| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08576515B2 |
Thin film structure with controlled lateral thermal spreading in the thin film
An apparatus includes a non-metallic interlayer between a magnetic data storage layer and a heat sink layer, wherein interface thermal resistance between the interlayer and the heat sink layer is capable of reducing heat flow between the heat sink layer and the magnetic data storage layer. The apparatus may be configured as a thin film structure arranged for data storage. The apparatus may also include thermal resistor layer positioned between the interlayer and the heat sink layer. |
| US08576511B1 |
Disk drive executing log structured writes to physical zones based on power mode
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of physical zones including a first physical zone and a second physical zone, wherein the first physical zone comprises data tracks recorded at a first data rate and the second physical zone comprises data tracks recorded at a second data rate different than the first data rate. A write command is received including data and at least one logical block address (LBA). One of the first and second physical zones is selected based on a power parameter affecting a power consumption of the disk drive, and the data is written to a data sector in the selected physical zone. A physical block address (PBA) is assigned to the data sector, and an LBA to PBA map is updated for the written data. |
| US08576504B2 |
Motor driving apparatus and optical apparatus
The motor driving apparatus includes a motor driving a driven member, and a controller performing, from a start of driving of the motor, acceleration drive of the motor on the basis of a predetermined acceleration pattern with open-loop control, and then perform, in response to increase of a driving speed of the motor or the driven member to a predetermined speed, drive of the motor with feedback control. The controller changes the predetermined acceleration pattern and the predetermined speed depending on a magnitude of a load acting on the motor or the driven member. |
| US08576502B2 |
Miniaturized lens assembly
A miniaturized lens assembly includes a first lens, a stop, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens and a fifth lens, all of which are arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. The first lens is made of plastic material, is a meniscus lens with negative refractive power, and includes a convex surface facing the object side. The second lens is made of plastic material and is a biconvex lens with positive refractive power. The third lens is made of glass material and is a biconvex lens with positive refractive power. The fourth lens is made of glass material, is a biconcave lens with negative refractive power, and is adhered to the third lens to form a compound lens. The fifth lens is made of plastic material, is provided with positive refractive power, and includes an aspheric surface. |
| US08576500B2 |
Photographing lens system
A photographing lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first positive lens element having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; a second negative lens element, the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; a third lens element having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric and at least one of which being provided with at least one inflection point; and an aperture stop disposed between an imaged object and the second lens element; wherein there are three lens elements with refractive power. |
| US08576498B2 |
Optical imaging lens assembly
An optical imaging lens assembly, sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side along an optical axis, comprising: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, the third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex image-side surface, the fourth lens element with refractive power having both optical surfaces being aspheric, the fifth lens element with refractive power having a concave image-side surface and both optical surfaces being aspheric, wherein a stop and an image sensor disposed on an image plane are also provided. By such arrangements, the image pickup optical system satisfies conditions related to shorten the total length and to reduce the sensitivity for use in compact cameras and mobile phones with camera functionalities. |
| US08576489B2 |
Multihybrid artificial compound eye with varied ommatidia
A wide angle imaging system combines compound array fore-optics with single axis relay optics to generate distortion free images with an infinite depth of field. A curved first array of objective lenslets focuses multiple apertures of light through the tubes of a louver baffle terminated by field stops. A curved second array of field lenslets, positioned immediately after the field stops, passes the light beams through an array of pupil planes. A curved final array of erector lenslets refocuses the beams into a curved array of sub-images. The relay optics transform the curved array of sub-images into a flat final image that is contiguous. The fore-optics and relay optics are optimized concurrently to achieve much higher performance than is possible in either compound array optics or sequential optics. This is accomplished by varying the lenslet radii of the fore-optics in annular increments to compensate for aberrations introduced by the relay lenses. |
| US08576486B2 |
Optical film, antireflection optical element and master
An optical element includes a base and a large number of structures arranged on the surface of the base, the structures being projections or depressions. The structures are arranged at a pitch shorter than or equal to a wavelength of light in a use environment. An effective refractive index in the depth direction of the structures gradually increases toward the base and has two or more inflection points. |
| US08576484B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes: a display unit in which sub-pixels are periodically arranged at a first sub-pixel pitch in a first direction of a screen, each pixel is formed by the plurality of sub-pixels, the pixels are periodically arranged at a first pixel pitch in the first direction, and a plurality of viewpoint images is displayed on a display surface; and a barrier unit in which transmissive sections having a first width in the first direction are periodically arranged. On the assumption that pS1 is the first sub-pixel pitch, pP1 is the first pixel pitch, dPB is a distance between the display surface of the display unit and the barrier section, and α and m (where m=0, 1, 2, . . . , N−1 (where N is the number of plurality of viewpoint images)) are a constant greater than 0, the first width wB1 is expressed by following expression; w B 1 = ( α p P 1 2 · d PB + m ) · p S 1 . |
| US08576483B2 |
Microscope and focusing method
Disclosed herein is a microscope, including: an illumination optical system; a first image creation optical system; a second image creation optical system; an illumination-field-diaphragm focus adjustment section; and a characteristic-quantity computation block, wherein the illumination-field-diaphragm focus adjustment section adjusts the image creation position for the illumination field diaphragm on the basis of the characteristic quantity computed by the characteristic-quantity computation block. |
| US08576481B2 |
Method and apparatus of detecting an opening in an optical transmission fiber of a ROPA system
Method and apparatus for detecting an opening in a transmission fiber connecting a discrete gain unit to a pump unit of a Remote Optically Pumped Amplifier (ROPA) system. The method comprises measuring an optical power entering the pump unit from the transmission fiber, the optical power being in a selected wavelength range, and establishing that the optical power lacks an ASE noise power component generated by the gain unit. The lack of this component indicates the presence of a break or opening in the transmission fiber, and triggers corrective action whereby pump lasers within the pump unit are shut down or have their power reduced to a safe level. |
| US08576480B2 |
Optical amplifier and an optical amplification method
An optical amplifier using the evanescent light to control the optical output level is provided. The optical amplifier includes: a waveguide path transmitting an optical signal; an optical amplification unit formed on the waveguide path and amplifying the optical signal by an excitation light; an irradiation unit irradiating the excitation light to the optical amplification unit; an optical detection unit generating an electric signal which corresponds to a detected light; a branching unit branching an evanescent light being the optical signal outputted from the optical amplification unit and leaked outside the waveguide path, and focusing the evanescent light on the optical detection unit; a wavelength detection unit detecting a wavelength multiplicity of the optical signal based on the detected evanescent light; and a light amount adjustment unit adjusting a light amount of the excitation light irradiated by the irradiation unit based on the wavelength multiplicity. |
| US08576475B2 |
MEMS switch
A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch includes an active device, an immovable metal layer and a movable metal layer is provided. The immovable metal layer is disposed on the active device and the movable metal layer is disposed above the immovable metal layer. Accordingly, an insulating cavity is formed between the immovable metal layer and the movable metal layer. Further, the active device is capable of driving the movable metal layer. Compare to thin film transistor, since the operation performance of the MEMS switches would not affected by carrier mobility and on-off current ratio, display performance of the display device can be easily improved. |
| US08576473B2 |
Smart window
A smart window including: a thermochromic or thermotropic transmittance controlling layer; and a heater layer for generating heat in response to an external energy source and for supplying the heat to the transmittance controlling layer. |
| US08576470B2 |
Electro-optic displays, and color alters for use therein
An electro-optic display having a color filter array is produced by attaching together a direct thermal imaging layer (112) and a backplane (102) having a two-dimensional array of pixel electrodes. The direct thermal imaging layer (112) is then exposed to temperatures sufficient to form a plurality of differently colored areas in the direct thermal imaging layer, the plurality of differently colored areas being aligned with the two-dimensional array of pixel electrodes. |
| US08576469B2 |
Light screening apparatus including roll-up actuators
There are provided a light screening apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof. The light screening apparatus includes a substrate, a transparent electrode, a plurality of roll-up actuators and a plurality of light screening patterns. The substrate includes a light-transmitting region and the transparent electrode is formed on one surface of the substrate. Each roll-up actuator, which has opaque characteristics, is fixed on the circumference portion of the light-transmitting region and includes a fixing end and a moving part which extends from the fixing end. Gaps are formed between adjacent roll-up actuators, and the light screening patterns are formed on the substrate at locations corresponding to the gaps. The light-screening patterns prevent light incident through the gaps from being transmitted to the light-transmitting region. |
| US08576462B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image reading system
An apparatus includes: a light source opposite to one surface of a medium; a backing member opposite to another surface of the medium and including a backing surface opposite to the another surface of the medium; an imaging unit opposite to the one surface of the medium and at a position different from the light source in a conveyance direction, and to pick up an image of the medium and the backing surface on which a shadow of the medium is formed due to light from the light source; and a processor to generate image data including the image of the medium and the backing surface based on a result by the imaging unit, wherein the backing surface is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction, and a gap between the path and the backing surface decreases from a light source side toward an imaging unit side. |
| US08576460B2 |
Image reading device
An image reading device includes a light source; a light guiding member; an imaging optical system that reflects the light, which faces a first direction from the object, in a second direction intersecting the first direction by a reflective plane disposed in the first direction of the object, that makes the light, which is reflected by the reflective plane, converge toward the second direction by an emission portion disposed in the second direction of the reflective plane, and that images an erect equal-magnification image of the object in the second direction of the emission portion; and an optical sensor that is disposed in the second direction of the emission portion of the imaging optical system, and detects the erect equal-magnification image that is imaged by the imaging optical system, in which the light guiding member is disposed at an object side of the emission portion in the first direction. |
| US08576459B2 |
Erecting equal-magnification lens array plate, optical scanning unit, and image reading device
An erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes: a first lens array plate provided with a plurality of first lenses arranged on a first surface and a plurality of second lenses arranged on a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a second lens array plate provided with a plurality of third lenses arranged on a third surface and a plurality of fourth lenses arranged on a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The first and second lens array plates form a stack such that the second surface and the third surface face each other. The erecting equal-magnification lens array plate receives light from a linear light source facing the first surface and forms an erect equal-magnification image of the linear light source on an image plane facing the fourth surface. An annular slope is formed around each second lens and each third lens. |
| US08576456B2 |
Secondary scan to ensure transient document erasure
Systems and methods of ensuring the erasure of transient documents are disclosed. The systems and methods include an imaging device that sends a transient document with a pre-printed image into an erase cycle to attempt to remove the image from the document. After the erase cycle, a scanner scans the transient document and converts the transient document into a digital image. A processor compares bit depths of individual bits of the digital image to a bit depth threshold. Depending on the comparison and a number of completed erase cycles, the transient document enters an additional erase cycle, completes as sufficiently erased, or is rejected as not sufficiently erased. |
| US08576454B2 |
Image forming device, image forming method and program
The problem of the present invention is to be capable of executing color shift correction processing also in consideration of a mechanical inclination component in an image forming device. For solving the problem, the image forming device according to the present invention comprises information processing unit, first measurement requesting unit, holding unit of curve information, notifying unit of curve information, receiving unit of a measurement pattern image, measurement processing unit, determining unit of a result of the measurement processing, and second measurement requesting unit. |
| US08576453B2 |
Method of printing document based on black optimization printing option and image forming apparatus and host device to perform the same
A method of controlling an image forming apparatus supporting a black optimization printing option in a host apparatus includes executing a printer driver of the image forming apparatus, setting the black optimization printing option in a user interface of the executed printer driver, generating a second color matching table by using an existing first color matching table and color properties corresponding to red, blue, and green values of a document to be printed based on the set black optimization printing option, selecting a first printing method to print the document by using the first color matching table or a second printing method to print the document by using the second color matching table, based on the red, green, and blue values of the document, and transmitting the document and print data of the document to which a color matching table corresponding to the selected printing method is applied to the image forming apparatus. |
| US08576451B2 |
Versatile moiré-free halftone geometry that uses frequency vector shearing
As set forth herein, computer-implemented methods and systems facilitate the generation of halftone screens for moiré-free color halftoning. A first fundamental frequency vector and a second fundamental frequency vector of a halftone cell are sheared using a selected shearing value. The shearing value is selected as an offset in a fast scanning or slow scanning direction. The selected shearing value satisfies various moiré-free conditions associated with the identified frequency vectors and is capable of being selected for multiple halftone screens. The halftone screens generated using the sheared frequency vectors are used for moiré-free halftoning. |
| US08576448B2 |
Clustered halftone generation
A method for generating a clustered halftone representation of a continuous-tone image for printing includes applying a search technique. In the search technique, evaluation of a similarity between an initial halftone and the continuous-tone image includes application of an initialization filter to an initial error image that represents a difference between the initial halftone and the continuous-tone image. Evaluation of a similarity between each updated halftone, formed by modifying a previously-evaluated halftone, and the continuous-tone image includes application of an update filter that is different from the initialization filter to an updated error image that represents a difference between the updated halftone and the continuous-tone image. Relating computer program product and data processing system are also disclosed. |
| US08576447B2 |
Error diffusion halftoning with bandpass noise shaping
Error diffusion halftoning includes using a quantizer having an input and an output; and using a system having a bandpass characteristic to modify the quantizer input without feeding the quantizer output directly into the quantizer input. The error diffusion halftoning can produce clustered pixel halftone patterns that can be reliably reproduced by laser printers and other electro-photographic devices. |
| US08576430B2 |
Job schedule generation using historical decision database
A method for determining a print job schedule for a printing production facility having a set of availably printing resources, comprising: defining one or more scheduling classifications; receiving one or more print jobs, each print job having a print job description specified by a set of print job attributes; determining one or more scheduling classification corresponding to the received print jobs; using a processor to automatically determine the print job schedule for the received print jobs using an answer set programming language solver responsive to the print job descriptions, a set of resource descriptions, a set of scheduling rules, and a historical decision database. |
| US08576424B2 |
Printing system and control method
A printing system including plural devices can appropriately stop normally operating devices in a short time when a problem occurs in any one of the plural devices. The printing system has devices that execute processes for printing on printing paper, device control units that control the devices, and a central control unit that centrally controls the devices. When a problem is detected in one device, the central control unit sends, as a command for a process to be executed immediately, a stop device command for stopping the other device to the device control unit that controls the device in which a problem is not detected. The device control unit that receives the stop device command executes a process based on the stop device command with priority over processes based on other commands, and stops the device. |
| US08576422B2 |
Print system, print server, control method thereof, and program capable of registering printer configuration information in a service provider in an environment in which a service for providing the printing function is utilized
A client terminal transmits a request to a printing apparatus for a registration web page for registering, in a print server, a printing apparatus used in a print service provided by the print server. The printing apparatus collects configuration information of the printing apparatus in response to reception of the request, and creates link information which contains the collected configuration information and is used to access the print server. The printing apparatus then generates a registration web page containing the created link information, and transmits it to the client terminal. The print server receives the configuration information of the printing apparatus transmitted from the client terminal via the registration web page transmitted to the client terminal. The print server creates printing apparatus information which associates the configuration information with user information of the user of the client terminal, and manages it in a storage medium. |
| US08576419B2 |
Image reading device and image forming apparatus for detecting that document reading unit is positioned at document reference line
An image reading device that can be incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes a housing including a first housing member having a document reading area and a second housing member attached to the first housing member, a document reading unit disposed inside the housing to read a document while moving in a sub-scanning direction of the housing, a document reference line formed on the first housing member to position the document placed on the document reading area in the sub-scanning direction, and a reference position detector positioned on a plane surface of a square that extends perpendicular to the document reading area along a main scanning direction of the document reference line to detect a reference position of the document reading unit as the document reading unit moves in the sub-scanning direction. |
| US08576417B2 |
Image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus includes: a memory that stores a plurality of image forming modes; a contact controller that controls a status of contact between a plurality of image-forming units and an intermediate transfer member on the basis of an image forming mode selected from among the plurality of image forming modes, so that an image-forming unit used for image forming represented in the selected image forming mode is contacted with the intermediate transfer member, and another image-forming unit is moved away from the intermediate transfer member; and an image-quality adjusting unit that adjusts, if the status of contact is changed by the contact controller, an image quality of an image that is to be transferred onto the intermediate transfer member from the image-forming unit that is in contact with the intermediate transfer member. |
| US08576416B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method thereof and storage medium that changes UI setting data to setting for substitutional execution of function by another apparatus
An image processing apparatus, connectable with plural image processing apparatuses via a network, which performs image processing. UI setting data is received from an another image processing apparatus, and it is determined whether or not a function included in the received UI setting data can be executed by the apparatus itself. If it is determined that the function cannot be executed by the image processing apparatus, a first image processing apparatus which can execute the function is retrieved on the network. Then setting is changed such that the function is substitutionally executed by the first image processing apparatus. |
| US08576413B2 |
Printing system, printing apparatus, print setting method and recording medium
A printing system has a terminal apparatus and a printing apparatus that are interconnected via a network. The terminal apparatus includes an obtainer that gains access to the printing apparatus and obtains print setting screen data stored in the printing apparatus, a display that displays on itself a print setting screen according to the obtained print setting screen data, an input part that inputs print setting data via the print setting screen displayed on a display thereof, and a transmitter that transmits the inputted print setting data to the printing apparatus. And the printing apparatus includes a receiver that receives the print setting data from the terminal apparatus, and a code generator that generates an appropriate print controlling code for the received print setting data. |
| US08576407B2 |
Contactless optical glide head using at least two concurrent interference signals and a multi-channel light detector for detecting disk asperities
A device for detecting disk asperities. The device includes an optical glide head. The glide head is not required to physically contact a disk for detection of the disk asperities. The optical glide head includes a waveguide configured to transmit light onto the disk and receive reflected light from the disk. |
| US08576402B2 |
Optical navigation with specular reflection blocking
A system for optical navigation includes a light source and an imaging system. The light source illuminates a navigation surface. The navigation surface reflects light from the light source. The imaging system is located approximately within a path of the reflected light. The imaging system includes a lens, a mask, and an image sensor. The lens receives reflected light from the navigation surface. The lens focuses a specular portion of the reflected light to a focus region. The mask is located at approximately the focus region. The mask filters out substantially all of the specular portion of the reflected light and passes at least some of a scatter portion of the reflected light outside of the focus region. The image sensor generates a navigation signal based on the scattered portion of the light that passes outside the focus region and is incident on the image sensor. |
| US08576401B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of a consumable
The embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a physical resource for use in a physical resource consuming apparatus. |
| US08576400B2 |
Optoelectronic methods and devices for detection of analytes
Herein are disclosed optoelectronic methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise at least one sensing element that is responsive to the presence of an analyte of interest and that may be interrogated optically by the use of at least one light source and at least one light detector. |
| US08576399B2 |
Method and apparatus for turbidity measurement
A method for turbidity measurement in a measured medium uses a turbidity sensor, which comprises at least a first and a second emitter and at least a first and a second detector. The first and the second emitters are excited one after the other to produce light signals directed into the measured medium; wherein each light signal travels along a first propagation path through the measured medium to the first detector, and is converted by such into a first detector signal; and travels along a second propagation path through the measured medium to the second detector, and is converted by such into a second detector signal. A turbidity value is ascertained based on the first and the second detector signals; wherein, by means of at least one additional detector, to which at least one of the light signals travels along an additional propagation path, an additional detector signal is ascertained, and, on the basis of the additional detector signal, the turbidity value is checked as regards its plausibility. |
| US08576398B2 |
Concentration measuring device, concentration measuring arrangement and concentration measuring method
A concentration measuring device for determining a concentration of gas or particles in a measurement volume includes at least one housing having an opening for communication with the measurement volume, a light source for transmitting measurement light through the housing into the measurement volume, a light receiver for receiving the measurement light after its passage through the measurement volume and an evaluation unit which is designed for determining the concentration of gas or particles from the measurement light received at the light receiver. In accordance with the invention at least one body of solid material is arranged in the at least one housing such that the measurement light path largely passes through the at least one solid body within the housing, with the portion of the measurement light path within the at least one housing not passing through the at least one solid body having a specified total length. |
| US08576397B2 |
Device and method for determining a gas concentration in a flowing gas mixture
The invention relates to a method for determining a gas concentration in a flowing gas mixture, wherein the flowing gas mixture includes solids having a defined size distribution, wherein by way of an optical spectrometer the concentration of a gas is measured in the flowing gas mixture, which includes a measurement beam of the optical spectrometer being conducted during the measurement through a measurement channel having walls made of a gas-permeable material. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out such a method. |
| US08576393B2 |
Method and apparatus for optical inspection, detection and analysis of double sided wafer macro defects
Method and apparatus for detection and characterization of defects, and working order assessment of fab processing operation. |
| US08576392B2 |
Multiplexed optical fiber crack sensor
An optical fiber crack detector that includes a plurality of FBG sensors positioned within one or more fibers that are operable to reflect a defined wavelength of an optical input beam. The crack detector includes a light source for generating the optical input beam that propagates down the optical fiber and interacts with the FBG sensors. A wavelength of the optical beam that is reflected by the FBG sensors is detected, and if a crack in the component damages the fiber between an FBG sensor and the detector circuit, where one or more of the reflected signals are not received, the detector knows that a crack has occurred. By strategically placing a plurality of the FBG sensors along the fiber, a crack that damages the fiber in multiple locations between multiple FBG sensors, or in multiple fibers, can provide an indication of the length of the crack. |
| US08576386B2 |
Detecting particulate contaminants in a fluid
A vibration detector (1) comprising at least one fiber optic sensor (2) mechanically coupled to a flexible support member (3). The vibration detector (1) is mounted on the outside of the pipeline and a signal from the fiber optic sensor is measured. This signal is indicative of whether the vibration detector is experiencing vibrations due to collisions of contaminant particles with each other and/or with the walls of the pipeline. A method for detecting particulate contaminants in a fluid flowing in a pipeline is also provided. |
| US08576384B2 |
Distance detecting sensor and close range detecting method
The present invention discloses a distance detecting sensor. The distance detecting sensor includes a casing, a focusing lenses, a circuit board mounted with several electronic elements, an emitting device for emitting infrared light, and a receiving device for receiving and sensing a reflected infrared light. The distance detecting sensor is configured to have a high detection accuracy and improved detection performance. |
| US08576381B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantitative 3-D imaging
Described is a method and apparatus for obtaining additional information from an object and a method for surface imaging and three-dimensional imaging. Single lens, single aperture, single sensor system and stereo optic systems may be modified in order to successfully generate surface maps of objects or three-dimensional representations of target objects. A variety of the aspects of the present invention provide examples of the use of an addressable pattern in order to overcome mismatching common to standard defocusing techniques. |
| US08576380B2 |
Method and apparatus for using gestures to control a laser tracker
A method for optically communicating, from a user to a six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) laser tracker, a command to control operation of the tracker includes providing a rule of correspondence between commands and pose patterns, each pattern including a change in a coordinate from an initial to a final pose, each pose having three translational coordinates and three orientational coordinates. Also, selecting a first command from among the commands and measuring the coordinate of a first pose of the 6DOF target with the tracker. Further, changing between first and second times, the coordinate of the pose of the target and measuring the coordinate of a second pose of the target with the tracker. Also, determining the first command based on the difference between the measured coordinates of the first and second poses according to the rule of correspondence and executing the first command by the tracker. |
| US08576379B2 |
Position measurement method, position control method, measurement method, loading method, exposure method and exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A part of a plate of a predetermined shape detachably mounted on a moving body is detected by an alignment system while the position of the moving body is measured by a measurement unit that sets a movement coordinate system of the movement body, and based on the detection results and the measurement results of the measurement unit corresponding to the detection results, position information of an outer periphery edge of the plate is obtained. Therefore, even if there are no alignment marks on the moving body for position measurement, the position of the plate, or in other words, the position of the moving body can be controlled on the movement coordinate system set by the measurement unit, based on the position information of the outer periphery edge of the plate. |
| US08576378B2 |
Illumination optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An illumination optical system comprises a first polarization control unit which is located between a light source and a pupil of an illumination optical system, and a second polarization control unit which is located between the first polarization control unit and the pupil, wherein a region on the pupil includes a plurality of partial regions which are classified into a first group including a partial region having a largest area, and a second group including a partial region different from the partial region having the largest area, and the second polarization control unit controls a polarization state in the partial region which belongs to only the second group. |
| US08576375B2 |
Optical member-holding apparatus, method for adjusting position of optical member, and exposure apparatus
There is provided is an optical member-holding apparatus which can hold a plurality of optical members of two different optical systems, even when the optical members exist in a common barrel in a mixed manner, such that the relative positions between the optical members can be easily adjusted; and which holds a mirror in a projection optical system and a mirror in an illumination optical system and includes a barrel unit, an inner ring holding the mirror, a holding member holding the mirror, a support plate attached to the barrel unit, and a holding-supporting mechanism attached to the support plate and adjusting the relative position of the mirror to the mirror. |
| US08576367B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel device with a transparent conductive film formed pixel electrode and gate pad and data pad on substrate and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display panel device includes a thin film transistor array substrate having a gate line provided on a substrate, a data line intersecting the gate line and having a gate insulating pattern disposed therebetween to define a pixel area, a thin film transistor provided at the intersection between the gate line and the data line, a protective film for protecting the thin film transistor, a pixel electrode provided at the pixel area and connected to the thin film transistor, a gate pad connected to the gate line and formed from a transparent conductive film included in the gate line, and a data pad connected to the data line and formed from the transparent conductive film, and a color filter array substrate joined with the thin film transistor array substrate to be opposed to each other, wherein the protective film is provided at an area where it overlaps with the color filter array substrate to expose the transparent conductive films included in the gate pad and the data pad. |
| US08576366B2 |
Pixel array
A pixel array includes pixel sets. Each pixel set includes a first and second scan lines arranged in parallel on a substrate, a data line not parallel to the first and second scan lines, a first active device electrically connecting the first scan line and the data line, a second active device electrically connecting the second scan line and the data line, a first pixel electrode electrically connecting the first active device, a second pixel electrode electrically connecting the second active device, and an auxiliary electrode pattern that includes a connecting portion and a first and second branch portions. A gap is between the first and second pixel electrodes. The connecting portion underneath the gap between the first and second pixel electrodes partially overlaps the first and second pixel electrodes. The first and second branch portions connect the connecting portion and partially overlap the first and second pixel electrodes, respectively. |
| US08576365B2 |
Display panel
A display panel including a first plate, a second plate, and a spacer and a display medium between the first plate and the second plate is provided. The first plate has a first substrate, a scan line and a data line on the first substrate, an active device electrically connected to the scan line and the data line, a pixel electrode electrically connected to the active device, and a first common electrode electrically insulated from the pixel electrode and alternatively arranged with the pixel electrode. The second plate has a second substrate, a second common electrode on the second substrate and disposed corresponding to the first common electrode of the first plate, and a floating electrode electrically insulated from the second common electrode and disposed corresponding to the pixel electrode of the first plate. |
| US08576361B2 |
Transreflective liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof having uneven patterns consisting of organic material in the reflective portion
A transflective liquid crystal display device and a fabricating method thereof are disclosed in the present invention. The transflective liquid crystal display device includes a substrate having a reflective portion and a transmissive portion, a gate line on the substrate, a data line crossing the gate line and defining a pixel region, a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, a first organic material layer in the pixel region, the first organic material layer having a plurality of uneven patterns at the reflective portion, a second organic material layer on the first organic material layer, the second organic material layer having an open portion at the transmissive portion, and a reflective layer on the second organic material layer having a transmissive hole at the open portion. |
| US08576360B2 |
Color filter substrate, liquid crystal display panel, and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a color filter substrate in which reduction in display qualities is suppressed even if color mixing is generated when a plurality of differently colored transparent layers are formed by a method using a liquid material, such as an ink jet method, and to provide a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device each including the color filter substrate. The color filter substrate of the present invention comprises a plurality of color display units, each of the color display units including four or more differently colored transparent layers, wherein the color filter substrate includes a frame structure which surrounds each of the differently colored transparent layers, and the differently colored transparent layers are arranged such that an average of color difference values for pairs of adjacent differently colored transparent layers becomes minimum. |
| US08576357B2 |
Liquid crystal displays with laminated diffuser plates
In a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example an LCD monitor or an LCD-TV, a number of light management films, including a diffuser layer, lie between the light source and the LCD panel to provide bright, uniform illumination. In some embodiments, the diffuser layer is attached to the lower side of the LCD panel. Some, or all, of the light management layers may be attached together as a laminated stack of films. In some embodiments, the diffuser layer is formed with a recessed region on one side and another optical film positioned within the recessed region. |
| US08576350B2 |
Image displaying apparatus
A display apparatus is provided which includes a display panel, a signal board for processing an image signal used in an image display, and a power source board for supplying power from a power source to the signal board and the display panel. The signal board and the power source board are disposed in a horizontal direction relative to the display panel, and a projection portion, being disposed higher above a surface of the power source board than a circuit element of the power source board and not being connected with a member opposing to a mounting side of the circuit element, is provided on the surface of the power source board where the circuit element is mounted. |
| US08576346B2 |
Thin film transistor array substrate for liquid crystal display
A thin film transistor array panel which includes a substrate; a first gate line disposed on the substrate; a second gate line disposed adjacent to the first gate line; a gate insulating layer disposed on the first gate line and the second gate line; a semiconductor pattern disposed on the gate insulating layer and overlapping with the first gate line; a data line crossing the first gate line and the second gate line; a thin film transistor connected to the second gate line and the data line; and a floating electrode disposed on the semiconductor pattern, wherein the floating electrode is disposed at a same layer as the data line. |
| US08576344B2 |
Projection control device, projection control method, and program
An information processing apparatus that includes a main body, a member movably attached to the main body, a first detector configured to detect an orientation of the member with respect to the main body, a second detector configured to detect whether the main body is connected to a cradle apparatus, and a processor configured to output a command for controlling an operation of a projection device based on an output of the first and second detectors. |
| US08576340B1 |
Ambient light effects and chrominance control in video files
Methods and systems for controlling ambient light effects associated with video content are provided. The method includes providing a receiving device configured to parse an incoming video file. The video file includes at least one track specifying at least one ambient light effect associated with at least one portion of the video file. The at least one track includes chrominance control data specifying at least one light color to be generated by the at least one lighting device. The method also includes parsing the video file at the receiving device to separate the track specifying the ambient light effect and the chrominance control data and sending a command to at least one lighting device to generate the ambient light effect specified in the track and the chrominance control data. |
| US08576334B2 |
Camera body component arrangement
A camera body is provided that includes a base member, a body mount, a focal plane shutter and a fastening member. The body mount is configured to support an interchangeable lens. The fastening member is configured to fasten the focal plane shutter unit to the base member. The body mount, the base member, and the focal plane shutter unit are disposed between a subject side of the camera body and a user side of the camera body in that order. The focal plane shutter unit is fastened to the base member that faces toward the user side of the camera body. |
