from the plurality of image processing apparatuses by one operation.
US08477339B2 Image processing apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium, in which data is compressed according to a lossless or lossy compression method
This invention determines a compression method of printing data in consideration of a printing operation halt time when a low-speed interface is used. An image processing apparatus of this invention, which is connected to a printing apparatus, compresses printing data, and outputs the compressed printing data, determines the interface type, acquires a print waiting time, and determines the compression method of printing data based on the determined interface type and the acquired print waiting time. The image processing apparatus compresses printing data using the determined compression method, and outputs the compressed printing data to the printing apparatus.
US08477334B2 Contactless IC chip, portable terminal, information processing method, and program
A semiconductor integrated circuit device for use in a data communication apparatus includes setting means for setting, for each of a plurality of files that the semiconductor integrated circuit device manages, a flag indicating whether definition information functioning as information on each of the plurality of files is browsable or not browsable; and response sending means for sending, when provision of the definition information on a file is externally requested, a response falsely indicating that the semiconductor integrated circuit device is not managing the file existing in the plurality of files according to the flag set for the file indicating that the definition information on the file is not browsable.
US08477333B2 Printing system and bottleneck obviation through print job sequencing
A printing system capable of processing a plurality of job streams and sub-jobs within a job stream. The system including one or more marking engines, a hopper, and one or more print media destinations. The system further provides a jobs scheduler for determining a schedule for processing queued print sub-jobs of a job stream using a utility function based on dwell time and a system model indicative of the plurality of interconnected processing units. The plurality of sub-jobs employing one or more of the plurality of sheet processing paths including at least one pre-print batch and at least one direct print batch. A sheet itineraries processor is provided for causing the plurality of interconnected processing units to concurrently move sheets of the concurrent sub-jobs along selected sheet processing paths to process the sheets and to deliver the at least one pre-print batch to the hopper and to deliver the at least one direct print batch to the destination.
US08477329B2 Printing variable data on a variety of different pre-printed stocks
A printing apparatus for variable pre-printed stock stores customer data and two or more different pre-printed stocks. A scanner scans the printed area of the pre-printed stocks and produces tray stock information identifying the stocks. Received electronic customer orders include the customer data and selection data for one or more of the pre-printed stocks. A controller receives the tray stock information and the electronic customer orders for matching the tray stock information to the electronic orders to produce print instructions. A printer receives the print instructions and prints the customer data corresponding to the match onto pre-printed stocks identified by the match.
US08477327B2 Scanner registration systems and methods for providing a notification of a scanner re-registration requirement when statistics are outside predetermined registration range
Embodiments herein process a plurality of jobs through a document handler (the jobs comprise one or more media sheets), scan the media sheets as the media sheets pass through the document handler and pass by a scanner, and maintain statistics of registration of the media sheets with respect to the scanner over time (hours or days). The method compares the statistics with a predetermined registration range and provides a notification of a scanner re-registration requirement when the statistics are outside the predetermined range.
US08477325B2 Apparatus and method of managing print settings data, and recording medium
An apparatus and method of managing print settings data, and a recording medium storing a program for managing print settings data are provided. The print settings data is managed by printer driver, logical printer, group of users, or user, using a directory structure under a file system of an operating system.
US08477324B2 Image processor and image processing method that uses s-shaped gamma curve
An image processor includes an automatic color determining unit that determines whether an input image signal including a plurality of color signals indicates a color image or a monochrome image, an operation panel for accepting selection of a color processing mode for applying color image processing and a monochrome processing mode for applying monochrome image processing, a filtering processor that applies image processing of at least one of the color processing and the monochrome processing, and an output controller. Even when the monochrome processing mode is accepted, the image processor applies monochrome image processing based on a determination result of the automatic color determining unit.
US08477320B2 Method and measuring arrangement for the three-dimensional measurement of an object
Method for measuring the shape of a section of a semi-transparent object such as one section of a tooth, using a light source for generating light with a broadband spectrum in a device for generating a multifocal illumination pattern, a lens with a large chromatic aberration for imaging foci of the illumination pattern onto the object, and a detection device for determining the wavelength spectra of the foci confocally imaged onto the object via the lens, wherein a spectral peak position of each focus is determined from the respective wavelength spectrum, from which position the extent of the object in the direction of the imaging beam (Z coordinate) is calculated.
US08477319B2 Measuring apparatus
A measuring apparatus for measuring a three-dimensional shape includes a light source, a contact tip that is brought into contact with an object to be measured and scans the object to be measured, a holding portion that is movable along the object to be measured, a coupling portion for coupling the contact tip to the holding portion via a flexible support member, and an objective lens supported by the holding portion. In addition, an optical system condenses light provided by the light source on the contact tip via the objective lens, a photodetector receives backscattered light from the contact tip and detects a position of the contact tip that is brought into contact with the object to be measured, a moving unit moves the holding portion, and a position measuring instrument measures a position of the holding portion. The measuring apparatus measures the three-dimensional shape by measuring the position of the holding portion while scanning the object to be measured with the contact tip that is brought into contact with the object to be measured, and the contact tip is provided with a film for reflecting the light condensed thereon.
US08477318B2 Optical fiber-based three-dimensional imaging system
Described are an imaging device and method for determining three-dimensional position information of a surface of an object. The device includes a pair of optical fibers, a phase shifter, a detector array and a processor. The phase shifter is coupled to one of the optical fibers and is used to change a phase of optical radiation emitted from the optical fiber relative to a phase of optical radiation emitted from the other optical fiber. The detector array receives optical radiation scattered by the surface of the object. The processor communicates with the detector array and the phase shifter. Signals generated by the detector array are received by the processor and three-dimensional position information for the surface is calculated in response to the received optical radiation scattered by the surface of the object and the change in the relative phase of optical radiation emitted by the optical fibers.
US08477317B2 Position measuring arrangement
A position measuring arrangement that includes a retroreflector, a light source generating a lightbeam and a scanning unit that generates a partially-divergent lightbeam. The scanning unit includes a scanning mirror mounted so it is deflected in a reproducible manner so that a grid-like scanning of a two-dimensional spatial area by the partially-divergent lightbeam takes place over a plurality of scanning tracks. The position measuring arrangement including an interferometric distance measuring unit that includes a beam splitter element that splits the lightbeam generated by the light source so that split lightbeams pass through a reference arm and a measuring arm at least once in each direction. The interferometric distance measuring unit includes an opto-electronic detector unit, through which a detection of distance-dependent signals from superimposed lightbeams from the reference arm and the measuring arm takes place.
US08477313B2 SPR apparatus with a high performance fluid delivery system
An apparatus may include a flow cell for a surface plasmon resonance test apparatus and a fluid delivery system operatively coupled to the flow cell and configured to deliver a plurality of fluids to the flow cell substantially continuously. The fluid delivery system may include two pumps for pumping the fluids.
US08477311B2 Filter wheel spectrometer
A filter wheel and a spectrometer including the filter wheel are disclosed. The filter wheel has a first support structure on which a first plurality of filters are mounted and a second support structure on which at least one filter is provided. A radiation source generates a radiation beam, and a beam splitter splits the radiation beam into a first detection path and a second detection path. The first plurality of filters are selectively movable into the first detection path. The at least one filter on the second support structure is arranged to be disposed in the second detection path. The spectrometer includes a first radiation detector that detects radiation that passes through the selected filter in the first detection path, and a second radiation detector that detects radiation passing through the filter in the second detection path.
US08477307B1 Methods and apparatus for biomedical agent multi-dimension measuring and analysis
This invention, methods and apparatus for biomedical agent multi-dimension measuring and analysis, provide the multi-dimension measuring of the biomedical agents, cells, molecules, any and all explosive and hazardous agents, aerosol, airborne particles, liquid/fluid contaminations/particles, gas particles, etc. in order to recognize the multi-dimension size of the particles, select and sort them by their multi-dimension measurements, and count the particles in each sorted group. An improved apparatus for biomedical agent multi-dimension measuring and analysis comprises at least two light (laser) beam sources and at least two light detection means respectively located in the chamber. Also, the improved apparatus includes the amplifying, processing and control means providing distinguish and imaging of the particles/biomedical agents by their multi-dimensions, thereby, providing more precise agent grouping for analysis and counting.
US08477301B2 Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing system and inspection/periphery exposure apparatus
An edge exposure unit includes a projector, a projector holding unit, a substrate rotating unit, an outer edge detecting unit and a surface inspection processing unit. Each component of the projector holding unit operates to move the projector in an X direction and a Y direction. The projector irradiates a peripheral portion of a substrate with light transmitted from a light source for exposure through a light guide. Edge sampling processing is performed based on distribution of an amount of light received in a CCD line sensor of the outer edge detecting unit. Surface inspection processing is performed based on distribution of an amount of light received in a CCD line sensor of the surface inspection processing unit.
US08477299B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance
The present disclosure is directed generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance. A method including receiving a physical wafer pattern according to a mask, extracting a mask contour from the mask, and extracting a deconvolution pattern based on the mask contour. A lithography process is simulated to create a virtual wafer pattern based on the deconvolution pattern. The virtual wafer pattern is then compared to the physical wafer pattern.
US08477294B2 Measuring volume and constituents of cells
A method of determining a volume of a platelet includes: (a) illuminating the platelet with incident light at a plurality of illumination wavelengths; (b) obtaining at least one two-dimensional image of the platelet corresponding to each illumination wavelength; (c) for each illumination wavelength, determining a mean optical density and a maximum optical density for the platelet; (d) determining an area of the platelet; (e) for each illumination wavelength, determining a volume of the platelet; (f) for each illumination wavelength, determining an integrated optical density for the platelet; and (g) determining the volume of the platelet based on a weighted combination of the area of the platelet, the volumes of the platelet corresponding to each of the illumination wavelengths, and the integrated optical densities for the platelet corresponding to each of the illumination wavelengths.
US08477289B2 Position measurement using natural frequency vibration of a pattern
A detection method for detecting a property of an extended pattern formed by at least one line generally extending in a first direction. The extended pattern is formed on a substrate or on a substrate table and may extend, for example, over a length of at least 50× the width of the line. The extended pattern is focus sensitive. The detection method includes moving the substrate table in a first direction and measuring along that first direction a property of the extended pattern. The property can be a result of a physical property of the extended pattern in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a next step a calibration of the substrate table position can be derived from the measured position of the extended pattern.
US08477288B2 Digital exposure method and digital exposure device for performing the method
A digital exposure method and a digital exposure device for performing the method are disclosed. In the method, a graphic data system file is produced in correspondence with each of a plurality of patterns formed on a substrate. Then, a digital micromirror device on/off data is generated from the graphic data system file. Then, the substrate is exposed in response to the digital micromirror device on/off data. Thus, at least a first exposure for forming a first pattern of a display panel, and a second exposure for forming identification numbers of a substrate and each display panel and removing an edge portion of the substrate may be simultaneously performed, to simplify the exposure process decrease costs.
US08477285B2 Particle cleaning of optical elements for microlithography
An optical assembly is mounted in a projection exposure apparatus (101) for EUV microlithography and includes at least one vacuum chamber (70, 71, 68a), at least one optical element (6, 7; 65, 66; 63) arranged in the vacuum chamber (70, 71, 68a), the optical element (6, 7; 65, 66; 63) having an optical surface (18) arranged to be impinged upon by a useful beam bundle (3) of the projection exposure apparatus (101), and a cleaning device (72) configured to clean the optical surface (18). The cleaning device (72) is configured to perform particle cleaning of the optical surface (18) at a gas pressure within the vacuum chamber (70,71, 68a) which is higher than a vacuum pressure (po) for performing an exposure operation with the projection exposure apparatus (101). As a result, optical elements having respective optical surfaces arranged to be impinged upon by a useful beam bundle can be cleaned reliably of foreign particles.
US08477283B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus comprises a first member, which is arranged so as to oppose a surface of a substrate, and between which and the surface of the substrate a liquid immersion space is formed; and a second member, which traps liquid that is present at the surface of the substrate. A distance between the second member and the substrate is smaller than a distance between the first member and the substrate.
US08477281B2 Liquid crystal device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic device
A liquid crystal device includes an element substrate on a surface of which a display element region is formed that includes a MOS-FET array circuit and an extension of a reflective electrode superposed on the MOS-FET array circuit; a counter substrate disposed so as to oppose the surface of the element substrate having the display element region, and including a transparent electrode formed on a surface opposing the element substrate; a seal member provided between the element substrate and the counter substrate in a loop shape so as to surround the display element region; and liquid crystal enclosed in the region surrounded by the seal member; and the seal member is not superposed on the extension of the reflective electrode in a region along an outer peripheral edge of the element substrate.
US08477277B2 Display substrate, method of manufacturing the same and display panel having the same
A display substrate includes a first shield pattern, a second shield pattern and a transparent electrode. The first shield pattern is disposed adjacent to a first data line. The second shield pattern is disposed adjacent to a second data line to face the first data line. The transparent electrode includes a first pixel electrode coupled to the first data line and the first shield pattern, and a second pixel electrode coupled to a first power line and the second shield pattern. The first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are disposed in an alternating arrangement. The transparent electrode is partially overlapped with at least one of the first data line or the second data line. In this approach, when a black image is displayed, light leakage can be prevented.
US08477276B2 Thin film transistor array substrate, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display device
A thin film transistor array substrate comprises a transparent substrate, and scanning lines, data lines and pixel regions that are formed on the transparent substrate. Each pixel region comprises a pixel electrode, a thin film transistor for controlling the pixel electrode, a first push alignment electrode and a second push alignment electrode. Projections of the first and second push alignment electrodes on the transparent substrate are located on two opposite sides of the pixel electrode. The pixel electrode is covered with an insulation layer and the insulation layer is provided with a pull alignment opening. When the thin film transistor array substrate is in operation, an oblique pull electric field is formed at the pull alignment opening, and transverse push electric fields are formed between the first push alignment electrode and the pixel electrode as well as between the second push alignment electrode and the pixel electrode, respectively.
US08477273B2 VA-mode liquid-crystal display device
The present invention relates to a VA-mode liquid-crystal display device comprising a front-side polarizing element (14), a rear-side polarizing element (12), and a VA-mode liquid-crystal cell (LC) disposed between the front-side polarizing element and the rear-side polarizing element, wherein the VA-mode liquid-crystal cell comprises a front-side substrate (24), a rear-side substrate (22), and a liquid-crystal layer (10) disposed between them, wherein the ratio of the member-contrast ratio (CRf) of the front-side substrate (22) to the member-contrast ratio (CRr) of the rear-side substrate, CRf/CRr satisfies 3≦CRf/CRr, and wherein the rear-side polarizing element (12) is directly stuck to the VA-mode liquid-crystal cell (LC).
US08477268B2 Azo compound and salts thereof, as well as dye-based polarization films and polarizing plates comprising the same
Azo compounds represented by formula (1) (In the formula, R1 represents a lower alkoxy group with a sulfone group. R2-R5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl group or lower alkoxy group. X is an optionally substituted amino group, optionally substituted benzoylamino group, optionally substituted phenylamino group, optionally substituted phenyl azo group or optionally substituted naphthotriazole group. m represents 1 or 2 and n represents 0 or 1.) and salts thereof.
US08477256B2 Liquid crystal module and display device
A liquid crystal module includes a rear frame, a light reflecting sheet, a linear light source, an optical sheet, a liquid crystal panel and a bezel. The rear frame includes a rear plate, a side plate, a top plate and an attachment stepped portion. The side plate extends from a side edge portion of the rear plate forward of the rear frame relative to the rear plate. The top plate extends from a top edge portion of the side plate outward of the rear frame relative to the side plate. The attachment stepped portion is formed at a longitudinal end portion of the top plate. The attachment stepped portion has a bottom plate with a fastener insertion hole. The bottom plate is located rearward of the rear frame relative to the top plate.
US08477255B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a light guide plate, a light source module, a first tape, a circuit board holder and an elastic support piece, an optical film, a panel, and an elastic buffer piece. By implement of the liquid crystal display device of this invention, the thickness and the weight of the liquid crystal display device can be reduced.
US08477253B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first substrate; a plurality of color filters formed on the first substrate and arranged in a matrix with an island shape; a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the color filters; and a capacitor disposed between neighboring color filters in a column direction among the color filters, wherein two terminals forming the capacitor are disposed at a portion outside a position overlapping the color filters.
US08477252B2 Display apparatus with gate leading lines of differing lengths
A display apparatus includes a first gate line extended in a predetermined direction; a second gate line extended in parallel to the first gate line; a first gate output terminal corresponding to the first gate line; a second gate output terminal corresponding to the second gate line; a first gate leading line electrically connecting the first gate line to the first gate output terminal; a second gate leading line electrically connecting the second gate line to the second gate output terminal and having a length longer than said first gate leading line; and a static electric protection line disposed so as to overlap the first gate leading line and the second gate leading line with an insulating layer interposed between said static electric protection line and the first and second gate leading lines, wherein an overlapping area between the first gate leading line and the static electric protection line is larger than an overlapping area between the second gate leading line and the static electric protection line.
US08477250B2 Circular displays
A rollable circular display device (10) is disclosed, comprising, in one embodiment, a ring-shaped display (6) expandable in two dimensions between a stored configuration and an expanded configuration and a body for winding the ring-shaped display in the stored configuration. In another embodiment, the rollable circular display device (10) comprises a housing (20), a circular display (6) expandable in two dimensions between a stored configuration in which the circular display (6) is stored within the housing (20) and an expanded configuration in which the circular display is fully viewable, and an inner cone, being arranged co-axially within the housing (20) and rotatable within the housing, wherein the circular display (6) is wound around the inner cone in the stored configuration.
US08477248B2 System and method of demodulating audio signals
A system and method for demodulating signals are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a signal at an input and determining a first noise estimate of the signal. The method also includes providing a first output indicating a second noise estimate of the signal at a primary carrier frequency and providing a second output indicating a third noise estimate of the signal at a secondary carrier frequency.
US08477244B2 Broadcasting reception system and method for selecting broadcasting channel using the same
A broadcasting system is provided, which includes an input unit including a character set button, and a broadcasting reception device. The broadcasting reception device includes a broadcasting information storing unit storing a PSIP, a broadcasting station title loading unit loading a broadcasting channel corresponding to a title information of a broadcasting station set by the character set buttons using the PSIP stored in the broadcasting information storing unit, and a broadcasting title data displaying unit displaying a broadcasting channel loading the broadcasting station title loading unit.
US08477243B2 Program guide apparatus acquiring program guide information and/or providing for program guide navigation using same
A digital television signal receiver, which includes an audio processor to process the audio data to be output as sound; a video processor to process a video data to be output on a screen; a storage to store the extracted program information; a processor to access the storage to generate a channel list based on the stored program information; wherein the channel list comprises at least one main channel number and the at least one main channel number has at least one corresponding sub-channel number in the received transport stream; a user interface to allow a user to navigate the channel list to search a channel number.
US08477238B2 Modular digital camera
Modular digital camera systems, such as modular digital still and motion cameras are disclosed. Individual modules may be removed from the system and replaced, such as to benefit from upgraded technology, while preserving the remaining modules in the system. The modules may be disassembled and reconstructed to convert the physical form of the camera, such as between still configurations, motion configurations, ENG configurations, DSLR configurations and studio configurations. Universal lens mount modules are provided, to enable use of lens systems from a variety of commercial manufacturers.
US08477237B2 Portable electronic device with adjustable camera
A portable electronic device includes a main body, a camera electrically connected to the main body, and a holder assembly. The holder assembly includes a first connecting beam, a second connecting beam, and a third connecting beam. The second connecting beam is rotatably connected to an end of the first connecting beam and an end of the third connecting beam. The camera is rotatably assembled on the other end of the first connecting beam, and the other end of the third connecting beam rotatably is connected to the main body.
US08477234B2 Brightness sensing system and illumination system using the same
A brightness sensing system includes an image pickup unit for taking an image of a target space and a calculation unit for calculating the brightness of an image pickup area based on the image taken by the image pickup unit. In the brightness sensing system, if the difference or the ratio between an image as a whole and a pixel block formed of one or more pixels is equal to or greater than a threshold in terms of brightness change between a previously-taken reference image and a currently-taken target image, the calculation unit excludes the pixel block from comparison candidates and compares the brightness of the target image with the brightness of the reference image based on the remaining pixels other than the pixel block.
US08477232B2 System and method to capture depth data of an image
Systems and methods of generating depth data using edge detection are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, first image data is received corresponding to a scene recorded by an image capture device at a first focus position at a first distance. Second image data is received corresponding to a second focus position at a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Edge detection generates first edge data corresponding to at least a first portion of the first image data and generates second edge data corresponding to at least a second portion of the second image data. The edge detection detects presence or absence of an edge at each location of the first portion and the second portion to identify each detected edge as a hard or soft edge. Depth data is generated based on the edge data generated for the first and second focus positions.
US08477231B2 Image sensing apparatus
An image sensing apparatus comprises an image sensing unit including an image sensor having a plurality of image sensing pixels and a plurality of focus detection pixels discretely arranged between the plurality of image sensing pixels, a shift detection unit that detects a shift amount between images obtained by a plurality of image sensing operations, a combining unit that combines signals of the focus detection pixels contained in the images obtained by the plurality of image sensing operations on the basis of the shift amount detected by the shift detection unit, and a focus adjustment unit that adjusts a focus of the imaging lens by using signals of the focus detection pixels before combined by the combining unit, and signals of the focus detection pixels that are combined by the combining unit.
US08477222B2 Method and apparatus for exposure level setting in machine vision systems
In a solid state image sensor having a pixel array, a first frame is imaged using varying exposure times in a series of zones. The exposure time for a subsequent frame is selected from the results of the first frame, The exposure times are controlled in a rolling blade manner by controlling the number of lines between reset and readout. The sensor is particularly suited to use in bar code readers.
US08477218B2 Method for correcting the space noise of an image sensor by luminescence limitation
The invention relates to matrix image sensors, and it relates more particularly to a method for correcting the fixed spatial noise of the matrix.The signal (Sij,n) obtained from each pixel (Pij) during a large number of successive images is collected; for each pixel, an approximate value (Mij) of an average of the signal obtained from the pixel during this large number of images is determined; the signal obtained from each pixel is corrected by adding to it the difference between a reference average value (M0) and the approximate average value. The approximate average is obtained by determining high and low limit values taken by the signal obtained from the pixel during the large number of images, and by calculating a median between these high and low limit values.
US08477212B2 Camera device, exposure control method, and program
A camera device is provided with an imager that outputs a long exposure signal and a short exposure signal within one field period; a knee processor that compresses a long exposure signal having the luminance level of a knee point or higher at a compression rate (i.e., decreases an inclination of an incident light amount-luminance level line, representing a variation in a luminance level with an amount of incident light); and a knee controller that adjusts the knee point and the compression rate according to a luminance level of a synthesized signal obtained by synthesizing the long exposure signal and the short exposure signal. In this knee control, the knee point decreases with an increase in the luminance level of the synthesized signal, and the inclination is adjusted to approach an original inclination thereof.
US08477208B2 Digital image processing apparatus to simulate auto-focus, method of controlling the apparatus, and recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method
Provided are a digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus, and more particularly, is a digital image processing apparatus which embodies a focusing screen digitally instead of optically, and a method of controlling the apparatus. The digital image processing apparatus includes: a lens; a photographing device obtaining data of an original image from light which has passed through the lens; and a digital signal processor performing a blurring treatment on the original image obtained from the photographing device and displaying the original image.
US08477207B2 Image capturing apparatus, image capturing method, and computer program
An image capturing apparatus including an image input unit configured to input an image to be captured; a face detecting unit configured to detect a face of at least one photographic subject included in the input image; a face-attribute detecting unit configured to detect attribute information of the detected face; a degree-of-friendliness computing unit configured to evaluate a degree of friendliness between a plurality of photographic subjects based on a correlation between items of attribute information of detected faces of the plurality of photographic subjects, the items of attribute information being detected by the face-attribute detecting unit, and outputting an evaluation value Hlove representing the degree of friendliness; and an image-capturing determining unit configured to determine a timing to capture the input image based on the evaluation value Hlove.
US08477205B2 Electronic camera that synthesizes two images taken under different exposures
An electronic camera for generating an image having a wide dynamic range by synthesizing two image pickup signals of different exposure amount generated by using an electronic shutter function and unit for shutting off light, shading of image pickup signals resulting from difference in charge accumulating time among the pixels of image pickup device due to operation from opened state to closed state of the unit for shutting off light being corrected by a shading correction unit to form a synthesized image without an occurrence of false color due to shading.
US08477204B2 Camera image editing using a television
Images stored in a camera are edited using a television. Television remote control output signals are received at the camera. The television remote control output signals are converted to camera image editing commands. An image stored in a memory associated with the camera is edited based upon the camera image editing commands. The edited image is output to the television. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08477201B2 Image pickup apparatus including image shake correction
An image pickup apparatus includes a first detection unit for detecting a rotation shake, a first computation unit for processing a detection signal of the rotation shake into a rotation shake correction target value, a second detection unit for detecting a parallel shake in a plane surface perpendicular to an optical axis, a second computation unit for process a detection signal of the parallel shake into a parallel shake correction target value, a shake correction unit for correcting an image shake in the plane surface of the image pickup apparatus based on the rotation and parallel shake correction target values, an initialization unit for initializing the parallel shake correction target value, and a control unit for moving the shake correction unit based on an image pickup start instruction prior to an image pickup operation while initializing the parallel shake correction target value.