| US08576333B2 |
Photographic device having light-blocking film
A photographic device includes a body, and at least an optical assembly and multiple auxiliary light sources surrounding the optical assembly are disposed in the body. A front cover is disposed on a front end of the body, and a protecting mirror is disposed on the front cover. Light emitted by the auxiliary light sources passes through the protecting mirror and illuminates a photographic area. A light-blocking film is disposed on the protecting mirror corresponding to the optical assembly, so as to prevent the light emitted by the auxiliary light sources from entering the optical assembly after reflected by the protecting mirror. |
| US08576332B2 |
LCD apparatus with camera module, and method of making same
An exemplary liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display device and a cameral module. The liquid crystal display device includes a first glass substrate, a second glass substrate parallel to the first glass substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first glass substrate and the second substrate; and the cameral module includes a lens, and an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is located between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, and is separated from the liquid crystal layer, and the lens is located on an opposite side of the first glass substrate to the image sensor, and an optical axis of the lens is aligned with a central normal of the image sensor. |
| US08576331B2 |
Image pickup apparatus that performs exposure control, method of controlling the image pickup apparatus, and storage medium
An image pickup apparatus capable of not only detecting whiteout or blackout but also effectively achieving exposure control. In the image pickup apparatus, an entire-screen brightness frequency distribution is detected based on a picked-up image signal. The image pickup apparatus calculates a first exposure control value from the entire-screen brightness frequency distribution. The image signal is divided into a plurality of small areas, and the brightness of each of the small areas is detected. The image pickup apparatus calculates a second exposure control value from the brightness. The image pickup apparatus calculates an exposure correction value based on the first exposure control value and the second exposure control value. An exposure value is calculated using the exposure correction value and an exposure value of the image signal. The image pickup apparatus performs exposure control of the image pickup section based on the calculated exposure value. |
| US08576327B2 |
Focus bracket photographing imaging apparatus, reproduction display apparatus, image recording method, and reproduction displaying method
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical system, an image pickup device, a photographing position determining device configured to determine a plurality of photographing positions to continuously photograph a subject, and an image data dividing device configured to divide image data obtained by the image pickup device into a plurality of large sections and to divide the image data into a plurality of small sections each being smaller than the large section. The photographing position determining device configured to determine one or more reference positions as the photographing positions based on focused information of the large sections, and when a number of the photographing positions determined based on the large sections is less than a predetermined number, to additionally determine the photographing position based on focused state information of the small sections such that the predetermined number of the determined photographing positions is obtained. |
| US08576325B2 |
Generating still images and video by capture of images projected by light passing through a display screen
Methods and systems for generating still images and video by capture of images projected by light passing through a display screen are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes controlling light emitting components of a display screen to activate in a sequence for displaying a sequence of images. For example, in an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display screen, the method may include controlling a subset of the display screen OLEDs to activate in sequence to display a sequence of images. The displayed sequence of images may appear to a viewer of the display screen to be a still image or a video. The method may control light emitting components different subsets of the LEDs to be activated in the sequence, such that different areas of the display screen display images in each part of the sequence. |
| US08576322B2 |
Image shooting apparatus, video display apparatus, and video processing system therewith
An image shooting apparatus records video information obtained by shooting a subject, and transfers the video information to an external appliance by communication conforming to the HDMI standards. The image shooting apparatus also records rotation information representing how, when a video based on the video information is displayed on the external appliance, the video is to be rotated, and, when transferring the video information, transmits the rotation information to the external appliance by use of CEC conforming to the HDMI standards. Thus, an image shooting apparatus that transmits a shot video to an external appliance also transmits rotation information by use of CEC so as to be capable of making the external appliance display the shot image in a rotated state. |
| US08576311B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and manufacturing apparatus
An image processing apparatus having a plurality of Bayer arrays each including 4 pixels sharing a common electrode connected to a vertical signal line wherein: each of the pixels has a pixel electrode connected to a horizontal signal line; and the location of each of the horizontal signal lines and the location of each of the pixel electrodes each connected to one of the horizontal signal lines are determined so that the locations in a neighboring Bayer array are a mirror image of counterpart locations in another Bayer array adjacent to the neighboring Bayer array. |
| US08576310B2 |
Image processing apparatus, camera module, and image processing method
According to one embodiment, a second determining unit performs defect determination according to an illumination light component, which is a component of illumination light irradiated onto an object, of pixel values of a plurality of adjacent pixels. A third determining unit performs defect determination according to a reflectivity component, which is a component based on a unique reflectivity of the object, of the pixel values of the plurality of adjacent pixels. |
| US08576307B2 |
Imaging device having a characteristic converting section
To convert a pixel value obtained from a non-reference photoelectric conversion characteristic into a pixel value obtained from a reference photoelectric conversion characteristic without variation, and to prevent generation of fixed pattern noise in an image. An image sensor 3 is constituted of pixels having photoelectric conversion characteristics, in which a linear characteristic is on the low luminance side with respect to an inflection point, and a logarithmic characteristic is on the high luminance side with respect to the inflection point. A conversion information storage 68 stores, as conversion information, coefficients “c”, “d”, “e”, and “f” of two kinds of linear functions (y=c·log(x)+d, and y=e·log(x)+f), which are approximation equations expressing the logarithmic characteristic of each of the pixels, where y designates a pixel value, and x designates a luminance value of incident light. A linear converter 64 converts a pixel value obtained from the logarithmic characteristic into a pixel value obtained from the linear characteristic by using the approximation equations specified by the coefficients. |
| US08576300B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method therefor
An image capturing apparatus and a control method therefor provide privacy protection by obtaining the current location of the image capturing apparatus and determining whether or not the current location is within a preset location information addition-inhibited area. If the image capturing apparatus is within a location information addition-inhibited area, the image capturing apparatus and control method therefor do not add location information to captured image data. |
| US08576299B2 |
Solid-state imaging device with pixels having photodiodes with different exposure times, signal processing method of solid-state imaging device, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array section and a signal processing section. The pixel array section is configured to include a plurality of arranged rectangular pixels, each of which has different sizes in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of adjacent ones of which are combined to form a square pixel having the same size in the vertical and horizontal directions. The signal processing section is configured to perform a process of outputting, as a single signal, a plurality of signals read out from the combined plurality of rectangular pixels. |
| US08576297B2 |
Spectral improvement of digital camera color images
Systems and methods for modifying a color image of a scene are provided. The systems and methods involve illuminating at least a portion of the scene with a light having a known spectral power distribution, and detecting a finite number of spectral components of light received from the scene under such illumination. The detected values of spectral components of light received from the scene are used to modify the color image or rendition of the scene. |
| US08576288B2 |
Image processing unit, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing unit includes a memory unit, a comparative image generator to generate a comparative image from a non-reference image, an image divider to divide a reference image, a non-reference image, and a comparative image into image blocks of a predetermined size, a motion data calculator to calculate motion data between the reference image and comparative image, an average calculator to calculate an average of pixel output values for each image block of the reference image and the comparative image, a threshold determiner to determine a threshold for synthesis determination according to the average of pixel output values of an image block of the reference image, a synthesis determiner to determine whether or not the image blocks of the reference image and of the non-reference image are suitable for synthesis, and a ratio determiner to determine a synthesis ratio of the image blocks determined as suitable for synthesis. |
| US08576282B2 |
Security system with operator-side privacy zones
A system and method for operator-side privacy zone masking of surveillance is provided. The system includes a video surveillance camera equipped with a coordinate engine for determining coordinates of a current field of view of the surveillance camera; and a frame encoder for embedding the determined coordinates with video frames of the current field of view. The system also includes a privacy zone information database for storing coordinates of predefined privacy zones; and a video viewing unit for viewing stored video frames. The video viewing unit is in communication with the frame storage unit and the privacy zone information database. |
| US08576281B2 |
Smart network camera system-on-a-chip
Aspects of a method and system for processing video data are disclosed and may include detecting, within a single chip in a programmable surveillance video camera, one or more moving objects in a raw video signal generated by the programmable surveillance video camera. One or more characteristics of the detected one or more objects may be extracted within the single chip in the programmable surveillance video camera. The extraction may be based on the raw video signal and may be performed prior to compression of the raw video data. The characteristics of the detected one or more objects may include shape, texture, color, motion presence, motion direction, sequence name, location, links, and/or alarm type. One or more textual representations of at least one of the characteristics of the detected one or more objects may be generated within the single chip in the programmable surveillance video camera. |
| US08576276B2 |
Head-mounted display device which provides surround video
A see-through head-mounted display (HMD) device, e.g., in the form of augmented reality glasses, allows a user to view a video display device and an associated augmented reality image. In one approach, the augmented reality image is aligned with edges of the video display device to provide a larger, augmented viewing region. The HMD can include a camera which identifies the edges. The augmented reality image can be synchronized in time with content of the video display device. In another approach, the augmented reality image video provides a virtual audience which accompanies a user in watching the video display device. In another approach, the augmented reality image includes a 3-D which appears to emerge from the video display device, and which is rendered from a perspective of a user's location. In another approach, the augmented reality image can be rendered on a vertical or horizontal surface in a static location. |
| US08576275B2 |
Method and system for progressive delivery and synchronization of discrete content in rich media services
A method for authoring and sending from a network element and receiving at a mobile device, rich media, the sending having the steps of checking whether the rich media includes discrete content; if yes, sending a low resolution version of the discrete content with the rich media; and subsequently sending a higher resolution version of the rich media. The receiving having the steps of receiving a low resolution version of the discrete content in the rich media; rendering the rich media; receiving a higher resolution fragment of the discrete content; and incrementally applying the higher resolution fragments to the low resolution version of the discrete content. |
| US08576271B2 |
Combining direct and routed communication in a video conference
A video conference cross-links at least a portion of the clients for point to point communication while still using a video conference server. The video conference server continues to manage some aspects of the video conference for the cross-linked clients and may be configured to perform audio/video processing for some of the clients in a video conference. For example, the video conference server may perform audio/video processing and routing of streams for clients that do not have the capabilities to perform the processing directly. Clients that are able to process their audio/video needs may directly connect to other clients through cross-links while still using the video conference server for management. |
| US08576270B1 |
Intelligent call management and redirection
The disclosed systems and methods provide intelligent device inspection and interrogation in an application layer system to route packet-based network calls. These systems and methods can be used to detect the status of a specified endpoint. Endpoint devices can be configured to communicate status information to a central call manager. Endpoints can also be periodically polled to request device information. Pre-defined rules applied at the central call manager can be used to process call flow based on the device information. These rules can be configured so that a call that is not completed for any reason can be transferred to another destination such as a video mail service or an automated or live operator service. |
| US08576266B2 |
Imaging apparatus with moveable media guide
An imaging apparatus including a media supply, a transport path, a supply path for transporting sheets of photothermographic imaging media from the media supply to the transport path, a drive roller driving sheets of imaging media along the supply path, and a media guide moveable from a normally closed position to an open position to provide a continuous surface for moving a sheet of imaging media from the supply path onto the transport path in a first direction along the transport path, and wherein the media guide is moveable from the open position to the normally closed position upon the entire sheet of imaging media being moved onto the transport path to block the sheet of imaging media from entering the supply path when moving along the transport path in a direction opposite the first direction. |
| US08576261B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device (100A) of the present invention includes an active matrix substrate (220); a counter substrate (240); and a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer (260). The liquid crystal display device (100) has a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including a plurality of subpixels. The plurality of subpixels include a red subpixel (R), a green subpixel (G), and a blue subpixel (B). When each of adjacent two of the plurality of pixels represents an achromatic color at a certain grayscale level, a luminance of a blue subpixel (B) included in one of the two adjacent pixels is different from a luminance of a blue subpixel (B) included in the other of the two adjacent pixels. |
| US08576258B2 |
Brightness compensation apparatus and application method thereof
For improving the brightness decay of a display due to its aging, a non-volatile memory such as Flash can be used to store a brightness accumulation value of each point of the display, and each point can be compensated for its brightness accordingly. However, the non-volatile memory suffers from incorrect write-in data or temporary power disconnection, and thus the error will exist all the time to make the display non-even. Hence, the present invention uses a multiple data backups and CRC error detection, plus new/old data comparison to protect data the non-volatile memory from incorrect brightness compensation value so as to uniform the brightness of the display. |
| US08576255B2 |
Image correction method and image display device
A luminance distribution at the highest gradation level is corrected to a curved plane luminance distribution in such a manner that the maximum gradation input to a display panel shows a curved luminance plane having the highest luminance at the center of the display panel and a lower luminance in the peripheral area of the display panel. The luminance distribution at the minimum gradation is corrected in such a manner that the minimum gradation shows a curved luminance plane having the lowest luminance at the center of the display panel and a higher luminance in the peripheral area of the display panel. |
| US08576254B2 |
Electronic picture frame and image display method thereof
An electronic picture frame and an image display method thereof are provided. In the electronic picture frame, a plurality of images are arranged and displayed on one side of a screen, and among the plurality of images, an image at a particular position is enlarged and displayed. Alternatively, a screen is divided into a plurality of sub-screens, so images stored in each of a plurality of storage areas can be displayed on a respective sub-screen. Accordingly, the images stored in the plurality of storage areas can be displayed on the electronic picture frame in diverse forms. |
| US08576250B2 |
Method, apparatus, media, and signals for applying a shape transformation to a three dimensional representation
A method, apparatus, media and signals for applying a shape transformation to at least a portion of a three dimensional representation of an appliance for a living body is disclosed. The representation is defined by an input plurality of coordinates representing a general shape of the appliance. The method involves identifying a coordinate location of a datum plane with respect to the representation of the appliance, the datum plane defining a transform volume within which the shape transformation is to be applied, the transform volume extending outwardly from and normal to a first surface of the datum plane. The method also involves identifying input coordinates in the plurality of input coordinates that are located within the transform volume. The method further involves modifying the identified input coordinates in accordance with the shape transformation to produce a modified representation of the appliance, and storing the modified representation of the appliance in a computer memory. |
| US08576249B2 |
Map display device
There are provided: a map display control unit that brings up a map on display at a display monitor; a stormy weather condition information reception unit that receives stormy weather condition information; and a stormy weather condition information display control unit that provides a storm path forecast, indicating a predicted path of a storm, based upon the stormy weather condition information by superimposing the storm path forecast over the map on display at the display monitor. The stormy weather condition information display control unit displays the storm path forecast by using a fan-shaped range centered on a current position of the storm with an arc thereof passing through a predicted position that the storm is estimated to assume. |
| US08576247B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting pixel values
The described embodiments comprise a system that adjusts pixel values to produce visual effects in a frame to be displayed. During operation, the system receives coordinates and pixel-adjustment values for one or more control points within the frame. Next, the system calculates pixel-adjustment values for pixels in the frame based on the coordinates and the pixel-adjustment values for the one or more control points. The system then applies the pixel-adjustment values to the pixels within the frame and displays the frame. |
| US08576242B2 |
Image processing using meshes and gradient information
A boundary correction unit divides an object area into plural meshes, and specifies, of a pixel group positioned on one side, in a direction toward the interior of the object area, of a mesh to which a boundary vertex positioned on the frame of the object area belongs, a pixel at a position where the amount of change in color in the direction is equal to or smaller than a threshold value as a correction pixel for each boundary vertex. The boundary correction unit obtains a curve that connects adjacent correction pixels to each other for each set of adjacent correction pixels, and obtains the area surrounded by the obtained curves as a non-correction area. The boundary correction unit updates the object area by assigning the values of respective pixels on the frame of the non-correction area to those of corresponding pixels positioned on the frame of the object area. |
| US08576240B2 |
Display apparatus and method of driving the same
A display apparatus includes a backlight unit generating light, a display panel including a plurality of pixels controlling transmittance of the light based upon pixel data, a timing controller compensating the pixel data, and a data driver driving the display panel based upon the compensated pixel data. The display panel includes a first area to which the light having a first brightness is supplied and a second area to which the light having a second brightness lower than the first brightness is supplied. The timing controller compensates for the pixel data supplied to at least one area of the first and second areas using a predetermined compensation value to reduce a brightness difference between the first and second areas. |
| US08576238B1 |
High speed display of high resolution image
A system maintains data from different resolution levels of an image in textures of a graphics processing unit (GPU). Image data is organized into multiple resolution layers of an image. Data from the lower resolution level(s) is used to process an image while higher resolution data is loaded. In one embodiment, a first resolution representation of the image having a lowest resolution level using data resident in the GPU memory is drawn prior to drawing a portion of a second resolution representation having a higher resolution level using data resident in the GPU memory. |
| US08576236B2 |
Mechanism for granting controlled access to a shared resource
Disclosed are methods and systems for granting an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in a multi-ASIC environment controlled access to a shared resource. A system includes a first ASIC, a second ASIC, and a shared memory that stores a shared resource and a data set partitioned into fields. The first ASIC writes data to a first subset of the fields and reads data from the fields. The first ASIC includes first logic that computes a first value based on the data read from the fields. The second ASIC writes data to a second subset of the fields and reads data from the fields. The second ASIC includes second logic that computes a second value based on the data read from the fields. Based on the first and second values respectively computed by the first and second logic, only one of the first and second ASICs gains access to the shared resource. |
| US08576235B1 |
Visibility transition planning for dynamic camera control
A camera control system is provided that uses global planning to compute large, occlusion free camera paths through complex environments, incorporating visibility of a focus point into the search strategy, so that a path is chosen along which the focus target is in view or, in general, to compute a visibility graph. A visibility roadmap data structure permits precomputation of coarse representations of collision-free paths through an environment, together with estimates of pair-wise visibility between scene portions. At runtime, path planning can be done using the precomputed roadmap values to find a coarse path, and then refined to the camera path using occlusion maps computed on-the-fly. Iterative smoothing, together with a physically-based camera model, can be used to have the path followed by the camera smooth in both space and time. The data structure can be adapted at runtime to deal with dynamic occluders that move in an environment. |
| US08576234B2 |
Simulating animation during slideshow
A method and system for simulating an animation effect during the display of a digitally encoded picture, including the steps of: storing a plurality of predetermined animation effects; identifying at least one selected portion of the picture by means of a main subject identification algorithm; selecting at least one of the predetermined animation effects; modifying the display of the picture according to the selected at least one predetermined animation effect, so that the at least one selected portion of the picture is emphasized. |
| US08576232B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for drafting multi-dimensional drawings
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for interfacing with a surface within a computer-aided drawing environment includes determining that a plurality of curves operable to define the surface constitute a P×1 surface condition. A P×1 surface condition is defined by a number of first curves equal to P and only one second curve. P is an integer greater than zero. The method also includes converting the P×1 surface condition into an N×M surface condition in response to determining that a plurality of curves constitute a P×1 surface condition. An N×M surface condition is defined by a number of third curves equal to N and a number of fourth curves equal to M. N and M are integers greater than one. The method also includes constructing an N×M surface under the N×M surface condition. The method also includes modifying the N×M surface to edit a drawing. |
| US08576227B1 |
System and method for estimating light transport using bidirectional path tracing
Systems and methods for estimating light transport between respective points includes selecting a plurality of first sub-paths extending the first point A. and selecting a plurality of second sub-paths extending from a second point B. A plurality of transport paths are constructed, wherein each one of the plurality of the first sub-paths is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of second paths, and wherein each transport path comprises one first sub-path and one second sub-path. Two or more of the transport paths are sampled, and a light transport value for each of the sampled transport paths is calculated to estimate the light transported between first point A and second point B. |
| US08576224B2 |
Methods and apparatus for automated part positioning based on geometrical comparisons
A method of determining a rigid motion between a master solid model and an approximated target model (or, more generally, between any two models having different types) includes identifying, within each model, geometrical entities having a unique characteristic, and then determining the best match between the identified geometric entities. The system provides, in machine-readable form, a master model comprising a precise definition of a three-dimensional solid and a target model comprising a simplified definition of the three-dimensional solid. Then it identifies a first set of geometric entities (e.g., planar faces) within the master model that have a unique characteristic (e.g., planar area), and identifies a second set of geometric entities in the target model that have the unique characteristic. The system then determines a best match between a member of the first set of geometric entities and a member of the second set of geometric entities using, for example, a Hungarian matching algorithm. Linear edges of matched faces are compared to determine the appropriate rigid motion. |
| US08576223B1 |
Multiple label display for 3D objects
A method for viewing a 3D object is described. The method includes obtaining viewable data of a 3D object and displaying a portion of the 3D object based on a current view. The method also includes retrieving at least one identification label for items within the current view, defining a first axis within the current view, and selecting, from a plurality of positions along the first axis, a position that has a smallest angle between the selected position and a selected item. The method further includes displaying the identification label associated with the selected item at a point along a second axis within the current view between the selected position and the selected item. Systems and machine-readable storage media are also described. |
| US08576221B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating mesh models of feathers
Provided are an apparatus and a method for generating mesh models of feathers. The apparatus for generating the mesh models of the feathers includes a geometrical model analyzing unit that analyzes groups of barbs included in a geometrical curve model of the feather; a calculating unit that calculates the number of grids for each of the groups of barbs by applying curve lengths of the barbs and an average length of the curve lengths included in each of the groups of barbs; and a mesh model generating unit that constructs the geometrical curve models as polygonal mesh models based on the number of grids. According to the present invention, it extracts curved points by using characteristics of a model of a feather and constructs polygonal meshes by using the extracted curved points, thereby making it possible to physically and realistically express the forced physical variation of the polygonal meshes. |
| US08576208B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for controlling stereo glasses shutters
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for controlling stereo glasses shutters. In use, a right eye shutter of stereo glasses is controlled to switch between a closed orientation and an open orientation. Further, a left eye shutter of the stereo glasses is controlled to switch between the closed orientation and the open orientation. To this end, the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereo glasses may be controlled such that the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter simultaneously remain in the closed orientation for a predetermined amount of time. |
| US08576204B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing display streams
Apparatus, systems and methods for the synchronization of asynchronous display streams are disclosed. For example, a method is disclosed including receiving a first display data stream, receiving a second display data stream, determining a temporal offset between the first display data stream and the second display data stream, and adjusting at least one blanking interval of the second display data stream to reduce the temporal offset. Other implementations are also disclosed. |
| US08576202B2 |
Bezel-less acoustic touch apparatus
An acoustic touch apparatus is provided that includes a substrate capable of propagating surface acoustic waves, such as Rayleigh-type or Love-type waves. The substrate has a front surface, a back surface, and a curved connecting surface formed between the front surface and the back surface. The apparatus also includes at least one acoustic wave transducer and at least one reflective array, the acoustic wave transducer and the reflective array behind the back surface of the substrate. The acoustic wave transducer is capable of transmitting or receiving surface acoustic waves to or from the reflective array. The reflective array is capable of acoustically coupling the surface acoustic waves to propagate from the back surface and across the front surface via the curved connecting surface. Various types of acoustic touch apparatus with edge sensitive touch functions can be provided, according to specific embodiments. |
| US08576200B2 |
Multiple-input touch panel and method for gesture recognition
A touch panel capable of recognizing at least one gesture and the method thereof are provided. The touch panel comprises: a first optical unit, comprising a first light emitting element and a first light receiving element, arranged at a first position of the touch panel; a first optical element arranged along a first edge of the touch panel for reflecting light; a second and a third optical element arranged along a second and a third edge of the touch panel, respectively, for retro-reflecting the light, the second edge being adjacent to both the third edge and the first edge; and a processing unit for recognizing the at least one gesture according to changes to distance and slope of possible touch points. |
| US08576198B2 |
Digital capacitive touch panel structure
The present invention discloses a touch panel structure formed by an anti-scratch surface layer and a capacitive sensor layer, and a transparent lamination layer is used for pasting the two into a panel. The capacitive sensor layer includes an X-axis first transparent conductive layer and a Y-axis second transparent conductive layer formed on both sides of a transparent plastic carrier to provide a touch panel structure having the advantages of a relatively low material cost, a light weight, an easy manufacturing and molding, a better lamination yield and a flexible and break-free feature. |
| US08576197B2 |
Noise blanking for capacitive touch displays
Disclosed are various embodiments of a capacitive touchscreen or touch panel system comprising a controller operably connected to a first plurality of drive electrodes and a second plurality of sense electrodes. The controller includes a noise disruption detector circuit, a user noise source detector/anticipator circuit, clock control logic circuitry operably connected to the noise disruption detector circuit and to the user noise source detector/anticipator circuit, at least one static-clocked digital filter circuit operably connected to and controlled by the clock control logic circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU) operably connected to the clock control logic circuitry, firmware operably connected to the CPU; and touch position circuitry configured to deliver signals indicative of touch positions on the touchscreen to a host controller. The controller is configured to employ at least one of the CPU and the firmware to cause the clock control logic circuitry to inhibit operation of the digital filter circuit in response to a signal representative of excessive noise levels being provided by either the noise disruption detector circuit or the user noise source detector/anticipator circuit. |
| US08576193B2 |
Brick layout and stackup for a touch screen
A touch sensor panel is disclosed having an array of co-planar single-layer touch sensors fabricated on a single side of a substrate. The sense (or drive) lines can be fabricated in a single strip as columnar or zig-zag patterns in a first orientation, and the drive (or sense) lines can be fabricated as rows of polygonal (e.g. brick-shaped or pentagonal) conductive areas in a second orientation. Each sense (or drive) line in the first orientation can be coupled to a separate metal trace in the border area of the touch sensor panel, and each polygonal area in the second orientation can also be coupled to a metal trace in the border area of the touch sensor panel. The metal traces can allow both the row and column lines to be routed to the same edge of the substrate for flex circuit attachment. |
| US08576191B2 |
Display and control device for medical equipment
A display and control device for medical equipment, comprising several identically configured display/control units, which are located on a base unit. The base unit is equipped with a bus, to which the display/control units and components of the medical equipment are connected. The base unit comprises connection devices, which are used to connect the display/control units to the bus. Once a display/control unit has been connected, a configuration unit transmits configuration data to the display/control unit and only then defines which function the display/control unit is to fulfill. This permits defective display/control units to be simply replaced. The construction of the display/control units is likewise simple and not susceptible to malfunctions. |
| US08576190B2 |
Touch panel and display device including the same
The gap between a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate is greater in a terminal region in which a flexible printed circuit and anisotropic conductive films are inserted, than the gap between the first and second transparent substrates in a detection region. A guide portion which is used to guide an end of the flexible printed circuit at which the anisotropic conductive films are provided, into the gap between the first and second transparent substrates, is provided on the first or second transparent substrate. |
| US08576185B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed. The display device comprises a first touch panel comprising a first display module, a second touch panel comprising a second display module, and a contact detection module located between the first touch panel and the second touch panel. A control module performs display control of the first touch panel and the second touch panel based on operations of the first touch panel, the second touch panel, and the contact detection module. |
| US08576183B2 |
Devices and methods for controlling both LED and touch sense elements via a single IC package pin
Devices and methods for minimizing a number of I/O pins needed to control LED and touch sense operations are described and disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method comprises controlling at least one light emitting diode (LED) element via a single pin, and controlling at least one touch sense element via the single pin. In an embodiment, a touch-sensitive light emitting diode (LED) display device comprises at least one LED element, at least one touch sense element, and a controller integrated in an integrated circuit (IC) and coupled to the at least one LED element and the at least one touch sense element via a single pin. The controller is configured to communicate via the pin with the at least one LED element and the at least one touch sense element. |
| US08576176B2 |
Method and apparatus for alphabet input
A method and apparatus for inputting letters by combining basic elements obtained by separating and symbolizing strokes of letters, so as to provide excellent letter intuitiveness and recognition. According to the present invention, a letter may be input by pressing one of or sequentially pressing two of keys to which basic elements , , , , , , , †, , —, and obtained by separating and symbolizing strokes of letters are assigned, and letters may be rapidly and conveniently input by minimizing key pressing paths. |
| US08576172B2 |
Pointer tracking across multiple overlapping coordinate input sub-regions defining a generally contiguous input region
A touch system comprises overlapping coordinate input sub-regions defining a generally contiguous input surface. Each coordinate input sub-region generates pointer coordinate data in response to pointer contacts thereon. When a pointer contact is made on a region of a coordinate input sub-region that overlaps with an adjacent coordinate input sub-region, each overlapping coordinate input sub-region processes acquired images to derive pointer data and triangulates the position of the pointer using the derived pointer data. Thereafter, the triangulated positions generated by the overlapping coordinate input sub-regions are processed in accordance with defined logic thereby to determine the position of the pointer contact relative to the touch surface. |
| US08576171B2 |
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes an input device having a housing having an exterior surface; a touch-sensitive surface configured to transmit a contact signal indicating a contact with the touch-sensitive surface; a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor configured to sense movement of the input device and to transmit a sensor signal indicating movement of the input device; an actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect based on an actuator signal, the actuator signal based at least in part on the contact signal. |
| US08576169B2 |
System and method for determining an attitude of a device undergoing dynamic acceleration
A system and a method for determining an attitude of a device undergoing dynamic acceleration is presented. A first attitude measurement is calculated based on a magnetic field measurement received from a magnetometer of the device and a first acceleration measurement received from a first accelerometer of the device. A second attitude measurement is calculated based on the magnetic field measurement received from the magnetometer of the device and a second acceleration measurement received from a second accelerometer of the device. A correction factor is calculated based at least in part on a difference of the first attitude measurement and the second attitude measurement. The correction factor is then applied to the first attitude measurement to produce a corrected attitude measurement for the device. |
| US08576165B2 |
Input device and method, information processing apparatus and method, information processing system, and program
An input device includes: an operating section which is held by a user and operated in a three-dimensional free space in order to operate an information processing apparatus by remote control; a calculation section which calculates a hand shake related value for controlling selection of an image to be controlled which is displayed on the information processing apparatus, the hand shake related value being relevant to an amount of hand shake of the operating section; and an output section which outputs the hand shake related value as an operation signal for operating the information processing apparatus by remote control. |
| US08576156B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An auxiliary capacitor line driving circuit (5), provided in a surrounding region located around a display region (R1) in a liquid crystal display panel, generates auxiliary capacitor driving signals, and includes: first and second voltage trunk lines (VCS1, VCS2) which carry two different voltages, respectively; at least one control signal line (VCTRL1, VCTRL2) carrying one control signal; and a plurality of TFTs (T1, T2, T3, T4) each alternately supplying, to the respective auxiliary capacitor lines (CSn, CSn+1, and the like) in a given cycle, the two different voltages supplied to the auxiliary capacitor line driving circuit (5). Therefore, a liquid crystal display device employing multi-picture element drive method can be provided as a liquid crystal display device that achieves narrowing of a picture frame region as a non-display region and an external circuit board. |
| US08576155B2 |
Source line driving circuit, active matrix type display device and method for driving the same