US08477200B2 Imaging device and image reproduction device for correcting images
An imaging device (1) includes: an imaging element (33) which outputs a signal expressing an optical image of an imaging object upon an imaging process; a particular object detection unit (14) which successively acquires a frame image based on an output signal of the imaging element and detects the position of the particular object contained in the imaging object on the frame image according to the image signal of the frame image; a cut-out unit (15) which sets in the frame image, a cut-out region smaller than the entire region of the frame image according to the detected position and extracts the image in the cut-out region as a cut-out image; and an image quality compensation unit (16) which improves the resolution of the cut-out image.
US08477198B2 Interaction control system, method for detecting motion of object, host apparatus and control method thereof
A method for controlling a host apparatus, includes steps of the followings. First, a pattern is projected to a detection region. Second, images of the detection region are captured and image information stream is generated based on the images. Third, an image information associated with the pattern is identified to be a background image information. Fourth, a currently captured image information is subtracted to the background image information to identify if an object appears in the detection region. Fifth, a motion of the identified object is determined based on a variation of the pattern reflected from the identified object to generate a control instruction to the host apparatus. A host apparatus, an interaction control system and a method for detecting a motion of an object are also provided.
US08477197B2 Internet direct device
An Internet direct device comprises an imaging system and a microprocessor. The imaging system captures still or video images. The microprocessor transmits the captured still or video images to an account associated with a website or another Internet direct device upon image capture, and receives still or video images from other Internet direct devices over a communications network. The Internet direct device automatically connects to the communications network on power-up using one of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designated as a primary mode of connection. The Internet direct device automatically switches to another available mode of connection when the Internet direct device detects that the primary mode of connection to the communications network is unavailable.
US08477196B2 Mobile device and method for video recording
A mobile device comprises a built-in camera connects to a monitoring server via a communication network. The mobile device records a video feed and compresses the recorded video feed. The mobile device uploads the compressed video to the monitoring server. The mobile device can log in to the monitoring server to watch the uploaded video feed.
US08477195B2 Optical alignment structures and associated methods
A method of mutually aligning first and second imaging system fixturing components forms a first alignment structure on the first imaging system fixturing component, a second alignment structure on the second imaging system fixturing component, and engages the first and second alignment structures to align, with optical accuracy, the first and second imaging system fixturing components.
US08477194B2 Image capturing apparatus, control method thereof, and program
An image capturing apparatus comprising an object detection unit which detects a specific object from an image signal, and a control unit which performs first control corresponding to the specific object when the object detection unit detects the specific object, and performs second control different from the first control when the object detection unit does not detect the specific object, wherein when a state in which the specific object is detected by the object detection unit transits to a state in which the specific object becomes undetectable, the control unit changes, based on information before the specific object becomes undetectable, at least either of a time for which the first control is held and a transition speed when transiting from the first control to the second control.
US08477187B2 Imaging apparatus and pan/tilt head control method
In an imaging apparatus, when a pan/tilt head is located at a predetermined position, a photographed image acquired by an imaging unit is stored as a registered image. A photographed image, which is newly acquired by the imaging unit, is compared with the registered image when the pan/tilt head is not driven from the predetermined position after the registered image is stored. The pan/tilt head is driven to an initial position if, as a result of comparison between the photographed image and the registered image, it is determined that a degree of matching between the photographed image and the registered image satisfies a predetermined condition.
US08477186B2 Apparatus for removing reflected light
An apparatus for removing reflected light is provided, which is used for a measuring device that emits a sheet-like beam of light onto suspended particles and measures light scattered from the suspended particles. The apparatus includes a light introduction unit, a light reflective unit, a light sealing unit and a light absorption member. The light introduction unit has a first aperture, a second aperture, and a passage through which the light travels from the first aperture to the second aperture. The light reflective unit disposed opposite to the second aperture allows the light having traveled through the second aperture to reflect toward a predetermined direction so as to prevent the light from returning into the second aperture. The light sealing unit in which the light reflective unit is disposed has an inner wall to confine the light reflected from the light reflective unit.
US08477185B2 System for the angular orientation and detection of containers in labelling machines
A system for the angular orientation and detection of containers being processed in labelling machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for the detection and angular orientation of containers in labelling machines with a rotating turntable for handling the containers. The turntable is provided with a plurality of motor-driven pans which support and handle the containers. Four image cameras are controlled so as to acquire a set of four images which replicate the container image throughout the side surface or perimeter of the container.
US08477184B2 Ball with camera and trajectory control for reconnaissance or recreation
A thrown or projected ball-shaped camera for capturing images over the arc of its airborne trajectory is disclosed. Improvements include a position sensor for determining the camera's perspective in flight. An embedded processor for normalizing multiple captured images to a single ground plane, stitching multiple images into a panoramic image, and compiling multiple images into a smooth, continuous fly-by video. Also disclosed is a plurality of camera apertures facing outwardly from the sphere for capture of images to be stitched into a larger panoramic image.
US08477182B2 Endoscope apparatus and control method of endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus includes: a region dividing portion that divides an image; a brightness mean calculation portion that has a peripheral brightness mean calculation portion that calculates a peripheral brightness mean value, and a center brightness mean calculation portion that calculates a center brightness mean; a first weighting factor calculation portion that calculates a first weighting factor α; a first photometric value calculation portion that calculates a first photometric value based on a sum total of a value obtained by multiplying a center brightness mean by the first weighting factor α and a value obtained by multiplying the peripheral brightness mean by (1−α); and a brightness adjustment control portion that generates a brightness adjustment control signal for adjusting the brightness of the image based on the first photometric value.
US08477181B2 Video processing apparatus and video processing method
According to one embodiment, a video processing apparatus includes a viewer detector that performs face recognition using a video photographed by a camera and acquires position information of a viewer, a correction amount calculator that calculates a correction amount for compensating for an error of the position information involved in deviation of an attaching position of the camera, a position information corrector that corrects the position information using the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculator, a viewing area information calculator that calculates, using the position information corrected by the position information corrector, a control parameter for setting a viewing area in which the viewer is set, and a viewing area controller that controls the viewing area according to the control parameter.
US08477178B2 Dichroic cut filter for wide-angle imaging
An image device for wide-angle imaging may include an integrated optical system with a wide-angle dichroic cut filter. The dichroic cut filter may be an ultra-violet/infrared (UV/IR) cut filter to block UV and IR wavelengths of light and to transmit visible light. The dichroic cut filter is positioned adjacent to a surface of a lens in the optical system that receives rays of light at a substantially uniform angle of incidence along its surface. For example, the lens having the dichroic cut filter may receive all rays of light at an angle of incidence normal to the lens surface. The passband characteristics of the dichroic cut filter thus remain consistent for all rays of light. The dichroic cut filter may also be positioned near an aperture of the image device so as to direct retroreflected light away from the image sensor.
US08477177B2 Video conference system and method
Various embodiments of a video conference system and method are disclosed.
US08477175B2 System and method for providing three dimensional imaging in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data indicative of a personal position of an end user and receiving image data associated with an object. The image data can be captured by a first camera at a first angle and a second camera at a second angle. The method also includes synthesizing the image data in order to deliver a three-dimensional rendering of the object at a selected angle, which is based on the data indicative of the personal position of the end user. In more specific embodiments, the synthesizing is executed by a server configured to be coupled to a network. Video analytics can be used to determine the personal position of the end user. In other embodiments, the method includes determining an approximate time interval for the synthesizing of the image data and then delaying audio data based on the time interval.
US08477173B2 High definition videoconferencing system
In some embodiments, a videoconferencing system may support using high definition images (e.g., 1280×720 pixels) for high definition displays. The videoconferencing system comprises a plurality of participant locations that may participate in the videoconference. Each participant location may comprise videoconferencing equipment, such as at least one camera, microphone(s), a display, one or more speakers, and a videoconferencing codec. The camera may be a high definition camera operable to acquire or capture images having a high resolution compatible with HDTV. In one embodiment, the videoconferencing equipment comprises a H.264 encoder and is operable to encode the video stream of high definition images using H.264 encoding techniques. In one embodiment the network may be 1.544 MB or less (e.g., T1 or less). In another embodiment, the network is 2.048 MB or less.
US08477172B2 Apparatus and method for writing a flip image structure
The invention relates to an apparatus for writing a flip image structure on a base. Said apparatus comprises a laser light source that has a control device for specifically modifying an angle at which the laser light emerges from the laser light source, and a holder for the base. According to the invention, two deflection elements for the laser light are provided in the beam range of the laser light source. Said deflection elements are arranged such that laser light of the laser light source that is deflected, especially reflected by the deflection elements is incident on the flip image structure of the base accommodated on the holder at a different angle of incidence. The invention further relates to a method that can be carried out especially by means of a disclosed apparatus.
US08477169B2 Optical writing device, image forming apparatus, and optical writing method
An optical writing device includes two or more light sources. The two or more light sources can be driven independently, are placed away from each other in a sub-scanning direction of a photoreceptor, and each distance of beams emitted from the light sources to the photoreceptor is different. A phase control unit causes a difference in phase among timing control data of two or more beams emitted from the two or more light sources by a phase change amount, which is determined on the basis of beam position of the each beam on the photoreceptor in a main scanning direction and varies depending on the beam position. The modulating unit modulates the timing control data of the respective phase-controlled beams by a same clock.
US08477166B2 Thermal head, thermal printer and manufacturing method for the thermal head
A thermal head comprises a first substrate having a concave portion, a second substrate mounted on the first substrate and covering the concave portion to form with the first substrate a cavity portion, a heating resistor provided on a surface of the second substrate, and a pair of electrodes connected to the heating resistor for supplying power to the heating resistor. At least one of the pair of electrodes has a low thermal conductivity portion in a region opposed to the cavity portion. The low thermal conductivity portion is made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than a thermal conductivity in other regions of the pair of electrodes and having an electrical resistance lower than an electrical resistance of the heating resistor.
US08477165B2 Method and apparatus for thermal expansion based print head alignment
Automated print head alignment uses thermal expansion. By leveraging thermal expansion to position print heads within the carriage, the tedious manual adjustment process is eliminated. The need for costly precision references within the printer and on the print head is also reduced.
US08477164B2 Printer
Embodiments described herein are related to a printer including a thermal head, a platen roller, a plurality of biasing members, and an urging force adjustment mechanism. The urging force adjustment mechanism includes a base member, an action member movable in the widthwise direction with respect to the base member and configured to expand or compress the plurality of biasing members, and a plurality of contact members configured to contact the action member and supported by the base member such that contact positions of the contact members on the action member can be varied in the expansion or compression direction of the biasing members, wherein the amount of expansion or compression of the biasing members varies according to the variation of the contact positions.
US08477163B2 Metalized receiver/transfer media for printing and transfer process
Media for receiving a printed image during sublimation or heat activated ink printing, and for transferring the image to a final substrate during subsequent heat transfer and activation, and a process of using the media. The media comprises a fibrous sheeting material, which can curve and conform to a three dimensional object to be imaged during the transfer printing process. A thin metal or metalized layer is to be applied onto the fabric/textile sheet shielding the fibrous structure, creating a reflective surface with excellent release properties. This reflective surface allows minimal dye penetration and excellent heat conductivity during heat transfer.
US08477161B2 Apparatus, method and computer program product for drawing image on thermal medium
An apparatus for drawing an image on a thermal medium includes an overlapped part removing unit configured to detect an overlapped part between strokes or stroke groups forming a character to be drawn to remove the detected overlapped part, a dissipation liability information attaching unit configured to attach dissipation liability information to one or more of the strokes or one or more of the stroke groups grouping continuous strokes, and a stroke excluding unit configured to exclude the strokes or the stroke groups to which the dissipation liability information is attached such that the overlapped part is not removed from the excluded strokes or the excluded stroke groups when the overlapped part removing unit removes the overlapped part between the strokes or the stroke groups.
US08477160B2 Image display control device, image display control program, and image display control method
An image display control device for controlling display of an image to a display device having a plurality of unit display elements in which three unit display elements corresponding to signals of three primary colors, respectively, are arranged in a delta form, includes an image data input unit which inputs image data, and an image drawing unit which draws an image on the basis of the input image data such that two of the three unit display elements are in a pair and constitute one pixel of the image and the remaining one unit display element constitutes one pixel of the image.
US08477157B2 Apparatus for processing image signal, program, and apparatus for displaying image signal
Provided are an apparatus and method for processing an image signal. The apparatus includes a first correction value derivation unit deriving a first correction value for correcting an input image signal for each pixel of a line in a horizontal direction based on the input image signal, a second correction derivation unit deriving a second correction value for correcting the input image signal for each pixel of a line in a vertical direction based on the input image signal, a third correction value derivation unit deriving a third correction value for correcting the input image signal for each pixel forming a display screen which displays an image, based on the first correction value and the second correction value, and a signal correction unit correcting the input image signal based on the third correction value.
US08477153B2 Method and system for navigating, segmenting, and extracting a three-dimensional image
A method for extracting a three-dimensional (3D) volume of interest from a three-dimensional (3D) image dataset includes accessing a 3D image dataset that includes a plurality of image slices, enclosing a 3D volume of interest in the 3D image dataset using a 3D mesh, automatically extracting the 3D volume of interest based on the 3D mesh, and generating a 3D image of the extracted 3D volume of interest. A computer and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.
US08477148B2 Graphics processing systems
A smooth curve is represented in a graphics texture by setting the texels that are inside the curve 80 to a value greater than a predetermined threshold value for the curve 80 and the texels that are outside the curve 80 to a value of less than the threshold value for the curve 80 (or vice-versa).Such representations of two smooth curves 80, 81 are packed into a single graphics texture (the same texel space) 82 by giving each curve 80, 81 a different threshold value, setting the texel values so that they are appropriately valued with respect to each curve's threshold value, and ensuring that the positions of the threshold value contours of the two curves do not actually overlap each other in the texture.
US08477147B2 Methods and systems of comparing face models for recognition
Methods and systems of representation and manipulation of surfaces with perceptual geometric features, using a computer graphics rendering system, include executing algorithmic instructions to compute a plurality of vertices, edges and surfaces in a mesh for the purpose of defining representations of surfaces on grids. Normals and distances are determined for triangular surfaces to be considered. Additionally, height fields of a function are defined. A set of feature curves and a set of feature points are determined, based on the defined function. Infinitesimal movements along the representations of the surfaces are determined, along with determinations of properties of representations of continuous surfaces. Additional determinations of perceptual geometric features include determinations such as zero crossings, parabolic curves, flecnodes, ruffles, gutterpoints, conical points and biflecnodes in a given mesh. After these determinations are made, visual representations are rendered which capture perceptually important features for smoothly varying shapes.
US08477144B2 Image display system and method for increasing efficiency of bus bandwidth
An image display system includes: a frame buffer having a plurality of lines, each of which stores image data and repetition information of the image data; a memory controller in signal communication with the frame buffer for reading the image data and the repetition information from the frame buffer; a display controller in signal communication with the memory controller for regenerating the image data, which is provided from the memory controller, in accordance with the repetition information provided from the memory controller; and a display device in signal communication with the display controller for displaying the regenerated image data, which is provided from the display controller, under regulation by the display controller.
US08477141B2 Low power multi-core decoder system and method
A portable data terminal including a multi-core processor having at least a first core and a second core, at least one illumination assembly and at least one imaging assembly and data storage means configured to store a plurality of program instructions, the program instructions including at least one one-dimensional decoder and at least one two-dimensional decoder.
US08477138B2 Projector, non-transitory medium, and image generation method
A projector includes a storage section that stores character string data that indicates a character string in at least one language and arrangement designation data that indicates whether the character string in the at least one language is displayed in a left-to-right direction or a right-to-left direction, a determination section that determines arrangement of the character string based on the arrangement designation data, and an image generation section that generates an (OSD) image that shows the character string in the left-to-right direction or the right-to-left direction based on the character string data and the arrangement of the character string determined by the determination section, when the image generation section generates a special image that shows a special character string including at least one of alphanumeric characters and symbols as part of the OSD image, the image generation section generates the special image that displays the special character string in the left-to-right direction.
US08477137B2 Method and apparatus for generating a material flow diagram for an industrial plant
A method of generating a material flow diagram for an industrial plant. The method comprises creating at least one data set from at least one graphics file representing at least a portion of the industrial plant; extracting data from the at least one data set to obtain material-specific data for each of a plurality of distinct materials flowing in the industrial plant; and illustrating the material-specific data of a selected at least one of the plurality of distinct materials as a material flow diagram.
US08477135B2 Method and apparatus for volume rendering using depth weighted colorization
A method of volume rendering includes obtaining data representative of a first composited plane of one or more anatomical structures and calculating data of a second composited plane as a function of a first composited plane. The data of the second composited plane is indicative of a measure of depth of the one or more anatomical structures along respective ray cast lines. The method also includes determining depth weighted color values between two different colorization palettes as a function of the measure of depths of the second composited plane. The determined depth weighted color values are applied to the first composited plane for producing a volume rendering image with depth weighted colorization.
US08477129B2 Systems for displaying images
A system for displaying images is provided. The system comprises a reference voltage source, a digital-to-analog converter, a multiplier and a buffer. The reference voltage source outputs a voltage signal, wherein the magnitude of the voltage signal is 1/N of a driving voltage. The digital-to-analog converter converts the voltage signal to a first voltage. The multiplier receives and multiplies the first voltage by N to output the driving voltage. The buffer receives the driving voltage to drive a data line.
US08477128B2 Driving circuit for liquid crystal pixel array and liquid crystal display using the same
A driving circuit and a liquid crystal display using the same. In the driving circuit, a first switch and a second switch are provided in a VCOM driver thereof. The first switch is designed to be turned on to a ground a VCOM terminal of a display capacitor, and the second switch is designed to be turned on to couple a constant voltage level DC VCOM to the VCOM terminal of the display capacitor. In addition, a timing controller of the driving circuit is designed for reducing power consumption, which controls the statuses of the first and second switches and determines when to allow a positive polarity voltage to be coupled to the display capacitor to charge the display capacitor for positive polarity display.
US08477127B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a display portion having a first substrate, a second substrate opposing to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer held between the first and second substrates, and a plurality of pixels arranged in a delta shape. A plurality of pixel electrodes are respectively connected to signal lines extending in a first direction via a switch. The switch is controlled by scanning lines extending in a second direction which orthogonally crosses the first direction. The signal lines extend in a space between the pixel electrodes in a meandering shape in the second direction, and two kinds of color pixels are connected with a common signal line in turn via the pixel switch.
US08477126B2 Display driver and display driving method
In a display driver, one scanning period is divided into a period P and a subsequent period D. In the period P, a pre-charge voltage equal to an original data voltage is applied in a time-sharing manner to data lines in one block, and in the period D after the period P, the original data voltage is applied again.
US08477125B2 Photo sensor and organic light-emitting display using the same
An organic light-emitting display includes a substrate, a thin film transistor on the substrate, an organic light-emitting diode electrically connected to the thin film transistor, and a photo sensor having a plurality of photo diodes connected to one another in parallel.
US08477124B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has an LCD driver formed over a silicon substrate. The LCD driver is arranged in a source output circuit region and includes two or more source output cells for generating data signals and two or more output pads for receiving the data signals and sending them to the outside. The two or more pads are arranged over the silicon substrate along a row direction, and the two or more source output cells are arranged in two rows and N columns along the row direction. A source output cell arranged at an Nth column of a first row is electrically coupled to a (2N−1)th output pad. Also, a source output cell CS1 arranged at the Nth column of a second row is electrically coupled to a (2N)th output pad. The arrangement allows for a reduced chip size.
US08477123B2 Display apparatus, driving method thereof and electronic equipment including a drive circuit selectively driving scan lines and capacitor lines
A display apparatus including: an effective pixel section having a plurality of pixel circuits arranged to form a matrix, each pixel circuit including a switching device through which pixel video data is written into the pixel circuit; a plurality of scan lines each provided for an individual one of rows of the pixel circuits arranged on the effective pixel section to control the conduction states of the switching devices; a plurality of capacitor lines each arranged for individual one of the rows connected to the pixel circuits; a plurality of signal lines each arranged for individual one of columns connected to the pixel circuits to propagate the pixel video data; a first driving circuit configured to selectively drive the scan lines and the capacitor lines; and a second driving circuit configured to drive the signal lines.
US08477119B2 Optical touch system, apparatus and method for calculating the position of an object
An optical touch system, an apparatus and a method for calculating the position of an object are provided. The apparatus includes an image sensor and a processing circuit. The processing circuit selects at least one dot from a curve segment of a brightness distribution profile obtained from a background image, wherein the curve segment corresponds to an imaging range of an object. And the processing circuit regards the column pixel brightness value corresponding to the dot as a brightness reference value. Afterwards, the processing circuit calculates brightness difference between the brightness reference value and the column pixel brightness values corresponding to the dots of a curve segment of a brightness distribution profile obtained from a sensed image, so as to further calculate a gravity of the imaging range. After that, the processing circuit regards the gravity as a representative position of the object in the sensed image.
US08477112B2 Mobile communication terminal and method of selecting menu and item
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal, a touch screen display configured to display a plurality of independent first objects and a controller configured to receive a selection signal indicating a touching of one of the first objects, control the touch screen display to distinctly display a second independent object indicating a drop point where the touched first object can be dropped and receive a dragging signal indicating the touched first object is being touched, dragged and dropped toward the second object. The mobile terminal stops displaying other non-selected first objects and executes a function indicated by the touched and dragged first object when the first object is dropped at the drop point. Further, the second object is displayed separately and independently from the first objects.
US08477110B2 Driving circuit for driving a liquid crystal display panel
A sensing device for sensing a touch panel. The sensing device includes a touch sensor and a touch controller. The touch sensor senses touch events on the touch panel to generate raw data representing sensed values of the pixels on the touch panel, and further filters the raw data to generate filtered data. The data size of the filtered data is smaller than the data size of the raw data. The touch controller receives the filtered data from the touch sensor and processes the filtered data so as to determine positions of the touch events on the touch panel.
US08477108B2 Method for displaying information in a vehicle and display device for a vehicle
In a method for displaying information in a motor vehicle, a plurality of objects are represented graphically with the aid of a display mounted in a motor vehicle. A user-interface device generates graphics data which control the display such that the graphical objects are shown disposed on a virtual, perspectively displayed ring, and that in response to an input with the aid of an input device, an arithmetic logic unit of the user-interface device alters the graphics data such that the graphical objects on the virtual ring rotate like a carousel. A corresponding display device is provided.
US08477105B2 Display and method for driving the display
A display comprising: an electro-optical material arranged between first and second planes facing each other; a first substrate arranged on the first plane and including a conductor that affords an electrical signal to the electro-optical material; a first electrically conductive film arranged on the second plane to afford an electrical signal to the electro-optical material; a second electrically conductive film arranged outside an area sandwiched between the first and second planes; and a current detection circuit that detects the current on the second electrically conductive film. The display further comprises a control circuit that, during a time period the current is detected by the current detection circuit, applies substantially the same voltage as that applied to the second electrically conductive film to one of the conductor and the first electrically conductive film, which is arranged more proximate to the second electrically conductive film, and sets the other in a floating state, or applies substantially the same voltage as that applied to the second electrically conductive film to both the conductor and the first electrically conductive film.
US08477104B2 Information outputting device
An information output device includes a touch panel chassis having a touch panel with a medium on which a coordinate value based on a predetermined rule and a dot pattern signifying a code value are printed. The medium is placed on the touch panel with a surface on which the dot pattern is printed facing the touch panel. The device includes a coordinate recognition unit for recognizing a position on the medium of the touch panel. The device also includes an imaging unit for imaging via an imaging portion disposed on a predetermined location in the touch panel chassis. The device further includes a control unit for computing the coordinate value, the code value, and an orientation signified by the dot pattern and for inputting coordinate information from the coordinate recognition unit of the touch panel. An output unit outputs multimedia information according to an instruction from the control unit.
US08477102B2 Increasing conductive polymer life by reversing voltage
The invention relates to a method of extending the life of conductive polymer in a device comprising providing conductive polymer, passing direct current through said polymer, and reversing the voltage gradient in the organic polymer conductor.
US08477100B2 Keyboard module and electronic apparatus
A keyboard module suitable for being applied to an electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a display unit and the keyboard module. The keyboard module is electrically connected to the display unit. The keyboard module includes a supporting structure, a membrane circuit sheet, and a vibrator. The supporting structure has a carrying surface. The membrane circuit sheet is disposed on the carrying surface of the supporting structure and has a plurality of triggers. The vibrator is connected to the supporting structure.
US08477098B2 Method and apparatus for user interface of input devices
A system for a 3 dimensional (3-D) user interface comprises: one or more 3-D projectors configured to display an image at a first location in a 3-D coordinate system; one or more sensors configured to sense user interaction with the image and to provide user interaction information; and a processor configured (i) to receive the user interaction information from the one or more sensors; (ii) to correlate the user interaction with the image; and (iii) to provide one or more indications responsive to a correlation of the user interaction with the image, wherein the one or more indications comprise displaying the image at a second location in the 3-D coordinate system. A method for providing a 3-D user interface comprises: generating an image at a first location in a 3-D coordinate system; sensing user interaction with the image; correlating the user interaction with the image; and providing one or more indications responsive to a correlation of the user interaction with the image, wherein the one or more indications comprise displaying the image at a second location in the 3-D coordinate system. Computer readable program codes related to the system and the method of the present invention are also described herein.