If the frequency of a clock signal is increased, the pulse width of a sampling pulse is decreased, and the amount of time for a video signal to be written to a source line is inadequate. Sampling pulses (sam) rise sequentially in synchronization with the rise of a start pulse (SP). As the start pulse (SP) rises, synchronized with the rise of clock signals (CK, CKB), the sampling pulses (sam) fall off sequentially, delayed by half the period of the clock signals (CK, CKB) for every step. As a result, the sampling pulses (sam) with a pulse width longer than one period of the clock signals (CK, CKB) are generated. In a period Ta, a desired video signal (VIDEO) is written to its corresponding source line. In this way, the time for half a period of the clock signal can be secured for writing to the source line. |
| US08576152B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for driving same
A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of pixel units, a scanning driver configured to provide scanning signals to scan the pixel units, a data driver configured to provide data voltage signals to the pixel electrode of the pixel units; and a common voltage driver configured to provide a common voltage signal to the common electrodes of the pixel units. Each pixel unit includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode, and the pixel units cooperatively display picture frame by frame. A dummy cycle period is defined between two sequent normal frame periods. The common voltage signal is an alternating current voltage signal in each normal frame period, and a polarity of the common voltage signal is fixed in the dummy cycle. A method for driving a liquid crystal display is also provided. |
| US08576147B2 |
Display device and electronic device
A display device suppresses the influence of variations of a current value supplied to a light emitting element caused by a temperature change. In particular, luminance variations caused by a temperature gradient in a pixel portion due to a heat generated from a source signal line driver circuit are suppressed. In a display device including a gate signal line provided in a row direction, a source signal line provided in a column direction, and a light emitting element in a pixel portion arranged in matrix corresponding to the gate signal line and the source signal line, a column of monitor elements is provided beside the pixel portion, a constant current is supplied to each row of the monitor elements, and a voltage generated at the monitor element for each row of pixels is applied to light emitting elements of the corresponding row. |
| US08576142B2 |
Display device and control method therefor
One embodiment provides a display device, including: a luminous flux generator which generates luminous flux including image information; a reflector plate which reflects the luminous flux generated by the luminous flux generator toward one eye of a viewer; a head detector which detects a head of the viewer by using at least two pairs of distance sensors; a controller which controls a position of the reflector plate based on an output from the head detector; and a driver which drives the reflector plate based on an output from the controller. |
| US08576141B2 |
Three-dimensional display device and image presentation method
A three-dimensional display device includes a plurality of transmissive display units arranged in different depth positions in view from an observer and a moiré vanishing element for diffusing light. The moiré vanishing element has a spatial frequency characteristic to cut off a spatial frequency more than a spatial frequency having a cycle being twice as large as an interval of boundaries of pixels forming a first transmissive display unit arranged behind the moiré vanishing element in the view from the observer. |
| US08576140B2 |
Methods and systems for simultaneous local and contextual display
Methods and systems for simultaneous local and contextual display comprise displaying a smaller, “local” image on a first surface using a first device having limited screen real estate. A second, larger, “contextual” image is simultaneously displayed on a larger second surface, which may comprise a projector screen or a separate computer monitor screen. The contextual image may be projected onto the second surface using the first device, or the first device may be coupled to a second device for displaying the contextual image. The local image comprises a subset of the contextual image such that a user may view both the fine detail of the local image using the first device and the context of the local image within the contextual image on the second surface. |
| US08576139B2 |
Narrowcast media content distribution and display system with content biasing engine
A media content distribution and display system and method that includes a central server, a number of remote display devices, and an electronic network for communicating therebetween. The central server receives and stores a plurality of media content, where each of the media content has one or more attributes associated therewith that relate to characteristics of the media content. The remote display devices receive the media content from the central server. Each remote display device includes at least one electronic display, one or more target attributes associated with the remote display device that relate to environmental variables of the remote display device, and a biasing engine for comparing the media content attributes with the target attributes, and for causing the electronic display to display only those of the media content having one or more of the attributes associated therewith that satisfy a predetermined matching criteria. |
| US08576135B1 |
Bicone antenna
A bicone antenna is provided with high bandwidth and beneficial return loss performance. The antenna is dipole based and thus its radiation pattern is not strongly influenced by shape and size of a nearby ground plane. A parasitic element comprising a conductive band encircling the antenna's feed structure improves matching, gain flatness, and makes the antenna less susceptible to detuning. |
| US08576127B1 |
UWB MIMO broadband antenna system for handheld radio
The present invention is directed to antenna system embodiments which allow for hand-held, ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-antenna operation to be realized within the severe size constraints necessary for Department of Defense (DOD) hand-held missions. Further, the antenna system embodiments disclosed herein provide a miniature UWB multiple antenna solution for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and radiation pattern null steering suitable for hand-held soldier radios. |
| US08576126B2 |
Dipole antenna and electronic device having the same
A dipole antenna includes interconnected first and second grounding portions, first and second connecting portions bending respectively from the first and second grounding portions in a substantially same direction, first and second extending portions extending respectively from the first connecting portion, and third and fourth extending portions extending respectively from the second connecting portion. The second extending portion is disposed closer to the first grounding portion than the first extending portion. The fourth extending portion is disposed closer to the second grounding portion than the third extending portion. |
| US08576125B2 |
Planar wideband antenna
An approximately planar wideband antenna can include a first conductive portion coupled to a dielectric portion and mechanically supported by the dielectric portion, the first conductive portion including at least one edge corresponding to a planar conic section, such as including one or more of an elliptic, a parabolic, or a hyperbolic shape. Such an antenna can be electrically coupled to a matching circuit, the matching circuit configured provide a specified input impedance corresponding to a specified range of frequencies. Such a range of frequencies can span at least an octave, or more. |
| US08576116B2 |
High speed high resolution wide range low power analog correlator and radar sensor
Systems, methods and apparatus related to a high speed, high dynamic range and low power consumption radar system are provided herein. The radar system may include an analog correlator which combines various pulse replication schemes with various parallel integrator architectures to improve the detection speed, dynamic range, and power consumption of conventional radar sensors. The radar system may further include a matched filter for determining a match of a portion of a received PCR signal and producing an output signal in response to further improve the speed of detection of the radar system. |
| US08576115B2 |
Vehicle length sensors
A vehicle length sensor for a vehicle such as a variable length truck, the sensor being provided with a mount for mounting the sensor on a vehicle and being arranged with a detection circuit arranged to measure, in use, a length of a vehicle to which the sensor is mounted. Typically, the detection circuit comprises a transmitter circuit, which is arranged to transmit radiation along the length of the vehicle, and a receiver circuit that is arranged to receive radiation that was transmitted by the transmitter circuit and reflected from the vehicle, and in which the detection circuit is arranged to determine from the reflected radiation the length of the vehicle. The sensor may also act as a lane change assistant, comparing the range of other vehicles to the length of the vehicle to which it is mounted. |
| US08576110B2 |
Fast ray trace to identify radar multipaths
A method of detecting a target in a room using a radar system having a transmitter for irradiating the object, a sensor for receiving reflected radiation, and circuitry for analyzing the reflected radiation to determine at least one characteristic thereof, the method including determining at least one parameter for each wall of a plurality of walls of a room containing the target; determining possible signal paths between the target and the sensor for paths including up to N reflections based on the at least one parameter of each wall and the location of the sensor; calculating target image locations based on the possible signal paths; and processing the received radiation to determine a target location based on target image locations. |
| US08576108B1 |
Passive expendable decoy
In one embodiment, a passive expendable decoy for an aircraft is provided by ejecting passive radiators from the aircraft along a transmission line trailing from the aircraft and excited by a jammer on the aircraft, such that the radiators accelerate under aerodynamic drag forces to the end of the transmission line and couple energy from the transmission line to free space. This provides angular deception to a tracking radar or homing missile since the point of radiation along the transmission line is determined by the instantaneous position of the expendable radiating element. |
| US08576103B2 |
Rollover operative digital to analog converter (DAC)
Rollover operative digital to analog converter (DAC). With respect to a codeword that is provided to a DAC, a processing module (e.g., a rollover processor) operates to compare the codeword to threshold(s) in accordance with adaptively partitioning the codeword into one or more sub-codewords when the codeword has a magnitude greater than at least one of the thresholds. In instances that the codeword is less than a threshold, the codeword may be provided directly to a DAC for use in generating a first analog signal. However, if the codeword is a larger than a threshold, then that portion of the codeword which is greater than the threshold may be provided to an alternative component such as one or more auxiliary or additional DACs, one or more other circuitry components, etc. in accordance with generating at least one additional analog signal to be combined with the first analog signal. |
| US08576097B2 |
Coding using a mapping between a syntax element and a code word
A method comprising receiving a syntax element to be encoded as a code word of a set of code words, determining a mapping between the syntax element and the code word on the basis of a hierarchy level in a tree structure, using the mapping to obtain the code word, and updating the mapping is disclosed. |
| US08576096B2 |
Apparatus and method for low complexity combinatorial coding of signals
During operation of an encoder, a signal vector (x) is received. A first multi-precision operand (Ψ′k) will be generated based on the signal vector to be encoded. A mantissa operand and an exponent operand are generated. Both the mantissa operand and the exponent operand are representative of a second multi-precision operand that is based on the signal vector to be encoded. A portion of Ψ′k is selected to be modified based on the exponent operand. A part of Ψ′k is modified based on the mantissa operand to produce a modified multi-precision operand (Ψ′k+1). Finally, a multi-precision codeword is generated for use in a corresponding decoder. |
| US08576086B2 |
Limit signal indicator and method for operating a limit signal indicator
In a limit signal indicator for determining two positions of a pneumatically operated positioning device, a position sensor detects a position of the positioning device. A first signal transmission contact, a second signal transmission contact, and a microprocessor are provided. The first and the second signal transmission contacts each output a respective electrical limit position signal, the limit position signals representing an adoption of the first and the second positions or of at least one position of the positioning device above or below a predetermined set limit value. At least one of the signal transmission contacts is connected for signal transmission so that in case of a malfunctioning of a signal transmission, the switch amplifier is capable of generating an emergency signal above a maximum limit value or below a lower limit value, and to transmit the emergency signal to an external processing location. The microprocessor, upon detecting a specific operational malfunctioning, actuating the positioning device and executing an emergency procedure according to which the same emergency signal is generated and output at the second signal transmission contact. |
| US08576081B2 |
Physiological condition estimation device and vehicle control device
Provided are a physiological condition estimation device and a vehicle control device capable of preventing an error in the operation of an apparatus, such as a vehicle, and improving the safety of the operation of the apparatus. The physiological condition estimation device includes an eye-open time acquiring unit that acquires the eye-open time of the driver, a variation calculating unit that acquires a variation in the eye-open time acquired by the eye-open time acquiring unit, and a drowsiness predicting unit that determines the physiological condition of the driver on the basis of the variation in the eye-open time acquired by the variation calculating unit. In this way, since the physiological condition is determined on the basis of the variation in the eye-open time, it is possible to detect a slight reduction in the arousal level and estimate a significant reduction in the arousal level to a value that will cause an error in the driving of the vehicle in the future. |
| US08576079B2 |
Biological information monitoring apparatus with particular display features
A biological information monitoring apparatus operable to receive biological information measured by a detector adapted to be attached to a patient, and operable to display the biological information on a display, includes: a first display controller which displays an alarm on the display; and a second display controller which displays, on the display, first information which responses to the displayed alarm. |
| US08576076B2 |
Automatic surgical sponge counter and blood loss determination system
A surgical sponge detection system includes a device for automatically counting soiled surgical sponges which includes a reader which scans each sponge entered and determines sponge type from a tag affixed to each sponge and a control unit which processes data received from reader contained within sponges entered. The reader includes a non-optical scanner means which can read an indicating means on the sponges even when the indicating means is covered with blood or other body fluids. |
| US08576070B2 |
Method and device for verification of non intrusion into a system and/or non-violation of the integrity of an object or the contents thereof
The invention relates to a method and device for verification of non-violation of the integrity of a system or the identity of an object. An authentication seal is used, comprising a physical authenticator with bubbles (3) produced by a chaotic process on the production thereof, a characteristic of which is to be always unique and non-reproducible. A representation of said identifier with bubbles is stored in the form of an image and/or digitally in a database local or remote to the address (17), for authentication of the assignment of the identifier in situ or on the object for protection. Said authenticator is provided with a physical connection (16) which permits connection to the site or object for identification. Any attack on the integrity of the seal, whether on the authenticator and/or the connection, irreversibly alters the total seal such as to render the same un-reusable. Said authentication seal comprises a means for prevention of violation of the integrity of a site or the identity of an object and provides proof of an effective violation. |
| US08576063B2 |
System and method for tracking position of moving object
The present invention relates to a system and method for tracking the position of a moving object. A system for tracking the position of a moving object includes: WSNs composed of a plurality of sensor nodes, each generating connection release information representing that the connection between the corresponding WSN and a moving object having a moving node serving as a sensor node attached thereto has released if having perceived the departure of the moving object; base stations managing the plurality of WSNs and collecting position information on the plurality of sensor nodes; a node information database storing the position information on the plurality of sensor nodes collected by the plurality of base stations; middleware checking the current position information on the moving object stored in the node information database if receiving the connection release information through any of the plurality of base stations, and deleting the current position information on the moving object stored in the node information database if the checked current position of the moving object is in a WSN having perceived the departure of the moving object; and a moving-object tracking application provided with the position information on the moving object by the middleware to track the position of the moving object. According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently process information of a WSN managed by each base station in middleware managing a plurality of base stations, thereby improving the accuracy in tracking the position of a moving object. |
| US08576056B2 |
Vehicle guidance system
A method and apparatus for monitoring movement of a vehicle system. A sensor system monitors movement of a structure relative to a vehicle. The structure is connected to the vehicle in the vehicle system. A computer system identifies a number of distances from the sensor system to a number of objects associated with the structure. The computer system identifies an orientation of the structure relative to the vehicle using the number of distances from the sensor system associated with the vehicle to the number of objects. The computer system determines whether the orientation of the structure meets a number of criteria. The computer system initiates an operation for the vehicle system in response to an absence of a determination that the orientation meets the number of criteria. |
| US08576055B2 |
Collision avoidance assisting system for vehicle
A collision avoidance assisting system for a vehicle, for expecting a risk of colliding upon a moving object (or a moving obstacle), including a pedestrian, more correctly, but without annoying a driver, excessively, by estimating the risk to be excessively high, comprises a moving object detecting means for detecting a moving object existing on periphery of the vehicle; a footway boundary detecting means for detecting a position and a configuration of a footway boundary object on periphery of the vehicle; a risk estimation means for estimating a risk that the moving object detected by said moving object detecting means collides on the vehicle; and an alarm means for calling an attention to a driver of the vehicle, upon basis of the risk of collision estimated by the risk estimation means, wherein the risk of collision between the moving object, which is detected by the moving object detecting means, and that vehicle is estimated by taking at least the position information of the moving object, the position information of the footway boundary object and conditions of the circumferences thereof. |
| US08576052B2 |
RF tag reader and writer
The present invention relates to an RF tag reader and writer including: a communication unit which communicates with an RF tag as a target from which information is obtained and obtains the information held in the RF tag; and a communication stability determination unit which determines that stable communication with a specific RF tag is being established when the same information is obtained over a predetermined plural number of times from the RF tag communicating with the communication unit. |
| US08576048B2 |
Method for accessing a locked object
A method for accessing a locked object. A first SMS message addressed to a short code and requesting access to the locked object is received by an Approval Authority computer and/or short code from one of a locked object and a requestor's wireless communication device. The Approval Authority computer determines whether to grant the requested access, and sends, back to one of the locked object and the requestor's wireless communication device, one of an access code for the locked object and a SMS reply containing the access code. If the requested access is granted, the Approval Authority also initiates billing the requestor a predetermined fee for the access. |
| US08576045B2 |
Synchronization of electronic article surveillance systems having metal detection
A method and system are provided for minimizing metal detection signal interference by dividing a standard EAS system metal detection burst timeslot into a plurality of timeslots per burst in order to minimize triggering metal detection false alarm signals between adjacent metal detection systems. The method and system include synchronizing a plurality of metal detection systems by generating a signal having a predefined time duration and segmenting the signal into multiple timeslots per signal. A selected timeslot that is assigned to each of the plurality of metal detection systems is stored and the system performs metal detection using the assigned timeslot. |
| US08576044B2 |
Hand controller for a camera crane
A controller for a camera crane has a rocker button pivotally supported in or on a controller housing about a first pivot axis. A shaft of an electrical component, such as a variable resistor, is on a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. An arm is attached to the shaft. A spring urges the arm to a center position. Movement of the rocker button moves the arm. Due to the offset of the first and second pivot axes, movement of the rocker button results in proportionally reduced movement of the shaft of the electronic component. Smooth crane arm movements are readily achieved as the controller is less sensitive to the operators hand or finger movements. |
| US08576040B2 |
Multilayer type power inductor
Disclosed herein is a multilayer type power inductor including: a plurality of body layers including internal electrodes and having magnetic material layers stacked therein; and a plurality of gap layers, wherein the gap layer has an asymmetrical structure. In the multilayer type power inductor, portions that are in contact with the body layers have, a non-porous structure, which is a dense structure, and portions that are not in contact with the body layers have a porous structure, such that the gap layer has the asymmetrical structure. Therefore, a magnetic flux propagation path in a coil is dispersed to suppress magnetization at a high current, thereby making it possible to improve a change in inductance (L) value according to the application of current. |
| US08576039B2 |
Inductor structure
An inductor structure includes an even number of segments, each segment adjacent to two segments, each segment including a loop, each loop having a first end and a second end; and a crossover section adjacent to each segment, the crossover section coupling each of the first ends and second ends of the loops so as to cause current to circulate around the loop of each segment in an opposite rotational direction to the direction of current circulation in the loops of the segments adjacent to that segment. |
| US08576038B2 |
Tap changer with a polarity switch for a variable transformer
The invention relates to a step switch provided with a preselector and a polarity circuit, a separate polarization resistance being respectively provided at the beginning and the end of the stepped winding. Optionally, the two polarization resistances can be connected continuously or via separate polarity switches. |
| US08576035B2 |
Magnetic field generating module, manufacturing method of magnetic field generating module, and method for promoting magnetic force
A magnetic field generating module includes a housing, a plurality of interpoles, a plurality of short poles and a plurality of windings. The housing has an annular section and an inner side. The interpoles disposed on the inner side in the housing are arranged around an inner periphery of the annular section with the same intervals. The short poles are disposed on the inner side in the housing and distributed between the interpoles evenly. A first interval is formed between the adjacent short poles, and a second interval equal to the first interval is formed between each of the interpoles and the adjacent short pole. The windings are respectively disposed corresponding to the interpoles and located between the interpoles and the short poles. The magnetic field generating module of the invention has more concentrated magnetic lines so as to prompt the magnetic flux density and the magnetic force. |
| US08576022B2 |
Tuning a programmable power line filter
Tuning a programmable power line filter, the power line filter including a live line, a neutral line, and a ground line connected to input terminals of the filter on an input side of the filter, the live line and the neutral line connected through inductors in the filter to output terminals on an output side of the filter, X-capacitors selectably connected through tuning switches between the live line and the neutral line, Y-capacitors selectably connected through tuning switches between the live line and ground and/or between the neutral line and ground, and a tuning control circuit connected to the tuning switches and selectably connected through one or more programming switches to the load, including measuring by the tuning control circuit the input impedance of the load and programming by the tuning control circuit the tuning switches in dependence upon the input impedance of the load. |
| US08576017B2 |
Synchronous full-bridge oscillator
An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a zero-voltage switching oscillator that utilizes a full H-bridge topology wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronized within the bridge for function. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of the tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature. |
| US08576015B2 |
Signal generator
Provided is a signal generator. The signal generator includes an insulating substrate, a chip disposed on the insulating substrate and including an oscillator including a capacitance element determining a resonant frequency signal, and a plurality of conductive lines disposed on the same surface of the insulating substrate to be spaced apart from each other. At least one of the plurality of conductive lines is electrically connected with the oscillator and provides an inductance element determining the resonant frequency signal to the oscillator. |
| US08576014B2 |
System and method for selecting optimum local oscillator discipline source
A device is provided having a local oscillator (LO) configured to generate a first signal having timing information, frequency information, phase information or combinations thereof. The device also includes a prioritizer comprising at least two inputs, each input configured to receive a respective second signal having timing information, frequency information, phase information or combinations thereof. The prioritizer is configured to determine an accuracy of at least one second signal of the at least two second signals in relation to a second signal assigned to be a most accurate of the at least two second signals. The prioritizer is also configured to order the at least two second signals from most accurate to least accurate. The LO is disciplined to correct an offset error of the LO relative to a most accurate second signal that is available to the device, based on the order of the at least two second signals. |
| US08576012B2 |
Single-to-differential conversion circuit
A single-to-differential conversion circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a transforming unit. Each of the first and second transistors has first, second and third terminals. The transforming unit has first, second, and third induction elements. The first induction element has a first inductive terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor, and a second inductive terminal coupled to a voltage source. The second induction element has a first inductive terminal to be coupled to the voltage source, and a second inductive terminal coupled to the second terminal of the second transistor. The third induction element has a first inductive terminal coupled to the first terminals of the first and second transistors, and a second inductive terminal coupled to ground. The third induction element electrically couples to the first and the second induction elements according to first and second coupling parameters, respectively. |
| US08576011B2 |
Amplifier with high power supply noise rejection
An amplifier with high power supply rejection is disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, an amplifier includes a first stage configured to receive a signal to be amplified, a second stage comprising an input transistor coupled to the first stage, and further comprising at least one additional transistor, and a voltage regulator configured to received a first supply voltage and generate a regulated supply voltage, the first supply voltage coupled to the at least one additional transistor, the regulated supply voltage coupled to the first stage and the input transistor of the second stage to improve power supply noise rejection of the apparatus. |
| US08576010B2 |
Apparatus and method for a switched capacitor architecture for multi-band doherty power amplifiers
An apparatus and method for a switched capacitor architecture for multi-band Doherty power amplifiers are provided. The apparatus is for amplifying Radio Frequency (RF) signals, and the apparatus includes a multi-band Power Amplifier (PA) including a plurality of input matching circuits including switchable capacitors, and a plurality of output matching circuits including the switchable capacitors, wherein the multi-band PA is tunable to more than one RF frequency band. |
| US08576008B2 |
Radio frequency signal gain control
An RF receiver is described comprising a common gate common source LNA with a variable resistor in the source of the common gate transistor, a variable resistor in the source of the common source transistor, and a variable resistor in the RF input. A Smart Gain Control varies the resistance in the resistors to produce linear amplification in the LNA while maintaining input matching. Further, a broad dynamic range RSSI is described that implements a feedback control loop to maintain signal power within a sensitivity range of the power detector in the RSSI. |
| US08576003B2 |
Cascaded class D amplifier with improved linearity
An amplifier includes first and second stages. The first stage includes an input node for receiving an analog input signal, an analog digital converter for converting the analog input signal to a digital input signal, and a first switching circuit for outputting a first analog intermediate output signal in response to receiving a digital pulse width modulated signal that is based on the digital input signal. The second stage is configured to receive a pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage, scale the pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage by a gain factor to produce a scaled pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage, and output a second analog intermediate output signal based on the scaled pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage. A summation circuit combines the first and second analog intermediate output signals to generate an amplified output signal. |
| US08575996B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus transmitting signals between stacked chips
A semiconductor apparatus may include a transmission control signal generation unit, a fuse signal transmission unit, a reception control signal generation unit and a fuse signal reception unit. The transmission control signal generation unit receives a clock signal and generates a plurality of divided clock signals based on the clock signal to output transmission control signals from the plurality of divided clock signals. The fuse signal transmission unit transmits fuse information in synchronization with the transmission control signals. The reception control signal generation unit receives the clock signal and generates the plurality of divided clock signals, and generates reception control signals based on the plurality of divided clock signals. The fuse signal reception unit receives the fuse information in synchronization with the reception control signals. |
| US08575995B2 |
Capacitance type input device
A detection electrode and an X-driving electrode (first driving electrode) are stacked through a sensor side insulating layer, at the side of a sensor portion of a film base material, and a Y-driving electrode (second driving electrode) is formed on the same forming surface as the detection electrode. The X-driving electrode is formed of a first conductive layer, the detection electrode and the Y-driving electrode are formed in a stacked structure of a second conductive layer having a resistance lower than the first conductive layer and a third conductive layer having a resistance higher than the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. |
| US08575994B2 |
Circuit and method for generating a clock signal
A clock source is configured to provide an oscillating signal to be divided into a clock signal. A temperature sensor senses a first temperature of the clock source. The clock source is subjected to at least one second temperature implemented by a temperature alteration module. A calibration module calibrates the clock signal based on the at least one second temperature, the first temperature, a reference signal, and the oscillating signal at the at least one second temperature. |
| US08575993B2 |
Integrated circuit with pre-heating for reduced subthreshold leakage
Certain semiconductor processes provide for the use of multiple different types of transistors with different threshold voltages in a single IC. It can be shown that in certain ones of these semiconductor processes, the speed at which high threshold transistors can operate at decreases with decreasing temperature. Thus, the overall processing speed of an IC that implements high threshold transistors is often limited by the lowest temperature at which the IC is designed (or guaranteed) to properly function. Embodiments of a system and method that overcome this deficiency by “pre-heating” the IC (or at least portions of the IC that implement the high threshold transistors) such that the IC can operate at a frequency (once pre-heated) higher than what would otherwise be possible for a given, minimum temperature at which the IC is designed (or guaranteed) to properly function at are provided. |
| US08575991B2 |
Switching circuit sharing a resistor for switching devices
Disclosed herein is a resistor-sharing switching circuit including: a first switching device and a second switching device; and a resistor whose first end is connected to a control signal input end to which a control signal for controlling bodies of the first switching device and the second switching device is applied and whose second end is connected to the bodies of the first switching device and the second switching device. |
| US08575990B2 |
Matrix-stages solid state ultrafast switch
A semiconductor switching device for switching high voltage and high current. The semiconductor switching device includes a control-triggered stage and one or more auto-triggered stages. The control-triggered stage includes a plurality of semiconductor switches, a breakover switch, a control switch, a turn-off circuit, and a capacitor. The control-triggered stage is connected in series to the one or more auto-triggered stages. Each auto-triggered stage includes a plurality of semiconductor switches connected in parallel, a breakover switch, and a capacitor. The control switch provides for selective turn-on of the control-triggered stage. When the control-triggered stage turns on, the capacitor of the control-triggered stage discharges into the gates of the plurality of semiconductor switches of the next highest stage to turn it on. Each auto-triggered stage turns on in a cascade fashion as the capacitor of the adjacent lower stage discharges or as the breakover switches of the auto-triggered stages turn on. |
| US08575987B2 |
Level shift circuit
A level shift circuit of the invention includes a CMOS inverter circuit that receives an input pulse signal having a crest value of a first potential, a latch circuit that operates on a power supply of a second potential which is higher than the first potential, and a power supply circuit that supplies a power supply of not less than the first potential and less than the second potential to the CMOS inverter circuit. The latch circuit has one end thereof connected to an output end of the CMOS inverter circuit and outputs from the other end thereof an output pulse signal having a crest value of the second potential and a same phase as the input pulse signal. The power supply circuit functions to limit the power supply when the input pulse signal assumes at least the ground level. |
| US08575984B1 |
Multistage latch-based isolation cell
A multistage latch-based isolation cell is provided. The isolation cell includes a latch to receive a first binary signal and an enable signal. The latch initially supplies a second binary signal with an unknown value in response to the enable port receiving an enable signal having a first polarity value, and subsequent to receiving the first binary signal with a first value, supplying the second binary signal with the first value. The isolation cell includes a delay device to receive the enable signal and to supply a delayed enable signal. A reset latch receives the second binary signal, the delayed enable signal, and a reset pulse. The reset latch supplies a third binary signal equal to the first value in response to the reset latch receiving the reset pulse, followed by the delayed enable signal with the first polarity value, followed by the second binary signal. |
| US08575982B1 |
Systems and methods including features of power supply noise reduction and/or power-saving for high speed delay lines
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of noise reduction and/or power saving. According to one or more illustrative implementations, for example, innovations consistent with delay lines in clock/timing circuits such as Delay-Lock-Loop (DLL) and/or Duty Cycle Correction (DCC) circuits are disclosed. |
| US08575980B2 |
PLL circuit, error correcting method for the same, and communication apparatus including the same
A PLL circuit includes: the number-of-accumulated clocks detecting portion detecting the number of accumulated clocks of an oscillation circuit as a digital value; a periodicity detecting portion detecting periodicity of a digital value of a fractional portion of the number of accumulated clocks of the oscillation circuit with a first reference clock as a reference; a corrected value calculating portion calculating a corrected value; and an adding portion adding the corrected value to the fractional portion of the number of accumulated clocks with the first reference clock from the starting points of the periods of the periodicity. |
| US08575972B2 |
Digital frequency synthesizer device and method thereof
A first plurality of clock signals including a first clock signal and a second clock signal is received, the first and second clock signal out of phase with each other. A second plurality of clock signals comprising a third clock signal and a fourth clock signal is received, the third and fourth clock signals out of phase with each other. A plurality of enable signals are received. A fifth clock signal is determined based on the first plurality of clock signals and the plurality of enable signals. A sixth clock signal is determined based on the second plurality of clock signals and the plurality of enable signals. A seventh clock signal is determined based on the fifth clock signal and the sixth clock signal. |
| US08575971B1 |
Current mirror and current cancellation circuit
Techniques are described to mirror currents and subtract currents accurately. In an implementation, a circuit includes a first current source coupled to a first node to provide a current IPD1 and a current mirror coupled to the first node through a first switch T1 to provide a current IREF1. In a closed configuration, the current IREF1 flows from the current mirror into the first node. A sigma delta modulator controls the switch T1 such that over a period of time an average current flowing from the current mirror into the first node is equal to the current IPD1 flowing out of the first node. The sigma delta modulator generates a digital output to control switch T2 to allow a current IREF2 into a second node, thus subtracting a portion of a current IPD2 at the second node over a period of time. |
| US08575966B2 |
Method of operating phase-lock assistant circuitry
A method of operating a charge pump of a phase-lock assistant circuit includes determining a first relative timing relationship of a phase of a data signal to a phase of a first phase clock. A second relative timing relationship of the phase of the data signal to a phase of a second phase clock is determined, and the first and second phase clocks have a 45° phase difference. An up signal and a down signal are generated in response to the first relative timing relationship and the second relative timing relationship. The charge pump circuit is driven according to the up signal and the down signal. |
| US08575964B2 |
Inactivity triggered self clocking logic family
Localized logic regions of a circuit include a local comparator electrically connected to a local resistive voltage circuit, to a local resistive ground circuit, and to a local register structure. The local comparator supplies a clock pulse to the local register structures when the local reference voltage is below a local voltage threshold. Activity in the local combinatorial logic structure causes the local reference voltage to drop below the local reference voltage independently of changes in the global reference voltage causing the comparator to output the clock pulse (with sufficient delay to allow the logic results to be stored in the registers only after setup times have been met in the local logic devices). This eliminates the need for a clock distribution tree, thereby saving power when there is no activity in the local combinatorial logic structure. |
| US08575958B2 |
Programmable on-chip logic analyzer apparatus, systems, and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein may cause an event trigger state machine associated with a programmable on-chip logic analyzer (POCLA) to transition to a programmable state at a programmable number of occurrences of a programmable set of events associated with a first subset of signals on a first subset of input signal paths. States associated with a second subset of signals on a second subset of input signal paths may be stored at a time relative to a transition to the programmable state if a set of storage criteria have been met. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08575952B2 |
Semiconductor device and test method
A semiconductor device includes a first circuit block, a second circuit block, a first lead-out line coupled to the first circuit block, a second lead-out line coupled to the second circuit block, a first pad coupled to the first lead-out line, a second pad coupled to the second lead-out line, and a shielding line provided between the first lead-out line and the second lead-out line. |
| US08575951B2 |
Method for testing multiple coupons