US08477094B2 Shift register and display device using the same
A shift register comprises a plurality of stages, which includes a (n−3)-th (where n is a positive integer) stage to a (n+3)-th stage, supplied with gate shift clocks which are sequentially delayed, a forward gate start pulse, a reverse gate start pulse, a carry signal, a gate high voltage, and a gate low voltage lower than the gate high voltage, and connected to each other in cascade, wherein the n-th stage, supplied with a (n−1)-th gate shift clock, an n-th gate shift clock, and a (n+1)-th gate shift clock, includes a scan pulse output unit, a carry signal output unit, and a shift direction changing switch circuit.
US08477092B2 Low power active matrix display
Described herein are systems and methods for stress avoidance and stress compensation in low power Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). In an exemplary embodiment, two or more transistors in series are used to hold charge on an LCD pixel. To avoid negative stress on the transistors, the transistors are alternately driven to an “off” state so that no one transistor sees a long “off” time. In another embodiment, stress on transistors of a display circuit are measured and controlled negative stress is applied to the transistors to compensate for the measured stress.
US08477090B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate. A plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines are disposed on the first substrate to define a plurality of pixel regions. A plurality of common line groups is disposed on the first substrate, and each of the common line groups includes a plurality of common lines parallel to the scan lines. And, at least, a voltage regulator is electrically connected to one of the common line groups, wherein the voltage regulator can stabilize the pixel voltage to decrease the flicker of the liquid crystal display.
US08477089B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a plurality of pixels in a display area, the pixels comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns and divided into a first pixel group comprising the pixels on a first row and a second pixel group comprising the pixels on a second to last rows, one pixel of the first pixel group has a first opening ratio, one pixel of the second pixel group has a second opening ratio and the first opening ratio is lower than that of the second opening ratio.
US08477087B2 Panel and drive control method
A common power line shared by all the pixels allows threshold correction to be performed simultaneously on all the pixels. Video signal lines are set to a second reference potential higher than a reference potential, followed by multi-step threshold correction and video signal writing which are performed in a line sequential manner. Performing the threshold correction immediately before the video signal writing ensures shorter time from the threshold correction to the video signal writing. This suppresses leak currents, providing improved image quality.
US08477085B2 Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
A display device which can compensate for variations of the threshold voltage of transistors and suppress variations in luminance, and a driving method thereof are provided. Current is supplied to a light emitting element and light is emitted from the light emitting element by following steps: in the first period initial voltage is stored in a storage capacitor; in the second period, voltage based on video signal voltage and the threshold voltage of the transistor is stored in the storage capacitor; and in the third period, the voltage stored in the storage capacitor in the second period is applied to a gate electrode of the transistor. By these operation processes, the current which compensates the effect of the variations of the threshold voltage of the transistor can be supplied to the light emitting element. Therefore, variations in luminance are suppressed.
US08477081B2 Louver device
A display has a louver shade having at least two louver segments, a display segment mounted on each louver segment, each display segment being a part of a larger display, drive electronics electrically coupled to each display segment to provide image data to display elements in the display segment, and a control circuit to provide the image data to the drive electronics, the control circuit arranged to provide display data when the louver segments are in a closed position.
US08477080B2 Device and method for outputting different images on at least two display units
A device for outputting different images on at least two display units includes a control unit for reading image data of the different images from an image memory, for producing a horizontal synchronization signal and for outputting the image data and the horizontal synchronization signal. The device also includes a processing unit for receiving the image data and the horizontal synchronization signal, for producing additional synchronization signals respectively for one of the at least two display units as a function of the synchronization signal provided by the control unit and a clock signal, and for dividing the image data transmitted by the control unit in such a way that the image data of the different images are output to one of the display units.
US08477078B2 QuadLock
Maintenance on a high frequency Amateur Radio cubical quad antenna mounted on a tilt over tower typically requires the use of a ladder of scaffold. While tiltover towers are common, when used with a cubical quad antenna the tilting is limited by size of the cubical quad elements. The user must still utilize a ladder, scaffold or other device to reach all points on the antenna. The QuadLock addresses this issue and allows the tower and antenna to be tilted all the way to ground level for maintenance.
US08477075B2 Broadband antenna system for satellite communication
An antenna for broadband satellite communication including an array of primary horn antenna elements which are connected to one another by a waveguide feed network.
US08477071B2 Multi-band antenna
A multi-band antenna mounted on a circuit board includes a ground plate perpendicularly connected to one side edge of the circuit board, a radiating plate perpendicularly connected to the other side edge of the circuit board, and a planar antenna element includes a high frequency radiating portion, a lower frequency radiating portion, a base plate, a capacitance portion and an inductance portion. The high frequency radiating portion and the lower frequency radiating portion are located at two ends of the circuit board, respectively, and both connected to the radiating plate. The base plate is connected to the radiating plate and located between the high and lower frequency radiating portions. The capacitance portion is parallel with the ground plate to form a capacitive coupling therebetween. The inductance portion is soldered to the ground plate. A simulation inductance is formed by the inductance portion.
US08477070B2 Integrated antenna and chip package and method of manufacturing thereof
An integrated antenna and chip package and method of manufacturing thereof. The package includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, The second surface is configured to interface the chip package to a circuit board. A second substrate of the package is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate and is made of a dielectric material. One or more antennas are disposed on the second substrate and a communication device is coupled to the antenna, wherein the communication device is disposed on the second substrate in substantially the same plane as the antenna. A lid is coupled to the first substrate and is configured to encapsulate the antenna and the communication device. The lid has a lens that is configured to allow radiation from the antenna to be emitted therethrough and a shoulder configured to transfer heat produced from the communication device.
US08477067B2 Vehicle localization system
A localization system for a vehicle running on a guideway including portions obscured from satellite view has a number of GNSS receivers placed at strategic locations along the guideway in view of navigation satellites. GNSS transmitters retransmit received GNSS signals along an obscured portion of the guideway. Coded targets are placed at known locations along the guideway. A GNSS receiver on the vehicle picks up GNSS signals directly from the navigation satellites or retransmitted from the GNSS transmitters when on an obscured portion of the guideway. A proximity sensor on the vehicle detects the coded targets. An on-board computer synchronizes the location obtained from the GNSS signals with the location obtained from the proximity sensor. The vehicle is thus able to determine its position even in an obscured portion, such as a tunnel.
US08477065B2 Combined transmit/receive single-post antenna for HF/VHF radar
An antenna configuration is described for high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) radars contained in a single vertical post. The radar may include a vertical dipole or monopole transmitting antenna collocated with a three-element receive antenna. The three antennas including two crossed loops and a vertical element are used in a direction-finding (DF) mode. Isolation between the three antennas produces high quality patterns useful for determining target bearings in DF mode. The single vertical post is sufficiently rigid mechanically that it may be installed along a coast without guy wires.
US08477063B2 System and method for obstacle detection and warning
A obstacle detection system comprises a transmission antenna operable to radiate a radio frequency (RF) signal and a transmitter operable to control transmission of the RF signal from the antenna. The obstacle detection system also comprises a receiver antenna operable to receive a reflection of the RF signal; and processing circuitry operable to analyze a plurality of characteristics of a radar cross section (RCS) of the received reflection to identify an obstacle and one or more physical attributes of the obstacle.
US08477062B1 Radar-based system, module, and method for presenting steering symbology on an aircraft display unit
A novel and non-trivial radar-based system, module, and method for presenting steering symbology on an aircraft display unit are disclosed. Hazard information acquired from a forward-looking aircraft radar system may be presented as hazard data to a symbology generating processor. A plurality of minimum turn angles may be determined based upon the boundary tangents of the hazard data. Data representative of steering symbology corresponding to a one or more minimum turn angles may be generated, where the symbology may take the form of textual symbology and/or non-textual symbology. Then, the steering symbology data may be provided to a presentation system for depiction of steering symbology on a tactical display unit and/or strategic display unit.
US08477061B1 Method and system for preventing anti-aircraft warfare engagement with neutral aircraft
A method and system that prevents engagement with neutral aircraft utilizes secondary surveillance radar (SSR) in conjunction with traffic alert collision avoidance systems (TCAS) conventionally found on various commercial aircraft. The system and method provide for detecting interrogating signals sent out by a TCAS system of an interrogating aircraft searching for another aircraft that may pose a threat for collision. The system and method of the invention provide for a base system generating signals responsive to the interrogation signals such that there is a decreasing time difference between the interrogating signals and the responsive signals. The decreasing time difference indicates to the interrogating aircraft that another aircraft is approaching its airspace urging the neutral aircraft to change course and avoid entering a guarded tactical airspace thus avoiding unnecessary engagement of the aircraft.
US08477059B1 Remote control with speed channel changing mode
A remote control device is described. The remote control device includes a processor, a transmitter, and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The remote control is capable of operating in a first speed mode. When in the first speed mode, the remote control transmits commands at a first rate. The remote control changes between the first speed mode and a second speed mode when a change mode command is received. The remote control is capable of operating in second speed mode. When in the second speed mode, the remote control transmits commands at a second rate, which is higher than the first rate.
US08477055B2 Resistor devices and digital-to-analog converters using the same
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes: a plurality of first controllers and a plurality of resistor devices. The plurality of first controllers are configured to be selectively switched on according to a received digital signal to control an analog signal according to the received digital signal. The plurality of resistor devices are respectively connected to the plurality of first controllers. The plurality of resistor devices include non-volatile memory devices.
US08477045B2 Configuration information provided to configurable electronic device residing in a shipping box
An apparatus comprises a shipping box containing an access area and a configurable electronic device. The configurable electronic device comprises an electrical connector accessible via the access area on the shipping box. The configurable electronic device also comprises a management module that receives electrical power via the electrical connector when a single external cable is mated to the electrical connector through the access area. The management module receives configuration information via the single external cable while the configurable electronic device is still in the shipping box and without having host logic in the configurable electronic device being powered up. In other embodiments, multiple configurable electronic devices can be reconfigured simultaneously and wirelessly by an external programming unit.
US08477044B2 Turn-indicator light module for a vehicle mirror assembly and vehicle mirror assembly comprising a turn-indicator light module
The invention relates to a turn-indicator light module having an outer contour and comprising one or more light guiding elements and one or more visible-light emitting light sources coupled to at least one of the one or more light guiding elements, wherein at least one infrared light emitting light source is coupled to at least one of the one or more light guiding elements. At least a major portion of a longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end opposite of the first end of the one or more light guiding elements follows the outer contour and wherein the one or more light guiding elements are adapted to emit light at least along the major portion of their longitudinal extension.
US08477043B2 Member integrity monitoring system and method
A monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of a member disposed within a machine includes an image analyzer configured to receive image data from an imaging device and to determine an amount of radiation incident on one or more of one or more pixels of the imaging device. The monitoring system also includes a monitor coupled to the image analyzer and configured to generate an alarm in the event an amount of radiation on one or more of the one or more pixels exceeds a limit.
US08477039B2 Providing information related to the posture mode of a user applying pressure to a seat component
A system for producing information about the posture of a user applying pressure to a seat component is provided. A sensor structure with array of sensors is connected with the seat component, with the sensors in a predetermined pattern configured to provide output signals related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component. The output of the sensors in circuit communication with a processor to provide signals to the processor related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, and the processor provides output related to the predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component.
US08477036B2 Patient support interface pressure monitoring system
An interface pressure monitoring system includes an underlayment interposed between a patient support surface and a patient supported thereon and a processor. The underlayment includes pressure sensors such as, for example, an array of piezoelectric pressure sensors. The processor acquires pressure data from the underlayment, analyzes the data and stores the analyzed data for further processing, alerting and/or reporting.
US08477035B2 Security system triggered by heart rate detection
A security system is provided for a facility (10). The security system includes: a central monitoring station (20) that controls one or more security measures for the facility (10); and, a heart rate monitor (30) that detects a heart rate of an individual (50), the heart rate monitor (30) being in wireless communication with the central monitoring station (20). Suitably, the central monitoring station (20) selectively implements one or more of the security measures in response to a determination that an abnormal heart rate has been detected.
US08477033B2 Inventory control
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for inventory control of items in a location are disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises a surveillance system comprising a plurality of cameras and at least one display, at least one identification tag, at least one identification tag reader configured to read the identification tag and placed to cover at least a portion of the location, and a computer configured to process information including the identification tag read by the reader. In response to the information, the computer controls a video camera to display an image showing an area around the identification tag. This may be based on a determination of heightened risk, such as when the identification tag is associated with a receipt and is brought back to the location after being removed from the location.
US08477032B2 System and method using proximity detection for reducing cart alarms and increasing sensitivity in an EAS system with metal shielding detection
A system for detecting electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) marker shielding includes an EAS subsystem, a metal detector, an object detector, a timer, a cart detection subsystem and a processor. The EAS subsystem is operable to detect an EAS marker in an interrogation zone. The metal detector is operable to detect a metal object in the interrogation zone. The object detector is operable to detect objects located proximate to an entry point of the EAS subsystem. The timer is programmed to start a countdown sequence upon receiving a signal generated by the object detector. The cart detection subsystem includes a sensor array. The cart detection subsystem is operable to differentiate between a wheeled device and a human passing through the interrogation zone based on an output of the sensor array. The processor is electrically coupled to the EAS subsystem, the metal detector, the object detector, the timer and the cart detection subsystem. The processor is programmed to receive a signal from the object detector and the timer to initiate gathering information outputted from the cart detection subsystem and information outputted from the metal detector to determine whether to generate an alarm signal based on the presence of EAS marker shielding.
US08477023B2 Information presentation apparatus
An information presentation apparatus includes an action determination section to execute a determination as to whether a driver becomes aware of an attention-seeking display sign or an alarm display sign, and an information presentation control circuit to cause a display device to perform a display changeover to change a display mode of an attention-seeking display sign or alarm display sign into an attenuation display mode based on an affirmative result from the determination by the action determination section. Herein, the action determination section executes the above determination based on reference information such as driver action confirmation information or vehicle information, which is a signal generated by a switch manipulation or a driving operation of the driver when noticing the attention-seeking display sign or alarm display sign displayed in the display device.
US08477017B2 Method, system, and integrated circuit for communication in RFID or remote sensor systems
In certain embodiments, a method may include receiving, at one of a plurality of remote units, a command from a control unit. The method may also include determining a random number specifying a time slot of a first series of time slots for transmitting a second data sequence to the control unit, and, in response to a determination that the random number specifies the first time slot in the first series of time slots, determining a new random number. The method may further include transmitting, in the first time slot in the first series of time slots, a first data sequence to the control unit. The method may further include receiving a control signal. The control signal having been transmitted by the control unit upon detection of an at least partially simultaneous transmission of first data sequences by more than one of the remote units.
US08477011B2 mLOCK device and associated methods
A security device includes a processor defined to control operation of the security device. The security device also includes a radio defined in electrical communication with the processor. The security device also includes a location determination device defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor, radio, and location determination device are defined to operate collaboratively to provide a wireless tracking and communication system. The security device also includes a shackle and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism to control locking and unlocking of the shackle based on information obtained through the wireless tracking and communication system.
US08477006B2 Resistor and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method for a resistor integrated with a transistor having metal gate includes providing a substrate having a transistor region and a resistor region defined thereon, respectively forming a transistor having a dummy gate in the transistor region and a resistor in the resistor region, removing the dummy gate and portions of the resistor to form a first trench in the transistor and two second trenches in the resistor, forming at least a high-k gate dielectric layer in the first trench and the second trenches, and forming a metal gate in the first trench and metal structures respectively in the second trenches.
US08477005B2 Transformer capable of maintaining height
A transformer capable of maintaining its height is provided. The transformer is formed on a circuit board having a receiving hole. The transformer comprises a winding module, two magnetic core modules contacting and holding the winding module, a plurality of pins and at least one supporting means. The winding module comprises a winding baseboard and a winding pillar where a winding structure is formed thereon. The winding pillar is received in the receiving hole. Each of the pins comprises a first bent part separating the corresponding pin into a first portion connected to the winding baseboard and a second portion connected to the circuit board around the receiving hole. The supporting means is formed between the first portion of at least one of the pins and the circuit board to contact the first portion and the circuit board to maintain the distance between them.
US08477000B2 Relay
A relay is disclosed that includes a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part configured to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet configured to apply a magnetic field on the first gap of the first opening and closing part and the second gap of the second opening and closing part in the same direction.
US08476997B2 Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters
Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.
US08476994B2 Electromechanical switch and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is an electromechanical switch and a method of manufacturing the same. The electromechanical switch includes an elastic conductive layer that moves by the application of an electric field, wherein the elastic conductive layer includes at least one layer of graphene.
US08476993B1 Motor operator with positive decoupling and maximum force application for electrical power switches
A switchgear motor operator having its motor shaft coupled to the output member of the operator, that connects with the power switch, through a drive assembly which includes a first drive element continuously linked to the motor shaft, but not to the output member, and a second drive element continuously linked to the output member, but not the motor shaft. Temporary engagement of the mentioned drive elements, with motor operation of the power switch, is effected by a transducer with a movable part such as a solenoid actuated pin that couples the motor of the motor operator to the output shaft. The inherently decoupled state allows manual operation by an operating member, without any turning of the motor or engaging of the temporary force transfer parts during the manual operation. A lockout device with a solenoid deactivation mechanism disconnects the solenoid for motor testing without operation of the power switch.
US08476992B2 Circuit breaker having an unlocking mechanism and methods of operating same
Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
US08476990B2 MEMS resonator devices
Embodiments are related to micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices, systems and methods. In one embodiment, a MEMS resonating device comprises a resonator element configured to provide timing; and at least one passive temperature compensation structure arranged on the resonator element.
US08476989B2 Electromagnetic interference filter for automotive electrical systems
A filter for an automotive electrical system includes a substrate having first and second conductive members. First and second input terminals are mounted to the substrate. The first input terminal is electrically connected to the first conductive member, and the second input terminal is electrically connected to the second conductive member. A plurality of capacitors are mounted to the substrate. Each of the capacitors is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second conductive members. First and second power connectors are mounted to the substrate. The first power connector is electrically connected to the first conductive member, and the second power connector is electrically connected to the second conductive member. A common mode choke is coupled to the substrate and arranged such that the common mode choke extends around at least a portion of the substrate and the first and second conductive members.
US08476988B2 Structure, structure and method for providing an on-chip variable delay transmission line with fixed characteristic impedance
A design structure, structure, and method for providing an on-chip variable delay transmission line with a fixed characteristic impedance. A method of manufacturing a transmission line structure includes forming a signal line of the transmission line structure, forming a first ground return structure that causes a first delay and a first characteristic impedance in the transmission line structure, and forming a second ground return structure that causes a second delay and a second characteristic impedance in the transmission line structure. The first delay is different from the second delay, and the first characteristic impedance is substantially the same as the second characteristic impedance.
US08476984B2 Vibration device, oscillator, and electronic apparatus
A vibration device includes: a first vibrator having a 3rd-order function temperature characteristic in which a 3rd-order temperature coefficient is −γ1, where γ1>0; and a second vibrator which is connected to the first vibrator, and has a 3rd-order function temperature characteristic in which a 3rd-order temperature coefficient is γ2, where γ2>0, wherein a difference between inflection points of the first and second vibrators is equal to or lower than 19° C., and a relationship of 0<|γ1|≦|2.4γ2| is satisfied.
US08476982B2 Reference oscillator management for wireless devices having position determination functionality
A method and device for managing a reference oscillator within a wireless device is presented. The method includes selecting reference oscillator parameters associated with the lowest reference oscillator error, where the selection is based upon reference oscillator parameters derived using different technologies within a wireless device, acquiring a satellite based upon the selected reference parameters, determining the quality of the satellite-based position fix, and updating the reference oscillator parameters based upon the quality of the satellite-based position fix. The wireless device includes a wireless communications system, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, a reference oscillator connected to the wireless communications system and SPS receiver, and a mobile controller connected to the reference oscillator, SPS, and wireless communications system, and a memory connected to the mobile controller, where the memory stores a reference oscillator parameter table and instructions causing the mobile controller to execute the aforementioned method.
US08476975B2 Operational amplifying device
An operational amplifying device comprises an input stage and an output stage. The input stage receives and processes an input voltage to output an amplified voltage. The output stage is electrically connected to the input stage in series. The output stage comprises a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is configured to turn on for transferring the amplified voltage. The second switch is connected in parallel with the first switch and is configured to turn on for transferring the amplified voltage. The second switch is turned off when the first switch is turned on such that the amplified voltage is transferred through the first switch to the first resistor array for gamma correction.
US08476970B2 Interface for MEMS inertial sensors
In a high-performance interface circuit for micro-electromechanical (MEMS) inertial sensors, an excitation signal (used to detect capacitance variation) is used to control the value of an actuation signal bit stream to allow the dynamic range of both actuation and detection paths to be maximized and to prevent folding of high frequency components of the actuation bit stream due to mixing with the excitation signal. In another aspect, the effects of coupling between actuation signals and detection signals may be overcome by performing a disable/reset of at least one of and preferably both of the detection circuitry and the MEMS detection electrodes during actuation signal transitions. In a still further aspect, to get a demodulated signal to have a low DC component, fine phase adjustment may be achieved by configuring filters within the sense and drive paths to have slightly different center frequencies and hence slightly different delays.
US08476969B1 Transistor-based filter for inhibiting load noise from entering a power supply
A transistor-based filter for inhibiting load noise from entering a power supply is disclosed. The filter includes a first transistor having an emitter coupled to a power supply, a collector coupled to a load, and a base. The filter also includes a first capacitor coupled between the base of the first transistor and a ground terminal. The filter further includes an impedance coupled between the base and a node between the collector and the load, or a second transistor and second capacitor. The impedance can be a resistor or an inductor.
US08476965B2 Method and circuit for an operating area limiter
The present invention relates to circuits and methods for limiting the operating area of a transistor in a constant current source. The circuits and methods use a detector and a driver to limit the operating area of a transistor. The detector and driver have parameters selected so that, when the voltage at the drain of the transistor satisfies a reference condition, the driver causes drain current of the transistor to decrease. The reference condition is determined relative to the maximum safe drain-to-source voltage at the design drain current of the constant current source.
US08476964B1 Obtaining elevated output voltages from charge pump circuits
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a thermostat that includes a charge pump configured to provide a charge pump supply voltage relative to a signal ground of the charge pump. One or more diodes are connected between the charge pump and the signal ground. The one or more diodes are configured to provide a forward voltage drop to increase the charge pump supply voltage.
US08476954B2 Pulse generation circuit
A DC source generates a DC voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. An inductive element and a parallel-connected switch-circuits unit are provided in a conductive path extending from the positive electrode to the negative electrode. The parallel-connected switch-circuits unit includes a plurality of switch circuits connected in parallel with one another. The switch circuit opens and closes the conductive path in accordance with a drive signal inputted from a drive circuit. The drive signal causes the plurality of switch circuits to successively perform an ON operation in which the conductive path is closed and then opened. A pulse voltage generation period in which a pulse voltage occurs in the inductive element continuously follows an ON period which is a duration from when the conductive path is closed to when the conductive path is opened.
US08476953B2 3D integrated circuit stack-wide synchronization circuit
There is provided a synchronization circuit for a 3D chip stack having multiple circuits and multiple strata interconnected using a first and a second stack-wide broadcast connection chain. The synchronization circuit includes the following, on each stratum. A synchronizer connected to the first connection chain receives an asynchronous signal therefrom and performs a synchronization to provide a synchronous signal. A driver is connected to the second chain for driving the synchronous signal. A latch connected to the second chain receives the synchronous signal driven by the driver on a same or different stratum within a next clock cycle from the synchronization to provide the stack-wide synchronous signal to a circuit on a same stratum. An output of a single driver on one stratum is selected at any given time for use by the latch on all strata.
US08476952B2 Multiphase mixer
Disclosed is a mixer able to simultaneously suppress self-mixing and low-order harmonic response in a charge sampling circuit. Specifically disclosed is a multiphase mixer provided with a transconductance amplifier (101) for converting a voltage signal into a current signal, an N number (where N is a natural number that is 2 or more) of first integrators (401, 402) which are connected in parallel to the subsequent stage of the transconductance amplifier (101), and a 2N number of mixers (102, 103, 104, 105) connected in parallel in pairs to the respective N number of first integrators (401, 402), wherein two mixers connected to the same first integrator of any of the N number of first integrators (401, 402) are controlled by driving signals comprised of pulse trains with the same frequency and phases differing by 180°.
US08476950B2 High-speed latch circuit
A high-speed latch circuit includes a latching unit for latching an inputted signal, a signal input unit connected to the latching unit and a clock control unit connected to the signal input unit. The clock control unit includes a first switch element, a second switch element connected to the first switch element and an inverter connected to the second switch element. The first switch element and the inverter are both connected to a clock signal input end. The high-speed latch circuit of the present invention has a simple circuit structure, shortens the triggering time of the signal and reduces chances of wrong triggering.
US08476947B2 Duty cycle distortion correction circuitry
Integrated circuits with clock generation and distribution circuitry are provided. Integrated circuits may include phase-locked loops configured to generate multiple clock signals that are delayed versions of one another. The clocks signal may be distributed to various regions on an integrated circuit using serially connected clock buffer blocks. Each buffer block may include bidirectional pairs of buffer circuits coupled in parallel. Each buffer circuit may have a first input configured to receive an input clock signal, an output at which a corrected version of the input clock signal is provided (e.g., an output at which an output clock signal with desired duty cycle is provided), a second input that receives a first delayed clock signal for setting the desired duty cycle for the output clock signal, and a third input that receives a second delayed clock signal that is high at least when the first delayed clock signal rises high.
US08476943B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a clock input unit configured to receive a system clock and a data clock externally; a phase dividing unit configured to generate a plurality of multi-system clocks in response to the system clock, wherein each of the multi-system clocks has an individual phase difference; a phase detecting unit configured to detect phase differences between the plurality of multi-system clock and the data clock and to generating generate a training information signal in response to the detection result; and a signal transmitting unit configured to transmit the training information signal.
US08476941B2 Buffer circuit for a capacitive load of high value
A buffer circuit including an input terminal capable of receiving an input signal and an output terminal capable of being connected to a capacitive load, including an output circuit a series connection, between two terminals of application of a power supply voltage, of a first MOS transistor, a first and a second resistor of adjustable values, and a second MOS transistor, and means for controlling said first and second transistors receiving the input signal The buffer circuit further includes means for comparing the voltage on the output terminal of the circuit with at least one threshold voltage, the comparison means being connected to said control means.
US08476939B1 Switching power supply gate driver
One configuration of the present disclosure is directed to a switch driver circuit. The switch driver circuit can include an input to receive a control signal; an output to control a state of an switch in accordance with the control signal; and a set of parallel switches. The set of parallel switches in the switch driver circuit includes a P-type field effect transistor in parallel with an N-type field effect transistor. During operation, via variations in the control signal, the control signal selectively and electrically couples a voltage source signal to the output of the switch driver circuit to control the state of the switch.
US08476937B2 Input buffer circuit capable of adjusting variation in skew
An input buffer circuit for use in a semiconductor device includes a comparator configured to compare a reference voltage with a voltage of an input signal, and output the result of comparison, an activation unit configured to control an activation state of an input buffer in response to an enable signal, a skew adjusting unit configured to change an amount of a current flowing in the comparator in response to one or more skew adjusting signals, and a control signal generator configured to control the enable signal and the skew adjusting signal in response to one or more calibration codes and an input control signal.
US08476931B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a core circuit including an integrated circuit; output drivers, each including sub-drivers to output digital data transferred from the core circuit, as output data; and a selector that selects a sub-driver to be driven from among the plurality of sub-drivers. Each of the sub-drivers includes: an output transistor connected between a first power supply and an output wiring line to allow the output data to rise or fall according to the digital data; and a switching transistor and a slew-rate control transistor which are connected in series between a gate of the output transistor and a second power supply. The switching transistor turns on or off the output transistor according to the digital data. A gate potential adjusted to determine a slew rate for rise or fall of the output data is selectively provided by the selector to each slew-rate control transistor.
US08476927B2 Programmable logic device
An object of the present invention is to provide a programmable logic device which has short start-up time after supply of power is stopped, is highly integrated, and operates with low power. In a programmable logic device including an input/output block, a plurality of logic blocks each including a logic element, and a wiring connecting the plurality of logic blocks, the logic element has a configuration memory for holding configuration data and a look-up table including a selection circuit. The configuration memory includes a plurality of memory elements each of which includes a transistor whose channel region is in an oxide semiconductor film and an arithmetic circuit provided between the transistor and the selection circuit. Configuration data is selectively changed and output by the selection circuit in accordance with an input signal.
US08476925B2 Magnetic switching cells and methods of making and operating same
Logic circuits based, at least in part, on use of spin-torque transfer (STT) to switch the magnetization—and hence the logic state—of a magnetic material are disclosed. Aspects of the invention include novel STT-based switching devices, new configurations of known STT-based devices into useful logic circuits, common logic circuits and system building blocks based on these new devices and configurations, as well as methods for inexpensively mass-producing such devices and circuits.
US08476924B2 Majority decision circuit
A majority decision circuit includes: a majority decision unit configured to compare first data with second data to decide whether one of the first data and the second data has more bits with a first logical value; and an offset application unit configured to control the majority decision unit so that the majority decision unit decides, in a case when the number of bits with the first logical value among the first data is equal to the number of bits with the first logical value among the second data, that the first data have more bits with the first logical value if offset is a first setting value in a first phase and decides that the second data have more bits with the first logical value if the offset is a second setting value in a second phase.
US08476921B2 Method for supporting a tie of a chip to an electronic apparatus
A method for supporting a tie of a chip to an electronic apparatus includes generating once a chip-specific characteristic variable in a chip, reading out the chip-specific characteristic variable by the chip, and transmitting characteristic data representing the read-out characteristic variable of the chip to an electronic apparatus.
US08476916B2 Plunger with a quick locking system
The invention relates to a plunger that is used to feed and withdraw an electronic component, in particular integrated circuits, to and/or from a contact device that is connected to a test device. The plunger head can be secured to a base body by a quick locking system. The quick locking system can be placed in a rear-engagement position when the plunger head is rotated in relation to the base body, a position in which the plunger head is axially coupled to the base body.
US08476912B2 Obscured feature detector and method
An obscured feature detector operates from a stationary position on a surface being examined. The detector includes a plurality of sensor plates positioned in an array on the underside of the device, which sense the examined surface. The sensor plates are connected to a capacitance sensing circuit, which connects to indicators positioned on the back side of the detector through additional circuitry. A handle positioned on the back of the detector allows the user to grasp the device and place it in a stationary position on the surface being examined while also observing the indicators on the back side of the detector. Increases in capacitance caused by the presence of features behind or within the surface being examined are detected by the sensor plates and the capacitance sensing circuit. The indicators identify locations of larger capacitances, associated with the presence of a feature, such as a stud, beam, or electrical wiring.
US08476911B2 System and method for on-chip resistor calibration in semiconductor devices
According to one disclosed embodiment, an on-chip resistor calibration circuit includes an RC oscillator having a test resistor and a precision capacitor as elements, a counter, and a reference clock. In one embodiment, an RC oscillator generates a waveform having a period dependent upon the resistance of the test resistor and the capacitance of the precision capacitor. In such an embodiment, a counter and a reference clock may be configured to measure the period of the waveform. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, a resistance of the test resistor may be determined. In another embodiment, an RC oscillator generates first and second waveforms through use of an additional capacitor that can be switched in and out of the RC oscillator circuit. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, an RC product of the test resistor and the additional capacitor may be determined.
US08476907B2 Electronic device with power tester
An electronic device includes an internal device and a voltage tester. The internal device includes a power supply source input terminal. The voltage tester supplies one of first and second power supply source voltages to the power supply source input terminal of the internal device, in response to a test signal. The first and second power supply source voltages have different voltage levels. The first power supply source voltage has a voltage level within a normal range required for normal operations of the internal device. The second power supply source voltage has an abnormal voltage level outside the normal range.
US08476905B2 Signal transmitting and receiving circuit, a NMR probe, and a nuclear magnetic resonance equipment
An object of the invention is to change over accurately the switch part between use condition and nonuse condition. A signal transmitting and receiving circuit 100 for transmitting and receiving signals comprises a tuning and matching circuit 3 for transmitting and receiving the signals, a signal communication wire 4 transmitting the signals, and a wavelength wire 11 having a length (L) defined by a relational expression given in an Equation of L=N·(λ/4) where L: length of the wavelength wire, N: 1, 2, 3, . . . , and λ: wavelength. The circuit 100 also comprises a switch part 12 changing over between a grounded connection target and an ungrounded connection target. Further, the tuning and matching circuit 100 is mutually connected to the signal communication wire 11, and the wavelength wire 11 is constituted such that one end thereof is connected between the tuning and matching circuit 3 and the signal communication wire 4, and the other end thereof is connected to the switch part 12.
US08476904B2 Method for magnetic resonance imaging
A method for magnetic resonance imaging, in which a magnetic resonance imaging device employs a multi-echo imaging sequence, includes the steps of: applying, to one of the multiple echoes, a first number of steps of phase encoding, applying a readout gradient, and collecting the data of this echo to reconstruct an anatomical image; and applying, to another one of the multiple echoes, a second number of steps of phase encoding, applying a readout gradient, and collecting the data of this echo to construct a temperature image. The method is capable of obtaining at the same time both a temperature image with high time resolution and an anatomical image with high spatial resolution.
US08476903B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an embodiment can execute a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast, and includes a storage unit and an output unit. The storage unit stores imaging conditions about the plurality of kinds of protocols. The output unit outputs onto a display unit an edit screen for receiving edit of a parameter that is an element of the imaging conditions. The edit screen is output by being separated into a common part that receives edit of parameter common to a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast, and an individual part that individually receives edit of parameter with respect to each protocol.
US08476902B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided. A first imaging unit captures a plurality of first image data including first and second reference frames. The frames include a reference position and a target region in an object. A movement amount calculation unit calculates a movement amount of a local position between the first and second reference frames. A correction parameter setting unit sets a first correction parameter for correcting body motion of the object, based on the movement amount. An error map generating unit generates a predictive error map including a pixel value corresponding to a predictive correction error. The predictive correction error is obtained from a predictive position based on the movement amount and a predictive correction position based on the first correction parameter. A display unit displays the predictive error map and the first image data.
US08476895B2 Power measuring system, measuring apparatus, load terminal, and device control system
A power measuring system, a measuring apparatus, a load terminal, and a device control system are provided. A voltage sensor detects a voltage waveform, and a current sensor acquires a current waveform, of a power line in a noncontact manner. A load terminal operates to connect the power line and a voltage measuring terminal to measure a current flowing from the power line to a load and to calculate a voltage value from the measured current value and the load. The load terminal transmits, in response to a request from a measuring apparatus, the measured current value and the calculated voltage value to the measuring apparatus via a communication means. A control portion of the measuring apparatus receives the current value and the voltage value from the load terminal. The control portion calculates a power value based on the received current value, voltage value voltage waveform and current waveform.
US08476890B2 Circuits and methods for controlling a switching regulator based on a derived input current
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of controlling a switching regulator based on a derived input current. In one embodiment, an output current of said switching regulator is detected and used to generate a first voltage or current signal corresponding to the output current. Additionally, a switching signal of said switching regulator is detected and used to generate a second voltage or current signal corresponding to the switching signal. The resulting signals may be combined to produce a voltage or current signal corresponding to an input current of said switching regulator. The switching signal may be modified based on the derived voltage or current signal and used to control the system.
US08476887B2 DC to DC converter with pseudo constant switching frequency
Various apparatuses, methods and systems for a DC to DC converter with a pseudo constant switching frequency are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide a DC to DC converter having a switch connected to a switching node to control a voltage of the switching node, and a switching controller that is adapted to turn on and off the switch at a substantially constant frequency based at least in part on the voltage of the switching node. The switching controller includes a modulator connected to a control electrode of the switch and that is adapted to actuate and deactuate the switch, and a first timer that is connected to the switching node and to the modulator. The first timer uses the voltage of the switching node to determine an on-time for the switch.
US08476885B2 Monolithic group III-V power converter
A power arrangement that includes a monolithically integrated III-nitride power stage having III-nitride power switches and III-nitride driver switches.
US08476881B2 Power control device, power supply device, and power control method
A power control device for performing switching control for an output voltage of a power supply device includes a signal generation circuit for comparing a difference between a value of the output voltage and a value of a first reference voltage with a value of a second reference voltage, and for stopping the switching control when a value of the difference is less than or equal to the value of the second reference voltage, and an adjuster circuit for adjusting the second reference voltage based on a ratio between a value of an input voltage and the value of the output voltage.
US08476880B2 System and method for reducing output voltage of a power regulator under light load
One embodiment of the invention includes regulation voltage system for a power supply system. The system includes a current sense system configured to generate a sense signal that represents an output current of the power supply system that is supplied to a load. The system also includes a positive voltage droop controller configured to provide a regulation voltage to the power supply system, the positive voltage droop controller setting the regulation voltage to one of a predetermined fixed reference voltage or a variable reference voltage based on the sense signal. The variable reference voltage can be less than the predetermined fixed reference voltage.
US08476873B2 System and method for current balancing
A power factor correction (PFC) system includes a comparison module, an adjustment module, a compensation module, and a duty cycle control module. The comparison module measures N currents having different phases, and generates (N−1) comparisons based on the N measured currents, wherein N is an integer greater than one. The adjustment module determines (N−1) time advance adjustments based on the (N−1) comparisons, respectively. The compensation module generates N compensated versions of an input alternating current (AC) line signal based on the input AC line signal, a sinusoidal reference signal, and the (N−1) time advance adjustments, wherein the sinusoidal reference signal is synchronized to the input AC line signal in phase and frequency. The duty cycle control module controls PFC switching based on the N compensated versions of the input AC line signal.
US08476870B2 Method of diagnosing defective elements in a standalone system, powered by an intermittent power source
The diagnostic method applies to a standalone system including a generator, a power regulator and a power storage element. The method includes comparison of the effective charging power or current of the power storage element respectively with a predefined power or current threshold. If the effective charging power or current is lower than said threshold, the power storage element is disconnected. An abnormal behavior is then detected either by comparing the effective charging power with the smaller of the values representative of the theoretical charging power of the power storage element and of the maximum power able to be delivered by the generator and comparing the effective and theoretical charging voltages, or by comparing the effective and theoretical charging currents.
US08476869B2 Battery voltage equalizer circuit and method for using the same
A battery voltage equalizer circuit for equalizing battery voltages among a plurality of battery cells in a serial connection is disclosed. The battery voltage equalizer circuit includes a battery voltage equalizer unit having a plurality of equalizer parts, wherein each equalizer part, coupled to a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a corresponding battery cell, is conducted with an equalization current upon a receipt of an equalization signal, and a battery voltage detector unit, coupled to the positive and negative terminals of the plurality of battery cells, generates the equalization signal so as to conduct the battery voltage equalizer unit as long as a voltage of any one of the battery cells reaches an equalization voltage.
US08476865B2 Control device and method for charge control
A device controls charging a battery with power supplied from a power supply located outside of a vehicle through a charge cable. The device includes a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer. The first microcomputer is configured to turn on a charge mode signal upon detecting a change in a pilot signal output through the charge cable, and to turn off the charge mode signal when a charge completion signal output from the second microcomputer is turned off. The second microcomputer is configured to charge the battery through the charge cable when the charge mode signal is turned on, and to turn off the charge completion signal when the charging is complete. When the charge completion signal is turned on at the time of the first microcomputer turning off the charge mode signal due to sudden fluctuations, the charge mode signal is turned on again.
US08476864B2 Battery monitoring system
A battery monitor for monitoring operations of a battery, such as but not limited to monitoring operations of a vehicle battery. The battery monitor may be configured to monitor current flow and battery temperature. The battery monitor may be connected to a cable used to electrically connect the battery to a number of electronic devices so that the battery monitor is located away from the battery. The battery monitor may include a processing element grounded directly to a negative pole of the battery to facilitate isolating the processing element from noise created by the electronic devices connected to the cable.
US08476861B2 Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus
A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
US08476860B2 Electric power converter
An electric power converter includes a control unit outputting a PWM signal, a bridge circuit producing AC electric power supplied to a motor by turning semiconductor switching devices in the bridge on and off in response to PWM signals, a cut off unit cutting the PWM signals off from the bridge circuit in response to a gate signal, and a monitoring unit generating a test signal for checking the cut off unit. The cut off unit includes a switching circuit switching between the test signal and an external cut off signal, and a delay circuit that delays the output of the switching circuit. The arrangement enables the electric power converter to monitor as to whether the cut off unit is abnormal without stopping the operation of the electric power converter.
US08476852B2 Controller for a brushless motor
A controller for a brushless motor that includes a processor, a first timer, a second timer, a compare register, a comparator, an input, and one or more outputs. The processor starts the first timer in response to a signal at the input. The first timer then generates an interrupt after a first period. In response to the interrupt, the processor generates a first control signal at the outputs. The processor also loads the compare register and starts the second timer in response to either the input signal or the interrupt. The comparator then generates a second control signal at the outputs when the second timer and the compare register correspond. Additionally, a motor system that includes the controller.
US08476851B2 Motor magnetic pole position correction method
A motor magnetic pole position correction method includes preventing a movement of a movable element of a direct drive motor by mechanical brake (step S9), generating a command that designates a position spaced or separated from the present position (step S10), detecting a torque command value of the direct drive motor (step S12), determining a magnetic pole position correction value based on a comparison between the detected torque command value and a predetermined threshold value (steps S14 and S16), storing the determined magnetic pole position correction value in a memory (step S18), and performing motor control using an electrical angle offset value obtained based on the magnetic pole position correction value stored in the memory.
US08476850B2 Drive circuit
A drive control signal is effectively obtained. An offset is added to a rotational state signal. A drive control signal having a period which is reduced by a predetermined period compared to the sine wave form signal is generated between a crossing of a reference value for a second time and a crossing of the reference value for a next time by an added signal obtained by sequentially offsetting the rotational state signal in a direction reaching the reference value. A pulse indicating that the polarity has been reversed when the offset is added is added to the crossing of the reference value for the first time, to reliably detect crossing of the reference value for the second time.
US08476846B1 Stochastic signal density modulation for optical transducer control
A controller for optical transducers uses stochastic signal density modulation to reduce electromagnetic interference.
US08476842B2 Driving device for LED module
A driving device for a LED module is provided. The driving device for the LED module includes a voltage converting unit, a LED module voltage detecting unit, and a switching signal generation unit. The voltage converting unit produces a driving voltage to drive the LED module according to a switching signal. The LED module voltage detecting unit divides the driving voltage to produce a comparison voltage. The switching signal generation unit receives the comparison voltage by a fault detection pin and compares a reference voltage and the comparison voltage to enable or disable the switching signal. After the switching signal is disabled, the switching signal generation unit further pulls up a voltage level of the fault detection pin to a logic high level voltage, so as to produce a fault notification signal to let the fault detection pin also have a function for fault notification.
US08476841B2 Power control
An apparatus for driving a voltage source such as a discharge or LED lamp using a power booster receiving an AC voltage source configured through an inductor to turn on and off periodically in response to a duty cycle of a dimming control signal or a transformer starting a new cycle, for regulating a low voltage AC signal. The booster control circuitry adjusting the current feed to a determined target boost voltage according to sensed input from primarily a single comparator which compares any one of (but not limited to) a) the output boosted voltage, b) the globe current, or c) the inductor input current.
US08476839B2 Electronic method to improve the starting characteristics of direct current arc lamps
A series connected L-C resonant circuit is connected between a lamp electrode of a xenon arc lamp and chassis ground. The L-C circuit has the ability to store energy as well as act as an oscillator. Energized by an initial high voltage pulse to a xenon arc lamp, the L-C circuit extends the ‘tail’ of the initial high voltage pulse provided to ignite the xenon arc lamp with a train or series of high frequency oscillations, which gradually decay. This resonant ‘tail’ causes the plasma streamer in the lamp to remain in the ionized state for an extended time period, until current ramp to the lamp up occurs, resulting in highly reliable ignition of the xenon arc lamp.
US08476833B2 Method for operating a light-emitting diode arrangement, and circuit arrangement
A circuit arrangement for operating an LED arrangement, wherein a controller transmits a current intensity value for a respective LED to a driver and the latter feeds the LED with current in a time sequence containing a check pulse, and wherein a measuring device is configured to measure the light emitted by the light-emitting diode on account of the check pulse, wherein the controller is configured to use only measurement values which represent the light of check pulses for the stipulation of current intensity values, and wherein the driver defines a main factor, which is dependent on at least one of the temperature of the LED and on the voltage dropped across said LED, wherein the driver is configured to multiply the current intensity value by the main factor and this product defines the current intensities of all the current pulses in the time sequence apart from the check pulse.
US08476832B2 Vehicle interior lighting system with welcome and farewell stages
An interior lighting system for an automotive vehicle include a first light in a first zone a second light in a second zone, and a controller illuminating the lights in a sequence including a first welcome stage, a second welcome stage, and ambient stage, and a farewell stage. The stages are defined by an operating cycle of the vehicle as determined by conditions such as vehicle entry system status, door open/closed status, and ignition status. The colors and intensities of the lights varies throughout the stages to provide both adequate task illumination and attractive lighting to provide sophisticated vehicle interior illumination that is well harmonized with the various Stages of occupant ingress and egress.
US08476830B2 Coupled cavity traveling wave tube
Various embodiments of a coupled cavity traveling wave tube are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide a coupled cavity traveling wave tube including a plurality of core segments arranged in spaced-apart fashion to form an electron beam tunnel, a first longitudinal member adjacent the plurality of core segments alternately extending toward and receding from successive core segments, and a second longitudinal member adjacent to the plurality of core segments alternately extending toward and receding from successive core segments. The first and second longitudinal members are offset to extend toward different core segments.
US08476829B2 LED lighting system
LED lighting systems and methods of manufacture, which include one or more of the following: (1) a solid state active heat sink for cooling one or more LED chips; (2) a front end power supply providing high voltage to the active heat sink component; (3) a front end power supply that provides a relatively low voltage load to a plurality of LED chips; (4) a front end hybrid power supply with both a high and low voltage output, wherein the high voltage is at least 2kV higher than the low voltage output; (5) an over-mold encapsulating the front end components, wherein the over-mold is provided by a reaction injection molding process; (6) a digital micro-minor device (DMD) for providing pixilated light, color mixing, and intensity control; and (7) an optic having quantum dots (QDs), wherein the light output of the DMD activates for the QDs.
US08476823B2 Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescence device including at least an anode, an emitting layer, an electron-transporting region and a cathode in sequential order, wherein the emitting layer contains a host and a dopant which gives fluorescent emission of which the main peak wavelength is 550 nm or less; the affinity Ad of the dopant is equal to or larger than the affinity Ah of the host; the triplet energy ETd of the dopant is larger than the triplet energy ETh of the host; and a blocking layer is provided within the electron-transporting region such that it is adjacent to the emitting layer, and the triplet energy ETb of the blocking layer is larger than ETh.
US08476822B2 Saturated color organic light emitting devices
An organic light emitting device is provided. The device has a first electrode, a second electrode, and an emissive layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The emissive layer includes an emissive material with an intrinsic emission spectrum having a peak emission wavelength in the visible spectrum less than 500 nm. The device includes a color saturation enhancement layer in direct contact with the first electrode. The color saturation enhancement layer consists essentially of one or more metals or conductive doped inorganic semiconductors, and has an index of refraction at least 0.2 different from that of the organic layers. The color saturation enhancement layer has a thickness of 1-10 nm. The reflectivity of the color saturation enhancement layer is in the range 5% to 30% for the peak wavelength in the intrinsic emission spectrum of the emissive material. Preferably, the color saturation enhancement layer is disposed between the first and second electrodes.
US08476821B2 Display device
A display device in which pixels each including an emission area are arranged in a form of a matrix, the display device including: a first electrode formed from the emission area of the pixels to a non-emission area on a periphery of the emission area; a second electrode formed so as to be common to the pixels; and a light emitting material layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein film thickness in the non-emission area of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is larger than film thickness in the emission area.
US08476811B2 Piezoelectric device with tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece
To provide the piezoelectric device and the manufacturing method thereof, in which the quartz-crystal side surface electrodes and the base side surface electrodes are ensured to be electrically connected without disconnection. The piezoelectric device (100) comprises: a piezoelectric vibrating piece (21), an outer frame (22), a piezoelectric frame (20) for forming a first castellation (204), a package base (12) which is bonded by to the outer frame by adhesive (13) and which the second castellation is formed, and a package lid (11). The piezoelectric frame comprises: an excitation electrodes, a second extraction electrodes and a first side surface electrodes formed on the first castellation. The package base comprises: a second side surface electrode formed on the second castellation, and an external electrode. A pair of connection electrodes (14) is formed on the first castellation or second castellation, for electrically connecting the first side surface electrode or the first extraction electrode to the second side surface electrode.
US08476801B2 Stator, and stator manufacturing apparatus
An apparatus for manufacturing a stator. On a split core of the stator, there are wound main conductors and two auxiliary conductors, which are thinner than but correspond to the main conductors. These main conductors are arrayed and wound in a plurality of layers, such that the main conductors of an upper layer are arranged in the valleys between the adjoining main conductors of a layer. For the main conductors of a first layer, the auxiliary conductors are arranged in a first space and a second space. For the main conductors of the second and subsequent layers, the auxiliary conductors are arranged in a third space, and the auxiliary conductors are arranged in a fourth space.
US08476798B2 Tandem electric machine arrangement
The tandem electric machine arrangement comprises an outside rotor having two axially spaced-apart sets of circumferentially-disposed permanent magnets. It also comprises an inside stator having at least two electrically-independent windings, the at least two windings axially spaced apart from one another and disposed relative to the magnet sets to thereby be magnetically coupled to a respective one of the sets of permanent magnets during rotation of the rotor. One of the rotor and the stator is provided in two separate pieces, each piece supported from opposite axial sides of the electric machine relative to one another. The other of the rotor and the stator is supported from substantially centrally of the two pieces.