A method for testing multiple coupons is described. The x, y, and theta offset coordinates of a reference structure for each coupon are determined. Additionally, the x and y offset coordinates between the reference structure and the first test device are determined. After the reference data from all of the coupons have been determined, the testing sequence for all of the coupons can be initiated and completed without further intervention. |
| US08575950B2 |
Static/dynamic resistance measuring apparatus and method
A resistance measuring apparatus which includes a variable voltage source, a signal display circuit, a bridge consisting of a first standard resistor, a second standard resistor, an adjustable resistor and the unknown resistor, a bridge balance display circuit and a dynamic voltage display circuit alternatively connected within the bridge. The resistance measuring apparatus is adapted to measure static resistance and dynamic resistance variation of an unknown resistor in the case of external environment having changed dramatically. |
| US08575947B1 |
Receive demodulator for capacitive sensing
A first integration capacitor stores charge from a positive signal portion. A second integration capacitor stores charge from negative signal portion. The voltage across the first and second integration capacitors is measured differentially. The presence of a conductive object proximate to a capacitance sensing element is detected based on the measured differential voltage between the first and second integration capacitors. |
| US08575945B2 |
Subsea line monitoring device
A subsea line monitoring device includes a diagnostic unit adapted to be deployed, in use, in a subsea location and having a first connector, the diagnostic unit being operable, in use, to output a signal indicative of the integrity of a line or device connected to the first connector. The subsea line monitoring device may be deployed on a long term or permanent basis at the subsea location. |
| US08575944B2 |
Foreign object detection in inductive coupled devices
A primary device for inductive power transfer to a secondary device is disclosed. The primary device includes a primary coil, the primary device being configured to (i) operate in a first mode during which the primary coil transfers power through inductive coupling to the secondary device, and (ii) operate in a second mode during which a foreign object is detected. The primary device further includes a primary controller configured to operate the primary coil (i) using a first frequency during the first mode, and (ii) using a second frequency during the second mode. A method to detect a foreign object which is in proximity of an inductively coupled environment of a primary device is also disclosed. |
| US08575941B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying a faulted phase in a shunt capacitor bank
An apparatus and method is provided for identifying a faulted phase in at least one shunt capacitor bank. The apparatus generally includes a sampling circuit for sampling current or voltage signals associated with the shunt capacitor bank. A microcontroller is coupled to the sampling circuit and programmed to measure a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and compare the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The method generally includes the steps of sampling a current or voltage signal associated with the shunt capacitor bank, determining a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and comparing the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for identifying the location of the fault (e.g., the section of the bank) in a double ungrounded shunt capacitor bank or double WYE shunt capacitor bank. |
| US08575940B2 |
Power supply device and method for detecting non-contact state of load connected to power supply device
A power supply device includes a battery, positive and negative-side contactors and a controller. The battery supplies power to a load. The positive-side contactor is serially connected to the positive side of the battery, and the negative-side contactor is serially connected to the negative side of the battery. The controller determines whether the load connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor is in a connected or non-contact state. The controller includes a voltage detecting circuit that detects the capacitor voltage of a capacitor connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor, and a determination circuit that compares the detected voltage with a predetermined voltage and determines the connected state of the load. |
| US08575931B2 |
Length measurement apparatus
A length measurement apparatus (10) has a bistable magnetic element (102), an elongated physical scale (200) with a plurality of measurement graduation elements (202) spaced apart from one another and a reading head (100) movable relative to the physical scale (200) in its longitudinal extent and which includes a first and second reading head magnet (114a b) arranged transverse to the longitudinal extent and with opposite polarity to one another. The measurement graduation elements (202) each have a magnetic short-circuit element (202) to suppress the magnetic field (116a) of the first reading head magnet (114a) in a first relative position of the reading head (100) and the magnetic field (116b) of the second reading head magnet (114b) in a second relative position of the reading head (100). |
| US08575930B2 |
Magnetic detection device
An aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a magnetic detection device including a magnetic detection unit including a magnetic sensor unit and a comparison unit, the magnetic sensor unit detecting a magnetic flux density, amplifying the detection signal and outputting an output signal to the comparison unit as a mode selected from one of a first mode and a second mode of which power consumption is lower than that of the first mode, the comparison unit comparing the output signal and a reference voltage as a threshold level which determines magnetic field being formed or not, and outputting a comparison result, a conversion gain control unit outputting a mode signal based on the comparison result to the magnetic sensor unit as the second mode when the mode signal is larger than the threshold level or as the first mode when the mode signal is smaller than the threshold level so as to control the magnetic sensor unit. |
| US08575929B1 |
Magnetic anomaly surveillance system using spherical trilateration
A magnetic anomaly surveillance system includes triaxial magnetometer (TM) sensors arranged at known locations in an array. A processor coupled to the TM sensors generates a scalar magnitude of a magnetic anomaly field measured at each of the TM sensors. The scalar magnitude is indicative of a spherical radius centered at the known location associated with a corresponding one of the TM sensors. The processor also generates a comparison between each scalar magnitude and a threshold value. The processor then determines at least one magnetic anomaly location in the coordinate system via a spherical trilateration process that uses each spherical radius and each scalar magnitude associated with selected ones of the TM sensors for which the threshold value is exceeded. One or more output devices coupled to the processor output data indicative of the one or more magnetic anomaly locations. |
| US08575928B2 |
Optical sensor
A sensor that includes an actuator having a plurality of actuator magnets. A detector proximate to and mechanically isolated from the actuator defines a bore. A detector magnet inside the bore may move in the bore from a first position to a second position. An optical signal passes through the detector so that the detector magnet blocks the optical signal when the detector magnet is in the first position. |
| US08575927B2 |
Ultrasensitive magnetic sensor with magneto-optically active material with high verdet constant
A high-resolution sensor of magnetic field sensor system and materials for use in such a system are described. The sensor systems measure a magnetic field using inorganic and/or organic magneto-optically active materials, e.g. polymer material and have an interferometer based on Faraday rotation. The polymer material is preferably in the form of a film. The polymer material has an optical property that is sensitive to the magnetic field, e.g. the Faraday rotation effect. The present invention also provides a sensor head structure comprising the above polymer material. The sensor head may be designed for use with an optical fiber or with mirrors. In particular the present invention provides a fiber Sagnac interferometer to measure the rotation of polarized plane of light. The present invention provides a fiber or mirror based Sagnac interferometer with passive phase bias applied to magnetic field sensing. This invention has the following three major aspects each being an embodiment of the present invention: 1. Sensing material: a conjugate polymer such as polythiophene and/or a polymer containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles that exhibits a giant Faraday rotation. 2. Magnetic field probe that incorporates the above polymer or polymer/nanoparticle composite, e.g. in the form of a film. 3. Sensor: The sensor combines an optical fiber-based Sagnac interferometer and the above magnetic field probe. |
| US08575924B2 |
Magnetic field sensor element
A sensor unit with at least one magnetic field sensor element, at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and at least one magnet are arranged in a capsule housing on at least one leadframe. The capsule housing is surrounded by a sensor encapsulation and is intended to have smaller dimensions so as to allow it to be positioned in the encapsulating mold with less effort and at the same time in the exact position. For this purpose, it is provided that the capsule housing has a number of fixing aids adapted in their outer dimensions to an injection mold assigned to the sensor encapsulation. |
| US08575920B2 |
Magneto-resistive magnetic field sensor
A system includes a magnet, a first magneto-resistive sensing element, and a second magneto-resistive sensing element. The magnet is configured to provide a magnetic field having a substantially non-diverging magnetic field line and diverging magnetic field lines. The first magneto-resistive sensing element is situated in the magnetic field. The second magneto-resistive sensing element is situated in the magnetic field. The first magneto-resistive sensing element is intersected at a centerline of the first magneto-resistive sensing element by the substantially non-diverging magnetic field line. The second magneto-resistive sensing element is intersected by only the diverging magnetic field lines of the magnetic field. |
| US08575917B2 |
Multirange load detection circuitry
Load detection circuitry is provided that may be used to monitor an output line. The load detection circuitry may include one or more current sensing resistors. A monitor circuit can measure voltages across the current sensing resistors to determine whether current is flowing through a load connected to the output line. In configurations with multiple different current sensing resistors, the monitor circuit can determine the amount of current that is flowing through the load based on the measured voltages. A switch may be interposed between the current sensing resistor and the output line. A current-limited voltage regulator may supply a voltage to the output line. The monitor circuit may periodically open the switch and monitor resulting voltage changes on the output line to determine whether an electronic device or other load is attached. Opening of the switch may be inhibited whenever current is sensed through a current sensing resistor. |
| US08575916B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for detecting an arc event using breaker status
A power equipment protection system includes a first circuit monitoring device configured to monitor a first circuit, a second circuit monitoring device configured to monitor a second circuit that is electrically coupled to the first circuit, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first circuit monitoring device and the second circuit monitoring device. The processor is configured to receive a signal indicative of a fault from at least one of the first circuit monitoring device and the second circuit monitoring device, determine whether the fault occurred in the first circuit or in the second circuit, and if the fault occurred in the second circuit, determine whether the fault is an arc event. |
| US08575913B2 |
Pulse analyzer
There is described a pulse analyzer (1) for sampling a pulse or a repetitive stream of pulses. The pulse analyzer multiplies a pulse by a set of basis functions (c1, c2) to generate a plurality of multiplied pulse functions, and a synthesizer (9a, 9b, 13) combines the multiplied pulse functions to generate a pulse sample. In particular, the synthesizer performs at least one integrating operation over an integration interval substantially corresponding to the duration of the pulse and at least one adding operation. The basis functions are such that the output of the synthesizer corresponds to a pulse sample for a sample time interval shorter than the integration interval. |
| US08575912B1 |
Circuit for generating a dual-mode PTAT current
The present invention discloses a circuit for generating a dual-mode proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current. The circuit includes a voltage stabilizing circuit to provide a voltage reference, and a load current control circuit comprising a first transistor to provide a first load current based on the voltage reference, a second transistor to provide a second load current based on the voltage reference, a first switch to control whether to allow the first load current to flow therethrough in response to different predetermined temperatures, and a second switch to control whether to allow the second load current to flow therethrough in response to the different predetermined temperatures. A resultant current resulting from at least one of the first load current or the second load current has different current magnitudes at the different predetermined temperatures. |
| US08575910B2 |
Single-cycle charge regulator for digital control
A single-cycle charge regulator (SCCR) may be used in operating a power converter at a constant frequency without requiring compensation. The SCCR may include a first control loop to generate an error value based on the output voltage of the power converter and a reference voltage, and to generate a first control value based on the error value to control steady-state behavior of the output of the power converter. A second control loop may generate a second control value based on the error value, to regulate response of the power converter to a transient deviation on the output voltage. A third control loop may operate to adjust a current (affected by the output voltage of the the power converter) subsequent to the transient deviation, according to a third control value derived from previous values of the first control value, the second control value, and the third control value, to keep the adjusted current commensurate with the current that was present prior to the transient deviation, while keeping the output voltage of the power converter at its desired steady-state value. |
| US08575905B2 |
Dual loop voltage regulator with bias voltage capacitor
A voltage regulator includes a regulator input connected to a reference voltage; a regulator output that outputs a regulated voltage to an electrical load; a first loop, the first loop configured to receive the reference voltage, the first loop outputting a bias voltage; a second loop, the second loop configured to receive the bias voltage as an input; and a bias voltage capacitor connected to a node between the first loop and the second loop. |
| US08575902B1 |
Deactivating parallel MOSFETs to improve light load efficiency
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that reduce the power required to drive transistors in switching power supply regulators under various load conditions. One example provides a power supply regulator having multiple parallel transistors in order to reduce series on resistance. When the regulator is lightly loaded, a reduced number of devices are driven by the regulator. That is, one or more devices are not driven, rather their gates are held at a voltage such that the devices remain in the off or non-conductive state. When the regulator is more heavily loaded, more or all of the devices are driven. |
| US08575891B2 |
Battery housing system and method
A battery system including a housing that defines an internal volume and a venting system that fluidly couples the internal volume with an atmosphere surrounding the housing and a support structure within the internal volume, the support structure being configured to support a number of battery cell modules in the internal volume. |
| US08575889B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the transfer of electric power to an electronic device supplied by a battery
A DC-DC voltage down-converter for an electronic device supplied by a battery and having a bus interface for the interconnection with another electronic device capable of supplying electric power is provided. The DC-DC voltage down-converter includes a terminal coupled to a voltage supply line of the bus interface and operable to receive a input current from the another electronic device. The DC-DC voltage down-converter further includes an electric energy storage element coupled between the battery and the terminal, the electric energy storage element being operable to storage/release electric energy and a drive circuit arranged to control the storage/release of the electric energy storage element, so as to cause an electric power generated by the input current supplied by the another electronic device through the voltage supply line to re-charge the battery. The DC-DC voltage down-converter still further includes a input current feedback control circuit coupled to the terminal and arranged to monitor a value of the input current and generate a corresponding input current indication; the drive circuit configured to control the storage/release of the electric energy storage element according to the input current indication. |
| US08575885B2 |
Motor drive system, control method of motor drive system, and traveling device
To make it possible to avoid an unstable state with a simple configuration even one of the phases of the motor fails. A motor drive system in accordance with the present invention includes a motor to which a plurality of phase coils of five phases or more are connected in a star connection, an inverter connected to one end of each of the phase coils, the inverter being configured to convert a DC power into an AC power and supply the AC power to each phase of the motor, a power relay disposed at another end of each of the phase coils, the power relay being configured so as to be able to cut off a supply power to at least one phase coil among the plurality of phase coils of the motor by using a plurality of contact points interposed between the star-connected coils, and a control unit that generates a control signal for the inverter and thereby controls driving of the motor. When one or more phase of the motor fails, the control unit opens a contact point of the power relay corresponding to the failed phase and drives three or more phases that are disposed at roughly equal phase-intervals among a plurality of remaining phases. |
| US08575883B2 |
Power unit for electric vehicle
A power unit for an electric vehicle includes: a first power source connected between a first node and a second node; a first switch connected between the second node and a third node; a second power source connected between the third node and a fourth node; a second switch connected between the first node and the third node; and a DC-DC converter connected to the second node, wherein the DC-DC converter changes an electric potential of the second node by making the second node connectable to the fourth node or the third node, and an output electric power obtained from between the first node and the fourth node is supplied to an electric motor. |
| US08575875B2 |
Control device for voltage converter, vehicle equipped with the same, and control method for voltage converter
In a converter of a motor drive control device, one of a first switching element and a second switching element is selected in accordance with a current command value of a current flowing through a reactor. The converter is then controlled so that a drive command for the selected switching element is generated. In this way, the efficiency of the converter is improved while a voltage step-up or step-down operation is performed by the converter. |
| US08575874B2 |
Electronically commutated motor with correction of sensed rotation-direction signal
An electronically commutated motor (ECM) often employs a Hall sensor for reliable operation. Even when a Hall sensor is omitted from a motor having a plurality of stator winding phases (24, 26) and a permanent-magnet rotor (22), one can reliably detect direction of rotation of the rotor by the steps of: (a) differentiating a voltage profile obtained by sampling either (1) induced voltage in a presently currentless phase winding or (2) voltage drop at a transistor, through which current is flowing to a presently energized phase winding, and (b) using such a differentiated signal (du—24″/dt, du—26″/dt) to control current flow in an associated phase winding. In this manner, one obtains reliable commutation, even if the motor is spatially separated from its commutation electronics. |
| US08575871B1 |
Modular component electric machine
The invention comprises a modular electric machine comprising a modular stator having a plurality of stator teeth and windings and a modular rotor comprising a plurality of modular magnetic elements for electromagnetic interaction with stator teeth. The invention further comprises a method of control of a modular electric machine. |
| US08575864B2 |
Circuits and methods for driving light sources
A controller for controlling power to a light source includes a first sensing pin, a second sensing pin, a third sensing pin, and a driving pin. The first sensing pin receives a first signal indicating an instant current flowing through an energy storage element. The second sensing pin receives a second signal indicating an average current flowing through the energy storage element. The third sensing pin receives a third signal indicating whether the instant current decreases to a predetermined current level. The driving pin provides a driving signal to a switch to control an average current flowing through the light source to a target current level. The driving signal is generated based on one or more signals selected from the first signal, the second signal and the third signal. |
| US08575862B2 |
Power supply for airfield lighting
Disclosed herein is a power supply suitable for use with an airfield lighting device. In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein, a rectifier that converts a signal from an alternating current (AC) current source to a direct current (DC) voltage. The circuit comprises a current sensor, a controller, and a half active bridge rectifier. The controller receives a signal from the current sensor and controls the operation of the half active bridge rectifier to produce a light emitting diode (LED) current based on the current sensed by the current sensor. |
| US08575859B2 |
Illuminating device
To a constant-current power supply whose output current can be variably set, light emitting modules can be connected in parallel. A control unit recognizes connection information outputted from an information output unit provided in each of the light emitting modules and varies the output current of the constant-current power supply. Drive can be controlled in response to a state of the connected light emitting modules such as the connecting number of light emitting modules. |
| US08575857B2 |
LED lighting device
The LED lighting device includes a lighting circuit unit, a current detecting unit, a voltage detecting unit, and a control unit. The lighting circuit unit is adapted in use to be connected to a lamp socket to be connected to a LED lamp, and is configured to provide an output voltage in the form of a DC voltage to the lamp socket in a manner to turn on the LED lamp. The current detecting unit is configured to detect an output current which is caused by the output voltage and is supplied from said lighting circuit unit to said lamp socket. The voltage detecting unit is configured to detect the output voltage of said lighting circuit unit. The control unit configured to control the lighting circuit unit. The control unit is configured to perform constant-current control of control the lighting circuit unit in a manner to regulate the output voltage such that the output current is identical to a target value while keeping the output voltage not higher than a maximum-load voltage, when the output current detected by the current detecting unit is not less than a predetermined threshold value, and is configured to perform no-load control of controlling the lighting circuit unit in a manner to regulate the output voltage such that the output voltage is kept identical to a no-load voltage higher than the maximum-load voltage, when the output current detected by the current detecting unit is less than the predetermined threshold value. |
| US08575855B2 |
Hollow cathode lamp elapsed time recording system
A hollow cathode lamp is described with an end cap, an anode, and a cathode. A data storage device is part of the end cap and communicates data to and from a computing device. The data communicated with the computing device may include identification information and usage information corresponding to the hollow cathode lamp. Additionally, a method is described that includes activating a power supply to a hollow cathode lamp and communicating data with a memory device located in the hollow cathode lamp. The data communicated with the memory device includes usage information about an amount of time the hollow cathode lamp has been in use. |
| US08575854B2 |
Power conversion apparatus, discharge lamp ballast and headlight ballast
Power conversion apparatus includes a converter circuit, a control circuit, a simulation circuit and a sense circuit. The converter circuit includes a magnetic device for power conversion and a switching device, and is configured to convert power from a power supply into direct current power. The control circuit is configured to supply the converter circuit with a high frequency signal for turning the switching device on and off. The simulation circuit is configured to produce a simulation signal that simulates state or change of magnetic flux of the magnetic device. The sense circuit is configured to produce a signal which corresponds to at least one of the input and output of the converter circuit and is superposed on the simulation signal to form a superposed signal. The control circuit defines an on-period of the high frequency signal based on the superposed signal. |
| US08575853B2 |
System and method for supplying constant power to luminuous loads
An apparatus is disclosed that is capable of delivering substantially constant power to a luminous load in response to variation in the input voltage and variation in the environment temperature. The apparatus may be further adapted to vary the power supplied to the luminous load in response to changes in the input voltage produced by a dimmer circuit. In other words, during non-dimming applications, the apparatus is able to maintain substantially constant power supplied to the load even though the input voltage and environment temperatures are varying during typical daily operations. Additionally, if the input voltage is changed due to a user controlling a dimmer device to control the brightness of the luminous load, the apparatus is able to control the power delivered to the load in response to the dimmer device. |
| US08575849B2 |
Resonate driver for solid state light sources
A driver circuit, solid state light (SSL) source assembly including same, and a method of driving an SSL source are provided. The driver circuit includes a rectifier, an inverter, a transformer, a PFC circuit, and a frequency control. The rectifier receives an AC voltage and provides an unregulated DC voltage. The inverter includes two switches, and receives respective control signals to operate these, to generate a resonate AC signal from the unregulated DC voltage. The transformer includes a primary winding coupled to the inverter, a secondary winding to be coupled to an SSL source through an output stage, and a feedback winding. The PFC circuit controls the inverter in response to signals representative of the unregulated DC voltage and the inverter's current. The frequency control generates the control signals to control the inverter's switching frequency in response to signals representative of the output stage's current and the feedback winding's current. |
| US08575845B2 |
Method and apparatus to measure light intensity
A method for controlling a light emitting diode (LED) is provided. Initially, the LED, which had been active, is deactivated, and a voltage for a current that corresponds to the persistence of the LED is generated. The voltage is then integrated so as to generate an integrated voltage, and the integrated voltage is compared to a threshold. When the integrated voltage is less than the threshold, the LED is then activated. |
| US08575842B2 |
Field emission device
A field emission device is configured as a heat engine. |
| US08575839B2 |
Headlamp LED lighting apparatus and vehicle headlamp lighting system
A headlamp LED lighting apparatus, which lights an LED block 2 having a plurality of LEDs connected in series, samples the output voltage of the headlamp LED lighting apparatus, calculates the average voltage during every prescribed interval, and has a storage unit for storing the average voltage during every prescribed interval calculated. A control circuit 8 compares the voltage variation in the average voltage during every prescribed interval read out of the storage unit with a prescribed threshold, and decides an LED failure of the LED block 2 from a result of the comparison. |
| US08575837B2 |
High pressure discharge lamp
A high pressure discharge lamp of the present invention is provided with a light-emitting bulb comprising a light-emitting part and sealing sections; metal foils embedded within the sealing sections; and a pair of electrodes having one end protruding into the light-emitting part and having the other end embedded in the corresponding sealing section and joined to the corresponding metal foil. An embedded length L (mm) of the electrodes that is defined by the length between a light-emitting part side end of the metal foil and the border section between the protruding section and the embedded section of the electrode, and the temperature T (° C.) at the joint region of the electrode and the metal foil are set to satisfy 1.8≦L≦2.8 and T≦970. |
| US08575830B2 |
Electrode material for a spark plug
An electrode material that may be used in spark plugs and other ignition devices including industrial plugs, aviation igniters, glow plugs, or any other device that is used to ignite an air/fuel mixture in an engine. The electrode material is a metal composite and includes a particulate component embedded or dispersed within a matrix component such that the metal composite has a multi-phase microstructure. In one embodiment, the metal composite includes a matrix component that includes a precious metal and makes up about 2-80% wt of the overall composite and a particulate component that includes a ruthenium-based material and makes up about 20-98% wt of the overall composite. |
| US08575827B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus has an organic EL element which emits red color, an organic EL element which emits green color, and an organic EL element which emits blue color, in which a structure for improving light emission efficiency is provided only at the light emission side of the organic EL element which emits blue color. |
| US08575823B2 |
Laminated piezoelectric material, ultrasound probe, and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
A laminated piezoelectric material has a four-layered piezoelectric material and electrode layers for applying a voltage to each layer of the four-layered piezoelectric material. Each piezoelectric material has an inorganic piezoelectric material with a remanent polarization in a thickness direction. The layers are laminated so that a direction of an electric field is counter to a direction of the remanent polarization in one of the layers and the direction of the electric field coincides with the direction of the remanent polarization in the other three layers, or the direction of the electric field coincides with the direction of the remanent polarization in one of the layers and the direction of the electric field is counter to the direction of remanent polarization in the other three layers, when a voltage is applied to each piezoelectric material of the four-layered piezoelectric material via electrode layers. |
| US08575819B1 |
Microelectromechanical resonators with passive frequency tuning using built-in piezoelectric-based varactors
Microelectromechanical resonators include a resonator body with a built-in piezoelectric-based varactor diode. This built-in varactor diode supports passive frequency tuning by enabling low-power manipulation of the stiffness of a piezoelectric layer, in response to controlling charge build-up therein at resonance. A resonator may include a composite stack of a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric layer on the bottom electrode and at least one top electrode on the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer includes a built-in varactor diode, which is defined by at least two regions having different concentrations of electrically active dopants therein. |
| US08575818B2 |
Surface acoustic wave element
A surface acoustic wave element has a small energy loss and when it is used in a filter device, suppresses a spurious component occurring near the resonant frequency of a principal response and improves the frequency characteristic near the pass band of the filter device. The surface acoustic wave element includes a piezoelectric substrate, a comb-shaped electrode, and an insulating film. The comb-shaped electrode is disposed on the piezoelectric substrate. The insulating film is disposed so as to cover the piezoelectric substrate and the comb-shaped electrode. Where λ is the wavelength of an elastic wave that propagates in the piezoelectric substrate and h is the difference between the maximum and minimum values of a thickness dimension from the top surface of the piezoelectric substrate to the top surface of the insulating film, 0.01≦h/λ≦0.03 is satisfied. |
| US08575813B2 |
Induction rotor having improved conductor bar profiles and method for forming the same
A rotor core for an induction motor. The rotor core includes a body that at least (i) extends axially from an outer surface of the body inward toward a central axis, (ii) extends from a first axial end to a second axial end, and (iii) defines a plurality of internal grooves. Further, each groove at least (iv) includes an opening at the outer surface of the body, (v) is defined by two opposing walls, (vi) extends from the first axial end to the second axial end, (vii) extends axially between the opening at the exterior surface and an inward end, and (viii) includes a body section. And wherein (ix) at least one wall of the opposing walls of the groove includes, in the body section of the groove, an extended segment forming a portion of increased breadth for the groove. |
| US08575812B2 |
Electric motor
A winding for an n-phase electric motor is disclosed. The inventive winding comprises a number of consecutive winding groups of n individual windings, wherein at any point in time an individual winding of a first group exhibits one direction of current flow and wherein at the same point in time a corresponding individual winding of an adjacent group exhibits the opposite direction of current flow. There is also disclosed a method for preparing such winding. It is further disclosed a magnetic unit adapted for such winding, comprising permanent magnets being essentially triangular in cross-section. Further, there is disclosed electric motors using the inventive winding concept, as well as geodetic instruments taking advantage thereof. An electric motor according to the disclosed inventive concept is particularly well suited for direct drive. |
| US08575809B2 |
Stator for an energy converting apparatus and energy converting apparatus using the same
It is described a stator for an energy converting apparatus, the stator comprising the stator including a support structure having an annular shape around an axial direction; a first protrusion coupled to the support structure and extending radially from the support structure; a second protrusion coupled to the support structure and extending radially from the support structure, the second protrusion being spaced apart from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction; and a first wire arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a plurality of first radial layers located at different radial positions and configured such that a circumferential extent of a cross-sectional area of the first wire increases radially outwards. Further is described an energy converting apparatus including the stator, and a wind turbine including the energy converging apparatus. |
| US08575803B2 |
Magnetic coupling device having first and second rotating members arranged with opposing interaction surfaces
A reduced-size magnetic coupling device includes a first magnet group having a plurality of first magnets arranged on an interaction surface at equal intervals in the direction of the circumference about the rotation axis; a second magnet group having a plurality of second magnets arranged on an interaction surface at equal intervals in the direction of the circumference about the rotation axis and in positions in the vicinity of the rotation axis; and a third magnet group having a plurality of third magnets that are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis and in positions outward with respect to the second magnets. The third magnets have an area approximately equal to that of the second magnets. Each third magnet has a magnetic pole different from that of the second magnet that is positioned between the third magnet and the rotation axis. |
| US08575801B2 |
Starter with armature shaft bearing between armature and speed reducer
The invention describes a starter wherein the second front bearing is inserted axially between the armature windings and the speed reducer. This configuration helps solve the problem that the operating forces of known starter armature shafts are too great for the armature shaft guide ring to withstand long term intensive stresses. The structure includes a supporting section of the armature shaft received in the front bearing, the supporting section being of an outside diameter greater than or equal to the other sections of the armature shaft; the front bearing forms a sealed baffle between the armature windings and the planetary gear speed reducer; the electric motor is housed in a cylindrical frame, coaxial with the armature shaft, the front bearing being centered directly with respect to the frame by radial support against the internal cylindrical face of the front peripheral edge of the frame. |
| US08575800B1 |
Electric motor
An electric motor includes an upper housing, a lower housing including a flange for mounting the upper housing thereon and a cone-shaped portion extending away from the flange and the upper housing. The electric motor further includes a stator assembly formed of a first core having a first height and fitted into the upper housing, a rotor assembly rigidly joined to a shaft to rotate therewith within the stator assembly and formed of a second core having a second height, and a hub connected to a lower end of the shaft to rotate therewith in relation to the cone-shaped portion. The hub is configured to secure an operable implement to the electric motor. The second height is greater than the first height. |
| US08575798B2 |
Bus bar cooling unit for stator structure
A stator structure comprises an edgewise coil molded with resin with long ends being exposed, a bus bar connected to both ends of the coil ends, and a pump and injection holes for directly cooling the bus bar. |
| US08575796B1 |
Heavy duty stator core and coil assembly
A heavy-duty stator core and coil assembly that can accommodate severe input voltage spiking and harmonics may include a coat of varnish applied to the stator core and coil assembly by steps of dipping the stator core and coil assembly end-first along a longitudinal axis into a first tank of liquid epoxy resin having a relatively low viscosity, baking the coating, inverting the stator core and coil assembly and applying a second coat of varnish in the same manner, then dipping the core and coil assembly into a second tank having a liquid epoxy resin of a relatively high viscosity, then baking the second coat. |
| US08575792B2 |
Motorized stage
A stage comprising a first translation platform having a first axis of motion, and a second translation platform having a second axis of motion, a first linear drive motor for driving the first translation platform in the first axis of motion, and a second linear drive motor for driving the second translation platform in the second axis of motion, wherein each linear drive motor further comprises a coil assembly enclosing a rod stator, and wherein the coil assembly is fixed and the rod stator is movable within the coil assembly. |
| US08575789B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a carrier, a power unit, a switch, and a controller. The carrier is configured to carry a recording medium. The power unit is configured to provide drive power to the carrier. The switch is configured to switch an operation state of the carrier between an ON state and an OFF state of a transmission of the drive power from the power unit to the carrier. The controller is configured to provide a control power to control the switch such that the control power is reduced after switching from the OFF state to the ON state. |
| US08575788B2 |
Method of operating a thermoelectric generator
A method for operating a thermoelectric generator supplying a variable-load component includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a first output and determining a first load current and a first load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded first output. The method also includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a second output and determining a second load current and a second load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded second output. The method includes calculating a maximum power output of the thermoelectric generator from the determined first load current and voltage and the determined second load current and voltage, and commanding the variable-load component to operate at a third output. The commanded third output is configured to draw the calculated maximum power output from the thermoelectric generator. |
| US08575783B2 |
Solar panel as infrared signal receiver and processor
This invention is to control and monitor a solar module by optical communication using solar cells in the solar module as a receiver of the incoming optical signal. The optical communication is by way of solar cells in a solar module as sensors and/or receivers, and busbars of the solar module as conduits to transfer the incoming signal to a control circuitry. Such control includes, but is not limited to, on/off control of power output from a solar module, and such monitoring includes, but is not limited to, reading, data keeping and displaying current operating performance status of the solar module. With this invention, solar modules can be turned off and on without physically disconnecting and reconnecting wires. Such control and monitoring enables more efficient and accurate operation and maintenance of a solar power system of any size. |
| US08575781B2 |
Photovoltaic inverter with option for switching between a power supply system with a fixed frequency and a load variable frequency
A photovoltaic inverter having an inverter bridge section, a first output, a second output, and a power switch. The inverter bridge section is operable for converting DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy. The inverter bridge section has an output for outputting the AC electrical energy. The power switch is connected to the output of the inverter bridge section, the first output, and the second output. The power switch is selectively switchable between a first state in which the output of the inverter bridge section is connected to the first output via the power switch and a second state in which the output of the inverter bridge section is connected to the second output via the power switch. |
| US08575776B2 |
Wind turbine with a generator
A wind turbine with a generator includes a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with stator coils mounted on a stator support structure. The stator support structure includes a base structure on which circular connection structures are mounted with their inner perimeter, whereby a stator base structure is connected to the outer perimeter of the circular connection structures. |
| US08575775B1 |
Electrical power generation system for harvesting underwater currents
An electrical power generation system for harvesting underwater river currents which generally includes one or more flotation members, a platform connected to the flotation members such that the platform is supported at least partially above a water surface of a river, at least one turbine extending below the platform, wherein the at least one turbine is positioned within an underwater current stream and generally comprised of an inverted wind turbine structure, at least one electrical generator positioned upon the platform and mechanically connected to the turbine to receive the rotational torque to be converted to electrical energy, wherein the electrical energy is transferred to an electrical grid distribution system, and an anchoring system having a rigid stabilization rod pivotally connected on each end for securing the platform to the embankment such as to permit the platform to rise and fall with the water surface of the river. |
| US08575765B2 |
Semiconductor package having underfill agent dispersion
A semiconductor package includes: a semiconductor element mounted on a one-sided plane of a wiring board; an underfill agent dropped so as to be filled between the semiconductor element and the wiring board; and a pad group constituted by a plurality of pads which are formed in the vicinity of a circumference of the wiring board and along the circumference, the pad group being formed on a bottom plane of a groove portion formed in a solder resist which covers the one-sided plane of the wiring board, wherein a corner edge of the groove portion located in the vicinity of a dropping starting portion to which dropping of the underfill agent is started is formed at an obtuse angle or in an arc shape in order to avoid the dropped underfill agent from entering into an inner portion of the groove portion. |
| US08575762B2 |
Very extremely thin semiconductor package
A package and method of making thereof. The package includes a first plated area, a second plated area, a die, a bond, and a molding. The die is attached to the first plated area, and the bond couples the die to the first and/or the second plated areas. The molding encapsulates the die, the bonding wire, and the top surfaces of the first and second plated areas, such that the bottom surfaces of the first and second plated areas are exposed exterior to the package. |
| US08575761B2 |
Segmented supply rail configuration for a digital integrated circuit
An array of functional cells includes a subset of cells powered by at least one supply rail. That supply rail is formed of first segments located on a first metallization level and second segments located on a second metallization level with at least one conductor element extending between the first and second segments to electrically connect successive segments of the supply rail. |
| US08575760B2 |
Semiconductor devices having electrodes
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface. An electrode extends within the substrate towards the first surface and has a protruding portion extending from the first surface. A supporting portion extends from the first surface of the substrate to a sidewall of the protruding portion and supports the protruding portion. |
| US08575759B2 |
Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus including the same
A semiconductor device according to the present invention is a semiconductor device that includes: a semiconductor substrate having metal wiring formed on a bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of wiring layers formed above the semiconductor substrate. The wiring layers include a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer that is formed above the first wiring layer. The semiconductor device further includes: a first through electrode which electrically connects the first wiring layer and the metal wiring; a second through electrode which electrically connects the second wiring layer and the metal wiring; and at least one layer difference adjustment film formed between the semiconductor substrate and the wiring layers. The at least one layer difference adjustment film includes a layer difference adjustment film formed on a region excluding a region corresponding to the second through electrode. |
| US08575757B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Even when a stiffener is omitted, the semiconductor device which can prevent the generation of twist and distortion of a wiring substrate is obtained. As for a semiconductor device which has a wiring substrate, a semiconductor chip by which the flip chip bond was made to the wiring substrate, and a heat spreader adhered to the back surface of the semiconductor chip, and which omitted the stiffener for reinforcing a wiring substrate and maintaining the surface smoothness of a heat spreader, a wiring substrate has a plurality of insulating substrates in which a through hole whose diameter differs, respectively was formed, and each insulating substrate contains a glass cloth. |
| US08575756B2 |
Power package module with low and high power chips and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed herein are a power package module and a method for fabricating the same, including: a base substrate; a plurality of high power chips and a plurality of low power chips electrically connected to the base substrate; and a plurality of metal lead plates electrically connecting the plurality of high power chips and the plurality of low power chips to the base substrate. |
| US08575751B2 |
Conductive bump, method for producing the same, and electronic component mounted structure
A conductive bump formed on an electrode surface of an electronic component. This conductive bump is composed of a plurality of photosensitive resin layers having different conductive filler contents. Consequently, this conductive bump is able to realize conflicting functions, namely, improvement in adhesion strength with the electrode and reduction of contact resistance. |
| US08575743B2 |
Printed board and semiconductor integrated circuit
An IC which includes a first circuit and a plurality of first paired terminals each including a first power supply terminal and a first GND terminal which are connected to the first circuit, and a second circuit and a plurality of second paired terminals each including a second power supply terminal and a second GND terminal which are connected to the second circuit. The first and second paired terminals are isolated inside. A printed board with the IC mounted has an inductor which is provided in a route that guides a wiring line from the first GND terminal to the second GND terminal and the GND of the printed board. The printed board has a portion where each of the first GND terminals is arranged inside the terminal array of the IC. The inductor suppresses a high-frequency potential variation generated by the operation of the first circuit. |
| US08575737B2 |
Direct contact semiconductor package with power transistor
Some exemplary embodiments of an advanced direct contact leadless package and related structure and method, especially suitable for packaging high current semiconductor devices, have been disclosed. One exemplary structure comprises a mold compound enclosing a first contact lead frame portion, a paddle portion, and an extended contact lead frame portion held together by a mold compound. A first semiconductor device is attached on top of the lead frame portions as a flip chip, while a second semiconductor device is attached to a bottom side of said paddle portion and is in electrical contact with said the first semiconductor device. The extended contact lead frame portion is in direct electrical contact with the second semiconductor device without using a bond wire. Alternative exemplary embodiments may include additional extended lead frame portions, paddle portions, and semiconductor devices in various configurations. |
| US08575733B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention provides a non-insulated type DC-DC converter having a circuit in which a power MOS•FET for a high side switch and a power MOS•FET for a low side switch are connected in series. In the non-insulated type DC-DC converter, the power transistor for the high side switch, the power transistor for the low side switch, and driver circuits that drive these are respectively constituted by different semiconductor chips. The three semiconductor chips are accommodated in one package, and the semiconductor chip including the power transistor for the high side switch, and the semiconductor chip including the driver circuits are disposed so as to approach each other. |
| US08575727B2 |
Gate structures
A semiconductor device is provided. The device includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second projections extending upwardly from the substrate, the projections having respective first and second channel regions therein, and a first gate structure engaging the first projection adjacent the first channel region. The first gate structure includes a first dielectric material over the first channel region, a first opening over the first dielectric material and the first channel region, and a pure first metal with an n-type work function value conformally deposited in the first opening. The device also includes a second gate structure engaging the second projection adjacent the second channel region. The second gate structure includes a second dielectric material over the second channel region, a second opening over the second dielectric material and the second channel region, and a pure second metal with a p-type work function value conformally deposited in the second opening. |
| US08575722B2 |
Semiconductor substrate having multilayer film and method to reuse the substrate by delaminating a porous layer
A method for producing a semiconductor wafer having a multilayer film, in production of a semiconductor device by the steps of forming a porous layer on a surface of a semiconductor wafer by changing a surface portion into the porous layer, forming a semiconductor film on a surface of the porous layer to produce a semiconductor wafer having a multilayer film, fabricating a device on the semiconductor film, and producing the semiconductor device by delaminating the semiconductor film along the porous layer, the semiconductor film having the device formed thereon, including flattening the semiconductor wafer after delaminating and reusing the flattened semiconductor wafer, the method further including a thickness adjusting step of adjusting a whole thickness of the semiconductor wafer having a multilayer film to be produced by reusing the semiconductor wafer so as to satisfy a predetermined standard. |
| US08575718B2 |
Programmable electrical fuse
The present invention relates to e-fuse devices, and more particularly to a device and method of forming an e-fuse device, the method comprising providing a first conductive layer connected to a second conductive layer, the first and second conductive layers separated by a barrier layer having a first diffusivity different than a second diffusivity of the first conductive layer. A void is created in the first conductive layer by driving an electrical current through the e-fuse device. |
| US08575717B2 |
Integrated circuit device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a integrated circuit device and a method for fabricating the same. The integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor substrate having a dielectric layer disposed over the semiconductor substrate and a passive element disposed over the dielectric layer. The integrated circuit further includes an isolation matrix structure, underlying the passive element, wherein the isolation matrix structure includes a plurality of trench regions each being formed through the dielectric layer and extending into the semiconductor substrate, the plurality of trench regions further including an insulating material and a void area. |
| US08575714B2 |
Backside illuminated semiconductor light-receiving device, optical receiver module, and optical transceiver
Provided is a backside illuminated semiconductor light-receiving device enhancing a frequency characteristic without deteriorating assembling operability. The light-receiving device includes a rectangular substrate; a light receiving mesa portion formed on a center portion of one side on a front surface of the substrate and includes a PN junction portion; a P-type electrode formed on the light receiving mesa portion and conductive with one side of the PN junction portion; an N-type electrode mesa portion formed on one corner portion of the one side; an N-type electrode pulled out to the N-type electrode mesa portion and conductive with the other side of the PN junction portion; a P-type electrode mesa portion and a dummy electrode mesa portion formed in a region including three other corner portions; and a dummy electrode formed on the dummy electrode mesa portion. |
| US08575712B2 |
Manufacturing of a camera module
A camera module includes a sensor die, a glass plate, peripheral spacer, an optical element, an outer surface having a shoulder extending in a direction substantially parallel to the sensor die, and a metal layer at least partially covering the outer surface. A method of manufacturing a camera module includes providing an assembly including a sensor dice wafer, a spacer wafer in front of the sensor dice wafer, and an optical element wafer in front of the spacer wafer. The method includes sawing a top cut, using a first saw blade of a first thickness, proceeding in a direction from the optical element wafer toward the sensor dice wafer, stopping before the sensor dice wafer is reached, and sawing a bottom cut, using a second saw blade of a second thickness, proceeding in a direction from the sensor dice wafer toward the optical element wafer. |
| US08575709B2 |
High-k dielectric gate structures resistant to oxide growth at the dielectric/silicon substrate interface and methods of manufacture thereof
Methods for fabricating gate electrode/high-k dielectric gate structures having an improved resistance to the growth of silicon dioxide (oxide) at the dielectric/silicon-based substrate interface. In an embodiment, a method of forming a transistor gate structure comprises: incorporating nitrogen into a silicon-based substrate proximate a surface of the substrate; depositing a high-k gate dielectric across the silicon-based substrate; and depositing a gate electrode across the high-k dielectric to form the gate structure. In one embodiment, the gate electrode comprises titanium nitride rich in titanium for inhibiting diffusion of oxygen. |
| US08575708B2 |
Structure of field effect transistor with fin structure
A method for fabricating a field effect transistor with fin structure includes the following steps. A substrate having an ion well with a first conductivity type is provided, wherein the ion well has a first doping concentration. At least a fin structure disposed on the substrate is formed. At least a first ion implantation is performed to form an anti-punch doped region with first conductivity type between the substrate and the channel layer, wherein the anti-punch doped region has a third doping concentration higher than the first doping concentration. At least a channel layer disposed along at least one surface of the fin structure is formed after the first ion implantation is performed. A gate covering part of the fin structure is formed. A source and a drain disposed in the fin structure beside the gate are formed, wherein the source and the drain have a second conductivity type. |
| US08575707B2 |
Semiconductor power device having a super-junction structure
In a semiconductor power device such as a power MOSFET having a super-junction structure in each of an active cell region and a chip peripheral region, an outer end of a surface region of a second conductivity type coupled to a main junction of the second conductivity type in a surface of a drift region of a first conductivity type and having a concentration lower than that of the main junction is located in a middle region between an outer end of the main junction and an outer end of the super-junction structure in the chip peripheral region. |
| US08575706B2 |
Integrated circuit including cross-coupled transistors having gate electrodes formed within gate level feature layout channels with at least two different gate level features inner extensions beyond gate electrode
First and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a semiconductor device. Each diffusion region is electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes are formed from conductive features that are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner relative to the first parallel direction, such that no single line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second p-type diffusion regions. At least a portion of the first n-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second n-type diffusion region are formed over a common line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction. |
| US08575704B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a device region including first and second parts, first and second gate electrodes formed in the first and the second parts, first and second source regions, first and second drain regions, first, second, third, and fourth embedded isolation film regions formed under the first source, the first drain, the second source, and the second drain regions, respectively. Further, the first drain region and the second source region form a single diffusion region, the second and the third embedded isolation film regions form a single embedded isolation film region, an opening is formed in a part of the single diffusion region so as to extend to the second and the third embedded isolation film regions, and the opening is filled with an isolation film. |
| US08575701B1 |
Semiconductor device where logic region and DRAM are formed on same substrate
A semiconductor device having a DRAM region and a logic region embedded therein, includes: a substrate having the DRAM region and the logic region respectively formed thereon; a first transistor formed in the DRAM region, and having a first gate insulating film, and a second transistor formed in the logic region, and having a second gate insulating film, wherein equivalent oxide thickness T1 of the first gate insulating film of the first transistor is not larger than equivalent oxide thickness T2 of the second gate insulating film of the second transistor, the second transistor formed in the logic region has a pocket region which contains an impurity ion having a conductivity type different from that of an impurity ion composing the source/drain regions, while the first transistor formed in the DRAM region has no pocket region. |
| US08575699B2 |
Thin box metal backgate extremely thin SOI device
SOI structures with silicon layers less than 20 nm thick are used to form ETSOI semiconductor devices. ETSOI devices are manufactured using a thin tungsten backgate encapsulated by thin nitride layers to prevent metal oxidation, the tungsten backgate being characterized by its low resistivity. The structure includes at least one FET having a gate stack formed by a high-K metal gate and a tungsten region superimposed thereon, the footprint of the gate stack utilizing the thin SOI layer as a channel. The SOI structure thus formed controls the Vt variation from the thin SOI thickness and dopants therein. The ETSOI high-K metal backgate fully depleted device in conjunction with the thin BOX provides an excellent short channel control and lowers the drain induced bias and sub-threshold swings. The structure supports the evidence of the stability of the wafer having a tungsten film during thermal processing, during STI and contact formation. |
| US08575693B1 |
Double diffused metal oxide semiconductor device
The present invention discloses a double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (DMOS) device. The DMOS device is formed in a substrate, and includes a high voltage well, a first field oxide region, a first gate, a first source, a drain, a body region, a body electrode, a second field oxide region, a second gate, and a second source. The second field oxide region and the first field oxide region are separated by the high voltage well and the body region. A part of the second gate is on the second field oxide region, and another part of the second gate is on the body region. The second gate is electrically connected to the first gate, and the second source is electrically connected to the first source, such that when the DMOS device is ON, a surface channel and a buried channel are formed. |
| US08575687B2 |
Semiconductor switch device
Provided is a semiconductor device in which on-resistance is largely reduced. The semiconductor device includes an n type epitaxial layer in which each region between neighboring trenches becomes a channel, and a plurality of embedded electrodes each of which is formed on an inner surface of each trench via a silicon oxide film. The plurality of embedded electrodes include two types of embedded electrodes to which voltages are applied separately. By blocking each region between neighboring trenches with a depletion layer formed around every trench, current flowing through each region between the neighboring trenches is interrupted. By deleting the depletion layer formed around the trench filled with the embedded electrode, current can flow through each region between neighboring trenches. |
| US08575686B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory transistor, nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and method for manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory transistor included in a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes an island-shaped semiconductor having a source region, a channel region, and a drain region formed in this order from the substrate side, a hollow pillar-shaped floating gate arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the channel region in such a manner that a tunnel insulating film is interposed between the floating gate and the channel region, and a hollow pillar-shaped control gate arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the floating gate in such a manner that an inter-polysilicon insulating film is interposed between the control gate and the floating gate. The inter-polysilicon insulating film is arranged so as to be interposed between the floating gate and the upper, lower, and inner side surfaces of the control gate. |
| US08575683B1 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes the following steps. At first, a semiconductor substrate is provided. A gate stack layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and the gate stack layer further includes a cap layer disposed thereon. Furthermore, two first spacers surrounding sidewalls of the gate stack layer is further formed. Subsequently, the cap layer is removed, and two second spacers are formed on a part of the gate stack layer. Afterwards, a part of the first spacers and the gate stack layer not overlapped with the two second spacers are removed to form two gate stack structures. |
| US08575682B2 |
Three dimensional semiconductor memory devices and methods of forming the same
Provided are three-dimensional semiconductor memory devices and methods of forming the same. The device includes a substrate, conductive patterns stacked on the substrate, and an active pattern penetrating the conductive patterns to be connected to the substrate. The active pattern may include a first doped region provided in an upper portion of the active pattern, and a diffusion-resistant doped region overlapped with at least a portion of the first doped region. The diffusion-resistant doped region may be a region doped with carbon. |
| US08575680B2 |
Semiconductor device having air gap and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes tunneling insulating layers on active regions of a substrate, floating gate electrodes on the tunneling insulating layers, an isolation trench within the substrate and the isolation trench defines the active region, spaces the tunneling insulating layers, and isolates the floating gate electrodes. A bottom of the isolation trench is directly in contact with the substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a lower insulating layer on the floating gate electrodes, and a middle insulating layer, an upper insulating layer, and a control gate electrode stacked on the lower insulating layer. The lower insulating layer is configured to hermetically seal a top portion of the isolation trench to define and directly abut an air gap within the isolation trench. |
| US08575675B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device
A nonvolatile memory device includes a first channel comprising a pair of first pillars vertically extending from a substrate and a first coupling portion positioned under the pair of first pillars and coupling the pair of first pillars, a second channel adjacent to the first channel comprising a pair of second pillars vertically extending from the substrate and a second coupling portion positioned under the pair of second pillars and coupling the pair of second pillars, a plurality of gate electrode layers and interlayer dielectric layers alternately stacked along the first and second pillar portions, and first and second trenches isolating the plurality of gate electrode layers between the pair of first pillar portions and between the pair of second pillar portions, respectively. |
| US08575673B2 |
Electrically erasable programmable memory and its manufacturing method
The electrically erasable programmable memory and its manufacturing method of the present invention forms above the floating gate the polysilicon spacer regions that are extended from the central part of the source region; the insulating part between the polysilicon spacer region and the floating gate has a smaller thickness to increase the capacitance between the floating gate and the polysilicon spacer region and further increasing the voltage coupled to the floating gate. Therefore, the present invention can effectively increase the coupling capacitance at the drain terminal, and has an advantage of low cost and easy production. |
| US08575668B2 |
Charge breakdown avoidance for MIM elements in SOI base technology and method
A semiconductor device including at least one capacitor formed in wiring levels on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, wherein the at least one capacitor is coupled to an active layer of the SOI substrate. A method of fabricating a semiconductor structure includes forming an SOI substrate, forming a BOX layer over the SOI substrate, and forming at least one capacitor in wiring levels on the BOX layer, wherein the at least one capacitor is coupled to an active layer of the SOI substrate. |
| US08575667B2 |
Magnetic memory devices with thin conductive bridges
A magnetic memory device includes a free layer and a guide layer on a substrate. An insulating layer is interposed between the free layer and the guide layer. At least one conductive bridge passes through the insulating layer and electrically connects the free layer and the guide layer. A diffusion barrier may be interposed between the guide layer and the insulating layer. The device may further include a reference layer having a fixed magnetization direction on a side of the free layer opposite the insulating layer and a tunnel barrier between the reference layer and the free layer. Related fabrication methods are also described. |
| US08575664B2 |
Chemically-sensitive sensor array calibration circuitry
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis. |
| US08575662B2 |
Solid state imaging device having high pixel density
Each pixel of a solid state imaging device comprises a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, having a first-conductive type; a second semiconductor layer formed thereon, having a second-conductivity type; a third semiconductor layer formed in the upper side of the second semiconductor layer, having the first-conductivity type; a fourth semiconductor layer formed in the outer side of the third semiconductor layer, having the second-conductivity type; a gate conductor layer formed on the lower side of the second semiconductor layer via an insulating film; and a fifth semiconductor layer formed on the top surfaces of the second semiconductor layer and third semiconductor layer, having the second-conductivity type, wherein the fifth semiconductor layer and fourth semiconductor layer are connected to each other, and at least the third semiconductor layer, upper region of the second semiconductor layer, fourth semiconductor layer, and fifth semiconductor layer are formed in an island. |
| US08575650B2 |
Avalanche photodiode
An electron injected APD with an embedded n electrode structure in which edge breakdown can be suppressed without controlling the doping profile of an n-type region of the embedded n electrode structure with high precision. The APD comprising a buffer layer with a low ionization rate is inserted between an n electrode connecting layer and an avalanche multiplication layer. Specifically, the APD is an electron injected APD in which an n electrode layer, the n electrode connecting layer, the buffer layer, the avalanche multiplication layer, an electric field control layer, a band gap gradient layer, a low-concentration light absorbing layer, a p-type light absorbing layer, and a p electrode layer are sequentially stacked, and a light absorbing portion that includes at least the low-concentration light absorbing layer and the p-type light absorbing layer forms a mesa shape. |
| US08575649B2 |
Donor substrate and method of fabricating organic light emitting diode using the same
A donor substrate for laser induced thermal imaging and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting diode (OLED) using the donor substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment, the donor substrate includes a base film, a light-to-heat conversion layer formed on the base film, a buffer layer formed on the light-to-heat conversion layer, and a transfer layer formed on the buffer layer. The buffer layer is formed of magnesium (Mg), an Mg alloy, or magnesium oxide. In the donor substrate for laser induced thermal imaging, the buffer layer is formed between the interlayer and the transfer layer or between the light-to-heat conversion layer and the transfer layer, so that surface characteristics between the donor substrate and the transfer layer can be improved. |
| US08575644B2 |
Light emitting device having an electro-static discharge protection part
Provided are a light emitting device and a light emitting device package. According to the light emitting device, a light emitting part and an electro-static discharge (ESD) protection part are disposed on a conductive support member. A connection layer electrically connects a first conducitve type semiconductor layer of the light emitting part to a second conductive type semiconductor layer of the ESD protection part. A ptrtection member is disposed on the connection layer and the ESD protection layer. |
| US08575639B2 |
Light emitting devices for light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Light emitting devices for light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disclosed. In one embodiment a light emitting device can include a submount and a light emission area disposed over the submount. The light emission area can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a fillet at least partially disposed about the one or more the LEDs, and filling material. The filling material can be disposed over a portion of the one or more LEDs and a portion of the fillet. |
| US08575637B2 |
Ultraviolet light emitting diode package
An ultraviolet light emitting diode package for emitting ultraviolet light is disclosed. The ultraviolet light emitting diode package comprises an LED chip emitting light with a peak wavelength of 350 nm or less, and a protective member provided so that surroundings of the LED chip is covered to protect the LED chip, the protective member having a non-yellowing property to energy from the LED chip. |
| US08575634B2 |
Chip package and method for fabricating the same
The present invention provides a chip package, including: a chip having a semiconductor device thereon; a cap layer over the semiconductor device; a spacer layer between the chip and the cap layer, wherein the spacer layer surrounds the semiconductor device and forms a cavity between the chip and the cap layer; and an anti-reflective layer between the cap layer and the chip, wherein the anti-reflective layer has a overlapping region with the spacer layer and extends into the cavity. Furthermore, a method for fabricating a chip package is also provided. |
| US08575630B2 |
Light emitting device, light emitting device unit, and method for fabricating light emitting device
In a light emitting device, a light emitting device unit, and a method for fabricating a light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a light emitting device (100) includes a substrate (131), a semiconductor light emitting element (121) disposed on the substrate (131), and a resistor (122) coupled to the semiconductor light emitting element (121). The resistor (122) is coupled in parallel to the semiconductor light emitting element (121). The resistor (122) has a resistance set at such a value that when a light emitting operation voltage for causing light emission of the semiconductor light emitting element (121) is applied to the semiconductor light emitting element (121), a current flowing through the resistor (122) is equal to or less than one-fiftieth of a current flowing through the semiconductor light emitting element (121). |
| US08575629B2 |
Light-emitting element, light-emitting device using the light-emitting element, and transparent substrate used in light-emitting elements
In order to improve the light extraction efficiency of a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element includes: a light-emitting layer provided between an electrode and a transparent substrate; a particle layer provided between the light-emitting layer and the transparent substrate; and an adhesive layer provided between the light-emitting layer and the particle layer, the particle layer includes particles having a refraction index that is higher than a refraction index of the transparent substrate, the adhesive layer has a refraction index that is higher than the refraction index of the transparent substrate, and the particle layer has an average thickness that is less than an average particle size of the particles. |
| US08575627B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element having barriers which prevent forward current in a semiconductor film thereof
A semiconductor light emitting element of the present invention includes a support substrate, a semiconductor film including a light emitting layer, a surface electrode provided on the surface on a light-extraction-surface side of the semiconductor film, and a light reflecting layer. The surface electrode includes first electrode pieces that form ohmic contact with the semiconductor film and a second electrode piece electrically connected to the first electrode pieces. The light reflecting layer includes a reflecting electrode, and the reflecting electrode includes third electrode pieces that form ohmic contact with the semiconductor film and a fourth electrode piece electrically connected to the third electrode pieces and placed opposite to the second electrode piece. Both the second electrode piece and the fourth electrode piece form Schottky contact with the semiconductor film so as to form barriers to prevent forward current in the semiconductor film. |
| US08575626B2 |
Bi-section semiconductor laser device, method for manufacturing the same, and method for driving the same
A method for manufacturing a bi-section semiconductor laser device includes the steps of (A) forming a stacked structure obtained by stacking, on a substrate in sequence, a first compound semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a compound semiconductor layer that constitutes a light-emitting region and a saturable absorption region, and a second compound semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type; (B) forming a belt-shaped second electrode on the second compound semiconductor layer; (C) forming a ridge structure by etching at least part of the second compound semiconductor layer using the second electrode as an etching mask; and (D) forming a resist layer for forming a separating groove in the second electrode and then forming the separating groove in the second electrode by wet etching so that the separating groove separates the second electrode into a first portion and a second portion. |
| US08575624B2 |
Semiconductor device
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode provided on the semiconductor substrate via an insulating layer, and a gate insulator provided on a side surface of the gate electrode. The device includes a stacked layer including a lower main terminal layer of a first conductivity type, an intermediate layer, and an upper main terminal layer of a second conductivity type which are successively stacked on the semiconductor substrate, the stacked layer being provided on the side surface of the gate electrode via the gate insulator. The upper or lower main terminal layer is provided on the side surface of the gate electrode via the gate insulator and the semiconductor layer. |
| US08575622B2 |
Silicon carbide trench MOSFET having reduced on-resistance, increased dielectric withstand voltage, and reduced threshold voltage
A semiconductor device (A1) includes a first n-type semiconductor layer (11), a second n-type semiconductor layer (12), a p-type semiconductor layer (13), a trench (3), an insulating layer (5), a gate electrode (41), and an n-type semiconductor region (14). The p-type semiconductor layer (13) includes a channel region that is along the trench (3) and in contact with the second n-type semiconductor layer (12) and the n-type semiconductor region (14). The size of the channel region in the depth direction x is 0.1 to 0.5 μm. The channel region includes a high-concentration region where the peak impurity concentration is approximately 1×1018 cm−3. The semiconductor device A1 thus configured allows achieving desirable values of on-resistance, dielectric withstand voltage and threshold voltage. |
| US08575621B1 |
Low interconnect resistance integrated switches
Circuits and systems comprising one or more switches are provided. A circuit includes a first switch formed on a substrate; and a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch including a first terminal coupled to a third terminal of the first switch. A system includes a supply; a first switch formed on a substrate, the first switch coupled to the supply; a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch coupled to the first switch; a third switch formed on the substrate, the third switch coupled to the supply; a fourth switch formed on the substrate, the fourth switch coupled to the third switch; and a driver coupled to respective second terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth switches. |
| US08575615B2 |
Semiconductor device
A diode 201 includes a gate electrode 2, a gate insulating layer 5 provided on the gate electrode 2, at least one semiconductor layer 6, 7 provided on the gate insulating layer 5 and which includes a first region 6a and a second region 7b, a first electrode 10 which is provided on the first region 6a and which is electrically coupled to the first region 6a and the gate electrode 2, and a second electrode 12 which is provided on the second region 7b and which is electrically coupled to the second region 7b. The at least one semiconductor layer 6, 7 includes a channel region 6c which extends above the gate electrode 2 with the intervention of the gate insulating layer 5 therebetween, and a resistor region 7d which does not extend above the gate electrode 2. When the diode 201 is in an ON state, an electric current path is formed between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 12, the electric current path including the channel region 6c and the resistor region 7d. |
| US08575614B2 |
Display device
A semiconductor device 100 includes a thin-film transistor 123 and a thin-film diode 124. The thin-film transistor 123 includes a semiconductor layer S1 with a channel region 114, a source region and a drain region 112, a gate electrode 109 that controls the conductivity of the channel region 114, and a gate insulating film 108 arranged between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode 109. The thin-film diode 124 includes a semiconductor layer S2 with at least an n-type region 113 and a p-type region 117. The respective semiconductor layers S1 and S2 of the thin-film transistor 123 and the thin-film diode 124 are portions of a single crystalline semiconductor layer, obtained by crystallizing the same crystalline semiconductor film, but have been crystallized to mutually different degrees. |
| US08575611B2 |
Light-emitting display device and manufacturing method for light-emitting display device
In the light-emitting display device according to the present invention, a side-contact structure is adopted in order to secure a TFT characteristic in a linear region (on-current). In a TFT configuring a switching transistor, a thickness of a semiconductor layer (channel layer) in a region corresponding to the source/drain electrodes is increased. In contrast, in a TFT configuring a driving transistor, in order to maintain an on current, a thickness of a semiconductor layer (channel layer) in a region corresponding to the source/drain electrodes is reduced. This configuration is manufactured using a half-tone mask. With this, it is possible to suppress the off-current in the switching transistor, while securing the on-current in the driving transistor. |
| US08575605B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display device includes: a substrate having a transistor region and a thin-film transistor having a gate electrode, a source/drain electrode and an active layer sequentially formed on the transistor region, wherein a portion of the source/drain electrode is between the active layer and substrate. |
| US08575603B2 |
Pixel structure of an electroluminescent display panel
A pixel structure of an electroluminescent display panel includes a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, a third sub-pixel region and a fourth sub-pixel region having different cavity lengths. The first sub-pixel region and the second sub-pixel region share a first organic light-emitting layer, which can generate a first primary color light in the first sub-pixel region, and a second primary color light in the second sub-pixel region. The third sub-pixel region and the fourth sub-pixel region share a second organic light-emitting layer, which can generate a third primary color light in the third sub-pixel region, and a fourth primary color light in the fourth sub-pixel region. The first primary color light, the second primary color light, the third primary color light and the fourth primary color light have different spectra of wavelength. |
| US08575600B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An OLED display includes a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, an organic emission layer on the first electrode, a second electrode on the organic emission layer, an insulating layer substantially covering the second electrode and having an opening that exposes a center portion of the second electrode, and a power supply electrically coupled with the second electrode through the opening of the insulating layer and configured to supply power to the second electrode. |
| US08575596B2 |
Non-planar germanium quantum well devices
Techniques are disclosed for forming a non-planar germanium quantum well structure. In particular, the quantum well structure can be implemented with group IV or III-V semiconductor materials and includes a germanium fin structure. In one example case, a non-planar quantum well device is provided, which includes a quantum well structure having a substrate (e.g. SiGe or GaAs buffer on silicon), a IV or III-V material barrier layer (e.g., SiGe or GaAs or AlGaAs), a doping layer (e.g., delta/modulation doped), and an undoped germanium quantum well layer. An undoped germanium fin structure is formed in the quantum well structure, and a top barrier layer deposited over the fin structure. A gate metal can be deposited across the fin structure. Drain/source regions can be formed at respective ends of the fin structure. |
| US08575594B2 |
Light emitting diode having a barrier layer with a superlattice structure
A light emitting diode (LED) for minimizing crystal defects in an active region and enhancing recombination efficiency of electrons and holes in the active region includes non-polar GaN-based semiconductor layers grown on a non-polar substrate. The semiconductor layers include a non-polar N-type semiconductor layer, a non-polar P-type semiconductor layer, and non-polar active region layers positioned between the N-type semiconductor layer and the P-type semiconductor layer. The non-polar active region layers include a well layer and a barrier layer with a superlattice structure. |