US08476796B2 Brushless DC motor
A brushless DC motor including a casing, a stator assembly, a rotor assembly, a magnetic ring, and a circuit board with a Hall element. The stator assembly mounted in the casing and includes a stator core, a coil winding, and an end insulation plate. The rotor assembly includes a rotor core and a permanent magnet, and the end surface of the rotor core is coupled to a magnetic ring support. A convex support ring spaced apart from the permanent magnet is mounted on the edge of the magnetic ring support. The top of the convex support ring is sheathed with the magnetic ring and the Hall element extending out of the circuit board is located on the side of the magnetic ring. The motor minimizes the interference of the magnetic tile and improves measuring accuracy of the Hall element, all while having a simple structure, convenient mounting, and low costs.
US08476787B2 System and method for changing power states of a power device
Aspects in accord with the present invention are directed to a system or method for changing power states of an uninterruptible power supply. In one aspect, the present invention features a method of monitoring a power state of a power device. The method may comprise receiving from one of a plurality of sources a request to change the power state of the power device, initiating a change of power state based on the request, logging an identity of the one of the plurality of sources requesting the change of power state, a type of change of power state, and a time of change of power state, and communicating through a user interface the identity of the one of the plurality of sources requesting the change.
US08476786B2 Systems and methods for isolating current flow to well loads
Systems and methods for controlling power distribution among various electrical loads disposed in a bore are described. Control modules that are associated with loads such that each load is associated with at least one control module. Each control module includes circuitry that can respond to a voltage at a level that is above a threshold by allowing current to flow to its associated load, and that can prevent current from flowing to its associated load when a voltage level at another load, instead of the associated load, is above a threshold. The loads and control modules can be located in various zones in the wellbore.
US08476782B2 WEC with improved power take off apparatus
A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float and a spar for guiding the up and down movement of the float in response to the waves. A power take off (PTO) device coupled between the float and the spar and mounted within one of the float and spar such that the PTO includes apparatus responsive to the mechanical interaction of the float with the portion of the spar in proximity to the float for converting their relative motion into useful energy. In one embodiment the PTO includes a linear rack extending along an external portion of the spar and a linear to rotary converter, mounted within the float, including a double sided toothed belt for engaging the rack and causing rotation of the rotary converter to drive an electric generator. In another embodiment the PTO includes tires mounted within the float which rotate as the float moves up and down. In another embodiment the PTO includes a rack and pinion arrangement with one of them connected to the spar and the other mounted in the float.
US08476780B2 Wind turbine generator and method of estimating wind direction in wind turbine generator
Yaw control is performed such that a nacelle faces into an actual main wind direction. The actual wind direction is estimated by detecting the main wind direction with an anemoscope (wind direction detecting means), assuming the actual wind direction by assuming a wind direction offset value, which is a deviation between the main wind direction and the actual wind direction, which is a direction of wind which blows in actual use, at a predetermined wind speed with a wind direction assuming unit (wind direction assuming means), calculating an average generator output power for a predetermined period of time in the assumed actual wind direction with an average-generator-output-power calculation unit (average-generator-output-power calculation means), approximating the average generator output power with respect to the assumed wind direction offset value to a quadratic curve with an actual wind direction estimation unit (actual wind direction estimation means), and estimating the wind direction offset value at the time when the average generator output power is the maximum in the approximated quadratic curve to be an actual offset value.
US08476775B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with embedded interconnect and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an integrated circuit with an adhesive attached thereto; connecting the integrated circuit and a plated interconnect pad; attaching an embedded interconnect to the plated interconnect pad; and forming an encapsulation, having an encapsulation first side and an encapsulation second side, around the integrated circuit, the embedded interconnect, and the plated interconnect pad with the embedded interconnect exposed from the encapsulation second side and the plated interconnect pad and the adhesive exposed from the encapsulation second side.
US08476773B2 Electrical interconnect structure
An electrical structure including a first substrate comprising a first electrically conductive pad, a second substrate comprising a second electrically conductive pad, and an interconnect structure electrically and mechanically connecting the first electrically conductive pad to the second electrically conductive pad. The interconnect structure comprises a non-solder metallic core structure, a first solder structure, and a second solder structure. The first solder structure electrically and mechanically connects a first portion of the non-solder metallic core structure to the first electrically conductive pad. The second solder structure electrically and mechanically connects a second portion of the non-solder metallic core structure to the second electrically conductive pad.
US08476767B2 Stacked layer type semiconductor device
A stacked layer type semiconductor device includes N memories each including at least one main via and (N−1) sub vias, the N memories being sequentially stacked on one-another so that central axes of the N memories face each other crosswise, and a plurality of connection units electrically connecting the N memories. Here, N is a natural number greater than 1.
US08476764B2 Bonding pad structure for semiconductor devices
A bonding pad structure includes a semiconductor substrate having thereon a plurality of inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers comprising at least a topmost IMD layer; a bondable metal pad layer disposed on a surface of the topmost IMD layer within a pad forming region; a passivation layer covering a periphery of the bondable metal pad layer and the surface of the topmost IMD layer; and a plurality of via plugs disposed in the topmost IMD layer within an annular region of the pad forming region, wherein the via plugs are not formed in a central region of the pad forming region.
US08476760B2 Electroplated posts with reduced topography and stress
Bond pads on an integrated circuit are provided with planarizing dielectric structures to permit the electroplating of metal posts having planar top surfaces. The metal posts contact at least three sides of the planarizing dielectric structures. The planarizing dielectric structures can be used on integrated circuits having bond pads of different sizes to electroplate metal posts having the same height.
US08476759B2 Electrical connection structure
A structure comprises a top metal connector formed underneath a bond pad. The bond pad is enclosed by a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer. A polymer layer is further formed on the second passivation layer. The dimension of an opening in the first passivation layer is less than the dimension of the top metal connector. The dimension of the top metal connector is less than the dimensions of an opening in the second passivation layer and an opening in the polymer layer.
US08476755B2 High frequency ceramic package and fabrication method for the same
A high frequency ceramic package includes: a first conductive pattern placed on the top surface of a ceramic RF substrate; a second conductive pattern placed on the bottom surface of the ceramic RF substrate; a through hole for passing through the top surface and bottom surface of the ceramic RF substrate; a through hole metal layer which is filled up in the through hole and which connects the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern; a ceramic seal ring placed on the ceramic RF substrate; an insulating adhesive bond placed on the ceramic seal ring; and a ceramic cap placed on the insulating adhesive bond, wherein the second conductive pattern is used as an external terminal, and between the ceramic cap and the top surfaces of the ceramic seal ring is sealed with the insulating adhesive bond and it is simple for structure and excellent in high frequency characteristics.
US08476754B2 Wiring substrate and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a wiring substrate. The wiring substrate includes: an insulating layer; first electrode pads having first exposed surfaces, the first exposed surfaces being exposed from the insulating layer; and second electrode pads having second exposed surfaces, the second exposed surfaces being exposed from the insulating layer. There is a level difference between the first exposed surfaces and the second exposed surfaces.
US08476751B2 Stacked semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same
A stacked semiconductor package includes a semiconductor package module including a plurality of semiconductor packages each of which has a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, side surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface and through-holes formed on the side surfaces to pass through the first surface and the second surface and which are stacked such that their through-holes vertically connect with one another, and adhesive members which are formed between the semiconductor packages and attach the semiconductor packages to one another, a main substrate supporting the semiconductor package module and formed, on a third surface thereof facing the semiconductor package module, with main connection pads which are aligned with the through-holes, and conductive connection members formed in the through-holes and electrically connecting the semiconductor packages with the main connection pads.
US08476749B2 High-bandwidth ramp-stack chip package
A chip package is described. This chip package includes a stack of semiconductor dies or chips that are offset from each other, thereby defining a terrace with exposed pads. A high-bandwidth ramp component, which is positioned approximately parallel to the terrace, electrically couples to the exposed pads. For example, the ramp component may be electrically coupled to the semiconductor dies using: microsprings, an anisotropic film, and/or solder. Consequently, the electrical contacts may have a conductive, a capacitive or, in general, a complex impedance. Furthermore, the chips and/or the ramp component may be positioned relative to each other using a ball-and-pit alignment technique. By removing the need for costly and area-consuming through-silicon vias (TSVs) in the semiconductor dies, the chip package facilitates chips to be stacked in a manner that provides high bandwidth and low cost.
US08476745B2 Integrated circuit chip with reduced IR drop
An integrated circuit chip includes a semiconductor substrate; a first interconnection wire having a first portion and a second portion on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second portion is separated from the first portion; a second interconnection wire situated under the first interconnection wire; a first conductive via electrically coupling the first portion with the second interconnection wire; a conductive layer situated between the first interconnection wire and the second interconnection wire; and a second conductive via electrically coupling the conductive layer with the second portion.
US08476741B2 Semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes: a substrate; an organic insulating film provided on the substrate; an inorganic insulating film formed thinner than the organic insulating film on the organic insulating film; a hollow sealing structure that is formed on the inorganic insulating film, and seals a MEMS element in an inside while ensuring a space between the hollow sealing structure itself and the MEMS element; a through hole formed so as to penetrate the organic insulating film and the inorganic insulating film; and a conductive member that is filled into the through hole, and electrically connects the MEMS element and an electrode formed by being filled into the through hole.
US08476735B2 Programmable semiconductor interposer for electronic package and method of forming
Various structures of a programmable semiconductor interposer for electronic packaging are described. An array of semiconductor devices having various values is formed in the interposer. A user can program the interposer and form a “virtual” device having a desired value by selectively connecting various one of the array of devices to contact pads formed on the surface of the interposer. An inventive electronic package structure includes a standard interposer having an array of unconnected devices of various values and a device selection unit, which selectively connects various one of the array of devices in the standard interposer to an integrated circuit die encapsulated in the electronic package. Methods of forming the programmable semiconductor interposer and the electronic package are also illustrated.
US08476733B2 Semiconductor element and manufacturing method therefor
A semiconductor device 100 includes: a body region 105 of a first conductivity type placed on a principal surface of a substrate 101; a silicon carbide layer 102 including a drift region 107 of a second conductivity type; a channel layer 115 of the second conductivity type formed by silicon carbide and placed on the body region 105 and the drift region 107 on a surface of the silicon carbide layer 102; a gate insulating film 111 placed on the channel layer 115; a gate electrode 113 insulated from the silicon carbide layer 102 by the gate insulating film 111; a source electrode 116 provided on the silicon carbide layer 102; and a drain electrode 114 provided on a reverse surface of the substrate 101, wherein the source electrode 116 is in contact with the body region 105 and the channel layer 115; and a second conductivity type impurity concentration on a surface of the silicon carbide layer 102 that is in contact with the source electrode 116 is less than or equal to a second conductivity type impurity concentration of the channel layer 115. Thus, it is possible to provide a silicon carbide semiconductor device having a low loss and a desirable switching characteristic.
US08476730B2 Geiger-mode photodiode with integrated and JFET-effect-adjustable quenching resistor, photodiode array, and corresponding manufacturing method
An embodiment of a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode, having: a body made of semiconductor material of a first type of conductivity, provided with a first surface and a second surface and forming a cathode region; and an anode region of a second type of conductivity, extending inside the body on top of the cathode region and facing the first surface. The photodiode moreover has: a buried region of the second type of conductivity, extending inside the body and surrounding an internal region of the body, which extends underneath the anode region and includes the internal region and defines a vertical quenching resistor; a sinker region extending through the body starting from the first surface and in direct contact with the buried region; and a contact region made of conductive material, overlying the first surface and in direct contact with the sinker region.
US08476729B2 Solid-state imaging device comprising through-electrode
A solid-state imaging device includes an imaging element, an external terminal, an insulating film, a through-electrode and a first electrode. The imaging element is formed on a first major surface of a semiconductor substrate. The external terminal is formed on a second major surface opposing the first major surface of the semiconductor substrate. The insulating film is formed in a through-hole formed in the semiconductor substrate. The through-electrode is formed on the insulating film in the through-hole and electrically connected to the external terminal. The first electrode is formed on the through-electrode on the first major surface of the semiconductor substrate. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first major surface of the semiconductor substrate, an outer shape with which the insulating film and the semiconductor substrate are in contact is larger than an outer shape of the first electrode.
US08476728B2 Parasitic PIN device in a BiCMOS process and manufacturing method of the same
A parasitic PIN device in a BiCMOS process is disclosed. The device is formed on a silicon substrate, in which an active region is isolated by shallow trenches. The device includes: an N-type region, consisting of N-type pseudo buried layers respectively formed at the bottom of shallow trench isolation oxide layers and extending into the active region; an I-type region, consisting of an N-type collector implantation region formed in the active region and contacting with the N-type region; a P-type region, consisting of a P-doped intrinsic base epitaxial layer on a surface of the active region and contacting with the I-type region. The device of the present invention has a low insertion loss and a high isolation. A manufacturing method of parasitic PIN device in compatible with existing BiCMOS process is also disclosed.
US08476727B2 Materials, systems and methods for optoelectronic devices
A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.
US08476726B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device, in which the semiconductor device has a semiconductor element having a plurality of wires bonded to the semiconductor element with sufficient bonding reliability and has a good heat dissipation property. A semiconductor device in which a first wire is ball bonded on an electrode, and a second wire is further bonded on the ball-bonded first wire, and the first wire or an end of the second wire defines a space between itself and the ball portion of the first wire.
US08476724B2 Spin wave device
A spin wave device comprises a metal layer, a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic layer, a free layer, an antiferromagnetic layer, a first electrode, a first insulator layer, and a second electrode. The pinned layer has a magnetization whose direction is fixed. The free layer has a magnetization whose direction is variable.
US08476723B2 Magnetic element having low saturation magnetization
A magnetic device including a magnetic element is described. The magnetic element includes a fixed layer having a fixed layer magnetization, a spacer layer that is nonmagnetic, and a free layer having a free layer magnetization. The free layer is changeable due to spin transfer when a write current above a threshold is passed through the first free layer. The free layer is includes low saturation magnetization materials.
US08476721B2 Magnet-assisted transistor devices
A transistor device includes a magnetic field source adapted to deflect a flow of free electron carriers within a channel of the device, between a source region and a drain region thereof. According to preferred configurations, the magnetic field source includes a magnetic material layer extending over a side of the channel that is opposite a gate electrode of the transistor device.
US08476715B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating thereof, including preparing a substrate including a first and second region; forming first and second conductive lines on the first and second region, respectively, the first conductive lines being spaced apart at a first interval and the second conductive lines being spaced apart at a second interval wider than the first interval; forming a dielectric layer in spaces between the first and second conductive lines; etching the dielectric layer until a top surface thereof is lower than top surfaces of the first conductive lines and the second conductive lines; forming a spacer on the etched dielectric layer such that the spacer covers an entire top surface of the etched dielectric layer between the first conductive lines and exposes portions of the etched dielectric layer between the second conductive lines; and removing portions of the etched dielectric layer between the second conductive lines.
US08476713B2 Vertical-type semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A vertical-type semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, a wordline structure on the cell region of the semiconductor substrate, the wordline structure including a plurality of wordlines stacked on top of each other, a semiconductor structure through the wordline structure, a gate dielectric between the wordline structure and the semiconductor structure, and a dummy wordline structure on the peripheral circuit region, the dummy wordline structure having a vertical structure and including same components as the wordline structure.
US08476710B2 Vertical complementary FET
A vertical complementary field effect transistor (FET) relates to the production technology of semiconductor chips and more particularly to the production technology of power integration circuit. A part of the substrate bottom of the invention extends into the middle layer and form the plug between the two MOS units. There is an output terminal under the substrate layer. When on-state voltage is applied on the gate electrode of the two MOS units, two conduction paths are formed from MOS unit-plug-substrate to the output terminal. This technology can integrate more than two MOS devices. Therefore, the die size is reduced.
US08476702B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a body region of a first conductive type; trenches formed by digging in from a top surface of the body region; gate electrodes embedded in the trenches; source regions of a second conductive type formed at sides of the trenches in a top layer portion of the body region; and body contact regions of the first conductive type, penetrating through the source regions in a thickness direction and contacting the body region. The body contact regions are formed in a zigzag alignment in a plan view. With respect to a column formed by the body contact regions aligned in a predetermined column direction, the trenches are disposed at both sides in a row direction orthogonal to the column direction in a plan view, extend in the column direction, and form meandering lines each connecting a plurality of curved portions so that a predetermined gap in the row direction is formed respectively between adjacent trenches extending in the column direction and between the trenches and the body contact regions.
US08476700B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device comprises a recessed trench in a substrate, a gate insulating layer including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first thickness and covering lower portions of sidewalls of the recessed trench and a bottom surface of the recessed trench, and the second portion having a second thickness and covering upper portions of the sidewalls of the recessed trench, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, a gate electrode filling the recessed trench, a first impurity region having a first concentration and disposed at opposing sides of the gate electrode, and a second impurity region having a second concentration greater than the first concentration and disposed on the first impurity region to correspond to the second portion of the gate insulating layer.
US08476699B2 Method for producing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method for producing a semiconductor device includes a step of forming a conductor layer and a first semiconductor layer containing a donor impurity or an acceptor impurity on a first semiconductor substrate; a step of forming a second insulating layer so as to cover the first semiconductor layer; a step of thinning the first semiconductor substrate to a predetermined thickness; a step of forming, from the first semiconductor substrate, a pillar-shaped semiconductor having a pillar-shaped structure on the first semiconductor layer; a step of forming a first semiconductor region in the pillar-shaped semiconductor by diffusing the impurity from the first semiconductor layer; and a step of forming a pixel of a solid-state imaging device with the pillar-shaped semiconductor into which the impurity has been diffused.
US08476694B2 Memory cell, memory device and method for manufacturing memory cell
A memory cell including a substrate, a stacked gate structure and a first isolation structure is provided. The substrate has a first doped region, a second doped and a channel region located between the first doped region and the second doped region. The stacked gate structure is disposed on the channel and at least includes a charge trapping layer and a gate from bottom to top. The first isolation structure is disposed in the substrate and is connected to the first doped region and extends downwards from the first doped region for a predetermined length, and a bottom of the first isolation structure is lower than a bottom of the first doped region.
US08476688B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same,which prevents leaning of a storage node when forming a capacitor having a plurality of storage nodes of “L” or “+” shape support patterns
A semiconductor device that prevents the leaning of storage node when forming a capacitor having high capacitance includes a plurality of cylinder-shaped storage nodes formed over a semiconductor substrate; and support patterns formed to fix the storage nodes in the form of an ‘L’ or a ‘+’ when viewed from the top. This semiconductor device having support patterns in the form of an ‘L’ or a ‘+’ reduces stress on the storage nodes when subsequently forming a dielectric layer and plate nodes that prevents the capacitors from leaking.
US08476684B2 Field effect transistors having improved breakdown voltages and methods of forming the same
Transistors having improved breakdown voltages and methods of forming the same are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming a transistor comprises the steps of: forming a drain and a source by doping a semiconductor with a first dopant type to form a first type of semiconductor, the drain and source being separated from one another, wherein the drain comprises a first drain region of a first dopant concentration adjacent a second drain region, such that at least a portion of the second drain region is positioned between the first drain region and the source, and further comprising forming an intermediate region by doping the semiconductor so as to form a second type of semiconductor intermediate the drain and source, the intermediate region spaced apart from the second drain region.
US08476683B2 On-chip radiation dosimeter
A semiconductor device includes a first field effect transistor (FET) located on a substrate; and a second FET located on the substrate, the second FET comprising a first buried oxide (BOX) region located underneath a channel region of the second FET, wherein the first BOX region of the second FET is configured to cause the second FET to have a higher radiation sensitivity that the first FET.
US08476679B2 System of dynamic and end-user configurable electrical interconnects
A dynamic and end-user configurable controlled impedance interconnect line includes a plurality of conductive pixels, a plurality of thin-film transition material interconnects to electrically connect adjacent conductive pixels in the plurality of conductive pixels, and a plurality of addressable pixel interconnect actuators to selectively heat a respective plurality of the thin-film transition material interconnects. The plurality of addressable pixel interconnect actuators is operable to selectively heat a respective plurality of the thin-film transition material interconnects to form an interconnect line.
US08476678B2 CMOS Transistor with dual high-k gate dielectric
A CMOS device with transistors having different gate dielectric materials and a method of manufacture thereof. A CMOS device is formed on a workpiece having a first region and a second region. A first gate dielectric material is deposited over the second region. A first gate material is deposited over the first gate dielectric material. A second gate dielectric material comprising a different material than the first gate dielectric material is deposited over the first region of the workpiece. A second gate material is deposited over the second gate dielectric material. The first gate material, the first gate dielectric material, the second gate material, and the second gate dielectric material are then patterned to form a CMOS device having a symmetric Vt for the PMOS and NMOS FETs.
US08476676B2 Trench poly ESD formation for trench MOS and SGT
A semiconductor device and its method of fabrication are described. A trench formed in a semiconductor substrate is partially filling said trench with a semiconductor material that lines a bottom and sides of the trench, leaving a gap in a middle of the trench running lengthwise along the trench. A first portion of the semiconductor material located below the gap is doped with dopants of a first conductivity type. The gap is filled with a dielectric material. Second portions of the semiconductor material located on the sides of the trench on both sides of the dielectric material are doped with dopants of a second conductivity type. The doping forms a P-N-P or N-P-N structure running lengthwise along the trench with differently doped regions located side by side across a width of the trench.
US08476674B2 Gate conductor with a diffusion barrier
A gate conductor structure is provided having a barrier region between a N-type device and a P-type device, wherein the barrier region minimizes or eliminates cross-diffusion of dopant species across the barrier region. The barrier region comprises at least one sublithographic gap in the gate conductor structure. The sublithographic gap is formed by using self-assembling copolymers to form a sublithographic patterned mask over the gate conductor structure. According to one embodiment, at least one sublithographic gap is a slit or line that traverses the width of the gate conductor structure. The sublithographic gap is sufficiently deep to minimize or prevent cross-diffusion of the implanted dopant from the upper portion of the gate conductor. According to another embodiment, the sublithographic gaps are of sufficient density that cross-diffusion of dopants is reduced or eliminated during an activation anneal such that changes in Vt are minimized.
US08476673B2 Diode
A diode has a semiconductor layer and cathode and anode electrodes on a surface of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer has cathode and anode regions respectively contacting the cathode and anode electrodes. The anode region has a first diffusion region having high surface concentration, a second diffusion region having intermediate surface concentration, and a third diffusion region having low surface concentration. The first diffusion region is covered with the second and third diffusion regions. The second diffusion region has a first side surface facing the cathode region, a second side surface opposite to the cathode region, and a bottom surface extending between the first and second side surfaces. The third diffusion region covers at least one of the first corner part connecting the first side surface with the bottom surface and the second corner part connecting the second side surface with the bottom surface.
US08476669B2 LED module and LED lamp having the LED module
An LED module includes a first dielectric layer, and a first patterned conductive layer having first, second, and third die-bonding pads. Each die-bonding pad includes a pad body having a die-bonding area, and an extension extended from the pad body. The extension of the first die-bonding pad extends in proximity to the die-bonding area of the second die-bonding pad. The extension of the second die-bonding pad extends in proximity to the die-bonding area of the third die-bonding cad. A second dielectric layer disposed on the first patterned conductive layer includes three dielectric members corresponding respectively to the die-bonding pads of the first patterned conductive layer. Each dielectric member includes a chip-receiving hole exposing the die-bonding area of a respective die-bonding pad for attachment of an LED chip thereto, and a wire-passage hole spaced apart from the chip-receiving hole to expose partially the first patterned conductive layer for bonding a wire.
US08476667B2 Optoelectronic component
An optoelectronic component (10) comprising at least one metal body (15) and a layer sequence (17), which is applied on a base body (11) and which is embodied to emit an electromagnetic radiation and to which an insulation (12) is applied on at least one side area, wherein the at least one metal body (15) is applied to at least one region of the insulation (12) and is embodied in such a way that it is in thermally conductive contact with the base body (11).
US08476658B2 Semiconductor light-emitting devices
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a substrate having an upper surface and a plurality of bumps positioned over the upper surface in a periodic manner, a first conductive type semiconductor layer positioned over the substrate, a light-emitting structure positioned over the first conductive type semiconductor layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer positioned over the light-emitting structure. The first conductive type semiconductor layer includes a plurality of protrusions each facing a portion of the substrate between the bumps, the protrusions are positioned in a ring manner at a peripheral region of the first conductive type semiconductor layer, and the protrusions are spaced apart from the bumps.
US08476655B2 Electromagnetic-radiation-emitting optoelectronic component and method for producing an optoelectronic component
An optoelectronic component comprising a housing and a luminescence diode chip arranged in the housing is specified, which component emits a useful radiation. The housing has a housing material which is transmissive to the useful radiation and which is admixed with radiation-absorbing particles in a targeted manner for setting a predetermined radiant intensity or luminous intensity of the emitted useful radiation. The radiation-absorbing particles reduce the radiant intensity or the luminous intensity by a defined value in a targeted manner in order thus to set a predetermined radiant intensity or luminous intensity for the component. A method for producing an optoelectronic component of this type is additionally disclosed.