| US08575590B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, there is provided a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a first interconnection layer, memory cell modules each of which is formed by laminating a non-ohmic element layer with an MIM structure having an insulating film sandwiched between metal films and a variable resistance element layer, and a second interconnection layer formed on the memory cell modules, the insulating film of the non-ohmic element layer includes plural layers whose electron barriers and dielectric constants are different, or contains impurity atoms that form defect levels in the insulating film or contains semiconductor or metal dots. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device using non-ohmic elements and variable resistance elements in which memory cells can be miniaturized and formed at low temperatures is realized by utilizing the above structures. |
| US08575589B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of first lines; a plurality of second lines crossing the plurality of first lines; a plurality of memory cells each connected at an intersection of the first and second lines between both lines and including a variable resistor operative to store information in accordance with a variation in resistance; and a protection film covering the side of the variable resistor to suppress migration of cations at the side of the variable resistor. |
| US08575568B2 |
Electrooptic measurement device and method intended for classifying and counting microscopic elements
The invention relaters to a device (100) for biological analysis by measurement of photoluminescence in a fluid in a measurement tank (111). This device (100) comprises at least two light sources (121, 131) adapted to emit in different spectral areas respectively appropriate for measurement of absorption and fluorescence, and a sensor device (140) comprising a sensor (141), an optical system (142), and filter means (144), which three elements are mutualized in accordance with the invention to enable absorption and/or fluorescence to be measured. In accordance with the invention the internal gain of the sensor (141) is configurable to enable the fluorescence and absorption measurements to be executed sequentially. |
| US08575567B2 |
Hard-surface disinfection system
UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person enters the room. |
| US08575564B2 |
Particle beam irradiation apparatus and particle beam therapy system
When the IMRT technology for a radiation therapy system utilizing an X-ray or the like is applied as it is to a particle beam therapy system having a conventional wobbler system, there is posed the problem that it is required to utilize two or more boluses. The objective of the present invention is to solve the problem of excess irradiation in IMRT by a particle beam therapy system. More specifically, the problem of excess irradiation in IMRT by a particle beam therapy system is solved by raising the irradiation flexibility in the depth direction, without utilizing a bolus.There is provided a particle beam irradiation apparatus (58) having a scanning irradiation system (34) that performs scanning with a charged particle beam (1) accelerated by an accelerator and being mounted in a rotating gantry for rotating the irradiation direction of the charged particle beam (1); the particle beam irradiation apparatus (58) comprises a columnar-irradiation-field generation apparatus (4) that generates a columnar irradiation field by enlarging the Bragg peak of the charged particle beam (1). |
| US08575558B2 |
Detector array with a through-via interposer
A method for forming a sensor stack is presented. The method includes providing a substrate having a first side and a second side. Furthermore, the method includes disposing an integrated circuit having a first side and a second side on the first side of the substrate, where the integrated circuit comprises a first plurality of contact pads disposed on the first side of the integrated circuit. The method also includes providing a sensor array having a plurality of sensor elements, wherein each of the sensor elements has a first side and a second side, and wherein the sensor array comprises a second plurality of contact pads disposed on the second side of the sensor array. Furthermore, the method includes disposing an interposer having one or more interposer elements and one or more through vias disposed therethrough between the one or more sensor elements of the sensor array and the integrated circuit to raise the sensor array away from the first side of the integrated circuit such that a plane of the one or more sensor elements is locally normal to a sensor stack normal, wherein the interposer is configured to operationally couple the second side of the sensor elements in the sensor array to the first side of the integrated circuit. In addition, the method includes operationally coupling the first plurality of contact pads on the first side of the integrated circuit to a second plurality of contact pads on the second side of the sensor array to form a tileable sensor stack. |
| US08575556B2 |
Method to improve three-dimensional spatial resolution of gamma scintillation events in plate scintillators by means involving fiberoptic light guides
A first embodiment can comprise increasing three-dimensional spatial resolution of gamma scintillation events in scintillator plates wherein the increase is by inserting a fiberoptic plate light guide between one or more photodetectors and the scintillator and optically coupling the fiberoptic plate light guides to the photodetectors. |
| US08575554B2 |
Methods and systems for scatter estimation in positron emission tomography
Methods and systems for multiple scatter estimation in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are provided. One method includes determining attenuation sinograms and determining a varying convolution kernel as a function of the attenuation sinograms, wherein the kernel varies in amplitude and width over a radial length of a PET imaging system. The method also includes using the varying convolution kernel to estimate multiple PET scatter. |
| US08575550B2 |
Apparatus having a screened structure for detecting thermal radiation
An apparatus for detecting radiation has a substrate, a protective housing fitting on the substrate, which has an electrically conductive material and a top facing away from the substrate, and that has an aperture therein. A stack is fitted on the substrate inside the protective housing and includes at least one detector substrate having at least one thermal detector element thereon that converts incoming thermal radiation into an electrical signal, at least one circuit carrier having at least one read circuit for reading out the electrical signal, and at least one cover that covers the detector element. The detector substrate is located between the circuit substrate and the cover. The detector substrate and the cover are arranged on each other such that the detector element of the detector substrate and the cover have at least one first stack cavity of the stack therebetween, the stack cavity being defined by the detector support and the cover. The circuit substrate and the detector substrate are arranged on each other such that the detector substrate and the circuit substrate have at least one second stack cavity therebetween, the second stack cavity being defined by the circuit substrate and the detector substrate. At least one of the first stack cavity and the second stack cavity is evacuated. The stack top that faces the substrate is accessible from outside of the protective housing. |
| US08575548B2 |
Analyzing the transport of plasmonic particles through mineral formations
A transport of plasmonic particles through a mineral formation is analyzed by flowing a plasmonic particles solution through an immobile phase (e.g., a mineral formation), determining an absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution subsequent to flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase, comparing the determined absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution with an absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution determined previous to flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase, and determining an absorbance of the plasmonic particles to the immobile phase as a function of the comparison. The plasmonic particles solution may be produced by dissolving or suspending plasmonic particles in a mobile phase. Flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase may include injecting the plasmonic particles solution into the immobile phase, and then flushing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase. |
| US08575543B2 |
Method for analyzing structure of substance
A method for analyzing a structure of a substance of interest uses triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQ-MS), and allows for acquisition of MSn information from data resulting from the TQ-MS measurement. The method includes (a) performing a measurement of triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with respect to the substance of interest while varying a value of CID energy; (b) at given values of CID energy, calculating percentages of precursor ion contents to a total ion content, and percentages of product ion contents to the total ion content; (c) extracting values of the percentages of product ion contents to the total ion content, wherein said values are values of the percentages of product ion contents at the respective values of CID energy; and (d) calculating sums of all combinations of the values of the percentages of product ion contents to the total ion content extracted in step (c). |
| US08575538B2 |
Safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element that blocks the movement of the guided motion element from triggering the saftey mode
A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element, including an object-detection device that includes a plurality of parts for detecting an object in an area of the motion element, wherein the object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and an electronic unit that controls the motion of the motion element and is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches, wherein in the blocked state an object and motion element does not trigger a safety mode, and wherein shut-off means are provided which, when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, transfer one or more parts of the object-detection device into the blocked state. |
| US08575537B2 |
Compact multi-direction proximity sensor device and method
A proximity sensor device is provided in compact unit that has the ability to sense or monitor in different directions, such as sensing or monitoring in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Methods are also provided. In an illustrative embodiment, the proximity sensor device includes a first transmitting/receiving pair and a second transmitting/receiving pair on a printed circuit board along with an IC to control the transmitters and receivers, as well as, in some embodiments, to provide signal filtering, amplification or other desired features. |
| US08575533B2 |
High dynamic range imager circuit and method for reading high dynamic range image
The present invention discloses a high dynamic range imager circuit and a method for reading high dynamic range image with an adaptive conversion gain. The high dynamic range image circuit includes a variable capacitor. The capacitance of the variable capacitor is adjusted according to sensed light intensity or by internal feedback control, to adaptively adjust the conversion gain of the high dynamic range image circuit as it reads a signal which relates to a pixel image sensed by an image sensor device. In each cycle, the signal can be read twice or more with different dynamic ranges, to enhance the accuracy of the signal. |
| US08575529B2 |
Photoelectric converter providing a waveguide along the surface of the mount substrate
To provide a photoelectric converter capable of reducing the height of the device. The photoelectric converter includes: a light emitting element or a light receiving element; an IC circuit for transmitting/receiving an electric signal to/from the light emitting element or the light receiving element; a mount substrate adapted to be mounted on one surface from the side on which the light emitting element emits light, or the side on which the light receiving element receives light; an electric connector adapted to be provided on the one surface or the other surface of the mount substrate, and to be attached and detached to and from an external connector; and a waveguide adapted to be provided on the mount substrate along the one surface or the other surface of the mount substrate, and to be optically coupled to the light emitting element or the light receiving element. |
| US08575524B2 |
Heating plate for workpieces
The heating plate (2) for workpieces comprises a heatable body (20) which on a first side has a contact surface (15) for the respective workpiece, at least one heating channel (25) filled with a heating fluid for heating the heatable body (20), which heating channel (25) is formed in and/or on the heatable body (20) opposite the contact surface (15) and heating means (35) for heating the heating fluid. A channel wall (25.1) of the respective heating channel (25) may be inductively heated and the heating means (35) comprise at least one heating device (35.1) for inductively heating the respective channel wall (25.1), the heating device (35.1) being arranged outside the respective heating channel (25) and the heating fluid in the respective heating channel (25) being able to be heated by a transfer of heat which may be generated by means of the heating device (35.1) in the channel wall (25.1). |
| US08575521B2 |
Monitoring witness structures for temperature control in RTP systems
Temperature control in an RTP system can be improved by consideration of one or more witness structures different from the wafer (or other semiconductor object) being processed. For example, power coupling between the RTP heating system and witness structure can be used to adjust one or more control parameters, such as model definitions, that are used by the RTP system to control wafer heating. As another example, a stored trajectory of a desired witness structure temperature or other property can be used as a basis for control during a processing cycle. Thus, the witness structure may be controlled “closed-loop” while the wafer is heated “open-loop.” As a further example, a heat flux between the RTP heating system and witness structure can be used to determine radiant energy from the heating system that is incident on the witness structure. One or more control actions can be taken based on this incident energy. |
| US08575520B2 |
Heating systems for heating items in heating compartments
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to heating systems. In various embodiments, a tray may be supported adjacent a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat to food items within each of the heating compartments. In other embodiments, a vessel may be configured to be disposed in a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments. In further embodiments, a housing may have a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments, and the heating compartment may have open ends arranged around a circumference of the housing. |
| US08575518B2 |
Convective heater
A heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite of the first surface. The heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat. The heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. In one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces through which fluids may pass. In some arrangements, the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater. |
| US08575517B2 |
Welding wire feed system and method
In one embodiment, a system is provided with a welding wire feeder that a first wheel having a first rotational direction, and a second wheel having a rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction. The first and wheels are disposed compressively about a wire feed region, and the first and wheels are drivingly coupled together to output substantially equal tangential in the wire feed region. In addition, the first wheel, or the second wheel, or first and second wheels comprise a drive wheel directly coupled to a gear separately coupling both the drive wheel and the gear to a shaft. |
| US08575514B2 |
Light irradiation device and light irradiation method irradiating converged light with an object
A light irradiation device and method for irradiating converged light with an object include a light source configured to output a light, a phase-modulating spatial light modulator, a controller, and a converging optical system. The phase-modulating spatial light modulator is configured to input the light outputted from the light source and to display a hologram modulating a phase of the light at each of a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally, and outputs the phase-modulated light. The controller is configured to cause the spatial light modulator to display a hologram such that the light outputted from the spatial light modulator is converged at a plurality of converging positions. The controller causes the spatial light modulator to display a first hologram and performs a feedback of the first hologram so as to modify the first hologram. The modifying of the first hologram is performed by measuring intensity of the light converged. |
| US08575512B2 |
Laser lap welding method for galvanized steel sheet
Provided is a laser lap welding method including the steps of: preparing two steel sheets, at least one of which is a galvanized steel sheet, in such a manner that the steel sheets are directly lapped one over the other with a galvanized layer of the galvanized steel sheet located as an interface of the steel sheets; and irradiating an outer surface of any one steel sheet in the lap region of the two steel sheets with a laser beam under predetermined power and speed conditions, so that an elongated hole is formed in a molten pool extending backward from a laser irradiation position at least in the steel sheet on the outer surface side. Welding of the two steel sheets is performed while venting metal vapor produced by the laser irradiation through the elongated hole backwards in a laser travelling direction and towards a laser irradiation source. |
| US08575508B2 |
Current switch
The present invention provides a current switch including a blade-type movable contact configured to extend in a radial direction from a pivoting center and reciprocatingly move such that a free end of the movable contact draws a pivoting track, a fixed contact including energizing members separated from the movable contact and arranged to be opposed to and substantially in parallel to each other on both sides across a pivoting surface of the movable contact and an outer frame configured to cover at least the periphery of the energizing members, a movable arc contact provided in the movable contact, fixed arc contacts provided in the fixed contact, and permanent magnets arranged on the inside of the fixed contact or the movable contact to generate a magnetic field that crosses an arc generated between the movable arc contact and the fixed arc contacts. |
| US08575506B2 |
Push switch
A push switch is provided with a button (10), a switch board (20), a switch (30) provided on the switch board (20), and a switch cover (40) disposed in the button (10) and covering the switch (30). A corner portion (44) between a side wall (43) and a upper wall (42) of the switch cover (40) is formed in a curved shape. A protruding pressing portion (13) of the button (10) is inserted into a through hole (41) provided on an upper wall (42) of the switch cover (40). A lower surface of the pressing portion (13) faces an operating portion (31) of the switch (30). |
| US08575503B2 |
Operating device for manually actuating lifting devices
An operating device is provided for manually actuating lifting devices. The device includes at least one switching element arranged in a switch housing, wherein the switching element includes a tappet, which protrudes from the switch housing. The tappet is guided in a sleeve and is covered by a covering element having a threaded ring. The sleeve protrudes outside through an opening in the switch housing, and is held in the switch housing through a threaded joint. The covering element is screwed to the sleeve in a detachable manner through the threaded ring of the covering element. Optionally, a tool is provided for installing the covering element. |
| US08575500B1 |
Hand-held electronic luggage scale device
A luggage scale device featuring a handle with scale housings attached to both ends. Hook component are disposed on the ends of each housing for attaching a piece of luggage. In each housing is a high tension spring attached to a weight sensor and a hook component. The weight sensors calculate a weight of an object hanging from the hook components. A microprocessor calculates a total weight by combining the values calculated by the weight sensors. A display disposed on the handle displays the total weight. |
| US08575499B2 |
Seal structure
To provide a seal structure having seal members which can be easily inserted into insertion holes of a housing, and achieve an excellent sealing performance of the seal members, the seal structure is comprised of a housing provided with insertion holes to which a flexible wiring substrate is inserted, and seal members which are integrally formed on the flexible wiring substrate are made of a rubber elastic material in a bush-shape, and hermetically seal gaps between the insertion holes and the flexible wiring substrate, wherein projected portions are provided on parts of the flexible wiring substrate at positions where the seal members are integrally formed. |
| US08575497B2 |
Control cabinet arrangement
The invention concerns a control cabinet arrangement (1) with a control cabinet (2), a mounting plate (6) having a front face (14), a rear face (13) and an opening (8), in which the control cabinet (2) is arranged, a frame and a retainer device. The invention is based on the task of providing a simple assembly of a control cabinet arrangement. For this purpose, the retainer device comprises several bolts (16) abutting the rear face (13) of the mounting plate (6), at least one bolt (16) being displaced into a spacing on the rear face (13) of the mounting plate (6) by the interaction of the control cabinet (2) and the frame (7). |
| US08575496B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A multilayer printed wiring board including a layered capacitor section provided on a first interlayer resin insulation layer and a high dielectric layer and first and second layered electrodes that sandwich the high dielectric layer. A second interlayer resin insulation layer is provided on the first insulation layer and the capacitor section, and a metal thin-film layer is provided over the capacitor section and on the second insulation layer. An outermost interlayer resin insulation layer is provided on the second insulation layer and the metal thin-film layer. A mounting section is provided on the outermost insulation layer and has first and second external terminals to mount a semiconductor element. Multiple via conductors penetrate each insulation layer. The via conductors include first via conductors that electrically connect the first layered electrode to the first external terminals. Second via conductors electrically connect the second layered electrode to the second external terminals. |
| US08575488B2 |
Differential signal transmission cable
A differential signal transmission cable has a pair of conductors arranged to be distant from each other and parallel to each other, an insulator covering the pair of conductors, and a shield conductor wound around the insulator. The insulator has an outer periphery shape of a transversal cross section in that a plurality of curved lines with different curvature radiuses are combined. The shield conductor has an inner periphery shape of a transversal cross section in that the plurality of curved lines are combined in accordance with the outer periphery shape of the insulator. |
| US08575486B2 |
Guide conduit
The invention relates to a guide conduit for a cable receptacle with a support device for the upper strand, and is designed so that the support device has an essentially flat running surface on the top side of a body which is movable solely by gravity and/or by the elastic force thereof from one position, in which the support device does not protrude significantly over the inner lateral surface of the guide conduit, to a position in which the body opposite the lateral wall protrudes into the interior of the guide conduit, and to the final position, in which the support device extends through an opening in the respective lateral wall of the guide conduit. |
| US08575483B2 |
Electrical box for installation in insulated concrete form construction
Various embodiments of an electrical box are provided for installation in insulated concrete forms (“ICFs”) In at least one embodiment, the electrical box includes a container configured to receive an electrical device, and at least one anchoring member operably connected to the container In these embodiments, the anchoring member is movable between a storage position and an inserted position and the anchoring member is operable by a user without a tool Further, in these embodiments, the inserted position includes at least part of the anchoring member positioned outside the container such that the anchoring member is insertable into, for instance, a foam-based ICF Thus simple and efficient installation of electrical boxes in ICFs is provided. |
| US08575477B1 |
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers containing a diene group for semiconductors
A polymer having a structure represented by: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently an aromatic or heteroaromatic group comprising about 4 to about 30 carbon atoms, and can be optionally substituted; Ar3 and Ar4 are independently an aromatic or heteroaromatic group comprising about 4 to about 20 carbon atoms, and can be optionally substituted; “a” and “b” are independently an integer from about 1 to about 4; “c” and “d” are independently an integer from about 0 to about 2; R3, R4, R5, and R6, are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a cyano, and a halogen; and “n” represents a number from about 2 to about 5,000. |
| US08575476B2 |
CIS solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
An alloy substrate formed on an alloy of Ni and Mo is formed by electroforming. The alloy substrate has graded composition in which alloy composition varies in a thickness direction thereof. A lower surface side is mainly composed of Ni, and a upper surface side is mainly composed of Mo. An upper surface of the alloy substrate is formed with a large number of minute and pyramidal unevenness having high light scattering property. A CIS light absorbing layer is formed on the upper surface of the alloy substrate, and an upper electrode is provided thereabove. |
| US08575474B2 |
Solar cell contacts containing aluminum and at least one of boron, titanium, nickel, tin, silver, gallium, zinc, indium and copper
Formulations and methods of making solar cell contacts and cells therewith are disclosed. In general, the invention provides a solar cell comprising a contact made from a mixture wherein, prior to firing, the mixture comprises at least one aluminum source, at least one source of a metal including one or more of boron, titanium, nickel, tin, gallium zinc, indium, and copper, and about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a glass component. Within the mixture, the overall content of aluminum is about 50 wt % to about 85 wt % of the mixture, and the overall combined content of boron, nickel, tin, silver, gallium, zinc, indium, copper, is about 0.05 to about 40 wt % of the mixture. |
| US08575473B2 |
Lattice matchable alloy for solar cells
An alloy composition for a subcell of a solar cell is provided that has a bandgap of at least 0.9 eV, namely, Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz with a low antimony (Sb) content and with enhanced indium (In) content, and enhanced nitrogen (N) content, achieving substantial lattice matching to GaAs and Ge substrates and providing both high short circuit currents and high open circuit voltages in GaInNAsSb subcells for multijunction solar cells. The composition ranges for Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz are 0.07≦x≦0.18, 0.025≦y≦0.04 and 0.001≦z≦0.03. |
| US08575468B2 |
Solar AMTEC power system
A solar AMTEC power system including a support structure, an electric generator segment connected to the support structure, the electric generator segment including a receiver and at least two wings extending at a non-zero angle relative to the receiver, wherein each wing defines an enclosed volume divided into a hot chamber and a cold chamber and includes at least one AMTEC cell extending between the hot chamber and the cold chamber, and wherein the receiver is at least partially transparent to solar energy and defines a heated chamber and a fluid return chamber, the fluid return chamber being in fluid communication with the heated chamber and the cold chambers of the wings, and the heated chamber being in fluid communication with the hot chambers of the wings, and an optical element positioned relative to the electric generator segment to direct solar energy to the receiver. |
| US08575466B2 |
Ball plunger-style connector assembly for electrical connections
A ball plunger-style lateral connector assembly for electrical connections, comprising an electrically conductive connector body with an electrically conductive pin positioned in an aperture in a closed end of the body. A first end portion of the pin member extends at least partially into the interior area of the connector body. An electrically conductive connector plate is adjacent to the closed end of the connector body and engages the first end portion of the pin member and provides an electrical connection therebetween. An insulator sleeve may be disposed in the interior area of the connector body and adjacent to the sidewall of the connector body. An electrically conductive biasing member is disposed in the interior area of the connector body. The biasing member has a first end portion in engagement with the connector plate, and wherein the insulator sleeve is disposed between the biasing member and the connector body. An electrically conductive ball track is positioned within the interior area of the connector body and is in engagement with a second end portion of the biasing member. An electrically conductive ball is disposed in the open end portion of the connector body and is seated in the concave seating portion of the ball track. The ball is configured to roll within ball track during use of the lateral connector. |
| US08575465B2 |
System and method for scoring a singing voice
A system for scoring a singing voice comprises receiving a singing reference audio signal and/or a user audio signal and/or a pitch contour representation (PCR) of the reference and/or user singing audio signals; a processor means connected to the receiving means and comprising a pitch contour representation (PCR) module (10) for determining a PCR of the singing reference and/or user audio signal, a time synchronization module for time synchronizing the PCRs of the reference and user audio signals respectively. A selection module is provided for selecting a segment of the PCRs based on pre-defined criteria. A cross-correlation module is provided for performing time-warped cross-correlation on the selected segments of the PCRs and outputting a cross-correlation score. The system comprises a key matching module and rhythm matching module for key matching and rhythm matching the remaining unselected segments of the PCRs, and outputting a respective key matching score and rhythm matching score, a scoring module (16) for determining a singing score based on a combination of a pre-determined weightage of the cross-correlation, key matching and rhythm matching scores. A user interface means connects the processor for changing at least one module parameter within at least one module; stores and displays the PCR and singing score. |
| US08575461B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV104435
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV104435. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV104435, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV104435 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV104435 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV104435. |
| US08575459B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV969053
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV969053. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV969053, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV969053 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV969053 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV969053. |
| US08575458B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X00B152
A novel maize variety designated X00B152 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X00B152 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00B152 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00B152, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00B152. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00B152. |
| US08575457B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHW2P
A novel maize variety designated PHW2P and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW2P with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW2P through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHW2P or a locus conversion of PHW2P with another maize variety. |
| US08575455B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X03B499
A novel maize variety designated X03B499 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03B499 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03B499 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03B499, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03B499. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03B499. |
| US08575451B2 |
Tomato plants having higher levels of resistance to Botrytis
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with resistance to Botrytis cinerea in tomato, including the steps of crossing a Botrytis-resistant donor tomato plant with a non-resistant, or Botrytis-susceptible, recipient tomato plant, contacting one or more offspring plants with an infective amount of Botrytis, quantitatively determining the disease incidence and/or the rate of lesion growth in the one or more offspring plants, establishing a genetic linkage map that links the observed disease incidence and/or rate of lesion growth to the presence of chromosomal markers of the donor tomato plant in the one or more offspring plants, and assigning to a QTL the contiguous markers on the map that are linked to a reduced disease incidence and/or a reduced lesion growth rate. |
| US08575450B2 |
Methods and compositions for acylsugars in tomato
The present invention relates to tomato plants with increased concentrations of acylsugars, in particular increased concentrations of acylglucoses and/or acylsucroses. The present invention also provides methods for controlling thrips on tomato plants through the use of increased concentrations of acylsugars. |
| US08575442B1 |
Soybean variety XBP27005
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP27005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP27005, cells from soybean variety XBP27005, plants of soybean XBP27005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP27005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP27005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP27005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP27005, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP27005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP27005 are further provided. |
| US08575437B2 |
Cucumber hybrid PS 14764212 poll and parents thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of cucumber hybrid PS 14764212 POLL and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of cucumber hybrid PS 14764212 POLL and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a cucumber plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another cucumber plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US08575434B2 |
Maize event DP-004114-3 and methods for detection thereof
The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DP-004114-3 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided. |
| US08575433B2 |
Bacillus thuringiensis crystal polypeptides, polynucleotides, and compositions thereof
The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed. |
| US08575429B2 |
Plant seed mixtures
Plant seed compositions are disclosed that comprise a herbicide-resistant variety as a major component and two or more additional varieties as minor components. One of the minor varieties is herbicide-resistant. Each variety is phenotypically distinguishable from all other varieties in the seed mixture. |
| US08575428B2 |
Method for increasing the production of plant biomass and/or seeds and method for producing plant capable of producing increased amount of biomass and/or seeds
The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for increasing the production of biomass and/or seeds, and plants for use in such methods. The production of biomass and/or seeds by a plant can be increased by supplying glutathione to a plant into which a gene encoding a protein phosphatase 2C having characteristic consensus sequences has been introduced. |
| US08575427B2 |
Chorismate mutase gene from the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis
The nucleotide sequence of a 992 bp region of cDNA and the nucleotide sequence of a 1973 bp (or a 1913 bp) of genomic DNA of the Gr-cm-1 gene were determined for G. rostochiensis. PCR primers and probes specific for G. rostochiensis and G. pallida were generated. PCR assays, including a real-time TaqMan PCR were used to identify G. rostochiensis and G. pallida and to differentiate G. rostochiensis from G. pallida. Transgenic hairy roots expressing Gr-cm-1 dsRNA were generated. There was a 52% reduction in the average number of females per root in the Gr-cm-1 dsRNA transgenic lines when compared with the infected control lines. |
| US08575419B2 |
Feminine hygiene article with wavy patterns
A feminine hygiene article for external use having on their body-facing surface at least one embossed wavy pattern and at least one non-embossed, preferably colored, wavy pattern. The embossed and non-embossed wavy patterns are chosen with specific geometric parameters so that a slight lateral or longitudinal shift does not affect the overall appearance of the body-facing surface. |
| US08575416B2 |
Limited-access, reduced-pressure systems and methods
A reduced-pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes a reduced-pressure source, a treatment manifold for placing proximate the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member for placing over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced-pressure bridge and a moisture-removing device on at least portion of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure bridge includes a delivery manifold operable to transfer the reduced pressure to the treatment manifold, an encapsulating envelope at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side, and a reduced-pressure-interface site formed proximate one end of the reduced-pressure bridge. |
| US08575412B2 |
Processes for preparing triphenylene
Processes are provided for producing triphenylene by combining at least dodecahydrotriphenylene, a dehydrogenation catalyst such as palladium on carbon, and an aliphatic solvent having a boiling point greater than 180° C. to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to at least about 180° C. but lower than the boiling point of the aliphatic solvent, maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture at 180° C. but lower than the boiling point of the aliphatic solvent, and passing a purge fluid comprising an inert fluid through the reaction mixture, for a period of time adequate for production of triphenylene. |
| US08575408B2 |
Use of a guard bed reactor to improve conversion of biofeedstocks to fuel
The present invention involves a process for processing an acidic biorenewable feedstock comprising olefins, in which the acidic biorenewable feedstock is diluted with a deoxygenated feed to produce a diluted biorenewable feedstock and then is sent through a guard bed comprising a hydroprocessing catalyst to cause the olefins to be saturated with hydrogen and thereby to produce a treated biorenewable feedstock. This treated biorenewable feedstock can then be treated under standard hydroprocessing condition to produce an upgraded feedstock for transportation fuels. |
| US08575406B2 |
Catalysts having promoter metals and process for producing ethanol
The present invention relates to a catalyst. The catalyst is used for converting acetic acid to ethanol. The catalyst comprises platinum, tin, a base metal selected from calcium and/or tungsten and a promoter metal selected from barium, potassium and/or cesium. |
| US08575405B2 |
Reducing acetals during ethanol separation process
To reduce acetal concentrations when separating ethanol from a crude product in one or more distillation column, at least one of the columns is operated at a higher pressure to increase the equilibrium constant that favors hydrolysis of the acetal. The crude product may comprise ethanol, acetaldehyde, water and one or more acetals, such as diethyl acetal. The acetal concentration may be reduced thus reducing the need to separate acetal from the crude product. |
| US08575404B2 |
Process for recycling gas from acetic acid hydrogenation
Monitoring and recycling gases from acetic acid hydrogenation reaction to maintain a constant pressure in the hydrogenation reaction system. Purging of the vapor stream comprising hydrogen may be limited or reduced. Further purging of the by-product may be from the dissolved by-product gases. |
| US08575403B2 |
Hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in ethanol separation process
Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid by hydrolyzing a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams obtained therefrom. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate and the hydrolyzed stream is directly or indirectly fed to the distillation zone or the hydrogenation reactor. |
| US08575402B2 |
Process for the production of alkylene glycol
The invention provides a process for the production of an alkylene glycol comprising converting an alkene to the corresponding alkylene oxide; absorbing the alkylene oxide in an aqueous absorbent and then stripping; supplying the aqueous alkyene oxide stream to a carboxylation reactor; converting the alkylene oxide to a corresponding alkylene carbonate; converting the alkylene carbonate to the alkylene glycol; removing water to form a dehydrated alkylene glycol stream; and purifying the dehydrated alkylene glycol stream, wherein the start-up procedure comprises supplying water, carboxylation-hydrolysis catalyst and carbon dioxide streams to the carboxylation reactor and providing a start-up stream comprising the alkylene glycol at an injection point at or downstream of the inlet used in supplying the stream to the carboxylation reactor and recovering an alkylene glycol stream from the glycol distillation column. |
| US08575394B2 |
Preparation of alpha-hydroxyketones
A process for the preparation of an 1,1-disubstituted oxirane is disclosed, wherein an organic sulphide is reacted in a polar solvent with an educt containing a leaving group attached to a primary or secondary carbon atom, and/or the sulfonium salt formed in this way is reacted with a ketone in presence of a base and a polar solvent. Oxiranes of the type obtained may be further converted into the corresponding α-hydroxyketone or α-aminoketone, either in one step by subjecting to aerobic oxidation in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, or in two steps by hydrolyzation in the presence of an aqueous acid to the corresponding dialcohol and subsequent selective oxidation. Further described are some novel epoxide intermediates. The α-hydroxyketones and α-aminoketones thus obtainable are useful inter alia as photoinitiators. |
| US08575392B2 |
Charge-transporting varnish
A charge-transporting varnish comprising a phenylamino-N,N′-diphenylquinonediimine derivative represented by the formula (1) as a charge-transporting substance. It becomes possible to provide a charge-transporting varnish comprising an oxidized oligoaniline, which has a high solubility in various organic solvents and also has a good filtration property because the varnish has no aggregation property. (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group; and R2 to R19 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a silanol group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, a phosphoric acid group, a phosphate ester group, an ester group, a thioester group, an amide group, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, an organooxy group, an organoamino group, an organosilyl group, an organothio group, an acyl group, a sulfone group or a halogen atom.) |