US08476652B2 Three-dimensional light-emitting devices and method for fabricating the same
A three-dimensional LED structure with vertically displaced active-region includes at least two groups of vertically displaced surfaces on a non-planar substrate. The first group of surfaces are separated from the second group of surfaces by a vertical distance in the growth direction of the LED structure. The first group of surfaces are connected to the second group of surfaces by sidewalls, respectively. The sidewalls can be inclined or vertical and have a sufficient height so that a layer such as an n-type layer, an active-region, or a p-type layer in a first LED structure deposited on the first group of surfaces and a corresponding layer such as an n-type layer, an active-region, or a p-type layer in a second LED structure deposited on the second group of surfaces are separated by the sidewalls. The two groups of surfaces may be vertically displaced from each other in certain areas of an LED chip, while merge into an integral surface in other areas. A method for fabricating the three-dimensional LED structure is also provided.
US08476649B2 Solid state lighting devices with accessible electrodes and methods of manufacturing
Various embodiments of light emitting dies and solid state lighting (“SSL”) devices with light emitting dies, assemblies, and methods of manufacturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a light emitting die includes an SSL structure configured to emit light in response to an applied electrical voltage, a first electrode carried by the SSL structure, and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode of the SSL structure. The first and second electrode are configured to receive the applied electrical voltage. Both the first and second electrodes are accessible from the same side of the SSL structure via wirebonding.
US08476646B2 Light emitting device and light emitting device package
Provided is a light emitting device, which includes a second conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a first conductive type semiconductor layer, and a intermediate refraction layer. The active layer is disposed on the second conductive type semiconductor layer. The first conductive type semiconductor layer is disposed on the active layer. The intermediate refraction layer is disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer. The intermediate refraction layer has a refractivity that is smaller than that of the first conductive type semiconductor layer and is greater than that of air.
US08476645B2 LED thermal management
Thermal management solutions for higher power LEDs. In accordance with embodiments, a heat sink, preferably copper, is connected directly to the thermal pad of an LED. Directly connecting the LED thermal pad to the copper heat sink reduces the thermal resistance between the LED package and the heat sink, and more efficiently conducts heat away from the LED through the copper heat sink. In embodiments, the copper heat sink is directly soldered to the LED thermal pad.
US08476643B2 Radiation-emitting body and method for producing a radiation-emitting body
A radiation-emitting body comprising a layer sequence having an active region for generating electromagnetic radiation, a coupling-out layer for coupling out the generated radiation, said coupling-out layer being arranged on a first side of the layer sequence, a reflection layer for reflecting the generated radiation, said reflection layer being arranged on a second side opposite the first side, and an interface of the layer sequence which faces the reflection layer and which has a lateral patterning having projecting structure elements, wherein the reflection layer is connected to the layer sequence in such a way that the reflection layer has a patterning corresponding to the patterning of the interface. A method for producing a radiation-emitting body is furthermore specified.
US08476632B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
To provide a wireless identification semiconductor device provided with a display function, which is capable of effectively utilizing electric power supplied by an electromagnetic wave. The following are included: an antenna; a power source generating circuit electrically connected to the antenna; an IC chip circuit and a display element electrically connected to the power source generating circuit; a first TFT provided in the power source generating circuit; a second TFT provided in the IC chip circuit; a third TFT provided in the display element; an insulating film provided to cover the first to third TFTs; a first source electrode and a first drain electrode, a second source electrode and a second drain electrode, and a third source electrode and a third drain electrode which are formed over the insulating film; and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the third source electrode or the third drain electrode. The first source electrode or the first drain electrode is electrically connected to the antenna.
US08476630B2 Methods of adding pads and one or more interconnect layers to the passivated topside of a wafer including connections to at least a portion of the integrated circuit pads thereon
A pattern of conductive ink is disposed on the topside of the unsingulated integrated circuits of a wafer, and, typically after wafer probing, the pattern of conductive ink is removed. The conductive ink pattern provides an electrical pathway between bond pads on an integrated circuit and large contact pads disposed on the topside of the integrated circuit. Each of the large contact pads is much greater in area than the corresponding bond pads, and are spaced apart so that the pitch of the large contact pads is much greater than that of the bond pads. In one aspect of the present invention, the conductive ink includes a mixture of conductive particles and wafer bonding thermoset plastic. In another aspect of the present invention, the conductive ink is heated and disposed on a wafer by an ink jet printing system.
US08476629B2 Enhanced wafer test line structure
A semiconductor wafer has a die area and a scribe area. A first dummy pad is formed in a first test line area of the scribe area and filled with a first material as part of a first metal layer. A first interlayer dielectric is formed over the first metal layer. A first interconnect pattern is formed in the die area and above the first interlayer dielectric, and a first trench pattern is formed in the first test line area of the scribe area and above the interlayer dielectric. The first interconnect pattern and the first trench pattern are filled with a second metal layer, and the first trench pattern is aligned above the first dummy pad. An enhanced test line structure including the first trench pattern and the first dummy pad is formed and probed in a back end of line (BEOL) process.
US08476628B2 Device using oxide semiconductor, display device, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a device using an oxide semiconductor, the device including a circuit part configured to include a thin film transistor using the oxide semiconductor as a channel material, wherein the circuit part has a lower interconnect, an upper interconnect, and an interlayer insulating film, the interlayer insulating film includes an oxide semiconductor layer and a channel protective layer, and the channel protective layer is interposed between an outer circumferential surface of a rising part of the oxide semiconductor layer corresponding to thickness of the lower interconnect and the upper interconnect.
US08476626B2 Semiconductor memory device including semiconductor and oxide semiconductor transistors
It is an object to provide a semiconductor device with a novel structure. The semiconductor device includes memory cells connected to each other in series and a capacitor. One of the memory cells includes a first transistor connected to a bit line and a source line, a second transistor connected to a signal line and a word line, and a capacitor connected to the word line. The second transistor includes an oxide semiconductor layer. A gate electrode of the first transistor, one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the second transistor, and one electrode of the capacitor are connected to one another.
US08476624B1 Organic light emitting diode (OLED) device
In one aspect of the invention, an organic light emitting diode device has a substrate, a cathode formed on the substrate, an anode spaced-apart from the cathode, a plurality of electroluminescent units stacked between the cathode and the anode, and a plurality of charge generation layers, each of which is formed between two adjacent electroluminescent units. Each electroluminescent unit has an electron-transport layer, an emission layer formed on the electron-transport layer, and a hole-transport layer formed on the emission layer. The electron-transport layer of the first electroluminescent unit is formed on the cathode, defining a first energy barrier, and the anode is formed on the hole-transport layer of the last electroluminescent unit, defining a second energy barrier. The first energy barrier is higher than the second energy barrier. The first electroluminescent unit has a lifetime longer than that of each of the rest electroluminescent units.
US08476621B2 Resin composition, gate insulating layer, and organic thin film transistor
The subject of the present invention is to provide an organic thin film transistor with a small hysteresis. The means for solving the subject is a resin composition for an organic thin film transistor gate insulating layer comprising (A) a macromolecule that comprises at least one repeating unit selected from the group consisting of repeating units represented by Formula (1), repeating units represented by Formula (1′), and repeating units represented by Formula (2) and contains two or more first functional groups in its molecule, wherein the first functional group is a functional group that generates, by the action of electromagnetic waves or heat, a second functional group that reacts with active hydrogen, and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of low-molecular compounds containing two or more active hydrogens in each molecule and macromolecules containing two or more active hydrogens in each molecule.
US08476614B2 Memory device and fabrication process thereof
A memory device that includes a resistive-change memory element, the memory device includes: a first memory element that includes a first resistive-change layer and a first electrode connected to the first resistive-change layer; and a second memory element that includes a second resistive-change layer and a second electrode connected to the second resistive-change layer, wherein at least one of the thickness and the material of the second resistive-change layer and the area of the second electrode in contact with the second resistive-change layer is different from the corresponding one of the thickness and the material of the first resistive-change layer and the area of the first electrode in contact with the first resistive-change layer.
US08476612B2 Method for forming a lateral phase change memory element
A method of manufacturing a phase change memory (PCM) includes forming a pinch plate layer transversely to a PCM layer that is insulated from the pinch plate layer by a dielectric layer. Biasing the pinch plate layer causes a depletion region to form in the PCM layer. During a read of the PCM in a reset or partial reset state the depletion region increases the resistance of the PCM layer significantly.
US08476611B2 Systems and methods for the detection of orientation features on a material web
This application relates to systems and methods for the detection of orientation features on a material web.
US08476601B1 Identifying an atomic element using an integrated circuit
Systems and methods are provided for identifying an atomic element in proximity to an integrated circuit. Trace amounts of a contaminant are identifiable. The atomic element is exposed to neutron radiation to convert a portion of the atomic element into a radioactive isotope of the atomic element. Upsets are measured for the binary states of the memory cells of the integrated circuit during a time period following the exposure to the neutron radiation. The atomic element is identified from the upsets of the binary states of the memory cells of the integrated circuit.
US08476600B2 Apparatus and method for measuring depth-of-interaction using light dispersion and positron emission tomography using the same
The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a Depth-Of-Interaction (DOI), comprising a crystal layer 10 of a mono layer in which a plurality of crystals for absorbing gamma rays are consecutively arranged, scintillation light detectors disposed at one end of the crystals and configured to detect scintillation light emitted from the crystal layer 10 by the gamma rays, change means included in the crystals and configured to linearly change transmittance in a length direction of the crystals, and a control unit 30 configured to calculate the DOI in the crystal layer 10 on a basis of the first output signal and the second output signal. The scintillation light detector outputs the first output signal in one direction and the second output signal in a direction at a right angle to the one direction.
US08476598B1 Electromagnetic radiation imaging devices and associated methods
Electromagnetic radiation detection systems and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, an electromagnetic radiation detection system includes a semiconductor material operable to detect electromagnetic radiation, the semiconductor material having a responsivity of greater than or equal to 0.3 A/W at an operating voltage of less than or equal to about 50 volts and at a wavelength of from about 0.01 nm to about 100 nm. The system can further include an electromagnetic radiation source positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation to the semiconductor material.
US08476596B2 Thin film transistor array substrate for X-ray detector and X-ray detector
A thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate for an X-ray detector that improves a fill factor is disclosed. According to one aspect, the substrate includes a plurality of pixel areas each including a transistor area in which a TFT is formed, and a photodiode area in which a photodiode is formed. A first wire is formed in a first layer disposed in a lower portion of a photodiode layer in which the photodiode is formed, in at least a portion of the transistor area of the photodiode layer, and in a second layer disposed in an upper portion of the photodiode layer. A second wire, insulated from the first wire, extends in the pixel areas and is formed in the second layer. At least one TFT is formed in the transistor area and electrically connected to at least one of the first and second wires.
US08476594B2 Temperature compensation circuit for silicon photomultipliers and other single photon counters
A PET scanner (8) includes a ring of detector modules (10) encircling an imaging region (12). Each of the detector modules includes at least one detector pixel (24,34). Each detector pixel includes a scintillator (20, 30) optically coupled to one or more sensor APDs (54) that are biased in a breakdown region in a Geiger mode. The sensor APDs output a pulse in response to the light from the scintillator corresponding to a single incident radiation photon. A reference APD (26, 36) also biased in a break-down down region in a Geiger mode is optically shielded from light and outputs a temperature dependent signal. At least one temperature compensation circuit (40) adjusts a bias voltage applied to the sensor APDs based on the temperature dependent signal.
US08476593B2 PET detector system with improved capabilities for quantification
A nuclear medical imaging system employing radiation detection modules with pixelated scintillator crystals includes a scatter detector (46) configured to detect and label scattered and non-scattered detected radiation events stored in a list mode memory (44). Coincident pairs of both scattered and non-scattered radiation events are detected and the corresponding lines of response (LOR) are determined. A first image representation of the examination region can be reconstructed using the LORs corresponding to both scattered and non-scattered detected radiation events to generate a lower resolution image (60) with good noise statistics. A second higher resolution image (62) of all or a subvolume of the examination region can be generated using LORs that correspond to non-scattered detected radiation events. A quantification processor is configured to extract at least one metric, e.g. volume, count rate, standard uptake value (SUV), or the like, from at least one of the lower resolution image, the higher resolution image, or a combined image (64).
US08476590B2 Thermal imaging camera for taking thermographic images
In a thermal imaging camera for acquisition of thermographic images of a measurement object, an electronic evaluation unit is integrated into the thermal imaging camera; it is designed for recognition of corresponding partial regions of the acquired thermographic images, and with it, the acquired images can be assembled into an overall image by overlapping the corresponding partial regions and displayed. The acquisition of the images preferably takes place during the swiveling of the thermal imaging camera over the solid angle region of the desired overall image.
US08476589B2 Particle beam microscope
A particle beam microscope comprises a magnetic lens 3 having an optical axis 53 and a pole piece 21. An object 5 to be examined is mounted at a point of intersection 51 between an optical axis 53 and the object plane 19. First and second X-ray detectors 33 have first and second radiation-sensitive substrates 35 arranged such that a first elevation angle β1 between a first straight line 551 extending through the point of intersection 51 and a center of the first substrate 351 and the object plane 19 differs from a second elevation angle β2 between a second straight line 552 extending through the point of intersection 51 and a center of the second substrate 352 and the object plane 19 by more than 14°.
US08476588B2 Method of electron diffraction tomography
The invention relates to a method for electron diffraction tomography in a Transmission Electron Microscope. Known methods involve using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope, and use the scanned beam for STEM diffraction. The invention proposes to form the diffraction patterns with a stationary beam with a diameter slightly larger than the crystal, as a result of which a TEM without STEM unit can be used. Finding the crystal is done in TEM mode. Advantages of the method according to the invention are: a TEM without scanning unit can be used, and the diffraction volume is not depending on the orientation of the crystal, as the whole crystal is illuminated while obtaining the diffraction pattern.
US08476585B2 Microtome utilizing a movable knife in a retardation field scanning electron microscope and a retardation field scanning electron microscope including the same
A microtome for in situ residence within a chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a SEM including the microtome is disclosed. The microtome includes a specimen holder for holding a specimen thereon at high voltage to produce a retardation field thereat and a movable knife. The SEM includes a backscatter electron detector disposed adjacent to specimen holder. The knife arranged is to be carried into engagement with the specimen on the specimen holder to slice a portion of the specimen away to expose a new face of the specimen without interfering with the high voltage on the specimen, and is mounted so that after having engaged the specimen to expose a new face of the specimen it is withdrawn to a retracted position whereupon it does not interfere with the retardation field.
US08476584B2 Methods for sourceless density downhole measurement using pulsed neutron generator
Disclosed is a method for estimating a density of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The method includes: emitting a pulse of fast neutrons into the formation during a neutron-pulse time interval; detecting gamma-rays due to inelastic scattering and thermal capture of the emitted neutrons in the formation to provide a gamma-ray energy spectrum due to the inelastic scattering and the thermal capture during a first time interval within the neutron-pulse time interval and to provide a time spectrum of counts or count rates due to thermal capture during a second time interval occurring after the neutron-pulse time interval; determining a macroscopic capture cross section of the formation from a decay in the time spectrum of counts or count rates; determining an elemental weight fraction from the gamma-ray energy spectrum; and estimating the density of the formation using the macroscopic capture cross section and the elemental weight fraction.
US08476580B2 Angle-measuring device and line of products with such angle-measuring devices
An angle-measuring device having a scanning device with which scanning of a closed serial first code and scanning of a closed serial second code is enabled, wherein a length of the closed serial second code is less than a length of the closed serial first code, and the closed serial first code and the closed serial second code have at least one common code section. The angle-measuring device includes a detector array for generating first and second sequences of code words of a predetermined scanning length upon scanning of the closed serial first code and second codes, respectively. The first sequence includes a first partial sequence and one common partial sequence, and wherein the common partial sequence is created upon scanning of the common code section. The second sequence includes a second partial sequence and the common partial sequence. The angle-measuring device further includes a decoding device designed for decoding the first and second sequences of code words, wherein the closed serial first and second codes as well as the predetermined scanning length are selected such that code words of the first and second sequences have a Hamming distance greater than 1.
US08476579B2 Indexed optical encoder, method for indexing an optical encoder, and method for dynamically adjusting gain and offset in an optical encoder
An optical encoder may include an encoder disk, an illumination system, and a detector to detect light diffracted from the encoder disk. The encoder disk may include a signal track comprising a diffraction grating, and an index track comprising a reflective index mark, wherein a width of the index mark is larger than a pitch of the diffraction grating. An indexing method may include providing an encoder disk, providing an illumination system to direct light to the encoder disk, providing a detector structured to detect light diffracted from the encoder disk, calculating an estimated count of quadrature states from a rising edge of an index pulse to a middle of the index interval, and calculating the quadrature state at an approximate center of the index pulse. A dynamic parameter correction method may include calculating a target gain and offset and correcting values based on the target gain and offset.
US08476570B2 Solid-state image pickup device
A solid-state image pickup device may include: an image pickup unit in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix; a sample-and-hold unit having a switch element and a capacitance element; a frequency conversion unit in which a plurality of stages of inverting circuits are connected, the pixel signal is supplied to the first power supply terminal, and a start signal for starting clock generation and an output signal from the inverting circuit of a predetermined stage are input to one of the inverting circuits; a counting unit that counts the clock output from the frequency conversion unit; and a buffer circuit provided between a first terminal of the capacitance element connected to the switch element and the first power supply terminal, wherein a second terminal of the capacitance element is connected to the second power supply terminal.
US08476564B2 Thermally activated variable stiffness composites for aircraft seals
An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.
US08476563B2 Induction heating cooker and control circuit therefor
An induction heating cooker includes a switch element and an inductive coil, which is coupled between a power voltage and a first terminal of the switch element. A second terminal of the switch element is coupled to a common voltage. A control circuit for controlling the inducting heating cooker includes first and second comparators and a pulse generator. The first comparator receives voltages of two terminals of the inductive coil and thus outputs a trigger signal. The second comparator receives a reference voltage and a voltage of the first terminal of the switch element, and enables a fading signal when the voltage of the first terminal is higher than the reference voltage. When the trigger signal is enabled, the pulse generator outputs a pulse to control the switch element. When the fading signal is enabled, the pulse generator reduces a pulse width of the pulse.
US08476561B2 Substrate heating device and substrate heating method
A device for heating a substrate with light from a flash lamp having a semiconductor switch connected in series to the flash lamp. After triggering of a trigger electrode of the flash lamp, a first drive signal and a second drive signal are output from a gate circuit. The time period when the semiconductor switch is on due to the second drive signal is longer than the time period that the semiconductor switch is on by the first drive signal. Then, the semiconductor switch is switched on and off by the first drive signal and the substrate temperature is increased to a temperature, which is lower than the desired temperature to be achieved, and is maintained a that temperature for a short time, after which the surface temperature of the substrate is increased to the desired target temperature.
US08476558B2 Ice buildup inhibitor
An ice buildup inhibitor is disclosed useful for preventing ice damming, in particular in conjunction with the use of a closed gutter. Heat escape through a roof made warm snow pack, causing it to melt and flow down toward the gutter. After moving away from the heated roof, the water may re-freeze and form an ice dam. In the ice buildup inhibitor may be configured to warm in the closed gutter, thereby preventing the formation of an ice dam. They ice buildup inhibitor may be configured to be easily installed onto an existing closed gutter, enabling responsive installation on only those homes experiencing ice damming.
US08476556B2 Gemstone heating system with magnet for expanding capillary vessel
An aspect of the invention provides a gemstone heating system for expanding capillary vessel. The system comprises a gemstone heating pad, a magnet, a heat conductor, a heating element, and an insulating cover. The gemstone heating pad comprises a front surface, a rear surface, a recess portion provided on a central portion of the rear surface, a enclosing wall portion configured for enclosing the recess portion. The magnet is embedded in the recess portion of the gemstone heating pad. The heat conductor encloses the recess portion of the gemstone heating system. The heating element is disposed in the heating conductor. The insulating cover is configured for insulating the heat conductor and the heating element.
US08476555B2 Portable welding wire feed system and method
A welding system is provided that includes a wearable wire feeder having a wire drive motor that is responsive to a control signal received directly from a power unit. Another welding system is provided that includes a wearable wire feeder that is configured to couple to a constant voltage power unit and does not include a voltage sensor. Another welding system is provided that includes a power unit, a wearable wire feeder separate from the power unit, a cable extending directly from the power unit to the wearable wire feeder and a welding torch coupled to and separate from the wire feeder. A method is provided that includes receiving a control signal from a power unit at a wearable wire feeder and driving a welding wire from the wearable wire feeder to a welding torch in response to the control signal, wherein the wearable wire feeder is separate from the torch.
US08476554B2 Methods and apparatus for improved low current AC/DC TIG welding and starting
A TIG welder and methodologies for providing an output welding current in a welding circuit. The welder has main and background power supplies. The main supply has an SCR network which selectively connects a transformer secondary winding to the welding circuit according to SCR control signals. The background supply is connected to the SCR network, which selectively connects the second power supply to the welding circuit according to the SCR control signals. The SCR network may have first and second SCRs operating according to first and second SCR control signals from a control circuit, where the control circuit is connected to the SCR network and the second power supply and selectively connects the SCR control signals to the SCR network according to the setpoint current value.
US08476552B2 Laser systems and methods using triangular-shaped tailored laser pulses for selected target classes
Processing workpieces such as semiconductor wafers or other materials with a laser includes selecting a target to process that corresponds to a target class associated with a predefined temporal pulse profile. At least one of the predefined temporal pulse profiles may be triangular. The target class may include, for example unpassivated electrically conductive links or other bare metal structures. Based on the target class associated with the selected target, a laser pulse is generated having a triangular temporal pulse profile. The generated laser pulse is used to process the selected structure.
US08476547B1 Wire electric discharge machine
A wire electric discharge machine (WEDM) and method of cutting a work piece. The WEDM having a movable support plate for supporting one or more work pieces thereon and for moving one or more work pieces into the proper position for a cutting operation. Process information is recorded and compared to predetermined operating parameters and tolerances to determine deviations therefrom and adjustments are automatically made to the cutting operation to correct such deviations.
US08476545B2 Sorting pieces of material based on photonic emissions resulting from multiple sources of stimuli
A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or to more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.
US08476544B2 Device for adjusting electric parameters
A device for adjusting an electric parameter, including at least a base having at least two terminal pairs, a positioning body, and at least one first portion. Both ends of at least one of the terminal pair are connected to the first portion. A pair of signal terminals is disposed on the positioning body, and both ends of one of the terminal pairs are contacted with the signal terminal on the positioning body as a position of the base is changed, whereby facilitating adjustment of electric parameters. The device of the invention can be applied to various electronic circuits, RF circuits, microwave circuits, and so on, thus implementing step and quantitative adjustment of the electric parameters.
US08476539B2 Junction box for connecting a solar cell, electrical diode, guiding element and fixing means
A junction box for connecting a solar cell, having a housing; a diode; and a conductive foil strip electrical contact. The housing includes a base plate with a receiving passageway that extends along a slide direction. The receiving passageway opens along an upper side of the base plate through a receiving slot.
US08476537B2 Multi-layer substrate
A multi-layer substrate includes a planar transmission line structure and a signal via, which are connected by a multi-tier transition. The multi-tier transition includes a signal via pad configured to serve for a full-value connection of the signal via and the planar transmission line; and a dummy pad connected to the signal via, formed in an area of a clearance hole in a conductor layer disposed between a signal terminal of the signal via and the planar transmission line, and isolated from the conductor layer.
US08476535B2 Multilayered printed wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A multilayered printed wiring board includes a flexible wiring board with wiring layers on both main surfaces thereof; a rigid wiring board with wiring layers on both main surfaces thereof and formed opposite to the flexible wiring board under the condition that an area of the main surface of the rigid wiring board is smaller than an area of the main surface of the flexible wiring board; and an electric/electronic component embedded in the rigid wiring board.
US08476534B2 Multilayer printed board and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a multilayer printed board 10 having three single-sided conductor pattern films 16 each having a conductor pattern 13 formed on one surface of a resin film 12 having a through hole 11 and a filled through hole 15 that is the through hole 11 filled with a conductor 14 integrally with the conductor pattern 13. These single-sided conductor pattern films 16 are stacked in such a manner that their tops are oriented in the same way. The conductor patterns 13 of the single-sided conductor pattern films 16 are electrically connected via the filled through holes 15. As the conductor patterns 13 of the single-sided conductor pattern films 16 are interlayer connected via the filled through holes 15, the interlayer connection reliability can be enhanced.
US08476533B2 Printed circuit board
An exemplary printed circuit board includes a substrate, a differential transmission line, and at least two weld pad pairs. The differential transmission line and the at least two weld pad pairs are disposed on the substrate. The differential transmission line includes two parallel signal conductors disposed on the substrate. Each of the two signal conductors is electrically connected to an edge of one of the weld pads of a respective pair of the at least two weld pad pairs. Thereby, the two signal conductors of the differential transmission line can extend in the same distance anywhere, particularly in the position where the two signal conductors pass the two weld pad pairs. As a result, the coupling performance and the capability of the differential transmission line to resist electromagnetic interference are both enhanced.
US08476531B2 Flex-rigid wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A flex-rigid wiring board includes a flexible board including a flexible substrate and a conductor pattern formed over the flexible substrate, a non-flexible substrate disposed adjacent to the flexible board, an insulating layer covering the flexible board and the non-flexible substrate and exposing one or more portions of the flexible board, a conductor pattern formed on the insulating layer, and a plating layer connecting the conductor pattern of the flexible board and the conductor pattern on the insulating layer.
US08476529B2 Aluminum electric wire for an automobile and a method for producing the same
An aluminum electric wire includes an annealing conductor that is made up of elemental wires made of an aluminum alloy containing 0.90-1.20 mass % Fe, 0.10-0.25 mass % Mg, 0.01-0.05 mass % Ti, 0.0005-0.0025 mass % B, and the balance being Al and has a tensile strength of 110 MPa or more, a breaking elongation of 15% or more, and an electric conductivity of 58% IACS or more, and an insulating material covering the conductor. The wire is produced by casting an aluminum alloy prepared by rapidly solidifying a molten aluminum alloy having the above composition, producing the wires by subjecting the alloy to plasticity processing, producing the conductor by bunching the wires, subjecting the wires or the conductor to annealing at 250° C. or higher, and then covering the conductor with the insulator.
US08476528B2 Electrically insulating coating and method of formation thereof
A method of fabricating a structure comprising the steps of: providing an electrical conductor; providing a layer of a flexible insulating material on the electrical conductor, the material comprising: a first organo-alkoxide 1RxSi(O1R′)4-x and a second organo-alkoxide 2RxSi(O2R′)4-x, where 1R is a non-hydrolysable organic moiety thermally stable to a temperature of at least 150° C., 2R is a non-hydrolysable organic moiety containing a functional group that can react with another like functional group to form an organic polymer, 1R′ and 2R′ are alkyl radicals and x is an integer from 0 to 3; and an inorganic filler material.
US08476527B2 Resin composition and high-frequency co-axial cable using same
A resin composition is made of a mixture including a crosslinked polyethylene and a non-crosslinked polyethylene. The mixture has a density of 0.960 g/cm3 or more and a melt fracture tension within a range from 20 to 100 mN. A high-frequency co-axial cable includes sequentially: an internal conductor; an internal solid layer; a foamed insulation layer; an external solid layer; an external conductor; and an outer coat. The foamed insulation layer of includes a foam body of the above resin composition.
US08476524B2 Electrically isolated heat dissipating junction box
A junction box used for making electrical connections to a photovoltaic panel. The junction box has two chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber and a wall common to and separating both chambers. The wall may be adapted to have an electrical connection therethrough. The two lids are adapted to seal respectively the two chambers. The two lids are on opposite sides of the junction box relative to the photovoltaic panel. The two lids may be attachable using different sealing processes to a different level of hermeticity. The first chamber may be adapted to receive a circuit board. The junction box may include supports for mounting a printed circuit board in the first chamber. The second chamber is configured for electrical connection to the photovoltaic panel. A metal heat sink may be bonded inside the first chamber. The first chamber is adapted to receive a circuit board for electrical power conversion, and the metal heat sink is adapted to dissipate heat generated by the circuit board.
US08476521B2 Solar generator apparatus with elastically cable-controlled tracking
A solar generator apparatus includes a generator module having first to fourth corner portions; a middle column; first and second winding devices attached to the middle column; first and second cables and first to fourth elastic anchors. The middle column has first and second ends, mounted on a fixed structure and pivotally connected to the generator module, respectively. The first cable, having two ends respectively connected to the first and third corner portions, is wound around the first winding device. The second cable, having two ends respectively connected to two ends of the second and fourth corner portions, is wound around the second winding device. The first to fourth elastic anchors are elastically mounted on the fixed structure. The first cable passes through the first and third elastic anchors to form a W-shaped structure. The second cable passes through the second and fourth elastic anchors to form another W-shaped structure.
US08476519B2 Interactive electronic apparel incorporating a guitar image
Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.
US08476518B2 System and method for generating audio wavetables
A method includes receiving an audio signal and identifying one or more steady-state segments of the audio signal. The method also includes identifying at least one portion of the one or more segments that contains a specified frequency. Further, the method includes generating a wavetable using the at least one identified portion of the one or more segments. In addition, the method could include synthesizing an output audio signal using the wavetable. The output audio signal could represent a ringtone in a mobile telephone.
US08476511B1 Device and method to secure a piano fallboard
A system and method to secure a piano fallboard is provided. In one embodiment, a method of retaining the piano fallboard in the upright position includes securing the fallboard to the back panel with a fallboard retaining device. In another embodiment, a method of retaining the piano fallboard in the closed position includes securing the fallboard to the keyslip with the fallboard retaining device. The fallboard retaining device can be a clamping structure or a magnetic device.
US08476502B1 Maize variety hybrid X7H202
A novel maize variety designated X7H202 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 maize variety X7H202 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7H202 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7H202, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7H202. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7H202.
US08476499B2 Lettuce cultivar Cayucos
A lettuce cultivar, designated Cayucos, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar Cayucos, to the plants of lettuce cultivar Cayucos and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Cayucos with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Cayucos, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Cayucos and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Cayucos with another lettuce cultivar.
US08476496B2 Lettuce cultivar rio bravo
A lettuce cultivar, designated Rio Bravo, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar Rio Bravo, to the plants of lettuce cultivar Rio Bravo and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Rio Bravo with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Rio Bravo, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Rio Bravo and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Rio Bravo with another lettuce cultivar.
US08476494B2 Lettuce cultivar dragoon
A lettuce cultivar, designated Dragoon, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar Dragoon, to the plants of lettuce cultivar Dragoon and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Dragoon with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Dragoon, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Dragoon and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Dragoon with another lettuce cultivar.
US08476493B2 Reproductive ablation constructs
The present invention relates to the regulation of reproductive development, particularly to the genetic ablation of reproductive tissues in angiosperm and gymnosperm species. Reproductive-preferred promoters, regulatory elements, and cytotoxic nucleotide sequences are disclosed herein, as are constructs and methods for genetic ablation.
US08476490B2 Method for production of moth orchid having modified flower color
To provide a method for changing the flower color of a moth orchid, particularly a method for producing a moth orchid having a red or reddish flower color from a white moth orchid.A method for producing a moth orchid having a modified flower color, which comprises transfecting a moth orchid with a gene encoding a flavanone 3-hydroxylase, a gene encoding a flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase, a gene encoding a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase and a gene encoding an anthocyanidin synthase and expressing the genes.
US08476486B2 Ramularia leaf spot resistant safflower
The invention is directed to varieties of safflower plants and seeds that are resistant to fungal disease, such as those fungi that cause foliage diseases in Carthamus tinctorus l.
US08476484B2 Transgenic clawed frog embryos and use thereof as detectors of endocrine disrupters in the environment
The invention relates to transgenic aquatic animals, particularly the clawed frog and the zebra fish and cells derived therefrom, characterized in comprising at least one expression cassette with a regulatory DNA sequence selected from the response elements to nuclear hormone receptors, particularly TRE, connected in a functional manner downstream of a DNA segment coding for a marker protein such as luciferase or GFP. The invention further relates to methods using the transgenic cells and animals according to the invention for the identification of endocrine disrupters in the environment.
US08476483B2 Antibacterial sheet and absorbent article
Disclosed is an antibacterial sheet including an antibacterial composition and a sheet-like base member with the antibacterial composition attached thereto. In the antibacterial sheet, a composition including an antibacterial agent and a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer which is solid at a normal temperature and which dissolves in a body fluid is used as the antibacterial composition.
US08476481B2 Method for treating radioactive liquid waste and apparatus for the same
A method for treating a radioactive liquid waste containing a sodium salt, which includes: feeding a radioactive liquid waste containing at least one of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate to an anode chamber in an electrolytic cell provided with an anode and a cathode on both sides of a permeable membrane, which is selectively permeable to sodium ions, and electrodialyzing the radioactive liquid waste; separating sodium ions permeated through the permeable membrane as sodium hydroxide from the radioactive liquid waste in a cathode chamber; separating a radioactive substance remaining in the anode chamber as a concentrated radioactive liquid waste; and recovering the separated sodium hydroxide and concentrated radioactive liquid waste, respectively.
US08476479B2 Method of treating biomass, fuel for fuel cell, gasoline, diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, and synthetic resin
In processing of biomass by catalytic cracking in a fluidized catalytic cracker having a reaction zone, a separation zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone, the feedstock oil containing the biomass is processed in the reaction zone using a catalyst containing 10 to 50 mass % of ultrastable Y-type zeolite under the conditions: outlet temperature of the reaction zone 580 to 680° C., catalyst/oil ratio 10 to 40 wt/wt, reaction pressure 1 to 3 kg/cm2 G, and contact time of the feedstock oil with the catalyst in the reaction zone 0.1 to 1.0 sec, and the catalyst is then treated in the regeneration zone under the conditions: regeneration zone temperature 640 to 720° C., regeneration zone pressure 1 to 3 kg/cm2 G, and exhaust gas oxygen concentration at the regeneration zone outlet 0 to 3 mol %.
US08476475B2 Premixture for preparing an absorbent for removing acidic gases from fluid streams
A premix is described for producing an absorption medium for removing acid gases from fluid streams. The premix comprises at least one alkanolamine, piperazine and water, the premix having a total amine content of more than 65% by weight, the molar ratio of water to piperazine in the premix being 1.6 to 4.8. The premix is characterized by a low solidification point. It is diluted with water and/or alkanolamine to give the ready-to-use absorption medium.
US08476474B2 Asymmetric styryl derivatives and organic light emitting diode prepared using the same
Disclosed are asymmetric styryl derivatives and an organic light emitting diode prepared using the same. More particularly, there are provided asymmetric styryl derivatives that can provide a blue organic light emitting diode with superior thermal stability, as well as improved luminous efficiency, improved brightness, and extended lifetime, by synthesizing a novel thermally stable compound with a styryl structure represented by Formula 1, and using the compound as a dopant in an organic light emitting layer (EML) of a multilayered organic light emitting diode, and an organic light emitting diode prepared by the same.
US08476473B2 Compound, method for preparing the compound and resist composition containing the compound
A compounds represented by the Formula (I) or the Formula (I′). wherein Z1 and Z2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 alkyl group or a C3 to C12 cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group, provided that at least one of Z1 and Z2 represent a C1 to C12 alkyl group or a C3 to C12 cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group; rings Y1 and Y2 independently represents an optionally substituted C3 to C20 alicyclic hydrocarbon group; Q1 to Q4 and Q′1 to Q′4 independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group; and m and n independently represent an integer of 0 to 5.
US08476472B2 (3R)-L-menthyl 3-hydroxybutyrate, process for producing the same, and sensate composition comprising the same
The present invention provides a cooling component or sensate component which has further strong cooling intensity and is excellent in the persistency or refresh-feeling and cool-feeling, a sensate composition comprising the same, and various products comprising the sensate composition. The present invention relates to, as a cooling component or sensate component, (3R)-1-menthyl 3-hydroxybutyrate represented by the following formula (I):
US08476469B2 Process for producing C1-C4 alkyl nitrite
A process of producing C1-C4 alkyl nitrite, comprising the following steps: a) firstly feeding nitrogen oxide and oxygen into Reactor I, contacting with an aluminosilicate catalyst, and reacting to produce an effluent I containing NO2 and unreacted NO; b) feeding the effluent I and C1-C4 alkanol into Reactor II, and reacting to produce an effluent II containing C1-C4 alkyl nitrite; and c) separating the effluent II containing C1-C4 alkyl nitrite to obtain C1-C4 alkyl nitrite; wherein reactor I is a fixed bed reactor, and Reactor II is a rotating high-gravity reactor; said nitrogen oxide in step a) is NO, or a mixed gas containing NO and one or more of N2O3 and NO2, wherein the molar number of NO is greater than that of NO2, if any; and the molar ratio of NO in nitrogen oxide to oxygen is 4-25:1.
US08476467B2 Organometallic precursors for use in chemical phase deposition processes
An organometallic precursor is provided. The precursor corresponds in structure to Formula I: Cp(R)nM(CO)2(X)  (Formula I) wherein: M is Ru, Fe or Os; R is C1-C10-alkyl; X is C1-C10-alkyl; and n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The precursors are useful in chemical phase deposition processes, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
US08476464B2 Alkylene oxide purification systems
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide processes, columns, and systems for removing acetaldehyde from alkylene oxide in a feed stream and for providing an alkylene oxide-water stream that can be directly transferred to a glycol reaction process. The alkylene oxide purification column includes a first section to convert a feed stream into a gas phase portion and a liquid phase portion and a second section located in the column above the first section to separate alkylene oxide from the acetaldehyde, water, and other impurities that enter the second section from the first section.
US08476457B2 Indole, indazole and benzimidazole arylamides as P2X3 and P2X2/3 antagonists
Compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using the compounds for treating diseases associated with P2X3 and/or a P2X2/3 receptor antagonists and methods of making the compounds.
US08476454B2 IDO inhibitors and methods of use
Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of malignancy are disclosed.
US08476453B2 Process for the preparation of dimiracetam
The invention relates to a method of manufacture of dimiracetam (2,5-dioxohexahydro-1 H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]imidazole), characterized in that a 4-oxo-butanoic acid ester is condensed with glycinamide in a one-pot reaction with a controlled pH. The reaction may be performed in aqueous solution or in an anhydrous lower alcohol solution.
US08476451B2 Tubulysin D analogues
The present invention provides novel tubulysin analogues, methods of making and methods of using such analogues and conjugates thereof. The compounds of the invention are highly potent cell-growth inhibitors have been developed that are smaller and considerably more stable than tubulysin D.
US08476449B2 Radioactive iodine labeled organic compound or salt thereof
The present invention is a compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof. Furthermore, the present invention is an imaging agent used for imaging a tau protein, the imaging agent containing a compound represented by the formula (1) below or a salt thereof. In the formula (1), R3 is a radioactive iodine.
US08476446B2 Isoxazole derivatives for use as fungicides
The present invention relates to isoxazole compounds of formula (I) having fungicidal activity, to agricultural compositions comprising them, and to the use of said compounds and compositions in agriculture for the control of microbial pests, particularly fungal pests, on plants.
US08476445B2 Process for production of piperidine derivatives
The present invention relates to a process for preparing piperidine derivative compounds of the formulae: wherein n is 0 or 1; R1 is hydrogen or hydroxy; R2 is hydrogen; or, when n is 0, R1 and R2 taken together form a second bond between the carbon atoms bearing R1 and R2, provided that when n is 1, R1 and R2 are each hydrogen; R3 is —COOH or —COOR4; R4 is an alkyl or aryl moiety; A, B, and D are the substituents of their rings, each of which may be different or the same, and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogens, alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, and other substituents, The process comprises providing a regiosomer of the following formula: wherein Z is —CG1G2G3, m is an integer from 1 to 6; Q and Y are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of O, S, and NR5; G1, G2, and G3 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of OR8, SR8, and NR8R9; R6 and R7 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, OR8, SR8, and NR8R9; and R5, R8, and R9 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl moiety, and an aryl moiety and converting the regioisomer to the piperidine derivative compound with a piperidine compound.
US08476439B2 Pyridine classical cannabinoid compounds and related methods of use
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I: wherein R1, R2, V, W, X, Y and Z can be as defined herein. The compounds can be used in the treatment of disorders mediated by the cannabinoid receptors.
US08476438B2 Process for production of camptothecin derivative
Disclosed is a process for production of 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]-carbonyloxycamptothecin from a camptothecin composition containing 18,19-dehydrocamptothecin without producing any vinyl form of the compound. The process is characterized by catalytically reducing at least one compound selected from a compound (1) and others in the process of producing a compound (5) from a composition containing the compound (1).
US08476432B2 Process for the preparation of HMG-COA reductase inhibitors and intermediates thereof
The present invention provides an improved process for preparing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as rosuvastatin calcium, fluvastatin sodium, and pitavastatin calcium under a mild condition, using a novel amide-bond-containing compound having R2—N—O—R1 moiety as a key intermediate. And also, the present invention provides the novel compound, an intermediate useful for the preparation thereof, and a process for the preparation thereof.
US08476431B2 Benzoxazole kinase inhibitors and methods of use
The present invention provides chemical entities, compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that are capable of modulating certain protein kinases such as mTor, tyrosine kinases, and/or lipid kinases such as PI3 kinase. For example, the invention provides compounds of Formula: Also provided in the present invention are methods of making such compounds or compositions, and methods of using these compositions to modulate activities of one or more of these kinases, especially for therapeutic applications such as treatment of cancer.
US08476430B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds useful as kinase modulators
Compounds having the formula (I), and enantiomers, and diastereomers, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, thereof, are useful as kinase modulators, including Btk modulation, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Q, A and B are as defined herein.
US08476428B2 Method of preparing cyclic carbonates, cyclic carbamates, cyclic ureas, cyclic thiocarbonates, cyclic thiocarbamates, and cyclic dithiocarbonates
A method of preparing a cyclic monomer, comprising: forming a first mixture comprising a precursor compound, bis(pentafluorophenyl)carbonate, and a catalyst; wherein the precursor compound has a structure comprising a) two or more carbons, and b) two functional groups selected from the group consisting of primary amine, secondary amine, thiol group, hydroxyl group, and combinations thereof; and agitating the first mixture at a temperature effective to form a second mixture comprising the cyclic monomer, the cyclic monomer selected from the group consisting of a cyclic carbonate, a cyclic carbamate, a cyclic urea, a cyclic thiocarbonate, a cyclic thiocarbamate, and a cyclic dithiocarbonate.
US08476427B2 Preparation of methionine or selenomethionine from homoserine via a carbamate intermediate
Provided herein are processes for the production of methionine or selenomethionine from homoserine. In particular, the processes proceed via the production of carbamate intermediates.
US08476424B2 Removal of acids from tertiary amide solvents
A method of removing a carboxylic acid from a liquid that contains a tertiary amide solvent includes a step of contacting the liquid with an extraction medium comprising an amine. The amine is immiscible with both water and the tertiary amide solvent, and the contacting step forms a de-acidified phase containing the tertiary amide solvent and a phase containing the extraction medium and the carboxylic acid. Both the liquid that contains the tertiary amide solvent and the de-acidified phase may also contain a sucrose-6-acylate.
US08476422B2 Method to trigger RNA interference
A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double -stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.
US08476421B2 Modulation of stat5 expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of STAT5. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding STAT5. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of STAT5 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of STAT5 are provided.
US08476420B2 Method for diagnosing lung cancers using gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing lung cancer in a mammalian subject by use of three or more selected genes, e.g., a gene expression profile, from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the subject which is characteristic of disease, a stage of the disease, or enables prognosis of recurrence of disease. The gene expression profile includes three or more genes of Table I, Table II, Table III, Table IV, Table V, Table VI or Table VII herein. Detection of changes in expression in the selected genes forming the gene expression profile from that of a reference gene expression profile are correlated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One composition for use in such diagnosis includes three or more PCR primer-probe sets, wherein each primer-probe set amplifies a different polynucleotide sequence from the gene expression profile. Another composition for similar use contains a plurality of polynucleotides immobilized on a substrate, which probes hybridize to three or more gene expression products from genes in the gene expression profile. Still another composition involves detection of the protein expression products of genes from the gene expression profile.
US08476419B2 Enhancing the T-cells stimulatory capacity of human antigen presenting cells and their use in vaccination
With the current invention, we provide new methods of enhancing the T-cell stimulatory capacity of human dendritic cells (DCs) and their use in cancer vaccination. The method comprises the introduction of different molecular adjuvants to human DCs through transfection with at least two mRNA or DNA molecules encoding markers selected from the group of: CD40L, CD70, constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4), IL-12p70, EL-selectin, CCR7 and/or 4-1 BBL; or in combination with inhibition of SOCS, A20, PD-L1 and/or STAT3 expression, for example through siRNA transfection. We could show a clear increase in the immunostimulatory capacity of DCs obtained in this way, enabling them to elicit an unexpectedly high T-cell immune response in vitro. Introduction of at least two of the above molecules, in combination with a tumor-specific antigen enables the DCs to elicit a significant host-mediated T-cell immune response in vivo against the tumor antigen and thus makes them very attractive in the manufacturing of anti-cancer vaccines.
US08476413B2 Sulfanyl-tetrahydropyran-based compounds and methods of their use
Sulfanyl-tetrahydropyran-based compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and methods of their use for the treatment of diseases and disorders such as diabetes and obesity are disclosed.
US08476409B2 Bispecific anti-IGF-1R and anti-ErbB3 antibodies
Provided are bispecific antibodies that are useful as anti-neoplastic agents and that bind specifically to human IGF-1R and human ErbB3. Exemplary antibodies inhibit signal transduction through either or both of IGF-1R and ErbB3.
US08476406B2 Cytokine derivatives
The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an N-terminal portion and a C-terminal portion, wherein said N-terminal portion comprises the signature sequence QGP[P or L] and the amino acid sequence of said C-terminal portion is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, and uses thereof.
US08476405B2 Neuregulin variants and methods of screening and using thereof
The present invention provides polypeptide variants of neuregulin-1β (NRG-1β) that have enhanced or decreased binding affinity to ErbB3 and/or ErbB4. The invention also provides methods of screening and producing polypeptide variants of NRG-1β and methods of using polypeptide variants of NRG-1β for treating diseases.
US08476402B2 Carbohydrate lactone polymers
The present invention relates to a novel carbohydrate lactone, functionalized aliphatic polyesters and copolymers formed therefrom, and processes for the preparation thereof from renewable resources.
US08476400B2 Dendritic oxygen scavenging polymer
An oxygen-scavenging composition is provided that includes an oxygen-scavenging polymer and a catalyst. The oxygen-scavenging polymer, which in preferred embodiments is suitable for use in packaging articles, is a dendritic polymer having one or more oxygen-scavenging groups.
US08476399B2 Biocompatible polymers for medical devices
The present invention relates to new classes of monomeric compounds, which may be polymerized to form novel biodegradable and bioresorble polymers and co-polymers. These polymers and co-polymers, while not limited thereto, may be adapted for radio-opacity and are useful for medical device applications and controlled release therapeutic formulations.
US08476398B2 Perfluoropolyether urethane additives having (meth)acryl groups and hard coats
Fluorocarbon- and urethane-(meth)acryl-containing additives and hardcoats. The hardcoats are particularly useful as a surface layer on an optical device.
US08476397B2 Phenoxazine polymer compound and light emitting device using the same
A polymer compound comprising a residue of a compound represented by the following formula (0): wherein Ar0 represents a substituent such as a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group and the like, or a group represented by the following formula (A), at least two Ar0s are groups represented by the following formula (A), R0 represents a substituent such as an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group and the like, l and m represent an integer of 0 to 3, wherein A0 represents —N═ or —C(R2)═. R2 represents a substituent such as a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group and the like.
US08476392B2 Polymerization processes using metallocene catalysts, their polymer products and end uses
A process for the production of an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer is disclosed, the process including polymerizing ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin by contacting the ethylene and the at least one alpha-olefin with a metallocene catalyst in at least one gas phase reactor at a reactor pressure of from 0.7 to 70 bar and a reactor temperature of from 20° C. to 150° C. to form an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may have a density D of 0.927 g/cc or less, a melt index (I2) of from 0.1 to 100 dg/min, a MWD of from 1.5 to 5.0. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may also have a peak melting temperature Tmax second melt satisfying the following relation: Tmax second melt>D*398−245.
US08476390B2 Light filters comprising P-nitrophenylazo salicylic acid derivatives thereof
Polymer and monomer compositions based on a chromophore and improved light absorption. Lens materials can be fabricated. A composition comprising: a compound comprising a polymerizable vinyl group covalently linked to a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising: a substituent comprising a carbonyl group at the 1-position; a substituent comprising a hydroxy, ether, ester or a combination thereof at the 2-position; and a substituent comprising a (p-Nitrophenylazo) group at the 4 position of the benzene ring, including salts.
US08476386B2 Hyperbranched polymers and their applications
The present invention provides a branched, a dendritic, or a hyperbranched poly(amino ester) having a polymer backbone comprising a plurality of branches, wherein the polymer backbone has at least one secondary and at least one tertiary amine linkage. Branched poly(amino ester)s are prepared via a Michael addition reaction of a tris(acrylate ester)monomer with a diamine monomer. In one aspect, the diamine monomer has a primary amino group and a secondary amino group. The poly(amino ester) compounds can be end-capped by reacting with a suitable agent. The present invention also provides applications including, but are not limited to, the delivery of bioactive agents, such as drugs, DNA or RNA; or biocompatible imaging.
US08476385B2 Fluorinated ether compositions and methods of using the same
A composition including at least one first divalent unit represented by formula: Each Rf is independently selected from the group consisting of Rfa—(O)t—CHF—(CF2)n—; [Rfa—(O)t—C(L)H—CF2—O]m—W—; Rfb-O—(CF2)p-; F(CkF2k)—(O—CkF2k)P—O—CF2—; and CF3—O—(CF2)3—(OCF(CF3)—CF2)Z—O-L1-. Each Q is independently selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(O)—N(R1)—, and —C(O)—O—. Each X is independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene and arylalkylene, wherein alkylene and arylalkylene are each optionally interrupted by at least one ether linkage and optionally terminated by —N(R1)—C(O)— or —O—C(O)—. R and R1 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Rfa represents a partially or fully fluorinated alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally interrupted with at least one oxygen atom. Rfb is selected from the group consisting of CF3CFH— and F(CjF2j)-. Methods of reducing surface tension of a liquid, making foams, and treating a surface using the compositions are also disclosed.