| US08575383B2 |
Silsesquioxane compound having polymerizable functional group
To provide a composition comprising a silsesquioxane compound that is capable of producing a coating film with excellent heat resistance and scratch resistance, and that has excellent compatibility with general polymerizable unsaturated compounds as well as polymerizable unsaturated compounds with high polarity.A silsesquioxane compound comprising organic groups each directly attached to a silicon atom of the compound, at least one of the organic groups being an organic group having one or more urethane bonds and one (meth)acryloyloxy group. |
| US08575382B2 |
Low molecular weight pharmacological activity modulators
Claimed are a compound of the general formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, where M signifies metal atoms selected independently from the group comprising Pd, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mo; R1 and R2, independently of each other, signify hydrogen, amino, hydroxy, oxy, carboxy, cyano, C1-12alkyl, C2-12alkenyl, C2-12alkynyl, C1-12alkoxy, C1-12alkylamino, C1-12alkoxycarbonyl, C1-12alkylamido, arylamido, wherein the alkylene groupings in the given substituents can in turn be substituted by one or more of the following groups: hydroxy, oxy, carboxy, amino or amido; R3-R10, independently of each other, signify hydrogen; or NHR3R4 and NHR5R6, taken together, and/or NHR7R8 and NHR9R10, taken together, are a ligand (or ligands) containing one or several donor aliphatic or aromatic atoms of nitrogen and being in cis position on the metal atoms (M). The claimed compound can be used in a preparation containing a coordination compound and free molecules of an aliphatic thiol (or derivatives thereof), which are not bound to the coordination compound. The coordination compound and the free molecules of an aliphatic thiol (or derivatives thereof) in the preparation can be in either cationic or anionic form or in the form of neutral particles. The proposed substances are capable of making the action of drugs more effective by increasing the affinity of the target to the drug and/or providing for therapeutically optimal concentrations of the drug in the microenvironment of the target and/or reducing the toxicity of drugs. |
| US08575381B2 |
Trihydridosilyl-terminated polysilanes and methods of preparation
Novel trihydridosilyl-terminated polysilanes and methods for their synthesis, which are applicable to other polysilanes, are provided. The synthetic methods provide for facile preparation of products with minimal handling of pyrophoric intermediates and byproducts. The novel compounds contain at least three silicon-silicon bonds and at least one terminal silicon atom having three hydrogen substituents. |
| US08575377B2 |
Synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by recombinant cell
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. |
| US08575375B2 |
Androstane and pregnane steroids with potent allosteric GABA receptor chloride ionophore modulating properties
This invention describes compounds of Structures 1, 2, and 3 and their use as allosteric modulators of the GABA receptor chloride ionophore complex to alleviate stress, anxiety, mood disorders, seizures, depression, treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, memory, premenstrual disorders, and neural system damage. |
| US08575374B1 |
Ionic liquids processing of biomass to reducing sugars and other dehydration products
The present invention describes the use of an ionic liquid acid catalyst for the hydrolysis of cellulose into reducing sugars and other degradation products. The use of an ionic liquid catalyst for the hydrolysis of cellulose provides a low volatility catalyst and eliminates the hazards associated with the handling of mineral acids. Conditions such as temperature, catalyst modification, and ionic liquid solvent control the production of reducing sugars and other products. The combination of using an ionic liquid as the solvent for cellulose and ionic liquid catalyst provides an unprecedented tunability of the reaction properties giving more control over the conversion process to produce dehydration products with higher yields depending on the desired feedstock. |
| US08575358B2 |
Oxazolidinium compounds
Oxazolidinium compounds are formed by the reaction of a halohydrin or an epoxide with a secondary amine and an aldehyde or a ketone. The oxazolidinium compounds are formed directly and do not require the reaction of a pre-formed oxazolidine with an alkylating agent. The compounds are useful as gas hydrate inhibitors in oil and gas production and transportation. The oxazolidinium compounds have the structure: where R is a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, where R has an absence of aryl groups; R1 and R2 each independently have 1 to 20 carbon atoms, may be linear, branched or cyclic; linear, branched or cyclic groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms substituted with alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and aryl groups substituted with alkoxy groups, and X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine. |
| US08575355B2 |
Di-thiazolyl-benzodiazole based sensitizers and their use in photovoltaic cell
Described herein are D-π-A type sensitizers of the formula (I) or (II) having a novel central π-conjugated unit di-thiazolyl-benzodiazole and dye-sensitized electrodes including a substrate having an electrically conductive surface, an oxide semiconductor film formed on the conductive surface, and the above sensitizer of formula (I) or (II), as specified above, supported on the film. A solar cell includes the above electrode, a counter electrode, and an electrolyte deposited there between. The sensitizers of formula (I) and (II) efficiently sensitize the semiconductor materials and show a high solar to electricity conversion efficiency. |
| US08575354B1 |
Fused thiophenes and methods for making and using same
Disclosed are compounds having one of the following formulae: wherein X is an aromatic nucleophilic substitution leaving group; R1 is hydrogen, an alkyl group, or an aryl group; and Q1 is a carboxyl protecting group or an aldehyde protecting group. Also disclosed are fused thiophenes that can be prepared using these compounds, as well as stannylthio-containing thiophene, thienothiophene, and dithienothiophene compounds that can be used to prepare fused thiophenes. Methods for making and using the aforementioned compounds, fused thiophenes, and stannylthio-containing thiophene, thienothiophene, and dithienothiophene compounds are also disclosed. |
| US08575353B2 |
Compounds for the treatment of addiction
Disclosed are novel compounds having the structure of Formula (I): which are useful for treating a human for dependence upon substances of addiction, for example addiction to a dopamine-producing agent such as cocaine, morphine, amphetamines, nicotine, and/or alcohol. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) and methods of using the compounds of Formula (I) in the treatment of addiction to a dopamine-producing agent. |
| US08575349B2 |
Derivatives of 1-alkyl-6-oxo-piperidine-3-carboxylic acids and 1-alkyl-5-oxo-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acids and their uses as cooling compounds
The present invention relates to novel derivatives of 1-alkyl-6-oxo-piperidine-3-carboxylic acids and 1-alkyl-5-oxo-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acids represented by Formula I: wherein n is an integer of 1 or 2; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen; and R5 is hydrogen or a C1-C7 linear or branched acyclic hydrocarbon group, or R5 together with X form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclic hydrocarbon group, and their uses as cooling compounds. |
| US08575346B2 |
Ruthenium based complexes
The present invention relates to the field of catalysis and, more particularly, to a ruthenium carbonate complex of formula [Ru(diene)(C03)] or [Ru(diene)(C03)2]Mn, wherein M is an alkaline (n is 2) or alkaline earth (n is 1) cation. The invention relates also to the use of said ruthenium carbonate complex as precursors for a number of Ru carboxylate complexes. Said specific ruthenium complexes possess a number of important advantages over the similar prior art known precursors. |
| US08575344B2 |
Process for preparing voriconazole by using new intermediates
Provided is a process for preparing Voriconazole represented by Chemical Formula 1. More particularly, the process for preparing Voriconazole of Chemical Formula 1 includes: carrying out the Reformatsky-type coupling reaction between a ketone derivative of Chemical Formula 4 and a pyrimidine derivative of Chemical Formula 5 to obtain a compound of Chemical Formula 3; reacting the substituents halo and oxysulfonyl with a hydrogen donor to obtain racemic Voriconazole of Chemical Formula 2; and carrying out optical isolation of the racemic Voriconazole by adding an adequate optically active acid thereto to obtain Voriconazole having high optical purity with high cost-efficiency and high yield. |
| US08575343B2 |
Process for the preparation of a propenal intermediate and derivatives thereof
The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of (E)-N-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-5-(3-oxoprop-1-enyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)-N-methyl methanesulfon-amide, which is a useful intermediate for the preparation of (3R,5S,E)-7-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-(N-methyl methylsulfonamido)pyrimidin-5-yl)-3,5-dihydroxy hept-6-enoic acid, commonly known as Rosuvastatin. |
| US08575342B2 |
HIV inhibiting 5-heterocyclyl pyrimidines
Compounds of formula (I), N-oxides, pharmaceutical acceptable salts, quaternary amines or stereoisomeric forms thereof, and their use as HIV replication inhibitors, In the formula, -a1=a2-a3=a4- and -b1=b2-b3=b4- may be —C═C—C═C—; X1 may be O, NR1, etc.; R1, R2, R2a, R3, R4 and R5 are assorted substituents as defined in the specification. |
| US08575341B2 |
Cosmetic composition, cosmetic treatment method, and compound
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition, particularly for hair care, and to a method for cosmetically treating keratin material, particularly the hair, using the compounds of Formula (I), where: —n=1, 2, 3, or 4; —R1, R′1, R2, and R′2 are H, —OH, —NRR′, or a C1-C18 carbon group capable of containing one or more heteroatoms selected from among O, S, and N; and —Z is a multivalent carbon radical optionally substitutable and/or interruptible by specific groupings, it being understood that said radical Z includes at least one heteroatom selected from among N, O, and S. |
| US08575340B2 |
Purine derivatives and their pharmaceutical uses
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein; R1 represents hydrogen or C1-3alkyl; n is an integer having a value of 1 to 5; X represents O or NH; Y represents C or N; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, have been shown to be inducers of human interferon and may possess an improved profile with respect to known inducers of human interferon, for example enhanced potency. The compounds of the invention may therefore be useful in the treatment of various disorders, in particular the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions, and their use as vaccine adjuvants. |
| US08575339B2 |
Derivatives of erlotinib
This invention relates to novel compounds and hydrochloric acid salts thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to novel compounds and hydrochloric acid salts thereof derived from erlotinib. This invention also provides compositions comprising one or more compounds of this invention and a carrier and the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR) inhibitor, such as erlotinib. |
| US08575336B2 |
Indazoles
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): to pharmaceutically acceptable salts therefore and to pharmaceutically acceptable solvates of said compounds and salts, wherein the substituents are defined herein; to compositions containing such compounds; and to the uses of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, particularly asthma and COPD. |
| US08575329B2 |
siRNA targeting kinase insert domain receptor (KDR)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for KDR. |
| US08575328B2 |
Formicidae (ant) control using double-stranded RNA constructs
Disclosed is a dsRNA construct that relates to a method to control Formicidae (ants) via double-stranded RNA interference of the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene. |
| US08575327B2 |
Conserved HBV and HCV sequences useful for gene silencing
Conserved consensus sequences from known hepatitis B virus strains and known hepatitis C virus strains, which are useful in inhibiting the expression of the viruses in mammalian cells, are provided. These sequences are useful to silence the genes of HBV and HCV, thereby providing therapeutic utility against HBV and HCV viral infection in humans. |
| US08575324B2 |
Methods and reagents for molecular detection of HIV-1 groups M, N and O
Reagents and assays for detecting HIV-1 groups M and O and optionally HIV-1 group N and SIVcpz are provided. The reagents are nucleic acid primers for the hybridization to, amplification and subsequent detection of HIV-1 groups M, N and O and SIVcpz in a biological sample. The primers are oligonucleotides that selectively hybridize to the highly conserved regions of the env and pol regions of HIV-1. Due to the high sensitivity of the assays, small concentrations of HIV in a biological sample can be detected, allowing diagnosis at an early stage of infection. The assays are qualitative or quantitative and are useful for viral load determinations of HIV-1 groups M, N or O in a patient undergoing treatment for HIV-1 infection. Viral load determinations can be used to monitor the progress of the treatment regimen, the development of drug resistance, and to predict disease progression. |
| US08575320B2 |
Compositions and methods for separating, characterizing and administering soluble selenoglycoproteins
The invention relates to soluble selenium compositions and methods of production, separation and purification thereof. In particular the present invention provides methods of preparing water soluble selenoglycoproteins (e.g., via extracting selenoglycoproteins from selenium enriched yeast), methods of supplementing a selenium deficient composition via admixing water soluble selenoglycoproteins with the selenium deficient composition, compositions comprising the water soluble selenoglycoproteins and methods of administering the same. |
| US08575319B2 |
Cleavable vaccine compositions and uses thereof and methods of making and using the same
The invention relates to methods for making vaccines using linkages that are cleavable under lysosomal processing conditions, and vaccine compositions obtained therefrom. In some embodiments, the vaccines comprise a tumor antigen, an immunogenic carrier and a linker covalently linking the tumor antigen and the immunogenic carrier by a thio ether linkage. Vaccines of preferred embodiments can be used against a cellular proliferative disease that is characterized by the tumor antigen. |
| US08575318B2 |
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binding proteins
The present invention provides a family of binding proteins that bind and neutralize the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in particular human HGF. The binding proteins can be used as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. With regard to their therapeutic activity, the binding proteins can be used to treat certain HGF responsive disorders, for example, certain HGF responsive tumors. |
| US08575317B2 |
Anti-NR10 antibody and use thereof
The present inventors successfully obtained anti-NR10 antibodies having an effective neutralizing activity against NR10. The anti-NR10 antibodies provided by the present invention are useful as, for example, pharmaceuticals for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases. |
| US08575314B2 |
Antibody against oxidized LDL/β2GPI complex and use of the same
From antibodies that can be used to immunostain atherosclerotic tissue sections, the present inventors selected antibodies applicable to in vivo imaging, and analyzed their specificities. The result showed that fluorescently labeled anti-oxidized LDL/β2GPI complex antibodies that are specific to a particular epitope were effective for imaging. |
| US08575310B2 |
Bioactive pentapeptides from rice bran and use thereof
In general, the invention relates to novel bioactive pentapeptides from heat stabilized defatted rice bran having anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-Alzheimer and other health-promoting activities proteins. The bioactive pentapeptides can be incorporated into pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals and food compositions having at least the bioactive pentapeptide as an active ingredient. |
| US08575309B2 |
Delta-opioid receptor selective analgesics
Methods and materials are provided for the production of glycosylated peptides that exhibit high affinity and specificity for delta opioid receptors. The methods and materials of the present invention may be used for treatment of conditions involving pain, such as acute pain and nociceptic pain, neuralgia and myalgia. |
| US08575308B2 |
Method for cancer immunotherapy
A novel compound of the formula (1): wherein X is a tyrosine residue or a methionine residue; Y and Z each are a single bond or the like; R1 is a hydrogen atom or the like; R2 is a hydroxy group or the like; R3 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, amino group or the like; R4 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, carboxy group or the like; m is 1 or 2; and n is an integer of 0 to 2, with the proviso that when n is 0, R3 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and its use in cancer immunotherapy. |
| US08575304B2 |
MEK ligands and polynucleotides encoding MEK ligands
The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands that modulate MEK activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands. |
| US08575299B1 |
Processes for preparing diacids, dialdehydes and polymers
Alcohols are catalytically oxidized to aldehydes, in particular to benzaldehyde and diformylfuran, which are useful as intermediates for a multiplicity of purposes. The invention also relates to the polymerization of the dialdehyde and to the decarbonylation of the dialdehyde to furan. |
| US08575298B2 |
Polyether ether ketone, and method for purification of polymer material
A polyether ether ketone that is superior in mold flow performance, mechanical physical properties, and thermal stability is provided. A polyether ether ketone having a repeating unit represented by the formula: —Ar—C(═O)—Ar—O—Ar′—O— (wherein, Ar and Ar′ represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group), the polyether ether ketone including: (A) a polymerization component having a molecular weight of not lower than 5,000 and lower than 2,000,000; and (B) a polymerization component having a molecular weight of not lower than 1,000 and lower than 5,000, wherein: the weight ratio of (A):(B) is 60:40 to 97:3; the content of (C) a polymerization component having a molecular weight of not lower than 100 and lower than 1,000 is from 0 and less than 0.2% by weight based on the total weight of the component (A), the component (B) and the component (C); and the polyether ether ketone exhibits a multimodal molecular weight distribution with a maximum peak molecular weight falling within the range of not lower than 5,000 and lower than 2,000,000. |
| US08575295B2 |
Glow-wire resistant polyamides
Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 29 to 97.5% by weight of a thermoplastic polyamide, B) from 1 to 20% by weight of melamine cyanurate, C) from 0.5 to 10% by weight of an organic phosphorus compound based on 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene oxide (DOPO) as parent structure, D) from 1 to 50% by weight of a fibrous filler, the aspect ratio (L/D) of which is from 4 to 25, and the arithmetic average fiber length of which is from 40 to 250 μm, and E) from 0 to 50% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to E) is 100%. |
| US08575287B2 |
Method for producing polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder
To provide a method for producing a PTFE fine powder having a low paste extrusion pressure property by a simple method. The method for producing a PTFE fine power comprises emulsion polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene in the presence of an aqueous medium, a fluorinated surfactant and a radical polymerization initiator, to produce an aqueous PTFE emulsion, and coagulating it in the presence of at least one bulk density-reducing compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, an ammonium salt and urea in an amount of from 0.4 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of PTFE. |
| US08575285B2 |
Catalyst for living radical polymerization
Provided is a catalyst used for a living radical polymerization method, which contains a central element consisting of carbon and at least one halogen atom binding to the central element. Further, a hydrocarbon compound can be used as a catalyst precursor. A monomer having a radical-reactive unsaturated bond is subjected to a radical polymerization reaction in the presence of the catalyst, consequently a polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution can be obtained, and thus the cost of the living radical polymerization can be remarkably reduced. The present invention is significantly more environmentally friendly and economically excellent than conventional living radical polymerization methods, due to advantages such as low toxicity of the catalyst, low amount of the catalyst used, high solubility of the catalyst, mild reaction conditions, and no coloration/no odor (no need of any post-treatments for a molded article), and the like. |
| US08575280B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition, thermosetting resin composition solution, film forming material and their cured product
Disclosed is a thermosetting resin composition including; (A) a carboxyl group-containing polyurethane prepared by using (a) a polyisocyanate compound (b) polyol compounds (c) a carboxyl group-containing dihydroxy compound as raw materials, (B) a curing agent, wherein the polyol compounds (b) are one or more kinds of polyol compound(s) selected from Group (I) and one or more kinds of polyol compound(s) selected from Group (II); Group I: polycarbonate polyol, polyether polyol, polyester polyol, and polylactone polyol, Group II: polybutadiene polyol, polysilicone having terminal hydroxyl groups, and such a polyol that has 18 to 72 carbon atoms and oxygen atoms present only in hydroxyl groups. The thermosetting resin composition can give a protection film for flexible printed circuits that has excellent long-term reliability of electric insulation, flexibility, and low warpage from curing shrinkage, and particularly low tackiness. |
| US08575279B2 |
Method for preparation of polyolefins containing exo-olefin chain ends
The present invention is directed to a method for preparation of polyolefins containing exo-olefin chain ends. The method involves quenching a cationic quasi-living polyolefin polymer system with a nitrogen-containing five-membered aromatic ring having at least two hydrocarbyl substituent compounds attached to the ring. |
| US08575278B2 |
Ionomer compositions for golf balls
Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern a golf ball including a core having a center, an outer cover layer, and optionally one or more intermediate layers. At least one or more of the core, outer cover layer or one or more intermediate layers includes a sulfonated polyisoprene ionomer having the general formula: where A is an isoprene repeating unit having the formula —(CH2—C(CH3)═CH—CH2)—, B is an isoprene repeating unit or other monomer repeating unit, m is greater than 10, and n is greater than 2, and X is selected from one or both of the following groups; i) Li+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Mg2+ or ii) an ammonium cation having the general formula [NR1R2R3R4]+. R1, R2, R3 and R4 are selected from one or both of the following hydrogen, a C1-C20 aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic moiety. |
| US08575276B2 |
Biomimetic compounds and synthetic methods therefor
Synthesis methods for creating polymeric compounds comprising dihydroxyphenyl derivatives (DHPD), or DHPp i.e. polymers modified with DHPD, with desired surface active effects are described. The polymer backbone of DHPp has structural or performance features that can be tailored to control physical properties of DHPp, allowing it to be useful for different applications i.e. tissue adhesives or sealants, adhesion promoting coatings, and antifouling coatings. |
| US08575274B2 |
Multi-solution bone cements and methods of making the same
The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to multi-solution bone cements and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides multi-solution bone cements which include cross-linked PMMA beads, thereby providing for a significant increase in the polymer-to-monomer (P:M) ratio. Another embodiment of the present invention provides cross-linked PMMA beads which are surface modified with unsaturated carbon double bonds. A further embodiment of the present invention provides multi-solution bone cements made with PMMA-PMMA spherical brush polymers. |
| US08575273B2 |
Coupling agents and compositions produced using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to silane coupling agents that may be used, for example, to covalently couple a polymer to a filler. In some examples, devices that include the polymer-silane coupling agent-filler compositions are also described. |
| US08575271B2 |
Monovinylaromatic polymer composition comprising a polymer made from renewable resources as a dispersed phase
The present invention concerns a monovinylaromatic polymer composition comprising a bio-sourced polymer dispersed phase and optionally a rubber dispersed phase wherein said bio-sourced polymer dispersed phase is predominantly made of particles having a size of less than 10 μm. The present invention also relates to a process (hereunder referred as the first process) to make said monovinylaromatic polymer composition, said process comprising admixing: a monovinylaromatic monomer, at least one bio-sourced polymer, optionally a rubber, at conditions effective to polymerize at least a part of the monovinylaromatic monomer and generate a compatibilizer of the bio-sourced polymer and monovinylaromatic polymer. The present invention also relates to a process (hereunder referred as the second process) to make said monovinylaromatic polymer composition, said process comprising admixing: a monovinylaromatic monomer, functionalized bio-sourced polymer-s), or mixtures of bio-sourced polymer(s) and functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s), optionally a rubber, at conditions effective to polymerize at least a part of the monovinylaromatic monomer. The present invention also relates to a process (hereunder referred as the third process) to make said monovinylaromatic polymer composition, said process comprising blending in the molten state functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s) (or mixtures of bio-sourced polymer(s) and functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s)) with monovinylaromatic polymer, said monovinylaromatic polymer comprising optionally a rubber. |
| US08575270B2 |
Copolyester composition and method for producing copolyester polymer
A copolyester composition includes: an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester; a coupling agent including a compound having an epoxy functional group; and a cocatalyst including a carboxylate of manganese and a carboxylate of zinc, wherein a weight ratio of the carboxylate of manganese to the carboxylate of zinc ranges from 1:3 to 3:1, and the cocatalyst is present in an amount ranging from 0.03-0.2 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester. |
| US08575266B2 |
Preparing silicone emulsions
The invention provides a process for preparing emulsions of organopolysiloxanes (O), which includes polymerizing: (1) 100 parts by weight of hydroxyl-terminated organopolysiloxanes and (2) at least 0.01 part by weight of trialkylsilyl-terminated organopolysiloxanes having a viscosity of at least 55 mm2/s in the presence of (3) acidic catalyst and (4) emulsifier in an aqueous medium until the desired molecular size is reached. |
| US08575263B2 |
Polycarbonate resin composition and formed product thereof
In a polycarbonate resin composition containing a polycarbonate resin and a polycarbosilane compound, the use of the polycarbosilane compound modifies the surface properties of the polycarbonate resin composition without adversely affecting the intrinsic characteristics of the polycarbonate resin, such as transparency, heat resistance, and mechanical properties, e.g., impact resistance. A polycarbonate resin composition containing 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin, 0.001 to 1 part by mass of a metal salt compound, and 0.005 to 5 parts by mass of a polycarbosilane compound has significantly improved flame resistance and high transparency and causes markedly reduced outgassing and mold fouling, without losing impact resistance and heat resistance. |
| US08575259B2 |
Water-based paint compositions
The invention provides water-based paint compositions capable of forming coating film of excellent smoothness, distinctness of image, water resistance and chipping resistance, which comprise aqueous film-forming resin, curing agent and crosslinked resin particles having a core/shell type multilayer structure composed of the core part of a (co)polymer obtained by (co)polymerizing a monomer component comprising 30-100 mass % of polymerizable unsaturated monomer having C4-22 alkyl group and 0-70 mass % of other polymerizable unsaturated monomer, and the shell part having a crosslinked structure. |
| US08575255B2 |
Applications of shaped nano alumina hydrate as barrier property enhancer in polymers
A polymer composition having enhanced barrier properties includes a polymer base and alumina particulates dispersed within the polymer base. The alumina particulates have a secondary aspect ratio at least about 3:1. The polymer composition has an Oxygen Transfer Index of at least about 150. |
| US08575254B2 |
Polylactic acid-based composition and film formed thereof
A polylactic acid-based composition including a polylactic acid-based resin, a buffering agent; and/or a compound derived from the buffering agent. |
| US08575248B2 |
Polymer composition for microelectronic assembly
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymer compositions that act as both a tack agent and a fluxing agent for the assembly of microelectronic components onto a variety of substrate materials. Such polymer compositions embodiments encompass a sacrificial polymer, a carrier solvent, a thermal acid generator and, optionally, formic acid. |
| US08575246B2 |
Flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition and molded article
A flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition that has a largely decreased corrosiveness to metals while maintaining a high degree of flame retardancy is provided, which is produced by adding a phosphinic acid salt and a compound having a specific structure to a thermoplastic resin, and molded articles with largely decreased corrosiveness to metals are also provided, so that useful molded articles can be provided as materials for mechanical machine parts, electric/electronic components, and automotive parts. The flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition includes 65 to 99 wt % of (A) a thermoplastic resin, 1 to 35 wt % of (B) at least one phosphinic acid salt selected from the group of phosphinic acid salt, diphosphinic acid salt, polymer of phosphinic acid salts, and polymer of diphosphinic acid salts, and 0.001 to 0.70 wt % of (C) a compound having a specific, and molded articles produced therefrom. |
| US08575241B2 |
Aqueous solution of (meth)acrylic fluid comb-branched polymers with a solid content greater than 60%, manufacturing method and use as a plasticizing agent
The present invention pertains to an aqueous solution of comb-branched polymers, having a (meth)acrylic skeleton functionalized by side-chains with hydrophilic alcoxy- or hydroxy-polyalkylene glycol functions, said solution remaining stable and workable at dry solids content levels greater than 60% of its weight. The invention also pertains to a method for manufacturing such solutions, as well as their use as a plasticizing agent, and hydraulic binder-based compositions containing them. |
| US08575238B2 |
X-ray opaque coating
The disclosure relates to an X-ray opaque coating containing an epoxy resin including an iodinated phenol covalently bonded to a glycidyl ether. Iodinated phenol covalently bonded to a glycidyl ether may include iodinated bisphenol A, such as tetraiodobisphenol A, a glycidyl ether of mono-iodophenol, bis-iodephenol, tri-iodophenol, or combinations thereof. The coating may include an X-ray opaque inorganic filler. The disclosure also relates to an electronic component including a substrate and at last one device coupled to the substrate with an obfuscation layer disposed over the substrate for obscuring the device from an X-ray source. The obfuscation layer may include an X-ray opaque coating. The disclosure additionally relates to- a method of obscuring at least a portion of an electronic component by depositing an obfuscation layer that may include an X-ray opaque coating and a method of forming an X-ray opaque coating. |
| US08575229B2 |
Bioabsorbable blend for temporary scaffolding of the blood vessel wall
A bioabsorbable blend comprising poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and a phosphorylcholine group-containing copolymer (PPCP) capable of enduring the mechanical strength of blood vessel walls and applicable for fabricating cardiovascular devices was developed. The blend acts as a scaffold to support blood vessel walls during vascular healing and undergoes biodegradation in vivo after vascular healing is complete. Furthermore, the blend can prevent the formation and adsorption of thrombi. |
| US08575218B2 |
Thiol-containing compounds for the removal of elements from tissues and formulations therefor
Methods and pharmaceutical formulations for ameliorating heavy metal toxicity and/or oxidative stress are disclosed, comprising administering pharmaceutically effective amounts of ligands according to the present disclosure. The ligands are of the general structure: where R1 comprises benzene, pyridine, pyridin-4-one, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene or alkyl groups, R2 comprises hydrogen, alkyls, aryls, a carboxyl group, carboxylate esters, organic groups or biological groups, R3 comprises alkyls, aryls, a carboxyl group, carboxylate esters, organic groups or biological groups, X comprises hydrogen, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, francium, alkyls, aryls, a carboxyl group, carboxylate esters, thiophosphate, N-acetyl cysteine, mercaptoacetic acid, mercaptopropionic acid, thiolsalicylate, organic groups or biological groups, n independently equals 1-10, m=1-6, Y comprises hydrogen, polymers, silicas or silica supported substrates, and Z comprises hydrogen, alkyls, aryls, a carboxyl group, carboxylate esters, a hydroxyl group, NH2, HSO3, halogens, a carbonyl group, organic groups, biological groups, polymers, silicas or silica supported substrates. |
| US08575215B2 |
Treatment of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders
A method of treating a neurodegenerative or cardiovascular disorder with a compound of the following formula: in which X, Y, A1, A2, R1, and R2 are defined herein. |
| US08575213B2 |
Pyrethrinoid-type esters as pesticides
An ester compound represented by formula (1): wherein R1 represents hydrogen, fluorine, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkoxymethyl, or C1-C4 alkylthiomethyl; R3 represents hydrogen or methyl, R4 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, and R5 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; has an excellent pest control effect and is therefore useful as an active ingredient of a pest control agent. |
| US08575210B2 |
Use of indole derivatives as NURR-1 activators for treating parkinson's disease
The present invention relates to a compound derived from indole, especially a therapeutically useful compound, characterized in that it is selected from compounds of formula (I) in which R1 represents a halogen or a trifluoromethyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group, R3 represents an isopropyl (1-methylethyl) group or a tert-butyl (1,1-dimethylethyl) group and n=3 or 4 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds of formula (I). Application: Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and more particularly of Parkinson's disease. |
| US08575204B2 |
Nicotinamide derivates useful as P38 inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I): are inhibitors of p38 kinase and are useful in the treatment of conditions or disease states mediated by p38 kinase activity or mediated by cytokines produced by the activity of p38. |
| US08575203B2 |
Chemical compounds
The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein the groups R1 to R4, Qa, Qb, QH, L and n are defined as in claim 1, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterised by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, pharmaceutical preparations which contain such compounds and their use as medicaments. |
| US08575200B2 |
Pyridin-2-yl derivatives as immunomodulating agents
The invention relates to pyridine derivatives of Formula (I) wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as described in the description, their preparation and their use as pharmaceutically active compounds. Said compounds particularly act as immunomodulating agents. |
| US08575198B1 |
In-process control for the manufacture of glatiramer acetate
The present disclosure provides methods for manufacturing or producing glatiramer acetate having a Mp of 5000-9000 Da. These methods include: polymerizing N-carboxy anhydrides of L-alanine, benzyl-protected L-glutamic acid, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)-protected L-lysine, and L-tyrosine to generate a sample comprising intermediate-1; treating the sample comprising intermediate-1 to partially depolymerize the protected copolymer and deprotect benzyl-protected L-glutamic acid, measuring the viscosity of the sample comprising intermediate-1 during the treatment, and ending the treatment when the viscosity of the sample is within an endpoint range, thereby generating a sample comprising intermediate-2; treating the sample comprising intermediate-2 to deprotect TFA-protected L-lysine, thereby generating intermediate-3; further processing the intermediate-3 to generate a sample glatiramer acetate; and purifying the glatiramer acetate to generate a composition comprising purified glatiramer acetate having a Mp of 5000-9000 Da. |
| US08575194B1 |
Treatment methods of cognitive, emotional and mental ailments and disorders
Methods for the treatment of cognitive, emotional and mental ailments using therapeutically effective amounts of compositions including leukotriene receptor antagonists, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors or leukotriene modifiers, zafirlukasts, montelukasts, other members of the family -lukasts, zileutons. |
| US08575193B2 |
N-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline/isoindoline hydroxamic acid compounds
Compounds of a certain formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, X, Y, r, s, t, u and v have the meanings as defined in the specification, and the salts, solvates and hydrates thereof are novel effective HDAC 6 inhibitors. |
| US08575186B2 |
Epiminocycloalkyl[b] indole derivatives as serotonin sub-type 6 (5-HT6) modulators and uses thereof
The present invention relates to epiminocycloalkyl[b]indole derivatives as serotonin sub-type 6 (5-HT6) modulators, pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds, and methods of preparation and use thereof. These compounds are useful in the treatment of central nervous system disorders including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cognition, and schizophrenia. The subject compounds have the structure of formula (I) with the substituents being described herein. |
| US08575185B2 |
Compositions, synthesis, and methods of utilizing quinazolinedione derivatives
The present invention provides quinazolinedione derivatives of Formulae Ia and Ib, which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, depression and dementia. |
| US08575183B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds and their uses
Substituted bicyclic heteroaryls and compositions containing them, for the treatment of general inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, inflammatory eye disorders, inflammatory or unstable bladder disorders, psoriasis, skin complaints with inflammatory components, chronic inflammatory conditions, including but not restricted to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), myestenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, multiples sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, allergic conditions including all forms of hypersensitivity, The present invention also enables methods for treating cancers that are mediated, dependent on or associated with p110δ activity, including but not restricted to leukemias, such as Acute Myeloid leukaemia (AML) Myelo-dysplastic syndrome (MDS) myelo-proliferative diseases (MPD) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) B-cell lymphoma and solid tumors, such as breast cancer. |
| US08575180B2 |
9-substituted 8-oxoadenine compound
The present invention provides an 8-oxoadenine compound having immunemodulating activities such as an interferon inducing activity and useful as an antiviral agent and antiallergic agent, which is represented by the following formula (1): [wherein the ring A represents a 6-10 membered aromatic carbocyclic ring and the like, R represents a halogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, n represents an integer of 0-2, Z1 represents alkylene, X2 represents oxygen atom, sulfur atom, SO2, NR5, CO, CONR5, NR5CO and the like, Y1, Y2 and Y3 represent independently a single bond or an alkylene group, X1 represents oxygen atom, sulfur atom, NR4 (R4 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl group) or a single bond, R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, R1 represents hydrogen atom, hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group or a haloalkyl group] or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt. |
| US08575179B2 |
Dihydropyrazolopyrimidinone derivatives
The invention relates to compounds represented by the general formula (I) and the like. In the formula, Ar1 denotes an aryl or heteroaryl group which may have a substituent; R1 denotes a hydrogen atom, or denotes a C1-C6 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or heteroaryl group which may have a substituent; R2 denotes an aralkyl group or a group represented by the formula (a); and R3 denotes a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group. The compounds of the invention have an excellent Wee1 kinase inhibitory effect, and therefore are useful in the field of medicine, especially in the field of treatment of various cancers. |
| US08575178B2 |
Isothiazolo-pyrimidinedione derivatives as TRPA1 modulators
The present invention is related to novel isothiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidinedione and isothiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidinedione derivatives as TRPA (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A) modulators. In particular, compounds described herein are useful for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A, member 1). Also provided herein are processes for preparing compounds described herein, intermediates used in their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1. |
| US08575175B2 |
Therapeutic agent for chronic renal failure
The present invention aims to provide a therapeutic agent for chronic renal failure, comprising as an effective ingredient a compound represented by General Formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. That is, the present invention provides provision of a drug comprising as an effective ingredient a compound represented by General Formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which drug is useful not only for amelioration of renal function, but also for amelioration of anemia, activation of SOD and excretion of uremic substances. |
| US08575174B2 |
Deuterated 1-piperazino-3-phenyl-indanes for treatment of schizophrenia