US08476383B2 Process for producing polyolefins
The present invention deals with a process of producing a polymer of at least one olefin in two consecutive reactors in gas phase in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst where an olefin is polymerized in a first polymerization reactor in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst and a first reaction gas mixture to form a fluidized bed comprising an olefin polymer and said first reaction gas mixture.
US08476379B2 Silphenylene skeleton-containing silicone type polymer and method for manufacturing the same
There is disclosed a silphenylene skeleton-containing silicone type polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1) and having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 40,000. There can be a novel silphenylene skeleton-containing silicone type polymer which enables to satisfy both chemical resistance and adhesiveness to a substrate and can be used as a material for a thermosetting resin for forming coatings for protecting substrates, circuits, and interconnections; and a method for manufacturing the same.
US08476377B2 Crosslinkable polyamide molding compounds and molded parts produced therewith
The invention relates to crosslinkable, thermoplastic polyamide molding compounds. The polyamides are selected from a group comprising amorphous or microcrystalline polyamides, copolyamides thereof and blends thereof, as well as blends of such polyamides with semicrystalline polyamides. A polyamide molding compound according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a crosslinking additive which causes the production of crosslinked molded parts formed from said polyamide molding compound under the effect of high-energy irradiation, having a Tg value of >140° C. and a minimum dimensional stability of 90% at temperatures of ≧180° C. These polyamides have a substantially linear structure and the monomers thereof have no olefin C═C double bonds. Corresponding crosslinked polyamide molded parts produced from a polyamide molding compound and the use of this polyamide molding compound to produce these crosslinked polyamide molded parts are additionally disclosed.
US08476375B2 Polymers modified by silanes
The invention relates to a process for grafting hydrolysable silane groups to a polyolefin, comprising reacting the polyolefin with an unsaturated silane, containing an olefinic —C═C— bond or acetylenic —C≡C— bond and having at least one hydrolysable group bonded to Si, or a hydrolysate thereof, in the presence of means capable of generating free radical sites in the polymer. The silane contains an aromatic ring or a further olefinic double bond or acetylenic unsaturation, the aromatic ring or the further olefinic double bond or acetylenic unsaturation being conjugated with the olefinic —C═C— or acetylenic —C≡C— unsaturation of the silane. The unsaturated silane may also contains electron-withdrawing moiety with respect to the olefinic —C═C— or acetylenic —C≡C— bond. The invention permits to provide a silane-modified polyolefin having a high grafting efficiency while limiting/preventing polymer degradation by chain scission. The silane-modified polyolefin can be further reacted with a polar surface, a filler or a polar polymer or reacted on itself to crosslink the polyolefin and obtain enhanced physical properties of the composites made thereof.
US08476372B2 Polyester fiber and method for its production, and tire cord, tire, belt-reinforcing fiber material and belt comprising the polyester fiber
There is provided a polyester fiber which has few defects such as voids due to catalyst particles, and low variation in physical properties and minimal fluff generation. The polyester fiber of the invention comprises laminar nanoparticles composed of a divalent metal and a phosphorus compound and having side lengths of 5-100 nm and an interlayer spacing of 1-5 nm. There are also provided a tire cord, tire, belt-reinforcing fiber material and belt, comprising the polyester fiber.
US08476369B2 Metal salt nanogel-containing polymers
The invention relates to a method for producing metal salt nanogel-containing aqueous dispersions, solid intermediate products and waterproof plastic products, thus allowing the simple production of novel products having homogeneously distributed agents, which exhibit, for example, an antimicrobial or barrier effect and/or have an absorbing capacity, such as with respect to oxygen, humidity, chemical, particularly gaseous compounds, or electromagnetic or radioactive radiation.
US08476368B2 Low-k dielectrics obtainable by twin polymerization
The invention relates to a dielectric layer with a permittivity of 3.5 or less comprising a dielectric obtainable by polymerizing at least one twin monomer comprising a) a first monomer unit which comprises a metal or semimetal, and b) a second monomer unit which is connected to the first monomer unit via a chemical bond, wherein the polymerization involves polymerizing the twin monomer with breakage of the chemical bond and formation of a first polymer comprising the first monomer unit and of a second polymer comprising the second monomer unit, and wherein the first and the second monomer unit polymerize via a common mechanism.
US08476367B1 Pelletized plastic compounds and method of manufacture
A pellet is formed by a method includes, in one embodiment, dispersing up to about 95% by weight of thermoset rubber particles into a carrier resin to form the plastic compound. The carrier resin includes an olefin block copolymer. The method also includes the steps of extruding the plastic compound through a die having at least one die hole to form at least one extrudate filament, cutting the at least one extrudate filament to a predetermined length to form a plurality of pellets, conveying the pellets to a separator/centrifugal dryer in water having a temperature of about 170° F. or greater, and separating the pellets from the water in the separator/centrifugal dryer so that the pellets are substantially dry upon removal from the separator/centrifugal dryer. The resultant pelletized plastic compound has a flex modulus of less than about 20,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
US08476363B2 Expanding void filler and a process of manufacturing same
An adhesive composition, a process of manufacture and a method of filling a surface having voids with a void filler are disclosed herein. Upon insertion between opposing surfaces or around an exposed surface, the void filler expands into and around the voids, filling surfaces having voids and covering irregularities of concrete structures.
US08476360B2 Calendered films of plasticized blends of plastomer and impact copolymer
This invention relates to a film or sheet and a process to make a film or sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 35 mils comprising a blend composition comprising: a) 4 to 50 wt % of one or more polypropylene-based TPO(s); and b) 30 to 80 wt % of one or more ethylene plastomer(s); and c) 0.5 to 35 wt % of one or more non-functionalized plasticizer(s) having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 4 to 300 cSt, a pour point of −20° C. or less, and a flash point of 200° C. or more; and d) 0 to 69.5 wt % of one or more filler(s); and wherein the blend composition is calendered into a film or sheet.
US08476352B2 Elastomeric compositions comprising hydrocarbon polymer additives having improved impermeability
An elastomeric compositions having improved impermeability is disclosed. The cured elastomeric composition may comprise at least one C4-C7 monoolefin elastomer, a hydrocarbon polymer additive, and a clay. In some embodiments, the cured elastomeric composition has a permeation coefficient at 40° C. of 90 cc*mm/(m2-day) or less. In some embodiments, the elastomeric composition is substantially free of naphthenic oil.
US08476351B2 Black composition, black coating composition, resin black matrix, color filter for liquid crystal display and liquid crystal display
A black coating composition which gives a highly adhesive resin black matrix that exhibits a high OD value which was able to be attained only by metal thin film black matrices is disclosed. The black coating composition comprises as indispensable components a titanium nitride oxide and a resin. The X-ray intensity ratios R1 and R2 of the titanium nitride oxide represented by the Equations (1) and (2) below, respectively, satisfy the relationships represented by Formulae (3) and (4) below: R1=I3/{I3+1.8(I1+1.8I2)}  (1) R2=I2/I1  (2) R1>0.70  (3) 0.85
US08476347B1 Resin compound, resin composition, and resin-molded article
A resin compound includes a reaction product of (A) polymer which is at least selected from aliphatic polyester and aliphatic polyamide and (B) an aromatic compound with a compositional ratio from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of (A) and represented by the following Formula (1): wherein each of R1, R2, and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms; each of R4, R5, R6, and R7 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms; each dm and n independently represents an integer from 0 to 3; and each of p and q represents an integer from 0 to 4.
US08476346B2 Resist pattern thickening material, semiconductor device, and production method thereof
A resist pattern thickening material containing a resin, a cyclic compound expressed by the general formula 1, at least one of compounds expressed by the general formulae 2 to 3, respectively, and water:
US08476344B2 Method for preparing silicon-sulfur compounds and their use in bitiminous compositions
A method of producing sulfur modified organosilane compounds that can be used in asphalt binders which method involves: combining together an organosilane or mixtures of organosilanes, a sulfide, a halogen acceptor and solvent to form a reaction mixture; and allowing the organosilane to react with the sulfide in the presence of a halogen acceptor to produce a sulfur modified organosilane compound. The sulfur modified organosilane compound can be introduced into a polymer modified or unmodified asphalt binder in which the sulfur modified organosilane compound reacts with components in the asphalt mixture to form a modified asphalt. The organosilanes used to produce the sulfur modified organosilanes can be from a source of waste products (such as Direct Product Residue) in which case the waste products can be reused in asphalt binders.
US08476342B2 Method and formulation for reinforcing elastomers
A rubber composition has a base rubber, a filler which is a protein, including soy protein, derived from byproducts resulting from the manufacture of biodiesel fuel and a coupling agent.
US08476341B2 Multi-branched polyalkylene glycol polymer, method for producing the same, and admixture for cement
The present invention provides a multi-branched polyalkylene glycol polymer useful for various applications, especially for an admixture for cement, a dispersant, admixture for cement, and cement composition each comprising the same, a thiol compound having a polyalkylene glycol chain useful for materials and the like of the polymer, and a method for easily and effectively producing the multi-branched polyalkylene glycol polymer and the thiol compound having a polyalkylene glycol chain at low cost. The multi-branched polymer comprises: a polyalkylene glycol chain; a residue of a compound having three or more active hydrogen atoms; and a polymer portion having a constitutional unit derived from a vinyl monomer component, one end of the polyalkylene glycol chain bonding to the residue, and a terminal oxygen atom of at least one of the other ends of the polyalkylene glycol chain bonding to a main chain end of the polymer portion directly or via an organic residue.
US08476340B2 Ceramic powder and applications thereof
The present invention provides ceramic powder capable of being incorporated into rubber or a resin for the preparation of a composition, which shows excellent heat resistance and flame retardancy and which is used, for instance, as a semiconductor-sealing material. The ceramic powder has a multi-peak frequency distribution pattern having at least two peaks as a particle size distribution as determined using a laser diffraction-scattering type particle size-analyzer, wherein the maximum particle size for the first peak ranges from 40 to 80 μm and that for the second peak ranges from 3 to 8 μm and wherein the rate of the particles having a particle size of not less than 20 μm and less than 40 μm is not more than 20% by mass (inclusive of 0% by mass).
US08476335B2 Method of manufacturing monolithic stationary phase and monolithic stationary phase produced thereby
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a polymer-based monolithic stationary phase in an ionic liquid reaction medium via microwave-assisted vinylization and polymerization. The invention is time-effective and environmental friendly for not using volatile organic compounds.
US08476332B2 Inkjet printing
A single phase curable composition for use in inkjet printing, comprising at least one cationically curable material, at least one cationic photoinitiator and water together with a method of inkjet printing such compositions is provided.
US08476330B2 Polyurethane foam containing synergistic surfactant combinations and process for making same
The present invention relates to a composition and process for preparing fine-celled polyurethane foam obtained from frothing a polyurethane foam-forming composition possessing a synergistic combination of silicone surfactants.
US08476319B2 Methods of treating ear infections
Methods of treating and/or preventing otitis media in a subject are provided. Methods of treating and/or preventing otitis externa are also provided.
US08476317B2 N-alkylcarbonyl-amino acid ester compounds and their use for cough and pharyngitis
The present invention generally relates to refreshing, soothing, and cooling compounds that affect sensory processes. More particularly, the present invention pertains to certain N-alkylcarbonyl-amino acid esters compounds as described herein; compositions and articles comprising such compounds; and methods of treatment, for example, methods of reducing cough and pharyngeal irritation, itch, and/or pain.
US08476314B2 Substance with sedative effect
A substance with sedative effect comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a gamma-pyrone such as comenic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. When administered at a daily dosage of between 0.05 mg to about 10,000 mg of active ingredient per unit dose, the substance can be used to treat various disorders of a nervous system such as pain, insomnia, anxiety, neurosis, depression, as well as withdrawal symptoms experienced by drug addiction patients, especially for patients addicted to opiate-based drugs. The substance can be delivered in a number of ways of systemic administration of a pharmaceutical agent including oral, parenteral, transdermal, and transmucosal administration. One disclosed method of administration involves a subcutaneous implant providing a continuous release of an active ingredient at an effective daily rate over the entire treatment period ranging from 5 to 30 days, and preferably from 13 to 20 days.
US08476313B2 Heteroaryl-containing isoflavones as aromatase inhibitors
Compounds and methods useful for treating and prevention of cancer, particularly hormone-dependent breast cancer. Provided are compounds of formula I: wherein X is selected from O, N, S, SO, SO2, and S(CH2)n, wherein n=1-10; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from H, OH, OCH3, OCH2CH3, OCH2C6H5, NH2, NHCH3, N(CH3)2, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, C(CH3)3, NO2, F, Cl, Br, CF3, SH, SCH3, SCH2CH3, OCOCH3, OCOC(CH3)3, OCOCH2COOH, and CN; and R3 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring. Also provided are method for treating or preventing cancer in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a heteroaryl-containing isoflavone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, to a subject in need of treatment. Also provided is a method for the synthesis of 2-substituted isoflavones by first reacting deoxybenzoins with a phase transfer catalyst to provide a 2-(alkylthio)isoflavone; second deprotecting the 2-(alkylthio)isoflavone; and third applying selective debenzylation to form the final compound.
US08476306B2 Urokinase inhibitors, production and use thereof
The invention relates to novel inhibitors of urokinase and to their preparation and use for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of a tumor, in particular for reducing the formation of tumor metastases.
US08476304B2 Method for decreasing symptoms of alcohol consumption
The present invention relates to methods and compositions of metadoxine and physiologically compatible active derivatives thereof, and their use for decreasing symptoms of alcohol consumption as well as in the prevention of alcohol consumption related symptoms in subjects in need thereof.
US08476302B2 α-ketoamide derivatives useful endothelial lipase inhibitors
The present invention is directed to α-ketoamide derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by endothelial lipase, for example, cardiovascular disorders.
US08476301B2 Pyrrolidin-3-ylacetic acid derivative
A compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has an inhibitory effect in the fractalkine-CX3CR1 pathway: wherein R represents a C1-6 alkyl group unsubstituted or having 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent Group A, a C3-8 cycloalkyl group unsubstituted or having 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent Group A, or a C3-8 cycloalkenyl group unsubstituted or having 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent Group A, X represents a C1-6 alkyl group, Y and Z are the same or different from each other and each represents a halogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group unsubstituted or having 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent Group B, n represents 0 or 1, Substituent Group A consists of halogen atoms, and Substituent Group B consists of halogen atoms.
US08476298B2 c-Met modulators and method of use
The present invention provides compounds for modulating protein kinase enzymatic activity for modulating cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, programmed cell death, migration and chemoinvasion. More specifically, the invention provides quinazolines and quinolines which inhibit, regulate, and/or modulate kinase receptor, particularly c-Met, KDF, c-Kit, flt-3 and flt-4, signal transduction pathways related to the changes in cellular activities as mentioned above, compositions which contain these compounds, and methods of using them to treat kinase-dependent diseases and conditions. The present invention also provides methods for making compounds as mentioned above, and compositions which contain these compounds.
US08476296B2 Preparation and therapeutic applications of (2S,3R)-N-2-((3-pyridinyl)methyl)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]OCT-3-yl)-3,5-difluorobenzamide
The present invention relates to compounds that bind to and modulate the activity of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, to processes for preparing these compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and to methods of using these compounds for treating a wide variety of conditions and disorders, including those associated with dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS).
US08476294B2 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivatives
The invention relates to the use of 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivatives and salts thereof in the treatment of protein and/or lipid kinase dependent diseases and for the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of said diseases; 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivatives for use in the treatment of protein and/or lipid kinase dependent diseases; a method of treatment against said diseases, comprising administering the 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivatives to a warm-blooded animal, especially a human; pharmaceutical preparations comprising an 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivative, especially for the treatment of a protein and/or lipid kinase dependent disease; novel 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivatives; and a process for the preparation of the novel 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolinone derivatives.
US08476290B2 Compound having spiro-bonded cyclic group and use thereof
A compound represented by formula (I): a salt thereof, an N-oxide thereof, or a solvate thereof (symbols in the formula are as described in the specification). The compounds of the present invention exhibit very low risk of side effects and also have persistent and strong antagonistic activity against CXCR4, and are therefore useful as pharmaceuticals, for example, as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for inflammatory and immune diseases, infections (for example, HIV infection), diseases associated with HIV infection (for example, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)), cancer, cancer metastasis, psychoneurotic diseases and cardiovascular diseases (for example, retinopathy), metabolic diseases, cancerous diseases, or as an agent for regeneration therapy.
US08476284B2 Inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are compounds, including compounds having the Formula (A) where A, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification, that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08476277B2 TRPV1 antagonists including dihydroxy substituent and uses thereof
The invention relates to compounds of formula IA and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, compositions comprising an effective amount of a compound of formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and methods for treating or preventing a condition such as pain, UI, an ulcer, IBD and IBS, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.
US08476276B2 Pharmaceutical compositions based on kinin B2 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids, and their use
Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing, as active ingredients, a mixture of a corticosteroid and a kinin B2 receptor antagonist. Said compositions have proved particularly effective, especially in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, ophthalmic or dermatological disorders and, above all, as regards the joints, arthritis.
US08476274B2 Biaryl spiroaminooxazoline analogues as Alpha2C adrenergic receptor modulators
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of biaryl spiroaminooxazoline analogues as modulators of α2C adrenergic receptor agonists, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more conditions associated with the α2C adrenergic receptors using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.
US08476273B2 Small molecule inhibitors of Lck SH2 domain binding
The present invention provides materials and methods for modulating an immune response. The materials and methods may be used to treat diseases associated with an aberrant immune response. In some embodiments, materials and methods of the invention may be used to treat autoimmune diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis.
US08476272B2 Pharmaceutical composition for treatment of type 2 diabetes
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of 2 type diabetes, wherein the pharmaceutical composition contains (R)-7-[3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-butyryl]-3-trifluoromethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (such as hydrochlorate), preparation method thereof and method of treating 2 type diabetes with the composition.
US08476265B2 Compounds-801
Spirocyclic amide derivatives of formula I wherein ArCH2CH2NH— represents a β-adrenoceptor binding group, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, a process for preparing such pharmaceutical compositions, their use in therapy, and intermediates for use in their preparation.
US08476260B2 Antitumor agent
The present invention relates to a novel antitumor agent containing a compound that inhibits binding between acetylated histone and a bromodomain-containing protein, preferably a thienotriazolodiazepine compound represented by the following formula (I) wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate or solvate as an active ingredient.
US08476259B2 Fasudil in combination therapies for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are related to novel therapeutic drug combinations and methods for treating and/or preventing pulmonary arterial hypertension and/or stable angina. More particularly, aspects of the present invention are related to therapeutic combinations comprising a Rho-kinase inhibitor, such as fasudil, and one or more additional compounds selected from the group consisting of prostacyclins, such as iloprost, endothelin receptor antagonists, PDE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, 5-HT2A antagonists, such as sarpogrelate, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, statins, and vascular remodeling modulators, such as Gleevec.
US08476258B2 Compound having activity of blocking NMDA receptor channel, and pharmaceutical agent using the same
A novel compound having NMDA receptor channel blocking activity, is provided. A pharmaceutical agent comprising the compound is also provided. The pharmaceutical agent can be used for the treatment or prevention of a disease caused by overexcitation of an NMDA receptor, and can comprise a compound having NMDA receptor channel blocking activity and represented by the formula (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08476257B2 Viral polymerase inhibitors
Compounds of formula I: wherein X, R2, R3, R3a, R3b, R5 and R6 are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase.
US08476254B2 Methods for treating psychosis associated with interferson-α therapy
The present invention relates to the treatment of psychosis associated with interferon-α therapy by administering an amount of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist effective to ameliorate the symptoms of psychosis in the patient, wherein the patient is not otherwise in need of treatment with a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. The present invention further relates to kits for the treatment of Hepatitis C infection in a patient.
US08476252B2 Pharmaceutical emulsion compositions comprising progestogen
Described are a sterile, ready-to-use, pharmaceutical oil-in water emulsion compositions for parenteral administration comprising: 0.015 to 1.2% wt/vol of progestogen; 0.5-30% wt/vol oil, wherein the oil comprises at least 85% wt/wt triglyceride; 0.0425-12.5% wt/vol phospholipid; 61.4-99.4% wt/vol aqueous medium; wherein the phospholipid is present in an amount of 6.8%-43% of the oil (wt/wt), and wherein the progestogen is present in an amount greater than or equal to 2.1 wt % of the oil. Also described are methods of making such compositions and method of using such compositions in therapeutic or prophylactic treatment, such as treatments comprising intravenous administration of the pharmaceutical composition.
US08476248B2 Process for the preparation of a water-soluble complex having resveratrol compounds; products comprising said complex; and uses thereof
The present invention provides products having resveratrol with high water solubility and nutraceutical and/or phytotherapic compositions having said substances. The processes for obtaining them include the solubility increase of the polyphenol corresponding to a resveratrol compound, preferably trans-resveratrol in water, by its complexation with cyclodextrin under specific conditions that favor thermodynamic equilibrium. The products of the invention present high solubility and purity in aqueous medium, being, therefore, useful to prepare nutraceutical compositions (pharmaceutical and/or alimentary) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetics, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, chemoprotective activities; besides protecting against infections and ischemia, reducing obesity, and preventing aging. Phytotherapic compositions useful to the same therapeutical activities, prepared from the complex of resveratrol and cyclodextrin compound, preferably beta-cyclodextrin/trans-resveratrol, are also provided.
US08476246B2 Combination of a chemotherapeutic agent and an inhibitor of the TGF-beta system
Pharmaceutical composition comprising a chemotherapeutic agent and a TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotide, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide reduces the sensitivity and IC50, respectively, of the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent. Preferably, the antisense oligonucleotide is a TGF-beta 1, 2, and/or 3 antisense oligonucleotide and the chemotherapeutic agent is preferably gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide, dacarbacine, docetaxel, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, tamoxifen, or irinotecan.
US08476245B2 Inhibition of tumor growth and invasion by anti matrix metalloproteinase DNAzymes
The presently disclosed subject matter provides DNA molecules designed to down regulate the expression of MMP genes in a cell. Also provided are compositions comprising the DNA molecules. The presently disclosed subject matter further provides methods of using the DNA molecules to inhibit metastasis of a cancer cell. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods of using the DNA molecules to modulate tumor growth in a subject.
US08476242B2 Pre-conditioning/fixation for disease treatment heat activation/release with thermo-activated drugs and gene products
A method of treating cancer by introducing heat into cancerous tissue and delivering a liposome containing an active agent or a thermo-activated drug, gene or virus to said tissue. The heat delivered is sufficient to release the active agent or activate the thermo-activated drug, gene or virus. The cancer can be esophageal cancer. The liposome containing an active agent or a thermo-activated drug, gene or virus can be a thermosensitive liposome. The active agent can be an anti-neoplastic agent, for example doxorubicin.
US08476235B2 Crystalline D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan and the mono ammonium salt of D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan
A process for making pure crystalline D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan is provided which includes the step of deprotecting essentially pure N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan or its diester to yield essentially pure D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan. A process is also provided for the preparation of pure mono ammonium salt of D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan from essentially pure N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan. D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan, ammonium salt (1:1) is a stable pharmaceutical solid.
US08476233B2 Methods for treatment for ulcerative colitis in mammals
The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for the prevention and treatment of disease conditions associated with oxidative stress or a compromised reducing environment, including inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Another aspect of the subject invention concerns compositions formulated for administration as an enema. The subject invention also concerns compositions formulated for oral administration. Methods of the invention include administration of compounds or compositions of the invention. In one embodiment, compounds or compositions of the invention are rectally instilled in a patient. In another embodiment, compounds or compositions are orally administered.
US08476231B2 Conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use
Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder. Additionally, the medium is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier as a vehicle for internal administration, applied directly to a food item or product, or formulated with a salve or ointment for topical applications. Also, the medium may be further processed to concentrate or reduce one or more factors or components contained within the medium.
US08476224B2 Macrocycles and their uses
The present application describes organic compounds that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of diseases.
US08476222B2 Isolated peptides from Actinomadura namibiensis
The disclosure relates to a compound of the formula (I) wherein R1 is H, C(O)—(C1-C6)alkyl or C(O)—O—(C1-C6)alkyl; R2 is OH, NH2, NH—(C1-C6)alkyl, NH—(C1-C4)alkylene-phenyl or NH—(C1-C4)alkylene-pyridyl; R3 and R4 are independently of each other H or OH, or R3 and R4 together are ═O; and m and n are independently of one another 0, 1 or 2; in any stereochemical form, or a mixture of any stereochemical forms in any ratio, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, obtainable from Actinomadura namibiensis (DSM 6313), and its use for the treatment of bacterial infections, viral infections and/or pain, and pharmaceutical composition comprising it.
US08476221B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders
Embodiments described herein are directed to methods for the treatment and control of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and other lipid disorders, and in delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of conditions and sequelae that are associated with these diseases, including atherosclerosis and non-insulin dependent diabetes. In addition, embodiments are directed to methods of treating coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Embodiments are also directed to neurotensin analogs. In embodiments, the neurotensin analogs may be capable of binding to neurotensin receptors and, upon binding, may modulate the levels of lipids in subjects.