The present invention relates to deuterated 1-piperazino-3-phenyl-indanes and salts thereof with activity at dopamine receptors D1 and D2 as well as the 5HT2 receptors in the central nervous system, to medicaments comprising such compounds as active ingredients, to the use of such compounds in the treatment of diseases in the central nervous system, and to methods of treatment comprising administration of such compounds. |
| US08575172B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions of aripiprazole
An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition provides controlled release of aripiprazole. The composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of aripiprazole and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The compositions of the invention may exhibit one or more of the release profiles defined in the specification. |
| US08575171B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating thyroid-related medical conditions with reduced folates
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating thyroid-related medical conditions. Many thyroid-related medical conditions exist that go undiagnosed and untreated. These conditions may be prevented and treated with reduced folates and vitamin B12. Administration of reduced folates and vitamin B12 will prevent or treat cerebrospinal folate deficiency, which is linked to thyroid-related medical conditions. Administration of reduced folates and vitamin B12 will also prevent or treat conditions associated with masked megaloblastic anemia and hypothyroidism, and other conditions brought upon through improper thyroid function. Additionally, it is commonplace to treat many thyroid conditions with anti-thyroid drugs or thyroid stimulating drugs. This practice alone is also responsible for causing, or not beneficially addressing, adverse conditions that can be prevented or treated through the methods and compositions discussed herein. |
| US08575168B2 |
Compounds and compositions as modulators of GPR119 activity
The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with the activity of GPR119. |
| US08575166B2 |
Phthalazine-containing antidiabetic compounds
This invention provides for certain phthalazine-containing compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or solvate thereof, wherein G is an optionally substituted N—N containing heteroaryl group and the variables are defined herein; the inventive compounds are agonists of the G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40, also known as free fatty acid receptor FFAR). This invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and the use of these compounds to regulate insulin levels in a mammal. The compounds may be used, for example in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and in the prevention and treatment of conditions related to Type 2 diabetes mellitus, such as insulin resistance, obesity and lipid disorders. |
| US08575164B2 |
Combination cancer therapy
Methods and compositions for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to the patient simultaneously or sequentially (a) a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-cancer agent and (b) an IGF1R inhibitor compound of Formula I, with or without additional agents or treatments, such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. Suitable IGF1R inhibitor may be represented by Formula I: wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, R1, and Q1 are defined herein. |
| US08575163B2 |
Pyrrolopyridinylpyrimidin-2-ylamine derivatives
Pyrrolopyridinylpyrimidin-2-ylamine derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1-R6 and R1 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are inhibitors of cell proliferation/cell vitality and can be employed for the treatment of tumours. |
| US08575158B2 |
1-phenyl-substituted heterocyclyl derivatives and their use as prostaglandin D2 receptor modulators
The present invention relates to 1-phenyl-substituted heterocyclyl derivatives of the formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R10 are as described in the description and their use as prostaglandin receptor modulators, most particularly as prostaglandin D2 receptor modulators, in the treatment of various prostaglandin-mediated diseases and disorders, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to processes for their preparation. |
| US08575157B2 |
Cyclic inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1
This invention relates to novel compounds of the Formula Ik, Im1, Im2, Im5, In1, In2, In5, lo1, lo2, lo5, Ip1, Ip3, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful for the therapeutic treatment of diseases associated with the modulation or inhibition of 11 β-HSD1 in mammals. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions of the novel compounds and methods for their use in the reduction or control of the production of Cortisol in a cell or the inhibition of the conversion of cortisone to Cortisol in a cell. |
| US08575150B2 |
Triazole derivatives for treatment of Alzheimer's disease
According to the invention there is provided a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof; wherein the variables are as defined herein. The compounds selectively attenuate the production of Aβ42 and hence are useful in treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. |
| US08575149B2 |
5HT2C receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula (I): which act as 5HT2C receptor modulators. These compounds are useful in pharmaceutical compositions whose use includes the treatment of obesity. |
| US08575146B2 |
Pharmaceutical uses of staurosporine derivatives
This application relates to the use of staurosporines derivatives for the curative, palliative or prophylactic treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, drug allergy or food allergy, angioedema, urticaria, sudden infant death syndrome, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, multiple sclerosis, or mastocytosis; and to a method of treatment of warm-blooded animals in which a therapeutically effective dose of a compound of a Staurosporine Derivative is administered to a warm-blooded animal suffering from one of the diseases or conditions mentioned above. |
| US08575138B2 |
Method for providing neuroprotection
A method for providing neuroprotection to a patient in need of neuroprotection, comprising administering a neuroprotective-effective amount of a compound of formula I in which X is an oxygen atom or an ═N—OH group, R is selected from the group consisting of A is a hydrogen atom or together with B a carbon-carbon bond, B is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or together with A a carbon-carbon bond, C is a hydrogen atom or together with D a carbon-carbon bond, D is a hydrogen atom or together with C a carbon-carbon bond, E is a hydrogen atom or together with F a carbon-carbon bond, F is a hydrogen atom or together with E a carbon-carbon bond, or an addition salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. |
| US08575136B2 |
2-methylene-1α-hydroxy-18,19,21-trinorvitamin D3 analogs and uses thereof
Compounds of formula I are provided where X1 and X2 are independently selected from H or hydroxy protecting groups. Such compounds are used in preparing pharmaceutical compositions and are useful in treating a variety of biological conditions. |
| US08575135B2 |
Antiviral compounds
The disclosure is related to anti-viral compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
| US08575133B2 |
Cosmetic compositions
The present invention relates to pigmented emulsion cosmetic compositions containing emulsifying silicone elastomers that provide a natural appearance to the skin upon application. In particular, these cosmetic compositions are formulated such that agglomeration of the pigment upon application to the skin is minimized. |
| US08575131B2 |
Glucuronic acid-containing glucan, process for production of same, and use of same
An object of the present invention is to provide a uronic acid-containing glucan or a modified product thereof. The glucuronic acid-containing glucan of the present invention is a glucuronic acid-containing glucan in which a glucuronic acid residue is bound to at least one non-reducing end of a glucan, and the glucan is a branched α-1,4 glucan or a linear α-1,4 glucan. The glucuronic acid-containing glucan of the present invention can be provided by allowing α-glucan phosphorylase derived from Aquifex aeolicus VF5 to act on glucuronic acid-1-phosphate to thereby transfer a glucuronic acid residue to the non-reducing end of the receptor glucan. |
| US08575129B2 |
Amides of hyaluronic acid and the derivatives thereof and a process for their preparation
An amide of hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises at least one repetitive unit of general formula (I): wherein R=NR6R7, or alcoholic group of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, OH, O—, alcoholic group of hyaluronic acid, amino group of deacylated hyaluronic acid; R1, R2, R3, R4=H, SO3—, acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, —CO—(CH2)2—COOY; Y=negative charge, or H; R5=—CO—CH3, H, SO3—, acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, acylic group of hyaluronic acid; R6=is H or a aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted; R7=is H or an aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted; wherein at least one of R or R5 forms an amide group. |
| US08575127B2 |
Antithrombotic diadenosine tetraphosphates and related analogs
The invention features compounds of formula I and methods of their use as antiplatelet and antithrombotic compounds: H/N=Qχ2OOOOΛQ2-N, HR6/NIf)(^XMO-MγτOM°τX1MQ′)r(^rfHOOHHOOQHiNχiR2 Formula (I). |
| US08575126B2 |
Conjugate constructs, delivery, and use for treatment of disease
Pharmaceutical formulations of antisense peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino olgomers and methods of use for treatment of apicomplexan infections are disclosed. The invention is particularly directed to treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infections. |
| US08575125B2 |
Selective inhibitors of CB2 receptor expression and/or activity for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders
The invention relates to a method for treating and/or preventing obesity and/or obesity-related disorders by administering to a subject in need thereof a selective inhibitor of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor expression. |
| US08575123B2 |
Site-specific delivery of nucleic acids by combining targeting ligands with endosomolytic components
The invention relates to compositions and methods for site-specific delivery of nucleic acids by combining them with targeting ligands and endosomolytic components. |
| US08575120B2 |
Genetic alterations on chromosome 12 and methods of use thereof for the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes
Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of T1D are provided. |
| US08575118B2 |
Antiviral compounds
The invention is related to anti-viral compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
| US08575117B2 |
Proliferation inhibitor of helicobacter pylori including alpha-n-acetyl-glucosaminyl bond-containing monosaccharide derivatives
A method for inhibiting proliferation of Helicobacter pylori including a compound that can simply be mass-produced, can specifically inhibit the proliferation of H. pylori, which has high safety and never generates any resistant bacteria, as well as a diet of a food or beverage, and a pharmaceutical preparation containing the proliferation inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori. The proliferation inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori comprises an alpha-N-acetyl-glucosaminyl bond-containing monosaccharide derivative represented by the following chemical formula (1) GlcNAc1-alpha-O—Y (1) (in the formula (1), Y is a straight-, branched- or cyclic-aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 27 carbon atoms or a straight-, branched- or cyclic-acyl group having 1 to 27 carbon atoms). The diet of the food, the beverage or the pharmaceutical preparation comprises the proliferation inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori. |
| US08575116B1 |
Polyacetylenic compounds for protecting against pancreatic islet atrophy
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for protecting against atrophy of pancreatic islets in a human with metabolic syndromes are disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mammal a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound having a chemical structure of formula (I) in an effective amount and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier: wherein R is H or COCH2COOH; m=3 or 4; n=0 or 1; o=2; and p=1 or 2. |
| US08575112B2 |
Small peptide modulators of potassium channel trafficking
Provided herein are peptide modulators of ion channels. Specifically, the peptide modulators comprise the amino acid sequence VEDEC wherein V is valine, E is glutamate, D is aspartate, C is cysteine. In certain embodiments, the modulator is attached to the C-terminal end of Slo1 protein isoform. The present invention also claims conjugations of the first valine that make the peptide modulator more membrane permeable, such as myristoyl moieties and arginine-rich cell penetrating peptides. The present invention contemplates use of the peptide modulators in the treatment of diseases/malfunctions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, migraine, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, urinary incontinence, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, renal disorders of electrolyte imbalance, and possibly in certain kinds of cancer. |
| US08575111B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating erectile dysfunction
The present invention relates to the use of Ang-(1-7) and/or Ang-(1-7) receptor agonist and/or Ang (1-7) analogue in treating/restoring erectile dysfunction. |
| US08575110B2 |
Peptidic nanoparticles as drug delivery and antigen display systems
Described is a new type of nanoparticle using the concept of self-organization of a single continuous chain to form peptidic nanoparticles. In particular, nanoparticles of the invention consist of aggregates of a continuous chain comprising two peptidic oligomerization domains connected by a linker segment. Preferred are coiled-coil oligomerization domains with a contiguous pattern of hydrophobic residues spaced 3 and 4 residues apart. The invention provides a drug targeting and delivery system comprising a functionalized peptidic nanoparticle comprising ligands capable of binding a receptor and drugs, and a method of treating or diagnosing humans using such functionalized peptidic nanoparticles. The invention further provides an antigen display system to be used as efficient vaccines comprising a functionalized peptidic nanoparticle comprising an antigen, and a method of vaccinating humans or non-human animals using such functionalized peptidic nanoparticles. The invention also provides processes for making peptidic nanoparticles and functionalized peptidic nanoparticles, and monomeric building blocks suitable for forming such nanoparticles. |
| US08575108B2 |
Cyclosporin compositions
A composition comprising from about 0.001% to about 0.4% cyclosporin A, a surfactant, and an oil having a specific gravity from 0.8 to 0.95 is disclosed herein. |
| US08575097B2 |
Exendin variant and conjugate thereof
The invention provides a novel Exendin variant and the Exendin variant conjugate conjugating polymer thereon, the pharmaceutical composition comprising them and use of them for treating diseases such as reducing blood glucose, treating diabetes, especially Type II diabetes. The invention also provides the use of Exendin conjugate for lowering body weight. |
| US08575096B2 |
Rapid acting insulin analogues
The invention is related to fast acting insulin analogues which can form soluble mix-tures (pre-mixed or self-mixed) with long acting insulin analogues. The fast action is achieved through monomerizing substitutions/deletions in the C-terminus of the B-chain of human insulin and the mixability with long acting insulin analogues is achieved through a substitution of the Zn-binding His in position B10 of human insulin with a Gln amino acid residue. In one embodiment the invention is related to fast acting insulin analogues in which at least one of the natural amino acid residues in position B22-B30 in the human B-chain has been substituted with another amino acid residue having the effect of promoting formation of the monomeric form of insulin, the His amino acid residue in position 10 in the B-chain is substituted with a Gln and wherein further one or more of the amino acid residues in position B22-B30 optionally have been deleted. |
| US08575094B2 |
Use of type-B lantibiotic-based compounds having antimicrobial activity
A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a microbial infection of the lower intestine or colon in a subject is described, wherein the method comprises administration to the subject of a type-B lantibiotic, wherein the type-B lantibiotic may include compounds selected from the group consisting of mersacidin, actagardine, plantaricin, planosporicin, ruminococcin, antibiotic 10789, michiganin and haloduracin, and derivatives and variants thereof. |
| US08575093B2 |
Composition and method for treating Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
A method of preventing and/or treating S. pneumoniae infection in mammalian subjects, wherein said method comprises administering to said subjects a composition comprising one or more agents that are capable of inhibiting the binding of the S. pneumoniae cell wall protein FBA to the respiratory tract cells of said subject. |
| US08575091B1 |
Amylin analogues and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analogue of human amylin, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments. |
| US08575090B2 |
Amylin analogues and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analogue of pramlintide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments. |
| US08575088B2 |
Method of preventing acute or sub-acute hepatic failure by administering a long-acting recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II fusion protein
The present invention belongs to the field of the application of genetic engineering and gene function, and it is directed to a new medical use of the gene encoding the recombinant soluble tumor necrosis factor α receptor (HusTNFR). The present invention made intervention to fulminant hepatic failure in mice by use of the long-acting recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor αreceptor and the classic animal models of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure. The results showed that the long-acting soluble tumor necrosis factor αreceptor of the present invention has a half-life extended more than 10 times, and it significantly decreased the mortality of model animals and has superior therapeutic effect for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure in model animals. These receptors have a noticeable therapeutic effect for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure in comparison with the non-long-acting HusTNFR. |
| US08575087B2 |
Treatment of cancers with A-8R peptide
The present invention provides materials and methods useful to treat various sGCα1-expressing cancers. Materials include peptides which interfere with sGCα1's pro-survival functions, thereby resulting in apoptosis of sGCα1-expressing cells. In addition, the present invention provides screening assays, diagnostic assays, methods to prognose, methods to treat, and kits. |
| US08575081B2 |
Synthesis of diester-based biolubricants from epoxides
The present invention is generally directed to methods of making diester-based lubricant compositions, wherein formation of diester species proceeds via direct esterification of epoxide intermediates. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols) so as to produce high value diester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such diester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation. |
| US08575078B2 |
Coating for elastomeric linear profiles, in particular windscreen-wiper blades, and process for production thereof
The present invention relates to a coating for elastomeric linear profiles, where the coating comprises solid lubricant embedded into a polymeric matrix. It also relates to a wiper blade for windscreen wipers, comprising this type of coating, and also to a process for the production of an elastomeric linear profile coated according to the invention. The polymeric matrix with embedded solid lubricant is obtained by polymerizing, in the absence of polymeric binders, a mixture comprising the solid lubricant and low-molecular-weight crosslinking agent. In one embodiment, the matrix is obtained from the thermal polymerization of the low-molecular-weight crosslinking agent hexamethoxymethylmelamine. Examples of solid lubricants are graphite and HDPE. |
| US08575074B2 |
Insensitive explosive composition and method of fracturing rock using an extrudable form of the composition
Insensitive explosive compositions were prepared by reacting di-isocyanate and/or poly-isocyanate monomers with an explosive diamine monomer. Prior to a final cure, the compositions are extrudable. The di-isocyanate monomers tend to produce tough, rubbery materials while polyfunctional monomers (i.e. having more than two isocyanate groups) tend to form rigid products. The extrudable form of the composition may be used in a variety of applications including rock fracturing. |
| US08575073B2 |
Slickwater treatment fluid and method
A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by forming treatment fluid comprising water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore at a pressure above the fracture pressure of the formation. |
| US08575070B2 |
Methods of constructing and screening libraries of peptide structures
The present invention provides the means for producing libraries of peptide structures for drug screening applications that are capable of folding or assuming their native conformations independently of artificial scaffolds or flanking sequences in the proteins from which they are derived. The libraries can be highly diverse such that they are representative of the repertoire of protein structures existing in nature. The libraries can also be non-redundant or normalized such that the bias towards specific structures existing in source data sets and/or in nature is/are removed. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention provides 30,000 independent fold structures produced by this method. The present invention also provides computer-readable media and systems comprising structural data in relation to the peptide libraries, and methods for displaying and screening the libraries. |
| US08575068B2 |
Pyrazinothiazines having herbicidal action
Substituted pyridazines of the formula I in which the variables are defined according to the description, processes and intermediates for preparing the compounds of the formula I and their N oxides, their agriculturally useful salts, compositions comprising them and their use as herbicides, and also a method for controlling unwanted vegetation. |
| US08575065B2 |
Acrylate/methacrylate-based star copolymer/anthranilic diamide compositions for propagle coating
Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 9 to about 91% of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; and (b) from about 9 to about 91% of an acrylate/methacrylate-based star copolymer component having a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20° C., a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of at least about 3, and an average molecular weight ranging from about 1,500 to about 150,000 daltons; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight. Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with the insecticidal composition. Further disclosed is a liquid composition comprising the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest. |
| US08575064B2 |
Synergistic fungicidal active substance combinations
The novel active compound combinations of a carboxamide of the general formula (I) (group 1) in which R, G, R1 and A have the meanings given in the description and the active compound groups (2) to (23) listed in the description have very good fungicidal properties. |
| US08575059B1 |
Method and system for forming plug and play metal compound catalysts
A metal compound catalyst is formed by vaporizing a quantity of catalyst material and a quantity of carrier thereby forming a vapor cloud, exposing the vapor cloud to a co-reactant and quenching the vapor cloud. The nanoparticles are impregnated onto supports. The supports are able to be used in existing heterogeneous catalysis systems. A system for forming metal compound catalysts comprises components for vaporizing a quantity of catalyst material and a quantity of carrier, quenching the resulting vapor cloud, forming precipitate nanoparticles comprising a portion of catalyst material and a portion of carrier, and subjecting the nanoparticles to a co-reactant. The system further comprises components for impregnating the supports with the nanoparticles. |
| US08575056B2 |
Method of preparing a catalytic composition for dimerization, co-dimerization and oligomerization of olefins
The present invention describes a method of preparing a catalytic composition used for oligomerization, co-dimerization or polymerization of olefins, wherein the compound obtained upon contacting at least one iron compound with at least one nitrogen-containing compound is subjected to an oxidation stage prior to being mixed with an activating agent and optionally with a solvent.The present invention also describes the catalytic composition obtained by means of said preparation method and the use thereof for oligomerization, co-dimerization or polymerization of olefins. |
| US08575055B2 |
Surface-modified zeolites and methods for preparing the same
Surface-modified zeolites and methods for preparing surface-modified zeolites are provided. A hybrid polymer formed from a silicon alkoxide and a metal alkoxide, a co-monomer, or both, is contacted with a zeolite suspension. The zeolite suspension comprises a sodium-, an ammonium-, or a hydrogen-form zeolite and a solvent. The hybrid polymer and zeolite suspension are contacted under conditions sufficient to deposit hybrid polymer on external surfaces of the zeolite to form a treated zeolite. Solvent is removed therefrom. The treated zeolite is dried and calcinated to form a dried and calcinated treated zeolite. Forming of the zeolite suspension and the contacting, removing, drying, and calcinating steps are provided in one selectivation sequence to produce a surface-modified zeolite from the ammonium-form zeolite and the hydrogen-form zeolite. If the dried and calcinated treated zeolite is a sodium-form zeolite, the sodium is exchanged with ammonium and then additionally dried and calcinated. |
| US08575047B2 |
Optical glass, preform for precision press molding, and optical element
The present invention relates to an optical glass with a high refractive index and good precision press moldability, and a preform for precision press molding and an optical element that are comprised of the optical glass. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an optical element, a lens unit being equipped with an optical element and an image pickup device being equipped with a lens unit. |
| US08575046B2 |
SMC sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A SMC sheet includes: a sheet material body made of a resin compound containing uncured thermosetting resin; and a fiber sheet embedded as an intermediate layer in the sheet material body and impregnated with the thermosetting resin of the sheet material body. Short fiber is distributed on at least one side of the fiber sheet in the sheet material body. |
| US08575037B2 |
Method for fabricating a cavity structure, for fabricating a cavity structure for a semiconductor structure and a semiconductor microphone fabricated by the same
Embodiments show a method for fabricating a cavity structure, a semiconductor structure, a cavity structure for a semiconductor device and a semiconductor microphone fabricated by the same. In some embodiments the method for fabricating a cavity structure comprises providing a first layer, depositing a carbon layer on the first layer, covering at least partially the carbon layer with a second layer to define the cavity structure, removing by means of dry etching the carbon layer between the first and second layer so that the cavity structure is formed. |
| US08575033B2 |
Carbosilane precursors for low temperature film deposition
Provided are processes for the low temperature deposition of silicon-containing films using carbosilane precursors containing a carbon atom bridging at least two silicon atoms. Certain methods comprise providing a substrate; in a PECVD process, exposing the substrate surface to a carbosilane precursor containing at least one carbon atom bridging at least two silicon atoms; exposing the carbosilane precursor to a low-powered energy sourcedirect plasma to provide a carbosilane at the substrate surface; and densifying the carbosilanestripping away at least some of the hydrogen atoms to provide a film comprising SiC. The SiC film may be exposed to the carbosilane surface to a nitrogen source to provide a film comprising SiCN. |
| US08575031B2 |
Method of forming a fine pattern, display substrate, and method of manufacturing the same using the method of forming a fine pattern
A method is provided for forming a fine pattern. In the method, a first fine pattern and a first metal pattern are formed by respectively patterning a first fine pattern layer on a base substrate and a first metal layer on the first fine pattern layer. A second fine pattern layer and a second metal layer are sequentially formed over the first fine pattern and the first metal pattern. The second metal layer is patterned, so that a second metal pattern between adjacent portions of the first fine pattern. The second fine pattern layer is patterned using the second metal pattern as a mask, so that a second fine pattern is formed between adjacent portions of the first fine pattern. |
| US08575029B2 |
Technique for forming metal lines in a semiconductor by adapting the temperature dependence of the line resistance
By moderately introducing defects into a highly conductive material, such as copper, the resistance versus temperature behavior may be significantly modified so that enhanced electromigration behavior and/or electrical performance may be obtained in metallization structures of advanced semiconductor devices. The defect-related portion of the resistance may be moderately increased so as to change the slope of the resistance versus temperature curve, thereby allowing the incorporation of impurity atoms for enhancing the electromigration endurance while not unduly increasing the overall resistance at the operating temperature or even reducing the corresponding resistance at the specified operating temperature. Thus, by appropriately designing the electrical resistance for a target operating temperature, both the electromigration behavior and the electrical performance may be enhanced. |
| US08575027B1 |
Sputtering and aligning multiple layers having different boundaries
Provided are methods and systems for forming discreet multilayered structures. Each structure may be deposited by in situ deposition of multiple layers at one of multiple site isolation regions provided on the same substrate for use in combinatorial processing. Alignment of different layers within each structure is provided by using two or more differently sized openings in-between one or more sputtering targets and substrate. Specifically, deposition of a first layer is performed through the first opening that defines a first deposition area. A shutter having a second smaller opening is then positioned in-between the one or more targets and substrate. Sputtering of a second layer is then performed through this second opening that defines a second deposition area. This second deposition area may be located within the first deposition area based on sizing and alignment of the openings as well as alignment of the substrate. |
| US08575025B2 |
Templated circuitry fabrication
A method of making templated circuitry employs a template system that includes a template of an insulator material on a carrier having a conductive surface. The template includes multiple levels and multiple regions, wherein a first level exposes the conductive surface of the carrier. A first metal is electrochemically deposited on the conductive surface in first regions of the first level. A circuit material is deposited to cover the first metal. The template is etched until a second level of the template exposes the conductive surface in second regions on opposite sides of the first regions. A second metal is electrochemically deposited on the conductive surface in the second regions. The template of deposited materials is transferred from the carrier to a substrate. |
| US08575023B2 |
Contact formation method, semiconductor device manufacturing method, and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device manufacturing method which achieves a contact of a low resistivity is provided.In a state where a first metal layer in contact with a semiconductor is covered with a second metal layer for preventing oxidation, only the first metal layer is silicided to form a silicide layer with no oxygen mixed therein. As a material of the first metal layer, a metal having a work function difference of a predetermined value from the semiconductor is used. As a material of the second metal layer, a metal which does not react with the first metal layer at an annealing temperature is used. |
| US08575021B2 |
Substrate processing including a masking layer
Methods for substrate processing are described. The methods include forming a material layer on a substrate. The methods include selecting constituents of a molecular masking layer (MML) to remove an effect of variations in the material layer as a result of substrate processing. The methods include normalizing the surface characteristics of the material layer by selectively depositing the MML on the material layer. |
| US08575018B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming bump structure with multi-layer UBM around bump formation area
A semiconductor wafer has a first conductive layer formed over its active surface. A first insulating layer is formed over the substrate and first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the first conductive layer and first insulating layer. A UBM layer is formed around a bump formation area over the second conductive layer. The UBM layer can be two stacked metal layers or three stacked metal layers. The second conductive layer is exposed in the bump formation area. A second insulating layer is formed over the UBM layer and second conductive layer. A portion of the second insulating layer is removed over the bump formation area and a portion of the UBM layer. A bump is formed over the second conductive layer in the bump formation area. The bump contacts the UBM layer to seal a contact interface between the bump and second conductive layer. |
| US08575016B1 |
Method for etching gate stack
A method for etching a metal gate stack is provided. The method includes forming a gate stack on a substrate, where the gate stack includes a metal gate. A wet etch process is performed on the gate stack. The wet etch process includes submersing the substrate with the gate stack in an aqueous solution composed of a wet etchant and an oxidizer, removing the substrate from the solution and rinsing the solution from the etched gate stack. |
| US08575015B2 |
Lateral trench mosfet having a field plate
One embodiment relates to an integrated circuit that includes a lateral trench MOSFET disposed in a semiconductor body. The lateral trench MOSFET includes source and drain regions having a body region therebetween. A gate electrode region is disposed in a trench that extends beneath the surface of the semiconductor body at least partially between the source and drain. A gate dielectric separates the gate electrode region from the semiconductor body. In addition, a field plate region in the trench is coupled to the gate electrode region, and a field plate dielectric separates the field plate region from the semiconductor body. Other integrated circuits and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08575010B2 |
Method for fabricating a semiconductor substrate
The invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor substrate by providing a silicon on insulator type substrate that includes a base, an insulating layer and a first semiconductor layer, doping the first semiconductor layer to thereby obtain a modified first semiconductor layer, and providing a second semiconductor layer with a different dopant concentration than the modified first semiconductor layer over or on the modified first semiconductor layer. With this method, an improved dopant concentration profile can be achieved through the various layers which makes the substrates in particular more suitable for various optoelectronic applications. |
| US08575008B2 |
Post-fabrication self-aligned initialization of integrated devices
Creating a localized region of material having a target chemical composition by defining an electrical circuit on a substrate, and depositing on the electrical circuit one or more layers of materials having one or more chemical compositions. An electrical current pulse is applied to the electrical circuit to create a self-aligned localized region having the target chemical composition. Applying the electrical current pulse causes a portion of the one or more layers of materials to be heated, resulting in the target chemical composition. |
| US08575007B2 |
Selective electromigration improvement for high current C4s
The invention includes embodiments of a method for designing a flip chip and the resulting structure. The starting point is a flip chip with a semiconductor substrate, one or more wiring levels, and a plurality of I/O contact pads (last metal pads/bond pads) for receiving and sending electrical current. There is also a plurality of C4 bumps for connecting the I/O contact pads to another substrate. Then it is determined which of the C4s of the plurality of C4 bumps have a level of susceptibility to electromigration damage that meets or exceeds a threshold level of susceptibility, and in response, plating a conductive structure with a high electrical current carrying capacity (such as a copper pillar, copper pedestal, or partial copper pedestal) onto the corresponding I/O contact pads and adding a solder ball to a top portion of the conductive structure. The resulting structure is a flip chip wherein only a select few C4 bumps use enhanced C4s (such as copper pedestals) reducing the chance of defects. |
| US08575003B2 |
Method for producing a semiconductor component
Presented is a method for producing an optoelectronic component. The method includes separating a semiconductor layer based on a III-V-compound semiconductor material from a substrate by irradiation with a laser beam having a plateau-like spatial beam profile, where individual regions of the semiconductor layer are irradiated successively. |
| US08575001B2 |
Methods for directly bonding together semiconductor structures, and bonded semiconductor structures formed using such methods
Embodiments of the present invention include methods of directly bonding together semiconductor structures. In some embodiments, a cap layer may be provided at an interface between directly bonded metal features of the semiconductor structures. In some embodiments, impurities are provided within the directly bonded metal features of the semiconductor structures. Bonded semiconductor structures are formed using such methods. |
| US08574999B2 |
Blocking layers for leakage current reduction in DRAM devices
A method for forming a DRAM MIM capacitor stack having low leakage current involves the use of a first electrode that serves as a template for promoting the high k phase of a subsequently deposited dielectric layer. The high k dielectric layer comprises a doped material that can be crystallized after a subsequent annealing treatment. An amorphous blocking is formed on the dielectric layer. The thickness of the blocking layer is chosen such that the blocking layer remains amorphous after a subsequent annealing treatment. A second electrode layer compatible with the blocking layer is formed on the blocking layer. |
| US08574998B2 |
Leakage reduction in DRAM MIM capacitors
A method for reducing the leakage current in DRAM MIM capacitors comprises forming a multi-layer dielectric stack from an amorphous highly doped material, an amorphous high band gap material, and a lightly or non-doped material. The highly doped material will remain amorphous (<30% crystalline) after an anneal step. The high band gap material will remain amorphous (<30% crystalline) after an anneal step. The lightly or non-doped material will become crystalline (≧30% crystalline) after an anneal step. The high band gap material is formed between the amorphous highly doped material and the lightly or non-doped material and provides an intermediate barrier to conduction through the multi-layer dielectric stack. |
| US08574995B2 |
Source/drain doping method in 3D devices
The present disclosure provides methods of semiconductor device fabrication for 3D devices. One method includes provide a substrate having a recess and forming a doping layer on the substrate and in the recess. The substrate is then annealed. The annealing drives dopants of a first type from the doping layer into the substrate. This can form a doped region that may be the source/drain extension of the 3D device. An epitaxial region is then grown in the recess. The epitaxial region can form the source/drain region of the 3D device. |
| US08574984B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device includes defining a first area by forming a separating area on a substrate, and forming a tunnel film in the first area, a floating gate on the tunnel film, a first electrode in the separating area, a first film on the floating gate, a second film on the first electrode, a control gate on the first film, a second electrode on the second film, and source and drain areas in the first area. The method includes forming a first interlayer film to cover the control gate and the second electrode, forming, in the first interlayer film, a conductive via plug reaching the second electrode, and forming, on the first interlayer film, a second wiring electrically coupled to the second electrode via the conductive via plug, and a first wiring that is capacitively-coupled to the second wiring and to the second electrode. |
| US08574983B2 |
Method for fabricating a DRAM capacitor having increased thermal and chemical stability
A method for fabricating a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) capacitor includes forming a first electrode film. The first electrode film comprises a conductive binary metal compound and a dopant. The dopant may have a uniform or non-uniform concentration within the first electrode film. A high-k dielectric film is formed over the first electrode film. A second electrode film is formed over the dielectric film. The second electrode film comprises a conductive binary metal compound and a dopant. The dopant may have a uniform or non-uniform concentration within the second electrode film. The dopants and their distribution are chosen so that the crystal structure of the surface of the electrode is not degraded if the electrode is to be used as a templating structure for subsequent layer formation. Additionally, the dopants and their distribution are chosen so that the work function of the electrodes is not degraded. |
| US08574979B2 |
Method for integrating silicon germanium and carbon doped silicon with source/drain regions in a strained CMOS process flow
The disclosure provides a semiconductor device and method of manufacture therefore. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, in one embodiment, includes providing a substrate (210) having a PMOS device region (220) and NMOS device region (260). Thereafter, a first gate structure (240) and a second gate structure (280) are formed over the PMOS device region and the NMOS device region, respectively. Additionally, recessed epitaxial SiGe regions (710) may be formed in the substrate on opposing sides of the first gate structure. Moreover, first source/drain regions may be formed on opposing sides of the first gate structure and second source/drain regions on opposing sides of the second gate structure. The first source/drain regions and second source/drain regions may then be annealed to form activated first source/drain regions (1110) and activated second source/drain regions (1120), respectively. Additionally, recessed epitaxial carbon doped silicon regions (1410) may be formed in the substrate on opposing sides of the second gate structure after annealing. |
| US08574978B1 |
Method for forming semiconductor device
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes firstly providing a gate structure disposed on a substrate and a first nitride material layer disposed on the gate structure, secondly performing a protective step to modify the first nitride material layer in the presence of oxygen, then forming a second nitride material layer on the substrate, and later performing a removal step to remove the second nitride material layer without substantially slashing the modified first nitride material layer. |